About LeDerick

LeDerick Horne, a formidable presence in public speaking and advocacy, transcends labels to inspire individuals with disabilities. Diagnosed with a learning disability in the third grade, LeDerick seamlessly integrates his dynamic spoken-word poetry to ignite conversations on equal opportunity, pride, and self-determination. Grandson of a prominent civil rights leader in New Jersey, he utilizes his poetic gift to champion hope for those with disabilities, establishing himself as a compelling and unwavering advocate and speaker.

His impact spans diverse arenas, from conducting workshops and delivering keynote speeches to captivating performances that resonate with students, educators, legislators, policymakers, business leaders, and service providers annually. LeDerick's presence extends to esteemed venues like the White House, the United Nations, Harvard University, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, and State Departments of Education nationwide. His work unites efforts across various disability challenges, aiming for substantive, systemic change.

He holds a BA in Mathematics with a Fine Arts minor from New Jersey City University and also studied Mathematics at Middlesex County College. Notably, LeDerick served as the Founding Board Chair of Eye to Eye, the national nonprofit mentoring program for students labeled with LD/ADHD, serving on the governing board from 2003 to 2020

LeDerick, alongside co-author Margo Vreeburg Izzo, PhD, released the exceptional book "Empowering Students with Hidden Disabilities: A Path to Pride and Success," providing a comprehensive guide on transition support. His creative expression includes two spoken-word poetry albums, "Rhyme Reason and Song" (2005) and "Black and Blue" (2011), along with co-creating "New Street Poets," a spoken-word play addressing the impact of gentrification on urban culture.

In collaboration with Bill Davis, LeDerick spearheads a project supported by a NJCDD grant, focusing on increasing access to information and services for Black New Jersey residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. LeDerick also is the Board Chair for both NJCIE (New Jersey Coalition for Inclusive Education) and All In for Inclusive Education, leading initiatives that strive to dismantle barriers and promote an inclusive environment for individuals with disabilities. Beyond organizational leadership, LeDerick engages in open dialogue as the co-host of the "Black and Dyslexic" podcast, contributing to crucial conversations on the intersectionality of race and learning differences, thereby amplifying his commitment to advocacy and systemic change.