Bishop Charles H. Foggie (1912-2000) was a leader in Pittsburgh’s A.M.E. church and a tireless advocate for equality, holding a number of distinguished roles throughout his life. Among his many achievements, Foggie served as president of the Pittsburgh branch of the NAACP, president/commissioner ofthe Board of the Pittsburgh Housing Authority, chairman of the Department of Cultural and Racial Relations (Pittsburgh Council of Churches) and as an executive board member of NEED (Negro Education Emergency Drive). During his life, Rev. Foggie developed friendships with national civil rights leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, Rosa Parks and U.S. Rep. Adam Clayton Powell Jr. He also served on boards with presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan, labored for racial equality with senators Robert Kennedy and Hubert Humphrey and took part in a Papal Mass with Pope John Paul II in October 1979. On June 13, 1986, the U.S. Congress even paid tribute to his leadership by flying a flag over the U.S. Capitol in his honor.
Jake Milliones, Ph.D. (1940-1993) was a psychologist and professor who made history when he became the Pittsburgh School Board’s first African-American president in 1983. As president, he advocating the hiring of African-American teachers, insisted on strong performance standards for both students and faculty, and sought administrative and staff accountability during a crucial period of desegregation in the schools. In 1989, Dr. Milliones was elected to the Pittsburgh City Council, where he worked to revitalize underserved communities, championing the Crawford Square development in the Hill District and creating the Freedom Corner monument. His commitment to social justice went beyond Pittsburgh – Dr. Milliones was a key member of Pittsburghers Against Apartheid and crusaded against United States investments in South Africa until apartheid was ended. In return for his tireless dedication to human rights, Dr. Milliones had the honor of welcoming Nelson Mandela during a rare visit to the Pittsburgh region.
2009: Frank E. Bolden and Charles “Teenie” Harris
Frank E. Bolden (1912-2003) grew up in nearby Washington, Pennsylvania and went on to attend the University of Pittsburgh. Upon graduation, he joined the staff of The Pittsburgh Courier where he would work for the next 27 years. During that time, Mr. Bolden became one of the first two African-American accredited World War II correspondents, and was assigned to cover the activation of the 93rd and 92nd Infantry Divisions at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. In 1962, Mr. Bolden left Pittsburgh to take a position with the New York Times before joining the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) as a news reporter. He later returned to Pittsburgh and was hired by the Pittsburgh Board of Education as the associate director of Information Services and Community Relations, working to promote the system’s desegregation plan. Following his retirement from the Pittsburgh Public Schools in 1978, he became the senior archivist for the Honorable K. Leroy Irvis, Speaker of the House, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Mr. Bolden received numerous awards throughout his career for his work in journalism.
Charles “Teenie” Harris (1908-1998) grew up in the Hill District, developing a strong interest in photography as a young man. After buying his first professional camera, Mr. Harris accepted a freelance position as a photographer for the Washington, DC-based Flash! magazine in 1929 and then in 1938, he opened his own photography studio on Centre Avenue in the Hill District. In 1936, Mr. Harris began freelancing for The Pittsburgh Courier, later accepting a full-time position as staff photographer in 1941. During his career, Mr. Harris took more than 80,000 photos, capturing the city of Pittsburgh as well as a number of celebrities and dignitaries, including President John F. Kennedy, Joe Louis, Roberto Clemente, Duke Ellington and Lena Horne. Today his negatives are stored in the Teenie Harris Archives of Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Museum of Art.
2008: Mamie H. Lee and Richard F. Jones, Esq.
Following the 1971 Attica Prison riot that left 39 inmates dead, Mamie H. Lee (1938-1984) began a prison reform movement in Pittsburgh called Vibrations. Supporters lobbied for fair and ethical treatment of inmates in Western Penitentiary and prisons throughout the state. As a result of her work, WYEP-FM launched a radio program called Vibrations II, which discussed the problems in the American criminal justice system and how these problems adversely affected African-Americans and other disadvantaged members of society. Ms. Lee was later asked to serve as president of the WYEP Board of Directors. Soon thereafter, Ms. Lee began a new career with Meals on Wheels, helping homebound individuals receive nutritious meals. She was quickly promoted to director and in 1982 became the first African-American to be appointed president of the national Meals on Wheels program.
