Celebrating Black History Month

This week marks the beginning of Black History Month. Honor and celebrate African American history and heritage with online events and discussions.

Significant African American Buildings of Pittsburgh | Doors Open Pittsburgh | February 1 | Online

Explore the region’s historically significant buildings that document the accomplishments of Pittsburgh’s African American Community. Learn about the architecture and, more importantly, the pride, perseverance, and perspective of resourceful and creative local leaders who had a national impact.

Storytelling Event With Donna Washington | Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh | February 1  | Online

The CLP their our virtual doors to international storyteller, Donna Washington! Tune in to her storytelling which excels at bringing African folklore to life, telling stories of overcoming fear, problem-solving and positive racial identity. This broadcast will be available for one week.

AW Studio Sessions: Gerald Veasley and Carol Riddick | August Wilson African American Cultural Center | February 4 | Online

The new virtual series, AW Studio Sessions, is an intimate music experience with the most talented musicians in the scene. “I Got Life: The Music of Nina Simone” pairs two legends of jazz and soul music to celebrate an iconic artist.

Charlie Garlick and the Underground Railroad | Heinz History Center | February 4 | Online

Join the History Center’s educators to discuss important moments in African American history in Western Pennsylvania. Each live program will dive deeply into specific stories of Black history in the Pittsburgh area, highlighting key people, places, and events in a 45-minute webinar format. Students can interact with our educators in the Q&A and chat and will be able to complete Kahoot quizzes after the presentations. Winners of the Kahoot quizzes will be announced to teachers via email.

Black Girl Magic: Live Read | Arcade Comedy Theater | February 4 | Online

An ensemble cast of local actors presents a staged reading homage to classic Black sitcoms Living Single and Moesha. Produced by Ryan Canty and Nia Johnson. This online streaming show is presented as part of Arcade Comedy Theater’s Black History Month celebration, supported in part by the Arts Equity Reimagined Fund through PACE.

Hop into History: The Mighty Josh | Heinz History Center | February 10 | Online

Heinz History Center’s Hop into History series brings Pittsburgh’s past to early learners ages 3 to 5. Featuring legendary baseball player Josh Gibson, February’s program will be of special interest to junior tee-ball players. Gibson was the second Negro League player to be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. 

The Bonds of Family and Legacy | Heinz History Center | February 11 | Online

In partnership with the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, this program will explore the Black family, a topic of study in many disciplines, including history, literature, the visual arts, social policy, and the culture of the culinary arts.

Black Families: Live Read | Arcade Comedy Theater | February 11 | Online

An ensemble cast of local actors presents a staged reading homage to classic Black sitcoms “Everybody Hates Chris” and “Black-ish.” Produced by Ryan Canty and Nia Johnson. This online streaming show is presented as part of Arcade Comedy Theater’s Black History Month celebration, supported in part by the Arts Equity Reimagined Fund through PACE.

Live from the BBQ| Arcade Comedy Theater | February 11 | Online

The popular Arcade stand-up show returns for an online storytelling comedy installment. Join comedian/producer Miles Miller along with special guests as they share true stories. This online streaming show is presented as part of Arcade Comedy Theater’s Black History Month celebration, supported in part by the Arts Equity Reimagined Fund through PACE.

7th Annual Black History Month Lecture | Heinz History Center | February 12 | Online

Join Dr. Hasan Jeffries for a lecture that will explore the ways popular misconceptions about the civil rights movement remake history, altering everything from the African American freedom struggle’s leadership, goals, tactics, and guiding philosophies, to the depth and breadth of the white opposition, including the form and function of racial terror.

Pittsburgh’s Black Art Scene: Past, Present & Future | August Wilson African American Cultural Center | February 12 | Online

In honor of Black History Month, the August Wilson African American Cultural Center is proud to present, Pittsburgh’s Black Art Scene: Past, Present & Future. From theatre to jazz, Black art in Pittsburgh enjoys a history as rich and dynamic as the city itself. The birthplace of some of the country’s most acclaimed talent, Pittsburgh is home to a vibrant local art scene and an incubator of exciting new voices.

Black Bottom Film Festival presents Mr. Soul! | August Wilson African American Cultural Center | February 15| Online

Indie Lens Pop-Up, presented by ITVS, Independent Lens, and Black Bottom Film Festival will present Mr. SOUL!. Join filmmaker Melissa Haizlip as she brings viewers to a critical moment in history and culture whose impact continues to resonate today.

