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VERNON JORDAN DIES

Tireless Civil Rights leader, adviser to President Clinton, celebrated by many Page A4

Pittsburgh Courier NEW

www.newpittsburghcourier.com Vol. 112 No. 9

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MARCH 3-9, 2021

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AFRICAN AMERICANS ABOMINABLY UNDERREPRESENTED IN OBTAINING COVID-19 VACCINE Data obtained by Courier shows just 2,860 people identifying as Black have received full vaccine in Allegheny County

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

If you’re African American and living in Allegheny County, it might be easier for you to fly to the moon than it is for you to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

The New Pittsburgh Courier has found that as of Feb. 26, just 2,860 county residents who identified as Black had received both shots of the COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech), according to data from the Pa. Department of Health’s website.

Meanwhile, there were 36,429 White

residents in the county who were fully vaccinated. These numbers don’t take into account data that hasn’t been reported to the state Health Department, the 4,109 fully-vaccinated county residents who identified their race as “multiple/ other,” nor the 15,967 fully-vaccinated county residents whose race was classified as “unknown.”

But there’s no doubt that African Americans are underrepresented when it comes to getting access to the COVID-19 vaccine in Allegheny County. Using just the identified Black and White county residents

who’ve had both shots as of Feb. 26, totaling 39,289, Blacks who were vaccinated (2,860) equaled 7.8 percent. Allegheny County’s Black makeup is 13.4 percent.

While there were nearly 16,000 county residents who received both shots but whose race was classified as “unknown,” it’s unrealistic to believe that the majority of those residents were African American, given the overall trend of the data of which race is known.

And when it comes to Allegheny County residents who have been only partially vaccinated—

with just the first shot only—the data doesn’t really get much better for African Americans. State Department of Health numbers showed that as of Feb. 26, 75,141 White residents were “partially covered”—as for African Americans, the number was 8,217.

COURIER EXCLUSIVE This issue is real. Not only nationwide, not only statewide, but in our own backyard. African

Americans in Allegheny County are living in a “COVID-19 vaccine desert.”

Entities in Allegheny County are trying to get the vaccine to the masses—large vaccination clinics have been held at PNC Park and Heinz Field, and the Allegheny County Health Department is in the process of vaccinating hundreds per day this week in Castle Shannon, in the South Hills.

But what about Pittsburgh’s Black communities? Where are the mass vaccination events in the Hill District? Homewood? North Side (not

just PNC Park and Heinz Field)? East Liberty?

The Hilltop? Sheraden?

Those in Homewood and Lincoln-Lemington may have heard about what was labeled a successful COVID vaccine pop-up event in Homewood on Feb. 5-6, in which about 1,000 people (majority-Black) over age 65 were strategically contacted and, within a few days, given the first of the two shots of the COVID vaccine.

Other than that event, though, there’s been no large-scale vaccination event in Pittsburgh’s SEE VACCINE A2

HEROIC ACT Tanikka Pinnix and Layla Gooden save woman’s life by talking her off the Homestead Grays Bridge February 24, 2021, was proclaimed “Tanikka Pinnix and Layla Gooden Day” in the City of Pittsburgh, and with good reason.

But if you ask this mother/daughter duo, they were just doing what anyone should—or better yet,

would—do.

On the morning of Jan. 28, a series of unpredictable detours resulted in a mother, Pinnix, and daughter, Gooden, from West Mifflin, driving over the TANIKKA PINNIX, second from right, with her daughter, Layla Gooden, second from left. The mother-daughter team heroically spotted a Homestead Grays Bridge woman on the Homestead Grays Bridge who was in distress, and convinced the woman to come down to safety. Pinnix and Gooden were and ultimately saving the honored by the City of Pittsburgh, Feb. 24.

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life of a stranger.

Pinnix and Layla Gooden spotted a woman in distress, not wearing a coat, with one leg up on the bridge railing. They quickly pulled their vehicle over and managed to

calmly convince the woman to come down to safety, all before emergency services personnel had arrived at the scene, according to a release from the City of Pittsburgh.

Last Wednesday, Feb. 24,

in Council Chambers, Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich, on behalf of Mayor Bill Peduto and City Council, proclaimed it as their day, recognizing them as outstanding citizens who undoubtedly prevented a

tragedy through their kindness and empathy.

Hissrich was on the bridge that day, along with Bureau of Emergency Medical SerSEE PINNIX, GOODEN A3

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METRO

MARCH 3-9, 2021

AFRICAN AMERICANS ABOMINABLY UNDERREPRESENTED IN OBTAINING COVID-19 VACCINE VACCINE FROM A1

Black community.

But, there’s more to the story.

Reverend Paul Abernathy, CEO of the Neighborhood Resilience Project, in Pittsburgh, said that in addition to certain technological barriers that some African Americans face in trying to sign up online for

Still, an Associated Press poll released in February revealed that 43 percent of African American respondents said they would “probably or definitely reject” the vaccine.

Vice President Harris is continuing her crusade to get African Americans vaccinated, and to toss the concerns about the vaccine’s negative effects

vaccine in the county, those who are ages 65 and over are now included, along with those ages 16 to 64 with underlying health conditions.

The Allegheny County Health Department said that it is focusing on those ages 65 and over only, until further notice. The health department currently has two “points of dispensary,”

The issue is real. Not only nationwide, not only statewide, but in our own backyard. African Americans in Allegheny County are living in a “vaccine desert.” a vaccination appointment, there’s a general “mistrust of government, history of clinical abuse,” and “mistrust of Corporate America” that is affecting the willingness of some Blacks to get the vaccine.

He said on MSNBC’s “The Reidout” on Feb. 26 that he’s been going “door-to-door” to “disseminate information” honoring people’s “dignity to make choice, believing that with the right information, they can make the best choice.

And it’s made a tremendous effect with that approach.”

Kamala Harris, who has become a historic figure as the nation’s first Black vice president, received her first COVID vaccine shot on Dec. 28, 2020, on national TV, to curb concerns in the Black community about the vaccine. Al Roker, the everlasting NBC “Today Show” meteorologist, got his first shot on live TV on Jan. 19. Samuel L. Jackson got his first dose of the vaccine on Jan. 24.

in the trash. She spent much of her Thursday afternoon, Feb. 25, in a D.C. grocery store located in a Black neighborhood, easing tensions about the vaccine to older African Americans who were getting their second dose.

“It will feel, when you get the shot, the same way the first one felt,” Harris said to one person, reported by the L.A. Times. “The next day, I realized I needed to take it a little slow.”

And in Philadelphia, a group of Black doctors created the “Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium,” bringing the vaccine right into the Black community. Founded by Dr. Ala Stanford, she said in media reports that so far, her group has vaccinated 10,000 people.

So, how can you get the coveted COVID-19 vaccine? Currently, Pennsylvania is in phase “1A” of the vaccine rollout. While most people are aware that those in long-term care facilities and frontline health care workers were first to receive the

in Monroeville’s Double Tree Hotel (next to Monroeville Mall), and the Castle Shannon Fire Department Banquet Hall (3600 Library Road).

You cannot get your first dose of the vaccine until you have successfully secured an appointment via the health department’s website (or via phone by dialing 211), a few days to a week prior to the actual vaccination date. Check the health department’s website for upcoming announcements on when the next mass vaccination clinic will be held: www.alleghenycounty. us/healthdepartment Grocery store chain Giant Eagle is offering vaccinations, although appointment times at its various locations are limited due to an extremely limited supply of the vaccine. Giant Eagle teamed with the Pittsburgh Steelers to dish out first-dose vaccinations to 4,000 people between March 2-5. It’s unSEE VACCINE A3

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This Week In Black History A Courier Staple MARCH 3

1968—The infamous COINTELPRO memorandum is sent to FBI field offices around the country. COINTELPRO was a government counter-intelligence program aimed at disrupting and destroying Black, peace and anti-war groups. The March 3 memorandum specifically called on FBI agents to infiltrate militant Black organizations and employ various tactics to prevent them from growing individually or uniting with one another.

The agents were also told to do whatever was necessary to prevent the rise of a “Black Messiah” who could “electrify and unify” Black people. Approximately one month after the COINTELPRO memorandum was issued, Civil Rights Movement leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis. When the COINTELPRO documents were discovered by a reporter in the 1970s, suspicion increased that the FBI and its longtime Director J. Edgar Hoover were in some way involved with the killing of Dr. King.

1991—Motorist Rodney King is brutally beaten by a group of Los Angeles police officers. Unknown to them, the beating was caught on videotape. However, a year later (April 29, 1992) when a jury in Simi Valley, Calif., with no Blacks on it found four White officers not guilty of all charges related to the beating, riots erupted in Los Angeles, leaving millions of dollars in damage, nearly 50 people dead and more than 300 injured. Ultimately, two of the officers were convicted on federal civil rights charges and King received a financial settlement from the city of Los Angeles. It was during this period that King uttered his signature statement: “Why can’t we all just get along?”

MARCH 4

1877—Inventor and scientist Garrett A. Morgan is born in Paris, Ky. Among his major inventions were the gas mask and the automatic traffic signal. He made history on July 25, 1916 when he used his gas mask to rescue 32 men trapped in a mine explosion beneath Lake Erie. The U.S. Army also used the gas mask to save lives during World War I. Morgan died in 1963.

1922—Comedic great Bert Williams dies of pneumonia in New York City at the age of 46. What Jackie Robinson did for Blacks by breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball, Williams did on the American stage. He was a comic, singer, writer and producer who spent 10 of his 25 years in show business performing with the famous Ziegfield Follies. W.C. Fields once referred to him as “the funniest man I ever saw.”

Williams was born Egbert Austin Williams in the Bahamas.

MARCH 5

1770—Crispus Attucks is shot and killed by British soldiers, becoming the first American to die in the struggle for American Independence from England.

Attucks was an escaped slave who became a sailor and rope maker. It is unclear exactly how he became involved in the protest of that day. But a crowd had gathered and began to taunt British troops. Attucks, who was of Black and Indian parentage, was inspired to give a speech in which he spoke of the importance of freedom. Suddenly a volley of shots was fired into the crowd. Four people died that day in an event which became known as the Boston Massacre.

MARCH 6

1857—Perhaps the most thoroughly racist decision ever rendered by a U.S. Supreme Court is released on this day—the Dred Scott decision. Scott and his wife, Harriet, had sued in St. Louis Circuit Court claiming they were free because their slave master had taken them from a slave state to the free territory of Missouri. However, in a majority opinion written by Chief Justice Roger B. Taney the court ruled: 1) Blacks, be they slave or free, were not and could not be U.S. citizens and thus were not entitled to file suit in U.S. courts, 2) Denied Congress the power to restrict slavery by declaring the 1820 Missouri Compromise unconstitutional, 3) Declared that where the Constitution said, “All men are created equal,” the phrase did not include Blacks, and 4) Told African Americans that they “had no rights the White man was bound to respect.” However, reflecting the law of unintended consequences, the Dred Scott decision was so harsh and so angered anti-slavery forces that it helped pave the way for the Civil War which ended all slavery in America.

1957—The West African nation of Ghana becomes independent from White colonial rule becoming the first British controlled colony to gain independence. The nation took its name from the ancient empire of Ghana. Its first president Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was elected on July 1, 1960. Nkrumah would go on to become a major force

for African independence and Black rights worldwide. The Lincoln University graduate became a major advocate of international Black unity known as Pan-Africanism.

MARCH 7

1539—This is probably the day Estevanico—the first Black conquistador—was killed. Estevanico, a Black Moor from Morocco, was sold as a servant when he was only 10 but became friends with his owner Andres de Dorantes and joined a 1527 expedition of 300 men from Spain looking for riches in what would later become the U.S. state of Florida. All but four members of the expedition were wiped out by the Indians they tried to conquer. Estevanico was among those who survived. He was held captive for five years but became a “medicine man” and learned the languages of various tribes.

He eventually escaped and in February of 1539 led an expedition to Culiacan, Mexico looking for the fabled lost city of gold—El Dorado. It was doing this expedition that he was killed.

1965—On this day in Black history, the first leg of the Selma-to-Montgomery March is completed as thousands joined Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in protesting racial injustice in Alabama.

An earlier attempt to complete the march had been disrupted by a police attack. The Alabama National Guard was federalized, and U.S. Army troops were called in to protect the marchers.

It was shortly after this march that a White female supporter of the civil rights struggle, Viola Liuzzo, was shot and killed by Ku Klan Klan–style terrorists opposed to civil rights for Blacks.

1997—Former Jamaican Prime Minister Michael Manley dies. Manley is perhaps best known for his brand of democratic socialism and attempting to organize Caribbean and African nations into a bloc to press for better prices for their raw materials.

MARCH 8

1977—Henry L. Marsh III is elected the first Black mayor of Richmond, Va. Before becoming mayor of the capital of the old confederacy, Marsh had made a name for himself confronting the city’s White power structure as a civil rights attorney. He also served in the state senate.

1993—Jazz great Billy Eckstine dies at 78 in Pittsburgh. Eckstine came to fame in the 1940s and 1950s as a singer and bandleader who worked with some of the greatest names of the era including Louis Armstrong and Lena Horne.

