A street was recently renamed "Pete Hill Way" in Pittsburgh's Homewood neighborhood to honor the Baseball Hall of Famer. The new street sign is at the intersection of Hamilton and North Lang avenues, celebrating the legacy of the baseball pioneer who was considered the first Black baseball superstar of his era. The renaming ceremony, held in November 2025, was attended by family, city leaders, and community members. 

• Who: The street was renamed to honor John Preston “Pete” Hill, a Baseball Hall of Famer and a highly regarded Black baseball player from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• Where: The new "Pete Hill Way" is located at the intersection of Hamilton and North Lang avenues in the Homewood neighborhood of Pittsburgh.
• When: The renaming ceremony took place in November 2025.
• Significance: The renaming serves to recognize Hill's immense talent and to educate current and future generations about his important contributions to baseball and Pittsburgh's history.

Councilman Khari Mosley satement: “This day holds deep personal significance because, by honoring Pete Hill, we educate current and future generations about a trailblazer who paved the way for so many,” Mosley said at the ceremony. “We also acknowledge Pittsburgh’s unparalleled contribution to Black baseball, celebrate the rich heritage embedded into the DNA of this region, especially in neighborhoods like Homewood. I remain steadfast in the belief that our history, culture and legacy are not only our most valuable natural resources but remain the building blocks for positive transformation of our communities.” #District9PGH

Mayor Gainey Statement:

"It was a proud day for the Homewood community!

Yesterday, we unveiled the street naming for John Preston “Pete” Hill — a man whose story began right here in this neighborhood and went on to make history as a baseball legend.

Pete played with excellence and integrity, leading some of the greatest teams in Negro League history, all at a time when the odds were against him. His story is Pittsburgh’s story — one of determination, hard work, and pride. By naming this street “Pete Hill Way,” we send a message to the next generation: your dreams can start right here. You can come from Homewood and change the world, just like he did.

To the Hill family: thank you for sharing Pete’s story with all of us. From now on, everyone who sees this sign at N. Lang & Hamilton Avenue will be reminded of who he was, what he means to this city, and his impact on baseball history.

Thank you to Councilman Khari Mosley and the District 9 staff for making this event possible, and State Reps. La’Tasha D. Mayes and Abigail Salisbury for joining us."

VIEW LAUNCH VIDEO HERE: https://jccpgh.org/jewish-life/unity-in-community/

 The Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Greater Pittsburgh and the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh are proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership, “Unity in Community”, designed to bring people together, foster dialogue, and stand against hate in all its forms.

This historic collaboration leverages the deep-rooted community connections of both organizations, creating a platform for education, engagement, and understanding at a time when unity is more important than ever. The partnership was inspired by the shared vision of YMCA CEO Amy Kienle and JCC CEO Jason Kunzman, whose connection sparked a commitment to building bridges across Pittsburgh’s diverse communities.

“This partnership reflects our shared belief that community thrives when we learn from one another and work together to confront hate,” said Amy Kienle, CEO of YMCA Greater Pittsburgh. “By uniting the YMCA’s wide-reaching network with the JCC’s strong educational programming, we are creating spaces where dialogue, understanding, and connection can flourish.”

“Our organizations have always been pillars of support and education in Pittsburgh,” said Jason Kunzman, CEO of the JCC of Greater Pittsburgh. “Through Unity in Community, we are intentionally coming together to educate, engage, and empower our neighbors to resist hatred and embrace inclusivity.”

The initiative launches with the Curious Conversations Speaker Series, running from Fall 2025 through Spring 2026. This series will create meaningful learning opportunities for families, educators, and community members, tackling pressing topics while fostering dialogue, education, and connection. Events will take place in accessible venues across Pittsburgh, including the JCC, YMCA branches, churches, and community centers, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate.

Program Highlights & Key Dates:

• October 19–25: United Against Hate Week 
• January 19: MLK Program – Resisting Racism
• February 16: Combating Jew Hatred
• April 16: Diverse Abilities
• May 19: LGBTQ+ Rights and Advocacy
• June: Staff Training on Wellness, Resilience, and Summer Program Support

“Unity in Community is about more than events; it’s about fostering ongoing connections,” added Kienle. “We want everyone in Pittsburgh to know that this series is open to all – a space to come, interact, and engage with one another.”

