Opal Tometi
| Opal Tometi | |
|---|---|
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| Residence | Brooklyn, New York |
| Alma mater | University of Arizona |
| Occupation | Activist, writer |
| Known for | Black Lives Matter, Black Alliance for Just Immigration |
Opal Tometi is a New York-based Nigerian-American writer, strategist and community organizer. Tometi is a co-founder of Black Lives Matter. She is the Executive Director at BAJI (Black Alliance for Just Immigration). Tometi collaborates with staff and communities in Los Angeles, Phoenix, New York City, Oakland, Washington D.C. and communities throughout the Southern states. Tometi's work has been published by The Huffington Post.
Tometi is the daughter of Nigerian immigrants. She is the oldest of three children and has two younger brothers. She grew up in Phoenix, Arizona and now lives in Brooklyn, New York. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and a Masters of Arts degree in communication and advocacy from the University of Arizona. Opal is a former Case Manager for survivors of domestic violence and still provides community education on the issue.
Tometi joined with Patrisse Cullors and Alicia Garza to give shape to the Black Lives Matter group.Tometi is credited with setting up the social media aspects of the movement.
Prior to becoming Executive Director of BAJI, Opal worked as Co-Director and Communications Director. Her contributions include leading organizing efforts for the first ever Black-led rally for immigrant justice and the first Congressional briefing on Black immigrants in Washington DC. The Black Alliance for Just Immigration was founded in April 2006 to respond to anti-immigrant sentiment and repressive immigration bills under consideration by Congress.
Tometi has spoken at Susquehanna University, the Facing Race Conference of 2012, the Aspen Institute's Ideas Summit, and the Grinnell College Technology and Human Rights Symposium. She has presented at the United Nations and has participated with the United Nations Global Forum on Migration and the Commission on the Status of Women. In 2013 Tometi was invited to the White House to meet with Heather Foster, Obama's liaison to the African American community at the time. While at The University of Arizona Tometi volunteered with the American Civil Liberties Union. She is additionally involved with Black Organizing for Leadership and Dignity and is a member of Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Inc.
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