Combahee River Collective

About the Author

The Combahee River Collective, a groundbreaking Black feminist organization formed in 1974 in Boston, Massachusetts, emerged from the intersections of the civil rights, Black power, and women's liberation movements. Comprising Black women activists, scholars, and artists, the collective articulated a radical vision of identity politics that centered the experiences of Black women facing multiple oppressions based on race, gender, class, and sexuality. Their seminal 1977 statement, a cornerstone of Black feminist theory, called for the dismantling of interlocking systems of domination and inspired generations of intersectional activists worldwide. Through their writings and advocacy, the Combahee River Collective challenged mainstream feminism to address racism and imperialism, fostering solidarity among marginalized communities. Their enduring legacy continues to shape contemporary social justice discourses, emphasizing collective liberation and self-determination.