“In a world that too often highlights division, this partnership is a testament to what can happen when institutions rooted in compassion and service unite for the greater good,” Kunzman added. “Unity in Community is not just a program; it’s a movement toward a more empathetic and resilient Pittsburgh.”

Rooted in education, intergroup dialogue, storytelling, and collaborative action, Unity in Community combines the complementary strengths of both organizations to effectively reduce prejudice, increase empathy, and build resilient communities. By creating platforms for people from diverse backgrounds to interact, share stories, and learn together, the partnership offers a research-backed approach to combating hate and extremism.

Further details on the speaker series and individual events will be released in the coming weeks – more information about the project can be found at https://jccpgh.org/jewish-life/unity-in-community/

About the JCC of Greater Pittsburgh:
The Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh is a cornerstone of community life in Pittsburgh, dedicated to fostering a vibrant, inclusive community. The JCC offers a wide range of programs and services for individuals and families of all ages and backgrounds, including fitness, arts, culture, education, and social services.

About the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh:
The YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh builds community through programs that promote health, education, social responsibility, and inclusion, serving as a trusted organization for individuals and families across the region.

Register for a free fair housing training on August 15th.

The Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations (PghCHR) is a civil rights enforcement agency focused on investigating instances of discrimination, providing outreach and education to communities about their rights, and recommending necessary protections in the City Code to provide all people in Pittsburgh with equal opportunities. Our goal is to decrease unfair treatment and discrimination by promoting justice and understanding among communities in the City of Pittsburgh.

Our office hours are Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. We are closed on City-recognized holidays. Due to staff working a hybrid schedule, we ask that you please call 412-255-2600 or email human.relations@pittsburghpa.gov to schedule ahead of time. We cannot take walk-in appointments at this time.

The City of Pittsburgh has long recognized the importance of combating discrimination and resolving tensions between racial, ethnic, religious groups and nationalities. The Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations (PghCHR) is the official City agency that enforces laws prohibiting discrimination. What follows is a brief summary of our history defending civil rights in the City of Pittsburgh.

1955
The City of Pittsburgh enacts an ordinance establishing the Commission on Human Relations. This ordinance merges the city's two agencies administering the laws prohibiting discrimination in employment: the Pittsburgh Civic Unity Council (est. 1946) and the Fair Employment Practices Commission (est. 1952).

1959
The City of Pittsburgh enacts a fair housing ordinance for enforcement by the Commission.

1969
Sex is added by the City of Pittsburgh as a protected class.

1973
The U.S. Supreme Court upholds the Commission's ruling that employment / help wanted ads in The Pittsburgh Press, which separated job listings by sex, were violations of the anti-discrimination laws. The Court bans the practice.

1974
Pittsburgh voters pass a Home Rule Charter which establishes the Commission as an independent agency of city government.

1977
The Commission is designated as a "706" agency by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). This designation allows for the "dual filing" of complaints under federal and local law.

1980
Disability and age (40 and over) are added by the City of Pittsburgh as protected classes.

1990
Sexual orientation is added by the City of Pittsburgh as a protected class.

1992
The Commission settles a race discrimination housing case which it initiated against the National Apartment Leasing Company for more than $200,000, which was, at that time, the largest fair housing settlement in Pennsylvania.

1992
Familial status is added by the City of Pittsburgh as a protected class under the fair housing ordinance.

1997
The Commission is designated by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) as a substantially equivalent agency to HUD regarding the rights and remedies available under the city's fair housing ordinance.

2004
The University of Pittsburgh agrees to provide health benefits to same-sex domestic partners of employees starting in January 2005. This decision ends a class action sexual orientation case originating the Pittsburgh Commission in 1996 by seven University of Pittsburgh employees.

2014
Gender identity and expression is added by the City of Pittsburgh as a protected class.

2016
Status as a survivor of domestic violence is added by the City of Pittsburgh as a protected class under the fair housing ordinance.

