A Legacy of Advocacy and Activism
Audley “Queen Mother” Moore, born on July 27, 1898, in New Iberia, Louisiana, was a trailblazing African-American civil rights activist, feminist, and community organizer whose work left an indelible mark on the struggle for racial and gender equality. Throughout her long life, Moore dedicated herself to dismantling systemic racism and advocating for the empowerment of African Americans through self-determination and Pan-Africanism. Her tireless efforts across multiple decades positioned her as a pivotal figure in the fight for justice and equality.
Growing up in the racially segregated South, Moore was acutely aware of the injustices faced by African Americans. This awareness shaped her lifelong commitment to activism. In the 1930s, she co-founded the African Blood Brotherhood, an organization that sought to address the racial and economic inequities endured by African Americans. The group emphasized collective action as a means to combat systemic oppression, laying the groundwork for Moore’s later involvement in larger movements.
Her advocacy extended into her work with Marcus Garvey’s Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA). As a member of the UNIA, Moore embraced Garvey’s vision of Pan-Africanism and self-reliance for people of African descent. She became a staunch advocate for African unity and independence, championing the idea that African Americans should reclaim their cultural heritage and assert their rights on both national and global stages. Moore’s activism was not limited to racial equality; she was also a fervent advocate for gender equality. She maintained that the fight for civil rights must include the fight for women’s rights and sought to amplify the voices of Black women within the broader movement. Moore consistently pushed for women’s leadership roles in civil rights organizations, challenging the male-dominated structures that often sidelined female contributions.
Her feminist perspective was particularly significant during an era when women’s roles in activism were frequently overshadowed. Moore’s insistence on gender inclusivity helped pave the way for future generations of women leaders in civil rights and social justice movements. During the pivotal civil rights era of the 1960s, Moore continued her advocacy efforts, collaborating with prominent leaders such as Malcolm X and Stokely Carmichael. She played an active role in mobilizing protests against police brutality and systemic racial injustice, using her voice to demand accountability and change.
In New York City, Moore co-founded a chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), further solidifying her commitment to grassroots organizing. Her efforts extended to public demonstrations and community engagement, where she worked to highlight issues such as segregation, discrimination, and economic inequality. Audley Moore passed away on May 2, 1997, leaving a profound legacy as a fearless advocate for justice. Her life’s work inspires activists who strive to carry forward her vision of racial and gender equality. Moore’s contributions to the civil rights movement exemplify the power of resilience and determination in the face of systemic oppression.
Through her unwavering commitment to social justice, Queen Mother Moore remains a symbol of empowerment for African Americans and women worldwide. Her advocacy for self-determination, Pan-Africanism, and inclusivity serves as a beacon for those fighting for a more equitable society.