Richard F. Jones, Esq. (1899-1983) used his gifts as a trial lawyer to obtain recognition of the civil rights of all citizens. Mr. Jones was a prominent Pittsburgh attorney, graduating at the top of his law school class and becoming the first African-American to be inducted into the Order of the Coif, a national honorary legal fraternity. Mr. Jones also served on the boards of numerous organizations, including the Pittsburgh Housing Authority, YMCA of Pittsburgh, Irene Kaufmann Settlement House, Pittsburgh Board of Education and the Pittsburgh branch of the NAACP. While serving as president of the Pittsburgh branch of the NAACP, Mr. Jones was actively engaged in the successful suit to open Highland Park’s swimming pool to all citizens. Mr. Jones was instrumental in other milestone events for Pittsburgh’s African-American community, including the hiring of African-American teachers in Pittsburgh Public Schools and the hiring of African-American workers in defense industries and government following World War II. He and a long-time friend, Homer S. Brown, established the law firm of Brown and Jones and continued their practice for more than 26 years.
2007: Robert E. "Pappy" Williams
At a young age, Robert E. Williams (1907-1964) earned the nickname "Pappy" because of his maturity and caring spirit. That wisdom and compassion led him into a pioneering and dynamic political career in Pittsburgh that lasted more than three decades. In 1931, Mr. Williams was appointed to his first political position as deputy constable of Pittsburgh’s 5th Ward. He held this position for three years before his appointment to constable in 1934. He would later open his own private detective agency. Years of hard work and dedication earned Mr. Williams many notable distinctions. He became the first African-American detective in Pittsburgh (1945), the first African-American appointed as a magistrate in Pittsburgh (1946) and the first African-American in the state to be elected as a democratic ward chairman (1947). During his tenure on the executive committee for the Allegheny County Democratic Party, Mr. Williams played an important role in several local, state and presidential elections and helped other African-Americans in Pittsburgh attain political office. Additionally, he was credited with helping to appoint the first African-American police lieutenant, patrol car officer and fire captain. Robert "Pappy" Williams lived by one philosophy: "You are your brother’s keeper." It was this philosophy that made him a loving husband to his wife, Alberta, a caring father to his two children and a dedicated political leader.
2006: Everett Emory Utterback, Esq. and Dr. Eugene Lloyd Youngue, Jr.
Everett Emory Utterback, Esq. (1906-1992) overcame humble beginnings to achieve a successful law career and many firsts at the University of Pittsburgh. Mr. Utterback came to Pittsburgh on an athletic scholarship for track and field. After graduating from Pitt, Mr. Utterback worked fulltime while taking evening classes at Duquesne University’s School of Law. After obtaining his law degree, he practiced within the county and state court system and years later became a senior partner in the law firm of Utterback, Brown and Harper. Mr. Utterback’s athletic and academic career was as distinguished as his professional career. At Pitt he became the first African-American to captain a varsity team and receive the university’s Lettermen of Distinction honor in 1964. Mr. Utterback was also the first African-American to sit on the university’s Board of Trustees, and was involved in many professional organizations in the Pittsburgh area. Mr. Utterback will always be remembered within Western Pennsylvania’s African-American community as a distinguished lawyer and an inspirational leader who helped others overcome life’s hurdles.
Dr. Eugene Lloyd Youngue, Jr. (1914-2002) became an active and well-respected member of the medical community while breaking down racial barriers in the healthcare industry. Dr. Youngue attended Lincoln University in Pennsylvania for his undergraduate studies, followed by Howard University Medical School for post-graduate work in psychiatry. Following a two-year tour of duty in Italy with the United States Army, he took advantage an opportunity to further study psychiatry at Washington University’s Homer G. Phillips Hospital in St. Louis. Several years later, Dr. Youngue studied under world-renowned psychiatrist Dr. Karl Menninger at the Menninger Psychiatric Institute and with respected neurologist Dr. Francis Forrester at Georgetown University. In 1950, Dr. Youngue came to Pittsburgh to work at the Veterans Hospital in Oakland. Despite his impressive experience, Dr. Youngue faced racial discrimination and worked tirelessly to bring ethnic and racial equality to the healthcare industry. He devoted much of his life to serving and educating others, and emphasized the importance of mentoring future African-American healthcare professionals. Dr. Youngue also authored more than 50 award-winning educational articles based on personal medical experiences and belonged to many professional organizations in and around the region. At the end of his life, Dr. Youngue’s efforts came full circle; the nurse who cared for him before he passed away was someone the doctor had mentored for years.
