Last Updated on July 19, 2025 by Bertrand Clarke
On Saturday, July 19, 2025, the heart of Savannah will pulse with unity and resilience as local organizations host a dynamic event to honor Disability Pride Month while advocating for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This gathering, set to take place at Forsyth Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., promises an uplifting day filled with live music, free food, resource booths, and powerful discussions led by community leaders and elected officials. The event aims to spotlight the achievements of the disabled community, address challenges like recent Medicaid cuts, and champion the intersectionality of disability and DEI advocacy in a time of growing policy debates.
A Celebration Rooted in History
July marks Disability Pride Month, a time to commemorate the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990. The ADA, a landmark civil rights law, prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities, ensuring access to employment, public services, and accommodations. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 13.4% of Americans—over 44 million people—live with a disability, making events like this crucial for fostering inclusion and awareness.
In Savannah, this year’s event takes on added significance as it intertwines Disability Pride with broader DEI advocacy. Organizers, including the Savannah-based nonprofit American Pride, aim to create a platform where the disabled community, particularly those within marginalized groups like the LGBTQ+ community, can share their stories and achievements. “This is about celebrating who we are and what we’ve accomplished, while also addressing the systemic barriers we face,” said Kia Sims, Director of Civic Engagement at American Pride. “We’re here to uplift voices and build bridges.”
Addressing Medicaid Cuts and DEI Challenges
The event comes at a critical juncture, as recent policy changes have sparked concern among advocates. In 2025, Georgia’s Medicaid program faced significant budget reductions, with the state legislature approving a 3% cut to Medicaid funding, impacting approximately 1.6 million Georgians enrolled in the program, according to the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute. These cuts have disproportionately affected individuals with disabilities, who rely on Medicaid for essential services like home health aides, mobility devices, and mental health support.
Sims emphasized the need to address these cuts head-on. “Medicaid is a lifeline for so many in our community,” she said. “When funding is slashed, it’s not just numbers—it’s people’s ability to live independently and thrive.” The event will feature resource booths from organizations like the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Savannah Center for Independent Living, offering guidance on navigating healthcare changes and accessing support.
Additionally, the celebration will tackle the rollback of DEI initiatives across the nation. In 2024, several states, including Georgia, introduced legislation limiting DEI programs in public institutions, citing concerns about “divisive” frameworks. According to a 2025 report by the National Conference of State Legislatures, at least 12 states have enacted laws restricting DEI efforts, prompting backlash from advocates who argue these policies undermine inclusion for marginalized groups, including those with disabilities.
“We’re seeing attacks on DEI that ripple through our communities,” Sims noted. “For disabled individuals, especially those who are also part of the LGBTQ+ community, these policies can exacerbate exclusion. This event is our way of saying we won’t be silenced.”
A Day of Connection and Celebration
The event at Forsyth Park is designed to foster community engagement and joy. Attendees can expect a vibrant lineup of activities, including performances by local artists like the Savannah Jazz Band and spoken-word poet Maya Carter, who will share pieces on resilience and identity. Food trucks, sponsored by local businesses like The Grey and Leopold’s Ice Cream, will offer free meals, ensuring accessibility for all attendees. A kids’ zone with sensory-friendly activities will cater to families, reflecting the event’s commitment to inclusivity.
Elected officials, including Savannah Mayor Van Johnson and State Representative Anne Allen Westbrook, are slated to speak, focusing on policies to support disability rights and DEI. “Savannah is a city that prides itself on community,” Mayor Johnson said in a statement. “This event is a testament to our commitment to ensuring every resident feels seen and valued.”
Speakers from the disabled community will also take the stage, sharing personal stories of triumph. Among them is Marcus Thompson, a Savannah native and wheelchair user who founded Accessible Coastal Georgia, a nonprofit advocating for better infrastructure. “I want people to see that disability doesn’t define us—it’s part of who we are, but it’s not the whole story,” Thompson said. His organization recently secured a $200,000 grant from the Georgia Department of Transportation to improve sidewalk accessibility in Savannah’s historic district, a project set to begin in fall 2025.
Intersectionality in Focus
A key theme of the event is the intersection of disability with other identities, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. According to a 2023 Gallup poll, 19.7% of LGBTQ+ adults in the U.S. report having a disability, compared to 13.4% of the general population, highlighting the need for targeted advocacy. The event will feature a panel discussion titled “Intersectional Inclusion,” moderated by Dr. Lisa Hayes, a sociology professor at Savannah State University. Panelists will explore how race, gender, sexuality, and disability intersect to shape experiences of discrimination and resilience.
“We’re not just talking about disability in isolation,” Dr. Hayes said. “We’re addressing how systemic inequities compound challenges for those who live at the intersections of multiple marginalized identities. This conversation is long overdue.”
Community Engagement and Resources
Beyond celebration, the event aims to empower attendees with practical resources. Booths will provide information on legal rights under the ADA, mental health services, and vocational training programs. The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System will host a table to discuss inclusive education initiatives, following a 2024 mandate requiring all Georgia schools to develop accessibility plans by 2026.
Volunteers from the National Disability Rights Network will offer free consultations on navigating workplace accommodations, a pressing issue as 60% of disabled Americans report employment discrimination, per a 2025 Equal Employment Opportunity Commission report. Local businesses, including Savannah-based tech startup InclusiveWorks, will showcase adaptive technologies like voice-activated software and braille displays, aimed at enhancing workplace accessibility.
A Call to Action
As the event approaches, organizers are encouraging widespread participation. “This isn’t just an event—it’s a movement,” Sims said. “We want everyone to come out, learn, connect, and commit to making Savannah a more inclusive place.” The celebration aligns with broader national efforts, such as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, 2024, which adopted the theme “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future.”
For those unable to attend, American Pride is launching a virtual component, streaming select speeches and performances on their website. The organization is also collecting donations to fund advocacy efforts, with a goal of raising $10,000 by the end of July to support policy workshops and community outreach.
Looking Ahead
The Savannah Disability Pride and DEI Celebration reflects a growing movement to center marginalized voices in the fight for equity. As the nation grapples with policy shifts and cultural debates, events like this serve as a reminder of the power of community. “We’re not just celebrating today,” Thompson said. “We’re building a foundation for a future where everyone has a seat at the table.”
For more information, including a full schedule of events, visit the American Pride website or follow updates on X. The forecast for Saturday promises clear skies with a high of 92°F, perfect for an outdoor gathering that’s sure to leave a lasting impact on Savannah’s vibrant community.
