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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 person typing on a laptop with the words press release.NAMED Advocates
December 10, 2025

NAMED Advocates Announces Official 501(c)(3) Status, Marking a Major Milestone for Black and Brown Disabled Leadership

NAMED Advocates is proud to announce that the organization has officially been recognized as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit. This milestone affirms what the community has long known to be true:…
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An image pf scientific things and lettersNAMED Advocates
December 8, 2025

Rethinking Language in Science

In 2024, The NAMED Advocates received a grant to launch Rethinking Language in Science, a multi-year project designed to critically examine how scientific and biomedical language shapes the lives of…
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A graphic with the panelists on itNAMED Advocates
December 8, 2025

Ableism & Democracy Speaker Series

When a few are gathered, power shows up. Out of that gathering, we created a space to center the brilliance, the struggle, and the leadership of Black Disabled people —…
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An image of a person handing another a can of food,NAMED Advocates
November 24, 2025

Hunger Is a Policy Choice: Food Insecurity and the Cost of SNAP Cuts on Disabled Communities

Food insecurity isn’t just about an empty pantry. It’s about systemic inequities that limit access to nutrition, safety, and dignity. Across the United States, millions of people are facing growing…
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A picture of disabled workers.NAMED Advocates
October 30, 2025

National Disability Employment Awareness Month: Advancing Economic Justice

  Every October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) reminds us of the progress made—and the inequities that remain—for disabled people in the workforce. This year’s observance is not just…
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Four squares showing workers and moneyNAMED Advocates
September 26, 2025

Economic Justice Is Disability Justice for Black and Brown Disabled Communities

Economic injustice and disability are deeply intertwined. Yet the way our society often talks about equity separates them into distinct issues. The reality is that systemic racism and ableism converge…
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A black and white image with for pictures of protests.NAMED Advocates
August 27, 2025

Black August: Honoring Our Freedom Fighters, Defending Our Future

Black August began in the California prison system in the 1970s as a month of reflection, study, and action to honor the lives of Black freedom fighters—many of them incarcerated…
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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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