[Image description: Over a black background four boxes are arranged vertically, colored white, red, yellow, and green from top to bottom. In the boxes are the words "Celebrating Black History Month." Below, the logo of The IC.] | |
Celebrating Black History Month | | |
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Each February, we commemorate Black History Month to honor the invaluable contributions made by Black individuals to our nation's history. This observance also serves to illuminate overlooked or silenced histories and voices. The Disability Rights and Civil Rights movements are intricately connected, and this intersectionality continues today.
Black History Month was first officially recognized in 1976, by then-President Gerald Ford, who urged Americans "to seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history."
The formal observance of "National Black History Month" began after Congress passed it into law in 1986. The legislation aimed to foster awareness about the ongoing struggle for freedom and equal opportunity. The passage of this law was a long-awaited acknowledgement and recognition of the hard-fought Black Civil Rights battles that occurred on both the national stage, and communities throughout the country.
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Drawing inspiration from the Black Civil Rights movement, the Disability Rights movement adopted similar peaceful protest strategies in their pursuit of equal rights. Notably, this influence was seen during the “504 Sit-In” in April 1977, when disabled activists staged multiple day-long sit-ins and occupied federal buildings in San Francisco, demanding greater accessibility and accommodations for people with disabilities. The Black Panther Party played a supportive role by providing hot meals and assistance to the protestors throughout the protest.
It is impossible to speak about the history of America without acknowledging the significant contribution of Black Americans to that story. As former President Barack Obama has said, "It's about the lived, shared experience of all African Americans, high and low, famous and obscure, and how those experiences have shaped and challenged and ultimately strengthened America."
We invite you to explore the link below to learn more about several individuals who were not only pivotal to Black History in America, but who also happened to be People with Disabilities.
https://www.theindependencecenter.org/honoring-the-stories-of-black-americans-with-disabilities/
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"Being Michelle" screening and discussion was a hit! | |
On February 7, The IC was thrilled to help sponsor a screening of the documentary "Being Michelle," an excellent but challenging documentary about a Deaf, autistic woman who was sent to prison under unimaginable circumstances. | | |
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This event was organized by Roundup Fellowship, a Colorado Springs-based organization that has served people with intellectual and developmental disabilities for decades.
Following the conclusion of the film, the director Atin Mehra as well as Michelle, the subject of the film, participated in a panel discussion with other community partners, including The Independence Center's CEO, Indy Frazee. Panelists tackled tough questions about the importance of justice system reform in relation to how people with disabilities are treated.
You can learn more about Being Michelle, and where the film can be viewed, by clicking on the link below:
https://www.beingmichelle.com/
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[ID: In front of a blueish background, a white woman with brown hair wearing a black shirt signs in American Sign Language.] | |
Join us on March 7th at the Capitol for Disability Rights Advocacy Day! | |
On Thursday, March 7, staff and consumers from The IC will join community and state partners in the State Capitol building to show Colorado's lawmakers and citizens that people with disabilities are here, organized, and ready to speak up for change. | |
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Organized by Disability Law Colorado (DLC), Disability Rights Advocacy Day is an opportunity to provide visibility and voice to people with disabilities - and the organizations that represent them - to all levels of government in Colorado.
The event begins at 8:00 a.m., with events planned for the entire morning, including a press conference, a meet-and-greet with state legislators, and a proclamation by the Lieutenant Governor.
If you'd like to attend the event, you can RSVP with DLC at the link below. If you can't attend but would still like to participate and support the event, DLC will also be livestreaming the event at its website.
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[ID: In front of a blueish background, a white woman with brown hair wearing a black shirt signs in American Sign Language.] | |
Upcoming Community Workshops, Special Events, Recreation Events, and Support Groups | |
Classes and events at The IC provide opportunities to learn new skills, meet new people, and try new things in a supportive environment! Up to date classes and events can always be found on our website's event calendar. | | | | |
