This wasn’t a mistake. It was strategy.

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When Strategy Meets Dehumanization: Why That Video Was Not an Accident
By Robin Beckham, Editor & Founder, Pittsburgh Urban Media

This morning, I debated whether I was going to share a despicable image with my beautiful Black daughter. As she stood ready for the day—dressed, on time, backpack secured, with hope and promise shining in her eyes—I felt a familiar, sinking pain as a mother. The pain of knowing that once again, I would have to explain something no child should have to carry. The kind of conversation Black parents have far too often. The kind that happens in Black homes when innocence collides with reality.

The image in question—a video released by the President depicting Barack Obama and other Black figures as apes—was not just offensive. It was dangerous. It was dehumanizing. And it was deeply rooted in a long, ugly history that Black people know all too well.

As a PR professional, I understand exactly how and why that video was released, including the intent behind its timing and dissemination. This was not accidental. It was calculated and strategic, not incidental. The rollout followed a familiar and troubling playbook: provoke outrage, dominate the news cycle, and force reaction before reflection can occur. It was engineered for virality, amplified through channels that reward shock, and designed to spread quickly in a digital ecosystem where attention—any attention—is currency.

This is how narratives are manipulated. This is how harm is normalized.

Let’s be clear: portraying Black people as apes is not “humor,” nor is it political commentary. It is one of the oldest tools of racial dehumanization, historically used to justify violence, exclusion, and the denial of basic humanity. When that imagery is resurrected—especially by someone in the highest office in the country—it is not just a dog whistle. It is a declaration of disregard.

And while pundits debate intent, Black parents are left doing damage control at kitchen tables and front doors before school. We are left explaining why someone with power would choose to circulate an image that tells our children, implicitly or explicitly, that they are less than. We are left affirming dignity in a world that too often tries to strip it away.

This is why strategy matters. This is why accountability matters. When harmful content is released deliberately, it is not enough to dismiss it as provocation or political theater. We must name it for what it is: a calculated effort to push boundaries, desensitize the public, and see how much harm can be inflicted without consequence.

In Black homes, we don’t have the luxury of abstraction. These moments are personal. They live in the questions our children ask, in the pauses we take before answering, and in the resilience we are forced to summon yet again.

My daughter deserves a world where her humanity is not up for debate or clicks. And until that world exists, we will continue to tell the truth—about history, about strategy, and about the real-life impact of images that are never just images.

Not when they are intentional. Not when they are strategic. And certainly not when they come at the expense of our children.

In January 2026, Pennsylvania lawmakers introduced about two dozen bills targeting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. This legislative surge follows a significant increase in ICE arrests in the state and high-profile incidents involving federal agents. 

Key Legislative Proposals

Restricting Tactics and Identification 

• Officer Visibility Act (HB 1880): Prohibits federal agents from wearing masks or face coverings during operations to ensure accountability.
• Prohibiting Unlawful Tactics: Legislation aimed at criminalizing "indiscriminate" or violent arrest and detention tactics.
• Accountability Measures (HB 1968): A bill to hold ICE accountable for what sponsors describe as unlawful search and seizure practices. 

Limiting State and Local Cooperation 

• State Property Restrictions: Legislation to prevent civil immigration arrests within or near state-owned or leased facilities.
• No State Funding for Raids: A bill introduced by Rep. Chris Pielli to prohibit the use of state taxpayer dollars for federal immigration enforcement.
• Ending "Local Entanglements": Prohibits local law enforcement from inquiring about immigration status or detaining individuals without a criminal warrant.
• State Police Restrictions (HB 1873): Specifically bars the Pennsylvania State Police from performing immigration-related arrests. 

Human Rights and Oversight

• Complaint Routing: A proposal to empower the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) to receive and document complaints regarding civil liberties violations by ICE agents.
• Office of New Pennsylvanians (HB 1113): A bill to establish a state office dedicated to immigrant integration and protecting newcomers' rights.
• Legal Counsel Access: Proposed legislation to guarantee access to legal counsel for immigrants facing detention or deportation. 

Opposing Legislation

While many bills seek to limit ICE, Republican lawmakers have introduced counter-measures: 

• Ending "Sanctuary Cities": Legislation to penalize jurisdictions that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.
• Mandatory Detainer Penalties: A bill to establish penalties for local agencies that decline ICE detainer requests.
• Prosecutor Notifications: A proposal requiring prosecutors to notify ICE when certain crimes are committed by non-citizens. 

Current Status

Most of these bills are currently in the House Judiciary Committee or awaiting committee assignment. Enactment remains a "long shot" due to Pennsylvania's divided government, with Democrats holding a narrow majority in the House and Republicans controlling the Senate.

