Combahee River Collective

Definition

The Combahee River Collective was a group of Black feminists active in the 1970s, known for its focus on the intersectionality of race, gender, and sexuality. They emphasized the importance of understanding how these identities interacted to create unique forms of oppression for Black women, which was often overlooked by both mainstream feminism and civil rights movements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Combahee River Collective was founded in 1974 in Boston by a group of Black lesbian feminists who sought to address issues specific to their community.
2. The Collective is famous for its statement in 1977, which articulated their commitment to social justice and the need for a feminist approach that recognized the intersection of multiple oppressions.
3. They were influenced by the Civil Rights Movement and second-wave feminism but critiqued both for their failure to address the needs of Black women adequately.
4. The Collective highlighted issues such as reproductive rights, economic justice, and violence against women, making these central to their activism.
5. Their work laid the groundwork for later discussions on intersectionality and has been influential in contemporary feminist thought and activism.

Review Questions

• How did the Combahee River Collective's views on intersectionality differ from those of mainstream feminism during the 1970s?
  • The Combahee River Collective challenged mainstream feminism by asserting that it often centered the experiences of white, middle-class women while neglecting the specific struggles faced by Black women. They argued that issues like race, class, and sexuality could not be separated from gender when discussing oppression. This focus on intersectionality highlighted the need for a more inclusive feminist movement that recognized and addressed the unique challenges faced by women at the intersections of multiple identities.
• Discuss how the Combahee River Collective's 1977 statement contributed to the broader feminist movement.
  • The 1977 statement of the Combahee River Collective served as a crucial document that not only articulated their experiences as Black women but also provided a framework for understanding intersectionality. By addressing how racism, sexism, and homophobia intersected to oppress them, they pushed other feminists to consider these factors in their activism. Their statement called for solidarity among marginalized groups and inspired future generations of feminists to adopt an inclusive approach that considers diverse experiences.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the Combahee River Collective on contemporary social justice movements.
  • The Combahee River Collective significantly influenced contemporary social justice movements by laying the foundation for discussions on intersectionality. Their emphasis on the interconnectedness of race, gender, and sexuality has become a cornerstone in modern activism. Today's movements, such as Black Lives Matter and those advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, echo the principles established by the Collective, showing how their insights into systemic oppression remain relevant. This legacy continues to shape how activists strategize for social change, advocating for an inclusive approach that addresses all forms of discrimination.

Related terms

Intersectionality: A concept developed by Kimberlé Crenshaw that describes how different social identities overlap and interact, leading to complex systems of discrimination and privilege.

Black Feminism: A social movement that centers the experiences and struggles of Black women, highlighting the specific ways they face oppression due to their race and gender.

Political Statement: A declaration or manifesto that articulates the beliefs and aims of a group or movement, often serving to rally support and clarify goals.