Revolutionary Black Feminism: Toward a Theory of Unity and Liberation

Abstract

Our Participation in the Black Radical Congress (BRC) and in particular the debate and discussion occurring within its Black Feminist Caucus (BFC) led us to rethink and redevelop the concept of Revolutionary Feminism. Discussions with other black feminists at the Congress led us to conclude that much work is needed to further develop the relationship between black feminist theories and concrete struggles to liberate working-class and poor black women. In this article, we provide a brief overview of feminist theories as well as current trends in black feminist scholarship and its manifestation in the BFC. We further develop the emerging theory of “Revolutionary Black Feminism” as a means to bridge the gap between theory and liberatory practice within the present Black Freedom Movement.“Gender and sexuality can no longer be viewed solely as personal issues but must be a part of our analyses, politics and struggles…We need to meet people where they are, taking seriously identity politics and single issue reform groups, at the same time that we push for a larger vision that links these struggles.” (Black Radical Congress, Principles of Unity, 1998).