Bell Hooks is a world-renowned feminist theorist, cultural critic, and author. Her work is characterized by a commitment to social justice and a deep belief in the transformative power of love.

Born Gloria Jean Watkins in Hopkinsville, Kentucky in 1952, Hooks grew up in a working-class family in a racially segregated community. She adopted the name Bell Hooks as a tribute to her grandmother, who had significant influence on her life and worldview.

Hooks earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Stanford University and a PhD in literature from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She has taught at numerous institutions of higher education, including Yale University, Oberlin College, and the City College of New York.

Over the course of her career, Hooks has written over 40 books that span genres and tackle a diverse range of topics, from anti-racist education and media literacy to spirituality and love. Her seminal work, Ain't I a Woman: Black Women and Feminism, challenged the dominant narrative of feminist theory by centering the experiences of Black women in the conversation. This book, along with others like Feminist Theory: From Margin to Center and Teaching to Transgress: Education as the Practice of Freedom, has established Hooks as a leading voice in intersectional feminist thought.

In addition to her academic work, Hooks is also recognized for her activism, particularly in the areas of anti-racism and anti-sexism. She has been a vocal advocate for marginalized communities and has criticized mainstream feminism for often excluding women of color and poor women from their conversations.

Hooks is a dynamic and inspiring speaker who has lectured at universities and conferences around the world. She continues to be an important figure in feminist theory and activism and her work continues to impact and shape conversations around social justice, love, and freedom.