Date of Birth: December 16, 1946
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Biography
Barbara Smith is an influential American activist, feminist, and author, best known for her groundbreaking work in the fields of race, gender, and class. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, she has dedicated her life to advocating for the rights of marginalized communities, particularly women of color. Smith co-founded the Combahee River Collective, a Black feminist organization, in 1974, and was instrumental in the publication of the Combahee River Collective Statement, a seminal work in the history of contemporary feminism and progressive politics. Throughout her career, Barbara Smith has written extensively on the intersections of race, class, and gender, and has been a vocal advocate for social justice and equality. In addition to her activism, Smith has had a profound impact on academia, teaching at numerous institutions and contributing to scholarly works that continue to influence feminist thought. She has received several awards for her contributions to literature and social justice, and her writings have been published in various journals and anthologies.
5 Interesting Facts about Barbara Smith
1. Barbara Smith co-founded the Kitchen Table: Women of Color Press, the first U.S. publisher dedicated to the writings of women of color.
2. She was an editor of the influential anthology “Home Girls: A Black Feminist Anthology” published in 1983.
3. Smith served two terms on the Albany, New York, city council, where she focused on issues of inequality and police brutality.
4. She was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005 for her lifelong commitment to social justice.
5. Barbara Smith has been a keynote speaker at numerous international conferences on feminism, race, and social justice.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Barbara Smith
1. “Feminism is the political theory and practice that struggles to free all women.”
2. “We realize that the liberation of all oppressed peoples necessitates the destruction of the political-economic systems of capitalism and imperialism as well as patriarchy.”
3. “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.”
4. “We need to build movements that truly leave no one behind.”
5. “My commitment has always been to create a world in which all people can achieve their fullest potential.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
While Barbara Smith’s work has been highly influential, activists typically do not accumulate significant wealth. Her highest net worth achieved is estimated to be modest and primarily derived from her academic and publishing endeavors.
Children
Barbara Smith does not have any children. Her life’s work has been dedicated to activism and writing, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire future generations.
Relevant Links
2. [Barbara Smith’s Profile on Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Barbara-Smith