Project Statement
 Audre Lorde circa 1960s via Twitter
Process of a Poet's Prose: Audre Lorde is one of the most influential black feminist writers of our century. Her compelling language and direct speech conveys a truth and unapologetic power for marginally underrepresented groups in America. Lorde’s impact is seen in many areas of literary expression; her self-proclaimed multifaceted titles allows her to excel in many different areas including but not limited to her works in poetry, activism, oration, and essay writing. This project will take a look at three of her speeches in depth and dissect personal changes made by Lorde in order to perfect her craft that would soon be heard by hundreds if not thousands of people. Her speeches are meticulous, and geared towards the interaction and reception of large crowds, therefore I choose to focus on her writing process through drafting some of the most prolific black, feminist, lesbian writings of our time. I hope to gain and share knowledge on Lorde’s attention to meaning and assertion throughout her works, and exhibit the process needed to form a speech that seeks to invite and affect an audience.
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When I dare to be powerful—to use my strength in the service of my vision—then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.” |
Audre Lorde with Students circa 1975, Curtsey of Spelman College, Audre Lorde Papers
Biography
Life and Legacy: Audre Lorde (1934-1992) was a prominent American poet, essayist, and activist who is widely recognized as one of the most influential feminist and civil rights leaders of the 20th century. Her work explored the intersections of race, gender, sexuality, and class, and she was an outspoken advocate for social justice and equality.
Lorde was born in New York City to Caribbean immigrant parents and grew up in Harlem. She attended Hunter College and received a Bachelors and Master’s degree in library science from Columbia University in 1961 and 1962. In the 1970s, Lorde emerged as a leading voice in the feminist and civil rights movements. She was a co-founder of the Women's Coalition of St. Croix and the Kitchen Table: Women of Color Press, which published the work of women of color. Lorde was also a key figure in the Black feminist movement, and her work was influential in shaping the movement's ideas and strategies.
Lorde's writing was characterized by its honesty, passion, and willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about society and the human experience. Her most famous works include "The Cancer Journals" (1980), a memoir of her battle with breast cancer; "Zami: A New Spelling of My Name" (1982), a memoir of her childhood and coming of age; and "Sister Outsider" (1984), a collection of essays and speeches that explore the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality.
Lorde's impact on the feminist and civil rights movements was profound. She helped to expand the definition of feminism to include the experiences of women of color, and her work inspired a generation of activists and writers to fight for social justice and equality. She was also a powerful advocate for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, and her writing helped to create a space for queer voices in the feminist movement.
Today, Lorde's legacy lives on through her writing and activism, which continue to inspire and empower people around the world. She is remembered as a pioneering thinker, writer, and activist who challenged societal norms and fought tirelessly for justice and equality.
Lorde was born in New York City to Caribbean immigrant parents and grew up in Harlem. She attended Hunter College and received a Bachelors and Master’s degree in library science from Columbia University in 1961 and 1962. In the 1970s, Lorde emerged as a leading voice in the feminist and civil rights movements. She was a co-founder of the Women's Coalition of St. Croix and the Kitchen Table: Women of Color Press, which published the work of women of color. Lorde was also a key figure in the Black feminist movement, and her work was influential in shaping the movement's ideas and strategies.
Lorde's writing was characterized by its honesty, passion, and willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about society and the human experience. Her most famous works include "The Cancer Journals" (1980), a memoir of her battle with breast cancer; "Zami: A New Spelling of My Name" (1982), a memoir of her childhood and coming of age; and "Sister Outsider" (1984), a collection of essays and speeches that explore the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality.
Lorde's impact on the feminist and civil rights movements was profound. She helped to expand the definition of feminism to include the experiences of women of color, and her work inspired a generation of activists and writers to fight for social justice and equality. She was also a powerful advocate for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, and her writing helped to create a space for queer voices in the feminist movement.
Today, Lorde's legacy lives on through her writing and activism, which continue to inspire and empower people around the world. She is remembered as a pioneering thinker, writer, and activist who challenged societal norms and fought tirelessly for justice and equality.
Game Plan
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I will essentially be taking you through a journey through Audre Lorde’s production; we will start with a handwritten/heavily annotated 1st page of her work, progress to a more refined, minorly edited 1st page, and finally presenting a link to the published essay that has made its way into the hands of many. What changes will we find? Let's have a look shall we...
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By: Janelle Branker
website created for Dr. Sturm's ENGL 4300
Senior Seminar at Georgia State University, Spring 2023
website created for Dr. Sturm's ENGL 4300
Senior Seminar at Georgia State University, Spring 2023
