Full History Of Audre Lorde In Timeline From 1934

February 18, 1934: Birth of Audre Lorde

Audre Lorde was born Audrey Geraldine Lorde on February 18, 1934. She would grow up to become an influential American writer, professor, philosopher, intersectional feminist, poet, and civil rights activist.

1951: Graduation from Hunter College High School

In 1951, Audre Lorde graduated from Hunter College High School. During her time there, she published her first poem in Seventeen magazine, despite her school's literary journal rejecting it. She also took part in poetry workshops sponsored by the Harlem Writers Guild.

1953: Father's Death

Around New Year's 1953, Audre Lorde's father passed away from a stroke. This event is noted in her work 'Zami'.

1954: Year at National University of Mexico

In 1954, Audre Lorde spent a pivotal year at the National University of Mexico. This period was significant for her personal and artistic affirmation as a lesbian and poet.

1959: Graduation from Hunter College

Audre Lorde graduated from Hunter College in 1959. During her time there, she worked as a librarian, continued writing, and became an active participant in Greenwich Village's gay culture.

1961: Master's Degree in Library Science

In 1961, Audre Lorde earned a master's degree in library science from Columbia University. During this period, she also worked as a public librarian in Mount Vernon, New York.

1962: Marriage to Edwin Rollins

In 1962, Audre Lorde married attorney Edwin Rollins, a white, gay man. They had two children together before divorcing in 1970.

1962: Publication in 'New Negro Poets, USA'

In 1962, Audre Lorde's poetry was published in Langston Hughes' anthology 'New Negro Poets, USA'. This period also saw her active involvement in civil rights, anti-war, and feminist movements.

1966: Head Librarian at Town School Library

In 1966, Audre Lorde became the head librarian at Town School Library in New York City, a position she held until 1968.

1968: Writer-in-Residence at Tougaloo College

In 1968, Audre Lorde became the writer-in-residence at Tougaloo College in Mississippi. This experience was formative for her as an artist, leading to the publication of her book of poems 'Cables to Rage'.

1968: End of Tenure at Town School Library

In 1968, Audre Lorde ended her tenure as head librarian at Town School Library in New York City.

1968: Publication of "The First Cities"

In 1968, Audre Lorde published her first volume of poems, "The First Cities," edited by her former classmate, Diane di Prima. The book, described as "quiet and introspective," subtly showcased Lorde's identity as a Black woman without explicitly centering it.

1968: Meeting Frances Clayton

In 1968, while in Mississippi, Audre Lorde met Frances Clayton, a white lesbian who became her romantic partner until 1989.

1969: Teaching at Lehman College

In 1969, Audre Lorde began teaching in the Education Department at Lehman College. This was part of her broader academic career.

1970: Teaching at John Jay College

From 1970, Audre Lorde taught as a professor of English at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, where she advocated for the creation of a black studies department.

1970: Divorce from Edwin Rollins

In 1970, Audre Lorde divorced Edwin Rollins after having two children together.

1970: Publication of "Cables to Rage"

In 1970, Audre Lorde published her second volume of poems, "Cables to Rage." The book explored themes of love, betrayal, and the complexities of motherhood, notably including the poem "Martha," which marked the first time Lorde openly addressed her homosexuality in her writing.

1972: Move to Staten Island

In 1972, Audre Lorde moved to Staten Island where she continued writing and teaching. During this period, she co-founded the Kitchen Table: Women of Color Press.

1974: Publication of "New York Head Shop and Museum"

1974 also saw the publication of Lorde's "New York Head Shop and Museum." Through this work, Lorde offered a glimpse into her experiences of New York City through the lens of the civil rights movement, highlighting the poverty, neglect, and need for political action she observed.

1974: Publication of "From a Land Where Other People Live" and National Book Award Nomination

In 1974, Lorde's "From a Land Where Other People Live" was published and subsequently nominated for the National Book Award for poetry. The book delved into Lorde's personal struggles with identity, her anger at social injustice, and her experiences as a Black woman, mother, friend, and lover.

1976: Publication of "Coal" and "Between Our Selves"

In 1976, Lorde published "Coal," a collection that included poems from her earlier works and solidified her position as a significant voice in the Black Arts Movement. The same year, she also released "Between Our Selves."

