Pittsburgh Sports Teams Honor Black Leaders

Students portray influential figures from the Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates organizations

Feb. 12, 2026 at 7:31pm

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As part of Black History Month, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates teamed up with Pittsburgh Public Schools to host a Black History Month Living Museum. Students represented and honored influential Black leaders from each sports organization who have made a difference in the Pittsburgh community and beyond.

Why it matters

The event highlighted the important contributions of Black leaders in Pittsburgh sports, showcasing their achievements and inspiring the next generation. It also demonstrated the city's sports teams coming together to celebrate diversity and recognize the impact of these trailblazers.

The details

The students dressed as and portrayed figures like former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, Hall of Fame scout Bill Nunn, and assistant coach John Mitchell. They highlighted the leaders' career accomplishments, including Tomlin becoming the first Black head coach in Steelers history, Mitchell breaking barriers at the University of Alabama, and Nunn's pioneering work scouting players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

  • The Black History Month Living Museum took place on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

The players

Mike Tomlin

Former head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, becoming the first Black head coach in team history when he was hired in 2007.

Bill Nunn

Hall of Fame scout for the Pittsburgh Steelers and member of the Inaugural Class of the Black College Football Hall of Fame.

John Mitchell

Former assistant coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who broke barriers as the first African American to play, be a captain, and an All-American at the University of Alabama.

Dr. MiChele Holly

Principal of Pittsburgh Sterrett, the school where the Black History Month Living Museum was hosted.

Blayre Holmes-Davis

Senior Director of Community Relations for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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What they’re saying

“I am excited to be here today not only to recognize and celebrate this month, but also to have a living history museum which will tell the stories of influential black leaders within our organizations and how their contributions have not only made our organizations better, but society as a whole.”

— Blayre Holmes-Davis, Senior Director of Community Relations, Pittsburgh Steelers (statenews.net)

The takeaway

This event showcased the important role that Black leaders have played in shaping the history and success of Pittsburgh's major sports franchises. By honoring these trailblazers and inspiring the next generation, the city's teams are demonstrating their commitment to diversity, inclusion, and recognizing the profound impact of Black individuals in sports and the community.