People of the Year
This year was supposed to be easier than last. Vaccines arrived, COVID cases were supposed to slow down, businesses were supposed to all open back up. And, in some ways, things have been better than in 2020. (At least we’re not all trapped at home 24/7, right?) But, as we prepare to enter year three…
Pittsburgh’s People of the Year 2021: Visual Arts
Even if you’ve never heard of Janel Young, chances are you’ve seen her work. Anyone who uses Yahoo likely saw the logo the Pittsburgh artist designed for the web service’s 2021 Black History Month campaign. But while Young has received recognition in the digital world, her work is better known in the real world, including…
Pittsburgh’s People of the Year 2021: Labor
In October, the higher education world was rocked — in a good way — by the news that faculty members at the University of Pittsburgh officially voted in favor of unionizing. The announcement came after years of alleged anti-union efforts by the Pitt administration, legal challenges, and other setbacks threatened the union of Pitt faculty’s…
Pittsburgh’s People of the Year 2021: Music
In years past, Pittsburghers might have known sarah huny young’s work best as a photographer and artist. She’s received numerous recognitions and grants for her portraits celebrating Black women and LGBTQ communities. Last year, young also helped to create the PGH Artists Emergency Fund to help the local arts community who relied on income from…
Pittsburgh’s People of the Year 2021: Theater
Monteze Freeland seems to be everywhere in the Pittsburgh theater scene. And recent developments demonstrate how his star has risen as a local actor, director, and playwright, with a background that includes working with Quantum Theatre, PICT, Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company, Prime Stage Theatre, and others. Freeland, a Baltimore native and Point Park University graduate,…
Pittsburgh’s People of the Year 2021: Politics
The Steel City saw significant progressive happenings in 2021: successful ballot initiatives to ban no-knock warrants in Pittsburgh and to limit solitary confinement in the Allegheny County Jail; five local judges elected on campaigns to reshape an unjust criminal justice system; a new effort formed to build progressive power within the old-school Allegheny County Democratic…
Pittsburgh’s People of the Year 2021: Business
Amid universities, medical centers, and chain stores and restaurants, mother and daughter duo Christine and Brigette Bethea brought a refreshing new addition to Oakland’s business district in 2021. Argyle Studio, their pop-up store with items from over 30 local artists and makers, launched in May and provided a source of visibility and income for working…
Pittsburgh’s People of the Year 2021: Literature
It’d be difficult to find a year-end best of list that Pittsburgh writer Brian Broome’s 2021 memoir Punch Me Up to the Gods wasn’t listed on. His debut book is a wonderful story chronicling his struggles with race, sexuality, addiction, and recovery. The book made it into Publisher’s Weekly’s Best 20 Books of 2021, The…
Pittsburgh’s People of the Year 2021: Health
The past year has not been easy for those without housing. Those experiencing homelessness have been at higher risk to contract COVID-19, and housing protections have mostly come to an end. Dr. Jim Withers, the founder of Pittsburgh Mercy’s Operation Safety Net, has been providing health care for people experiencing homelessness for over 20 years.…
Pittsburgh’s People of the Year 2021: Food and Drink
It’s hard to imagine a new neighbor being as welcomed and celebrated as quickly as Trace Brewing in Bloomfield. Opening in mid-2020 to take-out customers, long lines for the craft brewery started immediately. Yes, Trace was the first craft brewery to open in the neighborhood, and yes, demand for beer was especially high during the…
Pittsburgh’s People of the Year 2021: Activism
Jasmine Cho’s activism has initiated conversations on race for years. As founder of online bakery Yummyholic and a self-declared “cookie activist,” she paints intricate portraits of Asian Americans with icing to give representation to the historically underrepresented community. The Los Angeles native, whose parents immigrated from South Korea, also penned a children’s book, Role Models…
