title
WHEREAS, Thursday, September 2nd at 4:00 PM marks the kickoff to the Pittsburgh Soul Food Festival where there will be a brief history presentation of the wealthy Black Business Entrepreneurs and Abolitionist Leaders who conducted business enterprises on 3rd Avenue in Downtown Pittsburgh known as the Black Wall Street; and,
body
WHEREAS, in 1787, Benjamin Richards became known as one of the Black Founding Fathers of Allegheny County when he and four other black men signed a petition to form Allegheny County. Mr. Richards was also known as the wealthiest man in Pittsburgh, estimated to be worth over $7,000,000 in present-day dollars. He acquired his wealth by operating a butchery on 3rd Avenue, currently PPG Place, and selling cattle and meal to the military; and,
WHEREAS, Charles Richards, son of Benjamin, who also signed the Petition to create Allegheny County, owned and operated the first Black Tavern & Restaurant in 1795 on 3rd Avenue and Ferry Street, currently Stanwix Street, that was called "The Negro"; and,
WHEREAS, John B. Vashon, was a veteran of the 1812 War who moved to Pittsburgh, and opened Pittsburgh's first Bathhouse for Whites in 1830, and operated a barbershop and safe-house on 3rd Avenue. He became a land owner in Downtown Pittsburgh and organized abolitionist movements. Vashon hosted the first Anti-Slavery Society Meeting in his facilities; and,
WHEREAS, Rev. John C. Peck opened the Original Oyster House on 3rd Avenue and Wood Streets in 1838. He also operated an ice-cream parlor, a clothing store, a barbershop and was a wig-maker. Rev. Peck started the AME Church on Wylie Avenue; and,
WHEREAS, Rev. Lewis Woodson, abolitionist and Father of Black Nationalism, operated seven barbershops in Downtown Pittsburgh Hotels with his sons, and became the Trustee and co-founder of Wilberforce College. Rev. Woodson also lead the AME Church; and,
WHEREAS, Martin R. Delany, abolitionist, owner and operator of a Print Office on 3rd Avenu...
Click here for full text