February 24th, 2024.

Saturday, February 24, 2024 | 6-10pm

The Glasshouse, 660 12th Avenue (48th & 49th Street),
New York NY 10019

This exceptional event paid tribute to the outstanding contributions of African Americans in Medicine, spotlighting individuals whose impactful journeys exemplify the transformative influence of art on health and healing.

Thank you for joining us for this electric night of community, art, and recognition for the African Americans in the Medical Field making paths and improving outcomes for people of color all over the world.

NAACP and OBIE Award Winner, Ty Jones, is the Producing Artistic Director of the Classical Theatre of Harlem. Under his leadership, CTH stabilized its finances, grew its donor base and expanded its programming and community-based initiatives. Mr. Jones envisioned and launched CTH’s Uptown Shakespeare in the Park series in 2013, initiated an Uptown meets Downtown collaboration program, implemented CTH’s free monthly Literary Series to support playwrights of color and created educational programs for Harlem youth.

Mr. Jones’ Artistic credits include: Broadway: The Great Society, ENRON, Judgement at Nuremberg, Julius Caesar, Henry IV; Classical Theatre of Harlem: The Blacks, Macbeth, Antigone, Henry V, Emancipation; Regional: American Shakespeare Theatre Company, Baltimore Center Stage, Guthrie Theatre; Film: Clifford The Big Red Dog, The Taking of Pelham 123, Redacted; TV: POWER, Blacklist, Chicago PD, Madam Secretary. He earned his MFA from the University of Delaware’s Professional Theatre Training Program.

Belongó, formerly the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance is a New York based cultural organization dedicated to education, preservation, and performance of an American musical treasure, Afro Latin jazz.

From 2002 to 2007 Arturo O’Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra were resident artists at Jazz at Lincoln Center were they performed an extensive schedule in New York and across the country while on tour. In 2005, the orchestra recorded its first GRAMMY-nominated album, Una Noche Inolvidable.

2024 Honorees

Carolyn Barley Britton, MD, MS

Carolyn Barley Britton, MD, MS, a Professor of Neurology at Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and Columbia University Irving Medical Center, is also an Attending Physician at New York Presbyterian Medical Center. With an MD degree and an MS in Microbiology, she is double-boarded in Internal Medicine and Neurology, recognized for her groundbreaking work in neurologic complications of HIV and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, and has dedicated over three decades to advocacy for AIDS clinical trials, minority and women clinical researchers, and inclusivity in clinical trials.

Don A. Dayson, MD

Don A. Dayson, MD, a graduate of Boys High School in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, NY, and Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH, is an Emeritus Clinical Assistant Professor at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. Completing his medical education at Stony Brook University Medical Center in 1979 and residency at Harlem Hospital Center in Internal Medicine, he brings over 43 years of experience to his private practice in New York, NY, where he specializes in Internal Medicine and is affiliated with Mount Sinai St Luke's Hospital.

Garfield Clunie, MD

Garfield Clunie, MD is a leading expert in women’s health and healthy equity. He is double board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, and is Associate Professor and the inaugural Vice Chair for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine/NYU Langone Health. Dr. Clunie is also the Immediate Past President of the National Medical Association, the nation’s oldest and largest organization of African American physicians.

Linnie M Golightly, MD

Linnie M Golightly, MD, a native of the Midwest, Dr. Golightly’s career as a physician-scientist in global health has emphasized training and mentorship. Her research has focused on infectious diseases endemic to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and factors affecting the retention of underrepresented groups and citizens of LMICs in academic careers.

Marlene Taylor, PA-C

Marlene Taylor, PA-C, HIV Specialist, Primary Care Medical Provider, and Founder of Taylor Moses Institute for Health Professions is a seasoned Primary Care Provider with over 30 years of experience in HIV and Hepatitis, currently serves as the Director of HIV at Heritage Health Center. Renowned for her expertise and dedication, she has held impactful roles at institutions like Ryan Chelsea Clinton Clinic and Montefiore Medical Center, consistently earning recognition for her compassionate and high-quality care, and actively contributing to education and advocacy efforts.

Mona Rigaud, MD, MPH, FIDSA

Mona Rigaud, MD, MPH, FIDSA, Chief of Pediatrics at NYU Langone Hospital – Brooklyn, focuses on developing pediatric programs for high-quality and equitable care to diverse patients, with extensive expertise in Tuberculosis and HIV. Originating from Haiti, she is committed to ensuring optimal care for underserved children, serving in leadership roles and as a senior global medical advisor, and holds degrees from Universidad Anahuac Medical School, Columbia University, and Princeton University.

