Biography:
Ayọ Tometi (born August 15, 1984), formerly known as Opal Tometi, is an American human rights activist, writer, strategist, and community organizer. She has played a crucial role in the fight for racial justice and immigrant rights, and is best known as one of the co-founders of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement.
Born to Nigerian immigrants in Phoenix, Arizona, Ayọ Tometi was raised in a household where her parents instilled in her a strong sense of cultural pride and social justice. Her parents, who hail from the city of Lagos, are of Yoruba ethnicity and speak the Yoruba and Esan languages. This upbringing, along with experiences of her own family’s immigration struggles, shaped her commitment to advocacy work.
Tometi’s parents moved to the United States as undocumented immigrants in 1983, just a year before she was born. During her middle school years, her family faced the threat of deportation, and her mother was unable to attend her own father’s funeral in Nigeria due to the ongoing case. This personal experience of the challenges faced by immigrant families fueled her passion for immigrant rights and the pursuit of social justice.
As a young activist, Tometi began her journey by demonstrating with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and working as a legal observer at the US-Mexico border. She used her voice to raise awareness about the struggles faced by marginalized communities and dedicated herself to the fight for human rights.
In 2006, Tometi became involved with the Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI), the United States’ first national immigrant rights organization for people of African descent. Over the nine years she worked with BAJI, Tometi served in various roles, eventually becoming the organization’s executive director. Her work at BAJI focused on advocating for the rights of black immigrants and refugees, highlighting the intersections between racial justice and immigrant rights.
In 2013, Ayọ Tometi joined hands with Alicia Garza and Patrisse Cullors to co-found the Black Lives Matter movement, a response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s killer and the broader issues of police violence and systemic racism. Black Lives Matter quickly gained national and international attention, becoming a powerful force in the fight against racial injustice.
As a strategist and organizer, Tometi played a crucial role in shaping the movement’s vision, strategies, and goals. She has been actively involved in organizing protests, campaigns, and community initiatives that amplify the stories and experiences of black communities and push for meaningful change. Tometi’s contributions to Black Lives Matter have been instrumental in raising awareness about police brutality, advocating for justice, and demanding accountability.
Beyond the Black Lives Matter movement, Ayọ Tometi’s work extends to global human rights advocacy. She has been a prominent figure in campaigns for migrant rights, fighting for the rights of African immigrants across the United States and beyond. Her efforts have made her a powerful voice in the fight against racism, xenophobia, and discrimination in various forms.
Tometi’s dedication and commitment to justice have earned her recognition and respect. Her work has been honored with various awards and accolades, including the prestigious Honorary Doctor of Science degree from Clarkson University in 2016.
Ayọ Tometi continues to inspire and motivate others to stand up against injustice and work toward a more equitable society. Her impact on women’s history, particularly in the fight for racial justice and immigrant rights, cannot be underestimated. She serves as an inspiration to countless individuals, proving that one person can make a significant difference in the pursuit of a more just and inclusive world.
Awards:
– Honorary Doctor of Science degree from Clarkson University