1977: Associate of Women's Institute for Freedom of the Press

In 1977, Audre Lorde became an associate of the Women's Institute for Freedom of the Press (WIFP), an organization aimed at increasing communication between women and the public.

1978: Publication of "The Black Unicorn"

Audre Lorde's 1978 work, "The Black Unicorn," explored her identity within the context of African female deities, reclaiming and celebrating Black female strength and power. The book challenged and expanded upon existing ideas of pan-Africanism within the Black Arts Movement.

1978: Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Mastectomy

In 1978, Audre Lorde was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy. This experience led her to write 'The Cancer Journals,' which won the American Library Association Gay Caucus Book of the Year Award in 1981.

1978: Publication of "Hanging Fire"

In 1978, Lorde further contributed to her growing body of work with the publication of "Hanging Fire."

1978: Writing of "The Erotic as Power"

Lorde's essay, "The Erotic as Power," written in 1978, presented her concept of the erotic as a source of empowerment for women. She argued for a broader understanding of the erotic beyond sexuality, encompassing feelings of joy, love, and fulfillment. Lorde critiqued the patriarchal suppression of the erotic and encouraged women to reclaim it.

October 13, 1979: Keynote Speech at National Third-World Gay and Lesbian Conference

On October 13, 1979, Audre Lorde delivered a keynote speech titled 'When will the ignorance end?' at the National Third-World Gay and Lesbian Conference, emphasizing the importance of diversity and unity in fighting oppression.

October 14, 1979: March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights

Audre Lorde participated in the March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights on October 14, 1979, advocating for civil rights of the gay and lesbian community. Her experience at this march is documented in audio recordings held at the Lesbian Herstory Archives in New York.

1979: Sexism: An American Disease in Blackface Essay

In 1979, Audre Lorde published an essay titled 'Sexism: An American Disease in Blackface,' where she called for the end of sexism within the black community to combat internal violence and racist politics.

1980: Co-founding Kitchen Table: Women of Color Press

In 1980, Audre Lorde co-founded Kitchen Table: Women of Color Press, the first U.S. publisher for women of color, along with Barbara Smith and Cherríe Moraga.

1980: Meeting Dagmar Schultz

In 1980, Audre Lorde met FU lecturer Dagmar Schultz at the UN 'World Women's Conference' in Copenhagen, which later led to her influential role in the Afro-German movement.

1980: Publication of "The Cancer Journals"

In 1980, Lorde shared her personal experiences with breast cancer in "The Cancer Journals." The book, written in a non-fiction prose style, explored her diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and reflections on mortality, illness, and healing.

1981: Founding of Kitchen Table: Women of Color Press

In 1981, Audre Lorde and Barbara Smith founded Kitchen Table: Women of Color Press to support black feminist writers by providing necessary resources, guidance, and encouragement.

1981: Beginning Relationship with Dr. Gloria Joseph

In 1981, Audre Lorde began her relationship with Dr. Gloria Joseph, a black feminist. Their partnership continued until Lorde's death.

1981: 1981 Keynote at National Women's Studies Association

In 1981, Audre Lorde delivered a keynote speech at the National Women's Studies Association, discussing themes of anger and marginalized communities, and promoting the understanding of human biases.

1981: Publication of The Cancer Journals

In 1981, Audre Lorde published 'The Cancer Journals,' which documented her battle with breast cancer and won the American Library Association Gay Caucus Book of the Year Award.

1981: Distinguished Thomas Hunter Chair at Hunter College

In 1981, Audre Lorde returned to her alma mater, Hunter College, as the distinguished Thomas Hunter chair, continuing her influential academic career.

1981: Founding Women's Coalition of St. Croix

In 1981, Audre Lorde was among the founders of the Women's Coalition of St. Croix, which supports women who have survived sexual abuse and intimate partner violence.

1982: Publication of "Zami: A New Spelling of My Name"

In 1982, Lorde published "Zami: A New Spelling of My Name," a biomythography that chronicled her childhood and adulthood, focusing on the development of her sexuality and self-awareness.

