.@TheBarbaraSmith was among the first to define an African American women’s literary tradition and to build Black women’s studies and Black feminism in the United States. She has been politically active in many movements for social justice since the 1960s.

Smith’s lecture, “What I Believe,” will be an intimate exploration into her life as a trailblazer who broke new ground as a Black feminist, lesbian, activist, author, publisher, and independent scholar who inspired generations.

“I am so honored to serve as the Hess Scholar-in-Residence... At a time when some in our nation wish to limit the information and ideas that students can access, I look forward to expansive dialogues with members of Brooklyn College’s wonderfully diverse community.”