Stories from the Hill District to be Shared at Upcoming Event

Undergraduate psychology students and community representatives will share stories from the Hill District during an upcoming off-campus event.

Voices in the Hill—The Hill as Home: A Public Reading will take place on Friday, April 27, from 4 to 6 p.m. at FOCUS Pittsburgh at 2228 Centre Ave. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

Students in Assistant Psychology Professor Dr. Susan Goldberg’s Psychology and Social Engagement class conducted both group and individual interview sessions at community-support groups held the Hill District to collect stories from adults with connections to the Hill.

The students will share story excerpts from the interviews with members of both the Hill District and Duquesne University communities—stories dealing with trauma, crime, incarceration, domestic abuse, sexual abuse, homelessness, drug abuse and mental health-related issues.

“With these issues, many feel shame and regret, which isolates them from forming relationships,” said Goldberg. “It’s freeing for these people to share their stories and see that they are not alone in their experiences. There is a lot of love, resilience and care in this community.”

Associate Psychology Professor Dr. Lori Koelsch  developed I-poems from Voices in the Hill interviews. She and her students will read the poems during the event.

The event is sponsored by Duquesne’s Center for Community-Engaged Teaching and Research and FOCUS Pittsburgh. For more information, contact Goldberg at goldbergs@duq.edu or 202.288.6470.