Audre Lorde

Audrey Geraldine Lorde

(February 18, 1934 – November 17, 1992)

American pioneer and visionary

American writer and producer, professor, philosopher, and civil rights activist. co-founded Kitchen Table: Women of Color Press, and spoke at the 1979 National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights.

Audrey was recognized as a trailblazing intersectional feminist, she described herself as a “black, lesbian, feminist, socialist, mother, warrior, poet.” Lorde dedicated her life to addressing various forms of injustice, advocating for the belief that there could be “no hierarchy of oppressions.”

In her distinguished career as a poet, Lorde gained acclaim for her technical mastery and emotional expression. Her poems skillfully articulate anger and outrage in response to civil and social injustices. As a spoken word artist, she was lauded for her powerful, melodic, and intense delivery by the Poetry Foundation. Lorde’s literary works delve into themes encompassing civil rights, feminism, lesbianism, illness, disability, and the exploration of black female identity. Her achievements and awards underscore her significant contributions to literature and activism.

Audrey Lorde was born on February 18, 1934, in New York City to Caribbean immigrants, Audre Geraldine Lorde was the daughter of Frederick Byron Lorde, known as Byron. Originally from Barbados, Byron captured the heart of Linda Gertrude Belmar Lorde, a Grenadian with mixed ancestry. Despite challenges due to Byron’s darker complexion, the couple settled in Harlem, starting a family with three daughters—Phyllis, Helen, and the youngest, Audre.

Audre, nearsighted to the point of legal blindness, grew up in the rich storytelling ambiance of her mother’s tales about the West Indies. Learning to talk and read simultaneously at the age of four, she wrote her inaugural poem in eighth grade. Despite her given name being Audrey Geraldine, she embraced the artistic symmetry of “Audre Lorde” over her parents’ intended spelling.

However, Audre’s relationship with her parents, particularly her mother, Linda, was fraught with difficulty. The Belmar family’s reservations about Byron’s darker skin led to a marriage allowed only due to his charm and persistence. Linda, deeply suspicious of those with darker skin, enforced strict family rules, fostering a tough love dynamic. This strained relationship, especially with her mother, would later shape Audre’s poetic expressions.

As a child, Audre grappled with communication challenges, finding solace and power in poetry. By the age of twelve, she began crafting her own verses, connecting with fellow “outcasts” at school. Despite attending parochial schools, she faced rejection from her school’s literary journal but found her voice in Seventeen magazine. In high school, Audre participated in Harlem Writers Guild poetry workshops, where she felt somewhat of an outcast.

Her father, Byron, passed away from a stroke around New Year’s 1953, a significant event documented in her autobiography, “Zami: A New Spelling of My Name.” This early loss would shape Audre’s perspective and contribute to the complexities explored in her later works.

“Zami: A New Spelling of My Name,” published in 1982, is a groundbreaking biomythography by the American poet Audre Lorde. In this work, Lorde introduces a novel genre she terms biomythography, seamlessly weaving together elements of history, biography, and myth. Within the narrative, Lorde explains that “Zami” signifies “a Carriacou name for women who work together as friends and lovers.” She highlights that Carriacou is the Caribbean island from which her mother originated. On November 5, 2019, the BBC News listed Zami: A New Spelling of My Name on its list of the 100 most influential novels.

Audrey’s career has been a world-traveled experience as we indulge in her journey and iconic leadership.

In 1954, Audre Lorde embarked on a transformative journey as a student at the National University of Mexico, an experience she characterized as a time of self-affirmation and rejuvenation. This pivotal year marked the confirmation of her identity as both a lesbian and a poet on personal and artistic levels. Upon returning to New York, Lorde pursued her education at Hunter College, graduating in 1959. During her time there, she worked as a librarian, engaged in writing, and actively participated in the vibrant gay culture of Greenwich Village. Continuing her educational pursuits, Lorde earned a master’s degree in library science from Columbia University in 1961, concurrently working as a public librarian in Mount Vernon, New York.

In 1962, Lorde married attorney Edwin Rollins, who was a white, gay man They had .two children, Elizabeth and Jonathan. In 1966, Lorde became head librarian at Town School Library in New York City, where she remained until 1968.She and Rollins divorced in 1970.

