Walter C. Worthington

Walter C. Worthington was a playwright, poet, and historian based in Pittsburgh's Hill District neighborhood. After obtaining his education at Schenley High School and the University of Pittsburgh, Worthington worked as an actor and playwright. He supported local theater companies throughout his life, including the Pittsburgh Playhouse, The Curtaineers, a local acting troupe, and the Green Pastures Community Playhouse. Worthington married Leona M. Worthington in 1935, and the couple had two sons, Walter Jr. and Robert.

Walter Worthington was heavily involved with his local community, serving as executive secretary of the Hill District Community Council, president of the Hill District Citizens for the Poverty Program, and chairman of Opportunities Industrialization Center. Due to his civic engagement and interest in the Hill District, Worthington was recognized as the neighborhood's unofficial historian. He co-founded and was executive director of the Western Pennsylvania Research and Historical Society, which conducted research on the history of African Americans in western Pennsylvania who lived between the late 18th and 20th centuries. He also initiated and chaired the African Heritage Classroom Committee at the University of Pittsburgh in order to add an African Nationality Room within the University’s Cathedral of Learning. Fundraising and campaigning began in 1972 and the room was completed in 1989.

Worthington received numerous awards throughout his life for his community work, including the Outstanding Alumni Award from University of Pittsburgh, Humanitarian Award from Alequippa Terrace Block Club, Outstanding Community Service from Hill District Committee on Economic Opportunity, Bicentennial Commission of Pennsylvania Appreciation Award, and Black History Maker acknowledgement from the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs.