Part One: On why knitting can be part of the struggle for Black Liberation

This entry will provide a summary of topics that I (and others if willing) will elaborate on over the course of several entries. It will act as a sort of outline and is less than an introduction because each topic has not yet been thoroughly researched.

The struggle for Black Liberation is not a struggle for comfort though that would be nice. The truth is many people are “comfortable” with the way things are because many of us oppressed persons have learned to navigate the systems that oppress us to gain some “comfort.” Rather the struggle for Black Liberation is a struggle for life and liberty and considers “comfort” an amenity best found within a free society. This is my understanding and my perspective. This is what I interpret as the underlying message. This is what I hear as a Black Woman.

It may be difficult to grasp how knitting works toward Black Liberation. But that is because global white supremacy works.

This view yields from misconceptions.

1) Knitting is a white woman’s activity.

We see this and understand this because of erasure within the American Pop knitting culture. I will spend time discussing erasure more broadly and specifically in terms of knitting in the U.S.

2) Knitting is a passive activity. (read: weak; read as negative)

This is linked to the gendering and devaluation of crafts. Knitting is powerful in its productivity, visibility, and communal aspects. Indeed, knitting has an extensive history as a form of resistance and rebellion. This will be discussed.

I will argue that knitting can promote engagement, community education/building/strengthening, and inclusion. Knitting in itself will not prevent the loss of life and liberty, but it can be a tool used in the struggle. In reality, it is being used and hopefully it will work.

CheyOnna