Proctor, Ralph: Song of The Hill

Song of The Hill is part memoir, part tribute, and part eulogy for a very special place and culture known in Pittsburgh as The Hill. Within a surrounding racist society, a vibrant African American community thrived, nurturing some of the country's greatest jazz musicians. The Hill provides the settings for August Wilson's plays and served as the home of The Pittsburgh Courier, at one time the most prestigious Black newspaper in the country. Author Ralph Proctor gives a moving and intimate portrait of this remarkable community, recollecting his experiences as a youngster and reflecting as an adult on the forces that destroyed The Hill as he had known it. Those with an interest in race relations and social justice will find Song of The Hill to be an enlightening look at a time of both innocence and shameful injustice.

Ralph Proctor, Jr., PhD, grew up in an extraordinary place and culture known as The Hill in Pittsburgh. An expert on African-American History and African-American Art, Dr. Proctor continues to teach in higher education. Over the years he has served in professional and administrative capacities in academia, social service agencies, and business organizations. He was among the early pioneers in bringing African American experiences and issues to radio and television. In his personal and professional life Proctor has been and continues to be a tireless worker in the battle for civil rights.