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POST-GAZETTE LOSES ALEXIS JOHNSON Second Black journalist to leave PG in four months Page A5
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VOTING TAKES CENTER STAGE Young African Americans want their voices heard Poll shows 18-to-29 year olds enthusiastic about Presidential Election by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer
We’re less than two weeks away from possibly the most important presidential election in American history, and all across the country, young people have invited themselves to the party. Shalaya Minor, a senior at Carnegie Mellon University, would bring Netflix and some popcorn to the polls if she could. The politics, international relations and psychology major from Philadelphia told the New Pittsburgh Courier she’s sure to vote in this Nov. 3 Presidential Election. “I’m thinking, who is going to impact my future in a positive way, who is going to impact my children’s future in a positive way,” Minor said. “Am I still going to be in debt? Am I still going to continue the same cycle of oppression that the Black community has been living in, or do I see a way out with some of the cer-
Neither did Calyx Deroche, 22, a graduate of Point Park University. But the only certainty is that Deroche will vote in the coming election. Deroche, who is from Atlanta, said she attended both presidential inaugurations of Barack Obama in 2009 and 2013. As soon as she turned 18, she became a registered voter, and voted CALYX DEROCHE AND SHALAYA MINOR are two of the many young African Americans who have committed to voting in the upcoming in the 2016 Presidential Presidential Election, Nov. 3. Some have already submitted their mail-in ballots; others will roll to the polls on Election Day. (Photo by J.L. Election as a freshman at Martello) Point Park. “I felt very hopeful and I felt like I had been a part of history,” Deroche told the Courier during an exclusive interview, Sept. 3. “The outcome wasn’t what I anticipated, and it was quite scary and depressing like it was for the majority of the people who voted with me, but it was very exciting to finally have a say in an election.” Traditionally, voting habits among 18-to-29 year olds haven’t been, well, much of a habit. But a national Harvard Institute by Rob Taylor Jr.
Port Authority hiring for a ‘Director of Equity and Inclusion’ Agency says new position crucial to improving its overall DEI strategy
A national Harvard Institute of Politics poll released in September revealed that 63 percent of the respondents 18-to-29 would “definitely be voting” in the coming election. tain candidates that are out there?” Minor, 21, said she has been doing research on the major party presidential candidates Donald Trump and Joe Biden. She didn’t tip her hat on which candidate would win her vote.
of Politics poll released in September revealed that 63 percent of the respondents 18-to-29 would “definitely be voting” in the coming election. Only 47 percent of respondents in SEE YOUNG PEOPLE A6
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While it isn’t directly because of the heightened awareness of racial injustice following the death of George Floyd, caused by a White Minneapolis police officer in May, the Port Authority told the New Pittsburgh Courier that they’re focused on improving their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts internally and externally now, more than ever before. Port Authority, the mass transit agency for the 1.2
COURIER EXCLUSIVE million residents of Allegheny County, is hiring for a newly created position, Director of Equity and Inclusion. In an exclusive interview, Katharine Kelleman, the agency’s CEO, told the Courier that it’s about time the Port Authority increased its Diversity, Equi-
KATHARINE KELLEMAN, right, the Port Authority of Allegheny County’s CEO, with Doris Carson Williams, president of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania. Kelleman is leading the charge for the Port Authority to improve its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts. ty and Inclusion efforts. “Not having been there before, we have to start somewhere,” Kelleman said during the Oct. 16 interview. “This is one position, and this position will grow an entire department that helps us internally
and externally.” Typically, the percentage of African Americans using public transit in a certain city or county is higher than the percentage of African Americans in that city or county. That holds true in Allegheny County,
where Blacks account for 14 percent of the population, but use buses and subways at a higher rate. And since the coronavirus pandemic began, there’s been virtually no SEE PORT AUTHORITY A10
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LIFE AFTER COVID TENEL DORSEY is owner of Dreamz Hair Salon and Barber Shop in Homestead. (Photos by Courier photographer Dayna Delgado)
After a minor bout with coronavirus, Dreamz Hair Salon owner Tenel Dorsey is back to making people ‘look and feel good’ by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer
When people look good, it, oftentimes, makes them feel good. Tenel Dorsey is the owner of Dreamz Hair Salon and Barber Shop in Homestead, who tells the New Pittsburgh Courier that, all things considered, “business is good” because Dreamz is in the business of making people look and feel good. Dreamz was located for 17 years at the beginning of Homestead, 100 E. 8th Ave. But Dorsey said it was a win-win situation by moving shop to 216 E. 7th Ave. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held, July 26, to mark the occasion. But for Dorsey, moving her salon wasn’t the only thing she dealt with this year. It was a scary moment back in March when she learned that she had tested positive for COVID-19. Her son also had the virus, along with her significant other. She believes the three could have contracted it after a family trip to Detroit. “Dorsey and Co.” were among the first people to contract the virus in Allegheny County. “How did this happen to us, of all people?” Dorsey recalled. But Dorsey thanked God for her minor symptoms, and her son had barely any symptoms. Dorsey’s significant other, however, had pneumonia in both lungs. He
has since made a full recovery. The Courier is not identifying Dorsey’s son or significant other. COVID-19, after all these months, still lingers in Allegheny County. At times it rears its unnoticeable ugly head; other times, not a peep. For example, on Oct. 3, the county reported 38 COVID cases. The next, day, Oct. 4, another 38. But on Oct. 5, the cases number skyrocketed to 126. African Americans continue to be affected by coronavirus at disproportionate rates in Allegheny County. As of Oct. 16, Blacks accounted for at least 2,886 (20 percent) of the 13,821 total cases in the county. Blacks account for 14 percent of the county’s population. In Allegheny County, 403 people have died from coronavirus, as of Oct. 16; 68 of them were DREAMZ HAIR SALON AND BARBER SHOP celebrates the grand re-opening of its new location, 216 E. 7th Ave., Homestead, July 26. Black (17 percent). For Dorsey, her positive COVID test is far in the rear view mirror. It’s time to focus on the now, and the future. The fall is here, holidays are approaching, and people are constantly making calls into Dreamz looking to make an appointment. While a trip to the salon isn’t as big a priority as someone’s light bill or rent payment, it’s still a priority to many people. “People don’t want to look bad,” Dorsey said.
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HOMESTEAD MAYOR BETTY ESPER, right, made an appearance at Dreamz for their grand re-opening. She’s pictured with Jou-Al Burwell.
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The Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh receives a $50,000 donation from Dynegy
URBAN LEAGUE OF GREATER PITTSBURGH PRESIDENT AND CEO ESTHER BUSH, right, with Colin Fitzsimmons, Director of Government Affairs for Vistra, the parent company of Dynegy.
CITY OF PITTSBURGH PROPOSED HOME RULE CHARTER AMENDMENT SPECIAL ELECTION QUESTION Shall the Pittsburgh Home Rule Charter, Article Two, Executive, be amended and supplemented by amending and adding new language to Sections 229 and 230 and adding a new section, 231, expanding the powers of the Independent Citizen Police Review Board to allow the Board to require police officers to participate in investigations, conducting performance audits of the Police Bureau and preventing the removal of Board members except for just cause and with City Council approval? This amendment to the Home Rule Charter, creates a structure between the Citizen Police Review Board, City Controller and Council on Human Relations to audit the review board. * Provides protection for review board members from being removed. An individual’s removal from the board requires a vote of council. * Requires City of Pittsburgh police to hand over relevant documents for CPRB investigations. * Also requires city officers to cooperate with CPRB investigations. * Requires the police chief to heed the recommendations of the board before taking any disciplinary action against an officer.
League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania Citizen Education Fund
Dynegy, a company that offers simple, price-protected electricity plans for residents and commercial customers, made a $50,000 donation to the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, the New Pittsburgh Courier has learned. The announcement was made Oct. 20. The donation will directly fund the Urban League’s Black Female Leadership Development Institute and Center for Economic Self-Reliance. The donation makes Dynegy an Urban League corporate ally. “In this moment, we must acknowledge that the playing field isn’t level. Fundamental building blocks—like a good education—are out of reach
for too many people. As a corporation, Vistra is determined to be part of the solution,” said Curt Morgan, president and CEO of Vistra, which is the parent company of Dynegy. “Vistra and our team at Dynegy are fully committed to strengthening the communities we serve. For us, that means driving inclusion, promoting equity, and investing in the organizations that serve as a springboard for the next generation of diverse, American leaders.” Dynegy’s donation will advance the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh’s Black Female Leadership Institute, a program which encourages African American young women to embrace leadership roles in their
communities and practice self-care needed to maintain a satisfying life. Additionally, Dynegy funding will support the Urban League’s Center for Economic Reliance, a service hub designed to foster individual career progression and improve educational outcomes. “The leadership of Vistra and Dynegy reached out to the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh in a 100 percent supportive manner—wanting to know where we most could use their support and eager to invest philanthropically where such an investment could do the most good,” shared Esther L. Bush, Pittsburgh Urban League president and CEO. “We are touched and deeply
encouraged by such an example of thoughtful and serious commitment to racial justice and social equity.” Dynegy’s donation is part of a $10 million commitment from Vistra to support organizations that grow minority-owned small businesses, enhance economic development, and provide educational opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds. Serving nearly five million residential, commercial, and industrial retail customers with electricity and natural gas, Vistra is the largest competitive residential electricity provider in the country and is also the largest competitive power generator in the U.S.
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Alexis Johnson leaves Post-Gazette; top editors reassigned Johnson is second Black journalist to leave PG in four months by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer
The game of “musical chairs” is being played at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Certain editors are no longer in their positions, while another Black journalist, Alexis Johnson, ultimatey has decided to leave the paper. Quietly, the region’s largest newspaper reassigned managing editor Karen Kane to deputy editorial director, which was first reported by the Pittsburgh City Paper in late September. And Keith Burris, the PG’s executive editor, is executive editor no
more. He is now the vice president and editorial director of Block Newspapers, the ownership group of the Post-Gazette. Stan Wischnowski is now the executive editor of the Post-Gazette, a highly-respected individual in the journalism and newspaper industry, who formerly was the executive editor of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Wischnowski is in charge of the local newsroom; Burris and Kane no longer are part of the local newsroom. While it’s unclear the reason for the reassignments of Burris and Kane, Post-Gazette upper management had
THE POST-GAZETTE’S RICK NOWLIN, among the many guild members protesting Post-Gazette publisher John Robinson Block for not giving PG guild members a raise in 14 years.
been feeling the heat from the inside and outside since early June after Burris and Kane did not permit Johnson, a reporter, and Black photographer Michael Santiago, to cover protests happening in Pittsburgh after the George Floyd death in Minneapolis in May. Burris and Kane said that a tweet Johnson had sent from her private account showed bias, and that because of her tweet, she couldn’t objectively cover the multiple protests. Johnson maintained her tweet didn’t show bias, and that a White reporter who subsequently showed bias in a tweet was not disciplined. Santiago was banned because he showed support for Johnson via his Twitter account by retweeting Johnson’s original tweet. The union representing the Post-Gazette employees fully backed Johnson and Santiago, and demanded that Johnson and Santiago be allowed to cover the protests. The Post-Gazette never wavered in its decision, prompting a wave of backlash locally andnationally, and causing Giant Eagle to no longer sell the PG print editions in its locations. Santiago left the paper in June. And while the PG recently reassigned Burris and Kane, Johnson ultimately decided she had enough, too. The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that Johnson recently left the Post-Gazette after being employed there rough-
POST-GAZETTE LOSES BOTH—First, Black photojournalist Michael Santiago, left, decided to leave the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette over being banned from covering protests in the city in May and June. Now, Black reporter Alexis Johnson, right, has decided to do the same. She now works for Vice News Tonight. (Photos by Courier photographer J.L. Martello) ly two years. Johnson announced on Twitter on Oct. 14 that she had joined Vice News Tonight as an on-air TV correspondent working with the Washington, D.C., bureau. “I can’t say enough how pumped I am for this opportunity, and I’m so thankful for the journey that led me here!” Johnson wrote on Twitter. The PG Newspaper Guild continues to contemplate going on strike, as they publicly bash the newspaper’s publisher, John Robinson Block, and the Block family that owns the Post-Gazette. The guild has publicly denounced Block for not
negotiating in good faith with the guild and not providing guild members a raise in 14 years. And although Johnson no longer works for the Post-Gazette, she’s still got her eye on the newspaper. She filed a federal lawsuit against the PG in June, alleging the Post-Gazette was engaging in racial discrimination and illegal retaliation. Johnson said she was playfully displaying photos of a Kenny Chesney concert in her tweet, where the mostly-White crowd had left piles of trash near Heinz Field during tailgating. At first, she described the
trash scenery as part of the racially-charged protests, but then revealed the photos were from a Kenny Chesney concert. “The Johnson Tweet was intended to—and did—mock, ridicule and protest discrimination against African Americans by society in general and by Whites who equate property damage with human life,” the suit read, according to an Associated Press report. The lawsuit said Johnson had suffered mental anguish, emotional strain, humiliation and diminished career advancement because of her employers.