As of January 25, 2026, the likelihood of a partial government shutdown has increased dramatically following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti by a federal agent in Minneapolis.Will Democrats Shutdown the Government? Senate Democrats, led by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have formally announced they will block the current $1.2 trillion funding package if it continues to include unrestricted funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

• The Ultimatum: Schumer stated that Democrats "will not provide the votes to proceed" to any appropriations bill that includes the current DHS measure, calling the agency’s actions "appalling" and "woefully inadequate to rein in the abuses of ICE".
• The Catalyst: This hardline stance followed the death of Alex Pretti on Saturday—the second fatal shooting by federal agents in Minneapolis this month.
• Democratic Consensus: Prominent Democrats, including Minnesota Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, and key negotiators like Patty Murray, have joined the opposition. Klobuchar explicitly stated, "No, I am not voting for this funding" until ICE is held accountable.

Likelihood and Stakes

• Chance of Shutdown: Prediction markets and political analysts now place the odds of a partial shutdown at 75% or higher.
• Deadline: Funding for six major federal departments, including DHS and the Pentagon, is set to expire at midnight on Friday, January 30, 2026.
• The Vote Gap: Republicans (53 seats) need at least seven Democratic votes to reach the 60-vote threshold to overcome a filibuster. With the current unified Democratic opposition, they currently lack the numbers to pass the bill.
• The "Roadblock": Because the House has already left for recess and is not scheduled to return until February 2, the Senate cannot easily amend the package (e.g., stripping out DHS funding) without triggering a lapse in funding, as any changes would require a new House vote.

Unless a last-minute compromise is reached to add strict "guardrails"—such as judicial warrants for ICE entries or mandatory body cameras—large portions of the federal government are expected to shutter this weekend.

Pennsylvania Lawmakers' Positions 

• Opposition to Funding: Most Pennsylvania Democrats in the House voted against the standalone DHS spending bill on January 22, 2026.
  • Summer Lee (D-12) and Chris Deluzio (D-17) have been vocal critics, voting against the bill due to concerns over ICE's "abuses of power" and President Trump's mass deportation efforts.
  • Mary Gay Scanlon (D-05) and Summer Lee were among those who signed a letter demanding DHS preserve evidence and ensure officer accountability following the Minneapolis shooting.
• Split Reactions: While most opposed the bill, Brendan Boyle (D-02) was the only PA Democrat who did not sign the formal petition to DHS leadership, though he has publicly called for the resignation of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
• Senate Level: In the U.S. Senate, John Fetterman (D-PA) has previously broken with party leadership on some spending matters. However, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced on January 24, 2026, that Democrats will not provide the votes to proceed with the appropriations if the current DHS bill is included, a stance that now threatens a partial government shutdown on January 31, 2026. 

Context of the National Stance

• Shutdown Risk: National Democratic leaders, including Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries, are demanding reforms—such as body cameras, judicial warrants for home entries, and de-escalation training—before they will support DHS funding.
• Republican Stance: House Republicans passed the bill with 220 votes, including support from only seven Democrats nationwide. They argue the bill is essential for national security and border protection. 

Pennsylvania Republicans’ Positions

• Mike Kelly (R-16) and Guy Reschenthaler (R-14): Both congressmen voted in favor of the DHS spending bill on January 22, 2026.
  • Reschenthaler’s Statement: As Chief Deputy Whip, Reschenthaler praised the bill for supporting President Trump’s agenda and securing $215 million for community projects in southwestern Pennsylvania. He stated the package "reinforces the House's commitment to regular, full-year appropriations" and supports "law enforcement, veterans, and first responders".
• Scott Perry (R-10): While Perry has historically been a fiscal hawk, he indicated that the Republican-led product could be "improved" but did not explicitly confirm his final vote prior to passage. He joined efforts to push for conservative amendments, such as one aimed at overturning vehicle safety mandates, signaling a focus on using the appropriations process to roll back federal regulations.
• Dave McCormick (R-PA): In the Senate, McCormick has supported the broader Republican spending framework, asserting that the legislative efforts to make tax cuts permanent and increase border security will benefit Pennsylvania families and workers. 

Core Arguments and Tensions

• National Security vs. Reform: While Democrats demand "guardrails" like body cameras and de-escalation training after the Minneapolis shooting, PA Republicans like Reschenthaler emphasize that the bill's primary duty is "keeping the American people safe" through border technology and law enforcement funding.
• Criticism of the Compromise: Some conservative lawmakers have expressed frustration with the bill's "guardrails"—such as the $20 million allocated for ICE body cameras and reductions in removal funding—worrying that these concessions to Democrats weaken enforcement capabilities.
• Shutdown Context: Unlike PA Democrats who are prepared to block the bill in the Senate, PA Republicans are urging immediate passage to avoid a partial government shutdown on January 31, 2026, blaming Democratic opposition for putting the country at risk.

