Story #43: Tarana Burke on Healing and Advocacy

“We're all on a journey. Some people feel more successful at it than others, but it is your journey. And you have been resilient. Taking a breath in the morning, opening your eyes is a form of resilience, and we have to acknowledge that." - Tarana Burke

On November 13th, 2020, Tarana Burke, founder of the #MeToo movement and a prominent advocate for social justice, delivered an inspiring speech over Zoom, captivating the audience with her personal journey and profound insights into the intersection of sexual violence, race, and community healing. Reflecting on her upbringing within a family steeped in the Black radical tradition, Burke expressed how her early experiences with activism laid the groundwork for her lifelong commitment to social change.

Burke's speech underscored the necessity of acknowledging and addressing sexual violence across all demographics, emphasizing that while the trauma is universal, the responses to it can vary significantly based on social and racial contexts. Drawing from her own experiences as a survivor, she encouraged listeners to understand that healing is a journey shaped by resilience, empathy, and collective responsibility.

Learn about Burke’s powerful narrative and her unwavering dedication to creating spaces for healing and empowerment within marginalized communities by reading more here.