Episode Details

For a long time, the birthday of 19th century composer Stephen Foster was a big deal in Pittsburgh. People here were proud that Foster, who was born on July 4th in Lawrenceville, was the popular songwriter behind a bunch of hits at the time — “Beautiful Dreamer,” “Camptown Races,” “O Susanna,” and more. And while Foster himself was not a confederate leader, there was a statue of him in Oakland for 118 years depicting a barefoot Black man playing a banjo at his feet. The controversial piece came down by unanimous decision in 2018, and we wondered where it’s been since. It turns out, there’s a museum director in LA who wants it, and has a plan. We’re with co-curator Hamza Walker of LAXART.

***This conversation originally published June 29, 2022.

Check out the city and surrounding region’s fireworks itineraries here.

Want some more Pittsburgh news? 

• Make sure to sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter.
• We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh!
• Not a fan of social? Then leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893.

Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.