by Pauli Murray and Murray Kempton
Publication Date: circa 1940
The first Black woman to receive a JD from Yale Law School, founder of the National Organization for Women, and the first Black woman to be an ordained Episcopal Priest. Pauli Murray would aid in the fight for public school desegregation, women’s rights in the workplace, and the rights of LGBTQIA+ people based on the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Pauli Murray would frequently question her gender identity and sexuality in her journals –Pauli Murray Center & NMAAHC
Publication Date: 1986-
Black/Out was the Coalition of Black Lesbians and Gays quarterly magazine addressing racial issues within the LGBTQ community. The NCBLG was the country's first national organization that fought for the rights of Black Americans and third-world gays and lesbians.
by Penny Mickelbury
Publication Date: 1994
The first of the Giannia Magoline series –A mystery novel surrounding a lesbian, Lt. Gianna Magoline, and her lover Mimi Patterson as they uncover a serial killer of gays and lesbians in Washington, DC. Mickelbury is a playwright, mystery series, short story, and historical writer. A former teacher in both adult and children's journalism.
Publication Date: 1988
An anthology of poetry, essays, plays, and art of 32 black gay writers published by Other Countries, a New York City not-for-profit organization formed by a collective of black gay male writers organized with the purpose to develop, promote, and cultivate literary, cultural, and social endeavors and pursuits relevant to the experience of black gay men.
by Barbara Smith
Publication Date: 1980
Pioneer, in establishing Black women’s studies, as a member of the Modern Language Association Commission on the Status of Women in the Profession, would create courses and curricula focused on Black women authors. Smith was the first elected African American District Attorney of Albany County and the first woman Mayor of the City of Albany –Barbara Smith Aint Gonna
by Ann Allen Shockley
Publication Date: 1980
Journalist, author, and librarian Ann Allen Shockley was known for her perceptiveness on the triple oppression (racism, sexism, and homophobia) and her short stories, which highlight the conditions of Black Americans, women, and homosexuality.