bell hooks: the legacy of a Black feminist icon
This is the opinion of Ugbad Abdi, CSB junior, and Fardusa Ahmed, CSB junior
Author, activist and one of America’s greatest Black feminists Gloria Jean Watkins, widely known by her pen name bell hooks, passed away Dec. 15, 2021 at the age of 69.
The author of several books, including “The Will to Change,” “Ain’t I a Woman” and “Belonging.” Her books address topics such as race, gender, sexuality, femininity, black empowerment and self-love.
“Belonging” addresses many questions that run through our heads every day, like the simple essence of belonging. Everyone wants either that friend group or person who makes you feel like you matter, that your simple act of living adds joy to their life.
hooks does a phenomenal job of describing those emotions into words, especially for Black women. In a world where you’re constantly reminded that you don’t belong or that you’re taking up too much space, hooks reminds readers that everyone deserves to feel like they belong, and to not shy away from the credit you deserve.
hooks states, “Sometimes people try to destroy you, precisely because they recognize your power—not because they don’t see it, but because they see it and they don’t want it to exist.”
As important as it is to feel like you belong, it’s also important that you know you deserve it.
One thing to take away from the legacy of bell hooks is to take the time to practice self-love and self-care especially this month. Black History Month is a time to honor and celebrate the history of Black America and all that we have gone through, a time to learn and to continue to fight against racism.
However, it is also a time to practice self-care and to not overwhelm ourselves when facing the challenges and struggles that come with antiracist work.
One way you can practice self-love or self-care during Black History Month is by listening to a podcast such as “Therapy for Black Girls.” Another way is to spend some time with friends, but also don’t be afraid to take some time to yourself. I know after a long day of classes, naps always make me feel better.
Whether or not you decide to practice self-love and self-care this month, just remember that you are enough, you matter and you are doing amazing. Happy Black History Month.