Clyde Wilson Pickett, a leading expert in higher education diversity and inclusion strategy, has been named the University of Pittsburgh’s vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion. Charged with ensuring a welcome, inclusive and equitable environment for students, faculty and staff across all campuses, Pickett is set to start in July 2020.

Pickett is no stranger to Pittsburgh. An alumnus of the Doctor of Education (EdD) program in Pitt’s School of Education, he served as chief diversity officer for the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), and most recently, as chief diversity officer for the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. While at Minnesota State, Pickett was responsible for leading and developing system-wide diversity, equity and inclusion strategy and policy guidance for Minnesota State’s 54 campuses.

In his new role, Pickett will collaborate with University leadership to ensure that Pitt’s mission, vision and strategic priorities are aligned with creating a more inclusive, diverse culture of belonging. He will also lead proactive initiatives, services, connections and education across Pitt’s campuses pertaining to diversity and inclusion. In the last academic year, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion underwent a strategic restructure to position itself toward more focused, proactive work with an emphasis on prevention and education.

PUM: What is the significance of celebrating Black History month, especially during a time in our country where we are experiencing unprecedented challenges in our country related to race relations?

Clyde: I think it is critical for us to celebrate the Black History month as it provides us an opportunity to focus attention on some of the countless accomplishments and contributions of Black people who helped shape and advance human civilization. We acknowledge the vision of Dr. Carter G. Woodson who, in founding Negro History Week, laid the foundation for Black History month. Dr Woodson reminded us that we should revisit our beautiful history and accomplishments to cement inspiration for the future greatness. I often share with my students and mentees that we are torchbearers of a legacy of greatness. It is up to each generation to tend to that legacy and further build upon it. I would argue that the challenges we are currently immersed in are not unprecedented. What can be unprecedented is the immediacy in outcomes and the promotion of change. Race relations in this country have been a challenge for centuries. We have the opportunity to build on the previous work and the sacrifices of those who came before us to further push for change. With the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, we have witnessed renewed activism by our youth. We have a responsibility to support them and to further do our part to help capitalize on this moment to drive lasting change.

PUM: In your role as University of Pittsburgh’s Vice Chancellor and Chief, how are you helping Pitt “engage” with the community and how do you plan on using your position to ensure that Pitt’s mission, vision and strategic priorities are aligned with creating a more inclusive, diverse culture of belonging. 

Clyde: Community engagement is essential to any University. In my role, I help develop and advance initiatives/programs that prioritize the focus of our outreach efforts to support communities that have been historically underrepresented and underserved. We must be intentional about ongoing and meaningful engagement in the community. We must prioritize that the community is Pitt and WE are the community broadly speaking.

A pillar to any engagement effort involves active personal involvement in the community. I take pride in living, working, and serving in the city of Pittsburgh. Being a resident of this city is a choice I have now made twice. My personal engagement involves teaching, leadership, and board service to our local organizations and investing time in mentoring students and the next generation of leaders.

Equity, diversity, and inclusion are identified priorities in the mission and vision for the University of Pittsburgh. The nature of my role is to challenge us to live up to that mission and vision and to prioritize an equity and inclusion lens with regard to our strategic priorities of the University. This must be done by first embracing and valuing the diverse identities and perspectives that all our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the community bring. To fully advance this work requires that I use my role to help amplify the voices of all groups. This most assuredly includes the Black and African American communities and prioritizing outreach to the group. It means that I must actively seek out the perspectives of all our stakeholders, including the Black and African American communities to make sure they are heard and supported; and we incorporate that perspective into our strategy.

PUM: In your leadership position, you will also lead proactive initiatives, services, connections and education across Pitt’s campuses pertaining to diversity and inclusion, tell us more about your strategic plans.

Clyde: The Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion’s vision is to make sure that the pillars of diversity, equity, and inclusion are interwoven into the fabric of all operations of the University of Pittsburgh. This effort must impact all of our campuses and more specifically lead to equitable outcomes for our students, faculty, and staff. While our broad strategic planning process is currently ongoing, broadly we seek to impact the area of academic equity, including teaching and research, campus culture/climate, compliance, broad community engagement, and equity and inclusion leadership and strategy.

PUM: With the pandemic looming how are you virtually being able to connect overall with students and the broader communities?

Clyde:  Like many of us, I’m using various virtual communication platforms to connect with our students and the community at large. As this pandemic has reminded us of the great disparities with regard to access, resources, and wealth, it is important that we prioritize check-ins with the communities that are most vulnerable. We need to know the ways we can best support their needs and the best way to do that is to listen to them directly. Pitt remains committed to being a resource to the community, and my work is to help serve a conduit in connecting broader needs to the ways we can help.

