West Funeral Home - Original Location

The Hill District’s African American community still utilizes the West Funeral Home today. In 1932, the funeral home was established by Thomas L. West Sr. It is one of the oldest African American- owned businesses in the Pittsburgh area. Due to segregation, the West Funeral Home was one of the only funeral homes that African Americans could use. August Wilson portrayed West as a greedy man in his play, Two Trains Running. However, according to an article from The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, these claims by Wilson were wrong. West was believed to be a very religious and kind man. Although still in operation, the West Funeral Home is threated by a lack in clients and an increased number of funeral homes. For now, the funeral home continues to function as Thomas L. West Sr. had intended. 

Grant, Tim."African-American funeral homes face their own set of challenges." The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. March 27, 2017. Accessed April 27, 2020. https://www.post-gazette.com/business/money/2017/03/27/African-American-funeral-homes-face-their-own-set-of-challenges/stories/201703260028.

Hamill, Sean D. "The real-life story behind August Wilson’s character in his play about 1968 violence is different-and compelling." The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. April 2, 2018. Accessed April 27, 2020. https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2018/04/02/August-Wilson-play-two-trains-running-1968-riots-hill-district-pittsburgh-lutz-MLK/stories/201803300147.