Highlighting Black Floridians with Disabilities

We are highlighting Black Floridians with disabilities during Black History Month. Our first two are Robert E. Streater III and Malcolm Harris-Gowdie.

Robert E. Streater IIIRobert E. Streater III, MA is a motivational speaker, US Army Veteran, advocate, runner, family coach, and ordained minister. He also happens to be a burn trauma survivor. Mr. Streater’s work revolves around his goal to be a beacon of light for disability issues. As a speaker and ambassador at Team Streater Services and Seminars, he encourages, motivates and inspires people to not give up no matter the circumstances. Streater reflects on Black History Month as a person with a disability, and he shares that all people need understanding and inclusion. He notes that we are all common factors for the good of humanity and play an important role in our families, communities, and nation. He leaves us with this message: “Stay focused, follow on course until successful, and trust in God.” Thank you, Mr. Streater, for all that you do for the disability community!

Malcom Harris-Gowdie Malcom Harris-Gowdie is a board member and announcer for the Special Olympics, CBS12 News Special Correspondent, high school Football Announcer, and individual with Autism and Cerebral Palsy. His talented reporting skills are well known and respected. He’s conducted featured stories with the St. Lucie Mets, New York Mets, The Honda Classic, and the Miami Dolphins Training Camp. He was invited to the Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Award (ESPYs) in 2015 as a representative of the Special Olympics. He recently virtually interviewed WWE two-time ICW World Heavyweight Champion Drew McIntyre. He will be presenting at the 2021 Family Cafe on behalf of the Stand Up For Independence self-advocacy group he is a part of, and he will be discussing the barriers that the disability community has faced over the past year with COVID-19. As he reflects on Black History Month, he wants to thank his role models, including Loretta Claiborne, who inspire him to advocate for the equality of all people. He closes our interview by sharing a message of positivity with us: “Love yourself and who you are. I’m amazing with my disability. I’m making a difference. Anyone who has Autism or is African American can make a difference - so believe in yourself and go forward in your dreams.” Thank you for your work, Malcolm, and we look forward to following your reporting career!

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