Calling Up Justice is mourning the loss of our dear artistic partner and powerful advocate, Tinu Abayomi-Paul, who passed away on September 26, 2024. Tinu was a trailblazer in disability justice and mutual aid, and her passing leaves a deep void in our community. Our hearts are heavy with sadness, but we are also inspired to continue the important work she was so passionate about.
Tinu was a fierce disability rights activist, writer, and social justice advocate. As the founder of Everywhere Accessible, she dedicated her life to promoting accessibility and centering the voices of Black disabled women. Tinu’s vision for an inclusive world was clear, and her work constantly reminded us that access to the world is not universal. Her efforts were a call to action, urging both disabled and nondisabled communities to unite behind the fight for true accessibility.
In collaboration with Calling Up Justice, Tinu contributed to projects like The Call: WatchNight for Black Lives and the Online Million Mask March. These initiatives were designed to uplift marginalized voices, bring attention to social justice issues, and advocate for disability justice in ways that reflected her visionary thinking.
Tinu’s most recent contributions can be found in the book The Black Agenda: Bold Solutions for a Broken System, and she served on multiple advisory boards, using her platform to push for change in the healthcare and tech sectors. Whether through her role on the COVID-19 Patient Leadership Council or the National Pain’s Community Council, she consistently worked to create meaningful impact.
Our producer, Claudia Alick, shared Tinu’s final post from Everywhere Accessible with a live audience, reading aloud her great ideas and projects about producing disability justice. We are committed to keeping some of Tinu’s visionary work alive, continuing to honor her legacy by championing the causes she held dear.
In loving memory of Tinu Abayomi-Paul, we ask the community to rally in support of her family. Tinu fought for Black women, disabled people, and marginalized communities. Now, it’s our turn to give back. Please consider contributing to the fundraiser to help cover medical expenses, funeral costs, and other financial needs of her family. You can support this effort by sharing the fundraiser with the hashtag #ForTinu and advocating for public health policies that center the needs of those most impacted by COVID-19 and other systemic injustices.
As Tinu reminded us, “If you would wear a ribbon for a cancer patient, you should be wearing a mask for everyone.” Let us continue her work by pushing for policies that protect the most vulnerable among us.
Tinu, you will be missed, but your voice will continue to inspire and guide us. We honor your legacy by carrying forward the torch of accessibility, justice, and compassion. Rest in power.
For those wishing to support Tinu’s family, please visit the fundraiser: GoFundMe: Honoring Tinu’s Legacy.
#ForTinu
#DisabilityJustice
#EverywhereAccessible