Our Mission
Our mission is to support the intersection of Black identity and disability, recognizing the distinct experiences, struggles, and resilience within this community. We aim to create pathways for advocacy, visibility, and access to critical resources, building a more inclusive and equitable state for Black New Jerseyans with disabilities.
Through educational programs, workshops, and partnerships with local organizations, we strive to:
Advocate
Advocate for systemic change in policies that affect the Black disability community.
Connect
Connect individuals to resources and networks for employment, education, health, and accessibility.
Empower
Empower Black disabled New Jerseyans to embrace their identities, pursue opportunities, and overcome barriers.
Educate
Educate the broader public on the experiences of Black people with disabilities, fostering greater understanding and allyship.
The NJ Black Disability Initiative
Envisions a New Jersey where Black individuals with disabilities can thrive and feel fully included in all aspects of society. We work toward a future where racial and disability justice intersect to bring transformative change. Together, we’re building a movement rooted in resilience, advocacy, and unity.
The Consortium
In 2022, an important movement began in New Jersey, bringing together a diverse group of advocates, leaders, and professionals. Organizations like the NAACP, the New Jersey Association of Black Social Workers, and the New Jersey Association of Black Psychologists joined forces to achieve a shared goal: the creation of the New Jersey Black I/DD Consortium. This group is dedicated to enhancing the lives and opportunities of Black residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families.
The consortium held regular meetings to listen to feedback and find ways to improve access to essential resources. These gatherings weren’t just routine updates; they were collaborative spaces where participants could brainstorm and develop actionable plans. Representatives from the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities (NJCDD) and other key organizations were actively involved, sharing valuable insights and resources to help drive the mission forward. The meetings brought together a variety of voices from New Jersey’s disability, education, and advocacy sectors.
As the initiative progressed, the consortium gained more visibility and support. It raised awareness of the NJCDD’s efforts among new allies throughout the state. Outreach activities increased, social media engagement grew, and more people became involved in NJCDD programs. The initiative specifically aimed to connect with Black individuals and families in a way that recognized their unique experiences, helping them access crucial resources and information to enhance their lives.
The New Jersey Black Disability Initiative continues this collaborative journey, promoting inclusion, access, and empowerment for Black residents of New Jersey with I/DD, all guided by the vision of the consortium.
Get Involved
Interested in helping support the NJ Black Disability Initiative?