In a world where silence often surrounds the pain of survivors, Tarana Burke became the voice that encouraged millions to speak up. She is not just the founder of the #MeToo movement—she is a warrior for justice, a survivor who turned her pain into power, and a leader who continues to fight for those who have been silenced for too long.
A Childhood Marked by Pain and Strength
Born in The Bronx, New York, in 1973, Tarana Burke grew up in a working-class African American family. She was a bright and ambitious girl, but her childhood was also filled with struggles. At a young age, she experienced sexual violence, something that would later shape her life’s mission.
As she grew older, Burke found solace in activism and community work. She was drawn to the stories of marginalized people—especially young Black girls—who, like her, had suffered abuse but had no safe space to express their pain.
The Birth of #MeToo
In the late 1990s, while working with young girls in Alabama, Burke met a 13-year-old survivor of sexual assault who confided in her. Overwhelmed with emotion, Burke struggled to respond in that moment. Later, she wished she had simply said: “Me too.”
That simple phrase stayed with her, and in 2006, she officially started the “Me Too” movement—long before it became a global hashtag. She created a grassroots movement aimed at providing support, healing, and empowerment to survivors of sexual violence, particularly women of color who often had nowhere to turn.
For over a decade, she worked tirelessly—organizing workshops, providing resources, and speaking out against sexual abuse. Her goal was clear: to create a world where survivors were heard, believed, and supported.
#MeToo Becomes a Global Phenomenon
In October 2017, everything changed. Following sexual assault allegations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, actress Alyssa Milano tweeted:
“If you’ve been sexually harassed or assaulted, write ‘Me too’ as a reply to this tweet.”
Within 24 hours, the hashtag #MeToo exploded on social media. Millions of people across the world—women and men—shared their personal stories. Celebrities, politicians, and ordinary people alike opened up about their experiences, revealing the magnitude of sexual harassment and abuse in society.
Although the hashtag went viral through Hollywood, it was Tarana Burke’s movement that gave it depth and purpose. She reminded the world that #MeToo was not just about powerful men being exposed, but about empowering survivors, creating safe spaces, and demanding real change.
A Champion for Survivors
Since the rise of #MeToo, Burke has become a global icon for survivors’ rights. She has:
•Spoken at the United Nations about sexual violence.
•Worked on policies to improve laws for survivors.
•Co-authored the book “You Are Your Best Thing”, focusing on Black survivors’ experiences.
•Founded ‘Me Too International’, an organization dedicated to survivor advocacy and healing.
The Fight Continues
Burke’s work is far from over. She continues to emphasize that the movement is not just about taking down predators—it’s about building a world where sexual violence is not tolerated. She fights for education, awareness, and systemic change to ensure that survivors don’t just speak out but also receive justice, support, and healing.
A Legacy of Courage
Tarana Burke’s story is not just about a movement—it’s about the power of one voice. A single phrase, “Me too,” started as a whisper and became a roar that shook the world.
Her message remains clear: “We owe future generations a world where they don’t have to say ‘Me too.’ Until then, we keep fighting.”