She went on to publish some 40 works, including poetry, children's fiction, memoir and literary criticism, delving into not only feminism, racism and other social justice issues, but love - romantic and beyond.
She gained acclaim in 1981 for 'Ain't I a Woman? Black Women and Feminism,' in which she examined the impact of sexism and racism on Black women, as well as racism within feminism, arguing for a more inclusive movement.