Hello Everyone,
Happy New Year! 2024 brought me so many opportunities to grow as a person and to become a better advocate.
However, I was at a crossroads at the beginning of the year. I was slowly making progress in physical therapy while also battling concerns about my grandmother’s failing health. Sadly, my grandmother passed away later after my sister and I visited her for the last time.
The number one thing my grandmother taught me is to not rely on anyone else to get what I want out of life. While she encouraged me to accept that I was in a wheelchair, she taught me if I wanted to earn respect. I couldn’t wait for others to hand me opportunities. It is this lesson that propelled me through my grief.
After my grandmother’s funeral, I was lost but then I started getting back into advocacy and it opened my eyes. Not every kid with a disability has someone in their corner, who would fight for them. I was fortunate enough to have the love and support of two families who came together to raise my siblings and me.
This brings me to my plans for 2025. I love writing this blog. BlackGirlRolling is a labor of love for me I realize this blog can help people with disabilities. I need to be fearless In the way I tell our stories. That means not only using my writing to advocate for others. But, it also means taking myself out of my comfort zone. Because I’m not one to shy away from any challenge. I have chosen to enter the Ms. Wheelchair Florida competition for 2025.
Ms. Wheelchair Florida is an advocate group that highlights the achievements and advocacy efforts of women with disabilities. In today’s society, women with disabilities are often overlooked. I have had people question my intelligence. Simply because I am in a wheelchair they can not comprehend the fact that I have a masters. But, I want to live in a world where young people with disabilities will not have to struggle to get the same educational and employment opportunities as everyone else.
Would you like to follow my journey to Ms. Wheelchair Florida or just enjoy reading stories about Black women with disabilities advocating to improve their community? I encourage you to subscribe and share.
Peace,
BlackGirlRolling
BlackGirlRolling 