PUM:  During this historical Presidential election, U.S. Senator Kamal Harris emerges as the  the Vice President of the United States, and the first African American & Indian woman to hold this position, as we celebrate Black History Month, what significance does this have for future generations?

Clyde: I believe the significance is profound. As a father, uncle, and Black man, I personally couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed with pride. Vice President Harris’s elevation is confirmation of the endless possibilities that await my daughter and nieces, and every other little girl. Her success helps celebrate not only her greatness, but the greatness that lives inside of each of us, that was made possible by those who came before us.

PUM: Reflecting on history, who inspired you to become the leader you are today?

Clyde: There have been a great number of people who have inspired me to be the leader I am today. In addition to inspiration, I know that many have contributed to create the leadership opportunity I am currently entrusted with. Collectively, we must acknowledge our ancestors both seen and unseen and their sacrifices to make a way for us to be in this moment. We must pause to identify that we stand on their shoulders. In terms of specific sources of inspiration, I reflect often upon our ancestors who are lost in the written records of history. One of the biggest cruelties of the enslavement of our ancestors was not allowing a written record of their full being and existence. I enjoy researching my genealogy and when I can find a record of my ancestors, I celebrate what I find and use it as inspiration to say that I am further allowing their lives and stories to grow. I use it as a way to keep me going and to reflect on how proud they would be to see where we are and where I am. One of those ancestors was my Great-Great-Great Grandmother Dollie (Tyler) Summers who was born enslaved in Kentucky somewhere near 1842. While the written record of her existence might be on just that page, my life and what I accomplish to help our community and to make the University a more equitable and inclusive place is directly tied to her life.

 Of course at the University of Pittsburgh we have a number of programs to commemorate Black History Month. You can find more information on the Black History Month events and information on our broad diversity, equity and inclusion efforts by visiting our website https://www.diversity.pitt.edu/.

William Generett Jr. serves as the vice president for civic engagement and external relations at Duquesne University. In this role, he provides leadership in support of the University's mission of service and its commitment to the city of Pittsburgh, Western Pennsylvania and the nation.

Generett facilitates and develops relationships with local and national community organizations, governments and civic organizations, strengthening the University's partnerships with its neighbors. Through the newly formed Office of Civic Engagement and External Relations, he oversees the University's government affairs function and its Center for Engaged Teaching and Research, which works to advance community-engaged research, teaching and scholarship.

Generett most recently served as the inaugural president and chief executive officer of Urban Innovation21, a unique public-private partnership. Under his leadership, Urban Innovation21 was recognized nationally and internationally for its work to connect Pittsburgh's underserved communities and their residents to the greater metropolitan Pittsburgh region's growing innovation economy. Generett has worked in various capacities as a nonprofit executive, entrepreneur and attorney. He is a very active member of the community where he serves through several nonprofit boards and advisory committees.

In 2014, Generett was appointed by President Barack Obama to the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship. A Pittsburgh native, Generett earned his J.D. from Emory University School of Law and is a Phi Beta Kappa, magna cum laude graduate of Morehouse College. In 2016, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by Carlow University.

PUM: What is the significance of celebrating Black History month, especially during a time in our country where we are experiencing unprecedented challenges in our country related to race relations?

Bill: Black history is America’s history. There are so many things that African Americans have contributed to this nation and this world and it is vital that all people understand those contributions. Too often the contributions of African Americans are misunderstood and sadly minimized. This causes way too many people to misunderstand the important role that Black people have played in making this nation the great country it is today. If more people understand the role of Black people in making America what it is today, race relations would be more positive and the treatment of Black people would be better. That is why Black history month is important.

In your role as Vice President of Civic Engagement and External Relations how are you helping Duquesne University “engage” with the community? 

Bill: At Duquesne, service is more than something we do. It's a core part of our identity. We believe that equity and opportunity begins at home and so we work to create it. The practice of civic engagement—the exchange of resources between Duquesne and its surrounding communities and partners —has been central to our mission since the University's founding in 1878. Today, that tradition is alive and well—and reaching more people than ever before.

The Office of Civic Engagement and External Relations connects the University and its partners across five areas of impact:

• Growth and Innovation• Health and Wellness• Education• Individual Empowerment• Volunteerism

Tell us more about your role, in providing leadership in support of the University's mission of service and its commitment to the city of Pittsburgh, Western Pennsylvania and the nation. 