He was one of the greatest influences upon modern jazz and B-bop. Among his best-known ballads were “Everything I Have Is Yours,” “Blue Moon,” “Caravan” and “That Old Black Magic.”

MARCH 9

1841—The U.S. Supreme Court rules that Joseph Cinque and his fellow mutineers are free men. Along with several of his Mendi tribesmen, Cinque, son of an African king, had been captured and sold into slavery. But in 1839, he led a revolt on the Spanish slave ship Amistad, killed the captain and seized control of the ship. However, a U.S. military ship seized the Amistad off the coast of Long Island, N.Y. The seizure led to protracted court battles in which Cinque and his men were charged with murder. But in an unusual ruling for its day, the high court held, in effect, that the men had a human right to try to escape bondage and allowed them to return to Africa.

1871—Noted Black politician Oscar De Priest is born in Florence, Ala. After moving to Chicago, he becomes a major political force in the city serving on the board of commissioners and then on the city council (1915-1917). However, De Priest became a national political figure when he was elected to the U.S. Congress in 1928. Throughout his years of political service, he was known as “a persuasive agent for the Black masses.”

Oscar Stanton De Priest died in 1951.

1931—Walter F. White is named executive secretary of the NAACP. The Atlanta-born White was arguably the most devoted and determined person ever to head the civil rights organization and was easily one of the top Black leaders of the first half of the 20th century. The light-complexioned and blue-eyed White also became a legend in 1919 when he “passed for White” in order to investigate a race riot in Elaine, Ark., which had left more than 100 Blacks dead. He barely escaped with his life when news leaked out as to who he was. A train conductor, thinking he was White, is said to have joked with him saying, “You’re leaving too early.

The fun is about to start. The boys are going to lynch a yellow Nigger passing for White.”

METRO

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

MARCH 3-9, 2021 A3

BLACKS IN ALLEGHENY COUNTY UNDER-REPRESENTED IN OBTAINING COVID-19 VACCINE As of Feb. 26, 2021, in Allegheny County, according to the Pa. Dept. of Health Vaccine Data Website...

Number of those who identified as White who have been fully vaccinated

Number of those who identified as African American who have been fully vaccinated

36,429

2,860

Number of those who identified as White who have been partially vaccinated

Number of those who identified as African American who have been partially vaccinated

75,141

8,217

VACCINE FROM A2

clear if Giant Eagle will hold a similar massive first-dose vaccination clinic in the future.

Allegheny Health Network and Highmark Health teamed with the Pittsburgh Pirates to hold a massive firstdose vaccination clinic at PNC Park on Feb. 24-25.

About 6,000 people received their first doses of the COVID vaccine, and will return in about three weeks for their second dose. It’s unclear when the next massive clinic will be held by Allegheny Health Network and Highmark Health. AHN advises people to call 412-362-8677 for more information, or visit its website: www.ahn.org/ coronavirus UPMC is advising people to visit its website, vaccine.upmc.com, or call 1-844-876-2822 to place your name on the waiting list for an appointment.

It’s unclear if UPMC will be holding any massive vaccination clinics in the future.

The federal government announced that it would be shipping massive quantities of the COVID vaccine to major drug stores CVS and Walgreens. However, the Courier has learned that as of Feb. 26, there were only six CVS locations in the state that had the vaccine, and just one of them in Western Pennsylvania— the CVS in New Kensington. All six CVS locations in the state, including New Kensington, have no appointments available as of Feb. 26. Also, as of Feb. 26, appoint-

ments were unavailable for Walgreens locations in the Pittsburgh region, according to its website. It’s unclear if appointments will become available at local Walgreens locations in the near future.

Another national drug store chain, Rite Aid, announced that it is also offering the vaccine. It requests that individuals visit the Rite Aid website to make an appointment.

The Biden administration announced that on Feb. 15, Federally Qualified Health Centers, more commonly known as Community Health Centers, would begin getting the vaccine directly into its offices. In the Pittsburgh area, Primary Care Health Services Inc., and East Liberty Family Health Care Center Inc., are the two major FQHC organizations, with medical offices in Homewood, Braddock, East Liberty, Hazelwood, McKeesport, the West End, Homestead, Wilkinsburg and Lincoln-Lemington.

The White House, in its announcement, said that at least one FQHC in each state per week would receive the vaccine.

The Courier has learned that since the FQHC Vaccination Program was announced last month, there have been four Community Health Centers in the state that have been selected by the Health Resources & Services Administration; three are in Philadelphia, the other in Williamsport, Pa. No Community Health Centers in Pittsburgh have been selected...yet.

HEROIC ACT PINNIX, GOODEN FROM A1

vices Division Chief Richard Linn and District Chief Justin Sypolt, to witness the positive outcome, thanks to the selfless actions of Pinnix and Gooden.

“I have responded to well over a dozen of these types of incidents and most don’t turn out well for the victim. It is comforting to know that by your work, that this one, this incident, even though it was a personal tragedy for the individual, that stranger that you saved continues to be able to live today and receive the help that she needs,” said Hissrich, at the socially-distanced ceremony.

Sypolt honored the women and thanked them on behalf of the city’s Public Safety and EMS bureaus.

“I know that on that day you probably didn’t wake up thinking that to-

day’s the day I’m going to change the world, but due to a series of unpredictable events, change the world you did. Because of what you did that day, another person is walking amongst us. I am incredibly grateful to have been there with you both that day, and to be with you now.”

Upon being honored, Pinnix said: “We should remember the greatest commandment of all, which is to love one another. And when I saw the woman on the bridge that day, I saw my own child.

I felt every emotion as though that were my own flesh and blood.”

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METRO

MARCH 3-9, 2021

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

‘The world lost an influential figure in the fight for civil rights and American politics.’

Vernon Jordan dies at age 85

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

Late Monday evening, March 1, in the words of NAACP President Derrick Johnson, “the world lost an influential figure in the fight for civil rights and American politics.”

Vernon E. Jordan Jr. died at age 85 at his Washington, D.C., home, surrounded by his wife and family.

Jordan was the consummate civil rights leader, lawyer and presidential adviser, who opened eyes in his early days when he became one of the youngest leaders of the National Urban League, at age 35.

Jordan was born Aug. 15, 1935, in Atlanta. He graduated from an all-Black high school, Howard High School, then attended a

primarily-White institution, DePauw University, in Indiana. He graduated from there in 1957, the only Black student in his class.

Jordan then studied law at Howard University, an HBCU, and his first foray into fighting segregation came when he filed a lawsuit against the University of Georgia’s integration policy in 1961 on behalf of Hamilton Holmes and Charlayne Hunter, two Black students. Jordan accompanied Holmes and Hunter to the UGA admissions office in that year through an angry mob of White students, according to CNN. Before becoming the National Urban League president in 1971, he was a field director for the NAACP

and director of the Voter Education Project for the Southern Regional Council. Johnson, the current NAACP president, in a statement called Jordan “an icon to the world and a lifelong friend to the NAACP. His contribution to moving our society toward justice is unparalleled.”

While on a trip to Ft. Wayne, Ind., in 1980, Jordan was shot in the back by a racist, and nearly died. The New York Times reported that he underwent six surgeries and remained hospitalized for 89 days.

But nothing, not even an assassination attempt, could stop the determined Jordan. He went on to advise President Bill Clinton during his initial cam-

paign and throughout his two-term presidency.

CNN reported that Jordan first met President Clinton during a trip to Little Rock, Arkansas, when Jordan was president of the National Urban League and President Clinton was the Arkansas attorney general.

Jordan advised President Clinton on numerous hirings, “golfing frequently with the president and sharing Christmas Eves together,” CNN reported.

DePauw University on Tuesday, March 2, mourned the passing of Jordan, and its president, Lori S. White, said in a statement that the university “has lost a dear friend and the world has lost a determined leader,” according to CNN. “He spoke loudly— through words and deeds— as a civil rights activist and quietly as a trusted counsel to presidents,” White said. “DePauw is better for having had him as a beloved alumnus, and the country and the world are better for having him as a leader.”

Former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama said on Tuesday, March 2, via Tweet that they “benefited from Vernon Jordan’s wise counsel and warm friendship—and deeply admired his tireless fight for civil rights.”

Jordan also broke barriers when it came to Corporate America. Jordan, a man who seamlessly navigated in many circles, was on the boards of Celanese Corporation, Bankers Trust, American Express

VERNON JORDAN and Xerox, among others.

In 2001, Jordan received the NAACP’s Springarn Medal for a lifetime of social justice activism, CNN reported. “His exemplary life will shine as a guiding light for all that seek truth and justice for all people,” the NAACP’s Johnson said.

President Clinton said in a statement to CNN: “He was never too busy to give good advice and encouragement to young people.

And he never gave up on his friends or his country.

He was a wonderful friend to Hillary, Chelsea, and me, in good times and bad.

We worked and played, laughed and cried, won and lost together. We loved him very much and always will.”

Current National Ur-

ban League President Marc Morial remembered Jordan as one of the “top transformative leaders” in civil rights, politics and business. Jordan was the first lawyer to lead the National Urban League, and helped propel it to more than 17 local chapters in his day and a budget that flirted with $100 million.

“The nation has lost one of its greatest champions of racial and economic justice,” Morial said in a statement, reported by the Associated Press. “He was a transformational leader who brought the movement into a new era. He was a personal mentor and dear friend.

His passing leaves a tremendous void that can never be filled.”

RELIGION/SPORTS

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

MARCH 3-9, 2021

What’s up with Pitt men’s basketball?

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East Liberty Presbyterian Church Rev. Dr. Randy Bush, Senior Pastor 412-441-3800 Worship Online on Facebook/YouTube www.ELPC.church

XAVIER JOHNSON, pictured at right, left the program on Feb. 24 and into the transfer protocol. One day later, Audiese Toney, pictured at left, decided to leave Pitt, too. What’s up with Pitt men’s basketball? Why are some of their top players leaving the program? What did Pitt head coach Jeff Capel have to say about this? “It’s been an interesting week, to say the least,” he said during his radio show on 93.7 The Fan, Feb. 25. “This has been an incredibly difficult year with everything that’s going on in the pandemic...I hope people don’t judge these kids both on and off the court for decisions that they make. There are a lot of factors that go into these decisions. Again, we wish them well, and for us, we’re trying to focus on the guys that we have, and to finish our season as strongly as possibly can.” As of March 1, Pitt had a 9-10 overall mark, 5-9 in the ACC. Pitt played their home finale against Wake Forest on March 2, and end the regular season Saturday, March 6, at Clemson. (Photos courtesy University of Pittsburgh)

The Panthers will roar again!

Many of you might find this a little hard to believe…but for the first time in a very long time… maybe ever...I actually do not have the answers to a major Pittsburgh sports situation. I know, I know, I am as surprised as you are.

That being said, I’ll tell you what a famous man once said: “I don’t know much, but I know what I know!” (I don’t know who, Mark Twain or Socrates or maybe it was Chris Rock… let me finish, will you...)

Now, keep in mind, so that you’re comfortable with this report, I do have a Pitt connection. Aside from my grad degree, I had that great pleasure of being a volunteer assistant coach with Tim Grgurich and Dr. Roy Chipman. And the real icing on the cake is the countless hours me and all the fellas spent playing

basketball at Trees Hall.

And anybody reading this that balled there knows what I am talking about.

Those were the best days of our lives.

With that in mind, you can trust that my unnamed sources will be on-point.

I’ll deliver it to you in typical “Overtime” fashion; but remember, this information is pure speculation! :10—The number one problem we’re hearing with the Pitt Panthers’ men’s basketball team is that there may have been some ongoing locker room problems…maybe some player jealousy? :09—It was understood by the players that there

are consequences for getting technical fouls! Getting techs will affect your playing time. And it’s important to note that Xavier Johnson received three

on to play in Lincoln, Nebraska...??? :07—When former Panthers guard Trey McGowens entered the portal, Stevenson immediately reached out to him along with assistant coach and former recruiter Matt Abdelmassih. :06 — I don’t think it’s a shock to anyone that Johnson had his ups and downs primarily with discipline, decision-making and control.

Nonetheless, the X-Man was to be a promising NBA draft selection. :05—However, if you followed the Panthers you witnessed the X-Man’s

Overtime

Bill Neal technical fouls in the Panthers’ last five games, one of which pretty much cost them the game. :08—It’s been a moment, but remember, Shamiel Stevenson entered the transfer portal and signed

problems and the slow oncourt development. :04—Of course there is some speculation as to why and how Au’diese Toney would leave the team in the same 24-hour time period as Johnson??? :03—I am going to guess…bet…that Johnson and Toney end up at the same school??? :02—I know there’s a lot of question marks…that’s because I don’t have the answers (duh!). :01—“However,” I know this…at the end of the day my bet is on Coach Jeff Capel. We’re talking top-of-the-line basketball royalty as a player and assistant coach at Duke… and the old-school teachings that build champions. When it’s all said and done…Pitt will roar again! :00—GAME OVER.

