View as WebpageMay 2024 Newsletter

May 2024

Hello

Amanda,

‘It's time to remove the stigma surrounding mental wellness’

It’s critical as a society that we open up to conversations on a topic of immense importance that we all need to address more openly, and that's mental health and well-being. In a world that is increasingly fast-paced and high-pressured, the significance of mental health has never been more apparent. Now, more than ever, we need to remove the stigma surrounding mental wellness. The time has come to champion a new era of vulnerability and transparency, where individuals feel safe to express the struggles they encounter and seek the support they need. Meeting this task with strength, empathy, and resilience are our dedicated social workers. Social workers are the cornerstone of our mental health system. They work ceaselessly, often going unnoticed, to provide support, guidance, and assistance to those grappling with mental health challenges. They stand at the forefront, advocating for mental health awareness, breaking down barriers of stigma, and promoting a culture of understanding and acceptance. The role they play is potent and transformative.

They allow individuals to embrace and normalize vulnerability rather than shunning it, providing a safe space for expression and healing. Their daily endeavors are testaments to their devotion in ushering in a new age, one where mental health issues are not viewed as taboo or weakness, but rather an aspect of the human experience that so many of us share. As social workers, we swim against the tide, debunking misconceptions and encouraging open conversations about mental health. It’s through our tireless efforts that we’re helping to bring about a society where individuals can express openly about their mental health without fear of being judged or misunderstood. Ultimately, they are the torchbearers of change, illuminating the path towards a more empathetic, understanding world where mental wellness is respected and nurtured as much as any other aspect of health. Let's honor them, champion them, and truly acknowledge their invaluable role in our society.

After all, embracing vulnerability isn't a sign of weakness, but it’s a sign of strength. And in this sharing, lies our collective power to create a more compassionate world where everyone’s humanity is respected and celebrated.

Chad Dion Lassiter, MSW

Executive Director

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Here are five tips for taking care of your mental health:

Practice Mindfulness- Take daily moments for mindfulness, like meditation, to find inner calm.
Stay Active- Do regular exercise, as it can boost your mood and reduce stress.
Get Enough Sleep- Prioritize quality sleep with a healthy bedtime routine.
Practice Gratitude- Cultivate a positive mindset by counting your blessings daily.Seek Support When Needed- Reach out to family, friends, or mental health professional when necessary.

Correcting the Pipeline: Conscious Approaches to the Vulnerable Populations

The PHRC School-to-Prison Pipeline Committee will present, “Correcting the Pipeline: Conscious Approaches to the Vulnerable Populations,” a virtual conference addressing the school-to-prison pipeline.

The conference will include a keynote address from Dr. Howard C. Stevenson, Constance Clayton Professor of Urban Education; Professor of Africana Studies, in the Human Development & Quantitative Methods Division of the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania; and the Executive Director of the Racial Empowerment Collaborative. Featured speakers include Venus Ricks, MEd., Tavon Parker, Professor Thalia González & Paige Joki, Esq. Education Law Center-PA.

Through engaging discussion with community leaders, real-life stories that sparked change, and inspiring speakers, this conference will explore ways to correct the pipeline and address the ongoing challenges.

EVENT: Correcting the Pipeline: Conscious Approaches to the Vulnerable Populations
DATE: Thursday, May 23, 2024
TIME: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
LOCATION: virtual via Microsoft TEAMS
Please register in advance

PA CROWN Act Coalition

Ashley Walkowiak

Director of Policy & Intergovernmental Affairs

The CROWN Act – Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural hair – remains in its sitting position in the PA Senate. House Bill 1394 (the CROWN Act) would amend the PA Human Relations Act (PHRA) to clarify that the term ‘race’ includes traits associated with race, including hair texture and protective hairstyles.

Representative La’Tasha D. Mayes and Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton continue their efforts to educate PA citizens about hair-related bias and discrimination. They’ve launched a PA CROWN Act Coalition. You can sign to support their efforts, if you choose. You will also see one of our videos at the bottom of the page!

While the PHRC updated our regulations in 2023 to provide this protection for citizens, this legislative effort would codify what we already offer into law.

We continue to investigate these types of discrimination complaints and our dedicated team also offers educational training for schools, employers, and organizations across the Commonwealth. Learn more about free training here.

Resolution Communication

Mayur Patel, PHRC Commissioner

The primary role of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission is to enforce the state laws that prohibit discrimination and to protect Pennsylvanians from violations of these laws. The dedicated and passionate team at the Human Relations Commission accomplish this mission by listening to, investigating, mediating, and adjudicating instances of discrimination across a varied set of stakeholders and categories.

