Painting by William Henry Johnson

Nightlife


William Henry Johnson, "Street Musicians"

From the 1920s to the 1950s, the African American neighborhoods of Birmingham and Pittsburgh were home to a thriving array of bars, clubs, and other nighttime hotspots. Residents of the two cities and the surrounding areas traveled for miles to relax in the social ambiance of Tuxedo Junction in Birmingham and in the Hill District of Pittsburgh. Many famous jazz musicians began their careers playing in the clubs of these two neighborhoods. The music, dancing, and upbeat atmosphere allowed African Americans to unwind from weeks often filled with hard work, frustration, and racial tension. To learn more about African American nightlife in Birmingham and Pittsburgh, click on either of the following:


"So long town! I'm headed for Tuxedo Junction, now."


"Fun City" - The Hill Distict


Birmingham-
Pittsburgh
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