I oversee the University’s Office of Civic Engagement and External Relations (OCEER), which I played a key role in launching when I was hired in September of 2017. OCEER oversees the Office of Community Engagement (OCE), which oversees the Center for Community-Engaged Teaching and Research (CETR) and student volunteerism efforts. Through OCE, students and faculty create partnerships that provide meaningful opportunities for learning together, conducting research, and addressing community concerns. CETR also provides oversight over student volunteerism efforts, knowing how important volunteerism to expanding students’ horizions. OCEER also oversees the University’s government affairs and lobbying function as well as the University’s Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations (OCFR). OCFR, oversees the University’s relationship and engagement with the Pittsburgh region’s corporate partners and the University’s local and national philanthropic fundraising efforts.

PUM: With the pandemic looming how are you virtually being able to connect overall with students and the broader communities? What impact has this had on your role?

Bill: Although the University suspended most of its in-person community engagement activities due to the pandemic, our office did engage in a few in-person activities. These activities included supporting the Center for Integrative Health’s work to administer COVID-19 testing with Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) located in underserved communities throughout the City of Pittsburgh. Here is a link to a video that highlights that work. The team transferred as much of its in-person community engagement activities as possible to virtual platforms. Leading up to what has been recognized as the most contentious election in modern day history, we provided students with a wide array of nonpartisan activities that allowed for the opportunity to constructively engage in the election process. Our office spearheaded the “Duquesne Votes Coalition,” a coalition of members representing students, faculty, and staff, ranging from student government, student life, academic affairs, community engagement, mission & identity, the library, the Center for Teaching Excellence, Global Engagement, and athletics. Key successes of this coalition included, but were not limited to, working with athletics on a “Why I Vote” testimonial initiative to encourage full voter participation for all eligible athletes and athletic staff, as well as helping residence life assist COVID-19 positive and quarantined students participate in the election.

PUM: During this historical Presidential election, U.S. Senator Kamala Harris emerges as the Vice President of the United States, and the first African American & Indian woman to hold this position, as we celebrate Black History Month, what significance does this have for future generations?

Bill: Vice President Harris is inspiring a generation of African American and Asian women who now know they can reach their full potential. If you don’t see people like yourself in the high-ranking positions, often you don’t believe those positions are for you or are attainable. Your horizon has a limit when it should really expand. As the first woman Vice President and the first African American and Asian VP, she is inspiring and for generations to come will inspire women and men throughout the country to reach for bigger goals—something we try to do here at Duquesne every day. 

PUM: Reflecting on history, who inspired you to become the leader you are today?

Bill: I have a lot of role models but the two that have had the most influence on me are my mother Mona Generett, PhD. and my late father Dr. William Generett. My mom has always been heavily engaged in the community and even in retirement she continues to be. In her last role before retirement she served as the VP of Community Development at Dollar Bank. Although she launched a lot of different programs that helped people through the region, she is most known for launching “Mortgages for Moms.” Mortgages for Moms is still in existence today and has helped thousands of women purchase homes. In retirement, my mom is the Chair of the Board of Directors of Community College of Allegheny County. My father was an Obstetrician Gynecologist and worked to make sure women of all races and socioeconomic backgrounds had access to high quality health care. Service is in my blood because of my parents.

Sara Oliver Carter is the Chief Diversity Officer at Duquesne Light Company (DLC), a next generation energy company that delivers safe and reliable electricity to more than a half a million customers in southwestern Pennsylvania.  She collaborates directly with the executive team to build out the Company’s diversity and inclusion strategy and the associated initiatives with a strong focus on talent acquisition, culture, community partnerships and workplace inclusion and belonging.

Prior to joining DLC in 2019, Sara was the Senior Director of Talent, Diversity and Inclusion for Pennsylvania State University. In this role, she was primarily accountable for leading and creating the talent management, talent acquisition, diversity, and inclusion framework throughout the University system with the goal of attracting, developing and retaining high potential diverse talent. 

Prior to her time at Penn State, Sara was with Highmark for 18 years in a variety of human resources positions culminating in the role of Vice President, Diversity and Inclusion.  

Sara is a results-oriented human resources professional with more than 20 years of business operations and human resource management experience. During her career, she has held a variety of positions in corporate staffing, employee relations and operations while serving as a member of various community boards. 

Sara has a passion for diversity and inclusion and knows diversity is integral to sustainable business excellence in the Pittsburgh area. She realizes diversity is critical to the success of the region, and is committed to supporting the attraction and retention of talent through innovative diversity and inclusion efforts in both the workplace and community. 

Sara has a bachelor’s degree in business communication and a master’s of science degree in professional leadership from Carlow University. 

PUM: What is the significance of celebrating Black History Month, especially during a time in our country where we are experiencing unprecedented challenges related to race relations?

