Hey y’all, it’s ya girl!  I’m Vilissa Thompson, a woman who wears many hats & goes by many titles.  If you’re new here, I’m a:  macro social worker, writer, speaker, consultant, and Founder of Ramp Your Voice!  I’m also a visionary, creative, and currently establishing the second act of my career with new and exciting projects. 

Thank you for reading and subscribing!  This newsletter is for YOU - those who may be new to me and those who are “long time listener, first time reader. This newsletter gives you a bird’s eye view of who I am, what I’m getting into, and what I’m working on.

What Disability Pride Means to Me & Making It My Own

July is ADA month / Disability Pride Month, and I’m reflecting on what that means to me.  

Disability Pride means that I have learned to love my body, in a world that sees my body as deficit and not possessing beauty.

Disability Pride is knowing that I matter, in a world that would rather me shut up and disappear.

Disability Pride is understanding that my Black disabled ancestors have always found a way to express joy, love, and community, even when their mere existence were dismissed and challenged.

Having pride as a disabled person seems oxymoronic to non-disabled people.  Many couldn’t fathom being prideful about being “different” and not “normal."  What they fail to realize is - the idea of “normal” is an oppressive construct, used by mankind to ostracize those who cannot conform or refuse to.  There’s no reason for anyone to be ashamed of being disabled, especially since it’s an element of the human reality that anyone can experience.  

I love this disabled life and body that I am fortunate to be the keeper of.  I wouldn’t want to be anything less.  In the next life, I can be disabled and Black again (just make me fully queer, not as poor, and reunite me with my Grandma - only small asks).  

Learning about disability history, ableism, and meeting fellow disabled people who are a part of my world have propelled my understanding of this identity more than I could ever express in words.  It truly transformed how I viewed the experiences I’ve had, as well as pushed me to be vocal about the disparities in society without hesitation.  Being connected to knowledge and community have reshaped how I live this life, and feel fully blessed to be disabled.  I do see my disability as a blessing because it has forced me to interrogate the norms of society so much, to the point where I’m not afraid of being the odd ball who bucks against them.  

Disability pride, for me, encompasses so much that has changed my life for the better.  I’m grateful to know that there’s nothing shameful about being disabled, and to find the beauty within this particular human conditioning.  

For this Disability Pride Month, I’m celebrating the steadfast shedding of society’s views about disability and disabled people, and embracing the unique, boldness, and magnificent truths we hold as persons of such bodyminds.    

Making Time For Those That TRULY Know Me

This month, I got to spend time with a friend that I haven’t seen in a few months.  Life was busy for the both of us, but we got to catch up right before their birthday.

We had a blast, as usual.  Being this age, it has been wonderful to see the growth of my friends, as they embark on new life adventures that I get to be a witness of.

With this friend, we’ve known each other since sophomore year in college, now over 20 years.  The laughs, tears, and WTF moments are deep.  LOL.  However, this is one of the friendships that I have that I truly treasure with my heart.  Long friendships are a blessing, especially with those who have your back and you got theirs. 

This summer, make time to catch up with the people who TRULY know you almost better than you know yourself.  Being in community with people means making both time and space for their presence.  And in the times we’re living in, we all need the good energy of those who care about us deeply.  

It’s the Most Wonderful Time Of the Year - Back to School Season

Is anyone surprised that a planner girl would love back to school season?  If you are, then you haven’t been paying attention.  

I’ve loved back to school season since I got my first pink and green backpack for Kindergarten.  Now that I’m MANY years removed from my K-12 experience, I can enjoy this time of year leisurely as a stationery lover who gets geeked when the stores have all of the school supplies on display.

Have I partaken in the festivities of buying notebooks and perusing what new supplies there are?  You bet I have.  LOL.  There’s something so inspiring about seeing all of those supplies, and knowing how they’ll be used by both the kiddos and us adults who can’t help to snag a new pen or journal.  

Back to school season has a different feel for me as an adult, and I enjoy being on this side of things (to find fulfillment at my discretion).  

For the writers, crafters, and stationery lovers - find something in the school supplies aisles that you may want before the kids get to it!  :) 

Disability Pride Month - Do the Knowledge

For July, take some time to dive into the stories and realities that disabled people face.  From last month’s newsletter, I mentioned that it’s so critical for us to understand what’s at stake when it comes to the protections and freedoms of disabled people in this country.  Make space to learn, and figure out how you can be a part of the work.

This month, I’ve been fortunate to have the news outlet Rewire highlight on their socials the articles I’ve written for them.  The resharing is extra sweet for me, since this month marks 13 years of me doing this work!  Lucky 13 is what I’m calling it, and I’m owning that I get to continue forward with sharing the truth to those that need to hear it.

The following are the Rewire articles - do the knowledge! 

In Mercy’s Shadow: The Mercy Narrative in True Crime (Podcast)

The Overlooked History of Black Disabled People

I’m settling into Summer very nicely - got my routine in order, making a plan for work, having kickass meetings, and gearing up for the birthday trip in September.  

Though summer is bringing goodness my way, my spirit is longing for Fall, my favorite season.  I’m ready to trade in sweating for sweats, drinking out my water bottle to drinking tea in my favorite mug.  

I’m going to give Summer her due, but do know - Fall is on my mind.