2019
Pregnancy is added as an protected class for employment. This legislation also includes partners of pregnant women.

2020
Preferred Language, Citizenship Status, and Natural Hairstyle (CROWN Act) to the list of classes protected against discrimination.

2021
Protections for Survivors of Domestic Violence are expanded to cover discrimination in employment.

2023

Protections for Survivors of Domestic Violence are expanded in housing to better protect those fleeing violence.

2024

Medical Marijuana Patients are added as a protected class for employment.

State lawmakers took part in a roundtable and toured a nonprofit in Westmoreland County that serves seven counties in southwestern Pennsylvania, supplying families and babies not only with the basics but also the ability to celebrate achievements and moments in life that sometimes can be overlooked depending on people’s personal finances.  

The House Majority Policy Committee and Black Maternal Health Caucus co-hosted a roundtable discussion and tour of Beverly’s PGH, which formerly went under the brand of Beverly’s Birthdays. Beverly’s PGH is a nonprofit with a dedicated mission of providing every child and family with the support and resources they need. 

“We included this event during the Black Maternal Health Week Summit because we have introduced Momnibus 2.0, which includes a variety of bills and legislation connected to the work of Beverly’s PGH,” said state Rep. La’Tasha D. Mayes, who co-chairs the Black Maternal Health Caucus and co-hosted the event.

One of those bills, the Maternal and Newborn Supply Kit Program, has been introduced by Mayes and Rep. Gina H. Curry this session.

“This legislation would be a pilot program to examine how we can source these kits for moms and babies all across the commonwealth, and Beverly’s is the premier organization that does this work,” Mayes said.  

Beverly’s work includes Pennsylvania’s one-of-its-kind formula bank, with seven locations and one mobile bank. Since it opened in June 2022, it has helped serve the formula needs for about 3,500 babies and infants. 

“I want to thank the Black Maternal Health Caucus for the work they are doing in improving the health of not only Black moms but of all moms in the state,” said state Rep. Arvind Venkat, who co-hosted the event and represents portions of Allegheny County. “As a physician, I have seen this crisis pretty close at hand and can share stories of patients who unfortunately we have allowed to let fall through the gaps. This work and the Momnibus is really how we move the ball forward and make a difference.

“We’re seeing challenges to how we deliver health care around the country, and further threats that may be coming out of D.C.,” Venkat added.

Beverly’s Place founder and Executive Director Megs Yunn and her team explained their mission of celebrating and strengthening families. 

Like many nonprofits and businesses, Beverly’s has experienced uncertainty in product prices following the recent tariff announcements, which has provided another level of concern for the nonprofit as it attempts to acquire all the goods families, babies and children need.

“We are so happy to be able to partner with the Maternal Black Health Caucus and the work they are doing to bring serious issues to the forefront,” said House Majority Policy Chairman Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, who represents portions of Erie County. “We will continue the work needed to get these bills moving and improving lives across the state.” 

Beverly’s has existed for 13 years, and it has been located in its current North Huntingdon location for about three years. Beyond just providing basics, it also hosts baby showers and provides about 12,000 birthday gifts a year for children and families that could not otherwise celebrate in that manner. 

Information about this hearing and other House Majority Policy Committee hearings can be found at pahouse.com/policy. Photos to be used for publication can be found at pahouse.com/PolicyCommittee/Galleries.

The Heinz Endowments has started the new year by reaffirming its commitment to the Sarah Heinz House. The Endowments’ board of directors has approved two significant grants totaling $3.05 million. This funding will ensure that the organization, which is over 120 years old, remains a critical center of support for youth and families on Pittsburgh’s North Side and across the city and continues to foster healthy personal and social development for those it serves. The investment comes at a pivotal time as the Sarah Heinz House prepares to build on its legacy of service and continue adapting to meet the community's evolving needs in 2025 and beyond.

“The Sarah Heinz House has been a vital resource for generations of young people and families in Pittsburgh,” said Endowments President Chris DeCardy. “These investments ensure the facility remains a safe, welcoming space for the community to thrive and grow for years to come.”

