Photo By Clarke Sanders
When feminism was founded it was an excellent concept. It was even inclusive of all women for a very short amount of time at the beginning of its era, that was until its founders learned quickly that southerners did not want to support a movement that prioritized the rights of black women the same as it prioritized those of white women.
The era of feminism has not reached its end, it is however, being succumbed to a much stronger and inclusive movement, womanism.
I am a womanist, not a feminist. I am a womanist because although, white women do not make as much money as white men, their civil rights are never challenged or taken away. White women never have to worry about being seen as the “angry black woman” nor do they ever have to worry about their natural hair being deemed “inappropriate” or their culture being appropriated.
Black women have their experiences invalidated everyday by caucasian feminists. I am one of them. I was at a certain meeting with feminists discussing dangerous experiences with catcalling when my experience was the only one questioned. The responses I was met with were, “How come you were alone” and surprisingly, “What were you wearing? It could not have just been a work uniform.”
I was hurt and scared, but not surprised because I was in a room full of white feminists who only wanted to validate and comfort those who were preyed on that looked like them.
When I discovered womanism through civil rights leader and womanist, Angela Davis, I discovered comfort and a community that was created for women who have everyday experiences like mine.
I am a womanist because no matter your race, ethnicity, sexuality or gender identity I want to ensure you that you, your voice and your experiences are valid. That is what womanism is here for.