Leaders To Be Aware of On World Day Of Social Justice

Patrisse Cullors, one of the three founders of Black Lives Matter, is also credited with creating the hashtag, #BlackLivesMatter. Her fire comes from her personal experience of watching the mistreatment of her younger brother in the prison system. She uses her degree in religion and philosophy to help propel herself and the movement forward.

Alicia Garza is a founder of one of the most talked-about movements, Black Lives Matter, and is credited with inspiring the slogan. When George Zimmerman was acquitted for the murder of Trayvon Martin almost 7 years ago, Garza posted on Facebook, “I continue to be surprised at how little Black lives matter… Our lives matter.”  Her degree in anthropology and sociology aid in her activism.

Opal Tometi, a founder of Black Lives Matter, is credited with setting up social media for the social justice movement. With her degrees in history and communications, as well as an honorary doctorate, Tometi uses her platform to fight for Black lives and those in domestic violence situations.

Of the developed world, the United States has the highest maternal mortality rate. African American women make up the majority of these deaths. Angela Doyinsola Aina is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Black Mamas Matter Alliance. In her position, Aina works to convene Black maternal health professionals and community-based organizations to make a difference in the lives of Black mothers.

Reverend William J. Barber II came from a home where he was taught to make a difference. After moving to North Carolina in kindergarten to help desegregate schools, he continued his education, eventually earning a B.A. in Political Science and a Master of Divinity degree. He eventually received a doctoral degree from Drew University in Madison, New Jersey. He has since been an advocate for the poor.

 Kassidy Garland has had a great appreciation for reading and writing since she was young. She graduated from West Chester University in 2017 with a Bachelor’s Degree in English & Women and Gender Studies. With a concentration in creative writing, Kassidy has 5 years of experience writing blogs, articles, and for social media. Based out of Philadelphia, Kassidy loves to write about a number of topics and looks forward to sharing her passion with those at FunTimes Magazine.