Community Voices from the Community Envisioning Equity: Uniting Dr. King's Legacy with Disability Advocacy in the African American Community

Envisioning Equity: Uniting Dr. King's Legacy with Disability Advocacy in the African American Community

“And so today, we are struggling for something which says we demand genuine equality. It’s not merely a struggle against extremist behavior toward Negros. And I’m convinced that many of the very people who supported us in the struggle in the South are not willing to go all the way now. I came to see this in a very difficult and painful way in Chicago, over the last year, where I’ve lived and worked. Some of the people who came quickly to march with us in Selma and Birmingham weren’t active around Chicago. And I came to see that so many people who supported morally and even financially what we were doing in Birmingham and Selma were really outraged against the extremist behavior of Bull Connor and Jim Clark toward Negros, rather than believing in genuine equality for Negros. And I think this is what we’ve got to see now, and this is what makes the struggle much more difficult.” The Other America Speech, April 14, 1967, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.[1]

Marc, a light skinned Black man, standing in front of the United States Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. He is dressed formally in a beige suit with a white shirt and a yellow-striped tie. He is wearing glasses and has short dark hair. He is holding a dark brown leather bag in his left hand and is standing on what appears to be a reflective surface, as the Capitol building is partially reflected in front of him.

Charting the Way Forward: A Convergence of Visions

Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy extends beyond his fight for civil rights, serving as a foundational guide for advocacy and inclusivity in all areas of society.

In a fitting tribute to Dr. King’s legacy, on Saturday, February 24, 2024, "Charting the Way Forward: Strengthening Disability Awareness and Advocacy within the African American Community," will bring together veteran Black advocates with diverse disability experiences to emphasize the need for Black leaders to meaningfully engage in the fight for better outcomes for all. Dr. King's principles of collective effort and leadership underscores the vital importance of intersectional leadership in championing positive change for all. The dynamic group of panelists will share experiences and insights facilitating advancement of Dr. King's legacy for supporting a sustainable, inclusive society.

"Charting the Way Forward" serves as a call to action! It is an invitation to learn, network, and become part of a movement towards a more inclusive future. By participating in this event, individuals and organizations can amplify their commitment to building a sustainable and inclusive society, truly honoring Dr. King's dream and paving the way for future generations.

   Join Our Movement

What started as an idea has become a national movement. With your support, we can influence policy and inspire lasting change.

Become an Advocate

Safman Consulting: Bridging Gaps with Unique Perspectives

Marc Safman, a DeafBlind Black man leading Safman Consulting, embodies the essence of overcoming barriers that Dr. King spoke about. His unique life experiences empower him to offer strategic advice to companies aiming to engage meaningfully with disabled communities. Marc’s focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives not only aligns with Dr. King's ideals of equity and justice but also ensures sustainable and inclusive community building.

The Resource Key: Pioneering Inclusion in Digital Marketing

The Resource Key, led by Jourdan Saunders, a Black woman, is at the forefront of promoting inclusion and accessibility in digital marketing. In an age where digital technology shapes our perceptions and behaviors, The Resource Key's mission is crucial. By ensuring that people with disabilities and older adults are included in digital narratives, the organization not only upholds Dr. King's values of inclusivity and fairness but also demonstrates the transformative power of technology when used as a tool for social good. This approach is a testament to Dr. King's belief in harnessing collective power for positive change.

Locations:

Gallaudet University

800 Florida Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002

Exact Room TBA

Capacity:50

Medgar Evers College

Edison O. Jackson Auditorium (EOJ) 1638 Bedford Avenue, 1st

Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11225

Capacity: 100

About the Author: Jourdan Saunders, MS, CCC-SLP, has been a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) for over 11 years using her expertise as the CEO of The Resource Key which promotes inclusion and accessibility in digital marketing to ensure people with disabilities and older adults are included. 

About the Author - Reeve Staff

This blog was written by the Reeve Foundation for educational purposes. For more information please reach out to information@christopherreeve.org

Reeve Staff

The opinions expressed in these blogs are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.

The National Paralysis Resource Center website is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $10,000,000 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

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