Ben Roethlisberger, the irreplaceable hostage-taker There are mountains of verbiage that must be scaled by journalists and fans alike that deal with sports reporting and the ingestion of sports information on a minute-by-minute basis. It is a fact that in these days of podcasts, blogs, webinars, or seminars, the only clear objectives of those that clamor, beg and plead for likes on “space-book” “insta-enema” and “hickory dickory doc” is for the content that they spew, spit and produce to go viral at all costs. This allows those sites to become temporary internet “czars” equipped with imaginary kingdoms, jaded crowns and thrones with nails as cushions.

Let us talk about the current position of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Ben Roethlisberger, who is thought by many Pittsburgh writers and pundits as being almost “irreplaceable.” As the years have progressed the time has now passed when the onceproud presence of Roethlisberger could elicit fear from opposing defenses— standing tall in the pocket waiting for a receiver to break free while “Big Ben” improvised, resulting in a great play.

Time and age has a cruel and unforgiving way of slowing down those with cheetah-like speed and “cobra-esque” reflexes to the speed of a tortoise and the reflexes of a sloth. During the beginning of a certain Hall-of-Fame career, Roethlisberger had a statuesque presence and was feared by many opposing defensive coordinators and players alike because of his uncanny ability to stand proud and tall in the pocket, surveying the gridiron during battle as he delivered perfect strikes

to receivers as he was under stress and duress in the pocket. He once had an uncanny ability to escape danger; nowadays it oftentimes appears that he runs headfirst into calamity. He has now been reduced to just being a statue. Presently, there are times when Roethlisberger attempts to navigate and maneuver in

OK as long as you compete against the value of other players and as long as you don’t take...house money.

Roethlisberger and Tollner will win as long as they compare Ben’s value against the value of his teammates, just as the game of poker does. He does not dare mimic the game of Blackjack and

Inside Conditions

Aubrey Bruce and around the pocket and the line of scrimmage but is unsuccessful because of a lack of mobility. It often appears as if molasses or some other Fred Biletnikoff stick-um like substance has been covertly been applied to the bottom of his cleats.

Ben’s on-the-field shortcomings have created a contractual dilemma for the Steelers. However, Roethlisberger and his agent, Ryan Tollner, seem to be approaching what would normally be a negative contractual scenario brimming with confidence.

Why? Could it be because they have adopted the methods of illegal Las Vegas card-counters? In the gambling world, poker players compete against the value created by other poker players as opposed to the game of Blackjack, where a player competes against the house. Just as in Vegas, most professional sports leagues are sort of

compare his value with the value of the house because as every gambler worth his salt knows, the house can perpetually play because eventually the house is going to come out on top unless the gambler takes the house hostage.

Since Roethlisberger was inserted into the Steelers starting lineup early in the third quarter in the second game of his rookie season in 2004 and continuing to the present, almost everything has been done to accommodate and pacify “Big” Ben in order to help him attain success.

During his entire career, many flimsy and even occasionally, totally fabricated excuses have covered his blind side when he has been non or less productive.

How many times have you heard these smokescreens?

“The offensive line did not block well enough.” “The receiver ran the wrong route.” “The running game was ineffective.” “The of-

fensive coordinator called a crappy game.” “The receiver didn’t lay out for the ball.”

Very seldom especially in the beginning of his career did you hear these sorts of analysis: “He held onto the ball too long.” “He underthrew or overthrew the ball.” “He misread the defensive coverage.” “He should have taken the sack as opposed to throwing a pick.” “The team would be in field goal range but instead of throwing the ball away he took a sack putting the team out of field goal range.” I could go on and on but I’m sure you get my drift.

Since his career began, Ben Roethlisberger has been coddled and placated for the sake of harmonizing his career. He must now coddle and placate

the needs of the Pittsburgh Steelers in order to facilitate “team” harmony considering the sacrifices that the franchise has made for him even in light of his declining skill set. Remember Antonio Brown, the former Steelers wide receiver that Roethlisberger vilified?

Brown just won a Super Bowl ring with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, catching a pass from a quarterback five years older and more talented than Ben Roethlisberger. Oh, what’s his name? Tom Brady.

It now has to be about the Pittsburgh Steelers as a team and not Ben Roethlisberger as one individual, because if it isn’t, rest assured that the Steelers will remain flirtatious with winning but will not maintain their record of excellence.

JEFFREY W. EVERETT 63, of Pittsburgh, PA (Homewood), died on Thursday, February 19, 2021. He attended Westinghouse High School and graduated from St. Thomas Catholic Church.

Served as a community leader and mentor to many young women and men at the Homewood YMCA. He had a long career in the trade industry working major commercial and residential renovations throughout the city.

Notably, he recently worked to complete revitalization projects in East Liberty. Jeffrey leaves to cherish his memory his two sons for whom he was extremely proud of: Elijah M. Everett and Jamal L. Everett. (Atlanta, GA).

He also leaves his mother Sarah Taylor (Zack) and siblings— Hakeem Everett, Victoria Young, Denise Jones (Pittsburgh, PA), April Cunningham (Darrell) of Fort Lauderdale, FL and Tonya Simmons (Aliquippa, PA).

His ‘other’ brothers: Fitch, Ritter, “Strib”, Nate, “Digit”, Bankhead, Brock , “Chase”, the Gudger twins & Sabeer, his Westinghouse Bulldog Family and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces & nephews and extended family.

Services will be held at Carrone Baptist Church on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at 12:00pm In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the YMCA St. 7140 Bennett Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15208.

Arrangements by Spriggs & Watson, Homewood.

Journey Worship...........8:45 a.m.

Sanctuary Worship...........11 a.m.

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You Are Welcome at our Meetings for Worship Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

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MARCH 3-9, 2021

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

New Pittsburgh Courier

Critical race theory and its crucial point of departure J. Pharoah Doss B3

BUSINESS MARCH 3-9, 2021

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U.S. Bank launches new approach to build wealth and create access for diverse communities (BlackPressUSA)—MINNEAPOLIS, February 17, 2021—U.S. Bank announced details of its U.S. Bank Access Commitment, a long-term approach bringing the strengths of U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation (USBCDC), corporate social responsibility and its business lines, to help build wealth while redefining how the bank serves diverse communities and provides more opportunities for diverse employees.

Access Commitment will focus on three primary areas: supporting businesses owned by people of color, helping individuals and communities of color advance economically and enhancing career opportunities for employees and prospective employees. The ongoing work—which will include projects from across U.S. Bank’s diverse portfolio of businesses—builds on the $116 million commitment made by U.S. Bank in 2020 including increased supplier spend, innovative products, services and transformative customer experiences and long-term place-based partnerships with the goal of addressing the persistent racial wealth gap, starting with the Black community.

This initial launch includes: • A new $25 million microbusiness fund focused on businesses owned by women of color • A mortgage program focused on homeownership education and hiring • A focus on building sustained wealth as part of U.S. Bank’s wealth management business • Financial inclusion partnerships • Supply chain financing focused on diverse businesses • Customized employee leadership development • A change to how U.S. Bank fills open positions within the organization “We believe access to capital for minority small business, housing and homeownership and workforce advancement creates opportunities for systemic change,” said Andy Cecere, Chairman, President and CEO of U.S. Bank. “U.S. Bank Access Commitment is our approach to building wealth and supporting individuals and small business owners through a series of business initiatives throughout 2021 and beyond. We are committed to be part of the solution.”

Supporting businesses owned by people of color $25 million microbusiness fund The U.S. Bank Foundation and USBCDC will provide $25 million in grants and investments through a new microbusiness fund for businesses owned by women of color. The fund is focused on providing access to capital, technical assistance and networking. USBCDC will provide $20 million in debt capital to Black-led and women-focused community development financial institutions (CDFIs). U.S. Bank Foundation will provide $5 million in grants to support expansion, capacity building, technical assistance and mentorship/networking. More on the fund, including selected partners will be shared in the coming weeks.

Expanding finance opportunities for diverse businesses U.S. Bank’s Global Trade and Supply Chain Finance teams will expand existing efforts to provide trade financing to more

U.S. BANK ACCESS COMMITMENT is a series of initiatives across the business to increase wealth building opportunities, starting with the Black community. diverse businesses, with a focus on supply then, U.S. Bank has been providing develchain finance. The team will work with U.S. opmental assistance and engaged in revBank corporate and commercial banking enue generating opportunities with First customers to optimize working capital for Independence Bank, a Black-owned bank diverse-owned businesses. It will do this by headquartered in Detroit, Michigan. providing bilateral access to Helping individuals and U.S. Bank’s receivables purcommunities of color adchase program so they can vance financially provide competitive payHomeownership ment terms to their buyers U.S. Bank is introducing but be paid earlier than the its DREAM (Delivering Redue date. This will help free sources that Enable Access up much needed capital by to Mortgage) Initiative, foimproving cash flow and cused on advancing Black enhancing their sales effort. homeownership and increasExpanding USBCDC’s ing Black representation ongoing commitment to in the mortgage industry racial equity for individuals and families USBCDC continues to across our national footprint look across its business for through strategic outreach ways to deepen relationand engagement with local GREG CUNNINGHAM ships with partners that are community partners. The Black-owned, Black-led or initiative includes enhanced are prioritizing racial equiadult financial education, ty in their work. For example, it’s prioritiz- youth outreach, and a mortgage loan offiing patient and lower-cost capital to Black- cer development program focused on atled CDFIs through a partnership with the tracting underrepresented communities African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs; to mortgage as a viable career choice. U.S. removing barriers and providing stronger Bank DREAM Initiative is set to launch in support to Black-led affordable housing de- late summer. velopers; and using an intermediary comFinancial inclusion munity development entity (CDE) model Through our technology and operations to create opportunities for Black-led CDFIs business, U.S. Bank made an equity investand CDEs to earn revenue, build experi- ment in Goalsetter, a Black-owned kids and ence and receive their own New Markets family finance app that provides a next-genTax Credit allocation. eration, education-first banking experience Doing business with diverse busi- for U.S. kids and teens, focused on financial nesses literacy. U.S. Bank was one of the first corIn 2020, U.S. Bank committed to doubling porations to provide investment into the its Black-owned suppliers within the next app. U.S. Bank is working on opportunities 12 months. U.S. Bank is making great prog- to use Goalsetter in its everyday business ress and is on track to achieving this goal. offerings including, incorporating the app Examples of areas of progress includes new into its financial education experiences for engagements in real estate appraisals, dig- customers and in its scholarship program. ital, technology, and construction.

During 2020, U.S. Bank launched finanIn the Fall of 2019, U.S. Bank joined the cial wellness coach programs in Aurora, Department of Treasury’s Mentor/Protégé Colorado, and in the Pullman neighborhood program to provide vital support to Mi- of Chicago in partnership with Operation nority Deposit Institutions (MDIs). Since HOPE. The goal is to increase credit scores,

savings and confidence, with an emphasis on serving people of color and underbanked individuals. Additionally, U.S. Bank will soon begin a new financial wellness pilot in Columbus, Ohio, offering financial education classes to high school students.

Building Black wealth U.S. Bank recently conducted a survey* of approximately 4,600 people to better understand the wealth management needs of various populations (Black, Asian, Hispanic and Caucasian). Early findings of this survey found that the majority of Black respondents felt their community was at a disadvantage compared to the general population when it comes to wealth accumulation. U.S. Bank will unveil full results of the survey over the next several weeks, with findings used to help inform a broader initiative to build wealth in communities of color. Listening and learning are key drivers in determining U.S. Bank’s Building Black Wealth next steps.

Enhancing career opportunities for our employees Advancing Black leaders U.S. Bank is committed to creating an inclusive culture where all employees are valued, empowered and given equitable access to opportunities to build and advance their careers. The company offers leadership development for all employees and will expand opportunities for both earlyand mid-career employees and Black executives in partnership with the McKinsey Black Leadership Academy. To date more than 150 executives are participating in the program. U.S. Bank is also preparing to launch a second year of its Managing Committee Sponsorship Program, which pairs executive leaders with women, Black and Hispanic leaders to increase visibility and accelerate their advancement.

Ensuring diverse candidate slates U.S. Bank recently expanded its diversity hiring efforts to include at least one woman or person of color in the interview process for all employment opportunities. Previous efforts had applied to manager level roles and above. The bank has also committed to expanding the use of diverse interview panels and is revising partnerships for sourcing diverse candidates.

“Launching U.S. Bank Access Commitment is an important next step in our focus on addressing the racial wealth gap, which suppresses opportunity for all Americans, and creating opportunities for all stakeholders to realize their full economic potential ,” said Greg Cunningham, chief diversity officer for U.S. Bank. “Our focus on developing the products, services and experiences that readily meets the financial needs of our diverse communities will ultimately help create more equitable outcomes for everyone.”

More information at usbank.com/diversity.

• The survey was conducted by C+R Research. Majority of the survey respondents have more than $100,000 in investable assets while a quarter had $25,000-$99,900 in investable assets. Survey respondents also included emerging affluent investors.

This sample included 21-40 year-old individuals with a college degree and between $55,000-$90,000 in income.

Debt negotiation practices EXPOSED! I recently received a phone call from a friend of mine. He was stressed out, confused and scared. He recently went through a divorce that resulted in him accumulating more than $60,000 in debts.

As if the events leading up to the divorce weren’t overwhelming enough, he’s now dealing with the mounting pressure of trying to make payments on this new debt in addition to paying the rest of his bills and expenses, eating and having a life.

