Fifteen graduates of the “Own Our Own” Business Development Academy 2.0 recently took the stage
at Bible Center Church in Homewood to pitch their ventures for a chance to win a $10,000 business grant. “Own Our Own” is a program of Bible Center Church’s Oasis Proj-
ect that supports African American and other underserved entrepreneurs. The event was presented in partnership with Citizens Bank. The graduates' ages
ranged from their mid20s to 70, representing a wide variety of experience
by Lajja Mistry and Jamie Wiggan
Pittsburgh's Public Source
The Pittsburgh Public Schools board on Tuesday night, Nov. 25, 2025, rejected plans to close and consolidate schools across the district following mounting pressure from parents and the public atlarge.
During a turbulent legislative meeting, the board shot down attempts to salvage the years-in-the making plan, first through a motion to table, then through an amendment that would soften its provisions around school closures. Both motions faltered, as did the final vote on the Future Ready Plan.
Supporters on the board, including outgoing di-
rector Sylvia Wilson expressed frustration at the 11th hour takedown.
“This was a plan for them to have something better across the district and not at only a few schools,” Wilson said.
“It was an opportunity to expand, what we know is best, across the district.”
Those who voted down the motion cited mounting community pushback and widespread concerns over gaps in transparency and in key implementation details.
“We have not made our case that the changes that are being proposed will provide the kind of improvement in the quality of learning that we claim it will be,” said outgoing board director Sala Udin. President Gene Walker, after failing to secure the votes to table the plan, ul-
timately cast the sixth no vote.
“I believe if the superintendent and his team are going to engage in this work … that he deserves a school board who is behind this work, to the highest extent possible,” Walker said before calling the vote to table.
Superintendent Dr. Wayne Walters, questioned by Udin, said he believes the plan was focused on enhancing educational outcomes for all students—not simply closing schools.
“It has been about the district, it has never been about a particular school,” he said.
“Our ultimate goal is to create a system that works for all of our students.”
Vote followed public pillorying of the plan
Just 24 hours earlier, the sweeping reconfiguration plan faced mounting opposition from parents and
BACK TO THE CHALKBOARD
plan to close numerous schools rejected by board
community leaders.
During a public hearing Nov. 24, almost all of the 80 speakers urged school directors to reject the plan, which called for 12 closures alongside curriculum changes and new grade configurations. Before the hearing, critics of the plan, led by 412 Justice, rallied outside the PPS administration building in Oakland.
“We do not want a halfbaked plan,” said Paulette Foster of 412 Justice.
Some speakers Monday focused on the immediate impact borne by closures of schools such as Montessori in Friendship or Fulton in Highland Park, while others panned the broader plan and perceived missing details.
“Right now the district is asking a lot of the public— to absorb school closures, relocations and program disruptions for years, while at the same time asking us to trust that details will be worked out later. This is not true partnership, and it’s not transparency,” said Kristen MacKenzie, an academic researcher and parent of two incoming PPS students. The nine-member board appeared undecided during its agenda review meeting Nov. 17, in which four voiced concerns about supporting the plan amid one absence.
The path to a plan
PPS leaders began discussing potential closures two years ago, citing decreasing student enrollment and looming operating deficits. In early 2024, the district hired Boston-based consultancy firm Education Resource Strategies (ERS) to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the district’s footprint and lead several community engagement sessions. ERS consultants presented their final plan in October last year, recommending 17 school closures.
A version of the plan endorsed by district leaders drew criticism from community members and some board members. In response, the school board directed the administration to work on a feasibility plan with more details. A final feasibility report released in May
recommended closing nine buildings and 12 schools.
The board narrowly voted to start a three-month state-mandated public hearing process in June while district leaders worked on an implementation plan to provide more details about transportation, feeder patterns, staffing and financial analysis.
Superintendent Dr. Walters’ team unveiled that plan in October, outlining projected staff cuts, savings, expenses and a seven-year timeline.
District leaders have repeatedly said that the Future-Ready Facilities Plan is rooted in equity and will improve student outcomes at the district’s most disadvantaged schools. Critics of the plan, including some board members, claim it lacks crucial details and relies on an unrealistic timeline for closures and grade consolidations.
After listing off several reservations, Billy Hileman, president of the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers, was a rare voice in support of the plan during the Nov. 24 hearing.
“There is a time to close schools, and we are at that time,” Hileman said, underscoring “grossly underenrolled” schools which the district can’t afford to maintain and touting the grade reconfigurations outlined in the plan.
Some board members had expressed urgency to stave off a forecasted operating deficit of $40.5 million by the end of 2027. If the plan was executed, the district’s operating deficit would shrink to $13.8 million, before widening again by 2028. PPS released a reduced preliminary budget for 2026 last week, based on assumptions schools would close in line with the plan. The budget is about 2 percent smaller than last year while invoking a 4 percent property tax hike.
A board divided
Tensions ran high during a Nov. 17 board meeting, at which PPS board members diverged over the feasibility of the projected timeline.
Under the proposed plan, most of the transitions, renovations and reloca-
This Week In Black History A Courier Staple
• DECEMBER 3
1847—Frederick Douglas and Martin R. Delaney establish “The North Star” and it goes on to become a major anti-slavery newspaper.
tions would have started next summer. Other largescale changes—including launching and designing specialized arts and music rooms, science labs and English Language Development centers—would start in July 2027.
Board members Yael Silk, Emma Yourd, Devon Taliaferro and Jamie Piotrowski argued that the plan lacks sufficient details and called for clearer and what they deem more realistic timelines.
“If the majority of the board thinks it’s okay to vote on a plan of this size and this scope without any indication of milestones and that that is some sort of level of micromanaging, then that is concerning,” said Yourd.
Silk suggested the district hire project managers to execute the administration’s plan.
Piotrowski said the district should elongate the timeline to realistically complete capital improvements and account for any emergencies.
“We’re in the business of educating children, but the outcomes of our students are very unknown in this plan,” said Taliaferro.
On the other hand, board members including Walker, Wilson, Tracey Reed and Dwayne Barker have said the district needs to move forward without delay to create equal opportunities for students and address longstanding inequities. Barker, Reed and Wilson ultimately voted for the plan.
Wilson and Walker had pushed back on calls for additional details, arguing that the board should not expect granular details before voting on the plan. Reed said elongating the timeline would lead to the board debating every aspect of the plan rather than progressing on necessary changes.
Previously, Walker had asked board members to put their trust in Walters and the district administration.
“If we don’t think Dr. Walters and his team can do what they say they can do, then we have bigger problems than whether or not we close schools,” he said. For the plan to work, he’d said, “the board has to do something different than past boards have done, which is push this decision off to someone else.”
1922—Ralph Gardner is born in Cleveland, Ohio. He was a pioneer chemist whose research into plastics led to the development of so-called hard plastics and aided product developments in the petrochemical and pharmaceutical industries.
1982—Thomas “The Hit Man” Hearns defeats Wilfredo Benitez for the WBC Junior Middleweight boxing title. Hearns becomes the first person to win boxing titles in five different weight classes.
•DECEMBER 4
1783—General George Washington gives his famous farewell address to troops at Fraunces Tavern in New York City. The tavern was owned by a prominent Black businessman of French and West Indian descent named Samuel “Black Sam” Fraunces, who had aided the Americans in their bid to gain independence from England. After he became president, Washington hired Fraunces as his chief steward.
1807—Prince Hall dies. His was one of the most prominent Black names in colonial America. Hall was born (circa 1748) in Barbados in the West Indies and migrated to Boston. He became one of the leaders of the city’s Black community. He also became an abolitionist and a Mason. In fact, he is considered the “father of Black Masons.” He also fought in the American war for independence from England.
1906-Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is the oldest intercollegiate historically African American fraternity. It was initially a literary and social studies club organized in the 1905–1906 school year at Cornell University but later evolved into a fraternity with a founding date of December 4, 1906.
•
DECEMBER 5
1775— A memorial is dedicated to Salem Poor in Cambridge, Mass. Poor was a slave who had bought his freedom and became a hero fighting in the American Revolutionary War for independence from England. He so distinguished himself in battle, including at Bunker Hill, that he won the praise of 14 officers. 1784— The amazing poet Phyllis Wheatley dies in Boston, Mass. Wheatley was kidnapped in Africa at age 7 and sold to a prosperous Boston family, which placed a high value on education. By age 12, she was reading Greek and Latin classics. In the 1770s she became a sensation in the city because of her amazing ability to write poetry. A London company published her first book of poetry. Sadly, she died in poverty before she could find a publisher for her second book. That second volume has never been found. Although some letters she wrote during this period were recently discovered and sold at auction.
1870— Legendary Black cowboy William “Bill” Pickett is born in Travis County, Texas. Standing only 5’7” and weighing 145 pounds, he is considered one of the toughest men every to be called a cowboy. He became famous in the Miller Brothers 101 Ranch Wild West Shows where he performed dare devil feats and invented the rodeo sport of “bulldogging.” He is thought to have been of Black and Indian descent. He died at age 70 in Ponca City, Okla.
1870—Alexandre Dumas (pere) dies in France. Dumas, one of the most famous French writers of the 1800s, was a Black man born to a French marquis and a slave woman on the island of St. Domingue (now Haiti). Dumas wrote such noted works as “The Three Musketeers” and “The Count De Monte Cristo.”
1932— The “King of Gospel” Rev. James Cleveland is born in Chicago, Ill.
1932— Flamboyant singer-performer “Little Richard” is born and raised in Macon, Ga. He becomes one of the founding fathers of rock-and-roll. His dynamic stage performance and homosexuality often landed him in trouble. But he remained a major force in the music field.
1955— The historic bus boycott begins in Montgomery, Ala. The Black boycott of city buses was set in motion when civil rights heroine Rosa Parks refused to surrender her seat on the bus to a White man. The law at that time required her to give up the seat. A young minister named Martin Luther King Jr. was called upon to lead the boycott launching his career as the national civil rights leader.
1957—New York becomes the first city to pass a law banning racial or religious discrimination in housing with the Fair Housing Practices law.
• DECEMBER 6
1849—Harriet (Ross) Tubman escapes slavery in Maryland. But she becomes perhaps the greatest “conductor” on the Underground Rail Road returning to the South 19 times and helping an estimated 300 slaves escape. Despite a serious head injury received from an angry slave master when she refused to beat another slave, Tubman was one of Black America’s greatest examples of courage and determination. During the Civil War she also spied on the South and relayed the information to Northern generals.
1870—Joseph H. Rainey (18321887) is sworn in as the first Black to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives. He represented South Carolina—the state in which he was born a slave. But his father—a barber—managed to raise the money to purchase his family’s freedom. Earlier this year, the portrait of Rainey was finally hung in the House of Representatives.
1949— Blues legend Huddie “Leadbelly” Ledbetter dies. Ledbetter was born in 1885 near Mooringsport, La. But he had a quick temper and a violent streak. Thus, he stayed in trouble with the law. Indeed, his musical genius was discovered in jail by a visiting White folklorist. Upon release from prison, he moved north and became a sensation performing in the U.S. and Europe.
1961— Revolutionary psychiatrist and writer Frantz Fanon dies in Washington, D.C., where he had gone for medical treatment. In his writings, the Martinique-born Fanon explored the psychological aspects of racial oppression and Black liberation. His most famous works were “Black Skins, White Masks” and “Wretched of the Earth,” which was considered by many “the handbook for Black revolution.”
• DECEMBER 7
1931—Comer Cottrell is born. Cottrell founds the Pro-Line hair care products company. He also becomes the first Black to own part of a professional baseball team when he buys into the Texas Rangers in 1989.
1941—Dorie Miller shoots down three or four Japanese war planes during the surprise Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Miller was a kitchen worker on the USS Arizona who had learned to operate the ship’s weapons. After his death he was awarded the Navy Cross.
• DECEMBER 8
1850—Lucy Ann Stanton graduates from Oberlin College in Ohio. She is believed to be the first Black female college graduate in America. 1936— The Gibbs v. Board of Education in Montgomery County, Md., decision is rendered. It was the first of a series of court rulings, which eliminated the practice of paying White teachers more than Black teachers.
• DECEMBER 9
1872—P.B.S. Pinchback begins serving as the first Black governor of Louisiana. He served for a little more than a month. Pinchback, son of a White plantation owner and a former Macon, Ga., slave, was a major force in Louisiana politics after the civil war and during Reconstruction. He was also instrumental in the 1879 establishment of Southern University.
1875—Carter G. Woodson is born in New Canton, Va. In 1926, Woodson started the first Negro History Week which grew to become Black History Month.
100 Black Men, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity teach youth ins, outs of legal system
It's not something they teach you in school, but for African American youth, learning how to deal with tough situations, as well as the do's and don'ts in a courtroom setting and the legal system, are essential.
The New Pittsburgh Courier has reported over the years on Allegheny County data that shows how Black youth are in courtroom settings at a disproportionate rate than their White counterparts. Organizations have tried to combat those numbers, like Gwen's Girls, Pittsburgh Public Schools, REACH/Cares, Homewood Children's Village, and the 100 Black Men of Western Pa.
The 100 Black Men of Western Pa. organization
held an "Order in the Court" event for about 30 Black youth on Oct. 18 at CCAC. Teamed with the men of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., The 100 Black Men of Western Pa. organization taught the youth about what to do and what not to do if you find yourself in a courtroom. The Black men discussed ways to handle situations that may occur in schools, or in the neighborhood, or with police. They discussed with the youth some legal terms as well, and the youth learned about things that are labeled illegalities in a court of law.
- Rob Taylor Jr.
MANY OF THE YOUTH INVOLVED IN THE “ORDER IN THE COURT” EVENT AT CCAC, OCT. 18. (PHOTOS BY CHIEF IKHANA-HAL-MAKINA)
THE MEN OF OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY INC.
ATTORNEY FRANK WALKER SPEAKS TO THE YOUTH.
Local artists to grace New Hazlett stage in 'Sounds of the Season'
by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer
Fred Hammond. Donnie McClurkin. Shirley Caesar. Fantasia. Lalah Hathaway. And many more. Pittsburgh's own, the Hill District's own, Brendan Williams, has been on stage with all of them. He's sung behind some of those artists, opened for others.
As he told the New Pittsburgh Courier on Nov. 20, "my whole family sings, so it kinda wasn't a choice," Williams said with a laugh.
Williams has been singing since he was 3. When he auditioned as a vocalist to attend Pittsburgh CAPA in 2003, they were blown away. He spent his first year in high school at CAPA, then finished up high school the final three years at Schenley.
He grew up singing in the church; places like New Light Temple Baptist Church and Potter's House Ministries. He'll be one of the featured performers on Saturday, Dec. 13, at the New Hazlett Theater, 6 Allegheny Square East, North Side, as the theater presents, "Sounds of the Season." The only showtime is 7:30 p.m. The concert will showcase some of Pittsburgh’s most celebrated artists including Williams, Dr. Kendra Ross, Hugo Cruz & Caminos, and Dr. Zuly Inirio. The theater said it will be "an enchanting evening of diverse holiday music featuring jazz, soul, and global rhythms," according to a press release obtained by the Courier.
For Williams, he said he's busy studying some of the lyrics, making sure his vocal chords are at the
10.63" x 10.5"_2.pdf 11 11/24/25 13:54
best levels, and "inviting everybody to come out and see the show."
“We are curating a memorable experience designed to spread warmth, joy, and the spirit of community. Don’t miss this opportunity to come together and celebrate the season in the most inspiring way,” New Hazlett Theater Artistic Producer Melissa Cardello-Linton said in the press release, dated Nov. 7. “It’s time to warm up the season with an unforgettable tapestry of songs and cheer that draws us all closer."
Dr. Ross has shared stages with the likes of Hathaway, Gregory Porter and Babyface, and her
debut album, "New Voice," earned SoulTracks.com's "New Artist of the Year" recognition. Right now, she's completing "This Womanist Work," an EP celebrating Black women's stories through song and sisterhood.
Hugo Cruz & Caminos is known for electrifying percussion, Afro-Cuban rhythms, and cross-cultural musical fusion.
And as for Dr. Inirio, she told the Courier she loves Pittsburgh. Originally from the Dominican Republic, Dr. Inirio was raised in Miami. When she was 15, she attended her first opera. It was called, "La traviata." It was performed that night
by the Florida Grand Opera. She couldn't believe it.
"I absolutely fell in love with the art form," Dr. Inirio told the Courier, Nov. 19. "It was one of the most beautiful things I had ever experienced at the time."
Dr. Inirio, an acclaimed opera singer who has spent four years singing in Germany among other European locations, will be singing some selections from her own Dominican heritage, among others, on Dec. 13. "Music is such a universal language, and what better way than tell somebody that you care than giving them a beautiful experience where
they get to experience live music that they can relate to, but also experience new music and support their local arts scene." Who knows, there may be some young people in the audience on the evening of Dec. 13 that will see the performances and say, "that's what I want to do."
It sure happened, just like that, to Dr. Inirio. She told the Courier she was with her sister on that evening in Miami, witnessing a live opera for the first time as a teen. "I said (to her), 'I don't know what this is, but I really wanna do that, and I dedicated my life to it ever since."
BRENDAN WILLIAMS
DR. KENDRA ROSS
DR. ZULY INIRIO
Mount Olive First Baptist Church installs Rev. Leroy Thompson III as pastor
by Genea L. Webb
For New Pittsburgh Courier
It’s a new era for Clairton’s Mount Olive First Baptist Church and newly-installed pastor Reverend Leroy Thompson III is ready to usher is congregation into it.
“This is a new season where walls will be torn down, holes will be drilled. Pastors don’t change things, they reveal the newness of God and reveal it from God. The congregation’s job is to receive the word that God is sending,” explained Rev. Thompson III, who was installed as the new pastor over a weekend-long celebration, Oct. 10-12, 2025. He takes the reins of the church after its pastor of 58 years, the Reverend William C. Callaway, passed away in December 2020 at age 87. The church had 200-300 members while he served as its shepherd.
“I can say so much about
the late Rev. Dr. William C. Callaway. He was truly an inspiration to so many of us. For me, one of my favorite quotes from him was, ‘It’s just nice to be nice.’ Rev. loved people and it showed everywhere he went. He had this way of making you feel like you were part of the family. Clairton loved him and we all still miss him. He cared for God’s people! This is one thing both pastor Callaway and I had in common; our love for people,” Rev. Thompson III said. “I watched Pastor Callaway care for the people of Clairton and the surrounding areas. That is the main thing I will carry on in my own personal way of leadership.”
“We are like the Steelers. We don’t change pastors often,” said longtime Mt. Olive First Baptist Church member Pam Kelley. “We are grateful God brought Pastor Leroy to Mt. Olive for such a time as this. We are turning a
new leaf and we are going to walk things out with him.”
Reverend Thompson, who is affectionately known as “Man” by family and friends, is a lifelong resident of Clairton. He grew up in Gethesemane Church of God in Christ and gave his life to Christ at age 12. He is the youngest and only male out of his five siblings. “I noticed right away that there was something different about this young man,” explained Rev. Melvin Brown, Superintendent and Pastor of Gethesame Church of God in Christ. “He got his start with us in the choir singing Soprano next to his mom, Sheila. Mount Olive has gotten a jewel in this young man.”
Prior to accepting the call to Mount Olive, he served as senior pastor of two churches in the Steel City and as associate pastor in Killeen, Texas. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in
via Bible Center Church’s Oasis Project
BIBLE CENTER FROM A1
without the need for a realtor. The award will support the development of the app and growth strategy. “DealMate makes it easy and seamless for sellers to sell property without the need for an agent and with zero fees,” Herbert told the New Pittsburgh Courier in an exclusive interview. “With the funds, we're going to continue to develop the DealMate app and we'll release it in a beta version within the next two months. That will kick off phase one of our growth strategy and we'll be able to help more homeowners that way.” Herbert said winning the competition was both validating and motivating. “I feel extremely blessed,” he said. “I feel ready to make an impact and I feel supercharged.”
The judging panel included business professionals and representatives from Citizens Bank. Tammy Spencer Bey, VP and community development market manager of Citizens Bank in Western
Pennsylvania, gave insight on the grant’s purpose.
“The Economic Opportunity Grant provides much-needed capital for small businesses, particularly BIPOC businesses,” she said. “We really want to try to help businesses thrive in low- to moderate-income areas.”
As part of her role, Bey identifies institutions, organizations and small business incubators to partner with.
Bey said, “Participants in the cohort were very excited and eager to learn and to grow. I'm just happy to see all of them go through the program.”
Steve Davis, director of business advancement at the Homewood-based Bible Center Church, also serves in leadership and as a business coach at “Own Our Own.” He says the Academy 2.0 program is the first of its kind. The eight-week advanced entrepreneurship training program was developed to further assist graduates of the original “Own Our Own” program.
Davis said the team found that many graduates from the original program were still struggling with areas such as
marketing, identifying their customers and understanding how best to serve them.
“We built 2.0 based on the feedback we heard from the 1.0 graduates.
Along with feedback, we did research on understanding what all early stage entrepreneurs challenged around,” he said.
Reflecting on the competition, Davis said the presentations showcased the graduates’ growth and professionalism.
“I would have been super proud of anyone that took the stage, but the winner had stage presence, delivery, knew the material, asked engaging questions and so I was pretty convinced,” he said. “If he wasn't the top one or two, then I would’ve been surprised.”
Another Academy 2.0 participant, Ashleigh Pollard, founder of Start Here Health, reflected on her experience in the program.
“The experience has been amazing.” Pollard continues, “It gave me the opportunity to work on my business as opposed to just in my business.”
Pollard said working closely with a business coach validated her mar-
keting ideas. “Working with a business coach regularly was phenomenal because it really helped me understand that all of my ideas really are valid and they're coming together,” she said.
Pollard added that the program also helped her strengthen her customer management systems.
“I'm really excited about moving forward and all the knowledge that I was able to gain thus far and implement,” she said. Herbert shared his gratitude for his family, Bible Center Church and Citizens Bank for their support throughout the process.
“I've never felt so loved and supported,” he said.
“I'm just glad that the world gets to see what I've been working so hard on with DealMate and I’m excited to share the future of real estate with everybody here.”
“Own Our Own” Business Development’s upcoming learning opportunities are a one-day Bootcamp on Dec. 13 and
Christian Leadership and Ministry from Ohio Christian University. The devoted father of three has also written, produced and performed many plays.
The Clairton City School District substitute teacher holds his beloved hometown and its residents in high regard. He
SOME OF THE OTHER CONTESTANTS
‘We have to constantly love on one another. We cannot allow one ounce of discord because God hates it. Love is what will make us successful and fulfill our purpose.’
- Pastor Leroy Thompson III
way to provide hope and resources to those in need.
“We need to truly unite as one. We cannot move forward with just talking about unity, we truly have to be a unified front,” he said. “When we truly un-
derstand this, then we will change our churches and our community as a whole,” he said. He has a personal message to his flock. “We have to constantly love on one another. We
cannot allow one ounce of discord because God hates it. Love is what will make us successful and fulfill our purpose.”
Mount Olive began as a prayer band meeting from house to house. The group organized into a church in 1910. In 1921, the church’s current yellow brick building on Waddell Avenue was completed and dedicated. In 1986, an educational wing was add-
COURIER CHURCH DIRECTORY
BAPTIST TEMPLE CHURCH
Sunday Worship: 8 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.
7241 Race Street Pittsburgh, Pa., 15208
EBENEZER MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
Sunday Worship Service: 11 a.m.
Pastor—Rev. Dr. Rodney Adam Lyde
ed and the sanctuary and dining hall were remodeled. The sound system was purchased. Currently, Mount Olive First Baptist Church has two church vans, a soup kitchen and a youth ministry. Sunday services are streamed on social media.
But Rev. Thompson doesn’t want to stop there.
“Mount Olive has a bright future. We have been blessed to have
young people of all ages and as I say to the church, ‘any time you hear a baby crying in the church, that is a sign of life. It shows that the church has a future because it has young people in it,’” he said. “I see us expanding and even adding to our building. In the upcoming year, new ministries will be introduced and both new and older members will start getting more
Sr. Pastor—Rev. Dr. Vincent K. Campbell 2001 Wylie Avenue Pittsburgh, Pa., 15219 www.baptisttemple.church www.ebenezerbaptistpgh.org
“Beloved, believe NOT every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the FLESH is from God, but every spirit that does NOT acknowledge Jesus is NOT from God.” - 1John 4:13a NIV
REV. WALKER SAYS: The answer is in the next verse. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is COMING and even now is ALREADY in the world. 1John 4:3b NIV
Pastor—Rev. Dr. Barbara A. Gunn
Pastor— Nathaniel Pennybaker
PASTOR LEROY THOMPSON III INSTALLED AS PASTOR OF MOUNT OLIVE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH IN CLAIRTON.