Sarah:  Every year, I get pleasure and find great significance in celebrating Black History Month. This year’s theme is “The Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity.” It remains a time to reflect on and celebrate the history and important achievements made by members of the Black community and social justice movements, while acknowledging there’s still important work to be done to make all opportunities just, fair and equitable. This year, it’s even more important for us to make time for reflection and action not only during Black History Month, but all throughout the year. We have a real opportunity to continue driving social change to create a more equitable and inclusive world. 

It’s also a chance for us to work together and identify solutions to openly address and end systemic racism. At Duquesne Light Company (DLC), we’re celebrating Black History Month by growing inclusion, advancing belonging, and engaging in various celebrations that acknowledge the contributions of the Black community. This includes a Martin Luther King Jr. employee challenge and a panel discussion with African American community leaders engaged in candid conversations, all led by our recently launched African American Business Employee Resource Group (BERG).

PUM:  You are the first chief diversity officer at Duquesne Light. Since your appointment in July 2019, tell us more about your priorities and focus.

Sarah:  Since I started at DLC, my focus has been on partnering with our leadership and engaging our employees to make our workplace inclusive and reflective of all communities. Overall, we’re striving to grow a culture that’s based on respect and dignity, where all voices are heard and valued. We serve a diverse group of people at DLC, so the best way to support our customers is to understand their needs and support them in all that we do. In this light, becoming more diverse and equitable and creating a sense of inclusion and diversity is not only the right thing to do, it’s a DLC business imperative. Last year, in the face of a pandemic and social unrest, we didn’t step back from our efforts. Instead, we doubled down and we’re continuing on this path. We’ve introduced a companywide diversity strategy, started a candid conversation platform, and launched BERGs supporting our employees who identify as African Americans, women and/or veterans.

We plan to launch more BERGs in the future, which are voluntary, employee-led groups that help support our workplace belonging and innovation efforts through engagement, networking, leadership, volunteerism and special initiatives. As a company, we’re also prioritizing diversity in our new procurement strategy by building relationships with diverse suppliers and making it easier for diverse vendors to do business with us. At DLC, these efforts aren’t limited to one area of the company. We’re working hard to make them a part of all we do so we can serve our customers exceptionally well. 

PUM:   As a trailblazer in Human Resources, employee engagement, and diversity and inclusion, how do you see your role in efforts to especially enhance diversity at Duquesne Light?

Sarah: It is my role to support the business through employee engagement and by establishing the fundamentals of an inclusive workplace culture. I do this by working with company leaders, employees, customers and community partners so that DLC can be viewed as an employer of choice. When we are intentional about inclusion, we not only attract diverse talent, we also make it easier to retain, develop and promote that talent. Diversity follows inclusion, so it’s critical that we continue sustaining a culture of belonging, inclusion and respect. 

PUM: What is the value diversity and inclusion bring to a company? Why does it matter?

Sarah: DLC is committed to serving its diverse customer base. Bringing various viewpoints and backgrounds to the table makes us stronger, smarter and more effective for our customers. It’s critical that we reflect the communities we serve. When we do that, we’re better equipped to give our customers the best service possible. As a business, diversity also makes us more competitive. Our industry isn’t known for being pioneers in this space and has seen a significant underrepresentation of people of color and women, but we’re looking to change that. When we commit to attracting and retaining a wide range of talent, we give ourselves a greater opportunity to succeed.

It’s important that we continue finding new ways to connect diverse students to STEM education, skills and resources to pursue energy and utility careers. We must also continue updating and advancing our policies, resources and culture to support the growing diversity in our company and across the industry. These critical efforts promote innovation, lead to better decision making and increase employee involvement and engagement. DLC is working diligently to foster a workplace where employees feel energized and empowered to deliver exceptional service to our customers in the neighborhoods we serve.

PUM: Reflecting on history, who inspired you to become the leader you are today?

Sarah: My mother, Sara Marshall. She refused to accept mediocre and demanded excellence, yet she tempered that expectation with love, empathy and grace. She used active listening to guide, advise and gently probe and push when necessary. Her thought was any failure was an opportunity to “do it better next time,” and grow through each and every challenge. She continues to serve as my personal role model of faith, fortitude and courage. She is my best friend.

 Lisa Edmonds, a Pittsburgh native, is the Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer for the county's Department of Equity and Inclusion. Lisa provides assistance to minority and women businesses that are interested in contracting opportunities and certification. Lisa is involved with various organizations such as the Southwestern Pennsylvania Engineering Outreach (SPEO) and the MWDBE Governmental Committee that also assist minority and women businesses. 