The most recent grant, approved at the Endowments’ fall 2024 board meeting, awarded $1.8 million to the organization for critical upgrades to its facility, including roof repairs, resurfacing the indoor pool, replacing the climbing wall, updating fencing, and enhancing the building's security systems. Work on these projects is underway and will continue through 2025.

The pool resurfacing project was completed at the end of December 2024, a contractor has been selected for the fencing upgrades, and estimates for the new security systems are currently being solicited. These upgrades are essential to maintaining the safety and usability of the facility for its growing membership.

The Heinz Endowments has also provided $1.25 million to support a community outreach plan to extend the organization’s services to reach more youth and older adults in the North Side community and to help fund operations. This community outreach initiative is advancing and has so far led to considerable growth in participation. The Sarah Heinz House achieved a remarkable 159% increase in the number of youth members served in 2024 compared to 2023.

“The funding not only addresses our vital infrastructure needs but also enables us to expand our reach and enhance our impact,” said Sarah Heinz House CEO Demeshia Seals. “We are deeply appreciative for The Heinz Endowments’ unwavering belief in and support of our mission, 'to empower all, especially those who need us most, to laugh, learn and lead.'”

A founding member of the national Boys and Girls Club network, the Sarah Heinz House achieved another significant milestone in 2024 when it was designated as an Allegheny County senior center. Through this designation, the Sarah Heinz House has expanded its outreach to older adults with new programs and services, complementing its longstanding focus on empowering youth.

“Our partnership with the Sarah Heinz House reflects the shared belief that every child, regardless of their background, should have the opportunity to reach their full potential,” said Carmen Anderson, vice president of Learning and Equity at the Endowments.

The Sarah Heinz House, established in 1901 on Pittsburgh’s North Side, is a historic community center dedicated to uplifting youth and families through education, recreation, and leadership development. Named in honor of Sarah Young Heinz, the late wife of H.J. Heinz Company founder Henry John Heinz, the center reflects her legacy of compassion and service to others. Originally founded to support immigrant families with English lessons and vocational training, it has evolved to offer a full slate of after-school and summer programs in STEM, robotics, arts, and athletics.

Join us in supporting Jerome Bettis' mission to bridge the digital divide with his CyberBus program. 

Join us in our mission to empower under-resourced communities through digital literacy and education. The Jerome Bettis Bus Stops Here Foundation is launching a $2.5 million capital campaign with a primary goal of raising funds by the end of 2025. This ambitious effort will allow us to expand our impactful programs, with a particular focus on our signature CyberBus initiative. Our goal is to introduce two additional CyberBuses—one in Pittsburgh and one in Detroit—by 2025, bringing essential computer science education and resources directly to the communities that need them most. Together, we can drive change and help build a brighter future for our youth. #RollWithTheBus

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Pittsburgh Pioneer Education Center Unveils New Aquatic Therapy Pool: A Milestone in Enhancing Student Well-Being Through Specialized Aquatic Therapy

The Pittsburgh Pioneer Education Center proudly unveiled its newest addition—a state-of-the-art therapy pool designed to provide essential aquatic therapy services to students with multiple disabilities. This significant milestone was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, symbolizing the school’s ongoing dedication to student well-being and academic achievement. Staff, students, families, 

community members, and District leadership gathered on Wednesday to commemorate the momentous occasion, 14 years in the making. The new therapy pool, funded by Elementary
and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds, is a vital resource designed to provide specialized aquatic therapy for students. With the capacity to accommodate up to four individuals at a time, it stands as one of only three such facilities in the region—and the only
one offered by a public school. This pool will deliver essential therapeutic interventions for some of the District’s most vulnerable students. 

Superintendent Dr. Wayne Walters, who attended the event, expressed his enthusiasm for this significant milestone, stating, "This new aquatic therapy pool represents a tremendous leap forward in our ability to meet the diverse needs of our students. I am filled with excitement for the many students who will benefit from it in the years to come. I look forward to celebrating with you all again when we witness the positive impact this pool will have on the lives of our students." 

