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Judges Spotlight February 8, 2018

5 Things You Should Know About Opal Tometi

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Opal Tometi is an activist, raconteur, organizer, strategist, and Co-founder of #BlackLivesMatter. This social justice warrior is fighting for a brighter tomorrow both online and IRL.

Unless you’ve been under a rock for six years, you’ve heard of (and, maybe protested with) #BlackLivesMatter. The social movement has taken the Internet, and systemic oppression, by storm since 2012, with Opal Tometi as one of three founders behind the hashtag that’s contributed greatly to the racial justice movement.

We’re honored to have Opal Tometi in the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences as one of the esteemed judges of The Webby Awards. Read on below for 5 more things to learn about her.

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Opal Tometi & Spike Lee at the 20th Annual Webby Awards

Spike Lee presented Opal Tometi and #BlackLivesMatter with the Webby for Social Movement of the Year at the 20th Annual Webby Awards. BLM’s 5-Word Speech: “Stay turnt! Black lives matter.”

5 Things You Didn't Know About Opal Tometi

Opal Tometi is an activist, raconteur, organizer, strategist, and Co-founder of #BlackLivesMatter. This social justice warrior is fighting for a brighter tomorrow both online and IRL.

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SHE CARES ABOUT IMMIGRATION REFORM

Opal is the Executive Director of the Black Alliance for Just Immigration (aka BAJI), where she brings the voices of Black residents from Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America to the battle for immigrant rights and justice.

She's Featured in the Smithsonian NMAAHC

Opal Tometi, along with fellow Black Lives Matter Co-founders Patrisse Cullors and Alicia Garza are featured in the Smithsonian’s new National Museum of African American History & Culture. Their three-word rallying cry, and its global reverberation are documented through artifacts like protest signs, videos, gas masks, and more for generations to come.

She's a Wanderluster

When she isn’t fighting to make the world a better place, Opal can be found traveling the world: From Mexico to Italy to Colombia, her passport is heavily stamped, as is her Instagram feed (here she is in Mexico; keep up with her whereabouts @opalayo).

She Tells HerStory, Accurately

A skilled orator, Opal narrated BET and Centric TV’s #60DaysofHerstory, in which she told the stories of four women and their important contributions to society.

She Has 5 Tips for Surviving Trump's America

To remain proactive under the current administration, Opal advises being explicit about what you’re fighting for, and—more importantly—knowing your rights and learning how be effective allies.

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