The pressure was getting to him. Things were tight! He needed some wiggle room in his budget and he needed it fast. He thought he found the “magic pill” to his problem when he saw a commercial on television offering debt negotiation services. The pitch was: “Cut your debt in half! Pay off all your unsecured debt in under five years with minimum payments!

Don’t trash your credit report by filing bankruptcy! Allow our law firm who specializes in ‘debt settlement negotiations’ to work on your behalf. Never deal with a creditor or collection company again!”

The 60-second commercial was still running when he picked up the phone and dialed in. The representative who answered the phone told him everything he wanted to hear. He was told that his $60,000 unsecured debt balance would be settled for approximately $42,000 in five years or less. He was told that his monthly payments on this debt would be $736 a month.

He was currently paying approximately $1,364 a month. The idea of saving $628

a month and paying this debt off in five years had him salivating at the mouth. He was told that his credit would remain in good standing because a law firm was representing him.

He was on board immediately. He had them fax over the paperwork. He signed the agreement and faxed it back to them along with a voided check so that they could do a direct debit from his checking account for $736 a month. Nonetheless, he had some suspicion.

He decided to call me to see if he’d made a good decision.

When I learned that he was working with a debt negotiation company, I told him that he has to be careful because there are a lot of scam artists who pose as debt negotiation companies.

They make claims that they can settle debt for you. They request an initial deposit of a couple of thousand dollars. After they receive the check, you never hear from them again. The hairs on his arms stood straight as he listened intently to me. He shared the details of the program he signed up for. I told him that there were some legitimate debt negotiation companies out there but he’ll pay a stiff fee for their services and his credit will be trashed. I went on to share the details of

what I was sure they did not tell him.

Credit trashed: In order to get a settlement on your debt, you have to be severely behind on your account. As a result, they’ll discourage you from making payments on your accounts. Instead, they’ll ask that you send them a check every month. They will not use the money you’re sending them to make payments on your debts. They’ll set up a trust account on your behalf. When you have accumulated enough money in the trust account, they’ll negotiate settlements on your debts one debt at a time. During this process your credit report will report major delinquencies on the accounts you included in this plan, ultimately trashing your credit.

Fees, fees and more fees: You’ll pay a non-refundable retainer fee up to 10 percent of the balance of the account you included in this program. Since you have $60,000 in debt, your fee will be $6,000.

You’ll pay a monthly maintenance fee of approximately $65 a month or $780 a year for the privilege of them managing your trust account. You’ll pay fees to them and your bank if a check you sent to them bounced. You’ll pay an overnight fee or a wire fee when money is sent to a creditor to settle on an account. Worst of all, you’ll

pay a settlement fee of up to 33 percent on the portion of the debt they negotiated to be waived. In other words, if the balance on your debt is $1,200 and they negotiate a settlement for $600, they’re going to charge you a fee of $198.

Cancellation of debt is a taxable event: The IRS considers any debt you owe that was canceled or forgiven as taxable income unless an exception such as bankruptcy applies. In the year that a settlement is reached on your debt, both you and the IRS will receive a 1099-C disclosing the amount of the debt that was canceled or forgiven. You’re required to include the amount that was as income on your tax return—potentially increasing your tax liability.

Once you factor in fees, taxes and the high interest rates you’re likely to receive in the future because of having spotty credit, the question becomes, was there a benefit? You don’t need to pay an attorney exorbitant fees to stop making payments on various credit cards, trash your credit and negotiate settlements. Not that I recommend it, but anyone can pull that off.

If there were a benefit to debt negotiation companies, it would be the fact that they’ll deal with debt collectors on your behalf.

Fact remains, they can’t guarantee you a settlement nor can they guarantee that the creditors won’t take you to court.

(Money Coach Damon Carr can be reached at 412-216-1013 or visit his website at www.damonmoneycoach.com)

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OPINION

MARCH 3-9, 2021

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Indispensable?

Guest Editorial

A chilling reminder of climate change Black History Month 2021 has come to an end. The month was short, but a lot happened during the 28 days that it lasted. For one, the state of Texas experienced its greatest winter storm in its history. Families went without power for up to 55 hours and more.

Texas’ leadership had been warned in 2011 that this kind of crisis would occur if the infrastructure was not upgraded, but the warnings went unheeded. The state has a standalone grid, which was within minutes of totally going down, which would have impacted everyone and would have been devastating.

Today they are still experiencing water issues. People have gone without food, and a couple of people lost their lives. People were not warned about the possibility of a catastrophe of that magnitude because Texas was not used to having harsh winter weather.

To add insult to injury, some people are facing electricity bills totaling $10,000 because of the state’s privatization policy. Price gouging reared its ugly head.

Basically, this storm sent a chilling message to us, one that we should heed: we need to finally acknowledge the reality of climate change. President Biden has taken a step in the right direction by re-joining the Paris Accord.

Another thing that occurred this past week was the touchdown of a NASA probe named “Perseverance” on the planet Mars.

Moreover, the HR40 legislation regarding reparations for slavery was subjected to a hearing. According to those who know, the witness list was not what it should have been, with significant people excluded from the discussion. The issue of reparations is one of the most important ones facing Black Americans. Reparations can go a long way toward helping to compensate Blacks for the treatment endured during slavery and the years following it, including the Jim Crow years, segregation, and more.

In the midst of all of this is the pandemic. There are good things and not-so-good things connected with this situation. New strains of the virus have been identified, but at the same time a growing number of citizens have been vaccinated. Some observers are saying that this is resulting in a reduction of infections in some areas of the country.

These are just a few of the twists and turns that we have experienced during this last week in February. And though these issues were crucial, some are arguably more crucial than others.

As important as all of them are, one trumps them all: climate change. If we have no viable planet on which to reside, reparations will pale in importance, as will almost anything else that we can identify. If the planet is ruined, racism will end up being irrelevant due to lack of a platform on which to enforce it.

Actually, it is ironic that during the same week that the planet experienced some of the worst weather possible, NASA’s probe landed on Mars. When considering this, some people have speculated that the thrust for engagement with Mars may be connected with a movement among certain powers-that-be to seek another planet on which to live because of the irreparable damage done to this one.

While this can be seen as wild speculation, the truth of the matter is that we are fast approaching a point of no return and that it might be too late to turn the tide and rescue the planet.

In this regard, it might actually be true that some of the wealthiest individuals on Earth would plan to leave the planet. In fact, billionaires Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos both have announced a serious intent to leave Earth to colonize Mars (Elon) and the Moon (Jeff).

When Texas experienced the incredible devastation that resulted in no water, food, and shelter, it should have served as a glance of what the future might hold for the rest of humanity if we don’t get it together.

There are those who say that it is already too late, when assessing the very obvious changes in climate that have seen the advent of bigger and stronger storms, famine, and unpredictable weather. Couple this with the garbage that is literally killing our oceans and choking our wild life and you can see the big picture!

Considering the foregoing, Black people need to include the development of survival plans that include care for the planet while at the same time figuring out how to cope in a racist environment. Both strategies are important.

(Reprinted from the Chicago Crusader)

Founded 1910

Rod Doss Editor & Publisher Stephan A. Broadus Assistant to the Publisher Allison Palm

Rob Taylor Jr.

Jeff Marion

Office Manager

Managing Editor

Circulation Consultant

John. H. Sengstacke

Editor & Publisher Emeritus (1912-1997)

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—I often reflect on the stories told by my family and friends. While sometimes amusing, they can give rise to more serious thought and consideration.

One such story was told to me by a friend who was drafted during the Viet Nam War. He related that he had a close-knit family that always demonstrated love, and that he was well-respected among his circle of friends and associates. He admitted being shocked upon reading a large, posted poem entitled “INDISPENSABLE?” when he ventured into his first military Orderly Room. He did not memorize the poem, but remembered that it suggested that his life was no more valuable than the next warm body that could be put in its place. Recalling the transcripts of conversations between President Nixon and Secretary of State Kissinger describing Viet Nam era soldiers as “cannon fodder” added confirmation to his story.

This characterization of his worth was in direct opposition to the value placed on his life—for all of his life. It was a sobering reminder that his life only held situational value. The same value of, say, George Floyd!

In a greater sense, that story relates to our community at large. We’ve learned from our history that, upon emancipation, most institutional and general thought believed that African Americans, outside of slavery or similar conditions, had become obsolete in their usefulness to society. In a general sense, my experience and observations inform

Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.

Commentary me that the value of OUR humanity, and the humanity of other peoples of color, is based upon a sliding scale of the value that Whites perceive we bring to them. This is most obvious in sports and entertainment, and in other skilled areas where we have achieved essential expertise. There is little question that we retain value as long as we can provide a “valued” service or perform the “dirty” jobs that Whites are unwilling to do.

The pandemic and last presidential election have highlighted this dynamic as never before. Past administration actions shed light on its intended outcomes. Most respected medical officials agreed that achieving herd-immunity in the manner pursued by the Trump administration would have had an epically destructive impact on Black and Brown communities. With disparate healthcare, circumstantial herd-immunity outcomes of “get well” or “die” favor the unwelcomed “die’ option for people of color.

Disregard of voters of color is another issue with which the nation currently

struggles. The “BIG LIE” supporting a 2020 Trump victory is sustained by the effort to eliminate votes originating in communities of color. Republicans emphatically supported discarding votes from urban centers in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Michigan, and Arizona. It doesn’t take a genius to know whose votes were under fire.

Rogue police, those who support them, and radical political reactionaries who understand the change that OUR unfettered participation in the political process predict, have shown their intent to take this country back to a time of ‘limited democracy’ by virtue of race.

OUR immediate and on-going challenge is to ENGAGE to protect OUR true value. We no longer have the luxury of sitting-back while waiting for others to take-up our cause.

For as long as this country has existed, ‘slowing-down’ or taking ‘measured steps’ toward full social justice has been the mantra of those who resist constructive social change. We now face a new, more dangerous enemy who is willing to immediately and dramatically throw the legal and social constructs of our ‘democracy’ into reverse gear.

They willingly discard the principles upon which this country was founded to the goal of maintaining racial, social, and cultural superiority. We must match their vigor with an equal vigor for the salvation of our lives and those of our children. We have no other choice!

(Dr. E. Faye Williams is President of the National Congress of Black Women.)

The future of America is people of color (NNPA)—As America struggles with the challenges of Covid-19, and a depression/recession, there is sunshine and a belief of tremendous success with people of color (POC).

Truth, integrity and factual information are the foundation that President Biden and Vice-President Harris are building their administration upon.

The past four years were based on corruption, lies and textbook racism.

But Democracy—and America’s voice: the vote—won again.

Many Republicans and political pundits may see the new administration as a mistake, but 84 million people, the most in the history of America, voted with their hearts and their souls. So, this is the new truth.

America has shifted, and Republican foolishness and corruption will be exposed and destroyed on a daily level.

There is dangerous behavior being exhibited in the Republican Party, with Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene. On Thursday, 2/4/21, Congresswoman Greene was stripped of her committee posts, in education and budget. The House Democrats joined by 11 Republicans felt she was a danger to the integrity of the body, and many are calling for her to resign her position as a Congresswoman.

“Mostly, the headlines have been about her (previously held) conspiratorial QAnon beliefs, claims that 9/11 did not happen, that school shootings such as the one at Sandy Hook 2012 in Connecticut that killed 26 children and adults were staged and more,” says Andrew Buncombe—reporter for The Independent. This is an indicator that millions of Americans think like her, and they are caught up in a

Roger Caldwell

Commentary delusionary reality.

As the Republicans remain in gridlock, the Democrats have learned that they cannot wait for them to make up their minds, nor wait to see which way they will go. The Democrats have majorities in the Senate/House, and they are preparing to move forward.

There is a diversity explosion taking place across the country, in the White House, in Congress, with women and with people of color. The new census reports confirm the importance of racial minorities as the primary demographic engine of the nation’s growth.

“The new census projections indicate that for youth under the age of 18, the post millennia population, minorities will outnumber Whites in 2020,” says William Frey, Senior Fellow, Brookings Institution Metropolitan Policy Program. This is amazing data for people of color, because Whites are not replacing themselves with babies.

Soon there will be an inflection point, and there will be more people of color than White people in America.

William Frey is projecting in 2045; America will become “minority White.”

There is nothing Americans can do about this scientific fact. As the Biden administration begins to address

criminal justice and prison reform, the killing of Black and Brown people must end. There are many organizations across the country, fighting in solidarity to change policing in America.

There are now more than 40 percent of the residents in the country, who identify themselves as people of color (POC). The future of America is with people of color, because they are an interchangeable member of a shared group, and also has a unique identity such as Black or Hispanic.

Public discussion often overlooks the fact that groups called minorities can choose from several identities. A person of color can call themselves Black, Latino, Asian, Mexican, Jamaican, Chinese or any other culture they are comfortable with. Depending on the circumstances, this is a new identity that will get larger as people refuse to call themselves White.

As America shifts under the administration of Biden, the majority in the Democratic Party will be people of color (POC). This makes sense as it reflects the commonality of America, and the fight is for racial equity, and respect for people as human beings.

