Last Friday, I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Dr. Donna Walton, the founder of the Divas with Disabilities Project. As someone who has dedicated her life to advocating for women of color with disabilities, Dr. Walton’s insights and passion were both inspiring and eye-opening.
The Significance of the Divas with Disabilities Project
The Divas with Disabilities Project is not just a movement; it’s a revolution. Dr. Walton founded the project to challenge the pervasive stereotypes and misconceptions about women of color with disabilities. Too often, our stories are left untold, our voices unheard, and our talents overlooked. The project seeks to change that by amplifying our voices, showcasing our talents, and demanding the representation we deserve.
During our meeting, Dr. Walton emphasized the importance of inclusion. She spoke candidly about how society often overlooks individuals with disabilities, particularly women of color. The media, fashion, and entertainment industries are notorious for their lack of diversity, often ignoring the intersectionality of race, gender, and disability. The Divas with Disabilities Project is on a mission to change this narrative.
Why Our Voices Matter
One of the most powerful moments of our conversation was when Dr. Walton talked about the significance of our voices. She made it clear that our experiences, our challenges, and our triumphs are not just stories—they are powerful tools for change. By sharing our stories, we can break down the barriers that society has placed before us and pave the way for future generations.
Dr. Walton’s words resonated deeply with me. As a paraplegic, I have faced my share of challenges. But I have also experienced the strength that comes from overcoming those challenges, and the joy that comes from celebrating my victories, no matter how small. It’s this journey that I share on my blog, Unbroken Steps—the good, the bad, the wins, and the losses. Dr. Walton reminded me that these stories are not just personal; they are part of a larger movement towards inclusion and representation.
The Talent Within Our Community
Another key point Dr. Walton made was about the incredible talent within the disability community. She spoke passionately about how people with disabilities, especially women of color, possess unique talents and perspectives that are often ignored by mainstream society. The Divas with Disabilities Project seeks to showcase this talent, proving that we are more than just our disabilities—we are artists, entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators.
Hearing this reminded me of the countless individuals I have met who are breaking barriers and redefining what it means to live with a disability. It also reinforced my belief in the importance of Unbroken Steps as a platform to highlight these stories. Our talents should be celebrated, not hidden away or dismissed.
A Call to Action
My meeting with Dr. Walton was not just informational—it was a call to action. It challenged me to think about how I can continue to advocate for myself and others, how I can use my platform to amplify the voices of those who are often silenced, and how I can contribute to a movement that is so much bigger than myself.
If there’s one thing I took away from our conversation, it’s that we cannot wait for others to give us a seat at the table—we must demand it. We must continue to tell our stories, share our talents, and advocate for inclusion in every space we occupy.
As I continue my journey with Unbroken Steps, I am more motivated than ever to keep sharing my story and the stories of others in our community. I am honored to be part of the Divas with Disabilities Project, and I am excited to see how we can continue to make an impact together.
Let’s keep moving forward, unbroken and unstoppable.
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