Long Beach’s downtown was taken over by pride and community spirit on Friday afternoon.
The Long Beach Disability Pride Celebration hosted its third annual event on Friday, July 26, in honor of Disability Pride and Empowerment Month, which takes place in July.
The celebration also brought together members of the disability community, their families, and allies to recognize and celebrate the achievements and contributions of individuals with disabilities. It also marked the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The Americans with Disabilities Act, enacted in 1990, was a landmark piece of legislation that codified the rights of people with disabilities across all areas of public life, including guaranteeing employment and educational opportunities. The bill also ensured access to transportation, public and private spaces.
The family-friendly event, held at Harvey Milk Promenade Park, had more than 70 attendees and featured several speeches by advocates and leaders.
“Disability Pride is a relatively recent term, but its significance is profound and far reaching,” said First District Councilmember Mary Zendejas, the first City Council member to use a wheelchair. “It represents a shift in how we view disability not as a deficiency or a burden, but as an integral part of our identity and humanity.”
Other speakers included Mayor Rex Richardson; Deaka McClain, District 4 Commissioner for the Los Angeles County Commission on Disabilities; Sue Elhessen, board member of the Bellflower Unified School District; among others.
“It is only through education that will start to increase awareness and understanding of the spirit and the intention of the Americans with Disabilities Act,” Elhessen said. “This is how knowledge is power because once you know, you can never say I did not know or I was not aware. I am honored and privileged to be here with you in celebration of the 34th anniversary of the (ADA) Act and I hope next year we will have a new…
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