As a student of the arts, it is necessary to develop a critical understanding of societal structures that affect access, representation, and exclusion within the arts according to gender, race, and class. This guide aims to outline resources that will help students develop a basic understanding of Black feminism while also providing a platform for the work of Black women artists.
A basic theoretical concept within Black feminism is 'Intersectionality,' [1] a term coined by scholar of critical race theory Kimberlé Crenshaw in 1989 that posits you cannot divorce race and class from discussions of gender equality.
Considering the sidelining of Black women and their concerns throughout the feminist movements in the U.S., [2] a need to exclusively and specifically develop a Black feminist theory for and by Black women materialized.
In this guide, you will find articles, fiction/prose/non-fiction books that will introduce you to specific theoretical concepts, writings, art and more that form the backbone of Black feminist theory. Further notes are below:
[1] "intersectionality, n.". OED Online. December 2022. Oxford University Press. https://www.oed.com/view/Entry/429843?redirectedFrom=intersectionality+& (accessed January 19, 2023).
[2] Davis, Angela Y. Women, Race & Class. 1st Vintage books ed. New York: Vintage Books, 1983.
This guide was originally curated and written by Barbara Calderon.
The following women created important work that has shaped Black feminist thought. Each name links to an article or biography from different publishers and sources. Please check out the different sites as they all have reputable information.
Combahee River Collective -- Demita Frazier, Beverly Smith, and Barbara Smith
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Kanopy is a streaming video platform with a "Netflix-like" user experience and a broad, curated selection of documentaries, indie movies, classics, feature films and training videos. Films can be watched from anywhere, anytime by current students, faculty, and staff.
Swank is a streaming film platform with a curated list of available films from major motion picture studios.
A People's Journey African American Women and the Struggle for Equality published by the National Museum of African American History & Culture August 29, 2017
The Urgency of Intersectionality by Kimberlé Crenshaw from TEDWomen 2016
Black Female Voices: Who is Listening - A public dialogue between bell hooks + Melissa Harris-Perry recorded at the New School November 8, 2013