As anti-racist efforts and organizations continue to grow and unfold, the battle will be coordinated and organized by people of color. People of color will no longer be the minority, they will become the majority, and this will happen before 2045.

The responsibility of people of color is to stand up and be counted. To relax and wait for change is no longer an option. If you want change, remember you are no longer the minority as people of color, and register and vote.

When the Boys’ Club made me a Man

by Harry C. Alford Growing up in the 1950’s and 1060’s was quite challenging for a young Black male in urban America. Many of us didn’t make it or had challenges galore.

This worried my mother and she thought long and hard about a solution.

She came up with a solution as she drove to work every day. She would drive past this building attached to a playing field which always had young minority boys playing organized sports.

One day she visited the place and spoke with the managers. She was most impressed and committed me to join this location known as The Boys’ Club.

It was like a public park but had no delinquents hanging around and looking for trouble. It was well managed by young men who were committed to helping youngsters like myself grow up with a purpose and ambition. There were activities everyday but Sunday and was unusually integrated with a good sampling of Hispanic and Black boys.

The manager was Jim Omo who had a passion for football and boxing. He became my personal trainer. He taught us how to throw a football and the principal stances of blocking, tackling and running pass routes. In boxing, I learned the art of punching, jabbing and evading your opponents’ strategy.

I remember my first touchdown. Omo said, “I want you to run laterally with the ball until you are two yards from the sideline then quickly cut to the right and sprint as fast as you can until you reach the endzone. I ran a 70 - yard

trail to the touchdown. It was a great thrill and that is when I decided to commit to this sport for the rest of my life. Little did I know it was to become a great influence on my maturity.

Boxing saved me from much of the bullying that would be going around in the neighborhood. My “right cross” is still rather “lethal” for those who dare to try me. I would transfer those skills on to my two sons who would become “chips off the old block” as they grew up. Still today, the principles I learned at the Boys’ Club are lived daily by me now. Keeping busy, having a plan to work on, respect those in power and be proud with your every move and project.

One day while reading the Bulletin Board at the Club, I read about a summer camp known as the “Devil Pups”.

This was a junior Basic Training school for those aspiring to be in the military.

The name comes from the Marine Corps term that was used for the Marine Corps infantry warriors known as “Devil Dogs” during World War II and the Korean War. I would later realize it to be actual military “Basic Training” that would give you a good taste of the real thing. I loved the challenges and performed excellently as the skills learned from the Boys Club prepared me well.

As I grew into manhood my preparedness came into play. I would earn a full scholarship to the University of Wisconsin playing inside linebacker. My sons and I get a thrill watching the Big Ten channel today when they play “Classic Big Ten Games”. Every now and then

they will show games that I played in and the fellas will critique my plays with enormous enjoyment and laughter.

I took the college degree I earned from UW and have applied it to my professional career throughout my adulthood.

It all started at a place called The Boys’ Club.

A tragedy known as the Vietnam War came into being and the Army drafted me into service. My college degree made me eligible for Officers’ Training School. I signed up and excelled during those challenging six months. What became natural was learned during my days at the Boys’ Club and eventually at college. OTS was very stressful and physically challenging. When I discharged as a First Lieutenant, I was totally prepared for the professional world and the skills for management and leadership. My advantage came from the training with the Devil Pups and mastering the stress and challenges of major college football.

On my first day of Basic Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, a drill sergeant walked up to me and shouted in front of the four platoons assembled, “Did you play football soldier?” I replied, “Yes Drill Sergeant!” He responded, “What position?” I countered, “Mean ass linebacker Drill Sergeant!”.

The Company’s First Sergeant stepped in and said, “He might make it around here”.

I did and thanks to the Boys’ Club.

(Harry Alford is the Co-Founder, President/ CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce ®)

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Keep a close eye on ‘em The national Black community, as a community, is in the vanguard of the rising national resistance struggles that kicked Donald Trump’s right-wing, White racist butt clean out of the White House, the Oval Office, and the Rose Garden.

The historic role of Black unity in these struggles is what made Herman Cain, Jim Brown, and the other handful of Black folks who supported Trump news worthy.

In the US Black community support for Trump is an anomaly. In White America Trump supporters are the norm. In a racist society, Albert Memmi said, the racist is the norm, (see, The Colonizer and the Colonized).

But the antics of these Black anomalies do not detract one iota from the historical importance of Black struggle in Campaign 2020.

Joe Biden gave thanks to Black struggle for its central role in slowing down the rise of the rabid, racist US right.

Likewise, “Honest Abe” Lincoln, no friend of Black people, had to admit the North would not have won the US Civil War, which kept the United States intact, without the vital support of over 186,000 Black soldiers and many, many, more Black logistical supporters.

Without the shadow of a doubt, Donald Trump is the most facts-checked liar in world history. But he doesn’t give a damn that the whole

Fred Logan

Commentary world knows that he is the psychotic liar that he is. Still, NFL Hall of Fame football player, and longtime Trump groupie Jim Brown said he met with Trump and he believed what lying Trump told him, whatever that was.

To further justify his support for an out and out White racist, Brown said something about everyone has a right to their own opinion. That includes Brown and Trump.

Many of Trump’s opinions as public policy or social practice would be extremely dangerous for the Black community. In 2015-2016, Trump said he admired Benito Mussolini, the father of European fascism. In the 1930’s and 40’s, Mussolini’s Italian troops mass murdered thousands and thousands of African people in Africa.

Trump refused to condemn the White racist 2017 “Unite the Right’ rally in Virginia.

The KKK and neo-Nazis share Trump’s opinions along with Jim Brown and other Black anomalies in this pack.

Keep in mind a number of prominent longtime White conservatives, by no means friendly toward the Black community, said publicly that Trump was far too reactionary for them and they could not, and did not, support him.

The very conspicuous former NBA basketball player Shaquille “Shaq” O’Neal supported this very same Donald Trump who was and is too reactionary for some White folks on the right.

Some Black folks for Trump are Black folks who always argue first and foremost they are “individuals.” They don’t follow the crowd, that is the Black community. They do their own thing.

So, they supported Trump.

In direct contrast, first and foremost, White folks support Trump in support of the White community and not for themselves as individuals. They voted in support of the collective White monopoly of power, wealth, privilege, and status.

That is White supremacy.

White workers, women, and religious leaders put collective White racism over and above their individual class, or gender, or professed religious ethics.

Every now and then, we saw at some Trump campaign rally—they all had the trappings of an old-time lynch mob rally—one of these Black Trump supporters strategically positioned for the TV news cameras.

Some Black Trump-groupies argued the Black community protests in mass when the police kill Black people, but they argue the Black community does not protest what mainstream White America labels “Black-on-Black” violence. That’s a low-down, bottom-of-the-slop-bucket lie, a Donald Trump-level lie.

Over the past 40 plus years, the mass struggle against illegal drugs and drug-related violence has been the most frequent social struggle in the Black community. In Pittsburgh, and elsewhere, the Black community, has led this struggle through hundreds, nay thousands of meetings, rallies, protests, and prayer vigils. We must call these sordid liars, the liars they are.

The late millionaire Herman Cain was a diehard Trump groupie. Cain ran around the country, refusing to wear a mask in the midst of a global pandemic, talking boo-coo trash for Trump. Cain committed suicide for Trump, or much, much more precisely “Foolicide.” For that, Cain should be made, posthumous, the official “Blacks for Trump” poster boy. He earned it.

In apartheid South Africa, the Africans who collaborated with White racism could not get way with the bankrupt defense, “The Black community is not monolithic.” And the same thing is true in the United States for the African Americans who supported and support Donald Trump.

The neo-Nazis, and KKK are very disappointed by Trump’s November 3 defeat. But they are by no means deterred. The US right is blazing ahead mobilizing, educating, and organizing the seventy-plus million White folks who knew exactly what they were doing when they voted for an out-and-out White racist on November 3.

The January 6 right-wing attack on the United States Congress is one example of their organizing.

In these very dangerous times, the national Black community must keep a very close eye on all of the Black anomalies who supported the very dangerous Donald Trump.

FORUM

Critical race theory and its crucial point of departure When Barack J. Pharoah Doss Obama ran for president, he was a first-term senator with no baggage, and his opponents created a controversy through his church pastor.

Obama’s pastor preached Black Liberation Theology. The majority of Americans didn’t care. They never heard of it. But Obama’s opponents said it was an offshoot of Liberation Theology, which originated in Latin America with priests who blended the New Testament with concepts of Karl Marx. Since Obama’s pastor preached a Black version of this doctrine people wondered if Obama was as radical as his pastor.

Obama could have explained there was an academic form of Black Liberation Theology that was influenced by the Latin American doctrine, but there was also a form of Black Liberation Theology that developed independently on slave plantations. This organic version was based on the Old Testament story of God liberating his people from captivity, and it developed inside of Black churches from Reconstruction up to the Civil Rights Movement.

However, Obama’s campaign didn’t find it advantageous to make the distinction. It was easier for Obama to publicly distance himself from his pastor and condemn what his pastor preached. Afterwards, anything that went under the banner of Black Liberation Theology was regulated to the “wrong side of history.”

Many Americans were willing to dismiss Black Liberation Theology, regardless of its utility, because it could have damaged a politician they liked. Now, let’s examine a doctrine that was denounced by a recent politician that many Americans hated.

During President Donald Trump’s re-election campaign, he issued an executive order that eliminated diversity training programs that taught Critical Race Theory. Once again, the majority of Americans never heard of it. Then it was brought up by the moderator during the first presidential debate.

The moderator asked the president why his administration “directed federal agencies to end racial sensitivity training that addressed White privilege or critical race theory?”

President Trump called these ideas, radical and racist. The moderator asked, what was radical about racial sensitivity training? Trump said, “They were teaching people to hate our country.” Former Vice

Check It Out

President Joe Biden replied, “Nobody’s doing that. He’s the racist.”

The presidential debate made the matter more confusing. The moderator treated Critical Race Theory and racial sensitivity training as if they were synonyms and President Trump’s assertions were inadequate. Since President Trump was hated and viewed as a White supremacist by a lot of Americans, these Americans assumed Critical Race Theory must have been beneficial to minorities and that was the only reason President Trump eliminated it. Joe Biden won the presidency and during his first week in office, he overturned Trump’s executive order concerning Critical Race Theory.

This time many Americans were willing to accept a doctrine they knew nothing about, because it was dismissed by a politician they hated.

Unlike Black Liberation theology, Critical Race Theory doesn’t have an organic version. It’s a direct descendant from a mid-20th century school of thought called Critical Theory.

This school of thought attempted to explain the failures of traditional Marxism. Critical Theory departed from Marx’s class-based analysis of industrial societies to analyze other hierarchies of oppression which laid the foundation for “identity politics.”

Critical Race Theory attempted to explain “rollbacks to the gains of the Civil Rights Movement” but Critical Race Theory completely departed from the philosophy of the Civil Rights Movement.

The major departure was explained in Critical Race Theory: An Introduction. The authors wrote: Critical race scholars are discontent with liberalism as a framework for addressing America’s racial problem. Many liberals believe in color blindness and neutral principles of constitutional law … Critical race theorists hold that color blindness will allow us to redress only extremely egregious racial harms, ones that everyone would notice and condemn. But if racism is embedded in our thought processes and social structures as deeply as many critical race theorists believe, then the ordinary business of society will keep minorities in subordinate positions.

Only aggressive, color-conscious efforts to change the way things are will ameliorate the misery.

Trump couldn’t articulate the harm of this departure, but President Biden is too color-conscious and too racially sensitive to realize a departure took place.

Democracy and White privilege When we look at the diversity John Warren of the people who attacked the capitol on January 6, most of us are surprised to find that at least 57 of those assaulting the building were elected officials in their home states and cities. These are people who have lived, worked and participated in “Democracy” as we know it. These people and the thousands of others who join them, refuse to acknowledge an election run and won according to our own constitutional mandates. These people and the “White Nationalist” who believe that America only belongs to its “White” citizens, who live and have lived according to “White Privilege” ignoring the words of the Declaration of Independence which says: “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.

That to secure these rights governments are established among men, deriving their just powers from The consent of the governed.”[1] It appears that a growing number of Amercans believe that the words of this document only apply to them in terms of the idea of being equal.

It appears that many of our White citizens who are the far right extremists who follow Donald Trump believe the inscription written on the barnyard door in the novel, “Animal Farm.” The fictitious account of animals taking over and running

Commentary

the farm carries an example of the pigs taking over and exercising more power and influence than the other animals.

When questioned about this usurpation of power, the pigs wrote the following words on the barnyard door: All animals are equal, but some animals are more Equal than others.

Clearly the concept of Democracy has become too inclusive in America. The idea of equality now includes too many Black, Brown, Asian and other immigrant groups.

Those rising to the levels of elected leadership come from these groups.

Power is no longer all “White” in America, and “White” people who have a universal history of taking what they want from others rather than sharing, now feel that violence is necessary because government as they intended it is now serving those who were intended to serve them (Whites).

Democracy was intended to acknowledge that all men are created equal and not that some are more equal than others.

