Audre Lorde was a poet, mother, feminist, and author who devoted herself to elevating women in all of her works. For many years, she was an activist who roared life into equality up until she had nothing left to give. Being the author of over twenty novels, Lorde not only shared her work with the world but inspired those who needed it most. Through the power of pen to paper, she uplifted and motivated many who were just like her. She not only left behind her wonderful writings, but she also created emotions everlasting.
The Black Unicorn by Audre Lorde
The Black Unicorn compiles poems around multiple topics of conversation including violence that affects young black men and women as well as mentioning the cultural aspects of African American culture. She also addresses friendship, youthfulness, love, and fear. Lorde blends urban scenes with individual experiences, gathers inspiration from injustice, and promotes change in her bold writing.
“The black unicorn is restless, the black unicorn is unrelenting, the black unicorn is not free.”
- Audre Lorde, The Black Unicorn
Your Silence Will Not Protect You by Audre Lorde
An interesting thing about Audre Lorde is that she is the child of immigrant parents. Like many of us worldwide, we often feel like we are out of place or aren’t welcome in a certain place; whether that is a physical place or simply our own minds.
Lorde’s collection of poems describes her experiences throughout her life including the experience of identity and belonging. She uses her hope and the power of words to help her readers reach a better tomorrow. To feel everything, to love everyone, and to accept what the world has to offer. I don’t know about you, but this seems like something the world could use right now.
“My silences had not protected me. Your silence will not protect you.”
- Audre Lorde, The Cancer Journals
Poetry Is Not a Luxury by Audre Lorde
In this collection of poetry, this amazing author sings about poetry and preaches about feminist theory. If this confuses you and amazes you at the same time, don’t worry, you are not alone in that. She writes that women have voices. Women can change how they want, and when they want. Women feel, and they love, but most importantly, they can change the world.
“Audre Lorde’s writing is living, breathing force leaving wrecked remains of everything that is conformist (exclusively so) and unjust in its wake.”
- An anonymous reviewer
In honor of Audre Lorde’s birthday, we wanted to give her the recognition she rightfully deserves and honor her memory. Though Lorde is no longer with us, her writing and legacy live on in her many books and publications. Happy Birthday, Audre, and thank you for sharing your gift to the world.
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