2005: Florence Reizenstein and Reverend Elmer Louis Williams
Florence Reizenstein (1901-1970), a longtime advocate for social justice and educational reform, was instrumental in the establishment of several organizations that advanced human rights. Mrs. Reizenstein was a founding member and commissioner of the Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations, as well founder and vice-president of the Negro Educational Emergency Drive (NEED) and the first president of the United Jewish Foundation’s Women’s Division. She was also a member of the NAACP, the Urban League, the National Conference of Christians and Jews, and the United Nations Association of Pittsburgh, among several other affiliations and accomplishments. Pittsburgh Public Schools’ Reizenstein Middle School in East Liberty/Shadyside (now Schenley High School) was named after her.
Reverend Elmer Louis Williams (1931-1990) became one of Pittsburgh’s most respected religious leaders, combining ministry with social activism to address the needs of the African-American community. Under his leadership, the Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church purchased the Dr. J.C. Hairston Center and 28 homes near the church to provide low-cost rentals to residents – an area now known as Elmer L. Williams Square. Rev. Williams helped shape desegregation plans as a member of the Pittsburgh School Board and was an instructor at several local universities. He also served on the University of Pittsburgh’s Board of Trustees and as executive director of Pittsburgh Opportunities Industrialization Centers, Inc., and held leadership positions in many local and statewide religious organizations.
2004: Billy Eckstine and George W. Gaines, Sr.
William Clarence "Billy" Eckstine (1914-1993) was founder of The Billy Eckstine Orchestra, one of the first big bands to play the bebop style of jazz. Mr. Eckstine’s band introduced a number of legendary jazz artists to the world, including Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Wardell Gray and Sarah Vaughn. In 1945, he sold more than two million records with “Cottage for Sale” and his rendition of “Prisoner of Love.” His successful ballads include “Everything I Have is Yours,” “ Blue Moon,” “Caravan,” “My Foolish Heart,” “I Apologize” and his last hit, “Something More.”
George W. Gaines, Sr. (died 1953) always dreamed of being a business owner. His interest in mortuary science led him to begin working for Jeannie Morris, owner of the Morris Mortuary in Philadelphia, who inspired him to follow his dreams. Mr. Gaines graduated from Mortuary Science School with high honors at age 15, and in 1919 opened what was to become the largest funeral home in the Pittsburgh area. He introduced the concept of a lead car and flower car in a funeral procession, individual family parlors and on-site casket selection.
2003: Dr. Selma Hortense Burke and Charles Henry Kindle
Dr. Selma Hortense Burke (1900-1995) was one of the 20th century’s finest African-American artists. In 1943, Dr. Burke was asked to create a portrait-sculpture of President Franklin D. Roosevelt that is now on display at the Recorder of Deeds Building in Washington, DC. That work is credited as the inspiration used in designing the Roosevelt dime. Her other notable pieces include “Falling Angel,” and a bronze statue of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In 1940, she founded the Selma Burke School of Sculpture in New York City, and later created the Selma Burke Art Center in Pittsburgh, which would eventually become the Kingsley Center.
Charles Henry Kindle (1927-1993) was a passionate fighter for equality and justice around the world. Mr. Kindle is believed to have chaired the first African Affairs Committee of any NAACP branch in the country. He actively lobbied to free Nelson Mandela, and was a champion for the betterment of African-American workers. Mr. Kindle served as president of the Penn Hills branch of the NAACP, and was instrumental in the construction of a baseball field there, which was dedicated and named in his honor in 1996.
2002: Dr. Alma Johnson Illery and Dr. James A. Stewart
Dr. Alma Johnson Illery (1900-1972) was a national civil rights pioneer. She founded Camp Achievement in Fayette County as a retreat for inner-city children. Dr. Illery also single-handedly urged Congress to establish January 5 as George Washington Carver Day. A small community hospital in Homewood was renamed the Alma Illery Medical Center in her honor.
Dr. James A. Stewart (1921-1994) was a pioneer in the field of medicine. While on staff at Mercy Hospital in 1974, he received the Fred C. Kluth Award for Outstanding Achievement in Public Health. Dr. Stewart originated the idea of a public health facility, and became medical director of the Homewood-Brushton Neighborhood Health Center. He later formed Primary Health Care Services (PHCS).
2001: Dr. Oswald Jerry Nickens and Hazel Garland
Dr. Oswald Jerry Nickens (1921-1995) was the first African-American physician to join the staff at both Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC and West Penn Hospital. Dr. Nickens was also a founding member of the New World National Bank, the first local bank owned by African-Americans, and the Central Medical Pavilion.