On January 22, 2026, seven House Democrats broke with party leadership to vote in favor of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding bill, which passed 220–207. These members represent more moderate or "frontline" districts and argued that funding DHS was necessary to avoid a government shutdown and protect agencies like FEMA and the Coast Guard. The seven Democrats are:

• Henry Cuellar (Texas)
• Vicente Gonzalez (Texas)
• Jared Golden (Maine)
• Don Davis (North Carolina)
• Tom Suozzi (New York)
• Laura Gillen (New York)
• Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (Washington) 

Why They Supported the Bill

While the majority of Democrats opposed the bill due to the recent fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen in Minneapolis, these seven lawmakers cited several reasons for their "yes" votes: 

• Averting a Shutdown: Rep. Tom Suozzi framed his vote as a move for "responsible governing" to prevent a government shutdown on January 31.
• Essential Services: Rep. Don Davis noted that failing to fund DHS would leave his North Carolina constituents vulnerable by cutting off funds for FEMA and the Coast Guard during storm seasons.
• Safety Improvements: Rep. Jared Golden argued the bill was a compromise that included funding for ICE body cameras and de-escalation training, which he believes is better than leaving the agency entirely unchecked.
• District Politics: Analysts noted that these members represent majority-Republican or highly competitive districts and were wary of being labeled as "soft on the border" or "abolishing ICE" in the upcoming 2026 elections. 

As of January 25, 2026, the support of the seven moderate "frontline" House Democrats for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding bill is in significant flux following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. 

Status of the "Frontline Seven"While these seven members—Henry Cuellar, Vicente Gonzalez, Jared Golden, Don Davis, Tom Suozzi, Laura Gillen, and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez—initially provided the critical bipartisan cover to pass the bill in the House on January 22, their position has been complicated by the escalating violence: 

• New Dem Coalition Shift: Several of these lawmakers are part of the New Democrat Coalition, whose leadership issued a scathing statement on January 24 expressing "heartbreak and outrage" over the Pretti shooting. They categorized the administration's actions as a "brutal occupation" and demanded immediate accountability.
• The Schumer Effect: Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s declaration that Democrats will block the funding package unless the DHS portion is removed has created a "deadlock". Even if the seven House Democrats maintain their support, their "yes" votes are now largely symbolic because the bill lacks the 60 votes required to pass the Senate.
• Pressure from the Left: Since the shooting, these seven have faced intense criticism from within their own party and from human rights groups, who have labeled them "traitors" and "turn-coats" for handing ICE a budget increase just days before the killing. 

Will They Re-Support?

There is no "re-vote" scheduled in the House because the chamber is currently in recess and not expected to return until February 2—two days after the shutdown deadline. 

• If the Senate Amends the Bill: If the Senate successfully strips the DHS funding to keep the rest of the government open, the bill would have to go back to the House for a new vote. Analysts suggest it is unlikely that all seven would hold their original "yes" positions given the current political climate and the "indefensible" nature of the Minneapolis incident cited by their coalition leaders.
• The Shutdown Gamble: Some, like Rep. Tom Suozzi, have previously prioritized "responsible governing" to avoid a shutdown. However, even moderate Democrats like Sen. Patty Murray, who originally pushed for the bill's passage, have publicly withdrawn their support, stating they "will NOT support the DHS bill as it stands". 

Current Outlook: The "Frontline Seven" are increasingly isolated. With the Senate Democratic caucus now unified in opposition, these moderate House members have little incentive to risk further political damage by defending a bill that is effectively "dead on arrival" in the Senate.

We're facing a severe blood shortage — our national blood supply has fallen by 35% over the past month. During a blood shortage, doctors may face difficult choices about which patients receive blood transfusions and who will need to wait.  

We are in urgent need of donors to help patients who are counting on lifesaving blood following accidents, during surgeries, and for treatment of conditions such as sickle cell disease and cancer.

Help us beat the current shortage by scheduling an appointment to give blood or platelets: https://rdcrss.org/3LRmvrU

The American Red Cross is facing a severe national blood shortage, with its inventory down about 35% recently, impacting critical patient care for emergencies, surgeries, and conditions like sickle cell disease. This crisis is driven by factors including extreme winter weather canceling blood drives, high respiratory illness (like the flu) keeping donors home, and ongoing low donation rates, with urgent needs for blood types O, A negative, and B negative. The organization urges healthy, eligible donors to book appointments immediately to prevent treatment delays for patients. Why the Shortage is Happening

• Extreme Weather: Winter storms have forced hundreds of blood drives to cancel.
• Illness: High rates of flu and other respiratory illnesses are sidelining potential donors.
• Hospital Demand: Hospital requests for blood products have outpaced donations.
• Low Donor Pool: Only a small percentage of eligible Americans donate blood. 

