View as Webpage February 2023

PA's Civil Rights Enforcement Agency

February 2023

Hello

Amanda,

Accountability is the Key to Progress

My question this month is how well are we living up to our creed to bring the woes of the marginalized to the forefront of the public’s attention?

The year started, as most years do, with fireworks and a steely resolve to tackle our personal woes and a promise to do better. Eat healthier, drink less, and exercise more.

A few weeks later we commemorated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday by reflecting on the social justice principles he espoused to cure our nation’s most intractable woes.

Now, it’s February and we are celebrating African American History month.

Each year this is an opportunity to recall what a person can accomplish despite the most oppressive conditions. “… it is essential that we take time to celebrate the immeasurable contributions of Black Americans, honor the legacies and achievements of generations past, reckon with centuries of injustice, and confront those injustices that still fester today,” said President Joe Biden as he acknowledged Black History Month 2022.

While these are all important yearly milestones, what does it mean if each year we are no further forward than the year before? What does it mean on a personal level if our resolve uttered so confidently on January 1^st has disappeared before month’s end. It is estimated that only eight percent of Americans will keep their resolutions throughout the year. Or if our annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s principles recall a dream but consistently neglects his fervent calls to end poverty.

“I'm always curious as to why many of us overlook the opening statements of his 1963 address. It's as if we only hear one side of his speech. Why do we quickly repeat the words ‘I have a dream,’ and not the words ‘America has given the Negro people a bad check which has come back marked 'insufficient funds.' But we refuse to believe the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation,’" said poet E. Ethelbert Miller.

African American History Month should remind us, as Viktor E. Frankl said, “man is capable of defying and braving even the worst conditions conceivable.” But this memory should always be in conversation with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who challenged our country not just to celebrate the few who overcame, but to remember the unnamed masses who were devastated by brutal obstacles. And all these conversations must begin with the hope that each new year can bring improvement. However, improvement only happens within the context of accountability. Our civic resolution to hold America to its mission of equality, inclusion and diversity requires civic accountability. And civic accountability was built into the DNA of our profession which was born 125 years ago this year at Columbia University. According to our own history page, social workers are responsible for bringing the nation’s social problems to the public’s attention and developing the solutions that will make a true difference.

We put this mission in peril if we fail to embrace accountability. It is with that thought, I bring you this meditation on accountability from the website White Supremacy Culture.

"Accountability is also a form of discernment around how to live into shared values or principles. Accountability is another word for support; we hold each other accountable by supporting each other to live into our collective values to the best of our ability, knowing that we will inevitably stumble, make mistakes, live into our conditioning in ways that cause harm. We will also be brave and kind and loving and compassionate. Principles help us focus beyond our own socialized confusions. Social justice values or principles are collectively created, grounded in the generational wisdom of elders, what we have learned from history, our experience, our understanding of the Creator and/or environment, and our desires for liberation. Another way of saying this is that if we are just accountable to people, we can get into trouble when the people we’re accountable to are acting out of confusion; this is where our principles help keep us grounded. If we are accountable only to principles, we tend to lose sight of the people that we are in relationship with, so our relationships can help us understand the nuance and complexity of honoring our principles."

So, I ask, how well are we living up to our creed to bring and to keep the woes of the marginalized to the forefront of the public’s attention?

Best,

Chad Dion Lassiter, MSW

Executive Director

Courtesy: New York Times

The Ransom: Paying Reparations to the Enslavers

By Samantha Lopez,

Human Relations Representative III

On May 20, 2022, The New York Times published an eye-opening series into the root of the immense poverty in Haiti, long known as the poorest Country in the Western Hemisphere. When we think of Haiti, it is easy to conjure images of despair caused by hurricanes, epidemics, corruption, civil war, a failed state, presidential assassinations, an aid trap, etc. Afterall, Haiti shares an island and the similar topography with the Dominican Republic. The D.R. has a subway system, health care coverage, public schools, a tourist infrastructure, and real economic growth. So, why not Haiti?

Haitians are the first people in the modern world to free themselves from slavery and create their own nation, and then were forced to pay for their freedom again — in cash. It was called the “independence debt.” That is merely a euphemism for a ransom.