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VOTING TAKES CENTER STAGE
Young African Americans want their voices heard YOUNG PEOPLE FROM A1
the age group said they would definitely vote in the 2016 Presidential Election. For young voters, though, they are sandwiched in the middle of a tumultuous time in American history and politics. Young voters have been exposed to the increasing divisiveness that President Trump has been accused of creating in the country, especially pertaining to race. In 2017, Trump’s first year in office, he said there were “very fine people on both sides” after White supremacists squared off with opposing protesters in Charlottesville, Va. A White man deliberately drove his car into a crowd during the “Unite The Right” rally in Charlottesville, killing another White person, Heather Heyer. She was just 32. “She was trying to be a voice of reason, and happened to be in the wrong place, when that guy decided to do what he did,” Heyer’s father, Mark, recently said to Bay News 9 TV in Tampa, Fla. “She was a part of me that I will never get back. Hate doesn’t do anything but divide, destroy, and bring destruction.” Racial tensions were magnified this year when a White Minneapolis, Minn., police officer placed his knee on a Black man’s neck for nearly nine minutes, leading to his death. The video of what’s known as the George Floyd Incident was viewed billions of times and led to an uprising in this country. Since the Memorial Day incident, it’s been people
SHALAYA MINOR holds up the sign promoting everyone to vote in the upcoming Nov. 3. Presidential election, during a rally sponsored by Tim Stevens’ Black Political Empowerment Project, Sept. 3, in the Hill District. (Photos by Courier photographer J.L. Martello) on the younger end of the spectrum that have led peaceful (and sometimes not peaceful) protests, and a demand to end racism. It was President Trump who seemed to have a hard time denouncing White supremacy when asked to do so during the first presi-
dential debate, Sept. 28, in Cleveland. It was President Trump who never met with the family of George Floyd, while Biden, the Democratic candidate, did. Young voters also have been exposed to the coronavirus pandemic. It’s caused
many young people to lose their jobs, and look at life a little differently. Do young voters feel that President Trump did a good job handling the pandemic? Or do they feel that his initial disgust with wearing a mask caused even more deaths in the U.S.? The more young voters that turn out in an election, the better it is for liberal-leaning Democrats, history has shown. No one found that more true than Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who, at one time, was the leading Democratic presidential nominee in late 2019. “Young people are the most progressive generation in history. If young people voted at the same percentage as older people, they could transform
this country,” Sen. Sanders said at a CNN Presidential Town Hall in 2019. Senator Sanders had a huge following with young people, particularly college students, with his overly-left-leaning philosophy. But the senator didn’t have the magic touch with Black voters, who went in droves to Biden, who was Obama’s vice president during his presidency. Biden eventually became the Democratic front-runner, and with the Black and young people’s combined vote, it could be the recipe to overtake Trump’s solid base of supporters. Minor and Deroche are part of the wave of young African Americans in the Pittsburgh area who want their vote counted in this election. Minor and Der-
oche are working with Tim Stevens’ Black Political Empowerment Project organization, which has advocated African Americans voting in every election for decades. “The difference in the election can make or break between 100 people and 1,000 people, so if we all vote, we can have an impact,” Minor told the Courier. “...We always want to preach ‘Black Lives Matter,’ but voting is also a part of that, to show that we are important citizens with an opinion and can make a change in the United States.”
CALYX DEROCHE, 22, a 2019 graduate of Point Park University, is excited to vote in the upcoming presidential election. She first voted in a presidential election in 2016: “I felt very hopeful and I felt like I had been a part of history. The outcome wasn’t what I anticipated, and it was quite scary and depressing like it was for the majority of the people who voted with me, but it was very exciting to finally have a say in an election.”
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OCTOBER 21-27, 2020
Sophie Okonedo successfully tackles mental illness in Netflix’s ‘Ratched’ Typically, when Netflix audiences flock to social media with recommendations, I am skeptical, if not apprehensive, to tune in. But the memes and Facebook statuses almost twisted my arm into watching Netflix’s newest series, “Ratched.”
Her raw talent is actually what saves the entire series for me because when “Ratched” gets slow she picks it up. When “Ratched” gets redundant and starts to look like every other season of American Horror Story, Okonedo pulls up
Merecedes J. Williams
On Movies/TV Shows After all the posts I stumbled across, I was interested in one particular person, Sophie Okonedo. The 52-year-old actress plays a patient, Charlotte Wells, who is suffering from multiple personality disorder. Based on Nurse Ratched in Ken Kesey’s novel “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” “Ratched” follows a wacked-out nurse (Sarah Paulson) who terrorizes a California psychiatric hospital in hopes to set her serial-killer brother free. The Netflix show also stars Finn Wittrock, Sharon Stone, Cynthia Nixon and Judy Davis. This eight-part adaptation, which is set in 1947, is oddly wonderful. The familiar faces of American Horror Story, gruesome storylines, and quirky punchlines are a wonderful potion to great TV. But Sophie Okonedo steals the show.
with the craziest (no pun intended) monologue I have ever heard on a Netflix series. She does not have much screen time and we are not introduced to her until the fifth episode, but it is just enough for her to capture audiences with her conviction and aptitude. She is better than James McAvoy in Split (2016) and Glass (2019). She passed the “Acting with Multiple Personalities Disorder” test with flying colors. Since we are talking about how social media fads completely take over the world, let me add my two cents—it’s her range and commitment for me. “Ratched” is aight, filled with all of its horror and glory, and then, boom, Okonedo comes in during the fourth quarter for the win. Sophia Okonedo is simply splendid. On a more serious
SOPHIE OKONEDO plays Charlotte Wells in Netflix’s new series, “Ratched.” note, mental health is real. Practice self-care. Exercise. Rest. Do all the things you love to relieve stress, improve your mood, and maintain a healthy state of mind. Most importantly, get a therapist (I have an appointment this week). Talk to someone. This global pandemic has shaken the mind, body, and soul, shattering the physical body as well as intensifying the condition of mental health. Taraji P. Henson and associate Tracie Jade Jenkins started the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation in 2018, where they provide resources for African Americans
who suffer from mental illness. The foundation, named after Henson’s father who battled with mental illness after the Vietnam War, offers free virtual therapy and support for African American men. For more information, please visit: https://borislhenson foundation.org/blhf-vir tual-therapy/
SOPHIE OKONEDO
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An ‘inside’ look at the music industry WAMO DJ Portia Foxx hosts event to help local artists make it big by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer
From the moment your favorite music artist announces their tour, you check to see if one of the tour dates is in Pittsburgh. Yes, Pittsburgh it is. December 8, PPG Paints Arena. Or, you hear that one of the hottest new rappers in the hip-hop game is coming to the ‘Burgh. October 30. At a new venue on Banksvile Road. You instantly start planning for it. You purchase your tickets. You figure out what exclusive outfit you’ll be wearing. And then you wake up, and realize, it was all a dream. COVID has put those large-scale, in-person events like concerts and big club nights on a very extended hold. Local hip-hop artists in Pittsburgh haven’t had the chance to perform in front of packed crowds since the coronavirus pandemic began in midMarch. But hopefully one day, this pandemic will all be over, and club
nights and concerts can return. Hip-hop artists in Pittsburgh will be back to rocking shows and electrifying crowds. Portia Foxx is the midday host on WAMO 100.1 FM. Before she ever was on WAMO, she hosted a local podcast and had intimate knowledge of Pittsburgh’s hip-hop scene. The well-respected radio host decided to take things one step further, when she presented to Pittsburgh an “Inside The Industry” music seminar at the Energy Innovation Center, on Bedford Avenue in the Hill District, to help local artists get to the next level. After all, all local artists want to, one day, become international superstars. Portia Foxx told the New Pittsburgh Courier that attendees of the March seminar learned the business of getting attorneys, copyrights, “everything they probably needed to know but maybe not in a position to get it or afford it,” she said. Some of the panelists included Loody Boy, who
DJ J-DOUGH, a DJ on Cincinnati radio station “101.1 The Wiz,” speaks to attendees at the “Inside The Industry” music seminar, held in March in the Hill District. Nigel McDaniel looks on. (Photos by Courier photographer Dayna Delgado) is from Taylor Gang, rapper Wiz Khalifa’s music label; DJ Ryan Wolf, from Cleveland hip-hop station “Z 107.9” and the Cleveland Browns’ official DJ; longtime club and radio DJ, “GQ;” and Ki Ki Brown, afternoon host at Pittsburgh’s urban adult contemporary station “107.3 The Beat.”
DJ RYAN WOLF, “Z 107.9” IN CLEVELAND
LONGTIME PITTSBURGH ON-AIR DJ “GQ”
Understanding finances/wealth-building/saving/401-Ks/investing/ certificates of deposit/FICO Credit Scores/
We know. Understanding all of that can be ... “taxing” (pardon the pun) That’s why the Courier’s Damon Carr breaks it all down in a manner that we all can understand.
Check out this week’s “The arr Report” on Page B1.
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AN ‘INSIDE’ LOOK AT THE MUSIC INDUSTRY
PORTIA FOXX of WAMO 100.1 FM, center, with “Straight To The League” podcast hosts Tim Curges and Dontae Comans. (Photos by Courier photographer Dayna Delgado)
DJ CHEVY, JAMES WHITE
SLEDGREN, from Glitchrealm/Taylor Gang.
DEVON from Promo Push, far left, and DJ J-Dough, second from right, with guests at the “Inside The Industry” music seminar, in the Hill District, March 7.
DJ SUPERSTAR JAY, SCOTT “LOODY BOY” WOODS
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Port Authority of Allegheny County hiring for a ‘Director of Equity and Inclusion’ Agency says new position crucial to improving its overall DEI strategy PORT AUTHORITY FROM A1
rush-hour working population on the subways, better known as the “T.” Much of the population who uses the “T” during the weekday rush are Caucasians living in the South Hills. As ridership drastically dipped throughout the “T” and most buses in March, April and May, the “front line” workers were the primary workers using public transit. A sizable number of “front line” workers who rode the buses were African Americans, according to a New Pittsburgh Courier analysis of riders commuting to and from Downtown in the spring. What would the Port Authority look like without its Black ridership, who, pre-pandemic, are the primary reason the P1 East Busway/All Stops route is the agency’s most popular route? What would the Port Authority look like without its sizable number of Black employees, many of whom are bus operators, maintenance specialists and central office administrators? Adam Brandolph, spokesman for the Port Authority, said 829 of the 2,747 employees (30 percent) are Black. “We count who is applying, who we’re able to recruit, how we promote,” Kelleman told the Courier, “but we have to be beyond just the diversity of the folks walking in the door.” She said that proudly stating the company is about “equity and inclusion” means that “anybody feels that they are able to excel and that the structures are there to help them (the employees) and make sure they feel comfortable walking in.” Kelleman added: “If diversity is making sure that we are getting to a really broad group of people, inclusion for me would be that once we get to this broad group, their voices are heard and are included; and equity is, we’re giving them the same weight and the same opportunity to participate.” The Port Authority plays a huge role in Allegheny
County’s ecosystem, particularly for African Americans. It’s pubic transit that sizable numbers of Blacks use to get to and from work. It’s public transit that gets formidable numbers of Black students to and from school. It’s public transit that saves the day when your car breaks down, if you’re going to the Steelers game or heading Downtown for a journey to Point State Park. Kelleman said there’s so many ways the Port Authority can benefit the local Black community from a strategic, financial level, including spending more with local Black businesses on system plan contracts, or even “who we’re calling to cater lunches when we do those things,” she said. “We generate a lot of money for the local community, and are we using our equity principles? What are they? Are we using them to make sure that we’re building our community? Are we doing that as we employ people?” Kelleman wants the Port Authority to be an “equity partner” in the Pittsburgh region, such as helping to support more affordable housing, and addressing any “side effects of redlining that might be still in our routes” from decades past. “Just diversity is not going to cut it; we really need to be thinking equity,” she said. When some African American employees started wearing “Black Lives Matter” themed face masks on the job, the Port Authority told the employees those particular masks were not permitted. It caused a flurry of blowback within Pittsburgh’s Black community, but the Port Authority said if they allowed certain employees to wear “Black Lives Matter” masks, then they’d have to allow other workers to wear the masks of their choice, too. The agency has since announced that it’s updating its uniform policy to include employees wearing only agency-approved masks. The Port Authority is responsible for supplying the masks, which will
INEZ COLON is the Port Authority’s Chief Human Resources Officer. The person hired as the Port Authority’s Director of Equity and Inclusion will report directly to Colon. be plain black, plain navy, black with “Port Authority” printed on them or black with “ATU” printed on them. “ATU” stands for the Amalgamated Transit Union.