In 1968, Lorde became a writer-in-residence at Tougaloo College in Mississippi, mirroring the formative experiences she had during her year at the National University of Mexico. At Tougaloo, she conducted workshops with young black undergraduate students, delving into discussions about the prevalent civil rights issues of the time. This period played a crucial role in shaping her artistic identity and led to the creation of her book of poems, “Cables to Rage.”

Audre Lorde’s exploration of difference extended beyond group disparities to internal conflicts within individuals. She embraced her role as an outsider, recognizing both its strength and vulnerability. Lorde emphasized the indispensability of community for liberation and envisioned herself as part of a “continuum of women” and a “concert of voices.”

This multifaceted selfhood manifested in her diverse literary genres, reflecting a multicultural perspective where individual cultures merged into a cohesive whole. Lorde resisted categorization, determined to be perceived as an individual rather than a stereotype. Identifying as a “lesbian, mother, warrior, poet,” she utilized poetry to convey this message.

During the 1960s, Lorde’s poetry found regular publication in various anthologies and literary magazines. Engaging politically, she actively participated in civil rights, anti-war, and feminist movements. In 1968, her first volume, “The First Cities,” marked a quiet yet impactful debut, exploring themes of Black identity. Subsequent works like “Cables to Rage” (1970) and “From a Land Where Other People Live” (1974) delved into personal struggles, anger, and the complexities of identity.

However, it was the release of “Coal” in 1976 that catapulted Lorde into wider recognition within the Black Arts Movement. Published by Norton, the volume consolidated her themes of racial injustice, the celebration of Black identity, and a call for intersectional consideration. Followed by works like “The Black Unicorn” (1978), Lorde reclaimed African female identity, challenging existing ideas within the Black Arts Movement.

As Lorde aged, her poetry evolved, becoming more open and personal. In “Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches,” she expressed the transformative power of poetry in giving name to the nameless and providing sanctuaries for radical ideas. This collection further highlighted Lorde’s challenge to European-American traditions, solidifying her position as a trailblazer in literature and activism.

Residing on Staten Island from 1972 to 1987, Lorde co-founded the influential Kitchen Table: Women of Color Press, where she continued her roles as a writer and educator. In 1977, she became an associate of the Women’s Institute for Freedom of the Press (WIFP), contributing to the organization’s mission of enhancing communication among women and promoting women-based media.

Lorde’s dedication to education was evident in her teaching roles at Lehman College and John Jay College of Criminal Justice, where she advocated for the establishment of a black studies department. In 1981, she assumed the distinguished Thomas Hunter chair at Hunter College.

In 1980, alongside Barbara Smith and Cherríe Moraga, Lorde co-founded Kitchen Table: Women of Color Press, the pioneering U.S. publisher for women of color. Her influence extended to serving as the State Poet of New York from 1991 to 1992.

“The Cancer Journals,” a 1980 non-fiction book penned by poet and activist Audre Lorde, delves into her personal struggle with breast cancer, intricately intertwining it with her steadfast advocacy in various social issues such as lesbian rights, civil rights, and feminism. Comprising an introduction and three chapters, the book draws from Lorde’s diary entries, offering readers a profound insight into her thoughts and emotions.

To grasp Audre Lorde’s fervor for feminist, civil rights, and lesbian issues, one must delve into her upbringing and background, recognizing their pivotal role in shaping her perspectives. Exploring the early stages of her life and her evolution as a poet contributes to a richer understanding of her magnum opus, “The Cancer Journals,” and its profound significance.

Beyond the narrative within the book, it is imperative to comprehend Lorde’s personal encounter with cancer as more than a literary theme. Her battle with cancer acts as a transformative force, influencing much of her literary works and providing a crucial context for comprehending the broader implications of “The Cancer Journals.”

The feminist undertones echoed in “The Cancer Journals” resonate strongly in Audre Lorde’s enduring legacy, leaving an indelible mark on the realms of feminist discourse and social culture at large.

Additionally, Lorde was a founding member of the Women’s Coalition of St. Croix in 1981, focusing on supporting survivors of sexual abuse and intimate partner violence. In the late 1980s, she played a role in establishing Sisterhood in Support of Sisters (SISA) in South Africa, addressing the injustices faced by black women under apartheid.

