Culture of Combahee

The Combahee River Collective Statement is one of the most powerful and inspiring works in Black Feminist history. It is often discussed in conversations about Black Feminism’s philosophies and practices, yet many people have never heard of it or haven’t read through it thoroughly or analytically. In this workshop, FJ provides the historical and cultural context of the statement and relevant information about the women who wrote it and why they came together to do so. FJ also discusses how cultural memory, African matriarchy, and community care have all survived centuries of patriarchal and racist oppression, guiding modern activists and scholars to continue their resistance. From where do Black Feminists/ Womanists draw their inspiration and motivation to fight for liberation? Why does this statement remain an incredibly valuable resource for 21st-century feminists/ Womanists? We discussed these things and more.