OUR HISTORY
35+ years of disability rights, community, and advocacy in Upper Manhattan.
Across the United States, disability advocates rejected institutionalization and demanded the right to live independently in the community. Their organizing laid the intellectual and political groundwork for the Independent Living movement.
Congress passed Title VII of the Rehabilitation Act, creating the first federal funding stream for a national network of Independent Living Centers. The law shifted the model of disability services toward community-based support led by people with disabilities themselves.
Local leaders identified disparities in independent living services for Black and Brown communities in Upper Manhattan. Organizing efforts began to envision a center rooted in the community it would serve.
Elected officials and civic leaders provided crucial political support:
Dr. Thornhill began delivering independent living services out of Harlem Hospital's Rehabilitation Department. He recognized that patients were discharged with no housing, benefits, or community connections, and developed transition services to bridge that gap. This work directly gave rise to the Harlem Independent Living Center.
On May 31, HILC officially incorporated as a nonprofit organization and began delivering free independent living services to people with disabilities in Harlem and Northern Manhattan. Federal and state agencies formally recognized HILC as an Independent Living Center, bringing it into the national ILC network.
Paralympic coach and disability advocate Junius Kellogg became HILC's first Board Chair. A celebrated figure in the local disability community, Kellogg brought both credibility and vision to the organization in its earliest, most formative months.
Loretta Murray served as HILC's first Executive Director, helping establish the organization and leading its transition into a formally recognized Independent Living Center.
President George H.W. Bush signed the ADA into law on July 26, extending sweeping civil rights protections to Americans with disabilities. The landmark legislation prohibits discrimination in employment, transportation, public accommodations, and government services.
HILC expanded beyond its beginnings at Harlem Hospital by opening its first independent office, allowing it to serve more people throughout Northern Manhattan.
HILC became a member of the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL), joining a nationwide network of centers united by a shared commitment to disability rights and self-determination. Membership connected HILC to federal advocacy efforts and strengthened its voice in national policy conversations.
Under Executive Director James Billy, HILC strengthened its presence in Northern Manhattan and broadened its independent living programs. Billy also represented HILC in statewide disability advocacy, raising the organization's visibility and building partnerships that supported its next stage of growth.
HILC Executive Director James Billy served as a founding member of the New York State Independent Living Council (NYSILC). His involvement reflects HILC's growing influence in statewide disability policy and its commitment to systemic change beyond direct services.
Yonette Lewis began her journey at HILC as a part-time receptionist and has grown with the organization ever since. Over the years, she took on increasing leadership responsibilities, serving as Director of Operations and later as Interim Executive Director. In fall 2025, she celebrated her 30-year anniversary at HILC.
Over three decades, HILC expanded its programs and services while working to improve access and equity for people with disabilities across New York City. HILC's advocacy has addressed issues such as accessible voting, subway elevators, fair housing, and transportation policy, maintaining a consistent focus on long-term systemic change.
During her 21-year term as Executive Director, Christina Curry helped advance HILC's growth and recognition as a regional and national leader in disability rights. A Deaf, Black, disabled woman, Curry expanded programs, centered the needs of historically underserved communities, and strengthened the organization's advocacy.
HILC continued to advance its programs and advocacy work across New York City and State, engaging directly with government agencies, elected officials, and community coalitions.
When Christina Curry departed to serve as Commissioner of the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities, Yonette Lewis stepped into the role of Interim Executive Director. Drawing on nearly 30 years of institutional knowledge, Ms. Lewis maintained organizational stability and ensured uninterrupted delivery of services during the transition.
Yaw Appiadu joined HILC as Executive Director, bringing a record of leadership and a personal commitment to disability rights. He previously rebuilt programs and oversaw a full renovation at an ILC in the Bronx, and expanded services and regional partnerships as Assistant Director of a Westchester County center. At HILC, he led a complete renovation of the office in 2025 and continues to grow the organization's programs, community partnerships, and advocacy.
To honor the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, HILC organized its first large-scale outdoor event, bringing together community members, partners, and advocates in a public celebration of disability rights.
On October 23, 2024, HILC held its first Open Community Board Meeting — opening its board process to the public and inviting community members to ask questions, get updates, and engage directly with leadership and staff. The evening also included a community awards celebration recognizing individuals and organizations for their support of local disability communities.
Under Executive Director Yaw Appiadu, HILC completed a full renovation of its office space. The updated space improves accessibility and supports the organization's daily work for the community.
HILC celebrated 35 years of service to the Upper Manhattan disability community, honoring the founders, staff, consumers, and allies who shaped the organization while recommitting to the work ahead.
HILC remains guided by the disability community of Harlem and Northern Manhattan. With over 35 years of history, HILC continues to provide independent living services, advocate for systemic change, and support New Yorkers with disabilities in living self-directed lives.
Historical photographs, events, and community moments
Our network