Impact on Patients

• Delayed Treatments: Doctors may have to delay surgeries or treatments.
• Risk to Vulnerable Patients: Trauma victims, mothers in childbirth, and those with cancer or sickle cell disease are at serious risk. 

How to Help

• Donate Blood: Make an appointment to give blood as soon as possible.
• Focus on Urgent Types: Types O, A-negative, and B-negative are especially needed.
• Find a Drive: Visit the Red Cross website or call 1-800-RED-CROSS to find a location.
• Volunteer: Help at blood drives or with transportation. 

MAKE AMERICA GROTESQUE AND APPALLING AGAIN (MAGAA):  Why Venezuela and Minneapolis Might = Waterloo!    

 In a January 8, 2026 New York Times interview, the President of the United States responded as follows to what could constrain his power as commander in chief.  “Yeah, there is one thing.  My own morality.  My own mind. It’s the only thing that can stop me.  I don’t need international law…”     

  Displaying some of the most grotesque and appalling disregard for human life, America [1] stole the land from indigenous people, slaughtered many of them, and placed the remainder on desolate reservations; [2] fought its bloodiest war ever rather than end centuries of chattel slavery; and [3] dropped nuclear bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.  

During 2025, led by its President, America seemed to be in pursuit of making America grotesque and appalling again (MAGGA).  Often, in doing so, the American leader turned his wrath on Americans.  Consider, for example, the deployment of National Guard troops.   

  Under false pretenses and actions later deemed illegal, throughout 2025 the President of the United States deployed military troops in 10 mostly Democrat-led American cities (See Where Trump Has Sent Troops So Far, and Which Cities Are Pushing Back - Capital B News).  In addition to disrupting the lives of impacted residents as well as the troops and their families, West Virginia National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom was killed by an allegedly mentally ill assassin.  It is estimated that the  ill-advised, ill-conceived, ill-timed deployment of National Guard troops cost more than $340 million (See, Trump troop deployments to US cities have cost more than $340 million, senator says | Reuters).  As an example of his irrationality, consider the fact that the President discussed the possibility of sending troops to Baltimore, yet during 2025, Baltimore had its lowest homicide rate in nearly 50 years! (See, Baltimore records lowest homicide rate in nearly 50 years).  

  We were told that ICE agents would remove the “criminals, mentally ill, prisoners, gang members, drug dealers” etc. sent from other countries to America.  Instead, we observed American citizens not only intimidated, but also 1 killed as in the case of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis on January 7, 2025.   An October 17, 2025  PROREPUBLICA article indicated that more than 170 US citizens were held by immigrant agents.  “Among the citizens detained are nearly 20 children, including two with cancer. That includes four who were held for weeks with their undocumented mother and without access to the family’s attorney until a congresswoman intervened.”  (See, https://lailluminator.com/2025/10/17/ice-citizens-arrest/)   

  Not satisfied with making life miserable for Americans, during 2025, the President displayed America’s grotesque underbelly with his unilateral declaration of tariffs on allies such as Canada, Mexico, and many European nations.  Then, to make matters worse, came the lose-lipped Presidential rhetoric regarding the annexation of Greenland which would be tantamount to an attack on a NATO nation. The President’s war-related behavior is so bizarre that one is reminded of the “dehumanization of warfare” displayed in the movie “Dr Strangelove.”   As evidence, consider the attacks on nations unable to defend themselves.   

  The 7 countries included in United States’ 2025 bombings were as follows: Nigeria, Iran, Iraq, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela and Yemen  --all nations populated by people of color.   It is estimated that at least 95 people have been killed in the boat strikes near Venezuela.  We don’t know the number of deaths, but the best public estimated cost of capturing Maduro is $60 million (See, How Much Did The U.S. Spend To Capture Maduro?) and various estimates are that billions have been spent on the deployment of American ships, etc.       

