Imani Barbarin encourages students to use their voice for change at CSUSB’s Social Justice Summit

Imani Barbarin, a prominent disability rights and inclusion activist, delivered the keynote address virtually at the annual Social Justice Summit. Through her voice and social media platforms, Barbarin sparks crucial conversations within the disability community.

CSUSB students had the opportunity to attend live watch parties of Barbarin’s keynote address at the San Bernardino and Palm Desert campuses, where they enjoyed a free lunch while listening to her powerful message.

Born with cerebral palsy, Barbarin offers a unique perspective as a disabled Black woman, sharing her experiences through writing and online content. She has also created numerous trending hashtags that highlight the experiences of disabled individuals and amplify their voices.

During her keynote, held on March 20, Barbarian discussed how social media can serve as a catalyst for activism, focusing on the importance of accessibility, inclusivity and digital advocacy.

“We get to use our own voices and often more accessible tools to reach a much wider audience,” said Barbarin.

One of her key pieces of advice for students was to “listen first” before jumping into advocacy. By understanding the conversations taking place, students can create content that resonates with the target audience.

“Observing what’s happening on each [social media] platform can be crucial to making content that people will respond to and follow,” said Barbarin.

Barbarin emphasized the importance of engaging people in meaningful conversations, rather than speaking at them. “How do we communicate to people in a way that they understand and identify with? Otherwise, they won’t pay attention,” she said.

Barbarin also stressed how interconnected we all are, noting that the struggles of one group affect us all. Reflecting on her own experience, Barbarin shared that she’s been fortunate to build a supportive online disability community.

“Advocacy is an incredibly important tool for so many different communities, not just the disability community,” said Barbarin. “Online spaces have provided so many people with a voice and a platform to tell the truth about what they are going through.”

After the keynote, students participated in a Q&A session where Barbarin addressed topics ranging from how to advocate for causes to overcoming self-doubt. The event, hosted by the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement, offered valuable insights into the intersection of social media and advocacy.