International White Cane Day: A Call to Reciprocity and Gratitude

October 15, 2020 was National White Cane Safety Day. We have a special message from Erica Cane, Mel’s orientation and mobility cane. Please see below for letter. May it increase your perspective.

Hi Y’all,

I just wanted to wish you all a happy International White Cane Day!

If we have not had the pleasure of meeting, I’m Erica, Mel’s orientation and mobility cane. You have probably seen us together and mistook me for Halle Berry (which happens often). Since 2005 I have been Mel’s shepherd and shield, keeping him safe from trips, spills, slips, falls, barrel rolls, embarrassing face-plants, as well as the costly hospital and dental bills that come with them. I am the main reason his forehead is not cracked, that his nice teeth are unchipped and why his lips remain full and perky instead of busted and puffy. His nose, I’m sad to say, was like that before I met him.

It wasn’t easy for us at first. Our relationship got off to a rocky start. To be honest, Mel “couldn’t stand my narrow ass!” Those were his words, not mine. He hated how people stared at us, and he especially hated how I totally clashed with his style of vintage wardrobe that he calls, “Disco Pimp.” Mostly, he was ashamed and embarrassed of me, but I kept a stiff, upper tip. I know I had to persevere and prove myself.

Today, fifteen years later, me and the Blind OG are inseparable. I have a great life filled with people who know me personally and show me so much care and respect. One cherished memory is when Mel let me accompany our dear friend, Moses, to his grade school classroom for show-and-tell. Usually I’m no braggart but I have to say, for ten sparkly minutes, I was a freaking ROCK STAR! I am so proud of the work I do, and I couldn’t imagine a better family or life. Thank you all.

On this day, I also want to give a shout out to all of my hard working counterparts. Thank you crutches, walkers and wheelchairs. Thanks prostheses, hearing aids, eye glasses, and audio devices, and all other accessibility tools and assistive technologies out there working ceaselessly 24/7 helping folks live fuller, more independent lives. Let me take this opportunity to say I see you, I appreciate you, and your remarkable contributions to humanity have not gone unnoticed.

Wishing you all the best on this special day, and every day forward.

Erica Cane

Contributors:

Mel Anthony Phillips
Pronouns:  he/him/his
Co-Director OAASIS:  Oregon Abuse Advocates & Survivors in Service
www.oaasisoregon.org

Mel Phillips is a folk/graffiti artist, writer and natural-born storyteller whose appetite for
creativity and fierce love for humanity shapes and colors the unique perspectives he
brings to the work. As a change agent, peacemaker, community activist, Victim’s
Advocate and Co-Director of OAASIS (Oregon Abuse Advocates and Survivors in
Service), Mel understands that silence is violence in today’s culture of rape, oppression,
and violence. He speaks with and educates individuals and community groups about
equity, interpersonal violence, disability rights and social justice whenever and wherever
the chance is afforded.
Since 2009 Mel has worked with the Oregon Attorney General’s Sexual Assault Task
Force where he currently serves on its Steering Committee and is co-chair of its Men’s
Engagement Subcommittee. Mel is a former member of the Just Beginnings
Collaborative (a NoVo Foundation entity committed to ending child sex abuse in a
generation) where his unique art-centered approach to CSA engagement intersected
with other ideas and creative thought leaders. In his hometown of Portland, Mel is
building community and partnerships via alliances with other local grassroots nonprofits.

Erica Cane
Erica Cane is a certified foldable Orientation and Mobility white safety cane. Erica’s strong, lightweight graphite frame is durable and weatherproof, the perfect combination needed for the rigors of her daily work. Erica has spent her entire career in proud selfless service with blind and visually impaired communities, and finds her job humbling and rewarding. Ambling confidently through thick crowds with her reflective coating, rolling tip and classic rubber handgrip, indeed the flashy Ms. Cane cuts a fascinating figure that evokes awe and inspiration everywhere she goes. More than a dynamic manual navigation device, Erica Cane is also an anti-ableist activist and international ambassador firmly committed to the ideals of accessibility, empowerment, independence and the pursuit of happiness for all. She resides with her family in beautiful Portland, Oregon.