Crawford-Roberts in Pittsburgh in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Union Local 471 American Federation of Musicians

Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, June 23, 2012

1. Union Local 471 American Federation of Musicians Marker

Immediately after its unveiling.

Inscription. Organized in 1908, this local was one of the first African American musicians unions in Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh was at the forefront of the jazz world in the mid-20th century, and jazz greats Mary Lou Williams, Art Blakey, Ray Brown, and George Benson, among others, were members. A controversial merger with the white union local in the 1960s ended one of the oldest black union organizations in the U.S. Headquarters was nearby, 1940-1954.

Erected 2012 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Entertainment • Labor Unions. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1908.

Location. 40° 26.586′ N, 79° 59.244′ W. Marker is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in Allegheny County. It is in Crawford-Roberts. Marker is at the intersection of Crawford Avenue and Webster Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Crawford Avenue. Located in Pittsburgh's Hill District directly above the former Civic Arena site. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pittsburgh PA 15219, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. "The Bell Speaks" (approx. 0.2 miles away); August Wilson

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(approx. 0.2 miles away); Le Magnifique (approx. ¼ mile away); Epiphany Roman Catholic Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); First Muslim Mosque of Pittsburgh (approx. 0.3 miles away); Pennsylvania Canal (approx. 0.3 miles away); Merchants Savings & Trust Company (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Empty Pocket Pays (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pittsburgh.

Also see . . .
1. Mary Lou Williams at FindAGrave.com. (Submitted on June 24, 2012, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)
2. Art Blakey at FindAGrave.com. (Submitted on June 24, 2012, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)
3. Ray Matthews Brown at FindAGrave.com. (Submitted on June 24, 2012, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)

Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, June 23, 2012

2. Union Local 471 American Federation of Musicians Marker

Immediately after the unveiling at the dedication events.

Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, June 23, 2012

3. Union Local 471 American Federation of Musicians Marker

Dedication ceremony

Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, June 23, 2012

4. Union Local 471 American Federation of Musicians Marker

The unveiling of the marker by Lynn (Austin) Scott, daughter of former President Charles "Chuck" Austin.

Lynn (Austin) Scott image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, June 23, 2012

5. Lynn (Austin) Scott

Daughter of former Local 471 President Charles "Chuck" Scott delivers a speech at the dedication ceremony on June 23, 2012.

Union Local 471 American Federation of Musicians Marker Dedication image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, June 23, 2012

6. Union Local 471 American Federation of Musicians Marker Dedication

Pennsylvania's First Lady Susan Corbett says a few words concerning the marker and the Musicians Union.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 23, 2012, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 732 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 23, 2012, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 5, 6. submitted on June 24, 2012, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.