This week’s #WCW is a renowned “Silence Breaker” for women around the world. Tarana Burke, is leading of one of the most inspiring viral social media movements, #MeToo. You may recognize her from Art Sanctuary, a Philadelphia nonprofit, or the cover of TIME magazine’s 2017 Person of the Year.
We’re honored to end our Women’s History Month series on such a high note. Tarana Burke’s name will go down in history, as she has already made a significant impact in Philadelphia and around the world. Learn more about Tarana and the empowering meaning behind two words that have changed millions of lives in less than a year.
The Origin Behind #MeToo
For more than 20 years, Tarana has worked in social justice. Growing up in a low-income working class family, Burke experienced sexual assault as a child by boys from her neighborhood. After she heard similar stories to her own experience and trauma, she knew she had to do something to help fellow survivors heal.
“I had always wanted to do work around sexual violence in the community. As a survivor, I started thinking about what that would look like and what I needed at that age. That’s when we came up with ‘me too.'” – Tarana Burke
In 2006, Tarana co-founded a youth organization in Selma, Alabama called Just Be Inc. Its mission focused on the health, well-being and wholeness of women of color. The organization’s programs center around guidance for girls as they grow and begin to define themselves. By 2008, Tarana had formally renamed the organization Me Too. She relocated to Philadelphia to also take on the role of Managing Director of Art Sanctuary. Here, she helped our city celebrate Black arts and culture, including the month-long Annual Celebration of Black Writing Festival.
#MeToo Movement
While the phrase was created over a decade ago, it was not immediately a viral sensation until a decade later. #MeToo was created to support sexual abuse and assault survivors in the local community and ensure they know they’re not alone. Its purpose began as a way to encourage a community to come together to heal. Since then, its has evolved into a tool to spark awareness and conversations across all people around the world.
“I could never imagine this. I could never have envisioned something that would change the world. I was trying to change my community.” – Tarana Burke
The Tweet that Changed the World
In 2017, serious allegations against Harvey Weinstein began taking over headlines. Actress Alyssa Milano stepped forward and encouraged her Twitter followers do the same with two simple words. She asked the Twittersphere to use the hashtag #MeToo to bring awareness to this issue’s magnitude. As a result, the hashtag was shared in more than 12 million posts, comments and reactions in 24 hours by women who have experienced sexual harassment.
Alongside Tarana and Alyssa, many celebrities have come on board to make a change by starting conversations around sexual abuse. With these powerful women coming forward, it has paved the way to allow people from all backgrounds to be heard. One of the biggest outcomes has been the call to action to expose any type of abuse. From catcalls to workplace harassment to rape, people are standing up to say that no type of abuse on the spectrum will be tolerated.
“As women we have to support each other and stand up and say, ‘No more,'” – Alyssa Milano
The Women’s March on Philadelphia
After a successful and peaceful protest in the beginning of 2017, women took the nation by storm to advocate for women’s rights again in January 2018. While Tarana marched alongside many prominent #MeToo names in Hollywood, their movement fueled a fierce energy for the second annual Women’s March on Philadelphia. Tarana and Women’s March organizers had the same goal in mind— to empower others and come together for a purpose.
“It’s not just a moment, it’s a movement. Now the work really begins.” – Tarana Burke
Meet Tarana Burke in Philadelphia
On June 5, attend PPRA’s 2018 Annual Meeting Celebration to hear Tarana as the keynote speaker. During ‘A Conversation with Tarana Burke,’ you’ll be able to learn more about the #MeToo movement, hear what’s to come, and get the chance to meet her.
Today, Tarana remains an activist by organizing workshops to help improve policies at schools, workplaces, and other locations. Her programs focus on helping victims not blame themselves for sexual violence. She is also the Senior Director at Girls for Gender Equity.
Follow the Tarana on Twitter and Instagram to be inspired and continuously stay empowered.
