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Honoring Black Women in the Anti-Violence Movement
As we celebrate Black History Month, Turning Point looks to honor and highlight the diverse Black women who have shaped the fight against gender-based violence, advocating for the safety, dignity, and rights of survivors.
From the early 19th century to today, Black women have been at the forefront of the movement, often working at the intersection of racism and sexism to ensure that all survivors—especially those from marginalized communities—receive the support and justice they deserve. Sojourner Truth, a formerly enslaved woman and tireless advocate for women’s rights, spoke out against the violence and oppression Black women faced. Ida B. Wells, an investigative journalist and activist, exposed racial and gender-based violence through her groundbreaking work against lynching.
In the modern era, figures like Tarana Burke, founder of the Me Too movement, have ignited national conversations about sexual violence and the need for systemic change. Kimberlé Crenshaw, a legal scholar, introduced the concept of intersectionality, highlighting how race and gender impact the experiences of Black survivors. Advocates like Beth Richie have worked to dismantle the criminalization of Black women who defend themselves against domestic violence.
These women—and so many more—have laid the foundation for advocacy that continues today. Be sure to check our social media through the month as we highlight and honor the legacy of Black women who have committed themselves to a movement that helps us achieve our vision of a community in which all relationships are safe, respectful and equitable, where all people can live and thrive.
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