 As we begin 2026, it seems that we have gotten MAGAA instead of MAGA!  If there remains any doubt, consider the fact that we began 2026 with   

• Racism, homophobia, ethnocentrism, and xenophobia running rampant;
• Millions of Americans scampering to secure health insurance;
• Increasingly, higher education is an expensive dream deferred;
• Many of the current generation unable to purchase homes;
• The President recently threatened $10 billion cut to child care funds;
• 2025 was the weakest job growth since 2003
• In November 2025, Black unemployment reached 8.1%, the highest since 2021; 
• Health, wealth, and educational disparities continue to grow;
• Reproductive justice is under attack; 
• A lack of science-based policy has contributed to measles outbreaks;
• Almost 50 million people face food insecurity; and
• The cost of the proverbial egg continues to rise.

Perhaps POTUS should take a look in the mirror and ascertain if, because of what he has done, he should add America to his list of “shithole countries.”  As we daily drown in the narcissistic, unpredictable, and often irrational bull from his pulpit. e.g., “running Venezuela for years,” having “just called off a second strike against Venezuela,” “Canada becoming the 51st state,” “annexing Greenland,” “Cuba could be next,” “might makes right,” etc., there might be some hope gleaned from the fact that history is replete with battles such as those at Waterloo, Algiers, Little Bighorn, Haitian Revolution, Afghanistan, and Viet Nam.  And then there is the biblical statement regarding excessive arrogance, i.e., “pride goeth before the fall.”  Moreover, lest one thinks herein resides a bit of hyperbole, people in the streets across America bare witness to the foregoing MAGAA concerns.  Could it be possible that POTUS met his Waterloo at Venezuela and Minneapolis?   As Malcolm X often said, “time will tell.”       

Jack L. Daniel   Co-founder, Freed Panther Society   

Contributor, Pittsburgh Urban Media 

 Author, Negotiating a Historically White University While Black  

January 11, 2026       

Governor Josh Shapiro joined legislative leaders and local business owners to sign HB 439, also known as the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act, into law. The legislation amends the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) to expand the definition of "race" to include traits historically associated with race, including hair texture, protective hairstyles, and religious creed.

With the signing of this bill, Pennsylvania becomes the 28th state in the nation to prohibit discrimination based on hair texture and protective hairstyles historically associated with race, ensuring that all Pennsylvanians can live and work without fear of racial bias in their hair or appearance. According to a 2022 Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) report, 916 complaints were filed that year alone related to racial discrimination involving hair texture and protective hairstyles.

"Real freedom means being respected for who you are - no matter what you look like, where you come from, who you love, or who you pray to," said Governor Shapiro. "For too long, many Pennsylvanians have faced discrimination simply for hairstyles that reflect their identity and culture - that ends today. I'm grateful to Speaker McClinton, Representative Mayes, and the advocates who worked to get this done. We're building a Commonwealth where everyone is welcomed, respected, and protected."

The gift creates the Rees-Chancellor’s Scholars Program at the University of Pittsburgh’s David C. Frederick Honors College.

The University of Pittsburgh celebrates a $30 million gift from Michael Rees (ENGR ’97, A&S ’97, FHC ’97) and family to create a program within its highly ranked honors college to attract outstanding first-year students and support them over the course of their undergraduate degree.

The gift creates an endowed fund that will expand the number of Frederick Honors College (FHC) students receiving full room, board, and tuition scholarships through the existing Chancellor’s Scholars program. The cohort of 64 students at a time, now known as Rees-Chancellor’s Scholars, will each receive an annual, funded enrichment opportunity to cover the cost of experiential learning opportunities, providing them financial support to pursue their passions and develop their leadership.

“Michael Rees exemplifies the possibilities of a Pitt education,” said Chancellor Joan Gabel. “His transformational gift not only ensures that the best and brightest continue to choose and be served by Pitt, but that our honors college continues its incredible momentum.” 

In addition to providing generous scholarship support and funding for research, internships, career development, networking and other enrichment experiences, the gift will add additional staff members to the Honors College, creating a team dedicated to supporting the cohort. This gift will create one of the most holistic scholarship programs and robust honors college education in the country through an individualized educational and co-curricular program supported by dedicated advisors. The new team members will establish a recruitment pipeline to attract the best candidates and will work with each student to personalize their Frederick Honors experience, receiving targeted guidance in applying and preparing for international scholarships such as Rhodes and Fulbright. 

“My time at Pitt laid the foundation for my career, and my honors program experiences are what really shaped me into the person I am today,” said Rees, an Upper St. Clair native who earned bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering and political science from the University of Pittsburgh. “I’m excited to see the next generation of students enjoy even greater benefits and to help this program reach new heights.”

Throughout his undergraduate career, Rees was an active participant in the University Honors College, received a Chancellor’s Scholarship, and won the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship. He received the Department of Defense Research Fellowship and earned graduate degrees in mechanical engineering and technology policy from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He later founded Dyal Capital, which is a predecessor firm to Blue Owl Capital Inc., where Rees is co-president and a member of the board of directors. 