Come Hell or High Water: The Battle for Turkey Creek | Heinz History Center | February 17 | Online

The From Slavery to Freedom Film Series, in partnership with the Frick Environmental Center of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, examines themes from the History Center’s award-winning exhibition through the presentation of film screenings throughout the year.

An American Roast | Arcade Comedy Theater | February 19 | Online

A roast game show where we poke some fun at our nation’s history! Produced by Brittany Alexis, featuring Deric Brown, Miles Miller, Christina McNeese, and more. This online streaming show is presented as part of Arcade Comedy Theater’s Black History Month celebration, supported in part by the Arts Equity Reimagined Fund through PACE.

Virtual Book Club: We’re Better Than This by Elijah Cummings | Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh | February 22  | Online

Join a lively discussion with fellow book lovers via Zoom to discuss We’re Better Than This by Elijah Cummings. The late Maryland Democratic congressman recaps his struggle to overcome racism in politics and a contentious relationship with President Trump in this forceful valedictory.

Lit Fridays with Ming Smith | August Wilson African American Cultural Center | February 26| Online

Lit Fridays is a literary-focused, virtual salon presented by the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, featuring conversations and guest performances on the last Friday of each month at 6:00p EST via Facebook Live and Zoom Webinar. All conversations are moderated by AWAACC Literary Curator, Jessica Lanay. Ming Smith is known for her informal, in-action portraits of black cultural figures, from Alvin Ailey to Nina Simone and a wide range of jazz musicians.

From Slavery to Freedom | Heinz History Center | All Month Long | In-Person

Explore more than 250 years of African American history in the History Center’s exhibition, From Slavery to Freedom. The long-term exhibit, presented by BNY Mellon, highlights the enslavement of Africans and its impact on the American economy, the history of the anti-slavery movement, the Underground Railroad, and the impact of 19th century activism on the modern quest for civil and human rights in Pittsburgh.

Supporting Black-Owned Businesses

There’s no better way to support Black-owned businesses than by shopping locally.

Check out the directory of Black-owned Downtown businesses below, and you can search Black-owned businesses citywide thanks to Cocoapreneur.

Cobbler World | 1059 Penn Ave 

Cobbler World is a baked goods company specializing in cobblers, cakes, and pies.

Yerimahs Sisters Beauty Supply Store | 100 Fifth Ave

Yerimahs Sisters Beauty Supply Store is the largest Black-owned beauty supply store in Pittsburgh.

Clark Fit Boxing and Fitness | 433 Market St

Clark Fit Boxing and Fitness is a gym that offers group classes, private sessions, and more, overlooking Market Square.

Reserve Design Studio | 500 Grant St

Reserve Design Studio is an all-natural, full-service hair and nail salon located in BNY Mellon Center.

Prime Time Cuts & Styles | 410 Forbes Ave

Prime Time Cuts & Styles is a hair salon located on Forbes Avenue.

Edina Style and Accessories | 120 Fifth Ave

Edina Style and Accessories provides over thirty years of experience in unique styling in fashion.

The Cultural’s Elite Salon | 950 Penn Ave 2nd Floor

The Cultural’s Elite is a full-service salon and barber located on Penn Avenue.

PG&H Makers

PG&H offers a home to local makers through a collaborative storefront in Downtown. Locally-made and designed products from the below makers and more are available at the shop at 536 Smithfield Street and online.

Janet Watkins Ceramics

Janet Watkins Ceramics specializes in creating unique jewelry, sculpture, and home goods.

Island Fresh Skincare

Island Fresh Skincare provides products that are non-toxic and gentle on skin.

Blakbird Jewelry

Blakbird Jewelry features jewelry, clothing, and home decor.

Roost Design Build

Roost Design Build builds its collection of standardized designs featuring customizable elements, including materials and finishes.

KMJ Metalworks

KMJ Metalworks creates metal screens and artworks with hand sketches and digital drawings.

Edo Scribes & Pleasantries

Edo Scribes & Pleasantries offers crafted accessories, handmade stationery, greeting cards, and business and home decor.

TWELVE\TWENTY STUDIO

TWELVE\TWENTY STUDIO offers art accents for interior design and home décor.

Knotzland

Knotzland specializes in custom handcrafted bow ties made from repurposed and reclaimed materials.

JAZMEEN

JAZMEEN specializes in bold and brightly patterned home goods and décor alongside womenswear products.

Wellness Withn

Wellness Withn creates candles, eye pillows, abdomen pillows, aromatherapy mists, and other wellness products.