Black Disabled Lives Matter March in Detroit

TEDDY DORSETTE III: 

I work for Detroit Disability Power, a nonprofit organization here in Detroit. 

Tonight is to put a spotlight on those who are most oppressed and at risk. It’s Black people with disabilities. That’s why we are doing this march to give a safe space so they are able to participate and voice their concerns. Right now many are concerned about the coronavirus and social distancing. So we have provided a space and an opportunity for them to express what justice looks like. 

KRISTON PUMPHREY: 

Did you know that 40% to 70% of Black men who are killed by police are disabled? That’s something that is not talked about enough. We need to talk about those issues. 

The Black Deaf community is a vulnerable community. We are the last to know what is going on.  

SPEAKER/INTERPRETER: 

I have been a fighter for all of my life. My first fight was with eye cancer. But in my life I’ve had many different fights since. It’s because we live in a country with a white supremacy system. 

DORSETTE III:  

Black. Lives. Matter. 

SPEAKER 2/INTERPRETER 2: 

Studies show that Black individuals who have developmental disabilities and mental health issues are not diagnosed or get treatment that is on par with what white people get. 

SPEAKER 3/INTERPRETER 2: 

Mothers are burying their children before their time! I’m tired of it! It has to stop! We need you to feel the same! 

BOY #1: 

My name is Jurmel. 

GIRL #1: 

My name is Khyiana Tate. This is my sign name. 

GIRL #2: 

My name is Koi Thomp. This is my sign name. 

DORSETTE III:

I have many mixed emotions and I feel really scared not only for myself, but for my brother who is deaf as well, and for my nephew. And for these children. What will their future look like if this doesn’t stop? 

Black Lives Matter! Black Lives Matter! 

Black Lives Matter! Black Lives Matter! Black Lives Matter! Black Lives Matter! Black Lives Matter!

LAYNISE LEWIS: 

Black Transgender Lives Matter! Black Transgender Lives Matter!

DORSETTE III: 

I want you to remember this moment when we all came together in unity. With love. For our Black brothers and sisters. No justice, no peace! Thank you. I love you all for coming today. The fight continues. Everyday. We won’t stop fighting for justice! Fight for access! Fight for equality for all! 

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What just happened with George Floyd — he screamed that he couldn’t breathe several times. So for us people with disabilities like myself, who is deaf, can you imagine if a cop handcuffed me? I can’t speak. So I’d be finished. They can’t hear me screaming that I can’t breathe. I can’t imagine if I couldn’t speak that and couldn’t sign either. I’d be finished. So it is hard for deaf people to not feel fearful. So, the majority of those killed have disabilities because a lot of times the officers who respond don’t stop and think that the person might have a disability or a mental disability. So that’s a big concern. We want to change that. We want to see more officers become more sensitive on how to work with others rather than just react. 

PUMPHREY: 

Our system, our way of living, our community… Our social norms should be designed in a way where we are all welcome. It shouldn’t be catered to one specific group of people. It should be for all of us. I hope that by being more visible, others feel inspired. Others will say, “Hey. That’s not what I was taught. Their norms are the same. Yes, our lives may be different, but we are all the same. We all have that “American dream” to have a good healthy life, a family, to have children, to be happy at our jobs. We all deserve that. 

LEWIS: 

I want the oppression to end against Black people. We’ve had enough. #BlackLivesMatter. #BlackTransLivesMatter. #BlackDisabledLivesMatter. #BlackLivesMatter.