Proud Pittsburgh Pioneer mom Kelly Luhn also spoke at the event, highlighting the profound impact the new therapy pool will have on students. "Some of these children have never had the chance to be in a pool before. They've never had the opportunity to get in the water, feel it on their bodies, and use it to help them develop. Maybe to grow stronger, learn balance, how to stand up, and maybe even how to walk," she shared, underscoring the pool's potential to transform lives. 

Serving as a vehicle for youth education and development, the Youth Farm at Hilltop Urban Farm engages school-aged children from the Hilltop communities with food production and teamwork. Partnering with the Pittsburgh Arlington School, Lighthouse Cathedral, and the New Academy Charter School, the Youth Farm acts as a living agricultural and ecological laboratory for children. It promotes the teaching of Nutrition & Cooking, Growing Food, Local Food Systems, Agriculture as a Career Pathway, and Ecology of Western Pennsylvania through the lens of urban farming with the support of program partners Penn State Extension, Allegheny Land Trust Education Department, Power Up, and Grow Pittsburgh.

All elements of the Youth Farm are visually appealing, colorful, child-friendly and scaled to size. Children can expect to learn, play and interact among raised bed growing areas, youth gardens, a youth orchard and a youth food forest.

After-school programs, summer camp, youth employees, tours & workshops. Reach out to learn more about what is being offered this year. 

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The Pittsburgh Public Schools Early Childhood Education Department provides children, birth to five, with a comprehensive program designed to reinforce and respond to the unique strengths and needs of each individual child and family. Kimberly Russo Joseph, Executive Director, Pittsburgh Public Schools Early Childhood Education Programs shares more detail information about how these programs are helping children in Pittsburgh thrive early on in their learning process. 

One on One with Kimberly Russo Joseph –Pittsburgh Public Schools - Executive Director Early Childhood Education

Kimberly Russo Joseph is the Executive Director for the Early Childhood Education Program at Pittsburgh Public Schools. The Early Childhood Education Program encompasses grants from Federal Head Start and Early Head Start, state grants for Pre-K Counts and the Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program and provides Early Intervention (ages 3-5) services for the City of Pittsburgh. Prior to this position, Ms. Russo Joseph spent 15 years working for the Early Childhood Education Program as an Education Coordinator and Program Officer and she was also a pre-k teacher for six years in both Pittsburgh Public Schools and Norfolk Public Schools. In addition to being a life-long early childhood educator, Ms. Russo Joseph is also the mother of two young children, Bella (age 3) and Maddy (age 18 months). Pictured right. 

PUM: Tell us more about your role overseeing the Early Childhood programs at PPS. 

As the Executive Director of the Early Childhood Education Programs at Pittsburgh Public Schools, I support the staff who work with children and families from prenatal through age five through multiple grants and programs. These programs include:

• The Early Childhood/PreK Program for children ages 3-5 years is funded through Federal Head Start, the Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program (HSSAP), and PA PreK Counts grant.
• The Early Head Start Program is for families from pregnancy through 36 months.
• The Early Intervention Program provides special education services for children ages 3-5 in various settings.

All these programs and grants work together to provide holistic services to children and their families across Pittsburgh.

PUM: What special projects and goals are you focused on this year to help improve these programs? 

This year we have been implementing Conscious Discipline thanks to a special grant from the R.K. Mellon Foundation. Conscious Discipline focuses on child and adult social-emotional well-being. It helps the staff support our children as they develop self-regulation skills, manage their feelings, make friends, share with others, and express themselves in a safe and healthy manner. This Program has been so great because, coming out of covid lockdown, many young children didn’t have the typical social interactions they would have in the past. This Program has helped us make up for that social development learning loss in a fun and interactive way.

PUM: There are various programs available at the Pittsburgh Public Schools Early Childhood Education Department that provide children, ages Birth to Five, with a comprehensive, flexible program designed to reinforce and respond to the unique strengths and needs of each individual child and family. What do families need to know about these programs? What makes these some of the best programs in the region?

