Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor on “How We Get Free: Black Feminism and the Combahee River Collective”

Summary

In this segment of Democracy Now, Amy Goodman converses with Kianga Yamato Taylor about the Combahee River Collective, a pivotal group of Black radical feminists established in 1974. They introduced the concept of identity politics and emphasized the link between Black women's oppression and capitalism. The collective was active in advocating for abortion rights, reproductive freedom, and against domestic violence. Their foundational document, the Combahee River Collective Statement, called for coalition building and transformative politics. Taylor highlights the ongoing relevance of their message today, urging action alongside the recognition of oppression to achieve liberation for Black women.

Takeaways

• 📚 The Combahee River Collective, formed in 1974, consisted of Black radical feminists advocating for the intersection of women's oppression and capitalism.
• ✊ They identified themselves as a left split from the National Black Feminist Organization, seeking more radical approaches than mainstream feminism.
• 🌍 The collective emphasized that the liberation of Black women is intrinsically linked to a radical reconstruction of American society.
• 🛡️ Their activism focused on critical issues such as abortion rights, reproductive freedom, and the fight against domestic violence.
• 💔 The group was formed during a time of increased violence against Black women, prompting their activism in response to unresolved cases of violence.
• 📝 In 1977, they published the foundational 'Combahee River Collective Statement,' which theorized Black women's oppression and outlined strategies for change.
• 🤝 The collective stressed the importance of coalition-building with other oppressed groups to amplify their struggles.
• 🚀 They called for transformative and revolutionary politics as essential to achieving liberation for Black women.
• 📅 The 40th anniversary of the statement's publication prompted renewed interest in the collective's messages and strategies.
• 🔗 Kianga Yamata Taylor aims to introduce the collective's politics and practices to a new generation of activists through her book 'How We Get Free.'

Q & A

What is the primary focus of Kianga Yamato Taylor's book 'How We Get Free'?

The book discusses the Combahee River Collective, their political theories, and the significance of their work in radical black feminism, particularly emphasizing the connection between black women's liberation and a radical reconstruction of American society.

Who were the members of the Combahee River Collective?

The Combahee River Collective was a group of black radical feminists formed in 1974, primarily consisting of activists who sought to link women's oppression to capitalism and advocate for the liberation of black women.

What is the historical significance of the Combahee River Collective Statement?

The Combahee River Collective Statement, published in 1977, is a foundational document in radical black feminism that theorized aspects of black women's oppression and proposed strategies for coalition building and transformative politics.

What specific issues did the Combahee River Collective address?

The collective was active in campaigns for abortion rights, reproductive freedom, and against domestic violence, particularly in response to the violence and murders of black women in Boston during the 1970s.

What does Kianga Yamato Taylor mean by 'synthesizing analysis with a plan of action'?

Taylor suggests that it is crucial for activists to not only identify and analyze the oppression faced by black women but also to develop actionable strategies to address these issues effectively.

How does the Combahee River Collective relate to intersectionality?

The Combahee River Collective was instrumental in coining the term 'identity politics' and emphasized the importance of understanding the interconnected nature of various forms of oppression, which laid the groundwork for intersectionality.

What legacy did the Combahee River Collective leave for contemporary activists?

Their legacy includes a framework for understanding and combating oppression through coalition building and the importance of integrating radical political strategies into activism.

Why is the year 2017 significant in relation to the Combahee River Collective?

2017 marked the 40th anniversary of the publication of the Combahee River Collective Statement, highlighting its enduring relevance and influence in discussions of feminism and social justice.

What overarching message does Taylor convey to today's activists?

Taylor's message is that acknowledging the oppression of black women is insufficient without a dedicated plan for action to enact change and achieve liberation.

In what ways did the Combahee River Collective challenge mainstream feminism?

They critiqued mainstream white feminism for not addressing the specific struggles of black women and for being insufficiently radical in their approach to feminism.