In a most unexpected locale, Murray State University Library, I effortlessly surpassed my daily step goal of 10,000. My mission? To delve into the literary world of bell hooks, the renowned author, professor, feminist, and social activist. Navigating the electronic catalog, I unearthed a treasure trove of books and articles authored by and dedicated to her across various literary journals and academic publications.

Armed with a selection of printed pages tucked into my bag, I journeyed through the library’s labyrinthine aisles. From one end of the ground floor to the other, I traversed, maneuvering past shelves and rolling brackets to reach coveted volumes. With a blend of stretching, tiptoeing, and squatting, I laid hands on five books, each a testament to hooks’ prolific output.

Perusing the pages, I marveled at hooks’ extensive work spanning nearly four decades until her passing in December 2021. With nearly forty titles to her name, her literary repertoire covers many topics, from race and feminism to love, visual arts, and the power of language.

Born Gloria Jean Watkins in Hopkinsville, her pen name is bell hooks, and she pays homage to her great-grandmother, bell Blair hooks, who is known for her outspoken nature. Lowercasing her name symbolizes focusing on the substance of her words rather than the persona.

Reflecting on her upbringing in rural Kentucky, hooks’ writings shed light on the intersectionality of race and class from an early age. After graduating high school, she left for Stanford University on a scholarship. She continued her academic pursuits, earning degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of California, Santa Cruz.

The community played a pivotal role in hooks’ formative years, with African-American educators and the church providing a nurturing environment for her intellectual growth. Her return to Kentucky, when she founded the bell hooks Institute at Berea College, marked a significant milestone in her career.

In her passing, the outpouring of tributes from around the globe attests to hooks’ profound impact. Her works inspire educators like MSU Professor Jeff Osborne and Assistant Professor Sara Cooper, who integrate her teachings into their pedagogical approach.

As Women’s History Month approaches, Hopkinsville Community College honors hooks’ legacy with screenings and discussions of her video interviews. Additionally, a celebration of her life is scheduled at the Alhambra Theater in Hopkinsville, featuring esteemed speakers such as Crystal Wilkinson, Silas House, and Wendell Berry.

In honoring bell hooks, we recognize her literary contributions and enduring influence on generations of scholars and activists.