Kilolo Luckett is a curatorial consultant at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center. (Photo by Sarah Huny Young/PublicSource)
Editor’s note: Tereneh Idia, a Pittsburgh-based writer and designer, interviewed five Black women in Pittsburgh on their work in art, music and journalism.
by Tereneh Idia, PublicSource
“When and Where I Enter” is the title of the seminal 2007 book by Paula Giddins on the importance of African American women in justice movements in the United States. It is also a personal mediation, a path-making, space-preparing chant I say to myself when I, as a Black woman, embark on the many journeys of the day. “When and where I enter” reminds me of my inherent value as a human being and my special gifts, legacy and inheritance as a Black woman. “When and where I enter” is my version of Dustin Hoffman’s “Hey I am walkin’ here” in the film Midnight Cowboy.
When do I enter? Now!
Where do I enter? Here!
Making a path and space for yourself is a challenge for all of us. In Pittsburgh, it is an even bigger challenge for a Black woman. All too often, when we talk about Pittsburgh, our reference points and icons are usually white. If they are Black, they tend to be male.
The value in their stories — like the journey of Black American women throughout our nation’s history — provides insight into where we can grow and thrive as a city, country and world.
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Pittsburgh’s Black women have global reach. Five creative voices discuss their lives and work.
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