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WHEREAS, The FROGS Club of Pittsburgh will celebrate their 115th anniversary at their Annual Formal on July 12, 2025 at the Westin Pittsburgh. Established on May 5, 1910 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the FROGS Club is one of today's oldest African American male social organizations; and,
WHEREAS, The acronym stands for Friendly Rivalry Often Generates Success. The FROGS Club was established as a social outlet for African Americans in the Greater Pittsburgh region in response to segregation and discrimination by Jim Crow laws; and,
WHEREAS, The first FROGS Club event on July 28,1911, covered by the Pittsburgh Courier, was a picnic, dance and ball game with 600 in attendance. FROGS Week was established in 1915, and quickly achieved national attendance and national attention for their activities and entertainment; and,
WHEREAS, The FROGS Club held its biggest affairs during the 1920's and 1930's. After World War II, the 1946 FROGS Week featured a Speakers Symposium, giving tribute to club member and legend Cumberland Posey, owner of the famed Homestead Grays baseball team; and,
WHEREAS, Many prominent African American men have been members of the FROGS Club who were professionals in their vocations, including Robert Lavelle, founder of Dwelling House Savings & Loan; Robert L. Vann of the Pittsburgh Courier; and the Honorable Judge Warren Watson; and,
WHEREAS, In 1946 and 1947, the FROGS Club hosted the "Night of Stars" at the Syria Mosque, showcasing Pittsburgh natives who were star billing in the entertainment industry, including Earl "FATHA" Heinz, Billy Eckstine and Mary Lou Williams; and,
WHEREAS, As segregation became illegal, and African Americans were allowed to vacation and participate in social gatherings of their choosing, the FROGS Club maintained its traditional FROGS Week in July with a weekend of activities including members' dinner, formal gala and picnic; and,
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburg...
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