The Inspiring Profile of Tarana Burke: A Champion of Social Justice and the Power of "Me Too"
What does it take to spark a global movement? To turn the tide on decades of silence and shame that have surrounded sexual violence and harassment? For Tarana Burke, the answer came from a deeply personal place of pain, empathy, and activism. A fierce advocate for survivors of sexual abuse, Burke is widely recognized as the founder of the “Me Too” movement, which has empowered millions of people around the world to speak out against sexual violence.
Yet, while her name became internationally known after the phrase “Me Too” went viral in 2017, Burke’s work began long before hashtags and headlines. Her story is one of resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication to social justice.
Early Life and Roots in Activism
Tarana Burke was born on September 12, 1973, and raised in the Bronx, New York, by a working-class family. Growing up, Burke experienced sexual assault and harassment herself, which would later become a driving force in her activism. However, before she could use her experiences to advocate for others, Burke first had to understand the systemic issues that created cycles of abuse and silence.
As a teenager, Burke became involved in civil rights activism through an organization called the 21st Century Youth Leadership Movement. This organization played a significant role in shaping her perspective on social justice and community empowerment. She found mentors who encouraged her to channel her pain into advocacy and to fight against the injustices that she and others had experienced.
Burke’s early experiences with activism laid the groundwork for what would become her life’s mission: to support and amplify the voices of marginalized communities, particularly young women of color who were victims of sexual violence.
The Birth of “Me Too”
In 2006, Burke launched the “Me Too” movement—long before it became a global phenomenon. At the heart of this movement was a simple yet profound idea: that survivors of sexual violence could find healing through solidarity and shared experiences. Burke’s goal was to help survivors—especially young women of color—feel less isolated in their experiences and empower them to speak up and seek justice.
The genesis of the phrase “Me Too” came from a moment of deep empathy. Burke was working as a youth camp director when a young girl confided in her about being sexually abused by her mother’s boyfriend. Burke recalls feeling overwhelmed and unable to respond in that moment. Later, she wished she had simply said, “Me too,” to let the girl know that she was not alone.
From this moment of regret and clarity, Burke developed “Me Too” as a grassroots movement. She created the nonprofit organization Just Be Inc. to promote the health, well-being, and wholeness of young women of color. The “Me Too” movement was an extension of this work, focusing on building a community of support for survivors of sexual violence.
The Viral Explosion
While Burke had been working tirelessly on “Me Too” for over a decade, it wasn’t until 2017 that the movement caught the world’s attention. In the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal, actress Alyssa Milano encouraged people to tweet “Me Too” if they had experienced sexual harassment or assault. The hashtag quickly went viral, with millions of people across the globe sharing their stories.
Despite the sudden surge in visibility, Burke remained focused on the core message of the movement. She emphasized that “Me Too” was not just about bringing powerful men to justice, but about addressing the systemic nature of sexual violence and creating pathways to healing for survivors. Burke’s leadership ensured that the movement stayed grounded in its original purpose—centered on survivors and the power of collective healing.
Beyond the Hashtag: Burke’s Vision
For Tarana Burke, “Me Too” has always been more than a moment—it’s a movement. Her vision extends far beyond social media trends. Burke advocates for comprehensive education on sexual violence, survivor support, and systemic change in how society addresses these issues.
One of her primary concerns is that marginalized communities—particularly women of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and low-income survivors—are often left out of mainstream conversations about sexual violence. Burke has worked tirelessly to ensure that these voices are not only heard but are central to the movement.
Burke’s efforts have resulted in numerous partnerships with schools, community organizations, and corporations to address sexual violence through training, education, and policy reform. She has also emphasized the importance of intersectionality in the movement, recognizing that race, class, and gender identity can all impact a person’s experience with sexual violence and their access to resources for healing and justice.
Awards and Recognition
In recognition of her groundbreaking work, Tarana Burke has received numerous awards and honors. She was named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2018 and was featured as one of the magazine’s “Silence Breakers” on its cover that same year. Burke has also been the recipient of several social justice and humanitarian awards, acknowledging her tireless work to combat sexual violence and empower survivors.
Her contributions to the movement have led to widespread recognition, but Burke has remained humble, always redirecting the spotlight back to the survivors at the heart of “Me Too.”
Burke’s Continuing Advocacy
Even as the “Me Too” movement has expanded, Tarana Burke continues to focus on the work that has always driven her—supporting survivors, particularly those who are often overlooked or marginalized. She remains committed to making sure the movement creates real, lasting change in the lives of those affected by sexual violence.
Burke’s advocacy now includes a broader push for policy changes and systemic reform, from advocating for better sexual harassment laws to ensuring that survivors have access to the resources they need to heal. She also works to combat the backlash that the “Me Too” movement has faced, addressing misconceptions and pushing back against narratives that minimize the experiences of survivors.
Burke continues to speak at events and conferences worldwide, spreading her message of empathy, healing, and empowerment. In 2021, she published her memoir, “Unbound: My Story of Liberation and the Birth of the Me Too Movement,” offering a deeper look into her life, her work, and the journey that led her to create one of the most significant social justice movements of our time.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Empathy and Empowerment
Tarana Burke’s work has transformed the way the world views sexual violence. Through the “Me Too” movement, she has empowered countless survivors to break their silence and find healing. Her story is one of resilience and unwavering commitment to justice. Burke’s legacy is not just about a viral hashtag—it’s about a cultural shift, one where survivors are believed, supported, and empowered to reclaim their lives.
In her own words, “Survivors are creating their own narrative. They are saying, ‘No more. We are shifting the paradigm of this conversation.’” Tarana Burke has been instrumental in leading that shift, creating a world where survivors no longer have to suffer in silence, but can find strength in solidarity and community.