Black History Month celebrated locally
Photo courtesy of Google images accessed under the Creative Commons license
The Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh presents exhibits such as “Pittsburgh: A Tradition of Innovation” that celebrates Black jazz musicians throughout the month of February.
Black History Month (BHM) is a month-long celebration that recognizes the role of African Americans in American history and their achievements. Celebrated in February, there is no shortage of events across the country and even around Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh’s Heinz History Center presents two free public programs this year: the “From Slavery to Freedom” film series showcasing the struggles of civil rights in Pittsburgh and the Ninth Annual Black History Month Lecture titled “The Black Fives: The Epic Story of Baseball’s Forgotten Era.” On top of these, the Heinz History Center celebrates Black History Month by hosting guided tours of the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum that gives insight into the history of Pittsburgh’s remarkable Negro baseball league. Learn about ticketing prices and other information at https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/.
August Wilson, an American playwright and Pittsburgh native, has a museum named after him that showcases his life and works. In light of Black History Month, the City of Pittsburgh Office of Special Events presents the “Highlights from the August Wilson Archive” museum to recognize his achievements. The grand opening celebration takes place from February 24 to March 3 and will hold events such as “A Winter’s Landscape Exhibition,” which takes its visitors on a journey through Wilson’s life. For more information on other events occurring at the museum, visit https://augustwilson.library.pitt.edu/.
Also during February, Pittsburgh North Anti-Racism Coalition shows support for Black History Month by holding a meeting at the North Hills YWCA Center for Race Relations on February 22. Included in the gathering are singers, guest speakers and a recitation of Maya Angelou’s poetry.
Commemorating African-American fashion, the Ammon Recreation Center in the Hill District hosts an annual fashion show on February 22. Classic cultural clothing is showcased on multiple generations of models.
Black History Month is undoubtedly an important time to celebrate the history of African American people, and Pittsburgh has no shortage of experiences and events to represent this community.
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