Tamika D. Mallory, the trailblazing social justice leader, activist, and co-founder of the Women’s March, recently sat down with Angie Martinez for an emotional and eye-opening conversation. Stopping by to promote her memoir I Lived To Tell The Story, Mallory gave an unfiltered look into her journey—revealing a softer side of herself, navigating personal and public battles, and ultimately finding freedom in her truth.
A Deep and Revealing Conversation on IRL Podcast: Mallory and Martinez’s discussion on the IRL Podcast was raw, reflective, and deeply personal. Known for her powerful presence in pivotal civil rights moments, Mallory opened up about the emotional toll of activism, shedding light on the struggles she faced behind the scenes.One of the most striking moments in their conversation was when she spoke about the pain of being targeted by her own community. “People are traumatized. They fight you because they can’t fight the oppressor… I try not to take it personal, but sometimes it hurts,” she admitted. This vulnerability highlighted the emotional weight carried by those fighting for justice, even from within.
Growth, Boundaries, and Finding Peace: As she gets older, Mallory has been more intentional about the spaces she occupies and the people she allows into her life. The fight for justice remains at the core of her being, but she has also learned the importance of self-preservation.
Battling Addiction: Mallory bravely detailed her past struggle with addiction—an issue that stemmed from sleep deprivation, extreme anxiety, and the relentless pressure of being a public figure. “People were calling me every name,” she recalled, explaining how a friend first introduced her to Xanax to help her sleep. The dependence escalated quickly, leading her to Percocets. “I could check out of what y’all were talking about… It happened so fast.” Two significant people in her life ultimately convinced her to enter rehab, where she checked in under an alias. “It was a house, not a building, and I’m in there in the dark in a room… I can’t communicate with anybody but GOD. Before I left there, I knew I was free. That’s a closed chapter—I’m never going back to that.” Since going public with her struggle, Mallory has connected with countless people battling similar demons. While she acknowledges the difficulty of helping loved ones through addiction, she emphasizes that the decision to seek help is ultimately personal: “It’s on them to make the decision.”
Unbreakable Bonds and a Journey to Freedom: Mallory also shared the pivotal role her friend and reality star Yandy Smith played in her darkest moments. “She was there during a place and time that I didn’t know if I was gonna make it,” she revealed, expressing gratitude for Smith’s unwavering support. A powerful moment of divine alignment came with the release date of her memoir, which coincides with the anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s release from prison. “Nothing happens by chance… this book has given me freedom.” In it, she bares all—including dark secrets her own parents only learned by reading the book. One of the most harrowing revelations was her near-assault by four men, an experience she confronted while writing. Her family, in turn, held a reunion to embrace and support her as she healed.
Facing Cancellation and Community Support: Mallory also addressed the challenges she faced when people turned their backs on her. “All of this is happening to me, and I have no money… I had to hit people up,” she admitted. But despite the backlash, her community showed up for her, sending financial and emotional support when she needed it most
Reflecting on Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show: she defended its cultural significance: “Hip-hop is not one-dimensional. It was incredible. He did a good job. People missed him speaking to America… We built this nation on our backs for free.” She credited Jay-Z for making that moment possible, saying, “Most people would’ve been afraid to ask or suggest it was a Black moment… It represented us well.”
We Will Not Die Without Target: “We're not stupid so we're asking questions...we do need our own distribution network, we're not asking for free things, we pay taxes....we're not asking for free stuff.” Mallory also addressed the current challenges Black-owned brands are facing within Target, emphasizing that this isn’t about division but accountability. “This is not an us-against-them thing… rather than trying to stop us.” She pointed out that Target, as a business partner, played a role in the difficulties these brands are currently facing.
Tamika D. Mallory’s memoir is more than a book—it’s a testament to resilience, healing, and redemption. Her journey from activism to addiction, from betrayal to triumph, serves as an inspiration for all who face adversity. I Lived To Tell The Story is available now in stores and online.