February is Black History Month, and as we spend it continuing to listen and learn, and as we remember the history, struggles, and achievements of African Americans in the United States, we also want to amplify the work of Black trailblazers—past and present—in the disability rights community.

Each week we’ll be highlighting a different Black activist whose life and work has expanded equality and access of opportunity for the disabled community. We’ll explore their work and impact, and the different ways they’ve paved the path that today’s activists continue to push forward.

We begin our celebration with Dennis Billups, who was a central figure in the “504 Sit-In” in San Francisco in 1977. For 24 days, people with disabilities led an occupation of the offices of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, in their fight for increased access and opportunity. Billups was known as the spiritual leader of the sit-in, and has spent the last ten years educating people about the history of the protest, and advocating for greater access and accommodations for people with disabilities.  

Check out this fascinating article about Billups and the profound reach of his work, and keep an eye on our page for more stories of Black trailblazers in the disability rights community.