es in DART’s employment, procurement, outreach, subcontracting opportunities and business development programs.” The Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MAR-
veloping and conducting diversity and inclusion training; demonstrated ability to work effectively with a culturally diverse workforce and provide leadership in organization change; and
“For people who work at Port Authority who are African American, in addition to dealing with COVID, they’ve had so much on them in many cases this year...they might be working right next to a White employee who hasn’t felt the same stress and isn’t feeling the same level of wear and tear on themselves. Are we appreciating that? Are we giving everybody the opportunity to speak about what they’re experiencing?” KATHARINE KELLEMAN CEO, PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY “For people who work at Port Authority who are African American, in addition to dealing with COVID, they’ve had so much on them in many cases this year...they might be working right next to a White employee who hasn’t felt the same stress and isn’t feeling the same level of wear and tear on themselves,” Kelleman told the Courier. “Are we appreciating that? Are we giving everybody the opportunity to speak about what they’re experiencing?” Diversity, Equity and Inclusion departments at
TA) has an Office of Diversity and Inclusion in place, which, according to the agency’s website, “serves as an advocate of the agency’s commitment to the promotion of a work environment that recognizes and values the diverse social profile of the MARTA service area. As such, the office ensures the equitable representation and advancement of protected group members at all levels of employment, the utilization of small, socially and economically disadvantaged businesses in contracts and procurement, the equitable distribution of transit service and ben-
knowledge and proven expertise on “leading practice” diversity initiatives. The Director of Equity and Inclusion will report to the Chief Human Resources Officer, who is Inez Colon. Colon is an African American woman. Kelleman told the Courier the agency is courting local and national candidates, and is searching for the right candidate to fill the position. There’s no exact timetable as to when a person will be hired, but Kelleman stressed that the Port Authority has begun pushing their Diversity, Equity
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LENEY STEVENSON II, boarding a Port Authority bus. (Photo by Courier photographer J.L. Martello) transit agencies are not new. In Dallas, Tex., the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) has what it calls a “Diversity Department,” which strives to increase minority contracts with the transit agency and help facilitate a diverse, inclusive internal culture. In 2000, DART signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, “to increase participation of African American-owned business-
efits, as well as the non-discriminatory impact of agency decisions and activities.” The Courier has learned that the job requirements for the Director of Equity and Inclusion position at the Port Authority include: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Human Resources, Business or a related discipline; minimum of eight years of experience leading diversity programs; minimum of two years of experience de-
and Inclusion efforts. Thus, when a person for the position is hired, they won’t be starting from scratch. The agency’s strategic plan, Kelleman said, has been put on pause, “so we can make equity a core value going forward.” (Those interested in the position should forward a cover letter and resume to Robyn Taylor, in the Port Authority Employment Department, at rtaylor@portauthority.org)
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
OLDER PEOPLE WITH ACTIVE LIFESTYLES
OCTOBER 21-27, 2020 A11
5 ways seniors can stay safe and active during COVID-19 (BPT)—By now, most seniors are aware that they’re among the most vulnerable demographic groups when it comes to contracting COVID-19. That said, a recent nationwide poll by Tivity Health®, a national provider of senior fitness, nutrition and healthy lifestyle solutions, including SilverSneakers®, the nation’s leading community fitness program designed for older adults, indicates many are probably not getting the exercise they need to maintain optimal health. In the poll, 46 percent of adult and senior respondents said the pandemic is preventing them from attending in-person exercise classes at local gyms, although 84 percent noted they’ll return within a month once attendance is deemed safe by authorities. A core challenge is reduced gym access, as quarantines prove problematic for many older Americans trying to continue exercise regimens. Exercise remains critical for seniors to maintain a healthy immune system that’s able to fight off disease. Regular workouts can also increase balance and strength and help prevent falls. For seniors, falls are an all too common threat and crisis; Johns Hopkins University reports that 25 percent of adults 65 or older fall, and three million are treated in emergency rooms each year for injuries caused by falls. “This pandemic has brought great challenges and stress for seniors. But the good news is, there are ways to exer-
cise safely and maintain an active lifestyle,” says Tivity Health president and CEO Richard Ashworth. “Exercise is vital for maintaining optimal health, and through easy-to-access digital and in-person options, it is our hope seniors can continue or renew exercise regimens quickly and safely.” Maintaining regular exercise during COVID-19 need not be difficult. If you’re a senior wanting to maintain effective workouts each day, here are some tips you can follow even if you’re practicing social isolation. Start slowly. If you haven’t been exercising, you’ll want to ease into your new routine gradually. Studies indicate just two weeks of inac-
tivity (or a 75 percent reduction in daily steps) can decrease your muscle strength by 8 percent, while dropping 1,000 to 1,500 steps each day can both raise both inflammation and blood pressure. You should jumpstart your new regimen with safe exercises like squats, wall push-ups, light weightlifting regimens and taking walks (keeping distance from others for safety). Subscribe to a digital exercise program. You do not need to leave your home to exercise each day. That’s especially true if you sign up for a high-quality digital regimen that fits well with your exercise goals and preferences. In fact, 56 percent of seniors responding to the
5 tips to celebrate friends and family virtually (BPT)—For most people, 2020 is a year of change. Remote work, social distancing and more have challenged people to find new ways to connect with each other. Fortunately, humans are resilient and their spirit for finding innovative ways to connect is alive and well. Even as the country reopens, many are still finding the ease of virtual connections to be appealing. In fact, there are many unique ways to connect with friends and family virtually. Here are some simple ways people are elevating every day and prioritizing relationships even from afar: 1) Recognize simple moments and celebrate little things Shift your mindset to focus on the little things that brighten the day. You can elevate every day by taking time to recognize
to do the same. Be creative and find ways to make yourself and others smile. 2) Think outside the box with video gatherings Your bond with friends and family can grow even stronger when you set up video meetings to celebrate and connect. Fortunately, there are many high-quality video apps to choose from. Maybe you want to set up a Skype date to play a board game together even in different locations? Propose a movie night and set up a Zoom meeting to watch the same movie at the same time. Many people use WhatsApp for international connection, so you can set up a family conference call from different sides of the world. Take the first step and research the plethora of free video chat options.
Get creative with your setting for virtual gatherings. Yes, there are times when your living room or deck will do, but other times you may want to jazz things up a bit. For example, set up tropical decorations and pretend you are taking a trip to the islands, or explore digital backgrounds that can be added to the technology of your choice. the simple moments and special events that make life so wonderful. There’s no need to wait for a big occasion to celebrate! Send your friend a text with your favorite memory of you two together. Write ecards to family just because. Decorate the house with streamers to celebrate TGIF and then send digital pictures to friends to inspire them
3) Host a virtual wine tasting party Cheers to any occasion or just everyday delights with a virtual wine tasting party with friends. This is a fun way to sample different varieties and connect in a meaningful way. Designed to enhance everyday occasions, Flat Top Hills offers approachable wines that satisfy the palate
and inspire conversation. For a tasting party, select a variety of options, such as a fresh, crisp Sauvignon Blanc and tropical Chardonnay for whites. For reds, consider a rich Red Blend, and a Cabernet Sauvignon satisfies the craving for a full-bodied wine. Don’t forget a ripe Rosé, a perfect wine for fall pairings. 4) Explore different video backgrounds Get creative with your setting for virtual gatherings. Yes, there are times when your living room or deck will do, but other times you may want to jazz things up a bit. For example, set up tropical decorations and pretend you are taking a trip to the islands, or explore digital backgrounds that can be added to the technology of your choice. For example, visit https:// w w w. p i n t e r e s t . c o m / flattopwines/flat-tophills-virtual-zoom-backgrounds/ to download a virtual Zoom background that features the stunning setting of vineyards in California. 5) Utilize social media platforms Social media has been a way to connect with friends and family for years now, but recently with quarantines and social distancing, even more people are using it to connect to others. Share images and captions of whatever is meaningful to you and tag with related hashtags. Some popular options are #love, #family and #friends. You can even be more specific and use branded hashtags to connect with other brand fans, such as #FlatTopMoments when sipping your wines during your virtual wine tasting!
Tivity Health poll said their future workout plans call for participating in online classes two to three times per week. You may find SilverSneakers’ LIVE classes are your perfect option; the instructor-led online exercise sessions are being offered to all SilverSneakers members. In addition, free Facebook Live classes led by SilverSneakers national trainers are broadcast multiple times a week. The national fitness membership organization designed the virtual series to help seniors stay in shape while still following precautions during the pandemic. Avoid prolonged sitting. Even if you must set a timer to remind yourself, take frequent breaks
from sitting and engage in rejuvenating strolls —or simply take part in activities that involve standing. The point is to avoid being sedentary for long intervals of time. Use others as motivation. In the Tivity Health poll, 44 percent of responding seniors said they’re motivated to return to their fitness centers to see and socialize with friends. If you feel more motivated when not exercising all by yourself, you might optimize FaceTime, Zoom or even a quick phone call to interact with fitness-minded others as you work out at home. Check out local fitness centers. Before attending local gyms, learn what they’re doing to keep their customers safe and to align
with recommended CDC guidelines. If you feel safe enough to participate, exercise in open spaces where you can maintain six feet of distance from others. You might also check out low-intensity options such as water exercise classes, yoga or Tai Chi. Whether you’re staying at home or practicing safe social distancing while out and about, there’s no need to give up the exercise that can help you maintain optimal health during the pandemic. Take steps now to ensure you’re taking good care of yourself through age-appropriate workouts and movement. To check your eligibility and find a health plan that includes SilverSneakers, visit silversneakers.com.
A12
OCTOBER 21-27, 2020
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
New Pittsburgh Courier
After Nov. 3, Americans will wish for Camelot campaigns J. Pharoah Doss B4
BUSINESS OCTOBER 21-27, 2020
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CVS Health hiring 15,000 across U.S.— 550 in Pittsburgh The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that CVS Health announced on Oct. 19 that it is recruiting qualified candidates to fill 15,000 jobs. These new and existing positions will help the company continue to respond to the needs of communities across the country during the fall and winter months when the incidences of COVID-19 and the flu are expected to increase. More than 10,000 of the new roles are for full- and part-time licensed pharmacy technicians at CVS Pharmacy locations and will be filled as soon as possible, helping increase support for patients and fellow pharmacy professionals. Many of the positions are temporary with the possibility of becoming permanent. The company is also marking Pharmacy Technician Day on October 20th by advocating for an expanded scope of practice that would allow trained pharmacy technicians to administer COVID-19 vaccinations under the supervision of an immunization-certified pharmacist. As an integral part of the health care system, pharmacy technicians can help fill the urgent need to safely and quickly scale distribution of a vaccine and extend the capacity of the health care workforce to address the pandemic. “Additional team members typically are needed every flu season,” said Lisa Bisaccia, Chief Human Resources Officer, CVS Health. “However, we’re estimating a much greater need for trained pharmacy technicians this year given the continued presence of COVID-19 in our communities. These jobs offer a rewarding career opportunity, with flexible hours, advancement potential and a supportive environment while helping people on their path to better health.” Working under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist, CVS Health pharmacy technicians continue to serve as a trusted resource for patients by processing prescriptions, dispensing medications, providing information to customers or health professionals and performing administrative tasks. They also are vital to administering COVID-19 tests at more than 4,000 drive-thru testing sites at select CVS Pharmacy locations across the country. In this role, they are critical in helping to curb the spread of the virus and expand access to care, particularly in underserved communities. Additional on-site roles that are part of the company’s recruiting effort include pharmacists, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, member benefit case professionals, and distribution center employees. Finally, to support the CVS Caremark and CVS Specialty pharmacy businesses, the company is recruiting for several thousand work-from-home customer service representative positions across the country, with hundreds of openings in several markets, including: Indianapolis, IN; Kansas City, MO; Knoxville, TN; Mt. Prospect, IL; Orlando, FL; Pittsburgh, PA; and San Antonio, TX. These full-time opportunities start at 30 hours per week and offer a flexible schedule for people seeking to quickly get back to work. Candidates for these opportunities can easily apply online and take an online virtual job tryout. “By leveraging CVS Health’s innovation and technology, we can help get more Americans back to work from the convenience of their own homes, where they can contribute to the company’s ongoing efforts to help solve the country’s health care challenges,” said Jeffrey Lackey, Vice President of Talent Acquisition, CVS Health The additional 15,000 positions are incremental to the accelerated recruiting effort that was announced in March to hire 50,000 new colleagues in support of the company’s response to the pandemic. Opportunities for full-time colleagues include competitive pay, paid training and a generous benefits package. Job seekers can go to cvs.jobs to apply.
