Born: 1993
Blair Imani (born Blair Elizabeth Brown, October 31, 1993) is an American author, historian, and activist. She identifies as queer, Black, bisexual and Muslim. Imani is a prominent figure in the Black Lives Matter movement and has made significant contributions to social activism. Her work focuses on fighting for equality, challenging gender and racial norms, and advocating for marginalized communities.
Blair Imani graduated from Louisiana State University (LSU) in 2015, where she pursued her passion for social justice and activism. During her time at LSU, Imani founded an organization called Equality for HER (Health Education Resources) in 2014. Equality for HER is a non-profit organization that empowers women and nonbinary individuals by providing resources and a supportive forum. Through her organization, Imani aims to create a more inclusive and equal society where everyone can thrive.
In 2016, Blair Imani worked as a Press Officer for Planned Parenthood Action Fund. Her role allowed her to further amplify the voices of marginalized communities and advocate for women’s reproductive rights. She also served as the Civic Action & Campaign Lead at DoSomething, a tech company that focuses on empowering young people and driving social change. Imani’s experience in these positions equipped her with valuable skills and knowledge to make a lasting impact in the world.
Imani’s dedication to advancing social justice issues led her to become an accomplished author. In October 2018, she published her book Modern HERstory: Stories of Women and Nonbinary People Rewriting History. Illustrated by Monique Le, the book highlights the achievements and contributions of 70 overlooked but important individuals such as people of color, queer individuals, trans individuals, and disabled individuals. Through her book, Imani strives to challenge traditional narratives and give recognition to those who have been historically marginalized.
Blair Imani continued her writing journey with the release of her illustrated history book Making Our Way Home: The Great Migration and the Black American Dream in January 2020. Illustrated by Rachelle Baker, this book educates readers about the Great Migration, black history, and the impact of privilege in the representation of black stories. Through her work, Imani aims to shed light on the struggles, resilience, and achievements of the Black community throughout history.
Imani’s commitment to educating and raising awareness extends beyond her writing. In September 2020, she launched Smarter In Seconds, a series of informative videos on Instagram Reels and TikTok. These videos cover various topics such as consent, discrimination, and environmental protection, aiming to provide accessible and engaging educational content.
Notably, Blair Imani’s activism gained widespread attention during the protest following the shooting of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 2016. Imani actively participated in the protest and was subsequently arrested along with her partner, Akeem Muhammad. She later spoke out about her encounter with Baton Rouge SWAT officers, recounting instances of mistreatment and verbal threats. During her arrest, she claims that her hijab was removed by one of the officers. Despite this harrowing experience, Imani remained undeterred and continued her pursuit of justice and equality.
Blair Imani’s dedication to social justice and advocacy has earned her recognition and admiration. Her invaluable contributions to amplifying marginalized voices and driving societal change cannot be overstated. Through her writing, activism, and leadership, Imani has become an influential figure in women’s history, leaving a profound impact on those she reaches and inspiring future generations to fight for a more inclusive and equitable world.