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A Remarkable Advocate’s Journey Cut Short
Disability rights activist Stacey Park Milbern left an indelible mark on the world, championing justice and equality for disabled individuals. Her untimely passing in 2022 has left a void in the fight for disability rights. Let’s delve into her life, legacy, and the circumstances surrounding her tragic demise.
Early Life and Activism
Stacey Park Milbern was born in Seoul, South Korea, in 1987 with congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD). Her mixed-race heritage—her father being White American and her mother Korean—shaped her unique perspective. Growing up in a military family in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Stacey faced challenges due to her disability but remained resilient.
At just 16 years old, she stepped into disability rights leadership roles, advocating for change. She played a pivotal role in establishing North Carolina’s “Disability History and Awareness Month” and ensuring disability history education in schools. Her passion for justice led her to co-found the disability justice movement, uniting disabled queer women of color activists.
Bay Area: A New Chapter
Stacey moved to the San Francisco Bay Area, drawn by its accessibility and rich disability rights history. There, she continued her activism, becoming the director of programs at the Center for Independent Living, Berkeley. With Medicaid support for in-home care, she lived independently in Oakland, avoiding institutionalization.
The Tragic Turn of Events
In 2019, Stacey faced health challenges, including kidney cancer. Unfortunately, her surgery to remove the fast-growing tumor was postponed due to pandemic-related restrictions. Despite her nursing assistance, she succumbed to surgical complications on her 33rd birthday in 2022.
Legacy and Impact
Stacey’s legacy lives on through her advocacy, writings, and community work. She helped shape the Disability Justice movement, emphasizing intersectionality and empowerment. Her impact reverberates through the lives she touched, inspiring others to continue the fight for a more inclusive world.
Remembering Stacey
Stacey Park Milbern’s unwavering commitment to disability rights reminds us that our voices matter. As we honor her memory, let us carry forward her torch, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of justice and equality.
