20 Facts About Brad Lomax

Bradford Clyde Lomax was an American civil rights and disability rights activist.

Brad Lomax contributed to the establishment of the Washington, DC, chapter of the Black Panthers and played a role in organizing the 504 Sit-in.

Brad Lomax was born on September 13,1950, in Philadelphia to Katie Lee Lomax and Joseph Randolph Lomax.

In 1963, Lomax visited his mother's family in Alabama, a center of civil rights activism at the time.

Brad Lomax attended Benjamin Franklin High School, where he was involved in football and the school's drama program.

Brad Lomax became involved in these movements and joined the Black Panther Party.

In 1969, Brad Lomax helped establish the Washington, DC, chapter of the Black Panthers.

Brad Lomax soon moved to Oakland, California, where the Black Panthers were headquartered.

Brad Lomax's advocacy combined his commitment to both Black empowerment and disability rights.

Brad Lomax became involved in the disability rights movement at a time when existing laws provided limited protections.

Brad Lomax advocated for the passage of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and helped organize the 504 Sit-ins.

Brad Lomax connected the Black Panther Party to the East Oakland Center for Independent living thus solidifying a coalition of civil rights and disability activism.

Brad Lomax dedicated much of his life to disability rights advocacy.

Brad Lomax's efforts contributed to significant legislative and societal changes regarding accessibility and inclusion.

Brad Lomax collaborated with Ed Roberts to establish the East Oakland Center for Independent Living, which provided resources to help disabled people live independently rather than relying on family or institutional care.

Brad Lomax advocated for equitable housing for disabled people in Washington, DC and California.

Brad Lomax contributed to the establishment of the Black Panther Health Clinic in Washington, DC, His connections within the Black Panther Party facilitated collaboration between the party and the disability rights movement, most notably during the 504 Sit-in, where the Black Panthers provided food and other resources to protesters.

Brad Lomax died on August 28,1984, in Sacramento, California, due to complications related to multiple sclerosis.

Toward the end of his life, Brad Lomax focused on advocating for changes in the education system to improve access for disabled students.

Brad Lomax's advocacy contributed to the eventual passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.