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Tag: me too movement

  • Tarana Burke Renews Vows in Lagos, Nigeria

    Love is a journey, and for Me Too movement founder Tarana Burke and her husband, Joe, their journey has spanned over three decades. After years of navigating life’s twists and turns, including a pandemic-induced postponement of their original wedding plans, the couple recently celebrated their enduring love with a beautiful vow renewal ceremony in Lagos, Nigeria, in December 2025.

    A Love Story Decades in the Making

    Burke and Joe’s connection began in 1990 when they were just teenagers living in the same New York City neighborhood. What started with a chance encounter on a basketball court blossomed into a deep connection, though life’s paths eventually led them in separate directions. They experienced college, separate relationships, parenthood, career moves, and personal losses, yet their bond remained.

    More than 35 years after they first met, Burke says the qualities that initially attracted her to Joe are still present. “He is still as spontaneous and playful as he was 36 years ago,” she shared exclusively with MadameNoire. “At any moment he will break out and grab me up for a kiss like we are kids in the park.” This playfulness, she notes, continues to be a grounding force in their relationship.

    Finding Their Way Back and Embracing Vulnerability

    After living separate lives for years, Burke and Joe reconnected in 2014. This reunion brought a sense of “peace and relief,” as Burke knew he was the one. They approached their renewed relationship with intention and maturity, eventually becoming engaged. Burke credits their earlier attempt at a long-distance relationship with teaching them the importance of prioritizing themselves and allowing space for individual growth.

    A particularly poignant moment in their journey occurred when Burke encountered Joe in Harlem while arranging her late father’s funeral. In a time of deep grief and vulnerability, Joe quietly stepped in to support her, a gesture that left a lasting impression. “My life can be tumultuous and having a soft place to land is invaluable,” Burke reflected. “Having a partner who has known me for so long keeps me grounded.”

    A Surprise Celebration in Lagos

    The idea for the vow renewal began subtly. Burke was planning a surprise trip to Lagos, Nigeria, for Joe’s birthday in December—a month already significant for their anniversary, reunion anniversary, and Joe’s birthday. As the plans evolved, the idea of renewing their vows emerged, eventually expanding into a celebration involving their children and family.

    Choosing Lagos held deep personal meaning, as both Burke and Joe’s DNA tests revealed strong Nigerian ancestry. “It meant so much to both of us to be in Nigeria for our vow renewal,” Burke shared. “We both traced our DNA roots to the country… We wanted to both honor our ancestry and do something really special and unique to honor our marriage.”

    The ceremony itself was a vibrant celebration, filled with joy and cultural elements, including beautifully crafted wedding fans that became a cherished keepsake for Burke. She described the experience as feeling like a homecoming, affirming and grounding. The event beautifully connected their love story not only to each other but also to their shared ancestry and legacy.

    Tarana Burke’s story is a beautiful reminder that love can evolve and endure. What message does her journey hold for you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • ‘Me Too.’ Launches Star-Studded Disruptors Council

    The powerful ‘Me Too.’ movement, co-founded by Tarana Burke, is amplifying its mission to combat sexual violence with the launch of its new Disruptors Council. This initiative brings together a formidable group of celebrity advocates and influential figures, including actresses Viola Davis and Gabrielle Union, and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, to challenge the systems that perpetuate sexual violence and leave survivors unheard.

    A Collective Force for Change

    The Disruptors Council is comprised of game-changers dedicated to promoting the work and initiatives of ‘Me Too.’ International. Their collective goal is to foster cultural shifts that create a more equitable and safer world for everyone, by dismantling restrictive gender norms and oppressive systems. The council aims to amplify policy work and encourage mainstream conversations about sexual violence prevention.

    Tarana Burke emphasized the critical timing of this initiative, stating in a press release, “We’re at a pivotal moment. Recent high-profile cases have once again made clear just how prevalent sexual violence still is.” She added, “The Disruptors Council represents what we’ve always believed: that real change happens when we work together to address the systems that allow sexual violence to persist, not just respond to its effects. Sexual violence is solvable when we bring this conversation into mainstream culture and treat prevention as a shared responsibility.”

    Influential Voices Join the Cause

    The council’s membership extends beyond Hollywood stars and politicians. It also includes Cliff Albright, co-founder and executive director of Black Voters Matter Fund, media personalities Bevy Smith and Jessie Woo, actress Michelle Buteau, and others committed to disrupting the status quo. Viola Davis, a survivor herself and daughter of a survivor, expressed her commitment: “I raise my hand as a survivor and the daughter of a survivor. I raise my hand to be seen and to break the silence and invisibility of sexual assault…to destroy the stigma, the shame, and reclaim our worth. I’m proud to be a disruptor.”

    Gabrielle Union echoed this sentiment, stating, “I speak up because change starts with raising our voices and standing for what’s right. I disrupt by challenging the status quo in ways that create opportunity, understanding, and progress for everyone.”

    Advancing Justice for Survivors

    Through the collective efforts of the Disruptors Council, ‘Me Too.’ aims to further its mission of achieving justice for survivors and encouraging a broader societal commitment to speaking out against violence. The initiative underscores the belief that by working together and challenging harmful norms, significant progress can be made in creating a safer and more equitable world.

    What are your thoughts on the ‘Me Too.’ movement’s new Disruptors Council? How can we collectively work towards ending sexual violence? Share your perspectives in the comments below!