Geoff Rogers, Director of Learning & Development Projects, moderated a discussion on Oct. 16 about the intersection of institutional and structural racism and COVID-19 and the resultant impact. The panelists were the Reverend Dr. Charles Butler of Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (HCCI); Lisa Rachmuth of the New York City Elder Abuse Center (NYCEAC) at Weill Cornell Medicine; Prof. Samuel R. Aymer of the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College; and Marie Philip, retired from the NYC Human Resources Administration.
The panelists talked about how institutions and services consciously or unconsciously sustain institutionalized racism. The discussion aimed at developing strategies to disrupt institutional racism to address the inequities in life opportunities, services, and care that it creates.
Panelists
The Reverend Dr. Charles Butler, Vice President, Equitable Development Department, Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (HCCI). HCCI is a faith-based community development not-for-profit organization with a membership consisting of over 90 houses of worship throughout the New York metropolitan community. Dr. Butler also serves as pastor at Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Harlem. He has assisted over 3,500 individuals and families to become first-time homeowners, and he is developing a program to teach the fundamentals of financial investments.
Lisa Rachmuth, LMSW, Deputy Director, New York City Elder Abuse Center (NYCEAC) at Weill Cornell Medicine. Ms. Rachmuth oversees the operations of NYCEAC’s enhanced multidisciplinary teams. She spearheaded the expansion of multidisciplinary teams in New York City and is involved in their expansion statewide. Previously a director at the NYC Human Resources Administration’s Office of Domestic Violence, Ms. Rachmuth has worked with systems, communities, and individuals affected by and dedicated to combating domestic violence and elder abuse for over 29 years.
Samuel R. Aymer, PhD, MSW, Associate Professor of Social Work, Silberman School of Social Work, Hunter College, CUNY. Dr. Aymer teaches Clinical Practice with Individuals and Families, and he is the chairperson of the school’s Clinical Method. His scholarly endeavors center on the intersection of masculinity, African American men, race, intimate partner violence, fatherhood, and psychotherapeutic interventions. Before entering academia, Dr. Aymer worked for several health, mental health, and victim assistance organizations throughout New York City.
Marie Philip, MHS, Deputy Commissioner (Retired), Emergency & Intervention Services, NYC Human Resources Administration. Emergency & Intervention Services includes the Office of Domestic Violence, the Emergency Food and Nutrition Assistance Program, the Home Energy Assistance Program, and the Emergency Utility Intervention Program. Since 1980, Ms. Philip has created, developed, and directed social service programs for individuals and families affected by domestic violence, substance abuse, sexual assault, and child abuse.
Resources
Caste by Isabel Wilkerson
Medical Apartheid by Harriet A. Washington
My Grandmother’s Hands by Resmaa Menakem
White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi
Angela Davis Still Believes America Can Change (The New York Times)