At a time when our country seems to be moving backward in so many ways, looking toward the future can feel like an act of futility. For Black disabled people, this feeling is compounded by the weight of intersecting oppressions. Yet, history reminds us that the hope of the future often fuels strength in the present. It is the fortitude, sacrifices, and unwavering determination of our ancestors that make today possible.
Thus, we look to Black Disabled Futures Month as a celebration of our perseverance, a recognition of our contributions, and a call to envision a world where our futures are not only imagined but prioritized and valued.
What is Black Disabled Futures Month?
Observed every February by the LaVant Consulting team, Black Disabled Futures Month is a time to honor and celebrate the rich and radical history at the intersections of Blackness and disability. It’s also a time to honor Black joy, particularly Black disabled joy and dream of the future wherein we are meaningful and integral. In the words of our beloved disabled black ancestor and civil rights activist, Fannie Lou Hamer, “Nobody’s free until everybody’s free.”
Why celebrate Black Disabled Futures Month during Black History Month?
Since 1926, the Black community has observed Black History Month (formerly Negro History Week) to celebrate the people and events that shape our rich—and often overlooked—history. While learning about Black history is vital, we rarely acknowledge that many of our leaders and trailblazers were also disabled. For instance, it’s only recently that people have recognized Harriet Tubman as part of this narrative, as she lived with multiple disabilities. Given the erasure of Black history in school curricula, it’s no surprise that Black disability history is often excluded—unless we take it upon ourselves to share it.
Black Disabled Futures Month is a powerful opportunity to center and celebrate Black disabled people, sparking meaningful conversations about the intersections of race and disability. With intention, these discussions can normalize not only Black disability history but also the present and future of Black disabled communities.
We look to Black Disabled Futures Month as a celebration of our perseverance, a recognition of our contributions, and a call to envision a world where our futures are not only imagined but prioritized and valued.
Andraéa LaVant
What can we do to celebrate Black Disabled Futures Month?
One of the most significant actions we can take to celebrate Black Disabled Futures Month is to center joy and liberation. Most often, any stories related to blackness and disability are told from a perspective that emphasizes pain and suffering. It’s important for young disabled people to learn and see that disability is not just about the struggle. In fact, being disabled brings passion, love, laughter, community, diversity and so much more.
By celebrating Black disabled history and present-day Black disabled changemakers, we have an opportunity to cultivate pride and a greater sense of belonging within our community. Even still, we are creating the future we desire, where Black disabled people are no longer an afterthought, but at the center, recognized and valued for who we are. By uplifting Black disabled joy and embracing our identities, we honor our past while creating a future where Black disabled people are fully seen, heard, and valued.
Happy Black Disabled Futures Month! Celebrate today’s Black disabled people creating tomorrow’s history.
How does LCI support Black Disabled Futures Month?
At LaVant Consulting, Inc. (LCI), we don’t just celebrate Black Disabled Futures Month—we embody it. As a Black disability-owned business, our existence represents its vision and purpose. While the larger disability establishment often overlooks this month, we have prioritized honoring it every year since our inception. Through our consulting work and advocacy, we ensure Black disabled voices, leadership, and joy are amplified, creating a future where our community is valued and empowered.
