I don’t fit into boxes, tropes, or stereotypes—I am both THAT GIRL and One-of-One, accompanied by a powerful story.

I wanted to take a moment to properly introduce myself, and that’s what THIS page is.

While learning more about me and hearing my story, you may come to find me to be “deep”, “introspective”, “inspiring”, and “strong”.

All of these things I am… But one thing I want the world to see/understand, it’s that being “Black” + “Disabled” does NOT make a monolith.

Yes, I use my voice and my image as a way to trailblaze change, increasing visibility and inclusion for others.

But that doesn’t make me “perfect” or a place me in any particular category, in any way. Instead, it makes me “layered” or “complex”. Some would say it simply makes me “human”.

So yes, I do have scars — in fact, too many to count. But those scars don’t make me any “less” or “unworthy” of love, life, and pure enjoyment.

And I am proud and honored to walk in these shoes.
So please, I ask you don’t try to humble me, or remind me where I come from. I could nevery truly forget.

Having a disability doesn’t make me any less — it just adds to the kind, caring, beautiful, and inspiring woman that I already am.

Don’t try to stop me, or “sit me down”, .. I WILL push past you, and your opinions. I may even do the exact opposite, simply out of spite…

I have fought for the air in that is in my lungs; so you dont get tell me how to breathe it.

While my goal is to share my story of survival, changing the narrative, increasing visibility and awareness, and overall the acceptance of people with disabilities, I am still very MUCH 100% in my thriving era, living and enjoying my life, as I should be.

I am as much of love and light as I am fire and passion.

This is my life.
& I will forever live it unapologetically as me..

– XOXO Abena Christine Jon’el