WQED Pittsburgh’s Black History and “Black Horizons” Preservation and Access Project

Funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the National Historical Publications and Records Commission, this project aims to digitize and preserve approximately 2,000 media assets from Black Horizons and related programs, including crucial local stories and interviews with prominent figures. The digitized collection will be made accessible through the American Archive of Public Broadcasting (AAPB) and WQED’s own channels, ensuring the preservation and sharing of this important historical record for future generations.

View the Black Horizons Collection from the American Archive of Public Broadcasting

Black Horizons host Chris Moore and Producer Minette Seate

 

“I knew about Black Horizons long before I ever became the show’s producer. Black Horizons was a presence at WQED. It was recorded nearly once a week downstairs in WQED’s Studio A. I would see many of the people I’d read about in the paper or heard about in conversation. They’d come in to sit down with Chris Moore and record an episode.

I produced Black Horizons for many years and in its nearly 40 years of existence, it never wavered from its primary goal: To serve as a welcoming space for Pittsburgh’s Black community to tell our own stories, in our own voices. Week after week, year after year, whether it was covering a job training program in the Hill or the National NAACP convention, we did our best to shine a light on Black Pittsburgh for the benefit of all Pittsburghers. And speaking of job training, Black Horizons also served as a training ground for aspiring African American producers, writers, on air talent and hosts. It’s why I’m here.”

  • Minette Seate, Managing Director, Production & Programming, WQED

Now Streaming

Select episodes from the "Black Horizons" Collection have been made available to stream on WQED's YouTube Channel. Watch below and check back for more episodes!

Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. | 2005

On this episode of Black Horizons, host Chris Moore leads a conversation about the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with guests who knew him personally: Rev. Leroy Partick, Dr. Delphina Briscoe, and Rev. J Van Alfred Winsett. They share reflections on Dr. King’s life and work, including his early years and the impact of his speeches. The episode also features a portion of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech and a discussion of the rebuilding of Ebenezer Baptist Church.

Legendary Reporter Dee Thompson & The History of Black Radio in Pittsburgh | 2009

This episode explores the history of Black radio in Pittsburgh. Host Chris Moore sits down with New Pittsburgh Courier editor Rod Doss to discuss the legacy of Black radio personalities. The episode also features an interview with veteran reporter Dee Thompson, who reflects on her storied career, including memorable interviews and coverage of the Johnny Gammage tragedy.

Traditional African Drum & Dance with Re Sun Sum | 2002

Experience the vibrant energy of Re Sun Sum, a Pittsburgh-based African drumming and dance ensemble, in this 2002 episode of Black Horizons. The group shares their passion for keeping African traditions alive through performances and insightful discussions about the history and cultural significance of drumming and dance, connecting people to their heritage and inspiring joy and enthusiasm.

Keepers of the Flame, Part 1 | 2002

This Black Horizons Special explores the rich history of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania’s African American community. Through the eyes of local historians Betty Cole, Frank Bolden, and Dr. Edna McKenzie, uncover the community’s vibrant past, its challenges, and its triumphs. Hear inspiring stories of African Americans who served their country with distinction, fought against racial discrimination, and pursued successful careers in various fields.

Keepers of the Flame, Part 2 | 2002

Part 2 of “Keepers of the Flame” continues the exploration of Pittsburgh’s African American community with journalist Frank Bolden and educator Dr. Edna McKenzie. Mr. Bolden recounts his time as a war correspondent, sharing his experiences in the China-Burma-India Theater and his encounters with world leaders. Dr. McKenzie, a respected educator and pillar of the community, then discusses her family’s deep roots in Sewickley and the transformative power of education.

Ed Dwight, Jr.
In this clip from October 27, 1993, WQED host Chris Moore interviews Ed Dwight Jr. In the early 1960s, President John F. Kennedy chose Mr. Dwight to be the nation’s first Black astronaut, but things didn’t work out that way.


Julian Bond
American civil rights icon Julian Bond sat down with Chris Moore just prior to delivering the inaugural lecture on behalf of the University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Race & Social Problems in 2003.

Chris MooreChris Moore is a long-respected member of Pittsburgh’s media community. In 2018 he was inducted into the Silver Circle Honor Society of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. He has written, produced and hosted literally hundreds of talk shows, documentaries and community forums during his impressive career. Chris is one of the founders of the prestigious Frank Bolden Urban Journalism Workshop of the Pittsburgh Black Media Federation. He is also a dedicated advocate for America’s veterans, acting as a resource and representative for Vietnam veterans in our region and beyond. He is currently the host of “Pittsburgh Now” on PCNC-TV and hosts a radio talk program on KDKA Radio.

Minette SeateMinette is WQED’s Supervising Producer. Throughout her career she has written and produced a wide range of programs and documentaries including the Emmy Award winning documentaries “The Good Fight” and “Friends and Neighbors.” Many of them, focusing on Pittsburgh’s African American community. She is also the host and producer of “Filmmakers Corner,” WQED’s independent film showcase.