Disability Rights Florida Blog

Celebrating Black Disability Activists: Honoring History, Empowering Voices, Inspiring Action

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Introduction

Black people with disabilities often face unfair treatment because of both their race and their disability. Legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw introduced the idea of intersectionality to explain how having more than one marginalized identity can create unique challenges.

This blog highlights eight Black disability activists who are making a difference in their communities and beyond. By recognizing their work, we hope to educate, inspire, and encourage more Black people with disabilities to speak up for themselves and others.

When Black disabled voices are heard, barriers can be broken, and the world can become fairer for everyone.

What Is Intersectionality, and Why Is It Important?

Intersectionality is the idea that people experience unfair treatment in different ways depending on their identities. For example, a Black person with a disability may face discrimination both because of their race and because of their disability. These combined challenges can affect their access to healthcare, jobs, education, and community support.

When Black disability activists speak up, they bring attention to these challenges. Their voices help change laws, challenge unfair beliefs, and create better opportunities for the next generation. Sharing their stories helps build a world where everyone is valued and treated fairly.

Meet the Activists

Advocate Spotlight Image: Imani BarbarinImani Barbarin (@Imani_Barbarin)

  • What She Does: Imani Barbarin is a disability rights activist, writer, and speaker. She uses social media, humor, and storytelling to raise awareness about racism, ableism, and accessibility.
  • Impact: She created #DisabilityTooWhite, a hashtag that highlights the lack of Black disabled voices in media and advocacy.
  • Inspiration: Imani encourages people to use their voices and online platforms to challenge injustice.

Advocate Spotlight Image: Shelby LynchShelby Lynch (@shelbykinsxo)

  • What She Does: Shelby Lynch is a model and activist who pushes for authentic representation in fashion and beauty.
  • Impact: She challenges ableist beauty standards and promotes body confidence for all people.
  • Inspiration: Shelby reminds us that representation matters—when disabled people are included in media, it helps fight stereotypes.

Advocate Spotlight Image: Nila MortonNila Morton (@nilanmorton)

  • What She Does: Nila Morton is an artist and activist who uses writing and art to share Black disabled experiences.
  • Impact: She talks about internalized ableism—the negative messages people with disabilities may believe about themselves because of society.
  • Inspiration: Nila’s work shows that self-love and creativity are powerful tools for advocacy.

Advocate Spotlight Image: Dr. Sami SchalkDr. Sami Schalk

  • What She Does: Dr. Schalk is a professor and writer who studies how racism and ableism affect education, media, and politics.
  • Impact: She has written books and articles on Black feminism and disability justice to help change unfair systems.
  • Inspiration: Dr. Schalk shows that education and research can be powerful tools for creating change.

Advocate Spotlight Image: Ola OjewumiOla Ojewumi (@olastruth.bsky.social)

  • What She Does: Ola Ojewumi is a nonprofit leader who focuses on disability rights, organ donation, and helping youth with disabilities.
  • Impact: Her nonprofit provides scholarships, mentorship, and medical resources to people in need.
  • Inspiration: Ola’s work shows that one person’s determination can help uplift an entire community.

Advocate Spotlight Image: Andraéa LaVantAndraéa LaVant (@andraealavant)

  • What She Does: Andraéa LaVant is a disability activist and branding consultant who works to improve representation in media.
  • Impact: She helped bring attention to disability rights in Hollywood through the documentary Crip Camp.
  • Inspiration: Andraéa believes that telling real, authentic stories is key to changing the way disabled people are seen.

Advocate Spotlight Image: Keith JonesKeith Jones (@dasoultoucha)

  • What He Does: Keith Jones is a musician and disability rights activist. He focuses on making the arts, music, and policy spaces more accessible.
  • Impact: He founded SoulTouchin’ Experiences, which works to make communities more welcoming and accessible.
  • Inspiration: Keith’s work shows that creativity and advocacy go hand in hand.

Advocate Spotlight Image: Verton BanksVerton Banks

  • What He Does: Verton Banks is an actor and activist working to increase disability representation in Hollywood.
  • Impact: He challenges ableist stereotypes in movies and TV shows.
  • Inspiration: Verton reminds us that representation in media shapes how people with disabilities are treated in real life.

How Their Work Inspires Advocacy

These activists focus on different issues, but they all share common goals:

  • Representation matters. Seeing real stories about people with disabilities helps change harmful stereotypes.
  • Stories create change. Sharing lived experiences helps educate others and push for new policies.
  • Advocacy is for everyone. Whether it’s online, through art, or in your community, everyone can play a role in making the world more accessible.

By following these activists and learning from their work, more people can use their voices and talents to create a better future.

Steps to start Advocating: Advocacy can begin with small but meaningful steps

  • Know your rights. Learn about disability laws and policies that protect you.
  • Share your story. Your experience matters and can help others understand disability issues.
  • Find a community. Connect with other disabled people and allies who support disability rights.
  • Support existing efforts. Follow and amplify the work of Black disability activists and organizations.

 You don’t have to be famous to make a difference—every voice counts!

Conclusion

Black disability activists are leading important conversations and fighting for a more accessible and fairer world. By amplifying their voices and learning from their work, we help ensure that Black people with disabilities are heard, valued, and respected.

Follow these activists, support their work, and find ways to take action in your own community.

Together, we can create a world where all Black disabled voices are celebrated, and all barriers are removed.

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