What Primary Sources Can I Use To Gain A Deeper Understanding Of The Intersectional Feminist Approach Of Pauli Murray, A Lesser-known Civil Rights Activist, And How Did Her Experiences As A Queer Woman Of Color Inform Her Advocacy For Women's Rights And Racial Equality Within The Movement?

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To gain a deeper understanding of Pauli Murray's intersectional feminist approach and how her experiences as a queer woman of color informed her advocacy, consider exploring the following primary sources and analyzing her work through the lens of her unique identity:

Primary Sources:

  1. "Proud Shoes: The Story of an American Family" (1956)
    Murray's autobiography offers insights into her family history and personal experiences, highlighting the intersectionality of race, gender, and class.

  2. "Dark Testament and Other Poems" (1970)
    Her poetry reflects her emotional and intellectual responses to race, gender, and identity, providing a personal perspective on her struggles and advocacy.

  3. "Sex is a Scrutinized Script" (1973)
    Co-authored with Mary O. Eastwood, this legal brief is a seminal work connecting race and gender discrimination, exemplifying her legal approach to intersectionality.

  4. "The Liberation of Black Women" (1970)
    An essay outlining her feminist theories and the need for liberation from both racial and gender oppression.

  5. Pauli Murray Papers, Schlesinger Library, Harvard University
    This collection includes her personal correspondence, speeches, and organizational records, offering a comprehensive view of her activism.

  6. "Pauli Murray: Selected Writings"
    A compilation of her essays, speeches, and letters, showcasing her evolution as a thinker and advocate.

  7. "States' Laws on Race and Color" (1951)
    A legal analysis of segregation laws, demonstrating her commitment to challenging racial discrimination.

  8. "Song in a Weary Throat: An American Pilgrimage" (1987)
    Murray's memoir detailing her later life, including her journey into theology and priesthood.

Analysis of Her Advocacy:

  • Intersectional Approach: Murray's work consistently bridged racial and gender issues, as seen in her legal briefs and organizational involvement with NOW, ACLU, and NAACP. Her experiences as a queer woman of color led her to advocate for a more inclusive civil rights movement.

  • Personal Influences: Her autobiography and poetry reveal her queer identity and the challenges faced, influencing her push for inclusivity in feminist and civil rights movements.

  • Legal and Activist Contributions: Murray's legal scholarship and activism laid the groundwork for future intersectional theories, emphasizing the need to address both race and gender in seeking equality.

By examining these sources, one can trace how Murray's unique identity shaped her advocacy, contributing significantly to the development of intersectional feminist thought.