Maya Wiley, a prominent civil rights attorney and former New York City mayoral candidate, has released her memoir titled \"Remember You Are a Wiley,\" which delves into her upbringing and the profound influence of her activist parents. In a recent interview, Wiley reflected on how her father, George Wiley, a notable civil rights leader, and her mother, Bridal Wiley, an academic and activist, shaped her values and commitment to advocacy.

Wiley shared that her parents instilled in her the importance of rising to the occasion and addressing injustices, a principle that resonated deeply with her as she navigated her own mixed-race identity in a predominantly Black neighborhood in Washington, D.C. She recounted experiences of bullying due to her white mother and later faced challenges as the only Black lawyer in her cohort at the U.S. Attorney's Office. Despite these obstacles, Wiley drew strength from her parents' legacy, emphasizing the need to remain true to oneself and to confront systemic injustices.

The memoir also explores the dynamics of her parents' interracial marriage during the civil rights era, highlighting their resilience against societal racism and cultural expectations. Wiley articulated that their refusal to conform to unjust norms served as a powerful life lesson, inspiring her to challenge injustices in her own life.

In discussing activism, Wiley underscored the necessity of various approaches to effect change, advocating for a combination of grassroots protests, legal advocacy, and political engagement. She believes that each method plays a crucial role in addressing societal issues and that collaboration among activists, legal professionals, and elected officials is essential for meaningful progress.

The title of her memoir, derived from a family mantra, encapsulates her ongoing struggle to honor her family's legacy while forging her own path in the world of activism. Wiley's reflections in \"Remember You Are a Wiley\" serve as both a tribute to her parents and a call to action for future generations to continue the fight for justice and equality.