The Black Equity Coalition (BEC), in partnership with the City of Pittsburgh, successfully launched the first Neighborhood Power Building workshop at Steel City Squash in Larimer. This initiative is part of the broader Data Justice for Pittsburgh’s Black Neighborhoods project, designed to empower Black residents with decision-making authority over how data is used, governed, and shared in the city. Pittsburgh is one of four U.S. cities selected for the Modern Anti-Racist Data Ecosystems (MADE) for Health Justice initiative, supported by the de Beaumont Foundation.
As a recipient of the MADE for Health Justice Grant, the BEC decided on our health equity goal: to help residents in Black communities that have been most-impacted by residential segregation and disinvestment in the City of Pittsburgh claim power to improve the quality of housing and the built environment. After a competitive RFP process, we ultimately selected the Larimer Consensus Group (LCG) as a Neighborhood Power Building Partner.
Laying the Foundation for Change
In collaboration with the Larimer Consensus Group and the BEC, the workshop gathered over fifteen engaged residents for the first of a series of workshops aimed at linking health equity with data-driven advocacy. The ultimate goal is for participants to co-create a Health Improvement Plan that will be put into action with support from MADE for Data Justice project partners.
Our Approach To This Workshop Series
- We are looking to develop a new model for how community data is used in Pittsburgh.
- Use data to start conversations
- Focusing on data alone leaves out a lot of experiences
- Learning from each other
- Bring in other partners to the conversation when they have something to add
- Engaging an artist to explore new approaches to working with data
- Using data and understanding context can help to build community power and guide actions
Understanding the Bigger Picture
Moreover, participants were introduced to both the Black Equity Coalition and the Neighborhood Power Building initiative, with space for questions to ensure clarity and alignment. This introduction allowed attendees to connect the project’s mission to their lived experiences and aspirations for change.
Looking Ahead
This inaugural workshop laid a strong foundation for the Neighborhood Power Building initiative. As this initiative progresses, participants will continue to build upon their knowledge and skills, culminating in the creation of a Health Improvement Plan that will be implemented with key partners. By fostering local leadership and ensuring community voices are centered in data governance, the Black Equity Coalition and the City of Pittsburgh are advancing equity and power for Black neighborhoods.
Stay tuned for updates as we continue this journey toward data justice and community-driven change at: www.BlackEquityCoalition.org
