The drivers of social change are varied and complex: social movements, protest, law, politics (formal and informal), and cultural shifts, to name a few. Within this mix are a few truly exceptional individuals whose outsized influence on social progress is of historic proportions. We know many of their names: Nelson Mandela, Sojourner Truth, Malala Yousafzai.
They would be the first to acknowledge that their profound contributions are part of this broader ecosystem of organizations and movements that change the world.
One of these was Judith Heumann, who died a few weeks ago at age 75, after a lifetime of making vast (and "badass") contributions to the civil rights and human rights movements worldwide. As quoted in this Guardian obituary, she was “the leading US disability rights advocate … fought for her own and others’ emancipation, and blazed a trail for fellow campaigners around the world”. Judy, like so many real changemakers, understood the power of sharing stories as a way to help us understand each other.If you don’t already know about Judy, run, don’t walk, and get your hands on the amazing documentary film, Crip Camp, A Disability Revolution. Although fortunately not hagiography, Judy’s role is central throughout this story, and we simultaneously see the powerful role that an exemplary individual can play as part of a rich tapestry of action and movement. And Judy’s role was indeed central. I was honored to meet Judy once, when I was working at the Ford Foundation, and alongside my friends and colleagues Noorain Khan and Marc Jayson Climaco. Rest in Power, Judy. You changed the world.