Throughout history, Black leaders with disabilities have played a vital role in shaping social justice movements, art, law, and activism. Despite the intersecting challenges of racism and ableism, these individuals have made lasting contributions to civil rights, disability justice, and cultural change.
At L’Arche, we believe in the dignity and value of every person, especially those who have been historically marginalized. Our mission is to build communities where people with and without disabilities share life together in mutual respect and relationship. By amplifying the stories of Black Disabled leaders this Black History Month, we honor their contributions, recognize the barriers they’ve overcome, and reaffirm our commitment to inclusion, justice, and belonging for all.
The following are ten Black leaders with disabilities whose work continues to inspire and empower.
1. Lois Curtis – Disability Rights Advocate
Lois Curtis was a self-advocate who worked to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She is known for her involvement in the landmark case Olmstead v. L.C. Spending much of her life in an institution, Lois argued that she should have the right to live in a community-based setting, a position that led to the Supreme Court ruling in her favor in 1999. This decision affirmed that under the Americans with Disabilities Act, people with disabilities have the right to live in the least restrictive environment. Lois’ advocacy continues to inspire the fight for independent living and community inclusion.
2. Brad Lomax – Disability & Civil Rights Activist
Brad Lomax was a key figure in both the disability rights and Black liberation movements. As a member of the Black Panther Party, he recognized the need for solidarity between marginalized communities. While living with multiple sclerosis, he participated in the 504 Sit-in of 1977, a landmark protest that led to the implementation of disability rights protections under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. His advocacy helped pave the way for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and strengthened ties between racial justice and disability activism.
3. Johnnie Lacy – Disability Rights Activist
Johnnie Lacy was a powerful voice for Black disabled people in the independent living movement. After contracting polio as a child, she faced exclusion from higher education due to her disability. She became a leader in the Center for Independent Living in Berkeley, California, advocating for self-determination and community-based services for disabled individuals. Lacy challenged the dual discrimination faced by Black Disabled people and pushed for greater inclusion in the disability rights movement.
4. Haben Girma – Lawyer & Disability Advocate
Haben Girma, the first Deafblind person to graduate from Harvard Law School, is a trailblazer in disability advocacy. She has worked globally to advance accessibility in education, technology, and business. As a lawyer, writer, and public speaker, she emphasizes the importance of universal design and breaking barriers for disabled individuals. Her work has earned her recognition from figures like President Obama, and she continues to fight for a more inclusive world.
5. Leroy Moore – Writer & Disability Activist
Leroy Moore is the co-founder of Krip-Hop Nation, a movement that supports disabled hip-hop artists and amplifies their voices in the music industry. As a writer, poet, and disability rights activist, he sheds light on the experiences of Black disabled individuals, particularly in the criminal justice system. His work challenges the intersections of racism, ableism, and economic inequality, pushing for greater representation in media and culture.
6. Fannie Lou Hamer – Civil Rights Leader
Fannie Lou Hamer was a fearless voting rights activist who played a crucial role in the Civil Rights Movement. Despite living with long-term health complications from polio and a forced sterilization procedure (a common practice targeting Black women), she co-founded the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and worked to end voter suppression. Hamer’s famous words, “I am sick and tired of being sick and tired,” became a rallying cry for justice.
7. Claudia Gordon – Attorney & Policy Advocate
Claudia Gordon made history as the first Deaf Black woman to become an attorney in the U.S. After losing her hearing at the age of eight in Jamaica, she immigrated to the United States and pursued law to fight against disability discrimination. She has worked in government policy, including at the White House, advocating for equal access to employment, education, and public services for disabled individuals, especially those with multiple marginalized identities. Her leadership continues to influence disability rights policies today.
8. Imani Barbarin – Writer & Social Media Activist
Imani Barbarin is a powerful advocate for Black Disabled voices in digital spaces. Through social media, she raises awareness about disability justice, healthcare accessibility, and workplace discrimination. Using humor and sharp political insight, she creates viral conversations about ableism, racism, and economic inequality. Barbarin’s work challenges stereotypes and pushes for systemic change in media representation and policymaking.
9. Jazzie Collins – Trans & Disability Activist
Jazzie Collins was a Black transgender woman and disability rights advocate who fought for affordable housing, healthcare access, and economic justice. She worked with Senior and Disability Action in San Francisco, helping ensure marginalized communities had a voice in policymaking. Her activism emphasized the intersection of race, disability, gender identity, and poverty, making her a crucial figure in grassroots organizing.
10. Maya Angelou – Poet & Activist
Renowned poet, author, and civil rights activist Maya Angelou experienced selective mutism as a child following a traumatic event. Though she stopped speaking for several years, she developed a deep love for literature, which later shaped her career as a writer and storyteller. Her autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, became a defining work in American literature, inspiring generations to embrace resilience and self-expression.
These leaders have shaped history through their advocacy, creativity, and resilience. Their work highlights the intersections of race and disability, reminding us of the importance of inclusion, accessibility, and justice.
L’Arche strives to create spaces where people of all backgrounds and abilities are truly seen, valued, and empowered. The stories of these leaders challenge us to break down barriers in our own communities, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Together, we can build a more just and compassionate world.
