New Biography on Audre Lorde

In "Survival Is a Promise," Alexis Pauline Gumbs presents a vibrant biography of the influential poet Audre Lorde, known for her unwavering political commitment and community engagement. Gumbs's work serves as a heartfelt tribute to Lorde, who, despite facing personal challenges such as being legally blind and having a stutter, emerged as a powerful voice in literature and activism. The biography diverges from previous works, particularly Alexis De Veaux’s "Warrior Poet," by focusing on a celebratory narrative rather than a strictly factual recounting of Lorde's life. The book is structured unconventionally, featuring short chapters that explore various aspects of Lorde's life, including her love for bees, her hair preserved at Spelman College, and her poignant photographs of St. Croix post-Hurricane Hugo. Gumbs intertwines these reflections with broader ecological and cosmic themes, emphasizing the depth of Lorde's voice and the emotional weight of her poetry. The biography aims to shift the focus from the often-cited phrase, “Your silence will not protect you,” to the empowering essence of Lorde’s work. Born in 1934 in Harlem to Grenadian immigrant parents, Lorde's upbringing was marked by strict discipline and a love for literature. Her father, Byron, fostered her reading habits, while her mother’s harsh expectations shaped her resilience. Gumbs captures the complexities of Lorde's childhood, illustrating how these experiences fueled her poetic journey and commitment to social justice.