Doing more as a black feminist

      Doing More as a Black Feminist 

 

Being a male Black feminist means more to me than just agreeing with feminist ideas. It’s about how I actually show up in my life and the effort I put in every day. I know that at the end of the day I need to do more than just identify. Luckily, engaging with Black feminist works has made that easier for me. 

For example, reading Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor's work in "How We Get Free: Black Feminism" and the Combahee River Collective really pushed me to think about what being together actually looks like. The Combahee River Collective emphasized that Black women’s liberation is essential to the liberation of everyone, and that idea sticks with me. I sometimes find myself believing that "oh we are focusing too much on black people" without failing to realize I am engaging in the same trap that has made black women suffer for decades. 

Another thing I’ve been thinking about more is how I listen more. I can read as much as I can, but it doesn't amount to the lived experiences of Black women. That means I need to be intentional about listening without interrupting or making it about myself. This is one of the critiques that works like Failure to Transform: Sexism in the Black Community by Cheryl Clarke talks about. She talks about how sexism continues within Black communities, even among those who claim to be progressive. White women and Black men may differ in a lot of ways, but this is one action they are consistent on. This helps me reflect on how easy it is to think I’m “doing enough” when I might still be contributing to the problem in smaller, less obvious ways. 

I also see how this work shows up in my everyday behavior. Feminism isn’t just something I talk about and even in my life, the people I interact with have negative views on feminism. Whether it’s challenging sexist jokes or not expecting women to carry emotional labor, these are all things I must actively work on. Hip Hop Feminism has also shaped how I think about this, especially in terms of how culture, music, and masculinity influence my mindset. Listening to hip hop, I must be honest about how some of those messages shaped my views on gender, and how I can unlearn the harmful parts while still appreciating the culture. 

Holding other men accountable is another area where I know I need to do more. It’s uncomfortable, but the Combahee River Collective’s emphasis on collective responsibility reminds me that silence isn’t neutral but compliant in allowing bad actions to preserve. I don’t have to attack people, but I do need to speak up and question things when I see them. 

I also think a lot about stepping back and making space. This is quite easy for me because since I'm still fairly knew with this community. I try to put my head down and listen to more experienced folks. Supporting Black women’s leadership also means amplifying their voices. It means recognizing that not every space needs my opinion.

Beyond that, I want to make sure my support is tangible. That includes supporting Black women-led organizations, businesses, and movements in real ways, not just with retweeting and likes. If I really believe in what Black feminism stands for, then my actions should reflect that. 

At the end of the day, engaging with these works has shown me that being a male Black feminist is an ongoing process. I’m going to make mistakes, and I still have biases to unlearn. But as long as I stick to staying committed to growing, being honest with myself, and making sure that my actions line up with what I say, I believe I'll do just fine. 

 

CITATION 

Taylor, Keeanga-Yamahtta, Ed. How We Get Free_ Black Feminism and the Combahee River Collective (2017, Haymarket Books) 

https://kennesaw.view.usg.edu/d2l/le/content/3820831/viewContent/59390725/View 

 

Combahee River Collective Statement 
https://kennesaw.view.usg.edu/d2l/le/content/3820831/viewContent/59390726/View 

 

The Failure to Transform-Cheryl Clarke 

https://kennesaw.view.usg.edu/d2l/le/content/3820831/viewContent/59390732/View 


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