Introduction

My name is Tumi Sotire, though some people call me Tumz. I am a British- born Nigerian Christian who was diagnosed with Dyspraxia at the age of four. Now in my early 30s, I work as a research assistant in health economics. In the autumn of 2019, I started The Black Dyspraxic on Instagram. This decision was catalyzed after an event hosted by The Diverse Creative CIC, where I spoke about my experience as a Black man diagnosed with Dyspraxia.

I will always be thankful to my sister, Remi Ray, for giving me the space to speak publicly about Dyspraxia. Before this opportunity, I only talked about Dyspraxia in church. My nearest and dearest showed up for me at that event, and I truly came alive as I passionately shared my story. On the back of unanimously positive feedback, The Black Dyspraxic was born. Initially, The Black Dyspraxic started as an Instagram page with the following aims:

The Black Dyspraxic Aims

1. To raise awareness of Dyspraxia and other learning differences such as Autism, Dyslexia, and ADHD within the Black community globally. The word global is important. People with brains wired differently to conventional standards exist not only in the Western world but also in the Caribbean, Sub-Saharan Africa, and worldwide. They need just as much support as neuro minorities in the UK.

   
   

2. To advocate for individuals who are neurodivergent and have a skin color similar to mine. Intersectionality exists, and due to the social structures in place in our world, Black people with learning differences are disadvantaged compared to their Black counterparts and neurodivergent individuals who are white.

   
   

3. By focusing on learning differences, this page aims to challenge the stigmas associated with disability in the Black community.

   
   

4. Most importantly, this page aims to inspire and encourage Black people with learning differences. To remind them that with the proper support, despite the challenges they may face, there is nothing they can’t achieve.