An intellectually stimulating and motivating conversation (about Black Feminisms)!

This past Thursday I had the pleasure of not only attending professors Beverly Guy-Sheftall and Paul Gidding's "A Conversation about Black Feminisms" but the private luncheon with them as well. Between both activities I had the opportunity to hear about how Seftall and Giddings became feminists, their personal experiences and the process and motivation behind Gidding's IDA: A Sword Among Lions. Out of the two, I enjoyed the luncheon the most. The luncheon was where the black feminist scholars spoke more on their journeys and personal experiences. There was more time for questions and although I did not ask any during the actual lunch, I did spend a good amount of time speaking with both of them afterwards and then again after the conversation. Not only was able to speak more with Gidding's about her new biography but we laughed over the similarities about our mothers and how they would never call themselves a feminist but have so many obvious traits! When talking with Sheftall I learned a lot about Spelman College (a school I was always considering to attend) and what it's like to teach Women's Studies courses there and I even left with a great topic for my research paper for my Black Political Thought class.

Most importantly I was motivated by these women. There was was overwhelming amount of intelligence and passion they exuded about black feminism and feminism in general. Yes this is reflected in their work as writers, professors and activists, but it was a pleasure to see and hear about it first hand. While they repeatedly encouraged me to study Women's Studies further then this Intro class, they may not have realized that I was already encouraged just by listening to their discussion. I'm really glad that they came to Wheaton and that I had the two opportunities in one day to get to know them, have questions answered and gain motivation in staying strong and true to who I am and open to growing physically, mentally and spiritually as a young black woman.