They’re bringing awareness to the importance of inclusivity!
American Masters on PBS released an inspiring new docu-series, Renegades, last month in honor of National Disability Awareness Month. The series spotlights little-known historical figures who were trailblazers in challenging ableism and raising awareness about the need for inclusivity across the board. Renegades is hosted by award-winning musician and disability culture champion Lachi, who helps profile five individuals on the disability spectrum who completely changed the course of U.S. history. Developed by disabled filmmakers, the series aims to represent the 1 in 4 adult Americans with disabilities and contribute to a larger conversation around disability justice in the United States.
“Renegades is actively contributing to the disability justice movement by putting out stories of extraordinary people with disabilities that have contributed to society in various ways and humanizing them in such a way that all people that watch can walk away relating to something they saw,” producer Marsha Hallager told Because Of Them We Can.
Renegades is broken down into five 12-minute short films, each with remarkable stories that resonate with audiences worldwide. These stories are not just about the challenges these individuals faced but also about their resilience and courage. From Black Panther Party member Brad Lomax, who spearheaded peaceful protests in San Francisco during the ‘70s, to the heartwarming story of Blind Tom Wiggins, a Black enslaved child musician who has been compared to Mozart. Wiggins composed his first piece when he was just five years old and was a musical forefather whose contributions laid the foundation for the creation of jazz and rock & roll.
“In today’s conversations about race, disability, and equity, Thomas Wiggins’ life resonates as a powerful example of both the struggles and the triumphs experienced by marginalized individuals. Ultimately, Wiggins’ story is a celebration of his musical genius…his enduring legacy, and the power of the human spirit,” explained Hallager.
View this post on Instagramadvertisement
Another influential figure profiled in the series is Celestine Tate Harrington, a woman with quadriplegia who was renowned for playing the keyboard with her tongue. Despite Tate Harrington’s otherworldly abilities, she was not immune from the systemic oppression encountered by those with disabilities. Renegades explores Tate Harrington’s remarkable story and her fight for parental rights after her child was taken away from her. Hallager said it was important to highlight how common parental disability is in the termination of parental rights and how Tate Harrington fought against that. She said it was important to humanize both Tate Harrington and Wiggins’ stories by folding their challenges around their triumphs and including anecdotes from family members.
“Countless people (with and without disabilities) have thanked me for being a part of such a monumental project, as it has helped them see life from a different lens and perspective…Tate Harrington’s music was more than just her livelihood; it was a form of resistance against the constraints imposed on her by society. Her performances represented her fight for autonomy, visibility, and respect,” said Hallager. “After having her child taken away from her, she refused to receive public assistance….Harrington’s story is a deeply emotional and human story that covers her struggles as a mother, her passion as a musician, and her courage in fighting systemic oppression.”
Renegades is a deep dive into the lives of those who have long existed in the margins—until now. For Hallager, who served as writer, director, and producer on the series, it was extremely important to show the intersectionality of disability justice and why inclusivity matters for us all. These stories represent the whole of humanity and significant contributions from everyday Americans who contributed significantly to a more just and equitable society.
“As a Black woman director/producer/writer, I am committed to telling Black stories and those from the disability community, and the stories of both Blind Tom Wiggins and Celestine Tate Harrington represent the intersection of both. The more we know and are educated on, the freer we can become in our ‘WHY!’” said Hallager.
Renegades by American Masters is currently streaming via the American Masters YouTube channel, PBS.org, and the PBS app.
Cover photo: American Masters on PBS Releases Inspiring New Docu-Series Spotlighting Historical Trailblazers With Disabilities/Image description: Black man in a motorized wheelchair holding a microphone, set against a cityscape with buildings and parked cars/Photo credit: PBS/American Masters/Renegades