The PPS ECE Program has multiple grants so we can provide high-quality early childhood services free of charge to most families in Pittsburgh. Currently, we operate 84 Early Childhood/PreK classrooms, 4 Early Intervention classrooms, and 6 Early Head Start classrooms in PPS school buildings. Our Early Childhood Program classrooms operate 6 hours a day and are led by highly qualified staff with specialized child development and early education training. All our lead teachers have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, and over 50 percent also hold a master’s degree. All of our assistant teachers hold the minimum of an associate’s degree or a child development credential. In addition to our classroom staff, every family is assigned a Family Services Specialist whose job is to support each family with their personal goals and help them with whatever resources they may need.

All of our Early Childhood Education Program classrooms utilize a researched-based curriculum aligned to both state and federal early learning standards to ensure that all academic skills are addressed throughout the day. The Program also strongly believes in the power of play, so intentional learning centers are set up in every classroom for students to learn and explore while interacting with their peers in a playful setting. The teachers also work with the families to set individual learning goals for every child. In addition to whole group time, the children engage in small group lessons designed to address their learning and developmental goals.

In addition to our district classrooms, we partner with multiple high-quality early childhood programs across the city through our HSSAP and PreK Counts grants because we know our 6-hour day only works for some. When we partner with a childcare center, we provide them with curriculum materials, mental and behavioral health services, an Education Coach, and Family Services Specialists so we can assure that all children, no matter where they attend, receive high-quality services so they can be social-emotionally and academically ready to start kindergarten. We also offer an Early Head Start home-visiting program for pregnant mothers, infants, and toddlers, so we can bring our services to you if you are at home.

Having various options for families, and keeping families involved in their child’s education, is a significant part of our holistic approach to child development and early education.

PUM:  Why should families enroll their children in an early childhood program?

Research has shown over and over again the importance of the first five years of a child’s life. Approximately 90% of brain development happens before age 5, so we must expose young children to environments that foster this rapid development. High-quality early childhood programs are designed with this in mind and are constructed to address not only academic skills and development but also social-emotional development. Children who have early solid childhood experiences and develop a love of learning at an early age do much better in kindergarten and beyond since they come into formal schooling with a strong foundation.

PUM: How old must a child be to enroll in the Early Childhood Program?

Our Early Head Start Program enrolls families from prenatal through 36 months, and our Early Childhood/PreK Program registers children from 36 months/3 years through age 5 (children who do not meet the September 30 cut-off date for kindergarten).

PUM: Does a family have to choose a school in my neighborhood?

No, the Early Childhood Education Program does not provide transportation, so families are welcome to enroll their child at any school or center that they can easily access.

PUM: How many days a week does the Program operate?

All PPS Early Childhood Education Program classrooms operate five days a week for 6 hours a day and follow the PPS district calendar regarding holidays, days off, and early release days.

PUM: What other services are available through the Early Childhood Program?

In addition to regular classroom education, the Early Childhood Education Program provides all children with various screenings such as developmental, behavioral, growth, hearing, vision, and speech screenings, and then offers Early Intervention services for those in need. The Program also provides mental health services to children and families in need and can help families create individualized plans for home life. The Program also partners with several outside organizations to enhance what’s happening in the classroom, such as the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater, the Carnegie Science Center, the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, and more so children have exposure to a myriad of topics and genres.

PUM: How do families apply?

Families apply for the Early Childhood/PreK Program online: https://www.pghschools.org/ec-enrollment. We are currently accepting applications for a few remaining slots for the 2022-23 school year and applications for the next school year (2023-24). More information about the application process, as well as more information about the Program and a list of sites, can be found on the PPS ECE website at https://www.pghschools.org/earlychildhood.

Families interested in applying for our Early Head Start Program should call (412) 529-8020 or (412) 529-8029.

PUM: How does the Lottery application process work?

Families who apply for the 2023-24 school year on or before March 24 will be entered into the PreK lottery. A lottery is run whenever there are more applications than available seats at a particular location. The lottery is a computerized random drawing. Families that apply in time for the lottery will be notified of their status by May 16, 2023.

If a family misses the lottery window, that’s ok; we accept applications year-round and will enroll age-eligible students wherever we have classroom space.  

PUM: Any important upcoming dates for registration? 

The 2023-24 school year application opened up on February 1. To be included in the lottery, the application must be complete by March 24. We have rolling admission, so applications are accepted year-round.