Move Maker Spotlight: Cora Webb

In conclusion of Women's history month, it would not be right not to feature Cora Webb, a pioneer among black feminist at the College of Charleston. With her bubbly personality and outgoing demeanor Cora impacts the lives of all who come in contact with her!

Read more below about this amazing woman!

1. Tell us a little about yourself !

My full name is Cora Leolla Carletta Webb, which is kind of a historical creation because those are all names of my grandmothers. I am from Columbia, SC and I am double majoring in Women’s and Gender Studies (WGS) and Public Health (PH). Many people ask me how I came to select both my majors and, for the most part, I stumbled upon them in just the right amount of time. I had a list of maybe ten majors and decided to take an intro to public health course. The professor and the content of the course made me instantly decide it for me. As for WGS, it was not even on my radar because people openly devalue majors in the humanities so much that I just did not initially think there was any value in exploring it. I ended up in a WGS intro course and found out WGS provided me with the tools to articulate the injustices that were being perpetrated against people of color. Regarding my future, my interests are so vast that I am constantly searching for my next step. Even so, I have a desire to get more involved in local government and confront modern voter disfranchisement. Fighting for the liberation of black people takes many forms, but for me it may be focused on policy and law reform.

2. What attracted you to attend the college of Charleston?

In high school, I applied to ten schools. I believe I applied to CofC because one of my teachers possibly mentioned it as an option. Even so, I had no intention to attend. Then some representatives of CofC came to my high school to do on site admissions. Initially, I did not even come to that session. I was called from class by a guidance counselor and told that the representatives wanted to speak with me. I met with them and the conversation went well (I think they told me I was admitted). Next thing I know I went on a campus tour and while on the tour I told my friends “I think I am going to stay here.” And I did - a decision I am grateful for.

3. How has your major/area of study impacted your activism and involvement on campus?

Before college, I was already becoming more and more critical of the structures I lived within, but the criticisms I held were undefined. I would know see things happen, but I could not attach words to enhance my understanding of what was occurring. Although my judgements are still indefinite, my majors have collided together to offer validation for my prior confusion. Public Health and Women’s and Gender Studies allow me to analyze how disparities in access to resources intersect with marginalized identities to create unequal health outcomes. Due to this, my majors have pushed me to engage in organizations that focus on various marginalized communities, such as being a student executive committee member of the Gender and Sexuality Equity Center (GSEC), which works towards gender equity and justice on campus. Additionally, I intern on the Women’s Health Research Team, which pushes me to further advocate for the reproductive rights of women. Recently, I presented a paper entitled “The Methods of Illegal Abortion” at the SEWSA research conference. The need for research and analysis to uncover narratives of the forgotten and ignored proves the value of studying Women’s and Gender Studies and Public Health.

4. You are involved in a lot of things on campus, which one is most meaningful to you? And how do you use your leadership to make an impactful change?

I run around campus a lot!! I am always busy trying to stay involved with all of my obligations. So even though I am supposed to choose one, I feel compelled to highlight two experiences that have changed me. First, I have been a Resident Assistant (RA) for three years now. Living amongst my peers and assisting students develop their own relationships with the CofC campus has provided me with a lot of personal growth. As an RA, I not only create an environment that encourages personal growth amongst residents, but I also serve as an informal educational resource. I want them to feel secure in engaging in tough conversations with me, and I feel like I have done a good job. My next meaningful experience is being an Alternative Break site leader. This past spring break, I co-led a program focused on LGBTQ+ Rights and Public Health issues in NYC. Through this program, I worked with the world’s first and leading provider of HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and advocacy, the Gay Men’s Health Crisis Center (GMHC). The work done at GMHC inspired a sustainable commitment to positive social change in us all! Witnessing changes in my participant’s perspectives on social issues and social responsibility has given me courage to do this type of work more. When it comes to using my leadership to enact change, I would say leadership has given me the opportunity to engage in the tough dialogues that are needed to stimulate change. Everything starts with a conversation.

5. What is one piece of advice you would like to give to young feminist on campus especially black feminist who may not feel included.

As a radical black feminist/womanist, I would say this life is one of constant tension. I want to live in peace, but will I sacrifice your humanity for it? No, but there has to be elements of self-care within this constant fight. My advice is for black feminists to allow themselves moments of self-love. Self-preservation is key!!! This world mistreats, degrades, and dehumanizes black women every day, all day. There is little to no insulation from the hate. So find refuge within yourself and when you are not enough find it amongst the strength of your black sisters who love you. Even so, comfort is not always an available option. It is highly possible that you may be a lonesome black feminist or will not feel included. When this happens, the discomfort of solitude may stir something in you, but do not be deterred because black feminism exists because we are excluded! Just know the anger or turmoil you feel is valid. Use it to make your voice even louder.

6. Any words of wisdom for our readers?

Recently, I saw the quote “Be who you needed when you were a younger.” I think it’s a memorable and cute quote. It made me think of how black kids (black people in general) need so much more protection and love than they receive. So I am going to be the black woman who never stops working to provide that. I hope my words and actions will work in unison with others to dismantle systems of oppression.