Several Celebrities Co-Sign Hip Hop Activist Tamika D. Mallory’s New Book
Source: Johnny Nunez / Getty
Renowned activist, social justice leader, and movement strategist Tamika D. Mallory is sharing her most personal and powerful work yet with the release of her highly anticipated memoir, I Lived to Tell the Story: A Memoir of Love, Legacy, and Resilience published by Black Privilege Publishing.
Mallory’s latest work is a deeply introspective account of her journey—from growing up in Harlem as the daughter of civil rights activists to becoming a leading voice in the fight for justice. I Lived to Tell the Story details the triumphs and tragedies that have shaped her path, providing an intimate exploration of her resilience in the face of adversity from surviving sexual abuse, and addiction to teen pregnancy and the murder of her baby’s father.
A Night of Celebration: Star-Studded Book Signing Event
The book’s launch at an exclusive book signing event last week attracted Love & Hip Hop’s Yandy Smith-Harris, and Harlem’s very own Bevy Smith. Yandy acclaimed “Tamika is more than a survivor. She is a leader and a light to all who care about justice. I cried so many times reading his book. It’s sooooo good! “ Radio/TV personality Jazmyn Summers was there to capture the moments for Radio One.
Reflecting on the event, Mallory expressed gratitude for the support. “This book is my truth—it’s raw, it’s painful, and it’s necessary.”
Source: Johnny Nunez / Getty
The Heart of the Memoir: Pain, Power, and Purpose
Mallory’s memoir offers an unflinching look at the challenges she has faced, including teen pregnancy, the loss of her son’s father to gun violence, and the mental and emotional toll of leading movements that demand justice for marginalized communities. She also delves into deeply personal experiences that she has rarely spoken about before, including childhood trauma and the lasting impact it has had on her activism.
“For the first time, I am opening up about my experience with sexual assault as a child,” Mallory reveals in the book. “I know how much trauma can shape a person, but I also know the power of survival. This book is for every person who has ever felt like their voice didn’t matter. I want them to know—they can live to tell their story too.”
Throughout I Lived to Tell the Story, Mallory pulls back the curtain on the pressures of advocacy, particularly the backlash she faced during her work with the Women’s March and the Decency Initiative. She addresses the complexities of fighting for justice while navigating criticism, including false accusations of antisemitism that sought to undermine her work.
“It’s one thing to be attacked by people who have always opposed you. It’s another to be torn down by the very communities you fight for,” Mallory writes. “The hardest battles aren’t always against the system. Sometimes, they’re against the doubt and betrayal from those who should stand beside you.”
The Hidden Struggle: Recovery, Sobriety, and Rebuilding
In a particularly vulnerable section of the memoir, Mallory speaks candidly about her journey through addiction and the struggle of rebuilding her life after rehab. “People think the hardest part is getting clean. That’s a lie,” she states. “The hardest part is waking up every day and choosing to fight for yourself when the world thinks your battle is already won.”
By sharing her story, Mallory aims to open conversations about mental health, addiction, and the often-overlooked reality of life after recovery. “I want people to understand that healing isn’t linear. There are setbacks, there are moments of doubt, but there is also hope,” she says.
A Soundtrack to the Story
In a unique addition, I Lived to Tell the Story comes with an accompanying playlist designed to reflect the emotions and themes of the book. The playlist features songs that have served as anthems of strength and resilience for Mallory throughout her life. “Music has always been a source of healing for me,” she says. “There are songs that carried me through my darkest moments and songs that remind me why I keep going. This playlist is a companion to the book—it’s the heartbeat of my journey.”
Source: Johnny Nunez / Getty
A Book Tour to Inspire and Empower
Following the book’s release, Mallory is embarking on a nationwide tour, meeting with readers, activists, and change-makers across the country. The tour will feature intimate discussions, book signings, and community-building events where attendees can engage with Mallory’s message of perseverance and justice.
“For me, this tour isn’t just about promoting a book,” Mallory says. “It’s about connecting with people. It’s about giving them the space to share their own stories and to know that they are seen.”
“At the end of the day, I want people to walk away from this book knowing that their pain doesn’t define them,” Mallory asserts. “Your struggles are not the end of your story. If nothing else, I want people to know this: You can survive. You can fight. And you can live to tell the story.”
For more information on Tamika D. Mallory’s book tour and upcoming projects, visit TamikaDMallory.com or follow her on social media.
Source: Jazmyn Summers / Jazmyn Summers
Interview by Jazmyn Summers. You can hear Jazmyn every morning on “Jazmyn in the Morning “on Sirius XM Channel 362 Grown Folk Jamz . Subscribe to Jazmyn Summers’ YouTubeCelebrities. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
