Author bell hooks and her work can be used as a guide in helping people understand how love should be used as the energy source behind community building and social justice activism. Born in 1952, hooks was an author and social activist who wrote on race, gender, and class. First published in 2000, All About Love is hooks’ bestselling novel about the necessity of love in justice. The deep divisions and loneliness in society, according to hooks, is a result of society’s failure and unwillingness to enact true love, which consists of care, compassion, responsibility, and unity.
In the book, she discusses the importance of “loving communion,” or love within a community. Everyone is born interconnected with the people around them and it is within human nature to serve one another, rather than degrade, dehumanize, and compete with one another. In a capitalist society, where individual success at the expense of others is exalted, it is radical and countercultural to build community through genuine love. hooks writes that genuine love is only possible when people guide their actions with courage rather than fear. Fear of vulnerability is the foundation of an insatiable desire for power. This desire builds walls, which leads to lovelessness. When society can embrace vulnerability, people can learn to sacrifice for and forgive others, extending a loving hand, and ultimately, letting go of fear.
Author bell hooks also pushes her audience to view love as a verb, rather than a noun, emphasizing love as a choice and something that requires consistent effort. In popular culture, love is often portrayed as something that exists simply through familial bonds or something people fall into because of fate. However, hooks argues that love never accidentally or unconsciously exists as it is something that must be maintained and watered regularly to stay alive. When a community is broken, it is within people’s obligation to actively mend the cracks and fight for a better world because without action, there is no love. Cynicism about change is the breeding ground for passivity and a loss of love. Love as a verb paired with radical hope is a necessary force in social justice movements that attempt to heal and rebuild communities.
Felecia Phillips Ollie DD (h.c.) is the inspiring leader and founder of The Equality Network LLC (TEN). With a background in coaching, travel, and a career in news, Felecia brings a unique perspective to promoting diversity and inclusion. Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in English/Communications, she is passionate about creating a more inclusive future. From graduating from Mississippi Valley State University to leading initiatives like the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Equal Employment Opportunity Program, Felecia is dedicated to making a positive impact. Join her journey on our blog as she shares insights and leads the charge for equity through The Equality Network.
