Kimberlé Crenshaw is a prominent American lawyer, scholar, and activist who has made significant contributions to critical race theory and feminist jurisprudence.
Born on November 23, 1959, she has become renowned for her work in intersectionality – a concept she coined to describe the interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, gender, and class, and their overlapping impacts on individuals.
Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw was born and raised in Canton, Ohio, to her parents Dr. Walter Crenshaw and Dr. Marian Crenshaw. From an early age, she showed a keen interest in social justice issues, which would eventually become a central focus of her academic and professional career.
Kimberlé Crenshaw Biography Summary
Full Name | Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw |
Date of Birth | November 23, 1959 |
Age | 63 years |
Nationality | American |
Occupation | Lawyer, Scholar, and Activist |
Net Worth | Notable, but specific details not publicly available |
Education | Cornell University, J.D. (Harvard Law School) |
Parents | Dr. Walter Crenshaw & Dr. Marian Crenshaw |
Marital Status | Not publicly disclosed |
Age
As of 2023, Kimberlé Crenshaw is 63 years old, having been born in 1959.
Family and Siblings
Coming from a family of academics, Kimberlé’s parents instilled in her a passion for education and learning. While specific details about her siblings, if any, have not been widely publicized, her family’s support played a crucial role in shaping her intellectual pursuits.
Education
Crenshaw pursued her undergraduate studies at Cornell University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Government and Africana Studies. Her thirst for knowledge led her to Harvard Law School, where she obtained her Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, further fueling her interest in understanding and addressing societal inequalities.
Career and Achievements
Kimberlé Crenshaw’s career has been defined by her tireless efforts to examine the complex intersections of race, gender, and other dimensions of identity within the framework of law and society. Her groundbreaking work on intersectionality has influenced numerous fields, including law, sociology, and gender studies.
She co-founded the African American Policy Forum (AAPF), a think tank that promotes and facilitates racial justice and gender equity. Crenshaw has also been a professor at several esteemed institutions, including UCLA School of Law and Columbia Law School.
Her academic and legal expertise have earned her numerous awards and accolades, solidifying her reputation as a leading voice in the fight against discrimination and inequality.
Relationship
Kimberlé Crenshaw has kept her personal relationships out of the public eye. Specific details about her marital status and romantic life remain undisclosed.
Facts
- Kimberlé Crenshaw’s concept of intersectionality emerged in her 1989 essay, “Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Theory, and Antiracist Politics.”
- She has been a prominent advocate for the inclusion of Black women’s experiences in anti-discrimination law and feminist discourse.
- Crenshaw’s work has significantly impacted legal cases involving discrimination, highlighting the need to consider overlapping forms of marginalization.
- In addition to her academic contributions, she has been involved in activism and public speaking on issues of race, gender, and social justice.
Kimberlé Crenshaw’s dedication to dismantling oppressive systems and her unwavering commitment to advancing equality have made her a trailblazer and an inspiration to countless individuals worldwide. Her work continues to shape the way society understands and addresses intersecting forms of discrimination, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.