"We Was Girls Together": Black Sisterhood & its Restorative Influence Against Systemic Oppression by emily rodriguez

"Sisters in Arms" by Audre Lorde (1986)

rodriguezemily9262 — 2024-12-07 07:58:36 UTC

In Audre Lorde's poem "Sisters in Arms", Lorde explores the relationship between two Black women, one South African and one American, who are lovers. The poem alludes to a period of military conflict in South Africa in the 19th century to draw a parallel to the then-current conflict in apartheid South Africa. The speaker sheds light on the manner in which the loss of Black lives due to the conflict is ignored, and the rage she and her partner feel towards the world's injustices. On their final night together before the speaker's partner must leave for her country, they share in their fury, love, and loyalty to one another. Lorde's poem transcends being a story of two lovers, but one of two women who understand the other's struggle and their vow to defend the other.

Sula by Toni Morrison (1973)

rodriguezemily9262 — 2024-12-07 08:01:49 UTC

Toni Morrison's Sula tells the story of two young Black girls: Nel and Sula. While in childhood they are inseparable, they grow apart as they grow older and choose distinct paths; Nel choosing to follow social conventions, marry, and settle down, while Sula chooses to leave their small hometown of The Bottom and forge an unconventional path for herself. After a decade, Sula returns to The Bottom, much to the dismay of the community. Though Sula is hated by the people of The Bottom for her nonconformity, Nel remains loyal to her, even when Sula betrays her. Sula and Nel serve as parallels to one another, and Morrison's novel serves to examine the effect social conventions have on young Black women.

"sisters" by Lucille Clifton (1987)

rodriguezemily9262 — 2024-12-07 08:20:38 UTC

Lucille Clifton's "sisters" is dedicated to Clifton's younger sister Elaine, and describes the bond between two sisters over the course of their lives, from childhood to when they have their own children. The speaker illustrates their inseparability throughout the changes and hardships they experience in life; it is through their inter-dependency and loyalty to each other that they protect themselves.

Curation Statement

rodriguezemily9262 — 2024-12-08 00:53:28 UTC

Reflection Question

rodriguezemily9262 — 2024-12-08 00:56:26 UTC

How do the included authors describe their experience with sisterhood? In what ways do you believe racial and sexual discrimination contribute to their work? Why do you believe unity is so vital to marginalized communities?