Radical Roots, Collective Futures: Forging Access for All
CIL’s 54th Anniversary Event
Saturday, March 14, 2026 · 5:00–9:00 PM PDT
Ed Roberts Campus · 3075 Adeline Street, Berkeley, CA 94703
Join the Center for Independent Living (CIL) for an inspiring evening celebrating community leadership, creativity, and collective impact at our 54th Anniversary Event.
Founded in 1972, CIL is the first Independent Living Center in the world and a cornerstone of the global disability rights movement. Rooted in the legacy of Ed Roberts and the Independent Living Movement, CIL advances disability justice through advocacy, direct services, community organizing, and leadership development — working toward a world where people with disabilities have the resources, rights, and opportunities to live independently and with dignity.
This special evening brings together community members, advocates, partners, and supporters to celebrate our shared history and collective future.
Special Performance
Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir
The Artichoke Award
At the heart of the evening is The Artichoke Award, a distinction historically presented by CIL to community leaders, cultural workers, and change-makers whose work reflects courage, authenticity, and care.
The award is inspired by a quote from Ed Roberts, who once described himself as: “An artichoke: a little prickly on the outside, with a big heart on the inside.”
Our list of awardees include:
- In Memoriam: The Patty Berne Award.
Honoree: Lateef McLeod, SINS Invalid in honor of the work that Patty Berne has done through SINS Invalid and other movement organizing to bring the experiences, desire and inclusion of people with disabilities to the forefront.
- In Memoriam: The Barbara Lubin Award.
Honoree: Zeiad Abbas, Middle East Children’s Alliance in honor of the Palestinians with disabilities killed in Gaza and the Palestinians in Gaza made permanently disabled as a result of the genocide.
- Disability Justice Changemaker Award.
Honoree: Ryan Manriquez & Jessica Lehman
- Disability Justice Public Champion Award.
Honoree: Congresswoman Lateefah Simon
- Friend of CIL Award.
Honoree: Fred Collignon, founding Friend of CIL
- Disability Justice Visionary Artist Award.
Honoree: Kathi Sherwood, Artist
- Disability Justice Rising Award.
Honoree: Tiffany Hong & Olivia Reyes
- Disability Justice Movement Award.
Honoree: Transgender Law Center
Evening Highlights
- Welcome reception with appetizers.
- Buffet dinner.
- Live performance by the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir.
- Artichoke Award presentations.
- Silent auction supporting CIL programs.
- Community celebration and connection
Event Agenda
Welcome reception, appetizers, and silent auction
Buffet dinner, live performances, and Artichoke Award presentations
Silent auction conclusion and acknowledgements
Ticket Levels
An evening of shared celebration, meaningful connection, and thoughtful hospitality.
Friends of CIL — $150
For supporters who wish to make a deeper investment in CIL’s mission.
Includes buffet dinner, two drink tickets, and full program access.
Disability Allies — $100
For advocates and partners who stand alongside the disability community.
Includes buffet dinner, one drink ticket, and full program access.
Community — $60
Designed for staff of partner organizations and members of the broader CIL community.
Includes buffet dinner and full program access.
CIL Consumers — $40
A reduced-rate option reserved for CIL consumers.
Includes buffet dinner and full program access.
Drink tickets are included only with tickets priced at $100 and above.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026
Time: 5:00–9:00 PM
Location: Ed Roberts Campus
3075 Adeline Street Berkeley, CA 94703
- Buffet-style dinner included.
- Up to 8 seats per table.
- Fully accessible venue.
- Free on-site parking.
Accessibility & Accommodations
The Center for Independent Living (CIL) is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming event for all.
ASL will be provided and other accommodations are available per request after ticket purchases.
Scent-free space:
This is a fragrance-free event. We kindly ask attendees to refrain from wearing perfumes, colognes, or scented products.
Masking:
Masks will be available at the event. Guests are asked to wear masks when they are not actively eating or drinking.
Sponsorship & Auction Participation
- If you are interested in being recognized as a sponsor, please visit our sponsorship page.
By becoming a sponsor, you are:
- Supporting the ongoing work of the first Independent Living Center in the world
- Investing in disability justice, access, and community leadership
- Aligning your organization with a legacy of systemic change and inclusion
- Gaining recognition among community leaders, advocates, and partners
– Interested in donating an item to the silent auction? We’d be grateful to connect with you.
Please contact Sara Kershnar, Development Director, at skershnar@thecil.org.
Reserve a Table
Bring together a table of your friends, family, colleagues and/or community.
Visit our table reservation page.
If you would like to purchase a table and pay by check, please contact Sara Kershnar, Development Director, for instructions. Checks may be mailed to:
Center for Independent Living (CIL)
3075 Adeline Street, Suite 100, Berkeley, CA 94703
Contact: Sara Kershnar, Development Director skershnar@thecil.org
Reserve Your Seat
Join us for an evening rooted in legacy, community, joy, and powerful music as we honor those forging access for all.
