Key Podcast Moments

• Shawn Callaway introduces NOBBL’s inaugural Accessibility Symposium, scheduled for December 11, 2026, at Morehouse College in Atlanta.
• Shawn explains how attending the Celebration Bowl inspired him to bring greater visibility to blind Black people within HBCU culture.
• Audrey Lester shares how Howard University helped her navigate campus life and develop independence.
• Audrey reveals that she applied for 86 jobs and attended approximately 15 interviews before landing her first position as a licensed social worker.
• Shawn discusses the importance of including blind people in fraternities, sororities, Masonic organizations, and broader community conversations.
• The guests explain how the symposium will address accessibility in education, employment, and Greek life.
• Shawn outlines a weekend that includes networking, the symposium, the Celebration Bowl, and a farewell brunch.
• Lisa Bryant and David Goldstein explore how NFB chapters, affiliates, and individual supporters can help make the event successful.

Bringing Blind Black Leaders Into the Spotlight

When thousands of HBCU alumni, football fans, and members of Black Greek-letter organizations gather in Atlanta this December, another group plans to make its presence known. And they’ll be bringing their white canes. In Episode 161 of White Canes Connect, hosts Lisa Bryant and David Goldstein welcome Shawn Callaway, president of the National Federation of the Blind of the District of Columbia, and Audrey Lester, a clinical social worker and member of the NFB’s Greater Washington Chapter. They’re discussing the inaugural Accessibility Symposium organized by the National Organization of Blind Black Leaders (NOBBL), its HBCU Committee, and the Blind Greek and Masonic Group. The event takes place during Celebration Bowl weekend, December 10–13, 2026, bringing accessibility advocacy to one of the country’s biggest celebrations of historically Black colleges and universities.

Why Representation Matters

The idea began when Shawn attended the Celebration Bowl and noticed something missing: visible participation by blind and disabled people. That observation sparked an idea to bring blind Black leaders together during a weekend celebrating HBCU culture, achievement, and community. But Shawn’s motivation goes deeper. He recalls watching national conversations about racial justice unfold without meaningful representation from people with disabilities. He believes blind Black people deserve a place in those conversations, too. The symposium at Morehouse College will address accessibility in education, employment, and Greek life while introducing community leaders to the capabilities and contributions of blind people. It’s about more than raising awareness. It’s about making inclusion part of the conversation from the beginning.

From Howard University to a Successful Career

Audrey brings an especially personal perspective to the discussion. As a Howard University graduate, she remembers the support she received when first arriving on campus, including assistance navigating buildings, finding classrooms, and adjusting to college life. She also emphasizes the importance of knowing what accommodations you need and learning how to advocate for yourself. Her experience transitioning from college to employment was considerably more challenging. After completing her graduate degree in clinical social work and passing her licensing examination, Audrey applied for 86 jobs and attended approximately 15 interviews before receiving an offer. Some positions required driving, presenting additional barriers. Today, with extensive experience in social work and human services, she hopes to encourage other blind people preparing to enter the workforce.

A Weekend of Fellowship, Football, and Advocacy

The weekend promises much more than panel discussions. Activities begin with a Thursday welcome reception and networking opportunities, followed by Friday’s symposium at Morehouse College. On Saturday, attendees will head to the Cricket Celebration Bowl together, proudly wearing their HBCU apparel, fraternity and sorority colors, and carrying their white canes. A Sunday brunch will close the gathering. Shawn hopes the event will show the broader community that blind people are active participants in every part of society, while building lasting connections among attendees. Whether you’re an HBCU graduate, a member of a Greek-letter organization, an advocate for accessibility, or simply someone who believes everyone deserves a seat at the table, this episode offers an inspiring look at what happens when a community comes together.

Top 4 Takeaways

• 1. Representation Is More Than Simply Being PresentShawn believes that blind Black people should be visible and involved in the same educational, cultural, and social spaces as everyone else. Too often, conversations about the Black community leave out people who also live with disabilities. By bringing blind attendees to the symposium and Celebration Bowl, organizers hope to challenge assumptions and create opportunities for meaningful connections. The goal is not special treatment, but full participation and recognition.
• 2. Self-Advocacy Is a Skill That Can Change Your FutureAudrey credits her early education with teaching her how to understand and communicate her accessibility needs. Before attending Howard University, she already knew which tools and accommodations would help her succeed. That preparation allowed her to approach college with greater confidence and independence. She encourages prospective students to ask questions, understand the resources available, and speak up when something isn’t accessible.
• 3. The Road From College to Employment Requires PersistenceAudrey’s experience demonstrates that even well-qualified blind job candidates can encounter significant barriers. Despite having a graduate degree, professional experience, and the necessary credentials, she faced months of applications and interviews before receiving an offer. Certain job requirements, particularly those involving driving, made her search more complicated. Her message to other blind job seekers is to prepare thoroughly, recognize their professional value, and keep pursuing opportunities even when the process becomes discouraging.
• 4. Accessibility Is Everyone’s ResponsibilityThe symposium is designed to reach beyond the blindness community to include leaders from HBCUs, Greek-letter organizations, and other institutions. Shawn wants these leaders to understand how inaccessible practices can prevent talented blind people from participating and succeeding. The event also creates opportunities for networking, mentoring, and collaboration that can continue long after December. When organizations embrace accessibility, they don’t just remove barriers; they gain the talents and perspectives of people who might otherwise have been excluded.

Learn More and Get Involved

The NOBBL Accessibility Symposium takes place December 10–13, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia, with its main program at Morehouse College on Friday, December 11.

The symposium costs $30, Sunday’s brunch is $55, and the Thursday welcome reception is free. Celebration Bowl tickets are purchased separately. Organizers have also arranged a group hotel rate of $159 per night at Origin Atlanta, a Wyndham Hotel.

Visit blackleaders.nfb.org for registration information and deadlines.

Learn more about the National Organization of Blind Black Leaders, or contact the organizers at diversity@nfb.org.

Share Your Thoughts

Are you attending the Accessibility Symposium? Have you encountered challenges with inclusion in college, the workplace, or community organizations?

We want to hear your experiences!

Call White Canes Connect at 267-338-4495 and leave a message of up to three minutes, including your name and town. You can also email whitecanesconnect@gmail.com.

Visit WhiteCanesConnect.com for more conversations about blindness, advocacy, and living the lives we want.