# Audre Lorde

> American writer and feminist activist (1934–1992)

**Wikidata**: [Q463319](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q463319)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audre_Lorde)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/audre-lorde

## Summary
Audre Lorde was an American writer and feminist activist (1934–1992) known for her groundbreaking essays and poetry that centered Black women's experiences and challenged gender oppression. She is celebrated for her work in African American literature, feminism, and lesbianism, particularly through her seminal works *Sister Outsider* and *Zami: A New Spelling of My Name*.

## Biography
- Born: February 18, 1934, in Harlem, New York
- Nationality: American
- Education:
  - Columbia University (1950s)
  - Hunter College (1950s)
  - National Autonomous University of Mexico (1960s)
- Known for: Pioneering Black feminist and lesbian literature
- Employer(s):
  - Columbia University
  - Hunter College
  - National Autonomous University of Mexico
- Field(s): African American literature, feminism, lesbianism

## Contributions
- *Sister Outsider* (1984): A collection of essays that redefined Black feminist thought, emphasizing the experiences of Black women and challenging traditional feminist narratives.
- *Zami: A New Spelling of My Name* (1982): A poetry collection that explored identity, race, and gender, earning her the Lambda Literary Award.
- *The Black Feminist Collection* (1983): Co-edited with Robin Morgan, this anthology became a foundational text in Black feminist literature.
- *Audre Lorde: The Essential Writings* (1996): A posthumous compilation of her essays and poetry, further cementing her legacy.

## FAQs
**What was Audre Lorde's primary focus in her writing?**
Audre Lorde's writing primarily centered on Black women's experiences, challenging gender oppression and traditional feminist narratives. Her works, such as *Sister Outsider* and *Zami*, redefined Black feminist thought.

**Where did Audre Lorde receive her education?**
Audre Lorde studied at Columbia University, Hunter College, and the National Autonomous University of Mexico, where she pursued advanced studies in literature and activism.

**What awards did Audre Lorde receive?**
Audre Lorde won the Lambda Literary Award for *Zami: A New Spelling of My Name* and was recognized posthumously for her contributions to literature and activism.

**What is Audre Lorde's most famous work?**
*Zami: A New Spelling of My Name* is Audre Lorde's most famous work, a poetry collection that explores identity, race, and gender with profound depth.

**How did Audre Lorde influence feminist literature?**
Audre Lorde's work, particularly *Sister Outsider*, became a cornerstone of Black feminist literature, challenging traditional feminist narratives and emphasizing the unique experiences of Black women.

## Why They Matter
Audre Lorde's work revolutionized feminist literature by centering Black women's voices and experiences. Her essays and poetry challenged gender oppression and traditional feminist narratives, earning her a place as a pioneer in Black feminist thought. Her legacy continues to inspire activists and writers worldwide, ensuring that Black women's perspectives remain at the forefront of feminist discourse.

## Notable For
- Pioneering Black feminist and lesbian literature
- Founding text in Black feminist thought with *Sister Outsider*
- Lambda Literary Award winner for *Zami: A New Spelling of My Name*
- Co-editor of *The Black Feminist Collection*, a foundational anthology
- Posthumous compilation *Audre Lorde: The Essential Writings* preserving her legacy

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Audre Lorde was born Audrey Geraldine Lorde on February 18, 1934, in Harlem, New York. She attended Columbia University and Hunter College, where she studied literature and activism. Later, she pursued advanced studies at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, further shaping her intellectual and political perspectives.

### Literary Career
Lorde's literary career began in the 1960s, with her poetry and essays gaining recognition for their bold exploration of race, gender, and sexuality. Her work, such as *Zami: A New Spelling of My Name* (1982), earned her the Lambda Literary Award and solidified her reputation as a literary icon.

### Feminist Activism
Lorde's activism centered on Black women's rights and lesbianism. She co-edited *The Black Feminist Collection* (1983) with Robin Morgan, which became a foundational text in Black feminist literature. Her essays in *Sister Outsider* (1984) challenged traditional feminist narratives, emphasizing the unique struggles of Black women.

### Legacy and Influence
Audre Lorde's legacy endures through her posthumous compilation *Audre Lorde: The Essential Writings* (1996), which preserves her contributions to literature and activism. Her work continues to inspire activists and writers, ensuring that Black women's voices remain central to feminist discourse.

### Notable Works
- *Zami: A New Spelling of My Name* (1982): A poetry collection exploring identity, race, and gender.
- *Sister Outsider* (1984): An essay collection redefining Black feminist thought.
- *The Black Feminist Collection* (1983): A co-edited anthology with Robin Morgan.
- *Audre Lorde: The Essential Writings* (1996): A posthumous compilation of her essays and poetry.

### Affiliations
Lorde was affiliated with Columbia University, Hunter College, and the National Autonomous University of Mexico, where her work and activism had a significant impact. Her contributions to African American literature, feminism, and lesbianism remain influential in academic and literary circles.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/lorde-audre-1934-1992/)
2. [Source](http://www.english.illinois.edu/maps/poets/g_l/lorde/life.htm)
3. BnF authorities
4. Encyclopedia of African American Women Writers
5. Integrated Authority File
6. datos.bne.es
7. [Source](https://www.franceculture.fr/emissions/une-vie-une-oeuvre/audre-lorde-1934-1992-poete-guerriere)
8. www.poetryfoundation.org
9. Czech National Authority Database
10. [Source](http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems-and-poets/poets/detail/audre-lorde)
11. American Women Writers
12. [Source](http://www.nyclgbtsites.org/site/audre-lorde-residence/)
13. poets.org
14. Notable Black American Women
15. BlackPast.org
16. CiNii Research
17. MusicBrainz
18. [Source](https://www.fu-berlin.de/sites/uniarchiv/bestaende/bestandsuebersicht/vor-und-nachlaesse/nachlass_lorde/index.html)
19. [Source](https://www.spelman.edu/about/archives/collections/index.html)
20. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
21. SNAC
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25. IMDb
26. [Source](http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/348057/Audre-Lorde)
27. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
28. Virtual International Authority File
29. [Encyclopædia Britannica Online](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Audre-Lorde)
30. [Source](https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-476-03702-2_221)
31. [Source](http://nationalbook.org/nba1974.html#.V1RJ_3SaSis)
32. CONOR.SI
33. BBC Things
34. Goodreads
35. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
36. Quora