The Long Beach Disability Pride Celebration: A Community United
There was a sense of pride and community spirit in downtown Long Beach on Friday afternoon as the Long Beach Disability Pride Celebration held its third annual event in honor of Disability Pride and Empowerment Month in July. The event brought together members of the disability community, their families, and allies to celebrate the achievements and contributions of people with disabilities, coinciding with the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
A Milestone in Disability Rights: The Americans with Disabilities Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 was a landmark piece of legislation that guaranteed rights for people with disabilities in all areas of public life, ensuring access to employment, education, transportation, and public spaces. This legislation marked a significant step towards equality and inclusivity for individuals with disabilities.
Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion
The Long Beach Disability Pride Celebration at Harvey Milk Promenade Park was a family-friendly event that featured over 70 attendees and speeches from advocates and leaders in the disability community. District 1 Councilwoman Mary Zendejas, a wheelchair user and advocate for disability rights, highlighted the importance of viewing disability as an integral part of identity and humanity.
Other speakers at the event included Mayor Rex Richardson, Deaka McClain, a commissioner on the Los Angeles County Commission on Disability, and Sue Elhessen, a board member of the Bellflower Unified School District. Each speaker emphasized the importance of education in increasing awareness and understanding of the Americans with Disabilities Act, paving the way for a more fair and just society.
Celebrating Talent and Joy
Special performances at the event included wheelchair dancer Kaylee Bays, known for her appearance on “So You Think You Can Dance,” and wheelchair user Kelly Bass, who showcased their talents and brought joy to the crowd with their performances. The audience cheered as Kaylee and Kelly danced to music, spreading a message of inclusion and celebration of diversity.
Overall, the Long Beach Disability Pride Celebration was a vibrant and uplifting event that showcased the strength, talent, and resilience of the disability community. Through education, awareness, and celebration, events like these help to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
