Oral history interview with Malcolm Punter, 2021

Biographical Note

Malcolm A. Punter is President and CEO for Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (HCCI). In this role, he provides day-to-day oversight for all aspects of HCCI and manages the financial and operational sustainability of 90 mixed-use commercial buildings, a 70-unit commercial-leasing portfolio compromised of retail space in Harlem, and a myriad of social service programs. Punter is a New York City-licensed real estate broker and drives the affordable housing initiatives of HCCI. As of 2022, HCCI had several new construction projects in production including 135 units of senior housing and 250 cooperative homeownership units. Prior to joining HCCI, Punter worked in the affordable housing industry on other Central Harlem real estate development projects monitored by NYC HPD, Enterprise Community Partners, Inc., and LISC. He also created and managed his own family real estate investments with holdings in New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. Punter holds a Doctorate in Education (EdD), Master of Science Law (JSM) degree, MBA in Management & Operations, and a BS in Behavioral Science. He is a member of the Metro New York National Black MBA Association and 100 Black Men of New York, Inc. He had also served as the Secretary of the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Memorial Committee, Inc. and the Vice President of the Black Agency Executives. He has a served on many boards for other civic, housing, and fraternal organizations. He has taught courses at the College of New Rochelle, City College of New York, and the New York Theological Seminary

Scope and Contents

As a long-time Harlem resident and non-profit leader, Malcolm Punter shares his perspective about Columbia University's engagement with the Harlem community to help combat the negative consequences of racism in employment, healthcare, housing, and business. He also shares his perspective on how Columbia University can make improvements moving forward. The interview focuses on the following key themes: power and control, equity, communication, accountability, and responsibility

Subjects

• Columbia University.
• Community and college--United States.
• Discrimination in employment--United States.
• Discrimination in housing--United States.
• Discrimination in medical care--United States.
• Executives--Interviews.
• Harlem (New York, N.Y.)--History.
• Harlem (New York, N.Y.)--Race relations.
• Harlem (New York, N.Y.)--Social conditions.
• Interviews.
• Namala, Jackie, interviewer.
• Oral histories (literary works)
• Punter, Malcolm A.--Interviews.
• Racism--United States.

Access Conditions

Copyright by Malcolm Punter. The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York hold a non-exclusive license to enable library activities