June 18, 2025
Her journey highlights the profound impact one person can have when driven by principle and purpose.
Tamika D. Mallory, a nationally recognized civil rights activist and seasoned community organizer, continues galvanizing justice movements. She recently published a deeply personal memoir that traces her evolution from a curious Bronx girl to an internationally revered advocate.
Mallory’s impact on American social reform is underscored by her pioneering work and an unwavering commitment to marginalized communities.
Born on Sept. 4, 1980, in The Bronx, New York, Mallory’s trajectory in activism began early, influenced by her parents, Stanley and Voncile Mallory, who were founding members of Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network (NAN), a prominent U.S. civil rights organization. Mallory formally joined NAN at age 11 and became a staff member by 15, ultimately becoming the youngest executive director in the organization’s history. She departed NAN in 2013 to pursue her independent activist endeavors.
Mallory gained widespread prominence as a national co-chair of the 2017 Women’s March on Washington, an event that mobilized an estimated 500,000 participants in the nation’s capital and millions more in sister marches worldwide, marking it as possibly the largest single-day protest in U.S. history. Though she and co-chairs Bob Bland and Linda Sarsour resigned from the Women’s March board in July 2019 amid internal disputes and accusations, her role in its foundational success remains undisputed.
Her powerful oration during the George Floyd protests in 2020, widely dubbed “the speech of a generation,” connected with millions globally and became the impetus for her bestselling book, STATE OF EMERGENCY: How We Win in the Country We Built.
The seminal address cemented her status as a crucial voice in the contemporary civil rights landscape.
Mallory’s advocacy extends to pivotal issues, including gun violence prevention and criminal justice reform. Following the tragic murder of her son’s father in 2001, she worked closely with the Obama administration on gun control legislation.
The activist also continues to honor the memory of Breonna Taylor. On what would have been her 32nd birthday, Mallory reaffirmed an unwavering commitment to securing justice for the slain woman.
Mallory’s heartfelt message sparked deep concern over the Trump administration’s Department of Justice stepping back from a pivotal consent decree, a measure designed to hold the Louisville Metro Police Department accountable.
With compelling eloquence, she implored that pressure remain steadfast on city leadership to honor their stated commitments, reiterating the solemn need to continually “say her name.”
This call to action stands as a profound testament to the ongoing, unwavering struggle for systemic rightness.
“Today, our beloved Breonna Taylor should be turning 32 years old. Help us wish Breonna a Happy Heavenly Birthday! Our fight for accountability will never end, and neither will her memory. As Trump’s Department of Justice ends the consent decree that would hold the Louisville Metro Police Department Accountable, we must continue to fight. We must hold the mayor and [the] city accountable to do what they said they would.
We MUST continue to say her name. Happy Birthday, BREONNA!!!!! We need something different,” she penned on Instagram on June 5.
In 2014, she played a pivotal role in establishing New York City’s $100 million Crisis Management System for gun violence prevention, serving on Mayor Bill de Blasio’s transition committee and as co-chair of Gun Violence Awareness Month.
In early 2025, Mallory released I Lived to Tell the Story: Love, Legacy, and Resilience, a poignant coming-of-age memoir that delves beyond public triumphs to offer a deeply personal reflection on her journey, encompassing experiences of love, loss, sexual assault, and motherhood. The book, lauded as “raw” and “heartfelt,” explores healing and perseverance after the smoke clears.”
As co-founder of Until Freedom, she continues to champion marginalized communities. She co-hosts the TMI Podcast (Tamika & Mysonne’s Information) on iHeart Radio’s Black Effect Network.
Recognized among Time 100’s Most Influential People and featured on Fortune’s World’s Greatest Leaders lists, Mallory has garnered numerous accolades, including the esteemed Phoenix Award from the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.
Mallory stands as an emblem of tenacity, a formidable force whose dedication to justice burns with an unyielding flame. Her committed and profound grasp of the intricate tapestry of American civil rights, coupled with an innate ability to articulate its challenges and triumphs, positions her as a singular voice in contemporary activism.
The Bronx native possesses a rare alchemy of intellectual rigor and visceral passion, transforming complex societal issues into compelling calls for action. Her work transcends the ephemeral nature of headlines, instead etching itself into the very fabric of progress through tireless groundwork and strategic foresight.
Mallory’s capacity to inspire extends beyond fodder; it manifests in the tangible changes she helps orchestrate, from pioneering gun violence prevention initiatives to shaping national dialogues on racial equity. She is a living testament to the transformative power of unwavering conviction, continuously demonstrating that authentic leadership is forged not just in moments of public acclaim but in the sustained and arduous pursuit of a more equitable world for all.
Her journey highlights the profound impact one person can have when driven by principle and purpose.
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