The Thomas & Katherine Detre Library & Archives at the Senator John Heinz History Center.
The Soul Pitt, an urban community website and print magazine based in Pittsburgh PA, has achieved two major accomplishments this summer. First, Soul Pitt published its 50th edition of Soul Pitt Quarterly print magazine by releasing its Summer 2022 issue this past July. 10,000 copies of this free publication are distributed around our region each quarter and focuses on the African American community. The magazine has been in existence since April 2010.
Secondly, on September 7, 2022, Soul Pitt Media delivered one copy of each of these 50 issues to the Associate Curator for African American History to be placed in perpetuity in the African American collection of The Thomas & Katherine Detre Library & Archives at the Senator John Heinz History Center for the public to access at any time.
The Thomas & Katherine Detre Library & Archives at the Senator John Heinz History Center is Western Pennsylvania’s preeminent source for researching the region’s rich history.
Donna Baxter Porcher, Founder/CEO of Soul Pitt Magazine holds up the 50th edition of Soul Pitt Quarterly while DaNia Childress, Associate Curator for African American History, holds up the very first edition of SPQ.
The Smithsonian affiliated museum also recorded an oral history interview with the owner Donna Baxter Porcher to document her entrepreneurial journey and the creation of the publication by starting with her move from Johnstown to Pittsburgh many years ago to attend the University of Pittsburgh.
“At first I didn’t realize how big of a deal this was until I signed my Deed of Gift to acknowledge my donation to the History Center—That’s when it started to sink in,” said Donna Baxter Porcher, Soul Pitt Media CEO. “Literally, 100 years from now, as my friend put it, a young Black girl can go in and read Soul Pitt Quarterly and hold it in her hand long after I’m gone. God blessed me with LEGACY today. Since I don’t have any children, leaving a legacy some type of way was always important to me. I am so thankful that the Heinz History Center realizes the historical value of our publication.”
“Advertisers such as UPMC, Duquesne Light Company, Pittsburgh Regional Transit and many others have been instrumental in our growth,” said Craig Dawson, Soul Pitt Media’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Our advertisers recognize the benefits of an inclusive marketing approach as we move forward to a more inclusive Pittsburgh region.”
Soul Pitt will be able to continue to add to this collection as new Soul Pitt Quarterly issues are published. For a small shipping charge of $3.99, you can order a copy of Soul Pitt Quarterly’s 50th issue, until supplies last, for those who would like to have this historic milestone edition by visiting www.thesoulpitt.com.
Access to the Detre Library & Archives at the Senator John Heinz History Center located at 1212 Smallman St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 is free for all visitors. The Library & Archives’ hours are Wednesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm. Visitors coming to the History Center solely to use the Library & Archives will not be charged admission; they will be given a special Library & Archives sticker at the Admissions Desk and directed to the 6th floor, where they will sign in.
About Soul Pitt
Soul Pitt Media is an award winning woman-owned minority-certified multi-media entity that serves the African-American population in Western PA and the surrounding communities. Our mission is to uplift the Black community by telling their inspirational stories and share resources that educate, inform, and empower. We do this through our internet, print, and podcast platforms. Visit us online at www.thesoulpitt.com.
