Opal Tometi Biography
Opal Tometi (born August 15, 1984) is a social activist, journalist, consultant, and community activist from the United States. She is a co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement (BLM). She was the founding Executive Director of the Black Alliance for Just Immigration, the United States’ first national immigrant rights group for citizens of African descent (BAJI).
Tometi’s goal with BLM is to draw attention to the social inequities that black people face. She began as a vocal community activist in her hometown, campaigning for civil rights issues.
She has spoken for human rights, migrant rights, and social justice around the world. She has served as a case manager for domestic abuse survivors.
Opal Tometi, hailed as a feminist freedom fighter in the United States and now a global celebrity, is one of the most prominent human rights leaders of our day.
Her name is inscribed in American history as one of the three female co-founders of the Black Lives Matter movement. For several years, the award-winning lobbyist, strategist, and journalist has used her platform to keep race, immigration, and gender justice at the center of global discussions.
Opal Tometi Quick Facts
| Name | Opal Tometi |
| Date of Birth | 15th August 1984 |
| Gender | Female |
| Occupation | Activist, Writer, BLM Co-founder |
| Education | University of Arizona (BA) Arizona State University (MA) |
| Spouse | Nil |
| Nationality | American, Nigerian |
| Net worth | $4 million |
| Awards | Letelier-Moffitt Human Rights Award PEN Oakland Josephine Miles Literary Award |
| Website | www.opaltometi.org |
Opal Tometi Early Life and Background
Opal Tometi was born in 1984 to Nigerian immigrants. She is the eldest of three siblings, with two younger brothers. She was born in Phoenix, Arizona, and now resides in Brooklyn, New York.
Opal Tometi Education
She graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Arts in History and an Arizona State University Master of Communication and Advocacy. On May 7, 2016, Clarkson University conferred an honorary master of science degree upon her. Tometi is a former case manager for domestic violence survivors who helps to educate the community on the issue.
Tometi and Black Lives Matter
Black Lives Matter was created in 2013 by Opal Tometi, Patrisse Cullors, and Alicia Garza. Tometi is credited with establishing the movement’s social media elements. She has also worked with other black social reforms civil organizations such as BAJI; prior to becoming Executive Director of BAJI (Black Alliance For Just Immigration), Tometi also served as Co-Director and Communications Director. Her activities included coordinating an immigration rights march and the first Congressional briefing on black immigrants in Washington, DC.
Tometi Books and Media
She has been featured in a variety of publications, including Glamour, Essence, CNN, MSNBC, and BET. Her writings have appeared in a variety of publications, including The Huffington Post and Time. Tometi continues to work in groups in Los Angeles, Phoenix, New York City, Oakland, Washington, D.C., and throughout the South.
Tometi Awards
She was awarded the Letelier-Moffitt Human Rights Award in 2017. In 2019, along with co-authors Alicia Garza and Patrisse Khan-Cullors, Tometi received a PEN Oakland Josephine Miles Literary Award for When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir.
Opal Tometi Net worth
Opal Tometi has a net worth $4 million.
