User:Estela Isabel/Irma McClaurin

Irma P. McClaurin is an American poet, anthropologist, academic, and leadership consultant. She was the first female president of Shaw University, and is the author or editor of several books on topics including the culture of Belize, black feminism, African-American history, and her own poetry.

Background
At a young age, McClaurin stored and saved some of her most personal stories and poems that she once wrote as a child. She was the first from her family to obtain a college degree. As an African American woman she has faced discrimination, and other forms of social injustice. Her study in anthropology research expanded as she started to gain a deeper understanding of her own African American culture, and the tribulations and social injustice they went through on a daily basis.

Education and career
In 2016, McClaurin created the Black Feminist Archive. The goal of these archives were to collect Black women’s personal stories that made an impact, big or small accomplishments, and personal thoughts on the African American community. McClaurin wanted the Black Feminist Archive to make an impact across society, but most importantly to make a powerful statement that black women matter too. She came across many women stories that served a purpose, a purpose to view black women through a different lens and not be overlooked.

Work
In Women of Belize: Gender and Change in Central America (1996), McClaurin's ethnography research highlights important aspects of Belizean culture. The gender socialization, gender inequality, traditional practices, and the enculturation seen among women. The book includes some of the most personal, intimate stories of women’s upbringing within the culture.

In Black Women: Visible and Heard, McClaurin establishes her goals toward the Black Feminist Archive. Her vision was to lead future students to reflect on some of the most historical, and impactful events that Black African women went through, following racial injustice, diversity, and how they were seen to society.

Recognition
In 2021, McClaurin explained her inspiration for creating the Black Feminist Archive with Eshe Lewis. Throughout the interview, she discussed the importance of making Black women be known for their contributions and hard work within the anthropology field. The stories of the African American community needed to be seen and heard, and not be overlooked.