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✨ Virgo Lagna

Smith Barbara

★ November 16, 1946 · Cleveland, Ohio
11views
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Moon Sign
Leo
☀
Sun Sign
Scorpio
↑
Ascendant
Virgo
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Nakshatra
Magha
Birth Star
Current Dasha · Jupiter / Rahu / Saturn · Sep 2026 – Jan 2027
PoliticsEntertainmentWritersTeacherHumanities+Social SciencesPublic SpeakerResearcherActor
Biography

Who is Smith Barbara?

American black feminist political thinker and activist, critic, teacher, lecturer, author, editor, and essayist. Barbara Smith was among the first scholars to define an African American womens literary tradition and to build black womens studies and black feminism in the United States. In particular she is known as the first writer to characterize lesbian relationships between black women in classic Negro novels. Her writings have appeared in The Nation, The NY Times Book Review, The Black Scholar, Ms, and The Village Voice. The first-born of twins, Smith has described herself as being "born into segregation" in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1946 to a family with roots in Georgia. Both girls achieved a good education. While in high school, Barbara became involved in the black civil rights movement. She earned a BA at the prestigious (and mostly white) Mount Holyoke College in MA, partaking in an independent study of black writers, with a concentration on male writers like her then-hero, James Baldwin. While auditing a course taught by Alice Walker at the University of Pittsburgh, Smith was inspired by the black womens literature in the syllabus, and decided that she would eventually teach Black Literature, a field of study that did not then exist. She received her MA in 1971. Smith became critical of the oppressive sexual politics of the black nationalist movement during its height in the early 1970s. After working really hard for a college education, she felt that the "black male political establishment" expected her to "get back, keep my mouth shut, and have babies for the nation." Moving to Boston, Smith became a founding member of the Combehee River Collective in 1974, a groundbreaking black feminist organization that became known for opposing racism in the gay movement and homophobia among blacks. During this period she co-founded Kitchen Table: Women of Color Press, the only U.S. publisher specializing in works by non-white women. Smiths 1977 essay, "Toward a Black Feminist Criticism," was the first analysis of feminism, race and literature. She found that teaching was one way to "spread the word about women of color" during her periods as an instructor at the University of Massachusetts, 1976-81; Barnard College, 1983, and NYU, 1985. During this period Smith edited three major collections about black womens writing that were published in 1979, 1981 and 1983. Smith was the first non-white female to be appointed to the Modern Language Associations Commission on the Status of Women in the Profession. She also had cameo roles in gay and lesbian films such as "Pink Triangles," 1982, "Malcolm X," 1992, and "Black is, Black Aint," 1994. Smith - an "out black lesbian" - is currently researching a book on the history of gay and lesbian African-Americans. Link to Wikipedia biography
Latest Info

Latest Updates

Update at: Oct 5, 2026

Barbara Smith — Public Profile

About

Barbara Smith is an American Black feminist, lesbian activist and writer. Born on November 16, 1946, in Cleveland, Ohio, she is widely known as a co-founder of the Combahee River Collective and as the editor of Home Girls: A Black Feminist Anthology (1983). Her work helped shape Black feminism and LGBTQ rights in the United States.

Notable Works and Influence

  • Co-founded the Combahee River Collective (formed in the 1970s), a Black feminist organization focused on intersectional justice
  • Co-author of the Combahee River Collective Statement (1977), a foundational document in Black feminist thought
  • Editor of Home Girls: A Black Feminist Anthology (1983), a landmark collection of Black feminist writing
  • Influenced generations of scholars, activists, and students in feminist, queer, and racial justice movements

Recent Projects and Activities

Barbara Smith has continued to contribute to scholarship, public discourse, and community organizing around Black feminist and LGBTQ rights. Her work is frequently cited in feminist and queer studies, and she participates in academic conferences, public talks, and mentorship activities that advance inclusive approaches to social justice.

News

As a landmark figure in Black feminism, Smith's legacy is regularly revisited in retrospectives and academic discussions about intersectionality and feminist ethics. For up-to-date reporting, consult reputable news outlets and scholarly publications that cover feminist history, LGBTQ rights, and social movements.

Social Media

Public, verified social media accounts for Barbara Smith are not widely documented in major directories. If you are seeking official channels, search for Barbara Smith in conjunction with keywords like "feminism," "Black feminism," and "activist," and prioritize accounts affiliated with universities, advocacy organizations, or reputable publishers. Be mindful of fan pages or unofficial profiles that may not be endorsed.

Key References

  • The Combahee River Collective Statement (1977)
  • Home Girls: A Black Feminist Anthology (1983) — Editor
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Which planetary combinations are in Smith Barbara's birth chart?