African Americans need to pay particular attention to these issues because we are the ones being most affected at every turn by this War on Equality. This is a war that never let up, even after the passage of the 13, 14, and 15th amendments to the U.S. Constitution. We must now come together, as others have done and are doing, if we are to survive.

America no longer has the moral compass that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. knew. We have the knowledge and tools to win this battle. The only thing in our way is “us.”

(John E. Warren is Publisher of The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint)

MARCH 3-9, 2021

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Jesse Jackson Sr.

Commentary

The right to vote is under siege (TriceEdneyWire.com)—The fundamental right in a democracy—the right to vote—is once more under siege. In state after state, Republican legislators have introduced literally hundreds of bills designed to suppress voting. Their passion is fueled by Donald Trump’s big lie that the presidential election was “stolen” from him.

Their targets are minorities—African Americans, Latinos and Asian Americans, and the young. They call themselves Republicans, but their lineage comes not from Abraham Lincoln, the first Republican president, but from Jefferson Davis, the southern Democrat who led the Confederacy in its battle to keep Blacks enslaved. The current debates have a haunting history. After the South was defeated in the Civil War, Congress passed the 13th, 14th and 15th amendments.

Often termed the “second founding,” these amendments ended slavery (13th) guaranteed equal protection under the laws (14th) and prohibited discrimination in the right to vote (15th).

The defeated south then began what was called Reconstruction. To be readmitted to the Union, they had to create new constitutions that rendered equal rights to all. In some states, newly freed Blacks constituted the majority. In many states, a new fusion politics began, often bringing the newly freed Black citizens together with small farmers and merchants against the old plantation aristocracy.

In states like North Carolina, the new majorities passed remarkable progressive reforms in public education, public works, progressive taxation, land redistribution and more. The White plantation aristocracy could not abide the new order.

They organized a systematic effort to suppress the new coalitions. America’s first domestic terrorist organization, the Ku Klux Klan, unleashed a wave of violence against newly freed Blacks and the Whites who joined them. An estimated 5,000 Blacks were lynched.

The violence that included setting fire to Black stores and neighborhoods was designed to drive Blacks and their allies out of polling booths and the South. The plantation aristocracy successfully took back power, then imposed Jim Crow laws that made it virtually impossible for Blacks to vote. The federal government failed to check the violence, and in 1876, in a corrupt deal, Republicans agreed to end Reconstruction and remove the remaining federal troops. In 1896, to its lasting shame, the Supreme Court in Plessy v. Ferguson ratified the surrender, declaring separate but equal laws constitutional. It took more than 50 years before the civil rights movement and the Voting Rights Act restored the right to vote to African Americans.

Today’s Republican Party is founded on the reaction to the civil rights movement.

From the 1964 Goldwater presidential campaign on, Republicans traded hats with southern Democrats to become the party of state’s rights, White sanctuary and opposition to racial equality.

Today’s Jefferson Davis Republicans know that they are increasingly a minority party. In Georgia, Arizona, Texas, North Carolina and other states, Republicans fear they will lose control. Once more, intimidation, mass incarceration and violence are used to intimidate. After the last election, Trump rallied his supporters with the big lie that the election was stolen, inciting them to sack the Capitol and to march on state legislatures. Worse, even after the riot, 147 Republicans in the House and Senate voted to overturn the election.

The violence, just as in Reconstruction, is combined with a systemic campaign to suppress the right to vote. In 33 states, legislators have introduced 165 bills to restrict voting, the Brennan Center on Justice reports. In nine states, Republicans have introduced legislation to limit mailin voting (nearly half of votes in the 2020 election were cast by mail due to the pandemic). In 10 states, Republicans are pushing more stringent voter ID requirements, knowing that these discriminate against minorities (25 percent of African Americans but only 8 percent of Whites have no government-issued photo IDs). Other states are pushing to prohibit the use of student IDs to make it harder for the young to vote, roll back automatic voter registration laws, end Election Day registration or reduce the number of days for early voting.

In Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Texas, Republicans control all branches of government, giving them power to gerrymander districts in the redistricting after the 2020 census. Once more the Supreme Court has aided and abetted these anti-democratic actions. The rightwing majority gutted the Voting Rights Act in Shelby County v.

Holder. For the first time, there will be no prior review by the Justice Department to limit racially discriminatory gerrymandering. Then in Rucho v.

Common Cause, the “gang of five” ruled that the courts would no longer review challenges to partisan gerrymandering. No federal court will stand in the way of discriminatory outrages. It took decades to overcome the Jim Crow laws imposed at the end of Reconstruction. It required mass demonstrations, immense courage on the part of ordinary heroes, and finally the leadership of Lyndon Johnson and Martin Luther King Jr., among others, to begin to correct the injustice.

We can’t wait decades this time. Jefferson Davis Republicans are once more intent on imposing minority rule, and using the law and a partisan majority on the Supreme Court to enforce it. They’re using both terrorist threat and legal measures to intimidate and impede voters. Once more it will take popular opposition—demonstrations, voter registration and mobilization drives, popular education and engagement—to protect the right to vote. The House of Representatives has passed a law, HR 1, to expand and protect the right to vote.

The bill is likely to face universal opposition from Republican senators, unless popular mobilization forces some to stand up. It is time for ordinary heroes once more.

New Pittsburgh Courier

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MARCH 3-9, 2021

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Help Wanted

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YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE Are you looking for a position that will make a difference in the lives of teens? Do you want a job working with fantastic coworkers for a program that is considered a model in the county? This position may be right for you!

The Human Services Center Corporation (HSCC) in Turtle Creek is looking to fill a full time position of Youth Development Associate in the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) which is a workforce development and college readiness program for low income seniors in high school.

Minority candidates are encouraged to apply. he tentative start date for the position is May 3, 2021 (with some flexibility if necessary). ualified applicant must have a passion for direct practice work, experience working with youth, preferably teenagers, and possess a achelor s degree. andidates must possess current Act 33/34 and FBI clearances or at least start applying for them to be considered for an interview. n addition, applicant must have own reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and acceptable driving record.

Major responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to, pro viding overall case management services to the teen participants, completing all enrollment and assessment forms and other relevant paperwork on a consistent basis, and developing and implementing educational sessions with groups of students in a classroom setting and/ or in a virtual setting. his full time position is a salaried position with a range of $33,000$35,000 per year with an exceptional benefits package (including free health insurance, outstanding retirement plan with no match necessary and plenty of time off). he schedule is usually Monday-Friday with the individual working most of the year in the high school setting during the building hours.

TO APPLY: A cover letter and resume MUST be emailed to Leah O’Reilly, Director of Programs at Loreilly@hscc-mvpc.org. No calls or emails inquiring about this position please.

FACILITIES & OPERATIONS MANAGER SISTERS PLACE seeks full time management level professional to support the mission of the organi ation. The Facilities & Operations Manager oversees and coordinates daily maintenance and work order management for residential prop erties and administrative buildings s .

Position involves physical labor and maintenance work as well as high level leadership of the pro gram. ncludes oversight of vendor contractor coordination, and landlord interfacing. e uires client engage ment and education. raditional and on call hours. etails are posted at www.sistersplace.org. Email resume and salary expectations to mferraro@sistersplace.org.

PART-TIME UTILITY CLERK. The Borough of Braddock is accepting applications for art ime tility lerk. pplications may be obtained at the orough ffice, ixth treet, raddock , between the hours of 9:00 am and 4:00 pm., Monday through Friday.

For further information contact the Braddock Borough at 412-271-1018 or email resume to braddockmanager@comcast.net All Applicants must meet the fol lowing minimum requirements: POSITION DESCRIPTION: Performs a wide variety of clerical and administrative support functions for the orough ewer tility. his position requires excellent computer, verbal communication and written skills. he position is responsible for maintaining the records of the orough ewer tility customers.

The position also requires strong customer service skills and the ability to perform a variety of tasks as needed. his position handles several financial processes associ ated with the sewer utility system.

Involves clerical, research, and data entry functions, requiring strong or gani ational and technical skills. n addition, this position acts ACTIVITIES REQUIRED FOR SEPARATION OF FISCAL DUTIES: ecords all sewer payments received by the Borough through the mail or in person from customers.

•Provides the checks, list of receipts and cash records to the anager.

•Makes deposits to bank(s) through remote capture device. repares any cash deposit for Manager to deliver to bank.

•Consults with Treasurer as needed on financial matters. ay retrieve information on finances at request of Treasurer/Manager for clarification of decisions on financial matters. eports problems related to finan cial management to Manager or reasurer.

PAY SCALE: ased on ualifications and expe rience EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS •Associates degree, minimum high school diploma or GED, and/or prior work experience.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS bility to use the icrosoft ffice, dobe crobat and the internet.

•Ability to navigate and utilize the uni ink utility software. urrent valid driver s license. bility to pass a drug test.

•Ability to successfully pass a per sonal background investigation. bility to be bondable. bility to work as part of a team.

•Additional new requirements may to added from time to time

PROGRAM MANAGER POSITION AT BROTHERS AND SISTERS EMERGING (B.A.S.E.) ocated in arfield, B.A.S.E. is a non profit organi ation dedicated to strategically advocate and connect youth of promise and families to life sustaining resources. e are actively seeking a “self-starter” and team player candidate to join our team as a rogram anager. ob description can be found on our Facebook page at h t t p s : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / BrothersandSistersEmering.

Please send a resume and letter of interest to robjones33@msn.com.

URBAN ACADEMY OF GREATER PITTSBURGH CHARTER SCHOOL FULL TIME DEAN OF STUDENTS REPORTS TO: Chief Executive Officer SALARY RANGE:$55,000-$63,000 JOB FUNCTION: The Dean will play a significant role in shaping and sustaining the school’s distinc tive culture and ensuring that the scholars internalize its values and aspirations for academic excellence and local and global citi enship.

MORE INFORMATION: Please send a resume and letter of interest to jobs@urbanacademypgh.org to receive the complete ob description.

URBAN ACADEMY OF GREATER PITTSBURGH CHARTER SCHOOL FULL TIME SOCIAL WORKER REPORTS TO: Chief Executive Officer SALARY RANGE: $55,000 - 65,000 JOB FUNCTION: The School ocial orker will be responsible for supporting the school’s students and their families to make the best use of available opportunities and resources and help develop each student s potential.

MORE INFORMATION: Please send a resume and letter of interest to jobs@urbanacademypgh.org to receive the complete ob description.

NINE MILE RUN WATERSHED ASSOCIATION/STORMWORKS WE’RE HIRING! NMR/StormWorks is an environ mental nonprofit that restores and protects our watershed, while working regionally to implement resilient solutions for a healthy urban envi ronment. e envision a region with clean, affordable water accessible to all, healthy communities, and ecosystems restored to their natural functions. ased in ilkinsburg, we are currently working on projects in omewood, ast ills, ilkinsburg, Swissvale, Edgewood, Frick Park, and other neighborhoods. e are seeking diverse candidates who are dedicated to a safer, healthier community. etails and applications instructions are at: https://ninemilerun.org/ get-involved/employment/ Positions currently available: Landscape Architect (FT) Operations Coordinator (PT) Landcare Field Technician (FT Marketing Intern (PT) CHILD SPECIFIC RECRUITER TRAC Services for Families is looking for a Child Specific Recruiter to work with specific hard to place children to identify a permanent resource for them. pplicant must be able to provide direct assistance to all families interested in adoption and foster care through intake and orientation.

Applicant must perform community outreach through general recruiting events. pplicant must have a achelors Degree and 1 – 2 years’ work experience in case management or social work.

To apply, please go to https://tracpgh.com/employment-opportunities/ CASEWORKER II TRAC Services for Families is looking for a Caseworker II to provide intensive case management to the agency foster/adopt program throughout all phases of the process.

The applicant must be able to manage scheduling of transports, home visits, supervised visitation, court hearings, and necessary paperwork for a caseload of placements. pplicant needs to have a Bachelor’s degree and 3-5 years work experience. o apply, please go to https://tracpgh.com/employment-opportunities/ SOUTH FAYETTE TWP. SCHOOL DISTRICT is seeking a DISTRICT TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANT-10 MONTH POSITION: Complete job description and directions on how to apply are available at: www.southfayette.org Deadline 4:00 PM March 15, 2021 EOE

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PART-TIME POLICE OFFICERS The Borough of Braddock is accepting applications for art ime olice fficers. pplications may be obtained at the orough ffice, ixth treet, raddock , between the hours of 9:00 am and 4:00 pm., Monday through Friday.

For further information contact the raddock orough at or email resume to braddockmanager@comcast.net All Applicants must meet the follow ing minimum requirements: •Must be available to work a mini mum of hours per week.

•Must have successfully completed PA Act 120 raining and be certified or able to be certified by MPOETC. •Must have current CPR/AED First ide raining.

•Possess a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license. ust be a nited tates iti en.

•Successfully pass a thorough back ground check and rug creening. ust be physically and mentally fit for the full duties of a olice fficer.

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR UNIFORMS FOR HACP EMPLOYEES IFB#650-15-21 The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby re uests bids from ualified irms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Uniforms for HACP Employees IFB#650-15-21 The documents will be available no later than February 22, 2021 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 9:00 a.m. on March 16, 2021.

