Soul Pitt Quarterly Magazine

In the heart of Wilkinsburg stands Ethnan Temple, a vital hub for community engagement and youth empowerment in the neighborhood. Under the leadership of Pastor Jerome Hurst, Ethnan Temple has become more than just a place of worship, sparking widespread positive change through its dynamic outreach efforts and programs.

Pastor Jerome’s vision for Ethnan Temple extends far beyond the confines of traditional religious activities. He envisions a community where every young person has access to resources and opportunities that empower them to thrive. “Our goal is to create a supportive environment where young people can learn, grow, and realize their full potential,” says Pastor Jerome. Continue reading →

Sustainable is the new trend coming from designer houses. Fashion Designers, internationally and locally, are paying attention to our planet’s climate crisis with their choices in where they gather fabric pieces used in their collections.

Pittsburgher Imani Batts of Catherine Trendz LLC is a fashion designer who produces high-quality, stylish, eco-friendly, and ethically made clothing. She is curating a Black History Month event, “GRWM Runway Experience,” on Saturday, February 24, 2024. The event will take place at Velum Fermentation on the South Side. Before we dive into this unique fashion event, let us get to know Imani—

Imani was born and raised in the West Mifflin/Homestead and studied Fashion Merchandising at IUP (Indiana University of Pennsylvania). She also completed an international study at the Florence University of Arts in Florence, Italy. “I feel my international studies are what pushed me to confirm I wanted to do something in fashion.” During her international studies, she held an internship position in Florence as an Assistant Director. Continue reading →

In a heartwarming display of community engagement and generosity, Pittsburgh Steeler, Levi Wallace in collaboration with his charitable organization, the Levifoundation39, recently made a significant contribution to the community. The cornerback donated playground equipment to the Kidsville Learning Center in the Bloomfield/Garfield neighborhood. The gesture highlights the positive impact athletes can have off the field.

When Kidsville’s assistant director, Michele Hurtt, got the phone call, she was in disbelief. “I thought it was a joke. I thought, are you serious? I wanted to know how they found us, why they chose us.” Hurtt said that the center remains amazed by the generous act and deeply appreciate the gesture. But it got better, not only did Wallace personally deliver the equipment himself, he came back the next day with his team mates to put everything together. “We were completely surprised that he offered to come back with team members to assemble the play yard equipment,” Hurtt said. Armed with their own tools, Wallace was joined by strong safety, Elijah Riley, cornerback, Luq Barcoo, free safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and free safety, Tre Norwood. Working together, the Steelers defense players had the play yard toys up and ready in no time. Continue reading →

Keystone Inn owners, left to right: Stephen, Christine, and Patrick

Gettysburg, the county seat of Adams County, is 39 miles from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania’s capital city. US News & World Report voted Gettysburg one of the best small towns in America, attracting nearly one million visitors yearly. Within convenient driving distance from Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, DC, Gettysburg is a significant draw for destination travelers. Numerous cultural attractions tell a story that could appeal to African Americans. The Battle of Gettysburg is one. Many African Americans have yet to learn the complete story of this bloodiest battle on American soil. The Union army’s defeat of the Confederates weakened them, which was pivotal to the Confederates subsequently losing the Civil War and slavery’s end. The Thirteenth Amendment emancipated all enslaved people, wherever they were in the country, resulting in freedom for nearly four million people of African descent. Know our history. Know our story. Continue reading →

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 →