PASTOR LEROY THOMPSON III (PHOTOS BY GENEA L. WEBB)
It's gone from bad to worse for the Steelers
Will they even have a winning record this
:10—Well, it certainly was ugly at Acrisure Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 30. I think deep in our brains we all kinda knew after the Chicago game that our Steelers were capable of losing to the Buffalo Bills at home, but the performance/effort they put up was nothing short of terrible. After a first half in which they led at halftime and seemed to be headed in the right direction, everything imploded. Leading 7-3 and receiving the second half kickoff I did not expect that 6 minutes into the half we'd be down 16-7 and a feeling of hopelessness would be over the entire establishment where I watched the game. When the home crowd boos "Renegade" you know you're in trouble.
:09—I know, I know, where to start? Let's go with the offense and the scheme they run week in and week out that ex-players have begun to criticize, especially James Harrison's rant last week that went viral quickly. What is the use of having all these tight ends if we're not going to target them early in the game? Over the middle. Like Darnell "Mt." Washington who caught two passes over the middle for 45 yards and struck the fear of God in the chests of the Bills defensive backs who seemed quite reluctant to tackle the big man. I mean, c'mon, the guy is 6'7", 315 pounds, the biggest target on the planet and we waste his size and talent every game. And by the way, where was Pat Freiermuth? Did he play? Don't remember seeing him.
:08—Aaron Rodgers can still sling the ball but rarely has the time to, the O-Line still a beat behind the pass rush. As for rushing the ball against one of
season?
the worst run defenses in the NFL, 18 carries for 58 yards, a paltry 3.2 yards per carry is not getting it done. Remember when the Steelers would force their will upon the opposition and run 45 times a game? Yeah, good times. It seems like the coaching staff has no faith in the O-Line to run the ball, 18 carries simply not enough times to set the tone. And D.K. Metcalf, three catches for 32 yards—a waste of money if that's all they're going to do with him every week. Poor execution, poor effort, perhaps just mediocre talent is the reason and if that's true, that's on ownership and the GM and the Head Coach Mike Tomlin. Remember second-round draft pick, RB Kaleb Johnson? Yeah, me neither.
was so effective. As for T.J. Watt and his $41 million dollar salary this year, no sacks, though he had Allen in his grasp twice and let him slip away, no TFL's and basically was a non-factor again. Bad signing. Should have franchised him. One bright side was Payton Wilson all over the field with 14 tackles. But let's be honest, before the first game, expectations on the $141 million defense were sky high and they've been a total disaster almost every game.
:07—The Defense. The Defense. The Defense. James Cook gouged them for 144 yards and most of that seemed to come on Buffalo running the same play over and over again, and for him to cut outside to free space because we never made a damn adjustment. The Bills looked like the old Oklahoma Sooners running up and down the field, 249 total yards rushing against an utterly overmatched Pittsburgh Steelers defense. I do give credit to the DBs and safeties holding Josh Allen to 150 yards passing and grabbing an interception but maybe it was because they really didn't need to pass when the run game
:06—Finally we come to the coaching staff. Has there ever been a more inept bunch in the history of the Steelers and I'm going back to the sixties! Look, you know as well as I do that the Steelers refuse to cover the middle of the field on defense and refuse to use the middle of the field on offense because Mike Tomlin hates turnovers. Well Coach, your team cannot live on a dink-and-dunk offense that rarely uses the middle of the field. They're not skilled enough. They have no No. 2 WR. The O-Line is okay but not good enough. Your QB is old. Your backup QB overthrew a guy who's nine feet tall. I'm just saying, everybody can see what's wrong and we don't understand why nothing ever changes. Even T.J. Watt said it perfectly when he said he's never seen a team run the same play over and over again so effectively. Really? We see it every week. How many passes over the middle did Ja'Marr Chase catch on the same slant route a couple weeks ago for the Bengals? A hundred? Seemed like it. Make a halftime adjustment because this Steelers team is the worst third quarter team I've ever seen. :05—Let's move on.
Please, let's move on. Our Pittsburgh Riverhounds won their first USL Soccer Championship in 26 years by beating FC Tulsa 3-2 on penalty kicks and though I'm no soccer guru by any stretch of the imagination, we'll take a championship title of any kind at this point in time. Well done men, well done.
:04—The ageless wonder, Sidney Crosby, moved into 15th place all-time in goals scored the other night, passing some other Canadian guy with his 641st goal. He's ninth in all-time points and will soon pass a guy named Mario Lemieux for eighth all-time in points scored. Sidney is a legend, he's on pace for 55 goals this season at 38 years old and has helped carry the Penguins to a very respectable 13-7-5 record so far. This was supposed to be a rebuilding year and no chance for the playoffs but Sid was having none of that. That's all I got.
:03—Before the season if I'd have said the Pitt Panthers and Head Coach Pat
Narduzzi would be 8-4 and bowl bound, would you have been satisfied? I'm calling it a successful season, a nice upset of thenNo. 15 Georgia Tech a few weeks back the cherry on top of the season. They also found a top-notch QB in Mason Heintschel and we hope Pitt has enough greenbacks to keep him here instead of him transferring to LSU or Notre Dame or some other richer school with a bigger TV audience. Hope springs eternal.
:02—The Panthers' basketball squad upset the previously unbeaten Ohio State Buckeyes last Friday night, Nov. 28, on a 3-point buzzer beater, their current record at 5-3 under Head Coach Jeff Capel acceptable and though I haven't given them much of a look yet, I expect a good solid season and a winning record, and who knows when the ACC tournament starts where they'll be but it's always a great, electric night out at the Peterson Events Center when the Panthers
have a home game. I will be there for several games this season as a Panthers fan and a basketball fan. :01—Our Cy Young Award winner and Pittsburgh Pirate Paul Skenes was just awarded $3.4 million from the MLB Pre-Arbitration Pool which I didn't even know existed a week ago for outperforming his contract. The $3.4 million bonus was the highest bonus ever awarded and is well-deserved for Paul, the best pitcher in baseball. Word around baseball talking heads is that if Skenes has another otherworldly season in 2026 his arbitration figure for 2027 will be upwards of $40 million. I can't see the Buccos owner paying that high salary to Mr. Skenes so.... get your tickets this year because the clock is winding down on his Pirates career. :00—GAME OVER.
Happy 42nd Birthday, Aaron Rodgers!
Now please stop blaming others
Pittsburgh Steelers beat writer Brooke Pryor posted an article on espn.com: "Aaron Rodgers calls out WRs, says Steelers earned fans boos after the Buffalo Bills stampeded the Pittsburgh Steelers by the nasty score of 26-7."
The following is an excerpt from that article, including but not limited to a few busdriving-on-the-wrong-sideof-the-road quotes, from the Pittsburgh Steelers geri-
atric starting quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers is quoted as saying: "When there's film sessions, everybody shows up, and when I check to a route, you do the right route." Then he said: "We have our meetings every week. We have other opportunities outside of the facility, and [I] look forward to seeing all the boys there.” Pryor wrote: "The quarterback, who turned 42 on Tuesday, Dec. 2, was also strip-sacked on the first play of the third quarter as he bought time in the pocket waiting for a receiver to get open.”
How do we know if the wide receiver ran the wrong route? We only have the words of the narcissistic, self-serving Rodgers to go by. And I would rather purchase an 18-hole golf course in the middle of a Louisiana swamp than believe any-
thing that Aaron Rodgers says. Rodgers continues this nonsensical chatter saying: "I felt good enough to be out there, just not ready to take a snap under center, hopefully next week for that," he said. "Disappointed in my performance, disappointed in the offensive performance and got to flush it." How can you feel good enough to be out there but just not ready to take a snap under center? As a functioning NFL QB, you have to be prepared and well enough to receive the snap under the center as well as in the shotgun formation. “Hopefully next week for that,” he said. The Steelers needed him to be ready for the Bills game, and not to use that game as a tune-up for the upcoming Ravens game, Dec. 7. If he wasn’t 100 percent ready, why wouldn’t he just sit his old a-- down and let Mason Rudolph take the snaps during the week, prior to the Bills fiasco?
Rodgers also adorned us with a crown sculptured from an enormous cow chip saying: "Disappointed in my performance, disappointed in the offensive performance and got to flush it." We should all have an outhouse GPS to provide a route for him, to find the nearest facility complete with Charmin to help him to flush it. Why would anyone look forward to Aaron Rodgers starting next week or any other week for the Pittsburgh Steelers? This self-centered, and self-serving behavior by Rodgers has been displayed during the past few years, and the powerless-that-be
have not indicated that they have the intestinal fortitude to put his feet to the fire.
On October 24, 2022, Rob Goldberg posted an article on bleacherreport.com:
"NFL Exec Rips Aaron Rodgers for Saying He Needs to Play 'a Tick' Better After Losses."
Goldberg writes: “Aaron Rodgers might need to be more careful with his words with the Green Bay Packers falling to 3-4 on the season.
'I've got to raise my game probably a tick in order for us to come out on the winning side in some of these games,' Rodgers said last week. Imagine saying, 'Hey, you guys pick it up on offense, defense and special teams, and I'll just pick it up a tick.' After Sunday's 23-21 loss to the Washington Commanders, Rodgers lamented his receivers' drops during the game. 'There was probably seven or eight passes that could have been caught for sure, but right now we have to have all of them, because we’re just not good enough to win without them,' the quarterback told reporters. The inexperienced receiving corps has been an issue for the Packers after losing Davante Adams in the offseason, but Rodgers also deserves blame for the team's struggles. There are certainly other issues besides the quarterback play—including a rotating offensive line and inconsistency at receiver— but it's clear Rodgers must take more responsibility for the team's rough start.” There is a nasty and spin room type of feel right now in Pittsburgh, regarding the
Pittsburgh Steelers. Please hit the rewind button with me. Josh Alper published an article on May 19, 2019, on www.nbcsports.com: "Roethlisberger: I went too far criticizing Antonio Brown after Denver INT."
"In the months leading up to the trade that sent wide receiver Antonio Brown from the Steelers to the Raiders, Brown said several critical things about Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. One instance concerned an interception Roethlisberger threw late in a November loss to the Broncos and the quarterback’s reaction to it. Roethlisberger criticized Brown’s route-running and said he should have thrown to JuJu Smith-Schuster, which earned a rebuke from Brown that included his belief that Roethlisberger 'feels like he’s the owner' because he wouldn’t take blame for throwing the pass.
Roethlisberger offered a belated apology for what he said after the loss. 'I took some heat and deservedly so for some of the comments on that show and especially towards him. I genuinely feel bad about that and I’m sorry. Did I go too far after that Denver game? Probably.'" Probably? Antonio Brown was socially and economically decapitated because of a blatant lie by Ben Roethlisberger. The film corroborated Brown's version of the play and you said: "Sorry, I probably went too far." There is one word that joins Rodgers and Roethlisberger at the lips like Siamese twin liars, the word “probably.”
As far as the calls to relieve Mike Tomlin of his head coaching job with Pittsburgh are concerned, Rex (T-Rex) Ryan, the former headmaster of the N.Y. Jets and the Buffalo Bills, doesn’t quite agree. Ryan
said on ESPN's "Get Up" show on Monday, Dec. 1, that: "The old adage is 10 years you start to smell and all that and your message gets lost. I don't think that's the case with Mike Tomlin. Do Mike Tomlin a favor and fire him. He would get a job anywhere else in the league in two seconds." Well, that may be partially true as long as a certain percentage of the Pittsburgh demographic doesn’t have a vote. However, in this case, maybe Rex should put those rose-colored bifocals back in the case and stick them in his back pocket. If Mike Tomlin and the Steelers ever part ways, it is probable that he will never be hired by any other NFL team. Why? Well, simply because it is taking too long just to get rid of him, and the Rooney Rule has already been honored by hiring him in the first place, or maybe not.
JAMES COOK RAN ALL OVER THE STEELERS IN BUFFALO’S 26-7 WIN, NOV. 30, 2025. (PHOTO BY MARLON MARTIN)
STEELERS QUARTERBACK AARON RODGERS WAS 10 OF 21 FOR 117 YARDS IN THE LOSS TO BUFFALO, NOV. 30. (PHOTO BY MARLON MARTIN)
Trump’s Big Ugly Bill strips nursing of professional status
Black women across the nation brace for devastating consequences
by Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent
The Trump administration has declared that nursing is not a professional degree, striking directly at the heart of America’s healthcare workforce and landing hardest on Black women, who make up nearly 13 percent of the national healthcare labor force and almost 10 percent of registered nurses. The administration frames the move as a technical adjustment to loan classifications. For Black women and the communities that rely on them, the consequences are far more severe. “This is a gut punch for nursing,” Patricia Pittman of George Washington University stated. “Education from ADN to BSN and beyond is the single best way to retain nurses, especially in underserved communities.”
Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, nursing, physical therapy, physician assistants, and other frontline health professions have been stripped of professional degree status. Students in these fields can borrow only $20,500 per year with a total cap of $100,000. Students in law, dentistry, medicine, and other protected fields can borrow up to $50,000 per year and $200,000 total. Nursing students report tuition and clinical training costs that far exceed the new caps, leaving many unable to continue their education.
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing issued a direct warning. “Ex-
cluding nursing disregards the rigorous education, licensure, and direct patient care that define our profession,” the organization stated. “This decision threatens the healthcare of patients in communities across the country.”
The nation already faces a shortage of hundreds of thousands of nurses. Graduate degrees are required for advanced practice roles. Without meaningful access to federal loans, fewer students will enter or complete these programs. Black women, who rely on student loans at far higher rates than White students, now face a barrier to financial mobility and advancement in the nursing profession.
Research shows that Black nurses often serve in underserved rural and urban communities. Studies of Black nurse practitioners describe persistent racism, heavy workloads, and limited institutional support. Participants in one national qualitative study described taking additional time to address inequities and care for patients facing social and economic barriers while contending with organizational barriers and burnout.
Kim Brundidge, a doctoral nursing student and practicing nurse, described the consequences for the next generation of providers. “If students are not able to afford advanced education, the quality and
number of nurses entering the workforce will decline,” she said.
Local and national nursing groups are preparing challenges to the reclassification. Leaders across the field warn that the bill undermines the country’s ability to meet basic healthcare needs.
“In many communities across the country, advanced practice registered nurses ensure access to essential and high-quality care that would otherwise be unavailable,” Jennifer Mensik Kennedy of the American Nurses Association said. “Limiting nurses’ access to graduate education threatens the very foundation of patient care.”
How NBA legend Isiah Thomas is rewriting the rules of wealth,
by Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE—
There is something tender and knowing in the way Isiah Thomas speaks about the earth. It is the tenderness of a man who understands struggle and sunlight, who respects what grows slowly and what survives storms. When he began describing how his journey into renewable materials first took root, he started not with profit sheets or projections, but with the living world beneath our feet. “I began by understanding the plants and the soil,” Thomas told Black Press USA. “Rice, corn, soy, all of these crops work directly with the earth. They are biofeed. They speak to the ground.” He said he watched how these plants responded to wind, water, and purpose. He spoke of them almost like kin. “They show you what they can become if you pay attention,” the NBA Hall of Famer stated. “They show you how to live with the earth instead of against it.” From those thoughts came a deeper question. Thomas wanted to know how to reduce plastic use during a time when
industry, and the American
industries across the world were scrambling to shrink their carbon footprints. “I began looking at how we take carbon out of the system, how we reduce plastics, and whether there was something in these natural fibers that could answer that call,” he said.
He hired engineers. He worked with Stellantis. He poured time and thought into a field most people in his world did not consider. “There were a lot of research moments, a lot of ups and downs, a lot of failures,” Thomas acknowledged. “But eventually, we got it. And once we got it, we patented the process and started moving it into automotive.”
That path led to a milestone no NBA player had ever reached. Thomas became the first in league history to hold majority control of a publicly traded company, guiding One World Products into its transition as Isiah Enterprises, a cleantech leader rooted in renewable materials and sustainable production.
His rise in business leadership began with a near-failing facility in Midland, Michigan. Eco Bio Plastics Midland was close to bankruptcy. Thomas said he saw
Dream
more than broken machines and struggling workers. “When I looked at that place, I saw a chance to rebuild something. I saw possibility,” he explained. He bought it. He nurtured it. And under his direction, the company expanded into advanced materials used in vehicles, reusable containers, and packaging solutions. The transformation became the foundation of Isiah Enterprises. The company began gaining ground. It shipped over 100,000 pounds of pelletized rubber compounds from the Michigan facility, proving that sustainable manufacturing could be scaled with precision and care. “This milestone represents more than just output,” Thomas declared. “It tells us the strategy works.” The growth continued as One World expanded its Eco Bio Plastics division through a compounding partnership with Full Circle Technologies. “We are processing tens of thousands of pounds of renewable materials every week,” Thomas proclaimed. The expansion opened doors to a massive global pack-
Can you believe it’s December already?
The moment Thanksgiving leftovers hit the fridge, the world transforms overnight. Christmas lights flicker in every window, holiday music pours out of every speaker, and retailers waste no time rolling out “extended hours,” “limited-time deals,” and “exclusive savings events.” Everywhere you look, the world is telling you to spend, spend, and spend some more. On top of that, every charity, non-profit, and good cause is asking for help. Your co-workers are collecting money for Secret Santa, family members are dropping hints about gifts they “just know you’re going to love,” and your kids suddenly remember every commercial they’ve seen since July. Even your church may be taking up a special Christmas offering for the pastor. December brings joy—but it also brings pressure. And here you are, trying to keep a generous heart while your wallet is hollering, “I’m tired, boss! Give me a break!” Between the mortgage, rent, car payments, student loans, groceries, utilities, gas, insurance, taxes, and everything in between, the holiday season often feels like just one more bill demanding to get paid. As a financial advisor, I’ve heard every version of this stress imaginable. People want to give. They want to make others happy. They want the holidays to feel magical. But they also want to avoid going into debt, skipping bills, or wiping out their savings just to survive December. Most people intend to start a Christmas fund in January, but let’s be real: life gets in the way, emergencies pop up, and by the time December arrives, many are left trying to make holiday money stretch like a discount sweater. Here’s the truth: you can enjoy Christmas without drowning in debt or dragging financial regret into the new year. It takes planning, discipline, and a willingness to focus on what truly matters. Here are tried-and-true strategies to help you do just that.
Treat it like it’s locked in a vault. Use cash or a debit card so you can literally see your balance decrease. Credit cards make overspending too easy. If you can’t feel it, you won’t respect it.
2. Make a List That Matches Your Wallet—Not Your Emotions Holiday emotions can be expensive. When you start making your gift list, write down every name—but don’t stop there. Ask yourself:
1. Set a Spending Limit—and Protect It Fiercely Every financially responsible holiday season starts with one simple decision: How much can I realistically spend? Not how much you wish you could spend, not how much others expect you to spend, but how much your actual budget can handle without putting necessities at risk. Once you set that number, protect it.
• Does everyone on this list need a gift?
• Can I show appreciation in a different way?
• Who am I buying for out of pressure instead of love?
Trim the list with confidence. Co-workers may be fine with a card. Adults don’t need toys. And cousins you haven’t seen since the summer cookout? They’ll survive.
3. Shop Early, Shop Smart, Shop with Intention
Last-minute shopping is the enemy of your wallet. When you rush, you overspend. When you’re stressed, you overspend. When stores are crowded and shelves are empty, you overspend on whatever’s left.
Shopping early gives you time to:
• Compare prices
• Use coupons
• Catch sales
• Order online deals
• Avoid panic buying
A thoughtful $20 gift chosen early beats a stressed-out $75 gift thrown in the cart at the last minute.
4. Beware of Holiday Debt Traps
The holidays bring out financial predators dressed in festive wrapping.
Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL): It sounds convenient, but it delays the pain—and multiplies it if you fall behind.
Store Credit Cards: That 10–20 percent discount today doesn’t matter if you end up paying 25–30 percent interest for months.
“6 Months Same as Cash”: Miss one payment and you’re hit with retroactive interest from day one. If it creates debt, skip it. Debt should never fund Christmas.
5. Remember: Time, Attention, and Presence Are Priceless Some of the best gifts aren’t bought— they’re created. People remember:
• Shared memories
• Time spent together
• Inside jokes
• Meals cooked with love
ISIAH THOMAS
aging industry valued in the trillions and built on earlier successes, including hemp-based reusable containers delivered to Flex-N-Gate in collaboration with ORBIS and West Michigan
Compounding
The two-time NBA champion’s leadership in sustainable innovation stretches back further. He stepped in as CEO of One World Pharma in 2020, bringing with him relationships across continents and a commitment to working honorably with indigenous communities in Colombia. He said the company had “deep commitment to excellence and humanitarian partnership.”
To secure the future he envisioned, Thomas increased his own investment in the company while working alongside institutional backers who believed in the mission. “I wanted to make sure we had the capital we needed to grow responsibly,” the all-time great Detroit Pistons floor general said. He added that long-term supporters helped restructure debt and strengthen operations. Yet the story that holds his heart rests with family. When asked whether he always dreamed of leading a public company, he shook his head. “It wasn’t always part of the plan,” Thomas related. “What was always part of the plan was uplifting my family out of generational poverty.” He said some nieces, nephews, and cousins still struggle. The knowledge grounds him. It gives weight to each decision. “I started looking at the penny stock differently,” Thomas said. “I thought about people buying in for one, two, or five dollars. I thought about what that could mean for families like mine.”
He spoke with the
memory of someone who has watched wealth pass through other communities without stopping in his own. “We never get a chance to participate at the ground level,” he said. “The only time we get to play with that kind of money is the lottery. But what if instead of buying tickets, we bought shares? What if we became shareholders and not ticket holders?”
Thomas noted that he watches how wealthy families give stock to their children every holiday. “They pass out stock,” he said. “They stuff the stockings with stock. And by the time those kids are in high school, it is worth something. I want that for other families too.”
His long-term dream is bold. “My goal is to be the first NBA player to uplift a company to the NASDAQ,” Thomas said. “If we take this stock from two cents to a dollar, people can do the math. They will know what it means.”
The challenge now is spreading the word and delivering the applications that industries are demanding. “The automotive and food packaging worlds are calling for alternatives,” he continued. “We have come up with several applications already. Now I have to make sure we execute.”
With a calm that feels both gentle and resolute, Thomas looked toward the horizon of his new work. And with the same tone he used many times on the court when victory required faith, he said, “Now I have to come up with the applications to do it.”
Resources to help you buy Black
by Shernay Williams
Word In Black—There are several websites and apps working to make buying Black easier.
Did you know there’s Black-owned toilet paper? The Leafy Products company, which specializes in eco-friendly and 100 percent bamboo paper, was founded by a group of Black friends. And it’s not the only Black-owned toilet paper company out there.
We have created a roundup of platforms and directories that are making it easier to shop Black-owned businesses.
“If we are able to put it in the palm of someone’s hand, then I think we’ll see a lot more people willing to [buy Black],” standup comedian and Blapp founder Jon Lester says in the Word In Black video.
Inside the Blapp app, you can enter your location to find Black-
owned businesses near you. So far,
Lester says the platform can point its users to 40,000 Black businesses in the U.S. Soon, it will support online shopping, as well.
“So [it’s] a Black Amazon of sorts,” Lester says. Blapp is one of a handful of platforms hoping to make it easier to find Black-owned businesses.
8 More Platforms to Shop Black Businesses
Here’s a list of the other ones we found:
EatOkra: an app helping you locate Black-owned restaurants near you
Miiriya: an app allowing you to buy Black-made products in one place
National Black Guide: a Black business directory, events, and news platform
Buy from a Black Woman: a directory of Black women-owned busi-
Black Dollar Network: an app allowing you to buy Black-owned products and services in one place
Black Nile: a marketplace featuring luxury Black-owned brands and services
Sadiaa: a Black-owned beauty directory
Lester says there’s enough room for all these platforms to help the Black community retain its $2.1 trillion spending power.
“You can go out; you can march,” he explains. “Trouble only comes knocking when Black folks start to circulate our money… By the time we as a community get to [the point where] 5 percent, God forbid 10 percent or 20 percent of our spending is Black-owned, we will feel it. Black folks will feel it.”
How to avoid debt while Christmas shopping this year
• Handwritten notes
• Moments that matter
A child may like a toy, but what they cherish is time. Adults appreciate presence more than presents.
6. Give the Gift of Service
You don’t need money to give value. Offer what you do well:
7. Cut Back in December to Fund Christmas Most people have discretionary spending they can temporarily redirect. Cut or pause:
• Eating out
• Streaming subscriptions
• Online shopping
• Coffee runs
• Impulse buys Saving just $10 a day from lifestyle habits can free up $300 in a single month.
8. Pick Up a Holiday Side Hustle
There is no shame in grinding for Christmas cash. Seasonal opportunities include:
• Retail
• Delivery driving
• Catering
• Event staffing
• Warehouse shifts
• Freelance work
• Selling unused items online
Even 5–10 extra hours a week can transform your holiday budget.
