Pittsburgh, with its lengthy roster of universities and colleges, is a place where people gather every night of the week to discuss issues, celebrate milestones and brainstorm a better future. Leaders in every industry lecture here, and campus organizations plan events that touch on every aspect of global culture.
But for those of us who aren't enrolled at one of the schools and aren't employed by one of them, it can seem a bit awkward to show up at a university event. Even when we see the words "open to the public," we may be unsure whether that's meant to include those of us with no campus connections.
This week, Duquesne University began its annual celebration of Black History Month, and the entire Pittsburgh community is very much welcome to attend the events that have been planned, says Rahmon Hart, director of
Duquesne's Office of Multicultural Affairs.
Highlights include a lecture and performance by
Derek "DNA" Ashong on Feb. 16, who will host an evening called "Dear President Obama."
"He's going to talk about President Obama and the historical significance of him being elected," says Hart. "But he's not going stop there. He'll be talking about this global cultural movement that really is emphasizing inspiring and engaging young people to get involved in the social change movement." Ashong is also bringing his band and will perform with them. There are plans to simulcast the event on Oprah Winfrey's website.
Also on the agenda: Duquesne's annual "New Beginnings Gospel Explosion" on Feb. 13 (which includes choirs from nearly a dozen universities), a Feb. 19 screening and discussion of Disney's "The Princess and the Frog" (which has as its main character Disney's first black princess), and a Poetry Slam event on Feb. 25 that's open to all performers (call 412-396-1117 for details on registering to perform). Find the full listing of events and details
here.
Sign up to receive Pop City each weekWriter: Melissa Rayworth
Source: Rahmon Hart, Duquesne Office of Multicultural Affairs
Image courtesy Duquesne Office of Multicultural Affairs