I’ve gone by many names in my lifetime: Mercedes, Sadie, Major, Jean. I first changed my name when I was adopted, and I’m sure I’ll change it again when I’m married.

Working in student affairs and being a Black woman, I’ve noticed that names are extremely important in recognizing a person for who they are in a specific setting and creating a safe space for them.

As a child, if someone called me Mercedes, they likely were a teacher or an unfamiliar adult. That meant I needed to be polite, quiet, unopinionated, and agreeable. If I was called Sadie, I was around friends and family and I could let my guard down. I could speak my mind without being judged, and I felt safe. In college I went by Major, and this was when I was truly the most confident version of myself. I had recreated who I was and aligned that with the person I wanted to be.

These moments permit me to empathize with the peers and students I have met who have transitioned and renamed themselves. Their chosen name is not only a reinvention of themselves but a call to action for others to see them as they want to be seen and ensure that they are welcomed and respected in a space.

When living in New York, I never saw a problem with my first name, but as I applied for professional positions in other states, I became concerned that my name may read too ethnic, and employers may disregard my application before ever seeing my qualifications. This is not an unusual concern for Black Americans or immigrants. My college roommate from Liberia was given the name Susan as to make her more hirable in America. Thus, I started to use my middle name, Jean, on some job applications.

The struggles I have had to feel safe in the spaces I occupy have reminded me how important it is to use my privilege as a figure of authority in the field of Education, and call students by their preferred name. Details like using proper pronunciation, remembering a nickname, and not using a trans student’s deadname are necessary in creating a safe zone and sense of ally-ship. It is in these safe zones that our students can become the person they want to be.

For centuries people around the world have waved the flags of their countries, often to display a sense of pride for where they came from.

As a child, Melvin Charles attended a parade where he witnessed numerous floats upon which organizations represented their home countries, and the flag that most captured his eye was the American Flag. However, during the 1960’s Black Americans did not wave the American Flag. It was at that time that the Civil Rights Movement took place, and the Black Panthers, Dr.King, Malcolm X, and others took the stage to stand up for Black rights in America.

And so, at that time, Melvin Charles and Gleason T. Jackson, knowing Black Americans were losing their connection to Africa, felt a flag should exist that symbolized the Black Culture that was created in America after the Atlantic Slave Trade that took place between the 16th and 19th centuries. Charles and Jackson created a design representing resilience, power, and unity, and the time and love that went into developing America’s Black culture. The Black Heritage flag embodies what Black Americans created in the United States even in the midst of difficult times.

The Black Heritage flag continues to be proudly waved by Black Americans today and each piece represents the culture’s importance, power, and history from the red and black diagonal lines to the fig leaf that surrounds a blunt edge sword.

To learn more, visit https://youtu.be/aRmBarI34TM for a video of Melvin Charles talking about the story and meaning behind this flag.

Crystal Santiful

Admissions – Outreach/Success Advisor

When I woke up this morning, I did not see the sun. I thought I was dreaming. I closed my eyes and opened them to realize it was not a dream. My depression kidnapped the sun and is holding it for ransom.  

Depression said, “even if you pay the ransom, you’ll never get the sun back because you no longer matter. You have given your power to me, and I am not letting you get it back.” 

I feel my organs begin to disintegrate due to the loss of light and water. But, I cannot muster up enough tears to try to fertilize the cracks of my heart and soul that are malnourished from constant darkness and lack of attention.  

I have people around me who see me smile and think everything is fine with me. But, when they ask how I am doing, they do not take the time to wait for a reply. I wonder, is it because they are not prepared for the truth?

I hide my scars of inadequacy, fear, self-doubt, and insecurities behind the smile I borrowed from the images my mind replicates to distract even myself from admitting I am not doing well. I exist in the abyss of loneliness. I need help! I’m depressed and don’t know how much longer I can hide behind the facade of happiness.  

I want to scream, but my vocal cords are atrophied, so I cannot make a sound. I drown my sadness with the noise of my paranoia ringing in my ears. Depression is like a toxic relationship. You know it’s not good for you, but you are so accustomed to the volatility, you are unsure you can live without it.  

I want to free myself from my depression, but I’ve lived with it for so long, if I allow my thoughts of happiness to escape, I believe I’ll suffocate and die. I want to live and not just exist, but who will listen and help me overcome my fears and anxiety?

I decide to take a rest from all of the noise in my head. I close my eyes, and when I open them, I see the sun shining. I wonder again, was it all a dream? I then realize someone took the time to ask me how I was doing and waited for a response; depression surrendered, and I am alive because someone cared enough to listen.  

Marsha N. Lindsay

Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer

Freedom. I am of the position that freedom is more a state of mind than a state of being. It must therefore be celebrated regularly to be actualized in the life of the free and exercised by means of shared celebration with and among the community of the free.

