#AdvocacyMatters: Closing Black History Month

February 27, 2026 / #AdvocacyMatters

As we close Black History Month, we want to acknowledge the shared history between Black rights and disability rights.

In the fight for Black liberation and Disability justice, a constant remains – unity through adversity.

In fact, the roots of Black History plant firmly in disability rights. One example, which occurred during the 504 Sit-In of 1977, happened with the Black Panther Party.

The Black Panthers supplied meals and necessary materials to the protesters, of all races and disability types. After 28 days and a long fight, Section 504 was signed and implemented. It was in big part thanks to that alliance that success was possible.

A key figure in bridging these two movements was Brad Lomax. Brad was a Black individual with multiple sclerosis who participated in the sit-in and helped to support the activists through his intersectional identities.

Through shared struggles, Black, disabled, and Black disabled activists have worked together for the betterment of all people. Let’s take a moment and acknowledge some prominent Black figures with disabilities, like Brad Lomax.

Harriet Tubman

Harriet Tubman is most known for freeing hundreds of slaves in the South during her time. Over her lifetime, she also experienced phenomena referred to as “sleeping spells”. Black historians believe that these “spells” were most likely narcolepsy. Despite these narcoleptic episodes, she was able to save countless lives throughout her lifetime.

Malcolm X

Malcolm X is most known as a prominent leader in the Civil Rights and Black Nationalism movements. However, many may not know that he was also dyslexic. He is primarily known for being a great orator with a lot of charisma. This led him to hosting the Unity Rally in Harlem, which was known as one of the nation’s largest civil rights events.

Barbara Jordan

Barbara Jordan is known for her contributions to the Watergate hearings and delivering the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention. In her later years, she began to use a wheelchair due to multiple sclerosis. She famously advocated voting rights, immigration reform, minimum wage laws, and civil rights.

Donald Galloway

Donald Galloway is a prominent Black disabled activist with blindness, who sued the government for denying him the right to serve on a jury. Like Brad Lomax, he was an advocate for both movements. This made Galloway a prominent bridge between both movements. His success represents how we can all overcome injustice through great effort.
Each of these activists, and so many more that we haven’t named, deserve our celebration. This month, and beyond, we hope you will keep the legacy of Black disabled activists strong in your hearts and in your fights.

Learn more about Black disability rights here:

#AdvocacyMatters

 

Make a Donation

Please give. To the best of your ability.
GIVE NOW