Black Feminist: Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi

The dictionary defines Black Feminist, as a strand of feminist thought, which highlights the multiple disadvantages of gender, class and race that shape the experiences of nonwhite women. Among the many Black Feminist advocates, Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi fights for the many challenges African Woman endure. For her, a woman should be regarded with respect and comprehend that there is no limits to what she can achieve. Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi has done plenty for the advancement and empowerment of black women.

Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi was born in Liverpool, England on June 11, 1963, but she is of Nigerian roots (About Bisi Fayemi). She is the daughter of the late Pa Emmanuel Akinola Adeleye, who was a boxer turned accountant and Mrs. Olufunke Emily Adeleye, who worked and supported her husband’s decisions (PM News). The most difficult time in her life was when she had to deal with the conditions of her father. In 2002, he had a mild stroke and although he somewhat recovered, he was diagnosed with dementia (PM News). Dementia is a condition that affects a person's memory and impairs judgments. Consequently, in January 2003, her father left home to visit a friend and actually disappeared and she never saw him again (PM News). The only way she was able to get through it was to accept that her father had died somehow. Where many would view this situation as a weakness because tragedy destructively affects many individuals, she managed to turn it into a strength by using the values he instilled in her to strive and essentially make him proud.

Her journey truly began while she attended Obafemi Awolowo University. In 1984, she obtained her BA and in 1988 her MA in History (About Bisi Fayemi). She also received an MA from Middlesex Unive...

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...has dedicated her life to helping women rise up, and to not be afraid to stand up for their beliefs. People are beginning to place a lot of emphasis on individual gain. While there is nothing completely wrong with individual gain, it is negative when it is not put to good use, which is what Mrs. Adeleye-Fayemi tries to convey in her work by not being self-centered and considering others.

Ultimately, she has had a great impact toward the progression and liberation of African American women. Her story and her work stand to be an inspiration for not only black women but also everyone. She is a fundamental figure as a philanthropist, especially in the global South. She has used all the opportunities that life has awarded her and has become an excellent example for young black women. As a result, she is adored for her humility and commitment to black feminism in Africa.