We are nearly two weeks into the longest Black History Month (due to Leap Day) since 2020. This means there is even more time to commemorate the rich and immense history, culture, and joy of African Americans in this country and across the globe.
Check out our list of ways to honor Black history this month and beyond in the 412!
Support a Black-Owned Restaurant or Business
In 2022, the US Census Bureau Annual Business Survey reported that there were nearly 430 registered Black-owned businesses in Pittsburgh. Although this number may seem significant, it’s only 1.03% of the total business count.
As this number continues to grow, there is no better time than Black History Month to make an intentional effort to support Black-owned businesses.
Don’t know where to start? Check our lists from last year of businesses and restaurants!
Visit the Heinz History Center
Explore more than 250 years of African American History at the Heinz History Center. The long-term From Slavery to Freedom exhibit is immersive and interactive, highlighting the evolution of the region’s African American community.
In addition, attend the 10th annual Black History Month Lecture Art in the Age of Mass Incarceration with Dr. Nicole R. Fleetwood on February 21st.
Other exhibits at the history center highlighting Black history in Pittsburgh include Pittsburgh: A Tradition of Innovation, which shines a light on several African Americans who made amazing breakthroughs. Also, Negro League Baseball focuses on the Negro League’s two most dominant Pittsburgh teams: the Homestead Grays and Pittsburgh Crawfords.
Support Black Art and Artists
The Alumni Theater Company operates a year-round program that provides Black youth, grades 6-12, with performing arts training and a space to foster their creativity. Now in their 16th season, they are offering three performances of Exception to the Rule on February 23rd – 25th.
Head downtown to the August Wilson African American Cultural Center! The permanent exhibit August Wilson: The Writer’s Landscape is the first of its kind, dedicated to the life and works of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson.
While there, be sure to also check out The Claude Worthington Benedum Gallery. The gallery highlights dynamic artists of the African diaspora on a quarterly basis, such as Warriors of Light by Onna Bugeisha on exhibit until February 18th.
Attend the 2024 Barrel & Flow Festival
Voted the best beer festival in America in 2023 by readers of USA Today, Pittsburgh’s very own Barrel & Flow Festival is unlike any other in the country.
Later this year, the 3-day festival will highlight Black brewers, artists, and entrepreneurs from all over the world. The festival takes place at The Stacks at 3 Crossings, located in the iconic Strip District, on August 9th – 11th. Main festival activities are on August 10th from 3pm – 9pm.
In addition to international Black-owned breweries, festival goers will hear live music performances across multiple stages. Enjoy art from talented Black artists and bites from delicious food vendors. Families can also look forward to a STEAM tent area for hands-on and interactive science and arts-based activities.
“We’re thrilled to invite people from all over the world to our home in Pittsburgh for a weekend of unparalleled celebration,” says Day Bracey, Founder of Barrel & Flow. “This is our 7th year and we’re raising the bar even higher with exclusive collaborations, diverse musical talents, and family-friendly areas suitable for all ages.”
Early bird tickets (starting at $50) are available now through March 31st!
While February only comes once a year, opportunities to uplift and appreciate Black history and the current and future ideas, cultivations, impacts, and more of African Americans should not be limited to 28 (or 29) days!
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.