Inclusion Daily Express -- Advocates Mourn, Celebrate Life Of Harriet McBryde Johnson

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Advocates Mourn, Celebrate Life Of Harriet McBryde Johnson
By Dave Reynolds, Inclusion Daily Express
June 9, 2008

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA--A powerful, steady voice in the disability rights movement has been silenced.

Harriet McBryde Johnson died in her sleep in the early morning hours of June 3.

She was 50.

Johnson was a self-proclaimed "bedpan crip", author, and civil rights attorney who fought for the rights of people with disabilities and low incomes, and against what she called the "charity mentality" and "pity-based tactics" of the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Association Telethon.

In 2005, Johnson wrote in her book, "Too Late to Die Young", that the MDA Labor Day telethon sent the message that her neuromuscular disease would kill her, probably at a young age. The following year, she published "Accidents of Nature", a novel about a girl with cerebral palsy who had never known another person with a disability until she went to camp.

Among other things, Johnson was a member of the Board of Directors of Protection and Advocacy, and according to the Charleston Post and Courier, was active in local Democratic Party politics, and the National Lawyer's Guild.

Johnson appeared two years ago in a detailed interview on C-SPAN television, and just last month wrote a piece for BBC's disability website "Ouch!"

Family members have told reporters that the cause of her death had not been determined. A private service will be held later.

Disability rights advocate Laura Hershey is hosting a webpage to celebrate the life of Harriet McBryde Johnson. Readers are encouraged to visit and leave their own remembrances.

"Harriet's death leaves a big hole in the world, but her life had a profound and positive impact that will not end with her death," wrote Hershey. "Those of us who loved her are in pain, but we find comfort in the company of others whom Harriet touched."

Related:
"Harriet McBryde Johnson dies" (Post and Courier)
"Took on Jerry Lewis" (Chicago Tribune)
"13 Questions: Harriet Mcbride-Johnson" (BBC Ouch!)
Celebrating the life of Harriet McBryde Johnson

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