Hill City
Self-governing "city" for Hill District youth became nationally-recognized
In 1939, a group of children in the Hill began to gain national attention. With the help of a local detective, they were able to start their own government of sorts, known as the “Hill City” This city quickly gained popularity as it was the only of its kind in the country.
“Hill City” was founded on June 4, 1939 to try and cut down on petty crime in the area, help teach children responsibility, and give them something to do after school. In under three months, over 1,800 children had joined, about one-seventh of all African American children living within the Hill at the time, and that would grow to over half by February. The city was not discriminatory though; any child that was willing to pledge to combat crime in the hill was encouraged to join.
City police detective Howard McKinney oversaw all of these children, as he had grown up in the Hill District himself. McKinney had started the city with nothing, only contributing what he was able from his detective work within Pittsburgh. That did not last for long though, and by early 1940, McKinney worked primarily as a supervisor for the children of the Hill City. He also worked as a janitor in the mornings, and at night he often lectured at various churches or clubs.
As word caught on though, Hill City did receive funding. Every month, a $50 check would be sent to the Hill City Hall that would allow the members to heat and light the building while also allowing them to pay a phone and stationary bill. This check would often be made out to the Hill City mayor who, mind you, was still a child.
The children of Hill City even started their own judicial system. If a child was caught stealing, they would be arrested by Hill City members and brought into the headquarters of Hill City at 2038 Wylie Avenue. Here, they would be required to appear at court, which was held every Saturday morning. Once in court, they could be tried by the judge, who was often an older member of Hill City, usually in their mid-to-late teens. There would also be a jury made up of more city members. If they were found guilty, they would then be sentenced to ”hard labor” such as mopping, washing dishes, or other various housekeeping items around the city hall.
This self-governing even helped save the city of Pittsburgh money. Since it cost the police and fire departments every time an officer or firefighter was dispatched, and with the members of the Hill City helping cut down on the need for them to be sent, they helped save Pittsburgh thousands of dollars. They even had agreements with local stores to turn over any child caught stealing to the Hill City rather than the police as well as returning any stolen merchandise to the stores they were stolen from.
