Speak Out: Does African-American Heritage Day Parade generate cultural pride?

The African-American Heritage Parade was held Oct. 3, so we asked Pittsburghers their view of it. Here’s what you said:

“The parade has great potential. It seems that the representation of our culture is growing more and more each year with participation from multiple African and African-American segments of our community. Sometimes the mere presence can mean so much.”

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LaKeisha Wolf
Wilkinsburg
EnjoyourSelf, owner

“Yes, it does generate cultural pride as well as diversity among the generations. We all come together regardless of age and what part of the city we live in. We celebrate everywhere.”
Chrisala Brown
Highland Park
Pittsburgh Black Theater Dance Ensemble

“Yes, it generates pride. We get a chance to see the other African-American businesses and organizations that you might not read or hear about. It brings us all together.”

HowieAlexander

Howie Alexander
Blackridge
Musician/teacher

“Yes, it does (generate cultural pride). It’s the same African heritage. There was music and people from many places.”
Ester Zai
Burundi
Student

“Yes, it does because it allows for people to witness ‘Black life.’ It allows them to come out and feel a part of the city. Most of the time when we see ourselves it’s on the news in a poor light. This allows us to see a positive light.”
Kevin Hamlett
Wilkinsburg
Health care

“I think it definitely generates cultural pride because you can’t depend on the schools to teach us our heritage. There were many people and many flags in the parade. It allowed us to come together and express ourselves.”
Muhammad Nasir
Homewood
AAMI student

(Compiled by Erin Perry. Photos by Erin Perry.)

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