A selection of work by Barbara Smith. She defines a black women's tradition, examines the sexual politics of the lives of black women and other women of colour, represents the lives of black lesbians and gay men, and makes connections between race, class, sexuality and gender.

The collection also brings together topical political commentaries that examine the 1968 Chicago convention demonstrations; attacks on the NEA; the Anita Hill-Clarence Thomas Senate hearings; and police brutality against Rodney King and Abner Louima. It also includes a never before published personal essay on racial violence, the day-to-day life of Kitchen Table Press and the bonds between black women that make it possible to survive. Smith's writing offers a rare combination of intellectual challenge and an accessible personal voice. Her commitment to telling the truth about difficult, even volatile issues, makes a unique contribution to American literature and social thought.