Carnegie Museums Celebrates
Black History Month
On Saturday, February 7, Carnegie Museums hosted over 300 people to commemorate the start of Black History Month. From start to finish, the museum was filled with energy, joy, and deep community engagement. This incredible event marked the museum’s first-ever Black History Month celebration.
The day was not just a centennial reflection but a call to action, emphasizing that attendees were not simply remembering history but creating it. Participants enjoyed a Step Performance by the National Pan-Hellenic Council, an educational exploration of the work of Pittsburgh photographer Charles “Teenie” Harris led by the Charles “Teenie” Harris Community Archivist, Charlene Foggie-Barnett, and a guided tour focusing on Black artists with Millicent Smith, Carnegie Museum of Art’s first Black docent. The day concluded with a powerful African drumming and dance performance by Sankofa Village for the Arts.
Carnegie Museums remains committed to providing community-building programming to Pittsburgh while showcasing the depth of Black artistry and history.
Envisioning a Just Pittsburgh
In 2025, Carnegie Museums, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, the University of Pittsburgh, 1Hood Media, and the August Wilson African American Cultural Center again joined together to host the third iteration of Envisioning a Just Pittsburgh, an inclusive call for art that encouraged artists throughout southwestern Pennsylvania to share their visions for a just and equitable Pittsburgh.
Thank you to the more than 100 individuals who submitted their thoughtful work! We are proud to announce the First and Second Place winners in the competition’s six categories, Visual Art, Performance Art, Literary Art, and Interdisciplinary Art.
Black History Month Programs at the Museums
Carnegie Museum of Art
Surrealism as Tactic: A Black Women’s Film Festival and Community Workshop | Feb. 26
Community Partners
More Black History Month Resources in Pittsburgh
The City of Pittsburgh Black History Month Events and Resources
Black History Month, Tribute to John B. Vashon
February 6, 2025
5:30 p.m.
Grand Lobby, City-County Building
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
The Price of Resistance: Sala Udin, American Agitator Screening and Q and A
February 28, 2025
1:30–3 p.m.
Explore more through book displays, resources, library programs, and community events happening this February.
University of Pittsburgh
K. Leroy Irvis Celebration of Black History Month
Black History Month Kickoff
Visit Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Celebrates Black History
Heinz History Center
Black History Month Lecture with Deborah Willis
YWCA Action Conversation: Museums, Libraries, and Racial Justice
