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Photos: #MeToo Founder Visits UNR

KUNR Public Radio | By Jana Sayson

Published October 4, 2018 at 4:39 PM PDT

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Tarana Burke, founder of the #MeToo movement, has dedicated over 25 years of her life toward helping victims of sexual abuse and sexual assault.

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Dozens of #MeToo pins were distributed to those attending, continuing to showcase the movement’s idea of solidarity.";

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“I think more people should really learn about this movement and what it really stands for,” Jonelle Dixon said about seeing Burke speak. “It’s a topic that more people should talk about.”";s:3:"uri

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Tommy Simcox, a junior at UNR, said, “I know I want to support women and do what I can to be an ally, and this event is a great way to learn about how to do that.”";s:

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A large crowd gathered on the fourth floor of the Joe Crowley Student Union, waiting for doors to open.

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While many in the audience were young women and students of the university, people of all walks of life were present as well.

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Burke answers questions from the audience after sharing her story.

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Two screens project a woman's image in a crowded ballroom.

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Burke has visited several universities across the nation to speak and continues to bring her message of solidarity everywhere she goes.

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Audience members listen intently to the story that inspired the #MeToo movement.

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A woman cries while standing behind a podium.

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Burke composes herself after a brief moment of tears, reflecting on the events of the Kavanaugh hearings. “I think it’s largely underestimated how affected people were after the hearings,” she said.";s:3:

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A supporter poses for a photo with Burke after the event.

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During the meet and greet opportunity, an attendee embraces Burke, expressing her gratitude for the work Burke does for supporting women across the country.

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The founder of the #MeToo movement, Tarana Burke, spoke at the University of Nevada, Reno Joe Crowley Student Union on Wednesday. She shared the story behind the inspiration for the movement, which now aims to help survivors of sexual abuse and assault. The movement also aims to inspire solidarity toward victims. While Burke has dedicated many years toward this movement, #MeToo gained popularity in 2017, after several stories of assault and harassment surfaced in the film industry.

Click through the slideshow to learn more about the event and attendees.