Twenty-one years after Haiti’s independence, French warships, equipped with heavy artillery, were off Haiti’s coastline. They demanded that Haiti hand over reparations to Haiti’s former enslavers or face another war. The Haitians had reason for alarm. Two decades earlier, Napoleon tried to destroy them, sending one of the largest expeditions of warships ever dispatched by France. The Haitians won and declared independence. Now, no country would come to Haiti’s defense. The world powers refused to officially acknowledge its independence. American lawmakers did not want enslaved people in their own country to be inspired by Haiti’s self-liberation. So, Haiti’s President, eager for the trade and security of international recognition, bowed to France’s demands. With that, Haiti became the world’s first and only country where the descendants of enslaved people paid reparations to the descendants of their enslavers.

For generations, Haiti was forced to send a large portion of its wealth overseas, depleting the resources needed to build a nation. The legacy of the debt is embedded everywhere, from public hospitals which lack basic equipment and supplies, to sanitation and clean water infrastructure. The legacy of the ransom is omnipresent.

By 1911, $2.53 out of every $3 that Haiti earned from coffee taxes, its most important source of revenue, went to paying debts held by French investors. In December 1914, United States Marines boarded a boat to Haiti for a mission. For years, U.S. business interests led by the National City Bank of New York-Citigroup’s predecessor-had pushed for American control over Haiti. They persuaded the U.S. State Department to remove gold from the vaults of Haiti’s National Bank. The Marines strolled into the bank and walked out with $500,000 in gold. Their money was in New York within days. This was the precursor to a full-scale invasion the following Summer. The Americans took control of Haiti’s government and rewrote the country’s Constitution. Lasting 19 years, the military occupation was the second longest in U.S. History.

I only presented a short version of the prevailing issues that challenge Haiti from a historical and present-day context. Of course, there is more to this amazing yet disturbing piece of our history, which can be found here.

Remembering Our Past to Right the Future

By: Kurt Jung

Director of Enforcement

On February 22, 2022, the Russian army invaded Ukraine and the world was outraged by this unwarranted act of aggression. The world was shocked about how offensive and shocking this attack was. The Russian bombs destroyed airports, government buildings, daycare centers, markets, schools leaving cities in rubble. We all remember the word “children” was around a building, while Russian forces dropped bombs on it.

Recently, my daughter told me that her history class was studying about King Leopold II of Belgium and how he slaughtered 10 million innocent people to conquer the Congo in the early 20^th century. In 1820, White settlers invaded Tasmania and nearly wiped out the entire aboriginal tribe on the island. I wondered why I do know about the slaughter of 6 million Jews in the Holocaust at the hands of the Nazis, yet I did not know about these other acts of horrific genocide? My college and high school history classes never touched upon these wars, yet it seems like that these major acts of mass cruelty should be a part of the school curriculum and should not be forgotten.

In 1959, the Chinese army invaded Tibet and drove the Dali Lama, a sovereign leader, from his homeland while forcing the inhabitants into servitude, and calling it a peaceful liberation. In 2008, Americans, supporting the uprising in Tibet against the Chinese government, were protesting, and clamoring about the occupation of Tibet. The cries of “Free Tibet!” could be heard in every major city in America. Likewise, in 1990, Americans were outraged by the Iraqi takeover of Kuwait. The world came together in Operation Desert Storm to free the small Mideastern country and restore its monarchy. As Americans, it is so easy to point the finger and call out these horrible acts of invasion and injustice. We take pride in calling ourselves the “Land of the Free and the Brave.” We, Americans, celebrate that we are freedom loving people who cry for justice and liberty for the oppressed. We point to the atrocities of the rest of the world and call for justice . . . but should we really be celebrating?

The United States has had a long history of atrocious acts of genocide, invasion and injustice. In 1619, the first slaves arrived on the shores of America from Africa. For several centuries, this cruel and sick institution was a part of American life. It was not until 1683 that President Abraham Lincoln declared the slaves free forever. However, the long history of slavery would cause the marginalization of African Americans for years to come and create a system of segregation and hierarchy in American society. In 1885, in Rocks Springs, Wyoming and Tacoma, Washington, white American miners massacred and killed the Chinese population amid anti-Chinese sentiment after the California Gold Rush. Throughout American history Native American tribes were forced off their lands and placed on reservations by the U.S. government. Many died defending against the invasion of the American army. In 1943, the US Government placed U.S. citizens of Japanese descent in internment camps amid the inordinate fear that these American citizens would side with the Japanese during World War II. The United States acquired territories like the Philippines and Puerto Rico after it feigned an attack by Spain on an American Ship during the Spanish American War.

