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DeRay Mckesson


Full Name and Common Aliases

DeRay Mckesson is a civil rights activist, podcaster, and former teacher who has become a prominent voice in the movement for racial justice.

Birth and Death Dates

Born on August 8, 1985, DeRay Mckesson continues to be active in his work as an advocate for social change.

Nationality and Profession(s)

American by nationality, DeRay Mckesson identifies as an activist, educator, and podcaster. His professional background is marked by a commitment to empowering marginalized communities through education and advocacy.

Early Life and Background

Growing up in Baltimore, Maryland, DeRay Mckesson was exposed to the harsh realities of systemic inequality from an early age. His experiences in the city's under-resourced schools and neighborhoods instilled within him a sense of purpose: to challenge unjust systems and uplift those most affected by them.

Major Accomplishments

DeRay Mckesson's activism began in earnest with his participation in the 2014 Ferguson protests, which followed the fatal shooting of Michael Brown. His involvement in these demonstrations marked a pivotal moment in the Black Lives Matter movement, as he brought attention to the struggles faced by communities of color through social media and grassroots organizing.

Notable Works or Actions

Mckesson's activism extends beyond his work on the ground. He has also leveraged his platform to amplify marginalized voices, including those affected by police brutality, mass incarceration, and systemic racism. As a vocal critic of oppressive systems, he has been featured in major publications such as The New York Times and CNN.

Impact and Legacy

DeRay Mckesson's influence is evident in the work of countless activists and organizations that have followed in his footsteps. His unwavering commitment to justice and equality has inspired a new generation of change-makers who are dedicated to dismantling systemic barriers.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered

DeRay Mckesson is widely quoted for his thought-provoking commentary on issues affecting marginalized communities, including police brutality, voting rights, and economic inequality. His ability to articulate the complexities of these issues has made him a trusted voice in the movement for racial justice.

As an accomplished activist, educator, and podcaster, DeRay Mckesson continues to shape the national conversation around issues of equity and social justice. Through his unwavering dedication to marginalized communities, he serves as a powerful reminder that collective action can lead to meaningful change.

Quotes by DeRay Mckesson

DeRay Mckesson's insights on:

I have a platform, and I can help. I can be in spaces that reporters will never be in because I'm a protester.
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I have a platform, and I can help. I can be in spaces that reporters will never be in because I'm a protester.
I think of protest as confrontation and disruption, as the end of silence.
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I think of protest as confrontation and disruption, as the end of silence.
I wasn't a very good writer before college. I don't think I was a very good reader.
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I wasn't a very good writer before college. I don't think I was a very good reader.
I think that I, because of student government and because of working in Baltimore, knew how to be creative with very little resources.
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I think that I, because of student government and because of working in Baltimore, knew how to be creative with very little resources.
Bowdoin was the first place that I fell in love with. When I visited, I just had never been to a place with that many resources and that much access to information. That was stuff that you saw in movies. I didn't know that existed in real life.
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Bowdoin was the first place that I fell in love with. When I visited, I just had never been to a place with that many resources and that much access to information. That was stuff that you saw in movies. I didn't know that existed in real life.
I think my imagination about jobs was pretty limited. There were so few jobs that I actually saw people who looked like me in, that I imagined myself in, that I think I just stopped imagining.
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I think my imagination about jobs was pretty limited. There were so few jobs that I actually saw people who looked like me in, that I imagined myself in, that I think I just stopped imagining.
Find an issue that's important to you, and be as curious and close to it as possible.
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Find an issue that's important to you, and be as curious and close to it as possible.
I think about freedom and the urgency around our imagination. If you can't imagine it, you can't fight for it.
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I think about freedom and the urgency around our imagination. If you can't imagine it, you can't fight for it.
I'm not convinced that stealing an iPhone is a felony or stealing a bike is a felony.
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I'm not convinced that stealing an iPhone is a felony or stealing a bike is a felony.
I'm not desensitized to death.
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I'm not desensitized to death.
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