Vigil with "Mother of Disability Rights" Judy Heumann & Recording Artist Lachi
Reimagine has been hosting candlelight vigils throughout the pandemic in order to break down taboos and hold space for all that we've lost. Disability rights advocates Judy Heumann and Lachi will share stories of growth and transformation in the face of adversity, grief, and struggle.
Judith E. Heumann
Judy Heumann is a lifelong advocate for the rights of disabled people. She has been instrumental in the development and implementation of legislation, such as Section 504, the Individuals with Education Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Her recently published memoir, co-authored by Kristen Joiner, is “Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist.” She is also featured in the Oscar-nominated documentary, Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution, directed by James LeBrecht and Nicole Newnham. Judy produces a podcast called The Heumann Perspective, which features a variety of members from the disability community.
Judy serves on a number of non-profit boards, including the American Association of People with Disabilities, the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, Humanity and Inclusion, Human Rights Watch, United States International Council on Disability, and Save the Children. She has 20 years of non-profit experience working with various disability organizations, including being a founding member of the a founding member of the Berkeley Center for Independent Living. Prior to starting the Judith Heumann LLC, she served in the Clinton Administration and Obama administrations.
Lachi
Lachi is an award winning recording artist and prolific EDM vocalist and producer whose works have debuted on national Dance charts and editorial lists, amassing millions of streams, and finding placements on TV, Radio and Feature film. Being legally blind, Lachi advocates for Disability Culture, inclusion and accessibility in the music and entertainment industries.
From hosting a PBS' American Masters segment to performing empowering live sets at the Kennedy and Lincoln Centers, to appearing in national ads promoting accessibility and intersectionality to voicing the Audio Description on Netflix’s Kanye West documentary, Lachi uses her creative talents to amplify intersectionality and disability culture.
A leader in disability inclusion, Lachi is Founder and President of RAMPD, a coalition of established Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities who serve to advocate in the music industry. RAMPD has found national recognition for and coverage in Billboard, NYTimes, Hollywood Reporter and Variety for bringing in this cultural movement at such a highly visible level. Lachi also splits her time serving on the GRAMMY Board as New York Chapter Governor and advising on the National Independent Venue Association and Songwriters of North America DEI Committees. Outside of this, Lachi consults and collaborates with major music firms, production houses, and non-profits--including the White House, United Nations, Adweek, The National Endowment of the Arts–to promote inclusion in the intersectioned space.
Named a “dedicated foot soldier for disability pride” by Forbes, Lachi has also been featured in Essence, BBC, Yahoo Life, and American Songwriter among others for her work bringing Disability Culture into mainstream discussion, and for her brand of fashionable, upbeat and unapologetic disability pride.
Image Description:
A headshot of Judy Heumann, a white woman with short hair who uses a wheelchair. She is wearing glasses and earrings.
A headshot of Lachi, a Black woman with long braids, necklace, bracelet, and earrings.
About Reimagine
Reimagine hosts community-driven experiences that bring creativity, connection, and essential conversation to face adversity, loss, and mortality, and channel the hard parts of life into meaningful action and growth. Reimagine envisions a world where we can embrace life fully—from this moment through the end—and collectively contribute to a more just and compassionate society. Reimagine experiences encompass arts + entertainment, healthcare + social services, spirituality + religion, and Innovation + design.
