Advocacy
My Experience at the 50501 Protest: A Call to Action (Milwaukee, WI)
Written by Kevin Meyers
I participated in the 50501 protest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on April 5, 2025. This protest was part of a nationwide movement with 50 protests in 50 states on the same day, all under the banner of “Hands off!” This political action organization was founded to challenge the policies and actions of the second Donald Trump administration in the United States.
The atmosphere was charged with passionate chants such as “Hey hey, ho ho, Trump and Musk have got to go!” and “No Trump, no KKK, no fascist USA!” As a blind individual, I am deeply concerned about the dismantling of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, the drastic reduction of DPI staff, and the potential halt of funding from an infrastructure bill, all of which will significantly impact individuals with disabilities. There are undoubtedly other drastic changes Trump has implemented through executive actions—actions he may not even have the authority to make—that will affect us all.
While I agree that the government needs reform, it must be done with careful consideration, not through radical, impulsive measures that could harm our free country. Is that really what you want? Do you want Trump and other conservatives to seize control of everything, stripping away your rights?
I attended the 50501 protests because I am genuinely fearful of the direction in which this country is heading. Expressing my voice through chants was empowering and inspired me to continue protesting and working to correct our nation’s course. The more people who speak out, the greater our chances of being heard. Regardless of color, nationality, sexual orientation, or disability, everyone deserves respect. A vision for a better future has been set in motion, and now is the time to act and make a difference in your life and the lives of others. Please join the movement to help stop Trump, Musk, and radical right conservatives from taking over our free country!
Paratransit Issues (Milwaukee, WI)
Several members of our Chamber are participating on the MKE county Same-Day Task Force (on-demand rides for the disabled ), the Transit Plus Advisory Committee (TPAC), and the Paratransit Complaint committee. All of these groups are designed to gather input from the disability community
concerning transportation. Advocates write letters, make calls, and show up at meeting/town halls to testify about the quality of service to the disabled These public/private partnerships have added a significant effort for better treatment to riders that need special help. They have been addressing the issues of tardiness, training, rudeness, and safety. Previously, local government agencies ignored the voices of the disabled riders, but no longer. Our chamber members and other advocates have been holding them accountable by documenting issues and presenting them to the proper authorities Recently, a push for better training for dealing with persons that have dual disabilities (such as blind and deaf) has been brought to light. They have made great progress, but there is still a long way to go. Transportation remains a critical barrier for the blind community.
Felicia Clayborne
Felicia Clayborne’s advocacy journey began in Milwaukee’s Public Schools, where she navigated multiple institutions while breaking barriers as a multi-disabled student. After attending Eagleburg and Auer Av. School, she spent a semester at the Wisconsin School for the Visually Handicapped (now Wisconsin School for the Blind/Visually Impaired) before returning to Milwaukee, where she graduated from O.W. Holmes School. At Golda Meir School, she made history as the first multi-disabled student to serve on the Student Council for two consecutive years. Her leadership continued at Solomon Juneau Senior High School, where she joined the Yearbook Committee and spearheaded the “Pennies for Puppies” fundraiser to support guide dogs, all while maintaining honor roll status with a 3.7 GPA. By the 1990s, she channeled these formative experiences into advocating for improved special education services within Milwaukee Public Schools, laying the groundwork for her lifelong commitment to disability rights.
Her early advocacy expanded into systemic change, including efforts to install accessible pedestrian signals (APS) near schools and public spaces, a campaign she began during her time on student councils. Her grassroots work evolved into broader initiatives, such as founding the Abilities Travel Club in April 2017 to empower disabled and seniors individuals through skill-building trips/outings and launching the Disability Cafe Podcast to increase voices in the disability community.
In 2022, she was appointed to the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (BPDD), she now focuses on legislative advocacy for transportation equity, healthcare access, and community safety, while mentoring others through organizations like the Wisconsin Disability Advocacy Team which she founded in 2019. Her journey from student council pioneer to statewide leader exemplifies how lived experience can drive meaningful policy and cultural shifts for disabled communities.
Felicia Clayborne
Founder, Owner, & President
Abilities Travel Club
abilitiestravelclub@gmail.com
Travel is a journey, not a destination