Stuff You Missed in History Class Two 504 Figures: Kitty Cone and Brad Lomax
Jan 5, 2026
Discover the powerful activism of Kitty Cone and Brad Lomax during the 1977 sit-ins that pressured the government to enforce disability rights. Learn how Kitty's coalition-building efforts brought together diverse groups, including the Black Panthers, to create a strong support network for protesters. Explore the impact of their advocacy on the Rehabilitation Act, and how their work laid the groundwork for the Americans with Disabilities Act. Delve into contemporary challenges in accessibility and the ongoing fight for equality.
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504 Was Powerful But Vague
- Section 504 was a short but powerful civil-rights clause that lacked implementation guidance for agencies.
- Agencies had to draft regulations, making HEW the lead and prompting later activism to force implementation.
Long San Francisco Occupation
- San Francisco activists occupied the HEW office 24 hours a day for 26 days during the 1977 sit-in.
- Their persistence pressured Secretary Califano to sign the regulations on April 28, 1977.
Forge Broad Alliances
- Build diverse alliances across movements, unions, and community groups to increase leverage.
- Connect access issues to broader social justice causes to expand support and resources.
