On Wednesday, March 27, people with disabilities and disability advocates joined in the Minnesota Capitol Rotunda for Disability Advocacy Day. The theme of this year’s rally was Disability Justice, a social movement focused on examining ableism and the challenges and injustices that people with disabilities still face.
The crowd, hosts Jules Edward and Nikki Villavicencio, and guest speakers, created an energized atmosphere of support and excitement in the rotunda.
Before the rally, attendees created posters with slogans like “PCAs Still Need More!” and “Disabled and Proud.”
Advocate Mao Yang opened the rally by reciting her poem, “I Will Love You in the Best Way I Know How.” Written for a class by Cow Tipping Press, she dedicated the poem to her nieces and nephews. In it, Mao reminds them that, although it may look different, her love is just as strong as anyone else’s.
You can read the poem below.
During the rally, speakers called on the crowd to support disability-related legislation. Representative Brion Curran spoke about some of the bills they were supporting this session, and Representative Kelly Moller went over some of her previous legislation and how it improved the lives of people with disabilities. During the rally, the hosts shared the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MNCCD) legislative agenda and encouraged attendees to show their support.
Following the rally, several participants met with their legislators. We are sure these legislators will take what they learned from these meetings and carry it with them into the rest of session.
MCD is thrilled to have participated in Disability Advocacy Day 2024. We can’t wait to see you next year! You can watch a replay of the live stream on YouTube (video).
Visit our Facebook page to view more photos from the event.
"I Will Love You in the Best Way I Know How"
A poem by Mao Vang. Originally published by Cow Tipping Press.
I may not be able to take you shopping or change your diapers
or take you on playdates, like most other aunties could
I can’t crawl around on the floor or always buy you Christmas gifts
But I will love you the best way I know how
But, I will be here for you with any advice that you need
I will be there for with a shoulder for you to cry on and a listening ear
To get you through your first heartbreak – I will be there
To interrogate your future husband – I will be there
For all of your graduations and your wedding day
I will be there for all of your children’s births
I may not be able to show my love like other aunties could
But, I will love you the best way that I know how
