Miles Davis-Matthews ’21

Advocacy isn’t just a calling for Miles Davis-Matthews ‘21, it’s a deeply personal mission rooted in his lived experiences.

As a Black trans man, Davis-Matthews has navigated the complexities of identity while building a legacy of activism. His mission began at a young age and found new strength on Pitt-Bradford’s campus, and it continues to propel him.

Davis-Matthews’s path to advocacy and activism started with a question: Why does inequality exist? Growing up, he experienced stark socioeconomic contrasts—first living in an affluent Maryland neighborhood with his aunt and uncle, then moving to a struggling neighborhood in Washington, D.C., with his mother.

“I just couldn’t wrap my mind around the fact that a 15-minute drive was the difference between the family that I had in a mini mansion...and my mom’s house in one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in D.C.,” he said.

His curiosity about systemic inequality grew into a desire to learn more about inequality and to enact change.

After enrolling at Pitt-Bradford, Davis-Matthews quickly found the space to develop his voice and advocate for the change he sought. He immersed himself in campus life, becoming an RA, Student Activities Council member and president of the Pride Alliance.

Under his leadership, Pride Alliance championed LGBTQ+ issues and initiatives, such as campus-wide access to HIV and STD testing and the installation of gender-inclusive sanitation boxes in all restrooms. These efforts highlighted important issues and LGBTQ+ topics that might otherwise be overlooked.

“We were able to advocate for things that really mattered,” he said.

While at Pitt-Bradford, Davis-Matthews’s advocacy also took a national stage. He interned with the National Action Network in Washington, D.C., where he supported the Million Man March and drafted policy memos on LGBTQ+ issues. These experiences deepened his understanding of how advocacy translates from grassroots organizing to systemic change.

After graduating, Davis-Matthews continued his advocacy at the intersection of sociology and activism. Working with Data for Progress in 2023, he examined social structures in the rural South, highlighting the struggles of non-binary and bisexual individuals due to lack of visibility and resources. His research provided insight into ways to strengthen community support for LGBTQ+ individuals in these underserved areas.

Now a Ph.D. student at Kent State University, Davis-Matthews focuses on rural sociology, particularly the experiences of Black LGBTQ+ individuals in overlooked communities. He also serves as co-director of Trans Joy Akron, a nonprofit dedicated to celebrating and uplifting trans lives.

“We want to remind people that being trans isn’t just about hardship—it’s about connection, enlightenment and freedom,” he said.

Looking ahead, Davis-Matthews plans to deepen his impact on rural America, advocating for equitable infrastructure and resources to support marginalized identities. His long-term goals include expanding his research to uncover patterns of behavior and relationships in underserved communities.

Reflecting on his journey, Davis-Matthews said his time at Pitt-Bradford was instrumental in shaping his activism and academic path. He also expresses gratitude to professors Dr. Helma de Vries-Jordan, Dr. Stephen Robar, Dr. Drew Flanagan and Stephanie Eckstrom for their support and encouragement.

“Pitt-Bradford gave me all the things I needed to make a good life. It’s where I found my voice.”