Disability advocacy would not exist without Black activists but unfortunately, disability is often erased from the stories of Black figures, despite being greatly intersectional. Historically, the fight for disability rights has been led by the Black community and today’s Black change makers continue to make an impact. We must acknowledge and appreciate past and modern Black Disabled activists— never stop listening & learning.
Aariana Rose Philip
Aariana Rose Philip is a trailblazing model and advocate redefining representation in fashion. Born in The Bronx, she rose to prominence through social media by calling attention to the erasure of disabled, trans women of color in the industry. Aariana Rose has used her platform to challenge ableism, racism, and transphobia, appearing in leading publications including Vogue, British Vogue, i-D, Dazed, Interview, Teen Vogue, Allure, ELLE, and The New York Times. She has starred in major campaigns for brands such as Moschino, Sephora, and Dove, and was featured in Miley Cyrus’ “Mother’s Daughter” music video. Through her work, Aariana Rose continues to push fashion toward a more inclusive and expansive future.
Keith Jones
Keith Jones, who lives with Cerebral Palsy, is deeply engaged in multicultural, cross-disability education and outreach, providing trainings to strengthen access to services and information. His work centers both empowering the disability community and educating the broader public. Recognized for his leadership, Jones has received honors from the state of Massachusetts, the President’s Commission for Employment for People with Disabilities, and the Disability Law Center’s 2011 Individual Leadership Award.
Imani Barbarin
Imani Barbarin is a disability rights and inclusion activist, writer, and speaker who uses social media to spark critical conversations within and beyond the disability community. Born with cerebral palsy, she speaks from the perspective of a Black disabled woman and amplifes disabled voices to build community. Based in the Philadelphia area, Barbarin holds a Master’s in Global Communications from the American University of Paris. Her work has been published in Forbes, Healthline, Rewire, and Bitch Media, and she runs the blog and podcast Crutches and Spice.
Verton Banks
Verton Banks is a queer, autistic actor, writer, and emerging activist dedicated to advancing authentic disabled representation in media. He appeared in There Is No “I” in Sidekick, an entry in the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge, and uses his platform to advocate for inclusive storytelling. Through social media, Banks shares thoughtful reflections on life as an autistic person, exploring communication, sensory experience, and personal growth. Inspired by filmmaker John Singleton, he continues to carve out space for nuanced, disabled voices in the entertainment industry.
Claudia Gordon
Claudia Gordon is a Jamaican-born disability rights advocate and trailblazing attorney who became the first deaf Black woman to graduate from law school. After losing her hearing at age eight and later moving to the United States, Gordon built a career dedicated to advancing equity and access for people with disabilities. She has held leadership roles across government and advocacy organizations, including serving as Vice President of the National Black Deaf Advocates and as Associate Director of Public Engagement at the White House—the first deaf person to work there in a detailed capacity—where she advised on disability policy.
Shelby Lynch
Shelby Lynch is a model, designer, and content creator known for her bold fashion and outspoken advocacy against ableism. Born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2, she uses her platform to educate audiences—especially around disability inclusion in schools—and to highlight accessible fashion for wheelchair users. With a rapidly growing following on TikTok, Lynch shares how she lives and thrives with disability while challenging industry norms. Dubbed “your favourite disabled Bratz doll,” she has been featured on the cover of Glamour UK, modeled for brands such as Kurt Geiger, and appeared at London Fashion Week, using fashion as both creative expression and activism.
Marsha Elle
Marsha Elle is a trailblazing Black disabled model, singer-songwriter, and disability advocate from Miami, Florida. Born with Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency (PFFD) and an above-knee amputee for most of her life, she has transformed personal experience into powerful representation. Marsha Elle has appeared in major publications including Vogue, Essence, Sports Illustrated, Women’s Health, and Playboy, and has modeled for brands such as Adidas, SKIMS Adaptive, Fabletics, FitBit, and Parfait. Through fashion, music, and motivational speaking, she challenges beauty standards, centers authenticity, and continues to expand visibility for disabled communities in media.
Lolo Spencer
Lauren “Lolo” Spencer is a Film Independent Spirit Award–nominated actress, disability advocate, author, and public speaker. She rose to prominence with her breakout role in the Sundance-premiering film Give Me Liberty, earning an Indie Spirit nomination, and later became a fan favorite as Jocelyn on Max’s The Sex Lives of College Girls. She also stars in Bob Trevino Likes It, which won both the Jury and Audience Awards at SXSW 2024. An ambulatory wheelchair user, Spencer is a leading voice in disability advocacy, recognized as one of InStyle’s 50 Women Making the World a Better Place. She is the author of Access Your Drive and Enjoy the Ride, voices Jazmyn “Jazy” Jones on Disney Jr.’s Firebuds, and is the founder of Live Solo, a lifestyle brand centered on independence and empowerment for disabled young adults.
Brandon Winfield
Brandon Winfield is a technology entrepreneur, accessibility advocate, and CEO/Founder of iAccess Innovations Inc. After a motocross accident at age 14 left him paralyzed, Brandon turned his personal experience into a mission to improve accessibility for all. He developed iAccess Life, a platform that allows users to rate and review the accessibility of public spaces, helping businesses create more inclusive environments. Brandon also serves as Accelerator Program Manager at 2Gether-International and Advisor at Musa Capital, supporting underrepresented minority tech founders, and has held leadership roles in program management and QA across multiple tech companies. His work blends innovation, advocacy, and lived experience to challenge biases and make the world more accessible.
Dr. Akilah Cadet
Dr. Akilah Cadet is the Founder and CEO of Change Cadet, a consulting firm dedicated to embedding belonging into organizational culture, strategy, and storytelling. A Forbes Next 1000 Entrepreneur and one of the San Francisco Business Times’ Most Influential Women of the Bay Area, she has shaped the strategies behind some of the world’s most recognized brands. Cadet is a leader, speaker, creative director, producer, writer, and author of White Supremacy is All Around: Notes From a Black Disabled Woman in a White World. She is also co-owner of the Oakland Roots and Soul soccer teams, where she led the most successful community investment round in sports history. Based in Oakland, CA, Dr. Cadet celebrates her disability, dismantles white supremacy through storytelling, and brings a signature sense of style—and joy—to everything she does.