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As we celebrate Black History Month, it’s important to recognize the contributions of Black leaders who have championed disability rights. These individuals have broken barriers, fought for justice, and paved the way for greater accessibility and inclusion. Here are a few inspiring figures whose impact continues to shape the disability rights movement.
Haben Girma: Champion of Accessibility
Haben Girma, the first Deafblind graduate of Harvard Law School, is an internationally recognized advocate for disability rights. As a lawyer, author, and speaker, she has worked tirelessly to promote accessible technology and equal opportunities for people with disabilities. Girma believes that disability should not be seen as a barrier but as a source of innovation and resilience. Her work has influenced businesses, schools, and policymakers to prioritize accessibility in the digital age. Learn more about Haben here.
Claudia Gordon: Breaking Barriers in Government
Claudia Gordon is a trailblazer in the legal field as the first Deaf Black woman to become an attorney in the United States. Overcoming significant barriers in education and professional spaces, she has worked for the White House and the U.S. Department of Labor, advocating for disability inclusion and workforce accessibility. Her commitment to ensuring that people with disabilities have equal employment opportunities has had a lasting impact on policy and workplace diversity.
At Right: Screenshot of Claudia Gordon from “First Female Deaf Black Lawyer Claudia Gordon, Anti-Discrimination Advocate,” Tameir Yeheyes, Feb. 10, 2018.
Leroy F. Moore, Jr. : Champion for Disability Justice and the Arts
Screenshot of Leroy F. Moore, Jr. from Disability Magazine, August 2020.
LeRoy F. Moore Jr. is a disability rights activist, writer, poet, and musician who has dedicated his life to advocating for people of color with disabilities. Born with cerebral palsy, Moore has been a leading voice in the intersection of race, disability, and social justice.
He is the co-founder of Krip-Hop Nation, a global movement that amplifies the voices of disabled musicians, particularly Black and Brown artists, within hip-hop culture. Through his activism, Moore has challenged ableism in the music industry and has worked to create spaces where disabled artists can thrive. Read an interview about Krip-Hop Nation with Disability Magazine here.
Moore has also been a vocal advocate for criminal justice reform, highlighting how Black disabled individuals are disproportionately affected by police violence and systemic discrimination. His work has influenced conversations around disability justice, ensuring that Black disabled voices are heard and represented.
Through poetry, activism, and advocacy, LeRoy Moore continues to push for greater inclusion, visibility, and rights for Black people with disabilities.
Johnnie Lacy: A Voice for Independent Living
Johnnie Lacy (1937–2010) was a powerful advocate for independent living and accessibility. As a Black woman with polio, she faced double discrimination—both as a person with a disability and as a Black woman. She became a leader in the independent living movement, working to ensure that people with disabilities had access to higher education, employment, and the freedom to make choices about their lives. Lacy’s activism helped shape policies that continue to benefit the disability community today.
Screenshot of Johnnie Lacy in dialogue with David Landes from “Johnnie Lacy: Director, Community Resources for Independent Living: An African-American Woman’s Perspective on the Independent Living Movement in the Bay Area 1960-1980,” 1998.
The Legacy of Advocacy
These leaders—and many others—have demonstrated that disability rights are civil rights. Their contributions remind us of the importance of inclusion, representation, and advocacy for all. By sharing their stories, we honor their legacies and continue the fight for a more accessible and equitable world.
As we reflect on Black History Month, let’s celebrate these trailblazers and recommit ourselves to breaking down barriers for future generations. Who inspires you to advocate for change?
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