Lélia Gonzalez (1935–1994) was a Brazilian scholar, activist, and professor known for her significant contributions to Black feminism, sociology, and anti-racist activism in Brazil. She played a crucial role in challenging social inequalities and advocating for the rights of Afro-Brazilians and women.
Gonzalez was born in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, and she earned a degree in Sociology from the Federal University of Minas Gerais. She later pursued graduate studies in France, where she developed her interest in the intersections of race, gender, and class.
Throughout her career, Gonzalez emphasized the importance of understanding the experiences of Black women within the broader context of Brazilian society. She critiqued the ways in which racism, sexism, and classism intersected to oppress Black women, and she advocated for their empowerment and recognition.
Gonzalez was involved in various social movements, including the Black Movement in Brazil, where she fought against racial discrimination and promoted Afro-Brazilian culture and identity. She co-founded the Grupo de Trabalho de Mulheres Negras (Black Women's Working Group) in the 1980s, which became a prominent organization advocating for the rights and visibility of Black women in Brazil.
In addition to her activism, Gonzalez was also a prolific writer and academic. She authored several influential works, including "Lugar de Negro" (Place of the Black) and "Racismo e Sexismo na Cultura Brasileira" (Racism and Sexism in Brazilian Culture), which critically examined the intersections of race and gender in Brazilian society.
Lélia Gonzalez's legacy continues to inspire activists, scholars, and feminists in Brazil and beyond. She is celebrated for her pioneering work in challenging systemic oppression and advocating for social justice, particularly for Black women in Brazil.