Pittsburg, PA
Pittsburgh’s Freedom Jubilee rally was a precursor to the March on Washington, expert says
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — In Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood back in 1960, it was customary for crowds to gather and cheer the Pittsburgh Pirates at Forbes Field. But on June 19, 1960, thousands gathered to cheer at the Freedom Jubilee rally.
It was an event that was years in the making. The NAACP had been outlawed in some southern states and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, which stepped in to fill the void, organized this rally that aimed to raise money and awareness about the struggles happening in Dixie.
Dr. Lerone Martin is the Dr. King Centennial Professor at Stanford University, and he is the director of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute. He says there was a good reason that Pittsburgh was chosen to host this rally.
“What we have been able to uncover is that it was Rev. Cornell Talley of Central Baptist Church there in Pittsburgh who really pushed this idea forward and reached out to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to bring him to the city as a way to bring attention to the civil rights cause that was happening in the south and to also help to raise funds to support that,” Martin said.
Eighteen-thousand people showed up to the jubilee, plus many luminaries of Black culture. People like baseball great Jackie Robinson was the master of ceremonies. Actor Harry Belafonte spoke and sang. And legendary gospel music singer Mahalia Jackson lifted her voice over the PA system and performed a version of her hit “I Found the Answer.”
As wonderful as the music and presentations were, however, the Pittsburgh Courier said that some 18,000 pairs of ears listened, 18,000 sets of eyes gazed and some 18,000 hearts quickened as they listened to an impassioned speech from the man of the hour, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“King gave an address that both encouraged people to continue to support the civil rights movement, not just in the south, but also in the north,” said Dr. Martin. “And he said that America was moving forward into a new reckoning of racism and that white supremacy was over and that African American citizens were no longer willing to accept third class citizenship and that moving forward, the only way American democracy could succeed was if segregation died.”
It was a big speech that was met with a standing ovation.
Overall, the event was seen as a huge success that they held a second one the following year. And though it may not be an event that is in the collective consciousness anymore, the Freedom Jubilee has left a lasting legacy.
Dr. Martin thinks that the Freedom Jubilee was a precursor to the March on Washington.
“You had a large gathering of both civil rights workers and celebrities who came together in a peaceful gathering to bring attention to the civil rights movement. And I think in that way, we can see this jubilee in Pittsburgh, one of the largest events to happen in the city at that time, to show that African Americans could come together in peace and nonviolence to push for change, and we see that of course later with the March on Washington, just three years later, that brought over 250,000 people to the nation’s capital.”
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates made a recent move to their rotation, which has resulted in a surprising move from one player.
The Pirates announced that they placed right-handed pitcher Carmen Mlodzinski on the restricted list and recalled right-handed pitcher Cam Sanders from Triple-A Indianapolis ahead of their series finale vs. the Minnesota Twins at PNC Park on May 31.
A player going on the restricted list means that they either left the team without a valid reason, or could be announcing retirement, but may consider returning in the near future to play later on.
It is a shocking decision, as there was no indication something like this was happening and makes a big change to the Pirates pitching staff moving forward.
Why Pirates May Have Placed Mlodzinski on Restricted List
This case with Mlodzinski is likely the former, although not confirmed, as he was in the clubhouse ahead of the game, so something may have happened closer to first pitch.
Pirates manager Don Kelly announced postgame in the 10-9 win on May 30 that Mlodzinski would follow right-handed starting pitcher Braxton Ashcraft in the series finale.
Mlodzinski was a part of the Pirates starting rotation for the first two months of the season, but Jared Jones recently came off the injured list and took his role in the rotation, with the Pirates sending Mlodzinski back to the bullpen.
He said following the decision that he would talk with his agency and those close to him, so he may have decided to depart the team after this.
“Obviously just excited to have Jared back with us,” Mlodzinski said. “I can honestly say I’m just still communicating with the organization and the people in my corner, whether that’s my family or my agency, about what is next. I really don’t have any comments after that.”
How This Changes Pirates Pitching Staff
Mlodzinski has been an effective relief pitcher with the Pirates, with a 2.63 ERA over 140.1 innings pitched and 94 appearances.
The Pirates had plans for Mlodzinski as a bulk reliever, but someone that can also fill any role, including in high-leverage situations and as a middle reliever, something the team has seriously needed.
His departure hurts a Pirates bullpen that has really looked for consistent arms that can get outs, preserve leads and give the team a chance to make a comeback late.
Sanders has struggled in his time in MLB with the Pirates, with a 9.26 ERA over 11 appearances, a .300 batting average allowed and a 2.20 WHIP.
The Pirates can make a few decisions on Mlodzinski, who could technically still comeback, but it looks like they will trade him at this point.
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Amidst over 70 Pride festivals in Pennsylvania, I stand alone as none of my friends want to go. Not the big Pittsburgh Pride, not the small community park festivals.
This feels upside down. I’m a lesbian blogger and have no Pride friends?
I respect personal decisions, but this is a year to show up. Show up even just for an hour. Buy something, throw some coin in a basket. Our community might crumble. Showing up for Pride is not the same ask as door knocking or phone banking. Connect with people without saying a word. Remind yourself who we are. Send a message. Insert more little sayings. You get my point.
I decided to skip tabling this year. My energy is low. If I go to Pride, I want to just be one of the folx.
I wouldn’t actually mind going solo, but I have no vehicle. Gertie is still not running. Should I Uber? How long might I have to wait for a drive home?
Tomorrow, May 31 is Ross Township. I might Uber there.
Saturday, June 6 is New Castle Pride in Lawrence County.
Sunday June 7 is Pittsburgh and Connellsville. I can walk to Pittsburgh.
Saturday June 13 is tough – Indiana, Oil City, Mt. Lebo, Scottdale
Sunday, June 14 is Vandergrift and Freeport
Saturday June 20 is Millvale
Sunday June 28 is Forest Hills, Dormont, and Hazelwood
Monday June 29 is Aspinwall/Fox Chapel
Showing up in Lawrence, Fayette, Indiana, Venango, Westmoreland, Armstrong counties feels important.
What do you think?
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