(Top to bottom) HONOREES attend the State of the Hill District Event--Eugene Williams III and Sala Udin. Marimba Milliones-Hill CDC President & CEO, Alexis Clipper- Emcee, HONOREES--Chloe Velasquez and Brenda Tate (Photos by J.L. Martello)
The Hill Community Development Corporation recently held an impactful event to involve the community while enjoying fun festivities. People of the Hill District attended the event to join in the lively discussions and be in the know!
The State of the Hill District event took place June 21 at the Kaufmann Center. and featured Marimba Milliones, president and CEO, as the keynote speaker.
"This event provided the opportunity for members of the community to learn about recent developments in the Hill District," Milliones said.
The event was sponsored by Investor; Dollar Bank, Partner; UPMC, and Patrons; Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh; KBK Enterprises; McAuley Ministries; McCormack Baron Salazar; POISE Foundation; and TREK Development
Attendees enjoyed a continental breakfast catered by, Thyme Limit Catering, while lunch was provided by Z-Best Barbecue and In God's Hands Catering. A BBQ Cook-Off took place on the plaza, Z-Best Barbecue vs. In God's Hands Catering, where people were able to feast on succulent soul food; sizzling ribs, chicken and side dishes.
There were also lively performances by the Hill Dance Academy Theatre, and musicians Tony Campbell, Poogie Bell, Howie Alexander and Dwayne Dolphin. These performances were the introduction that led into different segments of the event and hot discussions. An interactive panel discussion took place.
Milliones unveiled and discussed the Centre Avenue Redevelopment Plan, saying it's a plan that, "honors the cultural legacy of the Hill District but contextualizes it in the future and the market that we can expect today."
The "Bricks, Mortar, and Money" segment, moderated by William Generett of Urban Innovation21, discussed buildings, businesses and breakthroughs. The "Getting to the Heart of Community Development" portion was moderated by Michele Cooper of McAuley Ministries who discussed the topic of children and families, Art & Culture, health & wellness, education and faith matter.
Also during the event, awards were presented to residents and stakeholders who have demonstrated care, excellence, and/or commitment to the Hill District. This year's honorees included community members who worked tirelessly on behalf of the entire neighborhood during the Lower Hill District negotiations, as well as other community collaboration and Hill CDC support efforts.
Honorees were Audrey Anderson, William Bercik, Emma Lucas Darby, PhD, William Generett, Glenn Grayson Jr., David Hopkins, Donnie Kyte, Marc Little, Charles Mosley, Emma Pipkin, Brenda Tate, Sala Udin, Diamonte Walker, Dewitt Walton, Mercedes Williams, John Anderson, Rev. Dr. Vincent Campbell, Robert Damewood, Phyllis Ghafoor, Rev. Dr. Victor Grigsby, Bomani Howze, Joann Lewis, Jason Matthews, Deborah Pittrell-Parker, Carl Redwood, Kimberly Slater-Wood, Chloe Velasquez, Rev. Lee Walls and Eugene Williams III.
The State of the Hill District was a free event used to inform the community, acknowledge leadership and those making a difference, while celebrating the growth of one of Pittsburgh's historical landmarks, the Hill District.
Attendee Sequoia Howard said, "Being a resident of the Hill District for 20 plus years, I have a love for the community like no other. And I want nothing more, but to see the Hill District and the community grow. I enjoyed myself at this event, and it was important for me to be in the know."
Source: Paige Mitchell. http://newpittsburghcourieronline.com/2015/07/03/state-of-the-hill-distr...