For many people of African heritage (in the UK) and those who are members of the Down syndrome community (globally), October is such a special month in our calendar. The first time I realised that World Down syndrome Awareness Month occurred, it was like discovering you get to have a birthday party for 31 days straight. Add to this the significance of October to the Black calendar in the UK, which is when Black History Month is celebrated; October brings so much significance to the Black Down syndrome community. It creates the perfect opportunity to celebrate the incredible intersection of these two groups.
Too often, the narratives of Black people with Down syndrome are left out of the mainstream conversation. This was the catalyst behind starting the Black Child Down syndrome project. October brings the opportunity to really shine a spotlight on the achievements, resilience, and the organisations working to create a more inclusive world.
The stories of Black individuals with Down syndrome who have defied expectations and broken barriers are not just inspiring; they are a vital part of both Black history and the Down syndrome advocacy movement.
Incredible Advocacy: DeOndra Dixon and Jamie Foxx
One of the most powerful examples of this is the relationship between actor and musician Jamie Foxx and his late sister, DeOndra Dixon. DeOndra was not just Jamie’s sister; she was an accomplished individual in her own right. As ambassador for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, she was an inspiring public speaker and a talented dancer. DeOndra’s life and legacy demonstrate the immense potential of people with Down syndrome when they are given opportunities to thrive. Her passing in 2020 was a profound loss, but her impact continues through the DeOndra Dixon Research Fund, which the family established to honour her and which focuses on research and support of the often neglected population of Black (African American) individuals with Down syndrome.
Special Olympians: From Nigeria to the World Stage
The world of sports provides another powerful platform for showcasing the abilities of people with Down syndrome. The Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria (DSFN) is a leading force in this area, helping to bridge the gap and combat discrimination. Through their work, Nigerian athletes with Down syndrome have been able to compete and excel on a global scale.
Solomon Omere, a basketball player, was part of the Nigerian team that won a silver medal at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in 2015. His journey is a testament to the power of support, dedication, and the work of communities and organisations like the DSFN. Similarly, Adedamola Roberts, a five-time Special Olympics gold medalist in swimming, has become a source of national pride, proving that people with Down syndrome are not just participants but are also champions.
Black Down syndrome in Literature
In a world where people with disability are often defined by their challenges, author Yvonne Jordine captures not only her own life story as a Black person with Down syndrome, but the power of self-advocacy in her recently published memoir, My Life Story. Jordine has taken a remarkable step to chronicle her life, highlighting her impressive achievements and offering powerful guidance on how to navigate difficult emotions and life challenges. Jordine faced “extreme circumstances”, yet despite the issues she faced as a person with Down syndrome, she did not limit her ambitions and, through writing this book, defies many of the stereotypes that often follow people with the condition.
Breaking Barriers in Film: Jeremiah Alexander Daniels
There are many individuals with Down syndrome who are doing amazing things. Another powerful example of this is the young actor Jeremiah Alexander Daniels. Daniels has been widely lauded for his breakout debut role as Mason in the critically acclaimed and award-winning movie Color Book. The film tells the story of a single Black father navigating the challenges of raising his son (Mason), who has Down syndrome, after the death of his wife.
In the movie, Daniels’ performance has been noted for its authenticity in the role of the character Mason. His role was nominated for a 2025 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Youth Performance in a Motion Picture, making him the first young man with Down syndrome to receive this recognition. Despite his newfound fame, Daniels continues to inspire others from the Down syndrome community, stating, “it wasn’t easy, it wasn’t hard. If I can do it, you can do it”, encouraging others to give things like acting a go.
The Intersection Debate: Black organisations leading the inclusion revolution
While there are many individuals making a difference, we also need to recognise the organisations founded to serve and support the Black Down syndrome community. The Black Down Syndrome Association (BDSA) in the US is one such example. Founded by two Black mothers with sons who have Down syndrome, the BDSA is a non-profit dedicated to creating a culturally competent and safe space for Black families. They work to address the unique inequalities that Black families face, ensuring they have access to the resources, support, and education they need to thrive.
In the UK, Panda’s Tree – Black Down Syndrome UK, is a community-led group that originally started with a small group of four mothers who wanted a safe space to support, educate, and grow their children with Down syndrome. It later grew to give a voice to the underrepresented Black Down syndrome community in the UK, supporting, educating and advocating for the UK’s Black Down syndrome community.
In West Africa, Simone’s Oasis Foundation in Nigeria and the Down syndrome Association of Ghana are trailblazing in their approach to educating and advising about Down syndrome. The latter is working to help individuals with the condition reach their fullest potential; whereas the former sets out to empower children with disabilities through creativity and inclusive education while promoting self-expression and community involvement.
There are also many Down syndrome organisations threaded throughout the Caribbean islands, such as the Grenadian Down Syndrome Association, The Barbados Down Syndrome Association and the Jamaican Down Syndrome Foundation all of whom work to provide early intervention, increased social awareness and advocate for the rights of individuals with Down syndrome and through education and social opportunities encourage all individuals with Down syndrome to reach their full potential.
Consider Intersection: Create Real Inclusion
The intersection of Black History Month (UK) and Down Syndrome Awareness Month reminds us that inclusion is not a single issue. It is a commitment to celebrating and uplifting all people, especially those whose voices have been marginalised. By highlighting the achievements of Black people with Down syndrome, from athletes and advocates to artists and leaders we can challenge outdated stereotypes and build a world where everyone is seen for their inherent worth and potential.
This month, let’s take a moment to learn, celebrate, and support the incredible Black individuals with Down syndrome who are inspiring to us all.
