A (growing) Black Feminist reading list
Expressions of Black joy on social media by Furaha Asani
“Black joy and the assertions that it is radical, non-negotiable, underpinned by self-care, an act of resistance and can never be cancelled, are far from new concepts. Black joy is part of who we are as Black peoples in different parts of the world, simply trying to get on with our lives. It exists despite the many obstacles we face because we have been and continue to be intentional about maintaining it.”
Available to read for free here.
A Feminist Analysis of the Soul by Minna Salami
“The question of what the soul is, is therefore not as important here as is the question of what the soul does. What is the function of the soul in society? In culture, in religion, in politics? Emotionally, what role does the soul play?”
Available to read for free here.
Pleasure Activism by adrienne maree brown
“We all need and deserve pleasure, and our social structures must reflect this. What would it look like if we put our desires at the centre of our politics?”
Available to read for free here.
On the Power of Stella Dadzie: A Radical Pioneer of the Black Women’s Movement in Britain by Jaimee A. Swift
“A historian, activist, educator and a founding member of the Organisation of Women of Asian and African Descent (OWAAD), Stella Dadzie is a revolutionary of the Black British Feminist Movement and a trailblazer of the Black radical tradition in the United Kingdom and beyond.”
Available to read for free here.
The Case for Abolition by Ruth Wilson Gilmore and James Kilgore
“Ultimately, abolition is a practical program of change rooted in how people sustain and improve their lives, cobbling together insights and strategies from disparate, connected struggles. We know we won’t bulldoze prisons and jails tomorrow, but as long as they continue to be advanced as the solution, all of the inequalities displaced to crime and punishment will persist. We’re in a long game.”
Available to read for free here.
When White Feminism Is White Supremacy in Heels by Rachel Cargle
“In a crucial moment of showing up for our marginalised community, there was more concern about their feelings and ego as opposed to the fight forward for women as a whole. What could have been a much-needed and integral display of solidarity and true intersectionality quickly became a live play-by-play of the toxicity that white-centred feminism can bring to the table of activism.”
Available to read for free here.
Punks, Bulldaggers and Welfare Queens by Cathy J. Cohen
“If there is any truly radical potential to be found in the idea of queerness and the practice of queer politics, it would seem to be located in its ability to create a space in opposition to dominant norms, a space where transformational political work can begin.”
Available to read for free here.
Transforming Silence into Language and Action by Audre Lorde
“What are the words you do not yet have? What do you need to say? What are the tyrannies you swallow day by day and attempt to make your own, until you will sicken and die of them, still in silence? Perhaps for some of you here today, I am the face of one of your fears. Because I am woman, because I am Black, because I am lesbian, because I am myself — a Black woman warrior poet doing my work — come to ask you, are you doing yours?”
Available to read here.
How to Stay Safe Online by Seyi Akiwowo
“It’s our responsibility as a collective to stop algorithms from feeding into hatred. Posts only go viral when people jump on the bandwagon. If we can collectively recognise when something has the potential to cause harm, the algorithm will have to move on to
something else — hopefully promoting positive content instead. One individual cannot impact the algorithmic beast. However, a collective of individuals thinking conscientiously? Taking their digital citizenship seriously? That’s where the real magic begins.”
Available to purchase here.