To Be a Problem: A Black Woman’s Survival in the Racist Disability Rights Movement

In this new work (BISAC’ed as Biography & Autobiography / Social Activists, but perhaps more accurately described as a call to action), activist and scholar Baldwin critiques the disability rights movement. She describes being labeled a troublemaker in disability rights circles and demonstrates that she’s not afraid to point out the racism, disability policy inequities, and other injustices she’s experienced. She argues that disability rights organizations mostly center the needs and experiences of white people and do not effectively address the needs of people of color. This situation is perpetuated, she attests, by people whom she believes have a strong interest in preserving the status quo. She asserts that includes some of the nondisabled, upper-middle-class white women in leadership positions within disability rights organizations. Her book holds funders—some reluctant to allocate funds to key areas—accountable too. This book includes definitions of key concepts as well as legislative and policymaking primers. Baldwin offers recommendations to address inequities, which include reworking the current structure so that disabled people of color who have lived experiences and will be directly impacted are included in the policy decision-making process.