Alma Speed Fox street naming ceremony happening Saturday in the Hill District

Alma Speed Fox Way will be unveiled on Saturday in the Hill District. The sign to be featured above the Kirkpatrick Street sign will pay homage to the enduring legacy of the woman of the same name known as the Civil Rights Mother of Pittsburgh.

The honorary street-naming ceremony, taking place at at noon,is being presented 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 is home to Freedom Unlimited Inc., the Black Political Empowerment Project and the NAACP currently has Fox’s name centered in gold lettering.

To reflect on Fox’s legacy, those expected to be in attendance are Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey, City Council President R. Daniel Lavelle, state Rep. La’Tasha D. Mayes (D-Morningside) and a representative of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.

Fox, who died at age 98 in 2022, dedicated her life to social justice, education and equality. She also championed 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 larger demonstrations was against Sears & Roebuck in 1968 and against Duquesne Light Co. because of discriminating hiring practices that decreased opportunities for Black people. Additionally, Fox served as president of the East End National Organization for Women and worked with Gwen’s Girls and the Women and Girls Foundation.

“Women’s History Month is dedicated to recognizing the contributions of women throughout history, often highlighting achievements that have been historically overlooked or undervalued, making this street naming ceremony honoring Alma Speed Fox all the more meaningful,” Alim said. “This timing underscores 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 geographical location of the sign in front of the Freedom Unlimited Inc. building is a beacon of Fox’s influence and education, Alim said.

“Every glance at the Alma Speed Fox Way street sign in front of the Freedom Unlimited building is an opportunity to further her legacy and maintain the causes she championed at the forefront of Pittsburgh’s collective memory,” Alim said.

Donations will be accepted at the event and on the Freedom Unlimited website.