See Civil Rights Activist, 'me too' Founder Tarana Burke Thursday

Photo Submitted

Tarana Burke, 'me too' founder and civil rights activist.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Tarana Burke, a civil rights activist and founder of the 'me too' movement, will speak Thursday, March 28, at the Fayetteville Town Center, 15 W. Mountain St. Her talk is part of the student-sponsored Distinguished Lecture Series. 

The event will be general seating, and tickets will not be issued. The lecture is free of charge, and the public may attend, but University of Arkansas students will be given preference. The lecture begins at 7 p.m.; doors open at 6.

Burke will share the story behind the genesis of the viral 2017 TIME Person of the Year-winning 'me too' movement, which has given strength and healing to those who have experienced sexual trauma or harassment. The simple yet courageous 'me too' hashtag campaign emerged as a rallying cry for people everywhere who have survived sexual assault and sexual harassment.

#MeToo was not just an overnight hashtag sensation. Burke started using the phrase "me too" while working at Just Be Inc., a nonprofit she founded in 2003 to focus on the overall well-being of young women of color. In 2006, she began her campaign for activism to help girls and women who have experienced sexual harassment, abuse or assault and #MeToo became a global phenomenon in 2017.

Burke has dedicated more than 25 years 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 inspired solidarity, amplified the voices of thousands of victims of sexual abuse and put the focus back on survivors. 

Her continued work with the 'me too' movement landed her on The Root 100 2018, the publication's annual list of the most influential African Americans, ages 25 to 45. In her upcoming book, Where the Light Enters, Burke discusses the importance of the 'me too' movement as well as her personal journey from "victim to survivor to thriver."

This event is sponsored by the Distinguished Lectures Committee through the Office of Student Activities and is free to current University of Arkansas students who pay the Student Activities Fee and students must show ID for entrance. Admission for general public and non-fee-paying students is contingent upon seating availability and will be on a first-come, first-served basis after fee-paying students are admitted. For questions or for accommodations due to disability, please contact the Office of Student Activities, osa@uark.edu or call 479-575-5255. DLC is a program in the Division of Student Affairs.

About the Division of Student Affairs: The Division of Student Affairs supports students in pursuing knowledge, earning a degree, finding meaningful careers, exploring diversity, and connecting with the global community. We provide students housing, dining, health care resources, and create innovative programs that educate and inspire. We enhance the University of Arkansas experience and help students succeed, one student at a time.