Sharpsburg's Kayla Portis becomes borough's first Black councilperson

It seems only fitting that Sharpsburg resident Kayla Portis made history last month with her appointment as the first Black person to serve on borough council.

A fourth-generation Sharpsburg resident, Portis’ trailblazing grandfather Charles Smith was the first Black Commander at the VFW Post 709 along Main Street. A mural of Portis’ grandmother, Barbara, is painted on the exterior of the Linden Gym along Clay Street as a nod to her active role in the community.

“It feels like I was meant to be here,” said Portis, 35, who was appointed to fill an unexpired term through December.

She plans to seek a nomination in the May primary for a full four-year term.

Councilman Jon Jaso supported Portis’ bid, saying he believes she will bring fresh ideas to the community.

“I think she’ll be a terrific addition,” he said.

Portis, who serves as president of the Fox Chapel Area Residents for Social Justice and vice president of the Kerr Elementary School PTO, sought the council appointment in hopes of bringing a voice to residents who feel unheard.

“There are a lot of people who don’t think they can make a difference so they don’t go to council meetings or they don’t pursue the issues that matter to them,” she said.

“Representation matters. Look at the vice president of the United States. I never in my lifetime thought I’d see a Black woman in that office. For people to see me in this position, it will make a difference.

“I want to help live up to our motto that Sharpsburg is for everyone.”

A Fox Chapel Area High School graduate, Portis has lived in the borough for three decades. She is a familiar face behind the scenes, often bringing concerns to council and helping organize activities for area youth.

She was instrumental in spearheading an anti-racism rally last year in O’Hara Community Park to support the Black Lives Matter movement following the death of George Floyd.

In her initial months on council, Portis plans to address affordable housing, employment and youth initiatives and said that a community survey would go a long way to foster inclusivity.

She hopes to secure a plan for upgrades to Heinz Memorial Park, resolving long-term complaints that the once-popular borough green space isn’t used to its full potential.

“I played softball for Sharpsburg and it was always booming,” Portis said. “It needs a lot of work now and it’s been an issue for years.”

She suggested a nearby lot at Chapman and 19th streets could be converted into parking, easing another long-term woe of residents.

“Parking has always been an issue,” she said. “But we can accomplish a lot more if we put our heads together and work on solutions.”

Other priorities will target air quality, flooding and a community-oriented space.

“I would love to see a community center,” she said. “A lot of people might question where we would put it, but where there’s a will, there’s a way.”

A health care worker at Kane Living Center in Ross, Portis first began her career there at age 13 as a volunteer before earning her bachelor’s degree from Clarion University and returning for full-time employment.

She credits her mom for the innate desire to help.

“My mother is a social worker and I’ve just always helped. I aspire to be just like her,” she said. “My whole goal is to help everyone and make sure people aren’t feeling left out.”