August Wilson Block Party marks playwright's birthday

On Saturday, the community will come together in the Hill District to celebrate the legacy of August Wilson during the annual block party that also serves as a birthday celebration for the late playwright.

“We have the opportunity to spread the message of August Wilson and the story of August Wilson. We think it is important for people to keep in mind that August Wilson is from the Hill District. He walked these same streets, and that serves as an ongoing source of immense cultural pride,” said Paul Ellis, the founding executive director of the August Wilson House.

Wilson’s works are praised for the examination and cultural critique of being Black in America. He was born on April 27, 1945.

Wilson represents history, legacy, and cultural vibrancy, according to Denise Turner, board member chair at the August Wilson House.

The block party will span Bedford Avenue and encompass parts of Hillside Drive and Roberts Street from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is designed to increase and maintain civic pride, advance the mission of the August Wilson House, and increase neighborhood engagement.

“It is one of our core missions to engage the community, which includes the power of place, the power of people and the power of art,” Turner said. “We also believe in revitalizing the neighborhood and supporting Black-owned businesses. The last Saturday of every April, our vendors have come to rely on this day, and we are proud of that. It’s a really exciting day.”

The celebration, which began in 2017, offsets some of the negative messaging that the Hill District is plagued by, Ellis said. It also presents an opportunity to support some of the wide range of small Black-owned businesses — at least 150 are expected to participate. Ellis said this is a key aspect of the block party.

“Highlighting emerging businesses and emerging artists, we want to help increase and expand their profiles and networks,” Ellis said.

Despite the actual activities throughout the day and the fun — which will include a basketball clinic, face painting, an exhibition on Freedom House Emergency Services, musical performances, and more — what people leave with and often talk about later are the intangible benefits, according to Ellis.

“The incredible feeling of warmth and the friendly atmosphere and the spirit of August Wilson, the feeling of neighborly love … they really take pride in that,” Ellis said.

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