The Downtown Blog

Name: Downtown Pittsburgh
Address: Pittsburgh, PA

The official blog of Downtown Pittsburgh. Read up on what's new, what's happening, and what stories are being told in the neighborhood.

The Downtown Blog

The official blog of Downtown Pittsburgh. Read up on what's new, what's happening, and what stories are being told in the neighborhood.

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Celebrating Black History in the Golden Triangle

Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Here are a few ways to honor and celebrate Black History in Downtown Pittsburgh this month and every month.

*The Freedom House Ambulance Service. Photo Credit: NPR*

Downtown Pittsburgh has a rich history that resonates from the sidewalks of our vibrant streets to the rooftops of our iconic skyline. For the past 200 years, Black communities in Southwestern Pennsylvania have played an integral role in that history, shaping the culture, economy and identity of the city and the region as a whole.

Home to cultural institutions like the August Wilson African American Cultural Center and a growing community of Black-owned businesses, the Golden Triangle offers many ways to honor and celebrate Black History Month this February and all year round.

Exhibits & Galleries

Freedom House Ambulance Service Display

📍 Grand Lobby, City-County Building

📅 Thursday, February 1 – Thursday, February 29

The Freedom House Ambulance in the Hill District was the first emergency medical service in the United States, and was fully staffed by Black men and women. For the entire month of February, view the Black History Month Display honoring the Freedom House Ambulance’s enduring legacy.

The August Wilson African American Cultural Center

📍 980 Liberty Avenue

📅 Thursday – Sunday All-Year Round

The AWAACC champions artists and programs that reflect universal issues of identity illuminated in the works of the August Wilson, which still resonate today. Explore community events, free galleries and see award-winning artists on stage.

Heinz History Center

📍 1212 Smallman Street

📅 Daily All-Year Round

Learn about Black history in Pittsburgh at the Heinz History Center. Check out their Black History Month programming and year-round exhibits highlighting Black accomplishments in Pittsburgh including “Pittsburgh: A Tradition of Innovation” and “Negro Baseball League.”

Events

In Living Color: African American Colorized History Virtual Reality Experience

This event has ended.

📍 Trust Arts Education Center

📅 Saturday, February 10

Discover Black history through a brand new lens — literally! This all-ages immersive virtual reality art gallery brings a new perspective to historical black and white stories by reimagining them in vibrant color as if they were captured today. Randall Coleman will be presenting the program throughout the day. Buy your family tickets now.

Teaira Whitehead by Melannie Taylor

📍 New Hazlett Theater

📅 Thursday, February 15 & Friday, February 16

Teaira Whitehead follows three best friends as they experience the perils of relationships, crime, and racial injustices. Based on real events, Teaira Whitehead is on a search for answers that lead to even more complex discoveries. Buy tickets today for this authentic and moving play.

Khairy Creek & Kadeem Richardson: 2 Black Dad’s Tour

📍 Arcade Comedy Theater

📅 Saturday, February 17

Part of Arcade Comedy Theater’s celebration of Black comedy — Khairy Creek with special guest Kadeem Richardson return to the stage. Buy tickets now!

Art in the Age of Mass Incarceration with Dr. Nicole R. Fleetwood

📍 Heinz History Center

📅 Wednesday, February 21

Discover how art provides imprisoned people with a voice during the 10th Annual Black History Month Lecture. This lecture will discuss how art can heal and humanize the imprisoned. General admission is $10, $5 for Heinz History Center Members, or free for students with a valid ID.

Intimate Apparel

📍 Highmark Theater

📅 Wednesday, February 21 – Sunday, February 25

The Conservatory Theater Company presents Intimate Apparel: the story of a Black seamstress who dreams of one day running her own business. This drama was written by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage. Buy your tickets today!

Small Businesses

*Photo Credit: Emerald City Facebook Page*

From art and cuisine to high-end services and entrepreneurship, Black-owned businesses are a core part of our city center. Check out these local favorites in Downtown!

These are just a few highlights – If you know of a business that should be on this list, please let us know!

1:11 Juice Bar

📍 One Oxford Center | Multiple Locations

Black and minority owned small business offering nearly 40 flavors of organic and cold-press juices and smoothies.

Art and Soul Cafe

📍1125 Penn Ave

Soulful Southern-style cooking with a local art display and event space.

CARES CommuniTEA Cafe

📍1836 Centre Ave

A Hill District-based social enterprise that provides entrepreneurship and workforce training to youth and young adults, while creating a hub for community networking and information sharing.

Cobbler World

📍1059 Penn Ave

Serving delicious cobblers and amazing desserts.

Cultural Hair Lounge

📍320 Fort Duquesne Blvd # 160

A full-service salon filled with good vibes, great service, and awesome hair.

Emerald City

📍213 Smithfield St

A 12,000-square-foot co-working, event, and social space dedicated to catapulting Black entrepreneurs and businesses to wealth and regional success. The mission of Emerald City is to prioritize Black entrepreneurship and black professionals in Pittsburgh through resources, education, and opportunities.