Throughout Black History Month, the City of Pittsburgh celebrates the National Negro Opera Company, founded in Pittsburgh in the 1940s as the nation’s first permanent African American opera company.
A monthlong display in downtown Pittsburgh and online content salute trailblazers in the world of opera. The celebration also recognizes a local non-profit organization dedicated to restoring, preserving, and maintaining the historic Pittsburgh home that once served as NNOC’s headquarters.
Black History Month Display: February 3 - 28, Grand Lobby, City-County Building, Downtown Pittsburgh
Online Content: February 1 - 28, follow us on @PghEventsOffice on Facebook and @PghEventsOffice on X for digital content including photos and memorabilia throughout the month of February.
Learn more about the Opera House here.
Tribute to Mary Cardwell Dawson
Mary Cardwell Dawson (1894 – 1962) was a trailblazer in the world of
opera and classical music. This gifted opera singer and music educator
served as the founding force behind the National Negro Opera Company.
Dawson was committed to improving opportunities for
African American musicians, particularly in the opera world, where
Black artists faced significant discrimination. Her vision for the NNOC
was to create a space where African Americans could perform opera at
the highest level and gain the same recognition and opportunities as
their white counterparts. She believed that opera was a powerful
medium through which African American culture could be showcased
and celebrated.
The National Opera House: Restoring a Legacy
The National Opera House (NOH) is a non-profit organization dedicated
to restoring, preserving, and maintaining the historic home at 7101
Apple Street in Pittsburgh. This landmark building served as the
birthplace of the National Negro Opera Company (NNOC), the first
permanent African American opera company in the nation. Founded by
Miriam White and Jonnet Solomon, The National Opera House has
established a mission to restore and maintain the historic house. This
preservation continues a legacy of creative excellence that nurtures
talent and widens access to opportunities.
NOH envisions 7101 Apple Street as an internationally recognized
center for education and entertainment. The non-profit aims to:
• INSPIRE, EMPOWER, AND UPLIFT by providing access to arts and
cultural experiences for all;
• BREAK DOWN BARRIERS by fostering inclusivity and creating
opportunities for diverse voices;
• ACCELERATE CAREERS by supporting the growth of artists and
cultural entrepreneurs.
NOH seeks to restore not only the physical structure of the building but
also the spirit of entrepreneurship and education that thrived within its
walls. The non-profit aims to create a vibrant hub where artists can
connect, learn, and thrive, continuing the legacy of innovation and
community that has defined this historic site. This site will serve as a
monument to the courageous visionaries that created a legacy and
changed the world.