In 2014, Lisa received her Certified Compliance Administrator (CCA) and in 2016, her Master Compliance Administrator (MCA) certifications from the American Contract Compliance Association (ACCA). Previously, Lisa was a Project Engineer for URS Construction Services and served as an MBE/WBE Technical Assistance Specialist for the City of Pittsburgh in the Office of the Mayor. Lisa earned her B.S. in Electrical Engineering at Hampton University in Virginia.

PUM: What is the significance of celebrating Black History month, especially during a time in our country where we are experiencing unprecedented challenges in our country related to race relations?

Lisa: As OUR country continues to experience challenges related to race, it is especially significant to celebrate Black History Month to showcase the many contributions that Blacks have made to the success of the country. The celebration serves as a reminder to all, recognizes the undisputable contributions, and inspires and nurtures confidence. While February is set aside as the month for nationally celebrating Black History, the hard work and commitment of Blacks continues daily in our stride for a nation that is indivisible. 

PUM: In your role as the chief equity and Inclusion officer for the county, how are you helping the county “engage” with the community and why is this important? 

Lisa: As chief equity and inclusion officer, it is important to help the county engage with the community to advance inclusivity and eliminate any barriers that may exclude or marginalize. Our team engages the community by providing information and instruction regarding available resources and opportunities by hosting an Annual Open House, advertising, providing presentations, networking and participating in various organization that have the same focus. 

PUM: With the pandemic how are you able to continue services for certified businesses?

Lisa: Due to the need for social distancing, the pandemic has changed our method but not our delivery of services. We are equipped to offer our services through a virtual platform. We continue to provide one-on-one certification counseling, presentations, document processing and to ensure that a good faith effort is conducted to provide opportunities for certified businesses. We also continue to provide information on how to do business with Allegheny County and provide information about available resources through Allegheny County and other entities. 

PUM: Tell us more about the process to become certified with the county, what recommendations do you have for persons interested in becoming certified.  

Lisa: Allegheny County provides disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) certification as a part of the Pennsylvania Unified Certification Program (PA UCP). This certification is governed by the Federal Code of Regulations, Section 49 Part 26 (49CFR26)and each state has a UCP. The following will help firms determine whether they are eligible for DBE certification:

· United States citizens (or lawfully admitted permanent residents)

· Socially and economically disadvantaged individual(s) - women, Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian-Pacific Americans, Subcontinent Asian Americans, or other minorities found to be disadvantaged as defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA)

· Business must be 51% owned by a socially and economically disadvantaged individual(s).

· A firm (including its affiliates) must be a small business as defined by SBA standards. It must not have annual gross receipts over $26.29million in the previous three fiscal years ($56.42 million for airport concessionaires in general with some exceptions).

· Personal Net Worth of less than $1.32 million. Items excluded from a person's net worth calculation include an individual's ownership interest in the applicant firm, and his or her equity in their primary residence. 

· Independence - The business must not be tied to another firm in such a way as to compromise its independence and control.

· Control - A disadvantaged owner seeking certification must possess the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the firm. The owner must also have an overall understanding of, and managerial and technical competence and experience directly related to, the type of business in which the firm is engaged.

Once a completed application, accompanied with all supporting documents, is received, an in-depth review and a site visit are conducted. Then, a certification determination is made. A certified firm is required to submit documentation annually to ensure the firm continues to meet the certification guidelines.

Certification aims to increase the participation of minority, women and disadvantaged business enterprises (MWDBEs) on contracts. Certification does not guarantee contracts/work. Therefore, certified firms should market their company and the services/products that they provide to prospective agencies and businesses for prospective opportunities. Government, corporations, not-for-profits, etc. have programs in place to include MWDBEs and many require firms to be certified as such. The certification process requires time and therefore it behooves firms to apply for certification in advance of needing it to count toward a program goal(s). It also behooves firms to evaluate their desired customers to ascertain which certifications are accepted since entities may require or accept different MWDBE certifications.  

PUM: As a trailblazer at the county, what will be your focus to support the county in the process of making it more of a diverse and inclusive environment?

Lisa: The focus is reviewing the current policies and procedures to evaluate the need for any changes, enhancements, and/or additions to ensure an equitable and inclusive environment. 

During this historical Presidential election, U.S. Senator Kamala Harris emerges as the the Vice President of the United States, and the first African American & Indian woman to hold this position. As we celebrate Black History Month, what significance does this have for future generations?

Kamala Harris being elected to serve as the Vice President of the United States continues to build on the evidence of Blacks playing a vital role in the success of this country. Also, it is significant in encouraging future generations to work hard and continue the fight for equity and inclusion. Black voices, contributions and lives matter and a seat at the table is warranted. 

PUM: Reflecting on history, who inspired you to become the leader you are today?

Lisa: The history of many known Blacks has made an impact on me. However, I would like to recognize some with whom I have had direct encounters. 

In my personal life, I often reflect on my mother, Mary Fuller (deceased) with her strong Christian faith and guidance instructing me to lift my head up, to speak up, and to speak out. I recall the many times that she shared her interjections and advocation for Black students to be educated and treated fairly. She prayed for and assisted many people in the schools and in her community. She taught me to have a heart and mind that has concern for others. 

In my professional life, there have been many who have inspired me. Following is a non-exhaustive list: 

Sylvester Cureton (Pap) – The director of the Arlington Heights YMCA displayed and required a commitment to educating and serving the Arlington Heights community during my tenure as an employee. 

Jeffrey Thomas – Administrator for the City of Pittsburgh’s Office of Minority and Women Business Enterprise who hired me and always displayed his commitment to inclusion and opportunity. 

Arletta Williams – The executive director of the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (ALCOSAN) where she demonstrates her commitment to ensuring an equitable and inclusive environment. 

Ruth Byrd-Smith – My predecessor who shared her knowledge, vast experiences, guidance and direction.

M Gayle Moss – The chair of the MWDBE Advisory Committee and former President of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the NAACP who has spent a significant number of years fighting for the inclusion and advancement of Blacks.

Below, in the photo gallery, images from various Open Houses hosted by Ms. Edmonds department, scroll through the photos. 

Justin Jackson-Strong joined Shady Side Academy in 2020 as a Senior School math teacher and dorm advisor. Prior to SSA, he served as a math teacher and community school mentor at Propel Northside in Pittsburgh. He also served as a science teacher and grade level chair at Kings Collegiate Charter School in New York City. He completed his bachelor's degree at Morehouse College in Atlanta and his master's degree at Relay Graduate School of Education in New York City. 

PUM: What is the significance of celebrating Black History month, especially during a time in our country where we are experiencing unprecedented challenges in our country related to race relations

Justin: It is a profound belief of mine that Black history should be celebrated every day, but I digress. I recall learning about Black people and Black history through the eyes of the oppressor. This always felt extremely hollow and half told. Black history being taught as though it could be fully encompassed through lessons about slavery and the Civil Rights Movement. The problem with this narrow scope is that the former focuses on a period of time when Black people were considered to be less than human, and the latter highlights a fight for a dream that has yet to be fully realized. Though it’s more nuanced today, the presence of the systems that have marked black people as lesser still holds true equality at an arm’s length. We celebrate Black History Month as a simple but profound declaration: We are here, and our lives matter. Equality is not a privilege. It is a right. We use Black History Month to pay homage to the titans, both old and new, that work against the “lesser than” narrative and elevate ourselves and our ancestors.

PUM: You are one of the few African American high school math teachers nationwide, in fact it is reported that Black men make up only two percent of the country’s teaching force, but their presence in the classroom is shown to improve outcomes for students.  What are your thoughts about being one of the few Black men teaching and how can more be recruited in this field?

Justin: To echo the sentiments of one of my Morehouse brothers, Equel Easterling, who is also a Black male educator in New Jersey, "If not me, then who?” I’ve long held the belief that adults are the mirrors through which children see their future selves. Before I decided to start teaching, I was sitting with a group of 7th grade boys who were talking about their future career ambitions, and their goals unanimously fell in the entertainment industry: football, basketball, rap, etc. While these are certainly high goals and lucrative fields, careers in entertainment are much too often seen as “a way out” for a lot of our Black boys. It’s also worth noting that at that age, boys have likely seen Black men in these fields more often than in any other. I wanted to be a part of a shift in this mindset and exposure, so that is when I decided to become a teacher. This may seem like cyclical logic, but in order for more Black men to be recruited into education, we need more Black men in education. Boys who see Black male teachers that they admire are more likely to become teachers themselves. That is, they see a space for themselves in the profession. We also need school leadership to actively work to make their faculty demographics mirror the population of their student body. There are Black men in universities all over the nation that would make excellent teachers, but the need and desire for more representation in these professions has to become readily apparent.

PUM: How are you helping students understand the importance of diversity and inclusion? Why does America need more Black male teachers?

