Welcome to our ICONversations, a series where you will hear iconic Black feminist anthropologists answer five questions about their intellectual projects and growth, what their work has meant to them, and the imprints they want to leave on the world.

In this first episode, Alyssa and Brendane sit down with Dr. Irma McClaurin, an anthropologist who defies definition. In her words: "I don't do academic windows." Dr. McClaurin is a bio-cultural anthropologist, author, leader, and entrepreneur. She has, and continues to walk in alignment with her life's purpose: creating space for Black women to thrive, to be celebrated and remembered.

Be sure to check out Dr. McClaurin in the PBS Documentary Claiming a Space about the life and work of Zora Neale Hurston.

Other Places to Catch Dr. McClaurin

‘Why We Still Love Zora’: Irma McClaurin on PBS Documentary ‘Claiming a Space’ and Zora Neale Hurston’s Legacy (Janell Hobson, 2023)
Women of Belize (Irma McClaurin, 1996)
Black Feminist Anthropology (Irma McClaurin, ed., 2001)
Black Feminist Archive at UMass

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know by sharing it on social media! Tag us @zorasdaughters on Instagram and @zoras_daughters on Twitter. Find Dr. McClaurin on Twitter and Instagram. Speak to you next week with Part II!

Transcript available on our website here.