We are approaching our first anniversary since relocating our headquarters to Harlem. Being part of this vibrant community has been an enriching experience, allowing me to witness firsthand all that Harlem offers. Zebra Strategies has had the opportunity to work with some amazing people and impactful local organizations, which has deepened our commitment to our core values: cultural humility, racial concordance, trauma-informed care, cultural currency, and overstanding.
I love walking into the office and enjoying the smell of curry and incense, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The lively and cheerful music awakens a sense of joy and movement within me as I depart at the end of the day. In the afternoons, the melodious call to prayer invites moments of pause and reflection. Unlike my experiences in midtown, Harlem’s diverse cultural milieu provides me with a rich and engaging environment that I wholeheartedly embrace.
Yet, with all its fresh life, we endure real issues and sufferings as a community. May 8th, which I thought would be a typical workday for me, started like any other. After a few meetings and reviews for client deliverables, I stopped at Whole Foods to pick up lunch and walked briskly to our office on 125th and 7th Avenue. Preoccupied with my plans for the day, I suddenly heard a woman screaming for help. She was hunched over a man in a fetal position, and I quickly realized, thanks to my recent interview with Dr. Felecia Pullen, that the gentleman was experiencing a drug overdose. Although someone called 911, his companion was still frantic, pleading for help. I looked around to see if anyone had Narcan but to no avail. Even the nearby fast-food chain couldn’t assist. I was disappointed and heartbroken.
My family and friends say I am “relentless” and “won’t take no for an answer” when searching for a solution. It’s how I’m wired. Yet, there I was on 125th Street in Harlem without a solution. I walked away feeling defeated, praying the gentleman would receive some mercy for his suffering that morning. I kept asking myself how to become a more active community member and prepare for such emergencies.
Despite my initial excitement about relocating our office to Harlem and being one of the few research companies based in an urban, low-income area, I was still determining what lay ahead. Each day, as I navigate the neighborhood, I am captivated by the unfolding scenes of people’s lives before me. I have transitioned from a casual visitor to an engaged observer, creating a more immersive research environment for our team and clients. However, it doesn’t end there. The events of May 8th served as a poignant reminder that our commitment must extend beyond research.
As researchers, we use empathy as our shield. Being in Harlem for the past year, I don’t think empathy is enough, considering it is a foundation for most research in communities like Harlem. In the words of Paul Bloom, what I am focused on now is “radical compassion.” This concept aligns with Zebra’s central tenet of overstanding—going beyond basic empathy to achieve a deeper, more profound connection and understanding. As researchers, we must learn to bridge the gap between empathy and action. How can we participate in the solution?
This experience has reinforced the importance of Zebra Strategies’ five core tenets:
Cultural Humility: Continually learning and respecting the diverse backgrounds within our community.
Racial Concordance: Ensuring representation and equity in all our research and interactions.
Trauma-Informed: Being sensitive to individuals’ traumas and integrating this awareness into our practices.
Cultural Currency: Valuing and incorporating the unique cultural assets that each community member brings.
Overstanding: Achieving a deep, empathetic connection that informs and enriches our research and community engagement.
As we move forward, our commitment to these principles will continue to guide our work and interactions within the Harlem community and beyond.
After spending much time replaying the incident, I believe I have a more thorough understanding of the importance of harm reduction than any research my firm has conducted. I have booked my Narcan training and am excited to participate in the solution. Dr. P has agreed to assist me with the training.
As we celebrate our first year in Harlem, we are more dedicated than ever to embodying the values that define Zebra Strategies. The lessons learned and the experiences gained have enriched our research and deepened our connection to this incredible community. Here’s to many more years of growth, learning, and making a positive impact together.
Click here to watch Dr. Pullen’s Interview on Harm Reduction.
