Q&A with Tamara Blackwell
Tamara Blackwell, Ms. Wheelchair America
Tamara Blackwell’s story has reached 13 thousand on TikTok, and she’s using her heightened platform to raise awareness for the many others who face the same challenges in a world that struggles to meet the bare minimum for those with disabilities. Blackwell was diagnosed with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy at the age of 27, and has been a wheelchair user since 2020. She was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Kansas in March 2024, and Ms. Wheelchair America in August 2024.
Q. What first inspired you to compete in the Ms. Wheelchair America pageant?
A. I was inspired during the Covid-19 pandemic. I jumped onto TikTok and began making videos, as I felt led by God to do more to share my faith and my world. That led me to advocate in that vein, and I quickly realized that there was a whole world of pageants for people with disabilities. I was inspired to run when I met the coordinator for Ms. Wheelchair Kansas, Carrie Greenwood, and it has been completely life changing.
Q. How has participating in Ms. Wheelchair America impacted your life, both personally and professionally?
A. Personally, even in the local competition, I met many women who resonate with the challenges of being a woman in a wheelchair. I’ve never had that community before — I’ve always been the “only.” There are many situations where I’ve been not only the disabled person, but the only black woman in a wheelchair. The competition allowed me to see how many people there are like me, and the instant connection that we formed was unforgettable. Professionally, I’ve found the crown and sash will get you places and open doors that you would not have without it. My advocacy has skyrocketed, and getting to see how many people find my information and platform has been amazing.
Q. What is the main platform or cause you’re advocating for, and what message do you hope to convey from that platform?
A. My platform starts with the question that I have to ask constantly: “Am I going to fit?” I want to bring accessibility that doesn’t just check boxes but that is welcoming to all, everywhere from a high school auditorium to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. We live in a world that is not created for us, where we exist as an afterthought, and I want to change that.
Q. What do you think is the most common misconception about people with disabilities, and what is something that you want to do to change that narrative?
A. Many believe people with disabilities don’t want to enjoy life the same way that people without disabilities do. I attended a Chiefs game with my family, and I was only given one companion ticket, so members of my family were required to switch out sitting with me rather than all of us sitting together. This goes back to challenging public space planners to make the space enjoyable for everyone.
Q. What does your support system look like?
A. My parents live in Missouri but can lend support often, though my brother has also been diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. I’ve been married to my husband Jonathan Sr., for 22 years, and he is always telling me “You got this,” or “What do you need from me?” He honors his vows in all areas, and as I go through this, I know that we are in it together. We have three children, Jonathan Jr. (22), Ja-Lynn (19), who assists with my hair, makeup, and fashion, and Jeremiah (18), who just graduated high school and is a big help around the house and in getting me around. We also find a great deal of support in the church, especially in our pastor, Richard Scott, who passed recently. My husband is now the pastor and we’ve found a lot of joy in our new roles.
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