Community Engagement
There is a fresh face at the helm at Temple University’s Tyler School of Art and Architecture, and he promises to bring a new perspective.
Last month, Matthew Jordan-Miller Kenyatta (Dr. Matt) joined Temple Contemporary as Director of Exhibitions and Public Programming.
“What really excited me about this role was the opportunity to show people a true hidden gem along North Broad,” Dr. Matt said.
Read MoreOn February 3, 2024, Author Amy Cohen hosted a lively book talk with urban historian and former University of Pennsylvania Provost Wendell Pritchett to celebrate the launch of her book. I was honored to give one of the two blurbs on the book which was released in December 2023.
In a Penn Today article detailing a design-build studio at the Weitzman School of Design, my role as the director of Justice & Belonging was highlighted. The Spring 2023 studio built on a course I led the previous spring, which focused on developing the identity of a Black cultural district in a part of West Philadelphia that straddles Lancaster Avenue. This initiative aimed to engage with the community to shape a cultural district that reflects and amplifies the rich Black heritage of the area.
The design-build studio faced an aggressive timeline, with the entire process—from site selection and community engagement to design and construction—being completed within a single semester. This challenging but rewarding experience underscored the importance of integrating community voices into urban design and construction processes, ensuring that the resulting spaces are meaningful and reflective of the local culture.
READ: https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/weitzman-design-and-build-first-collaborate
Business Equality Magazine recognized me as one of their “40 Under 40” honorees, highlighting my work and impact as an academic and urbanist. The article delves into my background, noting my Ph.D. in Urban Planning and Development, and my commitment to advancing equity through urban design, historic preservation, and cultural engagement.
The feature emphasizes my role as the director of Justice & Belonging Initiatives at the University of Pennsylvania’s Weitzman School of Design, where I lead efforts to integrate equity and social justice into urban planning and design. It also discusses my work on projects like the creation of a Black cultural district in West Philadelphia and my involvement with the Philadelphia Art Commission, where I advocate for more inclusive public spaces that reflect the city’s diverse communities.
The magazine highlighted my passion for leveraging urban planning as a tool for social change, using my academic and professional platforms to amplify historically marginalized voices. The recognition as one of the “40 Under 40” underscores the impact of my work and my commitment to creating more equitable and inclusive urban environments.
READ: https://businessequalitymagazine.com/40under40/matt-jordan-miller-ph-d/
