Mentoring and giving advice. Getty Images
Here are a few ideas for how you can support Pittsburgh’s Black community.
Mentorship Programs
Mentorship programs are a powerful way to invest in the future of Pittsburgh’s youth and contribute to the success and growth of the Black community. Sharing your knowledge and experiences with younger individuals can help them develop the skills they need to succeed in grade school, college, and beyond.
Some mentorship programs in the Pittsburgh area include 100 Black Men of Western PA, The Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, and The Links, Incorporated, Pittsburgh Chapter.
Community Gardening
Community gardens are a great way to promote sustainable living, healthy eating, and a sense of community. Community gardens help connect people with nature by encouraging everyone to work together to grow fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs.
In Pittsburgh, several community gardens are making a difference, including Black Urban Gardeners and Farmers of Pittsburgh Co-op (BUGS), Sankofa Village Community Garden, and Eastfield Cooperative Garden.
Arts and Culture Initiatives
Supporting the arts is one way to celebrate and uplift the rich cultural heritage of Pittsburgh’s Black community. Attending and promoting events, exhibits, performances, and programs that showcase the artistic talents of Black artists in Pittsburgh encourages self-expression and appreciation for diverse voices and narratives.
Some notable arts and culture initiatives in the Pittsburgh area include August Wilson African American Cultural Center, Kelly Strayhorn Theatre, and BOOM Concepts.
Entrepreneurship Support
Supporting Black-owned businesses is another way to contribute to Pittsburgh’s Black community and help stimulate economic growth. By actively seeking out and shopping at Black-owned businesses in Pittsburgh, you can be a part of a thriving ecosystem for entrepreneurs within the community.
You can find examples through resources like Visit Pittsburgh and local directories highlighting minority-owned companies.
These are just a few ways to contribute to Pittsburgh’s Black community. The first step is getting involved and making a difference. We can all help to make Pittsburgh a more equitable and inclusive city for everyone.
How Duquesne Light Co. Is Making a Difference
Duquesne Light Co. is a significant employer in Pittsburgh and a committed community partner. Beyond providing reliable electricity to the city, the company has several programs in place to help its employees give back to the community, including:
- The Duquesne Light Charitable Giving Program: DLC provides funding to organizations with an annual operating budget of over $500,000 that align with one of three focus areas: social & economic equity, workforce development, sustainable communities.
- The Duquesne Light Community Impact Grants Program: DLC in 2021 started a microgrant program aimed at funding projects and programs that support diverse grassroots community organizations with an annual operating budget of equal to or less than $500,000.
- The Duquesne Light Employee Giving Campaign: The DLC Employee Giving Campaign is an annual campaign that allows employees to donate to local charities.
There are so many ways to contribute to Pittsburgh’s Black community. By supporting each other, we can help to build a better future for all. Even small acts of kindness can make a big difference. When we all do our part, we can make a real impact on the community.
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated from a previous version to reflect Duquesne Light Co.’s current charitable giving contributions.
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