A woman undeterred
In honor of Women’s History Month this year, we’re taking a look at a phenomenal Black woman whose work laid the groundwork for independent living for individuals with disabilities.
In the 1930s, schools were still segregated in the US. Hoping to improve her odds at obtaining a better education, Johnnie’s family moved to California. Although the schools there were more integrated, Johnnie was not immune to the lingering effects of racist discrimination practices.
At the age of 19, Johnnie was diagnosed with polio. This devastating disease left her paralyzed and wheelchair bound. Undeterred by her condition, she fought to pursue a degree at San Francisco State University. Even though she was eventually admitted, the school prevented her from participating in the graduation ceremony or to be officially recognized as a student there.
As a Black woman with a visible disability, she often spoke about feeling like an outsider from both the Black and the disability community. The difficulties she faced ignited her passion to educate both communities about the intersectionality of race, gender, and disability. She would go on to serve as a role model for many other Black women with disabilities.
Independent living
Johnnie Lacy would go on to help found the Berkeley Center for Independent Living. The Center was the first of its kind in the US to offer a safe haven for people with disabilities to have the same “civil rights, options, and control over choices in their lives as people without disabilities”.
She also served as the Director of the Community Resources for Independent Living (CRIL), the nonprofit advocacy group that provides mentoring and other services to people with disabilities in Hayward, CA. Johnnie’s activism didn’t end there. She served on the California Attorney General’s Commission on Disability, Hayward (CA) Commission on Personnel and Affirmative Action, and the Mayor’s Disability Council for the city and county of San Francisco.
Carrying the torch
Johnnie Lacy’s passion for disability and civil rights is still felt today. Her legacy lives on in the numerous independent living facilities across the country today, that center the needs of people with disabilities.
KenCCID’s founder shared Johnnie’s passion to afford a lifestyle to people with disabilities that was no different from that of anyone else.
For over 50 years, KenCCID has served as a beacon in the Philadelphia community for people with disabilities. We have provided housing, job supports, and basic medical care for individuals with disabilities in the Greater Philadelphia area. To date, over 160 individuals have found a home with us. With 30 homes across the city, our individuals have been able to call KenCCID home, a safe and nurturing place, for more than 50 years.
At KenCCID, we say thank you to Johnnie Lacy for her advocacy to ensure the rights of people with disabilities to a life that is different from that of anyone else.
50+ years later, we carry the torch of Johnnie’s advocacy and our founder’s passion as enshrined in our mission statement:
To promote dignity and choice to empower Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities reach their full potential.