3 FOUND

Smith Barbara's chart shows 3 challenging combinations.

Planetary Combinations
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Which dasha is Smith Barbara running now?

VIMSHOTTARI

Smith Barbara is currently in the Jupiter mahadasha, running from Sep 4, 2026 to Jan 21, 2027.

PREVIOUSMay 9, 2026 - Sep 4, 2026
Jupiter / Rahu / Jupiter
NOWSep 4, 2026 - Jan 21, 2027
Jupiter / Rahu / Saturn
NEXTJan 21, 2027 - May 23, 2027
Jupiter / Rahu / Mercury
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What do Smith Barbara's numerology numbers say?

Smith Barbara's core numbers are Life Path 11, Destiny 1, Soul Urge 4, Personality 6, Kabbalah Number 4, Birth 7.

∞Life Path
11

Chaldean Life Path 11 is a master vibration of heightened intuition and spiritual sensitivity. It indicates inspired leadership when grounded and practical.

◎Destiny
1

Chaldean Destiny 1 indicates a leadership life-expression—initiative, courage, and independence. It supports roles where you create direction and command outcomes.

❖Soul Urge
4

Chaldean Soul 4 desires stability and certainty. It seeks routine, reliability, and a grounded structure to feel secure.

◇Personality
6

Chaldean Personality 6 appears caring, responsible, and protective. Others often see harmony-making and relationship commitment.

∞Kabbalah Number
4

Kabbalah Number 4 reflects an inner spiritual code of structure and stability. It supports discipline, grounded effort, and dependable progress.

✦Birth
7

Explore Birth Number 7 in Vedic astrology: discover personality traits, destiny, career inclinations, relationships, and remedies to balance karmic energy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this profile's Vedic astrology, birth chart, and numerology — answered by our astrologers.

Which astrological combinations propelled Barbara Smith to prominence in her career?

Barbara Smith's rise to prominence stems from powerful planetary yogas in her birth chart. She carries both Angarak Yoga and a Sun-Ketu conjunction (Grahan Dosha), configurations that channel intense spiritual and transformative energy into public-facing work. Her Scorpio sun endows her with penetrating insight and fearlessness in tackling complex social issues, while these yogas amplify her ability to influence and inspire through teaching, speaking, and creative expression across entertainment and humanities.

How does Barbara Smith's Virgo ascendant influence the way she presents herself publicly?

Barbara Smith's Virgo ascendant gives her a methodical, analytical, and detail-oriented public presence. Virgo lagna natives are perceived as intelligent, articulate, and service-oriented, traits that align perfectly with her work as a teacher, public speaker, and researcher. This ascendant grounds her natural Scorpio intensity with precision and practicality, making her accessible and credible to audiences while maintaining an air of thoughtfulness and integrity.

What does Barbara Smith's life path number 11 reveal about her deeper calling?

Barbara Smith's life path number 11 marks her as a Master Number native, signifying a spiritual messenger and intuitive guide. This numerology indicates she is drawn to illuminate hidden truths, inspire collective consciousness, and bridge divides through communication and teaching. The number 11 resonates with her roles as an educator, public speaker, and advocate, suggesting her life purpose involves awakening others to social, cultural, and spiritual awareness.

What does Barbara Smith's astrological chart suggest about her spiritual direction and life mission?

Barbara Smith's chart reveals a soul called to transform consciousness through truth-telling and principled action. Her Scorpio sun combined with the Sun-Ketu conjunction indicates past-life wisdom and a drive to uncover what lies beneath surface appearances. Her Leo moon fuels her passion for creative and humanitarian expression, while her Virgo ascendant channels these forces into practical service, teaching, and research that elevate collective understanding.

Which astrological traits form the foundation of Barbara Smith's character and abilities?

Barbara Smith embodies the penetrating wisdom of Scorpio, enhanced by Leo moon's creative passion and courage. Her chart reveals someone principled, intellectually rigorous, and unafraid of controversy—qualities essential for her work in humanities, social sciences, and cultural criticism. The Virgo ascendant adds analytical precision and teaching ability, while her extensive education and research orientation reflect the intellectual discipline her planets demand, making her both a powerful communicator and a meticulous scholar.

What insights does Barbara Smith's birth chart offer about her approach to intimate relationships and partnership?

Barbara Smith's Leo moon seeks passionate, creative connection and values loyalty and authenticity in relationships. Her Scorpio sun demands emotional depth and complete honesty from partners, rejecting superficiality. The Virgo ascendant brings discernment in choosing companions, while her chart's overall emphasis on principle and integrity suggests she prioritizes relationships aligned with her values and spiritual growth over conventional expectations, reflecting her authentic self-expression.

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