“For a woman to be a lesbian in a male-supremacist, capitalist, misogynist, racist, homophobic, imperialist culture, such as that of North America, is an act of resistance.”
- Name: Cheryl Clarke
- Pronouns: She/Her
- Born: May 16th, 1947, Washington D.C.
- Spouse: Barbara Balliet
- Education:
- Occupation: Poet, essayist, educator, activist
- Impact: Cheryl Clark is known for her poems, essays, and literary criticisms that advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
- Known For: Brief Interval (2019), Living as a Lesbian (1986)
- Interesting Facts: Clarke met Martin Luther King Jr. At age sixteen before participating in the 1963 March on Washington for jobs and Freedom.
Cheryl Clarke is a modern-day poet and essayist that some consider to be underappreciated and a genius. Growing up experiencing Jim Crow laws first hand sparked Clarke’s interest in activism and protest. Clarke even sees lesbianism as an act of defiant resistance. Throughout her career, she has published several works about being a black lesbian and has sought to create spaces for young lgbt+ artists to grow. Namely, the various programs she made to help students at Rutgers University.
Handout
To download the Handout:
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- Write a description on the line and decorate.
- Cut out and use for a selfie to share on our social media page.
- Download a card and envelope template and write about an idea this leader inspires.
- Check out more resources and ways to celebrate MLK can be found on these links as well as our official Day of Service opportunity to volunteer.
This ASI Special event is an ongoing volunteer-led project made by people like you, using multiple educational sources regularly being revised and updated. We would love your assistance if you or your group would like to get involved, learn more here.