Do Black Women Have a Voice in the #MeToo Movement?

As the #MeToo movement has gained traction in the mainstream media after its birth mainly on social media like Twitter, several complications have developed – especially as the movement has gained popularity and left many Black women on the sidelines.

Black women’s voices have been integral to the success of #MeToo from the very beginning, but as wider demographics, notably college-educated White women, have taken center stage in the struggle for equality, many are left wondering what happened to the crucial minority representation in the coalition.

The #MeToo Movement Was Founded by a Black Woman

Many people don’t know the story of the Black founder of #MeToo, Tarana Burke. She actually began the loosely organized group all the way back in 2006, long before it captured the public’s attention.

She is also the founder of the nonprofit activist group Just Be, Inc., which began operation in 2006 as well. After hearing a young girl’s heartbreaking recollection of sexual assault and feeling a sense of powerlessness to rectify the situation, Burke simply wished to respond “Me too” as a show of solidarity and support.

Although the movement has taken on a life of its own, Burke has remained dedicated to improving the lives of women, especially women of color, through her outreach work.

Black Women Experience More Sexual Harassment Than White Women

Sexual abuse comes in many forms. Some cases, like rape, are taken more seriously than everyday harassment, which can be just as psychologically devastating for some victims as any other form of abuse.

As with most crimes, Black women are disproportionately victims of sexual harassment. From a lack of interest in solving cases among law enforcement to institutionalized discrimination to a lack of resources for victims, a number of factors have resulted in black girls and women being at greater risk of sexual attack.

Black women are subject to a concept called double jeopardy, where their voices and concerns are marginalized both on account of race and gender.

Black Women Are Fighting for Their Voices to Be Heard

The need for more Black women’s voices in the movement is clear based on victim statistics. Only when the wider #MeToo movement embraces all voices, not only White women’s, will the challenges of sexual assault prevention be met with full force.

When leaders and community activists embrace the important role that Black women have played in the movement, true progress is possible to repair the damage caused by sexual assault for every victim, including Black women.

Here’s another article you might like: I Am No Victim: Changing the Narrative Surrounding Survivors of Abuse