On this day (April 5th) in 1977, over 100 disabled folks and allies began the San Francisco 504 sit-in. Nearly a month later Section 504 was signed which laid the groundwork for the Americans with Disabilities Act.
If you, or someone you know, benefit from 504 or the ADA, thank the Black Panther Party. They fed the protesters every single day. Without them the sit-in would have failed.
For a taste of this history:
Susan Schweik's article:
Lomax's Matrix: Disability, Solidarity, and the Black Power of 504
Leroy Moore's article:
I hope the Black community in the Bay Area will share their stories of that time to finally tell the full story of our key involvement in th
Image: black and white photograph of Black Panthers Brad Lomax (504 protester) and his brother Glenn. Brad wears a dark suit with light tie and sits in a manual wheelchair. Glenn wears a light suit and tie and is kneeling down next to Brad.
Original post by Corbett O'Toole