When Jamie Freeman settled in Mt. Lebanon after moving from Virginia Beach, she wanted to make sure her children would grow up feeling connected to their African American heritage. What began as small family gatherings eventually evolved into a thriving community organization known as the Lebo Coalition, or “LeCo” for short.

“I just wanted to celebrate my African American culture with my kids,” said Freeman, a Washington Elementary neighborhood resident. “Then I met other African American families in the community. Over the years, people would say, ‘Hey, can we have more events?’ and that’s really how LeCo started.”

The group’s first event, a Juneteenth celebration in 2020, was a grassroots effort that quickly gained momentum. “An anonymous donor reached out and said they really liked the purpose and vision we had,” Freeman said. “We were just putting on events for our kids and their friends. Then it became, how do we make this a community event?”

Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in October 2024, LeCo continues to expand its reach by creating inclusive cultural experiences for local families and fostering connection and pride among children.

Freeman said the group’s work has helped children build lasting friendships across schools. “Sometimes my kids don’t see any other African Americans unless we do these community events,” she said. “Now that my son’s in high school, he still hangs out with the kids he met years ago at those early events.”

In addition to Juneteenth, the coalition launched its first Black History Month event in 2025, held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and led by community member Danielle Walker. “It was a sold-out event,” Freeman said. “We had a Pittsburgh native who made a film about Black Pittsburgh. The community loved it.”

The organization is planning its next Black History Month event for February, as well as a Juneteenth celebration. The coalition is also exploring opportunities to sponsor a historical Black college and university tour in collaboration with the Black Student Union at Mt. Lebanon High School.

“We tell the kids all the time, this is for them,” Freeman said. “Sometimes they don’t feel comfortable being themselves here in Mt. Lebanon. This is their home. We want them to know the community is here to celebrate with them.”

Food is a centerpiece of LeCo’s gatherings. “That’s usually the number one question I get asked — are we going to have greens there, are we going to have catfish there?” Freeman said with a laugh. “Food is something that always brings any family, any culture together.”

Although the group was founded to highlight African American culture, its scope is broadening. “We’re talking to people from Hispanic backgrounds and others in the community,” Freeman said. “We want LeCo to be a nonprofit that celebrates all cultures.”

For more information about upcoming events or volunteer opportunities, visit the Lebo Coalition online.