When it comes to the admirable work of activists and feminists, we’re inspired every damn day. But today, we’re focusing on the Black change-makers we believe everyone should know.
Angela Davis is a badass activist, writer and scholar who advocates for the oppressed. Her most famous work is the book “Women, Race and Class” which champions gender equity while noting how race and class play a role.
Alice Walker coined the term “womanist” which means a black feminist or feminist of colour. Her award-winning novels “The Color Purple” and “In Search of Our Mothers” should most definitely be on your reading list.
Audre Lorde
America writer, feminist, and civil rights activist Audre Lorde who described herself as “black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet” dedicated her life to confronting the injustices of racism, sexism, classism and homophobia.
bell hooks
Gloria Jean Watkins, best known by her pen name, bell hooks is an American professor, feminist, author and social activist. To get to know her better, check out her book “Ain’t I a Woman?”, which looks at the impacts of racism and sexism on black women.
While you may recognise her from Beyonce’s “***flawless” intro, Chimamanda has been changing the game for a long time. In her book, “We Should All Be Feminists” she delves into her experiences of growing up in Nigeria, life as an African feminist, the wage gap and strict gender roles.
Layla F.Saad is the incredible mind behind the New York Times & Sunday Times Bestseller, “Me And White Supremacy”. What’s more, her Instagram is a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.
Munroe Bergdorf is a transgender model, activist and change-maker. As someone who’s not afraid to speak up when it counts most, she’s a true inspiration using her voice and platform to drive real change.
Rachel Cargle is a public academic, writer and activist building her very own “intellectual legacy through teaching, storytelling & critical discourse.” If you don’t know her, it’s about time you did.
Roxane Gay is a writer, bisexual and feminist. Although she admitted to being a bad feminist, her journey to identify as one has evolved. Today, her collection work “Bad Feminist” spans feminism, politics and criticism, addressing her love of things that may be at odds with feminist ideology.
Sojourner Truth
Sojourner Truth was born into slavery in NYC. After she escaped to freedom in 1826 with her infant daughter, she went to court to rescue her son two years later, soon becoming the first black woman to win such a case against a white man. From then, she earned her name as an American abolitionist and women’s rights activist.