The first published version of the Black Panther Party Platform in 1966 focused lightly on disability justice as implied in the exposed ideas of self-determination in the ideals of the "power to determine the destiny of our Black Community" and calls for "full employment, land, bread, housing, education, clothing, justice, and peace". In March 1972 however, the platform was changed to reflect the changes in the ideology of the Black Panther Party to set the stage for more explicit engagement with disability politics with the change of point 1 that called for freedom to a call for freedom and "power to determine the destiny of our Black and oppressed communities" and the inclusion of "completely free health care for all Black an oppressed people" as part of the ten points.

The Black Panther in May 1977 also included coverage of the occupation of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare known as the 504 sit-in, and prominent black activists in the 504 sit-in. This highlighted the Black Panther Party's belief that the news was relevant and connected to the Panters' own work.