In 1898, the United States invaded and annexed the Kingdom of Hawaii while forcing the Queen of a sovereign nation to abdicate her throne. Without any outcry or protest from any Americans, the island was stolen and incorporated into the United States. As Americans, while we protest against such world atrocities in Ukraine, and against the occupation of Tibet in the name of truth, justice and the American way, we must remember that we too are country with a history of genocide, injustice, invasion and occupation of lands. We should celebrate the ideals of what it means to be an American. However, we must also remember and learn from the low points in our history and use the lessons to promote social justice to all people in America and the rest of the world.

CROWN ACT Conference

By: Dana Prince,

Prosecuting Attorney

On October 27, 2022, the PHRC held its CROWN Act Conference. For months, members of the CROWN Act Conference planning committee (Ronnessa Edwards, Stacey Waters, Dana Prince, Desiree Chang, Zulay Rojas, Debra Brice, Alicia Cook, and Edquina Washington) and Executive Director Lassiter worked diligently to successfully plan and execute the PHRC’s CROWN Conference. The conference was designed to educate the community on the important topic of hair discrimination and about how Pennsylvania is currently handling the issue. The conference also provided an encouraging and empowering environment for individuals to celebrate their CROWN.

Some important takeaways: Hair discrimination is a form of racial discrimination that predominantly affects Black people. It is often reflected in school, workplace, and/or other societal policies and practices that bar natural hair or protective styles typically worn by people of African descent. These policies are often rooted in Eurocentric standards of appearance and perpetuate the discriminatory stereotypes that natural hairstyles and/or hair textures are “unprofessional” (i.e., a distraction, in violation of dress codes, unfinished, etc.).

Currently, the PHRA and its associated regulations do not officially define the term “race”. The PHRC is awaiting approval of its regulatory package, which includes defining “race” to include traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and protective hairstyles. However, even in the absence of an official definition for “race” the PHRC does accept for filing race discrimination complaints arising out of complainant’s hair texture or protective hairstyle.

During the conference we also heard from Pam Gwaltney (Deputy Director, City of Philadelphia) and Edquina Washington (Vice President of York City Council, City of York). In the City of Philadelphia and the City of York hair discrimination is expressly prohibited as both cities amended its applicable ordinances to specify that unlawful discrimination includes discrimination based on an individual’s hairstyle and/or hair texture.

Supreme Court 2022-2023 Term Update

By: Robert Taylor, Esq.

Assistant Chief Counsel

While 2022 will long be remembered by many as the year the U.S. Supreme Court in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, eliminated the fundamental right to abortion by reversing Roe v. Wade. That case was part of the 2021–2022 term, which concluded on October 2, 2022, and marked the end of Justice Breyer’s term on the bench.

The current 2022–2023 term began the following day with the historic seating of Justice Ketanji Brown-Jackson. The Court in the first half of this term has already heard a number of cases, the following highlights five (5) key issues the Court will rule on[1]:

Voting Rights – The Court has heard two cases in the area of Voting Rights, Moore v. Harper, which analyzes the “independent state legislature doctrine,” and Merrill v. Milligan, which addresses gerrymandered congressional maps in Alabama.
Affirmative Action – The Court has heard two cases regarding Affirmative Action in college admissions, Students for Fair Admissions v. President & Fellows of Harvard College and Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina. It is widely expected that the Court will overturn their decision in Grutter v. Bollinger, which will forbid universities from taking race into consideration.
Environmental Protections – The Court in Sackett v. EPA was asked to decide whether a wetland which is connected to a lake via a tributary is subject to the Clean Water Act. It is expected that the Court will rule that it is not, which will significantly weaken the scope of the Clean Water Act.
Native American Relations – The Court in Haaland v. Brackeen deals with non-Native American families who adopted Indigenous children and are fighting against the Indian Child Welfare Act.
First Amendment – The Court in 303 Creative v. Elenis is asked to decide whether a website designer, who creates wedding announcement websites, but only wants to do so for straight couples, has a First Amendment right of free speech. Despite the Court previously ruling against a Colorado backer who refused to design a cake for a same-sex couple, it is expected that the Court will rule in favor of the designer as there is a more viable tie between a website and free speech.

In addition to the issues highlighted above the Court is expected to hear cases involving such issues as Social Media, Student Loans, Attorney Client Privilege, Patent Eligibility, and most importantly Dog Toys [2]. Seriously...Dog Toys.

