City Council, Classic Events Honor 16 Living Legends

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - In celebration of Black History Month, Pittsburgh City Council and the Classics Events marketing group honored more than a dozen people who have made a difference in the community.

Pittsburgh City Council members R. Daniel Lavelle, Rev. Ricky Burgess and Corey O'Connor sponsored the proclamation honoring 16 people who are being called "Living Legends."

They are people who have contributed to the community in the areas of economic development, education, health and politics.

Among those recognized were Dr. Herman Reid, the former executive director of NEED.

"To me, a legend is someone that cuts the trail for others to follow," Reid said.

Charles Powell, the director of the Urban Redevelopment Authority was another honoree.

"I guess by the nature of being around for a while, I've had the opportunity to contribute and it has been a wonderful thing. I just love doing things in the community," Powell said.

Among some of the others recognized were former Steeler J.T. Thomas, Fr. Eric McIntosh, Chris Moore, Judge Warren Watson and KDKA-TV's Brenda Waters.

This is the Fourth Annual Classic Events Black History Celebration by organizer Ralph P. Watson.

"I think in our community we need to celebrate each other. This is probably the largest number, being 16 and this is largest. It's a wonderful event," Watson said.

Watson will keep the celebration going with a Living Legends awards banquet at Hosanna House in Wilkinsburg on Feb. 28.

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