Throughout Black History Month, we celebrate the contributions of Black Americans with disabilities who made a significant impact on our world. This week, we highlight the work of civil rights advocate Johnnie Lacy .
Johnnie Lacy (1937–2010), was a Black civil rights pioneer and an activist for the Independent Living Movement. She wanted to pursue a degree at San Francisco State University in speech pathology but was initially denied, barred by the directors of the program because of her disability. She graduated in 1960 but was not allowed to participate in the ceremony.
Lacy helped found the Center for Independent Living at Berkeley.
Throughout her career, she spoke out against the systemic barriers that prevented people with disabilities from accessing essential services and from participating in mainstream society. Her advocacy efforts helped to raise awareness about the challenges faced by people with disabilities and to pave the way for the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990.
Johnnie Lacy had physical disabilities as a result of polio. She was mostly paralyzed.
Did You Know:
There are a growing number of resources to help build awareness of and support for the vital role of Black Americans in the disability movement. Here are a few:
Working to promote disability equity in the greater Black community, NBDC ensures that Black disabled lives are a priority in all spaces. Learn more: https://www.blackdisability.org/
Learn more: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/02/23/fact-sheet-the-biden-harris-administrations-work-to-support-black-disabled-americans/
A website for college students, created by the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Consortium, and the Association on Higher Education and Disability.
Learn more: https://www.blackdisabledandproud.org/
A podcase from Empire State of Rights. Learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4El60BXTwY
