Advancing Black Feminism in Public Health-from Margin to Center

• In Event: 088 - Section on Sociological Practice and Public Sociology Roundtable Session (one-hour).
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 02. Assessing Public Health(s): Methodological Issues, Theoretical Choices

Abstract

Epidemiological data indicate that black women’s physical, mental, and sexual health are vastly impacted by social determinants in ways that further exacerbate health disparities and inequities in access to quality and affordable healthcare. As such, it is imperative that sociologists and women’s studies scholars have seats at the intellectual table where theories are selected and strategies applied to address public health epidemics impacting women and girls of color in particular. Specifically, the author demonstrates how she utilized “themes” and “thoughts” from leading black feminist scholars in conceptualizing, implementing, and evaluating public health programs for women and girls of color. The author’s application of black feminism in public health resulted in two community-based programs addressing the social determinants of HIV in the lives of women and girls of color, known as GEMS (Girls Empowered and Motivated to Succeed) and RISE (Reaching in Intervening with Survivors Effectively). Such practical application further advances black feminism to legitimately bridge the gap between critical social theory and public health. These guiding principles include: (1) Self-Definition and Self-Valuation, (2) Controlling Images, (3) Race, Class, and Gender, (4) Unique Experiences, (5) Matrix of Domination, (6) Structure and Agency, (7) Reality, Roles, Relationships, and Risk-taking, (8) Rigorous Research, and Responsible Application, (9) Problem-Solution Paradigm, and (10) Collective Empowerment, Economic Development, Activism, and Social Justice. Black feminists must become intimately engaged in applied research and frontline program implementation to fully activate political and personal commitments to address the issues of marginalized citizens in general and black women in particular.

Author

• Quinn M. Gentry, Messages of Empowerment Productions