Audre Lorde, a renowned poet, essayist, and activist, was an influential voice in the 20th century. Born in New York City on February 18, 1934, Lorde used her unique perspective as a black lesbian woman to challenge the societal norms and prejudices of her time. With her powerful pen, she became a beacon of hope for marginalized communities and a fearless critic of the oppressive structures that sought to constrain them.
Throughout her career, Lorde published numerous poetry collections and essays that explored a wide range of themes including race, gender, sexuality, and class. Her work was marked by its raw honesty and profound insight, drawing from her own personal experiences to shed light on broader socio-political issues. Her poetry was lauded for its lyrical quality and emotive power, while her essays were celebrated for their incisive critiques of systemic oppression.
As an activist, Audre Lorde was deeply involved in several social justice movements. She was a key figure in second-wave feminism, pushing for a more inclusive movement that addressed the specific concerns of women of color. She also advocated for LGBTQ+ rights and was an outspoken critic of homophobia and heterosexism. In addition, she supported various anti-war and civil rights initiatives.
In essence, Audre Lorde’s life and work embody a relentless pursuit of justice. She was unafraid to confront the issues that others often chose to ignore, using her words as a tool to provoke thought and incite change. Even after her death in 1992, her legacy continues to inspire new generations of writers and activists. Through her compelling poetry and thought-provoking essays, Lorde has left a mark on literature and social activism alike.
From the House of Yemanjá
My mother had two faces and a frying pot
where she cooked up her daughters
into girls
before she fixed our dinner.
My mother had two faces
and a broken pot
where she hid out a perfect daughter
who was not me
I am the sun and moon and forever hungry
for her eyes.
I bear two women upon my back
one dark and rich and hidden
in the ivory hungers of the other
mother
pale as a witch
yet steady and familiar
brings me bread and terror
in my sleep
her breasts are huge exciting anchors
in the midnight storm.
All this has been
before
in my mother’s bed
time has no sense
I have no brothers
and my sisters are cruel.
Mother I need
mother I need
mother I need your blackness now
as the august earth needs rain.
I am
the sun and moon and forever hungry
the sharpened edge
where day and night shall meet
and not be
one.
-Audre Lorde
Curated by Jennifer
