Womanism and Black Feminism

Womanism and Black feminism are separate but related feminist movements that have evolved in the Black community. While both movements want gender equality and justice for women, their ways of tackling Black women's challenges differ.

Author and activist Alice Walker first used womanism to emphasize the challenges and experiences of Black women. Walker specifically defines womanism as “ A black feminist or feminist of color…Usually referring to outrageous, audacious, courageous or willful behavior. Wanting to know more and in greater depth than is considered “good” for one. Interested in grown up doings” (Walker, 1983). As sources of power and resistance, womanism also gives faith, community, and intimate networks a lot of importance. Alice also defines womanism as “A woman who loves other women, sexually and/or nonsexually. Appreciates and prefers women’s culture, women’s emotional flexibility (values tears as natural counterbalance of laughter), and women’s strength” (Walker, 1983). Alice Walker worked to solve these interlocking oppressive structures because she understood that Black women have particular difficulties and oppressions resulting from both racism and sexism.

Black feminism seeks to undermine dominant systems that support injustices. Age, Race, Class, and Sex: Women Redefining Difference states, “As a Black lesbian feminist comfortable with the many different ingredients of my identity, and a woman committed to racial and sexual freedom from oppression, I find I am constantly being encouraged to pluck out some one aspect of myself and present this as the meaningful whole, eclipsing or denying the other parts of self” (Lorde, 1984). Black feminism acknowledges the need to address how race, gender, and class interact to form women's experiences.

Despite these minor distinctions, feminism and Black feminism emphasize the perspectives of Black women who have traditionally been oppressed and disenfranchised, as well as providing spaces to take control of their power and individuality. One of the primary features of Womanism and Black Feminism is their emphasis on intersectionality. These groups understand that Black women's experiences cannot be understood without regard to race, gender, and class, and they strive to address the different oppressions that Black women face. Lorde states, “We sharpen self-definition by exposing the self in work and struggle together with those whom we define as different from ourselves, although sharing the same goals. For Black and white, old and young, lesbian and heterosexual women alike, this can mean new paths to our survival” (Lorde, 1984). Womanism and Black feminism question the idea of a unified feminist movement by stressing the need for diversity within feminism.

Ultimately, Womanism and Black Feminism are two essential feminist groups that, in slightly different ways, strive to question and deconstruct oppressive institutions affecting Black women. By focusing on Black women's experiences and issues, these groups promote the importance of intersectionality and work to build a more inclusive and fair society for all women. Womanism and Black feminism are strong indicators that feminism requires being broadly inclusive to address the various experiences and desires of every woman successfully.

References:

Lorde, Audre. “Age, Race, Class, and Sex: Women Redefining Difference.” Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches, Crossing Press, 1984.  

Walker, Alice. “Alice Walker’s Definition of a ‘Womanist’ .” In Search of Our Mothers’ Gardens: Womanist Prose Copyright, 1983, www.vanderbilt.edu/olli/class-materials/Alice_Walkers_Womanist_Trope.pdf.