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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Things to Do

Celebrating Black History in the Golden Triangle

Thursday, January 30, 2025

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

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.

We’re continuously updating this post. Want to add a Downtown event or business to this list? Let us know.

Exhibits & Galleries

National Negro Opera Company Display

📍 Grand Lobby, City-County Building

📅 Monday, February 3 – Friday, February 28

The National Negro Opera Company (NNOC) was the first permanent African American opera company in the nation. Black History Month 2025 celebrates the NNOC, and its history of breaking racial barriers within the classical music world and creating a platform for Black opera singers to showcase their talents. Throughout the month of February, view this Black History Month Display honoring the company and its 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

National Negro Opera Company Opening Reception

📍 Grand Lobby, City-County Building

📅 Monday, February 3

⏰ 6 – 8 p.m.

Join the City of Pittsburgh for an opening celebration of the National Negro Opera Company Display. This display honors the opera company as the first permanent African American opera company in the nation. Celebrate the first day of this month-long exhibit! Learn More.

Black Hockey History Game

📍 PPG Paints Arena

📅 Tuesday, February 4

⏰ 7 – 10 p.m.

Join the Pittsburgh Penguins for Black History Month at PPG Paints Arena. Featuring a concourse display courtesy of the University of Pittsburgh Nationality Rooms and Intercultural Exchange Programs, the Penguins will honor the incredible impact of Pittsburgh’s African American community and celebrate their rich history and culture.

Black History Month Celebration with the Young Professionals Advisory Board

📍 August Wilson African American Cultural Center

📅 Wednesday, February 12

⏰ 6 – 8 p.m.

Connect with the Young Professionals Advisory Board and celebrate Black History Month and the Arts! Join them for an evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and a tour of the August Wilson African American Cultural Center. Explore the center’s current exhibit, “August Wilson: The Writer’s Landscape.” Don’t miss this chance to attend a lively reception, museum tour, and networking opportunities! Learn More.

Black History Month Lecture: David Dennis Jr.

📍 Heinz History Center

📅 Thursday, February 20

⏰ 6 – 7:30 p.m.

The Heinz History Center will be hosting its 11th annual Black History Month Lecture. This month features David Dennis Jr., author of “The Movement Made Us: A Father, a Son, and the Legacy of a Freedom Ride.” Enjoy a post-lecture Q&A and book signing! Buy Tickets.

Coffee Chat Series: Hidden Gems; Black Women In The Workplace

📍 PAIR Charcuterie

📅 Thursday, February 20

⏰ 7 – 9 p.m.

Join PAIR Charcuterie for a discussion about what’s next for DEI, how to navigate systems that often overlook and undervalue Black women, and ways to maintain peace while standing firm in your beliefs. Share your insights, experiences, and strategies for thriving in the world with a supportive group! Learn More.

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!

Art and Soul Cafe

📍1125 Penn Ave

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

ClarkFit Boxing

📍433 Market St

Boxing gym and fitness studio offering classes and 1:1 training.

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.