Pittsburgh's Hidden Black History: A Story Worth Telling

Pittsburgh has a rich Black history that many people don't know about. In the late 1700s, free Black men helped create Allegheny County. In the 1800s, Pittsburgh was a key stop on the Underground Railroad. A neighborhood called Lower Hill, then known as Arthursville, was a major hub. John B. Vashon, a barber, was one of the wealthiest Black men in the city at that time. During the civil rights movement, a corner in Pittsburgh became known as Freedom Corner. It was a meeting spot for protesters. These stories are just a few examples of Black history in Pittsburgh. It's important to remember and learn from this history. Sadly, some people in power are trying to erase Black history. The Trump administration has taken steps to remove exhibits and programs that teach about racism and diversity. This is a problem because understanding our past helps us move forward.Black History Month is a time to celebrate and remember our shared history. But in Washington, things are different this year. President Trump posted a racist meme and the Kennedy Center didn't host any Black History Month events. The administration also removed a slavery exhibit in Philadelphia and a photo of a whipped slave from a national monument in Georgia. Despite these setbacks, there are still places that preserve Black history. The Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh has exhibits that cover 250 years of African American life. Visitors can learn about important figures like Maj. Martin L. Delany and Daisy Lampkin. These stories are part of America's diverse history, and they are worth preserving.