Pennsylvania is the ultimate political battleground where razor-thin margins dictate control of both the state capitol and the U.S. Congress — and the outcome will directly impact Black communities across the Commonwealth.
6 min read
The former St. Colman Catholic School has reopened as the Calvin Anderson Schoolhouse Apartments — an $11 million affordable housing community dedicated to helping young adults aging out of the foster care system transition into independent adulthood.
4 min read
Access to capital remains the single most significant hurdle preventing Black-owned businesses from scaling across Pennsylvania. PUM maps the systemic barriers and celebrates the resilience of local innovators building generational wealth.
5 min read
Rising senior Rainier Sky Beckham shares an eye-opening day at Duquesne University — from the $68M health sciences building to one-on-one time with the incoming president — and why visiting in person is the only way to catch the pulse of a campus.
7 min read
Since 2020, 95 babies in Allegheny County have died from Sudden Unexpected Infant Death — with deaths more than doubling from 9 in 2020 to 23 in 2024. Black infants die at rates two to three times higher than White infants. Public health leaders say most of these tragedies are preventable.
5 min read
A week of events, concerts, and community gatherings marks a quarter-millennium of Pittsburgh history.
3 min read
The program connecting residents with affordable housing resources is growing to serve Larimer, Hazelwood, and Garfield.
4 min read
Tucked away in Harrisburg lies one of Pennsylvania's most significant African American historic sites — a cemetery that tells the story of courage, resilience, military service, and community leadership dating back more than 150 years. Volunteers, historians, and descendants are working to ensure those stories are never forgotten.
4 min readPennsylvania is the ultimate political battleground where razor-thin margins dictate control of both the state capitol and the U.S. Congress. As the state navigates high-stakes election cycles, the political decisions made in Harrisburg and Washington will directly impact the future of economic empowerment, education funding, and community growth for Black communities throughout Western Pennsylvania.
Incumbent Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro is seeking a second term in office. Facing high regional approval ratings, Shapiro remains a central figure in national political conversations, relying heavily on his administration’s efforts to lower costs and expand educational equity across the Commonwealth.
His challenger is Republican State Treasurer Stacy Garrity, who launched an aggressive campaign backed by an endorsement from Donald Trump. Garrity has focused her platform on addressing the state’s population loss and improving educational performance metrics, setting up a core test of whether a moderate Democrat can hold this crucial swing state against a unified Republican push.
Control of the Pennsylvania General Assembly is entirely up for grabs, split by the narrowest margins imaginable.
The State House: Democrats hold a fragile one-seat majority (102–101). Every single seat is up for election, meaning local legislative power could flip on just a few hundred votes, halting or advancing key urban policy agendas.
The State Senate: Republicans have held the chamber since 1994 and currently command a 27–23 majority. Democrats are targeting key suburban and western rust-belt districts to break this 30-year streak and force votes on critical baseline issues like raising the minimum wage.
National parties are pouring millions into Pennsylvania because control of the U.S. House of Representatives likely runs through the Commonwealth. Forecasters point to four specific toss-up districts that are among the most competitive in the country:
Beyond the names on the ballot, several evergreen friction points dominate legislative sessions and voter town halls:
The Budget Deadlock: Structural division in Harrisburg regularly triggers tense gridlock over state budget deadlines, particularly regarding fair funding for public schools and public infrastructure.
Economic Strain: Voter anxiety regarding personal finance, local inflation, access to affordable housing, and equitable workforce development remains the top metric tracking how independent voters tilt.
“The political decisions made in Harrisburg and Washington will directly impact the future of economic empowerment, education funding, and community growth for Black communities throughout Western Pennsylvania.”
To keep an eye on how these shifting dynamics affect our local neighborhoods, tracking resources like the PoliticsPA Poll Center monitor real-time data. For deep-dive investigative journalism on state-level policy fights, look to Spotlight PA.
Source: Pittsburgh Urban Media · PUM Forward · pittsburghurbanmedia.com/vote-2026
Pennsylvania’s political future — and the impact on Black communities across the Commonwealth
Access to capital remains the single most significant hurdle preventing Black-owned businesses from scaling across Pennsylvania. As Pittsburgh Urban Media continues its expansion as a statewide digital news network, mapping the future of Black economic empowerment means taking a hard look at the systemic barriers within our financial networks and celebrating the resilience of local innovators building sustainable wealth.
