Demita Frazier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Demita Frazier
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| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Northeastern University (JD) |
| Occupation | Independent Scholar, Writer, Social Justice Activist |
| Movement | Black Feminism |
Demita Frazier is an important Black feminist, writer, and activist. She is one of the people who helped start the Combahee River Collective (CRC). For over 50 years, she has worked tirelessly for fairness and freedom for everyone.
Early Life and Activism
Born in the 1950s, Demita Frazier grew up during a time of big changes in America. Events like the Civil Rights Movement, the Black Power Movement, and the Women's Movement from 1967-1969 helped her understand politics. She called this her "political awakening." A book called Woman Power: The Movement for Women's Liberation by Celestine Ware was very important to her.
Frazier began her activism in high school. She helped organize a student walkout to protest the Vietnam War. Later, she left traditional school to study on her own. She joined political groups like the Chicago Black Panther's Breakfast Program and the Jane Collective.
Frazier then moved to Boston and continued her organizing work. There, she met Barbara Smith and Beverly Smith through the National Black Feminist Organization (NBFO). These connections led to the creation of the Combahee River Collective. In 1983, Frazier interviewed Diane Dujon about issues faced by working women. This interview was published in Sojourner: The Women's Forum. Demita Frazier also earned a law degree from Northeastern University.
The Combahee River Collective
The Combahee River Collective (CRC) was founded in 1974. It helped build a stronger foundation for Black feminism. The group chose its name to honor Harriet Tubman. In 1863, Tubman bravely led a campaign that freed over 750 enslaved people at South Carolina's Combahee River.
The main goal of the CRC was to share the experiences of African-American women with society. In 1974, they released their "Combahee River Collective Statement." This statement was one of the first times the idea of "identity politics" was used. It was also a key part of critical race theory.
As a founder of the CRC, Demita Frazier's ideas are always remembered when the group is mentioned. A major contribution of the CRC statement was recognizing "intersecting oppressions." This idea came before the term intersectionality was created by Kimberlé Crenshaw. Frazier explained in the book How We Get Free that she wrote in an early draft of the statement: "...we stand at the intersection where our identities are indivisible." This means that different parts of who you are, like being Black and being a woman, are connected and cannot be separated.
The CRC and its statement helped define Black Feminism. Their words and legacy still influence it today. For Frazier, Black Feminism shows "Black women's power. Black women's agency. Black women's right to look at their material conditions, analyze it, interrogate it, and come away with an analysis that's about empowerment." This means Black women have the right to understand their lives and gain strength from that understanding.
The impact of the CRC can be seen in many important books about Black Feminist Thought. These include Words of Fire: An Anthology of African-American Feminist Thought and Mouths of Rain: An Anthology of Black Lesbian Thought.
The Combahee River Collective stopped working together in 1980. Frazier, along with Barbara Smith and Beverly Smith, wrote the group's final statement.
Later Life and Continued Activism
Demita Frazier has taught and given lectures across the New England area. She has taught at places like Bunker Hill Community College.
In 2017, Frazier spoke about how important it is for different generations to work together. She said she dreams of "deep listening across the generations." This means truly hearing and understanding each other, even when it's difficult. She believes that working for political change is hard, especially when different groups come together. It takes discipline to listen, accept different ideas, and show respect.
When asked how she keeps going in her fight for freedom, Frazier said: "I am unwilling to give up this fight for freedom, for all people, especially Black people." She finds inspiration in others who are also committed to this struggle. She feels connected to the energy of many "quietly brave, unwavering people" who have fought for freedom.
Frazier continues to challenge unfair systems like white supremacy. She works to end harm against Black women (misogynoir) and unfair power structures. She has been dedicated to Black feminist social justice rights for over 44 years.
On March 7, 2019, Frazier gave a lecture at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. She talked about how architectural design in cities can affect minority communities. On February 3, 2023, she spoke at Northeastern University's bell hooks Symposium. She discussed why black feminism is important and how Black women's voices need to be heard.
On May 22, 2024, Demita Frazier and Barbara Smith were interviewed by Black Women Radicals. This was to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Combahee River Collective.
Frazier practices Buddhism and believes in showing kindness to others. When she is not working, she enjoys gardening and cooking.
