Tepper Together: Honoring Black History Month
Black History Month is a time to celebrate and reflect on the achievements, resilience, and innovation of African Americans in the United States and in Pittsburgh. Every February, and throughout the year, the Tepper School of Business community honors the invaluable contributions of Black leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries who have shaped the landscape of business.
In this article, we have highlighted enlightening events, discussions and resources across Carnegie Mellon University and in the Pittsburgh community. Join us in recognizing the past, embracing the present, and building a future where diversity is not only celebrated, but also a driving force for success.
Carnegie Mellon Black History Month Events
A Conversation on Black Livability in Pittsburgh with Rep. Lindsay Powell, former Mayor Bill Peduto, and UPMC Health & Equity Director Janine Jelks-Seale
Five years ago, the Pittsburgh Inequality Across Gender and Race report was released, affirming what many Black Pittsburgh residents knew to be true about their quality of life in the city. The report demonstrated that despite Pittsburgh being named one of the most livable cities in the country numerous times, certain indices of livability were extremely low for Black residents, specifically Black women. Pointedly, the report indicated that Pittsburgh was not the livable city for Black residents that it was for white residents. Today, many are left wondering whether anything has changed since the report was released in 2019. This event hopes to answer that question.
Feb. 1
12:30 - 2 p.m.
Heinz Hall - Hamburg Hall Room A301
MLK Reading Series
Join the Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion for our first MLK Book Reading. In February, we’ll be reading The Undocumented Americans by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio and hosting a discussion over lunch.
A limited number of copies of each book will be made available for campus community members to read and commit to participate in a featured lunch dialogue.
Feb. 28
The Undocumented Americans by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio
Antiracism in Action Workshop
Join Vice Provost for DEI&B & Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Wanda Heading Grant, and DEI Learning & Development Traier & Consultant Mark D'Angelo for this engaging and interative workshop exploring what it means to be antiractist. Learn concepts, skills, and strategies to help translate your antiracist beliefs and sentiments into action-oriented antiracist allyship within your spheres of influence.
Feb. 13
5-6 p.m.
Rangos Ballroom, 2nd Floor, Cohon University Center
Happening Across Pittsburgh
Daniel G. and Carole L. Kamin Science Center Celebrates Black History Month
During Black History Month, the Daniel G. and Carole L. Kamin Science Center (formerly called the Carnegie Science Center) celebrates the amazing and groundbreaking influences of notable Black scientists that left indelible marks on STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and math). As the Center continues its work and aspires to model practices and a culture that advance equity, diversity, and inclusion every day, it is celebrating with special virtual events and programs that highlight that commitment throughout February. See the exciting lineup of virtual and on-site events and programs.
Lift Every Voice
Join conductor Anthony Parnther, and special guests for an evening that uplifts and amplifies community. The concert features GRAMMY® Award winner Oleta Adams, whose gospel-rooted voice has graced era-defining albums like 'Tears For Fears’ "The Seeds of Love” (1989) and her own platinum-selling “Circle of One” (1990). The Lift Every Voice Unity Choir conducted by Nikki Porter and trombonist Cooper Cromwell-Whitley join the program to make hearts and voices soar. All ages welcome.
An Afternoon with Terrance Hayes with Carnegie Libraries
Join the Carnegie Libraries for a multi-media author event and Q&A with Poet Terrance Hayes. Hayes is an elegant and adventurous writer with disarming humor, grace, tenderness, and brilliant turns of phrase, very much interested in what it means to be an artist and a Black man.
Feb. 10
1-2 p.m.
4400 Forbes Avenue - CLP Main Lecture Hall
Additional Resources
The Tepper Together website also has a list of resources — including more books to read, movies to watch, and websites to visit — to better understand the importance of Black history. We have also included local organizations that celebrate Black history as well as organizations that encourage civic engagement and support the continued fight for racial justice in our city.