Colin Powell School
Mama Cax, a 2013 International Studies graduate, model, and vocal advocate for people living with disabilities, died in London on December 16, 2019, due to complications from blood clots.
Born Cacsmy Brutus in Brooklyn to Haitian immigrant parents, Cax confronted a number of obstacles throughout her life, including bone and lung cancer, an unsuccessful hip replacement surgery, and the subsequent amputation of her right leg. After initially struggling to accept the loss of her leg, Cax became an activist and advocate for the disabled, creating a blog on lifestyle and using fashion to draw attention to her prosthetic leg.
Her undergraduate thesis in International Studies was a clarion call to the United Nations and the international community, asserting that development could not occur--and the Millennium Developments Goals would not be achieved--without ensuring inclusivity for people with disabilities.
In recent years, Cax turned to modeling. In a brief but extremely successful career, she became one of the first persons with a disability to walk the catwalk, including Rihanna's 2019 Savage X Fenty lingerie fashion show. She also appeared on the cover of Teen Vogue and in print campaigns for Sephora and Tommy Hilfiger, among others.
Cax was 30 years old at the time of her passing. The International Studies Program and Colin Powell School are planning a celebration of her life in Spring 2020. More information on her life and lasting impact can be found in The Guardian.