Free Black Women's Library Will Talk About Controversial 'Womanism'

BED-STUY, BROOKLYN — The Free Black Women's Library, an interactive mobile library that features a collection of over 600 books all written by black women, is putting on an event to celebrate March as Women's Herstory Month. They will be discussing the controversial term "womanism." at the historic Weeksville Heritage Center at the border of Bed-Stuy and Crown Heights.

The Free Black Women's Library "uses books to build community, and explore the intersections of race, class, culture and gender while creating space that centers and celebrates the voices of Black women in literature," the group's Tumblr says.

The group will be talking about the book Temple of My Familiar written by Alice Walker, the creator of the term womanism in the 80s.

The Free Black Women's Library cites the following as Walker's definition of Womanism:

WOMANIST 1. From womanish. (Opp. of “girlish,” i.e. frivolous, irresponsible, not serious.) A black feminist or feminist of color. From the black folk expression of mothers to female children, “you acting womanish,” i.e., like a woman. Usually referring to outrageous, audacious, courageous or willful behavior. Wanting to know more and in greater depth than is considered “good” for one. Interested in grown up doings. Acting grown up. Being grown up. Interchangeable with another black folk expression: “You trying to be grown." Responsible. In charge. Serious.

2. Also: A woman who loves other women, sexually and/or nonsexually. Appreciates and prefers women’s culture, women’s emotional flexibility (values tears as natural counterbalance of laughter), and women’s strength. Sometimes loves individual men, sexually and/or nonsexually. Committed to survival and wholeness of entire people, male and female. Not a separatist, except periodically, for health. Traditionally a universalist, as in: "Mama, why are we brown, pink, and yellow, and our cousins are white, beige and black?” Ans. “Well, you know the colored race is just like a flower garden, with every color flower represented." Traditionally capable, as in: "Mama, I’m walking to Canada and I’m taking you and a bunch of other slaves with me.” Reply: “It wouldn’t be the first time.”

3. Loves music. Loves dance. Loves the moon. Loves the Spirit. Loves love and food and roundness. Loves struggle. Loves the Folk. Loves herself. Regardless.

4. Womanist is to feminist as purple is to lavender.

The group says all ages, races and genders are welcome at the event.

The discussion about womanism takes place on Saturday, March 11 from 12 - 5 p.m. at the Weeksville Heritage Center at 158 Buffalo Ave. in Brooklyn.

Photo via Free Black Women's Library