Friends With Disabilities

03/06/2026

Fwds beginning of the year kickoff was great. Shout out to Janey and the staff at ALIBI breakfast lunch dinner and bar for your great space and ADA hospitality. If you are in Kalamazoo County 18 and up with a physical disability come join the fun.

03/01/2026

Did you know: JOYCE JACKSON (1944- ) is regarded as Oklahoma television's first Black woman journalist. Joyce was a disability activist that lived with arthritis throughout her life. She is one of the vital protesters who took part in the nearly month long sit-ins that demanded the enforcement of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Her efforts led her and other disability activists to meet with the Carter administration to successfully implement Section 504 – the historical civil rights legislation that prohibits federally funded agencies, programs, and activities from discriminating against people with disabilities . Yes arthritis is a physical disability too. FWD

02/26/2026

ATTENTION ALL FWD MEMBERS: NEXT THURSDAY MARCH 5TH IS OUR FIRST EVENT OF 2026. RSVP WITH US ASAP TO ENSURE THAT YOU WILL BE COVERED WE NEE AN ACCURATE HEAD COUNT. Thanks FWD 😊

02/17/2026

Rev. Jesse Jackson
Was an American politician, Minister, and civil rights leader. Rev. Jackson was a protégé of Martin Luther King Jr. and in the 1980s reshaped Democratic politics with two galvanizing presidential campaigns. He died Tuesday at the age of 84.
What many people did not know is that Reverend Jesse Jackson had Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a rare, progressive neurological disorder.
The condition had caused severe mobility issues such as; stiff movements, and challenges with swallowing and eye movements. We celebrate his life not just as a great leader but a person with a physical disability and limitations.

02/16/2026

Did you know:
Chairperson of the National Council on Disability Claudia Gordon born March 1972 is The first Deaf Black woman attorney in the United States. Even with a different ability not only can you still work but you can do Great things.

02/06/2026

Did you know Brad Lomax (1950–1984): Had multiple sclerosis and used a wheelchair, a Black Panther who championed independent living and supported the 504 sit-ins.

02/03/2026

Thomas "Blind Tom" Wiggins (May 25, 1849 – June 14, 1908) was a famous pianist in black history. He was the first African-American to give a command performance at the White House before our President James Buchanan. Happy black history month.
FwD

02/01/2026

Did yo know that the same Harriet Tubman (born 1822) who served as a spy in the Civil War and led over 70 slaves to freedom also had the physical disability of epilepsy. Despite the intense headaches, seizures and narcoleptic sleeping episodes she was still able to not only allocate for herself but others. She is not just an inspiration to those of many cultural backgrounds but the disability community. Just as she did Our Hope is that we not just advocate for ourselves but Inspire and advocate for others with disabilities. Happy black history month. FwD

01/27/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1B4P1o9YYA/

01/23/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AW5jxY19r/

* 𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓 *
The Kalamazoo Democratic Party in cooperation with Kalamazoo Coalition for the Unhoused and United for the Unsheltered of Kalamazoo is opening another warming center this coming Friday and Saturday in response to the severe weather predictions. They ask that those who wish to volunteer, please call ahead to the phone number listed on the flyer. The center will have coffee, snacks, sandwiches, hats, gloves, and hand warmers for guests.

01/20/2026

https://wwmt.com/news/local/st-lukes-episocopal-church-opens-its-doors-as-an-emergency-shelter-extreme-cold-unhoused-shelters-homeless-west-michigan-kalamazoo-

As dangerous arctic cold settled into Kalamazoo County Monday, community groups and faith leaders mobilized quickly to help protect people without housing.Insi

12/27/2025

Sunday January 4th at urban Alliance free haircuts for children and Men ages five and up. There must be cleaned first with no product they are also giving out hygiene and love bags. Details in the fire below. For those of you that catch Metro connect schedule your ride tomorrow December 28th for Sunday January 4th.