Pittsfield's New Diversity Officer Feeling Positive About Position
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Newly appointed Chief Diversity Officer Michael Obasohan will start in under two weeks, bringing his expertise in diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts to the city in hopes of creating a better community.
Though his appointment was not a unanimous vote, he is feeling positive about the new position and sees the pushback as a sign that his efforts are needed.
Ward 2 Councilor Charles Kronick and Councilor at Large Karen Kalinowsky voted in opposition to the appointment at last week's City Council meeting, saying the department approved last year was not needed.
But upon approval, the appointment was met with applause throughout Council Chambers.
"I think after the meeting on Tuesday, the overall impression that I got from a majority of the council members voting yes and community after the applause, I feel very positive about this position," Obasohan said. "I feel very positive going into it, if anything, after that meeting it kind of fueled me up to be more in this position. It fueled me up to really go into this position and really hit the ground running, roll up my sleeves and really get to it get to work, and it didn't deter me in any way.
"If anything, it shows me that this position is needed more now than ever, and around education and learning."
Kronick and Kalinowsky argued that these efforts should be placed in the hands of human resources. Obasohan explained that his new position goes far beyond the capabilities of an HR.
"The importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives goes far beyond the office of HR, there are other things that come into play when thinking about diversity, equity, and inclusion, for example: belonging," he explained.
"Does your community members of color, community members with learning differences, our LGBTQI-plus community members, do they feel welcome? Do they feel like they belong in Pittsfield? So it's far beyond HR capabilities in having this department who really touches on these initiatives, that can create a space where voices can be heard, create initiatives, create training that will help enhance and help create an environment where everyone feels welcome."
Obasohan added that the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion validates the voices of people who have not been heard and shows that the city cares. He wants the department to be a place where people can express their feelings and experiences.
In the early stages of his position and the office, he will be getting to know the community and eventually create a strategic plan.
"My goal for the first couple months, even for like the first half of the year, is really getting to know City Hall, getting to know the Pittsfield community, getting to know how this position can enhance the work that is already being done in Pittsfield," he said.
"And I know that diversity, equity and inclusion is a new department, so building that, I love to build things when it comes to inclusion and anything around justice and belonging, it is just my wheelhouse, and so that would be me building that department and getting it to a place that is serving the members within City Hall and working alongside Pittsfield public schools."
He will also reach out to different commissions and boards such as the Commission on Disabilities and the Human Rights Commission and work with law enforcement to make the city a safe, welcoming place for residents who are Black, indigenous and people of color.
The strategic plan will be fueled by input from the community.
"I believe in collaboration is that the work of DEI is not just one department or one person's responsibility, but the work of everyone's and someone to marshal that," Obasohan said.
"I think a great strategic plan should come from different voices and so that would be one of my goals, is to bring folks to the table of different identities and have them pretty much help contribute to that building and to that strategic plan."
During the 2021 municipal election, Obasohan was elected to the North Adams City Council as one of the top non-incumbent vote-getters. His campaign was focused on DEI efforts.
"A lot of my campaign also focused around involving and enhancing the voices of those who aren't normally heard or have a seat at the table," he said. "Which was one of my reasonings for joining the council because representation is everything and I believe that my involvement will open up doors for others who look like me and for those whose voices normally go unheard."
Obasohan has worked at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts — of which he is also an alumnus — for more than a decade in various capacities including most recently as associate director of college readiness and success.
He said his love and experience for DEI were gained through working with students. Obasohan is also passionate about education and learning.
"While there, I got involved in the community and a number of boards with the lens of diversity, equity inclusion," he said about his time at MCLA.
"I sat on different committees, like the MLK Day of Service, Northern Berkshire Community Coalition, and also now Roots Teen Center, and a lot of my expertise within these organizations is providing my experience with diversity, equity, inclusion, and racial justice."
Obasohan recognizes that North Adams and Pittsfield are very different cities, and said it is all about getting to know your community and creating solutions based on specific needs.
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