History Extra podcast Black women and the fight for human rights
Sep 11, 2025
Keisha N Blain, a Professor of Africana Studies and History at Brown University, dives into the crucial but often overlooked role of Black women in the human rights movement. She discusses transformative figures like Kadi Diallo and their personal journeys to advocacy following tragedy. The podcast highlights the vital contributions of the Black press in amplifying women's voices and the intersection of racism and sexism in activism. Blain also connects historical struggles to contemporary movements, illustrating the enduring legacy of figures like Fannie Lou Hamer.
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Human Rights As Divine, Universal Protections
- Black women framed human rights as divinely guaranteed protections based on shared humanity.
- They argued these rights transcended citizenship and national borders.
Civil Rights And Human Rights Are Intertwined
- Black women linked civil rights and human rights as inseparable struggles.
- They drew on US founding texts like the Constitution while making global claims.
Use Transnational Solidarity And Journalism
- Use transnational solidarity to amplify local human-rights campaigns and build broader pressure.
- Publish journalism and columns to shape public opinion when formal political access is limited.
