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WHEREAS, born on April 20, 1908 in Auburn, Alabama, Mrs. Lillian Allen has been a positive influence within the Pittsburgh community for nearly a century, thanks to her personal drive, her business savvy, and her involvement in the Friendship Community Church; and
WHEREAS, at the age of 6, Mrs. Allen moved with her aunt from the South to Pittsburgh's Northside, and three years later, moved to the Hill District; and
WHEREAS, following a brief return visit to Alabama, at the age of 17, Mrs. Allen began to work as a house maid in the Pittsburgh area, and later was employed at Kaufmann's Department Store, as well as the Salvation Army's Evangeline Hotel; and
WHEREAS, in 1938, despite the discriminatory and racist climate of the times, Mrs. Allen continued to strive for personal success and self-sufficiency by receiving her beautician's license after attending La Salle Training School in Beauty Culture; and
WHEREAS, in 1944, Mrs. Allen opened her own salon, "Your House of Beauty," which was located on Centre Avenue in the Hill District; and
WHEREAS, in 1953, Mrs. Allen moved to the State of Alaska, where she opened the first, fully-equipped, licensed beauty shop for African Americans living in the area; and
WHEREAS after her brief stay in Alaska, Mrs. Allen returned to Pittsburgh, moving back to Robinson Street, where she continued to do hair for17 years; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Allen continues to live in the Hill District, where she still does hair and is an active member of both the Friendship Community Church and the University of Pittsburgh, where she audits a writing class and helps to maintain the African Heritage Nationality Room, located within the University's Cathedral of Learning.
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NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby wish to honor Mrs. Allen on her 100th birthday, which she will be celebrating on Saturday, April 26th, 2008 at 5p.m. at the Friendship Community Church.
AND BE IT FURTHE...
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