Tarana Burke Breaks Down Why #MeToo Was Never Just for White Women

Eight years after #MeToo went viral, Tarana Burke is reminding us that the fight isn’t over — and that every single one of us has a role to play. In this powerful conversation with NewsOne Managing Editor Monique Judge, the Me Too co-founder unveils the new Disruptors Council — a groundbreaking initiative featuring voices like Gabrielle Union, Ayanna Pressley, Bevy Smith, and Brianna Stewart — all working to end sexual and gender-based violence in our communities. Burke breaks down: 🗣️ Why accountability looks different for Black survivors 💔 How the movement goes far beyond celebrity headlines 👊🏾 What it means to be a “disruptor” in your own circle — from your group chat to your church 👶🏾 The crisis of sexual violence against Black children and boys 🌍 How #MeToo is fighting globally to end sexual and gender violence once and for all Chapters 00:00 — We Are All Disruptors: Tarana Burke opens with the core message: everyone has a sphere of influence, and everyone can be a disruptor. 00:25 — Introducing Tarana Burke and the Me Too Movement: Host Monique Judge welcomes Burke and sets up the conversation around the new initiative. 00:52 — Launching the Disruptors Council: Burke explains how the council of cross-industry ambassadors (entertainment, sports, social justice) will amplify Me Too’s mission globally. 02:18 — After the Sean “Diddy” Combs Case: Redefining Accountability Burke reframes what progress looks like—how simply getting powerful men into court marks a cultural shift since #MeToo went viral. 03:40 — Beyond Headlines: The Everyday Survivors: They discuss the untold stories of countless survivors whose experiences never make national news. 04:06 — Silence and Disinterest: Why We Need Disruptors: Burke explains that shame, silence, and apathy perpetuate harm—and how influential voices can challenge misinformation. 05:10 — Who’s on the Council and Why They Matter: From Gabrielle Union and Ayanna Pressley to Bevy Smith and Cliff Albright, Burke spotlights council members who merge celebrity with authentic advocacy. 08:07 — How Ordinary People Can Be Disruptors: Burke describes how parents, churchgoers, and coworkers can challenge stigma and protect children in their own communities. 09:50 — The Crisis of Sexual Violence in Black Communities: She highlights the alarming statistics—1 in 10 Black children experience sexual violence—and calls for open conversation and local accountability. 11:30 — Men, Boys & Queer Survivors: Expanding the Conversation: Burke stresses that Me Too isn’t just about women—men, trans, and queer people also face harm and need healing spaces. 13:20 — The Barbershop PSA and Black Male Survivorship: She discusses Me Too’s PSA featuring Marc Lamont Hill and Van Lathan, confronting the taboo of sexual abuse of Black boys. 16:23 — Sexual Violence Behind Bars and in Law Enforcement: Burke links sexual violence to systemic abuse—from prisons to police brutality—calling it a racial-justice and institutional issue. 18:29 — Why Sexual Violence = Social Justice: A rallying message: fighting sexual violence must be part of the broader movement to end all forms of violence in Black communities. 19:01 — Global Impact and Final Call to Action: Burke closes by affirming Me Too International’s 155 global members and urging everyone to “be loud, be disruptive, be part of the solution.” If you care about Black liberation, racial justice, and community healing, this is the conversation you can’t afford to ignore. 👉🏾 Watch now, share widely, and be a disruptor in your own sphere.