Black History Month creates the opportunity for us all to recognize important events and people that have greatly impacted the Black community. This year’s theme is, “The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity,” which was chosen by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. The Association notes “…that in celebrating the 2021 Black History Month theme, we recognize the struggles that many African Americans are faced with and seize this opportunity to highlight the great accomplishments of the African American community” (Association for the Study of African American Life and History).
As Anthesis’ mission emphasizes the need to empower people with disabilities through community and employment integration, it is important to recognize that this includes the perspectives and voices of African-Americans. According to the CDC’s infographic on Individuals with disabilities, 1 in 4 African Americans has a disability. As people of African American descent and those with disabilities continuously face many hardships and obstacles of being marginalized, Anthesis is committed to our purpose to create opportunities of equal opportunities and community integration. All people with disabilities add value to our community and at Anthesis we advocate to make people with disabilities live better. This is true for all communities Anthesis serves, and this month we are honored to highlight the accomplishments of African Americans with Disabilities. Despite the harsh impacts that disabled African Americans have experienced, many have not let that stop them from making an impact on the lives of those around them for the better.
As we continue to observe Black History Month, please take the time to recognize several African Americans who made lasting contributions despite their disabilities below.
Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman, who suffered from epileptic seizures, was able to make 13 trips back into Maryland’s slave territory to free 60-70 enslaved people and later freed 800 others in South Carolina.
Leroy Moore
Leroy Moore is the co-founder of Krip-Hop, which is a movement designed to amplify the music and messages of disabled Hip-Hop artists. Leroy is a poet, writer, artist, documentary filmmaker, and mentor to many, who also currently serves as Chair of the Black Disability Studies Committee for the National Black Disability Coalition.
Lois Curtis
Lois Curtis is a civil rights activist who was able to gain support from a community-based provider to advocate against the hardships that the disabled community experiences. “Through Olmstead v. L.C., Lois Curtis and Elaine Wilson were able to establish the rights of a person with a disability to receive individualized treatment and to live in the most integrated setting appropriate under the United States Constitution and the Americans with Disabilities Act” (Lois Curtis: Disability Rights in Black 2020).
To learn more about Black History Month, click here.
For more information on the programs that Anthesis offers to support the person-centered goals of all individuals with disabilities, click here.