Study: Minority-owned small businesses are better at adapting to COVID-19 (BPT)—It’s not surprising that many small businesses are struggling to maintain operations, earn profits and sustain their work forces in the wake of the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, many minorities who own small businesses across the U.S. remain more optimistic about the future than their non-diverse counterparts, though they acknowledge a need for greater support from the government from their communities and from the private sector. Those were some of the findings of the nationwide Small Business Mindshift 2020 survey recently completed by Union Bank, a financial institution that’s been serving small businesses on the West Coast for more than 155 years. The survey determined that in the U.S., 34 percent of minority small-business owners (SBOs) can “see a path forward” for future business success and survival despite COVID-19. In comparison, only 20 percent of non-diverse SBOs are predicting such outcomes. Minority SBOs have also been comparatively more proactive than their peers in forming new strategies to cope with pandemic-imposed changes. In fact, 24 percent believe COVID-19 has had a positive effect on their businesses, compared to just 12 percent of non-diverse SBOs. Minority SBOs include those owned by Black, Latinx and Asian respondents. “These survey findings reinforce what we already know—minority small businesses have always worked hard despite difficult circumstances or external environments—and as a result, have consistently been more resilient and adaptable,” said
Frank Robinson, Diverse Markets and Community-Based Programs Executive for Union Bank. “Minority small businesses are at the heart and soul of their local communities, and as such, we are committed to helping them recover and thrive by providing them added support through critical economic stability and the tools necessary to succeed moving forward.” In other findings from the bank’s latest survey: U.S. minority SBOs are better at adapting their business strategies
In general, U.S. minority SBOs have shown significantly more innovation than others when it comes to adjusting business practices to stay afloat; 52 percent have altered products or services, 50 percent have changed online retail options and 47 percent have switched their online advertising messaging. California-based SBOs are struggling, but minority owners are more optimistic
SBOs in California are feeling more deflated and uncertain compared to other small business owners across the U.S. Only 13 percent of California small business owners say they see a path forward for how their business can survive versus 23 percent U.S. SBOs overall. Additionally, 41 percent said that applying for the financial aid that could help their businesses is too complex to even attempt. Again, however, minority SBOs in California have demonstrated more innovation and optimism during this time and have been more likely than their peers to implement new strategies. Not only are minority SBOs in California more likely to have embraced their community leadership roles—with 55 percent feeling an
increased sense of responsibility to help their community vs. 44 percent of non-diverse SBOs—but they’re also getting more support in return, with 39 percent feeling supported by their local community vs. 33 percent of non-diverse SBOs. COVID-19 vaccine key to success
A third of U.S. small-business owners said their future success and survival will be determined by the Presidential election, and two in three see the 2020 election as the most important in their time as business owners. However, the overwhelming majority said that the availability (or lack thereof) of a COVID-19 vaccine will be the No. 1 issue affecting their success over the next six months. As a way of supporting minority businesses and helping to address social and racial injustices in the U.S., Union Bank took the initiative in June to launch a $10 million Community Recovery Program aimed at providing SBOs access to capital, entrepreneurship, job retention and retraining. “This pandemic has hit all small businesses, and particularly minority owned small businesses, extremely hard,” said Todd Hollander, Head of Business Banking and Small Business for Union Bank. “But every day, we see our clients finding creative ways to keep their doors open and their employees paid. We are here to support them in those efforts both as a bank and as members of our local communities.” (More information about Union Bank’s Community Recovery Program is available at UnionBank.com/about-us/newsroom/ community-recovery-program.)
Give yourself some ‘Wiggle Room!’ What do men in skinny jeans and a tight budget have in common? NO WIGGLE ROOM! It’s hard to create a legacy when your tools of procreation are restricted. That’s right, your income is your most powerful wealth-building tool. When there’s no margin between your income and your expenses, you make it hard on yourself to get ahead and create an abundant life! I’m claustrophobic. I wasn’t always this way. Several years ago, I was on a business trip. The hotel where I was staying had a gym. I decided to take the elevator to the gym. Then it happened. The elevator got stuck. The alarm was sounding off. I was pushing button after button trying to either get an attendant or get this elevator to move. Nothing! I started breathing heavy and sweating profusely. I ended up putting my hand in the small cracks of the door. I was able to pry the elevator open. As I opened the door, I noticed that it wasn’t level. I literally had to pull myself up and climb out of the elevator. It probably lasted all of five minutes but it felt like five hours. Needless to say, I didn’t work out that day. Nor did I use the elevator the remainder of the trip. To this day. I’m still claustrophobic. I live in Pittsburgh, where there are several tunnels. One of my biggest fears is being in the midst of a traffic jam and getting stuck inside the tunnel. It happens more often than I’d like to admit. Regardless of the weather, if I get stuck inside the tunnel, I have to turn on the AC, roll down the window, and talk to myself until I’m close enough to the exit where I can see light at the end of the tunnel. I know it sounds irrational. Frankly, it’s somewhat
embarrassing. I don’t like being confined. I cannot go to jail. There better be space in my casket after I die or I’m going to die a second death. (joking) Being constricted and confined is never fun! Same holds true for your money. Many of us hate payday because it’s a reminder of how close to the edge we are living. Payday is actually “handover day.” You get paid and you hand your hard-earned money over to bills, expenses and debts. After the bills are paid you think to yourself, I work too hard to be this broke. You’re frustrated that you bust your butt for two weeks, yet after you pay bills, you have nothing left over to splurge on yourself. There’s no fun money. There’s no going out to eat money. There’s no date money. There’s barely enough gas money remaining to get you to and from work for the next two weeks. The idea of saving money for your future is wishful thinking when your present is costing you every single dollar you got. You internalize that “it is what it is!” Most of your close friends and family members are enduring the same struggle so you believe it’s the American Way. You give yourself peace of mind by focusing on the good things. At least I have a roof over my head, clothes on my back, food to eat and decent transportation. Deep down inside you hope for a brighter day. You think the answer is more money. More money is always a good thing. But if more money was the
answer, why are people of all income levels struggling to get by? A person’s bills and expenses parallel their income. The more “income” the more “out-go.” In other words, more money, more problems! There is another way! But you have to become claustrophobic about your money. You cannot be OK with your expenses being wrapped around your money like skinny jeans. You don’t want to be confined in an elevator that’s not working. You want to put yourself in a position where you can see light at the end of the tunnel. You want to see your debt balances going down and your savings and investment balances going up. How do you do that? Give yourself some “Wiggle Room!!” Free yourself first: Free up a minimum 10 percent of your household income. Let’s assume that your household income is $60,000 per year or $5,000 per month. You need to free up at a minimum of $500 per month. This $500 cushion will be used to first establish a minor emergency fund of $1,000 to $3,000 depending on income stability. Once you establish your minor emergency fund, it will be used to accelerate the process of you paying off all your debt except for your mortgage. We’ll detail how to pay off debt in future articles. How do you create wiggle room? One of three ways: Increase income, reduce expenses, and do a better job of managing your money. The key is to do all three.
Increase income: If you want to spend, save, and, invest more money and not change your lifestyle, you need to earn more. Ideas to increase income: Promotion on current job, overtime on current job, second job, side hustle, side business. Temporarily suspend retirement savings (no longer than two years). If receive a large tax refund check ($2,500 or more), modify W4 form to receive more money in your paycheck. Sell some things that you no longer use and/or you can’t realistically afford. Reduce expenses: A penny saved is a penny earned. It requires less blood, sweat, and tears to reduce expenses than it does to create income. Ideas to reduce expenses: Do it yourself, do without, stop dining out, cancel subscriptions you don’t use, curtail spending on your vices. You know what they are. Manage your money: Know what you owe! If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it. Create a budget. Be proactive about your money and tell it what to do instead of wondering where it went. Account for every penny to every $100 spent. Doing this will help you isolate wasteful spending, give your money purpose and allow you to prioritize your money, life, and time. If there’s no wiggle room between your income and expenses, your goals, your dreams, and your life is going to suffocate. Give yourself some WIGGLE ROOM! The more wiggle room you have, the faster you can beat debt, put your savings on steroids and have a life. (Damon Carr, Money Coach can be reached at 412-216-1013 or visit his website @ www.damonmoneycoach.com)
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BUSINESS
OCTOBER 21-27, 2020
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Real Times Media names Dyanna Knight Lewis Regional Vice President Real Times Media (RTM), the parent company of the New Pittsburgh Courier, is proud to announce Dyanna Knight Lewis as Regional Vice President. In her new role, Dyanna will serve as a liaison with selected national RTM clients and be a central resource for all things digital, marketing, and special events. Lewis will continue to oversee chicagodefender.com as the publisher. Lewis is a 13-year media professional and veteran employee at the Chicago Defender, beginning her career as a senior account executive and climbing the corporate ladder. In Lewis’ recent position as Vice President of the Chicago Defender over the past two years, she has overseen the Chicago market inclusive of, but not limited to, integrated marketing partnerships, editorial publishing, special events, and ultimately leading the transition from
print publication to all-digital platforms. As a top producer for Real Times Media, her efforts played an integral part in the Chicago Defender being awarded the prestigious Russwurm Award during the 2009 National Newspaper Publishers Association Merit Awards Gala. Lewis holds a degree in Business Administration and a certificate in Early Childhood Education. Lewis is a member of Covenant United Church of Christ in South Holland, Illinois, actively serving in the Beloved Grief Ministry. Lewis also serves on the board of Carolyn’s Kids Foundation, providing financial assistance to grade-school students and their families, and is featured in the third edition of Who’s Who In Black Chicago. A native Chicagoan, Lewis is the proud mother of adults daughter, Dior, and adult son, Dorion.
DYANNA KNIGHT LEWIS
Black SuperPac urges candidates, parties to spend millions with Black businesses by The Florida Courier Staff For New Pittsburgh Courier
(NNPA)—One of America’s leading Black conservative political action committee has instituted a national effort to help Black-owned businesses earn some of the billions of dollars spent during America’s political campaigns as the 2020 election year hits the home stretch. BlakPAC, a federally-registered “Super PAC” (political action committee), is spearheading an initiative urging all candidates, political parties, political action committees, and donors to take “The Art Fletcher Pledge” to commit to spending ten percent of their funding, revenues, or both with Black-owned and businesses and financial institutions. Billions spent According to the Center for Responsive Politics website at opensecrets.com, which tracks campaign funding and expenditures, the 2020 presidential candidates have raised more than $2.8 billion thus far—all to be spent prior to Election Day, November 3, 2020. That amount does not include campaign fundraising or expenditures for congressional, state, or local elections, or campaign dollars raised by fundraising committees or political parties. “The purpose of the pledge is simple,” explained BlakPAC Chairman George Farrell. “Any candidate, Democrat, Republican or independent, that cannot execute the ability to spend 10 percent of campaign funds with Black businesses cannot be trusted to operate honestly as an elected government official and should not earn our votes.” Farrell, a Washington, D.C. native who attended Howard University, is a real estate developer and entrepreneur. He and his wife Sandra Lopez co-founded BlakPAC with former Florida Lieutenant Governor Jennifer Carroll. Carroll was the highest-ranking Black female elected official in the state’s history. She served as the second in command to former Florida Gov. Rick Scott from 20112013. ‘Economic flesh’ The pledge is named after Arthur Fletcher, a former assistant secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor in the Nixon administration. Fletcher, a Black Republican and lifelong civil rights activist referred to himself as “the father of affirmative action enforcement” for his work with the 1969 “Philadelphia Plan.” The plan required federal government contractors in Philadelphia’s construction trades to set goals and timetables for hiring minority workers. It gave the businesses autonomy on how to increase minority employment. However, if the goals were not reached, the contracts could be terminated by the federal government. “The name of the game is to put some economic flesh and bones on Dr. (Martin Luther) King’s dream,” Fletcher is quoted as saying. Fletcher went on to work with successive Republican
presidents, including Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, and George H.W. Bush. Later in his career, he also served as chairman of the U. S. Commission on Civil Rights, and as the head of the United Negro College fund. He died in 2005. Growing support “The Art Fletcher Pledge should be a demand!” exclaimed Carl Marbury, a Pittsburgh, Pa..-based entrepreneur. “Extending the ideas of Art Fletcher to campaign spending should be a demand that every organization that supports the economic empowerment of minority-owned businesses should be making of candidates looking for the votes of their members.” “In response to rioting, burning and looting, many American businesses and organizations are investing in voices that are loud and often irresponsible. BlakPAC is opening the way for investment in softer but experienced and responsible voices which present plans and projects which actually solve problems and benefit Americans,” said former Louisiana State Senator Elbert Guillory, a Black Republican. He has signed on as a pledge supporter. “People often forget those who commit to a cause and act as a catalyst for historic change,” said Robert Whittemore, another pledge supporter. “Art Fletcher, a Republican civil rights leader, championed affirmative action to assure minority workers’ civil rights were protected and represented to assure access to opportunity and economic equality through employment. “Today, BlakPAC calls upon candidates and campaigns
to make a pledge for affirmative political action, assuring minority activists and minority-owned businesses receive the funding needed to get the right candidates elected.” Electing conservatives According to its website, www.blakpac.gop, “BlakPAC contributes to conservative candidates who share our values and serve as positive role models. They are our best advocates for conservative ideas to be showcased in the community.” The organization has been in operation since January 2015. BlakPAC also provides candidate training, exit polling, voter research, and social media campaign services, and has set up paid internships for Black youth who are interested in working on political campaigns. Easy to do “Meeting the Art Fletcher Pledge is easy if the commitment is there for affirmative political action,” Farrell said. “There are some 200 Black-owned newspapers in the United States covering every possible market with a very loyal readership. Many of these papers are weeklies and therefore have a long shelf life compared to daily newspapers. “There are more than 100 Black-owned radio stations. There are even Black-owned television stations and Byron Allen’s Weather Channel,” he said. “National and statewide candidates should be serious about reaching swing voters—otherwise known as Black voters—who provide the margin of victory in Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Texas.”
