The Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition supports the end of systematic, institutionalized racism and will continue to work with our community partners to combat it in Squirrel Hill and throughout the City of Pittsburgh. Change starts from within. We are committed to diversifying our board so that it represents the population that lives, works and shops in Squirrel Hill. Additionally, SHUC will continue to regularly evaluate all of our initiatives to ensure that they are reflective of these values.

Resources to support social equity and justice in our Community and ways to get involved:

Asian American and Pacific Islander Support (APALA) Resource Guide on Anti-Asian Violence

1hood is an excellent resource for local advocacy and support.

The JCC Center for Loving Kindness and The Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition partnered to host a three part class series to discuss Anti-Racism, Anti- Semitism, Social Justice and Equity. In order to continue the discussion and to encourage community members to take action, the JCC Center for Loving Kindness and SHUC hosted a four part series to discuss excerpts from books including White Fragility by by Robin DiAndelo, How to be an Anti-Racist by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, Waking Up White by Debby Irving and Long Time Coming: Reckoning with Race in America By Michael Eric Dyson and sharing ways to be an UPstander in our community. Stay tuned for a continuation of this work and opportunities to get involved at the JCC Center for Loving Kindness site.

Below are some examples of efforts to make Squirrel Hill a more just, equitable neighborhood:

Classic Lines’ Anti-Racist Reading Guide

June 25, 2020

Our beloved local bookstore, Classic Lines, has released an anti-racist reading list (reprinted below). To support one of our local businesses while learning how to combat racism, email classiclinesbooks@gmail.com to order a book, or visit the store in person! White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo.

Race & Public Spaces: A Resource Guide

June 22, 2020

SHUC works with city planners to develop parks and other public spaces, and part of our Bike-Pedestrian Committee’s mission is to “ensure that our streets, sidewalks, and paths are safe…for all users.” It is essential to our mission that Squirrel Hill’s public spaces are safe for our Black neighbors. Towards that goal, we have compiled a list of resources for anti-racist city planning, as well as alternatives to calling 911.

Black Lives Matter in Squirrel Hill

June 17, 2020

Here in Squirrel Hill, we take pride in being a welcoming, diverse community. Last weekend, many Squirrel Hill residents demonstrated their commitment to those principles by peacefully protesting against police brutality towards African Americans and other marginalized communities. These protests, like their counterparts across the country, aim to change systems of public safety to ensure a more just and equal society. Together, we raise our voices for meaningful reforms that promote safety and respect for all. In solidarity, we strive to make a difference and create a better future for our community and beyond.

One Life

June 2, 2020

For the love of God, white America, which part of this don’t we get?  Do we not see the armed cop’s knee pressing down for senseless, endless minutes on George Floyd’s neck as he begs for air? Do we not hear a helpless, handcuffed, unarmed man’s pleas for breath and mercy? Do we not register the urgency of this moment? It’s time to open our eyes, listen, and act. Racism and injustice must be confronted. Let’s unite, support the fight for equality, and create a future where every life is valued and respected.