As a disabled veteran who has navigated life with a spinal cord injury, watching “Brad Lomax: Creating Communities of Care” was a deeply moving experience. This documentary, part of the American Masters series, beautifully honors the legacy of Brad Lomax, a true pioneer in the disability rights movement.
Lomax’s life is the latest subject of “American Masters: Renegades,” a documentary series showcasing the lives and cultural contributions of little-known historical figures with disabilities. Each short is 12-minutes long and shines the spotlight on one individual.
It was such an honor to learn more about Brad’s story, which is one of resilience and unwavering commitment. His involvement with the Black Panther Party and his pivotal role in the 504 sit-in at the Federal Building in San Francisco in 1977 were instrumental in the fight for disability rights. This protest was a turning point, leading to the enforcement of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which eventually paved the way for the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
The film’s portrayal of Lomax’s journey resonated deeply with me. Through interviews with his peers and fellow advocates, the documentary highlights the vast challenges he faced and the direct impact of his work. This film served as a powerful reminder of the intersection between civil rights and disability justice.
I personally enjoyed watching the footage and listening to the personal stories that brought Lomax’s legacy to life. The production team did a great job setting the pace and keeping the viewers engaged, making it both an educational and inspiring watch.
For someone like me, who directly benefits from the rights that Lomax fought so hard to secure, this documentary is more than just a film—it’s a tribute to a hero whose efforts have made a huge difference in my life. “Brad Lomax: Creating Communities of Care” is a must-watch for anyone who values social justice and the ongoing fight for equality and accessibility. I am forever grateful for him taking the initiative to pave the way for the rest of us in similar situations, living with disabilities.
View the full piece on Lomax on the PBS website. The crew for this film included Markus Essien (director/producer) and Cara Reedy (writer/producer), with original artwork by Adriano Araújo dos Reis Botega. The series creator and senior producer is Day Al-Mohamed, with executive producer Charlotte Mangin, series producer Amanda Upson, and producer Ryan Camarda.
“American Masters: Renegades” premiered on PBS on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, and aired a new episode every Tuesday throughout the month. The episodes are available on PBS.org, the PBS app, and the American Masters YouTube channel. Each episode includes audio descriptions, open captions, and on-screen ASL interpretation.
This is awesome.