Pittsburghers can celebrate Juneteenth, a day many Black Americans view
as their Independence Day, at “Art as Liberation: Celebrating Black Art in Pittsburgh.” The
event, which is a collaboration between 1Hood Media, the Pittsburgh Pirates, and Duquesne
Light Company, will take place June 19, 2023 at 7 p.m. when the Pirates play the Chicago
Cubs. During the game, fans can enjoy interactive art displays from 12 Black visual artists and
giveaways.
“We’re excited to bring back Art as Liberation for a third year,” said Jasiri X, 1Hood Media Cofounder. “This event is a great opportunity for artists to gain exposure and celebrate African American culture, history, and achievements.”
Until recently, only a handful of states, including Texas, observed June 19 as a historical date
as significant as Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the Fourth of July. In 2021, President Joe Biden
signed legislation that made Juneteenth a federal holiday.
“Juneteenth celebrates an important legacy, and the artists we have selected exemplify the
principles of liberation,” said Jasiri X.
“The Pirates are proud to partner with 1Hood Media to recognize and celebrate Juneteenth in a way that is truly unique to our city – bringing together sports and art – as part of our overall Juneteenth Game programing,” said Travis Williams, President, Pittsburgh Pirates. “Highlighting these 12 local artists gives us the opportunity to use our platform to showcase diverse local talent and engage our fanbase in the rich culture of Pittsburgh.”
The most important part of this day is the historical piece and what it signified for formerly
enslaved African American people to be free in this country. Part of preserving the story as a
culture is passing down historical facts, word-of-mouth stories, generational memories and art.
Pittsburghers are invited to observe Freedom Day by attending cultural events, visiting historical sites, or touring museums. You can also try checking the African American literature or the nonfiction section of your local library for books and videos to borrow. And you can stream historical documentaries from the comfort of your home.
1Hood Media is a collective of socially conscious artists and activists who utilize art as a means of raising awareness about social justice matters affecting people around the world. The mission of 1Hood Media is to build liberated communities through art, education, and social justice.
A key part of 1Hood Media’s mission is to promote activism through arts and education, and the “Art as Liberation” event is one way the organization works to cultivate its mission. A portion of each game ticket sold through this link will be donated to Catapult Greater Pittsburgh.