We should be fighting for free or low-cost college, but most people don’t go to college. Meanwhile, they're spending so much time talking about “leaning in.' Often, this is what's missing from mainstream feminism. Where are the articles that teach her how to correctly apply for food stamps? Those forms can be tricky - who is helping her put food on the table? We need to talk about the lack of medical care, lead in our water, homelessness, all of that because if we are serious about seeing progress, you can’t have that if these needs aren’t met. MK: I think of the single mother who lives in the projects. KT: What are some things the feminist movement forgot or chooses to ignore? Think about it: You can see beautiful artwork tagged on a building, but ask yourself, will that kid, regardless of gender, even make it to tomorrow? That art could be in a museum one day if that kid didn’t have to worry about poverty, gangs, violence or hunger. We put so many obstacles in front of people, but don't give them tools to climb over it all. We often talk about what it takes to succeed, but we don’t talk about what it takes to get there.

MIKKI KENDALL: It's the actual lived feminist experience of helping others get access to their basic needs.

KELLEE TERRELL: So in a nutshell, what is hood feminism? Shondaland sat down with Kendall to talk about why feminism can’t just be about “leaning in,” the importance of including trans women in the conversation, and why she isn’t afraid to make less money for speaking out about racism in the movement. In Hood Feminism, no one is spared - and we’re all better for it.

She's also not afraid to challenge the African American community by demanding they confront things like sexism and victim-blaming, stop perpetuating the myth that the “hood hates smart folks,” and accept that black girls can develop eating disorders too. Her critiques are brutally honest, yet laid out respectfully for anyone to understand - if you’re open to her message. And if you're familiar with her online presence, you already know Kendall's not one for hand-holding or coddling. Kendall isn’t afraid to condemn white feminism (which tends to center on the experience of white women) and the failure of a predominately middle class movement that has historically ignored marginalized communities.

Hood feminism mikki