504 Sit-in 20th Anniversary

Banner with a yellow pin that reads "Handicapped Human Rights Sign 504 ACCD" and text that reads "504 Sit-in 20th Anniversary Celebration and Commemoration June 1, 1997" Small text below "from 3:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Civic Center Auditorium, 99 Grove Street, San Francisco )between Polk & Larken)

In 1997, a grand celebration was held commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the 504 Sit-in in S.F. and subsequent signing of the 504 Regulations. Over 600 people attended. We used the opportunity to record video recollections of many of the participants of the sit-in.

There were videos of the original. There were speeches by participants. There was a moment of silence and lots of poignant memories about participants who have given their lives, over the intervening years, that OUR lives might be better. There was food and laughter and dancing and friendship.

Congratulations to all who worked so hard to make this the wonderful success that it truly was. We hope to have more about the event on these pages in the near future.

These demonstrations changed the course of civil rights history, and resulted in the signing of the 1977 Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW) regulations implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the first federal civil rights protections for persons with disabilities in the history of the United States.

In conjunction with the anniversary, the 504 20th Anniversary Celebration and Commemoration Committee had produced a number of educational materials, including an 18 minute video, a one hour radio documentary, and a 64 page commemorative book. All proceeds go directly into a fund to finance future 504 history projects.

The following educational materials were produced in conjunction with the 504 20th Anniversary Celebration and Commemoration.

Historical Accounts & Materials about the 504 Sit-in

Partial List of Sponsoring Organizations

Sponsored by the 504 Sit-In 20th Anniversary Celebration Committee