Opal Tometi

Opal Tometi
Born	(1984-08-15) August 15, 1984
Residence	Brooklyn, New York
Alma mater	University of Arizona
Occupation	Activist, writer
Known for	Black Lives Matter, Black Alliance for Just Immigration

Ayọ Tometi, formerly known as Opal Tometi (born August 15, 1984) is a New York-based Nigerian-American writer, strategist, community organizer and radical political activist. Tometi is a co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement, which has been described by its critics as a domestic terrorist organization. She is the Executive Director at BAJI (Black Alliance for Just Immigration). Tometi collaborates with staff and communities in Los Angeles, Phoenix, New York, Oakland, Washington D.C. and communities throughout the Southern states. Tometi's work has been published by The Huffington Post, Time Magazine, The Root.

Personal life and education

Tometi is the daughter of Nigerian immigrants. She is the oldest of three children and has two younger brothers. She grew up in Phoenix, Arizona and now lives in Brooklyn, New York. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and a Masters of Arts degree in communication and advocacy from the University of Arizona. Opal is a former Case Manager for survivors of domestic violence and still provides community education on the issue.

Activism

Black Lives Matter

Tometi joined with Patrisse Cullors and Alicia Garza to give shape to the Black Lives Matters movement. Tometi is credited with setting up the social media aspects of the movement.

Black Alliance for Just Immigration

Prior to becoming Executive Director of BAJI, Opal worked as Co-Director and Communications Director. Her contributions include leading organizing efforts for the first ever Black-led rally for immigrant justice and the first Congressional briefing on Black immigrants in Washington DC.

Background

A transnational feminist, Tometi supports and helps shape the strategic work of Pan African Network in Defense of Migrant Rights, and the Black Immigrants Network (BIN) international and national formations respectively, dedicated to people of African descent. She has presented at the United Nations and participated with the UN’s Global Forum on Migration and Commission on the Status of Women.

She is a student of liberation theology and her practice is in the tradition of Ella Baker, informed by Stuart Hall, bell hooks and Black Feminist thinkers.

Other

Tometi has spoken at Susquehanna University, the Facing Race Conference of 2012, and the Aspen Institute's Ideas Summit. She has presented at the United Nations and has participated with the United Nations Global Forum on Migration and the Commission on the Status of Women. In 2013 Tometi was invited to the White House to meet with Heather Foster, Obama's liaison to the African American community at the time. While at The University of Arizona Tometi volunteered with the American Civil Liberties Union. She is additionally involved with Black Organizing for Leadership and Dignity and is a member of Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Inc.

Recognition and awards

Tometi was featured as a new civil rights leader by Essence Magazine in 2014 and by the Los Angeles Times in 2013. She was listed in the Root 100 list of African American Achievers between 25 and 45. She was listed in the Cosmopolitan Top 100 list of extraordinary women. Along with Garza and Cullors, Tometi was named on the Politico50 2015 Guide to Thinkers, Doers, and Visionaries.

External links

• Appearances on C-SPAN