August 27, 1983: Address at March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom

On August 27, 1983, Audre Lorde delivered an inspirational address during the 'Litany of Commitment' at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, advocating for unity and diversity in the struggle for a better future.

1984: Visiting Professorship in West Berlin

In 1984, Audre Lorde began a visiting professorship at the Free University of Berlin. During this time, she became a key figure in the Afro-German movement and coined the term 'Afro-German'.

1984: Influence on Afro-German Movement

In 1984, Audre Lorde's influence on the Afro-German movement began, which was later highlighted in the 2012 documentary 'Audre Lorde: The Berlin Years 1984–1992'.

1984: Beginning of The Berlin Years

In 1984, Lorde began her period of significant influence in Germany, known as "The Berlin Years." During this time, she played a vital role in empowering Afro-Germans to define their identities beyond societal stereotypes and discrimination.

1984: Publication of "The Master's Tools Will Never Dismantle the Master's House"

In 1984, Lorde published her essay "The Master's Tools Will Never Dismantle the Master's House," which critiqued what she saw as the inherent racism within feminism. She argued that by ignoring the experiences of Black women, white feminists were perpetuating systems of oppression. Her essay sparked debate and controversy within the feminist movement.

1984: Publication of "Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches"

Published in 1984, "Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches" presented Lorde's arguments for the importance of amplifying the voices of marginalized groups. She stressed the need for solidarity and understanding between different groups, particularly white and Black women, encouraging the embracing of differences as a source of strength.

1984: Audre Lorde begins teaching and visiting Freie University

The beginning of Audre Lorde's involvement with John F. Kennedy Institute of North American Studies at Freie Universität, Berlin. Her teaching materials and correspondence from this period, spanning 1984 to 1992, are preserved in the Audre Lorde Archive.

1985: Delegation to Cuba

In 1985, Audre Lorde was part of a delegation of black women writers invited to Cuba. They discussed the impact of the Cuban revolution on racism and the status of lesbians and gays.

1986: Interview with Dr. Marion Kraft

In 1986, Audre Lorde was interviewed by Afro-German feminist scholar Dr. Marion Kraft, where she shared her hopes and critiques for the future of feminist scholarship.

1986: Move to St. Croix with Dr. Gloria Joseph

In 1986, following her liver cancer diagnosis, Audre Lorde moved to St. Croix with her life partner Dr. Gloria Joseph. Together, they founded several organizations and remained partners until Lorde's death.

1987: End of Staten Island Residence

Audre Lorde's residence on Staten Island ended in 1987, marking the end of a significant period in her life during which she co-founded the Kitchen Table: Women of Color Press.

1988: Publication of "A Burst of Light"

Lorde continued to chronicle her experiences with cancer in her 1988 work, "A Burst of Light." This book further delved into her journey with the disease, addressing themes of survival, emotional healing, and inner strength.

December 1989: Writing 'East Berlin 1989'

In December 1989, Audre Lorde wrote the poem 'East Berlin 1989', expressing her views on the fall of the Berlin Wall and her concerns about increased racism against Afro-Germans due to the new free movement.

1989: End of Relationship with Frances Clayton

In 1989, Audre Lorde's romantic relationship with Frances Clayton, which began in 1968, came to an end.

1991: State Poet of New York

From 1991 to 1992, Audre Lorde served as the State Poet of New York, recognizing her significant contributions to literature and activism.

1991: Appointed New York State Poet Laureate

From 1991 until her death, Audre Lorde served as the New York State Poet Laureate. Governor Mario Cuomo praised her for addressing racial and sexual injustices through her work.

November 17, 1992: Death of Audre Lorde

Audre Lorde passed away on November 17, 1992. Throughout her life, she dedicated her talents to confronting various forms of injustice, identifying herself as a 'Black, lesbian, feminist, socialist, mother, warrior, poet'.

1992: End of Berlin Years

By 1992, Audre Lorde's impactful years in Berlin concluded, as documented in 'Audre Lorde: The Berlin Years 1984–1992'.

1992: Bill Whitehead Award for Lifetime Achievement

In 1992, Audre Lorde received the Bill Whitehead Award for Lifetime Achievement from Publishing Triangle, honoring her extensive contributions to literature and activism.

