Neurodivergence is a new term—but the conditions that make up this term are as old as civilization. Of course, scientifically we don't know the who, what, when of the first neurodivergent person—but thinking and processing differently isn't a "new thing." If it was, we wouldn't have progressed to where we are now.
For too long, people just thought something was wrong with them, when in fact, something was wrong with how mainstream society viewed and portrayed what was "normal." We celebrate different—and it should be celebrated. In this series, we look at black leaders who have identified as having a neurodivergent condition, in this article, specifically black role models with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).
There are too many to list here—but comment below on those who weren't featured here and share their accomplishments—and what that means for you. We also cover black leaders with Autism and other neurodivergent conditions.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Simone Biles
Simone Biles Owens is not just any gymnast. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time and one of the greatest Olympians of all time. Her 11 Olympic medals and 30 World Championship medals make her the most decorated gymnast in history. Biles has spoken openly about her ADHD diagnosis, stating that it has both challenged and empowered her. She has shared that she manages her ADHD through medication and other coping mechanisms.
Jumaane Williams
Jumaane D. Williams is the Public Advocate of the City of New York. He began his career fighting for truly affordable, income-targeted housing across New York City and State. He's championed landmark legislation that fundamentally transformed policing in NYC. Jumaane sponsored the Community Safety Act, reforming the City's Police Department by ending the abuse of Stop, Question & Frisk in communities of color and creating the NYPD's Office of Inspector General to investigate unlawful & unethical behavior. He helped create New York’s Crisis Management System, which funds Cure Violence Groups that work to reduce shootings through a multi-pronged approach, transforming the city’s approach to gun violence prevention. Jumaane was diagnosed with ADHD and Tourette's syndrome at a young age. He speaks openly about growing up with the conditions, overcoming obstacles, and acts as an advocate in numerous ways.
Solange Knowles
Solange Knowles is a multidisciplinary artist who is a singer, songwriter, actress, producer, director, and choreographer. Don't think of her as a pop star. She's an accomplished artist, recently composing an original piece for the New York City Ballet. She is the third woman, and just the second Black woman, to have a score commissioned by the ballet. She states, "I'm not at all interested in entertainment. I'm really interested in energy exchange between the viewer and the performer. One way to do that is to make an inclusive experience through style, through energy, through space."
The soulful songstress says she's always been full of energy and claims that sometimes her sporadic speech and effervescence led people to believe she was on drugs. The real culprit? ADHD. She didn't believe the diagnosis at first, thinking it was something "invented" to make people buy medicine. Knowles also described “debilitating anxiety” with her ADHD. Since her diagnosis, she has been open about how hard it was to be an unmedicated adult with ADHD and how most people lack empathy for it.
William Adams, known as Will.I.Am, might have become mainstream through music and acting, most notably founder and lead member of the Black Eyed Peas. However, he is also an entrepreneur and investor who has created several tech companies and products. His work focuses on AI, natural language understanding, and voice computing. Over the years, he has collaborated with major tech companies and produced innovative products. He has stated, "For every obstacle there’s some type of solution. So if you have ADHD, it becomes your passion point to find ways to deal with it. My ADHD makes it hard for me to focus on any one thing and to sit still. I’m always moving and thinking about a whole bunch of things. But those traits work well for me when I’m in the studio or coming up with creative ideas for songs or lyrics." He's also said that he controls his ADHD with music. ADHD symptoms and treatments vary from person to person, and while medication is critical for some, this shows that for others, they might be able to find an alternative solution.
Clary Chambers
Clary Chambers might not be a household name, but she is doing great things in the world. A car accident survivor, she uses her lived experience of invisible chronic illness and disability and formal training in human rights to help others like herself move past illness at work. She created Spark Clarity, a business with a simple but powerful intention, to empower folks to live their most authentic lives. As a mental health and disability advocate, Clary has been able to share her contagious energy and zest for life across North America & the UK with intimate groups, to large crowds of 500+ at her over 60 events. She speaks openly about all aspects of her life, including her ADHD and dyslexia.
Clarence Page
Clarence Page is a syndicated columnist and Washington-based member of Chicago Tribune’s editorial board. Among other awards, he has won two Pulitzer Prizes and lifetime achievement awards from Chicago Headline Club, National Society of Newspaper Columnists, National Press Foundation and National Association of Black Journalists. He's also written several books. Regarding ADHD, he has made a comparison between prejudices against people of color and people with learning differences. “I grew up as a black kid in America in the fifties and sixties. People wanted to put me in a box, expecting me to be in a certain way. I was always fighting against that. I see the same thing happening to kids with ADD. People expect them to act and learn a certain way, but they don’t. They have to fight to figure out who they are and what they need. Every child learns differently."
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