WHM 2018
Stream the townhall meeting LIVE and view other Women - Families - Opioids specials.
Watch WQED's feature documentaries and more on Elizabeth Black.
Women's History Watch Online
Sweet Success!
Most small businesses have a tough start, some don't even get off the ground. But 14-year-old Lani Lazzari of Pittsburgh created her own face and body scrub business, Simple Sugars, which expects sales of $80,000 in 2008. Her recipe? One part passion, two parts hard work, and a whole lot of sugar!
Steelerettes
Many Pittsburghers may have forgotten, but the Steelers had the first cheerleading squad in the NFL. The Steelerettes revved up the home crowd from 1961 to 1970. OnQ's Tonia Caruso introduces us to some of the women involved in this little known part of Steelers' history.
Never A Spectator: The Political Life of Elsie Hillman
At a time when the electorate is clearly divided, even angry, WQED's Michael Bartley brings you the story of a Pittsburgh political giant who spent 40 years working both sides of the political aisle. Michael brings viewers a candid interview with Elsie Hillman, and takes viewers to an exclusive University of Pittsburgh gala, where political leaders and celebrities lauded her voice of reason, compromise, and friendship.
WWII Veteran: Julie Parsons
Ms. Parsons is a World War II Veteran who was stationed in Washington, D.C. working on the highly “Top-Secret” efforts to decode the German U-Boat communications.
World War II Women Veterans
They answered the call to join the military after the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor. OnQ's Chris Moore profiles several local women who served their country.
WWII Veteran: Laurette Smith Cribbins
Ms. Cribbins is a World War II Veteran who was a “Rosie the Riveter" for the Dravo Corp.
A Lifetime of Songs: Ann Walko
Ann Walko has sung the folks songs of her Carpatho-Rusyn heritage all of her life. At the age of 100, Ann is now working to preserve them. With the help of musicologist Jerry Jumba, Ann sings and Jerry writes down the music and words. OnQ goes to one of their preservation sessions.
Rachel Carson's Legacy
Long before most people understood the crucial connection between our environment and our health, a woman from Springdale, Allegheny County raised a warning flag. OnQ contributor Dave Crawley reports on "Silent Spring" author Rachel Carson, a groundbreaker in the world's environmental movement.
Portraits for the Home Front: The Story of Elizabeth Black
Elizabeth Black abandoned a promising Pittsburgh art career to join American Red Cross efforts during World War II. She proposed a unique project to sketch soldiers throughout Europe and send the treasured portraits to worried families back home. Seventy years later, Black’s son uncovered her fascinating memorabilia and shared it with WQED. The poignant story unfolds as we explore Black’s lost art career, seek out elderly veterans who encountered Ms. Black on the battlefield, and present to amazed and appreciative families - portraits that never arrived.
A Beautiful Life
102 year old Mrs. Lillian Allen talks to Chris Moore about a life well lived. Through old photos and film Horizons chronicles Mrs. Allen's entrepreneurship during the heyday of the Hill District when she was a fashion trend-setter and a business go-getter as the proprietor of one of the largest beauty salons in Pittsburgh.
National Negro Opera Company
Preservationists are working to save the grand old Victorian home on Apple Street in Pittsburgh's Homewood neighborhood - and for good reason. It was the birthplace of Mary Cardwell Dawson's National Negro Opera Company which launched careers and opened doors. Nicknamed "Mystery Manor," the house also hosted famous African-American entertainers, athletes and business people who were denied hotel rooms when visiting Pittsburgh. OnQ reports on Madame Dawson's Opera Company, the now-dilapidated home's glorious history and the efforts to preserve it.
Gwen Elliott Remembered
Gwen Elliott, the first black woman to become a commander in the Pittsburgh Police department, has died after her battle with brain cancer. The former Pittsburgh Police commander will be remembered for her dedication to the community which included starting "Gwen's Girls" a group home that aims to give at-risk girls the education, training and services to support themselves and their children.
Rutha Harris
She is one of four Freedom Singers, a group formed in 1962, in Albany, Georgia during the Civil Rights movement. During her 2010 visit to Pittsburgh, OnQ profiled Harris and her gospel-inspired freedom songs that inspired generations.
Sister Patricia McCann
During the Civil Rights era, Sister Patricia McCann, a Sisters of Mercy nun, took Pittsburgh-area college students to Montgomery, Alabama to join the fight for African Americans seeking the right to vote. Sister McCann shares her experiences with OnQ.
Evelyn Kozak: Super-Centenarian
She remembers the sinking of the Titanic, and survived the great flu epidemic of 1918. OnQ's Tonia Caruso profiles Pittsburgher Evelyn Kozak, age 110, who shares the secrets of a good, long life.
First Ladies
Political Role and Public Image - Although they are not paid or elected, they are influential figures in U.S. politics. OnQ Contributor Carol Lee Espy takes you on a tour of a unique exhibit of America's First Ladies.
E. Maxine Bruhns & The Nationality Rooms
OnQ profiles the steward of one of Pittsburgh's greatest treasures: the Nationality Rooms in the Cathedral of Learning on the University of Pittsburgh campus.
Calendar Girls
The "Vixens of the Valley" are 12 senior citizens from Monongahela, PA who made news all over the world after posing for a racy calendar to raise money for their hometown's historical society. This report won an Emmy for Outstanding Entertainment Feature.
Alicia's Lesson Plan
Alicia Kozakiewicz of Pittsburgh was only 13 when she was kidnapped and assaulted by a man she met on the internet. Miraculously, she survived. Now a young adult, Alicia educates young people and parents on the importance of internet safety.
Bonnie's Bus
This mobile digital mammography unit for the West Virginia University Hospital's Cancer Center travels into rural West Virginia providing mammograms to women who'd otherwise have to travel great distances for this life-saving test. OnQ contributor Lori Savitch reports.
Darr Mine Disaster
On December 19, 1907, a tremendous explosion shook the Youghiogheny River Valley, killing 239 men and boys at the Darr Mine in Van Meter, Westmoreland County.
Sharon Flake
Pittsburgh local Sharon Flake went to school to become a pediatrician, but in the end became a writer. Now she is the author of seven books about the challenges of being an African American teenager. OnQ's Chris Moore talks to this rising star of the writing world about her life and her latest offering, "You Don't Even Know Me."
Michelle Dresbold: Between the Lines
What does your handwriting reveal about you? More than you think. In tonight's cover story Tonia Caruso talks to local handwriting expert Michelle Dresbold.
Dr. Marcela Bohm-Velez
Dr. Marcela Bohm-Velez is a local radiologist who not only helps patients in Pittsburgh, but educates doctors and patients throughout South America. OnQ's Tonia Caruso reports on the doctor's life-saving work in countries where cancer detection and survival rates are low.
Ruth Geis
Ruth may be 93 years old and legally blind, but she knows how to start the day! Her early morning piano concerts brighten up everyone at Seneca Hills Village, an independent living facilty in Penn Hills.
Dr. Robin West
She's a leading orthopedic surgeon, member of the Steelers' medical staff, and head physician for the University of Pittsburgh's mens basketball team, CMU's football team and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds - and a mom. OnQ contributor Mike Lee reports on Dr. West's extraordinary life and career.
Ginny Kortz
She is a shining star when it comes to volunteering but that's not the only thing that makes her unique. OnQ's Tonia Caruso introduces us to 95 year old Ginny Kortz. Find out why she's one of our Pittsburgh People Changing Lives.
