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www.newpittsburghcourier.com Vol. 113 No. 10 Two Sections
MARCH 9-15, 2022
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“Everybody’s looking for someone to blame. Look in the mirror, and if you want to change the game, change self.”
Unfiltered, Mayor Gainey addresses Pittsburgh’s Black-on-Black gun violence Nearly 20 homicides in Allegheny County already this year by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer
A 15-year-old just leaving school at Oliver Citywide Academy on the North Side, gunned down while in a school van in broad daylight. A 28-year-old just leaving work in Bellevue, gunned down in a domestic dispute minutes before she was to board a Port Authority bus. An 18-year-old, a 25-yearold, in a car in Homestead, when shots are fired, killing both. Unfortunately, as common as the sun rises and sets, there is gun violence in the Pittsburgh-area’s Black communities. It’s become so prevalent that oftentimes, the sound of a
gunshot fazes no one; it is merely part of the sounds of the outdoors, mixed in with the sound of traffic,
COURIER EXCLUSIVE construction work, emergency air horns or the chirps of a bird. In cities nationwide with African American mayors, that person alone cannot stop the violence in their cities, nor should the blame be placed solely on them. For the first time, Pittsburgh has a Black mayor, Ed Gainey, and while he should not be tasked with
stopping gun violence in the Steel City alone, either, he knows it’s a topic that must be addressed—by him. On Feb. 11, the South Pittsburgh Coalition For Peace held a citywide prayer vigil, where a variety of people spoke on the continuous gun violence plaguing the community. Mayor Gainey, for his part, outlined a three-part message addressing the shootings happening in the region, and he let it all hang out. “The first thing is that there’s nobody coming in our neighborhoods to stop the violence except for the ones who live in the neighSEE GUN VIOLENCE A3
MAYOR ED GAINEY
DR. MORRIS TURNER’S LEGACY IS EVERLASTING Famed OB-GYN honored with a portrait and plaque at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer
On June 30, 2014, Dr. Morris Turner was called home. But seemingly everybody still remembers how special he was to
DR. MORRIS TURNER his family, UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, and the Pittsburgh community at-large. So much so that on Feb. 15, nearly eight years after his passing, hundreds
gathered at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital in Oakland to celebrate the noted obstetrician-gynecologist with a portrait that will forever remain at the hospital. Those that knew him personally will look at the portrait and recall watching him in action. Those that didn’t know him will be introduced to him for the first time and can read the plaque dedicated to him which sits next to his portrait. The portrait and plaque are on the hospital’s second floor outside the Birth Center. “Brilliant clinician and outstanding surgeon,” the plaque, dedicated by the medical staff at the hospital in 2016, reads. “Articulate and thoughtful leader. Distinguished colleague, teacher and mentor. Tireless healer who was devoted to the medically underserved of Western Pennsylvania. Dynamic past president of the medical staff.” The portrait was completed by Pittsburgh-area SEE TURNER A4
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DR. MORRIS TURNER’S WIDOW, VERENA, sees the unveiling of the new portrait for her late husband, a highly regarded OB-GYN at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital. The portrait unveiling was held, Feb. 15.
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Rep. Bobby Rush’s Emmett Till This Week In Black History Antilynching Act passes A Courier Staple U.S. Senate unanimously Legislation negotiated and sponsored by Rush passed the House last Monday, now heads to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law. On Monday, March 7, 2022, the Emmett Till Antilynching Act (H.R. 55), legislation sponsored by U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.), passed the United States Senate unanimously. The legislation previously passed the House of Representatives on February 28 by a vote of 422–3. Three House Republicans voted against the bill: U.S. Representatives Andrew Clyde (R-Ga.), Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), and Chip Roy (R-Texas). The legislation now heads to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law. The Emmett Till Antilynching Act would, for the first time in U.S. history, designate lynching as a federal hate crime. Despite more than 200 attempts since 1900 to codify federal antilynching legislation, it has never previously been done. More than 6,500 Americans were lynched between 1865 and 1950, according to a report from the Equal Justice Initiative. “Lynching is a longstanding and uniquely American weapon of racial terror that has for decades been used to maintain the White hierarchy,” said Rep. Rush. “Perpetrators of lynching got away with murder time and time again—in most cases, they
• MARCH 9
MESSAGE TO THE NATION—Between 1936 and 1938, a flag posted outside of the national headquarters of the NAACP read, “A man was lynched yesterday.” were never even brought to trial. Legislation to make lynching a federal crime and prevent racist killers from evading justice was introduced more than 200 times, but never once passed into law. “Today, we correct this historic and abhorrent injustice. Unanimous Senate passage of the Emmett Till Antilynching Act sends a clear and emphatic message that our nation will no longer ignore this shameful chapter of our history and that the full force of the U.S. federal government will always be brought to bear against those who commit this heinous act. “I am glad to see this bill receive unanimous support in the Senate—and near-unanimous support in the House of Representatives—and look forward to President Biden signing the Emmett Till An-
tilynching Act into law very, very soon. At this moment, I am reminded of Dr. King’s famous words: ‘The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.’” Under the bill that passed the Senate today and the House last week, a crime can be prosecuted as a lynching when a conspiracy to commit a hate crime results in death or serious bodily injury. Rush is also the lead sponsor of bipartisan legislation that would award a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal to Emmett Till and his mother Mamie Till-Mobley (H.R. 2252) and legislation that would direct the Postmaster General to issue a commemorative postage stamp in honor of Mamie Till-Mobley (H.R. 4581). (Reprinted from the Chicago Crusader)
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, New York. 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.” He died in 1951. 1931—Walter F. White is named executive secretary of the NAACP. The Atlanta, Georgia-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 over 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.” 1997—Rap artist The Notorious B.I.G. (Christopher Wallace) is shot to death in Los Angeles, Calif., as a result of an alleged east-coast-west-coast dispute in the Rap music industry. The killing has never been solved criminally. But a civil suit in Los Angeles federal court accused two rouge Los Angeles police officers of arranging the drive-by shooting that led to his death.
• MARCH 10
KELLY ROWLAND
Destiny’s Child’s Kelly Rowland kicks off Disney’s Dreamers Academy by Stacy M. Brown For New Pittsburgh Courier
Grammy-winning superstar Kelly Rowland said she knows the importance of dreaming big. The Atlanta-born co-founder of the pop supergroup Destiny’s Child, Rowland,
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told NNPA Newswire that she was and remained inspired by other Black women. “Whitney Houston made me realize I can achieve my dreams,” Rowland said. “Janet Jackson, [Beyonce’s] mom, and there are others. All of them are inspirations.” Rowland proved an inspiration to 100 young and impressionable students who descended upon Disney World for the four-day 2022 Disney Dreamers Academy. Serving as this year’s celebrity ambassador for the program, Rowland led the students—called Dreamers —and others in a parade along Main Street in the Magic Kingdom. “This program really touches me,” Rowland declared. “I know how important it is, especially for students of color, when you think of the STEM aspect of this. We need STEM and STEAM because there’s such a big void there.” The Disney Dreamers Academy aims to empower students to make their dreams come true. With slogans like “Be 100” and the opening day theme of “Dream … Bigger,” organizers at Walt Disney ensured that students remained enthused throughout the program. “I came here with one dream and left with another,” Disney Dreamer Alumni April Breedlove declared. The Atlanta-born Breedlove graduated from the Dreamers Academy in 2019. She graduated from the Georgia State Perimeter
College in 2021 with an associate degree in computer science and remains on course to earn a bachelor’s degree from Kennesaw State University in 2023. In October 2021, Breedlove began interning as an incoming software engineer at Walt Disney World. “Anything is possible,” said Breedlove, who graduated high school at 16. “I dream of creating a program called Code Cuisine, where I will teach kids the fundamentals of computer coding in exchange for food pantry donations. I envision Code Cuisine becoming a program that will benefit people all across the country.” Participants in the academy have traveled from across the country to attend. Disney picks up all expenses, and officials said some students had never been on an airplane. The teens—some of whom began demonstrating entrepreneurial skills by the age of 13—spend four days participating in hands-on workshops in fields they selected. The students are encouraged, mentored, and instructed by experts, motivational speakers, and celebrities. “I want the students to know and have the courage and confidence that their dreams matter,” Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Vice President and DDA Executive Champion Tracey Powell. “And that their dreams are so important, and it can come true. All they have to do is believe in themselves.”
1913—The “greatest conductor of the Underground Railroad” Harriet Tubman dies on this day in Auburn, N.Y. Born in slavery in Dorchester County, Md., in 1819 or 1820. Harriet was a person of strong wild and principle. For example, at age 12 she received a severe blow to the head from a White overseer when she refused to help tie up a slave who had tried to escape. Around age 30, fearing she was about to be sold into the Deep South, Tubman escaped to Canada. But she returned to Maryland on numerous occasions helping family members and over 300 other slaves escape to freedom via the Underground Railroad. She frequently threatened to shoot any slave who became frightened and wanted to turn back. 1969—The man officially convicted of assassinating civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. pleads guilty to the crime on this day. However, James Earl Ray promptly tried to withdraw the plea suggesting that there had actually been a government conspiracy to assassinate King, which involved the Mafia and members of the right-wing Cuban exile community in Florida. Ray admitted buying the rifle and renting the room in the Memphis, Tenn., flophouse from where the deadly shot was fired. But he maintained he gave the rifle to a mysterious man named Raoul. The House Select Committee on Assassinations would later conclude that Ray fired the shot but was probably part of a broader conspiracy. 1972—The first modern National Black Political Convention began on this day in Gary, Ind. It drew over 3,000 delegates and 500 observers as well as participation from just about every major Black political and civil rights organization in the nation. However, some moderate civil rights groups, like the NAACP, withdrew after the convention adopted resolutions critical of busing and Israeli racism against the Palestinians.
