Imani Barbarin

Imani Barbarin is the creator behind CrutchesAndSpice.com, a blog on disability rights and identity at the intersection of race and gender. She is a francophone hailing from the Philadelphia area who is currently stateside after completing a Masters in Global Communications from the American University of Paris. Enjoys reading and sarcasm.

[Photo: An American flag with 'Black Lives Matter' superimposed on it waves in the wind.]

July Fourth Never Meant Anything to a Disabled Black Woman Like Me

Imani Barbarin

To be asked to celebrate the holiday is an insult to all my experiences in a country that has systematically disenfranchised Black people and has written off disabled people as burdens.

[Photo: Democratic presidential hopeful Marianne Williamson pauses during an event.]

As a Disabled Person, Marianne Williamson’s Ideas Terrify Me

Imani Barbarin

As Marianne Williamson gains ground, disabled people are growing increasingly nervous over her language regarding health care.

On Being Black and ‘Disabled but Not Really’

Imani Barbarin

Despite the criticism of the episode, Hamilton’s appearance on Queer Eye felt like a step in the right direction for better representation of the diversity of disabled people.

[Photo: A protester in a wheelchair crosses his arms, eyes closed, while Capitol police surround him]

Ableism Is the Go-To Disguise for White Supremacy. Too Many People Are Falling for It.

Imani Barbarin

Agents of white supremacy count on society’s existing behaviors toward the mentally ill—and all disabled people—to aid and abet their agenda without anyone taking a closer look.

[Photo: A man with a cane stands outside a polling place in Florida.]

Voter Suppression Isn’t New for Disabled Folks

Imani Barbarin

35 million eligible voters with disabilities could find their journey to the polls littered with obstacles.

Kavanaugh’s Disrespect of Autonomy Isn’t Limited to Women’s Bodies

Imani Barbarin

The public can be assured that the lifetime appointment of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the highest bench in the country would devastate generations of disabled people, especially those at the intersections of gender, race, and class.

Imani Barbarin

July Fourth Never Meant Anything to a Disabled Black Woman Like Me

As a Disabled Person, Marianne Williamson’s Ideas Terrify Me

On Being Black and ‘Disabled but Not Really’

Ableism Is the Go-To Disguise for White Supremacy. Too Many People Are Falling for It.

Voter Suppression Isn’t New for Disabled Folks

Kavanaugh’s Disrespect of Autonomy Isn’t Limited to Women’s Bodies

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