In the world of discrimination, Barbara Smith has it all going against her. As a black lesbian she has been a victim of sexism, racism and homophobia, yet she doesn’t wither under this discrimination. Instead, she thrives as an activist and writer, especially in the context of black feminism.
Born in 1946, Smith grew up in segregated Cleveland and quickly realized how unfair the world really was. The Feminist movement in the 1960s drew her in, giving her a feeling of empowerment and a voice, but even in the women’s movement, Smith encountered racism that made her and other women of color feel unwelcomed. In response, Smith and others began to work with black feminism, a branch movement that recognized the connection between sexism, racism, classism and homophobia and was committed to work against all of them. Black feminism called for the liberation of black women and recognized their inherent value.
Smith had two very distinct projects that mark her activism in the black feminist movement. In 1977, she established the Combahee River Collective in Boston
She also founded Kitchen Table: Women of Color Press as a publishing company for women of color who were usually ignored by mainstream publishers. Kitchen Table published political and literary works and was the first publishing company to ever be run by black women.
As a natural activist, Smith has not stopped working hard to end oppression and discrimination. She is currently continuing her activism in politics, working as a member of Albany
BONUS: Barbara Smith attended the University of Pittsburgh for Graduate School
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