Tribute: Pat Parker 1944-1989

Although mostly known as a Black lesbian feminist poet and confidante of Audre Lorde, Parker also served as the medical coordinator and executive director of the Oakland Feminist Women’s Health Center during a time of significant growth for this organization.

As someone who is both a creative writer and a healthcare administrator, I take inspiration from her dual roles here.

For more: The Complete Works of Pat Parker (ed. Julie Enszer), or this piece about Parker and Audre Lorde’s letters.

Take the strength that you may
wage a long battle. Take the pride that you can
never stand small. Take the rage that you can
never settle for less.
-- from “Legacy” by Pat Parker