Culture

Black Feminist Author bell hooks Dies at 69

The renowned writer produced over 40 books in her lifetime.

791

bell hooks, arguably one of the leading voices of Black feminism, gender and race theory, has passed away at age 69.

A pioneer for intersectional and inclusive feminism, long before we could utter the phrase, hooks used her tender yet discerning voice to empower and raise the consciousness of her readers.

Before a time where identity politics dominated political and social justice discourse, hooks put a name to the nuanced and intertwined oppressive forces that make up the white cis-hetero capitalist patriarchy.

Born Gloria Jean Watkins in the racially segregated town of Hopskinville, Kentucky, the poet, critic and memoirist authored over 40 books under a pseudonym inspired by her great-grandmother Bell Blair Hooks.

After publishing her first book of poetry in 1978, hooks went onto write the acclaimed Ain’t I A Woman: Black Women and Feminism, articulating undeniable truths of the lived experiences of women of color and marginalized groups. Before the #MeToo and Black Lives Matter movements, hooks recognized the way that one’s race or socio-economic status inevitably affected their lives and impacted their freedom and existence in a world not built for or by them.

While the loss of an extraordinarily talented and gifted writer is insurmountable, hooks has surely left a legacy that has inspired many to continue her work.

Writer Min Jin Lee and former student of hooks eloquently says her teacher’s work “opened the door, the windows and raised the roof in my mind,” according to The New York Times.

See a statement from bell hooks’ family regarding her passing below.

Read Full Article
Text By
Share this article

What to Read Next

Hwasa Unleashes Her Creative Imagination for 'Guilty Pleasure'
Music

Hwasa Unleashes Her Creative Imagination for 'Guilty Pleasure'

The MAMAMOO member returns with a new solo single album.

YEEZY Gap Restocks Round Jacket in 3 Colorways
Fashion

YEEZY Gap Restocks Round Jacket in 3 Colorways

The highly coveted piece is now available in red, blue and black.

Lauren Jauregui Talks Healing Over "Abusive" 'The X Factor' Experience as Part of Fifth Harmony
Culture

Lauren Jauregui Talks Healing Over "Abusive" 'The X Factor' Experience as Part of Fifth Harmony

Also describing her relationship with 5H as a “sisterhood.”

Nike Teases New Blazer Mid "Voodoo"
Footwear

Nike Teases New Blazer Mid "Voodoo"

With a mini removable voodoo doll.

Grimes' New Demo Hints at a Toxic Relationship and Future Daughter's Name
Music

Grimes' New Demo Hints at a Toxic Relationship and Future Daughter's Name

The artist also considers retiring from the industry to pursue tech.

Take a First Look at Billie Eilish's Upcoming Air Force 1
Footwear

Take a First Look at Billie Eilish's Upcoming Air Force 1

Featuring a secret message on the insoles.

Helmut Lang Adds Sparkle to Its Pre-Fall 2022 Collection
Fashion

Helmut Lang Adds Sparkle to Its Pre-Fall 2022 Collection

Reflective trench coats and mini bags shine in the new capsule.

Chris Noth Responds to What Happens to Mr. Big on 'And Just Like That...' (Spoiler)
Film & TV

Chris Noth Responds to What Happens to Mr. Big on 'And Just Like That...' (Spoiler)

The actor gets into details about the infamous scene.

Unbox Byredo's Stunning Gift Sets
Beauty 

Unbox Byredo's Stunning Gift Sets

Presented by Byredo
Decorated around the spirit of Madhubani.

Secure Your Telfar Shopping Bag via HBX
Fashion

Secure Your Telfar Shopping Bag via HBX

Arriving in “Chocolate” this time around.

More ▾
 

Looks like you’re using an ad-blocker

We charge advertisers instead of our readers. Support us by whitelisting our site.

Whitelist Us

How to Whitelist Us

screenshot
  1. Click the AdBlock icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Under “Pause on this site” click “Always”.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the AdBlock Plus icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Block ads on – This website” switch off the toggle to turn it from blue to gray.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the AdBlocker Ultimate icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Switch off the toggle to turn it from “Enabled on this site” to “Disabled on this site”.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the Ghostery icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Click on the “Ad-Blocking” button at the bottom. It will turn gray and the text above will go from “ON” to “OFF”.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the UBlock Origin icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Click on the large blue power icon at the top.
  3. When it turns gray, click the refresh icon that has appeared next to it or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the icon of the ad-blocker extension installed on your browser.You’ll usually find this icon in the upper right-hand corner of your screen. You may have more than one ad-blocker installed.
  2. Follow the instructions for disabling the ad blocker on the site you’re viewing.You may have to select a menu option or click a button.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.