Born: 1950 (London, United Kingdom)
Biography:
Linda Ann Bellos OBE (born 13 December 1950) is a British businesswoman, radical feminist, and gay-rights activist. She has made significant contributions to the feminist movement, particularly as the first non-white lesbian to join the Spare Rib feminist collective in 1981. Bellos’ steadfast commitment to social justice and equality has led her to advocate for the rights of marginalized communities and challenge the discourse surrounding race and gender.
Bellos was born in London to a white Polish Jewish mother, Renee Sackman, and a Nigerian, Yoruba father, Emmanuel Adebowale. Her father, who hailed from Uzebba, had joined the merchant navy during the Second World War. However, her parents’ interracial marriage was met with disapproval, and her mother was disowned by her family for marrying an African Christian. Growing up in Brixton, Bellos experienced the complexities of navigating multiple identities within a society that was often hostile towards differences.
Bellos’ education played a crucial role in shaping her perspectives and her drive for equality. She attended Silverthorne Girls’ Secondary Modern School and later Dick Sheppard Comprehensive School. She furthered her education at the University of Sussex from 1978 to 1981.
As a radical feminist, Linda Bellos has dedicated her activism to challenging the status quo and fighting for women’s rights. In 1981, she became the first woman of African descent to join the Spare Rib collective, a groundbreaking feminist magazine. Bellos has been a vocal critic of the women’s movement, particularly its tendency to be dominated by white, middle-class women, and its focus on point scoring instead of true inclusivity.
Bellos rejects the term mixed race, as she believes it reduces race to definitions solely based on skin color. Instead, she prefers to use the term mixed heritage to encompass her African and Eastern European Jewish ancestry. Bellos proudly identifies as Black and embraces the political and cultural implications of the term.
In addition to her pioneering work in the feminist movement, Bellos has been actively involved in politics. She was a vice-chair of the Labour Party Black Sections campaign, which aimed to select African, Caribbean, and Asian parliamentary and local candidates within the Labour Party. In 1985, Bellos was elected as a Labour councillor to Lambeth London Borough Council. She later became the leader of the council from 1986 to 1988, making her the second Black woman to hold such a position in a British local authority. However, her tenure was not without challenges, and she faced disputes within the Labour Party over the council budget, leading her to resign as leader in April 1988.
Throughout the 1980s, Bellos emerged as a prominent figure in left-wing politics in London. Her dedication to social justice and equality often placed her in the crosshairs of media scrutiny. Notably, The Sun labeled her as a member of the Loony Left, a derogatory term used to dismiss those with progressive and socialist viewpoints.
Bellos also sought a parliamentary career, running for the parliamentary candidate position in Vauxhall, south London, in the Lambeth borough. Unfortunately, her attempts were unsuccessful, as she faced opposition from the national party’s chosen candidate. Despite these setbacks, Bellos remained tenacious in her pursuit of advancing the rights and representation of marginalized communities.
In addition to her political and feminist advocacy, Linda Bellos has been involved in numerous organizations and movements dedicated to social justice. She served as the treasurer of the Africa Reparations Movement (UK) and was a co-chair of the Southwark LGBT Network until February 2007. Bellos has also worked as an advisor to Southwark Council, furthering her commitment to grassroots activism and community development.
Linda Bellos’ contributions to society extend beyond her immediate activism. She has been a trailblazer for both Black women and the LGBTQ+ community, challenging societal norms and advocating for inclusivity. Bellos’ unwavering determination and resilience in the face of adversity have cemented her place in history as an influential figure in women’s rights and social justice movements.
Awards:
– Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)