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.