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Organizers of Black History Month celebrations at Pitt are asking for nominations of local heroes of Black resistance to be recognized at a Feb. 22 event on the Pittsburgh campus.

Both Pittsburgh-area residents and University community members may be nominated in categories such as Unsung Hero, Community/Campus Leader, Social Justice Advocate, Aspiring Ally and Creative Change-Maker.

Winners will be recognized at during a celebration at the University’s Alumni Hall.

Nominations are now being accepted from both inside the University community and from throughout the Pittsburgh region, said Clyde Wilson Pickett, the University’s vice chancellor for equity, diversity and inclusion and chief diversity officer.

“Historically, Black resistance to injustice, inequality and oppression has led to lasting progress in civil rights,” Pickett said. “In the face of overwhelming opposition at times, Black Americans and people of color have advocated for change. Their sacrifices and persistence have benefited all Americans through improvements in education, legislation, health care, business and industry, the workforce and society in general.”

The deadline to nominate a hero is Feb. 6. Complete rules are available at .

Honorees will be publicly recognized during “A Night of Celebration: Honoring the Heroes of Black Resistance,” the University’s 2023 K. Leroy Irvis Black History Month event.

“We’re looking forward to honoring some of our Pittsburgh-area change-makers and helping to bring greater attention to their achievements,” Pickett said.

Students, faculty, staff, alumni and community residents may be nominated.

Anyone nominating someone for an award will be asked to include their name and contact information, as well as information explaining why they have nominated someone.

Find more Black History Month events at Pitt

Units across the University’s five campuses are holding events in honor of the commemoration and are encouraged to post them on the with the tag “Black History Month.”

To search for events or for more information, visit the University’s events page or go to .

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— Jason Togyer