Unbound

About the Author

Tarana Burke is a celebrated activist, community organizer, and the founder of the "me too" movement, which has become a global phenomenon in the fight against sexual violence. Born and raised in the Bronx, New York, Burke's work is deeply rooted in her experiences as a survivor of sexual violence, which she has channeled into her activism for over three decades. She has received numerous accolades for her work, including being named one of TIME Magazine’s "Persons of the Year" in 2017, alongside the movement she ignited. Burke is also an accomplished public speaker, sharing her story and insights to inspire and empower others. Her memoir, Unbound, not only details her personal journey but also serves as a powerful call to action for healing and justice in the face of sexual violence.

Main Idea

Unbound is a deeply personal and powerful account of Tarana Burke’s journey from a young girl grappling with the trauma of sexual abuse to a leader of a global movement. The book explores how Burke’s own experiences of shame, anger, and eventual healing laid the foundation for the "me too" movement, a movement designed to empower survivors of sexual violence by fostering empathy, understanding, and community support. Through her story, Burke emphasizes the importance of facing trauma, building resilience, and creating spaces where survivors can share their stories and find solace in knowing they are not alone. The core message of the book is that healing is possible when survivors come together and say, "me too."

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: The Birth of a Movement
2. Burke’s Childhood Was Defined by Shame
3. Burke Channeled Anger Into Activism
4. How Burke Founded the "me too" Movement
5. The Impact of Burke’s "me too" Movement
6. Burke’s Hopes and Fears for "me too"
7. Conclusion: The Road Ahead

Introduction: The Birth of a Movement

In the introduction to Unbound, Tarana Burke recounts the origins of the "me too" movement. What began as a grassroots effort to support survivors of sexual violence within marginalized communities has grown into a global force for change. Burke reflects on the pivotal moments that led to the movement’s viral spread, particularly the #MeToo hashtag that brought international attention to the prevalence of sexual violence. However, she clarifies that the movement’s true power lies in the connections it fosters among survivors, giving them a platform to share their experiences and begin the healing process.

"This movement is about something bigger than just me; it's about the healing of countless others who need to know that they are not alone." - Tarana Burke

Burke’s Childhood Was Defined by Shame

Burke’s story begins with her childhood, which was marked by the deep shame associated with her experiences of sexual abuse. From the age of seven, she was subjected to sexual violence by older boys in her neighborhood, experiences that left her feeling isolated and undeserving of love. The trauma of these experiences was compounded by societal pressures and anti-Black beauty standards that made her feel ugly and unworthy. This profound sense of shame shaped much of her early life, leading her to internalize the belief that she was at fault for the abuse she endured.