AARP Joins Pittsburgh Mayor’s Office for Black History Month Celebration

AARP PA joined representatives Mayor Ed Gainey’s office and the City of Pittsburgh Office of Special Events for a Black History Month celebration that spotlighted the impacts of the National Negro Opera Company (NNOC). Founded in 1941 in Pittsburgh, the NNOC was the first African-American opera company in the United States.

Mary Cardwell Dawson established the company with the goal of promoting African-American performers in the opera world, which was predominantly white at the time. The NNOC was instrumental in breaking racial barriers within the classical music world, offering a platform for Black opera singers to showcase their talents and gain recognition for more than two decades.

Eight AARP PA volunteers joined to enjoy several amazing musical performances, network with reception guests, and share AARP’s local efforts to help make Pittsburgh a more livable community for adults 50+ and people of all ages.

To learn more about the National Negro Opera Company and its profound impacts, visit https://www.pittsburghpa.gov/Recreation-Events/Special-Events/Black-History-Month.