Meet T. Marie King: Racial Justice & Equity Activist and Trainer

We had the good fortune of connecting with T. Marie King and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi T. Marie, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
Deciding to strike out on my own was huge but learning to trust my intuition regardless of what others said or thought is easily the single most important decision that has contributed to my success. Every time I look inward for guidance I never make a wrong decision or move.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When I look at the turmoil that our society is in I inform all that I come in contact with that we all can be a part of the solution. 2020 amplified the disparities the pandemic revealed, a reckoning of how the justice system continues to marginalize and ignore the humanity of African Americans and now the hate filled and ignorant attacks on our Asian American brothers and sisters is an outcry for justice, equity and change. I work with organizations, companies, groups to assist them in not only framing the time we are in but understanding the prejudices they bring to the table as well as identifying their role in change. What sets me apart is that my goal is not for your organization to check off a box its to get people within the organization to open their minds and hearts. For the past few years its been through word of mouth referrals that people have learned about my work and I’m proud that it’s been well received. What I have learned along the way is to trust myself, sometimes I need to go off script to help that person who is on the line understand.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m not out much but anywhere with green space is good for me. I love visiting the botanical gardens. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Unfortunately there is no activist school to attend. I do wish that when I started that there was more support and mentorship but wasn’t there. I have heard in recent years that people have watched me over the year and are proud and that’s nice but I wish they would have come to me to share wisdom or just talk. However I will give a shout out to Soledad O’Brien. My background and passion is in production and storytelling. When I was first getting started I had ideas of how to merge my justice and creative sides together but was unsure of next steps. A friend invited me to a talk O’Brien was doing. While everyone was concerned about getting their picture taken with her, when it was my turn I asked for advice. She was very kind, took her time and responded to my questions even though there was a line behind me. That advice has helped me and kept me focused on being true to myself and how I show up in my work.

Website: https://www.tmarieking.com/

Instagram: tmking79

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tmking/

Twitter: tMKing1

Image Credits
T. Marie King’s personal collection