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1874—Charles Sumner, one of the greatest White heroes of Black history, dies at age 63. Sumner became involved in politics as a powerful orator against slavery. For his efforts he was brutally beaten in the Capitol Building by a South Carolina Congressman in May 1856. But he was not deterred. It was Sumner who introduced the 13th Amendment outlawing slavery in America. He was also among those who proposed aiding the economic advancement of the former slaves by giving each Black “40 acres and a mule” through the use of government land and by seizing land from the former slave owners. 1959—Lorraine Hansberry’s play “A Raisin in the Sun” opens on Broadway at the Barrymore Theatre with Sidney Poitier and Claudia McNeil in the starring roles. With 530 performances, the play became the longest running African American-written play in Broadway history, and the first Broadway hit written by an African American woman. Hansberry’s promising career was cut short by cancer in 1965. She was only 34.
• MARCH 12
1773—This is the most probable date when Black explorer Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable begins building the settlement, which would eventually become the city of Chicago, Ill. The Haitian-born (c 1745) de Sable would over time become a man of considerable wealth, owning commercial buildings, docks, trading posts and a mansion. Du Sable was the product or a Frenchman and an African woman. He died Aug. 19, 1818. 1791—Pierre Charles L’Enfant was commissioned to design and lay out the nation’s capital city—Washington, D.C. However, a dispute with President George Washington forced his departure the very next year. Thus, the final design and layout fell to Black inventor and mathematician Benjamin Banneker. Although two White men were nominally in charge of the project, historical records show that it was Banneker’s mathematical skills and his memory of L’Enfant’s plans that enabled the project to be completed. 1955—One of the chief founders of modern jazz, Charlie “Yardbird” Parker, died on this day in New York City. Parker is widely considered “the greatest jazz saxophonist of all time.” His death at 35 was reportedly a result of pneumonia worsened by drug and alcohol abuse. 1964—Legendary Black leader Malcolm X formally separates from the Elijah Muhammad-led Nation of Islam although his initial statement of resignation was given March 8. The separation was triggered by growing differences over Islam and the proper role of religion in the Black liberation struggle as well as by Malcolm’s objections to Elijah Muhammad’s infidelities. Less than a year later, Malcolm was assassinated by men allegedly connected with a Nation of Islam mosque in New Jersey.
• MARCH 13
1794—Eli Whitney patents the cotton gin—a device that made cotton production much more profitable by more efficiently separating the seed from the cotton. The invention had the effect of extending the life of slavery in the South. However, there remains a historical dispute as to whether Whitney actually invented the cotton gin as most history books claim. There is some evidence that Whitney’s entire idea was based on a device developed by slaves laboring on the Georgia plantation of Catherine Green. Whitney, a lawyer, worked briefly for Green and it was while working for her that he allegedly invented the cotton gin. 1868—The impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson began in the United States Senate. The ultimate failure to convict and oust Johnson from the presidency was a major setback for the recently freed slaves. Even though he was Abraham Lincoln’s vice president, Johnson actually favored the former slave owners and the continuation of White power in the South. He was also opposed to Blacks having the right to vote. Although the impeachment and trial weakened him, his continuation as president helped pave the way for the emerging power of the Ku Klux Klan and the denial of rights to Blacks. 1932—The first Black daily newspaper begins publication. The paper was the Atlanta Daily World and it was founded by William A. Scott III.
• MARCH 14
1821—The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church is officially formed in New York City. However, the church had been actually operating since 1796. A decision to officially separate from the White-controlled Methodist Church was reached in 1820. The dispute centered in part around the refusal of Whites to allow Black ministers to preach. Among the founders were James Varnick, Abraham Thompson and June Scott. Today the denomination has an estimated 1.2 million members and operates Livingstone College in Salisbury, N.C. 1933— Legendary music composer and producer Quincy Jones is born on this day in Chicago, Ill. 1977—One of the unsung heroines of the Civil Rights Movement, Fannie Lou Hamer, died on this day in 1977. Hamer, the youngest of 20 children born in Ruleville, Miss., became active in voter registration and later became Mississippi field secretary for the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee as well as head of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party. She also coined the phrase, “I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired.”
• MARCH 15
1897—The 55th Congress convened with one Black member remaining in the legislative body— George White of North Carolina. All the Black political progress made during Reconstruction had been snatched away after the Hayes-Tilden Compromise of 1887. By 1890 states throughout the South had effectively taken away the right of Blacks to vote with schemes ranging from literacy tests to poll taxes to Whites-only primaries. As a result Blacks were forced from elected office. When White’s term expired in 1901, there would not be another African American elected to Congress for 27 years and he would come from the North—Oscar DePriest of the Southside of Chicago (1st Congressional District of Illinois.)
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Mayor Gainey minces no words in speech addressing Black-on-Black gun violence GUN VIOLENCE FROM A1
borhood,” Mayor Gainey said. “If we are going to stop the violence in our neighborhood, it’s not going to be because Downtown, an elected body or anybody else is coming into our community. It’s because we do what we do every day. See, we greet each other in love, but we gotta stop greeting and make love the action that says, ‘I’m going to show you how much I love you by uplifting you and not keeping it a secret if I know what’s going on,’ but to be protective and save each other’s life because if we’re not into the business of saving each other, then there is no healing. The only ones that can heal us is us.” Mayor Gainey continued: “They can bring the guns in, but that doesn’t mean we have to use the guns. We look for everybody else to come in here and save us. But let me be real about why that will never happen; because we have always been the ones to save us.” The mayor then discussed that if one understands the history of African Americans, one would understand how much the race has overcome, from slavery, to discrimination and racism, to Jim Crow laws, to what Mayor Gainey referred to as an unjust criminal justice system, but still getting a Black president in office Barack Obama in a country that’s just 12 percent Black. “You are the answer,” May-
or Gainey exclaimed. “No one can save our kids but us. You want to stop this killing, don’t look around, look inside.” The final part of Mayor Gainey’s message focused on the actual streets in Black communities. “The reason why were losing our kids is because of the corner,” he said. “These kids are out here looking for love, and when they look for love, they’re not coming through these (church) doors. We only deal with the people that come through our doors; the corner accepts everybody and the ones on the corner are not my faithbased institutions.” Mayor Gainey, speaking at Lighthouse Cathedral Church on the South Side where the prayer rally was held, continued: “If that child is hungry and they’re standing on the corner, it’s that gentlemen that has bad intentions for them that’s coming up and saying, “Are you hungry?’ I know this because I’ve been there. ‘Are you hungry? Here’s five, six dollars, go get you something to eat.’ You know what that child’s going to do? Go back to that corner,” Mayor Gainey said, and that’s when the person with bad intentions offers the youth a chance to “make some money.” Mayor Gainey said that’s how some youth end up in fast-money situations that could result in more dangerous crimes and even death.
“How can we let the corner be run by anyone other than those that claim to have the faith of Christ?” Mayor Gainey said. “...Someone knows what’s happening in these killings. We look to Downtown, ‘Please solve it, please solve it,’ but we won’t cooperate. But you’ll hug a mother who lost a child and say, ‘I feel for you.’ How do you feel for me if you aren’t answering the call for my child? It’s time for us to step up. The healing begins with you, not the police, not Downtown, not the DA.” The first two months of Mayor Gainey’s tenure as Pittsburgh mayor have seen eight homicides. There were 55 homicides in 2021, Bill Peduto’s final year as
Pittsburgh mayor, four more than the 51 in 2020. It seems like eons ago that Pittsburgh Police officials were touting a drop in city homicides to 37 in 2019. Pittsburgh is on pace to have around 50 homicides in 2022. The vast majority of homicide victims in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County are African Americans, although Blacks account for just 14 percent of the county Mayor Gainey, who was born and raised in Pittsburgh, concluded his message with: “Everybody’s looking for someone to blame. Look in the mirror, and if you want to change the game, change self.”
“They can bring the guns in, but that doesn’t mean we have to use the guns. We look for everybody else to come in here and save us. But let me be real about why that will never happen; because we have always been the ones to save us.”
- MAYOR ED GAINEY
JASON CHAVIS, right, pictured with his father, and Amari Mitchell. Both were shot and killed in a triple shooting that occurred in Homestead on Feb. 24. Mitchell died a few days after the shooting. Police are still searching for those responsible for the killing.
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DR. MORRIS TURNER’S LEGACY IS EVERLASTING
VERENA TURNER, the widow of Dr. Morris Turner, speaks during an unveiling of Dr. Turner’s portrait, Feb. 15, at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital.
