City Honors the Vashon Family Throughout Black History Month

The steadfast commitment of John B. Vashon, along with his family, collaborators and contemporaries, has paved the way for champions of equality and justice. Throughout February, a series of interviews will highlight today’s changemakers who are advocating for social change, empowering youth and women and inspiring future generations to strive for a more equitable world.   

“The City of Pittsburgh is honored to celebrate John B. Vashon and his family, who have a legacy of important contributions to the history of Pittsburgh and beyond,” said Mayor Corey O’Connor. “Their trailblazing has created new opportunities for generations of Black Pittsburghers.”  

The public is invited to attend the exhibit’s opening reception on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the Grand Lobby of the City-County Building. The event will feature poetry and performances by Viii Dorsey, screen printing with BOOM Concepts, refreshments, and special remarks from Paul N.D. Thornell, the great-great-great-grandson of John B. Vashon, Mayor O’Connor, Dr. Allyce Pinchback-Johnson of Black Women for a Better Education, Artistic Director D.S. Kinsel of BOOM Concepts, and Kanika Capel, President of the Links Incorporated, Pittsburgh Chapter. 

“On behalf of my family, I’m thrilled and so appreciative of this moment to shine a light on the contributions and legacy of the Vashons in the Pittsburgh community during the 1800s,” said Vashon's third-great grandson Thornell. “John B. Vashon, as a leader of Pittsburgh’s Black community and a top businessman opened doors of opportunity for many Blacks to gain freedom, education and basic needs. His son George B. Vashon was an extraordinary educator, lawyer, writer and abolitionist who advanced the cause of Black equality throughout his life.  As their descendant, I’m grateful to Mayor Corey O’Connor for hosting this event.” 

In 2024, Thornell joined City leaders in recognizing the 200th anniversary of George B. Vashon’s birth and an historical marker will be unveiled Downtown later this year honoring Vashon’s contributions to Pittsburgh.  

For those unable to visit the exhibit in person, it will also be available online through @PghEventsOffice on Facebook, Instagram, and X from February 6–28. 

This year’s City of Pittsburgh’s celebration of Black History Month is presented by the Office of Special Events and is sponsored by AARP Pennsylvania, 100.1 FM & AM 1020 KDKA NewsRadio, and WAMO 107.3.  

For full details about the 2026 City of Pittsburgh Black History Month exhibition, and links to interviews, please visit www.pittsburghpa.gov/black-history and follow @PghEventsOffice.