Marjorie Mbilinyi’s journey from the streets of New York to the heart of Tanzania is one of determination and passion for change. Born in 1943, Marjorie has spent her life advocating for women’s rights and fighting for social justice, inspiring many others along the way.

In the 1960s, she was actively involved in the civil rights movement in the U.S., standing up against racial discrimination. It was during this time that Marjorie realized the power of collective action. “Change isn’t something one person can do alone,” she states.

When Marjorie moved to Tanzania, she settled, married a Tanzanian man and became a citizen, quickly getting involved in activism. As a lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam, she used her platform to teach and organize for gender equality, firmly believing that women’s liberation goes beyond gender, it’s about fighting all forms of injustice.

Her time with the Tanzania Gender Networking Program (TGNP) also contributed to her legacy as a champion for social justice, where she worked to shape policies that would empower women and bring about real change. Marjorie’s powerful poem, Ubaguzi Haukubaliki (“Racism is Unacceptable”), opened doors for many to join her cause.

Marjorie stood firm to her message, true equality means fighting for the rights of the marginalized, not just holding power for power’s sake. Her work continues to inspire and challenge new generations of activists.

Watch Marjorie Mbilinyi’s journey on Shangazi Power: