The original 'Silence Breaker' who didn't make that cover plus more kick-ass black women.
This is the sixthedition of "This week in black women," a weekly column dedicated to signal-boosting the black women who make the world spin.
This week, I'm cheering for Atlanta's mayor-elect, Tarana Burke, and two books sure to land on your wishlist. Support these women! Pay these women! Follow them! Encourage them! Let's do this.
"We see you": Tarana Burke
In 2006, activist Tarana Burke founded the Me Too movement as a way to help survivors of sexual assault and violence. More than a decade later, Burke's work became part of a pivotal national conversation about survivors and sexual predators, particularly in the workplace. For her work, Burke was recognized as part of Time magazine's collective person of the year, along with other "Silence Breakers" of the #MeToo movement.
I love the internet. Thank you @dairajean (IG) for doing what @time should have! The only #PersonOfTheYear we ackno… https://t.co/4MN5cZ6yPv— Yaba Blay (@Yaba Blay) 1512582033
But, to the consternation of many of her devoted fans, she was left off the widely celebrated cover. So we're here to shout you out and praise your excellent work, Ms. Burke.
"This is just the start. I’ve been saying from the beginning it’s not just a moment, it’s a movement," Burke said in an interview with Time. "Now the work really begins."
Thank you EVERYONE!! Especially all of you who rang the alarm when you thought I wasn’t being acknowledged. I could… https://t.co/woG3mSivHy— Tarana (@Tarana) 1512564225
Photo by Chirag Wakaskar/Pacific Press/Sipa USA via AP Images.
"Taking care of business": Keisha Lance Bottoms
In a narrow victory, Keisha Lance Bottoms was elected the mayor of Atlanta. There is something so encouraging and affirming about a black woman named Keisha running one of the largest cities in the country. It's a beautiful name, steeped in black girl magic, which in many circles may have drawn ire or limited her opportunities. But instead, Keisha Lance Bottoms was elected by the people to lead her city. What a time to be alive.
[rebelmouse-image 19532619 dam="1" original_size="750x500" caption="Keisha Lance Bottoms. Image via Vote ATL." expand=1]Keisha Lance Bottoms. Image via Vote ATL.
"Go off, sis": Amber Ruffin
Ruffin is a writer and performer for "Late Night With Seth Meyers" and uses her improv chops to help create some of the show's best moments. This week, Ruffin announced she will be hosting the 70th Writers Guild of Awards ceremony next February.
Ruffin said in her statement, "If you’re looking for hard-hitting satire on sexual assault allegations, Russia and the Republican tax plan — too bad! This is gonna be all hugs and rainbows! (The hugs will be consensual.)"
Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Lindt.
If you're dreaming of a black Christmas...
It's the season of giving, and this week, I discovered two awesome books that would make great gifts for the kiddos in your life.
The first is the "Black Queens" coloring book. It's got affirmations, encouraging quotations, and of course, ample room to color and draw.
I MADE A COLOURING BOOK 😊 https://t.co/WrGfHBP5Np— danielle murrell cox (@danielle murrell cox) 1512282349
The second is "Little Leaders: Bold Women In Black History." With darling illustrations and short, easy to read biographies, the book is perfect for children and the young at heart.
My debut book #LittleLeaders Bold Women in Black History ( @LittleBrownYR ) hits stores Dec 5! You can preorder now… https://t.co/ODgXmKcZio— Vashti Harrison (@Vashti Harrison) 1509660814
Final thoughts: Aisha Alexander
This country has a long way to go, but some days, it feels good to reflect on how far we've come.
My grandfather is a 96 year old Charlotte native. He wasnt the allowed to vote until he was 44 years old when the… https://t.co/XjekLxNiNv— Aisha Alexander-Young (@Aisha Alexander-Young) 1512421869
Note: We were not paid by the authors to promote the books included in this post (we would tell you!). We just think it's just awesome to see black women lifting up and celebrating other black women.