I’m excited to share that my New York City tourism article is out, and it explores the city through the lens I care about deeply: family, culture, and disability.
I reconnected with my family’s past, visited Washington Square Park and my mom’s old neighborhood in SoHo, all while navigating MTA, and the city’s accessibility features. I discovered that Langston Hughes’ ashes are at the Schomburg Center and revisited my roots at the Frederick Douglass statue. There was also a surprise appearance by Mary J. Blige in Harlem!
Click to read the 6 minute article and please share widely!
Zaakirah standing tall at Washington Square Park in NYC looking off camera with people, buildings in the background and pigeons flying behind
In Other Accessible News:
It’s Low Vision Awareness Month. This week for Super Bowl festivities, while the energy has been electric (from downtown events to fan experiences around San Jose, Santa Clara, and San Francisco), I’ve also noticed how many spaces — especially party venues and evening activations — are poorly lit or unevenly illuminated, which can make navigating them difficult. Low vision is not one-size-fits-all—and accessibility isn’t optional. This is why well lit spaces are important and how much intentional accessibility still matters in real world public celebrations.
The Grammys wrapped up with Matthew Whitaker, a 24 year old born blind musician from New Jersey winning his first Grammy! Look out Stevie Wonder! There’s a new protege making waves!
This Sunday, during the Super Bowl halftime show, Celimar Rivera Cosme, a Deaf Puerto Rican sign language interpreter, will make history by interpreting the performance using Puerto Rican Sign Language (LSPR). This is the first time the Super Bowl halftime has included LSPR. Catch it if you can!
✨ 100 Years of Black History Month
This February marks the 100th anniversary of Black History Month — a century since Dr. Carter G. Woodson first proposed Negro History Week in 1926. Over time, that week expanded into a short but month-long commitment to honor Black contributions, brilliance, and resistance in this country and beyond. As a descendant of Frederick Douglass’ half brother, I am proud of my cousin who is hosting the 208th birthday celebration of Frederick Douglass in Easton, Maryland on February 14, honoring a legacy of Black abolitionist thought, self-determination, and radical truth-telling that still shapes how we understand freedom today.
Thank you for reading. Until Next Time!
I am Zaakirah (zaa-key-ra) Muhammad, a deafblind retinoblastoma cancer survivor, creative tech-savvy entrepreneur and TEDx speaker, with over a decade of experience in photography and digital communications. As a brand cultivating strategist, author, and podcaster, I empower you to step outside of your comfort zone, understand your purpose, and show you how to powerfully tell your story through digital marketing. As your brand therapist, I uncover your blind spots showcasing your superpower.
About Accessible by Design How All Creators Can Build Inclusive, Empathetic Travel Content in the main stage on May 30th!
Travel has the power to transform how we see ourselves and connect with others—but not all creators or audiences experience the world the same way. I will share what’s too often overlooked in travel media and the simple, practical shifts that make videos, photos, storytelling, and platforms more accessible to disabled, neurodivergent, and visually impaired audiences, broadening content’s reach and impact. I used to live in Chattanooga and my dad is from a small town an hour away!
You will want to stay for the networking, hands-on workshops, and community-led conversations! The code must be entered at the top of the popup window BEFORE selecting the ticket.
