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City Watch
Thu, Oct 8, 2026 5:00 PM
RACIAL EQUITY, HOUSING & MENTAL HEALTH
On Thursday, October 8, at 5 PM ET, WBAI 99.5 FM NY City Watch host Jeff Simmons speaks with two leaders working to make New York City more equitable and responsive to the needs of its residents.
First, Cal Hedigan, CEO of Community Access, joins the program to discuss Housing First and the principle that housing is a human right; the urgent need for more supportive housing in New York City; and why people navigating mental-health challenges must be treated as experts in their own lives, with autonomy over their treatment and recovery journeys. The conversation will also examine Community Access’s new intensive crisis-respite program and the need for effective alternatives to a police response during mental-health crises.
Then, Afua Atta-Mensah, New York City’s Chief Equity Officer and Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Equity & Racial Justice, discusses the city’s newly released first-ever Final Citywide Racial Equity Plan. She’ll explain what the plan could mean for New Yorkers, how it addresses longstanding disparities across city government and how the administration will measure progress and hold agencies accountable.
Listen Thursday, October 8, from 5 to 6 PM on WBAI 99.5 FM or stream live at WBAI.org. Call 212-209-2877 during the show to join the conversation.
WBAI is listener-supported radio. Help keep independent, community-centered programming on the air by donating at Give2WBAI.org, calling 1-833-WBAI-NYC or becoming a sustaining BAI Buddy at buddy.wbai.org.
