How to Rediscover Pittsburgh’s Black History and Culture in February
From lectures, to concerts to soul sessions, events abound around the Steel City to mark Black History Month.
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK
Pittsburgh is offering a variety of events and exhibits throughout February to commemorate and celebrate Black History Month. Performances, lectures and exhibits fill this month with plenty of educational and entertaining options to rediscover Pittsburgh’s rich Black history. Here is a sampling of what’s happening here.
A sense of community will be amplified with a concert from the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, featuring conductor Anthony Parnther and Grammy-award winner Oleta Adams. Adams will perform sounds of gospel and grace with trombonist Cooper Cromwell-Whitley and the Lift Every Voice Unity Choir conducted by Nikki Porter. Arrive at 6 p.m. for the “I Too Play: Unveiling the History of Black Classical Musicians in Pittsburgh” exhibit by Candace Burgess and stay after the orchestra concert for a Jazz Ensemble performed by the Afro American Music Institute, both in the Grand Lobby of Heinz Hall.
When: Saturday, Feb. 3, 7 p.m.
Where: Heinz Hall, 600 Penn Ave., Downtown.
Black History Month Celebration at the Sarah Heinz House
The Sarah Heinz house is partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pittsburgh to recognize Black culture and join communities through family fun. Celebrate the achievements of Pittsburgh’s Black community with Black-owned businesses, Black-run organizations, African and African American speakers, artists and performers.
When: Saturday, Feb. 3, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Sarah Heinz House, 1 Heinz St., North Side
Black Hockey History Month with the Pittsburgh Penguins
The Penguins will celebrate Black Hockey History Day with fans during its game against the Winnipeg Jets, presented by CNX. In addition, the Penguins have partnered with RISE to be Champions and Change to educate the Pittsburgh community on social justice and racial inequality through a virtual experience. Tickets must be purchased online.
When: Tuesday, Feb. 6, 7 p.m.
Where: PPG Paints Arena, Uptown
Charles Dumas’ Blues is the Roots
Join Charles Dumas and Herb Newsome at the New Horizon Theater in their play about Willie Dixon, one of the first well-known musicians in the Chicago Blues era. Reminisce on Dixon’s life and journey as a producer and sideman of Chess Records, where he performed with many giants of the era. Register for tickets here.
When: Feb. 8-18
Where: The Public’s Helen Wayne Rauh Rehearsal Hall, 621 Penn Ave., Downtown
An Afternoon with Terrance Hayes
Multimedia author and poet Terrance Hayes is holding an author event and Q&A session at the Carnegie Library as a part of Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Black History Month 2024 programming. Born in Columbia, South Carolina, Hayes received his master of fine arts degree from the University of Pittsburgh. He taught at Pitt and at Carnegie Mellon University and is a 2014 MacArthur Fellow. With several award winning poetry collections, Hayes reflects on race, gender and family through humor and pop culture. Register at carnegielibrary.org.
When: Saturday, Feb. 10, 1- 2 p.m.
Where: CLP – Main, Lecture Hall, 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland
In Living Color: African American Colorized History Virtual Reality Experience
This family-friendly event by artist Randall Coleman offers an immersive virtual reality art gallery to visualize the historical Black experience. “In Living Color” takes the black and white stories of African American history and gives them new perspective with vibrant color. Guests can also learn how to copy Coleman’s colorizing effects.
When: Saturday, Feb. 10, 10 a.m.-noon
Where: Trust Arts Education Center, 807 Liberty Ave., Downtown
Soul Sessions: Kindred the Family Soul
Join the award-winning modern couple and duo of Fatin Dantzler and Aja Graydon as they share their love through Neo-soul music. Presenting their image of “Black Love” in the music industry since 2003, the duo has released seven albums that celebrate the journey of love and friendship. They have even featured Snoop Dogg on their album “Love Has No Recession,” where he also expressed his love for his wife.
When: Wednesday, Feb. 14, 8 p.m.
Where: August Wilson African American Cultural Center, 980 Liberty Ave., Downtown.
Carnegie Mellon University is supporting this appearance by MacArthur Fellow Nicole Fleetwood to discuss the healing power of art in the age of mass incarceration. Fleetwood will highlight through art the humanity and experience expressed by those who are incarcerated. She’s also an award-winning author of “Marking Time: Art in the Age of Mass Incarceration.” Her lecture will be followed by a Q&A and book signing.
When: Wednesday, Feb. 21, 5:30-7 p.m.
Where: Mueller Center on the Fifth Floor, Heinz History Center, 1212 Smallman St., Strip District
August Wilson: The Writer’s Landscape
Visit the first permanent exhibit showcasing the work of Pittsburgh native and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, August Wilson. Open since 2022, The Writer’s Landscape explores the people and places where Wilson was raised., which helped shape his world view and influenced his storytelling of the Black experience.There are three sections to explore, including a coffee shop, an office and the streets where Wilson grew up and was inspired.
When: Feb. 1-25, reservations Mon.- Fri. from 3-7 p.m. and weekends from noon-4 p.m.
Where: August Wilson African American Cultural Center, 980 Liberty Ave., Downtown
Black History Month 2024 – The Freedom House Ambulance Service
The City of Pittsburgh is celebrating Black History Month with a display in the City-County Building to commemorate the work of “Mobile Intensive Care” and African American men and women who served at Freedom House. The Freedom House Ambulance Service, established in 1967 in the Hill District, was the first emergency medical service in the United States staffed by all-Black paramedics. With more than basic first-aid training, the medics paved a new way for the medical field and modern-day EMS and its practices. University of Pittsburgh anesthesiologist Dr. Peter Safar, also known as the “Father of CPR” or the “Father of Paramedic Training,” trained the attendants. An opening reception will be held on Feb. 1 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and a Black History Month display will be in the Grand Lobby of the City-County Building.
When: Feb. 1-29 (closed on weekends), 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Grand Lobby, City-County Building, 414 Grant St., Downtown
RELATED EVENTS
Book Lecture by Edda Fields-Black
As a history professor at Carnegie Mellon University and descendant of one of the participants in the Combahee River Raid, Edda Fields-Black extends her knowledge and the story of the legendary Harriet Tubman. This free lecture will retell the resilient and courageous history of Black liberation during the Civil War.
When: Thursday, March 14, 6 p.m.
Where: Carnegie Library Lecture Hall, 4400 Forbes Ave. Oakland
From Slavery to Freedom Garden
During the Civil War, Pittsburgh became a destination for freedom seekers. On their journeys, they brought along knowledge and skills with plants that were discovered and used for food and medicinal purposes. The Heinz History Center and Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy collaborated to create the From Slavery to Freedom Garden. Walk through the outside garden at the Frick Park Environmental Center or you can book a 90-minute group tour here.
Where: Frick Park Environmental Center, 2005 Beechwood Blvd., Squirrel Hill