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artist Douglas J. Webster. Webster has the late Dr. Turner seated, in his trademark black suit, red tie, sporting glasses and his unmistakable smile. Dr. Turner, born in 1948 in Barley, Ga., won a scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in 1969. Upon his graduation four years later, he began his residency program at Magee-Womens Hospital. The world of helping others through medicine was a world Dr. Turner always cherished. As a child, he told his parents he wanted to become a doctor to help women and girls who died from childbirth or abortion. Following his graduation from a historically-Black college, Morehouse, in Atlanta, off to Pittsburgh he went. Over the years, Dr. Turner became the medical director for the UPMC Magee-Womens
satellite locations in Wilkinsburg and Monroeville, medical director for Adagio Health, and chief of service for obstetrics and gynecology at McKeesport Hospital. Dr. Turner also partnered with Dr. Robert Kisner in opening an outreach center in East Liberty, specifically focused on Pittsburgh’s Black community. He also served as president of the Gateway Medical Society. In 2002, Dr. Turner joined the faculty of the OB-GYN department at Pitt’s medical school. In 2010, Dr. Turner received an Excellence in Clinical Instruction award at the medical school. That year is also when he was introduced to a third-year medical student, G. Sarah Napoe. At the portrait-unveiling ceremony on Feb. 15, it was now-Dr. G. Sarah Napoe who spoke to the assembled crowd about Dr. Turner. “He was an amazing physician, a talented
physician,” Dr. Napoe told the New Pittsburgh Courier. “But also someone who treated patients incredibly, no matter what their background was. He had that way of showing everyone respect.” Dr. Napoe said she delivered her first baby with him as a medical student, and she also worked with him as a fourth-year medical student. She graduated from Pitt’s School of Medicine in 2012. Dr. Napoe also recalled Dr. Turner’s unwavering desire to see more Black doctors, especially OB-GYNs. She said that with Black women in the U.S. three times more likely to die of complications from childbirth than White women, more Black doctors can help stress to Black women of their elevated risk. “We know that this (disparity) is because of race because even when you look at socioeconomic status, it is still the same,” Dr. Napoe told
the Courier. “Black women with a college degree are still more likely to have complications than a White woman with a high school degree.” Dr. Turner’s awards were many, including being named a Courier “Man of Excellence” in 2012. Dr. Turner was so dedicated to his profession that all of his comrades recall the blizzard of 1994 in Pittsburgh, where, knowing that a woman was at Magee-Womens Hospital with a baby on the way, Dr. Turner walked for more than an hour in the snow to get to the hospital. On June 30, 2015, Dr. Turner was playing tennis when he suffered a cardiac arrest, and later died. He was 65. Two weeks after his death, Pittsburgh City Councilmembers R. Daniel Lavelle and Dan Gilman sponsored a proclamation that Feb. 15, 2014, be named “Dr. Morris Turner Day” in the City of Pittsburgh. It passed with no hesita- DOUGLAS WEBSTER stands next to his portrait of Dr. Morris Turner. tion. During the City Council meeting on that day, er’s four children, called African American comCouncilman Lavelle, his father’s death “this munity, for justice and with members of Dr. city’s loss. He’ll be sorely medical availability in all of our communities.” Turner’s family by his missed.” Councilman Gilman side, called Dr. Turner “a wonderful man who was then added: “This is not very accomplished in the just our city’s loss, this is our country’s loss. Dr. field of medicine.” After the proclama- Turner was a champion tion was read, Derrick for so many noble causes Turner, one of Dr. Turn- for women’s rights, the
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SEWICKLEY ACADEMY UNDER FIRE Teachers, administrators shown the door, while students demand better for students of color by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer
Sewickley Academy won’t be winning any NAACP “Image Awards” anytime soon. In the past week, the acclaimed private school with a yearly tuition of $32,000 for those in grades 9-12 has found itself, literally, on the “6 o’clock news,” and not for favorable reasons. The assistant head of school, Ken Goleski, resigned without a trace on Monday, March 7, after reports surfaced that he requested police come to the school grounds five days prior to address parents who had congregated to Sewickley Academy in support of their students. The students wanted to take a petition to school leadership on Thursday, March 3, and asked for “backup” in the form of their parents, most of whom obliged. The students wanted to address with school leadership concerns about how some students of color felt unheard or were unfairly treated at Sewickley Academy. Moments later, however, police cruisers whizzed onto the scene, from three agencies—Edgeworth, Sewickley and Leetsdale.
With Sewickley Academy actually located within Edgeworth borough, Edgeworth police was the lead agency on the campus. No one was arrested or cited, but the mere mention of “police called to Sewickley Academy” was enough to have Pittsburgh television crews making a beeline for the school. Goleski, according to multiple media reports, also shocked students when he allegedly fired a teacher on the spot for being with the students outside the school. That teacher, Gail Wolfe, is no longer returning to the school, along with three other teachers, according to a school press release dated for March 7. Sewickley Academy said that “a small group of faculty and staff have not maintained the degree of respect and professionalism that the academy expects of their positions. Most recently, some of these faculty shared personnel decisions and changes with their students.” In addition to Wolfe, Michael-Ann Cerniglia, the chair of the senior school’s history and social sciences department, Barrett Gough, a senior school history and social sciences teacher, and Jill Korb-
SEWICKLEY ACADEMY STUDENTS PROTEST ON FRIDAY, MARCH 4, OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL. (PHOTO COURTESY WTAE-TV) er Small, a senior school English teacher were also dismissed, effective immediately, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Data from U.S. News and World Report’s education lists show that Sewickley Academy has an enrollment of roughly 600 in grades K-12, with seven percent identifying as Black. It’s unclear how many Black students attend the high school portion, or as Sewickley Academy calls it, “Senior School.”
A diverse set of students held a rally outside the school on Friday, March 4, which turned out to be a scheduled off-day for all students. They again demanded for their voices to be heard by school leadership, along with a national search for a new director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice. Lavern Burton, who is Black, was fired last summer by Sewickley Academy, along with its longtime head of school, Kolia O’Connor and three other administra-
tors. The firings came after an anonymous letter was sent to school parents and leaders questioning “political and ideological persuasion in the institution’s curriculum.” Sewickley Academy’s stance is that the firings last summer had nothing to do with the anonymous letter that was sent, a letter that many believed was racist and discriminatory in nature. Meanwhile, FAME, or the Fund for the Advancement of Minorities in Education,
based in Pittsburgh, announced last month it was suspending its partnership with Sewickley Academy for the 2022-23 school year. FAME helps Black students enter into Sewickley Academy’s high school through scholarships and mentorship throughout the students’ duration at Sewickley Academy. There are currently six FAME students at Sewickley Academy, and their assistance from FAME will not change.
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Healthy Start Pittsburgh awarded grant to improve ‘Infant Health Equity’ Black women have almost five times the rate as White women for infant mortality in Allegheny County
JADA SHIRRIEL, Chief Executive Officer of Healthy Start, at her office in Pittsburgh. (Photo by Jay Manning/PublicSource)
by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer
In 2018, the infant mortality rates for Black women in the U.S. was a frightening 10.8 per 1,000 live births, more than double the rate for White women (4.6). Plain and simple, that’s unacceptable, according to those who study and advocate for improved maternal health for African American women, like Jada Shirriel, president of Healthy Start Pittsburgh, and La’Tasha Mayes, outgoing president and CEO of New Voices For Reproductive Justice. It’s also unacceptable in the eyes of the federal government. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a federal agency, compiled the statistics and released the eye-opening data. Another government agency, the Department of Health and Human
Services, last year announced the creation of the Infant Health Equity Project, where Healthy Start agencies across the country would work on an action plan to help reduce disparities in infant mortality in their regions. Recently, 21 Healthy Start entities, including the Pittsburgh agency, received part of a $1.6 million grant to assist in the action plan’s creation, which would incorporate data-driven policy and strategies. Healthy Start Pittsburgh received $80,000. The Healthy Start Pittsburgh action plan will be revealed to the public during Black Maternal Health Week, April 11-17, but before it can be completed, the public will have an opportunity to give input on the proposed action plan. “This is not a single issue,” said Shirriel, during Healthy Start
DARA MENDEZ, PH.D., with the University of Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh’s two-day virtual “Town Hall for Infant Health Equity,” held March 1-2. “We’re looking at workforce issues, the care that our moms receive, the environments and the communities that they live in...very complex issues that we’re working to synthesize down to some priorities that we can actually take action on locally. In five years, we envision a different reality for moms and babies in Allegheny County.” The infant mortality rate for Black women was 14.9 per 1,000 live births in Allegheny County in 2016, which was almost five times the rate for White women (3.3). Pennsylvania’s infant mortality rate for Black women was 14.6. Mayes, a keynote speaker for the virtual town hall, said that while Black maternal health is one of her organization’s three priority issues, it
became the main issue when the pandemic hit. “It changed the DNA of our organization,” Mayes said. The COVID-19 pandemic, she said, exposed that “families that are already on the social, economic and political margins” could fall behind even further without the help of organizations like New Voices For Reproductive Justice. The organization constantly helped mothers attain everything from diapers and menstrual products, to $40,000 in cash grants, new mama baskets, yoga memberships, free emergency contraception, free laundry services and toy drives during the holidays. “That’s what our communities needed,” Mayes said. “We now employ a bread-and-roses approach. We can’t ask you to fight for justice if you need diapers, if you need rental assistance. Again,
DANNAI WILSON, with the Allegheny County Health Department.
that is the intersectional, transformational power of reproductive justice as a movement, as a framework, but also as a practice. And that was such a powerful time in New Voices and continues to influence how we engage Black mamas in our work, who are more at the center of the work that we do because we know that Black mamas are first and most impacted by so many of the issues that New Voices is addressing in the justice realm, in the policy realm, in the organizing realm.” Healthy Start Pittsburgh brought together a “core group” of individuals who have been working on the action plan for more than a year, including: Alysia Davis (March of Dimes); Demia Horsley (Healthy Start); Amy Malen, (Allegheny County Department of Human Services); Noble Maseru, Ph.D. (Univer-
sity of Pittsburgh); Dara Mendez, Ph.D. (University of Pittsburgh); Dannai Wilson (Allegheny County Health Department); and Shirriel. There is a “coalition” group as well, comprised of 28 individuals in a supporting role in creating the action plan, which includes Muffy Mendoza of Brown Mamas, Rochelle Jackson of Black Women’s Policy Center, and Dawndra Jones of UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital. The public input session will be held, virtually, on Monday, March 14, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. To receive a link to register for the session, email Ashley Comans, Healthy Start Inc., Pittsburgh marketing, communications and development coordinator, at acomans@hsipgh. org, or call 412-247-4009.
