Young Clayton Bates was dancing on the streets to make a little extra change beginning at the tender age of five. After Clayton lost his leg in a cotton gin accident, his uncle made him a wooden leg. He taught himself to tap dance and became an international sensation who performed for the King and Queen of England—twice. We are also inspired by his commitment to civil rights. He opened a resort in New York open to both Black and white guests, where he also hosted a meeting of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee.
Amazingly, there was another one-legged tap dancer entertaining America in the 1940s and 50s. Henry Heard lost a leg and an arm in a car accident, and gained the unfortunate nickname “Crip.” He was unable to use an artificial leg, so he danced with the aid of a crutch. After retirement, he worked for the Chicago Bureau of Sanitation and was a tireless advocate for disabled people.
It’s surprising how many great historical figures had the use of only one leg, or even none. To name just one contemporary example, Captain Tammy Duckworth lost both legs when the helicopter she was piloting was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade. Despite her injuries, she’s now Senator Tammy Duckworth.
Who has inspired you? This may be someone with a disability or physical challenge, but it could be anyone. Let us know in the comments!