UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Department of Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) will host "A Conversation with Tarana Burke" on Wednesday, Nov. 2 at 6 p.m. via Zoom webinar.
In Burke's recent anthology, "You Are Your Best Thing: Vulnerability, Shame Resilience, and the Black Experience," edited by Burke and Brene Brown, Black people share their journeys as they navigate the continuing systems of oppression in the United States. Burke also has shared her story of sexual assault and founded the "me too." Movement, which supports, uplifts and inspires survivors of sexual violence.
Join Burke; Molly Countermine, HDFS associate teaching professor; and Marinda Harrell-Levy, HDFS associate professor at Penn State Brandywine, as they discuss insights that Burke has gleaned from nearly three decades working at the intersection of racial justice, arts and culture, anti-violence, and gender equity.
Attendees will be invited to submit questions via the Q&A function during the event. Closed captioning will be available. Register for the free webinar.
Burke is best known for founding the "me too." Movement and has dedicated her life to social justice work and giving strength to those who have experienced sexual trauma or harassment. The #metoo campaign has generated over 13 million Facebook posts and Tweets, and has become a rallying cry for people who have survived sexual assault and harassment. Burke has been recognized as one of "The Silence Breakers" who were named to TIME's 2017 "Person of the Year" list and has been named to TIME's 100 Most Influential People of 2018.
"A Conversation with Tarana Burke" will be facilitated by Countermine and Harrell-Levy, who teach HDFS 254N Reading Our Lives: Understanding Diversity and Human Development through Memoirs, which uses personal narratives, including “You Are Your Best Thing,” to explore the diversity of the human experience.