Celebrated author bell hooks dies at 69

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) -- Celebrated author and feminist Gloria Jean Watkins, commonly known as her pen name 'bell hooks', has died at the age of 69.

Her family made the announcement on Wednesday, saying they honored her "request to transition at home with family and friends by her side." A statement from Berea College said she died at her home in Berea after an extended illness.

The college this year opened the bell hooks center on campus to celebrate her life, legacy, and contributions to the school.

She was born in Kentucky but studied in the Bay Area, receiving a bachelors from Stanford and a doctorate at UC Santa Cruz.

The family of @bellhooks is sad to announce the passing of our sister, aunt, great aunt and great great aunt. The author, professor, critic and feminist made her transition early this am from her home, surrounded by family and friends. 🖤

— Enter Ebony (@Enter_Ebony) December 15, 2021

hooks, whose pen name is intentionally uncapitalized, published her first book in 1981 titled "Aint I a Woman? Black Women and Feminism." It's described as a "classic work of feminist scholarship," and a "must-read for all those interested in the nature of black womanhood," according to publishing company Routledge.

bell hooks was a literary giant with an incredible talent for centering the Black experience, especially of women. She also challenged misogynoir throughout her works and cultural commentary. pic.twitter.com/6u7oxbX7Zo

— Legal Defense Fund (@NAACP_LDF) December 15, 2021

Black womanhood, feminist theory and cultural criticism are integral to her work, with over 30 books published to her name, plus children's books, poetry, and contributions to other texts.

“Love is an action, never simply a feeling” ― bell hooks

We mourn the tremendous loss of bell hooks. A woman of great compassion, courage, & extraordinary intellect. Thank you for always putting your love for Black people in action - for challenging us to imagine a bolder future pic.twitter.com/9tydxdgJsg

— Well-Read Black Girl ™ (@wellreadblkgirl) December 15, 2021

Her pen name is a tribute to her great-grandmother.

"The family is honored that Gloria received numerous awards, honors, and international fame for her works as a poet, author, feminist, professor, cultural critic, and social activist. We are proud to just call her sister, friend, confidant, and influencer," her family said.

from KRON4 https://ift.tt/3s5YctV