ENCORE: DeKalb Disability Activist, Melissa Blake

Editor's Note: this segment originally aired October 2020.

Melissa Blake is a writer and disability activist, and if the name doesn’t sound familiar,  you might know her from a tweet that went viral last year. Melissa was born with a rare genetic bone and muscular disorder called Freeman-Sheldon Syndrome and when internet trolls told her to stop posting photos of herself online, Blake responded with more selfies and has spread positivity online. Her message has resonated with people. Her writing has been published in CNN, Cosmo and Glamour. She recently participated in a virtual runway show during New York Fashion week. 

The 21st spoke to her about her about ableism and her recent runway debut during New York Fashion Week. 

Guest:

Melissa Blake, writer, disability activist and DeKalb resident

Prepared for web by Zainab Qureshi

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