It is with great sadness that I share the passing of Bob Kafka, national disability rights leader and founder of the REV UP campaign. A friend and colleague of Bob’s so aptly described him as follows, “Bob was a brilliant and fearless activist, both the ultimate strategist and frontline agitator.” Another said, “……he was never about Bob Kafka. His pronouns were We, Our, and Us. And the only title I ever heard him use with equal parts pride and humility was that of Community Organizer.”
It was a privilege, honor, and joy to work with Bob and build the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) national REV UP campaign with him. I, like so many, learned so much from Bob, and that transference of knowledge will live on and be part of his enduring legacy.
Please take a few minutes to read the KUT and NPR articles and AAPD’s message:
- ‘Don’t mourn, organize.’ How disability rights advocate Bob Kafka helped shape Austin and the nation (kut.org)
- Disability rights advocate Bob Kafka dead at 79 (npr.org)
- “Don’t Mourn, Organize” – AAPD Remembers Bob Kafka (AAPD)
As Bob so often said, don’t mourn, organize! Rest in power, Bob.
Onward (Bob’s closing salutation at the end of every email) —
Helena Berger, REV UP Virginia Co-Chair