The right to celebrate. While not granted nor guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, it is indeed an inalienable right that, when celebrated, is protected. 

Sunday, 19 June 1865, enslaved Black people in Texas and all over the South in particular, arose, bathed, dressed and went to Church under the watchful gaze of plantation owners, confederate soldiers, and other whites, but, on this day, something was different. Although they had not been informed, within their spirit they knew something, although unclear and unknown, was different.

Upon arriving to their houses of worship, they heard a message that informed them that nearly two-and-a-half years prior, President Abraham Lincoln had passed the Emancipation Proclamation outlawing slavery in the United States of America. Without radio, television, or the Internet, and all of the associated services that we enjoy today (email, social media, free International [VOIP] and domestic calls on our smartphones), news traveled very slowly; particularly since it (the news) was controlled by the “ruling class”. They heard that Major General Gordon Granger had proclaimed in Galveston, Texas, in General Order Number 03, “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.” The entire text can be found here The End of Slavery in Texas: A Research Note on JSTOR.

Nothing much changed on the outside. Plantation owners and slave masters had the power to decide when and how to release the information. Many waited until government agents arrived to enforce the proclamation. Many sought to force, now freed Black people, back to their unpaid labor. But freedom, once known, cannot be put back in the jar. The secret was out! It must be celebrated. 

June 19, June Nineteenth…. June Tenth! Yes, that is it. JUNETEENTH!

One year later, in 1866, former slaves in Galveston, TX, exercised the right to celebrate, for they indeed had received a long-awaited prize. One that was hoped for, yet unexpected. Freedom, and it must be celebrated! It had to be. Justice had prevailed! It was their right to transform that day, June 19^th, into a celebration, and they exercised it. 

The celebration was almost lost until the Civil Rights Movement, one hundred years later. Since January 1980, Juneteenth has become an official State Holiday in Texas and in many other states, but it all began in the state of Texas, in the city of Galveston. In the face of hostility, freedom’s hope cried out in celebration, and it continues today. Freedom, individual freedom, must be celebrated, every day, to have real meaning beyond what others think it is.

JUNETEENTH reminds us that there is cause to celebrate the complexity of the Black experience, the diversity of our nation, and the dynamic of today’s world.

Mike Russell

Faculty – School of Information Systems & Technology, DEI Taskforce Co-Chair

Growing up in Birmingham, England, diversity and inclusion were part of my everyday life. My neighbors were from different cultural backgrounds including Asian, Caucasian, and multi-ethnic. My aunt was married to a Caucasian man and my cousins were biracial. I remember visiting my aunt and seeing various skin tones, and that became my frame of reference. We played, argued, fussed, and fought with all of the children in the neighborhood, but within minutes situations were resolved, and the fun would resume. At that point in time, it never occurred to me that my skin color may one day define me.  

My first friend and best friend was a freckled-faced little girl named Karen. Her mother, Maureen, treated me the same as Karen, and we had so much in common that people referred to us as “twins.” When Maureen took us places, we held hands, hugged, and treated each other with love, care, and respect. We had no idea the world would one day tarnish the innocence of our youth and thrust us into a world in which our race divided us.

As the Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, I am constantly reminded of how words and deeds matter more than ever before. In a climate of injustice, discrimination, racism, marginalization, alienation, and hatred, I reflect on where and when I first experienced the feeling of adverse treatment because of my skin color. 

Karen and I were members of the British Dance Academy, performing before dignitaries at the Cadbury auditorium. We were the featured dancers, though another dance academy was also invited to perform. I recall seeing the dance instructor from the other academy whispering with the director and pointing in my direction. I was informed that I would not perform with my dance ensemble. Maureen began packing up our costumes stating that if one of her girls couldn’t perform, neither of us would. The parents of the other dancers in our academy followed her lead. I was too young to understand the gravity of the issue but was intuitive enough to recognize I was the reason it was happening.

As we walked toward the exit, the stage director beckoned for us to wait. She spoke with the parents, explained there was a terrible misunderstanding, and then Maureen informed our group of eight puzzled little girls that we’d be dancing after all. Not only did we perform, I was the featured dancer – “the black sheep.”

I find it ironic that the very thing someone tried to use to harm me helped me get center stage. Despite what could have been a devastating outcome, Maureen prevailed, showing the other dance instructor that love will always conquer hatred. 

It would not be until years later that I would understand Maureen was my first ally. As I reflected on that particular situation, I began to recognize that it was one of the dozens of times she had protected me from racial slights and indignities. 

Individuals from various minority groups face a myriad of adversities on a daily basis. What separates us is not those who choose to stand up for the victims, but those who believe that the advocates and allies must look like the victims to impact and effect change. 

We are all equipped to effect change because we were born into the most powerful species, manKIND. Therefore, it is innate that we can be kind. I choose to be the voice for those who might not have the courage to speak for themselves. I choose to advocate for others regardless of what may be favored. I choose to say the things they want to say but are afraid to say. I choose to use my voice to speak words of encouragement, support, power, and kindness.

