In 1997, Tarana Burke met a young girl who was being abused by her mother’s boyfriend. In 2006, Tarana Burke founded Just Be Inc., an organization that focuses on the health, well-being and wholeness of brown girls everywhere! Shortly thereafter, she brought forth the “me too.” movement to raise awareness of abuse in our society. This movement was recently popularized through Twitter and now is an international movement. It took a celebrity to make noise to get awareness that it so rightly deserves. It is amazing what it takes in our society to do the right thing. 10 years ago, Twitter and Facebook were not the real-time “social feeds” that they are today.

A lot of women have been harassed in some way, and probably don’t know that they were. Harassment can be subtle or bold, it is what it is. I have personally witnessed inappropriate behavior demonstrated in the workplace, and like others, the victim felt that saying something would threaten their security. So, they remained silent and then it continued to happen to them and others.

When all of the chatter started a few months ago after the Hollywood and Political attackers were named, I thought about how long this has really been happening. Women have been sexually harassed in the workplace and in general for centuries. Rape was minimized or dismissed, because she was either asking for it or dressed in a provocative manner, to name a few reasons. Young girls and boys have been molested by family friends, neighbors, and relatives for a very long time too. I guess timing is everything, and it takes what it takes. Well,it is about time!

I hope that the #MeToo. movement does not fizzle and whatever we as a society have to do to keep this in the forefront, I hope it happens, and I am in! Someone posted a tweet stating that men and boys need to know that women and girls are to always be respected, no matter what. It would be a good supportive initiative to have a list of inappropriate behavior available, because some may not be “clear” on what that is. Once it is made known, they can no longer use that excuse.

Thank you, Tarana Burke for this movement and I hope you continue to speak out and up for those who may not be able to do so. I can add my name to #MeToo. No need to go into details. As is with others, I spoke up and was dismissed. It was a long time ago, but it happened. Some are made to feel shame or guilt as if it is their fault when encountered with inappropriate sexual behavior. Know that it is not and you have a right to speak up or not. The choice is yours.

Women are extremely powerful and can Empower others. Tarana Burke is one of those women.

#MeToo.

In Light and Love,

Grace Sowtrue

The RJ Group