Happy Thursday, Mount Sinai Community–

Today, we’re writing with some exciting news: the Mount Sinai Health System is sponsoring the 53rd Annual African American Day Parade on Sunday, September 18. Our very own Pamela Abner, MPA, Vice President and Chief Diversity Operations Officer for Mount Sinai Health System, and Gary C. Butts, MD, Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer for the Mount Sinai Health System and Dean for Diversity Programs, Policy, and Community Affairs at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, will serve as the parade’s Grand Marshals!

Held on the third Sunday in September, the African American Day Parade is the nation’s largest celebration of African American culture, heritage, and unity. The procession runs down Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard in Harlem, recognizing the major Black artistic, political, and cultural revival of the 1920s and 1930s known as the Harlem Renaissance.

In line with Mount Sinai’s work to cement itself as an anti-racist institution, the parade’s theme this year is “Good Health is Essential.” The parade will honor the front-line workers and trailblazing clinicians who have cared for Black communities and amplify the need for equitable health care in all neighborhoods. As we’ve discussed in previous Bulletins, health disparities disproportionately impact Black Americans and other marginalized groups across New York City and the United States—from COVID-19 to heat-related conditions to maternal health and beyond. The parade presents an incredible platform for Mount Sinai to highlight these health inequities to a wider audience and showcase our efforts to improve care for everyone.

Pam is honored to be serving as Grand Marshal. “This event has long been a cultural touchstone for the Black community in New York City and it is a crucial opportunity for us to recognize our most underserved communities’ health care needs,” she said. “We can’t just assume that our neighbors and coworkers have the same experience as us—we need to intentionally study, measure, and address disparate medical outcomes and access to health care. Raising awareness is critical to that work.”

Gary added, “It's a privilege to be recognized by our African American community as a Grand Marshal this year. Participating in the African American Day Parade is a crucial way for us all to demonstrate our support and gratitude for the many contributions by African American and Black, Indigenous, and people of color communities. We look forward to building on these important relationships as we advance our diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.”

Additionally, Mount Sinai’s Robert F. Smith Mobile Prostate Cancer Screening unit, which we highlighted back in April, will follow the Mount Sinai float throughout the parade, making sure spectators are aware of this critical resource.

While “Good Health is Essential” is the parade’s slogan, you are an essential part of this parade. Mount Sinai staff, students, and faculty are invited to participate.

Click here to register to ride on Mount Sinai’s float or walk alongside it in the parade.

All the best,

Angela and Shawn

Previous Road Map Bulletins

Road Map for Action Website

Mount Sinai Sponsors the 53rd Annual African American Day Parade

Road Map Bulletin for Thursday, September 8.

Mount Sinai Daily

Click here to register to ride on Mount Sinai’s float or walk alongside it in the parade.