
Pictured: Keith Jones on stage at the 2023 National APSE Conference
As we embark on another transformative year, it’s vital to celebrate the impactful voices shaping the disability community. Few resonate as powerfully as Keith Jones—a lifelong disability activist dedicated to dismantling systemic oppression and amplifying marginalized voices, particularly those of Black disabled individuals. Keith’s work spans advocacy, art, and music, creating ripples of change that extend far beyond his immediate community.
A Lifelong Commitment to Advocacy
Born with cerebral palsy, Keith Jones has never allowed his disability to define him. Instead, he has used his lived experience to fuel his fight against injustices in education, mental health, and the criminal justice system. These systemic barriers disproportionately affect Black disabled individuals, and Keith’s work seeks to dismantle them to pave the way for an equitable society.
Keith’s voice is both metaphorical and literal in his advocacy. As President and CEO of SoulTouchin’ Experiences LLC, he merges art and activism to inspire meaningful transformation. Whether spoken, written, or sung, Keith’s work amplifies the stories of those who are often ignored, ensuring that the disability community is heard in broader social justice movements.
Art and Activism Intertwined
Keith’s creativity shines through his work as a poet and musician. He co-founded Krip Hop Nation, a global collective of disabled artists who use music and performance as vehicles for equality. Through concerts and workshops, Krip Hop Nation brings attention to the intersections of race and disability while providing a platform for disabled artists to showcase their talents.
One of Krip Hop Nation’s most notable achievements was its involvement in the Netflix documentary Rising Phoenix, which explores the history of the Paralympic Games. Keith’s contributions as a lyricist and performer earned him widespread recognition, culminating in a 2021 Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Music Direction. The documentary’s title track, featuring Keith’s powerful vocals, has inspired millions worldwide.
Breaking Barriers Through Creativity
Keith’s work exemplifies the transformative power of combining art with activism. By spotlighting the intersections of disability, race, and creativity, he challenges ableism and shifts cultural narratives. His efforts remind us that true inclusion requires recognizing the totality of a person’s intersecting identities, breaking down silos that separate race, disability, and other aspects of identity.
Advancing Disability Justice
The foundational principle of the disability rights movement—“Nothing about us without us”—resonates deeply in Keith’s work. He recognizes that ableism persists as a barrier within broader social justice movements, where the voices of disabled individuals are too often sidelined. As Keith has shared, the fight for justice must reconcile the multiplicity of identities, recognizing that disability intersects with race, gender, and class in ways that cannot be ignored.
Keith’s advocacy reflects the principles of disability justice, a framework developed by queer disabled activists to center those at the intersections of oppression. This approach emphasizes community, intersectionality, and leadership by those most affected by injustice.

Pictured: Keith Jones, Disability Activist
Looking Ahead
Keith Jones’s story reminds us of the enduring power of resilience, creativity, and community. His work is a call to action: to ensure that all voices, especially those of Black disabled individuals, are included in the fight for equity. As we navigate the challenges and opportunities of a new year, let us honor the achievements of leaders like Keith by committing to intersectional inclusion in our own communities.
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