In 1984, Audre Lorde embarked on a visiting professorship at the Free University of Berlin, shaping the then-emerging Afro-German movement. Collaborating with black women activists, she coined the term “Afro-German” and fostered the Black movement in Germany. Advocating language as a potent form of resistance, Lorde mentored women like May Ayim and increased awareness of intersectionality beyond Afro-German circles. Following the fall of the Berlin Wall in December 1989, Lorde expressed her concerns in the poem “East Berlin 1989,” highlighting rising racism and her skepticism toward the transition to parliamentary liberal democracy. The impact of Lorde’s involvement in the Afro-German movement is documented in the award-winning 2012 documentary “Audre Lorde: The Berlin Years 1984–1992” by Dagmar Schultz, shedding light on her overlooked contributions to intersectionality theories.

On November 19, 1982, Audre Lorde entered into a contract with The Crossing Press, setting a tentative publication date of May 31, 1984, for her work. This marked a significant milestone, as Lorde became the inaugural major lesbian author to be signed by the press, even though the company typically refrained from accepting books represented by agents. Despite expressing concerns about feeling pressured into the contract, Lorde agreed to terms that included a modest $100 advance against royalties. The book proved to be a substantial financial triumph for the publishing firm. In 2007, The Crossing Press reissued the book, featuring a new foreword contributed by scholar and essayist Cheryl Clarke.

In 1984 she released her essay book which was called Sister Outsider : Speeches and Essays

“Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches” compiles pivotal writings by Audre Lorde, a renowned figure whose work delves into the intricacies of her multifaceted identity encompassing being a Black woman, lesbian, poet, activist, cancer survivor, mother, and feminist. Revered as a classic volume of Lorde’s influential non-fiction prose, this collection has played a transformative role in shaping contemporary feminist theories. Across fifteen essays and speeches spanning 1976 to 1984, Lorde skillfully navigates the terrain of intersectional identity, drawing directly from her personal encounters with oppression, such as sexism, heterosexism, racism, homophobia, classism, and ageism. Addressing a diverse array of subjects—from love and self-love to war, imperialism, police brutality, coalition building, violence against women, Black feminism, and movements for equality—the book advocates for recognizing and embracing differences as catalysts for societal transformation. Lorde’s reflective and insightful exploration, steeped in meditative conscious reasoning, critiques the pervasive marginalization ingrained in the white patriarchal system of the United States, offering messages of hope amidst the discourse. Widely taught and subject to extensive academic analysis, the essays in this seminal collection contribute significantly to critical social theory, portraying Lorde’s philosophical perspective that views oppressions as complex and interlocking, making her work a lasting and impactful contribution.

In 1985, Lorde joined a delegation of black women writers invited to Cuba, fostering a sense of sisterhood among black women writers. During the visit, they engaged in discussions about racism and the status of lesbians and gays in Cuba, evaluating the impact of the Cuban revolution on these issues.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Audre Lorde’s activism journey was documented in various films, showcasing her significant impact on empowering marginalized communities.

One such film, “The Berlin Years: 1984–1992,” chronicles Lorde’s time in Germany, where she led Afro-Germans in forging identities beyond stereotypes and discrimination. Facing historical systemic racism, Lorde instilled a renewed sense of empowerment. The documentary captures moments of Lorde navigating the streets with pride, despite encountering stares and discouraging words. These scenes served as a powerful visual narrative, encouraging viewers to take control of their identities and transcend societal labels. Additionally, the film educates audiences on Germany’s history of racism, providing insights into its societal evolution.

Lorde’s efforts to empower women are highlighted in the film, showcasing her role in the inception of the Afro-German movement. What started as informal gatherings among friends evolved into a significant movement. Lorde’s influence prompted black women to reject the imposed label of “Mulatto” and adopt the self-affirming term “Afro-German,” reflecting pride in their identity. Through Lorde’s inspiration, Afro-German women formed a supportive community, offering a platform for those who had never previously connected with others sharing similar experiences. The film captures the transformative impact of Lorde’s activism on diverse backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of community and self-determination.

Audre Lorde’s Battle with Cancer and Legacy

Diagnosis and Impact: Audre Lorde faced her first battle with breast cancer in 1978, leading to a mastectomy. Six years later, she received devastating news as the cancer had metastasized to her liver. Despite the challenges, she channeled her experience into the acclaimed work, “The Cancer Journals,” earning the American Library Association Gay Caucus Book of the Year Award in 1981.

Multifaceted Identity: Lorde’s life and contributions are vividly portrayed in the documentary, “A Litany for Survival: The Life and Work of Audre Lorde.” In it, she is depicted as an author, poet, human rights activist, feminist, lesbian, teacher, survivor, and crusader against bigotry. Her impactful statement, “What I leave behind has a life of its own,” underscores the enduring nature of her legacy.

Recognition and Laureateship: From 1991 until her passing in 1992, Audre Lorde held the esteemed position of New York State Poet laureate. Governor Mario Cuomo praised her as a powerful voice against racial injustice and sexual prejudice. She was posthumously honored with the Bill Whitehead Award for Lifetime Achievement in 1992, and in 2001, the Publishing Triangle established the Audre Lorde Award to celebrate lesbian poetry.

Final Days and African Naming Ceremony: Audre Lorde succumbed to breast cancer at the age of 58 on November 17, 1992, while residing in St. Croix with Gloria Joseph. Before her passing, she participated in an African naming ceremony, adopting the name Gamba Adisa, signifying “Warrior: She Who Makes Her Meaning Known.” Her life’s journey continues to inspire and resonate across diverse realms.

Audre Lorde’s Relationships and Partnerships

In 1962, Audre Lorde entered into marriage with attorney Edwin Rollins, a white, gay man. This union resulted in the birth of two children, Elizabeth and Jonathan. However, the marriage concluded in 1970, and Lorde’s professional life led her to become the head librarian at Town School Library in New York City from 1966 to 1968.

During her impactful time in Mississippi in 1968, Lorde encountered Frances Clayton, a white lesbian and psychology professor, marking the beginning of a romantic partnership that endured until 1989. In her personal life, Lorde also had a brief romantic involvement with the sculptor and painter Mildred Thompson, sparked by their meeting in Nigeria during the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture.

Her significant life partner was black feminist Dr. Gloria Joseph. Their relationship began in 1981, and after Lorde’s liver cancer diagnosis. The couple settled in St. Croix in 1986, and their partnership remained steadfast until Lorde’s passing. Together, they established several organizations, including the Che Lumumba School for Truth, Women’s Coalition of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, Sisterhood in Support of Sisters in South Africa, and Doc Loc Apiary. Audre Lorde’s personal life was marked by diverse relationships that influenced her journey as a poet, activist, and advocate.

Audre Lorde received several honors and awards throughout her life, recognizing her significant contributions as a poet, essayist, and activist. Some of the notable honors include:

1. American Library Association Gay Caucus Book of the Year Award (1981):
   • Lorde received this award for her groundbreaking work, “The Cancer Journals,” which she wrote after her battle with breast cancer.
2. Bill Whitehead Award for Lifetime Achievement (1992):
   • In recognition of her lifetime achievements, Lorde was honored with the Bill Whitehead Award by Publishing Triangle.
3. New York State Poet Laureate (1991-1992):
   • From 1991 until her passing in 1992, Audre Lorde served as the Poet Laureate of the State of New York. This prestigious position acknowledged her literary excellence and impact.
4. Audre Lorde Award (2001):
   • The Publishing Triangle instituted the Audre Lorde Award to honor outstanding works of lesbian poetry. This award is a testament to Lorde’s enduring influence on literature.

These honors reflect the recognition and appreciation of Audre Lorde’s profound impact on literature, activism, and the intersectionality of social issues. Her legacy continues to inspire and resonate across diverse communities.

Audre Lorde legacy :

• The Callen-Lorde Community Health Center in New York City, named after Michael Callen and Audre Lorde, provides healthcare for the city’s LGBT population, emphasizing inclusivity and affordability. It stands as the only primary care center specifically designed for the LGBT community in New York City.
• The Audre Lorde Project, established in 1994 in Brooklyn, focuses on community organizing and nonviolent activism for progressive causes within New York City. The organization addresses issues such as LGBT communities, AIDS and HIV activism, pro-immigrant activism, prison reform, and youth organizing, emphasizing radical inclusivity.
• In June 2019, Audre Lorde was among the inaugural fifty American figures honored on the National LGBTQ Wall of Honor within the Stonewall National Monument. The monument, the first of its kind, commemorates LGBTQ rights and history, with the wall’s unveiling coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots.
• Inducted into the Legacy Walk in 2014, an outdoor public display in Chicago, Audre Lorde’s contributions to LGBT history are celebrated.
• The Audre Lorde Award, initiated in 2001 by Publishing Triangle, recognizes outstanding works of lesbian poetry annually.

