Blind Singer-Songwriter Lachi Makes Her Name By Raising Canes As An Activist

Lachi, a blind singer-songwriter based in New York, is making significant strides in the music industry and as a disability rights activist. Known for her unique approach to self-identification, Lachi describes herself in detail for the visually impaired audience, emphasizing her identity as a blind Black woman. As the co-founder and president of RAMPD, Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities, she is dedicated to promoting inclusivity and opening doors for disabled individuals in the recording industry. Lachi challenges the norm with her music and advocacy, primarily through her “Dis Education” anthem, which calls for a shift in the perception of disabilities.

Her journey is marked by her use of a “glam cane,” a symbol of her refusal to see her blindness as a negative aspect but instead as a distinctive part of her identity. Adorned with rhinestones and vibrant colors, this cane has become her trademark, receiving widespread acclaim.

Lachi’s activism is fueled by personal experiences and the influence of role models like her mother, Judy Heumann, and Stacey P. Milbern. She aims to be a role model, particularly for those hesitant to use mobility aids due to stigma. By glamorizing her cane, she hopes to empower others to embrace their disabilities with pride. Lachi’s work extends beyond her music; she is a voice for change in the disability community, advocating for acceptance and inclusion.

Source: Democrat & Chronicle
Image Source: Thealchemyst451, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons