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Profile in Diversity Series
To commemorate Black History Month, the Office of IDEaS orchestrated a remarkable social event that shone a spotlight on local black artists and community members. This unforgettable evening celebrated the immense talent and contributions of individuals who have enriched our cultural landscape. At the heart of the event was Michael J. Bobbit, the esteemed Executive Director for the Mass Cultural Council, recognized as the highest-ranking cultural official in the state. Mr. Bobbitt engaged in a captivating interview conducted by our Associate Director, Andrew Marshall, MD. Adding to the allure of the occasion, artwork from People's HeART of Mass General Hospital took center stage, offering guests a unique opportunity to engage directly with the talented local artists.
Video: Event Recap
Video: Interview with Michael J. Bobbit
Profile: Michael J. Bobbitt
Michael J. Bobbitt is an award-winning theater director, choreographer, and playwrighter who has dedicated his professional career to arts leadership. He began his tenure as Executive Director of Mass Cultural Council in February 2021 and is the highest-ranking cultural official in Massachusetts. Bobbitt serves on the New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA) Board of Directors, the National Assembly of State Arts Agency’s (NASAA) Board of Directors and was selected for art Equity’s BIPOC Leadership Circle. He is the former Artistic Director of the New Repertory Theater in Watertown, Massachusetts and the Adventure Theater in Maryland. Bobbitt gained extensive experience in nonprofit arts management by training at Harvard Business School’s Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management, The National Arts Strategies Chief Executive Program, and Cornell University’s Diversity and Inclusion Certification Program. As a director and choreographer he has worked nationally and internationally. As a writer his plays have been published by Concord Theatricals, Broadway Publishing, and Plays for Young Audiences. Bobbitt is the recipient of the Excel Leadership Award (Center for Nonprofit Advancement), the Emerging Leader Award (County Executive’s Excellence in the Arts and Humanities), and Person of the Year Award (Maryland Theatre Guide), along with eight Helen Hayes Awards.
Profile: James Weldon Johnson
James was an American poet, writer, educator, diplomat, Civil Rights activist, and lawyer. From 1906 to 1908, Johnson served as the United States Consul for Venezuela and 1910 to 1913 served in the same role in Nicaragua. In 1917, He began working with the NAACP as the Executive Officer. He served in that role from 1920 to 1930. During that time he was also heavily involved in the Harlem Renaissance, which allowed him to write anthologies, novels, and poems highlighting the Black contribution to American society. He also became the first Black American to become a professor at New York University in 1934. He is most well-known for writing the poem, 'Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing' which would be put to music by his brother Rosamond Johnson, and then adopted by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) as the National Black anthem.
2023 Events
To commemorate Black History Month, the Office of IDEaS orchestrated a remarkable social event that shone a spotlight on local black artists and community members. This unforgettable evening celebrated the immense talent and contributions of individuals who have enriched our cultural landscape. At the heart of the event was Michael J. Bobbit, the esteemed Executive Director for the Mass Cultural Council, recognized as the highest-ranking cultural official in the state. Mr. Bobbitt engaged in a captivating interview conducted by our Associate Director, Andrew Marshall, MD. Adding to the allure of the occasion, artwork from People's HeART of Mass General Hospital took center stage, offering guests a unique opportunity to engage directly with the talented local artists.
Video: Event Recap
Video: Interview with Michael J. Bobbit
Profile: Michael J. Bobbitt
Michael J. Bobbitt is an award-winning theater director, choreographer, and playwrighter who has dedicated his professional career to arts leadership. He began his tenure as Executive Director of Mass Cultural Council in February 2021 and is the highest-ranking cultural official in Massachusetts. Bobbitt serves on the New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA) Board of Directors, the National Assembly of State Arts Agency’s (NASAA) Board of Directors and was selected for art Equity’s BIPOC Leadership Circle. He is the former Artistic Director of the New Repertory Theater in Watertown, Massachusetts and the Adventure Theater in Maryland. Bobbitt gained extensive experience in nonprofit arts management by training at Harvard Business School’s Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management, The National Arts Strategies Chief Executive Program, and Cornell University’s Diversity and Inclusion Certification Program. As a director and choreographer he has worked nationally and internationally. As a writer his plays have been published by Concord Theatricals, Broadway Publishing, and Plays for Young Audiences. Bobbitt is the recipient of the Excel Leadership Award (Center for Nonprofit Advancement), the Emerging Leader Award (County Executive’s Excellence in the Arts and Humanities), and Person of the Year Award (Maryland Theatre Guide), along with eight Helen Hayes Awards.
Profile: James Weldon Johnson
James was an American poet, writer, educator, diplomat, Civil Rights activist, and lawyer. From 1906 to 1908, Johnson served as the United States Consul for Venezuela and 1910 to 1913 served in the same role in Nicaragua. In 1917, He began working with the NAACP as the Executive Officer. He served in that role from 1920 to 1930. During that time he was also heavily involved in the Harlem Renaissance, which allowed him to write anthologies, novels, and poems highlighting the Black contribution to American society. He also became the first Black American to become a professor at New York University in 1934. He is most well-known for writing the poem, 'Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing' which would be put to music by his brother Rosamond Johnson, and then adopted by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) as the National Black anthem.
The BWH EM Women's Group and the Office of IDEaS hosted a successful International Women's Day Emergency Medicine Social on March 8th at Neville House 3rd Floor. The event celebrated the achievements of women, emphasizing gender equity, empowerment, and community building. Onyeka Otugo, MD, interviewed 'Hospital Hero' Vonzella Bryant, who not only works as an emergency physician at Boston Medical Center(BMC) but is also the emergency medicine clerkship Director and Assistant Professor and Assistant Dean of Student Affairs at Boston University (BU)School of Medicine. The uplifting interview and subsequent discussion covered an array of topics, including mentorship for women, empowering one another, imposter syndrome, and navigating gender stereotypes. Attendees enjoyed refreshments, trivia, art, and engaged in a meaningful discussion on the significance of intersectional diversity in medical leadership.
Video: Interview with Vonzella Bryant
Profile: Dr. Marjorie Janvier
Marjorie Janvier, MD, MPH is a proud community physician. In 2015, she joined the Adult Medicine staff at The Dimock Community Health Center and Internal Medicine staff at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC). At Dimock, she was the Clinical Director of Adult Medicine where she also provided primary care and HIV speciality care. Her prior leadership roles at The Dimock Center include: 1) Director of Care Management where she was responsible for a systems-level approach to care management, with the goal of providing high quality, multidisciplinary, integrated care for the clinic's most complex patients. 2) Medical Residency Director, overseeing the professional, clinical and ethical development of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center residents during their outpatient longitudinal clinic. In recognition of her community dedication and leadership she was named a Roxbury Hometown Hero in 2021. Dr. Marjorie Janvier holds a Bachelor’s degree in healthcare management from the University of Pennsylvania’s The Wharton School. She obtained her Medical and Master of Public Health degrees from Tufts University School of Medicine. She completed her Internal Medicine residency and chief residency at Caritas St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. She then went on to complete her Infectious Diseases Fellowship at The Miriam Hospital/ Brown University. Dr. Janvier lives in Roxbury, MA with her family.
Profile: Dr. Mae Jemison
Dr. Mae Jemison, is the first African-American woman in space, is one of those rare individuals who excels at everything she does. Jemison was born in Decatur, Ala., in 1956 and was raised on the southside of Chicago. She entered Stanford University in 1973 on a scholarship at the ripe old age of 16. She earned a bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering in 1977, while also fulfilling the requirements for a bachelor’s degree in African-American studies. Jemison graduated from Cornell University medical school in 1981. After medical school, Jemison spent two and a half years as a Peace Corps medical officer in Sierra Leone and Liberia in West Africa. When she returned to the states in 1985, she went to work as a general practitioner in Los Angeles. She also took graduate classes in engineering in hopes of fulfilling her lifelong dream of traveling in space. Jemison became one of 15 astronaut candidates chosen by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration out of 2,000 applicants. Jemison finished her training as a NASA mission specialist in 1988. She became the first woman of color in space in 1992, when she blasted into orbit aboard the space shuttle Endeavor. In March 1993, Jemison would resign from NASA, but soon after leaving the space program, she formed The Jemison Group Inc., which focuses on the beneficial integration of science and technology into everyday life. To learn more about her story check out Jemison's TEDx page.
The past three years have witnessed a palpable shift towards Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. During times like these, it becomes crucial to continue supporting one another and remember that change takes time and persistence. Our EM community remains committed to the mission of DEI work both within our walls and through community engagement. For AAPI Heritage Month, the Office of IDEaS partnered with and participated in the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) 5K event.
With incredible support and donations from our EM community, the office raised $3,705, surpassing our goal of $2,000 through our participation in the AAPI 5K event, hosted by Boston Roadrunners. The funds raised will directly benefit our newest community partners, Asian Women for Health (AWH). AWH is a peer-led, community-based network dedicated to advancing Asian women's health and wellbeing through education, advocacy, and support. AWH represents a diverse group of individuals working together across differences in age, ethnicity, language, sexual orientation, socio-economic and educational levels to advance Asian women's health & wellbeing. They tirelessly address individual, community-wide, and systemic barriers affecting Asian women and their loved ones. Through our fundraising efforts, we are proud to support their vital mission and contribute to their journey toward healthier lives.
Profile: Asian Women for health (AWFH)
Asian Women for Health (AWFH) is a dynamic and inclusive community-based organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of Asian women. With a shared vision of a world where Asian women receive the quality care and support they deserve, AWFH strives to dismantle barriers to health and well-being, enabling Asian women to thrive and access optimal resources for their holistic well-being.
AWFH's approach is grounded in education, advocacy, and support. Recognizing that education is key to good health, AWFH provides culturally and linguistically appropriate information and training, dispelling myths, increasing health literacy, and enhancing health communication within the Asian community. Through advocacy efforts, AWFH actively engages in policy work at all levels, pushing for disaggregated data and equitable funding for impacted populations, while championing the cause of Asian women's health and empowering change.
AWFH believes in reciprocity as an essential component of growth and fosters a nurturing environment that promotes collaboration, connection, and capacity-building. By sharing stories, fostering dialogue, and uplifting spirits, AWFH creates a supportive space where individuals from diverse backgrounds can flourish together. Through their commitment to catalyzing change, AWFH not only addresses individual and community-wide barriers but also works to challenge existing norms and systemic disparities, aiming to create a more equitable and inclusive society where every Asian woman can lead a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Profile: Dr. Eun-Ok Im
Dr. Eun-Ok Im holds the esteemed position of Senior Associate Dean for Research and Innovation, as well as the prestigious Edith Folsom Honeycutt Endowed Chair at Emory University, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing. With an impressive academic background, Dr. Im graduated with distinction, magna cum laude, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a Master's in Public Health (MPH) from Seoul National University in South Korea. Continuing her pursuit of knowledge, she obtained a second Master's degree (MSN) from the renowned University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), followed by a PhD in nursing from UCSF in 1997. Further enriching her expertise, Dr. Im engaged in 1.5 years of postdoctoral study at UCSF.
Throughout her illustrious career, Dr. Im has held prominent endowed chair and professorship positions at distinguished institutions. She served as the La Quinta Motor Inns Centennial Professor at the University of Texas at Austin from 2007 to 2011, followed by the Majorie O. Rendell Endowed Chair at the University of Pennsylvania from 2011 to 2016. Subsequently, she held the esteemed Mary T. Champagne Professorship at Duke University from 2016 to 2020, further solidifying her reputation as an influential academic.
Dr. Im's remarkable contributions extend beyond academia. She has actively contributed to the field as the president of the Asian American/Pacific Islander Nurses Association (AAPINA), and she continues to serve as the esteemed past-president of AAPINA, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to the advancement of healthcare. For more information about AAPINA, please visit their official website at http://aapina.org/.
Dr. Im's primary research focus lies in leveraging computer technologies to address and mitigate racial disparities in healthcare, showcasing her dedication to combatting these pressing issues and ensuring equitable access to quality care for all individuals.
As we step into the vibrant month of June, we eagerly embrace a time of celebration and inclusivity dedicated to honoring the diverse identities within the LGBTQAI+ community. We are thrilled to announce that the Office of IDEaS participated in the highly anticipated Pride parade, marking its long-awaited return after a hiatus since 2019.
Together, we came as a unified force to celebrate the spirit of Pride and showcase our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and increased visibility for the LGBTQAI+ community. For those who couldn't join in person, we encouraged virtual support by using the hashtag #IDEaSPRIDE on all social media platforms!.
In our ongoing series, we had the honor of profiling Eilakeisha Spencer, LMHC, Founder and Executive Director of the Boston Lesbigay Urban Foundation. This remarkable organization is committed to establishing safe spaces for events and fostering the development of long-lasting relationships. Their mission is to break the cycle of dysfunction within marginalized communities by prioritizing medical and mental health awareness. They uplift the voices of LGBTQ+ leaders, ensuring that hope is instilled in the future of our black, brown, and Latino LGBTQ+ inner-city community..
The Office of IDEaS participated in the Boston Lesbigay Urban Foundation’s Youth Pride celebration on June 29th. The event was dedicated to LGBTQIA+ families and youth of color where they could come together to celebrate their identities and find resources to support their well-being.
