Black Feminism

Black feminism. A philosophical, political, and social movement that centers the experiences, struggles, and perspectives of Black women, emphasizing the interconnected nature of race, gender, class, and other forms of oppression.

Emerging as a distinct framework within feminist thought, Black feminism critiques mainstream feminism for its historical focus on the experiences of white, middle-class women, while also addressing the limitations of racial justice movements that often sidelined gender-specific issues.

Origins and Development

Black feminism has roots in the activism and intellectual contributions of Black women throughout history, particularly in the United States. Early figures such as Sojourner Truth, whose 1851 speech “Ain’t I a Woman?” highlighted the intersection of race and gender, laid foundational groundwork.

The movement gained formal momentum during the 20th century, especially during the Civil Rights Movement and the second-wave feminist movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Black women, often marginalized in both predominantly white feminist spaces and male-led racial justice organizations, began articulating a need for a framework that addressed their unique experiences.

In 1973, the National Black Feminist Organization (NBFO) was founded in the U.S. to advocate for Black women’s rights. A year later, in 1974, the Combahee River Collective, a group of Black feminist activists and scholars, formed in Boston. Their influential Combahee River Collective Statement (1977) introduced the concept of “intersectionality,” a term later coined by legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw in 1989. Intersectionality describes how overlapping systems of oppression—such as racism, sexism, and classism—shape the lives of Black women and other marginalized groups.

Core Principles

Black feminism asserts that the liberation of Black women is essential to the liberation of all people, as their oppression is compounded by multiple interlocking systems. Key principles include:

• Intersectionality: Recognizing that race, gender, class, sexuality, and other identities cannot be examined in isolation.
• Self-Definition: Empowering Black women to define their own identities and experiences, resisting stereotypes and external narratives.
• Community Focus: Emphasizing collective struggle and solidarity within Black communities while challenging patriarchal and racial hierarchies.
• Critique of Power Structures: Addressing systemic inequalities perpetuated by colonialism, capitalism, and white supremacy alongside sexism.

Key Figures and Works

Prominent Black feminists include:

• bell hooks (1952–2021), whose book Ain’t I a Woman: Black Women and Feminism (1981) critiqued the marginalization of Black women in feminist discourse.
• Audre Lorde (1934–1992), a poet and essayist who explored identity, difference, and survival in works like Sister Outsider (1984).
• Angela Davis, a philosopher and activist whose writings, such as Women, Race & Class (1981), connect Black feminism to broader revolutionary movements.
• Patricia Hill Collins, whose Black Feminist Thought (1990) systematized Black feminist theory and epistemology.

Impact and Legacy

Black feminism has profoundly influenced feminist theory, activism, and broader social justice movements. Its emphasis on intersectionality has become a cornerstone of contemporary feminist scholarship and activism, extending beyond Black women to address the experiences of other marginalized groups. The movement has also inspired cultural expressions, including literature, music, and visual art, amplifying Black women’s voices globally.

In the 21st century, Black feminism continues to evolve through initiatives like the #BlackLivesMatter movement, co-founded by Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi in 2013, which integrates feminist principles into racial justice advocacy. Today, Black feminism remains a vital lens for understanding and dismantling systemic oppression worldwide.

See Also

• Intersectionality
• Womanism
• Civil Rights Movement
• Second-Wave Feminism