A twenty-something Judy Heumann holding a sign “Rights Now for Disabled.” This old photo is pasted on a bright yellow background with flowers surrounding her. Art by Broobs.
I’ve been channeling the late great Judy Heumann lately. Judy is forever an icon, and from what I’ve heard and seen, a humble and kind human as well. She was an activist, a trailblazer who paved the way for Disability Rights. She was a connector. She was a visionary. She was also a dreamer.
But what I love most about her is that she followed her inner knowing to make her dreams a reality, and that’s not easy for anyone, but especially not for a disabled Jewish girl from Brooklyn, who had to fight just attend school — just to be allowed in school because of her disability.
I’ve been on a mission lately to clarify and strengthen my present path, and I’ve been sharing some of that work with you. One vital method for me is through Spirit…the Universe, Source, God, The Divine, etc…I’ve been asking to connect with Judy (gettin witchy wit it over here, always, but more and more lately, and loving it). I've been asking Judy for her messages and guidance, and opening myself up to receive them. (Details on that process below)
And I feel her support.
I feel her love and wisdom tickling my heart, and her fierceness pushing me forward in my efforts to live, passionately, in my purpose. This process of connecting with my angels and guides helps direct me on my path, opens me up to receiving blessings, and is currently helping to strengthen my voice and set my goals and intentions.
Judy once said, “I want to see feisty disabled people change the world.”
I want to be one of those people. I am one of those people.
And I consider it an honor to be standing (in spirit), or rather, proudly sitting on the shoulders of a woman who paved the way for so many of us. A woman who faced a panel of men in power, men who didn’t get it, and made huge changes through her courage, her humility, her tears, and the unabated truth of a community that deserved, and still deserves, better.
She made them get it.
If you haven’t seen Crip Camp, watch it now and see the true story of how a band of crip misfits changed the course of history through love, friendship, some help from the Black Panthers, badassery, hard work, and a fierce knowing that they were worthy of so much more. They were the feisty disabled people who passed Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and essentially launched the ADA.
Check out this episode of Drunk History for the short, educational and hilarious version of Judy and the 504 team getting shit done.
When other people see you as a third-class citizen, the first thing you need is a belief in yourself and the knowledge that you have rights. The next thing you need is a group of friends to fight back with.”
― Judith Heumann
From left: Hale Zukas, Ron Washington, and Judy Heumann respond to a question at a press conference held at the San Francisco airport before protesters leave for Washington for the 504 Rehabilitation Act hearing. Lynette Taylor provides American Sign Language interpretation.
The 504 fighters are the ones who drive me to keep storytelling. They are the ones who remind me that I am enough, more than enough. That I am worthy. That I am beautiful. That I am a sensual being. That I, too, am a badass. I, too, am a bridge-builder.
They remind me that you need your people. That is what collective care is — calling on your people. Finding ways to work together, grow together, and support each other. To celebrate and thrive in interdependence.
Because we are not just stronger together, but we are more human together. We can find our oneness while celebrating our differences.
Laws might be passed — we’ve seen it regarding the rights of Disabled Americans, Black Americans, Indigenous Peoples, when it comes to Women’s rights…and it’s a win, no doubt. But history has also shown us that there is always more work to be done as a culture.
For we are leaders of inclusiveness and community, of love, equity, and justice.”
― Judith Heumann
February 18th kicked-off the Pisces season, (also my birthday season) and this is the time we can dream of more. We can bring our dreams and our truths to life, whatever they may be. It is a time for deep inner listening. Expanding our scope of what we can achieve and experience in this life. It is also a time we can hear others and their truths and dreams as well. We can make space to listen and learn from each other. Dream together.
I highly recommend this book on disability: Disability Visibility. I’m reading it now. And my mom already read it. Showin’ up, Mom! (straight to the heart)
And to Judy, thank you for reaching for your dreams and believing in yourself in a culture that underestimated and dismissed you. I’ll keep being feisty for you. For us.
Dreaming of justice and peace,
KP
Methods for Connecting with Spirit and Our Dreams:
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