Born: 1973 (The Bronx, New York)
Biography:
Tarana Burke (born September 12, 1973) is an American activist from New York City who started the MeToo movement. Her initiative in 2006 to help other women with similar experiences stand up for themselves laid the foundation for what would eventually become a viral hashtag and an international movement. Time named Burke, along with other prominent activists known as the silence breakers, as the Time Person of the Year for 2017.
Born and raised in The Bronx, New York, Burke grew up in a low-income, working-class family in a housing project. Tragically, she experienced both rape and sexual assault as both a child and a teenager. Despite these hardships, Burke’s mother supported her recovery and encouraged her to become involved in the community. These experiences became a motivating force for Burke, inspiring her to work towards improving the lives of girls who face extreme hardships.
As a teenager, Burke began dedicating herself to the wellbeing of young girls in marginalized communities. She went on to attend Alabama State University and eventually transferred to Auburn University at Montgomery, where she graduated. During her time in college, Burke organized press conferences and protests highlighting the need for economic and racial justice.
Burke’s activism continued after college, and in the late 1990s, she moved to Selma, Alabama, where she worked with survivors of sexual violence. In 2003, she founded the nonprofit organization Just Be, an all-girls program specifically tailored to Black girls aged 12 to 18. Through this initiative, Burke aimed to empower and uplift young girls who often face disproportionately high rates of abuse and harassment.
The pivotal moment came in 2006 when Burke founded the MeToo movement and began utilizing the phrase Me Too to raise awareness about sexual abuse and assault in society. Her aim was to create a platform where survivors could share their stories, find comfort in solidarity, and expose the pervasiveness of these issues. Two years later, Burke relocated to Philadelphia and worked with various non-profits, including Art Sanctuary Philadelphia.
Burke’s impact extended to the entertainment industry as well. She served as a consultant for the 2014 movie Selma, which depicted the historic 1965 voting rights marches led by icons like James Bevel, Hosea Williams, Martin Luther King Jr., and John Lewis. Her involvement in the film further amplified her voice and brought attention to her cause.
The MeToo movement took on a broader scope in 2017 after the use of the hashtag #MeToo following the revelations of sexual abuse by Harvey Weinstein. Burke’s friends notified her of the hashtag’s use, and she took on the task of shaping and leading the movement. Rooted in empowermental empathy, Burke dedicated herself to fostering a space of understanding and empowerment for survivors.
Today, Burke continues to champion the cause of survivors of sexual violence. She is a sought-after speaker, delivering impactful presentations across the country. Additionally, she holds the position of Senior Director at Girls for Gender Equity based in Brooklyn. Tarana Burke’s unwavering commitment to supporting survivors and her instrumental role in the MeToo movement have solidified her place in women’s history.
Awards:
– Time Person of the Year for 2017 (as part of the silence breakers)