“Sisters in the Collective Struggle”

Abstract

As the conversation on the state of modern Black America deepens in the wake of the Trayvon Martin tragedy and increased violence affecting young Black males, acknowledging historical and present structures that serve to disenfranchise the Black community remain largely focused on boys and men. Yet, to fully examine the impact of White supremacy, patriarchy, and violence on Black lives, it is necessary to remove the culture of silence that permeates the discussion of how oppression is experienced by Black females. In this article, I explore the ways in which society encourages misogynoir (anti-Black misogyny) by reinforcing the marginalization of Black females and their status as the keepers of Black life. A dialogue about Black life, which does not speak to the troubles of Black women, is incomplete. Giving voice to their struggles, in the context of discussing the collective Black experience, is a part of the larger fight for peace, justice, and equality.