While small businesses serve as the economic engines of our cities, traditional banking institutions across the Commonwealth have historically maintained restrictive lending practices. These historical patterns continue to leave Black applicants disproportionately underserved.
According to data tracking regional equity, the total capital flow reaching Black entrepreneurs falls well below what is necessary for long-term corporate growth. This deficit directly fuels the racial wealth gap, which is heavily visible in related sectors like regional housing markets where Black homeownership rates stubbornly lag far behind white households.
When local ecosystems purposefully support and fund Black-owned businesses, they spark a domino effect that directly improves employment rates and overall quality of life within urban neighborhoods. Regional advocates note that the path forward requires bridging a clear knowledge gap:
True economic self-reliance requires independent platforms where urban leaders can confront these systemic funding disparities transparently. By centering stories of sustainable entrepreneurship, regional policy adjustments, and workforce equity, we keep our communities actively engaged in the financial decisions driving Pennsylvania’s future.
“True economic self-reliance requires independent platforms where urban leaders can confront systemic funding disparities transparently.”
To follow the grassroots movements reshaping minority entrepreneurship, readers look to community resources like Black Wall Street Pennsylvania for economic networking updates. For deep-dive investigative journalism on systemic financial inequities across the state, track the latest updates on Spotlight PA.
Source: Pittsburgh Urban Media · PUM Forward · pittsburghurbanmedia.com/business
Black-owned businesses are the economic engines of Pennsylvania’s urban communities
As a rising high school senior, the college search process can feel overwhelming, but my first official summer campus visit completely changed my perspective. I recently spent an eye-opening day at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. The experience was packed with informative sessions, helpful people, and invaluable insights into the rapidly growing medical field. For anyone wondering how to find the right fit, visiting a campus in person is the only way to truly catch the “pulse” of a community.
From the moment the day kicked off, the atmosphere was incredibly welcoming. The faculty, presenters, and student tour guides were friendly, approachable, and eager to answer in-depth questions about academic tracks and career preparation. A major takeaway from the day was Duquesne’s absolute commitment to student success. The administration and faculty repeatedly emphasized that if you are unsure of your exact path, they are ready to step in with robust support systems to help you discover your strengths and navigate your academic journey.
The absolute highlight of my day was the comprehensive health science overview. Faculty members and presenters broke down detailed information on exactly what it takes to secure a degree in these competitive fields. Duquesne’s campus perfectly blends an urban environment with top-tier, modern facilities. I was amazed to tour the plans and layout for their brand-new, $68 million John G. Rangos Sr. School of Health Sciences Building. Slated to serve as a cutting-edge centerpiece on Forbes Avenue, this 80,000-square-foot facility is designed to mirror real-world medical environments with simulated clinics and labs, preparing students for the abundance of job opportunities waiting in healthcare.
What made the day truly unique was the unprecedented level of access to the university’s leadership and community. The tone was set right at the start when we got to hear Duquesne’s incoming 14th President, Dr. David Dausey, speak during the kickoff event. An internationally recognized epidemiologist taking office on July 1, 2026, Dr. Dausey emphasized how accessible the administration is, letting everyone know that he is genuinely available to chat one-on-one with students on campus.
Connecting with current students also gave me the most honest look into daily life. I spent time talking one-on-one with a student in the highly selective Physician Assistant Studies program. They shared excellent insights into handling the rigorous coursework while maintaining a great social life on campus.
One of the most valuable, unexpected parts of the day happened during lunch. Getting a chance to sit down and share a meal with other visiting families created a whole separate learning experience. Talking one-on-one with families who are in the exact same boat was incredibly grounding. We compared notes on our college search journeys so far, swapped information about standard dorm sizes, and shared advice on navigating campus tours. Hearing what other families were experiencing gave me a wealth of good information and made the whole college process feel much more collaborative.
Beyond the classroom, I learned that student life on the Bluff is vibrant and full of options. Duquesne boasts clubs in abundance — ranging from serious academic associations to unique interests like bird watching. During the opening presentation at the UPMC Cooper Field House, I also got a taste of Duquesne’s rich athletic history. The facility is named after Chuck Cooper, a trailblazing Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, Pittsburgh native, and Duquesne alumnus. He made history as the very first African American player drafted into the NBA when he was selected by the Boston Celtics.
Later, a student orientation panel shared their firsthand experiences about life in the dorms, securing local internships, and taking advantage of Duquesne’s study abroad campuses in Rome and Dublin.
