Kimberlé Crenshaw called on the public to resist authoritarianism and oppressive systems during the promotion of her new memoir, "Backtalker" [2].
As a prominent scholar of intersectionality, Crenshaw's call for collective action targets the rise of systems that seek to silence marginalized groups. Her advocacy emphasizes the necessity of confronting power structures to protect civil liberties.
Crenshaw spoke at an event on the University of California, Los Angeles campus on April 18, 2026 [1]. During the appearance, she encouraged individuals to challenge the status quo. "It’s time for everyone to talk back and confront oppressive systems head‑on," Crenshaw said [1].
In a subsequent interview published on May 5, 2026, the distinguished law professor expanded on the need for systemic resistance. "We must stand up to authoritarianism and the oppressive systems that seek to silence us," she said [2]. The memoir serves as a framework for understanding how individuals can transition from silence to active resistance.
Crenshaw also addressed the political appropriation of her academic work. She noted that certain political actors are attempting to distort the meaning of her theories to serve their own agendas. "The far‑right is trying to weaponize intersectionality; we can’t let that happen," she said [3].
Her efforts to promote the memoir and her message of collective action are intended to empower people to recognize and disrupt patterns of oppression. By framing the act of "talking back" as a tool for liberation, Crenshaw connects her personal history with broader political struggles against authoritarianism.
“"We must stand up to authoritarianism and the oppressive systems that seek to silence us."”
Crenshaw's current focus reflects a broader academic and social effort to prevent the co-option of critical legal theories by political extremes. By linking the concept of "backtalking" to systemic resistance, she is attempting to move intersectionality from a descriptive academic framework into a practical tool for political mobilization against authoritarian trends.