LA’TASHA MAYES, founder and outgoing president/CEO of New Voices For Reproductive Justice.
HEALTH
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Take Charge Of Your Health Today. Be Informed. Be Involved.
CARLOS T. CARTER
Disparities in cancer pain care by Carlos T. Carter, President & CEO, Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh
This month’s focus is on disparities in pain care for cancer patients. This subject is especially important and personal for Carlos. CARLOS: I’m glad we are talking about this subject. It is so important to bring awareness to it. My father had cancer, twice. He survived colon cancer in his 30s and passed away from lung cancer in his late 50s. It was difficult watching him suffer, but I went to all of his appointments with him to support him and to help advocate for him and with him. When you lose someone close to you, life changes; there’s a gap in your life that you cannot fill. Cancer has impacted my family in a number of ways. I’ve lost a lot of cousins to cancer as well. What are the factors that increase disparities in cancer for Blacks? CARLOS: There are many factors. We know that one way that individuals can take charge of their health is to simply live a healthy lifestyle. For many Black people, having access to something as important as healthy food is a struggle. We’ve talked about the food deserts in Pittsburgh many times through this health page and in other ways. Some residents are so isolated and cut off that their only way to get healthy food is to take multiple buses across town. The same can be said about testing centers for preventative care. Just by the nature of jobs that Black people hold, the lack of flexibility to be able to leave work in the middle of the day to go to a doctor’s appointment is not an option. We also must make conscious decisions about our health. When we do have access, we need to make the best choices for our health. How does racism influence whether Black patients receive pain medication? CARLOS: Unfortunately, I think it has a lot to do with stereotyping and bias. There’s an ugly stereotype out there that Black people abuse drugs. Doctors may feel reluctant to prescribe opioids based on that bias. What can we do as a community and as an individual patient to push for change? CARLOS: We need to be aware that there are biases around prescribing Black people pain medication. Black people need to be better advocates for their own health. We need to elevate our voices, speak up, know and understand what is happening with our bodies. We need more Black doctors—people that look like us and understand what Black people are going through —and practice medicine with that empathy. We need to promote diversity in health careers and start at young ages bringing Black doctors into Black communities. We need to help children see the value of being a doctor and see doctors that look like them. We need to be more encouraging of pursuing health careers. On the system-level, there needs to be more training and accountability for doctors regarding disparities and bias as it relates to prescribing pain medicine. Having access to affordable healthcare and living a healthy lifestyle is so important. We all must do our part to ensure that we break down and remove barriers to care.
GIVING EMOTIONAL SUPPORT—Mother with cancer and daughter sit together at home. Getty Images stock photo.
Understanding—and combating— cancer inequity in the Black community According to the American Cancer Society, Black Americans undergo more illness, worse outcomes, and premature death than Whites. For cancer prevention, detection, treatment, and survival, Black Americans suffer significantly more than White individuals. Black Americans experience the highest death rate and shortest survival for most cancers. Black men have the highest cancer death rate of any racial/ethnic group—24% higher than White men. Black women have higher death rates from cancer —42% higher than White women. These statistics are grim for many reasons that range from deep, historical, and well-founded mistrust in the medical community and problems with access to care. For example, early cancer screenings are important for finding breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers. If these cancers are treated early, Black people have a better survival rate. But screening centers aren’t located in or near Black neighborhoods, and they’re not open after normal business hours. Visiting them can be a hassle. For instance, to get a mammogram, a Black woman must miss work, take a bus, and maybe find someone to care for her kids or an aging family member while she’s gone. Hardest of all for low-income Black people is lack of insurance. According to the
National Cancer Institute, less than 40% of uninsured women aged 50-74 had a mammogram in the past two years compared with 75% of insured women. Where Black Americans live is a factor, too. In low-income neighborhoods, people are more likely to be exposed to asbestos, lead paint, and air pollution, which may increase the risk of cancer. Black people also have fewer resources that support a healthy lifestyle. That includes, community centers for exercising, safe places to walk, or nearby grocery stores or farmers’ markets to purchase affordable fresh food. Then there are research inequities. Black people are underrepresented in clinical trials compared to other racial/ethnic groups. According to the Annals of Internal Medicine, less than 8% of participants in cancer treatment clinical trials are Black. That means that doctors may not have as deep an understanding of how cancer cells behave in Black women versus other groups of women, for example. Findings from mostly white cancer patients are applied to every woman, regardless of race/ethnic group. Systemic racism and abuse by medical people have created distrust in the Black community. In a recent poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation, 70% of Black Americans say they’re treated unfairly by the health care system and 55% percent say they dis-
DR. HAILEY BULLS trust it. Together with that distrust is the lack of doctor diversity. A National Bureau of Economic Research study found that Black men treated by Black doctors agreed to more, and more invasive, preventive services than Black men seen by nonblack doctors. Why? If the doctor looks like you, there’s a greater chance for deeper connection. That connection is important to Black people’s health. “Communication and trust in your doctor can be critical to successful cancer treatment,” says Dr. Hailey Bulls, Assistant Professor of Medicine in Pitt’s Palliative Research Center. “The goal is to create a cancer care plan that’s specific to the person being treated,” she explains. “The plan must value the individual’s experience and include teamwork between the doctor and the patient. When this happens, the patient gets the best type of treatment.” Dr. Bulls studies disparities in cancer pain management. Her work seeks to understand how racial
biases and negative stereotypes result in less access to pain medicine. Stigma around prescription opioids, or “opioid stigma” includes addiction fears, difficulty filling and paying for prescriptions, and the uncomfortable feeling people have discussing pain with a doctor. “We think these challenges are even more common in underserved communities, where we know there are stark racial disparities in successful pain management,” she says. “We are working on ways to help narrow that gap.” Dr. Bulls continues, “Maybe you feel the doctor won’t take your pain seriously because you’re a Black woman. Or (s)he won’t consider prescribing opioids because you’re a young, Black man. When you feel you’re being judged, you don’t ask about options, and you don’t get relief from your pain.” There are many layers to opioid stigma, and Dr. Bulls’ team is currently working on ways to help clinicians and patients address stigmatizing experiences in the clinic. One step that can help is to make yourself heard and understood. “As a patient with cancer, you may not be able to choose your cancer doctor because of your insurance or where you live,” Dr. Bulls says. “However, you DO have a choice about how you communicate with that person and your entire medical care team.” It’s crucial that Black patients feel confident and free to share what they
know about their own health. “Think of your oncologist as the cancer expert and YOU as the expert on you,” Dr. Bulls explains. “The doctor knows how to treat cancer, but YOU know your pain level and what you need in terms of well-being and support. Bringing those two areas of expertise together can help make sure you’re on the same page with your care team.” Dr. Bulls recommends that patients freely offer information about their experiences, ask questions, and have conversations about ALL that’s happening. “What are you feeling physically, emotionally, spiritually? What’s working for you with your treatment? What’s not working? What do you need at every stage of your healthcare journey?” “I strongly believe the majority of doctors and nurses want to help people,” Dr. Bulls states. “Make sure you vocalize what YOU need. Consider writing down your questions and concerns between appointments and bring that list in during your appointments to help you remember what you want to cover. If that’s not something you’re comfortable doing, take along a trusted friend or family member who DOES feel comfortable advocating on your behalf.” When it comes to cancer care, receiving the best possible treatment that’s specific to you is your right as a patient—no matter what your race/ethnicity.
Three steps to prevent or beat cancer Get screened regularly The most common types of cancer for Black Americans are breast cancer in women, prostate cancer in men, and lung and colorectal cancer in both groups. These cancers can be detected early—and often treated successfully —by getting regular, routine screenings. Mobile screening services are available in Pittsburgh that bring care to underserved communities. You can find out more about them by visiting the web sites below or by searching “Free or low-cost cancer screenings near me” on your cell phone or a computer. Allegheny Health Network (AHN) free cancer screenings: https://www.ahn.org/lp/ cancer-screening-agh
PA Department of Health Early Detection Program h t t p s : / / w w w. h e a l t h . pa.gov/topics/programs/ Pages/PABreastandCervicalCancerEarlyDetectionProgram.aspx Good Rx h t t p s : / / w w w. g o o d r x . com/conditions/cancer/ free-cancer-screening Prevent Cancer Foundation https://www.preventc a n c e r. o r g / e d u c a t i o n / free-and-low-cost-cancerscreenings/ University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) https://www.upmc.com/ services/south-central-pa/ imaging/mammography/ free-screenings Please don’t let the fear of bad news stop you from being screened! If you have cancer symptoms,
such as a lump in your breast, trouble urinating, or having a cough most of the time, make an appointment as soon as possible. Live More Healthfully Diet & Exercise Small lifestyle changes can have a big impact on your health. For example, if you’re overweight, lose 10 pounds slowly by reading food labels and choosing items that are low in added sugar and fat and high in protein. If there’s a safe place for you to walk, take a leisurely stroll for 10 minutes a day with a goal of working up to 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Nicotine Don’t smoke, vape, or chew tobacco. If you already use, try to lower your intake with a goal
of quitting. Many companies offer smoking-cessation programs to their employees through wellness plans. If you have insurance, contact a plan representative, and ask if there’s a program that’s offered at no or low cost. If you’ve tried a program and it didn’t work, keep trying. Don’t get discouraged! It often takes multiple attempts before people are successful. Alcohol Limit how much alcohol you drink. Current guidelines from the American Cancer Society recommend no alcohol consumption, but if you do choose to drink, don’t consume more than one drink per day if you’re a woman and two drinks per day if you’re a man. For instance, one 12-oz
beer or one 5-oz glass of wine. Share your story! If you’re a cancer survivor, talk about it with others as a way of informing and encouraging them to be proactive about their health. If you’ve lost a loved one to cancer, tell that story as well—in honor of the person’s memory and as good information. The word “cancer” continues to be one of the scariest words in the human language. You can make it less scary by talking about your experiences from a place of love and concern. And, if you’re an elder in the community, your words and example can be especially powerful to younger people.
