Celebrated poet and feminist activist Minnie Bruce Pratt, known for her powerful words and impactful activism, passed away peacefully at the age of 76 on July 2, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of inspiration and advocacy.
Death of Minnie Bruce Pratt
Minnie Bruce Pratt, respected poet, lesbian and feminist activist and longtime partner of trans activist Leslie Feinberg, passed away on July 2, 2023 at the age of 76.
Her death occurred in Syracuse, New York, where she was surrounded by loved ones. The news of her death was initially shared by her sons Ben and Ransom Weaver on Pratt’s official website. In a previous statement released in June, they reported that Pratt had been diagnosed with a serious medical condition and was receiving palliative care at his home.
A native of Alabama, Pratt left a lasting literary legacy with the publication of eight collections of poetry. Namely, her work “Crime against Nature” dealt with her experiences as a lesbian raising her sons. Recognizing the strength of her writing, the Academy of American Poets selected it in 1989 as a Lamont Poetry Choice, a prestigious annual honor given to the best second full-length book of poetry by an American author.
Minnie Bruce Pratt’s impact as a poet, her activism for the rights of marginalized communities, and her significant role in the LGBTQ+ movement will continue to resonate and inspire generations to come. Her contributions to literature and advocacy have left an indelible mark on the world.
What happened to Minnie Bruce Pratt?
Minnie Bruce Pratt, highly regarded poet and feminist activist and longtime partner of trans activist Leslie Feinberg, passed away on July 2, 2023 at the age of 76.
Her death occurred in Syracuse, New York, where she was surrounded by her loved ones. The news was initially shared by her sons, Ben and Ransom Weaver, on Pratt’s official page. In a previous update in June, they revealed that Pratt had been battling a serious health issue and was under palliative care at her home in Syracuse.
Originally from Alabama, Pratt made a significant impact by publishing eight collections of poetry. Namely, her work “Crime against Nature” dealt with her experiences as a lesbian raising her sons. In recognition of his power, the Academy of American Poets awarded him the prestigious Lamont Poetry Choice in 1989, an annual honor given to the best second full-length book of poetry by an American author.
The judges praised Pratt’s ability to tell a moving story of loss and recovery, revealing the connections between her own marginalization and the plight of other minority groups.
They emphasized that her masterful series of poems exposed the real crime against nature as violence and oppression. The impact of “A Crime Against Nature” resonated further as it received accolades, including being named a 1991 Notable Book of the Year by The New York Times and receiving the Gay and Lesbian Literature Award from the American Library Association.
Throughout his career, Pratt’s contributions extended beyond poetry. She has co-authored and co-edited several books and received the Lillian Hellman-Dashiell Hammett Award in 1992, along with Chrystos and Audre Lorde, recognizing her resilience as a writer who experienced political persecution.
Pratt’s insightful essay “Identity: Skin Blood Heart” became a staple of countless college courses and community groups, further cementing her influence. It was published in the collection “Rebellion: Essays 1980-1991” in 1992.
In her memoir, He/He, Pratt described her journey of self-discovery and her life with Leslie Feinberg. Their meeting and subsequent partnership enriched her understanding of resistance against oppressive social labels. Pratt and Feinberg were inseparable from 1992 until Feinberg’s death in 2014.
In addition to her literary achievements, Pratt served as an adjunct professor at various colleges and universities before concluding her academic career as a professor of women’s and gender studies, as well as writing and rhetoric, at Syracuse University. She split her time between Centerville, Alabama and Syracuse.
A public celebration of Minnie Bruce Pratt’s life will be held at a later date, her sons announced. Details about the event will be published on its official website. Donations are kindly requested to be made to the Friends of Dorothy House in Syracuse, an organization dedicated to providing care and support to people living with HIV or AIDS.
How did Minnie Bruce Pratt die?
Minnie Bruce Pratt, a famous poet and activist originally from Alabama, died on Sunday at the age of 76. Her sons, Ben and Ransom Weaver, announced the sad news of her death on her official website, which showcases Pratt’s deep collection of poetry and her advocacy for LGBTQ+ and workers’ rights.
The exact nature of her death was attributed to a serious health problem, as revealed by her sons in their statement. Pratt’s literary contributions and her dedication to social justice causes left an indelible mark on the world, and her loss was deeply felt by those who admired her work.
Cause of death of Minnie Bruce Pratt
Minnie Bruce Pratt’s cause of death was not listed in the information provided. Minnie Bruce Pratt, respected poet, lesbian and feminist activist and longtime partner of trans activist Leslie Feinberg, has died at the age of 76.
She died in Syracuse, New York, surrounded by her loved ones. The news of her death was shared by her sons Ben and Ransom Weaver on Pratt’s official website. Pratt was facing a serious health problem and was receiving palliative care at her home in Syracuse.
Who was Minnie Bruce Pratt?
Minnie Bruce Pratt was a highly respected American poet, educator, activist and essayist, she passed away on July 2, 2023. Born on September 12, 1946 in Selma, Alabama, she grew up in Centreville, Alabama. Her parents, Virginia Brown Pratt and William Luther Pratt Jr., were engaged in social and clerical work.
Pratt has made significant contributions to academia and activism throughout her career. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Alabama in 1968 and later earned a Ph.D. in English Literature from the University of North Carolina, graduating in 1979. Her academic journey provided a strong foundation for her continued work in writing, women’s studies, and LGBTQ+ studies.
In 2015, Pratt retired as a professor of writing and women’s studies at Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York. During her tenure, she played a key role in developing the university’s inaugural LGBT studies program, demonstrating her commitment to fostering inclusivity and promoting understanding of diverse identities.
Outside of academia, Pratt was widely known for her literary achievements. She was known for her poetry, essays, and memoirs that explored themes of identity, feminism, and LGBTQ+ experiences. Her works have served as powerful tools for social commentary and advocacy. Pratt’s influence has extended beyond the written word, as she has actively engaged in social justice activism, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community.
Throughout her life, Pratt remained committed to challenging social norms and championing the rights and visibility of marginalized communities. Her passion for education, her compelling literary contributions, and her activism have left an indelible mark on the fields of poetry, women’s studies, and LGBTQ+ studies.
NAME | Minnie Bruce Pratt |
DATE OF BIRTH | September 12, 1946 |
AGE | 76 |
DATE OF DEATH | July 2, 2023 |
OCCUPATION | Professor of Writing and Women’s Studies at Syracuse University |
HUSBAND | Leslie Feinberg (m. 2011; died 2014) |
CHILDREN | 2 |
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Categories: General
Source: HIS Education