Toward a Transnational Black Feminist Sociology

Written from the perspectives of two transnational Black feminist sociologists trained in the United States but raised, living in, and working in between multiple contexts and continents, we outline a few key issues which we see as central to theorizing and practicing a transnational Black feminist sociology. We begin by situating ourselves in relationship to transnational Black feminist sociology, as well as its relationship to US-centered traditions of Black feminist sociology. We then explore the challenges and possibilities of a transnational Black feminist sociology, focusing on three overarching (but overlapping) themes of scholarly intervention and emphasis: (1) challenging diasporic hegemonies; (2) engaging (Pan-)African, transnational, and Afro-diasporic feminisms; and (3) practicing internationalist, anti-colonial, and anti-imperialist solidarities. For each theme, we offer a brief overview of scholarly traditions and conversations, as well as a discussion of how each area offers insights for a transnational Black feminist sociology. Building on these discussions, we outline key lessons for practicing a transnational Black feminist sociology.