Pictured: Jen White-Johnson alongside her son, Knox
At the intersection of art, education, and activism stands Jen White-Johnson, a neurodivergent Afro-Latina artist, designer, and educator. Through digital art and design, Jen challenges ableism and creates platforms for inclusion and representation. Living with Graves disease and ADHD, Jen draws from her personal experience to reimagine visual culture, centering neurodiversity and disability advocacy.
Her journey as an artist and activist deepened when her son, Knox, was diagnosed as autistic at age two. Confronted by the lack of representation for Black disabled children in media, Jen channeled her artistic talent and advocacy into creating KnoxRox, a powerful photo zine that celebrates Black autistic joy and challenges systemic ableism and racism.
The Origin of KnoxRox
KnoxRox was born out of a mother’s love and a fierce commitment to social justice. Jen sought to amplify the stories of children of color in the Black autistic community and provide a counter-narrative to the unjust stigmas often perpetuated by society and clinical practices. The zine is both a celebration and a call to action, fostering conversations about the intersection of race, disability, and inclusion.
Jen’s work has resonated globally, earning recognition from prestigious institutions such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Smithsonian. KnoxRox has become a rallying cry for visibility and equity, encouraging disabled and non-disabled families to embrace acceptance and engage in meaningful dialogue.
Art as a Catalyst for Change
Jen’s creative practice extends far beyond KnoxRox. From stickers and zines to high-impact digital campaigns, her art redefines ableist visual culture while fostering understanding and solidarity. A notable example is Jen’s design featuring a Black fist intertwined with the infinity symbol—a representation of the autism spectrum and neurodiversity. This symbol became a global emblem of protest and unity during the 2020 Black Lives Matter demonstrations, even appearing in The New York Times, Teen Vogue, and on Barack Obama’s social media platforms.
Her work has also been showcased at The Art of Disability Culture exhibition, the Palo Alto Art Center, and in major media outlets such as The Washington Post, AfroPunk, The New York Times, and Latina.com. Her design collaborations with Target, Nike, and Converse further highlight her impact on reshaping mainstream narratives about disability and neurodiversity.
A Legacy of Advocacy and Education
As an educator, Jen has dedicated over a decade to fostering accessibility and equity. She served as an Assistant Professor at Bowie State University and now teaches as a Guest Lecturer for the Design Justice Initiative at the University of Minnesota. Her expertise has reached corporate giants like Google, Target, Starbucks, and Apple, where she advocates for inclusive design and culture.
At the heart of Jen’s work is her deeply personal mission: to create a future where every child, including her son Knox, is valued and celebrated. Her art and advocacy center the experiences of Black disabled children, ensuring that they see themselves represented in a world that often overlooks them.
Redefining Justice Through Art
Jen White-Johnson exemplifies the power of art as a tool for justice and transformation. Her work not only challenges ableism but also inspires hope for a more inclusive and equitable future. By amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, Jen reminds us that diversity is a strength and that visibility is the first step toward systemic change.
Pictured: Jen White-Johnson, Disability Activist
Join the Movement
Jen White-Johnson’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, creativity, and community. By celebrating and supporting voices like hers, we move closer to a world where everyone is seen, heard, and valued. Let her work inspire you to take action in your own communities, championing inclusion and equity every step of the way. Together, we can build a future that uplifts every voice and embraces every story.
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