The end of Black History Month in February and the beginning of Women’s History Month in March is a particularly appropriate time to examine intersectionality. This moment highlights the true cross-section of our mission to Eliminate Racism, Empower Women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all; this Continuing the Challenge post also leads into the Until Justice Just Is campaign and the annual YWCA Racial Justice Challenge.

Intersectionality is a term coined by law professor Kimberlé Crenshaw, and it has relevance to our Mission. Intersectionality means that different forms of inequality often operate together, because each of us carries multiple identities. Recognizing that we often hold multiple identities can aid in naming inequities` on social and structural, systemic levels, we challenge you to:

3 mins

African American Women and the Struggle for Equality

This short video defines intersectionality

3 mins

This Video Breaks Down the ABCs of Intersectionality | Smart News

Explore the long legacy of women who shaped feminist sociological theory with The National Museum of African American History and Culture.

5 mins

What Is Intersectionality and Why Is It Important? | AAUP

Consider the complexities of intersectionality

5 mins

Race and Mental Health

This short video is from Canada, but the ideas discussed are universal

10 mins

This 10 minute read gives an overview of the implications of intersectionality for mental health

Intersectionality and Mental Health

18 mins

Kimberlé Crenshaw: The urgency of intersectionality | TED Talk

Bear witness to the reality of intersectionality with Crenshaw as she urges listeners to speak up for victims of prejudice

43 mins

What Does Intersectionality Mean? : 1A : NPR

Listen as Crenshaw is joined by Treva Lindsey and Juliana Hu Pegues in a conversation about intersectionality

For more Continuing the Challenge resources click below.

What is the Racial Justice Challenge?

Many people are becoming newly aware of how systemic racism and violence are impacting people of color. Even if you are new to the conversation, that is okay! Our Racial Justice Challenge is designed to create dedicated time and space to build more effective social justice habits, particularly those dealing with issues of race, power, privilege, and leadership. Participants who sign up for the Challenge will receive daily tasks via email to help foster their understanding and awareness, with activities such as reading an article, listening to a podcast, or reflecting on personal experience. If you’ve already participated in the challenge in the past please know that the challenge is designed to be taken multiple times by selecting different daily challenges in order to expand what you have previously learned. .