Originally published: October 21, 2022
Pittsburgh Business Times

I am an immensely proud Pittsburgher. I am proud to have been formed and shaped in this region. I have learned the value of hard work and determination and to respect myself and my neighbors. I’ve learned the value of community. I received quality education from our local institutions: Pittsburgh Public Schools, CCAC, University of Pittsburgh and Robert Morris University. Pittsburgh has received national recognition several times for being the “Most Livable” city.

However, the 2019 Inequality Across Gender and Race report shows that Pittsburgh is the worst city in America for Black people across all economic and social determinate indicators. I am not proud that this city is the least livable for Black and Brown people.

As a Black man, I’ve experienced poverty firsthand, but with hard work, perseverance and support from family, mentors and even the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, I have been among those who have been blessed to transcend the conditions that many Blacks in this region face. I am determined to pay it forward to help other Black people and marginalized communities move from surviving to thriving.

The good news is that the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh is working to do something about these disparities through our ONE Pittsburgh NOW initiative. This campaign aims to move Black people from unemployment and underemployment to economic self-sufficiency.

We have opportunity brokers who focus on four especially distressed communities: Homewood, Mon Valley (including Duquesne and Homestead), the Hill District and the North Side. The brokers connect people to resources and training opportunities in and outside the Urban League and work to remove barriers for people on the pathway to economic self-sufficiency. We have exceeded outcomes to date. In the first year alone, (calendar year 2021) a single set of opportunity brokers exceeded all three core objectives as follows:

  • 544 adults with improved access to job readiness, training or employment by elimination of crises and barriers, connection to requisite resources – 39% above goal
  • 351 adults hired, promoted, received a raise, changed to more relevant field, launched or grew a venture – 112% above goal
  • 287 students graduated from high school, have a college/career plan; executed on career plan; completed degrees, certifications, trainings, leadership development program – 25% above goal

There is an urgent need to fully implement ONE Pittsburgh NOW. Many Black people are struggling and especially our single parents. Black people are part of the Pittsburgh family, too. How can we be content if some members of the family are thriving, while others are barely surviving?

Our goal is to raise $12 million or more to continue and expand this highly impactful approach, to ultimately change the profile of Pittsburgh to one of equity and inclusion. To date, we’ve already raised more than $5 million. This is an historic opportunity for all of us: Corporate partners, foundations, individuals and all people of good will to work together in an effort to make Pittsburgh Most Livable for all its residents. Join the movement to support ONE Pittsburgh NOW.

Carlos T. Carter is president & CEO of Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh.