To celebrate African American History Month, the Center for Learning and Leadership/UCEDD is highlighting exceptional African American leaders and advocates with disabilities. Many African Americans with disabilities have made lasting contributions and advanced rights for all people with disabilities, while promoting visibility and equity for all. Read more about Black advocates with disabilities and their work to promote inclusion, diversity and equality.
Donald Galloway: A pioneer for inclusion, Donald Galloway advocated for disability rights and independent living as the director of services for the blind with the Center for Independent Living in the 1970’s. Donald challenged the independent living movement to be more inclusive of people of color. Read the Washington post tribute to Donald Galloway.
Johnnie Lacy: Johnnie Lacy was director of Community Resources for Independent Living (CRIL) in California, and a contemporary of advocate Ed Roberts. After acquiring a disability from Polio at age 19, Johnnie fought for the rights of people of color and people with disabilities. She was a strong leader and early member of the disability rights and independent living movement. Read more about Johnnie Lacy from The Center for Learner Equity.
Fannie Lou Hamer: Fannie Lou Hamer and Johnnie Lacy left their indelible footprints on the civil rights movement. Both born with polio, they were ardent activists and leaders. Fannie Lou Hamer coined the iconic phrase, “I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired.” Read more about Frannie Lou Hamer.
Brad Lomax: Brad Lomax was a disability rights activist and member of the Black Panthers. He worked with the Black Panthers to provide food during the 504 sit ins of 1977, which resulted in the signing of the first civil rights law protecting individuals with disabilities. Read more from Boundary Stones “We Want 504!”
LeDerick Horne: LeDerick Horne is a speaker, author, poet, and advocate and with disabilities. He has spoken at the White House, the United Nations, and at countless businesses, government agencies, schools, and educational events. Learn more about LeDerick Horne.
Haben Girma: An advocate for equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities, Haben was the first Deafblind person to graduate from Harvard Law School. She has received multiple accolades and awards, and was named as a White House Champion of Change by President Obama. Read more about Haben Girma.
Find more information about these leaders and others here:
Article: Highlighting African Americans with Disabilities in Honor of Black History Month
Article: The Overlooked History of Black Disabled People
LeDerick Horn’s Black History & People with Disabilities Video Series
504 Sit Ins Documentary
Why I work to remove access barriers for students with disabilities | Haben Girma | TEDxBaltimore
Black Disability History is Black History, Too!
Additional information about:
Donald Galloway
Johnnie Lacy Interview
Brad Lomax
LeDerick Horne’s Youtube Channel
Harben Girma