Marcellus miller
Chief Diversity & INCLUSION OFFICER
Marcellus Miller (they/them) brings a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by young queer people of color in rural areas, particularly at the intersections of race, generational trauma, gender identity, and poverty. As a Black-Indigenous person and member of The Choctaw Nation, with ancestry from The Chickasaw and Muscogee (Creek) peoples, Marcellus identifies as Gender-Non Conforming and uses they/them pronouns.
Growing up in Southern Oklahoma, Marcellus survived life as a biracial teen with complex PTSD (C-PTSD), lower income, and neurodivergence. Their parents struggled with addiction and mental health issues, leading to challenges in accessing services. Facing homelessness while in college, and living in a rural area with little representation and resources, created significant barriers for Marcellus. These experiences propelled them to advocate for social justice and create resources for marginalized communities.
Despite facing discrimination in high school for cultural expression, including being placed in detention and almost having their graduation revoked, Marcellus continued to advocate for themselves. They researched laws related to The CROWN Act, reached out to civil rights organizations, and shared their experiences nationally through news articles and journalists. With the support of numerous organizations, they successfully defended their rights.
In the fall of 2020, while enrolled in college, Marcellus became homeless. Their hometown lacked resources such as housing and mental health services tailored to their needs, including trauma-informed therapy and 2SLGBTQIA+ youth housing services. Due to these inaccessible resources, Marcellus relocated to a bigger city to access youth services. They stayed in shelters and hotels, actively worked on their mental health, and sought employment. Marcellus eventually secured transitional housing and used their advocacy skills to join The OKC Youth Action Board (YAB), where they advocate for unhoused youth and work with community partners on best practices and policies regarding youth services.
As the Chief Diversity, Inclusion, and Outreach Officer (CDIO) of IMPACT 405, Marcellus focuses on interacting with marginalized communities, identifying their needs, building partnerships with advocacy groups and government agencies, and developing and implementing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. These efforts ensure that programs and services are accessible and inclusive for all Oklahomans.
Marcellus supports IMPACT 405's mission of providing inclusive resources and understanding how to access them. Resources like the Oklahoma Resource Hub (ORH) are essential to the livelihood of all individuals and enhance accessibility for all Oklahomans. Everyone deserves equitable care, and it is crucial to meet people where they are and be intentional when working with marginalized communities.
DEI programs, training, and initiatives are pivotal in giving underrepresented communities their perspective of intersectionality, inclusion, and equity. Authentic partnerships are built through meaningful discussions, empowering people from historically marginalized communities to use their lived experiences to create solutions that promote equitable and inclusive resources.
With a background in community engagement, social justice advocacy, research and analysis, and public speaking, Marcellus Miller understands that genuine change starts with engaging communities and identifying their needs. IMPACT 405 provides a platform for organizations, nonprofits, volunteers, and philanthropists to network and benefit from community outreach.
As Audre Lorde stated, “It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.”