Audre Lorde's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 29, 2025

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Audre Lorde.

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

1974: Nomination for the National Book Award for poetry

In 1974, From a Land Where Other People Live by Broadside Press, was nominated for the National Book Award for poetry, showing Lorde's personal struggles with identity and anger at social injustice.

From a Land Where Other People Live

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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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1981: American Library Association Gay Caucus Book of the Year Award

In 1981, Audre Lorde's "The Cancer Journals" won the American Library Association Gay Caucus Book of the Year Award.

The Cancer Journals

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1984: Lorde's Time in Berlin Begins

In 1984, Audre Lorde began her time in Berlin, where she led Afro-Germans in a movement to establish identities outside of stereotypes and discrimination. She introduced a new sense of empowerment for minorities, inspiring them to take charge of their identities.

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: State Poet of New York

In 1991, Audre Lorde became the State Poet of New York.

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: Bill Whitehead Award for Lifetime Achievement

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

1992: State Poet of New York

In 1992, Audre Lorde served as the State Poet of New York.

1992: Lorde's Time in Berlin Ends

In 1992, Audre Lorde's time in Berlin ended, after she led Afro-Germans in a movement to establish identities outside of stereotypes and discrimination, introducing a new sense of empowerment for minorities.

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.

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.

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".