Updated and expanded edition of the foundational text of women of color feminism.
Originally released in 1981,
This Bridge Called My Back is a testimony to women of color feminism as it emerged in the last quarter of the twentieth century. Through personal essays, criticism, interviews, testimonials, poetry, and visual art, the collection explores, as coeditor Cherríe Moraga writes, “the complex confluence of identities—race, class, gender, and sexuality—systemic to women of color oppression and liberation.”
Reissued here, nearly thirty-five years after its inception, the fourth edition contains an extensive new introduction by Moraga, along with a previously unpublished statement by Gloria Anzaldúa. The new edition also includes visual artists whose work was produced during the same period as
Bridge, including Betye Saar, Ana Mendieta, and Yolanda López, as well as current contributor biographies. Bridge continues to reflect an evolving definition of feminism, one that can effectively adapt to, and help inform an understanding of the changing economic and social conditions of women of color in the United States and throughout the world.
“Immense is my admiration for the ongoing dialogue and discourse on feminism, Indigenous feminism, the defining discussions in women of color movements and the broader movement. I have loved this book for thirty years, and am so pleased we have returned with our stories, words, and attributes to the growing and resilient movement.” — Winona LaDuke (Anishinaabe), Executive Director, Honor the Earth
Praise for the Third Edition
“
This Bridge Called My Back … dispels all doubt about the power of a single text to radically transform the terrain of our theory and practice. Twenty years after its publication, we can now see how it helped to untether the production of knowledge from its disciplinary anchors—and not only in the field of women’s studies. This Bridge has allowed us to define the promise of research on race, gender, class and sexuality as profoundly linked to collaboration and coalition-building. And perhaps most important, it has offered us strategies for transformative political practice that are as valid today as they were two decades ago.” — Angela Davis, University of California, Santa Cruz
“
This Bridge Called My Back … has served as a significant rallying call for women of color for a generation, and this new edition keeps that call alive at a time when divisions prove ever more stubborn and dangerous. A much-cited text, its influence has been visible and broad both in academia and among activists. We owe much of the sound of our present voices to the brave scholars and feminists whose ideas and ideals crowd its pages.” — Shirley Geok-lin Lim, University of California, Santa Barbara
Action –
I read this book as an undergraduate in 1985. It was amazing and spoke to many things going on in society that impact women. It provided a place for conversations to start. I’ve bought it twice and lost it each time in my travels. I’m buying in again as I embark on a career in womens physical and mental wellness. This Bridge Called My Back, continues to be pertinent and life changing today as it was in the 80s.
Janeenbaird –
I would recommend this to anyone interested in learning about the roots of intersectionality and historic paradigm shifts in feminism. This book is a foundational text and is required in many women and gender studies courses today.
Amazon Customer –
We have an Access and Diversity group and safe space at school where there are DVDs and books available for viewing and sharing. This was a great addition to the library. Thank you!
Erin –
Came in great condition and a priceless book to add to your collection.
Allison –
One of my favorite reads of all time.
Robin Orlowski –
This edition, published after original co-editor Gloria Anzaldua’s passing is much more retrospectively somber. When the project initially began, the women were concerned that discussions about race/ethnicity and class intersections were overlooked and outright omitted from ‘radical’ feminist organizing. They then understood that they too were vulnerable to ableist and heterosexist frames, having lived in this same society. But when the current president freely campaigns with Nazi groups and openly invokes campaigns against immigrants, nobody is safe. This collection assumes new urgency. It needs to be read by ALL people interested in acchieving social justice.Revolutionaries do not have the luxury of only being able to examine oppression through one lens. People exist on this planet through all of our facets because we are and have been intrinsically interconnected together. We should be wary of the ‘hip’ Senators who attempt to organize us for ‘progressive’ causes by insisting otherwise.
J.P. –
a must read for women passionate and deeply committed to “The Work.”
Chelsea –
Never have I read a work that has spoken to me on a must intimate level- a book that secures my place at the ‘table’, my voice to be heard and my belief that I am worthy of love. I am not a woman of color though I feel a great solidarity in reading this. It is like the warm blanket that makes one feel they are familia. After reading Assata, Bell hooks, Chris Hedges… this book takes all the theory, all the calls to action, all the frustration and folds the disenfranchised voices within its poetic pages.
Lizbeth –
I had to get this for a college class and well, it’s a book. It came in tact without damage.
Jeannie –
I loved this book and the insights shared. It really is a good read for anyone trying to understand sexuality outside of the so called “heterosexual” experience, with a bit of ethnic perspective, as well.
Amazon Customer –
An amazing book.
HiderSeeker –
Read this in class and it facilitated a lot of good conversation. If you call yourself and feminist, and you want to practice intersectionality, then you have got to read this. When you’re done, pick up This Bridge We Call Home.
Matt –
This is a great compilation of feminist works of “minorities”. An issue that is in the Feminist world, and these choices of articles, poems, and writings truly gets across the message..
Donna Dolham –
Beautiful book, highly recommend.
Kindle Customer –
This is a classic text. Anyone looking for foundations in the identity based issues we’re continuing to face would do well to explore the words of those who came before.
animals –
Need more like this
Olli S –
Excellent point of view
Lisa M. Tatonetti –
So happy to have this out in a new edition. This text never loses its power.
Tiger –
The image I see in my mind’s eye when I think about this book is the image of my own face, my eyes closed, tears welling up, smiling. Head tilted upwards, towards the warm glow of the sun. It is late afternoon.
shana –
eye opening
Shenelle Williams –
Such a powerful collection, I am so happy to have ordered this book.
Kyle Reese –
I purchased this for a class and I’m so glad that I didn’t rent it. Moraga md Anzualda have put together an incredible anthology of stories and poems documenting the lives of women of color – particularly queer women of color. The book really sheds a light on the intersectionality that, even though I’m trans, I could never experience first hand because I am white sand pass as a cisgender makes. The text has given me a great perspective as I move forward in my studies.
D.E. –
This Bridge Called My Back was an assigned text in one of my Women Studies classes. I had originally rented this text but ultimately decided to purchase it because it resonated with me. I have since purchased a few more copies to give to friends.
Amazon Customer –
stoked to read this
Shelly Lee Swearingen –
I’m not a woman of color. I own that. I’m an academic as well (linguistics and identity). I own that privilege. This work humbled and continues to change me. Thank you.This is just so VERY powerful.I am not a woman of color, yet these essays had the strength to lend some to me.The words are so true.If a literal victim of slavery can speak out and offer her hand to a white woman who does not see the dangers of the pedestal or the doormat yet, then these words will liberate you.Thanks to the written testimony of a woman who could not even write her own truth, I now claim my own freedom.Thank you as a human being and as an academic. This work is, testify—we share that word—so powerful.Just. Thank you.
J. Reyes –
This book is absolutely amazing.10/10 would recommend to all feminists especially white feminists.This book is so important and I’m so glad my best friend bought me a copy. I’m really grateful to him for that.In my time of reading feminist works and just being really pro-feminism, this book was often mentioned and quoted and I really wanted to read it and I am so glad I finally got my hands on. Totally worth it.
Dalia Gonzalez –
Amazing!
Rana –
This should be the first book to read if you’re just getting into feminist theory studies! Very validating for those who know, and very eye opening for those who don’t know!It’s also really sad that most of the stories/scripts were written in the late 70s but still feel very relatable until this very day! It goes to show how little we have accomplished in fighting sexism and racism!
Peighton Ohlmeyer-DawsonPeighton Ohlmeyer-Dawson –
Mdenn –
Bought this for school and it was a great deal and in decent shape