The Electric Playground Community Day, presented by the August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC) and Hazelwood Local, transformed Hazelwood into a vibrant celebration of technology, creativity, and community. Families from across Pittsburgh explored an exciting mix of virtual reality, robotics,drones, interactive artmaking, video games, and hands-on STEM demonstrations from regional innovators, alongside a lively performance by Squonk and more than 30 food and retail vendors. The event once again affirmed the Electric Playground as one of the city’s most engaging free community experiences.
This year, the day also highlighted one of Pittsburgh’s brightest young creatives: Demigael, a youth photographer whose work captured the spirit of the event with remarkable clarity and heart. He first discovered his passion for photography while helping his mother, whose love for fashion, art, and storytelling inspired him to pick up the camera. What started as support for her creative projects quickly grew into his own artistic calling, revealing a natural gift for composition, timing, and capturing authentic moments—qualities that made him an incredible documenter of the day’s excitement.
Beyond the camera, Demigael is an exceptional student who scored advanced on his PSSA exams, plays the saxophone, loves music, and dreams of becoming a doctor. Known for his kindness, curiosity, and bright personality, he brings warmth to every room he enters, reflecting the very spirit of the Electric Playground. Through Demigael’s lens, the Electric Playground becomes more than an afternoon of activities—it becomes a portrait of youth creativity, community innovation, and the power of STEAM experiences in Pittsburgh. We’re proud to uplift emerging artists like him and grateful to everyone who helped make this year’s Electric Playground Community Day a dynamic, inspiring reminder of what happens when technology, imagination, and community come together.
This AWCommunity Day is co-presented by UPMC and UPMC Health Plan and Citizens. Additional support is provided by Howmet Aerospace Foundation and PPG Foundation.