[1] 5 High-Stakes Issues in the 2022-2023 SCOTUS Term, HeinOnline Blog

[2] Top Five US Supreme Court Cases to Watch in the New Year, Bloomberg Law

Unpack

By: Deven Price

Human Relations Representative- Team Leader, Harrisburg Regional Office

un·pack

/ˌənˈpak/

verb

gerund or present participle: unpacking

1. open and remove the contents of (a suitcase, bag, or package).

"He unpacked and put everything away."

2. remove (something) from a suitcase, bag, or package.

"We unpacked the sandwiches."

3. analyze (something) into its component elements.

"Let us unpack this question."

“Sometimes we all may need to step back and unpack, Gloria Richardson.”

On February 10, 2022, during our team meeting, I asked my team members, “let’s unpack what we’ve learned from our recent 2-day HRO Social Justice Training.” Without explanation, my team began to respond to the request. After I said this to the team, I chuckled. Sort of like the chuckle Abraham had when God told him that he was going to be a dad at 90 years of age. But what was so funny to me was that I actually used the word “unpack” and I could not believe that I used it.

So, why did I choose to use this common action word, unpack, in this context?

For those of you reading this and do not know me, when something gets my attention and intrigues me, I love to go on a journey for greater understanding. As I now debrief and reflect on that moment (still chuckling), I decided to first seek a definition/meaning of the word and share with all of you my new buzz word (LOL). See the above Google definition and picture.

Throughout this year (as I unpack) the governor has challenged each state government agency to explore ways each agency can take part in dismantling systemic racism both internally and externally. I, along with other agency staff, had the privilege to attend his summit, and I continue to attend monthly meetings with state employees from various agencies in this effort/mission. In this paradigm shift from former efforts and attempt to provide equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging, “unpack” has been a word that is frequently used by facilitators and stakeholders in these spaces. I know some of you are now chuckling and saying to yourself, “What! He did not know what unpack meant; however, I thought I did understand it in the context of the first part of the definition given above; simply to open and/or remove something. And most of you chuckling at me probably did too. But dealing with the very deep subject matter of EDIB, I felt like in the context it was being used the word had another, possibly deeper meaning. Such as, analyzing (something) into its component element? I will leave you right there (chuckling) to chuckle too.

Teamwork

By: Robert Lindsey Jr.

Regional Director – Philadelphia Regional Office

How do you define teamwork?

According to Wikipedia, teamwork is the collaborative effort of a group to achieve a common goal or to complete a task in the most effective and efficient way. This concept is seen within the greater framework of a team, which is a group of interdependent individuals who work together towards a common goal.

Working together towards a common goal sums it up nicely.

We have a concise definition of the concept – now what really makes it happen? What is the glue that holds it together? While there are many opinions of the structural framework - many experts in the field stress the following fundamentals:

Openness – Team members need to be willing to get to know each other and open up about themselves, so that they realize that each member of the team have differing backgrounds and interests. This helps members to be more adoptable to new ideas and varied points of view.

Trust – Team members need to trust each other enough to be comfortable with sharing ideas and feelings. As trust within the team builds, members learn to be honest and respectful in their approach to each other.

Respect – It is important for the team not to focus on who to blame when something goes wrong, instead they need to work out how to fix it and how to learn from the mistake. Constructive feedback and mutual respect rather than blame will help a team achieve results much faster.

Now that we have explored the meaning and framework of what teamwork is, we need to identify why it is important? We can answer that question in many ways. I think and hope you would agree that the central benefit of effective teamwork is that it leads to better outcomes. You may ask what are these better outcomes and how do they affect me? Let’s explore this a little further. Regarding how it can benefit you directly, some of the results of effective teamwork include:

More effective communications
Enhanced problem solving
Relationship building
Effective/productive conflict resolution
Satisfaction enhancement
Morale enhancement

These are “soft” benefits derived from effective teamwork. While the return on human investment in this realm is significant in and of itself, we should also consider other benefits that are generated such as reduced absenteeism, reduced turn-over, enhanced retention and higher productivity. In a larger context, effective teamwork allows for the alignment, support and execution of the organizations vision, mission, and goals. In short, we can accomplish much more together than we can individually. The opportunity to combine and merge our skills, abilities, ideas, and energies provide the needed fuel that drives and sustains our success as advocates against discrimination and of social justice.

