Campus Invited to Hill District Celebration for August Wilson’s Birthday

Duquesne’s Honors College, along with the Daisy Wilson Artist Community and other Hill District organizations, will host a block party to celebrate what would have been the 71st birthday of playwright August Wilson.

The free, public event will be held this Saturday, April 30, from noon to 3 p.m. at the August Wilson House, located at 1727 Bedford Ave. in the Hill District.

The celebration will include a DJ, community tables, food trucks, performances and children’s playground and activities, according to Dr. Kathleen Glenister Roberts, director of the Honors College. Tours also will leave from the block party to Cliff Side Park, which is expected to be renamed in Wilson’s honor.

The Honors College’s relationship with the nonprofit Daisy Wilson Artist Community—named for Wilson’s mother—began in 2012. This year, students in the social justice honors seminar led by Dr. Erik Garrett, associate professor of communication and rhetorical studies, participated in planning the event, along with the Carnegie Library, Ujumaa and others.

The significance of Wilson to the community will be discussed from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Carnegie Library, Hill District Branch.