The printed press kits and Gov. Rendell's letter of support still said African-American Cultural Center. But at a press conference yesterday morning, the center formally adopted a new title: the August Wilson Center for African-American Culture, in honor of the great Pittsburgh-bred playwright who died Oct. 2.

As reported in yesterday's Post-Gazette, the governor has committed $5 million toward the center's new Downtown building, for which groundbreaking is expected this spring, with the expectation of further support later. And state Rep. Jake Wheatley, D-Hill District, noted his House Democratic caucus had been first on board with $500,000.

But not included in yesterday's story was an added commitment of $1 million from the Democratic caucus in the state Senate, announced at the press conference by Sen. Jay Costa, D-Forest Hills.

Center board secretary Sala Udin, a longtime friend of Mr. Wilson's, read the gracious acknowledgment of the new name from the August Wilson Estate. Then he added he hoped his friend would never have reason to look down on his old hometown and say, "They took my name, but not my game." Mr. Wilson was "a warrior," he said. "He used his art as a weapon, his pen as a sword. ... I know he doesn't want to have to send Aunt Ester down here to straighten this out," referring to the wise woman who is the spiritual center of Mr. Wilson's Pittsburgh Cycle of 10 plays.

Center president and CEO Neil Barclay revealed that he had had discussions last spring with Mr. Wilson about a connection with the center, perhaps serving it as honorary chair, but further talks had been interrupted by Mr. Wilson's sudden illness. The naming is a natural fulfillment of those contacts.

Although there is still work to do to gather the full $35.9 million needed, the building is intended to open in late 2007.