Rob Penny

Rob Penny was an African-American playwright, poet, educator, and activist from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was a key figure in the Black Arts Movement in Pittsburgh and is known for his work exploring the Black experience, particularly in the Hill District neighborhood.

Penny was born in 1941 and died in 2003. He wrote extensively about issues of race, class, and identity, often incorporating elements of jazz and blues music into his plays. He co-founded the Kuntu Repertory Theatre at the University of Pittsburgh, a company dedicated to producing works by and about African Americans.

Penny's plays include "Before I Sleep," "Bukka's Dilemma," and "Li'l Girl Getaway." His work aimed to challenge social injustices and celebrate African-American culture and heritage. He was deeply involved in community organizing and used his art as a vehicle for social change. His contributions to Pittsburgh's cultural landscape and the wider Black Arts Movement are significant and continue to be recognized.