09/06/2026
In preparation for our Transformative Collective Book Club Language & Literacy Practices Yvette Hyter discussion on 28 October, I started reading our book, ’s Unbound: My Story of Liberation and the Birth of the Me Too Movement. I am only 10 pages in, and already, it is powerful. Thanks, , for the suggestion!
Burke begins the prologue by describing how went viral online in 2017. Yet the phrase and the movement did not begin in 2017. Burke had coined “Me Too” and begun building the movement years earlier – as early as 2005. Although her book focuses on sexual violence and healing through empathy and community, the story she tells in these first pages—particularly her fear that her work had been co-opted—resonated deeply with me.
In my own discipline, I have too often seen the work of people of color co-opted, repackaged, or presented without appropriate credit or acknowledgment. When this happens, it can appear as though the history of an idea begins with the person who later popularized it, rather than with the people and communities who developed, practiced, and wrote about it earlier.
I see this pattern time and again. It is one reason that, when I review manuscripts, I urge writers to investigate and acknowledge the history of a concept, practice, or idea before presenting it as new. Due diligence requires us to ask: Who has thought about this before? Who has written about it? Who has been doing this work, perhaps without receiving the recognition they deserved?
And I am only 10 pages in.
Join us for the Transformative Collective Book Club discussion on 28 October 2026 at 6 p.m. Eastern Time. I’m sure you’ll find something in the text that speaks to you, challenges you, or offers an opportunity to learn. I can’t wait to discuss it together.
Here’s the link:
When: Oct 28, 2026 06:00 PM Eastern Time
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/.../register/ceIPcGEWTOSozTir6g0ZUA
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions for joining the meeting.
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