BLACK HISTORY MONTH: 6 PEOPLE WITH AUTISM THAT INSPIRE
In honor of Black History Month, we have decided to look at influential black achievers across the world. Just as with many other inspiring people, it’s not always obvious that they have autism. This reminds us how important it is to see past the label and focus on the able. These motivating go-getters show the rest of the world that having autism can’t hold them back from pursuing their dreams. Get ready to be inspired!
John Howard
Nicknamed “Doomsday”, Howard is a mixed martial arts competitor who started as an electrician before pursuing his dream as a mixed martial arts fighter. The Boston native faced many challenges growing up, constantly getting into fights and growing up in a single-parent home.
After graduating high school, Howard pursued the electrical trade before picking up martial arts in his spare time. He eventually began training at a local gym before turning professional in 2004. He had an impressive career, wracking up 28 wins in 45 bouts.
Stephen Wiltshire
You may not recognize the name, but perhaps you have seen one of Stephen’s world-famous timelapse videos. Blessed with a photographic memory, Wiltshire can draw entire skylines based solely on memory.
He gained fame a decade ago after drawing New York City by memory after a quick 15-minute helicopter ride.
He’s also drawn Singapore and other cities after short trips around the city.
You can check out his YouTube channel where his drawings will make your jaw drop.
Tom Wiggins
Nicknamed Blind Tom, Wiggins was a former slave who turned into an incredible musician that traveled around the world, playing the piano to sold-out concerts around the globe.
Wiggins was able to perceive, remember, and produce sounds with incredible accuracy. Wiggins began playing the piano at a young age and the instrument helped him become famous.
Sir Elton John was inspired by Wiggins and composed a song in his honor.
Breanna Clark
Athlete Breanna Clark was diagnosed with autism at age four, but that didn’t slow her down. Breanna started competing in sports, mainly track and field, from a young age. Breanna’s mother, Rosalyn, is a former Olympic athlete. It runs in the family, literally.
Since becoming a professional athlete, Clark has competed at the Paralympic Games, World Championships, and Parapan American Games, helping the United States win the gold medal in the 4X400 relay each time.
Armani Williams
Armani Williams is the first-ever NASCAR drive to be openly diagnosed with autism. That hasn’t slowed him down as the young racer has been quickly rising in the ranks since 2017. Today, Williams drives the No. 1 and No. 12 cars, depending on the race.
You will often find Williams has painted his cars with a blue scheme with the blue autism puzzle piece prominently displayed. This is the perfect example of someone who is autistic and proud, helping crush the stigma associated with autism by showing the world that nothing can hold you back.
Kalin Bennett
Last year, Kalin Bennett made history as the first person with autism to receive a Division 1 scholarship to play basketball. In his first year at Kent State, Bennett played in 17 games and started in one.
The 6’11 big man is a sophomore, meaning he still has two more years left to shine on the court!
Conclusion
As you can see, many people around the world can inspire and achieve amazing things, regardless of skin color or diagnosis! By talking about important topics like Black History Month or See Past the Label, Focus on the Able, we can make the world a more accepting place.
Was there anyone we left off the list? Let us know!