9. Prioritize Children and Use Family Gift Exchanges If money is tight, focus your resources on the kids. Adults understand. Have honest conversations. Suggest a family gift exchange, White Elephant, or Secret Santa. One gift per adult keeps joy high and guilt low. 10. Get Ready for Next Christmas—Starting in January
A successful December starts in January.
Open a Christmas Savings Account and automate $25–$50 per month. Keep the account separate so you’re not tempted to touch it. Saving just $50 per month = $600 by next December. Your future self will thank you. Christmas is supposed to be a season of joy—not a season of debt, stress, and regret. With planning, creativity,
Guest Editorial
Ken Burns’ documentary on American Revolution debunks myth ‘all men created equal’
The highly anticipated documentary “The American Revolution,” produced by master storyteller Ken Burns and recently premiered on U.S. public television stations, provides an essential history lesson about the ironies, paradoxes and compromises that were necessary for the 13 colonies to secure their freedom.
But for those who prefer to blur the lines of truth about the Founding Fathers and White hegemony, this film may be a mind-blowing experience as it allows people of color— many of whom bled and died for a country that still treats them like second-class citizens —to have their say. Jefferson, a slave owner whose documents confirm had a long-standing relationship with an enslaved woman named Sally Hemings and fathered her six children, crafted an idea that has sparked revolutions in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and Europe. Here in the U.S., his words have fueled grassroots activists who braved the frontlines for the women’s suffrage movement and the Civil Rights Movement.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness,” he wrote. Burns underscores the ugly reality of U.S. history, pointing out that Crispus Attucks was not the only Black person who fought and died for our country, and illustrates the heroic decision by African Americans who fought for both the British and the Continental Army on promises of freedom that were summarily broken.
While an estimated 25,000 Black people fought on the two sides during the eight-year fight for independence—after the British surrendered at Yorktown in 1781, and even before the official ending of the war with the signing of the Treaty of Paris in September 1783—it was evident that freedom for American citizens was not to include African Americans. In fact, immediately after the cannons were silenced and soldiers were allowed to return to their homes, then-General George Washington ordered that African Americans be held by troops in several locations, including New York City, until their owners could locate them and return them to slavery. Both Washington and Jefferson dispatched men to find their slaves and take them back to their prodigious plantations at Mount Vernon and Monticello.
One African American who fought for America, when asked if he would pursue the promise of financial compensation for his military service, said he only wanted one thing: his freedom.
But with dollar signs in their eyes and due to Americans’ selfish belief in Manifest Destiny, it would take centuries of civil unrest, human suffering at an unimaginable scale, and scores of deaths before the promises of the Founding Fathers and the guarantees of the Constitution were extended to African Americans and indigenous people.
This is American history—realistic and unredacted.
(Reprinted from the Washington Informer)
Founded 1910
Broadus Assistant to the Publisher
Allison Palm Office Manager Ashley Johnson Sales Director Rob Taylor Jr. Managing Editor
John. H. Sengstacke Editor & Publisher Emeritus (1912-1997)
Unanimous Consent!
(TriceEdneyWire.com)—A few days ago, I was on my way out of the country going to Ghana where I was to be an honoree at a celebration. I heard UNANIMOUS CONSENT! I had found it difficult to pack while waiting on pins and needles to find out how the vote would come out to release the Epstein files so the women who were young girls (some just 14 years old) went through hell while grown men and a woman abused them.
The woman has been convicted of her role in this tragedy. Jeffrey Epstein died at what we’re told was by his own hands—something many found hard to believe. Many I talk with don’t find that explanation credible; however, that’s what is on the record. Epstein’s friend, Ghislaine Maxwell, is serving her time in a Texas prison where it’s reported she’s serving with special privileges.
Brave women, still suffering from the impact of what happened to them have had enough of the harm caused by Epstein, Maxwell and later by Donald and his friends who’ve delayed justice by refusing to release the files we know existed. Epstein’s family was honorable enough to share what they had. From those files, we learned some important things.
While waiting for some manner of justice, these women kept up the fight; they earned a lot of support from Democrats immediately, but not Republicans, because the President held them hostage and prevented them from supporting the resolution
Dr.
Commentary
to have the complete files released. There was even talk of Trump planning to pardon and release Ghislaine Maxwell. Naturally, when asked about that rumor, Trump sat feigning innocence by saying he hadn’t ruled it out.
Meanwhile, we went through a lot of drama where nearly all Republicans were waiting for their dear leader to give them instructions. With few exceptions, Republicans were on hold, and the fact that the bill to force the Justice Department to release the files passed the House, and sooner than we had thought, it passed the Senate where it passed by UNANIMOUS CONSENT after their dear leader released them to vote to pass it once he learned enough Republicans were already going to vote for the bill to pass anyway! That must have come as a shock to him. Never-theless, the bill was immediately headed to Trump to sign. At the time of the overwhelming vote to pass the bill, and by unanimous consent in the Senate, Speaker Johnson appeared crushed and blamed our leader in the Senate—not the President!
For once I can say, thank you to Con-
gresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene who withstood Trump’s accusations and calling her a traitor. She’d pivoted too much truth telling about healthcare and how much it would cost her family. I wonder what Trump thinks about the overwhelming vote against his real wishes! We know his announcement of “releasing” them to vote came after learning how many were going to do it anyway! Are they all traitors? We must be cautious about this seeming victory upon releasing the files. This still must stop by AG Pam Bondi. There’s always the possibility that her gross behavior will be the same she exhibited when called before Senators, after admitting the files were on her desk and she was called in to explain herself once it wasn’t convenient for her to admit she had the files, and claim she was so busy with other matters that she allowed staff to handle the biggest case of her tenure! I guess defending Trump was just far more important to her than doing her job for the people! She’ll probably have a lot of time to look at the files now because I don’t think she will enjoy being in Washington defending Trump after the way she handled these files and how she sassed the Senators—something not in her job description!
(Dr. E. Faye Williams is President of The Dick Gregory Society.)
The height of hypocrisy
According to the dictionary, “The height of hypocrisy” is an “idiomatic expression used to emphasize an action or statement that demonstrates the most extreme form of hypocrisy.”
Recently, with the crown prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman at his side, Mr. Trump reprimanded ABC correspondent Mary Bruce after she asked a question concerning the 2018 murder of Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents. Before she completed the question, Trump interrupted to ask who she was with. When she responded, “I’m with ABC News, sir,” Trump said, “Fake news,” calling ABC “one of the worst in the business.” He stated, “You don’t have to embarrass our guests.”
However, in March of this year when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited in the Oval Office, he was ambushed by Trump and Vance mocking and humiliating him before the television media and telling him that he was not grateful enough for the United States’ help. When South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the White House in May, Trump stated false claims about White genocide in South Africa and then showed videos that supposedly supported his false claims. Both the
Cynthia Baldwin
Commentary
South African agriculture minister John Steenhuisen and South Africa’s richest man Johann Rupert, who are White South Africans, rebutted Trump’s false claims. In fact, Whites, who make up about 7 percent of the South African population, account for 70 percent of commercial farmland ownership. It is evident that Trump is the person who embarrasses White House guests. Trump consistently calls journalists and his political enemies names to denigrate and vilify them. Recently, he has called a female journalist “piggy” and former supporter Marjorie Taylor Greene, Marjorie “Traitor” Greene. Six Democratic Congresspeople who have served our country admirably in our armed forces (which Trump never did) made a video reminding our service people that their oath is to the Constitution and they did not have to follow “illegal orders.”
Trump called what they did “seditious behavior, punishable by death,” and in reposts, Trump stated the Democrats should be hanged, the actions were an insurrection, and they should be indicted. He now has the Pentagon investigating one of those Democrats, Senator Mark Kelly, a retired U.S. Navy fighter pilot and NASA astronaut. Trump calls everyone names; however, when late night talk show hosts Steven Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel and Seth Meyers make jokes at Trump’s expense as they have for other presidents and public figures, Trump calls for them to be fired. Trump has brought hypocrisy to new levels. As Alan Dershowitz said, “Hypocrisy is not a way of getting back to the moral high ground. Pretending you’re moral, saying you’re moral is not the same as acting morally.”
This quote by Michael Shellenberger appears to explain Trump’s use of hypocrisy: “Hypocrisy is the ultimate power move. It is a way of demonstrating that one plays by a different set of rules from the ones adhered to by common people.” Trump must be taught that the rule of law and the rules of morality are for all. He is not exempt.
Teens reject today’s news as Trump intensifies his assault on the press
The American press is facing a crisis deeper than shrinking newsrooms or digital disruption. A new study from the News Literacy Project finds that teenagers overwhelmingly believe the nation’s news media is fake, chaotic, and dishonest, a view that threatens the foundation of an informed society at the same time a sitting president intensifies his attacks on journalism. The findings land in an era where corporate consolidation, political pressure, and presidential intimidation collide with the public’s fading confidence in the institutions meant to hold power accountable.
According to the report, 84 percent of teens use negative words to describe news media. They use words such as “fake,” “false,” “lies,” “chaotic,” “overwhelming,” “distorted” and “boring.” Many teens believe that journalists lie more than they inform. One in three teens said journalists are doing well at “lying or deceiving.” Half believe reporters “make up quotes.”
Six in ten believe reporters “take images out of context.” Very few believe journalists confirm facts before reporting them. Only 30 percent said journalists regularly verify information. Only 23 percent said reporters correct errors. Even when asked to name one thing journalists are doing well, 10 percent of teens said “nothing.”
The study shows how fragile the understanding of real journalism has become. Just 9 percent of teens used positive words such as “informative” or “good” when asked to describe the media. Their limited exposure to journalism in entertainment is dominated by superhero movies. The most common reference teens made to journalism on screen was Spider-Man.04:41
Authors of the report warn that this weak grasp of journalism principles leaves young people open to manipulation and political propaganda. They are susceptible to conspiracy theories, falsehoods, and partisan content disguised as news. The findings reflect a national trend. Only 28 percent of adults say they have confidence in mass media to report news fully, accurately, and fairly. A Reu-
Stacy M. Brown
Commentary
ters Digital News Report found that only 30 percent of Americans trust most news most of the time. At the same time distrust grows, the Trump administration has escalated unprecedented attacks on the press. The president routinely insults reporters, pressures media executives and encourages regulators to punish newsrooms. On Air Force One, when pressed about the Epstein files, he told a Bloomberg reporter “quiet quiet piggy.” During a joint appearance with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, his response to a question about Jamal Khashoggi’s murder was “You are a terrible person.” He has mocked disabled reporters, told an Asian American journalist she should “ask China” about COVID, and accused Black reporters of being racist. These confrontations have coincided with federal pressure on media companies. After Trump’s Federal Communications Commission chairman publicly targeted Jimmy Kimmel, ABC briefly suspended the late-night host. The FCC has launched investigations into nearly every major broadcast network. Trump has sued newspapers, broadcasters, and social media companies, sometimes winning multimillion-dollar settlements despite filing meritless claims. The White House now maintains a website cataloging journalists it labels “biased,” listing their names and work under headings such as “malpractice” and “left-wing lunacy.” A leaderboard ranks the Washington Post at the top of what the administration calls offenders. The site claims the press “subversively implied” wrongdoing and calls several outlets “media offenders of the week.” Conflict has also erupted within the
conservative media ecosystem. Trump earlier echoed Newsmax’s position in a regulatory fight over TV station ownership, writing “NO EXPANSION OF THE FAKE NEWS NETWORKS” and “If anything, make them SMALLER!” after executives warned him that lifting ownership caps could harm conservative voices. For teenagers watching this environment, the news appears hostile, fractured, and untrustworthy. Yet while many traditional outlets struggle to maintain credibility under political pressure, the Black Press of America continues to operate with a clear mission that has never shifted from its roots in 1827 when Freedom’s Journal became the first Black owned newspaper in the United States.
That legacy was front and center at this year’s Black Press Day in Washington. The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), which is chaired by San Diego Voice & Viewpoint Publisher Dr. John Warren and represents more than 200 Black owned publications, marked 198 years of African American publishing with a celebration of the institution’s role in documenting and defending Black life.
“The Black Press of America continues to plow up the ground with our publications and our applications. It is our job. It is our calling. It is our legacy. It is our responsibility to fight and advocate for freedom, justice, and equality,” said NNPA President Dr Benjamin Chavis Jr. “We are the trusted voice of Black America, and we will not give up that trust for anything.”
At the event, Westside (Fla.) Gazette Publisher Bobby Henry Sr. helped to honor the founders and journalists who built the institution that remains indispensable today. “The publishers we honor today were more than just storytellers. They were guardians of history, fearless in their pursuit of truth, unwavering in their service to our people,” Henry remarked. “Their newspapers were battlefields of justice, their words weapons against oppression. Their legacy is forever enshrined in the fabric of our history.”
It takes GOP courage, not compromise
(TriceEdneyWire.com)—Every elected official is required to take an oath of office. The sworn oath publicly binds them to the Constitution, laws, and to the people they were elected to represent. Taking an oath is an act of accountability and a moral commitment that is not optional. It is a statement that should always be a reminder to the official that their power in office is a privilege with limits and moral boundaries. Therefore, disloyalty or any abuse of power is an unethical breach of their sworn obligation to the people. Elected officials are servants of the people, rather than rulers above the law. It is safe to say there is not a day that goes by that the current “servant” in the White House does not compromise his sworn oath of office by surrendering morals and integrity in maintaining political power and personal loyalty. But the president is not alone. Every day, children and teens face compromising situations that tempt them to do what they know is wrong. By doing wrong, they can fit in and be accepted. Our lawmakers can be the same way. They are constantly faced with similar situations in which their personal desire to achieve and maintain political power overshadows character and moral standards.
The choice is clear; they can stay true to their sworn oath or compromise the oath to “fit in.” Many lawmakers, like children and teens, choose the path of compromise to keep their political positions and stay in the good graces of President Donald Trump. Our Constitution has a system of checks and balances that many lawmakers choose to compromise and ignore. Until recently, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene was one of those compromised lawmakers. It didn’t take long for the feud between Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and President Trump to result in Taylor Greene’s resignation from the House of Representatives. The relationship between the president and his longtime MAGA ally quickly fell apart after Taylor Greene’s public criticism of Trump’s policy positions, her advocacy for Jeffrey Epstein’s sexual abuse survivors, and finally her support for the discharge petition forcing a House vote on releasing the full Epstein files. Despite being one of Trump’s most ardent supporters, Taylor Greene challenged the president when she uncharacteristically spoke out against Trump’s global tariffs and sided with the Democrats on extending the expiring Affordable Care tax credits.
“Now that the [Affordable Care Act] tax credits are expiring, which Democrats did put in place—and they set the expiration date for this year—I see a financial crisis for Americans,” Taylor Greene told CBS Morning. “And so, on this issue, I don’t see political party lines.” While Taylor Greene’s blind loyalty to Trump has run its course, Trump responded in typical fashion by calling her a “lightweight Congresswoman,” a “traitor,” and a “disgrace” to the Republican Party. Since her public feud with the president, Taylor Greene said the threats against her have increased. On Truth Social, the president wrote that he was “withdrawing” his “support and endorsement” of Taylor Greene, indicating that he might back an opponent of her effort to win an upcoming primary. Overall, Taylor Greene was not a popular figure with many Democrats. Much of the toxic politics from the past can be easily traced back to her antics. Therefore, it remains a shock to see her, a powerful and influential MAGA official, speak up and join Democrats when defending the ACA and seeking presidential transparency and accountability over the Epstein files. Trump, a onetime friend of Jeffrey Epstein, has gone as far as to call the controversy a “hoax.” Taylor Greene was morally and politically correct as a member of the legislative branch to request full transparency from the executive branch.
Nigeria: weak arguments against Christian genocide
On October 31, President Donald Trump stated that the United States may send troops to Nigeria or launch air strikes to prevent Islamic militants from targeting and killing Christians. A week later, Trump named Reps. Riley Moore (R-WV) and Tom Cole (R-Okla.) to lead an investigation into what he claims is a genocide in Nigeria.
The problem is that Trump frequently uses hyperbolic rhetoric and spreads misinformation, while advocacy groups classify certain atrocities as genocide— even if they do not meet the definition— to draw world attention to the violence and condemn those responsible.
International law defines genocide as the intent to completely or partially destroy a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. Even though genocide is precisely defined, pundits, politicians, activists, and scholars disagree about when it has occurred.
Rep. Moore worked with NGOs and Christian organizations “on the ground” in Nigeria to document the scope of the violence. Moore described the attacks as a “genocide” and accused Nigeria’s government, which has received billions in security aid from the US since 2009, of “not taking it seriously.”
The Observatory for Religious Freedom in Africa estimates that ethnic and religious violence in Nigeria had killed around 56,000 individuals over the last four years.
The Nigerian government denied that genocide was taking place in its country. The president’s office declared that “terrorists attack all who reject their murderous ideology—Muslims, Christians, and those of no faith alike.” The African Union Commission Spokesperson urged critics to reconsider their claims of a Christian genocide in Nigeria, pointing out that Muslims, not Christians, are the first victims of Islamic militants.
That all may be true, but it is a weak argument against genocide.
Terese Pencak Schwartz’s essay, The Holocaust: Non-Jewish Victims, states that Hitler first targeted Poland, Germany’s eastern border. Hitler soon gained control of Poland by eliminating the Polish intelligentsia. During the following years, millions of other Polish civilians were rounded up and either forced to work as slaves for German farmers and
Commentary
Like former Vice President Mike Pence and former Rep. Liz Cheney before her, when Taylor Greene chose not to compromise, she automatically became the “enemy” to many throughout the MAGA base, leading to her resignation. I felt that Taylor Greene should have remained in office and run for re-election even if it meant facing a Trump-backed primary challenger. If Taylor Greene won the tough battle, it would have sent a powerful message to other GOP lawmakers who struggle to follow their convictions and their oath. Taylor Greene’s resignation continues to embolden the president to punish those who challenge his authority.
Compromised Republicans who govern under the fear and intimidation of the president are not true representatives of the people they were elected to serve. They are not the voice of the people when their fear keeps them silent. As a result, the nation as a whole suffers as they fail to uphold their Constitutional responsibility of oversight and accountability. Liz Cheney did not give in to the fear and intimidation of Donald Trump. She became a Trump critic and was removed from Republican leadership. She agitated Trump nonstop, and Wyoming voters chose a Trumpbacked candidate to replace her. Although Cheney lost her seat, she did so by fighting to the end and standing up against a political bully. Where Cheney allowed Wyoming voters to decide her political fate, Taylor Greene chose not to. When it comes to the economic and healthcare issues Taylor Greene spoke about, the GOP voters of Georgia’s 14th congressional district have a clear choice. They can still vote for a candidate who will defend the ACA and affordability issues by voting Democratic in the general election.
(David W. Marshall is the founder of the faith-based organization TRB: The Reconciled Body and the author of the book “God Bless Our Divided America.”)
J. Pharoah Doss
Check It Out
factories or sent to concentration camps, where many were starved and worked to death or subjected to scientific experiments. Jews in Poland were forced into ghettos, but non-Jews were imprisoned in their country... Heinrich Himmler, the second-most powerful man in the Third Reich, stated, “It is essential that the great German people consider it their major task to destroy all Poles.”
If the African Union Commission Spokesperson’s logic were applied to World War II, there would have been no Jewish genocide because Germany’s first victims were Polish non-Jewish people.
Gima Kakanda, a senior special assistant to Nigeria’s president, stated that the commentary implying a Muslim-backed Christian genocide in Nigeria is “simplistic” and “ignorant” of the country’s internal dynamics, and that the intent of this misinformation is to “undermine the gravity of the situation in Gaza” as well as “malign Nigeria” for its position at the 2025 United Nations General Assembly supporting a twostate solution to the Palestinian conflict. The first half of Kakanda’s remark is correct.
According to Samuel Malik, a senior researcher at the pan-African Good Governance Africa think tank, while some of the violence may have religious undertones, the majority of it stems from a complex mix of “governance failures, corruption, poverty, climate-induced livelihood pressures, insurgency, and organized criminality.”
The second part of Kakanda’s statement is a deflection.
The persecution against Christians in Nigeria preceded Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and the accompanying Gaza war, in which Israel is accused of genocide against Palestinian people. The Observatory for Religious Freedom in Africa discovered around 11,000 cases of extreme violence between October 2019 and September 2023. 9,970 violent acts claimed the lives
of 55,910 individuals, and 2,705 of them resulted in the kidnapping of 21,621 people. Christians suffered a far larger proportional loss in the states where the attacks occurred. According to the report, Christians were 6.5 times more likely to die in the violence than other groups in the state. Similarly, accounting for state populations, Christians were 5.1 times more likely to be abducted.
The assessment by the Observatory for Religious Freedom in Africa, as well as the Trump administration’s charges of genocide, only covered a four-year period, although violence against Christians in Nigeria has a decade-long history. According to the International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law, at least 52,000 Christians have been murdered, 18,500 have been kidnapped and are unlikely to have survived, and 20,000 churches and Christian schools have been attacked since 2009.
However, in 2020, the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigated the violence in Nigeria between 2009 and 2020. The ICC concluded that the Islamic militants perpetrated war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder, rape, torture, persecution, and the use of child soldiers. Nonetheless, the ICC did not classify the violence as genocide since there was no evidence of intent to destroy Christians or any other group. The ICC asserted that terrorism, ideology, and armed conflict, not a plan to exterminate a specific religious group, motivated Nigeria’s atrocities.
In the future, the Nigerian government should emphasize the ICC’s conclusion that there was no genocide against Christians and demonstrate that they are taking the issue seriously, instead of presenting weak arguments. Unfortunately, for Christian victims in Nigeria, assessing whether the carnage perpetrated by Islamic militants can be classified as genocide is like determining the difference between a tropical storm and a hurricane. Tropical storms have winds ranging from 39 to 73 mph, whereas hurricanes have winds exceeding 74 mph.
Christians in Nigeria feel as if they are being blown away by 73 mph winds, but that fails to meet the requirement to be defined as a hurricane.
U.S. traded global leadership at the G20 for conspiracy theories rooted in racist lies
(TriceEdneyWire.com)—“Trump’s reasons for boycotting the event are ridiculous, to be polite … The claim that White people are more affected by criminal acts in the country is not only a mistaken belief but also a manufactured lie designed to invoke the emotions of White racists across the globe. The argument that Black economic empowerment, affirmative action and other transformative laws are racist is simply an attempt to protect the privilege of White people.”
Sowetan editor Sibongakonke Shoba
Traditionally, each meeting of the Group of Twenty, more commonly known as the G20, ends with the leader of the host country ceremonially handing the gavel to the leader of the next year’s host country.
Not this year.
The United States absence was not just symbolic. In boycotting the summit, the Trump administration has chosen to relinquish our nation’s leadership on global economic and social policy, preferring instead to promote discredited conspiracy theories rooted in racial prejudice.
The boycott is part of an ongoing diplomatic attack on South Africa dating
back to Trump’s first term, when he began disseminating baseless claims of widespread killing of White South African farmers and land seizures. The administration has used these lies as a pretext to withdraw financial assistance to South Africa, to give White South Africans priority for refugee status in the U.S., and to boycott the G20 summit that just concluded.
Trump’s confrontation of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa with misleading and mislabeled racist propaganda in the Oval Office in May was embarrassing. The consequences of the boycott will be far more damaging. As the United States surrenders its role in shaping the global economic future, the vacuum will be filled by nations like China and Russia who are only too happy to see our status and influence
diminished.
Africa, home to some of the fastest-growing economies in the world, is increasingly central to global growth. Conversations about trade, technology, and climate change rely on these young, dynamic voices and the United States has a responsibility and shared interest in being a part of these conversations.
The Trump administration has clung to the mantra of “America first.” But boycotting the G20 is “America sidelined.” In presenting a false choice between domestic and global concerns, the administration betrays its failure to grasp how the two are intertwined. American jobs depend on trade deals that were negotiated without our input. Our public health depends on agreements forged in our absence. America cannot lead if we don’t show up. We cannot be a beacon of truth while spreading lies. We cannot promote American ideals if we abdicate our leadership to nations that are hostile to our goals. Walking away from the G20 was an epic failure of leadership. Continuing down this path would be an even greater one.
Finding light in the hardest seasons
by Dr. Portia Lockett
Every holiday season, I am reminded that this time of year holds both for me pain and purpose. While many are celebrating, others are quietly navigating memories, grief, and emotions that rise without warning. I know this personally. Following the tragedy that my son was murdered in December of 2020, my holidays were no longer the same. What use to be my favorite song; “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire”, the smell of homemade rolls in the oven, someone asking me to participate in a gift exchange have all been triggers. These moments pulling me back into moments of heartbreak I thought I had overcome.
