Soul Pitt Quarterly Magazine

SPQ had the honor to visit Tereneh Idia in her workshop at the Contemporary Craft Center in Lawrenceville a few weeks before the opening of her exhibit C3: Cloth, Culture, Community, Exploring 1,000 years of Black Pittsburgh through clothing.  The Contemporary Craft gallery at BNY Mellon – Steel Plaza T station hosts the finished Exhibit through April 16, 2023. (Grant Street, downtown Pittsburgh).

On a warm, sunny late fall afternoon, I visited Tereneh’s workspace. Fabric, metal accessories, historical documents, and photos that inspired her designs filled her space.

I asked Tereneh about the C3 project’s goals. “I wanted to tell the story of Black Pittsburgh in a way that showcases different points of history and people we don’t hear enough of,” she said. Continue reading →

I had the pleasure of attending Qiana Buckner’s event to announce her candidacy for Mayor of Penn Hills on December 8, 2022. The event was held at the Nobleman Cigar Lounge on Frankstown Rd, and the atmosphere was nothing short of amazing! Continue reading →

When you have an opportunity to travel to another continent, do not hesitate! You’ll gain a better appreciation and perspective of life beyond southwest PA.

   I’ve been fortunate to travel to Mexico, Guam, Hong Kong, Thailand, and the Pacific Rim of Asia. I’ve been to Africa twice, and I can honestly say that although I’ve experienced different cultures, nothing prepared me for Egypt’s abundance of history and antiquities. The enormity of the significance of ancient Egypt (Kemet) that spans millennia, the structures, craftsmanship, and wonders of temples and monuments that have survived the ravages of time, climate, and modern civilization is a testament to the genius of the Egyptians.

Cairo, the largest city in the Arab world, the middle east, and Africa, is a sprawling metropolis of nearly 20 million people and a cultural and generational mix of the old, traditions, and ancient. Navigating the narrow streets of shops, vendors, café churches, temples, and mosques that line Old Cairo’s dense cobblestoned alleys and walkways is almost like traveling. Because my early April trip was during the holy month of Ramadan, the streets were less congested than usual. Tradition, modernity, and pop culture peacefully coexist with modestly dressed women in hijabs and western attire (and some sensibilities). Continue reading →

Pittsburgh is blessed to have a politically astute leader such as Rick Adams in our mist. His political savvy is above and beyond a politician’s narrow focus. He says of today’s political scene, “unfortunately, unless a political change is made, we can expect more of the same oppression, but we’ll always continue to progress on many fronts. We, who have been arguably subject to the most complete ubiquitous and sustained assault on our names, family, culture, religion, personal and collective freedoms, continue to survive, overcome, and still fight while Black and Proud, and will not be stopped because the Creator is on our side!” Continue reading →

For a taste of the fine coffee houses like that of Café Einstein or Literaturhaus in Germany, one only needs to drive to Mount Oliver in Pittsburgh, minutes from Downtown, Oakland, or South Side to the ECHT Coffeehouse. The firehouse turned European-style coffee house with micro-roastery has a welcoming vibe, relaxing music, and high-quality coffee and food. James Tyler and his team offer contemporary bistro-style small plates and desserts and elevated comfort food. James and husband, Jȍrg, have incorporated the love and design of their second home in Berlin, Germany, and travels to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa into ECHT. Tyler acquired his cues for cooking from American, European, and international cuisine. He also adds a unique twist on southern comfort food he learned to cook from his mother, like delicious grits & greens with a side of lardons! In love and memory of Tyler’s mother, ECHT had soft openings on special dates in February and March 2022 to pay homage to her Homegoing services. Continue reading →

Popie Redd’s BBQ opened in November 2021 in Braddock Hills (270 Yost Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15221 | (412) 723-2251) and was met with great fanfare. That first day they operated on a limited menu, but today they are limited no more. Their menu features BBQ delectable from pork and beef ribs to fried and grilled chicken. They even have subs, sandwiches, and wings. I like the variety of their menu as getting the same thing every time is a choice. Continue reading →

Terina J. Hicks: You were the first Black woman constable for Wilkinsburg. What challenges did you face during your tenure?

Nina Monroe: I was the first Black woman elected constable in the county. Constable is an elected position, with each term lasting for six years. I served as a constable for over 18 years, elected to the position three times. I also served two years as a Deputy and 15 years as a Deputy Sheriff in the Sheriff Reserves. I’ve had a lengthy career in law enforcement, and I’m grateful.

One of the first obstacles I faced as a Constable was deputizing my husband. As an elected constable, I could appoint deputies as needed to assist me with my duties, and I wanted my husband to be my deputy. I specifically wanted my husband because there was no one better to watch my back than him. Initially, this idea met with resistance. Although there was no restriction or bylaw to prohibit this, I wrote the President Judge, who authorized my request. Continue reading →