Communities of color can’t afford costly worker re-classification Few across the U.S. have escaped the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis. Over the past five months there have been dramatic shifts in the way we live our lives with many suffering great loss, both of lives and of livelihoods. This is especially true for communities of color, who are at a higher risk for both health and economic challenges because of COVID and have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. According to the Urban Institute, 41 percent of non-Hispanic Black families lost jobs, work hours, or work-related income during March and April of the pandemic alone. In moves designed to keep their families afloat, many have turned to “gig work” as a source of supplemental income during these times. Gig work are most commonly seen by those using app-based driving platforms offering rideshare or food delivery. The food delivery boom caused by social distancing measures has actually created new income streams for those who may have lost income or hours, and has enabled many to make ends meet. But the benefits of independent work like app-based driving have not only been a lifeline during these times, they also have emerged as a preference for many over the traditional 9-5. A recent Uber-commissioned poll found that 86 percent of drivers say a reason
they chose app-based driving was to have outlining ways to provide these benefits flexibility in their schedule. Additional- without reclassifying drivers as full-time ly, 80 percent of drivers say the ability to workers. schedule their work around their family, And while there is no easy, one-size health, or education needs is a reason solution, this tailored approach is clearly they choose to drive. These numbers ap- preferred by drivers. In fact, 75 percent of ply beyond just rideshare companies too, drivers prefer a policy where they can pick as more and more Americans seek flexible and choose which benefits they get over a work opportunities government-dictated and ways to supplepolicy where all drivment income. ers receive the same That is why efforts Harry C. Alford & Kay DeBow benefits. Governto upend the indepenments and companies dent contractor model need to come togethare so puzzling. While er to find a scalable the intent may seem solution that will good, many of the polwork for everyone. icies currently being It is more important considered to reclasthan ever, when so sify gig-workers as many people are livemployees will actuing through financial ally cause real income hardship due to the loss for those choosing gig work. Instead of pandemic, that we enable new and creative overturning a system that is working for income streams, as opposed to restricting so many, we should allow workers to keep opportunities because of some outdated the flexibility that they love, while finding notion of the term “employee.” Pursuing ways to add new and needed benefits and the old way of thinking that has allowed protections. communities of color to be left behind time Thankfully, this is already underway, and again is the wrong approach. largely spearheaded by the companies The National Black Chamber of Comthemselves. Many of the app companies merce remains dedicated to economicalhave come forward with plans to imple- ly empowering and sustaining African ment benefits including accident insur- American entrepreneurship and that ance and new worker protections and are includes protecting the rights of the new
Beyond the Rhetoric
gig economy workers. The state of Black businesses is dire. According to a Global Strategy Group survey, just 12 percent of Black and Latino business owners who applied for aid received what they had asked for. Twenty-six percent said they received only a fraction of what they had requested. Half say they anticipate closing in the next six months. These are dark times and we must embrace new technologies and new avenues to help communities of color survive. Between one third and one half of workers in the so-called “gig” economy are people of color. Due to COVID, more than 40% of Black businesses and a third of Hispanic businesses have closed since the pandemic began, most of them permanently. Many of the remaining Black restaurant and businesses who have managed to keep their doors open, virtually or otherwise, rely on gig economy platforms like ride sharing and food delivery apps and other on-demand networks, to stay in business. With second wave of COVID infections expected in the coming Winter months, now is not the time to disrupt the economies of communities of color that rely on gig work to pay bills and support their families. (Harry Alford is the Co-Founder, President/CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce. Kay DeBow is the Co-Founder, Executive Vice President of the Chamber.)
OPINION
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
OCTOBER 21-27, 2020
B3
My plan to lift every voice in Black America (NNPA)—There is injustice in America. There is discrimination. There is Joe Biden a legacy of racism and inequality that lives still in our institutions, our laws, and in too many people’s hearts that makes it harder for Black people to succeed. These are facts in the United States of America in 2020, and we must all do more to move our nation closer to the ideals inlaid at our founding—that all women and men are created equal. This year has also brought us too many examples of the dangers Black people can face in the course of going about their lives. With grieving hearts, we learned to say the names of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Rayshard Brooks, and many more. I’ve spent time with the families of George Floyd and Jacob Blake, sharing their grief and anger and seeing the incredible resilience of communities that for too long have had a knee on their neck. And I was inspired by their commitment to turn their pain into purpose. Today, there are Americans all across this country, especially Black Americans, who are exhausted and hurting. Who are disappointed by a system that never seems to deliver for your communities. Who are sick and tired of a cycle where, in good times, Black communities lag behind, in bad times they get hit first and hardest, and in recovery, they take the longest to bounce back. We’re in the midst of four simultaneous crises—a pandemic that has claimed more than 200,000 lives, a disproportionate number of whom were Black; an economic crash that has hit Black workers and Black business owners especially hard; a long overdue reckoning on racial justice; and a climate crisis that is already hurting Black and Brown communities the most. It is our job to do everything in our power to rip out systemic racism across our society, root and branch. It will be hard work in any case. But we will not succeed without a leader who understands our history and is ready to grapple with our challenges. President Trump wants to paper over the living wound of racism. He’s issued Executive Orders and established a new national commission designed to whitewash our history—and deny the daily reality of being Black in America. He actively appeals to White supremacists and fans the flames of hatred and division in our country, because he thinks it benefits him politically. He ignores the most basic job of every president: the duty to care for all of us, not just those who voted for him. It’s the polar opposite of what I will do as president. I was proud to serve for eight years alongside President Obama. I watched up close how he filled the Oval Office with dignity and compassion for others. And, together with Senator Kamala Harris as my vice president, we will restore honor, integrity, and competence to the White House. We will build an administration that looks like America, including nominating the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court. We will work to unite the country around solutions that will push our country forward, and most importantly, I will listen to those impacted by the long-standing inequities in our system—especially Black Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans, and Native Americans.
Commentary
Guest Commentary
Judge right to rule against Trump’s campaign voting lawsuit in Pennsylvania A federal judge in Pittsburgh was right to rule against the lawsuit by President Donald Trump’s campaign challenging Pennsylvania’s rules for mail voting and poll watchers. U.S. District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan, a Trump appointee, ruled that the campaign did not prove a serious threat of voter fraud. The lawsuit against Pennsylvania questioned the use of mail-ballot drop boxes, sought to require signature analysis for mail ballots, and argued that poll watchers for candidates and parties should be permitted to observe polling places in counties other than where they are registered to vote. The Trump campaign’s argument was soundly rejected. “While plaintiffs may not need to prove actual voter fraud, they must at least prove that such fraud is ‘certainly impending,’” Ranjan wrote in his 138-page opinion. “They haven’t met that burden. At most, they have pieced together a sequence of uncertain assumptions,” he added. The ruling was the latest legal setback for the president in a flurry of desperate election-related lawsuits to suppress the vote in Philadelphia, the largest city in Pennsylvania. With 20 electoral votes, Pennsylvania is a key battleground state in the presidential election in November. The ruling means that the Trump campaign can’t have poll watchers at Philadelphia satellite election offices. The ruling marked the second loss in court in a week for the campaign. A Philadelphia judge ruled last Friday that poll watchers don’t have a right to observe activity in satellite election offices where voters can apply for, complete and return mail ballots. Both lawsuits are part of a broader effort by Trump to attack mail voting and cast doubt on the integrity of the election, despite no evidence of widespread problems or fraud. Trump himself drew attention to Pennsylvania and Philadelphia during last month’s presidential debate when he said, “bad things happen in Philadelphia.” This is the first year any Pennsylvania voter can cast a ballot by mail. While the lawsuit was a loss for the Trump campaign’s effort to limit mail voting, the campaign plans to appeal Ranjan’s ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. The federal lawsuit in which Ranjan ruled Saturday comes after Pennsylvania’s high court also ruled against the Trump campaign on drop boxes and poll watchers. The Trump’s campaign lawsuit sought to restrict safe voting options during deadly pandemic, raise doubts about mail voting and intimidate through poll watchers. The judge’s ruling is a victory for voters. (Reprinted from the Philadelphia Tribune)
Founded 1910
Rod Doss Editor & Publisher Stephan A. Broadus Assistant to the Publisher Allison Palm
Rob Taylor Jr.
Jeff Marion
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Managing Editor
Circulation Consultant
John. H. Sengstacke
Editor & Publisher Emeritus (1912-1997)
That’s how we will work together to deliver real, lasting change. Criminal justice and policing reforms, but also economic opportunity and financial stability. Building wealth for families of color and passing it down. Closing the racial wealth gap is one of the most powerful ways we can build real equity in our society, and it’s going to require a full-court press. That’s what my Lift Every Voice plan is—a comprehensive agenda to take on the range of issues that drive inequality in Black
America. We’ll tackle student debt and invest more in our HBCUs, so higher education is a pathway to wealth and opportunity instead of to debt that prevents you from owning a home or starting a small business. My plan will empower Black-owned small businesses, with short-term relief to get you through this tough time and long-term investments to help you build back better — with access to new capital and financing and government contracts. Critically, we’re going to tackle the racial homeownership gap head on. There is no greater vehicle for wealth creation than homeownership. That’s why my plan will restore the steps President Obama and I took toward eradicating housing discrimination, including redlining; end racial bias in how we judge which families are credit-worthy; and provide a $15,000 down payment tax credit to help millions of young Black families buy their first home. We’ll fix our upside-down tax system to finally reward work, not wealth. Trump thinks billionaires deserve more tax cuts. But under my plan, I’ll make sure the super wealthy and big corporations pay their fair share, while ensuring that no one making less than $400,000 a year sees their taxes go up. And I’m going to fight like hell to defend your family’s health care, just like I would my own. Right now, in the midst of a pandemic, Donald Trump is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Obamacare—all of it. He wants to overturn the very law that expanded coverage to an additional 3 million Black Americans. If he succeeds, more than 20 million Americans will lose their coverage, and more than 100 million people with preexisting conditions will no longer be protected against their insurance companies charging them more, or denying them coverage all together. I’ll defend Obamacare and build on it—adding a public option that will automatically enroll 4 million more people that Republicans shut out by refusing to expand Medicaid in their states. We’re going to get to universal coverage and lower health care costs. We’re going to give working families a bigger subsidy to lower their premiums. And we’re going to take on pharmaceutical companies, bringing down the cost of your prescription drugs by 60 percent. As my friend John Lewis used his final words to remind us: “Ordinary people with extraordinary vision can redeem the soul of America.” We cannot be tired. We cannot be hopeless. The choice in this election couldn’t be more stark, and we must vote for the future we want for every single one of our children. I’m ready to fight for you and your families, and I hope to earn your vote.
