User talk:Mojustice

Just returned from visiting the diverse but small city of Chico in Northern Cali. It was nice to spend a week in a place where I actually felt visible. As soon as I landed at Pittsburgh airport my visibility began to fade. I've seen a number of post praising Pittsburgh for its growth and recent success in re-energizing the economy. I'm pleased that we are starting to see "change" in Pittsburgh because we desperately need it. While Pittsburgh does have a history of advocacy in the area of peace & justice, it has been slow to make a real impact within its own environs. Pittsburgh continues its long tradition of segregated housing. There are still neighborhoods where members of certain ethnic groups are not welcome. There are even dining areas & shopping areas where people of color are not welcome to eat or shop. Its seems disingenuous that Pittsburgh is hosting the G20 while it remains one of the least diverse cities on the East Coast. And its not so much the lack of diversity, but the lack of opportunity that forces many progressive individuals of color to relocate. I believe it is asking a bit too much to expect educated, intelligent professionals to tolerate the ignorance and clannish behavior so often found in the Pittsburgh workplace & its social circles. Imagine seeing a sign at a club that reads: Hip-Hop Clothing Prohibited. So good luck, Pittsburgh. I know the city will put up a good front but if visitors look closely, they will find that most people of color are performing the important, but low paying menial service jobs like housekeeping or maintainance. Just look around the Pittsburgh airport. It will tell you all you need to know about Pittsburgh and it's commitment to diversity, opportunity & inclusion.