I believe there is no more extraordinary gift than to love unconditionally, without judgment, and support everyone with the courage to live as their true, authentic selves. We only have one life and should live every moment to the fullest without regret. 

Therefore, I will continue to work intentionally to create a culture of care at PTC. And I encourage you to reflect on instances when you were either the victim or ally. Commit to doing everything in your power to demonstrate kindness and compassion, because you have no idea how you can affect the lives of others and give them the courage to pay it forward. Only through consistent acts of kindness can we hope to create a world in which we all thrive.

Marsha N. Lindsay

Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer

Song Lyrics

Music as an art form has historically been able to explore and commentate on the social issues of its time. Music from as far back as the Middle Ages has been used as an outlet. Ring around the Rosies, that you likely sang in preschool, has its roots in the Bubonic Plague. Every war in history has songs attributed to it, the participants, and the ones left at home. Fast forward to the Civil Rights movement in the 1960’s, popular artists supported the movement in song. Today’s artists sing about George Floyd, drive-by shootings, and the gap between the rich and the poor. Music is a fantastic way to understand a culture and the pressures it faces.

We are a year out from the Black Lives Matter (BLM) and George Floyd protests. The images and pain are still clear. This song, released in 1971 by Marvin Gaye nails current social issues. The line, “You know we’ve got to find a way to bring some lovin’ here today”, is still important today, 50 years after being written.

What’s Going On, 1971 Marvin Gaye, Renaldo Benson, Alfred Cleveland

Spotify collection of songs celebrating Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Lee Cottrell

Faculty – School of Information Systems & Technology, DEI Taskforce Co-Chair

I was raised in a house full of Teamsters. I ride a Harley. My husband and I started a motorcycle association promoting unions and unionism, with the mission to ride our motorcycles and raise money for people and organizations in need.

The Pediatric Brain Tumor Ride, aka “Ride for Kids,” is a charitable motorcycle ride raising money for the research and prevention of brain tumors in children. Pittsburgh Technical College became a part of the Ride for Kids approximately six years ago. I am on the organization’s task force, and have seen first-hand the impact our event has on the children and families of those with brain tumors. The Ride focuses on “The STARS,” the children who are surviving with brain tumors, and how they navigate everyday life.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is part of everyday living for those with pediatric brain tumors. They are often pre-judged and treated with an implicit bias pertaining to their brain tumor stories. When a child is diagnosed with a brain tumor, not only is his family faced with negotiating medical issues, they need to help others understand that this very special child does not want or need to be treated differently. The goal of the Ride for Kids is to let these children know they are loved and cared about. They get to ride in the trikes and side cars of all these cool motorcycles and experience some normal, everyday fun.

I appreciate all that PTC has done, and continues to do, to support the Ride for Kids. Our chefs prepare food, our Accounting students run registration, and our Multimedia – Video Production students capture all of the special moments for the children and their families. The entire event has such a positive impact on everyone involved. It’s really part of the PTC Magic!

Colleen Maxwell

Education – Scheduler

Just before my oldest son’s third birthday, after a 10-month stint on a wait list, he was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). I was told that he may never talk, to keep him away from pools because ASD kids are 160 times more likely to drown, and was handed a packet of resources. Good-bye. Good luck.

In the beginning, I had a tribe, a group of moms and dads who counseled me on secret, prestigious preschools, difficult-to-schedule speech and occupational therapists, and playgroups that included patient, compassionate neurotypicals (NT). My son was considered neurodiverse, the opposite of neurotypical – but really, is there anyone who is truly typical?

During those early years, my tribe was invaluable. They taught me how to advocate, how to fight when necessary, and how to navigate in a foreign world. Having a child with ASD is like learning a new language.

However, my tribe couldn’t really help me when my child made progress—significant progress. My ASD child is smart, learned how to swim, drives a car, and is in honors classes. He wants to go to college and is preparing himself for that big day. But we’re finding that colleges may not be prepared for him.

As my son starts the college search and admission process, I’m finding myself between two worlds. He’s progressed beyond college not being an option, yet he still needs a college environment where he will be understood and accepted. He needs a college that knows the language and will be part of the tribe.

Pittsburgh Technical College has never shied away from a challenge. Educating our students well has always been our mission. I believe we can take on this challenge and figure out how best to serve this neurodiverse population—a population of students who need support in and out of the classroom, and who are ready and prepared to earn their college degrees.

Technically, PTC has been educating the neurodiverse for years with little support for faculty and staff who may not know the language. Expanding our current disabilities services to include social activities, mentoring, and faculty and staff training will help our college rise to the needs of this talented, unique demographic. We all have an opportunity to learn the language and apply it to our students’ success. We have the opportunity to be a tribe.