Video: Youth Recap
Quote Card
The Office of IDEaS prepared cards that were distributed during the event. These cards carried messages of encouragement, kindness, and support for all the families and youth that attended Youth Pride. As part of our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, we invited the Emergency Department staff to contribute by sharing thoughtful and uplifting messages. We believe that inspiring words can make a significant impact and help create a sense of belonging and acceptance for everyone.
July is Disability Pride Month, a time to celebrate the contributions and culture of people with disabilities everywhere. This commemoration coincides with the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) thirty-two years ago on July 26, 1990, which legally prohibited discrimination against people with disabilities, including in employment, transportation, public accommodations, communications, and in relation to accessing government services. It is marked as National Disability Independence Day. It celebrates the exact day the ADA was signed into federal law. Cities across the United States have parades every year to focus on the momentous occasion. Its nationwide implementation has brought about countless technological advancements to make society more equitable and inclusive.
More than three decades later, Disability Pride Month serves as an opportunity to reflect on the work still to be done to make these legal protections a lived reality, and to ensure that people with disabilities are fully affirmed, included, supported, and protected in our society. National Disability Pride month is not only about awareness but about understanding and respect.
Back 2023, the Office of IDEaS launched the Profile in Diversity Series, a year-round initiative that aims to honor cultural heritage months and wholeheartedly celebrate the diverse groups in our community in real-time. In honor of Disability Pride month, we are profiling Special Needs Advocacy Inc., a local organization that seeks to provide advocacy, awareness, trainings, and educational support for students with disabilities, families, community members, teachers, and professionals in the classroom. As our national highlight we are profiling Keah Brown; Author, Actress, Journalist &Screenwriter. Learn how Keah, born with Cerebral Palsy, embraced herself and passion.
Disability Pride Flag
Each color stripe has a meaning:
- Red - physical disabilities
- Gold - neurodiversity
- White - invisible disabilities and disabilities that have not yet been diagnosed
- Blue - emotional and psychiatric disabilities, including mental illness, anxiety, and depression
- Green - for sensory disabilities, including deafness, blindness, lack of smell, lack of taste, audio processing disorder, and all other sensory disabilities
The faded black background mourning and rage for victims of ableist violence and abuse. The diagonal band cuts across the walls and barriers that separate the disabled from normal society, also representing light and creativity cutting through the darkness.
Ann Magill created the Disability Pride flag in 2019, and updated in 2021 to be visually safe and inclusive.
Ann Magill, a writer with cerebral palsy created the Disability Pride flag in 2019. Her writing focuses on disability and social justice. When asked about what Disability Pride means to her: “Pride is about, I may not be happy about my identity now because of life circumstances, but I deserve to be happy and I think that’s the core of it. Recognizing that you deserve happiness even if you’re a marginalized person, whatever your marginalization is”. Ann Magill gives an in-depth discussion on the creation of the flag.
Profile: Special Needs Advocacy Network
Since their founding in 1983, Special Needs Advocacy has endeavored to ensure all students with disabilities access to quality education and community support. They provide free advocacy support to underserved communities, develop standards for practicing advocates, disseminate information on federal and state law on special education law, and help local businesses establish more disability friendly practices, scholarships, how to help students transition to college with accessible tools and a host of other invaluable programs.
Profile: Keah Brown
Keah Brown is a multi-talented individual, excelling as an author, actress, screenwriter, and journalist. She is widely recognized as the creator of the empowering hashtag movement #DisabledAndCute and was one of The Root’s most influential African Americans of 2018. In 2019, Keah made her mark with her debut essay collection, titled "The Pretty One." This inspiring work displays her journey of self-discovery and acceptance while offering a refreshing narrative from intersecting communities whose stories have historically been overlooked.
Born with cerebral palsy, Keah initially yearned for normalcy and sought refuge from the self-hate perpetuated by societal norms. However, through years of introspection and connecting with others in her community, she has reclaimed her identity and transformed her perspective. Keah's writing has been featured in numerous esteemed publications including Teen Vogue, Elle, Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire UK, and The New York Times, to name just a few. Currently, she is involved in co-writing a musical and expanding her presence in the film and television industry. Keah Brown is a powerful advocate for inclusivity and self-acceptance. She is redefining the narrative perceived in pop culture, fashion, and in our everyday lives for people with disabilities. To learn more about Keah, please visit Keah's website.
We are a physician-led education and support group promoting diversity, accessibility and equality in health care. These principles are the foundation of all our efforts, including hiring practices, educational programs, community outreach and grant awards.
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Social Justice
