Pittsburghers are, at our core, neighborly. It’s simply part of who we are — we're bred to look out for one another, whether that means helping a friend dig their car out of the snow or speaking up for someone who needs a fighter in their corner. In big and small ways, Pittsburghers show up.
It’s a big reason why we at Pittsburgh City Paper love our annual People of the Year issue in which we honor locals who have done especially impactful work for their communities this year, inspiring all of us to be better neighbors along the way. This manifests in all sorts of ways through all sorts of people, all of whom have made Pittsburgh a bit brighter this year in the realms of activism, creativity, politics, and much more.
In this year’s edition we celebrate Karla Boos, whose more than 30-year-old Quantum Theatre is still pushing boundaries; along with rapper Frzy who’s taking his craft to new audiences and new heights. We’re spotlighting Mel Larrick, who's soon to be the Brewers Guild’s first woman leader, as well as Sara Innamorato, who’s set to be Allegheny County’s first woman executive. We’re also honoring labor accomplishments, fierce leadership in reproductive rights, noteworthy works coming from some of Pittsburgh’s most exciting artists, and more.
We hope you enjoy reading these profiles as much as we enjoyed writing them, and that you take time to reflect on the wealth of good neighbors we have here in town.
Happy holidays, yinz.
— Ali Trachta, Editor-in-Chief
