During this time today, we not only struggle with racism, but we also struggle with sexism. She is very significant because she shows people how being different is good. Patricia Hill-Collins always see women as strong and independent. According to Nicki Lisa Cole, she stated that Collins “argued that black women are uniquely positioned due to their race and gender to understand the importance of self-definition within the context of a social system that defines oneself in oppressive ways and that they are also uniquely positioned, because of their experiences within the social system, to engage in social justice work.” (Cole 2019). In her books, she was not only able to reveal her own personal connections and what she has lived through but also what she has learned about it. She also has a degree in sociology which gives her more knowledge on racism. Patricia Hill-Collins was the first African American woman to be president of the American Sociological Association. Collins believes that the power of nationalism must be considered for it’s role in furthering racist thinking and its potential for empowering African Americans through Black Nationalism. Elsewhere I suggest that the power of nationalism, like that of religion, lies in its ability to annex expressive needs to political ends.” (Collins 14).

She expresses her thoughts of nationalism and “Rather than seeing nationalism as a backward, essential ideology, I view nationalism as a powerful set of ideas that can be used for a variety of purposes. She uses this technique to share her personal thoughts on racism as she defines words through her own viewpoint. She states in her book Black Feminist Thought, “Over the years I have tried to replace the external definitions of my life forwarded by dominant groups with my own self-defined viewpoint.” (Collins, vi). After she went silent, she wanted to share her thoughts to the world. Patricia Hill-Collins reveals to the world her unique point of view on racism, oppression, and nationalism. As an author she is very important to us today as she is a black feminist leader sharing her voice. Patricia Hill-Collins has become a very powerful African American feminist who truly made a difference in our world. As a result, she started to write books to regain her voice and power. She “tried to disappear” (Collins vi) and hide the pain. Knowing people were judging her, she felt small and went silent. She knew that part of the world felt that her race defined her. When Patricia Hill-Collins was younger, she was one of the only African Americans in her schools, community, and work environment. By Sara Hedglin (Business Management, Class of 2024)

Patricia collins black feminist thought