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will only be accepting physical bids dropped off in person from 8:00 AM until the closing time of 9:00 AM on March 16, 2021 in the lobby of oss t. ittsburgh, . ids may be uploaded to the Authority’s online submission site, the link is accessible via the HACP website and within the IFB. ealed bids may still be mailed via USPS at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 oss treet nd loor, uite , ittsburgh, .

Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Solicitation from the Business Opportunities page of www.HACP.org.

Questions or inquires should be directed to: r. im etrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department oss treet nd loor, uite ittsburgh,

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR TECHNICAL ACCOUNTING SERVICES RFP #150-13-21 The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) here by re uest proposals from ualified Firms or Individuals capable of pro viding the following service(s): Technical Accounting Services The documents will be available no later than February 22, 2021 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 9:00 A.M. on March 16, 2021. he ousing uthority of the City of Pittsburgh will only be accepting physical proposals dropped off in person from 8:00 AM until the closing time of 9:00 AM on March 16, 2021 in the lobby of oss t. ittsburgh, .

Proposals may be uploaded to the Authority’s online submission site, the link is accessible via the HACP website and within the RFP. ealed proposals may still be mailed via USPS at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 oss treet nd loor, uite , ittsburgh, .

Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Solicitation from the Business Opportunities page of www.HACP.org.

Questions or inquires should be directed to: r. im etrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department oss treet nd loor, uite ittsburgh,

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ARTICLE OF INCORPORATION Business Corporation

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN given that Articles of ncorporation were filed with the epartment of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, on February 14, 2020, with respect to a nonprofit corporation, Historic Elizabeth Incorporated, which has been incorporated under the Nonprofit orporation aw of .

THE NAME OF THE CORPORATION IS HISTORIC ELIZABETH INCORPORATED.

LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

OFFICIAL ADVERTISEMENT THE BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Sealed proposals shall be deposited at the Administration Building, Belle field ntrance obby, outh ellefield venue, ittsburgh, a., , on March 16, 2021, until 2:00 P.M., local prevailing time for: Service & Maintenance Contracts at Various Schools, Facilities, Facilities & Properties: -Gas and Oil Burners, Boilers and Furnaces Inspection, Service, and Repairs (REBID) Pgh. Crescent ECC Various Asphalt and Concrete Repairs General Prime Project Manual and Drawings will be available for purchase on Monday, February 22, 2021 at Modern eproductions , c ean treet, ittsburgh, a., between 9:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. The cost of the Project Manual ocuments is non refundable. ro ect details and dates are described in each pro ect manual.

FRICK PARK EXTENSION AT SUMMERSET PHASE II ARTISTIC ENHANCEMENT RFQ: The URA is re uesting ualifications from artists or artist teams for an artistic enhancement at Summerset at Frick Park’s Phase II Frick Park Extension located along Shelburne Lane in the Squirrel Hill South neighborhood of the ity of ittsburgh. or more information please visit the URA website: h t t p s : / / w w w. u r a . o r g / p a g e s / proposals-bids

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To place a display ad in the New Pittsburgh Courier call 412-481-8302 ext. 128 or 129

pre submission meeting will be held via Zoom meeting; on March 5, at 9:00 A.M. Please see meeting information below: Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 942 2557 4074 Passcode: 597131 Dial in: 1-301-715-8592 US (Washington D.C) The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enter prises and women business enter prises to respond to this solicitation.

HACP’s has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation.

Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh

HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.

pre submission meeting will be held via Zoom meeting; on March 2, 2021 at 9:00 A.M. lease see meeting information below: Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 996 9299 7110 Passcode: 639641 +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C) The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enter prises and women business enter prises to respond to this solicitation.

HACP’s has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation.

Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh

HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.

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To place a display ad in the New Pittsburgh Courier call 412-481-8302 ext. 128 or 129

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Classifieds 412-481-8302 Ext. 140

E-mail: ads@newpittsburghcourier.com Deadline/Closing/Cancellation Schedule for copy, corrections, and cancellations: Friday noon preceding Wednesday publication

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Bids/Proposals

Bids/Proposals

ARTICLE 1 – ADVERTISEMENT PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY ADVERTISEMENT Separate sealed Bids for the Work as listed hereinafter will be received at the Purchasing and Materials Management Department of Port Authority of Allegheny County (Authority) Heinz 57 Center, 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222-2527 until 1:30 p.m. on April 1, 2021 (Please call David Hart at (412) 566-5415 prior to arriving at this location – all participants must provide and wear a mask at all times and practice minimum social distancing of 6 feet between other individuals) and will be publicly opened and read at 2:00 p.m. via teleconference at (toll free phone number: 1-855-453-6957 and conference ID #4485786). Each Bidder shall be solely responsible for assuring that its Bid is both received and time stamped by a representative of the Purchasing and Materials Management Department at or before the advertised time for submission of Bids. Bidders submitting bids via FedEx, UPS, USPS or other carrier must immediately provide tracking information to the assigned contract specialist via e-mail. Upon delivery, bidder will notify the assigned contract specialist with an e-mailed receipt. Bids received or time stamped in the Purchasing and Materials Management Department after the advertised time for the submission of Bids shall be non-responsive and therefore ineligible for Award.

LRT HIGH PLATFORM STATION IMPROVEMENTS LRT-21-02 G LRT-21-02 E The Work of this Project includes, but is not limited to, various exterior renovations at 19 existing LRT Stations. Work at each Station may include alterations of existing materials and new construction, which will be phased to allow rider access during the entire construction period. Multiple prime Bids will be received for General Construction Work and Electrical Work.

General Work generally includes selective demolition; concrete walk, wall, ramp, stair, and joint repair; unit masonry repair; replace metal stairs and railings; joint sealant work; glazing work; painting of various substrates, including metal railings; signage; tactile warning surfaces, and new site furnishings.

Electrical Work generally includes selective demolition; replace site lighting poles and fixtures, wall lighting fixtures, and accent lighting fixtures replacing photoelectric cells; replace devices; repair and replace conduit and conductors; and concrete repair around electrical items.

Bid Documents will be available for public inspection and may be obtained on or after March 1, 2021 at uthority s offices at the following address (If you are picking up bid documents, please call David Hart at (412) 566-5415 prior to arriving at this location - all participants must provide and wear a mask at all times and practice minimum social distancing of 6 feet between other individuals): Port Authority of Allegheny County Purchasing and Materials Management Department Heinz 57 Center 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2527 Bid Documents are available for purchase as follows: Bid Documents are available in an electronic form on compact disk upon payment of $15.00 per CD. Payment shall be by check or money order (NO CASH), payable to “Port Authority of Allegheny County.” No refunds of payment will be made. Upon request, Bid Documents can be mailed upon receipt of payment in full. Should the purchaser wish to have the Bid Documents delivered via special delivery, such as UPS or Federal Express, the purchaser shall provide its appropriate account numbers for such special delivery methods.

This Project may be funded, in part, by, and subject to certain requirements of, the County of Allegheny and/or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Authority, in compliance with 74 Pa.C.S. § 303, as may be amended, require that certified iverse usinesses (“DBs”) have the maximum opportunity to participate in the performance of contracts and subcontracts for this Project.

In this regard, all Bidders shall make good faith efforts in accordance with 74 Pa.C.S. § 303, to ensure that DBs have the maximum opportunity to compete for and perform contracts. Bidders shall also not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, disability, national origin, sexual origin, gender identity or status as a parent in the award and performance of contracts for this Project. If aid is required to involve DBs in the Work, Bidders are to contact Authority’s Director of Employee Relations and OEO at (412) 566-5262.

The Bidder’s attention is directed to the following contacts for Bidder’s questions: Procedural Questions Regarding Bidding: David Hart - Authority (412) 566-5415 dhart@portauthority.org All other questions relating to the Bid Documents must be submitted by mail or email to: Port Authority of Allegheny County Heinz 57 Center 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 Attn: David Hart Email: dhart@portauthority.org In addition, the Bidder’s attention is directed to the following schedule of activities for preparation of its Bid: 9:00 a.m.

March 17, 2021

Pre-Bid Conference will be conducted via teleconference at: Toll free phone number: 1-855-453-6957 Conference ID #4485786 (Attendance is not mandatory, but strongly recommended) There will be no Pre-Bid Site Tour held for this project. All sites are publically accessible.

1:30 p.m.

April 1, 2021

Bids Due Purchasing and Materials Management Department Bids submitted via Fed Ex, UPS, USPS or other carrier are sub ect to the notification requirements indicated above.

Please call David Hart at (412) 566-5415 prior to arriving at the Heinz 57 location all participants must provide and wear a mask at all times and practice minimum social distancing of 6 feet between other individuals.

Bid Opening will be publicly conducted @ 2:00 pm via teleconference at: Toll free phone number: 1-855-453-6957 Conference ID #4485786 Authority reserves the right to reject any or all Bids.

ARTICLE 2 – PRE-BID CONFERENCE A Pre-Bid Conference will be held with prospective Bidders to review the Bid Documents and generally discuss the Project. The time and place will be specified in the dvertisement. ll idders are encouraged to submit their questions in writing to the respective individuals listed in the Advertisement prior to the time specified in the dvertisement for the re id onference.

A response may be provided during the Pre-Bid Conference or by Addendum thereafter.

ARTICLE 3 – PRE-BID TOUR No site tour will be conducted. Bidders are encouraged to tour the LRT stations covering the area(s) of the Work on their own prior to bidding.

ARTICLE 4 – PUBLIC OPENING OF BIDS Bids will be publicly opened and announced at the advertised time and place set for such Bid opening.

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Bids/Proposals

Bids/Proposals

Bids/Proposals

ARTICLE 1 – ADVERTISEMENT PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY ADVERTISEMENT Separate sealed Bids for the Work as listed hereinafter will be received at the Purchasing and Materials Management Department of Port Authority of Allegheny County (Authority) Heinz 57 Center, 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222-2527 until 1:30 p.m. on March 31, 2021 (Please call David Hart (412) 566-5415 prior to arriving at this location – all participants must provide and wear a mask at all times and practice minimum social distancing of 6 feet between other individuals) and will be opened and read at 2:00 PM via teleconference at: (toll free number) 1-855-453-6957 and conference ID #4485786. Each Bidder shall be solely responsible for assuring that its Bid is both received and time stamped by a representative of the Purchasing and Materials Management Department at or before the advertised time for submission of Bids. Bidders submitting bids via FedEx, UPS, USPS or other carrier must immediately provide tracking information to the assigned contract specialist via e-mail. Upon delivery, bidder will notify the assigned contract specialist with an e-mailed receipt.

Bids received or time stamped in the Purchasing and Materials Management Department after the advertised time for the submission of Bids shall be non-responsive and therefore ineligible for Award.

McCANDLESS PARK AND RIDE SITE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT CONTRACT NO. PNR-21-04 The Work of this Project includes, but is not limited to, the furnishing of all supervision, material, equipment, tools and labor for the installation of asphalt pavement for the patron parking lot; installation of cement concrete pavement for the bus circulation area; installation of miscellaneous site work including: site drainage, cement concrete sidewalk, fencing; the relocation and installation of a comfort building; and all associated Maintenance & Protection of raffic for the site.

Bid Documents will be available for public inspection and may be obtained on or after March 1, 2021 at uthority s offices at the following address (If you are picking up bid documents, please call David Hart at (412) 566-5415 prior to arriving at this location - all participants must provide and wear a mask at all times and practice minimum social distancing of 6 feet between other individuals): Port Authority of Allegheny County Purchasing and Materials Management Department Heinz 57 Center 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2527 Bid Documents are available for purchase as follows: Bid Documents are available in an electronic form on compact disk upon payment of $15 per CD. Payment shall be by check or money order (NO CASH), payable to “Port Authority of Allegheny County.” No refunds of payment will be made.

Upon request, Bid Documents can be mailed upon receipt of payment in full.

Should the purchaser wish to have the Bid Documents delivered via special delivery, such as UPS or Federal Express, the purchaser shall provide its appropriate account numbers for such special delivery methods.

This Project may be funded, in part, by, and subject to certain requirements of, the County of Allegheny and/or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Authority, in compliance with 74 Pa.C.S. § 303, as may be amended, require that certified iverse usinesses (“DBs”) have the maximum opportunity to participate in the performance of contracts and subcontracts for this Project.

In this regard, all Bidders shall make good faith efforts in accordance with 74 Pa.C.S. § 303, to ensure that DBs have the maximum opportunity to compete for and perform contracts. Bidders shall also not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, disability, national origin, sexual origin, gender identity or status as a parent in the award and performance of contracts for this Project. If aid is required to involve DBs in the Work, Bidders are to contact Authority’s Director of Employee Relations and OEO at (412) 566-5262.

The Bidder’s attention is directed to the following contacts for Bidder’s questions: Procedural Questions Regarding Bidding: David Hart - Port Authority of Allegheny County (412) 566-5415 All other questions relating to the Bid Documents must be submitted by mail or email to: Port Authority of Allegheny County Heinz 57 Center 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 Attn: David Hart email: DHart@Portauthority.org In addition, the Bidder’s attention is directed to the following schedule of activities for preparation of its Bid: 9:00 am March 16, 2021

Pre-Bid Conference will be conducted via teleconference at: (Toll free phone number: 1-855-453-6957 Conference ID #4485786).

