OPAL TOMETI
Black Lives Matter
OPAL TOMETI, one of the co-founders of Black Lives Matter, is an activist known for her efforts in the areas of social, racial, and economic justice. Initiated in the wake of the devastating acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s killer, BLM has gained momentum in the wake of the murder of George Floyd and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Being a woman of color whose parents are Nigerian immigrants, Tometi has witnessed the harsh realities of immigration and racism in America. This has encouraged her to stand up and fight back against an oppressive system that has suppressed the voices of people who have long been crying out for help.
Faith and family are her pillars of strength through the heartache of witnessing and fighting for justice, but she also draws from her African heritage, her identity as a Nigerian woman, and a wealth of education and experience in the field of human rights.
Tometi’s achievements include being featured in the Smithsonian’s National Museum for African History and Culture (NMAAHC) with BLM Co-founders Patrisse Cullors and Alicia Garza. She was also awarded the Sydney Peace Prize and the 2020 Freedom of the Flame Award.
Tometi has globally made an impact on immigrant communities, women and people of color and continues to push forward for justice and strive to unify the global Black community.
