Combahee River Collective Statement

The Combahee River Collective was a Black feminist, lesbian, and socialist group based in Boston, Massachusetts, that operated from 1974 to 1980. It emerged from a desire to address the intersectional oppressions faced by Black women, which were not adequately addressed by the feminist or civil rights movements of the time.1

The group's foundational document, "The Combahee River Collective Statement," is considered a key text in contemporary Black feminism. It asserts the inherent value of Black women and states that their liberation is essential for universal freedom, as it would necessitate dismantling all systems of oppression. The statement highlights the dual struggles against racism and sexism, as well as economic challenges, and advocates for action against oppression based on race, sex, and class.1

Although the collective was short-lived, it significantly impacted Black feminism by centering the voices of Black transgender and queer women and prioritizing class and socioeconomic struggles. The collective coined influential terms like "identity politics" and "interlocking oppression".1