Tarana Burke created the “Me Too” movement decades before it became a global phenomenon. The pioneering activist and community organizer planted the seeds in the 1990s when society wasn’t ready to listen. Today, her hashtag #MeToo has reached over 19 million uses on Twitter alone since its viral resurgence in 2017.
Burke’s groundbreaking work earned her and fellow “Silence Breakers” the TIME Magazine Person of the Year award in 2017. However, her journey began long before the world recognized her contributions. The Bronx-born activist has spent nearly three decades fighting for survivors of sexual violence, particularly young women of color.
Burke’s Early Activism Shaped Her Mission for Social Justice
Born on September 12, 1973, in The Bronx, New York, Burke discovered her passion for activism as a teenager. During the late 1980s, she joined the 21st Century Youth Leadership Movement while still in high school. The young activist led campaigns addressing housing inequality, racial discrimination, and economic injustice across New York City.
Burke’s commitment to social change guided her to Alabama State University, a historically Black college. She continued developing her organizational skills and advocacy work throughout her college years. This educational foundation prepared her for the impactful career that would follow.
After graduation, she returned to Selma, Alabama, to work with 21st Century. There, she encountered numerous young Black women who were survivors of sexual violence and abuse. As a survivor herself, Burke deeply connected with their experiences and recognized the urgent need for specialized support.
The Genesis of Me Too Movement Started in the 1990s
The “Me Too” Movement traces its origins to the 1990s, long before social media existed. Burke was working as a youth camp director when a pivotal encounter changed everything. A young woman disclosed her experience of sexual abuse, seeking help and understanding.
Though Burke couldn’t offer an immediate, comprehensive response at that moment, the encounter became the catalyst for her life’s work. She realized survivors needed a phrase that conveyed empathy and understanding. A decade later, she would formally establish the movement using those powerful two words.
Burke designed the phrase “me too” to foster “empowerment through empathy” among survivors. Her campaign aimed to facilitate healing while training survivors to become leaders within their communities. This grassroots approach would later prove essential to the movement’s authentic growth.
JustBe Inc Foundation Revolutionized Support for Young Black Girls
Following her revelation about survivor support needs, Burke co-founded Jendayi Aza in the early 2000s. This African-centered Rites of Passage program specifically served girls in her community. The program’s success led to the establishment of JustBe, Inc. in 2007.
JustBe, Inc. became Burke’s nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young Black girls through unique programming and workshops. The organization achieved remarkable community impact in Selma, Alabama. Every public school in the city eventually adopted the program, demonstrating its effectiveness.
The success of JustBe, Inc. validated Burke’s approach to survivor support and community healing. The organization provided a blueprint for addressing sexual violence within communities of color. Moreover, it established Burke as a trusted leader in youth empowerment and trauma-informed care.
Burke Expanded Her Influence Through Arts and Cultural Work
While developing the Me Too Movement, Burke maintained an active presence across multiple organizations. She served as managing director of Art Sanctuary, a Black arts organization based in Philadelphia. Additionally, she became executive director of the Black Belt Cultural Arts Center.
At the Cultural Arts Center, Burke developed comprehensive community programs for underserved youth. Her work combined arts education with social justice principles, creating powerful healing spaces. These programs demonstrated how creative expression could support trauma recovery and community building.
Burke also contributed to historical preservation efforts in Selma. She worked as a curatorial consultant and special projects director at the National Voting Rights Museum & Institute. Her role included organizing the annual Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee, commemorating the historic Selma Voting Rights Movement.
Hollywood Recognition Brought Burke’s Story to Global Audiences
Burke’s expertise in civil rights history caught the attention of filmmaker Ava DuVernay in 2014. DuVernay hired Burke as a consulting expert for the acclaimed film “Selma.” This collaboration brought Burke’s knowledge to mainstream audiences worldwide.
The consulting work on “Selma” represented a significant milestone in Burke’s career. It demonstrated how her deep understanding of social justice movements could inform popular culture. Furthermore, it established connections that would prove valuable for future advocacy work.
Burke’s involvement with “Selma” highlighted her ability to bridge grassroots activism with mainstream platforms. This skill would become crucial when her movement gained global attention years later. The experience prepared her for the intense media scrutiny that followed.
Global Recognition Arrived During 2017 Weinstein Scandal
Burke’s hashtag #MeToo exploded into global consciousness during the 2017 Harvey Weinstein sexual abuse scandal. Actress Alyssa Milano’s tweet encouraged survivors to share their stories using Burke’s phrase. Within hours, millions of people worldwide joined the conversation.
The viral moment transformed Burke from a community organizer into a global leader overnight. Her decades of grassroots work suddenly received unprecedented international attention. However, Burke ensured the movement remained focused on survivors’ needs rather than celebrity involvement.
Following this surge of support, Burke emerged as the movement’s authentic voice and primary spokesperson. Her steadfast commitment to racial justice, gender equity, and anti-violence work guided the movement’s direction. She consistently emphasized that healing is possible and survivors possess inherent leadership qualities.
Me Too International Advances Global Anti-Violence Framework
Recognizing the movement’s global reach, Burke founded “Me Too.” International in 2018. This nonprofit organization works to advance the movement’s vision across mainstream and grassroots spheres worldwide. The organization focuses particularly on supporting Black, queer, trans, disabled, and other communities of color.
“Me Too.” International serves as convener, innovator, and organizer in the fight against sexual violence. The organization works to dismantle systems that perpetuate harm while building sustainable support networks. Burke’s leadership ensures the organization maintains its commitment to intersectional justice.
The global nonprofit has achieved significant milestones since its founding. It has connected survivors across continents and cultures, creating powerful solidarity networks. Additionally, it has influenced policy discussions and cultural conversations about consent and accountability.
Recent Kenya Gathering Demonstrates Burke’s Pan-African Vision
Burke recently convened the MeToo Global Network Pan-African gathering on the shores of Diani Beach, Kenya. The powerful convening brought together over three dozen organizations from 16 countries across the continent. Participants included survivors, organizers, advocates, artists, and healers united in their mission.
“We’re still basking in the glow of what we created together last week,” Burke shared on social media. The gathering focused on collective action and intentional wellness practices. Participants engaged in deep strategizing, honest dialogue, and collective visioning sessions.
“Together, we built trust, connection, and a deep, rooted sense of solidarity,” Burke reflected about the transformative experience. The Kenya gathering demonstrated her commitment to centering African voices in global anti-violence work. It also highlighted her understanding that healing requires both individual and collective approaches.
Burke Continues Leading While Balancing Multiple Roles
Today, Burke serves as senior director of Girls for Gender Equity in Brooklyn, New York. She resides in New York City with her daughter, balancing her global advocacy work with local community engagement. Her current role allows her to continue supporting young women while maintaining her international influence.
Burke regularly provides commentary on social issues through prominent media outlets. Her insights appear in Teen Vogue, Glamour, Ebony, Essence, and The Root, among others. Recently, she offered her perspective on high-profile cases including the Diddy trial through her Instagram platform.
Her numerous accolades include recognition as one of USA Today’s Women of the Decade in 2020. She also received the prestigious Sydney Peace Prize in 2019 and the Harvard Gleitsman Citizen Activist Award. In 2018, she attended the Golden Globe Awards as actress Michelle Williams’ guest, further amplifying the movement’s visibility.
