Latrice Phoenix
Photographer, Public Speaker, and Melanin Mommy in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Recipient of Pittsburgh Black History Achievement Award 2016!
Latrice "Phoenix" Rose was born in Pittsburgh, PA and grew up in the Larimer area; her father was absent in her life, and her mother was addicted to drugs. She was raised by her great-grandmother until she died in the year 2000 when Latrice was only ten years old. Through this Latrice was eventually evicted from the property leaving all personal items, particularly childhood photos behind.
Latrice moved around until she ended up living with her paternal grandmother, where she suffered different challenges and abuse as a growing adolescent. In her middle years, she was rebellious, performing poorly in school and was suspended countless times. Without her parents being in her life, she felt as if it did not matter how she acted or what she did.
Yet, in high school, Latrice would start to make some changes.
With the help of mentors and self-determination, she began to recognize her potential. She got involved with various organizations and programs and began to look at life through a different lens. She became the lead youth writer for the New Pittsburgh Courier newspaper, a youth worker for the Mayor’s Office and a member of the Youth Staff of Urban Youth Action. She was also nominated for Who's Who Among American High School Students and received various awards.
She became the first in her family to graduate high school, graduated 5th in her class with a 3.8 GPA and received many financial scholarships to college. In 2013, she also became the first in her family obtain a college degree. She graduated Edinboro University of Pa in June 2013 with a BA in Communications Studies specializing in Public Relations. She is currently pursuing an MBA.
Latrice has made her name known in the Pittsburgh Art Scene as a healing artist, photographer and poet who focuses on art that brings awareness while encouraging social conversations about the plight of black Americans. Her work has been featured in several Pittsburgh galleries including the University of Pittsburgh.
She is the founder and executive director of Melanin Mommies Pgh which is a mentoring program for at risk mother ages 14-21.