Elect public officials who commit to stopping police killings (TriceEdneyWire.com)—Millions of Americans have turned out in big Ben Jealous cities and small towns to protest the killings of unarmed civilians—often Black people—at the hands of law enforcement. If we want our demands for justice and accountability to lead to real policy change, we need to build on that activism by electing public officials with the commitment to reform law enforcement and the courage to act when police abuse the power of their badge. In presidential election years, most of the energy and focus goes to the top of the ticket. And that’s essential this year. But we can’t ignore the fact that we have been through a spring and summer of traumatizing televised murders of Black people. We are still learning the truth about the deeply disappointing decisions not to indict police officers involved in shooting and killing Breonna Taylor in her own home. We need to make change at the local level, where those decisions are made. People For the American Way has endorsed more than 100 young progressive candidates who have demonstrated dedication to creating public safety solutions that reflect the values of fairness, justice, and equal treatment under the law. The “Stop Police Killings” slate is designed to bring attention and support to candidates for local and state office who understand the impact of police killings on communities of color and who are passionate about pursuing justice. Hundreds of applicants answered questions about personal experiences that motivated them to stop police violence and their positions on policies and practices that limit unnecessary police contact, psychological screenings for police officers, removing problematic officers, recruiting good officers, reallocating police budgets, cultural competency and de-escalation training, and other issues. We have identified great candidates in key metro areas across 25 states. They’re running to become mayors, district attorneys, city councilmembers, county commissioners, and state legislators. We’re proud of the candidates who made it onto our slate. It includes people like Stephanie Morales, Commonwealth’s Attorney for Portsmouth, Virginia, who successfully prosecuted a police officer who killed an unarmed Black teenager. “Public servants have a responsibility to protect their communities,” she said at a recent event announcing the slate. “The charge to imagine what public safety looks
like in our country is long overdue, and I’m pleased to join this roster of incredible candidates to hold violent police officers who violate the law criminally accountable for terrorizing Black and brown communities.” Christian Menefee, a candidate for Harris County Attorney in Texas, calls this “a pivotal moment in our country,” adding that “we cannot and should not sit on our hands waiting for the federal government to act. It’s time for local leaders to step up and protect Black and Brown communities.” Brandon Scott, who is running to become mayor of Baltimore, says, “We can end police killings of unarmed civilians and begin to rebuild trust so that law enforcement is focused on doing the things necessary to keep all communities safe.” Nakita Hemingway is running for the Georgia legislature to represent an area near to the spot where Ahmaud Arbery was killed. Her desire to make change has been influenced by her own interactions with the criminal justice system as a Black woman. People For the American Way’s Next Up Victory Fund will support candidates in competitive races through donations, earned media support, social media, and engaging our members and activists. I want to encourage everyone who wants to help bring an end to unjust police killings to take a look at our slate and find ways to support these candidates and others in their local communities who are committed to reimagining public safety. We have changed the public conversation about policing and justice by taking to the streets. Now let’s change the laws and policies that are standing in the way of justice by taking the fight to the halls of power. That’s what elections are for.
Commentary
B4
FORUM
OCTOBER 21-27, 2020
Black Girl Magic and the 2020 election (TriceEdneyWire.com)—For the sixth year in a row, Essence Magazine and the Black Women’s Roundtable have surveyed Black women about the issues that concern them most. Melanie Campbell, Convener of the Black Women’s Roundtable and President and CEO of the National Coalition for Black Civic Participation, summarizes the top concerns: “survival, safety, and stability.” Black women are concerned about the rise in hate crimes and the persistence of structural racism. In light of the public lynching of George Floyd and the racist rhetoric of the incumbent President, these concerns are unsurprising. According to the Essence poll, 90 percent of Black women support the Biden/Harris ticket, and 80 percent give the incumbent President failing grades. Black women aren’t only concerned; they are also active and activist. It is heartening to see Black women raising their voices in many arenas, not only at the top of the ticket but also with support for Biden and Harris and further
Julianne Malveaux
Commentary down-ballot with state and local races. For example, Yvonne Lewis Holley is running for Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina. Nobody asked her to run, she said, she just stepped up. She is relying on Black folk all over the country to help her clear this hurdle—imagine a Black woman as second-in-command in a southern state! Some of her support is coming from the Divine Nine—the African American Greek-letter organizations. While all of the organizations are nonprofit and nonpolitical individual members can be supportive, and the members of her sorority (and mine) have her back. Political veterans like Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) and Marcia Fudge (D-In) face well-financed challengers. They need Black girl magic to counter opponents who have been emboldened by 45’s racist rhetoric to attack these women. It would be one thing if these challengers had records of community service and involvement, but they are Republican props who have been encouraged to challenge these mighty women. The effort, of course, is to mute these strong community advocates and to marginalize Black women. Black girl magic isn’t having it. So it is exciting to see Black women raising money to support Black women. Star Jones leads a group that has raised six figures for the Biden/Harris ticket. The Collective PAC, founded by Stephanie Brown James and Quentin James, is building Black political power. During this election cycle, they’ve endorsed an exciting group of Black men and women running for office and set up a mechanism where people can donate to these candidates. The PAC has been around since 2016 when it became clear that we must increase Black political power/ Higher Heights PAC endorsed Kamala Harris for President and describes itself as “the only national organization providing Black women with a political home exclusively dedicated to harnessing their power to expand Black women’s elected representation and voting participation. Using the hatchtag #Blackwomenvote, they are galvanizing Black women around this election, both at the top of the ticket and down-ballot. They are one of the relatively new, inspiring organizations raising both money and awareness for Black women. Voting is never the most we can do, but the least. These PACS, activists, and organizations remind us that we must not only vote but boost our civic participation. As I write this, just a couple of weeks before November 3, 2020, I am hopeful that the Black women’s vote will increase from its 2008 level when we came out in droves to support President Obama. We have to vote like our lives depend on it because they do. But we can’t just vote; we can encourage others to do the same thing. We can ask our friends and family members if they’ve voted. And if we are well enough, we can volunteer to work the polls. Black women are magic; we are Black girl magic. Now is the time to work it.
(Julianne Malveaux is an economist and author.)
After Nov. 3, Americans will wish for Camelot campaigns The first presidendebates posed, Kential debate between nedy and Goldwater J. Pharoah Doss President Donald made a gentleman’s Trump and Demoagreement and decidcratic nominee Joe ed not to run as rivals, Biden was declared demonizing the other the worst televised to present himself as presidential debate in the lesser of two evils, history. Afterwards a but to campaign as a Vox headline said: It’s team. time to end presidenTheir plan was tial debates—forever. simple, travel the country and debate in How did we get to this point? front of live audiences. Goldwater said, By 1958 Edward R. Murrow, renowned “We would lift this presidential campaign broadcast journalist, feared television above the petty, conniving, scheming was becoming “anti-intellectual” and which flawed every political race … We the “instrument” was being misused by would present the American voter with opportunists. This drove him to issue a an opportunity to make a reasoned decichallenge at the Radio-Television News sion based on tending political philosoDirectors Association convention. Murphies rather than personality.” row stated, this instrument can teach, Their radical plan—the Camelot camilluminate, and inspire, but it can only do paign—would have changed presidential so to the extent that humans are detercampaigns for good. mined to use it to those ends. There is a But Kennedy’s assassination in 1963 great battle to be fought against ignoalso aborted the Kennedy-Goldwater camrance, intolerance, and indifference. This paign. The assassination also changed weapon of television could be useful. Goldwater’s opponent to Lyndon B. Two years later Senator John F. KenneJohnson. (Johnson, who, by all accounts, dy and Vice President Richard Nixon parstole the 1948 Texas senate election by 87 ticipated in the first televised presidential votes, earning him the derisive nickname debate in American history. Landslide-Lyndon.) When the debate was over, it was too Johnson didn’t have a gentleman’s early to tell whether a televised presiagreement with Goldwater. Johnson’s dential debate had a positive or negaplan was primitive; humiliate the oppotive effect on the electorate. Kennedy nent and applaud his defeat. was convinced of the latter after it was Johnson decided to overdose the telerumored his “presidential appearance” vision audience with negative campaign catapulted him to the presidency and not ads. The most damaging ad against his arguments. Goldwater became known as Daisy. It By 1962 it was apparent Republican showed a little girl in a field picking Senator Barry Goldwater was going to petals off a flower while a man’s voice challenge Kennedy for the presidency in preformed a countdown to zero. Then it 1964. Kennedy and Goldwater entered cuts to an image of a nuclear explosion. the senate together, were adversaries, but This attack ad aired once, but its message were good friends. Goldwater described was clear—Goldwater was a warmonger how to conduct a good political contest. who couldn’t be trusted with America’s He said, “It’s fine to oppose but don’t hate, nuclear arsenal. keep your sense of humor, always oppose Daisy turned Goldwater’s presidential positively, and applaud your opponent if aspirations into the mushroom cloud the he is right.” attack ad depicted and on November 3, Kennedy agreed. 1964, Lyndon Johnson won the presidenGoldwater mentioned in his memoir, cy in a landslide. “Kennedy thought if we could engage in a The 2020 Presidential Election will also serious dialogue—direct the voters’ atten- be held on November 3. No poll projecttion to the nation’s major problems—and ed an electoral landslide, but a landslide then offer alternative solutions, we would victory for either candidate is the only be making a constructive contribution to thing standing between civility and chaos. the public understanding of the complexi- If the election is close, neither side will ties of government.” concede, accuse the other of voter fraud, Both men believed the presidential and chaos will spill into the streets with election should be a referendum on public the “good people on both sides” shouting: policy and not a repeat of the first teleHe’s not my president. vised presidential debate, which turned At that moment, Americans will wish for the election into a contrast of images. Camelot campaigns. To avoid the trap televised presidential
Check It Out
Concede no sympathy vote on illness of King Donald (NNPA)—When word broke of the Bill Fletcher Jr. President and First Lady testing positive for Covid19, an image flashed into my mind. The image was from the 1980s series St. Elsewhere, about a hospital and its staff in Boston. A major character, played by Mark Harmon, was a promiscuous doctor who regularly engaged in unprotected sex, regardless of the warnings. Ultimately, and to his great shock, the Harmon character tested positive for HIV/ AIDS. Why the surprise, one might ask? The same question can and should be posed to not only the Trump family but to the Republican deniers who have ignored—flaunted—all the scientific warnings regarding the danger inherent in the Covid19 crisis. I start here because there will be the tendency among some people to express sympathy and understanding to the Trump family for this tragedy. Such expressions of sympathy, while understandable, can lead one to misunderstand the nature of the current crisis and to also misunderstand the importance of voting Trump out on November 3rd. Donald Trump ridiculed natural science. He encouraged his followers to discount all scientific recommendations regarding how to lessen the impact of the pandemic. Through public displays of contempt for mask-wearing and social distancing, Trump, in typical masculinist mode, attempted to display that his own strength and arrogance were sufficient to defeat the Covid19 plague. It turned out that he was wrong. As a result, the White House is currently in nothing short of panic, at least according to most media reports. They do not have a framework in order to understand what has been happening. After months of repeating and practicing the mantra that Dr. Fauci’s warnings were allegedly irrelevant, they now have the President, First Lady, and many other senior officials, plus several members of the Senate and House infected with the ‘bug.’ And the White House has no way of explaining it and, worse yet, no rec-
Commentary
ommendations as to what to do since any reasonable recommendation would run contrary to the irrationalist rhetoric of King Donald. As noted, in this moment there will be a tendency by some voters to feel genuine sympathy for the President and his family. Those same voters may wish to vote for him as an expression of support for him in this time of crisis. This would be a tragic mistake. The sympathy which anyone should feel is towards the 209,000+ who have died from the Covid19 pandemic. 209,000+ people who might not have died had Trump not engaged in public denial of the nature and extent of the plague. 209,000+ people and their families who suffered, died, watched someone dying, or for those who survived, remembering their lost ones. Those and the millions of others who have been infected, often painfully suffering from the pandemic, should be the targets of our sympathy, not Donald Trump. Though Trump did not create the Covid19 crisis, his actions accentuated the crisis. While he may seek to blame China, which is as stupid as if the world blamed the USA for the 1918-1919 flu pandemic (which is where it originated!), the real blame goes to Trump and his administration for its thoroughly incompetent and cavalier approach towards the pandemic. By actively encouraging millions of people to believe that Covid19 was nothing worse than a bad flu and that it was something that would go away on its own—in the absence of masks, social distancing, and, eventually a vaccine—Trump brought about more deaths in the last few months than the USA suffered in the entirety of the Vietnam War. There is no amount of sympathy that I could ever muster to justify a vote for someone who refused to protect the people of this country and, ultimately and stupidly, refused to protect himself. (Bill Fletcher Jr. is the executive editor of globalafricanworker.com and a past president of TransAfrica Forum.)