• Lorde’s residence in Staten Island received landmark designation from the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission in June 2019.
• During the United States women’s national soccer team’s match in March 2019, each player wore a jersey honoring a woman; Megan Rapinoe chose Audre Lorde.
• The archives of Audre Lorde are preserved in various repositories in the United States and Germany, including the Audre Lorde Papers at Spelman College Archives, the Audre Lorde Archive at Free University of Berlin, and the Audre Lorde collection at Lesbian Herstory Archives in New York.
• In January 2021, Audre Lorde was recognized as an official “Broad You Should Know” on the podcast Broads You Should Know.
• On February 18, 2021, Google celebrated Audre Lorde’s 87th birthday with a Google Doodle.
• On April 29, 2022, the International Astronomical Union approved the name Lorde for a crater on Mercury.
• On May 10, 2022, the intersection of 68th Street and Lexington Avenue by Hunter College was renamed “Audre Lorde Way.”
  • Her Award-Winning Books and Films
• The First Cities. New York City: Poets Press. 1968. OCLC 12420176.
• Cables to Rage. London: Paul Breman. 1970. OCLC 18047271.
• From a Land Where Other People Live. Detroit: Broadside Press. 1973. ISBN 978-0-910296-97-7.
• New York Head Shop and Museum. Detroit: Broadside Press. 1974. ISBN 978-0-910296-34-2.
• Coal. New York: W. W. Norton Publishing. 1976. ISBN 978-0-393-04446-1.
• Between Our Selves. Point Reyes, California: Eidolon Editions. 1976. OCLC 2976713.
• Hanging Fire. 1978.
• The Black Unicorn. New York: W. W. Norton Publishing. 1978. ISBN 978-0-393-31237-9.
• The Cancer Journals. San Francisco: Aunt Lute Books. 1980. ISBN 978-1-879960-73-2.
• Uses of the Erotic: the erotic as power. Tucson, Arizona: Kore Press. 1981. ISBN 978-1-888553-10-9.
• Chosen Poems: Old and New. New York: W. W. Norton Publishing. 1982. ISBN 978-0-393-30017-8.
• Zami: A New Spelling of My Name. Trumansburg, New York: The Crossing Press. 1983. ISBN 978-0-89594-122-0.
• Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches. Trumansburg, New York: The Crossing Press. 1984. ISBN 978-0-89594-141-1. (reissued 2007)
• Our Dead Behind Us. New York: W. W. Norton Publishing. 1986. ISBN 978-0-393-30327-8.
• A Burst of Light. Ithaca, New York: Firebrand Books. 1988. ISBN 978-0-932379-39-9.
• The Marvelous Arithmetics of Distance. New York: W. W. Norton Publishing. 1993. ISBN 978-0-393-03513-1.
• I Am Your Sister: Collected and Unpublished Writings of Audre Lorde. Oxford New York: Oxford University Press. 2009. ISBN 978-0-19-534148-5.
• Your Silence Will Not Protect You : Essays and Poems. Silver Press. 2017. ISBN 9780995716223.
• Book Chapters
• McClintock, Anne; Mufti, Aamir; Shohat, Ella, eds. (1997). “Age, race, class, and sex: women redefining difference”. Dangerous liaisons: gender, nation, and postcolonial perspectives. Minnesota, Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press. pp. 374–80. ISBN 978-0-8166-2649-6.
  • Interviews
• “Interview with Audre Lorde”, in Against Sadomasochism: A Radical Feminist Analysis, ed. Robin Ruth Linden (East Palo Alto, Calif.: Frog in the Well, 1982.), pp. 66–71 ISBN 0-9603628-3-5, OCLC 7877113
  • Biographical Films
• A Litany for Survival: The Life and Work of Audre Lorde (1995). Documentary by Michelle Parkeson.
• The Edge of Each Other’s Battles: The Vision of Audre Lorde (2002). Documentary by Jennifer Abod.
• Audre Lorde – The Berlin Years 1984 to 1992 (2012). Documentary by Dagmar Schultz.