In 2005, the organization opened a residential program in a former North Side convent for up to 16 pregnant and parenting teens who are sent there by the court system for medical care, emotional and spiritual support, and parenting and practical skills.
Now run by her daughter, Kathi, the organization also boasts a summer program, career and workforce development programs, and outreach and training services, in addition to its clinical and group home services.
“She was a single and also a foster mother,” said Kathi. “So in many was I was the first Gwen’s Girl.”
Walt, the musician, producer and businessman who popularized jazz “outside of smoky back rooms” in Pittsburgh is this year’s other Spirit of King honoree.
Not only did he present jazz festivals, workshops and cultural programs, he recorded eight albums and appeared numerous times on national and local television, with his group or alone. He also hosted an Emmy-nominated PBS special called, “Walt Harper at Fallingwater,” which aired nationally.
While he could have taken the rout preferred by other Pittsburgh jazz masters, like Erroll Garner, Earl Hines or Stanley Turrentine, and played to national and international acclaim, his daughter and biographer, Sharynn Harper, said he loved Pittsburgh and wanted to popularize jazz in his hometown. Being named a Spirit of King honoree, she said, is wonderful.
“He probably would have been surprised and humbled because he was all about music. He loved jazz and Pittsburgh, and never would have thought he did anything for such an honor,” she said.
He was a pioneer in jazz appreciation, and he was proud to give people in Pittsburgh exposure and didn’t feel he needed to go to New York or Europe to do that.”
And expose people he did. Walt would bring in friends like Mel Torme, Lionel Hampton and Chico Hamilton to play at his events or venues he owned and operated as a businessman––the most successful of which was Walt Harper’s Attic in Market Square.
“He was very adamant about that,” said Sharynn. “He wanted the best for his home town. He always said Pittsburgh was fertile ground and there was an audience for good jazz.”
Sharynn, whose book, “Walt Harper and Jazz in the Attic,” comes out later this year, will come in from New York City for the award ceremony.
The Spirit of King Award Ceremony, held annually, honors the lifetime achievements of local citizens who pursue human rights and equality in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The ceremony is sponsored by the Port Authority of Allegheny County, Kingsley Association, Pittsburgh Pirates and New Pittsburgh Courier.
The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m., Jan. 19, at the Kingsley Association, located at 6534 Frankstown Ave., in Larimer.
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