By Subrena Joseph
As we continue to explore issues of racial justice, equality, and social inclusion, it is essential to highlight the intersectionality of race and disability. Black History Month provides an opportunity to reflect on not only the contributions of Black leaders and activists but also to spotlight those who face compounded discrimination—those who experience both racial and disability discrimination.
In this article Subrena Joseph delves into the experiences of Black individuals with disabilities. By understanding these overlapping identities we can better address the unique forms of discrimination they face. This understanding not only amplifies the voices of those often marginalised, but also fosters greater accessibility, inclusion and a more comprehensive approach to achieving true equality for all.
Challenging Narratives
We are all familiar with the rhetoric surrounding Black History Month. On one hand, our history is often discussed with reference to slavery, hardship, submission, weakness, systemic racism and the ongoing grief process (Kübler-Ross 1969) that has left many cemented in time.
While others push the notion of ‘black power’, first coined by Stokely Carmichael (1966) during the civil rights movement, that seeks to remind us of our strength and capacity to pivot.
These narratives suggest that as a black person you are either weak or you are strong but seldom are you both. It also suggests that there are appointed times, where weakness can be put on display; but the status quo is that we are encouraged (and expected) to embody the phrases “stay strong” “keep it moving” and “fight the good fight”.
Celebrating Achievements
Black History Month is an annual celebration dedicated to promoting the achievements of Black leaders, activists, ‘influencers’ and everyday people throughout history. Through the stories of others, we can learn more about ourselves; how they yielded, became a catalyst for change or harnessed perceived weakness and persevered in spite of it.
These individuals and their stories are the footsteps along the path for us to follow.
However, as a black person with a disability, do I see myself in the stories portrayed? Do you see yourself portrayed in black culture?
While many of the personalities showcased during Black History Month often include individuals such as Martin Luther King, Muhammad Ali, Maya Angelo and Harriet Tubman to name a few, who also had a disability, that aspect of their identity is often minimised or overlooked.
Race and Disability
Being black and disabled often results in being caught in the impasse and experiencing further marginalisation due to race and disability, in turn forced to choose what part of your identity do you value the most. In the battle between race and disability for many; race wins, and disability remains submerged.
This Black History Month, I would like to encourage you to see a person’s full identity, whatever this may be, ‘disabled’ ‘black’ ‘woman’ ‘disabled black women‘. Allow a person to put both feet through the door, recognise the multifaceted layers of ‘code switching’.
Code Switching Beyond Race
Code switching is not merely a change of accent, tone of voice, dress code and hair style; this is now inclusive of faking wellness and masking disability related symptoms. If the topic of intersectionality between disability and race is added to the agenda, it becomes easier for individuals to put their full identity on display and feel confident doing it.
I firmly believe that highlighting individuals who are black and disabled, can shift the narrative on what is attainable and the concept of weakness and strength. Shaping and informing systemic change, family scripts, nuance of intersectionality and aid in developing a better sense of self for the current and future generations of disabled people in the UK.
What I’m proposing is a notion of seeing disability in a positive light, aligned with the principles of the identity or affirmation model of disability (Brewer et al 2012).
Recognising disability, experiences, strengths, affirming aspects of identity that others seek to dismiss is the beginning of harnessing our power.
To achieve this, we need to peel back the layers of identity, remove disability from hiding and begin to reflect on the dance that is disability and race.
Embrace the Overlooked Stories
In your celebrations and research of Black History this month, I urge you to add a few ‘black and disabled’ names to the list. Individuals who, by embracing ‘all’ of who they are – assets, limitations, skills, qualities, difference and diversity – have forged a path for themselves, leaving a road map for others to follow or emulate.
Their stories are a part of what makes the canvas of Black History beautiful, ever evolving and rich in substance. A celebration of Black History in the UK, is a celebration of the contributions of black people worldwide to British culture.
Their stories matter today and every year – look at the overlooked and honour all our stories.
The Role of AKD in Race and Disability
AKD Solutions can play a significant role in addressing the intersection of race and disability through our comprehensive diversity and inclusion programs. Our workshops, like Equally Yours, are designed to foster meaningful conversations through group participation, addressing many topics including the intersection of race and disability within organisations.
AKD’s Commitment to Black History Month
Our Black History Workshop delves into key themes such as identity, civil rights, and the ongoing impact of Black leaders on global history, while also creating space to discuss the often overlooked intersections of race and other aspects of identity, including disability.
Tailored for workplaces and education settings, the session promotes deeper understanding and encourages participants to reflect on the origins of systemic challenges and the paths forward.
If you have any questions about race and disability , or would like more details about our Black History Workshop, contact us, email us or call +44 (0)345 034 1105. We are here to help foster deeper conversations and provide insights.