Womanist AIDS Activism in the United States: "It's Who We Are"

Womanist AIDS Activism in the United States: It's Who We Are explores how race, gender, and identity influence the motivations and approaches of Black women activists working to combat AIDS. It utilizes womanism as an epistemological framework to better understand their experiences and proposes how it can be applied more broadly to examinations of community engagement among women of color, particularly Black women.

Format: Hardback
Length: 152 pages
Publication date: 15 January 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

Womanist AIDS Activism in the United States: It's Who We Are is a comprehensive examination of the tireless efforts of Black women in advocating for AIDS awareness and support. HIV/AIDS has had a devastating impact on Black women, not only resulting in high infection and mortality rates but also placing them at the forefront of caring for family, friends, and community members affected by the virus. To delve into the intricacies of this activism, Angelique Harris and Omar Mushtaq conducted in-depth interviews with 36 activists from diverse parts of the country. Through their conversations, the authors sought to understand how race, gender, and identity shape the motivations and strategies employed by these activists.

Drawing upon the womanist epistemological framework, which centers the worldviews of women of color, the authors aim to provide a more comprehensive understanding of this activism within the broader sociocultural and historical context. They argue that womanism offers a more accurate portrayal of the experiences of Black women compared to feminism or Black feminism.

In the book, the authors offer an in-depth analysis of womanism, exploring its core principles and how they can be applied to examinations of community engagement among women of color, particularly Black women. They highlight the importance of recognizing the intersectionality of various forms of oppression and discrimination and advocate for a holistic approach that addresses the unique needs and challenges faced by Black women in the fight against AIDS.

Through their compelling storytelling and insightful analysis, Womanist AIDS Activism in the United States: It's Who We Are sheds light on the critical role played by Black women in the AIDS movement. It serves as a powerful testament to their resilience, courage, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those affected by the virus. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of AIDS advocacy and the ongoing struggle for social justice.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793636515