Disabled Greats Take Center Stage In PBS American Masters' Renegades, Hosted By Acclaimed Musician And Activist Lachi


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Lachi, Host of PBS American Masters Renegades

Lachi & Cara Reedy behind-the-scenes on the set of PBS American Masters Renegades

PBS American Masters

Award-winning blind musician, disability rights advocate, and Founder of RAMPD, Lachi, will host PBS American Masters series Renegades, premiering this October.

Renegades is a crucial part of the cultural movement to reclaim and celebrate disability narratives in media and pop culture.” - LachiNEW YORK, NY, NY, UNITED STATES, September 19, 2024 /EINPresswire / -- This fall award-winning, blind musician and disability advocate Lachi hosts Renegades, a bold new PBS documentary series that spotlights the untold stories of disabled trailblazers.

Premiering as part of American Masters, this Emmy won succession will explore the lives and contributions of five lesser-known historical figures with disabilities, offering a powerful new narrative on their impact.

Directed by Day Al-Mohamed and produced by Amanda Upson, Charlotte Mangin, and Ryan Camarda, Renegades will come to life this October in honor of Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Renegades offers an authentic, vibrant portrayal of disability history, encouraging exploration of the societal and interpersonal values shared by both non-disabled and disabled people. Each episode showcases the remarkable lives of pioneers who reshaped American culture, bringing to light their untold memoirs buried in the shadows.

Featured figures include:

Daniel K. Inouye (1924-2012), a World War II veteran, amputee, and the country's highest-ranking Asian American political figure, who served as a U.S. Senator for nearly 50 years.

Celestine Tate Harrington (1955-1998), a quadriplegic street musician and advocate for parents with disabilities, whose journey inspired many.

Brad Lomax (1950-1984), a civil rights and disability rights advocate with multiple sclerosis, who played a pivotal role in the historic 504 sit-in of 1977.

Thomas Wiggins (1849-1908), a blind and autistic pianist and composer who was the first Black musician to perform at the White House.

Judy-Lynn Del Rey (1943-1986), a woman with dwarfism who revolutionized the world of science fiction and fantasy by editing and publishing the works of authors like Arthur C. Clarke, Isaac Asimov, and even George Lucas' Star Wars novels.

Piloted in 2021, Renegades previously featured Kitty O'Neil (1946-2018), a deaf race car driver and stuntwoman known in the 1970s as "the fastest woman in the world."

"Renegades is a crucial part of the cultural movement to reclaim and celebrate disability narratives in media and pop culture. The heroes and histories we uncover in this series have remained hidden for far too long and amplifying these stories to the masses, particularly from the perspective of a majority disabled crew, will change how audiences view the Disability identity. Most importantly, it will be the authentic representation that disabled people like me truly deserve, having rarely or never seen themselves reflected in the mainstream," shared host and narrator Lachi.

As a prominent figure within disability culture hailed a "new champion in advocacy" by Billboard and "a dedicated foot soldier for disability pride" by Forbes, she's held talks with the White House and the U.N. As the Founder and President of Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities (RAMPD ), Lachi's host role adds an undeniable spark to the series, offering viewers a compelling, fresh perspective on disability history. The combination of her music, advocacy, and celebrity platform demonstrate her unwavering commitment to championing the disabled community as an integral part of her daily mission.

With accessibility at its core, Renegades sets new standards in media representation. Each episode includes audio descriptions, open captions, and on-screen ASL interpretation to ensure inclusivity for all viewers, making everyone feel valued and respected for an equal entertainment experience.

Tune into PBS American Masters Renegades starting Oct. 1, 2024, on PBS, the PBS App, and the American Masters YouTube channel. Episodes air every Tuesday through Oct. 29.

For press inquiries or to schedule an interview with Lachi, please contact Jade Umbrella PR . Stay connected via social @LachiMusic and @PBSAmericanMasters.

About Lachi: Lachi is an award-winning recording artist, songwriter, and advocate for disability inclusion in the music and entertainment industry. Born blind, her experiences fuel her passionate work for equity and accessibility. A GRAMMY Board Governor, 'USA Today's 2024 Woman of the Year,' and 'Afrotech's Future 50 Changemaker,' Lachi is the Founder and President of RAMPD and hosts the YouTube series 'Off Beat – Going Blind & Staying Fabulous in NYC.' She has collaborated with Snoop Dogg, Styles P, DJ Maduk, and more, amassing millions of Spotify streams. Featured in major outlets like The New York Times, Vogue, and Good Morning America, Lachi is celebrated for championing intersectionality and disability pride through music, storytelling, and fashion.

Stacey Barker
Jade Umbrella. PR
+1 323-833-8358
email us here

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Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.