Tamika D. Mallory Leads New Generation of Activists
- Akilah Dia-Amadi
- Jun 9, 2020
- 3 min read
Tamika D. Mallory is cultivating a new generation of activists. Best known as leader in the Women’s March, which debuted in 2017, Tamika has steadied the course of demanding social justice around the country. Despite several obstacles and challenges that she encountered, Tamika maintained bravery, resilience, and
continues to fight for what she believes in. As a mother and a sister to many, she uses her gifts to make a positive impact in the community and encourages others to do the same.
Following the initial success of the Women’s March, its organizers were under constant attack and scrutiny. This is especially true for Tamika, who was the target of a media smear campaign after attending an event in Chicago led by Minister Farrakhan. Many do not know or could never relate to the undue stress and turmoil that she experienced as a result. Tamika believes that “the media has a way of hypnotizing people. It’s very strategic in the way that you see articles dripping with misinformation and oversaturation. People don’t even realize how their minds are being taken over by it.”
While some support for the March wavered over the years, Tamika stays strong and steadfast. Refusing to step down, she stood on her principles and promise to the mission at hand. Tamika explains, “The best way to destroy the March was to tear down its leadership. If it had not been ‘the Farrakhan issue’, someone would
have found another issue. It is not unusual for the Black woman in the room to receive unconscionable threats and aggression from society.” Tamika thanks her family and friends for helping her through such a difficult time.
Tamika D. Mallory is cultivating a new generation of activists. Best known as a leader in the Women’s March, which debuted in 2017, Tamika has steadied the course of demanding social justice around the country. Despite several obstacles and challenges that she encountered, Tamika maintained bravery, resilience, and continues to fight for what she believes in. As a mother and a sister to many, she uses her gifts to make a positive impact in the community and encourages others to do the same.
Today you will often see Tamika on the front lines advocating for major is-sues such as police accountability. We have seen too many unarmed minorities being killed by the very people that are sworn to protect the community they serve. Holding these law enforcers accountable is something that Tamika has taken seriously for quite some time. Tamika has no problem addressing politicians and leaders on their position of such issues to get answers and invoke change. Tamika is often on the street rallying for other social justice matters such as when the Federal prison in Brooklyn, NY lost power in the Winter of 2019 with over 1,600 inmates freezing inside. Aware that she finds herself in considerably dangerous situations, Tamika walks in confidence. She encourages others to get involved in issues that they too are passionate about.
For anyone looking to get involved in activism themselves, Tamika is ready to show them the way. She is currently building her organization Until Freedom that will do just that. Until Freedom is an intersectional social justice organization that will focus on cultivating activists. Tamika believes there is a real need to train new organizers in the community. Until Freedom will also serve as a training camp for seasoned organizers and entertainers that come into social justice issues on a regular basis. Tamika finds this to be a great opportunity to give celebrities a safe space to gain knowledge and serve as a clearinghouse to connect them with other organizations and agencies.
For those wondering if Tamika will run for political office, it’s a no for now. While she has seriously considered the possibility, she believes that she is in a much better position as an outside agitator.
For updates follow Until Freedom on social media @untilfreedom
This is an excerpt from an article originally published in the Winter 2020 issue of Nura Magazine.
Update: Tamika D. Mallory has been seen on the frontlines of the Black Lives Matter movement following the protests resulting from the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Most notably Tamika recently gave a speech in Minneapolis stating, "America has looted Black people. We learned it from you. We learned violence from you. If you want us to do better...you do better."
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