Other triggers can be unexpected and overwhelming: the empty seat at the dinner table, hearing laughter and instantly remembering the sound of his voice when I would fall at the ice skating rink, or seeing a son give his mom a long intentional hug. These moments are real, human, and part of the story that I as a parent will carry forever. Even though I lost my son, and how I deeply miss him, how I would do anything to rewind the tape of life and hold him just one more time. I’ve learned that even in the midst of deep grief, glimmers still find their way to me. Glimmers such as the sound of his daughter laughing with the same carefree joy he once had. A warm hug from some-
one who remembers him without me having to say a word. The sunrise that reminds me, I am still here, still growing, and still healing. Spending time with his brothers and playing the “Remember When Game” that brings back a sweet memory instead of a painful one. The smile of a young boy who carries some of his spirit. Quiet moments in prayer when I feel his presence and peace all over me. Acts of kindness big or small that remind me that love never stops flowing. The greatest glimmer for me is when the Azal Benne Lockett Foundation helps others heal, offers them hope and holds their hearts as they navigate through their loss by providing financial resources for the burial/funeral services, These glimmers do not completely erase my grief. They help me breathe through it, honor it, and move forward with hope.
This season, I am giving myself permission to feel both the joy and the pain. I am embracing traditions that nourish me and gently setting aside the ones that no longer serve my healing. I am intentionally looking for glimmers on purpose, because even during this emotional season, I am reminded that hope is still present.
Tips That May Help You Navigate the Holidays through Grief and Hope
1. Honor your feelings without apology. Give yourself room to feel what you feel joy, sadness, gratitude, loneliness, or all of them at once.
2. Create a moment of remembrance. Light a candle, display a photo, or speak your loved one’s name. There is an African Proverb that states: As long as the blood runs through our veins and we continue to call our that person’s name, their spirit will remain alive.
3. Set boundaries that protect your spirit. It is okay to attend less events, take breaks, or decline invitations that feel emotionally draining.
4. Plan a daily glimmer. Play a comforting song, quiet prayer/ meditation, journaling, or a peaceful walk, dance, anything that centers you.
5. Release the pressure to say “I’m OK” Your holiday does not have to match anyone else’s expectations. It is truly Ok to not be OK.
6. Lean on your tribe/community. Call a friend, reach out to someone you trust, or spend time with people who offer comfort or who can relate.
7. Extend grace to yourself and others. So many people are navigating silent grief during this season.
If you need additional support, contact me: Websites: drportialockett.com
AzalBenneLockettFoundation.org
Instagram: @drportia
Facebook: @portialockett
YouTube: Portia Lockett
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/portialockett
David W. Marshall
Marc H. Morial To Be Equal
ANNOUNCEMENTS Public Notice
ANNOUNCEMENTS Public Notice
NOTICE: PROPOSED REVISIONS TO THE 2026 LOW-INCOME PUBLIC HOUSING FLAT RENT SCHEDULE
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) is proposing updates to its Low-Income Public Housing (LIPH) Flat Rent Schedule.
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP), in accordance with federal law and regulation, is proposing revisions to its Low-Income Public Housing Flat Rent Schedule.
The revised 2026 HACP Flat Rent Schedule is available for review and comment from Friday, November 7, to Monday, December 8, 2025, on the HACP website: www.hacp.org.
Copies of the 2026 Flat Rent Schedule can also be obtained by contacting the HACP Asset Management office at: 412-643-2737.
A notice including the proposed Flat Rent schedule will be mailed to all residents of the Low-Income Housing portfolio on November 3, 2025.
Public Hearings to receive public comments on the revised 2026 HACP Flat Rent Schedule will be held at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, via Zoom.
A written comment period will be held beginning at 8 a.m. Friday, November 7, 2025, until 5 p.m. Monday, December 8, 2025
Written comments regarding the 2026 HACP Flat Rent Schedule must be submitted by mail and addressed to: HACP Asset Management, C/O Anthony Ceoffe, 412 Blvd. of the Allies, 7th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, or via email to: anthony.ceoffe@hacp.org.
Comments may also be submitted by calling the HACP Asset Management Office at: 412-643-2737.
Persons with disabilities requiring assistance or alternative formats, or who wish to submit comments in alternative formats, can contact the HACP ADA/504 Coordinator at: 412-456-5020, Ext. 2504; TTY: 412-2015384.
All other questions should be addressed to the Asset Management Office at: 412-643-2737.
READ THE PROPOSED LIPH FLAT RENT SCHEDULE www.hacp.org.
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh 412 Boulevard of the Allies, 7th Floor / Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15219 Tel: 412-643-2737 Fax: 412-643-2962 www.HACP.org
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE UNITED STATES MARSHALS SERVICE NOTICE OF U.S. MARSHAL’S SALE ADVERTISING FORM
Property
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA vs. ANTHONY M. FARBACHER Civil #2:24-cv-00370
Public notice is hereby given, that by virtue of an Order dated May 23, 2025, issued out of the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania on a judgment rendered in Court on May 23, 2025, in the amount of $187,574.70 plus interest from 5/23/2025 in favor of The United States of America and against ANTHONY M. FARBACHER, the following described real estate, located at 23 Simon Road Cheswick, PA 15024, shall be offered for sale. To obtain a complete legal description please contact Jillian Hill at 215-825-6305.
PROPERTY LOCATION: 23 Simon Road Cheswick, PA 15024
Parcel/Folio # 1217-A-00209-0000-00
The above-mentioned properties offered up for sale on December 19, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Gold Room on the 4th floor located at the Allegheny County Courthouse located at 436 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, at public auction, to the highest and best bidder by the U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Pennsylvania. I will be advertising, the Marshal’s Sale of real estate situated in the Western District of Pennsylvania, on the following dates: 11/19/2025; 11/26/2025; 12/3/2025; 12/10/2025
And I will, accordingly offer the real estate for sale to the highest and best bidder, for cashier’s check or teller’s check.
The following terms of sale apply to all of the above listed properties.
Terms of Sale: Ten percent (10%) of the highest sum bid must be deposited by the highest bidder in cashier’s check or certified check with the Marshal upon the property being struck down to such bidder. Upon failure to make such deposit, the bidder shall lose the benefit of this bid and the property may be immediately put up again and sold unless a deposit of the sum required be made by a second bidder willing to take the property at the highest price bid. The balance of the purchase price shall be paid in cashier’s check or certified check within ten (10) days after confirmation of the sale by Court Order without any demand being made by the Marshal. Otherwise, the Marshal may settle with a second bidder who has made the required deposit at the Marshal’s Sale and thereby registered their willingness to take the property at the highest price bid, provided such second bidder deposits the balance of the purchase price within 10 days after notice from the Marshal of the first bidder’s default. If no second bid be registered, the property may be sold again at the risk of the defaulting bidder, and in case of any deficiency in such resale, the defaulting bidder shall make good the same to the person injured thereby and the deposit shall be forfeited and distributed with the other funds created by the sale.
Bidder must have proceeds immediately available and on his person in order to bid, bidder will not be permitted to leave the sale and return with proceeds. The successful bidder takes the real estate subject to, and shall pay all taxes, water rents, sewer charges, municipal claims, and other charges and liens not divested by the sale and must also pay all state and local realty transfer taxes or stamps, to the extent the fund created by the sale is insufficient to pay such transfer taxes.
Distribution of Proceeds: A Schedule of Proposed Distribution of the proceeds of sale will be filed with the Marshal within ten (10) days of confirmation by Court Order of the sale. No Schedule of Distribution will be filed if the property is sold to the Plaintiff for costs only. The Marshal shall distribute the proceeds of sale in accordance with the proposed Schedule of Distribution unless written exceptions are filed with the Marshal not later than ten (10) days after the filing of the proposed schedule.
For information concerning the amount that Plaintiff intends to bid, for information regarding the status if this sale, the exact location of the sale in the courthouse, or for other information you may contact: Jillian Hill at 215-825-6305 or JHill@kmllawgroup.com.
For a complete list of all properties offered for sale by the Department of Agriculture go to: http://www.resales.usda.gov/
The sale may be postponed in accordance with Pa. R.C.P. 3129.1 et seq. for up to 100 days. Please contact Jillian Hill, Paralegal, with KML Law Group, P.C., at the above phone numbers prior to the scheduled sale date to confirm that the sale will proceed.
3-9, 2025
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
Public Notice
NOTICE A copy of the proposed 2026 budget for the Township of Kilbuck, Allegheny County, will be made available for public inspection at the Kilbuck Township Municipal Building, 343 Eicher Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237, during normal business hours beginning November 26, 2025. The Kilbuck Township Board of Supervisors will consider adoption at their regularly scheduled meeting on December 16, 2025 at the Kilbuck Township Municipal Building. The public may attend and be heard.
TOWNSHIP OF KILBUCK Andrew Wright, Secretary
Public Notice
LOGS LEGAL GROUP LLP
BY: CHRISTOPHER A. DeNARDO, PA I.D. NO. 78447
SAMANTHA GABLE, PA I.D. NO. 320695
STEVEN PALMER, PA I.D. NO. 334553
LESLIE J. RASE, PA I.D. NO. 58365
HEATHER RILOFF, PA I.D. NO. 309906
KEVIN T. TONCZYCZYN, PA I.D. NO. 332616
ELIZABETH L. WASSALL, PA I.D. NO. 77788
JOSEPH L. LoCASTRO, IV, PA I.D. NO. 314973 985 OLD EAGLE SCHOOL ROAD, SUITE 514 WAYNE, PA 19087
TELEPHONE: (610) 278-6800
E-MAIL: PAHELP@LOGS.COM
LLG FILE NO. NCM 24-071600
PNC Bank, National Association PLAINTIFF VS.
Unknown Heirs, Successors, Assigns and All Persons, Firms or Associations Claiming Right, Title or Interest from or under Deborah J. Bartha, deceased
DEFENDANT COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CIVIL DIVISION ALLEGHENY COUNTY NO: GD-25-000701
To the Defendants, Unknown Heirs, Successors, Assigns and All Persons, Firms or Associations Claiming Right, Title or Interest from or under Deborah J. Bartha, deceased: TAKE NOTICE THAT THE Plaintiff, PNC Bank, National Association has filed an amended action Mortgage Foreclosure, as captioned above.
NOTICE
IF YOU WISH TO DEFEND, YOU MUST ENTER A WRITTEN APPEARANCE PERSONALLY OR BY ATTORNEY AND FILE YOUR DEFENSE OR OBJECTIONS WITH THE COUT. YOU ARE WARNED THAT IF YOU FAIL TO DO SO THE CASE MAY PROCEED WITHOUT YOU AND A JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE FOR THE RELIEF REQUESTED BY THE PLAINTIFF. YOU MAY LOSE MONEY OR PROPERTY OR OTHER RIGHTS IMPORTANT TO YOU. YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS NOTICE TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW. THIS OFFICE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER. IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE ABLE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY OFFER LEGAL SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE.
Allegheny County Bar Association 400 Koppers Bldg. 436 7th Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15219
LOGS LEGAL GROUP LLP
BY: CHRISTOPHER A. DeNARDO, PA I.D. NO. 78447
SAMANTHA GABLE, PA I.D. NO. 320695
STEVEN PALMER, PA I.D. NO. 334553
LESLIE J. RASE, PA I.D. NO. 58365
HEATHER RILOFF, PA I.D. NO. 309906
KEVIN T. TONCZYCZYN, PA I.D. NO. 332616
ELIZABETH L. WASSALL, PA I.D. NO. 77788
JOSEPH L. LoCASTRO, IV, PA I.D. NO. 314973
985 OLD EAGLE SCHOOL ROAD, SUITE 514 WAYNE, PA 19087
TELEPHONE: (610) 278-6800
E-MAIL: PAHELP@LOGS.COM
LLG FILE NO. NCM 25-071972
PNC Bank, National Association PLAINTIFF VS. John T. Manion, Jr. Known Heir of John T. Manion, deceased and Unknown Heirs, Successors, Assigns and All Persons, Firms or Associations Claiming Right, Title or Interest from or under John T. Manion, deceased COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CIVIL DIVISION ALLEGHENY COUNTY NO: MG-25-000341
To the Defendants, Unknown Heirs, Successors, Assigns and All Persons, Firms or Associations Claiming Right, Title or Interest from or under John T. Manion, deceased: TAKE NOTICE THAT THE Plaintiff, PNC Bank, National Association has filed an amended action Mortgage Foreclosure, as captioned above.
NOTICE
IF YOU WISH TO DEFEND, YOU MUST ENTER A WRITTEN APPEARANCE PERSONALLY OR BY ATTORNEY AND FILE YOUR DEFENSE OR OBJECTIONS WITH THE COUT. YOU ARE WARNED THAT IF YOU FAIL TO DO SO THE CASE MAY PROCEED WITHOUT YOU AND A JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE FOR THE RELIEF REQUESTED BY THE PLAINTIFF. YOU MAY LOSE MONEY OR PROPERTY OR OTHER RIGHTS IMPORTANT TO YOU. YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS NOTICE TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW. THIS OFFICE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER. IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE ABLE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY OFFER LEGAL SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE.
Allegheny County Bar Association 400 Koppers Bldg. 436 7th Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15219
PUBLIC NOTICE BOROUGH OF AVALON 2026 BUDGET Notice is hereby given that the Borough of Avalon proposed 2026 Budget is currently available for public inspection in the Administration Office of
Adm. or to Devin Hallett Snyder, Esq., Strassburger McKenna Gutnick & Gefsky, 444 Liberty Avenue, Ste. 2200, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
ANNOUNCEMENTS Meetings
BOROUGH OF EMSWORTH The Council of the Borough of Emsworth will meet at its regularly scheduled public meeting on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the Borough Office, 171 Center Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202 to consider adoption of an ordinance, the following which is a title and brief summary thereof: AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF EMSWORTH, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENYAND COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, SETTING THE TOTAL TAX RATE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2026 AT 6.955 MILLS.
A copy of the full text of the proposed ordinance may be examined at the Borough Office located at 171 Center Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m.
BOROUGH OF EMSWORTH Cathy Jones, Borough Secretary
BOROUGH OF BELLEVUE MEETINGS Notice is hereby given that the Borough of Bellevue will hold the Pre-Council Meeting on December 9, 2025 and the Council Meeting on December 16, 2025 starting at 7:00 p.m. The Reorganizational meeting will be held on January 5, 2026, starting at 8:00 p.m. All meetings will be held on the 2nd floor Council Chambers, 537 Bayne Avenue, Bellevue PA, 15202.
James E. Kelly Director of Administrative Services
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Meetings
2026 ~ NORTH HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETINGS
Middle School Large Group Instruction (LGI) Room 55 Rochester Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15229, Ross Township
JANUARY
8: Committee Meeting w/Action, 6:30 p.m.
15: Legislative Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
FEBRUARY
5: Committee Meeting w/Action, 6:30 p.m.
19: Legislative Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
MARCH
5: Committee Meeting with Action, 6:30 p.m.
12: Legislative Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
APRIL
9: Committee Meeting with Action, 6:30 p.m.
23: Legislative Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
30: Committee Meeting w/Action, 6:30 p.m.
MAY
14: Legislative Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
JUNE
4: Committee Meeting w/Action, 6:30 p.m.
11: Legislative Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
JULY
30: Committee Meeting w/Action, 6:30 p.m.
AUGUST
6: Legislative Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
SEPTEMBER
3: Committee Meeting w/Action,
6:30 p.m.
17: Legislative Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
OCTOBER
1: Committee Meeting w/Action, 6:30 p.m.
15: Legislative Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
NOVEMBER
5: Committee Meeting w/Action, 6:30 p.m.
DECEMBER
3: REORGANIZATION MEETING AND COMMITTEE W/ACTION, 6:30 P.M.
The Wilkins Township Zoning Hearing Board shall hold a public hearing on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 7:00 p.m., at the Municipal Building, 110 Peffer Road, Wilkins Township, PA 15145. At that time, the Board shall hear an application for variance made by Superior Petroleum Company (‘the applicant’), with offices at 8199 McKnight Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237. The applicant seeks a variance on property that is located at 710 Brown Avenue, Turtle Creek, PA 15145; Allegheny County Tax Map Lot and Block Number 372-M-248, situated in a C-1 Commercial Zoning District. If granted, the variance would permit a digital price sign with non-animated, static red and green digits. The Township Zoning Code §450-40(E) states that an electronic message center shall have a black background /face with amber tone changeable copy. This code provision can be viewed at the following link: https://ecode360.com/32356178 #32356178. Interested parties may choose to attend the meeting in person, or virtually via Zoom, at the following link: https://us02web. zoom.us/j/83980558196.
LEGAL ADVERTISING
Bids/Proposals
HILL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (Hill CDC) ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
Cultivation Corner
City of Pittsburgh, PA
Notice is hereby given that proposals for Design and/or Engineering services will be received by the Hill CDC until 5 pm, Friday, 19th of December, 2025. This request is for proposals that provide professional architectural and engineering services for the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (Affordable Housing Program) grant awarded project of 10 units of housing across the properties located at 2343-2351 Centre Avenue, also known as Cultivation Corner. The Hill CDC is committed to expanding opportunity and broadening participation among qualified firms, including certified small, disadvantaged, minority, women, and locally based firms, in its procurement and subcontracting. The Hill CDC seeks to reduce barriers, promote competition, and enhance utilization of underrepresented firms. Proposals will be reviewed by the Hill CDC and selected applicants may be invited for an interview or briefing. Contract award and commencement of work are expected in early Q1 of 2026. Request for Proposals package may be obtained at the Hill Community Development Corporation or by emailing opportunity@hilldistrict.org.
Pre-Proposal Site Walkthrough:
A site visit meeting will be held at the project site located at 23432351 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. The meeting will take place at 9:00 AM on Thursday, December 4, 2025.
The Hill CDC reserves the right to reject any bids or to accept any bid deemed for the best interests of the Hill CDC and waive any formalities in bidding.
SONNY BOY
LEGAL ADVERTISING
Bids/Proposals
LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals
ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY
LEGAL NOTICE
CONTRACT NO. 1815
SEWER IMPROVEMENT CONTRACT 2025 – 2026
Sealed Bids for CONTRACT NO. 1815–SEWER IMPROVEMENT
CONTRACT 2025 - 2026 shall be received at the Engineering Department office of the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority, 3300 Preble Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15233, until 11:00 A.M., Prevailing Time, Monday, January 12, 2026, and then shall be Publicly Opened and read via Microsoft Virtual Teams Meeting. A Pre-Bid Meeting will be held via Microsoft Virtual Teams Meeting on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 10:00 A.M., Prevailing Time. An Invitation will be required to access this meeting. If interested in obtaining a Invitation to the Pre-Bid Meeting, contact Judith Shropshire via email at contract.clerks@alcosan.org .
ALCOSAN encourages businesses owned and operated by minorities and women to submit bids on Authority Contracts or to participate as subcontractors or suppliers to successful Bidders. Successful Bidders are to use minority and women’s businesses to the fullest extent possible. Contract Documents may be examined and obtained at the Engineering office of the Authority. A non-refundable fee of One hundred dollars ($100) (no cash or credit cards will be accepted) will be charged for each set of Contract Documents received. Bid Security shall be furnished by providing with the Bid a Certified Check or Bid Bond in the amount of 10% of the Bid Price. Contract documents must be purchased directly from ALCOSAN to qualify as an eligible bidder.
Any questions regarding the Technical Specifications should be directed to Steven Bristol, Project Engineer II, ALCOSAN, via email at steven.bristol@alcosan.org
Any questions regardng the Purchase of Contract Documents should be directed to Judith Shropshire, ALCOSAN, via email at contract. clerks@alcosan.org.
The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive any informality in any bid and to accept any bid should it be deemed in the interest of the Authority to do so.
ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY
Michael Lichte P.E. Director of Regional Conveyance
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
(RFP) FOR AUTHORITY-WIDE SITE IMPROVEMENTS RFP
#600-42-25
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s):
RFP #600-42-25 AUTHORITY
-WIDE SITE IMPROVEMENTS
The documents will be available no later than November 23, 2025 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 10:00 a.m. on December 30, 2025. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will only accept physical proposals dropped off in person from 8:00 AM until 10:00 a.m. on December 30, 2025, in the lobby of One Stop Shop at 412 Boulevard of the Allies Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Proposals may be uploaded to the Authority’s online submission site; the link is accessible via the HACP website and within the RFP. Sealed proposals may still be mailed via USPS at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 412 Boulevard of the Allies, 6th Floor - Procurement, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.
Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Solicitation from the Business Opportunities page of www.HACP.org.
Questions or inquiries should be directed to:
Brandon Havranek Associate Director of Procurement/Contracting Officer 412 Boulevard of the Allies 6th Floor - Procurement Department Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-643-2890
A pre-submission meeting will be held via Zoom meeting; on December 9, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Please see the meeting information below: Join Zoom Meeting: Meeting ID: 84479761165 Passcode: 902400 Dial by your location: +1 360-209-5623 (US)
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation.
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.
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR MOBILE FOOD DISTRIBUTION FOR VARIOUS PUBLIC HOUSING COMMUNITIES RFP #800-39-25 REBID
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s):
MOBILE FOOD DISTRIBUTION FOR VARIOUS PUBLIC HOUSING COMMUNITIES REBID
The documents will be available no later than December 1, 2025, and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 11:00 a.m. on December 19, 2025. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will only accept physical proposals dropped off in person from 8:00 AM until 11:00 a.m. on December 19, 2025, in the lobby of One Stop Shop at 412 Boulevard of the Allies Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Proposals may be uploaded to the Authority’s online submission site; the link is accessible via the HACP website and within the RFP. Sealed proposals may still be mailed via USPS at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 412 Boulevard of the Allies, 6th Floor - Procurement, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Solicitation from the Business Opportunities page of www.HACP.org. Questions or inquiries should be directed to:
Brandon Havranek
Associate Director of Procurement/Contracting Officer 412 Boulevard of the Allies 6th Floor - Procurement Department Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-643-2890
A pre-submission meeting will be held via Zoom meeting; on December 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Please see the meeting information below:
Join Zoom Meeting : Meeting ID: 827 1298 8864 Passcode: 991964 Dial by your location: +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation.
Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh HACP
LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals
ADVERTISEMENT FOR REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
NORTH HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT
North Hills School District is requesting proposals for Contracted Pupil Transportation Services. Any interested transportation provider will be required to attend a mandatory pre-proposal submission meeting at 10:30 a.m. on December 11, 2025 at the North Hills School District Administration Building located at 135 Sixth Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15229.
Contracted Pupil Transportation Proposal Submission Due Date and Time: Electronic submission to muthg@nhsd.net is due by or before 2:00 p.m. on December 23, 2025. Contracted Pupil Transportation Services Proposal should appear in the subject line. Request for Proposals documents appear on the North Hills School District website: https://www. nhsd.net/departments/finance/ bids.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES Help Wanted
Carmeuse Lime & Stone, Inc. seeks Senior HRIS Analyst (multiple openings) in Pittsburgh, PA to serve as a key resource in supporting the management & optimization of our Human Resources (HR) software applications with a very strong technical & functional focus on Oracle HCM Cloud. Closely collaborate with Carmeuse’s IT & HR stakeholders to develop, implement, & enhance our HR systems. Contribute to the management & optimization of all relevant HR applications. Apply at https:// www.carmeuse.com/na-en/rockyour-career (search by title).
PPG Industries, Inc., headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, seeks Senior Power BI Developer responsible for designing & building scalable data models, cleaning & digitally transforming data, & enabling sophisticated analytic capabilities in Power BI. This is hybrid office -based/work-from-home position w/in U.S. Employee can work remotely from w/in U.S. but must be able to work in Pittsburgh office at least 3 days per week. Apply online at careers.ppg.com.
TAKTL’s Turtle Creek, PA, office seeks an Architectural Estimating and Design Associate to support sales and estimating efforts by managing and fulfilling incoming quote requests. Duties include receiving and managing incoming quote requests, and creating panel takeoffs using Bluebeam or Rhino, flag details, draft RFIs, review specifications, and draft quotes. Apply at https://www.taktl-llc.com/ careers-pittsburgh/ with resume and salary requirements.
Pittsburgh Regional Transit is seeking a Quality Assurance & Contract Specialist – Main Shop to measure and monitor performance of all materials and vendor activities to ensure quality and performance in meeting Port Authority of Allegheny County d/b/a Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) maintenance and operating efficiencies consistent with adopted guidelines and objectives. Establishes, implements, and administers processes to ensure vendor and PRT compliance with established and proposed contracts. Works closely with Fleet Coordinator and Fleet Vehicle Specialist on matters pertaining to product testing and analysis to ensure contract specification compliance, both in determining successful bidders and for follow-up throughout the contract term. Establish product testing procedures to indicate the applicability of products for PRT use. Reviews bid specifications to ensure contract compliance clauses are acceptable. Performs complex internal investigations of PRT maintenance activities and assists Manager in the development and implementation of quality assurance standards and procedures addressing maintenance quality, productivity, and performance. Performs random product testing and coordinates field and lab testing of products.
