TEENIE HARRIS
Enjoy Black History Month from the comfort of your own home this year with these virtual events that commemorate Black history, culture, and arts in Pittsburgh. From panels on dating to virtual screenings, there’s definitely no shortage of events to check out.
Since its inception, February has been dedicated to Black History Month—a time to celebrate and honor African American culture, history, and arts. As the pandemic enters another year, some are still hesitant to leave the house and attend large social gatherings. Thankfully, virtual events are taking place to commemorate Black history this month, from educational webinars to online cooking classes.
We’ve compiled a list of events in the Pittsburgh area to help you celebrate Black history from the comfort of your own home!
Teenie Harris: The Man Behind the Lens Exhibition
Honor the memory of famous photographer Teenie Harris, who had a four-decade-long career with the Pittsburgh Courier, one of the nation’s most iconic Black newspapers before Real Times Media purchased it in 1966 and renamed it the New Pittsburgh Courier.
A Pittsburgh native, Harris Harris chronicled activists, celebrities, and events throughout the city. The online gallery showcases over 50 photographs pulled from historical archives.
Join online to see the virtual gallery and watch video clips of interviews with Charlene Foggie-Barnett, an archivist at the Carnegie Museum of Art until Feb. 28.
History and the Legacy of the Freedom House
On Feb. 17, join the Heinz History Center for “The History and Legacy of the Freedom House,” a free virtual workshop for students and teachers. This webinar will highlight the legacy of the Freedom House Ambulance Service. This agency trained Black Americans as paramedics to provide medical services to the community in the Hill District.
The event is particularly relevant as the pandemic lingers on and focuses on this year’s Black History Month theme, Black Health and Wellness. The event is reserved at 10 a.m. for grades 3–7 and at 1 p.m. for grades 8–12.
She Took Justice: The Black Woman, Law, And Power
Dr. Gloria J. Browne-Marshall, author of the book She Took Justice: The Black Woman, Law, And Power, will host this virtual lecture. The lecture will dive into the history of forgotten Black women and their influence on the community’s history between 1619 to 1969 and how they fought for racial justice.
The event is on Feb. 18 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Admission is free but advanced registration is required.
From Slavery to Freedom Film Series
In collaboration with the Frick Environmental Center of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, this film series will play a virtual screening of “Blood Brothers: Malcolm X & Muhammad Ali.” The movie dives into the complex relationship between two legendary Black icons: Nation of Islam minister and activist Malcolm X and the legendary heavyweight contender Muhammad Ali. The film explores the pair’s history, friendship, rise to fame, and eventual falling out in this 2 1/2-hour-long screening.
The free event starts at 5:30 p.m. and runs until 8 p.m on Feb. 23. Register here.
PANAF Critical Conversation “Dating While Black” Panel
Join the University of Pittsburgh’s Pan-African Graduate and Professional Student Association for a panel centered around dating. This webinar will focus on the discrimination and marginalization Black singles face in the dating pool and establishing healthy boundaries in relationships. The panel is hosted by:
- Sex Educator and Activist Kaz Lucas
- Founder of McPherson Clinical & Consulting Services focused on the BIPOC community Dr. Jennifer McPherson
- Sexuality Doula and Activist Ev’Yan Whitney
- Doctoral candidate Dashawna J. Fussell-Ware.
The event is free and open to the community and takes place at 3 p.m. on Zoom on Feb. 15. Register here.
Taste of Culture
Scoop an ingredients package from Pure Grub in this interactive virtual webinar hosted by the University of Pittsburgh. Recipes focus on plant-based, nutritional dishes inspired by African and Caribbean cuisine. This virtual cooking class provides attendees with the recipes and skills to appreciate and learn more about health and wellness while diving into the influences of Black culinary culture, with a theme centered on “nutrition as medicine.”
The event takes place on Feb. 18, and you can register here.
Whether you want to expand your culinary experience, get some advice on healthy dating, or learn more about Black history in the city, Pittsburgh has a wide range of virtual options for folks to celebrate Black History Month this February.