Voices of History: Stories from Pennsylvanians

Celebrating Pennsylvania’s Black History

Voices of History: Stories from Black Pennsylvanians is a first-of-its-kind statewide effort to collect and celebrate the stories, family histories, struggles, and triumphs of Black Pennsylvanians in the 20th and 21st centuries. Stories are being collected in cities across the state and permanently preserved in a digital archive.

Explore Stories Across the State

Pittsburgh

Voices of History Pittsburgh launched in May 2024 with a special event featuring Pulitzer Prize-winning author Isabel Wilkerson at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center. Powerful stories were recorded in partnership with the August Wilson House, culminating in a community watch event in December 2024 for celebration and discussion. Watch the stories now!

Erie

Building off of the success of Pittsburgh, Erie’s Voices of History Project launched in collaboration with Erie’s Black Wall Street. Story circles were held at the Historical Institute for Culture and the African American Experience fall 2024. Stories are scheduled to be released later in 2025. Check back then!

Scranton

Scranton is our newest Voices of History city, currently in development with our partners at The Black Scranton Project.

“Good Cop” - Eunice Nelson

PA Humanities project tells the stories of Black Pennsylvania

The voices of Black Pennsylvania took center stage Wednesday at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center during an immersive storytelling experience that showcased a project by PA Humanities titled “Voices of History: Stories of Black Pennsylvania.”

August Wilson’s plays inspire the Voices of History project that records stories of Black life and community

A project highlight reel and the first video, “Pennley Court,” featuring bestselling author Damon Young, debuted late last month on the nonprofit’s website and YouTube in honor of Black History Month. The other 13 recordings will be added throughout March, featuring residents of the Hill District, Homewood and East Liberty.

Stories from trailblazing women

Hear from three trailblazing women who took on nontraditional roles and excelled despite resistance. Each video brings their stories to life in their own words, enriched by archival photos.

Stories of community

Hear remembrances and reflections on neighborhoods, and stories of impact and influence in the community. Each video brings the individual stories to life in the storytellers’ own words, enriched by archival photos.

PA Humanities Launches Voices of History Pittsburgh Video Series, Showcasing Local Black History

PA Humanities proudly announces the release of the first video, “Pennley Court,” featuring bestselling author Damon Young, from its Voices of History Pittsburgh project, debuting in honor of Black History Month. This statewide initiative to document and preserve Black history launched in Pittsburgh in 2024. The stories collected showcase a selection of residents who have shaped the city’s past and continue to inspire its future.

Pittsburgh Communities Share Untold Stories

People from Pittsburgh’s Hill District, Homewood and East Liberty neighborhoods who’d gathered for one of PA Humanities’ three Voices of History story circles spoke of vibrant neighborhoods, first jobs, home ownership, entrepreneurship, and breaking racial barriers.

Erie’s Black Heritage

At one time, Kyra Taylor said, Black-owned businesses were plentiful and thriving in Erie. But times changed, and many of those businesses have been bulldozed and paved over, leaving no physical remnants of what once was.

Live Lunch Convos: The Art of Storytelling with Dawn Frisby-Byers

Live Lunch Convos" is a dynamic series created by Erie's Black Wall Street designed to connect people with information, resources, and opportunities that foster personal and professional growth. Each session brings viewers face-to-face with industry experts, thought leaders, and innovators who share their insights and experiences.

PA Humanities is looking for stories in the Pittsburgh neighborhoods of The Hill, Garfield / East Liberty, and Homewood-Brushton / Wilkinsburg!

Share with us about a special memory, personal experience, or a cherished keepsake that captures the spirit of your family’s journey.

It started with Isabel Wilkerson

In 2024, we launched Voices of History at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center in Pittsburgh with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Isabel Wilkerson. In front of a sold-out crowd, Wilkerson reminded us that the true rock stars are in our own families—and we should spend more time getting to know them, rather than celebrities we may never meet, before it is too late. She spoke passionately about the power of storytelling to preserve history, deepen connection, and spark transformation.

Voices of History takes that call to heart—amplifying and preserving the unsung stories of Black families and communities across Pennsylvania through a powerful, community-led process.

Your support brings these stories to life