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MARCH 9-15, 2022
Praise & Worship
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ sake hath forgiven you.”
ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH 91 Crawford Street Pgh., PA 15219 412-281-3141 Sunday Mass 11 AM
-EPHESIANS 4:31-32
Rev. Thomas J. Burke- Pastor Rev. C. Matthew HawkinsParochial Vicar Rev. David H. TaylorSenior Parochial Vicar.
REV WALKER SAYS: The Word of God: Be ye therefore followers of God as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour. Ephesians 5:1-2
www.sbtmparishpgh.com
East Liberty Presbyterian Church Rev. Dr. Randy Bush, Senior Pastor 412-441-3800
Worship in person or Online on Facebook/YouTube www.ELPC.church Journey Worship..........8:45am Sanctuary Worship.......11:00 a.m. Taize -Wednesdays.........7:00 p.m.
New Voices for Reproductive Justice announces Kelly Davis as new executive director Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community! For rate information, call 412-4818302, ext. 128. We want to feature positive youth from our Pittsburgh church community. Please mail their bio and photo to: New Pittsburgh Courier 315 E. Carson St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219 or email us: religion@newpittsburghcourier. com
New Voices for Reproductive Justice, a multistate organization driving social change and dedicated to the health and well-being of Black women and girls, recently announced the appointment of Kelly Davis its next executive director, the New Pittsburgh Courier has learned. She joins New Voices as part of the coordinated succession plan announced last summer by founding president and C.E.O. La’Tasha D. Mayes, who has led the organization since 2004. “In Kelly Davis, we have a veteran of the reproductive justice movement who is also personally and professionally aligned with our mission, principles, and values,” said Mazda Miles, board chair for New Voices, in a statement. “Our national search touched some of the top leaders in this space and we are ecstatic to be bringing on such an influential and visionary woman to usher the organization into its next chapter.” Davis is a 4th generation birth worker who has worked in reproductive justice for 15 years, with her most recent role being the Chief of Birth Equity Innovation at the National Birth Equity Collab-
orative (NBEC). Across her recent roles, she has consistently operated as a mission-aligned, data-driven leader focused on metrics, planning, systems, accountability and gathering the right insights to measure program effectiveness. Prior to joining NBEC, Davis led a series of initiatives for the nation’s largest health department in New York City. During her nearly decade-long tenure, she led healthy eating and active living programs, catalyzed NYC’s first HIV public awareness campaign, totally focused on women, and served as one of the founding members of the Center for Health Equity, where she conceptualized the Family Wellness Suites—community respite and healing spaces for parents and children. Under Davis’ leadership, New Voices expects to grow significantly to accommodate the expanding need for its leadership and input on reproductive justice issues. “I am so excited to join New Voices at this pivotal moment,” said Davis. “This organization is recognized and respected nationally for its work on countless key reproductive justice issues.
by Rob Taylor Jr.
White’s true calling, she said. “I’ve been a food writer for over seven years and have had the opportunity to judge food competitions all over the city. I also held my own food competitions (Sweet Potato Pie Cookoff, Mac ‘n’ Cheese Cookoff, Wing and Mac Cookoff) for a few years,” White told the Courier. “Being in the food industry is a passion of mine...In September 2021 I had the opportunity to write in my first international publication (eater.com) and highlight 38 Pittsburgh-area restaurants. I was able to highlight many Black- and brownowned restaurants that usually get overlooked on those types of lists... Being on the show is a dream come true and just another stepping stone.” “Plate It, Pittsburgh!” can be viewed by downloading the “Very Local” app on smart televisions only—it is not available
KELLY DAVIS has held leadership roles in reproductive justice and racial equity for 15 years—she joins New Voices after a leadership role at National Birth Equity Collaborative. It is my honor to ensure we remain present and relevant in the spaces and conversations where the reproductive justice movement is needed the most—especially as sociopolitical systems collude to deny Black people racial justice, environmental justice and healthcare access.” Mayes co-founded New Voices as a Pittsburgh-based grassroots collective along with col-
leagues Bekezela Mguni and Maria Dautruche, and with guidance from Lois “Toni” McLendon, a respected community elder. Their successful efforts buoyed them to formally organize in 2007, and since that time, New Voices has steadily built a powerful, growing, thriving social change movement that has made a measurable and positive difference in the lives of Black women, femmes,
girls and gender-expansive folx. Today, New Voices’ influence on issues extends to Black maternal health, abortion access, comprehensive sex education, contraception and healthcare, environmental justice, LGBTQ+ rights, gender-based violence, mass incarceration, pushout of Black girls in schools, police violence and COVID-19 relief.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEXT Courier food critic Briana L. White a judge CHURCH on new TV show, ‘Plate It, Pittsburgh!’ EVENT! We want to place your event in our Church Circuit weekly calendar! Send info to:
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New Pittsburgh Courier food critic Briana L. White isn’t afraid to tell it like it is. Since 2017, White has visited locally Black-owned restaurants and reported on the food’s pizazz—or sometimes, lack thereof. Now White, owner of Breelicious Bites, is a judge on the new four-episode television series, “Plate it, Pittsburgh!” Local chefs compete in a cooking competition right in front of White, and when it’s time for the food to be served, White serves up her opinions. “I’m honest, hungry and hilarious,” White told the Courier. White, who was raised on Pittsburgh’s South Side, graduated from Greater Works Academy in 2001 and Carlow University in 2006 with a degree in international business. But becoming a fulltime “Foodpreneur” is
via smartphone. The first episode premiered on March 3, with subsequent episodes to premiere on March 10, 17 and 24. The episodes can be re-watched “on demand.” The “Very Local” app is a product of Hearst Television, which owns a plethora of television stations, including Pittsburgh’s WTAE-TV (4). It’s Hearst’s way of bringing more localized programming to “streaming-first” audiences who often skew younger. “Very Local” has shows being produced in numerous cities in addition to Pittsburgh. Once on the “Very Local” app for Pittsburgh, one would also find a show entitled “Ed and Day in the ‘Burgh,” featuring Pittsburgh comedians Ed Bailey and Day Bracey, who are African American.
BRIANA L. WHITE
SPORTS
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
MARCH 9-15, 2022
Allderdice, Obama win City League titles
Allderdice was back in a familiar position on Feb. 20, and that was king of City League boys basketball. The Dragons started hot and then paced themselves to a 60-44 victory over Brashear. As for the girls, Obama Academy has the crown. They defeated Allderdice on Feb. 20, 58-40, and did it without any real threat of losing the game. Both championship games were played at the Petersen Events Center in Oakland. (Photos by Courier photographer Will McBride)
MAJOR RAINEY, ALLDERDICE
SAM KELLY, ALLDERDICE
OBAMA GIRLS, 2022 CITY LEAGUE CHAMPIONS
TAYLOR PHILLIPS, OBAMA
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Should all nations possess a nuclear deterrent? J. Pharoah Doss Page B4
BUSINESS New Pittsburgh Courier
MARCH 9-15, 2022
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ARDANA JEFFERSON
Homeless Children’s Education Fund hires new Executive Director The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that the Board of Directors of the Homeless Children’s Education Fund announced the hiring of Ardana Jefferson to serve as the organization’s Executive Director. Ms. Jefferson will begin her tenure on March 21, 2022. “We are thrilled that Ardana brings the right mix of person and professional attributes to our organization. She will inspire the board, staff and community partners with her passion, acumen and dedication to the community,” said Jo Clark, HCEF Board President. “She has a track record of success in her past endeavors and is poised to take us into an exciting new chapter of service.” Ms. Jefferson most recently served as the Director of
Hope Group for Hosanna House in Wilkinsburg, where she was responsible for growing and overseeing business development, partner services and asset management. With more than 25 years of experience in membership and program development, staff development, and net revenue growth, Ardana possesses an in-depth understanding of the non-profit industry and how sales/ marketing and program retention can impact the breadth and depth of the organization. A graduate of Seton Hill University, Ms. Jefferson’s career has been devoted to unlocking human potential. She has held many posts with the YMCA, in both Orlando, Florida and Pittsburgh, Pa.
