We know that it is very important for the world to know about our heritage.

EVERY WEEK we will honor and represent our African American heroes. 


The Week of October 2nd, 2005
IN BLACK HISTORY
"Pittsburgh Native and Playwright
AUGUST WILSON"

Pittsburgh’s playwright...

August Wilson’s legacy lives on

by Sonya M. Toler
For New Pittsburgh Courier

Just as painter Romare Bearden and photographer Charles “Teenie” Harris have been memorialized for their ability to capture Black life on their canvas of choice, playwright August Wilson used the stage to paint a mosaic of Black life for the world to view.

Just as he immortalized Pittsburgh in the theatrical realm, he himself is immortal through his prose—his contribution to the world.

The prolific dramatist died Oct. 2 of liver cancer after being diagnosed in June. He was 60.

Wilson was born Frederick August Kittel in 1945, named after his father, a German immigrant. His mother, Daisy Wilson, raised her six children in Pittsburgh’s Hill District.

“We were poor but fortunate to have food, a home, and a place to play,” recounted his sister, Freda Ellis. “In our childhood games that we played, he always wanted to win. I can’t say he was a sore loser, but he always thought he should have his way. He played rough and hard; with a lot of passion.”

Wilson and his siblings would play cowboys and Indians on Cliff Street, roller skate, and spend endless hours reading.....read more from The New Pittsburgh Courier

REST IN PEACE


Pitt faculty react to the death of August Wilson

Photo courtesy of EILEEN MORRIS
August Wilson (right), seen here with Rob Penny, Eileen J. Morris, and Javon Johnson (left to right) died Sunday....read more from "The Pitt News"


FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS

Funeral services for Pittsburgh-born playwright August Wilson, who died Sunday of liver cancer, will be Saturday at noon at Soldiers & Sailors National Museum & Memorial, Fifth Avenue, Oakland. Dwight Andrews is scheduled to officiate. Viewing will be Friday from 11am-6 p.m., @ White Memorial Chapel, 7204 Thomas Blvd., Point Breeze.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to:
Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave., Seattle, WA 98122
The Playwrights' Center, 2301 Franklin Ave. East, Minneapolis, MN 55406-1099

Congo Square Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave., Suite 210, Chicago, IL 60657
Cave Canem, 584 Broadway, Suite 508, New York, NY 10012


HILL DISTRICT TRIBUTE TO AUGUST - CLICK HERE

Sala Udin
COUNCILMAN - DISTRICT 6, CITY OF PITTSBURGH
CHAIRMAN, PLANNING, ZONING AND LAND USE
URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

October 6, 2005

TO VIEW OFFICIAL REQUEST CLICK HERE

 


I write about the unique particulars of black culture . . . I wanted toplace this culture onstage in all its richness and fullness and to demonstrate its ability to sustain us . . . through profound moments in our history in which the larger society has thought less of us than we have thought of ourselves."

August Wilson


PROUD TO BE BLACK

This flag is credited to Marcus Garvey, a leading exponent of Afro-American rights. It represents wider African heritage, and is inspired by the heraldry of ancient African empires as well as the blood of Africans, the people themselves, and the lush verdure of the African continent.

 


REST IN PEACE: (R.I.P.)

Andrea Lee Oliver Woodson aka "Andy" aka "Mother"

Lucy Curry , Dot Talley, Bertrand "Goocher" Frye, Irma Woodson,

Russell Woodson, Nora Moorehead-Dixon, James Dixon, Anthony "Torry" Dorsey,

Ross "Booper" Thomas, Termain "Butter" Woodson, Dorothy Jean Lee Ransom,

John Martin Moorehead, Jr., Donna Ann Davis

 

 

 

Copyright 2005 Brotha Ash Productions. All Rights Reserved