Striving to remove barriers that prevent us from building Vibrant, Diverse, Inclusive, Accessible Communities!
In honor of Disability Pride Month, we celebrate the remarkable contributions of people with disabilities and encourage allies to listen and learn. This month is a reminder of the importance of representation, especially for Black creators and influencers, in amplifying diverse experiences, creating community, and making people feel seen. Striving to remove barriers that prevent us from building Vibrant, Diverse, Inclusive, Accessible Communities! Let's dive into the stories of four incredible Black disability creators and influencers who are breaking barriers and inspiring change.
Jillian Mercado, an Afro-Latina disabled actress and model, is transforming the fashion and entertainment industries. With an estimated 1.3 billion people with disabilities worldwide, Mercado emphasizes the need for accurate representation in media. Growing up, she saw limited and negative portrayals of disabled people, affecting her mental health. Now, as a Dominican model with muscular dystrophy, Mercado uses her platform to advocate for diversity in fashion and on-screen, contributing to a more inclusive community.
Keah Brown, the creator of the viral hashtag #DisabledAndCute, is a disability activist, author, journalist, and writer. Born with cerebral palsy, Brown's journey to self-love has been inspiring. She encourages others to find joy in loving themselves and building positive community connections. Brown's book, “The Pretty One,” explores what it means to be Black and disabled in a predominantly non-disabled, white America. Her essays highlight personal experiences, media depictions of disability, and her relationship with her non-disabled identical twin, shedding light on the need for diverse representation.
Lauren “Lolo” Spencer, an actress, influencer, and disability advocate, is all about authentic representation. Diagnosed with ALS at 14 years old, Spencer defies expectations with her role in "The Sex Lives of College Girls" and her platform centered on independence and self-empowerment for people with disabilities. Her IG account and YouTube channel, Sitting Pretty, provide an authentic look into life with a disability, supporting the disabled community and advocating for barrier removal.
Stephanie Thomas, a disability fashion stylist and consultant, was born without a right thumb and three toes. Despite doctors' predictions, she has become a leading advocate against fashion industry ableism. As the founder of Cur8able, Thomas utilizes her award-winning Disability Fashion Styling System® to simplify shopping for disabled, chronically ill, and injured people. Her work empowers people with disabilities to dress with dignity and independence, educating brands, retailers, and the entertainment industry to meet their dressing needs and foster inclusive environments.
Read the Full Article: 4 Black Disability Creators and Influencers to Know
by: Stephanie Taylor
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