Black history is deeply woven into the fabric of Pittsburgh, shaping the city’s culture, economy, and social progress. From the early days of the Underground Railroad to the rise of Black leaders in business, education, and the arts, Pittsburgh has long been a hub for Black excellence and resilience. This Black History Month, we celebrate the pivotal moments and influential figures who have left a permanent mark on the Steel City.
Pittsburgh’s Role in the Underground Railroad
During the 19th century, Pittsburgh played a crucial role in the Underground Railroad. The city’s location near the Mason-Dixon Line made it a key stop for enslaved individuals seeking freedom. Black churches and abolitionist groups provided shelter and aid, with figures like Martin Delany and John Vashon leading efforts to support freedom seekers.
In addition to being a stop along the way, Pittsburgh became a place where many formerly enslaved individuals settled and built new lives. Black entrepreneurs, educators, and activists emerged, contributing to the city’s economic and social fabric. The city’s free Black population actively worked to help others escape slavery, creating a strong foundation for future civil rights activism in the region.
The Hill District as a Cultural and Economic Powerhouse
Pittsburgh’s Hill District has long been recognized as a center for Black culture and entrepreneurship. In the early-to-mid 20th century, it was home to a thriving jazz scene, earning the nickname “Little Harlem.” Legendary artists like Duke Ellington, Lena Horne, and Pittsburgh’s own Billy Strayhorn performed in venues like the Crawford Grill, making the Hill District a national cultural landmark.
Beyond music, the Hill District was a beacon for Black-owned businesses, newspapers, and social organizations. The Pittsburgh Courier, one of the most influential Black newspapers in U.S. history, played a significant role in advocating for civil rights and uplifting Black voices nationwide.
August Wilson Captured the Black Experience in Pittsburgh
One of Pittsburgh’s most celebrated figures, August Wilson, immortalized the Black experience in Pittsburgh through his renowned Pittsburgh Cycle plays. Born and raised in the Hill District, Wilson’s work, including “Fences” and “The Piano Lesson,” captured the struggles, triumphs, and everyday lives of Black Pittsburghers. His ability to weave history, culture, and personal narratives into his plays earned him two Pulitzer Prizes and a lasting legacy in American theater. His influence is honored at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center and his childhood home, now preserved as a cultural landmark.
The Freedom House Ambulance Service
In the 1960s, the Freedom House Ambulance Service in Pittsburgh became the first emergency medical service (EMS) to train Black paramedics and set the standard for modern EMS systems nationwide. Created in response to inadequate emergency care for Black communities, Freedom House pioneered advanced medical training that is now a global standard. Their contributions transformed emergency medicine and saved countless lives.
Pittsburgh’s Baseball Legacy Started with the Negro Leagues
Pittsburgh played a significant role in Black baseball history. The Pittsburgh Crawfords and the Homestead Grays were two of the most dominant teams in the Negro Leagues, producing legendary players like Josh Gibson and Satchel Paige. These teams gave Black athletes a platform when Major League Baseball was still segregated and helped pave the way for integration in the sport.
Daisy Lampkin, A Force for Civil Rights and Women’s Empowerment
Daisy Lampkin was an inspiration in both civil rights and women’s rights movements. As a leader in the NAACP, she was instrumental in expanding membership and fundraising efforts, advocating for Black voting rights and economic opportunities. She also played a significant role in the National Association of Colored Women, using her voice to push for gender and racial equity. Her home in Pittsburgh became a hub for activism, and her tireless efforts helped pave the way for future generations of Black leaders.
Teenie Harris Documented Black Pittsburgh
Charles “Teenie” Harris, one of the most important photographers of the 20th century, captured Black life in Pittsburgh through his work with the Pittsburgh Courier. His images documented everyday moments, civil rights movements, jazz legends, and local heroes, preserving a rich visual history of Black Pittsburgh.
His extensive collection is housed at the Carnegie Museum of Art, ensuring that his work continues to educate and inspire.
Civil Rights and Social Change in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh was also a battleground for civil rights activism. During the 1960s, Black Pittsburghers organized protests and pushed for economic and social equity. Leaders like Rev. Leroy Patrick, who led efforts to desegregate the city’s public pools, and Alma Speed Fox, a longtime NAACP activist, fought tirelessly for justice and equality.
The fight for fair housing, employment opportunities, and educational access remains a critical part of Pittsburgh’s history. Today, organizations like the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh and the Hill District Consensus Group continue advocating for policies that promote equity and inclusion.
Black Excellence in Modern Pittsburgh
Photo credit: Trish Hummer
Black history is not just about the past — it continues to shape and enhance Pittsburgh’s future. Institutions like the August Wilson African American Cultural Center celebrate and uplift Black artists, and Black-owned businesses contribute to the city’s cultural and economic vitality, each demonstrating that Pittsburgh remains a place where Black excellence thrives.
Every day, Black leaders continue to make history, impacting lives through Pittsburgh nonprofit organizations. They include — and certainly are not limited to — the following individuals who impressively emulate Franco Harris’s legacy in commitment to community:
- Robert Cherry, CEO of Partner4Work
- Josiah Gilliam, executive director of PUMP
- Jerome Jackson, executive director of the Northside Leadership Conference
- Majestic Lane, chief equity officer at Allegheny Conference on Community Development
- Walter Lewis, president and CEO of Homewood Children’s Village
- Marimba Milliones, president and CEO of the Hill Community Development Corporation (Hill CDC)
- Maelene Myers, executive director of East Liberty Development, Inc.
- Bill Strickland, founder & executive chair of Manchester-Bidwell
- Camila Rivera-Tinsley, CEO of the Women and Girls Foundation
- Doris Carson Williams, CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania
Continuing the Legacy
As we honor Black history in Pittsburgh, we recognize that the journey toward equity and justice is ongoing. The contributions of Black Pittsburghers, past, present, and future, continue to inspire progress, innovation, and resilience. This month, we encourage everyone to explore the city’s Black history, support Black-led initiatives, and engage in meaningful conversations that bridge divides, drive change, and build community.