Celebrate Black History Month 2026: Showcasing Black and Disabled CreatorsÂ
By Mohammed Najeeb Naabo, Masters of Public Health Intern
Black History Month is a time to reflect on history while celebrating the brilliance, strength, and cultural impact of Black communities. In this feature, we spotlight Black and Disabled creators who are using their platforms to uplift others, challenge stigma, and reshape narratives. From memoirs and music to fashion and advocacy, these stories highlight creativity, resilience, and leadership at the intersection of race and disability.
I Identify As Blind by Lachi
Musician, author, and disability advocate Lachi released her 2026 memoir 'I Identify as Blind,' a bold celebration of disability culture, blindness, and neurodivergent identity. As founder of RAMPD (Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities), Lachi continues pushing accessibility standards in the music industry.
The A Word: A Mother’s Journey Through Autism and Love by Tisha Campbell
https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-a-word-tisha-campbell?variant=44717895385122
Actress, comedian, and advocate Tisha Campbell shares her heartfelt and candid journey raising her son, Xen, who was diagnosed with autism. In The A Word, Campbell reflects on the challenges, triumphs, humor, and resilience that shaped her family’s experience navigating therapies, schools, and societal misconceptions. Blending honesty and wit, this memoir celebrates neurodivergence, love, and the power of community while offering insight and encouragement to parents, caregivers, and advocates.
Abena Christine Jon’el — Fashion, Identity, and Disability Pride
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy11q1pwpgo
In a 2026 feature, American - Ghanaian model and writer Abena Christine Jon’el walked the runway with her prosthetic leg wrapped in kente cloth. Rather than concealing her disability, she transformed it into cultural expression and disability pride.
Nnena Kalu — Turner Prize Winner
Artist Nnena Kalu made history by becoming the first artist with a learning disability to win the Turner Prize. Her immersive sculptural work challenges perceptions of artistic process and repetition.
Colors in My Mind by Chris Redding
Colors in My Mind by Chris Redding made history as the first Grammy-nominated album to feature a non-speaking autistic artist — Redding’s son, Christian. The project centers neurodivergent creativity and challenges traditional ideas of communication and artistry. Featuring the Billboard Top 20 single “Love Cure” with Lachi, the album highlights inclusion and expands representation in the music industry.
Ramp Your Voice founded by Vilissa Thompson
Founded by social worker and advocate Vilissa Thompson, Ramp Your Voice is a platform dedicated to amplifying and centering Black disabled voices. It highlights lived experiences, challenges ableism and racism, and advocates for visibility, equity, and justice within disability spaces and beyond.
Black Girl Diagnosed Podcast
https://open.spotify.com/show/0edsdVOINFg7oCrDidVojP
This podcast centers conversations about autism, ADHD, and late diagnosis within Black communities, breaking stigma and fostering understanding. Through raw conversations, personal storytelling, and expert insights, this show creates space for Black women from all walks of life in every industry to be fully seen beyond stereotypes, stigma, and silence.
Black Disabled Men Talk Podcast
https://blackdisabledmentalk.com
Created by Black men living with disabilities, this podcast explores masculinity, healthcare inequities, relationships, civic engagement, and community building.