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Micheal Grant
Commentary
Democracy itself is on the ballot (TriceEdneyWire.com)—The other day I had a conversation with Bishop Michael Mitchell, president of the Council of Bishops of the AME Church. I was so inspired to hear that his denomination had set a lofty, but achievable, goal for itself. The AME’s intend to have 75 percent of their members to cast their votes before November 3rd (election day). Shortly after our conversation, I thought why shouldn’t all of our denominations and other organizations follow suit. I do believe that voting early and in person would be impactful. We should follow all of the CDC’s guidelines to protect ourselves from the Coronavirus but voting early and person will not only have a powerful impact on the outcome of this election it will also determine whether or not the process will be deemed legitimate. For me, personally, the election is a time to re-examine priorities, a chance to ponder the larger questions about American democracy and why it is of paramount importance that we protect it in this country. In other words, a passionate patriotism has taken center stage in my thinking. You see, since my youth, I have wanted to follow the incredible example of those Civil Rights warriors who put everything on the line to advance Black people’s progress toward first class citizenship in a country that we fought for, died for and struggled to enrich. Even with all the injustices that we have encountered as a people, we have known all along that our fate is inextricably intertwined with America’s fate. We excoriated Thomas Jefferson for his duplicity in writing that “All men were created equal” while he, himself, held human beings in bondage. But if we had widened the lens of our understanding and placed Jefferson’s words a broader historical context, we would have really seen that what he and the other founding fathers did—advertently or inadvertently—was to create a standard for governance. They spoke into existence the words of the founding documents: the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. These documents continue to served as a framework and a foundation for the creation of a more perfect union. In other words, like the awe-inspiring evolutionary process put in place by the Architect of Creation, our founding fathers catalyzed what is today still a work in progress. Our national motto: E pluribus unum (out of many, one) may well have found its origins in the teachings of Jesus Christ of Nazareth who said: “That all may be one.” OUR ROOTS HAVE GROWN DEEPER IN AMERICAN SOIL! Other than the Native American, no other group suffered as sacrificial lambs on the alter of America’s economic success as did Americans of African descent. And yet, as recent incidents of police brutality so vividly remind us, we are still not “A more perfect Union.” However, to claim that African Americans should not be filled with patriotism is to ignore the progress—though hard won—that we have experienced on these North American shores. If you would do a quick study of the public record , it would soon be apparent why African Americans continue to give so much to make this “A more perfect Union.” From Crispus Attuck’s role in the revolutionary war, to the slaves ‘ enlistment in the Union army during the Civil War, to the ferocious fighting of the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II, down to the game- changing impact of Black Lives Matter, we have seen the need to believe in the possibility of “A more perfect union”. Also, there are well – documented instances where our faith in America’s founding creed have produced real, tangible results. The following list is not meant to be exhaustive but to merely reinforce the idea that “This is worth fighting for.” • The signing of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln to free the slaves. • The U.S. Supreme Court evolved from 1893 Plessy vs Ferguson (separate but equal accommodations) to the 1954 Brown vs the Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas decision that ruled that separate was inherently unequal. • A Civil Rights Movement of the 1950’s and 1960’s led by the great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. climaxed with the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act 0f 1965 and the Fair Housing Act of 1968. • Forty years later, America elected an African American to the highest office in the land. Yes, this social experiment, e pluribus unum, is worth fighting for. So during the next three weeks, I will temporarily shift my perennial, parochial passion for advancing Black people in America to an absolute devotion to helping serve this great American democracy. For with all its imperfections, America is still the greatest hope on the planet for perfecting e pluribus unun. So, if you have read this column, please contact everyone you know, regardless of race, creed, color or place of national origin (if they are now U.S. Citizens) and implore them to vote in person before election day. It is not hyperbole to say that what is happening in our country is an existential threat to American democracy. This is still “A government of the people, by the people and for the people” and with God’s help, it “Shall not perish from this Earth! (Michael Grant is former president of the National Bankers Association and former president of the Nashville Chapter of the NAACP.)
New Pittsburgh Courier
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OCTOBER 21-27, 2020
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7 0 9 JUNIOR SOFTWARE DEVELOPER (JAVA) (Multi Positions National Placement out of Allegheny County, PA) Min of 3 Yr Academics & 2Yrs of IT related exp. Academics must be in either, Comps, Info Sys’s, Engi’g, Mangmnt, Business or related field. ny suit co o of educ training or exp acceptable. Will analyze, design, develop, test, administer, customize & implement IT related apps using skills in Java; J2EE; Oracle; XML; & PL/SQL. Able to relo to multi unanticipated sites when req’d. 9-5, 40 hrs/wk. Salary $80,142Yr. Use Ref# JJAV–0120-GLX & send resume to HR, Galax-Esystems Corporation, One Oxford Centre, 301 Grant Street, Suite 4300, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 or hr@galaxesystems.com. Galax-Esystems Corporation is EOE M/F/V/D. PITTSBURGH YOUTH CHORUS IS HIRING A MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER! Please view the job description and apply at www.pittsburghyouthchorus.org/ Through professional-level choral education and performance, Pittsburgh Youth Chorus strives to provide opportunities for a diverse group of children to realize their innate artistic potential and share experiences that enrich their lives while enefitin their fa ilies and communities.
ASSISTANT MANAGER OF BUS AND RAIL OPERATIONS Port Authority is seeking a Assistant Manager of Bus and Rail Operations to provide support and assistance to the Manager – Bus and Rail Operations with regard to administrative services such as payroll and monitoring and analysis of operating budgets and programs. Manages and monitors dispatcher work assignments and scheduled absences to ensure system coverage. Essential Functions: •Manages the dispatcher extra-board to assure work assignments are filled consistently with the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement. Monitors the overtime assignments made by dispatchers at the operating locations and coordinates the filin of wor assi nents that cannot e filled within a given location. Conducts and coordinates picks for dispatcher work assignments and vacations. •Works with the Payroll Department and system users to research payroll discrepancies and errors between the Dispatch-Bid system and PeopleSoft. Performs correction adjustments within the Dispatch-Bid system. Communicates daily with system users to provide support and troubleshooting assistance for PAAC’s Dispatch-Bid system. •Develops and performs complex management analyses in such areas as manpower planning and overtime balancing, transportation budget, and policy or procedure modifications. oordinates activities with other departments/divisions as required by project assignment. evelops reports of findin s and recommendations. Job requirements include: •BA/BS Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Accounting, Economics or directly related field fro an accredited school. Directly related experience may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis. •Minimum of three (3) years’ experience as a bus/rail division dispatcher in public mass transit. •Demonstrated ability in the use of Windows, Microsoft Word and Excel. •Effective and professional communication skills. Preferred attributes: •Prior experience with HASTUS Daily modules. Prior experience with PeopleSoft.
We offer a comprehensive compensation and enefits pac a e. nterested candidates should forward a cover letter (with salary requirements) and resume to: Missy Ramsey Employment Department 345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 MRamsey@portauthority.org EOE
AUBERLE-WARD HOME HEALING CHILDREN & FAMILIES Since 1952, Auberle has been dedicated to transforming the lives of children, youth & families. Auberle is a nationally recognized human service agency serving 4,000+ children & families each year. HIRING FOR: •Family Support Staff (Family Emergency Shelter) Duquesne site – FT •Case Manager - FT •Youth Care Worker/Direct Care Specialist Working with Youth Swissvale & Wilkinsburg sites) – FT/PT •Case Aide/Driver – FT/PT •Housing Case Manager Supervisor – FT •412 Youth Zone Coach - FT •Independent Living Services Program Supervisor, Coordinator and Coach in Crawford County FT If you are highly motivated, passionate about youth & interested in making a difference, visit www.auberle.org to apply. EOE SOUTH FAYETTE TWP. SCHOOL DISTRICT CLASSROOM PARAEDUCATOR Complete job description is available at: www.southfayette.org Please e-mail your application to SFAPPLY@Southfayette.org Place in the subject line ast na e first na e position Deadline: 4:00 P.M., October 23, 2020 or until position is filled EOE OUTREACH/SUCCESS ADVISOR, OUTREACH/SUCCESS COORDINATOR – MILITARY FOCUS, POLICE OFFICERS F.T. & P.T. AND HOUSEKEEPING F.T. (DAY TIME) Pittsburgh Technical College is see in ualified applicants for the following positions: •Outreach/Success Advisor Master’s degree required •Outreach/ Success Coordinator – Military Focus Master’s degree required • Police Officers (F/T & P/T) ct trainin ct ertification required •Housekeeping, F.T. Day, (7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.) 2 yrs. wor e perience in related field. Must pass criminal background check. Immediate opening at our North Fayette campus near Robinson Towne Center. Apply to www.ptcollege.edu (Employment with PTC) or www.workforptcollege.com . EOE M/F LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices
Estate of RONALD C. DAVIS, Deceased of South Fayette Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Estate No. 02-20-04544, Sandra R. Corbett, Executor, 124 Valley Crest Drive, Cecil, PA 15321 or to ROBIN L. RARIE, ATTY; BRENLOVE & FULLER, LLC. 401 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017 NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION In the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Orphans’ Court Division, Estate of Rudolph L. Davis, deceased, O.C. No. 1987 of 2020: Notice is hereby given that on August 26 2020, it was decreed nisi that, pursuant to the petition of Creative Solutions Investments LLC, fee simple title to the interest of Rudolph L. Davis, deceased, in the real estate located at 5462 Black Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15206, is in Creative Solutions Investments LLC. The Estate hereby request all persons having claims against the estate of the decedent to make known the same to Daniel Friedson, Esq. attorney for Creative Solutions Investments LLC, who is located at 1818 South Braddock Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15218, and all parties of interest in said real estate contact Daniel Friedson, Esq. without delay. If no e ceptions to the decree are filed within three months of the above date, the decree shall be confir ed a solutely. Estate of RUTH HARPER-WHITNER, Deceased of Pittsburgh. Estate No. 022001421 of 2020, James R. Whitner Jr., Admin, or to Jacqueline H. Brangard, Esquire, Scolieri Law Group, P.C. Attys. 1207 Fifth Avenue, Suite 200 Bldg., Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Estate of MICHAEL J. KANTOR, Deceased of South Fayette Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Estate No. 02-20-04875, Glenn F. Davis, Executor, 594 Hickory Grade Road Bridgeville, PA 15017, or to TODD A FULLER, Atty; BRENLOVE & FULLER, LLC. 401 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
LEGAL ADVERTISING
LEGAL ADVERTISING
Meetings
Bids/Proposals
Bids/Proposals
MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY The Community College Board of Trustees will hold a meeting on November 5, 2020. Due to the COVID19 pandemic, the meeting will be held virtually beginning at 4:00p.m. and streamed on CCAC’s YouTube page at: https://www.youtube. com/channel/UCHredThkcovF-8JzeHw8g_A. A copy of the Agenda for the Board meeting will be made available for review on the College’s website (www.ccac.edu) on November 2, 2020. Comments regarding items scheduled for action by the Board may be submitted via email to brichardson@ccac.edu by no later than 3:00 p.m. on the date of the meeting. Comments will be read into the record, up to a maximum of three minutes each.
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY ADVERTISEMENT Sealed bid proposals are hereby solicited for the Community College of Allegheny County, 800 Allegheny Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15233 on the following: BID PROPOSAL NO. 1077 – CENTER FOR FACULTY INNOVATION BUILDING ALTERATIONS - GENERAL, ELECTRICAL, HVAC, PLUMBING, AND FIRE PROTECTION (FIVE PRIME CONTRACTS) Beginning on Thursday, October 22, 2020, Bid Forms, Instructions, pecifications and onditions re ulating the bidding may be obtained from F.L. Haus Company, 921 Ridge Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15212. To purchase plans and specs, visit https://www.flhausplanroom.com/ auth/login The cost of paper plans and specs is $370 plus tax (and shipping if applicable). The cost of a digital file is $185 plus tax (and shipping if applicable). Note that these are non-refundable. A virtual pre-bid meeting will be held beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 29, 2020. Attendance for all bidders is highly recommended. The link to get to this registration page is: https://ccac.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YO_Rdh3CT02Vjb15uLxIAw Registration is required. Those who register are approved automatically and will receive a unique join link and .ics calendar file that allows them to easily add the event to their calendars. Please check junk mail or spam filter if you do not receive a registration link shortly after registering. Proposals will be received at the Purchasing Department until 2:00 P.M. Prevailing Time on Thursday, November 19, 2020 at which time they will be publicly opened. PROJECT LABOR AGREEMENT COMPLIANCE IS REQUIRED. CCAC is requesting bids to be made “net of insurance” and will award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder “net of insurance,” all as more thoroughly described in the Contract Documents. Under this OCIP approach, Contractors and Subcontractors must remove the cost of insurance from the Base Bid price. Any proposals received after this deadline will be considered as a “late bid” and will be returned unopened to the offerer. Proposals may require Bid Bonds, Performance Bonds, Payment Bonds, and Surety as dictated by the specifications. No bidder may withdraw his bid for a period of ninety (90) days after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids. The Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and all bids. The Community College of Allegheny ounty is an ffir ative ction ual Employment Opportunity Employer and encourages bids from Minority/ Disadvantaged owned businesses.
