Maya Wiley shares her activism journey in new memoir

Maya Wiley, a civil rights attorney, reflects on her upbringing in a family deeply rooted in activism, particularly influenced by her mother, Wretha Wiley, an academic and civil rights activist. Growing up in a predominantly Black neighborhood in Washington, D.C., Wiley faced challenges as a mixed-race child, including bullying due to her white mother. This experience shaped her understanding of identity and the importance of advocacy. Wiley's parents instilled in her the values of resilience and responsibility, encouraging her to forge her own path while honoring their legacy. Her father's early death when she was just nine years old left a profound impact on her, prompting her to consider how to live up to the Wiley name. She emphasizes the significance of being true to oneself and the lessons learned from her parents' activism. In her memoir, Wiley discusses the complexities of her identity and the expectations that come with her family name. She reflects on the challenges of balancing personal aspirations with the weight of her family's legacy. The phrase "Remember, you are a Wiley" serves as a guiding principle for her, reminding her of the responsibility to advocate for justice and equality. Ultimately, Wiley's journey is one of self-discovery and commitment to social justice, as she seeks to honor her family's influence while making her own mark in the world of civil rights advocacy.