Beyond full tuition and housing support, Rees-Chancellor’s Scholars will experience funded enrichment opportunities such as research, study abroad, and specialized retreats—including experiences involving FHC partner University College, Oxford—that will give students the freedom to explore their passions in preparation for post-graduate success. 

The first cohort of students supported by this gift will matriculate in the 2027-2028 academic year. Comprehensive nationwide recruitment efforts funded through the gift will identify the most qualified students competing for spots in top college programs for this and subsequent classes. The Rees-Chancellor’s Scholars program will continue in perpetuity, adding 16 new incoming students each year, developing our next generation of leaders and scholarly change makers. Under the leadership of Dean Nicola Foote, who arrived at Pitt in 2021, the University has increased the breadth of programming in the college, attracting new applicants from around the globe and leading to a number 11 ranking on College Transitions’ 50 Best Honors Colleges list. 

This innovative program aims to reinvent the way honors students are identified, recruited, and supported throughout their academic career, in a model similar to student athletes. Rees attributes this cohort model, and the connections he made during his time in the Honors College, with many of the personal and professional relationships he has maintained since his time at Pitt.

“Adding these experiential learning and development opportunities to the Rees-Chancellor’s Scholars’ experiences will cultivate student success and propel innovation,” Foote said. “This will ensure that students know early on that the University of Pittsburgh is excited about their potential and that we have made a commitment to their education.”

About the David C. Frederick Honors College

The University of Pittsburgh established the University Honors College in 1986, building upon the achievements of the University Honors Program, which was started in 1978. In 2022, Pitt’s first Rhodes Scholar, David C. Frederick, made a transformative gift to the Honors College and the University recognized this philanthropy through the naming of the David C. Frederick Honors College. The mission of the Frederick Honors College is to meet the academic and extracurricular needs of the University of Pittsburgh’s most able, ambitious, and inquisitive undergraduate students by providing intellectual challenges, inspiring individual effort, encouraging independent thinking and self-discovery, and fostering a nurturing community. 

The Frederick Honors College is ranked eleventh in the nation by College Transition, a higher education admissions consultancy company providing guidance to high school students. FHC received 10,016 applications for the fall 2025 semester, which was an 18 percent increase over the previous year. The eventual incoming class had an average GPA of 4.46, an SAT score of 1457, and an ACT score of 33.

                      HAIL TO THE POSSIBLE: The Enhancement of Pitt Students’ Agency  

                     “The best things about any school are not what is said about it,

                      but what is lived out by its alumni.”

                                          - Fr. Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, 2002- 

The University of Pittsburgh is the top public university in Pennsylvania.  Nationally, as well as internationally, its excellence has been externally verified.  As noted by the March 31, 2025 Pittwire, “Business leaders look to Pitt as a highly selective source of talented graduates, according to a new list by Forbes that named the University a “New Ivy.”  …The list, in its second year, notes highly selective universities whose students are ‘outpacing most Ivy Leaguers in the eyes of employers,’ chosen by executives who subscribe to Forbes newsletters.  Pitt is a new addition to this year’s list, making it the only Pennsylvania university to be named as a public ‘New Ivy.’  The distinction joins other recent accolades by the University, including as a best college for future leaders according to Time Magazine, among the top 50 universities powering global innovation per Clarivate, and the No. 8 U.S. public university according to the U.S. News and World Report.”

Given its externally verified successes, the University of Pittsburgh appropriately expresses itself  in the following terms:  [1] “Hail to the possible!” and [2] “With a demonstrated spirit of tackling the unachievable for over 230 years, Pitt is making the most innovative future imaginable today.”  The University of Pittsburgh has more than 350,000 alumni.  Given the importance of alumni as the embodiment of institutional reputations, Chancellor Joan Gabel was asked how the University of Pittsburgh contributes to its students’ sense of agency.  

Personal agency is used herein to refer to people having a sense of as well as the ability to make significant choices and take related actions regarding key aspects of their lives.  The lack of agency includes a sense of helplessness; a feeling of being a victim of circumstances; and a general inability to influence your life circumstances.  Agency is also used herein in reference to how University of Pittsburgh graduates view their abilities to not only advance their personal goals, but also influence regional, national and international circumstances in ways that advance our Constitutional ideals.

Regarding the University of Pittsburgh’s contributions to its student’s sense of agency, Chancellor Gabel indicated the following: “Cultivating student success represents the first pillar of our strategic plan, the Plan for Pitt 2028. We also recognize that student success goes far beyond the classroom and must include agency to define one’s path and trust that one can turn possibility into achievement. We have approached this area of student success from multiple perspectives: academic; professional; social; economic; wellness; civic engagement; and through free speech and civil discourse.

