Introduction
Discrimination is an acute issue in today’s society, and it affects all communities due to the corrosion of the system. However, despite many challenges, some strive to protect vulnerable populations and advocate for their needs and demands. Thus, with the 20th century seeing a serious civil rights violation, today’s society must keep promoting equality, including the representation of minorities, mobility, and opportunities.
Reading Review
Hamer’s Testimony
All five readings focus on the discrimination that black women face and the political issues they are exposed to, ranging from involvement in politics to feminism. Among the older sources is the 1964 Testimony by Fannie Lou Hamer. Hamer shows the problem of black individuals being mistreated by police officers for voting.
After visiting a voter registration workshop, she was arrested along with four other African Americans and was physically abused at the police station (Hamer, 1964). The woman emphasized that this is what the land of the free is genuinely like (Hamer, 1964). To support her justification, she said that what happened to the people with whom she was arrested went unnoticed (Hamer, 1964).
Guy-Sheftall’s Chapter
Then, in the 1995 book, Beverly Guy-Sheftall emphasizes the issue of civil rights violations, using stories of Pauli Murray and Frances Beale for justification. Both discuss the problem of inequality, proper employment, and autonomy (Guy-Sheftall, 1995). According to Bealy, capitalism in the 20th century was a tool to “reduce women to a state of enslavement” (Guy-Sheftall, 1995, p.149). Overall, these problems relate not only to minorities but to white people as well, since they show the injustice of the system.
Perry’s Article
As for newer sources, in a 2020 Brookings article, Andre M. Perry focused on the problem of representation seen by African American women. Although there has been an increase in higher education attainment, issues, such as pay gaps, need to be resolved (Perry, 2020). To support his claims, the author, therefore, relies on statistics.
Norwood et al.’s Article
Similarly, a 2021 PBS article emphasizes the problem of harassment. However, despite the challenges faced by black women, a growing number of advocates, such as Kiah Morris, strive to protect marginalized communities (Norwood et al., 2021).
Campt’s Lecture
Finally, in a lecture by Tina Campt, a speaker talks about the concept of fugitivity, “a refusal to be a subject to a law that refuses to recognize you,” which was justified by perceptions of Fred Moten (BCRW, n.d., 48:03). By discussing this topic the author can focus on the need to fight for one’s rights and opportunities. Thus, the problems concern black women who lack representation.
Personal Reflection
I found each work thought-provoking since it focuses not only on the past and present but also on the future. For example, after reading the 1964 testimony, it is evident that much has changed. However, after reading the 2020 Brookings article, it is evident that many issues require solutions. I would like to see more policies that can offer paths to change the discrimination present in society. Moreover, I would like to clarify more about the concept of fugitivity introduced by Tina Campt.
Lastly, the readings I completed differ from what I already know regarding the depth of Black women’s underrepresentation analysis. The readings provide an overview of the issue, offering insights from different generations. The materials I read introduced me to a new concept, such as feminist fugitivity, which I had never encountered before. The sources connect to the course topic regarding the intersectionality of race and gender and the importance of diversity.
Conclusion
Hence, since civil rights were severely violated in the 20th century, modern society must advance equality, including minority representation, mobility, and opportunities. The issues raised in the readings affect both black and white people because they highlight the unfairness of the system. The readings give a general overview of the subject and relate to the course topic regarding the intersections of race and gender.
References
BCRW. (n.d.). Tina Campt: Black feminist futures and the practice of fugitivity [Lecture]. Barnard Center for Research on Women. Web.
Hamer, F. L. (1964). Testimony. American Public Media. Web.
Guy-Sheftall, B. (1995). Civil rights and women’s liberation: Racial/sexual politics in the angry decades. In Words of fire: An anthology of African-American feminist thought (pp. 143-197). New Press.
Norwood, C., Jones, C., & Bolaji, L. (2021). More Black women are being elected to office. Few feel safe once they get there. PBS. Web.
Perry, A. M. (2020). To protect Black women and save America from itself, elect Black women. Brookings. Web.