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Through the Community Development Department, the Pirates seek to expand current and develop new community relationships with members of minority communities and with others that share the same commitment to those communities. Through philanthropic contributions and the personal involvement of our employees, we strive to support our communities and enhance the quality of life of all who live in Pittsburgh and its surrounding areas. We embrace the concepts of teamwork and partnership in all we do. As a committed partner with the community in which we reside, we recognize that our success is rooted in its economic, cultural and ethnic diversity.
The 2012 Pittsburgh Pirates African American Heritage Celebration at PNC Park will be held June 8-9.
This annual event captures the essence of our community efforts and highlights the contributions of African Americans in Pittsburgh.
The celebration includes a weekend of promotions and special events that focus on honoring and recognizing African Americans in baseball while celebrating the African American culture in our community.
The Saturday, June 9 game will include a special post-game FanJam concert featuring Boyz II Men.
The Pirates will host the 2012 African American Heritage Sports Luncheon on Friday, June 8 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. in the Lexus Club at PNC Park.
The Keynote Speaker will be Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, who became the youngest head coach in NFL history to both coach in and win a Super Bowl in 2009. Tomlin has reached the playoffs in four of his last five seasons and is the 10th African American head coach in NFL history, the first in Steelers history.
Fans can attend for $65, which includes lunch, a Q&A session with Tomlin, and a Pirates gift bag including a voucher for two complimentary Pirates tickets. Plus, meet celebrities and be entered in door prize drawings!
For more information, please contact Chaz Kellem at (412) 325-4731.
One of the most significant moments in Major League Baseball (MLB) history was when Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier on April 15, 1947. In celebration of the anniversary of this momentous event, the Pittsburgh Pirates invite your school/organization to participate in the Jackie Robinson Essay and Poetry Contest. The contest is a fantastic opportunity for youth to express their thoughts creatively.
The contest, which is open to students in grades three through eight in the Pirates market area, challenges students to write about Robinson's nine values for success in either a poem or an essay. The contest is free to enter, simple for teachers, and can be tailored to meet educational requirements.
The Pirates hosted a Latino Reception in Keystone Corner at PNC Park on Monday, May 23, 2011. Attendees had the opportunity to meet Pirates Latino players and front office personnel in a friendly atmosphere with Latin music and food.
Throughout the Pittsburgh Pirates 126-year history, there have been many champions - on and off the field. Players like Willie Stargell and Roberto Clemente thrilled Pirates fans with their baseball achievements. They also supported their communities in many ways by showing character and integrity in all aspects of their lives.
As part of our 2012 Heritage Weekend Celebration, the Pirates will accept nominations for the "Pittsburgh Pirates Community Champion Award," to be presented to six (6) area individuals who are "champions" of their communities and have positively contributed to the betterment of the diverse community in our region.
Learn more and submit a nomination for the 2012 Community Champion Awards »
The Pittsburgh Pirates Diversity Networking Reception is a multicultural invitational only event used as a vehicle to share thanks to the community for their support throughout the year.
We look forward to exciting new partnerships and continuing the strong relationships with each organization in attendance. The evening's highlight included a meet-and-greet with Pirates players and coaches.
The Pirates are committed to diversity in the workforce, in our purchasing, and in our many community activities and events. We are committed to continuing the theme to provide a central platform for diverse and minority business professional's to converge to exchange ideas. Diversity is part of our everyday lives and we hope to help make Pittsburgh a successful and better place to not only work in but to live in as well.
Throughout the long history of baseball in America, the Pirates organization and its employees have formed powerful partnerships for positive change in the black baseball world that stretched from the Pacific to the Caribbean.
Pittsburgh in the past was headquarters for the Negro National League and the only city in the country with two Black Professional Teams, the Homestead Grays and the Pittsburgh Crawfords.
Learn more about Negro League Baseball »
The Pirates are proud to have organized a number of minority partnership events including the College Classic and the Latin American Reception.
The Pirates community service, corporate contributions, and involvement in community-wide programs are based on the recognition that our strength as an organization depends on the well being of the communities in which we live.
Learn more about Minority Outreach Events »
Highmark Legacy Square is a permanent interactive exhibit to honor and preserve the history of the Negro Leagues, the Homestead Grays and Pittsburgh Crawfords. Located inside the Left Field Gate Entrance at PNC Park, the exhibit is unlike anything found in baseball. The multiple elements share the inspiring story of the remarkable people that helped revolutionize the sports and business worlds.
Learn more about Highmark Legacy Square »
The Pittsburgh Pirates recognize the good business sense and added value gained by doing business with minority and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs).
The directors of the Community Development and Purchasing Departments are dedicated to identifying qualified MWBEs who offer high-quality, cost-competitive goods and services, and matching them with the needs of the company. The Community Development Director actively seeks MWBEs through trade shows, advertising in local and national media, and working with business and advocacy groups.
The Pirates are an active corporate member of several organizations that are dedicated to fostering minority business development, including the Pittsburgh Regional Minority Purchasing Council, the African American Chamber of Commerce and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
