September 2003

Behind the scenes with Bill Strickland

By Judith Evans Thomas

Pop quiz: Which of the following does not relate to Pittsburgh education pioneer Bill Strickland? (a) orchids (b) Grammy-winning jazz (c) inner-city teens (d) airline pilot (e) unimaginative (f) MacArthur Fellowship “genius award” (g) tomatoes. If you guessed (e), give yourself a pat on the back and read on. On Sat., Sept. 20, Strickland—the head of the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild, the Bidwell Training Center and the Drew Mathieson Center for Horticultural and Agricultural Technology will be honored at the gala opening of the David L. Lawrence Convention Center (see “Special Events,” page 30). We, of course, wanted to know more.

What does being honored as a Pittsburgh visionary mean to you?
It’s very gratifying, having worked at the community level, to be celebrated by the region. When I started Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild in 1968, my goals were to bring visibility to an inner-city neighborhood and to allow people to understand that quality and excellence are values that are now associated with an inner-city community. As we provide an opportunity for kids to get a world-class education, these kids become assets and not liabilities. I view the award as commendation for our achievements. I just happen to be the guy running the place.

We’re standing in a sea of exquisite white and purple orchids that oddly remind me of the convention center architecture. Tell me more.
This greenhouse is our lab for growing orchids, and learning how to grow tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. My vision is that Pittsburgh will become a world leader in controlled agricultural propagation. It will get us into the 22nd century and, if we use the old steel mill sites, it will revitalize those areas and bring in jobs. But remember, at the core of everything [the Guild does] is education—whether it’s orchids, jazz or learning to be a gourmet cook, they’re all tied together in that way.

So what’s the inside scoop on this movie that might be made about your life?
At this point the movie is on. Jeff Skoll, one of the founders of eBay, is producing it. [NOTE: The production company Ovation Entertainment is a partnership between Skoll and Trilogy co-founder Richard B. Lewis.] David Murray is the screenwriter; I believe he also has Pittsburgh connections. The idea is to use this story to stimulate communities to do the right thing. Jeff’s going to be here that night [for the opening of the convention center].

Who will play you?
There’s some talk of Denzel Washington.

I would have guessed Denzel.
Well, uh, that’s very flattering. I do know he’s going to read the script.

If I could wave my magic wand and grant you one wish, what would it be?
My wish would be to take the model of this center and what we’ve accomplished, and replicate it—first across the United States, then in every country in the world—and to use these centers as places of reconciliation.