Dr. Sylvia Walker - A Guiding Light

 Disability history would be incomplete without delving into academia and policy development. These figures are often unknown by name, though their work permeates through every corner of society. Today's post is about Dr. Sylvia Walker, an extremely accomplished researcher and policy advocate. She was influential in forming the Americans with Disabilities Act and advised President Clinton on employment policies. She used her delightful blend of intelligence and humor to change the lives of people of color with disabilities.

 

Sylvia, undated

Harriet Tubman - An Iron Fist in a Velvet Glove

After many posts where there is an extreme lack of information, this one was a change of pace! The problem was now too much information to sift through. Harriet Tubman does have entire books written about her and you could certainly teach a course just focused on her. I tried to write as comprehensive of a post as I could about her without making it ridiculously long. Harriet is one of the most well-known Black American historical figures, and for good reason. Though she died 110 years ago, her story of fortitude in extreme circumstances will long outlast even those who are reading this now.

Harriet, 1895

Ella Harper & Myrtle Corbin - More Than a Curiosity

One challenge I have faced is that many stories, especially those of people who were exhibited in sideshows, just do not have that much information available. I still want to tell these stories, not to show off the so-called "freaks" and "oddities," but to demonstrate how life was like for anyone who was physically or mentally atypical. If you were born outside the norm in the 1800s and 1900s, it was extremely likely that at least some of your life would be spent making money (maybe) as an exhibit. I have decided to share some of these stories in combined posts called "More Than a Curiosity." I chose this title because, even today, many of these people are shown in listicles or videos as the subjects of shock, disgust, or "wtf?" They deserve better than that. Today's subjects, Ella Harper and Myrtle Corbin, lived at around the same time and were both born in Tennessee. Interestingly, both spent their teenage years successfully performing before retiring to quiet lives with their families (though Myrtle did perform during her 40s). They married, had children, and made their homes. They experienced all of the joys and sorrows of simply being human.

Ella Harper & Myrtle Corbin

Kitty O'Neil - No Fear

I am someone who self-describes as "risk-averse." Today's post is about a woman who is absolutely the opposite of that. Kitty O'Neil, raised by her widowed Cherokee mother and deafened as a baby, was a highly ambitious and extremely talented athlete, driver, and stuntwoman. She achieved over twenty world records in spite of ableism, racism, and sexism. Kitty was adored by all who knew her. Many commented on her warm, sunny demeanor and admired all that she had accomplished. Kitty was, for lack of a more philosophical assessment, simply incredible.

Kitty, late 1970s

Sarah Biffin - With Persevering Talents

I am perpetually amazed and delighted by the artistic expression of historical figures with disabilities that I have come across. Instead of staying out of the spotlight, as society wanted, they put themselves out for everyone to see. This post's talented subject, Sarah Biffin, painted many self-portraits that depicted her limb differences, among other portraits and miniatures. Though her the men in her life were rarely decent, she persisted in her talent and love for art while maintaining independence.

Undated self-portrait

 

Millie-Christine McKoy - A Soul with Two Thoughts

Writing this post reminded me of how wild history can really be - many times I thought that these situations sound like a movie script. Millie and Christine McKoy, conjoined twins from the same state in which Chang and Eng Bunker lived most of their lives, are not as well-known as they should be. (A chronic theme in these posts, huh?) Their early years were filled with danger: enslavement, multiple kidnappings, custody suits, and international travel to entertain royalty. Through it all, these women obtained an education and became talented performers. They eventually bought the very plantation on which they were born and provided a large home for their relatives. They were able to obtain a measure of independence and autonomy that most women, especially Black women with disabilities, did not have in the Victorian era.

Millie & Christine, 1870

Brad Lomax - A Bridge

I admit that, though I have been involved in the disability community for my entire life, I have only recently gained any knowledge of the disability activists of the past several decades. It is because of them that my sister is able to access buildings in her community, obtain an education, and more. Many of these activists are not well-known, especially ones of color. Brad Lomax is considered one of the founders of the intersectional activism that combined the resources of the civil rights movement with the disability movement's fortitude.

Brad at a rally, 1977