Equitable community

We live in a time when brave voices continue to fight for justice, equity and access. As the world changes we must continue to evolve. Gone are the days of a one-size-fits-all society. An equitable and just community can become a tangible outcome if we all work together. It is the brazen speakers, innovative artists, passionate organizers and many more championing change not just across the country, but also here in Hampton Roads.

When we think about inclusivity and diversity, oftentimes people with disabilities and those who are neurodivergent tend to be an afterthought. Locally, Virginia Organizing and several community members are helping Hampton Roads make equitable strides by amplifying the voices and needs of that community. Just last year they raised awareness about issues people faced with Hampton Roads Transit’s paratransit. People complained the system was unreliable and that people were stranded for hours at a time. Their demonstrations helped the organization make necessary changes to ensure the safety of passengers.

Virginia Organizing is now advocating for more officers to be trained on how to engage with people with disabilities and also for the city of Norfolk to hire a disability liaison. Right now in Virginia Beach the city established the Mayor’s Committee for Persons With Disabilities. Some of the goals include community education, employment, legislation, accessibility and more. When we have more people being represented in such spaces of power advocating for themselves and others, we can start to dismantle barriers meant for exclusion.

— Cierra Lewis, Norfolk