THE BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH Sealed bids will be received in the ellefield venue o y d inistration uildin outh ellefield Avenue until 11:00 A.M. prevailing time November 4, 2020 and will be opened at the same hour in the administration building cafeteria: Refuse Removal/Recycling Services-Various Locations General Information regarding bids may be obtained at the Purchasing ffice outh ellefield venue RM 349 Pittsburgh, PA 15213. The bid documents are available on the School District’s Purchasing web site at: www.pghschools.org Click on Our Community; Bid Opportunities; Purchasing - under Quick Links. The Board of Public Education reserves the right to reject any and all bids, or select a single item from any bid. We are an equal rights and opportunity school district
OCTOBER HACP BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING Due to the COVID-19 protective guidelines set forth by the federal, state, and local governments, the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh’s Board of Commissioners will hold its monthly meeting for October on October 22, 2020, at 10:30 a.m. on a remote basis. The meeting will be held remotely, with public access to be provided online. HACP will provide a direct link to a livestream of the meeting, and instruction on how to make a public comment. Details will be made available on http://www.hacp.org, in advance of the meeting. ANNOUNCEMENTS Public Notice
NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY FOR PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT AND PUBLIC HEARING HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH 2021 ADMISSIONS AND CONTINUED OCCUPANCY POLICY & 2021 ADMINISTRATIVE PLAN The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) is revising the Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP), AND The Housing Choice Voucher Program Administrative Plan. The proposed revisions for both the ACOP and Housing Choice Voucher Program Administrative Plan will be available for review from October 19, 2020 to November 17, 2020, on the HACP website: www.hacp.org. Written comments on the proposed revisions must be addressed to “Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy” and/or “Housing Choice Voucher Program Administrative Plan” .Admin Plan changes can be sent to the Housing Choice Voucher Department at 200 oss treet th floor Pitts ur h P 15219. ACOP changes can be sent to Asset Management, 225 Ross St. #501, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 For questions regarding the Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy” please contact Devin Shirey at 412-456-5000 ext. 3164. For questions regarding the “Housing Choice Voucher Program Administrative Plan” please contact Anna Jasim at ext. 3231. Written comments must be received by close of business (5:00 p.m.) on November 17, 2020. A public hearing to receive public comments on the revised 2021 HACP Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy & 2021 Administrative Plan will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 and via Zoom. 10:00 am. Via zoom: Meeting ID: 941 3090 3788 Passcode: 085866 Via phone: 1-929-205-6099 5:00 p.m. Via zoom: Meeting ID: 997 7673 6111 Passcode: 800203 Via phone: 1929-205-6099 Persons with disabilities requiring assistance or alternative formats, or wishing to submit comments in alternative formats, can contact the isa ility o pliance ffice at 412-456-5282, ext. 4; TTY 412-4565282.
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COURIER CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY ADVERTISEMENT Sealed bid proposals are hereby solicited for the Community College of Allegheny County, 800 Allegheny Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15233 on the following: BID PROPOSAL NO. 1078 – PALO ALTO MAINTENANCE RENEWAL RFP 3123 – DIPLOMA PROCESSING SERVICES Due date: 2:00 P.M. Prevailing Time on Wednesday, October 28, 2020 Any proposals received after this deadline will be considered as a “late bid” and will be returned unopened to the offerer. Proposals may require Bid Bonds, Performance Bonds, Payment Bonds, and Surety as dictated by the specifications. No bidder may withdraw his bid for a period of ninety (90) days after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids. The Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and all bids. The Community College of lle heny ounty is an ffir ative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and encourages bids from Minority/Disadvantaged owned businesses. CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS!
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY ADVERTISEMENT SALE OF SURPLUS EQUIPMENT The following surplus equipment will be offered for sale to the highest bidder(s): REQUEST FOR QUOTATION 201029 SALE OF SURPLUS COMPUTERS, MONITORS, PRINTERS, SCANNERS, NON-FUNCTIONAL EQUIPMENT, AND TELEPHONE EQUIPMENT, ETC. Bids are due in to the CCAC Purchasing Department no later than 2:00 PM on Thursday, October 29, 2020. For more information, contact Mike Cvetic at mcvetic@ccac.edu.
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OCTOBER 21-27, 2020
LEGAL ADVERTISING
LEGAL ADVERTISING
Bids/Proposals
Bids/Proposals
OFFICIAL ADVERTISEMENT OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS ealed proposals shall e deposited at the d inistration uildin ellefield ntrance o y outh ellefield venue Pitts ur h Pa. on November 10, 2020 until 2:00 P.M. local prevailin ti e for Pgh. Allderdice HS o estic ot ater P in Plumbing Prime Pgh. Crescent ECC oiler eplace ent echanical lectrical and s estos Abatement Primes Pgh. Montessori PreK-5 o estic ater ooster yste Plumbing Prime Pgh. Sterrett 6-8 ntrance oors General Prime Various Schools: Pgh. Classical, Pgh Perry, Pgh. Colfax eplace lectrical istri ution ystems lectrical and s estos ate ent Primes Service & Maintenance Contracts at Various Schools, Facilities, Facilities & Properties: oncrete aintenance traordinary eneral aintenance and epairs traordinary asonry aintenance and epairs traordinary lectrical ervice aintenance and epairs traordinary oofin aintenance and epairs ire tin uisher and ire oses ervice and aintenance as and il urners oilers and urnaces nspection ervice and Repairs nte rated ccess ontrol ntrusion etection and urveillance yste s ervice aintenance epairs and Pro ra in Plu in aintenance and epairs hillers and efri eration yste s ervice aintenance and epairs ertical ransportation yste s Preventative aintenance and ervice Pro ect anual and rawin s will e availa le for purchase on October 12, 2020 at odern eproductions c ean treet Pitts ur h Pa. etween 9:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. he cost of the Pro ect anual ocu ents is non refunda le. Pro ect details and dates are descri ed in each pro ect anual. REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR GUARANTEED ENERGY SAVINGS ACT (GESA) PROPOSALS INCLUSIVE OF ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDING UPGRADES ealed proposals shall e deposited at the acilities esi n and onstruction ffices chool istrict of Pitts ur h ervice enter uriel treet Pitts ur h P on December 7, 2020 until 2:00 P.M. local prevailin ti e for IMPLEMENTATION OF ENERGY CONSERVATION MEASURES ON A PERFORMANCE CONTRACTING BASIS AT THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH e uests for a copy of the P and all co unications includin uestions to istrict relatin to this P shall e in writin to ldo a aferro irector of echnical ervices y email at Aldo@theECGgroup.com copyin ichael arlson Michael@theECGgroup.com . Pro ect details and su ission re uireents are descri ed in the P.
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR MOBILE FOOD DISTRIBUTION FOR VARIOUS PUBLIC HOUSING COMMUNITIES RFP #800-34-20 The Housing Authority of the City of Pitts ur h HACP here y re uest proposals fro ualified ir s or ndividuals capa le of providin the followin service s Mobile Food Distribution for Various Public Housing Communities RFP #800-34-20 he docu ents will e availa le no later than October 19, 2020 and si ned sealed proposals will e accepted until 11:00 A.M. on November 10, 2020. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will only e acceptin physical proposals dropped off in person from 8:00 AM until the closing time of 11:00 AM on November 10, 2020 in the lo y of oss t. Pitts ur h P . Proposals ay uploaded to the uthority s online su ission site the lin is accessi le via the P we site and within the P. ealed proposals ay still e ailed via P at which ti e they will e i e and ate ta ped at oss treet nd loor uite Pitts ur h P . Parties or individuals interested in respondin ay download a copy of the olicitation fro the usiness pportunities page of www.HACP.org. uestions or in uires should e directed to r. i etric Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procure ent epart ent 100 Ross Street nd loor uite Pitts ur h P 412-643-2832 A pre-submission meeting will be held via call in on October 29, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. Please see call in infor ation elow Join the audio conference by phone: United States - Washington, DC +1.202.602.1295 Access Code 598-776-271# The Housing Authority of the City of Pitts ur h stron ly encoura es certified inority usiness enterprises and wo en usiness enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACP’s has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation. Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh
HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.
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LEGAL ADVERTISING
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LEGAL ADVERTISING
Bids/Proposals
Bids/Proposals
Bids/Proposals
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR UNARMED SECURITY SERVICES FOR HIGH-RISES RFP #350-13-20 The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals fro ualified ir s or ndividuals capa le of providin the followin service s Unarmed Security Services for High-Rises RFP #350-13-20 he docu ents will e availa le no later than October 19, 2020 and si ned sealed proposals will e accepted until 10:00 A.M. on November 10, 2020. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will only be accepting physical proposals dropped off in person from 8:00 AM until the closing time of 10:00 AM on November 10, 2020 in the lo y of oss t. Pitts ur h P . Proposals ay uploaded to the uthority s online su ission site the lin is accessi le via the P we site and within the P. ealed proposals ay still e ailed via P at which ti e they will e i e and ate ta ped at oss treet nd loor uite Pitts ur h P . Parties or individuals interested in respondin ay download a copy of the olicitation fro the usiness pportunities page of www.HACP.org. uestions or in uires should e directed to r. i etric Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procure ent epart ent 100 Ross Street nd loor uite Pitts ur h P 412-643-2832 A pre-submission meeting will be held via call in on October 29, 2020 at 10:00 A.M. Please see call in infor ation elow Join the audio conference by phone: United States - Washington, DC +1.202.602.1295 Access Code 598-776-271# The Housing Authority of the City of Pitts ur h stron ly encoura es certified inority usiness enterprises and wo en usiness enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACP’s has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation.
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR CHEVROLET VEHICLE REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE AUTHORITY WIDE IFB #300-32-20 The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request ids fro ualified ir s or ndividuals capa le of providin the followin service s CHEVROLET VEHICLE REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE AUTHORITY WIDE he docu ents will e availa le no later than October 12, 2020 and si ned sealed ids will e accepted until 10:00 A.M. on November 3, 2020. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will only be accepting physical bids dropped off in person from 8:00 AM until the bid opening time of 10:00 AM on November 3, 2020 in the lobby of 100 oss t. Pitts ur h P . ids ay uploaded to the uthority s online su ission site the lin is accessi le via the HCP we site and within the . ealed ids ay still e ailed via USPS at which ti e they will e i e and ate ta ped at oss treet nd loor uite Pitts ur h P . Parties or individuals interested in respondin ay download a copy of the olicitation fro the usiness pportunities page of www.HACP.org. uestions or in uires should e directed to r. i etric Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procure ent epart ent 100 Ross Street nd loor uite Pitts ur h P 412-643-2832 pre id eetin will e held via call in on October 23, 2020 at 10:00 A.M. Please see call in inforation elow Join the audio conference by phone: United States - Washington, DC +1.202.602.1295 Access Code 598-776-271# The Housing Authority of the City of Pitts ur h stron ly encoura es certified inority usiness enterprises and wo en usiness enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACP’s has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/ RFPs documentation.
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR SALARY SURVEY RFP #650-33-20 The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals fro ualified ir s or ndividuals capa le of providin the followin service s Salary Survey RFP #650-33-20 he docu ents will e availa le no later than October 19, 2020 and si ned sealed proposals will e accepted until 9:00 A.M. on November 10, 2020. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will only be accepting physical proposals dropped off in person from 8:00 AM until the closing time of 9:00 AM on November 10, 2020 in the lo y of oss t. Pitts ur h P . Proposals ay uploaded to the uthority s online su ission site the lin is accessi le via the HCP we site and within the RFP. ealed proposals ay still e ailed via USPS at which ti e they will e i e and ate ta ped at oss treet nd loor uite Pitts ur h P . Parties or individuals interested in respondin ay download a copy of the olicitation fro the usiness pportunities page of www.HACP.org. uestions or in uires should e directed to r. i etric Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procure ent epart ent 100 Ross Street nd loor uite Pitts ur h P 412-643-2832 A pre-submission meeting will be held via call in on October 29, 2020 at 9:00 A.M. Please see call in infor ation elow Join the audio conference by phone: United States - Washington, DC +1.202.602.1295 Access Code 598-776-271# The Housing Authority of the City of Pitts ur h stron ly encoura es certified inority usiness enterprises and wo en usiness enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACP’s has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation.
Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh
Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh
HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.
HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.
Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh
HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.
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