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The Untold Story: 7 Essential Facts About Tarana Burke, The True Founder Of The Me Too Movement

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The Me Too movement is one of the most significant social and cultural shifts of the 21st century, profoundly redefining conversations around sexual violence and workplace conduct. However, as of late 2025, the narrative often remains incomplete, focusing only on the 2017 viral moment rather than its deep, grassroots origins. The true founder, activist and community organizer Tarana J. Burke, started the movement more than a decade earlier, and her ongoing work continues to push the conversation "beyond the hashtag" to address systemic issues of racial justice and healing for all survivors. The story of the movement is not just about bringing down the powerful; it is about building up the marginalized. Tarana Burke's vision has always been centered on empathy, solidarity, and empowerment for those who need it most, particularly young women of color from low-wealth communities. Understanding her biography and current initiatives is essential to grasping the full scope and future direction of this global phenomenon.

Tarana Burke: A Complete Biographical Profile

Tarana J. Burke is an American activist, community organizer, and executive whose life's work is dedicated to racial justice, gender equity, and anti-violence. She is recognized globally as the founder of the 'me too.' Movement.

  • Full Name: Tarana J. Burke
  • Born: September 12, 1973
  • Place of Birth: The Bronx, New York City, U.S.
  • Education: Graduated from Auburn University Montgomery.
  • Key Roles: Founder of the 'me too.' Movement (2006); Co-Founder and Chief Vision Officer of 'me too.' International; Former Executive Director of the Black Youth Project (BYP) 100.
  • Notable Works: Co-editor of the New York Times bestseller, You Are Your Best Thing: Vulnerability, Shame Resilience, and the Black Experience (with Dr. Brené Brown).
  • Awards & Recognition: Named one of the "Silence Breakers" by Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2017; Has received numerous accolades for her decades of social justice work.
  • Core Focus: Promoting healing and unity among survivors of sexual violence, especially those in marginalized communities, and focusing on shame resilience and trauma-informed care.

1. The Movement Started in 2006, Not 2017

The single most crucial fact about the Me Too movement is that it did not begin with a viral hashtag in 2017.

Tarana Burke first coined the phrase "Me Too" in 2006. At the time, she was working as a youth program director in Selma, Alabama. Her initial goal was to address the rampant issue of sexual assault and abuse she observed among young women of color in low-wealth communities.

The phrase was intended as a tool of solidarity—a way for survivors to break the isolation and shame associated with their experiences. It was a grassroots, community-based effort focused on healing and empowerment, not public exposure or celebrity scandal.

2. The True Focus: Marginalized Communities and Systemic Justice

While the 2017 explosion of the hashtag, catalyzed by figures like actress Alyssa Milano, brought the conversation into the mainstream, it often overshadowed Burke's original intent.

Burke's 'me too.' Movement (note the period in the organization's official name) was founded on the principles of racial justice and gender equity. It was designed to provide resources and support to those who are often overlooked by the mainstream media and legal systems: Black women, low-income individuals, and those on the periphery of power.

Her work is less about retribution and more about creating sustainable, trauma-informed spaces where survivors can heal and reclaim their narratives. This focus differentiates her work from the high-profile legal battles that often dominate the headlines.

3. Tarana Burke's Current Mission: Beyond the Hashtag

As the movement matured, Burke has consistently worked to ensure its longevity and depth. Her current mission, often articulated as "Beyond the Hashtag," focuses on institutional change and comprehensive support for survivors.

As the Co-Founder and Chief Vision Officer of 'me too.' International, she is actively involved in initiatives that push for legislative and cultural shifts. She is steering the organization to focus on accountability, prevention, and healing, rather than just the initial moment of disclosure.

This includes working with changemakers across politics, entertainment, and other industries to ensure the conversation leads to concrete, lasting policy changes in workplaces and communities worldwide.

4. Legislative and Policy Impact is Ongoing in 2024-2025

The legislative impact of the Me Too movement continues to be significant and current. As of late 2025, the movement has been a catalyst for substantial legal reforms across the United States and globally.

One of the major tangible outcomes has been the passage of over 80 workplace anti-harassment bills in 24 states and the District of Columbia. These laws address issues like forced arbitration clauses, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), and statutes of limitations for reporting sexual misconduct.

Furthermore, organizations like 'me too.' International continue to release reports, such as a "MeToo 2024 Report," which track the rates of sexual harassment and violence, ensuring that the issue remains a current priority for policymakers and corporate leaders.

5. Her Collaboration with Dr. Brené Brown

A key entity in Tarana Burke's recent work is her collaboration with renowned researcher and author Dr. Brené Brown. Together, they co-created and edited the New York Times bestselling anthology, You Are Your Best Thing: Vulnerability, Shame Resilience, and the Black Experience.

This book is a powerful collection of essays by Black writers, organizers, artists, and academics. It directly addresses the intersection of vulnerability, shame, and the trauma of white supremacy, reinforcing Burke's core mission to center the experiences of marginalized individuals.

The collaboration highlights her focus on deep emotional and psychological healing, moving the dialogue from public accusation to personal and collective resilience.

6. The 'Silence Breakers' Recognition and Its Complexity

In 2017, Burke was prominently featured as one of Time magazine's "Silence Breakers," who were collectively named the Person of the Year.

She was honored alongside other key figures who spoke out against sexual misconduct, including actresses like Ashley Judd and Rose McGowan, as well as everyday individuals like farmworker Isabel Pascual, housekeeper Juana Melara, and Uber engineer Susan Fowler.

While the recognition was a major platform, Burke has consistently used it to redirect attention back to the movement's origins and its original focus on supporting all survivors, underscoring that the movement is a marathon, not a moment.

7. The Core Concept: Empathy, Not Just Accountability

Ultimately, the philosophy underpinning Tarana Burke's decades of activism is empathy. She asserts that the power of "me too" is not just in identifying perpetrators, but in visibly demonstrating the sheer number of people who have been affected by sexual violence.

This strength in numbers is meant to empower survivors by showing them they are not alone and that their experience is part of a larger, systemic problem. Her work continues to emphasize that true change comes from a cultural shift toward shared vulnerability and shame resilience, creating a world where survivors can heal without judgment.

founder of me too movement
founder of me too movement

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