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Tarana Burke

CO-EXCLUSIVE
  • Founder of the Me Too Movement
  • 2017 TIME Person of the Year; 2018 TIME's "100 Most Influential People"
  • Social Justice Activist

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Tarana Burke is best known for founding the 'me too' Movement and has dedicated her life to social justice work and giving strength to those who experienced sexual trauma or harassment. Honored as one of The Silence Breakers named TIME's 2017 Person of the Year, and named to TIME's "100 Most Influential People of 2018"  Years before 'me too' became a viral hashtag, Burke founded Just Be Inc., a non-profit that helps victims. 

The simple yet courageous #metoo hashtag campaign has generated over 13 million Facebook posts and Tweets, emerging as a rallying cry for people everywhere who have survived sexual assault and sexual harassment. Tarana’s powerful, poignant story as creator of what is now an international movement that supports survivors will move, uplift, and inspire you.

#metoo is not just an overnight hashtag sensation; Tarana has dedicated more than 25 years of her life to social justice and to laying the groundwork for a movement that was initially created to help young women of color who survived sexual abuse and assault. The movement now inspires solidarity, amplifies the voices thousands of victims of sexual abuse, and puts the focus back on survivors.

A sexual assault survivor herself, Tarana is now Executive Director of the 'me too' organization. On stage, Tarana provides insight into the current state of affairs and outpouring of sexual assault and harassment allegations, addresses pressing issues of respect, dignity and power dynamics in schools, workplaces and politics, and shines a light on the stories of survivors and voices that continue to be marginalized. 

 

Tarana Burke headshot
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Past Hosts Include:
  • Women's Political Collaborative of Tennessee
  • The College of New Jersey
  • National Museum of African American Music
  • Connecticut Business and Industry Association
  • LE Miami Ltd.
  • Center for Talent Innovation
  • McMaster University
  • Brock University
  • Rutgers University - Camden
  • Maine Women's Lobby Education Fund
Rave Reviews About Tarana Burke
“
The event was a huge success, and I received so much positive feedback about Tarana. She handled sensitive topics with real grace and inclusivity, and made sure to bring everyone into the conversation... She was fantastic.

”
More rave reviews

"Tarana's visit to TCNJ left so many of us inspired, informed, and grateful. She was so generous with her attention to our local issues, while providing a much-needed broad view of what is at stake in the #MeToo movement. Well worth the wait!"

-The College of New Jersey

"It's impossible to put into words the impact that Tarana had on the participants. She is genuinely a passionate and compassionate person. Her words of hope and change were an inspiration to us all. The feedback I have received thus far is how amazing it was to be in the same room with her! We are all processing it today but the grounded energy that she resonated was inspiring. I learned so much from her - her warmth, her wit, her commitment, her insight, all so very much to take it!"

-Maine Women's Lobby Education Fund

"Tarana Burke was absolutely wonderful! She was so attentive to our students during the VIP reception and her keynote and Q and A was perfect! I have received so much positive feedback about the program."

-Rutgers University - Camden

"Tarana Burke was fantastic! She was everything we wanted in terms of a speaker, and her very presence electrified our campus community."

-Brock University

"I have had nothing but absolutely positive feedback about Tarana. She moved people. She inspired us. She made us laugh and cry. She was strong and loving. So many people mentioned that in an audience of 1200 they felt that she was talking just to them – and they didn’t want the conversation to end. When she arrived, she was present, gracious, and engaging. Students and community members – many of whom are survivors - were so thrilled to meet her. Please pass along these initial comments to Tarana and your team – and thank you to you and Mickaela for helping us bring Tarana to Hamilton."

-McMaster University

"Tarana was fabulous! She was pitch perfect for our audience and they were thrilled to hear her thoughts. There was buzz about her and the session all day."

-Center for Talent Innovation

"From all of us at LE Miami, thank you for making magic happen at Ministry of Ideas. It meant the world to have you with us at what can only be described as our best event to date. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and I'm truly grateful for the time and thought you put into your session... [You were] everything we could have hoped for AND MORE."

-LE Miami Ltd.

"Tarana was magnificent. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the event and hearing her speak. She was extremely gracious in speaking with guests and taking photos."

-National Museum of African American Music
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Keynote - Me Too is a movement, not a moment | TEDWomen [16:16] - Get Sharable Link
Talks & Conversations with Tarana Burke
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#MeToo: Past, Present and Future

Founder of the Me Too Movement Tarana Burke shares the origins, evolution and future of the movement, illuminating key issues of women’s rights and justice for survivors in this powerful, timely and inspirational program. Tracing the genesis of Me Too back to her time working at a non-profit that he ...

Founder of the Me Too Movement Tarana Burke shares the origins, evolution and future of the movement, illuminating key issues of women’s rights and justice for survivors in this powerful, timely and inspirational program. Tracing the genesis of Me Too back to her time working at a non-profit that helped victims of sexual assault and harassment, Burke sheds light on how the hashtag became viral, catapulting her into the spotlight and amplifying the voices of millions of people worldwide. With honesty, inclusivity, and passion, she addresses issues of respect, dignity and power dynamics, and where the movement needs to go from here. Whether speaking at a school or major conference, Burke tailors her remarks and offers uniquely powerful opportunities to connect with audience members and listen to their own stories. 

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Books by Tarana Burke
You Are Your Best Thing

You Are Your Best Thing

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Press & Media
The Woman Who Created #MeToo Long Before Hashtags - The New York Times
An activist, a little girl and the heartbreaking origin of 'Me too' - CNN.com
"Me Too" creator Tarana Burke: "We have to make movements ourselves" - CBS News
Me Too founder Tarana Burke: ‘You have to use your privilege to serve other people’ - The Guardian
How Me Too Founder Tarana Burke Wants to Shift the Movement’s Narrative - Variety
Global Politico Playbook Power List: 20 Women to Watch - Politico
TIME 100's Tarana Burke: 'I Raise My Glass to Survivors' - TIME
Tarana Burke on What Me Too Is Really About - Extended Interview [Video] - The Daily Show
She Founded Me Too. Now She Wants to Move Past the Trauma. - The New York Times
The Architect of #MeToo Says the Movement Has Lost Its Way - The Cut
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Ideas for the Meeting Planner
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Biography

Tarana Burke, best known as the founder of the 'me too' Movement, shares the heartbreaking story behind the genesis of the viral awakening for women's rights, and gives strength and healing to those who have experienced sexual trauma or harassment.

The simple yet courageous #metoo hashtag campaign has emerged as a rallying cry for people everywhere who have survived sexual assault and sexual harassment – and Tarana’s powerful, poignant story as creator of what is now an international movement that supports survivors will move, uplift, and inspire you.

#metoo is not just an overnight hashtag sensation; Tarana has dedicated more than 25 years of her life to social justice and to laying the groundwork for a movement that was initially created to help young women of color who survived sexual abuse and assault. The movement now inspires solidarity, amplifies the voices thousands of victims of sexual abuse, and puts the focus back on survivors.

A sexual assault survivor herself, Tarana is now Executive Director of the 'me too' organization. . On stage, she provides words of empowerment that lift up marginalized voices, enables survivors across all races, genders, or classes to know that they are not alone, and creates a place for comfort and healing to those who have experienced trauma.

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