Essential Functions:
• Works closely with Fleet Coordinator and Fleet Vehicle Specialist on matters pertaining to product testing and analysis to ensure contract specification compliance, both in determining successful bidders and for follow-up throughout the contract term. Establishes product testing procedures in order to indicate the applicability of products for PRT use.
• Reviews bid specifications to ensure contract compliance clauses are included, current, standardized, and executable.
• Performs complex internal investigations, assessments, and analysis of PRT maintenance activities as an in-house consultant to operations and maintenance management. Assists the Manager of Vehicle Projects in the development and implementation of quality assurance standards and procedures addressing maintenance quality, productivity, and performance as they relate to Manchester Main Ship in support of maintenance and service at the bus divisions.
Job requirements include:
• High school diploma or GED.
• Associate’s degree or two (2) years of college in business or related field from an accredited college or university. Related experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
• Demonstrated ability in the use of Windows, Microsoft Word, and Excel.
• Customer focused, well organized and results oriented.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Effective and professional communication skills.
• Valid PA drivers’ license.
Preferred attributes:
• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field from an accredited college or university.
• Experience in conducting bus fleet, heavy vehicle fleet or industrial machine maintenance analysis.
• Experience in managing bus or heavy automotive fleet vehicle maintenance, including a thorough knowledge of bus and/or heavy vehicle systems/equipment. No certifications or licenses required.
• Vocational
S ponsorsTHANK YOU
RECEPTION SPONSOR
AWARD SPONSOR
PATRON SPONSORS
Message froM the editor and Publisher
The New Pittsburgh Courier salutes the “Class of 2025,” Women of Excellence honorees
The Courier’s “Women of Excellence” awards recognizes local African American women who inspire others through their vision, leadership, exceptional achievements and participation in community service. They are women who exemplify extraordinary stature, poise and integrity. These women influence those around them to go beyond the norm and strive for greatness. The are
champions of our economic empowerment and diversity, the backbone of our business, religious and educational organizations, and driving forces in politics and service.
Together, let’s welcome our “Women of Excellence,” the “Class of 2025!”
Rod Doss Editor and Publisher
The Celebrity Host JOSH TAYLOR
Josh Taylor is a news anchor and reporter at KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh. He moved over to the news desk in July 2024 after nine years in KDKA’s sports department.
Having grown up in the Hill District, Taylor is an alumnus of Schenley High School and Duquesne University. He was inducted to Duquesne’s Journalism and Multimedia “Wall of Fame” in 2017. From 2028-2024, he was the only active member in the Pittsburgh media working simultaneously as a TV sports anchor, sports talk radio host, play-by-play announcer and writer. He has won several local, regional, state and international awards, including a Regional Emmy in 2024 with JRM Productions.
In addition to a decade and a half career in broadcast media, Taylor has also co-authored seven books spanning various subjects on Pittsburgh sports. He also serves on the operations boards for Wesley Family Services and the Allegheny County Library Association, as well as an advisory board member for the Duquesne University Center for Emerging and Innovative Media.
Taylor lives in Pittsburgh with his wife and college sweetheart, Priscilla, their son, Nathan, and their daughter, Jocelynn.
ROD DOSS
JOSH TAYLOR
Brenda Tate Retired Detective Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Legacy Award Honoree
Class of 2025 Honorees
Sarah Ashmeg
Principal Medical Physicist, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center; Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Pittsburgh, Department of Radiation Oncology
Tonya Baker-Nelson
Customer Service Representative, Duquesne Light Co.;
Owner/Event Coordinator, Strictly Business Creations
Food Personality/Culinary Expert (Advocate) Burgh Eats and Treats!
Bridgette Perdue
Executive Director
Alumni Theater Company
Lisa J. Perry
Director, Programs & Events, Grantmakers of Western Pa.; President & CEO, Take Flight Productions Consulting
Joveline J. Pettus, MBA, SPHR
Adjunct Professor, Computer Science
La Roche University
Phd Candidate, Information Systems & Communications
Robert Morris University
Dr. Rosalie Smiley
Social Work Professor Emeritus
PennWest University of Western PA
Dawnese LaShawn Snell
Nurse Manager, Primary Care, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System; President Elect, Pittsburgh Black Nurses in Action
Alisa R. Stroud
Human Resources Director, AMP Home Care;
Senior Pastor, Living Proof Kingdom Ministries Int.
Naima Karmil Sturdivant, MEd
Special Education Teacher, Woodland Hills School District; Vice President, Triple S-Serving and Saving Souls
Sheila M. Thompson, MEd
Owner, Thompson Creative Images, LLC;
Retired, Business, Computer, Information Technology Teacher, Woodland Hills School District
Tahirah J. Walker, PhD
Department Chair, Community Engagement and Leadership
Point Park University’s Rowland School of Business
Shanyn Winnowski
Manager of Participant Learning, Pennsylvania Women Work; Founder, Pillar Pittsburgh
BRENDA TATE
Retired Detective Pittsburgh Bureau of Police
The Legacy Honoree
Brenda Tate is a lifelong resident of Pittsburgh’s historic Hill District. For 40 years, Tate served in the field of law enforcement.
She was one of the first African American women to serve in the Pittsburgh Police department, but before then, she made history in 1974 when she was hired as the first Black female officer for the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh.
Over the decades with Pittsburgh Police, she served as a detective with the Sex Assault and the Pittsburgh Initiative to Reduce Crime units. She was hand-selected to serve in the Witness and Dignitary Protection unit, providing dignitary protection to presidents, kings, queens, Rosa Parks, the Dalai Lama, and high-level government officials and dignitaries. Tate was the only African American appointed to this unit at its inception.
Since her retirement in 2014, Tate has taken on important causes where her lifelong commitment and dedication to serve and protect are at the forefront as a community leader. She is well-known and respected as an advocate in the Hill District, Pittsburgh and the state of Pennsylvania. Since 2014, she was elected to serve on the Pennsylvania Democratic State Committee. Also, she served on the Allegheny County Democratic Commit -
tee Black Caucus for 10 years. She is currently serving as 2nd Vice President of the NAACP Pittsburgh Branch. Tate is the mother of two sons and a grandmother. Since 1998, she’s been a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church, in the Hill District, where she’s involved in the Women’s Mission Ministry and Senior Usher Board. She has performed missionary work in Africa, and Eastern and Western Europe.
Tate has always been a strong supporter of seniors dedicated to enriching their lives. In 2022, post-COVID, she co-established Senior Jazz Connection, bringing monthly live jazz entertainment, lunch and support services to seniors living in senior high rises.
In 2024, Tate wrote and published her book, “Journal of a Black Woman in Blue: Navigating Policing, Addiction, Abuse & Survival.” In the book, she openly detailed what led to her personal downfall growing up as a healthy child and young adult with so much promise. Her life was impacted by many factors that she faced early on including molestation to provide food for the family, and later rape as a naïve young woman. Abuse in relationships and racism also played a role in both her career and life, deeply affecting and preventing her from becoming who she was meant to be early on. For 20 years while on the police force, she was addicted to drugs and alcohol. For Tate, the fact that she survived to tell her story is nothing short of a miracle.
Post-recovery, she elevated her life, and elevated the lives of others. Currently, Tate is a Pa. Addiction Counselor and an internally-certified alcohol and drug counselor.
About her book, Tate said: “My journal is meant for anyone struggling who refuses to be defined by their mistakes and whose own story of struggle can lead to a triumphant outcome.”
Her book can be purchased on Amazon or Tate’s website, www.journalofablackwomaninblue.com. A PBS 2024 Emmy Award-winning documentary on Tate’s life can also be seen on the website.
Class of 2024 Honorees
DORIS CARSON WILLIAMS
LEGACY HONOREE
DR. ALAINE M. ALLEN
TYNESHIA “TY” ALLEN
ARIELL ANTONIO
DR. JOCELYN V. ARTINGER
DANICA S. CATO
DR. DANIELLE DAVIS
ANITA L. DRUMMOND
RHONDA FISCHER
DR. LISA FRANKLIN-ROBINSON
DR. SHANNAH THARP GILLIAM
KEYSHA GOMEZ
DR. SHERLYN HARRISON
MARY HESTER
TERINA J. HICKS, MPM
MARGO HINTON
MYAH MOORE IRICK
KEISHA CHE’RE JIMMERSON
REV. JUSTINE E. JONES
CHINA NICOLE LEE, ESQ.
DINA LEE
JUANITA LOMAX
JANINE MACKLIN
MARGO MARSHALL
YVETTE R. MOORE
AYISHA A. MORGAN-LEE, EDD
SABRINA SAUNDERS MOSBY
KIMBERLY HUDDLESTON NEELY
DEBBIE NORRELL
BONITA B. PANNELL, MSW, MBA
MARISSA PARK
PAMELA PARKS
DET. ARTIE H. PATTERSON
MONTIA ROBINSON
DR. CRYSTAL ROSE-EDDENS
YVETTE RENEE ROYAL
ALEXIS T. RUSSELL, B.S. ARCH, MSL
KEESHA A. SHEFFEY
JILL A. SMALLWOOD
DORIS A. SMITH
FELICIA E. SNEAD, MD, FASTRO
DENA STANLEY
NA’ STUBBS
DR. AJA THOMPSON
DR. TAMARA THORNHILL, LPC, MBA
DR. SHANNON K. WATSON, DHA, MA, PCHA
SARAH D. WHITE, M.A.
ALICE WILLIAMS
QUAILA WILSON-WHITE
ADRIENNE YOUNG
DR. JULIANNE ZEIGLER
What is a
‘Woman of Excellence?’
“Women of Excellence” are those who exemplify the stature, poise and grace that characterize the essence of womanhood, all while maintaining the delicate balance of filling the roles of helpmate, mother, teacher and professional.
In character, in manner, and in style, the New Pittsburgh Courier believes you embody virtues of not only excellence, but self-confidence and dignity as well. We celebrate you for your personal code of ethics, exceptional courage, unwavering conviction, and extraordinary grace. It is truly an honor to induct you into our society of “Women of Excellence.”
Congratulations on being named a 2025 New Pittsburgh Courier “Women of Excellence” honoree!
Class of 2023 Honorees
HON. CYNTHIA A. BALDWIN
LEGACY HONOREE
ROMODORE ABDULLAH, MSW
KENYA ALFORD
STACIE ALLEN
TANYA J. ASHBY
JENEEN ASQUE-WILSON
DENISE H. BAKER, MSN, CRNP
GLORIA J. BESLEY
ANGELA BLANTON
SHERENE BRANTLEY
QIANA BUCKNER
TRACY LYNN CALHOUN
DR. MELODY CARTER-FRYE
IMOGENE L. CATHEY, ESQ.
VALARIE DALLIS COLEMAN
TRACEY CONTI, MD
LEONTYNE T. DAFFIN, MSN, RN
TAMIKA DARWIN
DR. DAREN A. ELLERBEE
BRANDI FISHER
ESTHER M. FRANKLIN
MICHELLE GAINEY
L’TESHA J. GAMBLE-PETTIS
SHEILA GLOVER
TANIKA S. HARRIS
DR. VIRGINIA R. HILL
TIFFANY T. HUFF-STROTHERS
ROBIN MARSHALL KELLY
TRACEE KIRKLAND-RIVERS
SANDRA K. LEWIS
NICOLE LOGAN
KENYA SHEPPARD MATTHEWS
NATASHA N. MITCHELL-JONES
DR. SHALLEGRA MOYE
STEPHANIE MOYE
SHARISE NANCE
LINGAIRE NJIE
JACQUELYN OMOTALADE
PAMELA JOHNSON POWELL
PASTOR ELLA RAWLINGS
KENDRA JANELLE ROSS, PHD
TENECIA M. ROSS
JACQUELINE SMITH
DR. JESSICA MERRITT
SPRADLEY
DR. MARGARET J. STARKES
LECHELLE M. STRINGA
MARISOL WANDIGA VALENTIN
CYNTHIA VANHOLTEN-DIXON
DR. DIAMONTE WALKER
ERICKA D. WINGFIELD
FANTASY ZELLARS
SARAH ASHMEG
Principal Medical Physicist, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center-St. Clair Hospital, Radiation Oncology; Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Pittsburgh, Department of Radiation Oncology
Born in Dublin, Ireland, to Sudanese parents, Dr. Sarah Ashmeg spent three years of her childhood in London before moving to Riyadh at the age of 4. The daughter of a devoted cardiac surgeon and a nurturing mother, and the eldest of seven children, Sarah grew up surrounded by care, curiosity, and collaboration. Sharing life and learning with her younger siblings taught her empathy, patience, and the value of lifting others up; qualities that continue to define her both personally and professionally.
Today, Dr. Ashmeg serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor and Principal Medical Physicist at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at St. Clair Hos pital. She holds a Ph.D. in Nanoscience from the State University of New York at Albany and an M.S. in Med ical Physics from Duke University. Her research passion lies
in interdisciplinary innovation, merging fields such as nanoscience and radiotherapy, and 3D printing and jaw implant design, to make cancer treatment more precise and effective.
Beyond her research, Dr. Ashmeg is a global health advocate for the democratization of cancer care. She supports cancer treatment and training in war-affected and resource-limited regions and partners with national and international organizations to empower professionals across Africa and developing countries. She has always been blessed with a strong network of mentors and friends who continue to inspire and uplift her along
She walks among her greatest blessings, her supportive husband, spirited son, and luminous daughter, who inspire her and teach her new things every day.
TONYA BAKER-NELSON
Customer Service Representative, Duquesne Light Co.;
Owner/Event Coordinator, Strictly Business Creations
Tonya L. Baker-Nelson has served as a customer service representative at Duquesne Light Company (DLC) for 14 years, where she assists residential and business customers. She is known for her strong work ethic, leadership and passion for making a difference. She leads by example—going above and beyond to support her team and regularly offering kind words to uplift others. In addition to her day-to-day duties, she represents the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 29 as a union steward, a post she’s held for the past seven years that allows her to serve as a mediator between union and non-union employees at DLC. Recently, she served as cojudge of elections for IBEW Local 29.
Outside of work, Baker-Nelson enjoys serving her family and community as a mentor, motivator and businesswoman. On the weekends, she enjoys running Strictly Business Creations, a small business focused on event planning, personalized gifts and craftmaking, where her team “creates smiles and memories.”
Baker-Nelson is a 24-year member of Bethlehem Baptist Church, where she has worn many hats: president of the Spiritual Light Choir; teacher in both Sunday School and the children’s ministry; lead on the culinary
team, which prepares meals for several annual events, various conferences, church anniversaries and funeral repasts; and arts and crafts lead for Vacation Bible School.
The eldest of six siblings, Baker-Nelson is a native of Jackson, Miss., where her mother and grandmothers taught her how to sew. Her father taught her basic carpentry— skills in a trade she is passionate about and still takes pride in to this day. She’s never afraid to put on a toolbelt.
Baker-Nelson moved to the Pittsburgh area in 1998 and currently resides in McKeesport. She is the proud mother of two daughters.
ALLEGRA BATTLE
Communications Manager Propel Schools
Allegra Battle is an award-winning reporter, audio journalist, and blogger. She is the Communications Manager at Propel Schools. Battle began her career as a morning news anchor for WAMO 106.7 FM, and worked as a reporter and producer for American Urban Radio Networks and Sheridan Broadcasting.
lected as a RIAS German fellow and traveled to Brus sels, Belgium, Ber lin and Hamburg, Germany. She cov ered the 2017 Ger man elections and studied European politics and Ger man history and culture.
awarded an Artist Opportunity Grant from the
Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council to research and report on the influence of African art and culture in Haiti. Battle has also worked as a freelance reporter for WESA 90.5 FM, covering Pittsburgh-related arts and culture stories. She holds a BA in Broadcast Journalism from Howard University in Washington,
AMBER D. BENJAMIN
Diversity & Inclusion Program Manager PNC
Amber Benjamin is a Diversity and Inclusion Program Manager at PNC, bringing over 20 years of banking experience to drive meaningful business outcomes through inclusive practices. She manages relationships with 47 Employee Business Resource Groups across the midwest territory and Pittsburgh, serving as a trusted advisor in diversity strategy and engagement. Benjamin leads initiatives that align with PNC’s core values, partnering with leaders and employees to foster a workplace where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and respected.
Outside of her corporate role, Benjamin is a published children’s book author whose stories depict heartwarming illustrations of her grandchildren and family members. Her writing celebrates love, learning, and legacy values she holds dear. She believes, “Family is our first community, and reading to children plants seeds of confidence, curiosity, and connection that grow for a lifetime.”
Benjamin also serves on the board of the Professional Women’s Network as Membership Committee Lead and Volunteer Liaison, supporting PWN’s mission to connect, engage, and inspire women. She is passionate about celebrating women in both their personal and professional lives while being a positive and active influence in the community.
Her commitment to service extends into the Pittsburgh community, where she volunteers with organizations such as PA Women Work, the Veterans Leadership Program, Reading is Fundamental (RIF), Hosanna House, The Education Partnership, and United Way. Benjamin is a lifelong learner with certifications in Human Resource Management from Cornell University and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from the University of South Florida. She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership at Oregon State University.
Class of 2022 Honorees
ESTHER L. BUSH
LEGACY HONOREE
MAYA ADAMS
MICHELLE L. BERRYMAN
DANIELLE BLACKBURN, PHD
ANGELA BLAIR
LATANYA J. BROWN
REV. DR. LAWANA L. BUTLER
DR. PAULINE CALLAWAY-LONG, D.SC.
MARCIA CARTER
TEAIRA COLLINS
KENYOKEE C. CROWELL
CARMELLA ANTOINETTE
DEARMON
KEIHA R. DRUMMOND
ROXANNE EASLEY
LATRICE EBO, BSN
ANNE GERMANY, BSN, RN, CCM
CYNTHIA A. GILMER
VICTORIA L. GOINS
DAWN GORDON, M.ED., MSW, LSW
TERESA M. HAWTHORNE
MIKEY HOOD
GAIL E. JACKSON
ARDANA “AJ” JEFFERSON
REV. JUNE JEFFRIES
DR. MALEEA JOHNSON
INIKA JONES
JAEL JONES
LATARA J. JONES
DR. TOYA JONES
AYANNA LEE-DAVIS
EBONY LUNSFORD-EVANS
DENISE S. MEYERS
TAMIA MITCHELL
YOLANDA J. MURPHY
TYRA OLIVER
THERESA POINDEXTER
REV. NIKKI PORTER
KELLY PROTHO
STACEY E. RANDOLPH
ANGELA REYNOLDS, PHD
ALICIA L. SCOTT, MSN, RN
RONNIECE SHEALEY-SIRMONS
ANDREA CLARK SMITH
MONICA TILLMAN SMITH
DEBORAH STARLING
ALEXIS JAMES STEALS
MICHELLE MARIE STEWART
REV. AISHA I. TATE, M.DIV.
DR. TAMMY WASHINGTON
NICOLE R. WEBSTER
MELISSA K. WHARTON
KELLEY L. BENSON
Vice President of Human Resources & Inclusion
Innovation Works
CHARLYN R. BOOKER, MSW, LBS
Program Assistant, ACTES Greater Valley Community Services; CEO/Founder, Urban Therapy, LLC
Charlyn “Charlie” Booker has always had a passion and gift for helping others. She combined her gift and passion by building a career in the mental health profession. For more than 20 years, she has provided direct mental health services and coached individuals living in urban communities within Western Pennsylvania; often for those most likely not to have access to much-needed mental health services. To fulfill this need, Booker is the founder
Kelley L. Benson has demonstrated proven success throughout her career, consistently leading with excellence, integrity, and determination. Having started her professional journey at the age of 16, Benson learned the value of hard work and perseverance early on. Although financial limitations prevented her from completing her degree right after high school, she achieved her educational goals later in life, an inspiring testament to her commitment to lifelong learning and personal growth. Along the way, she was guided by mentors who invested in her potential, and she now pays that forward by mentoring and uplifting others.
As a positive role model, Benson exemplifies professionalism, empathy, and resilience. She has always found time to give back to her community, whether helping others craft résumés, connecting them with job opportunities, or advocating for improvements in her neighborhood. When new homes were built in her community and repairs were needed, Benson’s persistence ensured not only that her own home was fixed, but that every homeowner received the same support. Her leadership, both in her profession and her community, reflects her unwavering dedication to equity, service, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
and CEO of Urban Therapy, LLC, which was specifically created to provide mental health support to individuals in underserved urban communities that have been negatively impacted by trauma, racism, oppression and poverty. In this capacity, Booker, a licensed behavioral specialist and mental health therapist, helps children, adults, and families realize their potential and move forward with their lives. Booker also serves as the Program
Class of 2021 Honorees
LYNNE HAYES-FREELAND
LEGACY HONOREE
DR. AMY ALEXANDER
DR. TAMARA ALLEN-THOMAS
OLIVIA BENNETT
CHRISTINE BETHEA
KENYA BOSWELL
DANNIELLE N. BROWN
DR. ELIZABETH A. CARTER
LESLIE CARTER
CHANDI CHAPMAN
DR. LISA COFFEY
DR. CHARLENE
HILL- COLEMAN
DAYNA DELGADO
JOI EDMONDS
TONYA EDMONDS
LAJUANA FULLER
CORINNE GIBSON
PAMELA GOLDEN
DR. TERRIE GRIFFIN
DR. LORA HUBBARD
TINISHA HUNT
REV. HELEN JACKSON
GLADYS JELKS
ELAINE B. JENKINS
Assistant at the Greater Valley Community Services’ Achieving Change through Transitional Employment Services (ACTES) program. ACTES is a year-long, facilitated group-skill training program that intervenes in the lives of young, adult men of color who are at risk of gun violence.
Booker is a proud graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work and holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree.
A native of Duquesne, Booker is also devoted to her family. She is a loving mother to her 12-year-old son, Bryce, and the daughter of Linnette and the late Gary Booker. She lives by the mantra: “Yes you can. Go be great!” for those she serves, herself and others.
Staci Bose manages Hello Baby Priority, a program through Allegheny County Department of Human Services in partnership with Healthy Start. In this role, she oversees the program which provides support for new parents and their babies from birth to age 3. Understanding that those early years of life are so important to the overall well-being of humans, she believes in the fundamental importance of the work that she does.
Bose also is an independent contractor, providing counseling services through the Christian Counselors Collaborative. She is also the owner of Healing Uplifting Growing Spiritually (HUGS), LLC, providing mentoring services, mental health counseling, and speaking engagements addressing unresolved trauma and its effects on our society.
Bose is a Pittsburgh native and a high school graduate of Perry Traditional Academy. Bose received her Master of Science degree in Professional Counseling from Carlow University. She will continue her education this January as a doctorate student at Liberty University. A Soror of Alpha Iota Alpha Christian Sorority, Inc. (AIA), she is the President of the Living With Purpose Elite Lilies, a mentoring program of AIA, working with young ladies 11-18 years of age to become who God created them to be. Bose lives each day with the intent of carrying out her God-given purpose while on this Earth. She has had the honor of spending the last 22 years as the wife of Mr. Dana Bose. Together, they raised three children; Jacquai,
DIANA P. BYAS, MSN, ACRN, CCM
Demetri, and Kennedi. She is a daughter, sister, good mom, niece, cousin, an aunt, and a great aunt. Her family is one of her greatest blessings. A woman of great faith, she is a member of First Antioch Baptist Church of Greensburg. “Live life on purpose, with purpose!”
Manager, Maternity Baby Steps Program, UPMC Health Plan; CEO, Thick But Fit Crew Fitness Center
Diana P. Byas MSN, ACRN, CCM, Drum Fit Coach, Zumba Instructor, Silver Sneakers Instructor, and Manager of UPMC Health Plan’s Maternity Baby Steps Program, has dedicated over a decade to maternal and infant health at UPMC. With a strong commitment to supporting mothers and babies, Byas has spent the past 10 years ensuring families receive compassionate, high-quality care. She is a staunch advocate for health equity, particularly for Black mothers, working tirelessly to bridge healthcare disparities and improve maternity care outcomes.
Beyond her clinical expertise, Byas plays a vital role in the UPMC Baby Steps Maternity Program, fostering respectful communication, staff recognition, and positive feedback among healthcare teams. Byas believes in the power of dignity and autonomy in patient care, emphasizing the importance of listening to and uplifting the voices of the families we serve.
