Honoring Activist Devva Kasnitz
by Susan Fitzmaurice
Devva was the epitome of “wonder woman.” She infused her pride in being exactly who she was into everything she did. An academic, she loved to create vivid imagery through words. She always had time to support novice learners and uplift seasoned researchers. Her dystonic body and voice unabashedly adorned bright-colored, flowing clothes as she taught disability studies in constant movement. She enjoyed spinning wool, singing in the Temple Beth El choir in Eureka, traveling to conferences while visiting friends, and performing mitzvot daily, if not hourly. Her life was a blessing to all who knew her.
Are you curious about disability history?
Wonder why people feel disability pride?
This series of events, honoring Devva Kasnitz,
will take you on a wondrous journey through time.
People of all ages are welcome- young activists
to current and retired academics.
Join: Devva’s Room, May 14, at 7 p.m. ET
Topics: Who Was Devva? and “Disposable Humanity” by the filmmakers
Registration Link.
Accommodations will be provided upon request. Contact ILoveYouLeadOn@gmail.com or call (248) 767-2217.
Transcripts and Recordings will be created. Information on Speakers can be found at Devva’s Room.
Who was Devva? will be a recap of remembrances shared at her shiva by the people closest to her in the disability community. Time be made available for others to share their memories.
Disposable Humanity is the long awaited film produced by Cameron S. Mitchell and David T. Mitchell. (Trailer) They will discuss how their documentary reveals how 300,00 disabled individuals were the initial victims of the Third Reich, paving the way for the atrocities that followed. Cameron began visiting the sites depicted as a child with his parents. Interviews and photos tell the story of the chilling legacy of the Nazi Aktion T4 program.
“…A compelling film that brings this devastating history home.” says Jim Lebrecht, Oscar-nominated director of Crip Camp. This film is “the most important disability documentary that I’ve ever seen” says Andrew Gurza, host of the Disability After Dark Podcast.
Susan Fitzmaurice is the Founder of the I love you, lead on Community. Find out more here. You can reach Susan at ILoveYouLeadOn@gmail.com, (248) 767-2217, 7873 Woodingham, W. Bloomfield, MI 48322.