People of the Year

This year was supposed to be easier than last. Vaccines arrived, COVID cases were supposed to slow down, businesses were supposed to all open back up. And, in some ways, things have been better than in 2020. (At least we’re not all trapped at home 24/7, right?) But, as we prepare to enter year three of the pandemic, there are so many of us still struggling, and it’s become even more important that we learn to celebrate every little win.

Pittsburgh City Paper is honored to present this year’s People of the Year winners, all of whom we believe have given our city those necessary joys throughout 2021.

Last year at this time, we highlighted a group who came together to distribute free protective masks for their community. This year, we’re celebrating an individual who is out on the streets every day helping to vaccinate the city’s homeless population. And while last year’s Black Lives Matter rallies were at the forefront of numerous winners’ causes last year, we have chosen an activist this year who helped to initiate conversations on race and further bring awareness to the Asian-American & Pacific Islander community.

On the following pages, you’ll meet these winners and more. And soon, Ed Gainey, our 2020 choice for People of the Year for politics, will be named Pittsburgh’s first Black mayor. We can’t wait to see what this year’s winners will bring in 2022.