Q&A
DCLA's response to potential federal rollbacks of DEI programs
0:50:08
ยท
4 min
Council Member Rivera asks about DCLA's response to potential federal rollbacks of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. Commissioner Cumbo emphasizes the importance of DEI to New York City's identity and culture.
- Cumbo states that DEI is fundamental to New York City's existence and cannot be dismantled
- The diversity of New York City is highlighted as a key attraction for visitors and residents
- Mayor Eric Adams' commitment to MWBE (Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises) is mentioned as an indicator of the city's dedication to diversity and inclusion
Carlina Rivera
0:50:08
Yeah.
0:50:09
I, I agree.
0:50:09
I, I used to work for, a similar group that that provided nonprofits with, business transaction services.
0:50:19
So, that was a really interesting sight to see.
0:50:22
Mhmm.
0:50:23
So I agree.
0:50:23
It's totally needed.
0:50:25
I do wanna just ask you and I agree.
0:50:27
MOM would've MOM is also a really valuable agency, and and and we welcome their contribution and their partnership always, as I know so many people in the room do.
0:50:38
I I just have a a question that's more about some of the rhetoric around DEI.
0:50:43
Right?
0:50:44
Diversity, equity, and inclusion, and and this sort of I don't know how to say sort of.
0:50:50
It's been pretty direct, attack to roll back civil rights protections and equal employment opportunities from the federal administration.
0:50:59
And while a lot of that is very, very new in terms of what's coming out of the the White House, it's just something that I know you are so passionate about, and you've been such an incredible advocate.
0:51:13
And how how is DCLA responding to to some of these, I guess, attacks?
0:51:19
What would the agency do if the federal government ordered an end to DEI programs in New York City?
0:51:24
Have you all discussed that at all?
Laurie Cumbo
0:51:26
Well, DEI is at the foundation of New York City.
0:51:29
There's no way that New York City could exist, function without the creative voices from all over New York City that make it what it is.
0:51:38
This is DEI can't be dismantled here in New York City.
0:51:42
The level of diversity here is incredible.
0:51:45
It's why people come from all over the world to visit New York City.
0:51:49
It's why people choose to live here.
0:51:51
And the creative energy that is here in New York City simply can't be dismantled.
0:51:56
And we see that all across New York City.
0:51:59
I just did a hard hat walking tour of the new Studio Museum in Harlem building.
0:52:04
I just went to the 3 Kings Day celebration at El Museo.
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I travel all across this city.
0:52:11
We, I was just looking at pictures that I attended of the Chinese New Year, Year of the Snake at, at MOCA.
0:52:17
I mean, this is the heart of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
0:52:22
This is really essentially the birthplace.
0:52:25
What we do here as second nature or the air that we breathe in other parts of the nation, it's something that they've had to work harder at.
0:52:33
But we are essentially the, the boiler plate, the blueprint for how diverse communities can work together.
Carlina Rivera
0:52:42
I I agree with that, and I I I knew you would, give us hope, you know, in your answer Mhmm.
0:52:48
When I when I decided to ask that.
0:52:51
It's just, you know, we've we've created specific programs and even positions, like, within our within our this building
Laurie Cumbo
0:52:58
That's right.
Carlina Rivera
0:52:59
To ensure that we're on track and that we're exceeding our goals.
0:53:03
So it's, I know for for many organizations, it's a bit intimidating to hear, But I think hearing from us that, it's it's something that we intend to champion, you know, rather than ever cower to.
Laurie Cumbo
0:53:18
I think something that we can look at also, which is a strong indicator, is that Mayor Eric Adams has prided himself on being the MWBE champion.
0:53:28
And he has worked incredibly hard to, infuse MWBE in all, lines of communication here because he understands that MWBE wealth, and contributions are what's going to take so many, low income communities out of that particular situation.
0:53:51
When people have good paying jobs, when people are able to start their own businesses, when people are able to thrive, and to be able to start a business, to start a company, to be able to start a not for profit.
0:54:03
Those are critical ways to lift people up out of poverty.
0:54:07
And that is essentially, the work that I've been doing every single day here, but on that level of being a cultural leader in New York City.
Carlina Rivera
0:54:18
And we thank you for your service.
UNKNOWN
0:54:20
Thank you.
Carlina Rivera
0:54:21
Well, that those are all the questions that I have for you today.
0:54:23
I just wanna thank you for bringing the information and the data, and, we look forward to that being utilized or sort of publicized in any way that I feel is appropriate or helpful to the groups that are here.
0:54:37
And, I I hope you'll enjoy hearing from them.
0:54:40
I know you see them all the time.
Laurie Cumbo
0:54:41
That's right.
Carlina Rivera
0:54:42
But, they're here and they're fantastic.
0:54:44
And, I'm looking forward to their testimony.