A Black British Voices report published last year revealed that 74% of the community “believe the needs of Black disabled people in Britain remain inadequately considered.” (1)
It is a sentiment that apparently chimes with available research such as that revealed by the Joseph Rowntree Trust that “homes with a Black head of household with a disabled family member are more likely to experience poverty and deep poverty.” But even this assertion may mask the true extent of the issue given the lack of extensive research. (2)
One of the reasons for this may be the lack of visibility of Afrikan people with disabilities not in society at large but also within the community. According to Nana Marfo, freelance disabled advocate and writer:
“It was difficult growing up feeling like my identity was a massive taboo, even among people of the same ethnicity. Battling two barriers makes it double the challenge.” (3)
Another aspect of the challenge is the differential impact of the condition. For example research published in The BMJ reveals that “life expectancy of minority ethnic learning disabled people is half that of white counterparts.” (4) Similarly, a study from the USA indicates that at twenty-five years, the median age of life expectancy for Afrikan people with Downs Syndrome is half that of whites. Yet the study closes with the revelation “we concluded that although racial disparity in mortality exists, the underlying cause remains unidentified…” (5)
In the absence of any overarching strategy, campaigners will have to highlight their particular area of concern. Such as it is with T21 Alchemy, a project aimed at: Raising Awareness and Expanding Consciousness Around Disability and Neurodiversity. The project is focused on Trisomy 21, also known as Down Syndrome and is the brainchild of multi-passionate creative Sis. Oneness Sankara. Sis. Oneness received her son’s Trisomy 21 diagnosis shortly after his birth over six years ago. Through the early challenges, engaging with SEN (Special Educational Needs) and disability communities that she learnt of “the diffABILITIES and possABILITIES” that her son manifests, in contrast to the available resources in his early months.(6) Indeed, it is currently the case that pregnancies involving foetuses with Down’s syndrome can be terminated up to the point of birth, rather than the standard twenty-four weeks. (7)
Sis. Oneness is seeking funding for the dynamic T21 ALCHEMY project that aims to:
- Raise Awareness: Through engaging performances and interactive sessions, to educate and inspire the community about the challenges and triumphs of living with disability.
- Expand Consciousness: By addressing intersectional themes of race, neuro-diversity and disability, the hope is to broaden perspectives and foster inclusivity.
- Support the Community: T21 ALCHEMY will provide workshops and support sessions that offer valuable resources and connections for those directly and indirectly touched by disability, particularly parents and caregivers of children with Down Syndrome (T21). (8)
- https://www.gofundme.com/f/t21-alchemy-raising-consciousness-around-around-disability
She adds:
“The nucleus of this project is a holistically inclusive theatre production which is centred around a mother and her journey raising a Black son with Down syndrome T21. I’m seeking funds to support the research, development, and completion of the play. Your contribution will directly impact.” (9)
Sis. Oneness concludes:
“Now armed with the pleasure of raising my son and being connected to Disability, Neuro-diverse and SEN communities I’ve been exposed to stories and experiences that I think it’s important for our society to know and learn from… By supporting T21 ALCHEMY, you are investing in a movement that champions diversity, inclusivity, and understanding.” (10)
(1) The Black British Voices Project (2023) The Black British Voices Project Report August 2023. https://www.bbvp.org/_files/ugd/487862_ec6ef8c150d248e193aa1617d9f47875.pdf. p. 84
(2) Richard Sudan (23/10/23) Black disabled face additional hurdles. https://www.voice-online.co.uk/black-british-voices/2023/10/24/black-disabled-face-additional-hurdles/
(3) Nana Marfo (25/10/20) Disability should be part of Black history conversations – I’ve gone my whole life seeing people like me erased. https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/black-history-disability-ade-adepitan-cordova-ableism-misogynoir-b1348074.html
(4) Adrian O’Dowd (30/07/23) Life expectancy of minority ethnic learning disabled people is half that of white counterparts. BMJ 2023; 382 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.p1713
(5) Stephanie Santoro, MD (19/05/16) Uncovering Racial Disparities in Down Syndrome. https://pediatricsnationwide.org/2016/05/19/uncovering-racial-disparities-in-down-syndrome/
(6) Oneness Sankara (30/05/24) Support T21 ALCHEMY: Raising Consciousness Around Disability. https://www.gofundme.com/f/t21-alchemy-raising-consciousness-around-around-disability
(7) Chas Geiger (20/03/24) Rishi Sunak declines to back MP’s Down’s syndrome abortion law change. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-68617513
(8) Sankara. Op. cit.
(9) Ibid.
(10) Ibid
What is T21 Alchemy?
1) Is disability a “massive taboo” within the community?
2) Why is there so little research on Afrikan disabled?
3) What are “diffABILITIES and possABILITIES”?
4) How can we increase our overstanding of disability within the community?
Our Special Guest:
Bro. Ldr. Mbandaka: Resident guest who is Spiritual Leader of the Alkebu-Lan Revivalist Movement and an Afrikan-Centred Education Consultant. Bro. Ldr is a veteran activist of over 40 years standing, a featured columnist in The Whirlwind newspaper and author of Mosiah Daily Affirmations and Education: An African-Centred Approach To Excellence.
Sis. Oneness Sankara: is an exceptionally versatile creative and soul purpose healer born in the UK with Grenadian heritage, boasts a rich tapestry of artistic talents. Excelling as an actress, writer, musician, producer, and director, she has embarked on captivating tours across the UK and Europe, showcasing her prowess in theatre, music, and her dedication to Black history/herstory and empowerment.
A recipient of the BEFFTA Award for Best Spoken Word Artist, Oneness has left an indelible mark on the stages of the UK’s poetry circuit and international platforms. Her literary contributions include the publication of ‘Word Sound,’ an anthology reflecting her poetic brilliance. In the realm of theatre, her recent works encompass thought-provoking pieces such as ‘Chasing Rainbows’ and ‘Ancient Futures.’
Oneness achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first person outside of the USA to win a prize at The Toronto International Poetry Slam. Beyond her artistic endeavors, she seamlessly integrates healing into her work, offering Reiki-based soul purpose mentoring—a unique blend of energy work, intuitive readings, and divine guidance that assists clients in flowing toward their aligned direction.
Currently, Oneness is immersed in crafting a compelling new piece of writing centered around themes of motherhood and neuro-diversity (T21 Alchemy), showcasing her commitment to exploring vital topics and evolving artistic vision.
Throughout her illustrious career, Oneness has graced stages worldwide, sharing her talents with influential artists and activists. Opening for luminaries such as Mutabaruka, Dead Prez, Janet Kay, Queen Afua, Dr. Joy Degruy, and Jesse Jackson, she solidifies her status as a dynamic and impactful creative force on the global stage.
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