Bradford Clyde “Brad” Lomax was a Black activist and one of the pioneers of the disability-rights movement. Through his work with the East Oakland Center for Independent Living, the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense, and his role in passing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Brad Lomax raised awareness of the intersection of disability and race, paving the way for greater progress in securing the rights of people with disabilities.

Born September 13, 1950, in Oakland, California, Lomax was a Black activist and one of the founding members of the disability-rights movement in the United States. Lomax became paralyzed after a car accident at the age of 20. The experience led him to become an advocate for the rights of people with disabilities and to fight for their inclusion in society.

In 1972, Lomax co-founded the East Oakland Center for Independent Living (EOCIL), one of the first independent living centers in the country. EOCIL was a response to the lack of services and resources available to people with disabilities. The Center aimed to empower individuals with disabilities to live independently and actively participate in their communities. Through EOCIL, Lomax provided support and advocacy for disabled people and worked to change attitudes about disability.

Lomax was also a member of the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense, a political organization that fought for the rights of African Americans. He saw a strong connection between the struggles faced by people with disabilities and those faced by Black people. Lomax worked to bring these issues to the forefront of the Black Panthers’ agenda.

In 1973, Lomax was instrumental in passing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibited discrimination against people with disabilities in federally-funded programs and activities. The landmark law was an achievement for the disability rights movement and provided a foundation for further progress in securing the rights of people with disabilities.

Lomax’s activism and leadership continue to inspire and shape the disability rights movement. He was a trailblazer in the fight for the rights of people with disabilities, and his work laid the foundation for the ongoing struggle for equality and inclusion. Lomax’s legacy continues to be remembered and celebrated as a symbol of the courage and determination of disabled activists.

Lomax passed away on August 28, 1984, in Sacramento, California, due to complications of multiple sclerosis.

About the SEIU Local 1021 Workers with Disabilities Committee

The purpose of the committee is to advocate for workers with disabilities and to build alliances with community groups. The committee exists to educate disabled workers on their rights, organize them to have a voice, and act as a support base for those who are being denied employment. Meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 6 pm to 8 pm. The chair of the Workers with Disabilities Committee is Raina Johnson. For more information, go here.