John --
In a country that treats Black people as second-class citizens, Black people with disabilities are still disproportionately neglected, and we've got so much further to go when it comes to protecting our people with disabilities.
This month marks the 31st anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA was transformational in defending the rights of people with disabilities -- but not for Black folks.
Black people are more likely than white people to have chronic health conditions, more likely to struggle when accessing mental health care, and less likely to receive formal diagnoses for a range of disabilities.
This, along with the countless inequities thriving in every American system, makes Black people with disabilities key targets of white supremacy.
These inequities are not new, and it's no surprise that our government has ignored them. It's on us to fight for our most vulnerable people -- because ALL Black Lives Matter. Disabled Black Lives Matter.
To commemorate the 31st anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we're calling on Congress to expand the ADA to further protect the civil rights of Black people with disabilities. Sign the petition and demand they take action immediately >>
While the ADA was successful in improving the lives of many people with disabilities throughout the country, it fails to address the inequities and violations of civil rights that Black people with disabilities are forced to face every day.
Whether it's fighting to receive equitable health care or quality education that caters to their specific needs, or something as simple as seeking a necessity in aiding their health, the intersectionality of being Black and disabled comes with a hardship that white supremacy thrives from.
The intersectionalities of Black people shouldn't come as a target of white supremacy. When we say Black lives matter, we mean ALL Black lives matter. We mean disabled Black lives matter, too.
It's on us to uplift the experiences of Black people with disabilities and demand Congress to put an end to their neglect by advancing the ADA. By signing the petition, we can make it abundantly clear: Black disabled lives matter. Sign on >>
In love and solidarity,
Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation
