Recent data from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that disability impacts one in four Black people in theUnited States which is higher than the ratio for their White, Hispanic, Native Hawaiian/Pacific islander, and Asian counterparts. Despite this, there is an alarmingly low rate of literature centering Blackness and disability. Very few books have been written by Black, disabled authors. It is for this reason that Alexis Toliver decided to pen “Everyday Black: Disability” (published by AuthorHouse).

This children’s book is an informative introduction to Black deaf/disabled people, as well as a heartfelt tribute to their lives and experiences. Using narratives of Black deaf/disabled characters, it introduces the young reader to various disabilities and relates stories of Black people with these disabilities. It promotes representation, inclusion and social awareness.

Everyday Black: Disability addresses the need for disability education and discourse for all communities, especially Black Communities. With the book, the author hopes to:

• Educate about disability
• Normalize disabled life and experiences
• Amplify Black disabled narratives
• Support Black disability culture
• Promote curiosity and appreciation of all life experiences
• Impact all lives