PHOTO COURTESY OF PEXELS
When is it their turn? Black women and the ever-widening pay gap by Sherri Kolade For New Pittsburgh Courier
(Michigan Chronicle)—Black women who want to earn just as much as White men would have to work about an extra seven months to catch up to them to make the same pay in America. According to the U.S. Census, typically, Black women were paid 63 percent of what non-Hispanic White men were paid in 2019. A typical working Black woman in 19 months is then paid what the average White man makes in just one year. According to the American Association of University Women (AAUW), an equity-based organization, women, especially Black and Latina wom-
en, were more likely to work in lowwage jobs. The pay and wealth disparities that impact Black women also negatively touch the families they are raising, especially if they are the breadwinner. About 80 percent of Black mothers are the sole, co-, or primary breadwinners for their households, according to the report. And a good-paying job could mean riding a fine line between struggling and living comfortably for a family. LaNeisha Gunn, diversity recruitment and partnerships manager at Novi-based HARMAN International, told the Michigan Chronicle that with Black women being a double minority, they are still fighting “across all levels.”
“Black women are [still] fighting equity and pay disparity, upward mobility and being noticed,” Gunn said, adding that they are even working above and beyond to be noticed and being “championed” by senior leaders. “I still see some of them have to work 10 times harder.” According to the Brookings Institution, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit public policy organization, the overall Black-White wealth gap over the past three decades has increased. The median wealth of White households grew from $106,900 in 1992 to $185,400 in 2007 which is 7.8 times more than the average Black household ($24,100). According to the FedSEE BLACK WOMEN PAY GAP B2
Pamela Culpepper is first Black woman to sit on Prada’s board
PAMELA CULPEPPER
Courier Newsroom—For the first time in its 100-year history, Prada has a Black woman seated among its Board members. This month, the iconic fashion house’s parent company tapped two new Independent Non-Executive Directors, Pamela Culpepper and Anna Maria Rugarli with Culpepper, becoming the first Black woman to be named to the brand’s board. Culpepper is coming to the brand with over 25 years in corporate human resources, diversity, inclusion, and more at some of the world’s biggest companies. According to Essence, her experience in these areas will help move the brand forward in its people, environment and culture strategy. “People who know me and know what Prada stands for, quickly see what connects us—status quo is sim-
ply not an option,” Culpepper told the publication. “One of Prada’s principles is to go where the risk is. Prada has stepped out front to lead the industry in ESG. It would be easier to fast follow, but that would be counter to both our instincts. Prada is at the intersection of authentically connecting their values and purpose with the needs and will of their key stakeholders.” “My role is to help strategically navigate that intersection,” she added. In addition to working on Prada’s Board, Culpepper is also the founder of Have Her Back, a woman-led cultural consulting firm that is involved in promoting equity for all. Culpepper was the Chief Human Resources Officer at Cboe Global Markets, Inc., one of the world’s largest exchange holding companies. As a
veteran HR executive, Ms. Culpepper has over 25 years of experience. She joined Cboe from Golin, where she was the company’s Chief People Officer. For more than 14 years prior, she held various leadership roles with PepsiCo, Inc., including Chief Global Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Vice President Human Resources for Quaker Foods and Snacks; Vice President Human Resources for PepsiCo’s Beverages Supply Chain; and Vice President Talent Management and Diversity for Quaker, Tropicana and Gatorade. Before PepsiCo, Ms. Culpepper held progressive roles with McKesson Corporation, Clorox and Wells Fargo. Ms. Culpepper has a BA in Psychology from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and a Master of Public Administration in Organizational Change from California State University, Eastbay.
What’s the worst financial advice you ever received? You can learn from personal experiences or you can learn from other’s experiences. When it comes to making mistakes, I’m a proponent of learning from other’s experiences. I have a cousin who survived a gunshot. He tells me it feels like hot fire piercing your body. I told him, I’ll take your word for it. When it comes to making money mistakes, it’s not only cheaper, it’s less stressful, and you will not personally experience the hot fire burning a hole in your wallet. I ask my Facebook Followers to share what was some of the worst advice they’d received about money. They offered up some personal experiences. I’ll add some insight. But don’t take my word for it, be mindful of what they had to say. Buy new cars to avoid costly repairs. Luckily I never took that bad advice since cars depreciate on day one. ~ Tracy Damon says: Smart woman! What happens to a new car the moment you drive it off of the lot? It becomes a used car. New cars depreciate 30-50 percent within the first 3-years. Costly repairs? Have you calculated the amount you pay in car payments on a new car over one year alone? Let’s just say, it’s more than likely more expensive than what people pay in car repairs over the same time period. Purchasing a slightly used certified pre owned car is the optimal way to pur-
chase a car. ********** You don’t have to worry about anything, baby. I got it. ~ Cicely Damon says: She’s saying this in regards to a previous relationship. He promised a lot. He delivered very little. Leaving her with a mess to clean up on her own. When it comes to money, everybody can be funny. You can never trust everything will work itself out because he or she promised it will. You have to trust but verify. *********** To let my former spouse be in charge of the finances and financial decisions. ~Jennifer Damon says: When you’re married, you are one economic unit. Both spouses should have some autonomy where they can spend money without getting the other’s permission. It’s important to set a dollar amount that you will not go over without the other spouse knowing about it. I recommend any spending over $300 should be agreed upon amongst both
spouses. Spending under $300 should be discretionary unless one is deceitfully making several purchases under $300 to avoid having the money discussion with their spouse. As to the $300 spending cap, an exception is warranted if it’s a gift for one another. Even then, the amount spent on a gift has to be within reason. It’s also important that both spouses have experience in paying bills as well as having a voice and opinions on all money matters within the household. ********** As a 19 yr old International Student I fell into the American system with Credit Cards. Credit Card companies came to our campus to offer students credit cards. My American “friend” at the time told me credit cards were free money. With zero knowledge of what I was signing up for I ended up with 5 credit cards within the first month of being in the US, I was in debt. ~ Choice Worst money advice: Take the credit cards offered to me while in college with no job. ~ Nicole
Damon says: In America, NOTHING is free. If any company is offering something for free, you’re the product they’re selling by way of your profile to other companies. Giving a broke college student with no job with several needs, wants and desires a credit card is a license to go on a shopping spree. How are they to pay it back with no stable income? Sounds like a catalyst to rack up both debt and bad credit. ********** The worst piece I was given was none! My mother NEVER told/showed me HOW to save money. She just told me to do it. I didn’t really learn until about 12 years ago ~ C. Linda No financial advice is my worst advice! I started out well enough on my own but without further knowledge it all went haywire and now I’m playing catch up with retirement investments. ~ Irene Not getting any advice was the worst. I had to figure out budgeting, credit cards, bank fees, etc. on my own. ~ Nafeesa Damon says: Three people stated not SEE WORST FINANCIAL ADVICE B2
BUSINESS
B2 MARCH 9-15, 2022
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Vibrant Pittsburgh brings more color to the workforce by Alan Hunt II For New Pittsburgh Courier
The Pittsburgh region has suffered decades of population decline, leaving it with an aging workforce and one of the least diverse major metros in the United States. Retaining and attracting minority workers is crucial to the region’s future. Vibrant Pittsburgh aims to build a thriving and inclusive Pittsburgh region by attracting, retaining, and elevating a diversity of talent. “The future is diverse,” said Vibrant Pittsburgh President and CEO Sabrina Saunders Mosby. “In fact, by 2044, more than half of Americans will identify as members of underrepresented racial and ethnic groups…When thinking about where you prioritize investment, investing in practices, policies, building environments, and reshaping cultures that will attract a diversity of talent is imperative for any company that wishes to not just survive, but thrive.” Vibrant Pittsburgh regularly engages
with 2,500 diverse job seekers, 500 diverse affinity groups with more than 50,000 constituents with which they support, and since launching, the growth rate of diverse workers in the region has more than doubled from 1.14 percent to 2.84 percent. “We have doubled our membership since I have come on board. Our increase in membership is most certainly a testament to a shift in the region and also the quality of our resources and services,” said Mosby. Post George Floyd, Mosby confirms a heightened awareness and demand for more diversity and inclusion. While public statements and donations are nice, Mosby wants the work of Vibrant Pittsburgh to reflect sustainable change. “Changes in policies and practices will outlive sentiments,” said Mosby. “We saw over the course of the last two years a lot of really good intentional sentiments related to equity, hiring practices, and financial investments into the Black community specifically. The action that follows is what’s most important. What we are focused on is
measuring that action. How close are we getting to the goal that has been set forth and not just the words that are shared?” As demand for Vibrant Pittsburgh’s services has increased within the past two years, the workload has too. “An uptick that quickly requires an organization like ours to pivot and refocus our efforts. It was quite challenging for all of us. I think I would be remiss if I didn’t say that as a Black woman, leading this kind of organization and work, it is quite taxing, but seeing change happen on the ground and building strategic relationships to help our region is certainly worth it,” said Mosby. In addition to her staff, Mosby also credits Vibrant Pittsburgh’s members that remain dedicated. “All of our members and their commitment is what makes this work. We have a number of entities that serve as community pillars for Vibrant Pittsburgh…they make financial investments that help support the work holistically.”
SABRINA SAUNDERS MOSBY
Women’s History Month and Social Security by Josh Grant For New Pittsburgh Courier
Each March, we celebrate Women’s History Month. It is a time to reflect on the achievements of women. Social Security has served a vital role in the lives of women for more than 85 years. Women have longer average life expectancies than men, which means they live more years in retirement and have a greater chance of exhausting other sources of income. It’s important for women to plan early and wisely for retirement. Our retirement pages at www.ssa.gov/retirement provide detailed information about how life events can affect a woman’s Social Security retirement benefits. These events may include marriage, widowhood, divorce, self-employment, government service, and other life or
career changes. Your earnings history will determine your future benefits, so we encourage you to verify that the information we have is correct. You can create your personal my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount and review your earnings history. If you find an error in your earnings record, it is important to get it corrected so you receive the benefits you earned when you retire. Our publication, How to Correct Your Social Security Earnings Record at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10081. pdf, provides you with details on how to make a correction. You also can view your Social Security Statement on your my Social Security account, for estimates of future benefits and other important planning information. If you would like to learn more about how we can help women plan for retirement, check out our online booklet, Social Security: What Every Woman Should Know. You can find it at www. ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10127.pdf. Please share this information with family and friends.
