Today we lost a pillar in the world of Black feminist theory, bell hooks. hooks, was born Gloria Jean Watkins Sept. 25, 1952 in Hopkinsville, Ky as one of seven children. She gained notoriety as a writer and educator, authoring more than 30 books discussing theories of love, gender, race and class through an intersectional lens.
“She published her first book, “Ain’t I a Woman? Black Women and Feminism” in 1981. Her literary career continued with more than 40 books of including essays, poetry and children’s books. Her topics include feminism, racism, culture, politics, gender roles, love, and spirituality.
In 2004, she returned to Kentucky to teach at Berea College. Another book, “Belonging: A Culture of Place,” discussed her move back. In 2010, the school opened the bell hooks Institute at Berea College.
The institute houses her collection of contemporary African-American art, personal artifacts and copies of her books published in other languages. The center has attracted visitors such as Gloria Steinem, actress Emma Watson and Cornel West,” (Herald Leader).
