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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.

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NAMED Blog

A beige background with the Disability Pride flag and speech bubbleNAMED Advocates
July 25, 2025

Disability Pride vs. Disability Rage: Holding Both at the 35-Year Mark

Disability Pride vs. Disability Rage: Holding Both at the 35-Year Mark When the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)¹ was signed into law in July of 1990, I had just turned…
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NAMED Advocates
June 19, 2025

Freedom Still Deferred: Honoring Juneteenth Through a Disability Justice Lens

On June 19, 1865—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation—enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas were finally informed of their freedom. Juneteenth marks this moment, a delayed liberation…
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Three Black and disabled folx (a non-binary person holding a cane, a non-binary person sitting in a power wheelchair, and a femme sitting in a chair) casually smile at the camera while a rainbow pride flag drapes on the wall behind them.NAMED Advocates
June 13, 2025

Queer and Disabled: Thriving at the Intersections of Pride and Disability Justice

Pride Month is a time of celebration and reflection for many in the LGBTQIA+ community. It’s a moment to honor the legacy of resistance, to remember the struggles that paved…
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An image with Keri Gray on a brown background as she goes “hmm.” The text says Say It or Switch It: The DEIA Language War & What’s at Stake?NAMED Advocates
May 27, 2025

Say It or Switch It? The DEIA Language War & What’s at Stake

Explore the growing backlash against DEIA and what’s really at stake in today’s diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility climate. This blog unpacks whether organizations should stand firm or adapt their…
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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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