The Event
The Grand Opening of the First Source Center went beyond expectation on Tuesday evening June 8th and was attended by a substantial cross section of community members, local elected officials from the county and city, Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, Mayor Bill Peduto, Leonard Hammond (representative from Jake Wheatley's office) and City Councilman Daniel Lavelle, as well as development team members, Kevin Acklin, Boris Kaplan, Bomani M. Howze and Dr. Kimberly C. Ellis; all of whom were in attendance to mark this special occasion.

Tracey McCants-Lewis welcomed everyone and introduced emcee, Dr. Ellis, who was also the last speaker from the development team. Her enthusiasm for the workforce center was apparent as she directed the crowd to take out their phones and save the phone number to the First Source Center "412-223-7890" - a number that has been heavily utilized since the opening. Every speaker shared in this same enthusiasm with inspiring and hopeful words about the historic moment, ways we will all work to rectify the past, and look forward to the many opportunities we have to “honor and repair” to “get it right, this time.”
 
The Art
The branded podium was center stage flanked by artwork from Charlotte and Mobutu from Moka Gallery framing the stage with two acrylic pieces that captured the essence of the A-Train and the Jazz Artists accompanying it. We also had a beautiful textile piece from Dawn Sturgess on display. After the speakers commenced, festivities moved inside the walls of the historic Hill House and through the doors of the First Source Center. Prints from artist, Norman Brown, were on display in the front and in the interview room. We have more room for art!
 
The Food
Tapping local talent, the event was catered by Chef Claudy’s Eminent Hospitality and he served salmon and chicken kabobs with vegetables. There were also Perrier sparkling waters, along with fruit and small bags of assorted chips. Delicious!