The As a founding member of the Institute for Citizens & Scholars (C&S) Campus Call for Free Expression, Pitt deepens our focus on civic preparedness through this partnership. Through C&S’ programs, students refine their skills — speaking with confidence, listening with care, reflecting deeply and building common ground. The video “Real Talk: Across Campus, Across Divides” captures how students practice these habits, preparing them to engage responsibly in a society that depends on dialogue, resilience and shared purpose.

The Year of Discourse and Dialogue, for example, placed students at the center of projects advancing civil conversation. Initiatives such as Public Art as a Dialogue Generator, the First Amendment Rights Teach-in, and Writing Gen Q: Creating Intergenerational Dialogue through Creative Writing invited students to lead dialogue across difference. In Writing Gen Q, students bridged generational divides through storytelling, showing that agency at Pitt means more than self-expression: It is the power to shape understanding and build lasting connections.

Long-standing traditions further reinforce student voice and leadership. The William Pitt Debating Union, one of the nation’s oldest, prepares students through the discipline of reasoned argument. Programs like Pitt Votes and the Student Government Board give students a direct role in shaping campus culture, while the Community Engagement Centers extend these lessons outward as students work with neighborhoods across the region.

This commitment to agency extends beyond civic dialogue into the realm of discovery. The University underscores intellectual agency by encouraging students to be creators of knowledge rather than passive recipients. Across schools and majors, undergraduates conduct research with faculty mentors, complete capstone projects and pursue discovery-driven courses. These opportunities invite students to frame questions, generate insights and contribute to innovation at a university recognized among the world’s top institutions powering global progress.

Through civil discourse, leadership, service, and discovery, Pitt is preparing our students to elevate the communities where they live, work and serve. In this spirit, we are proud that our students are being nationally recognized for this important work, including through the naming of Pitt’s 14th Truman scholar (first since 2020). We look forward to supporting our students toward even greater impact, while also continuing the University’s important momentum in the years ahead and through the Plan for Pitt 2028.”

Pitt administrators, staff, faculty and staff are to be commended for having the cultivation of student success as the first pillar of their strategic plan for 2028. Most importantly, Pitt is to be commended for producing graduates with demonstrable agency.  For example, please consider the following accounts of distinguished Pitt Alumni.

(1)  Blue, Gold and Black 2004 (See, https://www.chancellor-emeritus.pitt.edu/sites/default/pdfs/BlueGoldBlack2004.pdf)

(2)  “Notable Pitt Women you should know this women’s History Month,” a list that includes a Nobel Laurate (See,  Notable Pitt women you should know this Women’s History Month | University of Pittsburgh);

(3)  the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Fellows (See, University of Pittsburgh Philanthropic & Alumni Engagement - Alumni Recognition) and 

(4)   the 2025 Alumni Honorees (See, University of Pittsburgh Philanthropic & Alumni Engagement - Announcing Pitt’s 2025 Alumni Awards Honorees).  

Truly, as evidenced by the above examples, Pitt alumni have in many ways made the impossible possible!  As a final bit of advice regarding the realization of agency by Pitt alumni, consider the following advice from Pitt alum,  MacArthur Genius Award winner, William Strickland (Make the Impossible Possible: One Man’s Crusade to Inspire Others to Dream Bigger and Achieve the Extraordinary), “Trust your passion, identify your dreams, and find the courage to share them with others, no matter how many times they call you a fool.”

Jack L. Daniel

Co-founder, Freed Panther Society

Contributor, Pittsburgh Urvan Meida

Author, Negotiating a Historically White University While Black

October 9, 2025

As noted by the University of Pittsburgh, Joan Gabel, the former President and chief executive of the University of Minnesota System and Twin Cities campus, became the University of Pittsburgh’s 19th Chancellor.  As such, Gabel became the first woman to lead the University since its founding in 1787.  On her 100th day of service as Chancellor of the University of Pittsburgh, she concluded her letter to Pitt students, faculty and staff with the following comments: “I’m proud to be part of a community that not only insists on a commitment to compassion, shared humanity, and mutual care and respect, but also humbly recognizes when we fall short and commits to doing more and doing better. It is an honor to walk with you, to support you, and to help ensure for everyone that anything is possible at Pitt.”  After reading the foregoing statements, I hadthrowback moment and said to myself, “Right on” and, in turn, provided Chancellor Gabel with that feedback.  Subsequently, she agreed to the following interview.

