Meet Tameka
Disability Justice Activist, Speaker, Independent Film Producer and Screenwriter
On July 2nd, 1985, at six months old, Tameka Citchen-Spruce was involved in a car accident that left them paralyzed from the mid-chest down. Growing up as a Black woman with a physical disability, she developed a passion for disability advocacy and media. They studied broadcast television and journalism at Oakland University and have over 15 years of experience in disability advocacy.
Combining these two worlds, she discovered the power of storytelling. Tameka has produced several films, including My Girl Story, Justifiable Homicide, and The Nightmare. Most recently, she contributed to the Webby and Telly award-winning PBS American Masters’ The Renegades: Blind Tom Wiggins episode and the digital series Divas in the City. Her mission is to advocate, educate, and create media that unapologetically centers Black, Brown, disabled women and girls in thought-provoking ways.
Work Has Appeared
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Speeches and Topics
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You Can't Erase Our Stories: History of African Americans with Disabilities
Combating Ableism and Racism in Healthcare 101
Creating Inclusive Workplace Culture: Disability Justice Approach
Testimonials
"Great presentation ( Ableism and Racism presentation) and I as a working nurse learned so much"
Nurse at Penn State Hospital
"I saw a film that made me feel seen"
Viewer of My Girl Story
My Girl Story is a great watch to understand the constant trauma Black women experience from a young age and how it can subsequently affect the outcome of our future. I highly recommend you check out this film by Tameka Citchen-Spruce
Respectability Film Review
Watch Her Most Recent Film
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PBS American Masters: The Renegades
"Thomas Wiggins: Composing the Future" tells the story of the African American composer and pianist known as one of the greatest musicians of the 19th century. Thomas Wiggins was blind from birth and likely autistic. Although born into slavery, he was the first African American to perform at the White House, and toured throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Billed as “Blind Tom, The Blind Negro Boy Pianist” he became the highest grossing, most ticketed act of his time
RENEGADES is a documentary series that showcases the lives and cultural contributions of little-known historical figures with disabilities. Explore the lives of Judy-Lynn del Rey, visionary sci-fi editor; Daniel K. Inouye, Hawai’i’s first representative; Celestine Tate Harrington, champion for parents’ rights; Thomas Wiggins, pianist prodigy; and Brad Lomax, disability rights advocate. Hosted by award-winning musician and disability rights advocate Lachi.
Living Unapologetically Media Projects
Tameka is producing alongside Juliet Romeo and leaders in the disability community on a thought-provoking upcoming feature length documentary, #AutisticOutLoud.
#AutisticOutLoud explores the untold history and current realities of being Black and Autistic in America, by featuring personal stories and firsthand accounts of the ongoing fight for equality and belonging from four individuals and families living on the spectrum.
Tameka is producing alongside Dr. Donna Walton, the founder of Divas With Project on a entertaining and engaging new digital series, Divas in the City
Divas in the City follows five African American women with physical disabilities taking their city by storm and striving to live their best life both professionally and personally.
Let’s Talk
To support Tameka's through Living Unapologetically Media work go to her artist page on the The Field's website, https://app.thefield.org/profile/Tameka-Citchen-Spruce/645469
To follow Tameka's work or book her fill out the contact form below.
Tameka Citchen-Spruce is a sponsored artist with The Performance Zone Inc (dba The Field), a not-for-profit, tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organization serving the performing arts community. Contributions to The Field earmarked for Tameka Citchen-Spruce are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. For more information about The Field, or for our national charities registration, contact: The Field, 225 West 34th St. Floor 9 New York, NY 10122, phone: 212-691-6969. A copy of our latest financial report may be obtained from The Field or from the Office of Attorney General, Charities Bureau, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271.