Reintroduction: From Mediation to Education

By: Desiree Chang

Director of Education

I’ve recently taken the position of Director of Education here at the PHRC. Many of you are aware of my passion for the law and instrumental role in assisting to develop the Mediation Division into the success it is today. It was no secret I aspired to continue to advance professionally. Further, anyone that knows me even remotely well knows that I generally welcome a challenge that will give me the opportunity for growth – personally or professionally. However, in the spirit of transparency, had someone told me that I would transition from mediation to education, I wouldn’t have believed it. Enter divinity and the vision of a leader. I fully believe that opportunities present when you least expect it and that others may see gifts that you yourself are not aware of. This is just the case with respect to my transition to this position. I am beyond excited to be entrusted with this role and grateful for the immense support I’ve already received.

In my short time in this role, I have had the opportunity to speak with others at the PHRC, with tenure that exceeds thirty years. These conversations have reminded me of the importance of what we do and just how imperative it is to remember that our change today is for the benefit of our youth tomorrow. As a mother myself, I am even more sensitive to the need for a social revolution. I do not want my son to have to endure the hypocrisy, disparity, and sheer ignorance we read and hear about daily. While I know that I cannot shield him from all the evils of the world, I also know that I am willing to do whatever I can to mitigate and minimize his potential for exposure to as many evils as I can.

In these recent conversations, the historical backdrop of our Agency was shared with me. Most of us are familiar with landmark cases such as Plessy v. Ferguson (1896), the U.S. Supreme Court case that upheld racial segregation under the “separate but equal” doctrine, and Brown v. the Board of Education (1954), another U.S. Supreme Court case that determined the segregation of children in public schools was in fact unconstitutional. But are you aware of the pivotal cases of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania? Such as, PHRC v. Uniontown Area School District (1973) in which the PHRC prevailed with a decision that prohibited “de facto” segregation in public schools; or the matter of PHRC v. School District of Philadelphia (1967), again addressing the issue of racial segregation; or finally, the matter of Advocates for African American Students v. Board of Public Education for the School District of Pittsburgh (1992) in which several issues were raised including hiring disparities between Black and White candidates, academic achievement gaps between the same groups, and the exclusion of African American students from programs and projects designed for gifted students. The two latter examples took over 20 years to reach conciliation agreements to address these inequalities of black and brown students. Admittedly, I was unfamiliar with these cases that create the framework for the work that we do at the PHRC every day. These, among others, provide us with the power to make a significant difference in our communities and level the racial and social playing fields. Our work is necessary and ongoing.

We continue to see very similar issues within our educational structures that these cases addressed twenty, thirty, even sixty years ago. Today, there are public schools and School Boards working feverishly to remove books authored by black and brown writers. Public programs that are refusing the entry of Latino children into kindergarten within communities that they are in fact the majority race. And educators in post-secondary, publicly funded institutions that are making egregious statements and using racial epithets that are permitted to remain educators of the next generation. It is for these examples that I remind each of you reading this just how important the work we do is.

In a matter of just a few meetings and candid conversations with leaders both inside and outside of the PHRC, my enthusiasm for this new role has been ignited. I look forward to using this position to further expand my knowledge and continue to advocate for the disenfranchised and underserved citizens of the Commonwealth. I again must express my gratitude for the faith and confidence bestowed upon me to lead the Education Division. I am humbled. I am ready.

Upcoming Events

PHRC will be offering monthly free virtual trainings on a variety of fair housing topics this winter. This is a way to ensure that housing providers, community members, and social service providers have regular opportunities to easily access practical fair housing knowledge. Here are the remaining two trainings:

Fair Housing & The Homebuying Process- February 22
Domestic Violence & Fair Housing- March 29

These are webinars that are designed for external partners – if you know anyone that might be interested, please share the flyer, facebook posts, or connect with Brittany Mellinger ([email protected]) to help us leverage the strength of our collective PHRC social justice network.

Implicit Bias Training with ADL of Philadelphia

Philadelphia Regional Office: Friday, February 10, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Harrisburg & Central Regional Office: Wednesday, February 15, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Pittsburgh Regional Office: Thursday, February 23, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

PHRC Women's History Month Event

York College of Pennsylvania: Wednesday, March 8, 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

What you're Saying about the Meditation & Mindfulness Training:

Would you like to revisit the mindfulness presentation?

Video: Embodied Meditation for PHRC

Writing Prompts: Meeting Challenges & Making Change through Mindfulness

Have you filled out the survey yet? Please take time to let us know what you thought of the training, click here to complete the survey.

