The Independent

Meeting the Moment for

Disability Justice

Real stories. Honest conversations. The disability rights movement
— past, present, and fighting forward.

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Poetics of Liberation & Krip-Hop Futures with Leroy F. Moore Jr., Founder of Krip-Hop Nation

Poet, cultural organizer, and founder of Krip-Hop Nation Leroy F. Moore Jr. joins Dr. Victor Pineda to talk poetry, Black disability arts, and the future of Krip-Hop.

In this episode of The Independent, produced by the Center for Independent Living (CIL), Leroy F. Moore Jr. — poet, writer, founder of Krip-Hop Nation, and co-founder of Sins Invalid — joins host Dr. Victor Pineda for a conversation on the intersections of race, disability, and art.

Leroy has spent decades building spaces where disabled artists, especially disabled Black and brown creators, are seen, heard, and centered in music and culture. In this conversation, he and Victor discuss:

How poetry and hip-hop became Leroy’s mediums for justice
Founding Krip-Hop Nation and its growth into a global movement for disabled musicians. Co-founding Sins Invalid and its impact on how we talk about disability, sexuality, and beauty

What real solidarity looks like across racial justice, disability justice, and the arts. What’s at stake right now for disabled artists in media and cultural institutions, and how to counter ableism in the industry
A practical resource listeners can use, and who Leroy wants to uplift

Our Mission

"Disability justice is about the right to live, thrive, and be heard — on our own terms."

— The Center for Independent Living, est. 1972

What Is The Independent?

The Independent: Meeting the Moment for Disability Justice is a podcast produced by the Center for Independent Living — the first independent living center in the country, founded in Berkeley, California in 1972.

Each episode brings together disability advocates, community members, policy experts, and allies to examine the issues that matter most: housing, healthcare, systemic change, and the ongoing fight for access for all.

We believe the disability community’s stories deserve a platform. This is that platform.

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Episode Archive
Every episode is available to watch on YouTube and listen to wherever you get your podcasts.

Being Heumann: Sian Heder on Judy Heumann’s Legacy & Disability Power | The Independent Ep. 8

Mayor Adena Ishii: Disability Justice & Local Leadership | The Independent Ep. 7

Jonathan Kaufman: Disability, Leadership & Accessibility Intelligence | The Independent Ep. 6

Vilissa Thompson: Race, Gender & Disability Justice | The Independent Ep. 5

Ed Roberts: An Independent Man — with Author Scot Danforth | The Independent Ep. 4

Keri Gray: Bridging Disability & Racial Justice | The Independent Ep. 3

Andy Imparato: Disability Rights, Policy & Power | The Independent Ep. 2

Rep. Lateefah Simon on Service, Leadership & Disability Justice | The Independent Ep. 1

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