My friend Valerie Brew-Parrish sent me the news that Bang Long Jr. passed away. Those of us who worked in the disability field in Illinois knew Bang. He was a disability activist who tirelessly attended protests and advocated for disability rights. He attended the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
That's Bang in the bottom left photo above. That's me holding the "No Buses" sign above.
I met Bang shortly after starting my first job after graduating from college. I worked as a Deaf Services Coordinator at the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living. We were in a meeting and being introduced to the CIL Board members. When the interpreter introduced Bang, she had to ask him to spell his name. Sure enough, it was B-A-N-G L-O-N-G.
I didn't bat an eye. After all, I was engaged to marry a Putz.
Articles and blog posts:
Advocate for Disabled Dies
Bang Long--Gentle, Tough, Inclusive
Celebrating Bang
Remembering Bang Long
