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NAMED Advocates

The National Alliance of Melanin Disabled Advocates (NAMED Advocates) creates spaces for disabled leaders of color and BIPOC allies to gather, learn, connect, and grow around racial and disability justice. Through use of knowledge and empowerment tools, we work to destigmatize the existing outward narrative that currently surrounds the disabled community. We equip community members with the vocabulary to express their authentic selves with confidence and certainty. Our community events are celebrations of solidarity, providing opportunities for collaboration and relationship building.

Our Partners

NAMED Blog

Group photo of largely BIPOC disabled folks. Flyer in purple says Inclusive, Iconic, Revolutionary: Accessible+ at Coachella shows the power of BIPOC Disabled RepresentationNAMED Advocates
May 5, 2025

Inclusive, Iconic, Revolutionary: A+ at Coachella Shows the Power of Disabled BIPOC Representation

Discover how the A+ Program at Coachella is changing the live events industry by creating career opportunities for BIPOC disabled professionals. This program empowers participants, fosters mentorship, and pushes the…
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Orange and green flyer that says We're Hiring 4 times down the flyer. It also has the NAMED Advocates logo in 2 corners of the flyer.NAMED Advocates
February 27, 2025

We’re Hiring! Education & Programs Manager

The NAMED Advocates is looking for a passionate Education & Programs Manager to lead key initiatives, including the Rethinking Language in Science project and programming at our events. Apply now!
Keri Gray
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A flyer that says, Celebrating 5 years of building for racial and disability inclusion. This week on February 18, 2025, I celebrate 5 years of entrepreneurship and service. Read my latest blog on the direction of this work in the face of DEIA attacks.NAMED Advocates
February 20, 2025

Celebrating 5 Years of Building for Racial Justice & Disability Inclusion

Celebrating 5 years of impact, Ignite by Keri Gray is proving that racial justice and disability inclusion are more than just buzzwords—they’re a movement. In a time when DEI is…
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A purple press release graphic that says “NAMED Advocates Awarded $1 Million Grant by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative to Rethink Language in Science.” There is an image of Jeanie Kim, Keri Gray, and Andra Stratton from left to right. There is an image of the NAMED Advocates and CZI logos on the bottom of the flyer.NAMED Advocates
December 19, 2024

NAMED Advocates Awarded $1 Million Grant by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative to Rethink Language in Science

NAMED Advocates is thrilled to announce the receipt of a $1 million grant from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative to support our “Rethinking Language in Science” project. This initiative aims to…
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Keri Gary is standing in the front, holding a phone and taking a picture with members of the HR and DEI team at Goldenvoice and parent company AEG. Keri is wearing a black bucket hat, black-rimmed glasses, a yellow scarf, and an orange tie-dye shirt. On the left side of the picture, there is a dark-skinned person wearing a black cap and long black wavy hair. On the right side, there are three individuals wearing bright orange worker vests, all with medium and light skin tones.NAMED Advocates
May 31, 2024

Why We Need More Programs for BIPOC-Disabled Professionals

"Saying they can't hire me because I have cerebral palsy really broke me because I can't change that about myself." - Lionel Migrino It's time to face the hard truth…
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A group of femme black backup dancers and a performer are dancing on the stage at the Coachella Music Festival. They are all wearing purple attire and striking fierce poses. The background is bathed in purple lighting, and a large black speaker is positioned at the front of the stage.NAMED Advocates
May 29, 2024

The Future of Live Events: Coachella’s Inclusive Accessible Plus Program

Welcome to the future of live events where the beats are sick, the vibes inclusive, and everyone's invited to the party! Coachella isn't just setting trends with its killer lineups…
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A vibrant orange graphic that features a Black disabled wheelchair user working on his laptop. The text reads Racism + Ableism, How can you fight it?NAMED Advocates
March 23, 2024

Racism + Ableism: How can you fight it?

In this eye-opening exploration, we define racism and ableism, shedding light on how these intersecting forms of discrimination impact individuals and communities.
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A group of diverse women sitting around a table in a meeting room.NAMED Advocates
March 14, 2024

Intersectional Realities: Unveiling Health Challenges Faced by Black Women with Disabilities

Black women in the United States face significant healthcare disparities. This can be attributed to implicit bias, limited access to quality healthcare, and systemic racism. Healthcare providers may be less…
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