A Litany for Survival: The Life and Work of Audre Lorde

This restored documentary introduces older children to Audre Lorde’s life as a Black lesbian poet, teacher, professor, and activist. It follows her story from childhood in Harlem through her work for civil rights, women’s rights, and gay and lesbian rights, as well as her 14-year experience with breast cancer. Lorde’s recorded poetry and prose accompany interviews made during the final years of her life, with additional reflections from her children, students, and contemporaries including Adrienne Rich, Essex Hemphill, and Sonia Sanchez.

The 90-minute DCP screening is followed by a discussion led by Sacred Spaces Collective curator Keya Crenshaw, Ohio State assistant professor Casidy B. Campbell, and poet Tyiesha Radford-Shorts. The program accompanies The Black Madonna & Other Sacred Spaces, an exhibition at Ohio State’s Urban Arts Space.

A limited number of listening devices are available on request. Families needing another accommodation can review the Wexner Center’s accessibility information or contact its accessibility team in advance.