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Ayo Tometi

Ayo Tometi

Keynote Speaker: Human Rights Advocate, Strategist, Writer & Co-Founder of Black Lives Matter Movement

Ayo Tometi Biography

Heralded as a feminist freedom-fighter in the U.S. and now a global icon, Ayọ (formerly known as Opal) Tometi is one of the most influential human rights leaders of our time. As one of the three women co-founders of the Black Lives Matter movement, her name is etched in American history. For years, the award-winning advocate, strategist and writer has used her voice to ensure that race, immigration, and gender justice remain at the forefront of global conversations.

Tometi’s story of heart, passion, and justice starts in her childhood. The daughter of Nigerian immigrants, Tometi experienced first hand the challenges that her tight knit Black immigrant community faced while growing up in Arizona. She witnessed the heartbreaking human rights crisis at the US-Mexico border and as a result became an outspoken community organizer. Young Tometi launched initiatives to tackle homelessness in Phoenix. In school she led student advocacy and council groups, showcased her Blackness on a competitive step team, and argued passionately on a debate team. As she got older, and as her eyes were opened to the realities of the human condition, Tometi’s voice grew stronger and louder.

Before BLM, Tometi spent eight years as Executive Director at the Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI), an organization that helps black immigrant communities mobilize and advocate for social and economic justice. Assuming her role as the first woman director at age 27, Tometi worked on the reunification of families in the wake of the Haitian earthquake in 2010, and boldly challenged unjust deportations. She went on to speak on behalf of immigrants to the United Nations, at congressional briefings, at the Atlantic Ideas Summit, Harvard and Yale Universities, on the TED stage, and over 100 more stages around the globe.

In the wake of the devastating acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s killer, Tometi initiated the Black Lives Matter online infrastructure in 2013, ensuring that millions of people could participate in a movement for inclusive democracy. Now, 7 years later, with the momentum BLM has gained in the wake of the murder of George Floyd, with a COVID-19 Pandemic, and as people all over the world reconcile their social consciousness with the reality of our present suffering, Tometi has set her movement sights on an even bigger struggle: unifying the global Black community.

This is why she saw the need for a platform like Diaspora Rising. The digital digest focuses on pertinent issues of blackness around the world. Ahead of the first edition, Tometi launched an inspiring video, shot in Ghana by filmmaker Wael Gzoly, that solidified her new call-to-action. She stands confidently in front of Ghanaian monuments and landmarks reminding us that our ancestors also fought these freedom battles, and won.

Tometi is a trusted advisor and board member to many organizations and initiatives and often travels internationally to support human rights initiatives. And while her career has been impressive, so too are her accolades, including being named one of TIME 100’s Most influential Women of The Century. She is currently featured in the Smithsonian’s National Museum for African History and Culture (NMAAHC) for her contributions. Along with her fellow BLM Co-founders, Tometi was awarded the Sydney Peace Prize, and an Honorary PhD. Over the years she has graced the cover of several magazines, and has been named to “Most Influential People” lists by Forbes, Marie Claire and Cosmopolitan magazines. Her most recent award was the 2020 Freedom of the Flame Award from civil rights icons, awarded during the 55th anniversary of the Selma Bridge Crossing.

Tometi represents a level of courage and leadership that most of us only read about in Black history books. Faith and family are her pillars of strength through the heartache of witnessing and fighting for justice, but she also draws from her African heritage, her identity as a Nigerian woman, and a wealth of education and experience in the field of human rights. Tometi holds a Masters of Arts degree in Communication Studies and uses her skills as a social entrepreneur in the private and public sector to advance social justice.

When she’s not traveling the world or strategizing for social justice you can catch her dancing, riding a bike or adding to her African art collection. And while she’s accomplished a lot to date, the truth is, Tometi has only just begun.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Ayo Tometi and other top speakers and celebrities.

Ayo Tometi Videos

Tackle racism in AI, says Black Lives Matter co-founder Opal Tometi
BLM Founders | TIME100 2020
Behind the Scenes with Black Lives Matter's Opal Tometi

How do I book Ayo Tometi to speak at my event?

Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Ayo Tometi for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Ayo Tometi, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Ayo Tometi or any other speaker of your choice.

How much does it cost to book Ayo Tometi for a speaking engagement?

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What topics does Ayo Tometi speak about?

Ayo Tometi is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Immigration, Black Heritage, Diversity, Women, Empowerment, Influential Women, Female Leadership, Women's Rights, Women's Empowerment, Social Activism, Culture, Motivational, Non-Profit & Association, Business Ethics, Social Justice, Government, Civil Rights and TED.

Where does Ayo Tometi travel from?

Ayo Tometi generally travels from Brooklyn, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.

Who is the agent for Ayo Tometi?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Ayo Tometi for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Ayo Tometi for your next private or corporate function.

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AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Ayo Tometi or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.

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Ayo Tometi is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Immigration, Black Heritage and Diversity. Please contact us for live or virtual event fee details. Ayo Tometi generally travels from Brooklyn, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Angela Davis, Tamika D. Mallory and Nikki Giovanni. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Ayo Tometi for an upcoming event.

Ayo Tometi Videos

Tackle racism in AI, says Black Lives Matter co-founder Opal Tometi
BLM Founders | TIME100 2020
Behind the Scenes with Black Lives Matter's Opal Tometi
The Untold: Opal Tometi
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