Celebrating Culture, Craft, and Community: Black History Month at Shared Wellness

At Shared Wellness, we believe that culture and crafts are powerful tools for connection. They allow us to learn, create, and strengthen our sense of community. In February, we honored Black History Month by celebrating the legacy of influential Black leaders in the disability rights movement—individuals whose impact continues to shape the world today.

One such leader was Jonnie Lacy, a prominent Black disability rights advocate who dedicated her life to advancing the independent living movement. Her activism shined a light on the intersection of race and disability, challenging both ableism within the Black community and racism within the predominantly white disability rights movement. As a co-founder of the Berkeley Center for Independent Living and a member of the California State Attorney General’s Commission for Disabilities, Lacy played a vital role in pushing for accessibility, equity, and representation.

Our Black History Month celebration was a resounding success, drawing our largest attendance to date! A highlight of the event was our MLK Jr. Hands craft activity, where participants came together to reflect on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s message of unity and justice. Through hands-on creativity, we honored his vision and continued the conversation about inclusion for all.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating Black history, culture, and resilience. Let’s carry this spirit forward as we continue to learn, create, and connect throughout the year!