Byas’ passion extends into the community, where she has spearheaded initiatives focused on maternal wellness, postpartum mental health, and equitable healthcare access. Additionally, she is the CEO of Thick But Fit Crew Fitness
LEONETTE M. BROWN, BSN, RN
National RN Case Manager Consultant
AMN Healthcare Revenue Cycle Solutions
Leonette Brown, BSN, RN, is an accomplished registered nurse with 14 years of experience across critical care, case management, and a wide range of clinical specialties. Brown earned her Associate of Science degree in Nursing from the Community College of Allegheny County. She then earned her bachelor’s degree in Nursing Science and became an RN Case Manager. Brown has excelled as a travel nurse consultant, earning recognition from Today’s Nurse magazine as one of the Top Case Management Travel Nurse Consultants of 2025. She is known for her patient-centered approach, expertise in complex discharge planning, and her ability to instruct, lead, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in fastpaced healthcare environments. Brown’s passion for teaching has motivated her to pursue a master’s degree in Nursing Education, further reinforcing her dedication to mentoring the next generation of nurses. She is a member of Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church in Brownsville, Pa., where Rev. Douglas E. Wright serves as Pastor. Brown actively participates in the health care ministry, collaborating with fellow members to develop initiatives that promote and educate the community about health and wellness, raising awareness about better health through a holistic approach that nur-
tures the mind, body, and soul. Outside of her professional and academic pursuits, Brown cherishes time with her friends and family. She is especially proud of her son, Joshua Brown, who is currently studying for his master’s degree in finance at Hofstra University in Long Island, N.Y.
Center, a wellness space dedicated to empowering women through fitness and community support. With nearly three decades of nursing experience, including work in HIV care and managed care, her career reflects an unwavering dedication to holistic, patient-centered healthcare. Byas continues to mentor and inspire the next generation of nurses while advocating for systemic changes that improve maternal health outcomes. Her work stands as a testament to the impact of compassionate care, advocacy, and leadership in shaping a healthier future for mothers and babies.
Class of 2019 Honorees
VALERIE MCDONALD ROBERTS
LEGACY HONOREE
DONNA ALLEN-ROSEMOND
SONITA BELL
JOANNE BOYD
SIMQUITA BRIDGES
REV. TALEETA CANADY
AURELIA CARTER
ELAINE COLE
INEZ COLON
DR. RANDI CONGLETON
BETH CRAWFORD
BETHANY CRISSWELL
SUSAN DOPICO
DR. WILLA DOSWELL
LISA EPPS
KATHRYN FITZGERALD
KIMBERLY FRANCETTE
DR. TRISHA GADSON
DR. TYRA GOOD
DR. ALICIA B. HARVEY-SMITH
DR. SHARON HIGGINBOTHAN
MAISHA HOWZE
PHYLLISS JOHNSON
LATOYA JOHNSO-RAINEY
DR. DAWNDRA JONES
JACQUELINE JONES-MITCHELL
FRANCES JORDAN
CARLEEN KING, MBA
DENA LAMAR
NICOLE NARVAEZ MANNS
SHARON MCINTOSH
JUDITH WOODSON MCNEIL
ANGELA MIKE
TERRI MINOR-SPENCER
TONI MURPHY
AMANDA NEATROUR
EVELYN NEWSOME
DR. JOYLETTE PORTLOCK
DR. RUTHIE REA
CAMILA RIVERA-TINSLEY
TIMIRA RUSH
TRICIA SHELTON
AMBER SLOAN
CHARLISE SMITH
LISA SYLVESTER
FLO TAYLOR
JUEL THOMAS-SMITH
TAMMY THOMPSON
NATALIE S. TYLER
RAMONA RUTH WILKES
JUDY WRIGHT
MICHELLE TUNSTALLE CHAPMAN
Human Resources Manager VisitPITTSBURGH
DR. DOROTHY COLLINS
Vice President for Enrollment Services and Student Affairs Community College of Allegheny County
Dr. Dorothy Collins serves as the Vice President for Enrollment Services and Student Affairs at the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), where she provides visionary leadership to advance the college’s mission of access, equity, and student success. She oversees a comprehensive portfolio that includes admissions, financial aid, academic advising, counseling, athletics, career services, tutoring, disability resource services, resource navigators, student conduct, learning services, success and life coaching, military and veterans’ services, student life and engagement, and sponsored programs such as ACT 101, KEYS, Pittsburgh Promise, and EXT.
Dr. Collins also manages divisional budgets, ensures regulatory compliance, and collaborates with senior leadership to foster a student-centered, inclusive, and empowering campus environment. Under her leadership, CCAC has seen notable increases in enrollment and student completion in her second year of service. With more than 30 years of diverse experience in higher education, Dr. Collins has dedicated her career to helping students overcome barriers and realize their full potential. A first-generation, low-income college graduate and the daughter of teenage parents, she understands the life-changing impact of education and has made it her life’s work to create pathways for others to succeed. Her personal story continues to inspire her deep commitment to expanding opportunity, improving student outcomes, and promoting equity in higher education.
Before joining CCAC, Dr. Collins served as Campus Dean for the Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Michelle Chapman is the Human Resources Manager for VisitPITTSBURGH, where she leads with integrity, empathy, and a deep commitment to organizational excellence. In her role, Chapman fosters a workplace culture that emphasizes collaboration, professional growth, and inclusivity, which aligns closely with VisitPITTSBURGH’s mission to strengthen the region’s tourism economy through the power of people.
A graduate of Point Park University with a degree in Organizational Leadership, Chapman brings a strong foundation in operational strategy and leadership development. Her calm professionalism and people-first mindset ensure that every team member is supported, valued, and empowered to thrive.
Outside of her professional role, Chapman is a passionate community advocate. She serves as an executive board member and Volunteer Operations Manager for the North Side Youth Athletic Association, where she helps create opportunities for inner-city youth through sports, mentorship, and teamwork. She also contributes her leadership to the Southwestern Pennsylvania Youth Athletic Initiative, supporting accessible programming for underserved communities.
Chapman’s lifelong dedication to service began in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church and continues to shape her approach to leadership and community engagement. She is a compassionate leader, committed mentor, and tireless advocate for positive transformation in both the workplace and the community.
Class of 2018 Honorees
CECILE M. SPRINGER -
LEGACY HONOREE
TIA BAKER
SALOAM BEY
BETTY BRAXTER
LAKEISHA “KI KI” BROWN
BRITTEE CLAY
LORI CRISWELL
LARAE CULLENS
LATIKA DAVIS-JONES, PHD, MPH, MSW
DEBRA DENNISON
MALESIA DUNN
CHRISTIN DURHAM
MAMAR GELAYE
VICTORIA A. GARNER
MARITA GARRETT
JUDITH K. GINYARD
ARAINA GRAHAM
MARSHA GRAYSON
LASHAUNDRA HAMMONDS
SHERDINA HARPER
ALETA HEARD
REV. CARMEN D. HOLT
(Washington, D.C.) and held key leadership roles at Lehigh Carbon Community College, College of Southern Maryland, Eastern Gateway Community College, and Youngstown State University, where she began her career in multicultural student services.
A member of Youngstown State University’s Athletics Hall of Fame, Dr. Collins’ No. 33 jersey is retired. She still holds the all-time scoring record (2,324 points), ranks third in rebounds (1,083), and holds 10 additional records.
Deeply devoted to service, Dr. Collins serves on the American Association of Community Colleges Commission on College Readiness, and community boards of Imani Christian Academy, Building Neighborhoods of Youngstown, Associated Neighborhood Centers McGuffey Centre and Intentional Development Group, continuing her lifelong mission to give back, uplift communities, and empower future generations.
She and her husband, David, are proud parents of two adult children, Doriyon and David.
NIKKIA INGRAM
MINIKA JENKINS
DIANE JOHNSON
CHERYL JOHNSON
SHEILA L. JOHNSON, PHD, DMIN.
NICHOLE KINDRED
VALERIE KINLOCH
CLAUDIA M. KREGG-BYERS, PHD
REV. SHANEA D. LEONARD
JANET K. MANUEL
NICKEIA MASON
GRACE WANKIIRI ORSATTI, ESQ.
DIANE POWELL
SIMONE QUINERLY
ALETA RICHARDS
BONITA L. RICHARDSON
DIONNA ROJAS
YASMIN SHAHEED
M. SHERNELL SMITH
SHAWNA SOLOMON
KARLA STALLWORTH
DEVON TALIAFERRO
IRIS TOWNSEND
RUTH WALKER
FAWN WALKER-MONTGOMERY
LENORE WILLIAMS
LINDA WILLIAMS-MOORE
ROWINEA WOOTEN
DR. KYAIEN CONNER
Donald M. Henderson Endowed Professor and Director, Center on Race and Social Problems University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work
Kyaien Conner, Ph.D., LSW, MPH, is the Donald M. Henderson Endowed Chair at the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work where she also serves as the Associate Dean for Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI). Dr. Conner is also the Director of the Center on Race and Social Problems (CRSP), an academic research center which advances interdisciplinary research, education, and community engagement to address the root causes and consequences of racial inequities and promote systemic solutions for a more just society. Dr. Conner is a clinical social worker by profession and her research, specifically, investigates the factors that influence disparities in health and mental health service utilization and treatment outcomes for under-represented communities. Dr. Conner has received over $5 million in funding for her research on behavioral health disparities. Her expertise in developing peer and lay health worker models has built capacity in communities to more efficiently address their health challenges.
She has received many awards for her work including the University of Pittsburgh Distinguished Alumni Award, Chancellors Award for Excellence in Civic and Community Engagement, and the
MONICA CWYNAR
University of South Florida’s Black Faculty Member of the year. D
She is also a professional West African dancer, and is the co-artistic director of Balafon West African Dance Ensemble in Pittsburgh. She has performed all over the country, and was featured in the major motion picture, “Coming To America.”
She is a wife and mother to three boys.
Mental Health Therapist, Thriveworks; Clinical Director, Cultural Humility & Equity Collaborative
Monica Cwynar, LCSW, is a dedicated mental health professional with over 25 years of experience in the Pittsburgh area, excelling in various healthcare and educational environments. Her extensive background includes work in medical settings, geriatrics, child welfare, criminal justice, and community outreach. Growing up in an interracial family in a small town, she learned to navigate cultural issues with empathy and depth from a young age. Cwynar’s passion for social work sparked at age 13, and she has pursued this path with unwavering enthusiasm. Currently, she is a therapist with Thriveworks and Cerebral, two national mental health practices. Here, she specializes in addressing depression, anxiety, family dynamics, trauma, and the unique challenges faced by women and people of color. Additionally, Cwynar provides vital counseling services to children and families involved in the child welfare system through the Three Rivers Adoption Council.
DR. KYMBERLY M. CRUZ
Executive Director, Office of Equity Pittsburgh Public Schools
Dr. Kymberly M. Cruz is a visionary educator, leader, and advocate whose career spans more than 28 years in advancing educational excellence and equity. As Executive Director of the Office of Equity for Pittsburgh Public Schools, she leads systemic efforts to ensure every student—especially African American students—has ac cess to rigorous, affirming, and just learning experiences.
A proud native of Atlanta, and a third-generation educator, Dr. Cruz’s passion for learning was shaped by a family legacy root ed in service, creativity, and ad vocacy. She began her career as a high school art educator after earning a bachelor’s degree in graphic design and teacher cer tification. For 16 years, she inspired students through the arts, cultivating both skill and self-expression. Her academic journey continued with a Mas ter of Education in Art Education from the University of West Georgia and a Ph.D. in Teaching and Learning from Georgia
State University.
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Cruz has served in arts administration and district leadership roles, always guided by a steadfast belief in the transformative power of equity, access, and creativity. Her leadership philosophy—centered on “choice and voice”—drives her work to dismantle barriers and reimagine systems that honor every student’s potential.
An active member of the Pittsburgh Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Dr. Cruz embodies excellence in both service and leadership. Her work continues to inspire communities to see equity not merely as a value, but as a daily practice and a pathway to justice.
Thank you for your outstanding leadership and commitment to building an inclusive, peoplefirst innovation community.
In academia, Cwynar has served as an adjunct professor at both Carlow University and Penn West University, teaching courses at the bachelor’s and master’s levels, including Introduction to Social Work and Social Work with Families.
Cwynar co-led a civil rights service-learning course that resulted in the acclaimed documentary film, “Democracy: A Steady, Loving Confrontation.” Her expertise and insights have been featured in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, and she has made appearances on NPR and KDKA Radio, along with being quoted in major publications such as The Huffington Post and Newsweek. Through her work, she continues to advocate for important social issues, including Black mental health, trauma, and caregiving.
President of Human Resources & Inclusion
Class of 2016 Honorees
DIANE NEELY BATES
TYIAN BATTLE
MARIA LEWIS BETHEL
TAMMY SPENCER BEY
DINA ‘FREE’ BLACKWELL
REV. MAUREEN F. CROSS
BOLDEN
SONYA R. CHAMBERS
LORRAINE CROSS
DIANE I. DANIELS
TAMMY L. DAVIS
TENEL DORSEY
AMY LYN ELLIOTT
KATHI R. ELLIOTT
JACQUE FIELDER
RHONDA L. FLEMING
RENEE GALLOWAY, PhD
CAROL LYNN GREER
RONELL GUY
ERICA COCHRAN HAMEEN, PhD
NICOLA HENRY-TAYLOR, ESQ.
KIM HOOTS
LINDA J. IVERSON, PhD
CHARMELLE JACKSON
LORIE JOHNSON-OSHO, EdD
MARCELLA L. LEE
BISHOP CYNTHIA
MOORE- KOIKOI
REV. NICHELLE NELSON
TORY N. PARRISH
ERIN PERRY
TAMARE P. PIERSAINT, PhD
ERIN E. POTTER
DARLENE L. POWELL
LUCILLE PRATER-HOLLIDAY
REV. DR. JOAN PRENTICE
THERAINE A. RANSOME
YOLANDA ROBERTS
RENA A.S. ROBINSON
REV. APRIL D. ROEBUCK
JESSICA RUFFIN
TAMARA SANDERS-WOODS, EdD
ROXANNE NORMAN SEWELL
DANIELLE M. SMITH
MATHILDA SPENCER, PhD
ARZELLA STEWARTMCCAULEY, PhD
CHRISTEL N. TEMPLE, PhD
RENEE D. THOMAS
TE’ONA M. WILLIAMS
BOFTA YIMAM
DANIELLE EDMOND
President
Fabulous Friday Society Foundation
Danielle Edmond is a dedicated community leader and advocate for Black empowerment, currently serving as the President of the Fabulous Friday Society Foundation. With a strong background in organizational leadership and a passion for equity, Edmond has consistently championed initiatives that uplift underserved communities and create pathways for sustainable change.
Her commitment to transformative work is reflected in her active involvement with her foundation, a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit focused on specifically empowering people of color, women, youth and families through education, advocacy, and community engagement. Free events like family karaoke and financial literacy are just some of the events she puts on for her community. Currently, Edmond is playing a key role in promoting one of the foundation’s most anticipated events—The Black Out, scheduled for April 17, 2026.
The Black Out is more than just an event; it’s a powerful movement
designed to celebrate excellence in diversity, amplify Black voices, and foster unity across generations. Through curated experiences, performances, and visual storytelling, The Black Out aims to inspire pride, resilience, and showcase small businesses within the community. Edmond’s leadership and vision are instrumental in ensuring the event not only honors the legacy of The Black Out but also ignites a sense of purpose in the years to come.
Known for her collaborative spirit and strategic mindset, Edmond continues to be a driving force behind initiatives that align with her values of empowerment and community healing. Whether she’s coordinating logistics, mentoring professionals, or advocating for systemic change, Edmond brings heart, integrity, and purpose to everything she does.
As April 17 approaches, Edmond invites the community to show up in strength and be part of a movement that is shaping the future—The Black Out is not just a moment; it’s a message. “They Not Like Us.”
TESHA L. ELLISON, MBA, SHRM SCP
Benefits and HRIS Manager
Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh
Tesha Ellison is currently the Benefits and HRIS Manager at the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh, bringing over six years of experience in the human re sources profession. She has been an ac tive member of the Pittsburgh Human Resources Association (PHRA) since 2019 and currently serves on the PHRA Board of Directors. In recognition of her dedication and impact, she was named the PHRA Volunteer of the Year for 2025. Within PHRA, she con tributes to the Networking, Member ship/Collegiate Partners, and Certi fication committees.
In addition to her work in HR, El lison is the owner of MG Legacy Con sulting, LLC, where she provides HR consulting, tax preparation, and notary services. Her career includes leadership roles as Assistant Director of Operations for Family House and Human Re sources Director for North Side Christian Health Center, each for three years.
A passionate advocate for men-
ALMA SPEED FOX—
LEGACY HONOREE
KATIE EVERETTE JOHNSON—
LEGACY HONOREE
MURIEL FOX ALIM
ANGELA ALLIE
CARMEN ANDERSON
TERRI L. BALTIMORE
CHARLENE FOGGIE BARNETT
RASHALL M. BRACKNEY
ANDREA D. BROWN
TERRY L. BURDEN
LASHAWN BURTON-FAULK
BRIDGETTE N. COFIELD, JD, SPHR
KAREN COLBERT
ALIYA D. DURHAM
MAXINE ENGRAM
SHARON FLAKE
LISA B. FREELAND
MINISTER DEBRA GERMANY
VALIDIA M. GIDDENS
AMERA GILCHRIST
MICHELE GOODMAN-JONES
DEANNE HAMILTON
VERA HEFFLIN-EDWARDS
BIBIANA HILL
REGINA B. HOLLEY, PHD
torship and community engagement, she serves as a mentor for Pennsylvania Women Work and Girls Inc. of Great-
Ellison holds a Master of Science in Management and Technology and a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management from Carlow University, and earned her Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) – Senior Certified Professional (SCP) certification in July 2023. She is also an active member of The Professional Women’s Network (PWN) and HR
FRANCES TAGGERT HOLLY
ELIZABETH L. HUGHES, ESQ.
ERIN ISSAC, DMD
KIMBERLY M. JACKSON
NATALIE D. JACKSON
DIANA JAMES
LORETTA JETER
PAMELA JOHNSON
REV. MARIE KELLY
CHARLESE MCKINNEY
VELVET V. MICKENS
SHAUNDA MILES
MARIMBA MILLIONES
CAROL W. MOHAMED
REV. DR. JUDITH C. MOORE
CHRISTINA PRESTON
SHEILA L. RAWLINGS
LA DAWN ROBINSON
CHERYL RUFFIN, MDIV
CARYL J. SHEFFIELD
DIANNE BILLIE SWAN
SONYA M. TOLER
ERICA L. UPSHAW-GIVNER
LISA STROTHER UPSHER, MS
TISHEKIA E. WILLIAMS
DR. EDDA L. FIELDS-BLACK
Director, Dietrich College of Humanities Center and Professor of History Carnegie Mellon University
Dr. Edda L. Fields-Black is author of “COMBEE: Harriet Tubman, the Combahee River Raid, and Black Freedom during the Civil War,” winner of the 2025 Pulitzer Prize in History. “COMBEE” details Harriet Tubman’s daring Civil War service as a spy for the U.S. Army and her leadership in a raid that liberated 756 enslaved people, the largest slave rebellion in U.S. history. And it brings to life the untold stories of the Com bahee freedom seekers and lasting impact of Tubman’s heroism.
Dr. Fields-Black has writ ten extensively about the transnational history of West African rice farmers, including in such works as “Deep Roots: Rice Farmers in West Africa and the African Diaspora.” She was a co-editor of “Rice: Global Networks and New Histories” and execu tive producer and librettist of “Unburied, Unmourned, Un marked: Requiem for Rice,” a widely performed original contemporary symphonic work by celebrated composer John Wineglass, which debuted in Pittsburgh in 2019. She has consulted for
the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, the International African American Museum, and the Senator John Heinz History Center.
Dr. Fields-Black is a descendant of a USCT soldier from Beaufort County, S.C., who fought in the Combahee River Raid. Her determination to illuminate the riches of the Gullah Geechee dialect and reclaim Gullah Geechee history and culture has taken her to the rice fields of S.C., Georgia, Sierra Leone, and Republic of Guinea (West Africa).
Dr. Fields-Black is a Professor of History at Carnegie Mellon University and Director of the Dietrich College Humanities Center. She is a member of Jack and Jill of America Inc., and serves on the board of trustees for the Cancer Caring Center and The Kiski School. The Miami native lives in Pittsburgh with her husband, two children, and tomcat.
TIFFANY L. GARY-WEBB, Ph.D., MHS
Professor of Epidemiology
University of Pittsburgh
Dr. Tiffany Gary-Webb received a BS in Biology from Penn State University and an MHS and Ph.D. in Epidemiology from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She is currently a Faculty Fellow in the Office of the Provost and a tenured Professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health.
She is an accomplished researcher having authored or co-authored over 150 scientific publications, including journal articles, book chapters and editorials. Her current research agenda is the culmination of her 25 years of experience working to understand the social/environmental determinants of chronic disease and implementing interventions to improve prevention and control.
Dr. Gary-Webb’s research program is divided into three defined areas: 1) the social determinants of diabetes and obesity; 2) interventions to improve diabetes outcomes for Black and other underrepresented populations; and 3) translation of research findings to practice and real-world evaluation.
She’s held leadership positions in several national organizations including the American Diabetes Association (ADA),
PAULETTE FOSTER
Co-Founder, The Education Rights Network, A Campaign 412 Justice; Special Education Justice Advocate & Lead Organizer
Mrs. Paulette Foster is a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother whose lifelong advocacy centers on empowering others. A passionate community resource, she has committed herself to championing students with exceptionalities, equipping their families with the tools and knowledge to secure fair and inclusive education.
As the Special Education Organizer at 412 Justice, she has built a powerful Education Justice campaign. Her commitment extends to civic engagement, collaborating with Black Voters Matter to ensure every voice is heard. In crises, from the COVID pandemic to local emergencies, Foster organizes vital aid, from school devices to essential supplies.
Beyond systemic change, she has taken a page from her mother Wilhelmina Rucker Edwards’ legacy continuing her generational neighborhood salon, standing as a beloved neighbor, especially to local seniors with compassionate care. Whether through her church outreach or state-level coalitions, Foster’s work is a testament to leading with love, action, and unwavering dedication to her community. As a guiding light, she reminds us often, “Stay in God’s face and journey well.”
the Council on Black Health (CBH), and served as the Chair of the Epidemiology Section of the American Public Health Association (APHA) from 2019-2021.
Class of 2013 Honorees
BEV SMITH––2013 LEGACY HONOREE
CAROL L. ADAMS
MARLA D. BRADFORD
CHARLOTTE BROWN, PhD
VICTORIA E. BRYANT
FRANCINE B. CAMERON
MESSENGER ANNETTE CARSWELL
RENEE SMITH CLARK, PhD
TRACY L. CLARK
LUTITIA A. CLIPPER PhD
MARY L. COFFEY
PAMELA COLLIER
DR. ESA MATIUS DAVIS, MPH
STEPHANIE DURRETT
MONICA EARLY KIM EL
ROBYN E. FRANCIS
OLGA T. GEORGE
RONITA S. GILES
ROBYN GREER
TERINA JETT HICKS
IMOGENE MILES HINES
RUTH J. HOWZE
SHANICKA L. KENNEDY, ESQ.
MONICA D. LAMAR
DESIREE S. LEE
KILOLO LUCKETT
A. KELLY MCCORMICK
MONIQUE MCINTOSH, MEd
DONNA MICHEAUX, PhD
CYNTHIA MOORE
TRACEY NASH
CAROL AWKARD NEYLAND
CONSTANCE PARKER
STAYCEE R. PEARL
EBONY RENEE PUGH
MINETTE SEATE
DEBRA VALENTINE-GRAY
ALLEGRA WAKEFIELD
ANITA B. WALKER
CAROL A. WASHINGTON
CHRISTINE B. WHITE-TAYLOR EdD
GAIL L. WHITEHEAD
TAMARA L. WHITING
LISA A. WILDS
ARLETTA SCOTT WILLIAMS
DETECTIVE CHRISTINE
WILLIAMS
DENISE L. WILLIAMS
ERROLINE WILLIAMS EdD
GAYLE M. YOUNG
TIFFANY GILBERT
Co-Founder and Executive Director, East Liberty Women’s Care Center; Pastor, Another Level Ministries
Class of 2012 Honorees
LATOYA HAMM-WILSON
Founder & CEO
Motherhood Redefined Tiffany Gilbert, affectionately known as Pastor Tiff, serves as the First Lady of Another Level Ministries in Pittsburgh. She plays an integral role in the church, leading the Women’s Ministry and Healing Ministry, while also assisting with the Children’s Ministry. Since 2012, Gilbert has faithfully pastored alongside her husband, Pastor Jay Gilbert of Olean, N.Y., forming a dynamic team devoted to serving their community
LaToya Hamm-Wilson is a licensed social worker and the founder of Motherhood Redefined, a mental health organization dedicated to addressing disparities among Black mothers.
Specializing in perinatal mental health disorders and trauma, Hamm-Wilson provides compassionate, evidence-based support to women navigating pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenthood. As a mental health educator and therapist, she blends clinical expertise with lived experience, offering guidance and community to mothers often overlooked by traditional healthcare systems.
