On June 19, we celebrate Juneteenth—a powerful day that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. While the Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863, it wasn’t until June 19, 1865, that more than 250,000 formerly enslaved people in Texas learned they were free. Juneteenth is a celebration of resilience, liberation, and the ongoing struggle for racial justice.
At The Arc Minnesota, we recognize that the fight for justice does not end with freedom alone. True liberation means removing all barriers to inclusion, dignity, and opportunity. And that means acknowledging—and centering—the unique experiences of Black people with disabilities, whose voices too often remain unheard in both racial justice and disability rights movements.
The Intersection of Race and Disability
Statistics reveal the magnitude of this intersection:
- According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Survey of Income and Program Participation, 31.8% of Black non-Hispanic adults report having a disability-related health condition—well above the national average (healthlaw.org, census.gov).
- The CDC estimates roughly 25% of Black Americans live with disabilities—higher than White (16%) and Hispanic Americans (17%) .
Yet, Black people with disabilities navigate overlapping systems of racism and ableism:
- They face higher rates of exclusion—Black students with disabilities are suspended or expelled at disproportionate rates; Black adults with disabilities are more likely to be incarcerated or subjected to police violence.
- Employment and health care disparities persist. For instance, as of 2024, the employment–population ratio for Black working-age adults with disabilities was only ~23%, compared to 34% for their White counterparts (healthlaw.org).
These statistics underscore that individuals at this intersection often bear the heaviest burdens of systemic inequity.
Building a More Inclusive Future
Juneteenth is not only a moment to celebrate freedom—it is also a call to action. Disability justice, a movement rooted in Black, Indigenous, queer, and disabled leadership, urges us to envision a world where every identity is affirmed, every barrier dismantled.
At The Arc Minnesota, we commit to:
- Centering Black self-advocates with disabilities—amplifying their leadership, lived experience, and priorities.
- Integrating intersectional awareness into our programs—ensuring our services recognize how race, disability, income, and justice interact.
- Advocating for systemic change—from schools to healthcare, housing to policing—to ensure equity for all.
As we honor Juneteenth, let’s reaffirm that liberation is truly for all—no matter one’s race, ability, or identity.