| Abstract | Womanist: 1. From womanish. (Opp. of “girlish,” i.e. frivolous, irresponsible, not serious.) A black feminist or feminist of color. From the black folk expression of mothers to female children, “you acting womanish,” i.e., like a woman. Usually referring to outrageous, audacious, courageous or willful behavior. Wanting to know more and in greater depth than is considered “good” for one. Interested in grown up doings. Acting grown up. Being grown up. Interchangeable with another black folk expression: “You trying to be grown.” Responsible. In charge. Serious.From the black folk expression of mothers to female children, “you acting womanish,” i.e., like a woman.I am also among those who are left to mourn with her students past and present, her departmental colleagues, a grand collective of staff and administrators, and Berkshire County community members who were touched by Leslie’s life.She was a historian to her core and believed in the methodology of deep remembering that can only be summoned by the adept combination of archival diligence and oral history.She is also remembered for being an active participant in the life and work of the History Department, and for her presence at The Davis Center, at Rice House, and in our programming in Africana Studies.I knew if there was someone there who was as committed to finding and creating a home at Williams for someone who looked like Leslie and me that I would be okay.And in the midst of all of those ways in which she…
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