Pitt’s K. Leroy Irvis Black History Month Celebration Honors Sculptor, Pitt Alumnus Thaddeus Mosley

The University of Pittsburgh celebrated the life and artistic career of Thaddeus Mosley, the renowned Western Pennsylvania sculptor who is a 1950 graduate of Pitt’s Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences. The Feb. 1 program and reception at the Twentieth Century Club was cohosted by Pitt Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg and Pitt Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs Robert Hill.

The event was the University’s annual K. Leroy Irvis Black History Month Program, named to honor the memory of the legendary Pennsylvania legislative leader and Pitt alumnus (LAW ’54) and trustee. Irvis, who in 1977 became the first African American speaker of the House of Representatives in Pennsylvania and the first Black speaker of any state house since Reconstruction, sponsored in 1966 the bill that made Pitt a state-related institution of higher education. The 45-minute documentary was the work of filmmaker and Pitt alumnus Kenneth Love (A&S ’71).

1. Three wooden sculptures, created by the self-taught Mosley, were on display for the benefit of the 600 audience members who attended the reception following the documentary screening.

2. From left, Nordenberg, Love, and Mosley.

3. Mosley and artist Teruyo Seya.

4. From left, Pitt Vice Provost and Dean of Students Kathy W. Humphrey, Hill, and Pitt School of Social Work Dean Larry E. Davis, who is also Donald M. Henderson Professor and director of the Center on Race and Social Problems at Pitt.

5. From left, Pitt trustee Herbert P. Douglas Jr. (EDUC ’48, ’50G); Nikki Nordenberg (EDUC ‘88G); Arnold M. Sowell Sr. (BUS ’57); and Nordenberg. Both Douglas and Sowell were featured in the evening’s documentary.

6. From left, Nancy Bolden, widow of the late Pittsburgh Courier reporter and editor Frank Bolden (EDUC ’34); Crystal McCormick Ware, coordinator for communications and diversity, Hillman Library; Camara Watkins; and K. Chase Patterson (A&S ’07).