Power of Love - One of six "power couples" in Pennsylvania - City and State PA

For Valentine's Day 2022, we were featured alongside esteemed public figures like Sheryl Lee Ralph and State Senator Vincent Hughes in an article "The power of love: Meet six Pennsylvania power couples making us gush."

https://www.cityandstatepa.com/personality/2022/02/power-love-meet-six-pennsylvania-power-couples-making-us-gush/364236/

Dr. Matthew Miller messaged Malcolm Kenyatta on Instagram five years ago and the two fell in love instantly when they finally met in person months later. Based in Philadelphia, Malcolm is a state representative and candidate for the U.S. Senate, and Matt is an urban designer at the University of Pennsylvania School of Design. Malcolm, who tied the knot with Matt on Feb. 5, jokes that Matt is his campaign’s creative director. He said Matt working outside politics can be advantageous because “he has made this campaign more beautiful, creative and fun for not just myself, but our team and supporters.”

Matthew Miller & Malcolm Kenyatta (Doug Kerr/Flickr)

Named to “40 Under 40” Business Equality Magazine

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/

Profiled in ESSENCE: “A New Day: Living, Loving and Serving”

In an Essence article titled “A New Day: Living, Loving, and Serving,” Malcolm Kenyatta and I, Matthew Jordan-Miller Kenyatta, were featured as part of a celebration of Black love and partnership. The article highlighted how we navigate our lives together, balancing love, public service, and activism.

Malcolm and I shared insights into how we support each other’s endeavors while also maintaining a strong, loving relationship. Malcolm, a Pennsylvania State Representative, and I, an academic and urban planner, discussed the challenges and rewards of being in the public eye while also nurturing our private lives. We emphasized the importance of love and mutual respect in our relationship, with Malcolm stating, “It’s about living authentically and supporting each other’s dreams.”

The article also touched on our shared commitment to social justice and the work we do to uplift our communities. We discussed how our relationship serves as a source of strength and inspiration in our respective careers, with both of us dedicated to making a positive impact in the world.

Essence portrayed our love story as a powerful example of how Black love can thrive in the face of challenges, serving as a beacon of hope and resilience for others. The piece concluded by emphasizing the joy and fulfillment we find in living, loving, and serving together.

READ: https://www.essence.com/love/relationships/a-new-day-living-loving-and-serving/

The Daily Pennsylvanian Features Appointment to Art Commission

The Daily Pennsylvanian featured me in an article discussing my appointment to the Philadelphia Art Commission. As a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Pennsylvania’s Weitzman School of Design, I was appointed by Mayor Jim Kenney to serve on the Commission, making me one of its youngest members and the only Black man on the panel at the time.

In the article, I shared my excitement about the appointment, noting the significance of having a voice on the Commission that represents younger, diverse perspectives. My role on the Commission involves overseeing the approval of public art and architecture projects throughout the city, a responsibility I take seriously as I advocate for more equitable and inclusive approaches to public space.

I also highlighted the importance of the Commission’s work in shaping the cultural and physical landscape of Philadelphia, emphasizing that the decisions made by the Commission impact how communities see themselves and are represented in public spaces. This aligns with my broader research and professional interests in placemaking, equity, and the intersection of art and urban design.

READ: http://www.thedp.com/article/2021/09/matthew-miller-philadelphia-art-commission-weitzman