Civic Basics Stories
Tarana Burke
“At the start of my career…I wish I would have known that you don't have to sacrifice everything for a cause. And that self-care and self-preservation is also a tool that is necessary to do the work.”
Background:
Born in the Bronx, Tarana grew up in a low-income, working-class family in a housing project and is a survivor of sexual assault. She began her career at a youth development organization.
Superpowers:
Community Organizer, Advocate, Executive, Campaign Leader, Author
Notable Accomplishments:
- Founder of the Me Too Movement which became a worldwide awareness campaign about sexual harassment, abuse, and assault in society
- Former Executive Director of the Black Belt Cultural Arts Center, where she created community programs designed for underserved youth
- Helped to organize the annual Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee to commemorate the Selma Voting Rights Struggle
- Author of several books including Unbound: My Story of Liberation and the Birth of the Me Too Movement
- Created Survivor’s Sanctuary
Lydia Darly
“I’ve been a New Yorker since 2004, but got the right to vote in 2022 when I became a U.S. Citizen. Voting was important to me as the next step in my civic journey, and allowed me to choose candidates who represented my views and policies I believe in. At last, MY voice was being heard. I feel like I am paving the way for my fellow immigrants.”
Background:
Born in France (of Guadeloupean descent), and a current Brooklynite, Lydia is an actor and award-winning filmmaker who has spent her life raising the stories of people from marginalized communities and supporting women in film. Lydia proudly became a U.S. citizen in 2022.
Superpowers:
Storyteller, Activist, Nonprofit Leader, Immigrant
Notable Accomplishments:
- In 2022, proudly voted for the first time in New York and national elections
- Co-founder of the Nova Frontier Film Festival which showcases films from and about the global African diaspora, Middle East and Latin America
- Creator of the Lab which mentors youth and emerging filmmakers from underrepresented communities
Cheryl Jones
“Volunteering is how you feel. It’s not even about anything outside of yourself. Volunteering gives purpose to my life, it’s a calling to my spirit to reach out to people. ‘To whom much is given, much will be required’ is a verse from the Bible (Luke 12:48), but service to me also means, to whom much is given, much is received. That feeling can’t be duplicated by anything else.”
Background:
A retired resident of Brooklyn, Cheryl has volunteered her entire life through her job, her church and other local organizations.
Superpowers:
Volunteering, Making Human Connections, Improving Communities
Notable Accomplishments:
- Volunteer and Team Leader at New York Cares on more than 1,000 projects, racking up 3,000 hours of service so far on projects ranging from park clean-ups, feeding people with food insecurity, yoga with kids, serving meals and reading club for seniors
- Stepping up during the COVID-19 pandemic to increase her service