1992: End of Term as State Poet of New York

In 1992, Audre Lorde's term as the State Poet of New York concluded, marking the end of a notable recognition of her literary and activist contributions.

1992: End of The Berlin Years

Lorde's time in Germany, documented in the film "The Berlin Years: 1984–1992," had a profound impact on the Afro-German community, fostering a sense of empowerment and challenging the history of racism in the country. Her work during this period ended in 1992.

1992: Audre Lorde concludes her tenure at Freie University

Marking the end of Audre Lorde's teaching and visiting period at Freie University in Berlin, concluding her contributions to the institution which began in 1984.

1994: Founding of The Audre Lorde Project

In 1994, The Audre Lorde Project was established in Brooklyn to support LGBT people of color through community organizing and activism on progressive issues like HIV/AIDS, immigrant rights, and prison reform.

2001: Establishment of the Audre Lorde Award

In 2001, Publishing Triangle established the Audre Lorde Award to honor works of lesbian poetry, recognizing her lasting impact on the literary community.

2001: First Presentation of the Audre Lorde Award

In 2001, the Audre Lorde Award was first presented by Publishing Triangle to honor works of lesbian poetry, celebrating Lorde's significant influence in the literary world.

2003: Discovery of Mary Daly's Letter

In 2003, after Lorde's death, a letter from Mary Daly, dated four months after Lorde's open letter criticizing Daly's work, was discovered in Lorde's files. This discovery shed light on the complex relationship and differing viewpoints within the feminist movement.

2012: Documentary 'Audre Lorde: The Berlin Years 1984–1992'

In 2012, the documentary 'Audre Lorde: The Berlin Years 1984–1992' premiered at the Berlin Film Festival. It focused on her impact on the Afro-German movement and was shown at festivals worldwide until 2018.

2014: Award for Best Documentary

In 2014, 'Audre Lorde: The Berlin Years 1984–1992' won the Best Documentary Audience Award at the 15th Reelout Queer Film + Video Festival, among other accolades.

2014: Induction into the Legacy Walk

In 2014, Audre Lorde was inducted into the Legacy Walk in Chicago, an outdoor public display that celebrates LGBT history and figures.

2018: Continued Impact of Documentary

The documentary 'Audre Lorde: The Berlin Years 1984–1992' continued to be viewed at film festivals until 2018, showcasing her lasting impact.

March 2019: Megan Rapinoe Honors Lorde

In March 2019, Megan Rapinoe of the United States women's national soccer team honored Audre Lorde by wearing a jersey with her name during their first match of the month.

June 2019: Induction on the National LGBTQ Wall of Honor

In June 2019, Audre Lorde was among the first fifty individuals inducted on the National LGBTQ Wall of Honor within the Stonewall National Monument, recognizing her as a pioneer and hero in LGBTQ history.

June 2019: Lorde's Residence Given Landmark Status

In June 2019, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission designated Audre Lorde's residence in Staten Island as a landmark, honoring her legacy and contributions to the community.

January 2021: Audre Lorde featured on "Broads You Should Know"

In January 2021, Audre Lorde's legacy was celebrated when she was featured as an official "Broad You Should Know" on the podcast of the same name.

February 18, 2021: Google Doodle honors Audre Lorde

On February 18, 2021, Google commemorated Audre Lorde's 87th birthday with a special Google Doodle, recognizing her significant contributions and impact.

April 29, 2022: Mercurian Crater named after Audre Lorde

On April 29, 2022, a crater on the planet Mercury was named "Lorde" by the International Astronomical Union, a unique and lasting tribute to her legacy.

May 10, 2022: 68th Street and Lexington Avenue renamed "Audre Lorde Way"

On May 10, 2022, 68th Street and Lexington Avenue, a location near Hunter College, was renamed "Audre Lorde Way" in her honor.

September 2023: Portion of Manteuffelstraße in Berlin renamed "Audre-Lorde-Straße"

September 2023 marked the renaming of the north part of Manteuffelstraße in Berlin's Kreuzberg district to "Audre-Lorde-Straße", honoring her connection to the city.

History of Audre Lorde in Timeline