Black History Month

 

Black Disability History

February is Black History Month, and this year's theme is “African Americans and Labor,” exploring work and working of all kinds, free and unfree, skilled and unskilled, vocational and voluntary, within the collective intersecting experiences of Black life and culture. Now and all year, we appreciate the history, achievements, and influence of the Black community, including the 5.6 million Black Americans living with a disability. We would like to recognize and appreciate a handful of examples of Black individuals who have made lasting contributions within their communities and across the globe.
 

Harriet Tubman (1822-1913) experienced epilepsy, and she was known for her remarkable efforts on the Underground Railroad when she saved the lives of many runaway slaves.

Tom Wiggins (1849-1908) experienced blindness, and he had a remarkable talent for playing the piano and performed at concerts throughout the Americas and Europe.

Fannie Lou Hamer (1917-1977) was diagnosed with polio as a child, and she was a civil rights activities and organizer for voting rights.

Maya Angelou (1928-2014) experienced selective mutism, and she was an incredible poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist.

Johnnie Lacy (1937-2010) was diagnosed with polio and eventually required the use of a wheelchair, and she was an advocate for individuals with disabilities to have the right and resources to live independently in their community of choice.

Wilma Rudolph (1940-1994) experienced several illnesses during childhood, including infantile paralysis, but she went on to become an Olympic athlete known as the “fastest woman in the world.”

Dr. Andrew Foster (1925-1987) experienced deafness, and he was a missionary to Deaf communities in Ghana, Rwanda, and other countries in Africa. He was the first Deaf African American to graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Gallaudet University and a master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University.

Harry Belafonte (1927-present) experiences dyslexia, and he is a talented musician, political activist, and social advocate.

Halle Berry (1966-present) experiences Type 1 diabetes and hearing loss, and she is an advocate for ending violence against women, an advocate for individuals with disabilities, and an Oscar-award-winning actress.

Learn More About Black History Month