Social Movements and Activism

Over the past several years we’ve seen social movements and activism (#metoo, #neveragain #timesup #stopthewall #defendaca, Black Lives Matter, no hate/no fear), many founded by Women of Color, in response and resistance to the hate and violence against marginalized communities. In the 2018 election, we elected the most racially diverse and largest group of women representatives ever elected to the House, with a number of queer representatives. These movements and electoral changes have been celebrated as a win for intersectional feminism. The term Intersectionality was coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw to specifically describe how race, gender, and other identities intersect within the oppression of Black women. We now see this term used in many ways and for many contexts that have departed from Crenshaw’s original use. This includes a type of feminism now called intersectional feminism. With this in mind, please write a 3-5 page essay that answers the question: What is the future of intersectional feminism?

Minimum Qualifications: Essay contest is open to all students regardless of gender. Applicants must be enrolled as a student at Portland State University for the fall 2020 term.
• Submissions must include the entrant’s contact information and PSU ID number
• Submissions must be in MS-Word format, double-spaced with 12-point font including:
o A 3-5 page (maximum) essay based on the above theme, and
o A separate 150-word paragraph about how the award will advance your education and confirmation of your student standing for fall 2020. [Ask for extra info from me when you are doing this part]
• Students may enter only one essay.
• Essays written in a non-English language should be translated into English prior to submission.

Entries will be evaluated based on: originality, argument, persuasiveness, organization (clarity of concept), style (use of grammar), and how the award will advance the entrant’s education.