Research Guides: Audre Lorde: Biography

Audre Lorde (February 18, 1934 - November 17, 1992)

Prior to 1968, when she gained public recognition for her poetry, Lorde supported herself through a variety of jobs, including low-paying factory work. She also served as a librarian in several institutions. After her first publication, The First Cities, Lorde worked primarily within American colleges and free presses. She was an instructor at City College of New York (1968-1970), an instructor and then lecturer at Lehman College (1969-1971), and a professor of English at John Jay College of Criminal Justice (1972-1981). From 1981 to 1987 she was a professor of English at Hunter College at CUNY and became a Thomas Hunter Professor for one year (1987-1988). She also served as poetry editor of the magazine Chrysalis and was a contributing editor of the journal Black Scholar. Continue . . .

Source: Wong, Cynthia, and Sarah Hilbert. “Audre Lorde.” Critical Survey of Poetry, Sept. 2002, pp. 1–6. From Literary Reference Center Plus database.

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How Three Black Women Writers Combined Spiritual and Sensual Love

Resources

Poetry Foundation: Audre Lorde A self-described “black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet,” Audre Lorde dedicated both her life and her creative talent to confronting and addressing injustices of racism, sexism, classism, and homophobia. Lorde was born in New York City to West Indian immigrant parents.
Audre Lorde’s Life Writing: The Politics of Location Am I to be cursed forever with becoming somebody else on the way to myself? -Audre Lorde Change of Season” I am a scar, a report from the frontlines, a talisman, a resurrection. -Audre Lorde A Burst of Light: Living with Cancer”
Audre Lorde: The lost interview Presents an interview with the multi-faceted Audre Lorde. Positions held by Lorde; How Lorde manages all the aspects of her life; Books written by Lorde; Advice Lorde would give to gay men of color.
Searching for Audre Lorde Article by Alexis De Veaux.
Remembering Audre Lorde Article by Barbara Christian.
Audre Lorde: Reflections Article from the Feminist Review
An Interview with Audre Lorde Interview by Adrienne Rich.
Excerpts from Silence... Broken: Audre Lorde's Indelible Imprint on My Life An excerpt is presented from a speech delivered by Aishah Shahidah Simmons at the symposium titled "Audre Lorde: 20 Years Later (A Celebration)," which was held at the Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute at Hunter College in New York City, New York on October 12, 2012.
Audre Lorde: Trauma Theory and Liberal Multiculturalism Article by Megan Obourn.
Revolutionary Hope: A Conversation Between Audre Lorde & James Baldwin The article presents a reprint of the text of the conversation between African-American writer and feminist Audre Lorde and African-American novelist and poet James Baldwin which was originally published in the 1984 issue of "Essence." Topics cover include the "schizophrenic" risk of being a Black American, the concept of difference and sameness and the need for African-Americans to define themselves for each other.
Audre Lorde Angela Davis on Audre Lorde and A Litany for Survival video clip.