February 3rd, 2025
As we celebrate Black History Month, we shine a light on Dr. Joyce Ardell Jackson, a pioneer whose contributions intersect with both the realms of racial equity and disability advocacy.
In 1957, Dr. Jackson made history as the first Black woman to earn a medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Her groundbreaking achievement shattered barriers, inspiring generations to pursue paths previously thought inaccessible.
Dr. Jackson's work extended beyond breaking racial and gender barriers. She was deeply committed to advancing healthcare access for underserved communities, including individuals with disabilities, ensuring that everyone received compassionate and equitable care.
In April 1977, Jackson participated in a pivotal disability rights sit-in at the San Francisco regional offices of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW). Alongside approximately 150 demonstrators, she occupied the federal building for nearly a month, demanding the enforcement of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibited discrimination against individuals with disabilities in federally funded programs.
Her legacy reminds us of the importance of intersectionality — recognizing how race, gender, and ability intersect in the fight for equality and representation.
~Unique Care Community Services, Inc.
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