The University of Pittsburgh and the city are offering a range of free and low-cost events throughout February, with a focus on Black History Month and community engagement.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the first national commemoration of Black history. The University is participating in the celebration with several events highlighting cultural, educational, and artistic contributions.
One event, “A Century of Progress,” will take place on Thursday, Feb. 5 at 1 p.m. at the O’Hara Student Center Dining Room. The program, organized by Equipoise and the Office of Institutional Engagement and Wellbeing, includes a panel discussion facilitated by Shallegra Moye, director of educational enrichment and transition programs at the School of Education. “Along with exploring the impact of Black history celebrations, the program will feature a panel discussion facilitated by Shallegra Moye (EDUC ’22G), director of educational enrichment and transition programs at the School of Education.” Registration is required for this free event.
On Tuesday, Feb. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., participants can join a collaborative quilt-making session in the Kimbo Conference Room at William Pitt Union. Attendees can design quilt squares that will be included in an artwork featured at the Eco-Artisans Show on April 8. No sewing experience is necessary, and registration is encouraged for refreshments.
Pitt’s Department of Music will host several performances throughout February across classical, choral, and jazz genres. Notable events include pianist Amy Williams performing Morton Feldman’s “Triadic Memories” on Feb. 6 as part of Music on the Edge; the Heinz Chapel Choir Chamber Choir Festival on Feb. 15; as well as jazz and symphony orchestra concerts later in the month. Most music events are free to attend for students with ID; general admission for some concerts is $20.
From Feb. 20 to March 1, Pitt Stages presents “The Trees” by Agnes Borinsky at Rauh Studio Theatre in Cathedral of Learning. The play explores themes such as connection and humanity’s relationship with nature through its story about siblings who become rooted to the earth after a walk home. All performances are relaxed; an ASL-interpreted show is scheduled for Feb. 22.
The annual K. Leroy Irvis Celebration takes place Tuesday, Feb. 24 at Alumni Hall’s Connolly Ballroom at 6 p.m., marking the end of Black History Month programming at Pitt. The event honors seven Community Champions whose work reflects Irvis’ legacy in leadership and public service.
Art exhibitions are also featured this month: from Feb. 19 to March 29, visitors can view works by local artists during Envisioning a Just Pittsburgh at August Wilson African American Cultural Center downtown or see writing submissions displayed at Carnegie Library’s main branch in Oakland.
Throughout February, Pitt students have free access—with valid ID—to Heinz History Center’s “From Slavery to Freedom” exhibition through Pitt Arts programming (general admission fees apply otherwise). This long-term gallery covers more than two centuries of African American history in Western Pennsylvania using artifacts and interactive displays.
These activities provide opportunities for members of both campus and local communities to engage with cultural heritage while keeping costs low.
