How Audre Lorde Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A detailed timeline of the impact and legacy of Audre Lorde across different fields.

Audre Lorde was a pivotal American figure as a writer, professor, and activist. Identifying as a "Black, lesbian, feminist, socialist, mother, warrior, poet," she dedicated her life to challenging injustices. Her work explored intersections of race, gender, and sexuality, advocating against any hierarchy of oppressions. Lorde's powerful voice and insightful poetry continue to inspire movements for social change and equality, emphasizing the importance of unity in the pursuit of liberation and a better future.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1978: Essay "The Erotic as Power" Written

In 1978, Lorde wrote her essay "The Erotic as Power", theorizing the Erotic as a site of power for women when they learn to embrace it, distinct from its sexualized meaning in mainstream society, dismissing the suppression of the erotic as a male-driven model of power.

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, reminding attendees to embrace diversity as a generative force and avoid being torn apart by it.

1979: Essay "Sexism: An American Disease in Blackface" Published

In 1979, Lorde published her essay "Sexism: An American Disease in Blackface", a rallying cry to confront sexism in the black community in order to eradicate the violence within it. She urged black women and men to end their fight to end racist politics.

1980: Publication of The Cancer Journals

In 1980, Audre Lorde published "The Cancer Journals", a non-fiction prose work exploring her diagnosis, treatment, and recovery from breast cancer. The book delves into Western notions of illness, disability, sexuality, and themes of death and survival.

The Cancer Journals

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

On August 27, 1983, Audre Lorde addressed the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom as part of the "Litany of Commitment," emphasizing the importance of solidarity among diverse groups and celebrating differences for collective strength.

1984: Beginnings of "The Berlin Years"

From 1984 Audre Lorde began a period in Berlin that would later be covered in the documentary "Audre Lorde: The Berlin Years 1984–1992".

1984: Publication of Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches

In 1984, Lorde published "Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches", asserting the necessity of communicating the experience of marginalized groups. She emphasizes the need for different groups to find common ground, face difference directly, and constructively channel anger incited by oppression.

Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches

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1988: Publication of A Burst of Light

In 1988, Audre Lorde released "A Burst of Light", a non-fiction prose work reflecting on her breast cancer recurrence with liver metastases. The book delves into themes of death, fear of mortality, survival, emotional healing, and inner power.

A Burst of Light: and Other Essays

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1991: New York State Poet Laureate

In 1991, Audre Lorde was designated as the New York State Poet Laureate. Governor Mario Cuomo praised her powerful voice against racial injustice and prejudice.

1992: Endings of "The Berlin Years"

Audre Lorde's time in Berlin, later covered in the documentary "Audre Lorde: The Berlin Years 1984–1992" ended in 1992.

1992: Bill Whitehead Award for Lifetime Achievement

In 1992, Audre Lorde received the Bill Whitehead Award for Lifetime Achievement from Publishing Triangle.

1994: Founding of the Audre Lorde Project

In 1994, the Audre Lorde Project, a Brooklyn-based organization for LGBT people of color, was founded. It focuses on community organizing and activism related to LGBT communities, AIDS and HIV activism, pro-immigrant activism, prison reform, and youth organizing in New York City.

1995: Release of Body of a Poet

In 1995, "Body of a Poet" was written as a tribute biopic to honor Lorde, centering on a group of young lesbians of color and celebrating her life and work.

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2001: Audre Lorde Award Instituted

In 2001, Publishing Triangle established the Audre Lorde Award to honor works of lesbian poetry.

2001: Inaugural Audre Lorde Award

In 2001, the Audre Lorde Award was first presented by Publishing Triangle to honor works of lesbian poetry.

2012: Release of "Audre Lorde: The Berlin Years 1984–1992"

In 2012, the documentary "Audre Lorde: The Berlin Years 1984–1992" by Dagmar Schultz was released, premiering at the Berlin Film Festival and highlighting Lorde's impact on the Afro-German movement.

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2014: Award for "Audre Lorde: The Berlin Years 1984–1992"

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

2014: Induction into the Legacy Walk

In 2014, Audre Lorde was inducted into the Legacy Walk, a public display in Chicago celebrating LGBTQ history and figures.

2018: Further Viewings of "Audre Lorde: The Berlin Years 1984–1992"

Until 2018, the documentary "Audre Lorde: The Berlin Years 1984–1992" continued to be viewed at festivals .

March 2019: Megan Rapinoe Honors Lorde

In March 2019, during their first match, Megan Rapinoe of the United States women's national soccer team wore a jersey with Lorde's name on the back to honor her.

June 2019: Induction on the National LGBTQ Wall of Honor

In June 2019, Audre Lorde was inducted on the National LGBTQ Wall of Honor within the Stonewall National Monument (SNM) in New York City, as one of the inaugural fifty American "pioneers, trailblazers, and heroes".