Oni Blackstock, MD, MHS

Oni Blackstock, MD, MHS, a renowned thought leader in health equity and HIV, serves as the founder and Executive Director of Health Justice, a consulting firm dedicated to promoting anti-racism and equity in healthcare. With a background as a primary care and HIV physician, she previously held key roles at the New York City Health Department and Montefiore Medical Center, focusing on addressing the HIV epidemic and conducting research for disproportionately impacted communities.

Patricia N. Whitley-Williams, M.D.

Patricia N. Whitley-Williams, M.D., a distinguished Professor of Pediatrics and Chief of the Division of Pediatric Allergy, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, is a Boston native with a B.S. degree from Simmons College and an M.D. degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. As a board-certified pediatrician and infectious diseases specialist, she has a prolific career in academia, serving on national committees, and contributing significantly to research in HIV/AIDS, childhood, and adolescent immunizations.

Rachel Villanueva, MD FACOG

Rachel Villanueva, MD FACOG, a Clinical Assistant Professor at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, holds a BS Degree in Biology from Yale University and an MD Degree, cum laude, from the Yale School of Medicine. As an advocate for maternal health and reproductive justice, she recently completed her term as the 122nd President of the National Medical Association, the first former President of the Student National Medical Association to hold this position, demonstrating her commitment to health equity, workforce diversity, and clinician well-being.

Uché Blackstock, MD

Uché Blackstock, MD, is a physician and thought leader on bias and racism in healthcare. She appears on air regularly as an MSNBC medical contributor and is the founder and CEO of Advancing Health Equity, as well as a former associate professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine and the former faculty director for recruitment, retention, and inclusion in the Office of Diversity Affairs at NYU School of Medicine. Dr. Blackstock received both her undergraduate and medical degrees from Harvard University, making her and her twin sister, Oni, the first Black mother-daughter legacies from Harvard Medical School. Dr. Blackstock currently lives in her hometown of Brooklyn, New York, with her two school-age children.

Vanessa Jenkins-Young. P.T., MA, MPH

Vanessa Jenkins-Young. P.T., MA, MPH, an immigrant from Belize, Central America, has dedicated 32 years to the field of Rehabilitation Medicine, currently serving as the Senior Associate Director of Medicine, Neurology & Rehabilitation Medicine at Health and Hospitals-Bellevue Hospital. Holding degrees from Hunter College and Columbia University, she is a passionate advocate for people with disabilities, serving as a clinical bioethics consultant for the past 18 years and contributing to various organizations, including her role as a founding member of the Belize Diabetes Association of New York.

Vivian Jolley Bea, M.D., FACS

Vivian Jolley Bea, M.D., FACS, has assumed the role of Section Chief of Breast Surgical Oncology at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. Holding a master's degree in biology from Drexel University and a medical degree from Morehouse School of Medicine, she is board certified in general surgery and actively engages in various professional organizations, emphasizing her commitment to breast cancer care, research, and addressing disparities.

Yves Duroseau, MD, MPH

Yves Duroseau, MD, MPH, currently serving as the Western Regional Vice-President of the Emergency Medicine Line at Northwell Health and Chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital, provides leadership in strategic planning, operations, quality, research, and education. With a distinguished career that includes roles at Kings County Hospital Center and St. Vincent's Hospital, he is actively involved in mentorship programs, supports minority students in medicine, and serves on the board of EMEDEX International.

Ashira D. Blazer, MD

Dr. Ashira D. Blazer serves as an Assistant Professor of Medicine in Rheumatology at Weill Cornell and the Hospital for Special Surgery, as well as in the Division of Rheumatology at the New York University School of Medicine. Her dedication extends to educating autoimmune patients on COVID-19, contributing as a guest physician correspondent for CBS News, and researching the biologic and genetic factors influencing systemic lupus erythematosus severity, particularly in patients of African ancestry. Dr. Blazer's international collaborations with rheumatology programs in West Africa focus on the impact of Apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) gene mutations, providing insights into personalized treatment options for vulnerable patients

Bernard Rawlins, MD

Bernard Rawlins, MD, is Professor of Clinical Orthopedic Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College & Attending Spine Surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery. His clinical practice serves the gamut of spinal disorders from cervical (neck) spine to scoliosis in the adult & pediatric population. Dr. Rawlins graduated from Columbia University School of Engineering & Applied Science with bachelor's and master's degree in applied mechanics. He received his Doctor of Medicine from Cornell University Medical School, and completed his orthopedic residency at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center. As an educator, Dr. Rawlins educates fellows, residents, and medical students and regularly donates his time educating spine surgeons in West Africa. He is the spine consultant for the NY Knicks and NY Mets.