Welcome to the Evolving Man Project’s ‘Evolved Man of the Week’ profiles. Each week we will highlight an individual that embodies what it means to be an evolved man, famous and non-famous men alike. The world needs to know their stories and deeds. This week’s honor goes to the internal medicine physician, assistant professor of medicine at the University of Miami, and organizer with Dream Defenders, Dr. Armen Henderson.
Dr. Henderson is a university professor and medical doctor in Miami. He volunteers with an organization called Dream Defenders, which was created in the wake of the tragic and untimely Death of Trayvon Martin, he inspired Dream in 2012 to commit himself to public service and started volunteering after finishing his residency. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Henderson has dedicated himself to protecting public health by offering his medical expertise to serve Miami’s most vulnerable homeless citizens. This community is at risk of catching this disease. The unhoused don’t have the luxury of social distancing or the ability to shelter at home. Dr. Henderson knows how the plight of Miami’s sizable homeless population connects to the lack of will by the state to address the needs and human dignity of the most disenfranchised.
“So we’ve been going out as an act of civil disobedience to feed the homeless, to provide them with socks and toiletries and sanitizer and masks, because during a public health crisis like this, the homeless population should be the population that you pay the most attention to. And the county organizations that are supposed to protect and provide for these organizations just are not doing enough and much of anything at all.”
Dr. Henderson got targeted by the Miami police department while preparing supplies for another community service event. The Miami police department handcuffed him and verbally abused him in front of his own home. The arresting officer didn’t follow the CDC guidelines of social distancing or wearing any protective gear. The Miami PD was investigating the situation, and Dr. Henderson demanded an apology from the city. Even through all this, Dr. Henderson continues his work serving the community and being committed to justice in the face of gross injustice. He continues to provide a COVID-19 test for the less fortunate among us. Here is Dr. Armen Henderson in his own words:
“Just test everybody, especially people who are vulnerable,” … “These people are the most vulnerable. They’re also at highest risk for getting the virus and for spreading it.”
We at the Evolving Man Project wish Dr. Henderson continued success in the future and stand in solidarity with him. Homelessness and poverty are a shame of our nation. Housing is not only important, but it is a human right! Men and women like Dr. Henderson show the best of humanity in the worst of times. Today, we honor Dr. Armen Henderson as this week’s Evolved Man of the Week.
Evolving Folks Project 