URA Hosts its Second Annual Connections: A Black History Month Networking Event
On Wednesday, February 12, the URA hosted its second annual Connections: A Black History Month Networking Event to celebrate the historical and present-day contributions of African Americans who shaped Pittsburgh.
Nearly 100 individuals, community members, businesses, potential clients, and partners joined the URA in its offices for Connections: A Black History Month Networking Event.
Attendees came together to celebrate Black Pittsburgh’s past, present and future. The event featured “I am” poems presented by students from Manchester Academic Charter School. The students’ poems were based on “I am” poetry URA staff completed during a social and personal identity training but were revised to highlight the contributions of famous black historical figures from Pittsburgh and their impact. Special thanks to:
- Khloe Pettus (5th Grade) – Charles “Teenie” Harris
- Alfie Hubbard (5th Grade) – August Wilson
- Shawn Blanchard (5th Grade) – Josh Gibson
- Ariana McPherson (8th Grade) – Robert L. Vann
- Jordyn Walker (8th Grade) – Billy Strayhorn
- Trysten Thomas (6th Grade) – Daisy Elizabeth Adams Lampkin
- Nyeemah Cox (7th Grade) – Virginia Proctor Powell Florence
- Dominique Mickens (8th Grade) – Rev. LeRoy Patrick
- Kyla Morris (8th Grade) – Mary Lou Williams
- Isabella Grayson (7th Grade) – Lena Horne
MACS School Students' "I Am" Poetry Reading
Guests also enjoyed an African-inspired dance routine from Reed Dance Company.
The URA’s new Community Affairs Officer Pierce Robinson kicked off the event. Welcoming remarks were given from Lindsay Powell, URA Board member and assistant chief of staff to Mayor William Peduto, Diamonte Walker, URA deputy executive director and Greg Flisram, URA executive director.
The URA's Equity and Inclusion Coordinator Maya Fews, Community Affairs Officer Pierce Robinson and Operations Assistant Daniel Grantham
URA Board member Lindsay Powell gives opening remarks
URA Deputy Executive Director Diamonte Walker
The URA's Board member Lindsay Powell, Executive Director Greg Flisram and Deputy Executive Director Diamonte Walker
“We’re here to celebrate the small businesses that are growing here locally. You’re the true wealth builders & job generators of the future. We honor your risk taking & thank you for doing business with the URA.” -Greg Flisram, URA Executive Director #Connections pic.twitter.com/2AQOXfLuZ7
— URA (@urapgh) February 13, 2020
During the second portion of the event, attendees were encouraged to network and connect with a group of 10+ URA Micro-Enterprise Loan Program borrowers who were showcasing their products. It was a great opportunity for those looking to start or grow a business hear from others’ experiences. Our Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) loan officers were onsite to provide more information about CIE programs and resources. The URA thanks the Hill District Credit union for being there to talk about the new line of credit program for MWBE small businesses.
Attendees were also given the chance to learn about housing programs and resources from staff of our Center for Housing Opportunities.
Refreshments were provided by URA Micro-Loan borrowers Caribbean Vybz, CobblerWorld, Cilantro & Ajo, and local MWBE business Cooks Catering.
More photos from the event can be seen on the URA Facebook page.
Thanks to all our hardworking staff, partners, and clients who contributed to the success of our second annual Black History Month Networking Event!
Be on the lookout for our next networking event during Women’s History Month!
