The Combahee River Collective Statement

by The Combahee River Collective

Genres: Nonfiction, Feminism, Read For School, Theory

44 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 2017

Reviews

[jackie torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

super quick pamphlet read, but mightily necessary for modern organizers to engage with. the women of the Combahee River Collective remind us that our work must always be focused on the margins of the margins for any significant social dismantling/deconstruction to take place. necessary reading for those who decry "identity politics;" a singular read-through of this statement will exemplify their importance and our need to engage with them in meaningful and principled ways.
very refreshing to read a rejection of biological essential/determinism that has, unfortunately, to the detriment of Black TGNC people and Black trans women in particular, been repopularized in modern feminist discourse. also extremely refreshing to read a rejection of reactionary politic and the need to engage in principled struggle; "the ends do not justify the means." very refreshing to read about a third world approach, particularly as it pertains to colonialism/recognizing it as a global system rather than a localized one.
i think a lot of modern and young organizers often feel understandably daunted by the breadth of the work that lies before them; i wish a lot more of them engaged frequently and in good faith with the work and words of movement elders. some of the answers we search for already exist, and we would be able to build upon them in a more significant and tangible way with a widespread working knowledge of what those answers already contain.

[Alisa Cupcakeland · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very important document in the history of feminism that makes us realize the importance of intersectionality in feminism. Even though it was written in 1977, a big part of its content remains true in 2020.

[Jeida K. Storey · Rating 5 out of 5]

How refreshing to know that Black women have always been concerned for other Black women, Black folks, and every other marginalized group. This quick read is packed with potency and serves as a reminder of why we should be pushing for liberation at every turn. This text is sacred and holy!

[Maggie Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in college for my History of Feminism class and I read it again this morning for the DSA Socialist Feminist Day School. It is just tremendous and a beautiful reminder. Always amazing and humbling to see that it was written in 1977. Required reading for all feminists and progressives.

Also, I think it's so beautiful and moving that the book Feminism for the 99 Percent is dedicated to the Combahee River Collective. We are building on the foundation and vision that they so clearly and eloquently laid out nearly 50 years ago!

Link to the PDF: http://circuitous.org/scraps/combahee...

“If Black women were free, it would mean that everyone else would have to be free since our freedom would necessitate the destruction of all the systems of oppression.”

"We are not convinced, however, that a socialist revolution that is not also a feminist and anti-racist revolution will guarantee our liberation."

[Evin Grody · Rating 5 out of 5]

I try to remember to re-read this every few years, because it’s important.

A good digital copy is available here (along with a bunch of other great resources: https://www.blackpast.org/african-ame...

[grimseilah☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

crc im so sorry, im so sorry that a ugly ass btch like this [non-blackfeminists] would even say that ["identity politics is liberal and shallow"]. oh my god 😔

always breaks my heart to see expansive, accurate theory be reduced to nothing because people are hateful.

[Madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has a very raw angry and change is coming tone; it's very motivating. I like it.

[Caitlin Vaille]

A solid reminder to look to the margins, recognize intersections, and listen earnestly to the perspectives of others.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this. I had to read it for a class and it was something that was very educating for me as a white woman.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before the "intersection" discussion, there were these women speaking about "imbrications". Amazing manifiesto to explain many crisis in the women's movements. So powerful and inspiring.

[b · Rating 5 out of 5]

changed my life, mandatory reading for everyone.

[riyana · Rating 4 out of 5]

amazing