Black Feminism
“I have died too many deaths that were not mine.”
―Audre Lorde,The Black Unicorn: Poems
Why do we say Black feminism and not just FEMINISM
FEMINISM…
Many instances of social advancement left Black Women behind in the progressive policies and protections we enjoy today. In the height of the suffragette movement, womanism- which focused on the issues of Black women in social and economic spaces rose in popularity.
Black Feminism happened when womanism defined the intersections in which women can be disenfranchised due to powers and privilege within race, class, gender, and politics that can be weaponized to prevent social and economic mobility.
Definitions
Feminism
the advocacy of women's rights on the basis of the equality of the sexes.
Intersectionality
the interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender as they apply to a given individual or group, regarded as creating overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage
Black Feminism
Formally Known as womanism:
a political and social movement that focuses on the unique experiences of Black women, recognizing the intersectionality of racism and sexism, and advocating for their liberation from systemic oppression across race, gender, and class, highlighting that their struggles cannot be separated from one another; it emphasizes the distinct needs and perspectives of Black women compared to other demographics
Editorial Note: Exploring Black Women-Led Spaces and Mutual Aid in Contemporary Art
By examining the models of Black women-led spaces and the mutual aid networks they have fostered, we gain critical insight into the power of community-driven cultural preservation, representation, and radical care. These spaces challenge historical erasure and offer blueprints for sustainable and inclusive artistic and scholarly practices.
I intentionally center Black Feminism—with a capital ‘B’—to critique and decenter the narratives I was raised with. I was taught to work twice as hard and to remain diligent but quiet. However, I reject that silence. Instead, I respond to my environment empathetically, embracing the necessity of making space, making noise, and making change.
My commitment to the community stems from a deep understanding of how representation, articulation, and preservation shape safe spaces for discourse and culture-sharing. Art, as a universal language, holds the power to radicalize and fulfill a neighbor's needs, serving as a catalyst for collective empowerment.
But don’t take my word for it—Black women’s contributions to contemporary art and history speak for themselves. Below, you’ll find curated deep dives into researched topics featuring authors, artists, and critical literature illuminating these ongoing legacies.
After eight years working in visual culture spaces, my biggest takeaway is this: Black people have not only always been present within aesthetic and artistic movements, but they have driven taste, shaped collecting and research practices, and redefined community and cultural spaces. By analyzing our successes and the structural barriers that attempt to disenfranchise us, we continue to build—and rebuild—institutions that reflect our histories, futures, and radical imaginations.
What radicalized me?
-What wouldn’t is my answer, have you seen this place lately?
““The most disrespected person in America is the Black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the Black woman. The most neglected person in America is the Black woman.””