AFRICANA WOMANISM
First published in 1993, this is a new edition of the classic text in which Clenora Hudson-Weems sets out a paradigm for women of African descent. Examining the status, struggles and experiences of the Africana woman forced into exile in Europe, Latin America, the United States or at Home in Africa, the theory outlines the experience of Africana women as unique and separate from that of some other women of color, and, of course, from white women. Differentiating itself from the problematic theories of Western feminisms, Africana Womanism allows an establishment of cultural identity and relationship directly to ancestry and land.
This new edition includes five new chapters as well as an evolution of the classic Africana womanist paradigm, to that of Africana-Melanated Womanism. It shows how race, class and gender must be prioritized in the fight against every day racial dominance. Africana Womanism: Reclaiming Ourselves offers a new term and paradigm for women of African descent. A family-centered concept, prioritizing race, class and gender, it offers eighteen features of the Africana womanist (self-namer, self-definer, family-centered, genuine in sisterhood, strong, in concert with male in the liberation struggle, whole, authentic, flexible role player, respected, recognized, spiritual, male compatible, respectful of elders, adaptable, ambitious, mothering, nurturing), applying them to characters in novels by Hurston, B, Marshall, Morrison and McMillan. It evolves from Africana Womanism to Africana-Melanated Womanism.
This is an important work and essential reading for researchers and students in women and gender studies, Africana studies, African-American studies, literary studies and cultural studies, particularly with the emergence of family centrality (community and collective engagement), the very cornerstone of Africana Womanism since its inception.
Clenora Hudson-Weems coined the concept of Africana Womanism. She has written several books on the concept, in addition to significant works on Emmett Till and Toni Morrison. Recipient of numerous awards, she was distinguished Honoree for the 1st International Africana Womanism Conference at the University of Zimbabwe, 2010.
Clenora Hudson-Weems continues her robust theoretical and analytical inquiry into the nature of Africana Womanism with this powerful work. Unquestionably, Hudson-Weems is the most important theorist writing on this aspect of the African world. I recommend this book and suggest that it should be high on the list of valuable contributions to your syllabus and general reading. Salute!
Molefi Kete Asante, author of
The History of AfricaThree things are primary to any discussion of Womanist thought: the people, the language and the land. In this New Edition, Clenora Hudson-Weems links these key features while reminding us of race, gender and family centrality to Black communal wholeness. As one of the originators of womanist thought, everything Hudson-Weems has to say about the subject is important to know. The books new section makes this text not only important but also essential to any serious study of Africana womanist thought and its contemporary development. She offers complex and provocative discussions that deepen our consideration of what an Africana womanist is, does, perceives, and preserves. I recommend it for courses and personal, intellectual gratification. se.
Rev. Debra Walker King, author of
African Americans and the Culture of PainCongratulations to Dr. Hudson-Weems for yet another pace-setting and mind-liberating volume. Africana Womanism (New Edition) is not just an idea in the academe. More important, it is a living part of the everyday energy and struggles for self-definition and self-naming that Africans, wherever they are, pursue with unmitigated commitment.
Itai Muhwati, editor of
Dariro: African Theory of Participation and PerformanceClenora continues to advance Africana Womanism theory in this important volume, wherein the process began with self-naming and self-defining. This allows for a solid identifying and refining of an African-centered paradigm for worldwide Africana-Melanated women. From this, the ultimate ensues, as the theory, characterized by affirmation and engagement, seeks to unite the Africana woman and man in the on-going struggle for human survival. In so doing, the struggle continues in their communities, their countries and the world until ultimately total equity prevails.
Adele S. Newson-Horst, author of
Zora Neale Hurston: A Reference GuideAfricana Womanism represents Dr. Clenora Hudson-Weems perception about the urgent need for Africana-Melanated people to strategize workable means by which to solidify true survival for our own. The question is, If we dont, then who will make possible the continuation of our legacy? This book speaks directly to the issue of justice, and that means real equity for all on all levels, race, class and gender. Its a meaningful book for all to read!
Lillian A. Smith, Entrepreneur and Former Senior Producer for the
Phil Donahue ShowFifth edition published 2020
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2020 Clenora Hudson-Weems
The right of Clenora Hudson-Weems to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by her in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or utilised in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publishers.
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First edition published by Bedford Publishers, Inc. 1993
Fourth revised edition published by Bedford Publishers, Inc. 2004
British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Hudson-Weems, Clenora, author.
Title: Africana womanism : reclaiming ourselves / Clenora Hudson-Weems.
Description: Second edition. | London ; New York : Routledge, 2020. | Includes bibliographical references and index.
Identifiers: LCCN 2019020390 | ISBN 9780367253622 (hardback) | ISBN 9780367253639 (paperback)
Subjects: LCSH: Feminist theory. | Women, BlackSocial conditions. | Feminism. | Racism. | LiteratureBlack authorsHistory and criticism. | LiteratureWomen authorsHistory and criticism. | Women and literature. | Womanism.
Classification: LCC HQ1190 .H83 2019 | DDC 305.48/896073dc23
