Work

The Hands That Keep History: Black and Mexican Women’s Archival and Epistemological Legacies

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Women of Color feminists have engaged in archival practices and alternative ways of knowing, despite their continued erasure in mainstream knowledge production. This paper presents the archival and epistemological contributions of ordinary Black and Mexican women. Drawing on artifacts, narratives, and reflective notes, we explore the archival practices and saberes/ways of knowing of maternal figures in our families. In doing so, we aim to challenge traditional notions of archival collection by (1) validating the archival practices of women of Color; and (2) showcasing the knowledge systems that these practices engender. This work contributes to archival, feminist, and educational scholarship that redefines who gets to author history and how that history is remembered. Moreover, as educational scholars, we offer pedagogical insights for social justice-oriented educators seeking to integrate and affirm Black and Chicana/Latina women’s histories in their classrooms.

Source: Culture Studies &#x2194 Critical Methodologies

DOI: 10.1177/15327086251347252

Authors: Jasmin Patrón-Vargas, ArCasia James-Gallaway, Delandrea Hall

Institutions: Texas A&M University, University of North Texas

Language: English

Topic: Feminist Epistemology and Gender Studies

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Gender equality, Quality education

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,650