Election Day is Tuesday, November 5. According to NYC.gov, “New York State Law allows you to take up to three paid hours off at the beginning or end of your shift to vote, as long as you notify your employer at least two days before Election Day.” Polling sites can be found online by submitting your name, date of birth, and address. Early mail ballots can also be obtained 46 days before the election and the deadline for return can be found here. If you will be out of town, have a disability or care for someone with a disability, you can request an absentee ballot.

Voting was a theme at this year’s 55th Annual African American Day Parade: “Good Leaders Good Government, Vote.” Montefiore Einstein co-sponsored the event, which took place in Harlem on Sunday, September 15. Members of leadership including Dr. Andrew Racine and Dr. Shivani Agarwal joined Montefiore Einstein’s Black Resource Group (BRG) to celebrate the heritage of members of the African diaspora in America. Kudos to Yannick Hemmings and Joan Chaya of Human Resources for taking the lead on this, and the more than 120 associates who joined.

Pow Wow of the Nanticoke in Southern Delaware (photo credit: Dr. Alyson Myers).

The first African American Day Parade was grand marshalled by Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., and Shirley Chisolm. Shirley Chisolm was the first Black woman elected to Congress, representing the 12th district (Brooklyn) in 1968. In 1972, she became the first woman ever to run on the democratic ticket for president of the United States, paving the way for the likes of Geraldine Ferraro, Hilary Clinton and now Kamala Harris.

Fall is also a time to honor both Hispanic Heritage and Indigenous Peoples months. In our first issue of enCOMPASS in October 2022, we highlighted Dean Natasha Bray of the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation. The school is federally funded to train students to provide care to rural and tribal communities in Oklahoma. This school opened in 2020 and graduated its first class of medical students in 2024. 

Locally, we have numerous resources to learn about the Indigenous people of New York State, including the National Museum of the American Indian in lower Manhattan. During the pandemic they had limited weekday hours but the museum is now open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. There was also the Indigenous Peoples Day of NYC annual celebration at Randall's Island. It falls every second Monday in October, which coincides with Columbus Day. 

Dr. Alyson Myers with Dr. Rita Louard, clinical associate professor of endocrinology at Montefiore Einstein, at the African American Day Parade in September.

Montefiore Einstein has an Indigenous American Business Resource Group (BRG). On Monday, September 23, they co-sponsored a session with the Latin and Hispanic Heritage BRG entitled: The Intersectionality of Indigenous & Latin Culture. Daisy Torres-Baez told the story of her Indigenous Peruvian parents who speak both Spanish and Quechua. She also described that her pronouns are she, Ella, and pay. Pay reflects the fact that in her Indigenous culture there is no use of pronouns like he or she.

Another way to be immersed in Indigenous culture is by visiting an open Pow Wow. In my youth, we used to trek to Riverhead to attend the Shinnecock Pow Wow during Labor Day weekend. I have fond memories of the beautiful headdresses, dancing, fry bread, face painting, and education about the Land. This year I opted to attend the Pow Wow of the Nanticoke in Southern Delaware. Just out of the fryer, fry bread with butter, cinnamon, and powdered sugar did not disappoint. The dancing, singing, history-telling, and vendors were also unmatched. 

Another group that we pay homage to at this time of year are our veterans. In 1938, Congress passed a bill to make Veterans Day a federal holiday. We appreciate the valor and service of those who have served in branches of the United States armed forces, including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, National Guard, and Coast Guard. 

Montefiore Einstein has launched a Military BRG with the mission to “welcome persons who serve or have served in the military, naval, or air services and or allies of veterans and active military persons. The BRG aims to support, champion for, and celebrate our fellow veterans and military associates here at Montefiore Einstein.” In this issue of enCOMPASS we highlight the work of the Military BRG, under the leadership of Jonathan Green, which meets monthly to support both active duty military members and veterans.