Opal Tometi

Date of Birth: August 15, 1984

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Biography

Opal Tometi is a Nigerian-American human rights activist, writer, strategist, and community organizer. She is best known as one of the co-founders of the Black Lives Matter movement, a global network that advocates against systemic racism and violence towards Black people. Born to Nigerian immigrants in Phoenix, Arizona, Opal was raised with a strong sense of social justice and community service. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Master of Arts in Communication and Advocacy from the University of Arizona. Opal’s activism began in her college years when she became involved with immigrant rights and racial justice organizations. She later served as the Executive Director of the Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI), an organization that advocates for immigrant rights and racial justice. In 2013, following the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, Opal, along with Alicia Garza and Patrisse Cullors, co-founded the Black Lives Matter movement. The hashtag #BlackLivesMatter quickly evolved into a global network. Throughout her career, Opal has been recognized for her work in social justice and has received numerous awards, including being named to the Root 100 list of most influential African Americans and Fortune’s World’s Greatest Leaders.

5 Interesting Facts about Opal Tometi

1. Opal Tometi co-founded Black Lives Matter in 2013 alongside Alicia Garza and Patrisse Cullors.

2. She served as the Executive Director of the Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI) for over 8 years.

3. Opal is a first-generation American, with her parents having immigrated from Nigeria.

4. She has been featured in numerous high-profile publications and lists, including Fortune’s World’s Greatest Leaders.

5. Opal is a sought-after speaker and has delivered keynote addresses at major universities and conferences around the world.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Opal Tometi

1. “Black Lives Matter is about more than the extrajudicial killings. It’s about changing the way that Black lives are seen and valued in this country.”

2. “We have the right to remain human, and we have the right to be seen as fully human.”

3. “I’m constantly inspired by the resilience and strength of Black communities all over the world.”

4. “Our movement is about love, it’s about justice, it’s about dignity.”

5. “We must continue to challenge the systems that oppress us and work towards a future where equality and justice are the norms.”