Hamm-Wilson holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Cultural Studies from Chatham University, a Master of Science in Applied Developmental Psychology, and a Master of Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. She is also certified in Perinatal Mental Health by Postpartum In-
and beyond. Together, they minister on marriage and relationships, sharing practical wisdom to strengthen couples and families. Gilbert also frequently appears on the Cornerstone Television Network, on programs such as Sister2Sister and various live fundraising broadcasts—an opportunity she deeply values and considers an honor.
Gilbert’s background in education and leadership is both rich and inspiring. A proud graduate of Saint Vincent College, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Public Administration before pursuing a master’s degree in Education, specializing in Curriculum and Instruction. Recognized as one of Saint Vincent College’s “Top 40 Women in 40 Years,” Gilbert is currently serving her second three-year term as a member of the Saint Vincent College Board of Directors. Her dedication to education and passion for empowering others are also reflected in her role as Executive Director and Co-Founder of their Women’s Care Center, where she finds great fulfillment in helping individuals grow, embrace truth, and build lives of economic self-reliance.
Gilbert is deeply passionate about sharing the transformative power of God’s love and grace. She treasures time with her family, values laughter, and embraces every moment of joy and fun. One of her greatest accomplishments and most purpose-filled joys is being a mother to her beloved sons, of whom she is incredibly proud. Gilbert resides in Pittsburgh with her husband, whom she cherishes, and their two sons.
JEAN BRYANT
LEGACY HONOREE
DARA WARE ALLEN, PhD
JERRY ANN ALLEN
ELAYNE ARRINGTON, PhD
JARENE BARNES
TiANDA BLOUNT
NANCY TRAVIS BOLDEN
JEANNE V. CRICHLOW
JUDITH M. DAVENPORT, DMD
LYNETTE DRAWNWILLIAMSON
BARBARA EVANS, EdD
CHERYL SQUIRE FLINT
KAREN FLORENCE
LISA M. FORD, MSW, LSW
LOVETTA FORD, MSW
LISA MICHELLE GARLAND, MBA
CHERYL HALL-RUSSELL
ELAINE HARRIS-FULTON
GINA R. HICKMAN
DIANE R. HUGHLEY
MICHELLE JACKSON
SHIRLEY A. JOHNSON
OLIVIA JONES
TONI S. KENDRICK
MARGARET L. LANIER
ternational.
As an expert in her field, Hamm-Wilson has been featured in various media outlets including Essence, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, FuseTV, and CityMoms, sharing insights on maternal wellness, generational healing, and authentic motherhood. Through her work with Motherhood Redefined, she creates culturally relevant programs and supportive spaces that empower Black mothers to prioritize their well-being, heal, and reclaim their joy.
Chanell Jones-Harris is a dynamic professional whose career bridges real estate, music, and entertainment with purpose and precision. Known for saying, “We can close at 3 and I’ll be on stage by 7,” Harris brings the same charisma that lights up the stage to every closing table.
A top-producing agent with Coldwell Banker Realty, she specializes in guiding first-time and minority homebuyers through the process of achieving homeownership—drawing from six years of experience, community partnerships, and financing expertise. Guided by her motto, Purpose Over Profit, she empowers families to build generational wealth through
CHARLENE HOLDER
real estate, backed by a deep knowledge of architecture, lending strategies and client care. Before real estate, Harris made her mark in the entertainment industry as an ASCAP Film & TV Award–winning composer and Music Supervisor for BET’s “Real Husbands of Hollywood.” Through her firm, Streamline Asset Consulting (S-A-C), she has spent more than a decade helping artists, producers and brands develop, manage and license music catalogs for film, television and emerging media platforms. She also co-invented Vrai Technology, a patented digital suite designed to simplify catalog management and music exploitation.
Reigniting her love for performance, Harris rebranded as Chanell C.J. Harris, performing regularly at Con Alma with the band Tempo Noir and producing original works in collaboration with organizations such as the August Wilson African American Cultural Center. In 2024, she brought her artistry to the Kelly Strayhorn Theater, delivering a tribute to the late Tina Turner alongside musical director Dwayne Fulton.
Currently, Harris is touring nationally for the film “In Good Hands,” where she stars as the lead, portraying UPMC Children’s Hospital Dr. Sylvia Owusu-Ansah. Directed by Nicholas J. Buchheit, “In Good Hands” explores medical and cultural microaggressions and biases, earning critical acclaim for its storytelling and performances.
Balancing life as a full-time realtor, a professional with Comcast, stage, lights and contract signings, Harris continues to expand her creative and real estate ventures from her hometown of Pittsburgh. Whether she’s closing a deal, curating a soundtrack, or performing live, her work reflects an enduring commitment to creativity, equity, and community connection.
Assistant Director, Secretary & Chief Examiner City of Pittsburgh
Charlene Holder serves as the Assistant Director, Secretary, and Chief Examiner for the City of Pittsburgh Human Resources Department, a role that reflects her decades-long dedication to public service and community empowerment. With over 35 years of experience in the department, Holder has risen through the ranks, gaining invaluable insight and wisdom from each position she’s held.
In her current capacity, Holder oversees
several key divisions that shape the city’s workforce and uphold its values, such as the Employment and Testing Division, Training Division, Talent Acquisition Division, Employee Relations Division, and Civil Service Commission.
As Secretary and Chief Examiner, Holder helps govern hiring and firing procedures, ensuring fairness and transparency.
Under the leadership of Mayor Ed Gainey, Holder has played a pivotal role in advancing initiatives that support underserved communities and reintegrate formerly incarcerated individuals. Her strategic collaborations with external agencies and Pittsburgh Public Schools have led to impactful apprenticeship programs and youth development efforts.
Holder’s work is deeply rooted in her faith. Guided by her belief in God, she strives to lead with compassion, fairness, and humility.
Holder is a devoted wife to Hosea Holder III and a proud mother of two children who have followed her example of service—one as a Principal and the other as a Manager. She is also an active member of Petra International Ministries, serving on the Pastoral Care Team, where she continues to nurture and uplift those around her.
DR. WANDA HEADING-GRANT
Vice Provost for Community, Culture and Engagement
Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy
Dr. Wanda Heading-Grant is the Vice Provost for Community, Culture, and Engagement and a Distinguished Service Professor at Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy.
With over 35 years of strategic and moral leadership in advancing inclusion and belonging, she is a nationally recognized expert and visionary for inclusive excellence in higher education and beyond. Her expertise has shaped transformative programs and policies, earning her a reputation as a cul tural architect dedicated to driv ing meaningful, lasting change.
Prior to joining CMU, Dr. Heading-Grant spent three de cades at the University of Ver mont where she held critical roles, including Vice President for Human Resources, Vice President for Diversity and Multicultural Af fairs and was a clinical associate professor.
A strategic innova tor and dedicated advocate for the betterment of all, she leads with both conviction and compassion, often stating, “service
to others is what I am built for.” Her commitment extends beyond her professional role; she actively contributes to non-profit boards, and civil rights committees that promote access, fairness and inclusivity.
She recently received the 2025 National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education’s most prestigious service award and was named a 2025 Woman of Influence by the Pittsburgh Business Times. One of her proudest moments is having a state-wide award named in her honor, the Dr. Wanda Heading-Grant that is presented annually to women who demonstrate commitment to service and leadership by the Vermont Women in Higher Education Associa-
Dr. Heading-Grant holds executive leadership certificates from the Yale School of Management, Harvard Graduate School of Education, and Cornell University. She is also a Senior Certified Human Resources Professional who enjoys the rigor and kindness of her CMU community, and the history and spirit of Pittsburgh and its people.
Class of 2011
Honorees
PATRICIA
PRATTIS JENNINGS
LEGACY HONOREE
ATIYA ABDELMALIK-JOHNSON, RN, BSN
RENEE P. ALDRICH
MARIA D. ANDERSON
THE HON. CYNTHIA A. BALDWIN
ROBIN D. BECKHAM
JACKIE BLAKEY-TATE
CYNTHIA BRADLEY-KING, PHD
TAMMY MILES BROWN, PHD
CARLOTTA K. BURGESS
KARLA THREADGILL BYRD
PAULA B. CASTLEBERRY
VALIRE CARR COPELAND, PHD, MPH
MAGALI CURIEL
SHARON DANIELS
KAREN EADY-LOCKETT
GLADYS E. EDMUNDS
REV. BRENDA J. GREGG
LINDA CAWTHON GRIFFIN
MELANIE HARRINGTON
LYNNE HAYES-FREELAND
ANNA E. HOLLIS
LAVERNE BAKER HOTEP
KIM L. JEFFERSON
CECELIA JENKINS
RHONDA JONES-FITCH
KIM LAMPKINS
CARMEN J. LEE
DEBRA L. MASON
SHARON L. MCDANIEL, PHD
COLLEEN MCMULLEN
LISA E. MINOR
KIMBERLY MOSES, ESQ.
DARLENE GAMBILL MOTLEY, PHD
MAELENE J. MYERS
CHARLENE NEWKIRK, JD
CONNIE PORTIS
GRACE ROBINSON, LUTC, MBA
LATONYA SALLEY-SHARIF
MARY HAITH SAVAGE
JENNIFER BRUCE SCOTT, RN, BSN
ROBIN HORSTON SPEN-
CER, MHS, MS, MBA
EVANGELIST LOLA M. THORPE
SHELLEY FANT UKU
CRYSTAL MCCORMICK
WARE
CHRISTINA L. WILDS, PHD
ANDREA M. WILLIAMS
JACQUELINE WILSON
SYLVIA WILSON
KIMBERLY L. WOOD
FIRST LADY, ELDER DARLA R. HOLLEY-HOLMES
Supervisor, MPACT U Afterschool Academy, Southwestern PA Human Services Family Center; Administrative Specialist, Monessen Beyond Grad, SPHS Family Center Youth Economic Mobility Program
First Lady Elder Darla R. Holley-Holmes is a devoted servant-leader, educator, and community advocate whose life’s work is anchored in faith, family, and the empowerment of youth. At the heart of her calling, she serves as Elder and First Lady of Christian Life Ministries in Donora, ministering faithfully alongside her husband of 46 years, Senior Pastor Robert C. Holmes. Together, they have nurtured a ministry rooted in love, restoration, accountability, and leadership that believes that every individual possesses the capacity to grow, heal, and walk fully in their God-given purpose.
Holley-Holmes’ deep commitment to strengthening families and creating pathways to educational and economic opportunity is reflected throughout her professional work. She serves as the Supervisor of the MPACT U Afterschool Academy, an evidence-based middle school leadership and success program operated through the SPHS Family Center. In this role, she leads a team dedicated to nurturing academic confidence, positive identity development, and social-emotional literacy in young scholars.
YOLANDA RODGERS HOWSIE
Additionally, Holley-Holmes serves as the Administrative Specialist for the Monessen Beyond Grad Economic Mobility Program, where she supports efforts to expand pathways for high school students to pursue college, workforce training, mentorship, and career exploration. In this role, she collaborates with leadership, staff, schools, and community partners to strengthen the bridge between home, education, and the broader community, ensuring that Monessen students are not only prepared for their future but empowered to confidently shape it.
In 2019, she retired from PennWest University, formerly California University of Pennsylvania, after 33 years of dedicated service. During her tenure, she founded Cal U Women United, an empowering organization established to support, uplift, and create community among minority women and women of color across the campus and beyond. Her presence on campus and in the community reflects her belief that faith and education is a tool for generational transformation, especially in historically under-resourced spaces.
Northeast Regional Director, Workplace Initiatives United Negro College Fund
Yolanda Rodgers Howsie is a visionary leader, producer, and advocate dedicated to advancing education, culture, and equity. In April 2025, she was invited to and successfully completed the Power, Innovation, and Leadership cohort through the Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education, earning a certificate that reflects her commitment to transformative leadership and impact.
As the Northeast Regional Director of Workplace Initiatives for the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), Howsie drives partnerships that empower HBCUs through sustainable funding and corporate engagement.
Howsie is currently producing The UNCF Bill Nunn Jr. Honors in collaboration with the Nunn family and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Debuting during the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, the event will celebrate the legacy of trailblazer Bill Nunn Jr., whose groundbreaking career at the Pittsburgh Courier was instrumental in opening doors for HBCU athletes and influencing the NFL to begin drafting players from HBCUs. His vision forever changed the game and highlighted the historic impact of HBCUs
A woman of dignity, compassion, strategy, and unwavering faith, Holley-Holmes is guided by the scripture, “To whom much is given, much will be required.” Her life demonstrates the beauty and responsibility of being blessed to be a blessing.
Holley-Holmes is a proud mother of three: Adrianne Holmes-Redwood, Kellen Holmes, and Blayre Holmes-Davis. She is the loving grandmother of her three “Bundles of Joy.”
In every role, wife, mother, grandmother, elder, educator, advocate, and mentor, she is a living example of grace in leadership, excellence in service, and love in action.
Class of 2010 Honorees
MIYOSHI ANDERSON
GAYLE LIGHTFOOT BALL
KIMBERLY WADDELL BARR
LINDA IMANI BARRETT
SHEILA BEASLEY
DR. WILMA SMITH BEAUFORD
JEANETTE BLACKSTON, EdD
GLORIA MCGHEE BROWN
PATRICE KING BROWN
JOANNE COBB BURLEY, PhD
OPHELIA COLEMAN
TENE CROOM
AMARGIE DAVIS
DR. CAROLYN GEE DAVIS
ELIZABETH NIECY DENNIS
ORLANA DARKINS-DREWERY
JOYCE ELLIS
ALMA SPEED FOX
ALBERTHA GRAHAM-ELLISON, PhD
REV. BARBARA GUNN
HOLLY HATCHER-FRAZIER
PASTOR CHARLAYNE HENRY
MARLENE GARY HOGAN
DEBORAH HOLLAND
LISA HALEY HUFF
MARGUERITA V. JOHNSON
PATRICE WADE JOHNSON
AMELIA MICHELE JOINER, ESQ.
on the NFL.
A co-founder of the Stepping Into Service (SIS) Movement alongside Keshia Knight Pulliam, Howsie led
the launch of the National Stroll to the Polls, a national Black Greek competition that mobilized new and returning voters during the 2020 Presidential Election.
Before joining UNCF, Howsie spent more than 15 years with Merck & Co. in hospital sales and marketing. She later transitioned into film and television marketing, where she pioneered the use of professional athletes as influencers to elevate major films such as “Black Panther,” “Luke Cage” and “The Hate U Give.”
Her passion for the arts and storytelling extends to her tenure as National Co-Chair of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.’s Arts and Letters Commission, where she built meaningful bridges between the film industry and African American Greek-letter organizations.
Howsie holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Tougaloo College and a master’s degree from Slippery Rock University.
Originally from Detroit, she now resides in Pittsburgh with her two sons, Elliot and Evan, both proud students at Morehouse College.
GERALDINE M. JONES, PROVOST
MARSHA ELLIS JONES
LINDA S. LANE, EdD
ALLISON LEE-MANN
DR. EMMA LUCAS-DARBY
DARCEL MADKINS
TARA MARKS
LA’TASHA D. MAYES
LAUREL RAGLAND
DR. BEVERLY
ROBERTS-ATWATER
FLORENCE ROUZIER
CECILE SHELLMAN
JOY STARZL
BRENDA TATE
EMMA THORNTON
KATHY MAYLE TOWNS
CHATON T. TURNER, ESQ.
MARGARETSMITH
WASHINGTON
SHEILA A. WASHINGTON
REV. B. De NEICE WELCH
VALERIE WHEATLEY
ELISE ROBY YANDERS
ERRIKA FEARBRY JONES
Chief of Staff/Secretary to the Board of Trustees
Carlow University
Errika Fearbry Jones has spent her career solving problems that people often avoid. Her work sits at the intersection of strategy, community voice, and system transformation. For more than 25 years, she has led large-scale change across government, education, justice, and community systems.
She currently serves as Chief of Staff to the President and Secretary to the Board of Trustees at Carlow University, where she guides mission-driven strategy, aligns governance priorities, and drives collaborative execution.
Before joining Carlow, Jones held leadership roles at Pittsburgh Public Schools, including serving in a Chief of Staff capacity to three superintendents. She managed system operations within a $660 million budget, led districtwide initiatives, and directed $108 million in ESSER education recovery funds through a participatory budgeting process that engaged educators, students, families, and board members. She also led the Teaching and Learning Environment initiative under the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Effective Teachers grant and designed one of Pittsburgh’s most ambitious Collective Impact pilots, deepening her understanding of system behavior, especially how resistance often grows where change is most needed. Earlier, as Director of Youth Policy for the Pittsburgh Mayor’s Office, she launched one of the city’s first coordinated youth service strategies. Her leadership led to an ap-
SIMONE MCMEANS
pointment as Vice Chair of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, the first African American and first woman to hold that position. She later implemented the U.S. Department of Justice Comprehensive Gang Model in Pittsburgh and trained leaders nationwide. Her international work includes collaborations with the FBI’s Central American Community Impact Exchange and the Ministry of Health in Belize.
Jones is pursuing her Ed.M. at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, focusing on system design, leadership practice, and institutional change. She is also a certified mediator, human-centered design practitioner, master facilitator, and executive coach.
Deputy Director of Economic Development, Allegheny County; Founder, S.H.E.ternally, LLC
Simone McMeans serves as the Deputy Director for Allegheny County Economic Development. With over 13 years of experience, McMeans has used her expertise to help focus and direct resources within low-moderate/income communities within Allegheny County to address affordable housing, business development, infrastructure needs and other activities to enrich the economy. She lends her voice to national organizations such as the National Association of Community Economic Development (NACCED), and as a committee member of the Community Economic and Workforce Development (CEWD) as a part of the National Association of Counties (NaCO).
Passionate about closing disparity gaps, McMeans has done research on the disbursement of resources and information within distressed communities and those predominantly occupied by Black families. Realizing that a lot of the disparity was due to lack of shared knowledge and resources, she began to have conversations with community members and decided that “at the top” was not where the work needed to start. It was not business owners and those who had climbed out that she decided to focus on, but those who had dreams, ideas, and visions but who did not know how to execute them. Most of those were Black women.
DR. TROY D. B. LYONS
Dr. Troy D. B. Lyons is a distinguished pediatrician, healthcare leader, and U.S. Air Force veteran whose career spans clinical medicine, public health, and managed care. A native of Pittsburgh’s historic Hill District, she is a proud graduate of Pittsburgh Public Schools and the University of Pittsburgh, where she also earned a Master of Public Health degree from the School of Public Health with a concentration in Health Policy and Management.
She received her Doctor of Medicine
degree from Temple University School of Medicine and completed her pediatric residency at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children.
Dr. Lyons served honorably in the United States Air Force, achieving the rank of Major and receiving awards for life-saving care and her contributions to pediatric medicine within the military healthcare system.
For more than 15 years, Dr. Lyons provided pediatric care throughout the Greater Pittsburgh area, where she was recognized for her clinical expertise, leadership, and compassionate care. She now serves as a Medical Director in Utilization Management at Highmark Wholecare, where she applies her medical and policy expertise to promote quality, efficiency, and equitable healthcare access.
A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, Dr. Lyons continues to exemplify scholarship, service, and sisterhood through her professional and community endeavors. Her work reflects an enduring commitment to advancing child health, public service, and healthcare equity.
In 2022, McMeans organized S.H.E.ternally, LLC (Sisters Healing Eternally) which is dedicated to addressing the barriers that hinder Black women from obtaining wellness, wholeness, and healing necessary for success in their homes, businesses, and overall lives. Through the organization Black women as well as men receive resources for homeownership, business development, meet for fitness walks, mentoring, and more. By focusing on the Black woman, first, McMeans seeks to strengthen families and ultimately communities not just for survival or sufficiency, but for excellence.
www.mcauleyministries.org
McAuley Ministries applauds Erikka Fearby Jones, Lisa Perry, and Danielle Parson.
Class of 2009 Honorees
CLAUDIA L. ALLEN
TIMYKA ARTIST
MARILYN BARNETT
JO-ANNE BATES
DEMEATRIA GIBSON
BOCCELLA
YVONNE BURNS
KATHY BYNUM
SHEILA CARTER-JONES
DINA CLARK
MICHELE RONE-COOPER
PHYLLIS COMER
ETTA COX
ROSEMARY C. CRAWFORD
DARIA CRAWLEY
LUCILLE DABNEY
HELEN DAVIS
TOI DERRICOTTE
VALERIE DIXON
TRACY L. EDMUNDS
GAIL D. EDWARDS
YVONNE ENGLISHROEBUCK
KIVA FISHER-GREEN
DARRYL FORD-WILLIAMS
MONA GENERETT
KAREN HALL
MARVA H. HARRIS
GERRI HOLDEN
KARRIS JACKSON
OLA R. JACKSON
DENISE JONES
RHONDA CARSON LEACH
CLAUDETTE R. LEWIS
EVANGELIST BARBARA MANN
LYZONA MARSHALL
MARCIA A. MARTIN
INEZ K. MILES
ARLINDA MORIARTY
AUDREY J. MURRELL
JANE PRESSLEY
NICHOLSON
CARMELLE NICKENS
PHILLIPS
GREER REED-JONES
DIANE RICHARD
ELISA SANDERS
CHARENA SWANN
DAWN R. WEBB TURNER
CURTISTINE WALKER
OLGA WELCH
KAREN FARMER WHITE
CAMEIL D. WILLIAMS
MARY A. WINSTON
JESSICA MITCHELL
EVP, CFO-Line of Business PNC Financial Services Group
Jessica Mitchell is executive vice president and chief financial officer (CFO) of Retail Banking for PNC Bank.
As CFO, Mitchell manages $14 billion in revenue, $97 billion in loans, and $240 billion in deposit balances. She leads a team of more than 100 finance and accounting professionals who provide strategic counsel, reporting and analysis, capital and financial planning, and critical insight to the business and its external stakeholders. In addition, her team supports investor relations, merger and acquisition activities, business governance, and risk management.
Prior to becoming CFO of Retail Banking, Mitchell served as CFO of PNC’s Asset Management Group and PNC Wealth Management (registered broker-dealer) businesses, where she is a board member of PNC Insurance Services, LLC and PNC Wealth Management, LLC.
In 2021, Mitchell was recognized by the Pittsburgh Business Times as a CFO of the Year. She is also a twotime nominee for American Banker’s Most Powerful Women in Banking NEXT.
As a servant leader with a passion for mentoring, Mitchell has served in a leadership capacity in PNC’s Pittsburgh Arican American Employee Business Resource Group, Mentoring for Leadership Program, Finance Talent & Inclusion Council and Community Development Committee.
Mitchell holds a B.A. in business with a dual concentration in accounting and accounting information systems from Duquesne University. In 2021, she completed The Advanced Leadership Institute (TALI)’s Executive Leadership Academy at the Carnegie Mellon
KAREN MITCHELL
Behavioral Health Manager, Focus on Renewal StoRox ACTES Program; Founder/Executive Director, Leading Through Love
Karen Mitchell is a Community College of Allegheny honors graduate with two Associate Degrees in Science: Social Work Technician and Graphic Communications. She is the founder of the non-profit Leading Through Love (LTL), and was elected by their board to be their Executive Director in 2025. She has
Tepper School of Business. She has served on the board of TALI since 2023.
Mitchell is actively engaged in her church, where she serves as a children’s educator and assistant program director, and provides finance secretary support.
She is a devoted wife to her husband, Tayon Mitchell (previous “Men of Excellence” honoree) and the proud mother of three amazing children: daughter, Jordan (16) and sons, Tayon Jr. (14) and Jayce (8).
Jessica Mitchell is grateful to her parents, Ricardo McDonald (wife, Denise) and Valerie McDonald Roberts (husband, Theodore) who was honored as the 2019 “Women of Excellence” Legacy Award recipient.
a for-profit consulting business called KLM Consultants & Associates, and she is the co-founder of the Melanin Properties, DaVillage Social Club and Event Center, DaVillage Social Club Plus, and Westside CARES. Through her non-profit (LTL), she organizes seasonal events, coordinates food bank distributions, recruits volunteers, aids families in crisis situations, and facilitates violence prevention sessions for youth and young adults. In addition, Mitchell utilizes her graphic arts background by creating flyers and digital publications for her business clients, programs, and community events.
She has over 25 years of experience working for social service agencies, community outreach programs, and non-profit organizations. She previously worked as a Social Worker/Case Manager at The Salvation Army Westside Corps for seven years servicing families in the West Side community. She worked as an Outreach Worker for Healthy Start Inc., where she educated pre-natal mothers and families on prenatal and well-baby care. She also worked for the Community Action Agency of the City of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Community Service Inc., where she also serviced the families in Pittsburgh.
She is currently a Behavioral Health Manager for StoRox ACTES Violence Prevention Program at Focus on Renewal, where she trains their staff and facilitates the cognitive behavioral intervention curriculum to high-risk men in the Sto-Rox area.