A key component in this effort is using a specific form of communication; Communication to create a Resolution. The solutions to all problems and conflicts rely heavily on effective communication. Despite texting, email, and social media making communication more ubiquitous; The quality of most communication and therefore the utility of it to resolve conflicts has declined.

The team at the Human Relations Commissions understands that the mastery of communication to resolve conflicts of discrimination require the following components:

Actively Listening

Listening is the most important element of communication and is not as easy as it sounds. Ernest Hemingway said, “When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen.” This includes paying attention to body language and intonation. Fully engaging your senses to hear and see what a person is trying to tell you requires great focus and yields great dividends.

How to ask the right questions

Crafting the perfect questions is an art. Questions can be targeted to illicit certain facts or they can be vague with the intention to illicit a story in the teller’s own words. Both forms of questions can be useful based on the circumstances of your inquiry and key to critical information gathering.

Empathizing

This requires the ability to step outside of your own perspective and into the shoes of whomever you are communicating with. Understanding and appreciating the viewpoints of the conflicting parties will lead to a quicker mediation. Changing a person’s stance on a passionate issue is always difficult but once you grasp that passion you can more easily fashion a resolution.

Explaining clearly what you have heard and learned

Once all of the learned information and knowledge of the statutory framework have been synthesized, it’s time to “ELI5.” ELI5 appears in the urban dictionary and stands for “Explain like I’m 5.” The goal is to provide the simplest explanation and possible solution to a complicated question or problem. The headline of Apple’s first marketing brochure in 1977 read, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” Effective communication is just as important in disseminating information as it is in gathering it.

Playwright George Bernard Shaw said, “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” The Human Relations Commission team constantly evaluate and re-evaluate their entire process, from the initial intake to the final disposition of a case, to ensure the most effective communication is being used to arrive at fair and just decisions.

False Affinity: Stereotypes, Voter Outreach and Critical Race Theory

Saul Ravitch

Philadelphia Regional Office

I really like pizza. So, obviously, I’ll vote for any candidate who shares my love for the dish. I also think that pepperoni is an overrated topping and I’ve suffered major hardship for this. Therefore, any candidate who’s been persecuted like I have will also get my vote.

As ridiculous as it sounds, this simplistic and flawed logic illustrates the stereotype-based discourse in both the media and political circles over how to attract Black voters.

While the most recent examples of this involve our former president, both major parties can (and should) do a better job of understanding and addressing the concerns of African American citizens.

This issue first came to my attention last February during Philadelphia’s Sneaker Con. Appearing at the event, the former president announced the sale of his personalized, limited-edition sneakers to the convention’s attendees.

Commenting on the announcement, Raymond Arroyo of Fox News couldn’t help but gush over the strategic brilliance of the move. Although Black voters tend to lean Democratic, Arroyo was certain that this development would erode that support. How did he reach this conclusion?

According to Arroyo, this product launch was "connecting with Black America because they love sneakers!”

Apparently, the key to attracting African American voters is footwear. Who knew?

Also in February, we heard a similarly myopic appeal to Black voters based on the inequities of the criminal justice system.

During the South Carolina primary, the former president theorized that his widely publicized mug shot, and indictments would bestow “street cred” upon him with African American voters, thereby earning their votes.

“The mug shot, we’ve all seen the mug shot, and you know who embraced it more than anybody else? The Black population. It’s incredible,” said the former president.

By appropriating the legacy of slavery, Jim Crow, the Civil Rights Movement and ongoing inequality, that comparison reduced a complex, nuanced topic to its most superficial element.

If this pattern of mainstream stereotyping tells us anything, it’s that the much-maligned discipline of Critical Race Theory still has a place in our country’s intellectual life. Understanding where we are and how we got here would help both citizens and elected officials act responsibly.

Slavery has long been considered our country’s original sin. Rooted in the social construct of race, that sin has manifested itself over the centuries in our law, history and politics. Turning a blind eye towards it because it makes some uncomfortable guarantees that nothing will improve. If we’re strong enough as a nation to handle the actual experiences, then we’re certainly strong enough to talk about them.

Introducing the PHRC CROCS

Montrell Smith

Civil Rights Outreach Coordinator

What makes you passionate about Civil Rights work?

My passion for civil rights comes from a history of watching people in my community, family, and friends of family become victims of the justice system in Dauphin County. My passion grew even more during the recent political elections and the thought of having to jump hurdles just to exercise my right to vote.

Why did you choose to apply for this position at the PHRC?

I chose to apply for the civil rights outreach coordinator position because I felt this position and its duties were in line with my experience working in outreach and working with the community. This position will allow me to work directly with community advocates and leaders advocating for social justice.

What are your hopes and goals to achieve from this Division?

