It is with heavy hearts that we at the Lead on Network mourn the passing of Bobby Coward. Perhaps mourn is not the right term, as we would rather celebrate him. And come to think of it neither is passing, as Bobby was not one to pass or to be passed by. He was always out, Always ready, Always up for the cause. He epitomized constant vigilance. When I first came to the District, Bobby was one for the first people in the disability community that I met and saw regularly – not just at disability functions or policy discussions but on the Metro, in the street, on his day to day. He always had time for me and the parade of young people that I brought with me, to say hello, get connected or just to see that there were people that looked like us in the disability community.
Bobby had been in my thoughts most recently in the wake of the events in Ferguson. When thinking about what we should do or how the disability community should act, I knew that at some point I would have the chance of seeing someone (perhaps even myself) on the business end of Bobby’s trademark eyebrow raise, and that ever pressing question of “Well, what ARE we going to do about it?” I had looked forward to talking with him about the intersectional work that was taking place – driven by young disabled people of color – as well as hearing his opinions on how to be a better bridge between the Black and disability communities.
There will be other allies to help share the work. There are other experts that can complete the task, but there will not be another Bobby Coward. We will miss you Sir - Lead On.
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