In 2013, Mitchell obtained the Pennsylvania Family Development Credential and the Credential for Strengths-Based Family Workers through Temple University. Moreover, Mitchell has received a City of Pittsburgh City Council Proclamation, naming Dec. 2, 2025, “Karen Mitchell Day” in the City of Pittsburgh.
Class of 2008 Honorees
CHERYL ALLEN
DONNA BAXTER
TINA WILLIAMS BREWER
MARILYN BROOKS
JEAN BRYANT
ESTHER BUSH
RUTH BYRD-SMITH
CANDI CASTLEBERRY
SINGLETON
DARIETH CHISOLM
KIM BERKELY CLARK
YVONNE COOK
VERNA CRICHLOW
PAULA DAVIS
JACKIE DIXON
ELAINE EFFORT
HELEN FAISON
LILLIA MICHELLE FERGUSON
SYLVIA HILL FIELDS
KAREN GARLAND
JUDITH GRIGGS
ERNESTINE HARRIS
PEGGY HARRIS
ELSIE HENDERSON
KATHY HUMPHREY
RHONDA MOORE JOHNSON
PHYLLIS JONES
MARGARET LARKINSPETTIGREW
VERNELL LILLIE
LOIS MUFUKA MARTIN
JOYCE MEGGERSON-MOORE
VELMA MONTEIRO-TRIBBLE
M. GAYLE MOSS
SHIRLEY MUHAMMAD
MARY SMITH PETERS
VALERIE MCDONALD ROBERTS
ALICE SCALES
TONI Y. SILVA
BEV SMITH
JEANNETTE SOUTH-PAUL
CECILE SPRINGER
CELESTE TAYLOR
WINIFRED TORBERT
NANCY WASHINGTON
BRENDA WATERS
DORIS CARSON WILLIAMS
LEAH WILLIAMS-DUNCAN
JANIS BURLEY WILSON
JOY MAXBERRY WOODRUFF
JULIE ZEIGLER
ASHANTI MITCHELL-DREWERY, MBA
Vice President of Business Operations M&A Resources
Ashanti Mitchell-Drewery is a strategic leader with more than 25 years of experience driving excellence in operational management, human resources, and project execution. As Vice President of Business Operations at M&A Resources, Mitchell-Drewery specializes in optimizing systems, reinforcing compliance, and cultivating a workplace culture where high performance and human connection thrive side by side.
Mitchell-Drewery is passionate about creating environments where people feel energized, valued, and empowered to grow. Whether she is onboarding a
FELICIA MYCYK
new team member or refining a policy to enhance accountability, she leads with clarity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to results.
Mentorship is one of Mitchell-Drewery’s greatest joys. She is proud to guide employees and interns through the complexities of HR, finance, and operations—helping them grow in confidence and capability. Mitchell-Drewery’s goal is to help emerging professionals not just navigate demanding industries, but truly flourish within them.
Community engagement is also a core part of who Mitchell-Drewery is. For more than a decade, Mitchell-Drewery volunteered with the Shyne Awards, uplifting youth across the region. She serves on the Spring Hill Civic League Board, championing school engagement initiatives, and recently began volunteering with the Light of Life Mission to further support those in need.
Grounded in integrity, energy, and compassion, she strives to leave a meaningful impact—through the people she mentors, the systems she strengthens, and the communities she serves. Mitchell-Drewery’s proudest role is being a wife and mother, grounding her in love, strength, and purpose.
Keynote Speaker & Performance Coach, Mycyk
Coaching & Consulting;
Rotary District Governor, Southwestern PA
Felicia Mycyk approaches leadership and career growth with a mindset-first perspective. As a keynote speaker, performance coach, and Rotary District Governor for Southwestern Pennsylvania, she partners with individuals and teams to strengthen self-leadership, resilience, and adaptability to meet the challenges of a changing world. As founder of Mycyk Coaching & Consulting and creator of the D.E.C.I.D.E. Self-Leadership™ framework, Mycyk equips professionals with practical tools for intentional decision-making, emotional intelligence, and sustained performance. Her framework guides people to: discover how they think and where they are in their journey; embrace transferable skills and strengths; condition their mindset for resilience; include supportive systems and mentors; determine intentional
choices aligned with purpose; and evolve into confident, balanced leaders.
A Certified Working Genius Facilitator, Mycyk translates organizational goals into personal growth strategies that drive engagement, collaboration, and productivity.
SHALESHA G. ‘SHAY’ MOORE
Executive Board Member for Early Childhood Paraprofessionals, Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers; Founder & Director, NextUp Summer Camp
Shalesha G. Moore, affectionately known as Shay, is a devoted educator, entrepreneur, and community leader whose life reflects compassion, creativity, and purpose. With over two decades of service in early childhood education through Pittsburgh Public Schools, Moore has dedicated her career to empowering young learners and supporting families with patience, innovation, and unwavering commitment. Her ability to see the potential in every child has made her a beloved mentor and role model across generations.
Moore proudly serves on the Executive Board of the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers, where she is responsible for representing and advocating on behalf of Early Childhood Paraprofessionals. Through her leadership, she ensures that the voices of educators and support staff are heard and valued, working tirelessly to promote fair practices, professional growth, and high-quality early learning environments for all children.
Beyond the classroom, Moore is the founder of Moore Creations, an event and design company that transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary celebrations. She is also the visionary behind NextUp Summer Camp, a faith-based youth program dedicated to inspiring, educating, and
CONGRATULATIONS,
uplifting children through academic enrichment, biblical lessons, and community engagement.
A proud student at Central State University, Moore is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, continuing to model that growth and learning never stop. As an organ donor for her husband, she believes in giving the ultimate gift of life—embodying her deep faith and selfless spirit.
Guided by her belief that “When you pour into others, your cup never runs dry,” Moore continues to impact lives through her service, creativity, and unwavering dedication to others.
Her approach reframes “soft skills” as essential performance tools, turning modern trends such as AI adaptation or digital transformation into human-development opportunities emphasizing the individual’s ability to amplify the leader within.
Beyond her professional work, Mycyk has expanded opportunities for youth through sport and leadership programs and continues to champion service, belonging, and partnership across the region. As District Governor, she leads 7305’s clubs in service initiatives that combine impact with collaboration, encouraging people to show up, take action, and grow. Whether she is on stage, in a boardroom, or on the field, Mycyk brings direct, actionable coaching and a contagious belief that progress is possible when people commit, adapt, and keep going.
MS. ALLEGRA BATTLE
Allegra
Communications Manager, for her creative leadership, dedication, and commitment to excellence in sharing the stories of our scholars, staff, and community.
proudly celebrates
Battle,
2025 WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE HONOREE
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Propel Proud!
DANIELLE M. PARSON
Founder & CEO
Professional Women’s Network (PWN)
Danielle Parson is the founder and visionary of PWN (Profession al Women’s Network)—a growing movement designed to connect, engage, and inspire women to lead boldly, uplift one another, and advance together.
A Chicago native now proudly rooted in Pittsburgh, Parson founded PWN in 2016 after recognizing a gap in support for women—a dedicated space to nurture leadership potential and strengthen the pipeline was missing. What began as a single networking event with fewer than 30 members has evolved into a dynamic platform of more than 350 members, offering professional coaching cohorts, leadership develop ment programs, and signature experiences that have con nected over 500 women across multiple cities. Through events such as the Women’s Empowerment Experience, Executive Roundtable, and ElevateHER Chicago, Parson continues to expand PWN’s reach and impact—bridging communities from state to state and building a powerful pipeline of women leaders. Her introduction of PWN in Chicago reflects her broader vision: to create intentional spaces where women can share resources, opportunities and support while advancing in their careers and communities.
Deeply committed to service, Parson also leads
SHAYLA R. PENN
Food Personality, Culinary Advocate, Founder, Burgh Eats and Treats!; President, Leading Through Love
beyond PWN. She serves as Vice Chair of the Pennsylvania Governor’s Commission for Women, Board Chair of the Pittsburgh Women’s Alliance, and Board Member of the Boy Scouts of America Laurel Highlands Council, where she champions equity and access for youth and families in under-resourced communities. Her leadership has earned numerous honors, including the Strong Award from Girls Inc. of Greater Pittsburgh (2025), Onyx Woman Leadership Award (2025), Pittsburgh Magazine Women in Business Award (2024), Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award (2020), and New Pittsburgh Courier Fab 40 Under
Shayla R. Penn, Baldwin High School graduate class of 1997, obtained a bachelor’s in communications/public relations from Slippery Rock University in 2001 and is now a mother of four, Pittsburgh caterer, host, food educator and advocate of the local food community.
Penn saw a void in the local food scene and was led to create her own food-based community. She created and is the owner and operator of Burgh Eats and Treats!, a group all about food, most specifically Pittsburgh local restaurant finds. Raised in the Baldwin-Whitehall area, she is also known as a home chef with a passion for locally-sourced food.
Penn has sponsored cooking competitions in which the proceeds went to worthy causes such as the National
BRIDGETTE PERDUE
Executive Director
Alumni Theater Company
Cancer Society and 412 Thrive. Penn is a regular cooking demo instructor for Wholey’s Fish Market, the first African American woman to hold this position in the company’s history.
She was nominated by Pittsburgh City Paper for Best Soul Food in the city and by the Black Chef Association for Best Chef in 2025. She was chosen by Bubba and Mel of the radio station 100.7 Star to host a six-segment food tour on the top five foods in the local area. She was featured on episode 10 of the Pittsburgh Dish podcast where she spoke about creating culinary bonds with her food community. Penn is also a board member of the Babesburgh women’s organization and is trusted as a spokesperson promoting their mission and events.
She is the Board Chair President of Leading Through Love (LTL), a non-profit that services whole families in crisis. Penn is a member of the Westside CARES organization that promotes efficiency in the community. She is on the leadership board at Langley K-8 where she helps the develop support initiatives for families.
Penn has been a true asset to the community.
Bridgette Perdue, Alumni Theater Company’s Executive Director, brings her expertise in advocacy, community engagement and collaboration, which will serve to fulfill ATC’s mission to center Black voices and amplify their impact on the city and region.
Perdue graduated from Point Park University with a dual degree in Music Theater Arts and Business Management in the Arts. For over 15 years as a musician, teaching artist and consultant, she has served her community by fostering the artistic gifts of children across the city. As a Project Manager for several arts initiatives, she has designed curriculum, trained talent, allocated funding, and galvanized her network in support of delivering impactful art. Known for her charismatic leadership and collaborative approach, she has cultivated long-standing relationships with arts and non-profit organizations alike, including the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Staycee Pearl dance project, Pittsburgh Playwrights, Bricolage, Pittsburgh Public Schools, Propel charter schools, Gwen’s Girls, and the Afro-American Music Institute. Her knowledge of both the arts and educational sectors perfectly position her to lead ATC in its aim to be recognized as the premier institution
for identifying, developing, and training young Black performers in the region.
Perdue is passionate about whole child excellence— balancing artistic achievement with scholastic aptitude and growth in character. She is also an advocate for antiracist/antibias education. She taught music at Environmental Charter Middle School where she served as a leader on the Antiracism Committee and facilitator for professional development around equitable teaching practices.
Perdue currently resides in Pittsburgh’s West End and enjoys salsa dancing, crafting, and reading books with her four-year-old daughter, Amaya.
LISA J. PERRY
Director, Programs & Events, Grantmakers of Western Pa.;
President & CEO, Take Flight Productions Consulting
Lisa J. Perry is a collaborative and mission-driven leader with over 30 years of experience in executive management and education administration. Perry is a trusted community connector and servant leader at heart. She brings both passion and compassion to every role she undertakes. Known for her strategic thinking and ability to build strong community partnerships across sectors to drive collective impact, Perry has consistently advanced the missions of the organizations she serves. Currently, Perry is the Director of Programs and Events at Grantmakers of Western Pennsylvania, a philanthropy-serving organization that supports and convenes foundation and corporate giving entities in their efforts to advance social responsibility and impact. In this role, she facilitates meaningful connections, professional development, and collaborative learning among funders across the region.
Perry also is the President & CEO of Take Flight Productions, a consulting firm focused on executive and non-profit leadership development. Through this venture, she has supported a diverse and growing client base in building organizational capacity, fundraising, strengthening leadership, and driving mission-aligned success.
Perry has held senior leadership positions across the non-profit and education sectors, including Executive Director at Pittsburgh Action Against Rape and Jeremiah’s Place. She also served as Director of Individual Giving and Community Engagement at Homewood Children’s Village, and Chief Development Officer at Environmental Charter School. Earlier in her career, she worked in private
DR. ROSALIE SMILEY
Social Work Professor Emeritus
Pennsylvania Western University
Dr. Rosalie Smiley has devoted over 40 years to the profession of social work. She began her academic career in 1999 as an associate professor and was promoted to professor in 2007 at the former California University of Pennsylvania, now known as PennWest California.
Dr. Smiley earned the distinguished 2019 Presidential Merit Award. She is a university of Pittsburgh alum,
boarding schools in both New England and Pittsburgh and held positions in higher education, including Assistant Dean of Students at Carnegie Mellon University and Career Service roles at Duquesne University and the University of Pittsburgh.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Thiel College and a Master of Public Management from Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College.
A native of Pittsburgh, Perry is a member of Mt. Ararat Baptist Church, sits on the advisory council of Jada House International, and is the proud mother of three adult children: Justice (29), Morgan (27) and Xavier (23).
JOVELINE J. PETTUS, MBA, SPHR
Adjunct Professor, Computer Science, La Roche University; PhD Candidate, Information Systems & Communications, Robert Morris University
Joveline J. Pettus, MBA, SPHR, is a Ph.D. candidate in Information Systems & Technology at Robert Morris University and Adjunct Professor of Computer Science at La Roche University.
Pettus’ Ph.D. research focuses on Digital Safety, Cybersecurity Frameworks, and Ethical AI, and her dissertation topic covers Cyberstalking & Digital Harassment in the Age of AI and Deepfakes.
As Adjunct Professor, she designs and teaches a foundational computing curriculum covering programming logic, Python, systems architecture, networking, cybersecurity principles, AI ethics, and digital fluency. Pettus’ instruction prioritizes clarity, applied learning, and confidence-building, demystifying technical concepts while fostering curiosity and resilience.
In addition to teaching, Pettus has 20-plus years of senior-level human resources consulting experience at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, Citigroup, Visa, Microsoft, Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan Chase, and Rivers Casino. Pettus also successfully ran a recruiting and professional coaching service throughout West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
Pettus takes pride in “rolling up her sleeves” to assist community organizations such as the
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre (PBT) Education and Community Engagement Committee, AFRICANISM Gala 2024, Habitat for Humanity, various food pantries, LGBTQ support, and free career counseling and resume services for women of color. Pettus was credited with laying the foundation for the second chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., in the Pittsburgh area.
Pettus is a loving godmother to two remarkable individuals: Jermaine Herring and Khloe Pettus, and takes immense pride in being a part of the firm and enduring Pettus legacy.
her career as a social worker began in 1982 as the first social worker to be hired in that position, later in 1993 directing the Abraxas Center for adolescent females until 1993.
In 1999, she was hired by the Pittsburgh Foundation as a consultant for the Beverly Jewel Wall Lovelace Children’s (BJWL) program, and later became the Director of the Family Resources BJWL Children’s program, impacting Allegheny County children and their families.
A certified trauma specialist, Dr. Smiley presents at conferences, mentors other professionals, serves on the board of directors at Ozanam Inc., and the Vintage centers, and is active with the National Council of Negro Women Rankin/Mon Valley/Pittsburgh Section, and the Homewood Church of Christ.
A proud mother to Lashon C. Smiley-Moseley and grandmother of Mariah Mae Moseley, she draws inspiration from her late sister, Dr. Margaret Smith, who has since passed.
Congratulations
Dr. Kymberly Cruz
We salute Women of Excellence honoree Dr. Kymberly Cruz, Executive Director Office of Equity. Thanks to her leadership and contributions, we continue to advance our commitment to putting Students first. Always, in all ways
DAWNESE LASHAWN SNELL
Nurse Manager, Primary Care, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System; President-elect, Pittsburgh Black Nurses in Action
Dawnese Snell is a Nurse Manager for the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, employed for 23 years. Prior to becoming a nurse, she was a nursing assistant. What gave her the passion to pursue a career in health care was the inspiration from both her mother, who is a retired nurse and her grandmother, who also worked as a healthcare technician. Becoming a nurse allowed Snell to help people wherever they need; making a positive impact is always the main goal.
She is a lifetime member of the National Black Nurses Association. Currently, she is in the role as the President-elect for the local chapter of the Pittsburgh Black Nurses in Action (PBNIA). In this role, she is preparing for her upcoming presidency of PBNIA and will assume the duties in her term. As a member of PBNIA, she is involved in mentoring student nurses in the Pittsburgh area, and volunteers her time participating in several community health fairs at many church and community events. She serves on the PBNIA Scholarship Committee, where scholarships are granted to nursing students of all levels who want to start or further their career in nursing. She also serves on the executive board of PB-
ALISA R. STROUD
Human Resources Director, AMP Home Care; Senior Pastor, Living Proof Kingdom Ministries Int.
Pastor Alisa R. Stroud is a native of Pittsburgh and possesses a passion for human resources and a strong commitment to improving organizational/staff development and staff retention within Pittsburgh’s workforce. She currently serves as the Human Resources & Personnel Manager for AMP Home Care, a world-class and leading service provider for residential care within the human services industry located in Penn Hills. AMP Home Care provides homes and therapeutic care for adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and mental needs.
Prior to working for AMP Home Care, Pastor Stroud served as an established HR business partner, consultant and coach for over 30 years where she provided human resources and labor relations expertise to many
NAIMA KARMIL STURDIVANT, M.Ed.
NIA, where she is involved in planning and making key decisions for the local chapter.
Snell is a proud mother of three adult children, (daughter) Aaliyah R. Snell, a graduate of Penn State University Class of 2017, (son) Aakeem R. Snell, completed his undergrad at Central Michigan University in 2025, currently attends graduate school at Central Michigan and plays for the CMU Chippewa Football team #8, and her youngest (daughter) Aalona R. Snell who attends Drexel University.
Snell completed her Master of Science in Nursing Administration at Waynesburg University, she completed her (RN-BSN) Bachelor of Science at California University of Pennsylvania, and her RN diploma at St. Margaret’s Hospital School of Nursing.
Special Education Teacher, Woodland Hills School District; Vice President, Triple S-Serving and Saving Souls
Naima Sturdivant holds a bachelor’s degree in Education from Point Park University. Additionally, she went on to earn a master’s degree in Education, with a specialization in Special Education from Carlow University. Sturdivant is also a graduate of the Rev. Jerome Stevenson Bible School.
The Bible school is a subsidiary of Harty Bible School.
Sturdivant is a passionate public school educator in the Woodland Hills School District. She has 16 years of experience in the field of education. She has a comprehensive background that includes experience working in Catholic, alternative, and public school settings.
In her current position, Sturdivant is a teacher in the Full-Time Emotion -
companies and has a proven track record of being instrumental in improvements in areas such as: organizational development, sales & marketing, branding, grant writing, staff development, recruitment and retention, and compliance. She is also a certified and proven change agent for many organizations. Pastor Stroud’s post-secondary education includes business management and business communications at Wilberforce and Central State universities, located in Ohio. Pastor Stroud is also an established entrepreneur, wedding and event planner and the CEO and Owner of Extreme Event Impressions, LLC.
Pastor Stroud is a faith-based woman of God who keeps God at the root of all she does. She accepted her call to ministry and attended and graduated from the Harty Bible College in 2002. She is currently the founder and Senior Pastor of Living Proof Kingdom Ministries International Church and the newly-appointed Director of Evangelism & Outreach for the Pennsylvania Diocese One Body Covenant Fellowship.
al Support classroom. In this role, she is dedicated to fostering an inclusive classroom where her students become critical thinkers. She specializes in differentiated instruction to meet the diverse learning needs of each of her students.
Outside of work, she serves as the Vice President of the non-profit organization, Triple S-Serving and Saving Souls. This ministry is devoted to advocating for serving, uplifting, and supporting the unhoused population. She works tirelessly with six other board members to provide the unhoused with essential resources such as food, prayer, hygiene products, clothing, and other vital necessities. Her commitment to education, service, and leadership reflects her un -
wavering dedication to making a tangible impact in the lives of our youth and those in need.
Sturdivant is fostering meaningful change through both educational and community-driven efforts.
SHEILA M. THOMPSON, M.Ed.
Owner/Photographer, Thompson Creative Images, LLC; Retired, Business, Computer, Information Technology Teacher, Woodland Hills School District
Sheila M. Thompson earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Management from the University of South Carolina. She continued her studies at St. Vincent College in Greensburg, where she obtained an Advanced Accounting Certification, followed by a teaching certificate from Seton Hill University. Dedicated to lifelong learning, she pursued multiple certifications in data processing, marketing, and business/computer and information technology. Thompson later completed her master’s degree in Education, along with Principal and Superintendent certification coursework at Gannon University, officially recognized by the state of Pennsylvania.
With over 20 years in education, Thompson enjoyed a fulfilling career as a teacher in the Woodland Hills School District and an associate professor at WCCC in the area of business, computer, and information technology. Passionate about education and student success, she inspired her students with the guiding motto: “ You have the potential to achieve and become anything you desire. Always remember, it comes from within yourself. Believe in your dreams.”
After retiring from education, Thompson channeled her creativity into photography—a passion that soon evolved into a professional pursuit. In 2017, she founded Thompson Creative Images, specializing in high school senior portraits, family and corporate events, professional headshots, and sports photography. Her work, recognized for its natural light, contemporary style, and emotional authenticity, has earned both regional and national acclaim.
TAHIRAH J. WALKER, Ph.D.
Department Chair, Community Engagement and Leadership Point Park University’s Rowland School of Business
Tahirah Walker, Ph.D., is chair of the Department of Community Engagement & Leadership at Point Park University’s Rowland School of Business. She holds a doctorate in Communication and Rhetorical Studies and has previously served on the faculties of the University of Pittsburgh, Penn State Greater Allegheny, and Bethany College.
As a writer and literary advocate, Walker is a two-time recipient of the Advancing Black Arts in Pittsburgh award. Her work has been published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PublicSource, Taint Taint Taint Magazine, and Management Communication Quarterly, reflecting a voice that moves fluidly between creative, public, and academic spheres. She previously served on the board of Write Pittsburgh, where she supported the organization’s efforts to uplift new and established writers across the region.
Walker’s scholarship and public work center on Black cultural studies and the transformative power of community engagement. She has collaborated with a range of mission-driven organizations including the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh’s Black Female Leadership Development Initiative, Greater Pitts-
burgh Arts Council (GPAC), the Chuck Cooper Foundation, and the American Talent Initiative’s Equity in the Academic Experience Summer Institute. Her most recent work, “Rhetoric, Intersectionality and Black Women in Pittsburgh” draws from historical events, personal narratives, and community case studies to take a deep look at the intersectional marginalization, resistance and transformation journeys of Black women in a city deemed most unlivable for them.
A two-time recipient of the Pittsburgh Black Media Federation’s Robert L. Vann Award for Excellence in Visual Presentation (2021, 2025), Thompson has been honored for both Featured Photography and Sports Photography Series. Her photo series of the Pittsburgh City United FC soccer team appeared in “ Alzheimer ’s Today” (spring 2022), and her portrait of Jessica Merritt graced the cover of “Fenix Innovation Magazine” (October 2024).
At 68, Thompson remains an award-winning photographer who continues to capture life through a thoughtful lens—transforming everyday moments into timeless visual stories.
SHANYN WINNOWSKI
Manager of Participant Learning, Pennsylvania Women Work; Founder, Pillar Pittsburgh
Shanyn Winnowski serves as the Manager of Participant Learning at Pennsylvania Women Work. In this position, she leads initiatives that empower women to achieve sustainable employment and economic independence. Winnowski is passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences that not only prepare participants for the workforce, but also nurture confidence, resilience, and self-worth. Her work is rooted in a deep belief that when women are supported, entire communities thrive. Beyond her professional achievements, Winnowski is the founder of Pillar Pittsburgh , a free postpartum support group she created two years ago for mothers and their babies from birth to age 2. What began as a local gathering to help new moms navigate the challenges of early motherhood has grown into a compassionate community offering connection, education, and encouragement. Through Pillar , Winnowski continues her mission of empowerment—this time supporting women in one of life’s most transformative seasons.
Winnowski’s commitment to service and community is reflected in every aspect of her life. She has been mar-
ried to her husband for 19 years and is the proud mother of three wonderful children, ages 9, 9, and 13. Balancing family, career, and service, she strives to model the values of compassion, perseverance, and purpose that guide her work.
Whether in the workplace, the community or at home, Winnowski leads with empathy and vision—qualities that make her a true “ Woman of Excellence .”
