After several Negro League Centennial events were canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic, the Josh Gibson Foundation has announced a slate of activities for later this month.

A special symposium called “Why the Negro Leagues Mattered, and Still Do” will take place Oct. 29 from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Power Center at Duquesne University.

“The 100th anniversary of Negro Leagues baseball is an incredible milestone that we are thrilled to be celebrating and exploring,” said Sean Gibson, executive director of the Josh Gibson Foundation, and the great-grandson of the Hall of Fame catcher.

“Our speakers all share the same interest in keeping Josh Gibson’s legacy alive and to discuss the incredible impact of the Negro Leagues on the world,” he said.

The panel of speakers will be moderated by nationally acclaimed baseball scholar and author, University of Pittsburgh professor Rob Ruck. Speakers include Claire Smith, J.G. Taylor Spink Award Recipient and former ESPN sports editor; Claude Johnson, author and founder and executive director of the Black Fives Foundation; Howard Bryant, author and ESPN personality; and Tarrick Brock, the Pirates first base coach.

“It’s a privilege to sponsor and host the Josh Gibson Foundation’s Negro League Centennial celebration symposium,” said Duquesne president Ken Gormley. “The historic Negro Leagues – and hometown powerhouse teams like Josh Gibson’s Homestead Grays and the Pittsburgh Crawfords – will always be remembered for their significant role in the culture of that time and positive influence on Major League Baseball.”

Proceeds from the event will support youth baseball.

The day after the symposium, former Pirates player, coach and manager Lloyd McClendon will receive the 2021 Josh Gibson Legacy Award at a celebratory gala at the Wyndham Grand hotel.

McClendon was the first African American manager or head coach of any of Pittsburgh’s three major sports teams.

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