My summer visit made it clear that Duquesne doesn’t just offer an education; they offer a tight-knit community dedicated to helping you thrive. Duquesne is definitely at the top of my list, and I am excited to kick off my senior year ready to tackle the college process! Throughout this upcoming college journey, I will be documenting my experiences firsthand to provide valuable Next Gen information that helps future students succeed.
About the Author
Rainier Sky Beckham is a rising senior at Shady Side Academy and a frequent contributor to PittsburghUrbanMedia.com since the 9th grade. She is the founder of Rainier Reads, a community literacy initiative combating the summer slide by delivering books to low-income children. Professionally focused on the medical fields, Rainier was selected for the highly competitive Pitt Gene Team and is a graduate of the Restorative Leadership Institute. On campus she is a varsity track athlete and captain of the cheerleading team.
Source: Pittsburgh Urban Media · Next Gen · pittsburghurbanmedia.com/rainier-reads
Rainier Sky Beckham with The DUKE.
A historic local landmark has a new mission. The former St. Colman Catholic School has officially reopened as the Calvin Anderson Schoolhouse Apartments, an $11 million affordable housing community dedicated to helping young adults aging out of the foster care system transition into independent adulthood.
The major redevelopment project was made possible through a partnership between Allegheny County and the newly launched Lanihun-Anderson Foundation, founded by Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Calvin Anderson and his wife, Sheree.
Located at 547 Hunter Street, the historic school building has been completely transformed into 24 modern, two-bedroom townhome-style apartments. The community utilizes the specialized “Scholar House” model, which connects stable housing directly with personal and professional advancement.
To qualify for the heavily subsidized units, residents must be actively pursuing post-secondary education, vocational training, or career development. Most units are reserved for households earning at or below 80% of the area’s median income.
Beyond a place to live, the program provides on-site case management and structural support. This framework allows young parents and foster alumni to focus on their studies, build financial literacy, and actively save money for major milestones like buying a car or entering homeownership.
The grand opening of the apartments coincides with the official launch of the Lanihun-Anderson Foundation. Driven by a personal mission to bridge the financial disparity gap, Calvin and Sheree Anderson created the organization to provide underserved communities with the knowledge, resources, and opportunities needed to achieve true economic security.
“By combining deeply affordable housing with career mentorship, the initiative ensures that young adults leaving foster care have a secure platform to break systemic cycles of poverty.”
For the Andersons, the Schoolhouse Apartments represent the physical manifestation of their foundation’s core pillars: economic empowerment, community resources, and long-term financial stability.
Source: Pittsburgh Urban Media · Community · pittsburghurbanmedia.com/community-engagement
The Calvin Anderson Schoolhouse Apartments at 547 Hunter Street, Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh has officially unveiled a Pennsylvania Historical Marker honoring John B. Vashon — abolitionist, civil rights pioneer, and one of the most consequential Black leaders in 19th-century Pittsburgh. The marker stands as a permanent public tribute to a man whose life and work helped define the fight for freedom in America.
John B. Vashon was born in 1792 and became one of Pittsburgh’s most prominent Black citizens during the antebellum era. A successful businessman, he operated a bathhouse and barbershop on Liberty Avenue that served as gathering places for Pittsburgh’s free Black community and its white abolitionist allies alike.
Vashon was a founding member of the Pittsburgh Anti-Slavery Society and a key organizer in the Underground Railroad network that helped freedom seekers make their way north. His home and business were known safe stops along the route. He worked alongside Frederick Douglass, William Lloyd Garrison, and other leading abolitionists of the era, and his son George Boyer Vashon became the first Black graduate of Allegheny College and one of the first Black lawyers admitted to the New York bar.
“John B. Vashon risked everything to stand on the right side of history. This marker ensures Pittsburgh never forgets that.”
The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission marker was unveiled in a ceremony attended by city officials, historians, descendants of the Vashon family, and community members. The marker is located near the site of Vashon’s original Liberty Avenue business — a location that once hummed with the quiet, dangerous work of freedom.
Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey, who has championed the recognition of the city’s Black history, spoke at the ceremony about the importance of placing these markers in public spaces where residents and visitors encounter them daily. “History markers are not just about the past,” he said. “They are about who we say we are today.”
Vashon’s name is already embedded in Pittsburgh’s educational landscape — Vashon School in the Hill District bears his name, a testament to the lasting respect his community held for him. The new historical marker extends that recognition into the public streetscape, ensuring his story reaches beyond school walls.
