First person Archives - Page 7 of 34 - Pittsburgh's Public Source

A man wearing a black "Sell the Team" T-shirt stands on a bridge with yellow railings. A stadium with a "Pirates" sign is visible in the background.

Dear Bob Nutting, please bring Dad and me a World Series — or sell to someone who can

by First-person essay by Gabe Mazefsky October 25, 2024October 25, 2024

A person in a formal suit stands in front of a stone monument with artistic engravings, with sunlight filtering through trees in the background.

‘Go forth and tell our stories’: From harmful narratives to healing stories, words could turn the page for Pittsburgh’s Hill District

by Ervin Dyer October 4, 2024October 4, 2024

A group of people in bright vests and teal shirts march down a city street, holding signs that read "Justice NOW." A church steeple and various buildings are visible in the background.

Ordinary Sunday, extraordinary stories: How a march against sexual violence left survivors and allies feeling heard, at last

by First-person essay by Sydney Altfather September 27, 2024October 2, 2024

A person wearing a T-shirt stands amid swirling clouds or smoke, with a pained expression on their face, surrounded by sketchy, pencil-drawn lines.

Facing tremors, insomnia and pain, I searched for answers — and came to blame the noxious air

by First-person essay and illustrations by John Peña September 20, 2024September 22, 2024

A man stands in front of a blue wall with a large butterfly decoration and wooden shelving unit on the left. He is wearing a white "Greenfield Neighborhood" t-shirt.

Community storytelling

When zebras fly: How my backyard flora project helped bring a long-gone species back to Pittsburgh

by First-person essay by Daniel D. Brown, Ph.D. September 12, 2024September 24, 2025

A man in casual clothing stands by a tree in a garden-like area. There's a stone structure and a sign reading "Central Park" nearby. Various decorations are visible in the surroundings.

Community storytelling

Yes, there is a Central Park in Pittsburgh. Could gentrification threaten the work I and others have done?

by First-person essay by Joseph Szabo, as told to Venuri Siriwardane August 30, 2024September 24, 2025

A person with curly hair and glasses, leaning on a fence at sunset, looking into the distance. Urban lights and a road are visible in the background.

Until I can walk a pedestrian-friendly Route 51, I fear for my life

by First-person essay by Avishek Acharya August 23, 2024August 25, 2024

A person wearing headphones reads a "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" book at a green metal table in an outdoor garden setting.

‘Yes and’: My lifetime of chasing the perfect performance to seem neurotypical

by First-person essay by Eli Kurs-Lasky August 16, 2024August 15, 2024

A woman stands by a railing in a library, looking thoughtful. She is surrounded by various bookshelves and signs.

I gained sight at age 36, upending my life. Lessons from a tough Pittsburgh childhood helped me rebuild.

by First-person essay by Olivia Durant August 9, 2024September 24, 2025

A person with short gray hair, wearing white-rimmed glasses and a blue outfit, sits at a table holding a phone, smiling. Behind are notes on paper and a colorful painting on the wall.

Community storytelling

When babysitting changed to raising grandchildren, it nixed my plans — but saved (and changed) my life

by First-person essay by Terri Shields August 2, 2024September 24, 2025