My hope for the Civil Rights Outreach division is to reach as many people as possible to teach and advocate for Social Justice. I hope this division becomes a staple in the communities across the Commonwealth.

Tell us a favorite quote.

“I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” — Angela Davis

Joshua Nix

Civil Rights Outreach Coordinator

What makes you passionate about Civil Rights work?

As a queer person of color, I have experienced the disadvantages of being a person who lives in a society that was not built for me. But as I have grown and found a community, I want to help others have better, more equitable lives without going through so many difficulties. I believe this is the most important work I can do to make the future better for others.

Why did you choose to apply for this position at the PHRC?

I had previously worked in Social Services in Camden, New Jersey. After leaving public services to go to a private consulting firm, I realized that work in public service is where my passion lies. I did not think I would be able to find a job where I could use both my education and experience in a meaningful way and when I found the application for the C.R.O.C position I just thought it was too good to be true. But as it turns out, it is real!

What are your hopes and goals to achieve from this Division?

So far, I have been welcomed by, and amazed at, the diversity and empathy of the staff in this agency. I am excited to contribute to that culture. I hope through our new division we can reach more vulnerable Pennsylvanians, to let them know they are not alone and the ways in which they can seek justice when they have been wronged.

Tell us a favorite quote.

'Be the change you wish to see in the world’. It puts into perspective the importance of small changes and wins, in evolving this world. -Gandhi

2024 Housing Equality Conference: Unlocking Housing Access

Thank you to everyone who attended the PHRC Housing Equality Conference! It was a wonderful day of connection and learning. If you have not done so yet please take a few minutes to complete a survey, and give us your feedback.

Take Your Child to Work Day

PHRC hosted Take Your Child to Work Day at our Harrisburg and Pittsburgh offices on Thursday, April 25. Thank you to everyone who participated and made this event happen!

PHRC Recent Events

PHRC held Basic Compliance Training for new employees from April 1-12.

Also on April 4, the Hazleton Advisory Council to the PHRC, Penn State Hazleton, and Dr. Walter Palmer for a book donation of Dr. Palmer's work to the Center for Multicultural Engagement.

During the Housing Equality Conference, PHRC honored former Director of Fair Housing & Commercial Property Adrian Garcia. Director Garcia is now the Director of Enforcement, but he left a lasting impact as an advocate for housing justice in Pennsylvania. Congratulations, Director Garcia.

On Thursday, April 25, PHRC Supervisor Ronnessa Edwards and Director Desiree Chang co-presented a workshop on Social Injustice, Poverty, Trauma, and Healing next week during the 17th annual Faith & Spiritual Affairs Conference.

On Saturday, April 27, Executive Director Lassiter was a featured speaker during the AREAA Greater Philadelphia Fair Housing Symposium & Expo.

On Thursday, April 4, PHRC Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter attended the Presidential Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunities for Black Americans meetings in Philadelphia. Lassiter was appointed to the Commission last April.

On April 9, Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter joined Representative Smith-Wade-El and Rep. Donna Bullock to discuss fair housing in Pennsylvania and how their proposed legislation would benefit Pennsylvanians.

House Bill 96, introduced by Rep. Bullock, would prohibit landlords from inquiring or requiring disclosure about certain arrest records of potential tenants as a condition of a lease.

House Bill 1769, introduced by Rep. Smith-Wade-El, would create an eviction record sealing policy to prevent eviction records from haunting tenants for years and protect them against discrimination and long-term housing insecurity.

Executive Director Lassiter joined Director Garcia for this season's final episode of "PHRC Speaks: Fair Housing in the 21st Century." They discussed "Leadership in Housing Justice." PHRC Speaks airs on Pennsylvania Cable Network

Upcoming PHRC Events

The Cumberland County Advisory Council to the PHRC will host, "PA Civil Rights in Public Accommodations," presented by Director Desiree Chang, PHRC Director of Education & Outreach.

Date & Time: Tuesday, May 14, 10-11am

The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission’s Civil Rights in Public Accommodations is a discussion for business owners looking to learn about the protections afforded to individuals in the space of public accommodations, including businesses and restaurants. We’ll cover protections that are provided through Commonwealth law as well as those under Federal law. Additionally, a brief overview of limitations of First Amendment rights when considering civil rights protections in public spaces. We will also cover differences in PHRC purview from that of criminal actionable items and a few scenarios of when both may be applicable. Bring your questions, as there will be time for discussion at the end of the training.

PHRC Fair Housing Empower Hour: Accessibility & Fair Housing

Wednesday, May 29, 12-1 p.m.

The Fair Housing and Americans with Disabilities Acts create protections to ensure individuals with disabilities can use and enjoy their housing. Learn more during this online training!