(Attendance is not mandatory, but strongly recommended) No Pre-Bid Site Tour will be conducted Site is publicly accessible.

1:30 p.m.

March 31, 2021

Bids Due Purchasing and Materials Management Department Bids submitted via Fed Ex, UPS, USPS or other carrier are subject to the notification re uirements indicated above.

Please call David Hart at (412) 566-5415 prior to arriving at the Heinz 57 location - all participants must provide and wear a mask at all times and practice minimum social distancing of 6 feet between other individuals.

Bid Opening will be conducted @ 2:00 pm via teleconference at: (Toll free phone number: 1-855-453-6957 Conference ID #4485786).

Authority reserves the right to reject any or all Bids ARTICLE 2 – PRE-BID CONFERENCE A Pre-Bid Conference may be held with prospective Bidders to review the Bid Documents and generally discuss the Project. The time and place will be specified in the dvertisement. ll idders are encouraged to submit their questions in writing to the respective individuals listed in the Advertisement prior to the time specified in the dvertisement for the re id onference. A response may be provided during the Pre-Bid Conference or by Addendum thereafter.

ARTICLE 3 – PRE-BID TOUR No site tour will be conducted – area is accessible to the public.

ARTICLE 4 – PUBLIC OPENING OF BIDS Bids will be publicly opened and announced at the advertised time and place set for such Bid opening.

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ALLIES & ROSS MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR TAX CREDIT INVESTOR AND/ OR LIMITED PARTNER AND/ OR CONSTRUCTION LENDER FOR THE NORTHVIEW MIDRISE REBID ARMDC RFP #2021-33-REBID The Allies & Ross Management and Development Corporation (ARMDC) hereby request proposals from ualified irms or ndividuals capable of providing the following service(s): Tax Credit Investor and/or Limited Partner and/or Construction Lender for the Northview Midrise The documents will be available no later than March 1, 2021 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 9:00 A.M. on March 23, 2021. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will only be accepting physical proposals dropped off in person from 8:00 AM until the closing time of 9:00 AM on March 23, 2021 in the lobby of 100 Ross St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Proposals may be uploaded to the ARMDC’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 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200, 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 inquires should be directed to: Mr. Kim Detrick – Procurement irector hief ontracting fficer Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 2nd Floor, Suite 200 100 Ross Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-643-2832 A pre-submission meeting will be held via Zoom meeting; on March 15, 2021 at 9:00 A.M. Please see meeting information below: Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 991 1716 1943 Passcode: 520068 +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C) The Allies & Ross Management and Development Corporation strongly encourage certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation.

ARMDC has revised their website.

As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/ RFPs documentation.

Caster D. Binion, President & CEO ARMDC & HACP conduct 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.

America’s Best Weekly 315 East Carson Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Classifieds 412-481-8302 Ext. 140 E-mail: ads@newpittsburghcourier.com Deadline/Closing/Cancellation Schedule for copy, corrections, and cancellations: Friday noon preceding Wednesday publication

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LEGAL ADVERTISING

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Bids/Proposals

Bids/Proposals

Bids/Proposals

Bids/Proposals

Bids/Proposals

SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA COMMISSION NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD AND VIRTUAL PUBLIC MEETING Note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on gatherings, SPC is unable hold in-person public meetings at this time. A virtual public meeting and other online public participation opportunities will be provided for interested parties to review and comment on draft documents. SPC will provide paper copies of materials upon request (see information later in this notice).

The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) is seeking your input and will open a public comment period on the Draft 2021 Public Participation Plan an update to the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission Public Participation Plan 2015.

This public comment period will begin March 3, 2021 and conclude April 16, 2021.

The Draft 2021 Public Participation Plan provides an outline of the tools and techniques we use to inform and engage the public throughout our transportation planning and programming processes. The Plan must comply with federal participation plan regulations and guidelines for metropolitan transportation planning and programs. This guidance helps to ensure that our Public Participation Plan provides opportunities and access for all individuals to provide input on key transportation planning, policy and investment decisions.

Beginning March 3, 2021, these draft documents will be available for public review on the internet at www.spcregion.org. A virtual public meeting will be held to provide an overview of the draft documents, updates on project advancement, and opportunities for the public to ask questions and submit comments.

VIRTUAL PUBLIC MEETING: Wednesday, March 24, 2021 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Access Meeting: www.spcregion.org Comments on the draft documents will be accepted by SPC representatives during the virtual public meeting. Written comments may also be submitted to comments@spcregion.org, by mail to SPC Comments at Two Chatham Center, Suite 500, 112 Washington Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 or by fax to (412) 391-9160.

All comments must be received by 4:00 p.m. on April 16, 2021.

Upon consideration of public comments received, the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission will consider approval of the draft documents at their meeting at 4:30 p.m., on April 26, 2021. This meeting will be held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A link to that meeting will be posted at www.spcregion.org.

For individuals without access to the internet, paper copies of draft materials will be mailed upon request. SPC will respond to requests for paper copies as soon as possible in accordance with COVID-19 restrictions.

To request paper copies, please contact Shannon O’Connell at (412) 391-5590, ext. 334 or soconnell@spcregion.org.

The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) is committed to compliance with nondiscrimination requirements of civil rights statutes, executive orders, regulations and policies applicable to the programs and activities it administers. Accordingly, SPC is committed to ensuring that program beneficiaries receive public participation opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability or economic status. SPC will provide auxiliary services for individuals with language, speech, sight or hearing needs, provided the request for assistance is made 3 days prior to the virtual meeting. SPC will attempt to satisfy requests made with less than 3 days notice as resources allow. Please make your request for auxiliary services to Jared Bedekovich at (412) 391-5590, Ext. 343, or jbedekovich@spcregion.org.

If you believe you have been denied participation opportunities, or otherwise discriminated against in relation to the programs or activities administered

by SPC, you may file a complaint using the procedures provided in our complaint process document or by contacting SPC’s Title VI Coordinator by calling (412) 391-5590. For more information, or to obtain a Title VI Discrimination Complaint Form, please see our website at: www.spcregion.org or call 412-391-5590.

TRANSIT SERVICE INFORMATION For information regarding transit services in Allegheny County, please call Port Authority Customer Service at 412-442-2000. For transit information in other counties, please visit: https://commuteinfo.org/for-commuters/commuting-options/transit/.

This notice satisfies the program of projects requirements of the Urbanized Area Formula Program of the Federal Transit Administration for Beaver County Transit Authority, Butler Transit Authority, Fayette Area Coordinated Transit, Mid Mon Valley Transit Authority, Port Authority of Allegheny County, Washington County Transportation Authority, Westmoreland County Transit Authority, Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, and CommuteInfo, a program of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission.

PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY Electronic Proposals will be received online at the Port Authority of Allegheny County’s Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.portauthority.org).

Proposals/bid submittals will be due 11:00 a.m. on March 16, 2021 and will be read at 11:15 a.m., the same day, at Port Authority’s Heinz location (Please contact the respective Contract Specialist for Tele-Conference dial-in information for the Bid Opening), for the following: Electronic Proposal - Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.portauthority.org)

Bib Number B210205A B210206A B210207 B210208A B210209A

Bid Name Wheel Flange Lubricator Sticks Bus Batteries - Wet Type Wayside Profiling & Measurement Stsyem Herbicide Spraying for Vegetation Control Air Oil Coolant Transmission & Fuel Filters

Paper Proposal - Documents are available for the following item at Port Authority’s Main Offices 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania 15222-2527

Bid Number B2009754AR

Bid Name Off-Site Record Storage & Service

No bidder may withdraw a submitted Proposal for a period of 75 days after the scheduled time for opening of the sealed bids.

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held via tele-conference on each of the above items at 10:00 a.m. on March 2, 2021. Please contact the respective Contract Specialist for Tele-Conference dial-in information. Attendance at this meeting is not mandatory, but is strongly encouraged. Questions regarding any of the above bids will not be entertained by the Port Authority within five (5) business days of the scheduled bid opening. hese contracts may be sub ect to a financial assistance contract between Port Authority of Allegheny County and the United States Department of Transportation. The Contractor will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity laws and regulations.

Contractor is responsible for expenses related to acquiring a performance bond and insurance where applicable. All items are to be FOB delivered unless otherwise specified. Costs for delivery, bond, and insurance shall be included in bidder’s proposal pricing. ort uthority of llegheny ounty hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively insure that in regard to any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprise will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award.

The Board of Port Authority reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

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DOCUMENT 00030-AA ADVERTISEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT ALLEGHENY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA PROJECT NUMBER 21TG-01 (STRUCTURAL STEEL AND CONCRETE DECKS) TERMINAL MODERNIZATION PROJECT AT PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ELECTRONIC BIDS & BID OPENING PROCEDURE: Electronic Bids will be received by the Allegheny County Airport Authority until 1:00 P.M. prevailing local time, APRIL 14, 2021.

Due to the COVID precautions, the ACAA is modifying its typical bid opening process; the formal bid opening procedure will be conducted virtually – any/ all firms submitting a id to the ACAA will be given special access to view the opening event. nce bidding is closed, any all firms submitting a bid will be issued an Invitation (via email) to access the formal bid opening event via a live webcast. idders will also be notified of the results via an email within (24) hours of the Bid Opening event.

ACCESS TO BID PACAKAGE DOCUMENTS: ALL BIDDERS shall be required to provide a completed formal Bid Document Request application in order to acquire bidding documents for any/all of the above listed Project Numbers.

No bidding documents will be issued prior to the Authority’s Construction Manager having a copy of a fully completed Request Application.

Bid Document Request Applications can be obtained by sending a Request to the following email address: TMPBids@flypittsburgh.com On the Subject Line, include the following: “21TG-01 (STRUCTURAL STEEL AND CONCRETE DECKS)”.

Although documents will not be available until March 1, 2021 (at the earliest), applications may be submitted prior to this date.

Once a bidder’s request has been received, provided it is complete, the CM will provide access for the bidder to access and download the bid documents through Building Connected, a web-based bid management platform.

A PREBID CONFERENCE – Wednesday, March 10 – 1:00 PM For more information on the Pre-Bid Conference see www.flypittsburgh.com – ACAA – Business Opportunities or www.pittransformed.com – Opportunities – Business Opportunities.

Due to the COVID precautions, ACAA will not permit any Bidders to tour the site. In lieu thereof, the Construction Management Team (CM) will conduct a Virtual Prebid Meeting. In addition to addressing administration issues, a video tour of the work areas will be provided. pecific details on how interested Bidders can view this broadcast will be provided as part of the Bid Documents via Building Connected. Note that no questions can be asked during this Prebid Meeting. Any/all questions must be issued to the CM as an “RFI”.

There will be no site visits – photographs of the site will be included in the contract documents or issued via addendum.

REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION (RFIs) Any/all questions related to this project must be made in writing to the CM. RFIs are to be sent to the CM via email to TMPBids@flypittsburgh.com BID SUBMISSION Proposals must be made on the Authority’s forms and in accordance with the lans and pecifications and the “Instructions to Bidders”’.

ACAA will not be accepting any hard copy bids for this Project. Accordingly, Electronic Bids are the only form that the ACAA will accept. While the Instructions to Bidders will provide more details, for an Electronic Bid to be accepted in must be sent through Building Connected and it must be received by no later than the established Bid Date and time deadline.

OTHER ISSUES Attention is called to the fact that not less than the minimum salaries and wages as determined by the General Wage Determinations issued under the Davis-Bacon and related Acts must be paid on these projects.

This project has DBE participation goals; DBE firms must be certified with the Pennsylvania Unified Certification Program) (PAUCP). Firms must be certified prior to award of contract. searchable database of DBE firms can be found on the PAUCP web site: https://paucp.dbesystem.com The Airport Authority reserves the right to reject any and all bids or waive any informalities in the bidding.

BIDDERS MAY BE REQUIRED TO HOLD THEIR BID UP TO 120 DAYS FROM BID OPENING AS PROVIDED IN THE CONTRACT DOCUMENTS. To view a complete advertisement, which is also included in the bidding documents visit www.flypittsburgh.com under “Business Opportunities”.

ALLEGHENY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY 00030.AA -FAA (REV 0 2-24-14)-2019

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HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR ROLL-OFF CONTAINERS AUTHORITY WIDE IFB#300-05-21 The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby re uests bids from ualified irms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Roll-Off Containers Authority Wide IFB#300-05-21 The documents will be available no later than February 22, 2021 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 10:00 A.M. on March 16, 2021. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will only be accepting physical bids dropped off in person from 8:00 AM until the closing time of 10:00 AM on March 16, 2021 in the lobby of 100 Ross St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Bids may be uploaded to the Authority’s online submission site, the link is accessible via the HACP website and within the IFB. Sealed bids may still be mailed via USPS at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200, 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 inquires should be directed to: Mr. Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-643-2832 A pre-submission meeting will be held via Zoom meeting; on March 2, 2021 10:00 A.M. Please see meeting information below: Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 997 3927 0846 Passcode: 479953 +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C) The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation.

HACP’s has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation.

Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh

HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.

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