(Josh Grant is Social Security District Manager in Pittsburgh, Pa.)
Catapult Pittsburgh boosts economic justice by Alan Hunt II For New Pittsburgh Courier
Many Pittsburgh neighborhoods’ poverty rate exceeds 30 percent. According to US Census estimates, just over 20 percent of Pittsburghers live at or below the income limit for the Federal Poverty Guidelines. For a family of four, the national poverty income limit is $25,100 annually. Catapult Pittsburgh aids Pittsburghers battling poverty daily. Catapult Greater Pittsburgh engages in emergency resource distribution, peer-topeer support, wealth building, trauma-informed financial counseling and policy advocacy to ensure systematically disenfranchised communities experience financial equity. “There is an economic justice issue in this country, but definitely in this city. We’ve got to do better to increase economic opportunity for people,” said Catapult Executive Director Tammy Thompson. “We’re not looking for handouts for people. We’re looking to repair and be intentional about creating opportuni-
ties that Black folks have intentionally been left out of for generations. When we think about economic justice, we’re thinking about what needs to be done to intentionally create opportunities for Black folks to own assets and build wealth for this generation and generations to come.” Catapult’s programming aids the community in learning about asset building, entrepreneurship, policy advocacy, and provides sustainable connections. “Everything we do is rooted in healing poverty trauma and focusing on getting folks to understand and educating people about how long-term exposure to poverty impacts people, not just financially but also mentally and emotionally,” said Thompson. Increasing homeownership has been a driving force for Catapult. Within the past year, they raised $350,000 through grants to fund their closing cost assistance program. “People are coming to our program to get up to $7,500 closing costs assistance grants to help them get over the finish line of purchasing their own home,” said Thompson. “It is a blessing. We know in doing the first-time
homeownership work that a lot of the barriers to people purchasing homes has been the ability to raise or save money for their down payment and closing cost. We wanted to fill that need. We just started in July and have already processed 10 grants.” Thompson is also proud of Catapult Culinary, a premier program for minority-owned food businesses. It seeks to improve the entrepreneurial skills of folks who make the best barbecue, pound cake, or even macaroni and cheese. “We want to help those folks get legitimized, get them certified through the health department, get them training on turning these skills into a sustainable business so they can get access to a larger market,” said Thompson. To donate or connect, visit catapultpittsburgh.org 100 Sheridan Square 4th Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15206 (412) 623-9596 catapultpittsburgh.org
What’s the worst financial advice you received? WORST FINANCIAL ADVICE FROM B1
ceiving no advice is the worst advice of all. We’re taught algebra, geometry and trigonometry but not budgeting, saving or investing. And we wonder why most people are financially illiterate. When it comes to money, ignorance isn’t bliss, what you don’t know can bankrupt you. It’s incumbent upon you to seek out information and help from trusted advisers that will help you get a grip on your money. Call me. ********** I am my own worst enemy when it comes to money. Advising me to put my money in the drawer is the worst financial advice I’ve received. That mess doesn’t work. ~ Tonya
Damon says: We can blame the system and our parents for not properly teaching us how to manage money as the reason for our lack of progress. That would be childish. But as adults at some point we have to realize if it is to be, it’s up to we. Not only do we need to seek out information and counsel that will help us make good financial decisions. We have to control that person in the mirror that spends money on things we don’t need or purchase things we knowingly can’t realistically afford. We are the drivers to our individual financial success and our individual financial ruin. ********* To wait for a husband to buy a house. I bought my first home at age 26. I’m now 46 and have never been married. I would’ve been wasting so much money for 20 years
if I WAITED for a husband to purchase a home (FOOLISHNESS) ~ Janeen Damon says: I think one should get their financial house in order first before seeking homeownership. Waiting to get your love life in order before you seek homeownership comes with one caveat: NEVER buy a house with a significant other unless you’re married. A person unwilling to commit to marriage yet willing to commit to a 30-year mortgage sounds iffy to me. If you’re financially able to own a home on your own before you get married, go for it! Damon Carr, Money Coach can be reached We 412-216-1013 or visit his website at www.damonmoneycoach.com)
Black women and the ever-widening pay gap BLACK WOMEN PAY GAP FROM B1
eral Reserve, in the second quarter of 2020, White households—who make up 60 percent of the U.S. population—held 84 percent or $94 trillion of total household wealth in the U.S. In comparison, Black households—who account for 13.4 percent of the U.S. population—held just 4 percent or $4.6 trillion of total household wealth. Millennial and Detroiter Chantel Watkins is familiar with pay gaps. As the lead organizer for Michigan One Fair Wage, part of a national organization that champions fair pay, Watkins told the Michigan Chronicle previously that the organization is committed to fighting for $15 an hour for all hourly and tipped workers. “We have people all over the country who work with legislators, workers, volunteers and organizers to get people a fair wage,” she said. “The people involved
the most are actual workers, especially restaurant workers. People in the restaurant industry are paid minimum and a subminimum wage that has them living in poverty and putting up with work conditions they otherwise would not.” These inequities didn’t happen by chance. Historically, Black women have been undervalued and even skipped over for opportunities although they are the most educated group in the United States according to national statistics. This is nothing new. During the 1930s and 1940s, Black women had few career choices: maid, nanny, laundress or cook. Forty percent of Black women worked in some type of domestic job, according to information from the Detroit Historical Society’s (DHS) Detroit Historical Museum. Racial discrimination prevented Black women from being educated and employed fairly. And when World War II began, Black women wanted the oppor-
tunity to have a good-paying factory job, like White women, but were often excluded from these positions, according to information from the DHS. This longtime nationwide (even worldwide) issue is inspiring others to speak up. A Black woman, who has worked at Amazon since 2017 is suing the company for racial discrimination, according to a CBS News article. She says that the company doesn’t promote employees of color and pays them less than White coworkers. She applied for a higher-up job and though she was qualified she was passed over for someone else. The lawsuit was filed this month. Cameo King, who runs a Jackson-based nonprofit, Grit, Glam and Guts, and a podcast that helps girls and women be their authentic selves, told the Michigan Chronicle that the pay equity gap is real and she has been on the receiving end after graduating from college and getting a job as a TV producer but being paid well
below her worth. “You do know your worth and sometimes you don’t,” she said adding that Black women should also “pay it forward” if they have the ability to help other Black women advance when they made it. “A lot of Black women are the leaders and opening up new businesses and being entrepreneurs and have the … ability to pay Black women [for] their work.” King once used another Black woman’s services and she invoiced her a low amount, which King kindly rejected and requested for her to bill her more. “I hope she would learn to charge more,” she said adding that she gladly paid the woman her worth, which was more than double the initial fee. “It’s interesting because when I’m paying it forward, I still don’t have that equity or wealth. … But I understand. I get it.” “If you have enough Black women saying ‘no’ or demanding [more] I think companies will understand,” she said.
OPINION
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
MARCH 9-15, 2022
B3
Another war
Guest Editorial
Celebrate Women’s History March is Women’s History Month. This is an annual period that highlights the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society. This year in the United States, it begins on Tuesday, March 1. The first celebration of women, Women’s History Day, took place on February 28, 1909, in New York City. In 1978, an educational task force in Sonoma County, California, kicked off Women’s History Week on March 8, which became International Women’s Day. In March 1980, after celebrations had spread across the country, President Jimmy Carter declared that March 8 was officially the start of National Women’s History Week. Since 1995, presidents have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as Women’s History Month. The need for a period to celebrate women has come from the fact that women have been basically ignored historically. As recently as the 1970s, women’s history was basically an unknown topic in the general public’s consciousness, and in K-12 school curricula. The lack of visibility of women’s accomplishments is probably one reason so many women, and especially Black women, tend to accept denigrating language referring to them that is so prevalent in rap music. Recently, two Black men were overheard discussing women, and both agreed that women had not contributed anything of value to the world. The men in question genuinely believed what they were saying because women have not been visible. Of course, there are a few examples where they have been recognized, for instance, a person begrudgingly agreed that Rosa Parks was a catalyst for the Montgomery Bus Boycott. But the person then attributed her being “tired” as the reason she refused to give up her seat in the White section of the bus. The person did not know that Rosa Parks was a trained civil rights activist. The fact of the matter is that misogyny is alive and very well in 2022 in America. Women have done almost everything but walk on water; there are amazing accomplishments in almost every field of endeavor, yet too many people, both male AND female, Black, White, AND other, seem reluctant to give women accolades for their accomplishments. This national tendency to embrace misogyny might be why Hillary Clinton lost her bid for president of the United States. This misogyny is also probably behind the tendency for many people to ignore allegations of sexual misconduct reported by victimized women. It is rare that they are believed when they finally get up the nerve to go public with their accusations, especially if their alleged abuser is rich and powerful. Moreover, in popular culture, whenever there is talk about a breakup of a high-profile marriage, it seems that in a majority of the cases women are blamed for the dissolution of the relationships, even though most people with this opinion have no personal knowledge about the internal workings of the relationships and don’t personally know the individuals involved. Women theoretically make up one-half of the population, and in the African American community, they have been instrumental in ensuring that the Black family has survived. The fact that over 70 percent of Black children are raised in single, female-headed households, speaks volumes regarding the disproportionate responsibilities that are taken on by Black women. At this point, it might be feasible to note incredible accomplishments recently achieved by two pioneering Black women. The United States has elected a Black female vice president, Kamala Harris, the first in its history. Also, President Joe Biden has just nominated the first Black female to the Supreme Court of the United States, Ketanji Brown Jackson. This is huge!!! Hopefully, she will be confirmed without much opposition. With this said, we should celebrate the accomplishments of women, and Women’s History Month provides us with that opportunity. Our girls need to see love, recognition, and approval, coming from society; after all, they will be the ones raising future generations. (Reprinted from the Chicago Crusader)
Founded 1910
Rod Doss Editor & Publisher Stephan A. Broadus Assistant to the Publisher Allison Palm
Rob Taylor Jr.