Justin: I think I addressed a great deal of my sentiments regarding why America needs more Black male teachers in the previous question. But just to reiterate, REPRESENTATION MATTERS. It is so critical for students to see people who resemble them in positions they aim to hold. The students teach me about the importance of diversity and inclusion much more than I teach them. Black students had expressed their desire to see more teachers of color long before I joined the faculty at Shady Side, and I think my arrival served two purposes: 1) students felt like their voices mattered and 2) they could see a small glimpse of themselves in the academic body responsible for cultivating their minds while having the background to empathize with their experiences. When we talk about diversity and inclusion in schools, the conversation should always be centered on serving our students. I believe that is the only true way to provide a world-class education.

PUM: With the pandemic looming how are you virtually being able to connect overall with students and the broader communities? Is teaching math harder virtually? 

Justin: At Shady Side Academy, we’ve been fortunate enough to be able to make adjustments that have allowed the majority of our students to attend school in-person this school year. We still, however, have had a smaller population of students attending school as live-remote learners. This becomes challenging because it is difficult to ensure that we are giving equal attention and support to both the in-person and live-remote learners. We have a natural tendency to focus our efforts on the students who are sitting right in front of us, because that was our normal prior to the pandemic. Our live-remote students who are naturally outgoing still make a space for themselves, while our students who are more reserved and less likely to speak up can fade into the background. Teaching math virtually isn’t significantly more difficult when all of the students are virtual, but the split presence increases the risk of some students being overlooked. I hold virtual office hours every day and allow students to sign up whenever they are available. This gives me an opportunity to provide math support outside of the classroom or to simply check in with students. If I find a student who may not take the initiative to reach out on their own, I try to meet them where they are and extend a personal invitation to them to meet me in office hours to check in and get their questions answered in a low-risk, low-pressure environment.

 PUM: As a trailblazer at Shady Side Academy how is it going since you first started your position? What has your experience been like so far?

Justin: I love working here at Shady Side Academy! The faculty and staff have been nothing but kind, welcoming, and exceptionally helpful. I transitioned here in the middle of a pandemic and as a newly minted father, so needless to say, I was juggling a lot at once. Everyone has been gracious and supportive. The students are equally amazing! Everybody is laser-focused on being successful, so it makes for a wonderful environment to teach and learn in. Students are also comfortable giving me both positive and constructive feedback as I adjust to the community at Shady Side Academy. Speaking specifically to teaching math, this has been my most productive year yet.

I’ve spent some time working closely with the Black Student Union (BSU), and I walk away from every meeting better than I was when I arrived. The members have really claimed a space for themselves in a community where they are clearly a minority. I can’t speak to their experiences as Black students at Shady Side as a whole, but I can say than within the four walls of that weekly meeting, the Black excellence is palpable amongst those young people. I hope the BSU space is as fulfilling for them as it has been for me.

PUM: During this historical Presidential election, U.S. Senator Kamala Harris emerges as the  the Vice President of the United States, and the first African American & Indian woman to hold this position, as we celebrate Black History Month, what significance does this have for future generations?

Justin: Black history is riddled with a litany of firsts: first Black supreme court justice, first Black astronaut, first Black president, first Black <insert title here>. We now add Vice President Harris’ name to that list and recognize the occasion as the breaking of a glass ceiling and the opening of a new door. Our young girls of color have another mirror through which to see their futures and an “impossible” goal proven to be quite possible, indeed. Vice President Harris’ appointment also shuts down the prevalent mindset of many that the highest offices in our nation and exclusive to white men or men in general. While this is still statistically the case, the disruption of that narrative, especially at such a significant level, is the beginning of the end of a toxic mindset and system. 

PUM: Reflecting on history, who inspired you to become the leader you are today?

Justin: Since history is currently being written, I can’t help but to acknowledge two men who directly influenced my decision to become a teacher and leader. I met Michael Maxwell in 2009 when he was the Program Director for the Morehouse College Upward Bound Southeastern Regional Institute. I had just finished my freshman year in high school and was a student at the summer enrichment program and experiencing my first summer away from home. Mr. Maxwell made it a point to know my name (and the names of every other student) before we even stepped foot on campus. He led a team of tutor counselors who were in charge of chaperoning us in the residential and educational programs. We all looked up to him because he led by example. Whatever he asked of us, he was sure to be the first one getting it done. His guidance and compassion led me to attend and graduate from Morehouse College. Dr. Lance Shipman Young was one of my chemistry professors while at Morehouse. I was so moved by his agency that I enrolled in four different courses facilitated by him. The insight and energy that he brought to teaching chemistry was rooted firmly in his love of the subject, his passion for the teaching craft, and his dedication to the success of his students. When I decided not to go into the medical field like I originally intended, it was Dr. Young's performance as an educator and mentor that inspired me to embark on the journey to becoming a teacher and eventually an educational administrator.

