“Women are the real architects of society.”

bell hooks, born Gloria Jean Watkins on September 25, 1952, in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, was an author, educator, and social critic.Her pen name, “bell hooks,” is an homage to her great-grandmother, Bell Blair Hooks, a woman known for her sharp tongue and quick wit. hooks chose to write her name in lowercase letters to emphasize the importance of her ideas over her identity, an example of her commitment to anti-elitism and the democratization of knowledge.

Growing up in the segregated South, hooks became aware of the intersections of race, gender, and class at an early age that would later become central themes in her work. Her upbringing in Appalachia, a region often marginalized within broader American culture, profoundly influenced her understanding of social stratification and inequality.

The experience of desegregation had a particularly lasting impact on her world view. While by no means opposed to desegregation, hooks critiqued the way it was implemented, uprooting Black children from their communities and placing them in predominantly white schools where they were often treated as inferior. hooks described the process as “a form of violence” against black children, resulting in the loss of sage, nurturing spaces that black schools had provided. Instead, in the newly integrated schools, Black children were often met with racism, hostility and lowered expectations. “The tragic reality of desegregation was that it was done in a way that was not in the best interests of Black children. They were sent into schools where they were seen as less than, where they were constantly belittled and made to feel inferior.”

This experience shaped hooks’ lifelong critique of the education system and her advocacy for education that is truly liberatory. In “Teaching to Transgress: Education as the Practice of Freedom,” (1994) she emphasized the importance of creating educational spaces that are inclusive and affirming, where students are encouraged to think critically and resist the oppressive structures that seek to marginalize them, and gain an understanding of how systemic racism operates not only in overtly hostile environments but also within institutions that are purportedly progressive, yet still perpetuate inequality and exclusion. 

hooks excelled academically despite these barriers, earning a Ph.D. in English from the University of California, Santa Cruz, in 1983. Her dissertation, “Keats, Emerson, and the Politics of Literary Tradition,” reflected her deep engagement with the Western literary canon, even as she began to critique its limitations from the perspective of a Black feminist intellectual.

Over her lifetime, bell hooks authored approximately 40 books, from academic texts to children’s books, from memoirs to cultural commentaries. Each work contributes to an extensive bibliography that challenges the status quo and advocates for a more just and loving world.

Her seminal work, “Ain’t I a Woman?: Black Women and Feminism” (1981), is a foundational text in Black feminist theory. In this book, hooks critiques the racism of the feminist movement and the sexism of the civil rights movement, making the case that the experiences of Black women are essential to understanding both sexism and racism. This text was revolutionary in its assertion that the liberation of Black women is crucial to the liberation of all people.

“All About Love: New Visions” (2000), has experienced a recent resurgence in popularity, particularly in Brazil. In this work, hooks explores the meaning and practice of love in contemporary society, arguing that love is a transformative force that can heal and unify. One of the book’s most controversial assertions is that “someone who abuses you doesn’t love you,” a statement that challenges conventional notions of parental love and has sparked widespread debate.

“Teaching to Transgress: Education as the Practice of Freedom” (1994) is another key text, inspired by the radical Brazilian educator Paulo Freire, whose work deeply influenced hooks’ approach to education. In this book, she advocates for education as a means of liberating the oppressed, promoting an engaged strategy that empowers students to think critically and act courageously.

In “Black Looks: Race and Representation” (1992), hooks addresses the ways in which Black people are portrayed in popular culture, critiquing internalized racism in the media’s representation of Black stereotypes. The book was notably seized by Canadian customs due to its controversial content, though it was ultimately cleared for importation.

Some of hooks’ most poignant critiques were directed at popular culture, particularly in her books “Outlaw Culture: Resisting Representations” (1994) and “Reel to Real: Race, Sex, and Class at the Movies” (1996). She was critical of the ways in which rap music and films like those of acclaimed director Spike Lee perpetuate harmful stereotypes about Black people, arguing that their popularity stemmed from a white audience’s voyeuristic desire to see Black people enact these stereotypes. She likened the consumption of misogynistic rap to the consumption of crack cocaine, suggesting that it provided a false sense of power while reinforcing the very stereotypes that oppressed Black communities.

Despite her widespread acclaim, hooks was not without her detractors. Her assertion in “All About Love” that an abuser cannot love was met with resistance, as it challenged deeply ingrained beliefs about love and relationships. Additionally, her critiques of popular culture, particularly her views on rap music and filmmakers like Spike Lee, sparked heated debates. hooks was often critical of the ways in which Black culture was commodified and consumed, particularly by white audiences, but some accused her of being overly harsh or dismissive of the creative expressions of Black artists.

Her stance on free speech was also controversial. hooks was staunchly anti-censorship, including self-censorship, arguing that even the most offensive speech should be met with critical engagement rather than suppression. However, she warned that there is a difference between critical commentary and merely trashing something, emphasizing the need for thoughtful and constructive dialogue.

bell hooks’ personal life was deeply intertwined with her philosophy. She was celibate for the last two decades of her life, a decision she described not as a rejection of love or partnership, but as a choice to live a full and meaningful life without a romantic partner. She famously stated, “I don’t have a partner. I’ve been celibate for 17 years. I would love to have a partner, but I don’t think my life is less meaningful. I always tell people my life is a pie and there’s a slice of the pie that’s missing, but there’s so much pie left over. Do I really want to spend my time looking at that empty piece and judging myself by that?”

This quote encapsulates hooks’ broader philosophy of life: one of self-acceptance, resilience, and a refusal to conform to societal expectations. She believed in the power of self-esteem, particularly for Black people, who she felt were constantly assaulted by negative stereotypes and low expectations. “I think the revolution needs to be one of self-esteem,” she once said, “because I feel we are all assaulted on all sides. I think Black people need to take self-esteem seriously.”

bell hooks passed away on December 15, 2021, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and challenge. Her work remains as relevant today as it was when she first began writing, addressing issues that are still at the forefront of cultural and political discourse. As we continue to grapple with the intersections of race, gender, and class, hooks’ call to “move against domination, against oppression” through love, critical thinking, and education remains a guiding light.

bell hooks’ influence extends far beyond the academic. Her work has inspired countless activists, educators, and thinkers, including prominent figures like Laverne Cox, who remarked upon hooks’ passing: “bell hooks has always been the truth. Now perhaps more than ever, it’s paramount that we lean into her work. On this day of her passing, let us celebrate the rich published legacy she leaves behind.” hooks’ ability to speak truth to power, combined with her unwavering commitment to love and justice, made her a beacon of hope for many.

In recognition of her contributions, hooks received numerous awards and honors throughout her career. She was a Distinguished Professor in Residence at Berea College in Kentucky, where she also founded the bell hooks Institute in 2014. The institute serves as a center for critical thinking, teaching, and scholarship, and houses her personal collections, including her books, awards, and memorabilia. It stands as a testament to her enduring legacy and her commitment to nurturing future generations of thinkers and activists.

In her own words, “Living as we do in a culture of domination, to truly choose to love is heroic.” bell hooks’ life and work are a testament to that heroism, offering us a blueprint for how to live with integrity, courage, and an steadfast commitment to justice.