THE STATE OF BLACK PITTSBURGH 2019:

A Community Forum

This live broadcast special focuses on many of the obstacles and opportunities facing metropolitan Pittsburgh’s African American communities. Produced in conjunction with the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, the hour-long program features in-depth conversations with both established and emerging opinion makers on a variety of topics. Now in its fourth year, the Emmy-nominated community forum is hosted by Chris Moore and Lisa Washington and includes an appearance by Esther Bush, Urban League President and CEO. Original broadcast date: June 6, 2019.

 

Hosts:

Chris Moore and Lisa Washington

Panelists:

Father Paul Abernathy, Director, Focus Pittsburgh
Jalila Jefferson Bullock, Associate Professor of Law, Duquesne University School of Law
Brian Cook, President, Pittsburgh Black Media Federation
PA Rep. Austin Davis, (D), 35th Legislative District
Tina Doose, President, Braddock Borough Council
PA Rep. Summer Lee, (D), 34th Legislative District
Lindsay A. Powell, Assistant Chief of Staff, Office of Mayor William Peduto, City of Pittsburgh
Will Tolliver, Jr., Manager of Early Childhood Learning, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
Victoria Watford, Corps de Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre

Join the Conversation! #sbpgh

Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh Logo

The State of Black Pittsburgh will air in conjunction with the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh’s annual conference of the same name. the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh was founded in 1918 with the shared National Urban League mission of enabling African-Americans to secure economic self-reliance, parity and power, and civil rights. The program will also feature an appearance by ULGP President and CEO Esther Bush.

THE STATE OF BLACK PITTSBURGH 2018:

A Community Forum

Premiered June 7, 2018

The State of Black Pittsburgh, returns for its third year, examining a cross section of the many factors affecting Greater Pittsburgh’s African American community. Educators, politicians, activists, and community leaders discuss the social, political and cultural issues that shape the community, and the steps that will lead to a future of equality, prosperity and inclusion.

The State of Black Pittsburgh was broadcast from the historic Fred Rogers Studio at WQED.

Hosts

Chris Moore and Lisa Washington

Panelists

Michelle Massie, Director, Research & Communications, A+ Schools
Dr. Andre Samuel, Director, The Citizens Science Lab
Dr. Valerie Kinloch, Renée and Richard Goldman Dean of the University of Pittsburgh School of Education
Ruth Byrd-Smith, Director, Allegheny County, Minority/Women/Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Department
James Myers Jr., Director, Community Affairs & Business Development, UrbanInnovation 21
Carolyn Peeks, Board Member, Larimer Consensus
Dr. Larry E. Davis, Dean, Donald M. Henderson Professor, and Director, Center on Race and Social Problems, University of Pittsburgh
Valerie McDonald Robert, Chief Urban Affairs Officer, City of Pittsburgh

THE STATE OF BLACK PITTSBURGH 2017:

A Community Forum

Premiered June 1, 2017

Pittsburgh has long been a vibrant mix of technology and tradition, a blending of ethnic customs and civic pride. As our city and its people evolve to meet the challenges of the 21st century, Pittsburgh continues to grow: inspiring new ideas, new businesses and a changing landscape. But can we create a better quality of life for all our communities? How do we make it a city where young people of color can stay and prosper? And how do we make our businesses more equitable and inclusive?

The special will aired in conjunction with the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh’s annual “State of Black Pittsburgh” conference. This lively and informative panel discussion will focus on three areas: Strengthening Our Communities, Young Black Pittsburgh and Fostering a Diverse Workforce. 

Host

Chris Moore, Lisa Washington

Panelists

Esther Bush – President, ULGPH
Carl Redwood – Vice Chair, Hill District Consensus
Sonya Tilghman – Exec. Director, Hazelwood Initiative, Inc.
Jerome Jackson – Exec. Director, Operation Better Block
Marcia M. Sturdivant, Ph.D. – President & CEO, NEED
James E. Taylor, Ph.D – Chief of Diversity & Inclusion, UPMC
Brian Burley – Author: YNGBLKPGH
Marisa C. Williams – Regional Exec. Director, YMCA
Kelauni Cook – Black Tech Nation

THE STATE OF BLACK PITTSBURGH 2016:

A Community Forum

Premiered Thursday, June 2, 2016 at 8:00pm

As Pittsburghers, we take pride in the many ways our city has progressed over the past decades. Our city continues to succeed in the fields of education, medicine, technology, the arts and more. But are all Pittsburghers reaping the benefits? How will Black Pittsburghers share in the success of our livable city?

This special aired in conjunction with the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh’s annual report “The State of Black Pittsburgh.” This important panel discussion focuses on three areas: Creating A Truly Livable City, Creating Sustainable STEAM and STEM careers, particularly in the STEAM related fields and Leadership: Working Together to Make Change.

Host

Chris Moore

Panelists

Livable City

Councilman R. Daniel Lavelle, Pittsburgh City Council and Pittsburgh Affordable Housing Task Force

Ronnell Guy, Executive Director, The Northside Coalition for Fair Housing

Sustainable and STEAM Related Careers

Bill Generett, President & CEO, Urban Innovation 21

Candi Castleberry-Singleton, Founder & CEO, Dignity and Respect

Leadership

Dr. Quintin Bullock, DDS, President, Community College of Allegheny County

Jessica Ruffin, COO and Site Director, CORO Pittsburgh

Additional funding for the State of Black Pittsburgh: A Community Forum was provided by