Brad Lomax

Bradford Clyde Lomax (September 13, 1950 – August 28, 1984) was an American civil rights and disability rights activist. Born in Philadelphia, he attended Howard University. During his time at the university, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and later began using a wheelchair.

Lomax was a member of the Black Panther Party. He contributed to the establishment of the Washington, D.C., chapter of the Black Panthers and played a role in organizing the 504 Sit-in.

Early life and education Brad Lomax was born on September 13, 1950, in Philadelphia to Katie Lee (née Bell) Lomax and Joseph Randolph Lomax. He had two siblings.

In 1963, Lomax visited his mother's family in Alabama, a center of civil rights activism at the time. His brother later recalled that the trip left a lasting impression on him. Experiencing racial segregation firsthand influenced Lomax’s later activism. Around this time, he began experiencing symptoms of multiple sclerosis, which eventually required him to use a wheelchair. Lomax became involved in these movements and joined the Black Panther Party. As part of his work with the organization, he taught a political education class through the Black Panthers’ education program.

Activism In 1969, Lomax helped establish the Washington, D.C., chapter of the Black Panthers. He soon moved to Oakland, California, where the Black Panthers were headquartered. After moving to Oakland, he encountered significant accessibility barriers, as the city lacked sufficient infrastructure to accommodate wheelchair users. Lomax connected the Black Panther Party to the East Oakland Center for Independent living thus solidifying a coalition of civil rights and disability activism.

Lomax dedicated much of his life to disability rights advocacy. He advocated for equitable housing for disabled people in Washington, D.C. and California.

Lomax's chapter of the Black Panthers had nearly 2,000 members at its peak.