Women in Business Spotlight: National Opera House

BY LAURA HARPER/WWR Staff Writer

Pittsburgh is full of historical landmarks, some of which are more known than others. One such landmark is the National Opera House, which was once the home of the National Negro Opera Company. Working tirelessly with her team to restore this significant landmark and share its importance with the public is Executive Director Jonnet Solomon.

Solomon’s journey with the National Opera House started 22 years ago, when she discovered the Pennsylvania Historical Marker in front of the house that shared the history of the National Negro Opera Company, the first permanent African-American Opera company in the nation. She decided to conduct some of her own research and quickly learned that the significance of the house and its history was not well known.

"The most important aspect of the National Opera House is the restoration and preservation of history and historic events that shaped Pittsburgh, America, and the entire world,” Solomon said.

Solomon is also using her journey to shed light on some significant women connected with the National Opera House, such as Madam Mary Cardwell Dawson. Dawson, who lived from 1884 to 1962, was an African-American musician, teacher, and the founding director of the National Negro Opera Company. Her legacy continues for women everywhere, making it even more important for her story to be shared.

“Revealing this hidden figure and giving her story a voice and a national stage tells every woman how to be great and lets us know that greatness is the potential for every human being,” Solomon said. “Our potential does not have a ceiling and it has no limits, it’s up to us to make a decision for ourselves and our life and allow that decision to evolve and grow as our great potential is revealed.”

Solomon’s work with the National Opera House goes beyond just the historical significance behind the landmark. She also sees the house as an opportunity to share important lessons with the world regarding racism, sexism, classism, and all forms of ignorance.

“The key message I would like the public to know is that the world lives longer than each person and the truth always wins,” Solomon said. “This story shows us that what one woman starts another will finish, this is how we create change and a better world.”

Although her goal is to stand up in the face of ignorance, this ignorance is also one of Solomon’s greatest challenges. Despite this, however, she is determined to stand up to these ongoing challenges with grace and fierceness when necessary.

“I never know how ignorance will walk into the room,” Solomon said. “I overcome it by listening, through observation, giving grace, and taking long breaths.”

Although her days never look quite the same, Solomon finds the most joy in constantly learning new things and maturing as a person. She also finds music to be a very influential part of her life and career.

“Music is life,” Solomon said. “Without music I would not be here doing what I do!”

To learn more about the National Opera House, you can visit their website here. You can also visit their table at the Barrel and Flow Festival beginning at noon on Saturday, August 13. You can purchase tickets for that event here. You can also check out the National Opera House on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.