by Jennifer M. Rodriguez
Honoring the history of a tight-knit community living, working, playing, learning and worshipping together, United Spinal Association joined “Harlem Day” on Sunday, August 21, amidst a large crowd of diverse businesses and food vendors. To the left of the United Spinal booth were women showcasing African garments and dolls; to the right was the St. Nicholas Family Life Support Network in Harlem.
Marie Bowman began to choke up as she expressed her appreciation for United Spinal Association attending this year’s “31st Annual Harlem Week.” As a resident of Harlem for over 16 years, Bowman said that until she ran into the United Spinal booth on 135th Street and Lenox Avenue, she never considered her rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Bowman has degenerative arthritis in her back and other medical ailments resulting from a stroke which has made her rely on a wheelchair.
“I was just so delighted to be out and to find you in the midst of all of these businesses that come out for this festival,” said 60-year-old Bowman. “I need to know that the people running for office are concerned with disability and senior citizen issues and that they are going to make sure businesses are following the ADA guidelines. My heart and my head are not challenged—my body is—and I am so impressed that United Spinal is bringing to light issues in the disability community that some people might not even be aware of.”
“This is a great day for the Harlem community, and I’m proud that United Spinal Association is a part of it,” said director of Education and Outreach, Marlene Perkins. “This event has not only allowed us to let the citizens of Harlem learn about what United Spinal does as a disability rights organization, but has given us an opportunity to continue to strengthen and enhance our connection with its citizens in a fun, family-friendly manner. I can’t think of a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon.”
Harlem Day started in 1975 as a day of encouragement for New Yorkers and, in particular, the Black and Latino citizens of Harlem. The Association has recently joined the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce (GHCC) in hopes of raising the level of awareness about issues impacting the disability community and the importance of adding disability issues to the Harlem community agenda.
United Spinal’s newly developed Cultural Diversity Task Force hopes to bring together agencies and organizations from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds to discuss issues and concerns of the disability community and to raise awareness that United Spinal can be a viable resource for people of all ethnic backgrounds with disabilities.
Jennifer M. Rodriguez is Public Affairs officer.