Hazel Garland (1913-1988) became the first American woman to serve as editor of a nationally-circulated newspaper chain when she was named to the post at the Pittsburgh Courier in 1972. She was named Editor of the Year by the National Newspaper Publishers Association in 1974 and received a National Headliner Award in 1975 from Women in Communications.
2000: Louis Mason, Jr. and Frankie Pace
Louis Mason, Jr. (1915-1984) served as director of the Industrial Relations Department of the Urban League of Pittsburgh, executive director of the Mayor's Commission on Human Relations, deputy director of the Fair Employment Practices Commission and as president of Pittsburgh City Council.
Frankie Pace (1905-1989) was a tireless civic worker who in 1942 helped form a neighborhood group that later became the Citizens Committee for Hill District Renewal. She also served on the board of directors of the Urban League of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh branch of the NAACP.
1999: Oliver Wendell Mason
Oliver Wendell Mason was one of the first African-Americans hired by the Pittsburgh Police Department in 1944, eventually serving as a detective. During his career of more than 20 years, Mr. Mason played an important role in reducing juvenile delinquency and gang violence in the region.
1998: Oliver Livingstone Johnson
Oliver Livingstone Johnson (1891-1971) became the first African-American prosecuting attorney in the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office in 1942 and later practiced before the United States Supreme Court.
1997: Daisy E. Lampkin
Daisy E. Lampkin (1883-1965) fought for civil rights on the national scene as vice president of the Pittsburgh Courier, field secretary of the NAACP and chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs, Inc. Locally, she served on the Board of Directors of the Urban League of Pittsburgh.
1996: Robert L. Vann and John Brewer, Sr.
Robert L. Vann (1887-1940) founded the Pittsburgh Courier in 1910 and was national director of Negro Publicity for the presidential campaigns of Warren G. Harding, Calvin Coolidge and Herbert Hoover.
John Brewer, Sr. (1917-1987) became the first African-American principal in the City of Pittsburgh School District in 1954 and was twice honored as an Outstanding Educator of Pittsburgh.
1995: Mary Cardwell Dawson
Mary Cardwell Dawson (1894-1962) founded the National Negro Opera Company in 1941 to help African-American singers and musicians achieve their professional goals. She also developed the Cardwell School of Music in Homewood in 1926, which produced award-winning choirs that performed at World's Fairs in Chicago and New York.
1994: Roberto Clemente and Josh Gibson
Hall of Fame baseball player Roberto Clemente (1934-1972) starred with the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1954 to 1972, winning numerous honors during his career, including National League MVP in 1966 and 12 Gold Gloves awards. He was tragically killed in a plane crash en route to Nicaragua to deliver aid to earthquake victims, and is the namesake of Major League Baseball’s Roberto Clemente Award, which is presented to players who give back to their communities.
Josh Gibson (1911-1947) was a Negro League baseball player with the Homestead Grays and Pittsburgh Crawfords. An inspiration to many African-American athletes, Mr. Gibson was often referred to as the “black Babe Ruth” and was induced into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972.
1993: Mary Elizabeth Goode Dudley
Mary Elizabeth Goode Dudley (1912-1964), better known by her radio name, Mary Dee, became the first African-American woman radio announcer in Western Pennsylvania in 1948. In 1958, the Homestead native became the first African-American woman to become a member of American Women in Radio and Television.
1992: Margaret L. Dobbins Milliones
Margaret L. Dobbins Milliones (1939-1978) was the first African-American woman elected to the City of Pittsburgh School Board. Ms. Milliones worked with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during her lifetime and also served as chairperson for the Black Women's Forum, which organized local women to address community issues.
1991: James McCoy, Jr.
James McCoy, Jr. (1919-1978) was a tireless worker for human rights. Mr. McCoy was founder of the United Negro Protest Committee, an important contingent in the local civil rights movement, and Freedom House Enterprises, a non-profit organization designed to establish minority-owned businesses in the Pittsburgh area.
1990: Matthew Moore, Sr.
Matthew Moore, Sr. (1922-1985) dedicated his life to achieving racial equality for minorities, serving as the first vice president of the Pittsburgh branch of the NAACP and a board member of the Pennsylvania branch of the NAACP, among other positions.
1989: Wilhelmina Byrd Brown
Wilhelmina Byrd Brown was the first recipient of the Spirit of King Award. Ms. Brown dedicated 50 years of her life to public service, participating in dozens of community boards and organizations, most notably the YWCA, the Community Chest (forerunner of the United Way) and the United Service Organization.