PUM caught up with Rainier Sky Beckham, a six grade student at Shady Side Academy Middle School. Rainier Sky is active in the Black Student Union, and plays basketball and runs cross country. Rainier Sky is also looking forward to the track season at SSA in the Spring and in the meantime she is very interested in world affairs and what is happening with African American youth nationwide. 

PUM: As we prepare to celebrate Black History Month, what are your thoughts about this historic occasion?

Rainier Sky: I think that African Americans need to be recognized more world wide, during this time it is great that Vice President Kamala Harris was elected but we need to continue celebrating long after Black History Month our many achievements. I think this is a great time to reflect, and celebrate all those heroes that came before us, especially those individuals blazing a trail for future generations. During Black History month, I plan to read more books by African American authors, and at school,  our Black Student Union committee is working on an online assembly to share more information about Black History. I think Black History is so important because so many people are not aware of our contributions to the United States and the world. I hope that more people take the time during this month to understand more about our culture, discover something new and celebrate our achievements. Black History should be shared and celebrated by everyone.       

PUM: With the Black Lives Matter Movement, and the fight for equal rights taking place in the streets now, what are your concerns?

Rainier Sky:  The Black Lives Matter Movement is important because many of the people participating  in the protests are trying to improve the lives of African Americans in this society, and because of the BLM protests many of the participants (black and white) are really just focused on making our communities better and a safer world. I protested when George Floyd, a black man, was killed by a white cop, and I felt the pain and anger over his death. That was unjustified. The injustice happening in America needs to be recognized and laws need to be passed to protect all Americans. These movements are important to bring about awareness when there is especially discrimination and racism that is real. 

PUM: Thinking about Black History, what African American figures do you admire? 

Rainier Sky: Recently, I was inspired by Amanda Gorman, the youngest poet ever to perform at a presidential inauguration. When she recited her poem “The Hill We Climb” at the inauguration, her poem made me feel like there is more good in the world than what we saw with the riots at the U.S. Capitol.  I was inspired by how Amanda spoke with confidence and held her head high as a young  African American girl, like me.  

I am also inspired by Rosa Parks, she is the reason we can sit on buses where we want, and that took a lot of courage for her during dangerous times, to say, I am not going to move right now. That small gesture ignited a major movement of equality. 

I am always encouraged to do well, especially when I think about former President Barack Obama, who shows us young people that you can achieve your dreams as an African American. Watching President Obama I see greatness and a dedication to responsibility. Having a first African American President helps me realize everything is possible with hard work and determination. President Obama set the bar so high! I hope one day to be able to live in a society where people are not treated unfairly based on the color of their skin, words from Dr. Martin Luther King which rings true today. 

PUM: What is your hope for America? 

Rainier Sky: My hope for America is that we can all come together as one united community, put aside our differences, treat others with respect so people are not discriminated against. As I continue through school, I hope to participate in community events, and I hope to launch a summer reading program that provides books to poor children who don't have the money to buy books. I especially think when school is out for the summer, this is a great time to continue to read. So in the future I dream about creating a non-profit (Rainier Reads) to help poor kids understand the value of reading.      

Lloyd James Austin III was sworn in as the 28th Secretary of Defense on January 22, 2021. Mr. Austin is the principal assistant to the President in all matters relating to the Department of Defense and serves on the National Security Council.

Mr. Austin was born in Mobile, Alabama, and raised in Thomasville, Georgia. He graduated from the United States Military Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission in the Infantry. He holds a Master of Arts degree in counselor education from Auburn University, and a Master of Business Management from Webster University. He is a graduate of the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced courses, the Army Command and General Staff College, and the Army War College.

His 41-year career in the Army included command at the corps, division, battalion, and brigade levels. Mr. Austin was awarded the Silver Star for his leadership of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division during the invasion of Iraq in 2003.  Seven years later, he would assume the duties of Commanding General of United States Forces – Iraq, overseeing all combat operations in the country. 

After a tour as the Army’s Vice Chief of Staff, Mr. Austin concluded his uniformed service as the Commander of U.S. Central Command, responsible for all military operations in the Middle East and Afghanistan.  In this assignment, he led U.S. and coalition efforts to battle ISIS in Iraq and Syria.  He retired from the Army in April, 2016.

Since his retirement from military service, Mr. Austin served on the Boards of Directors for Raytheon Technologies, Nucor, and Tenet Healthcare.

The story of Black History Month begins in 1915, half a century after the Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery in the United States.

That September, the Harvard-trained historian Carter G. Woodson and the prominent minister Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), an organization dedicated to researching and promoting achievements by Black Americans and other peoples of African descent.

READ MORE: The Man Behind Black History Month