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TALI’s Emerging Leaders Program 2024 Cohort See Page A6
Pittsburgh Courier NEW
www.newpittsburghcourier.com Vol. 115 No. 19 Two Sections
MAY 8-14, 2024
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The fallout over Juneteenth continues City of Pittsburgh applied to host Juneteenth at the Point, then backed out
DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY INC., REPRESENTIN’ AT JUNETEENTH, DOWNTOWN PITTSBURGH.
PITTSBURGH MAYOR ED GAINEY MADE AN APPEARANCE AT JUNETEENTH 2023 AT POINT STATE PARK. HE’S PICTURED WITH THE COURIER’S JEFF MARION.
by Rob Taylor Jr.
The Courier asked the same question to the DCNR. Its spokesman, Wesley Robinson, told the Courier his records indicated the request by the city to withdraw the Juneteenth application was approved by DCNR on Feb. 29, 2024.
Courier Staff Writer
In October 2023, the City of Pittsburgh submitted an application with the state of Pennsylvania's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to host a Juneteenth celebration at
Point State Park, Downtown. The dates the city requested to reserve were Sunday, June 16, 2024, to Saturday, June 22, 2024, the New Pittsburgh Courier has learned. However, the City of Pittsburgh then withdrew its application to host a Juneteenth celebration at
Point State Park. When exactly did the city withdraw its application? Olga George, press secretary for Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey, told the Courier on Tuesday, May 7, that the city withdrew its application in “January 2024.”
The Courier has also learned exclusively that B. Marshall, the primary promoter of the Stop The Violence Pittsburgh Juneteenth Celebration, which has occurred at Point State Park the last few years, wrote an email on Feb. 22, 2024, to numerous constituents including
Mayor Ed Gainey about B. Marshall's shock that the city had requested to hold its Juneteenth at the Point on and near the same dates as his Juneteenth celebration. "Since 2013 our orgaSEE JUNETEENTH A3
Paying homage to the ‘Shadow Lounge Era’ Today’s generation appreciates Justin Strong, legacy that Shadow Lounge created by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer
Friday night, Feb. 23, 2024, was the date. The Blumcraft Building on Melwood Avenue in Oakland was the location. Inside, there were performances. Art being created. Dancing. Overall, a good time. Just like the old Shadow Lounge. About 150 people came out to pay tribute to the "Shadow Lounge Era," proof that, even 11 years after its closing, no one who experienced the Shadow Lounge in East Liberty from 2000-2013 will ever forget it. The event was sponsored by Pop Channy Productions as part of its Black History Month Black Art Expo Pop Up. "The vibe was very chill, very laid back, very creative, spontaneous," said Chief Ikhana of the old Shadow Lounge, who was a constant at the Shadow Lounge, 5972 Baum Boulevard, taking photos and videos. "Creative dancing, creative DJing, creative
poets. I had my 30th birthday party at the Shadow Lounge. It was an amazing space...when I ride past there, it's always going to be the Shadow Lounge." A simple YouTube check tells you all you need to know about the Shadow Lounge's legacy. In 2009, legendary Hip-Hop artist KRS-One took over the Shadow Lounge with an epic performance that's still talked about 15 years later. The lounge was more than standing-room-only when KRS-One navigated through the crowd to get to the stage. Hip-Hop legend Paradise Gray was right there by his side on the stage, too. It's also the place where Wiz Khalifa showcased his talents as a youngster; same with Mac Miller, whose first album release party was held at the Shadow Lounge. Emmai Alaquiva, the Emmy-Award winning filmmaker, opened Ya Momz House above the Shadow SEE SHADOW LOUNGE A4
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JUSTIN STRONG FOUNDED THE SHADOW LOUNGE IN EAST LIBERTY BACK IN 2000. TODAY’S GENERATION GAVE HIM HIS FLOWERS DURING AN EVENT IN FEBRUARY HONORING THE “SHADOW LOUNGE ERA.”