Barbara Smith
is an African-American feminist author, publisher, activist, teacher and scholar
who has had a tremendous impact in establishing and sustaining black feminism,
black women's studies and an African American women's literary tradition in the
United States. In 1980 she cofounded Kitchen Table: Women of Color Press, the
first U.S. publisher for women of color. Barbara Smith has written many articles,
essays, reviews and short stories to stimulate a national dialogue about the issues
of race, class, gender and sexuality, and has lectured on these subjects at many
colleges and universities. In addition to her writing and teaching, Barbara Smith
has been actively involved in many movements for social justice, and is currently
focusing on neighborhood and community organizing to address youth issues in poor
black communities. She is also serves her community as an elected council member
in Albany, New York. Barbara Smith was nominated for the 2005 Nobel Peace Prize
as part of the 1000 Women for the Nobel Peace Prize project.