Outside PHRC Events

Maryland Civil Rights Educational Freedom Experience

March 24- April 1
Check payments should be received no later than March 10.
Click here to register!

Action Conversations on Race

YWCA Greater Pittsburgh: Center for Race & Gender Equity

Every third Wednesday of the month 12-1pm EST

February 15, 2023: Black Masculinity

Black men experience especially harmful forms of systemic racism that intersect with gendered stereotypes about black masculinity. Routinely misrepresented in the media and targeted by state violence, Black men have and continue to resist oppression through radical self-love, community care, and effective allyship with other oppressed peoples. Our panelists discuss the complexities of Black manhood by identifying barriers to health and wellness while also offering ideas for remedying action.

March 15, 2023: White Feminism

While suffering the damaging impact of sexism and other oppressions, white women still benefit from racial privilege. Panelists identify common ways in which white women act out racial privilege through weaponized tears, white fragility, saviorism, exclusionary feminism, and entitled “Karen” behaviors. This conversation identifies pathways to true interracial solidarity through more intentional and informed white anti-racist feminism.

April 19, 2023: Cannabis and Racial Justice

From Reefer Madness to the War on Drugs, cannabis prohibition has disproportionately impacted Black and Brown communities, namely as a key contributor to mass incarceration. Our panelists discuss if legalization and criminal record expungement can redress the systemic racism of cannabis prohibition policies and drug law enforcement. Looking toward a more equitable future, panelists also envision ways to center racial justice within the burgeoning medical marijuana industry.

May 17, 2023: Antisemitism and White Supremacy

Antisemitic violence is deeply connected to white supremacy culture. In collaboration with National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) Pittsburgh, our conversation addresses the rise in antisemitism as well as racism against Jews of color as we seek opportunities to unite against white supremacy.

Visit “A Place for All: Three Stories of Integration in Pennsylvania,” at The State Museum of Pennsylvania. The exhibit comprises three sections, each telling a story of bravery, strength and resilience. It's located on the first floor.

Want to share any upcoming events? Send ideas to [email protected].

Fair Housing Division is on the Hunt for Some Brilliant Ideas

We’re thinking ahead to this year’s fair housing conference and would love your thoughts and suggestions about potential topics and speakers!

Please take a moment to fill out this survey (https://forms.office.com/g/LvbrSsCDNZ) to let us know what you would like to learn. Thanks!

Welcome, New Advisory Council Members!

PHRC is happy to welcome the following new advisory council members:

Marlon Heywood – Penn Hills Advisory Council
Harriet Marritz – Adams County Advisory Council
Marc Unger – Adams County Advisory Council

Here’s a peek at how our Advisory Councils are working to impact their communities:

On September 8, the Centre County Advisory Council attended the LION bash, which is a community fair that connects Penn State students with the State College community.

PHRC Recent Events

PHRC Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter participated in a "Dialogue on Race" at Lebanon Valley College. During the event, PHRC Executive Director and LVC president James MacLaren discussed ways they can create a campus community where all feel welcomed and supported.

PHRC Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter received the 2023 Drum Major Honoree during Philadelphia M.L.K., Jr. Association's 40th annual awards

PHRC Director of Fair Housing & Commercial Property Adrian Garcia and Regional Director Lyle Wood gave presentations during the 25th Annual Pittsburgh Racial Justice Summit

PHRC Director of Fair Housing & Commercial Property Adrian Garcia had the honor of interviewing Civil Rights legend Dr. Walter Palmer for PHRC Speaks Fair Housing in the 21st Century!

Special Assistant Zulay Rojas, Director of Education Desiree Change and Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter met with Senator Art Haywood to discuss efforts to end racism on college campuses in Pennsylvania.

PHRC Senior Management team meets with Governor Wolf to present the PHRC Social Justice Award for leadership in furthering equality & equity in Pennsylvania.

Happy to Join PHRC

By: Amanda Brothman

Director of Communication

Happy February everyone! I am so happy to join the team here at PHRC.

I wanted to take some time to introduce myself. My name is Amanda Brothman. I’m married with two small kids; both are very active and keep us very busy! I was born in New Jersey, but my family moved to Pennsylvania when I was 8 and I’ve lived here ever since.

After a decade-long career as a television producer/executive producer, I knew it was time to make a change. I spent a year working as a media specialist for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and now I’m here! The values and mission of the PHRC are what interested me when I applied, and I hope to use my skills as a communicator to tell the public how the PHRC is helping end injustices across Pennsylvania.