Andrew Cummings | multimedia editor
9/9/21
Over Labor Day weekend, Market Square held “Soul Food Fest,” an event that celebrates the history of Pittsburgh’s Black-owned food businesses. Food, festivities, live music and art could all be found in Market Square from Sept. 2-5.
“Soul Food Fest” started in 2019 as a one-day event, and did not occur in 2020. The 2021 event was expanded to four days.
At the festival, attendees could try a variety of different foods. There was barbecue, funnel cakes, ice cream, sausage and more.
For some of the stands, the lines stretched all the way across the square.
Rotem Kaufman and Ivan Schmidt, two locals who had come from a Pitt football game, said that they had been waiting in line for food for 30 minutes.
“The food here, it smells so good,” Kaufman said.
Schmidt added, “We’ve been in line for a little bit here…but I’m hopeful for the food.”
The busyness of the festival shows its popularity, and that people in Pittsburgh are eager to get out and participate in community events.
Valerie Threets, an art vendor at “Soul Food Fest,” said how the festival is a great opportunity for various ethnicities in Pittsburgh to come together peacefully. Threets mentioned the communal aspect for the Black community, and noted the considerable participation from non-Blacks in the event.
In addition to food, there were various pieces of clothing and art. There were stands selling paintings, rings, sunglasses and dresses.
There was also live music at the festival, including DJs, jazz, gospel and even a Michael Jackson tribute band.
“Soul Food Fest” helps support local and Black-owned businesses, in more ways than one.
For more information, go to @ASoulfulTasteOfTheBurgh on Facebook or PghBlackLegacy.com.
