#89 | Reviving America's First Black-Owned Opera House: Jonnet Solomon
Episode description
In this episode, we sit down with Jonnet Solomon, a cultural visionary who is leading the charge to restore America’s first Black-owned opera house, located in the heart of Pittsburgh.
Originally from Georgetown, Guyana, Joni came to the U.S. and eventually found herself drawn to a historic but forgotten building. That building turned out to be the National Opera House—a landmark in Black American history. Once she learned its significance, she made it her life’s mission to bring it back to life.
Jonnet is not just a preservationist. She’s also a single mother and an accountant by trade—a woman balancing work, family, and an enormous cultural project with resilience and grace. Her story is about answering a calling, even when the odds—and the history books—don’t make it easy.
This episode is a reminder that preserving culture isn’t just about the past—it’s about fighting for the future
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⏱️ CHAPTERS:
00:00 – Meet Jonnet Solomon
01:30 – From Guyana to Pittsburgh
04:00 – A Mysterious Pull to an Old House
06:30 – Discovering the Opera House’s True Legacy
10:00 – Why She Chose to Stay and Fight for It
13:30 – The Deep History of Black Arts in Pittsburgh
17:00 – Building a Vision for the Future
21:00 – The Restoration Process & Roadblocks
25:00 – How You Can Support the Mission
28:30 – Final Thoughts: Legacy Beyond Borders
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🔗 Links
National Opera House Website: https://www.nationaloperahouse.org/
Support the Restoration: https://www.nationaloperahouse.org/donate-to-the-national-opera-house/
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationaloperahousepgh/
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A National CORE Production supporting the Hope Through Housing Foundation. Join us to uncover the power of purpose, resilience, and service in everyday lives.