For Pittsburgh’s Black community, the marker represents more than historical acknowledgment. It is a reclamation — a public declaration that the people who built this city’s freedom infrastructure deserve to be seen, named, and remembered on the streets they helped make safer for generations to come.
Source: Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission · Pittsburgh City Council · phmc.pa.gov
Pennsylvania Historical Marker — John B. Vashon, Pittsburgh abolitionist & Underground Railroad conductor
Pittsburgh Urban Media is expanding its statewide coverage through PUM Eastern and Central Pennsylvania — amplifying Black voices and stories from every corner of the Commonwealth.
A bold new chapter in Philadelphia’s history is unfolding along Woodland Avenue, where colorful international flags flutter overhead, storefronts celebrate African heritage, and the aromas of jollof rice, jerk chicken, suya, and freshly baked Caribbean pastries fill the air.
What was once an overlooked commercial corridor in Southwest Philadelphia is now officially recognized as Africatown — a vibrant cultural district celebrating the traditions, businesses, and contributions of the African diaspora. More than a new name, Africatown represents decades of community organizing, immigrant entrepreneurship, and neighborhood investment that is transforming the area into one of Pennsylvania’s most dynamic centers of Black culture.
The designation of Africatown did not happen overnight. For years, community leaders, business owners, and neighborhood advocates envisioned creating a district that would celebrate the area’s growing African immigrant population while recognizing the long-standing African American community that has called Southwest Philadelphia home.
That vision was championed by the African Cultural Alliance of North America (ACANA), whose leadership worked alongside residents, entrepreneurs, artists, and city officials to build support for the initiative. The effort reached a historic milestone with the official unveiling of gateway signs at the intersection of 60th Street and Woodland Avenue. New decorative banners and streetscape improvements now clearly identify the neighborhood as a destination celebrating the cultures, traditions, and economic contributions of people with roots across Africa and the Caribbean.
City leaders have backed the Africatown initiative with a multi-million-dollar investment designed to strengthen the neighborhood for years to come. Plans include enhanced streetscapes, public art installations, business development programs, cultural programming, neighborhood beautification, youth initiatives, and expanded opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
“Africatown is more than a collection of storefronts — it is a declaration that Black culture, entrepreneurship, and global heritage deserve to be seen, celebrated, and invested in.”
Along Woodland Avenue, family-owned restaurants, grocery stores, clothing boutiques, beauty supply shops, hair braiding salons, bakeries, bookstores, and specialty retailers represent countries throughout West Africa, East Africa, the Caribbean, and the African American South. Visitors can enjoy authentic dishes from nations including Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Ethiopia, Jamaica, Haiti, and beyond.
Africatown’s success carries lessons well beyond Philadelphia. For communities like Pittsburgh, where conversations continue around neighborhood revitalization and Black economic development, Africatown offers an inspiring example of what is possible when culture is viewed as an asset rather than an afterthought. Africatown reminds us that Black history is still being written — not only through monuments to the past, but through thriving businesses, vibrant cultural traditions, and communities that continue to redefine what prosperity looks like for future generations.
Source: Pittsburgh Urban Media · PUM Eastern Pennsylvania · pittsburghurbanmedia.com/pa-forward
Tucked away in Harrisburg lies one of Pennsylvania’s most significant African American historic sites — a cemetery that tells the story of courage, resilience, military service, and community leadership dating back more than 150 years. Today, volunteers, historians, descendants, and preservation advocates are working to ensure those stories are never forgotten.
Lincoln Cemetery, established in the late 19th century, serves as the final resting place for generations of African American families who helped shape the Harrisburg region during Reconstruction, the Jim Crow era, and beyond. Among those buried there are veterans of the American Civil War, educators, ministers, business owners, civic leaders, and community members whose contributions were often overlooked in traditional history books.
Lincoln Cemetery represents far more than a burial ground. It is a living archive of African American life in Central Pennsylvania. Each headstone tells a story — of formerly enslaved individuals who built new lives in freedom, of Black soldiers who defended the nation despite discrimination, of ministers who established churches, and of teachers who educated generations of children when opportunities were limited.
One of the cemetery’s most notable features is the number of veterans laid to rest there. Many served during the Civil War, while others fought in later conflicts despite facing segregation and unequal treatment at home. Their graves stand as reminders that African Americans have defended the nation throughout its history, often while continuing to fight for full citizenship and equal rights. Preservation efforts now include identifying veteran graves, replacing damaged markers where possible, and ensuring these service members receive the recognition they earned.
“Each restored marker represents another life remembered rather than forgotten.”
Much of the restoration work depends on volunteers. Cleanup days typically involve removing invasive brush, trimming trees, clearing pathways, photographing gravestones, and recording inscriptions for future generations. Local historians also use modern mapping technology and archival research to create permanent records that can assist descendants and researchers.
As Pennsylvania prepares to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary, sites like Lincoln Cemetery remind residents that African American history is inseparable from the Commonwealth’s story. From Pittsburgh’s Hill District to Harrisburg’s Lincoln Cemetery and Philadelphia’s historic neighborhoods, preserving Black history means preserving Pennsylvania’s history.
Source: Pittsburgh Urban Media · PUM Central Pennsylvania · pittsburghurbanmedia.com/pa-forward
A growing public health crisis is claiming the lives of Allegheny County’s youngest residents — and most of these tragedies are preventable. Since 2020, 95 babies in Allegheny County have died from Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID), with deaths more than doubling from nine in 2020 to 23 in 2024. Behind every number is a grieving family — and a powerful reminder that simple, lifesaving steps can make all the difference.
SUID, the leading cause of death for infants between 1 month and 1 year of age, often involves unsafe sleep environments such as adult beds, couches, or cluttered cribs. In 2024, every case reviewed included at least one unsafe sleep factor — despite most families having access to a safe sleep space and many receiving prior education.
“Every baby deserves to celebrate their first birthday. Through leadership, partnership, compassion, and action, we will work together to make sure more families in Allegheny County reach that milestone.”
Public health officials emphasize a clear and consistent message:
Additional guidance includes keeping the sleep space free of blankets, pillows, and toys, avoiding couches and chairs, and placing babies back in their own sleep space after feeding.
Not all families are impacted equally — and that inequity is unacceptable. Black infants in Allegheny County die from SUID at rates two to three times higher than White infants. Between 2023 and 2025, Black infants were twice as likely to die.
“This is not about blaming parents — it’s about addressing systemic barriers that families face every day. When families lack access to safe housing or basic resources, it directly impacts infant safety.”
In 2024, all 23 families affected had already received safe sleep education from a medical professional — underscoring a critical gap between knowledge and practice. Factors such as exhaustion, stress, behavioral health challenges, and substance use can influence sleep decisions.
“Cribs for Kids was built on the belief that every family deserves not only the education but the tools they need to successfully follow safe sleeping practices to prevent suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.”
The Allegheny County Health Department is convening state leaders, national experts, healthcare systems, and community partners. Key priorities include:
Families are encouraged to visit AlleghenyCounty.us/SafeSleep for guidance, resources, and support.
“Every infant death is a tragedy — and in far too many cases, it is preventable. We know what works. Babies should sleep Alone, on their Back, in a Crib.”
Source: Pittsburgh Urban Media · Public Health · Allegheny County Health Department
Safe sleep practices can prevent the majority of SUID deaths in Allegheny County
In the shadow of Independence Hall, where the promise of American liberty was first penned, a resilient coalition of Philadelphia citizens is proving that a community’s memory cannot be erased by a court order. Following a federal appeals court ruling that allows the removal of the powerful “From Enslavement to Emancipation” exhibit at the President’s House, local residents, activists, and leaders are uniting to ensure the history of the nine enslaved people who lived there is never forgotten.
This is a story of a city standing shoulder-to-shoulder, turning a painful legal setback into a powerful movement of collective preservation.
The Third Circuit Court’s decision may have given the federal government permission to replace the historic panels, but it has had the opposite effect on the streets of Philadelphia. Instead of fracturing, the community has galvanized into a singular, determined front.
“They can take down the metal, but they cannot take the truth out of our hearts or our history books.”
The response across the city has been immediate, multi-layered, and deeply collaborative:
What began as a legal battle over museum panels has transformed into a profound display of civic unity. Philadelphia’s response proves that true history does not live on metal plaques — it lives in the people who refuse to let it be forgotten. As the city navigates the aftermath of the ruling, its citizens stand more united than ever, demonstrating that they are truly stronger together in the fight for historical truth.
Source: Pittsburgh Urban Media · PUM Eastern PA / Philadelphia
Philadelphia citizens rally to preserve the “From Enslavement to Emancipation” exhibit at the President’s House
