The course of Dr. Sherie M. Randolph’s career completely changed when she discovered Flo Kennedy, whose life she chronicles in a book two decades in the making.
Discovering Florynce “Flo” Kennedy while randomly channel surfing 20 years ago changed the life of Randolph, today an associate professor of history and African-American studies at the University of Michigan. Then a graduate student studying 19th century history, Randolph’s career changed course to a 20th century focus. In the TV clip, Kennedy was yelling at Daniel Patrick Moynihan.
“She was also talking about racism and sexism. It was clear that footage was old, but she seemed so present and cutting edge.
She seemed so ahead of her time,” says Randolph. Kennedy was largely a footnote in other people’s stories until Randolph compiled the research and wrote a compelling biography, Florynce “Flo” Kennedy: The Life of a Black Feminist Radical, published last fall.
In some ways, it is also Randolph’s story of being an innovator and visionary since telling Kennedy’s story was a challenge.
Kennedy (1916-2000), whose life and work deeply impacted both the Black Power and feminist movements, was far ahead of her time. Media savvy, she was known for using street theater and shock tactics to generate attention for important issues. Often dismissed by predominantly White feminist leaders in the ’60s and ’70s, Kennedy pointed out intersections of race, class and gender and engaged in activism and advocacy for multiple causes.
While her name appears in feminist and Black history, few stories have been written about her.
