Celebrate Black History Month in Downtown Pittsburgh: Events, Exhibits & More!
Throughout February, numerous Downtown Pittsburgh organizations will celebrate Black History Month with commemorative events and programming. Here is a list of what’s happening:
Photographs and memorabilia recognizing opera trailblazers at the City-County Building’s Grand Lobby in a month-long showcase. The National Negro Opera Company was founded in Pittsburgh as the nation’s first permanent African American opera company in 1941. The showcase will also recognize the National Opera House, a local nonprofit dedicated to restoring, preserving and maintaining the company’s original headquarters in Homewood. What is displayed Downtown is also available to view online here between Feb. 1-28.
When: Opening Reception for the public: Feb. 3, 6 p.m.
Where: City-County Building Lobby, 414 Grant St., Downtown
This month, the Heinz History Center will present a series of Black History Month programs including a film series, lecture and its long-term African American History exhibits:
From Slavery to Freedom Film Series: “The Hero”
In a virtual screening, “The Hero” tells of how the Angolan people try to reconstruct their lives after 40 years of constant war. The film also tells the story of Luanda, a city that tries to absorb millions of people displaced by strife and global economic change.
The screening is free with advanced registration. To register, visit heinzhistorycenter.org/events.
When: Wednesday, Feb. 12, 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Where: Virtually
11th Annual Black History Month Lecture: David J. Dennis Jr.
Award-winning journalist and author David K. Dennis, Jr. will discuss the life of his father, David Dennis Sr., a prominent leader and activist during the Civil Rights Movement who had a role in organizing Freedom Rides, lunch counter sit-ins, and voter registration in the Jim Crow South.
He discusses this, and more, in his book, “The Movement Made Us: A Father, a Son, and the Legacy of a Freedom Ride.” His other book “The Movement Made Us” is a Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance Bestseller, Nautilus Book Award Winner and one of Kirkus Reviews 100 best nonfiction books of 2022.
Dennis is a current senior writer at Andscape, formerly named the Undefeated, and panelist on ESPN’s “Around the Horn.” The lecture will be followed by a Q&A session and book signing.
To register visit heinzhistorycenter.org/events.
When: Thursday, Feb. 20 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Long-Term Exhibits Highlighting Black Heritage in Western Pa.
The Heinz History Center also hosts long-term exhibits and displays of African American history on the history center’s six floors including the ”From Slavery to Freedom” exhibition and the “Pittsburgh: A Tradition of Innovation” exhibition.
Where: Heinz History Center, 121 Smallman St., Strip District
