A Black Feminist Statement

          From an opening statement – “we are a collective of black feminists,” – I felt the pride and tenacity Black feminists had on their progressive works and movements. There definitely were many other revolutionary organizations led by female leaders especially during the Progressive Era, but Black feminists did not just encounter gender inequality. They were “actively committed to struggling against racial, sexual, heterosexual, and class oppression” (63). Being at the lowest social class of all, it must have been a life-and-death struggle for survival and liberation which implies how much they desired to be out of oppression. Thus, I was very impressed with how they never gave up in the middle which might have given them an easier life but chose to fight together with Black men against racism and struggle with Black men about sexism.

           Inevitably, Black feminists had problems in organizing themselves as Black men were notoriously negative regarding feminism. I must say such reaction was reasonable during that time as Black men were also facing social discrimination which incurred boycotts, violence, and riots. However, Black feminists also encountered conflicts with other socialist feminists even though they worked on abortion rights activities together as the result of class and political differences. Instead, Black feminists gathered themselves in a study group to facilitate the decision and compromise through gaining knowledge on the issue. I thought this was very smart because it was quite obvious that everyone’s political ideas differed from each other, and that way, no one can reach the goal. Through discussion which clearly was less proactive approach, Black feminists could organize themselves into one and continue to do political work in coalition with other groups. Whether their action is proactive or not, I think Black females forming a collective itself is revolutionary already, and therefore, this definitely is a historical, rebellious event instigated by a minority group at the bottom of social class.