Biography:
Therese Patricia Okoumou, commonly known as Patricia Okoumou, is a Black activist who gained national attention for her bold and courageous acts of protest. She is most well-known for scaling the base of the Statue of Liberty in 2018, in protest of children being separated from their parents at the Mexico-United States border.
Born in the Republic of the Congo, Okoumou spent her childhood in Brazzaville, where she developed a knack for climbing structures. Her father worked as a pilot for the President of the Republic, Denis Sassou Nguesso. However, Okoumou’s life took a dramatic turn when civil war broke out in her home country in 1993. Exposed to violence and unrest, she made the decision to move to the United States to seek a better and safer life.
Upon arriving in the U.S., Okoumou embarked on a journey of resilience and activism. She pursued various jobs, including working as a physical therapist, personal trainer, and staff member at a domestic violence shelter. These experiences not only shaped her worldview but also instilled in her a deep sense of empathy and compassion for those facing injustice.
In 2016, Okoumou made her mark as a protester when she stood outside Trump Tower for hours following Donald Trump’s election. Her solitary demonstration caught the attention of Cenk Uygur from The Young Turks, who interviewed her and helped amplify her voice.
However, it was Okoumou’s act of climbing the Statue of Liberty on July 4, 2018, that propelled her into the national spotlight. In collaboration with Rise and Resist New York, Okoumou scaled the statue as a spontaneous act. She felt compelled by divine intervention to raise awareness about the plight of migrant children who were being separated from their families. With a profound belief that all children deserved to be with their parents, Okoumou’s heroic act led to the evacuation of 4,500 visitors from Ellis Island. Her bravery resonated with people across the country and garnered support for the immigrant rights movement.
Despite facing legal consequences, Okoumou remained resolute in her activism. In court, she was defended by Rhiya Trivedi and received a sentence of five years probation and 200 hours of community service for charges of trespassing, interference with agency functions, and disorderly conduct.
Okoumou’s determination did not stop at the Statue of Liberty. On November 29, 2018, she climbed halfway up the Eiffel Tower in Paris, displaying a banner that read #ReturnTheChildren. This act symbolized the interconnectedness of liberty and the fight for immigrant rights between the United States and France, as the Statue of Liberty was gifted to America as a symbol of freedom by the French people.
In January 2019, Okoumou embarked on a ten-day journey across detention camps in Texas, offering support and Valentine’s Day cards to undocumented children. Her compassion and dedication to advocating for their rights drove her to take action.
On February 20, 2019, Okoumou climbed the headquarters of Southwest Key, an organization responsible for operating 24 migrant detention centers for children. Hanging a banner that boldly declared Abolish ICE, she perched on a three-foot beam for over eight hours before descending and seeking medical attention.
Therese Patricia Okoumou’s actions have made her an emblematic figure in the fight for immigrant rights. She has fearlessly utilized nonviolent protest to shed light on the injustices faced by migrant children and families. Okoumou’s unwavering determination and resilience continue to inspire others to stand up against oppression and advocate for a more equitable society.