INTERVIEW: Tamika D. Mallory On Finding Her Voice, Boycotting Companies Rolling Back DEI, New Book + More
Feb 11, 2025
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Tamika D. Mallory, a renowned activist and author known for her impactful role in the Women's March, discusses her memoir and the journey of finding her voice in activism. She elaborates on the importance of boycotting corporations that hinder Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, spotlighting the power of consumer choices. Mallory also reflects on her identity, the emotional toll of activism, and how her experiences shape her advocacy. She emphasizes community support for Black entrepreneurship as a vital strategy for systemic change.
Tamika Mallory's memoir illustrates her journey of resilience, emphasizing that mistakes do not define one's future identity and success.
Mallory highlights her collaborative journey with Charlemagne Tha God in publishing, showcasing the importance of creative control and personal storytelling.
She underscores the ongoing necessity for activism and grassroots movements, advocating for a blend of protests and boycotts to drive social change.
Deep dives
Tamika Mallory's New Memoir
Tamika Mallory's memoir, 'I Live to Tell a Story,' reflects on her personal journey through love, legacy, and resilience. In this book, she shares her experiences, struggles, and the growth she's undergone while navigating challenges in her life. Mallory emphasizes the difference between this memoir and her previous book, 'State of Emergency,' which focused on her ideas for change in America. She hopes her memoir will resonate with readers, particularly young girls, by illustrating that mistakes do not define one's future.
Creative Control in Writing
Mallory discusses her decision-making process around her book deal, highlighting the importance of having creative control. She expressed gratitude to Charlemagne Tha God for supporting her vision and helping her publish the memoir under his new imprint. This collaboration allowed her to infuse personal experiences and emotions into the book without external pressures. Ultimately, the dynamic between them has fostered a sense of family and collaboration in the publishing process.
Representation and Identity
The cover design of Mallory's book features a dual representation of herself—cornrows on one side and long hair on the other—symbolizing the complexity of her identity. She explains that the cornrows represent her roots, particularly during her rise to activism following George Floyd's murder, while the long hair signifies a different, more polished side of her personality. This visual representation aims to convey that she embodies multiple dimensions of identity and experiences. Mallory's struggle with showcasing both looks reflects her journey of self-acceptance and recognition of her multifaceted identity.
Lessons from Adversity
Mallory highlights how her upbringing in challenging environments shaped her voice and advocacy work. Growing up in Harlem, she learned the power of speaking up for justice at an early age, often echoing empowering slogans like 'power to the people.' Her parents played a significant role in instilling pride and awareness about their Black identity. She reflects on the importance of thoughtfully choosing when to engage in disputes and how to protect her peace while advocating for social change.
Addressing Personal Struggles
In her memoir, Mallory bravely confronts her struggles, including a past experience with substance addiction. She describes how reaching a pivotal point in her life allowed her to embrace vulnerability and advocate for mental health. Mallory recognizes the harmful effects of keeping personal battles hidden and the significance of self-care. By sharing her story, she strives to empower others who may face similar challenges and encourage conversations around healing and forgiveness.
The Need for Collective Action
Mallory discusses the ongoing necessity for activism and solidarity within communities, especially in the wake of today's societal challenges. She emphasizes that movements must evolve and adapt, underscoring the importance of grassroots efforts combined with institutional support. By connecting with fellow activists and community leaders, she seeks to amplify their collective voices against systemic injustices. Mallory believes that combining various strategies—such as protests and targeted boycotts—can effectively demand change and mobilize community action.
