Last year, for Black History Month, we shed light on innovative trailblazers and champions for the cause of individuals with disabilities.
Brad Lomax and Chuck Jackson: Champions of Disability and Civil Rights
Patricia Bath: Inventor of the Laserphaco Probe to treat cataracts
Mary Davidson Kenner: Inventor of the Walker with Attachable Tray and Pocket
Bessie Blount: Inventor of the Self-Feeding Device for Veteran Amputees
This year, we’re shifting our focus to one of Philadelphia’s very own real life heroes – Justina Miles
We sat in awe and watched as Justina Miles signed her way during Rihanna’s performance at the Super Bowl last year.
But just who is Justina Miles?
Justina is a wonderful young Black woman who is deaf. She is an American Sign Language performer.
She is a Philadelphia native and pursuing nursing at Bowie State University, an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges & Universities).
She represented the US at the 2021-2022 Deaflympics in Brazil earning a silver medal with the women’s track and field relay team.
When asked about her experience at the Super Bowl, she had this to share:
“Not only for me to share this experience with the whole world,” she said, “but to really bring that empowerment to millions and millions of Black deaf people all over the country who’ve never really seen that before. I feel that is truly lifting every voice, even my voice.”
She made history as the first Black woman who is deaf to perform on the iconic Super Bowl stage.
Rihanna created a space for Justina Miles to shine bright like a diamond on stage.
Without any reservation.
Without asking her to wear a cape.
Without asking her to hide any part of her identity that wouldn’t “fit” into what a Super Bowl halftime show “should be”.
Instead, Rihanna placed Justina – the person – front and center.
And she shone indeed.
We agree with Rihanna, we all need to empower individuals with disabilities to live to their full potential.