Alma Speed Fox Way will be revealed on Saturday. The sign, to be displayed above the Kirkpatrick Street sign, will honor the lasting impact of the woman known as the Civil Rights Mother of Pittsburgh, also named Alma Speed Fox.
The honorary street naming event takes place at noon in the Hill District and is organized by Freedom Unlimited, Inc. and Black Political Empowerment Project at 2201 Wylie Ave.
“This commemoration is not just about remembering the past, it’s about inspiring current and future community members to engage in activism and advocacy, and highlighting the power of individual and collective action in driving societal change,” said Muriel Alim, board president of Freedom Unlimited Inc.
The building that houses Freedom Unlimited Inc., the Black Political Empowerment Project, and the NAACP currently features Fox’s name in gold lettering.
To honor Fox’s legacy, Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey, council president R. Daniel Lavelle, State Rep. La’Tasha D. Mayes (D-Allegheny), and the Governor’s Council on the Arts are expected to attend.
Fox, who passed away at the age of 98, dedicated her life to social justice, education, and equality. She also advocated for economic justice for Black people, LGBTQIA+ rights, and women’s rights and empowerment. Fox co-founded Freedom Unlimited Inc. and was a former leader of the Pittsburgh NAACP branch and the National Organization for Women. One of her significant demonstrations was against Sears and Roebuck in 1968 and against Duquesne Light Company due to discriminatory hiring practices that limited opportunities for Black people. Additionally, Fox served as president of the East End National Organization for Women and collaborated with Gwen’s Girls and the Women and Girls Foundation. 2022“Women’s History Month is dedicated to acknowledging the contributions of women throughout history, often highlighting achievements that have been historically overlooked or undervalued, making this street naming event honoring
Fox all the more meaningful,” Alim said. Alma Speed “This timing emphasizes the message that Mrs. Fox’s work remains as critically relevant as ever and continues to inspire action and advocacy for women’s rights today.” The placement of the sign in front of the Freedom Unlimited Inc. building serves as a symbol of Fox’s influence and education, according to Alim.
“Every glimpse at the
Fox Way street sign in front of the Freedom Unlimited building is an opportunity to further her legacy and uphold the causes she championed in Pittsburgh’s collective memory,” Alim said. Alma Speed Contributions will be welcomed at the event and on the
Freedom Unlimited website Alma Speed Fox Way will be revealed on Saturday. The sign, to be displayed above the Kirkpatrick Street sign, will pay homage to the lasting influence of the woman known as the Civil Rights Mother of Pittsburgh, also named Alma Speed Fox..
