The month of February is a time that we reflect on Black history and how Black people have changed the landscape of the United States. We remember the civil rights victories that were won by Black leaders such as Harriet Tubman (who was disabled), Representative John Lewis, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and so many more. We recognize the achievements of those that solve scientific problems like Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, a Black woman who developed a vaccine for COVID-19 and Vivien Thomas, a Black man who developed a system for conducting cardiac surgery for “blue babies.” We celebrate those who shaped our legislative system, like Barack Obama, the first Black man to serve as President of the United States, Barack Obama, and another Black lawyer who be came a Supreme Court Justice, Thurgood Marshall. We enjoy the beautiful music of Stevie Wonder, a Black disabled musician. And we think of the contributions of the first Black man to teach in an institution of higher education in 1849, Charles L. Reason, and the first Black College President of Harvard, Dr. Claudine Gay. Black people—including Black disabled people—have truly shaped the landscape of our country.
And Black disabled people continue to be agents of change and prosperity right here in New York. In New York City specifically, there are over 1.5 million people with a documented disability who have many racial and ethnic backgrounds. Disability does not discriminate. At the Center for Independence of the Disabled, New York (CIDNY), our staff represents the people of color that we serve in New York City. We work with disabled people from all income backgrounds. For the most part, we serve low income disabled New Yorkers.
We’re here for many things, such as helping you seek the medical supports that you may need, aiding you in acquiring needed food assistance, and obtaining transportation and voting assistance so that you can access the polls regardless of your disability status. We can advocate for bills that can become law to provide a better quality of life for the disabled community. CIDNY can support you in amplifying your voice. We know that the voice of the disabled can be powerful in numbers! Together, we can continue the legacies of so many Black Americans who have achieved great change in the world. This is why I invite you to join us on February 12, 2024, when CIDNY will hold its annual Lobby Day in Albany, New York.
CIDNY will rent a bus and take staff and consumers from CID NY’s Manhattan office to Albany. We will leave promptly at 6:30 a.m. and return about 6:30 p.m., and food will be provided. We request that you attend a Lobby Day training to learn more about the events planned. For more information, contact CIDNY at 212-674-2300 or visit cidny.org. I look forward to hearing your voice and joining you in making your voice heard!