Josh Gibson Basis Declares Symposium to Have a good time the 100th Anniversary of the Negro League

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

A special symposium entitled “Why the Negro Leagues Mattered, and Still Do” will be held on October 29th from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at The Power Center at Duquesne University.

“The 100th Anniversary of Negro Leagues Baseball is an incredible milestone that we are excited to celebrate and explore,” said Sean Gibson, executive director of the Josh Gibson Foundation and great-grandson of the Hall of Fame Catchers.

“Our speakers all share the same interest in keeping Josh Gibson’s legacy alive and in discussing the incredible influence the Negro Leagues have made on the world,” he said.

The panel will be moderated by the nationally recognized baseball scientist and author, Professor Rob Ruck of the University of Pittsburgh. Speakers include Claire Smith, JG Taylor Spink Award recipient and former ESPN sports editor; Claude Johnson, author and founder and executive director of the Black Lives Foundation; Howard Bryant, writer and ESPN personality; and Tarrick Brock, the Pirates’ first basic trainer.

“It is a privilege to sponsor and host the Josh Gibson Foundation’s Negro League Centennial Symposium,” said Ken Gormley, President of Duquesne. “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 the era and their positive influence on Major League Baseball.”

The proceeds from the event will benefit youth baseball.

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

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

Paul Guggenheimer is a contributor to Tribune Review. You can contact Paul at 724-226-7706 or pguggenheimer@triblive.com.