The anti-sexual violence movement has a rich history, one that began long before the feminist movement of the 1970s or the suffragists of the early 20th century. In recent decades, the anti-sexual violence movement has
The anti-sexual violence movement has a rich history, one that began long before the feminist movement of the 1970s or the suffragists of the early 20th century. In recent decades, the anti-sexual violence movement has struggled with remaining inclusive of women from all backgrounds, becoming increasingly middle-class and white-led – moving away from its origins. During Black History Month, we want to take time to pay homage to the women who led the earliest waves of activism against sexual violence. These women fought not only against sexual violence, but also against racism. Following is only a small number of the hundreds of Black women that have fought for equality in a world that continues to devalue them.
Harriet Ann Jacobs
Harriet Ann Jacobs was born into slavery and faced years of sexual harassment and abuse from her white slave owner. After being banned from marrying a free Black man, she entered into a relationship with an unmarried white lawyer. She bore two children from this relationship and her owner threatened to sell them into plantation work. This prompted Harriet to flee. She spent seven years hiding in family and friends’ homes, until she was able to travel north to Philadelphia in 1842. While in Philadelphia, Harriet obtained her freedom and joined the abolitionist movement. She worked to end slavery and supported refugees fleeing slavery. Ms. Jacobs published a personal account of her former slave-owner’s sexual power over her in Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, helping to bring the issues of sexual exploitation of enslaved women to anti-slavery conversations.
In 1855, 18-year-old enslaved woman, Celia, killed her owner in an attempt to protect herself after enduring years of sexual abuse. The Missouri courts determined that enslaved people did not hold the right to self-defense against sexual violence, and as a result convicted and executed Celia. This case laid the legal foundation for the unjust treatment of enslaved victims of sexual violence. Though the laws have changed, we continue to feel the after effects of this harmfu