His Fight Helped Shut Down This Abusive Institution

person in an electric wheel chair
Briona Lamback
May 2, 2022

Roland Johnson was only twelve when his parents sent him to Pennhurst State School and Hospital. Johnson, who had an intellectual disability, was abused there for over a decade, and he witnessed some horrific things.

Johnson survived neglect, beatings, and sexual abuse, AND he watched as others were beaten or died from suicide. The institution was severely understaffed and overpopulated, so they even forced patients to do laundry, maintenance, and care for younger children!

When Johnson finally left, he did something incredibly powerful.

He used his strong oratory skills to advocate for Black disabled folks around the country who had been similarly institutionalized. His tireless work played a significant role in shutting down Pennhurst in 1987.

Today, 50% of people killed by police have a disability – and disabled Black people are disproportionately killed by police. As systemic racism would have it, Black disabled folks often get left out of the conversation, but we CAN’T afford to leave any of our people behind.

Black disabled people deserve to have a voice in our liberation. Like Johnson, we can never stop speaking the truth about our experiences! Whether successful or not, fighting to make sure none of our people have to experience the same things is worth the struggle.

We have a quick favor to ask:

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