On April 29, 2025, I attended RENEW 2025: LA Cultural Forum, focused on disability, culture, accessibility, and community futures.

The day felt like both a reunion and a reminder of what’s possible when disability communities lead conversations shaping policy, culture, and public life. These gatherings create momentum for change that carries into future actions.

One message that stayed with me came from disability advocate and artist Coco Atama, also known as Blind Thrasher:

“When you are at your lowest, look at what broke you down. Weather the storm. You are not less than.”

The reflection stayed with me because it spoke to resilience, perspective, and the power of communities to reframe narratives.

The forum discussed accessibility and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Inclusion demands investment, accountability, and community voice, not just visibility.