Womanist Black Voices: Dare to Think, Talk, Act

• In Event: Womanist Black Voices: Dare to Think, Talk, Act

Abstract

The purpose of this panel discussion is to present three major themes related to AESA’s conference focus: womanist/feminist theory, critical discourse, and intersectionality grounded in the origin of earlier black feminists and the Combahee River Collective Statement. Discussants will illuminate themes relevant to black women claiming voice and naming contradictions that impede “voice” but also bring about “actions,” in their daily lived experiences. The discussion creates space for novice black women scholars, as well as seasoned black women scholars, to interact and become mentors and teachers for each other. This promotes opportunities to move into communal grassroots activities; homes, schools, civic organizations, spiritual communities, health initiatives, etc. In addition, the panel discussion can add language and possibilities for transformation in response to AESA’s question: “What happens when we create and employ a different grammar of critique, transformation, and possibility?

Authors

• Loyce E. Caruthers, University of Missouri- Kansas City

• Dianne Smith, University of Missouri- Kansas City

• Shaunda Fowler, Hickman Mills School District

• Rhonda Jeffries, University of South Carolina

• Gretchen Givens Generett, Duquesne University