University Times

Pitt is among the backers of what organizers hope will become an annual “signature” event for the Oakland community.

Trevor Smith of Community Human Services is coordinating the event, set for 4 pm-midnight April 12 on Schenley Plaza. “Imagine a big, safe party in Oakland that really engages all the different players: students, families, institutions, the universities, to celebrate this very unique and lively neighborhood,” he said, adding that the event will encompass activities for children, families and students.

Kannu Sahni, Pitt director of community relations, told the University Senate community relations committee that the concept for an event to foster community pride grew out of Oakland Task Force concerns in response to recent graffiti vandalism beneath the Boulevard of the Allies bridge. Sahni said this year’s event will be a precursor for a larger one next year that will align with the 175th anniversary of the naming of the Oakland neighborhood in 1839.