Black Women in the U.S. Cooperative Movement

Jessica Gordon Nembhard

An important part of the history of cooperativism that is usually overlooked is the development of cooperative institutions and practices among African Americans. Emerging as defense against a hostile White world, this collective self-reliance has been a way to survive. Now this story of the agency of a self-conscious People is chronicled in Collective Courage by Jessica Gordon Nembhard.  She has researched the long story of cooperative Black business ownership, intentional communities and mutual aid throughout U.S. history. As in so much of African American history, Black women have played a leading role.

During Women’s History Month, Jessica Gordon Nembhard will take us inside this hidden story of courage, resilience and solidarity. She is a Professor of Community Justice and Social Economic Development in the Department of Africana Studies at John Jay College of the City University of New York.

This webinar is one of three events jointly sponsored by the Center for Global Justice and Ser Mujer during March, Women’s History Month. Ser Mujer is an organization of Mexican, Canadian and American women based in San Miguel whose mission is to highlight the struggles and successes of women around the world. www.sermujersma.com