Save the date for these Black History Month programs at Pitt

Pitt will honor the contributions, experiences and impact of Black people through American history and at the University this February, the 52nd national observation and celebration of Black History Month.

The University’s signature events, the K. Leroy Irvis Black History Month Program, will be held Feb. 21-25.

"K. Leroy Irvis was such a staple in Pittsburgh and the city's history," said Randi Congleton, assistant vice chancellor of the Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (OEDI). "While we often center Black history on notable national figures and individuals, I hope celebrations this month serve as a reminder that Pitt community members are a part of creating history on all of our campuses. Together, we're creating what future generations will see."

To celebrate Black History Month, members of the Pitt community and beyond are invited to participate in events highlighting the “Blue, Gold and Black Experience.”

"This year’s mission is to elevate the histories, contributions and perspectives of the Black Pitt community with a specific focus on Black health and wellness," said Monica McNeil, an OEDI graduate student assistant, Black History Month committee member at Pitt and master’s candidate in the School of Education. "We want to celebrate and give recognition to those in our community currently doing the work that not everyone sees."

You can stay up to date on Black History Month events by visiting the University calendar, the centralized catalog of Black History Month programs, activities and resources. To add an event, use the “Black History Month” tag.

Save the date for these three marquee events.

See the Blue, Gold and Black Experience Gallery

The Blue, Gold and Black Experience Gallery will feature photos and videos submitted by Black alumni and students to shine a light on Black experiences throughout the years and feature contributors’ thoughts on what it means to be “Blue, Gold and Black.”

The Blue, Gold and Black Digital Archive will also be unveiled as part of this exhibition.

Details: The gallery will debut from 6-7 p.m. Feb. 21 at a hybrid event allowing for social distancing. You can attend in person by invitation only in the William Pitt Union’s Tansky Family Lounge or virtually. Register to attend remotely.

Contribute to the Blue, Gold and Black Digital Archive

The Blue, Gold and Black Digital Archive will house photos and text from the University archives and special collections related to the Black experience.

“This platform and tool will enable the current and former Black community at Pitt to submit their own photographs and stories that will become a permanent part of this archive,” said Jeffrey Wisniewski, director of communication and web services for the Hillman Library’s management team. “The platform we're using enables us to work with partners, classes, alumni and student groups to take whatever content exists in the archive and recontextualize it to tell stories that haven't been told before.”

Wisniewski is leading the initiative with Edward A. Galloway, an associate University librarian for Archives and Special Collections, and a team that includes sophomore Haliyat Oshodi, a public health major and student employee assigned to aid University Library System archivists in selecting materials.

"We're trying to do something different here and actively seeking stories that aren't in the archive but people's memories and people's hearts," Galloway said. "It's a place to start."

The archive is the result of a yearlong collaboration between OEDI, the Black Action Society (BAS), the African American Alumni Council (AAAC) and the Equipoise Staff Subcommittee.

Details: The Blue, Gold and Black Digital Archive site will publish Feb. 21 and debut as part of the Blue, Gold and Black Experience Gallery.

Attend the Black Excellence Bash

The Black Excellence Bash will close out the 2022 K. Leroy Irvis Black History Month programming.

“It’s designed to celebrate the work and achievements and to cultivate joy in our community throughout the ages,” McNeil said. “When thinking about enslavement, Jim Crow, segregation, the countless number of murders and the disparities that still exist today, it’s heavy. But Black history is so much more than oppression and that is what we want to remind people through this event. Positive experiences exist and there is so much to celebrate. We are reiterating that Black is also joy, and Black is excellent.”

The inaugural Black Excellence Service Award will be presented during the bash to honor Black staff, faculty, students or alumni who have made significant contributions to the community through their time, actions, talents and dedication.

Details: The bash will be held virtually from 7-9 p.m. Feb. 25. Register now.

— Kara Henderson