 Jack L. Daniel & Pitt Chancellor Joan Gabel One on One:

As noted by the University of Pittsburgh, Joan Gabel, the former President and chief executive of the University of Minnesota System and Twin Cities campus, became the University of Pittsburgh’s 19th Chancellor.  As such, Gabel became the first woman to lead the University since its founding in 1787.  On her 100th day of service as Chancellor of the University of Pittsburgh, she concluded her letter to Pitt students, faculty and staff with the following comments: “I’m proud to be part of a community that not only insists on a commitment to compassion, shared humanity, and mutual care and respect, but also humbly recognizes when we fall short and commits to doing more and doing better. It is an honor to walk with you, to support you, and to help ensure for everyone that anything is possible at Pitt.”  After reading the foregoing statements, I had a 1960s throwback moment and said to myself, “Right on” and, in turn, provided Chancellor Gabel with that feedback.  Subsequently, she agreed to the following interview.

JLD: As you know very well, we live at a moment when domestically and internationally we are desperately in need of the “commitment to compassion, shared humanity, and mutual care and respect.”  Accordingly, I am especially pleased that you agreed to this interview and I begin by asking the following question. As we go forth with you leading our major research University with national and international standing, what examples would you give to exemplify Pitt’s demonstrated commitment to our shared humanity?

CHANCELLOR JOAN GABEL: This demonstrated commitment to our shared humanity begins with our values as a university. We are leaning into these shared values as we refresh the Plan for Pitt, the University’s strategic plan. These values help to serve as guideposts as we work to graduate service-minded citizens poised to change the world for the good. They help to serve our focus on research, cures and therapeutics and in eliminating disparities in areas like health and the arts and sciences. They help to serve as an anchor for our commitment to equity and inclusion, elevating us into the community of belonging we aspire to be. They help to serve us in efforts to be good stewards of resources, ensuring that we do well by all those we serve. And they help to serve us in ensuring that anything is possible at Pitt, from work of the past to discover a polio vaccine, to a shared, future-focused vision to lead the life sciences century. 

JLD: As you know, I refer to the pursuit of equity and social justice as having been a North Star for me when I was employed at Pitt.  In terms of an institutional commitment to doing more and better when it comes to the realization of equity and social justice, how do you define your leadership roles as Chancellor?

CHANCELLOR JOAN GABEL: The University of Pittsburgh has an unwavering commitment to cultivating a community and culture where a sense of belonging is strong, and equity and inclusion are actively promoted. This commitment enhances our individual and shared success and makes for a vibrant educational experience. In this spirit, and my role as chancellor, I’m focused on 1) identifing the most important ways that we need to deliver for our students, 2) setting appropriate and achievable goals in those areas and 3) being transparent and accountable when we measure our performance on those metrics. Many of those metrics are going to be in areas that help define our progress with an equity and social justice lens, from whether our student body is reflective of our broader community, to whether we are adequately supporting students from all socioeconomic levels to graduation and beyond.

JLD: I deeply appreciate the inspirational statement, “anything is possible at Pitt.”  Borrowing from a Pitt Trustee Emeritus’ book title, Making the Impossible Possible by Bill Strickland, would you please specify a key “impossibility” that you would like to see Pitt make possible.

CHANCELLOR JOAN GABEL: The more I’ve learned about the world-class talent here and the work they are doing, the more I’ve found myself repeating the words: “Anything is possible at Pitt.” As we lean into this concept as a key value in our refreshed Plan for Pitt, there are so many possibilities — from delivering new therapies for Alzheimer’s disease to restoring lost vision for the blind. And we will continue to fine-tune these areas and resources so we can continue to deliver on what is possible at Pitt.

JLD:  I commend you for the ways in which you have conscientiously reached out to all of the University’s constituents.  Now then is the time for synergistic relationships to evolve between you and them.  With that in mind, how might a diverse group of alumni best assist you and other members of the Pitt community

CHANCELLOR JOAN GABEL: In our search to strengthen our mutually beneficial long-term relationship with alumni, we connect with them through programming, social events and networking opportunities, both around the world and online. We invest in and augment the value of that Pitt degree long after graduation by keeping them engaged and involved. This requires everybody to be involved, and I am proud to have engaged widely across our alumni community since my arrival, from meetings with individual affinity groups to broader engagement at homecoming. At each turn, we’ve been seeking alumni feedback relating to the strategic direction of the Unviersity, which has been invaluable in shaping what the plan will become. 

 JLD:  Thanks very much for taking time from your demanding schedule during these very demanding times to provide the foregoing information.

Jack L. Daniel

Co-founder, Freed Panther Society

Contributor, Pittsburgh Urban Media

Author, Negotiating a Historically White University While Black

November 17, 2023