Ashley Johnson
Office Manager
Managing Editor
Sales Director
John. H. Sengstacke
Editor & Publisher Emeritus (1912-1997)
(TriceEdneyWire.com)—Before going to bed on 2/22/22, we knew that Ukraine and its citizens had been brutally attacked. In our hearts, we also knew that this was only the beginning of their terror. Although most of us initially wanted to deny the possibility of Vladimir Putin’s threats against an innocent nation, reality dictates that we acknowledge the hard, cold facts of the brutality of a pragmatic, authoritarian kleptocrat. It is clear that inhumanity is a constant in the human condition. The actors may be different and their methods unique, but the plot of inhumanity remains uncomfortably common. Although violent loss of life is always disturbing, it is no worse than the psychological destruction and murder of self-esteem consistent with never-ending discrimination. Russians viciously attack hospitals, schools, businesses, homes, and every other vestige of Ukrainian infrastructure -- all that is near and dear to them. I tremble at the news that innocent children and their mothers live fearfully in the relative safety of underground subway stations. They ‘exist’ with the uncertainty of their futures and lacking the knowledge of what is happening with family members and friends who fight outside to protect them. As horrible as these circumstances are, they are no more destructive than living with the fear of being shot for
Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.
Commentary merely driving, walking or jogging, like Ahmaud Arbery. They are no more disheartening than being denied the opportunity to self-identify as gay, queer, or straight as one’s inner consciousness dictates. They are no more threatening than burning books to erase personal and/or group histories and ideas from records of human endeavor. And they are most certainly no more damaging than listening to Tucker Carlson swoon over or having a former president brag about the savvy of Vladimir Putin. The world’s current upheaval poses many challenges for us all, especially those prone to prejudice and thoughtless evaluation of others. What are we willing to do to help those who survive this horror? If a Ukrainian family manages to survive, what are you willing to do to help them? Would you send money? Would you be willing to help them move to another country— including ours? Would you be willing to provide a place for them to live while they recover? Would you offer any form of encouragement? Yes, we must pray for the people of Ukraine, but those who survive will need more than prayer. Sadly, if present behavior fore-
shadows future conduct, our treatment of Afghan refugees gives reason for serious introspection and reflection. Years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminded us that “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” If you are serious about combating the animosity and hatred engendered by Putin’s war, you must be equally committed to fighting the racial and cultural animus that lives in the DNA of our nation. If you love peace and justice and find this cruel Russian invasion antithetical to everything you believe, you must commit to fighting the injustice of Putin’s war AND the injustice that lives on the highways and byways of this nation. Putin’s ruthlessness remains a threat to the peace and security of the world. If it happens in Ukraine, it can happen anywhere else that such ruthlessness is allowed to thrive. Trump, Pompeo, Bannon, and others of that ilk praise Putin’s thuggery while criticizing the honest efforts of President Joe Biden to salvage Democracy from those who would cast it aside for personal gain and profit. Their threat to peace and security is as great as Putin’s. Given these facts, if we require guidance to plot a proper course of action, we are as lost as Putin.
(H.E. Ambassador Rev. Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq. is Co-National President of the National Congress of Black Women; United Nations Peace Ambassador, President of the Dick Gregory Society and Host of “Wake Up Stay Woke” on WPFW-FM 89.3 radio.)
Where is Black human interest? (TriceEdneyWire.com)—Most of us are riveted to the television, radio, or Internet to learn more about what is happening in Ukraine. On one hand, it is a world away, but on the other hand, it is right next door because it affects us. Not only is there the devastating loss of human life, but there are also the ways that we in the United States are affected by Putin’s putrid boldness. We are feeling it in our pocketbooks as we watch gasoline prices rise. We also feel it in our hearts as we watch people leave, juggling their bundles of belongings, not knowing if they will ever see home again. Black people who live in Ukraine have been mostly ignored when these human interest stories are broadcast. If it were not for journalists Roland Martin and David A. Love, we would not know much about how Black Ukrainians are being treated. Roland was the first to speak of it, highlighting how Black folk in Ukraine were being turned away from busses and trains leaving the country. David Love has written about the ways the majority media has highlighted human suffering, ignoring Black suffering as if we are not human (https://thegrio. com/2022/03/02/we-must-call-out-themedias-racist-coverage-of-ukrainianvs-non-european-refugees/). I am not surprised at this global anti-Blackness as it is the same in Ukraine as it is in the UK or parts of Latin America. Global predatory capitalism has made it acceptable for people to discriminate, even in times of war and crisis. Even without war and crisis, Ukraine
Julianne Malveaux
Commentary has an ugly history of racism. From Twitter, Ukraine’s Deputy Chief Prosecutor David Sakvarelidze said, “It’s very emotional for me because I see European people with blue eyes and blonde hair being killed.” What about the folks with brown eyes, brown skin, and brown hair? Their plight is less impactful, at least for him. Sakvarelidze, your racism is showing. But he’s not the only one. Others have commented on the middle-class status of the fleeing White Ukrainians as if the Black folks fleeing, many who are students, don’t have enough status to be treated compassionately. Of course, the Ukrainian government has issued a statement denying any racism. What else can they say? The United States can play a role in ensuring that Black folks fleeing Ukraine are fairly treated. If we are sending humanitarian aid, we should condition it to fairness in the distribution of aid. Or, if we are sending people to the border to administer aid, we could ensure that our envoys are race-sensitive. If Black folks can’t get on busses or trains, perhaps we could offer busses and trains for them. In the face of blatant racism, we must create race-specific remedies so that no population
in Ukraine or anywhere else feels a disproportionate amount of pain. Other media outlets have jumped on the bandwagon since Roland Martin and David Love have called this racism out. However, I’ve yet to see an in-depth profile of an African family trying to leave. In contrast, I’ve seen several White Ukrainians doing things like getting married in uniform, feeding neighbors, or being taken in by Polish people or others. Where are the stories about the African students abandoning their studies or African families being fractured? This is not just about Ukrainian racism. It is also about White journalistic myopia that refuses to acknowledge Black humanity. My heart breaks for Ukraine. I’ve become a great fan of their bodacious and defiant President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. My heart also breaks for my African brothers and sisters in Ukraine attempting to survive bombs and bombast while also struggling with racism that treats them so very differently from other human beings. I implore President Biden and Vice-President Harris to consider the way Black folk are being treated in Ukraine and tie some of the aid we offer to anti-racist efforts. I want more humanitarian stories about Black folk in Ukraine. Sojourner Truth’s resonant statement was “Ain’t I A Woman”. In Ukraine, Black folks might ask, “Ain’t I A Human”. (Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an economist, author, and Dean of the College of Ethnic Studies at Cal State LA. Juliannemalveaux.com.)
Democracy needs defenders by Ben Jealous President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address reminded Americans that democracy needs defenders—here at home as well as in Ukraine. Russian dictator Vladimir Putin’s attack on Ukraine was understandably a major focus of Biden’s speech. Putin’s eagerness to expand his power by unleashing brute force against his neighbors is a threat to peace in Europe and the world. Putin’s track record of killing journalists and political opponents has made it clear that he is an enemy of democracy and democratic values. We have our own threats to democracy to confront, including the Capitol insurrectionists, the political and media figures who portray them as heroes, and politicians who undermine our democracy. And we have important domestic priorities that cannot be put on hold or set aside. President Biden reminded Americans that the right to vote is under assault. “In state after state, new laws have been passed, not only to suppress the vote, but to subvert entire elections,” he said. The president called on Congress to defend democracy at home by passing the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, two voting rights bills blocked by Senate Republicans’ filibuster. The president added a call for more transparency and accountability in our elections, saying, “And while you’re at it, pass the Disclose Act so Americans can know who is funding our elections.” But, as we know, we won’t see solutions like that on the federal level until we have a pro-democracy majority in the Senate.
And that means we have much work to do between now and the November elections. President Biden also addressed policing, another issue on which Americans are demanding more transparency and accountability. Police unions and politicians who resist change and accountability for law enforcement officers frequently tell Americans that they must choose between fair policing and safe communities. President Biden rejected the false narrative that we cannot have public safety and equal justice saying, “Let’s not abandon our streets—or choose between safety and equal justice.” Unfortunately, the president muddled this message with a call for greater police funding without making it clear that we must invest in innovative approaches to public safety rather than shoveling more money into a system that fails to keep many Americans safe. The president did point to one important aspect of reform by calling for better training for police officers. But we must think much bigger. Young political leaders and community activists across the country are taking bold steps to reimagine public safety. We should all get behind those efforts. One important model for making communities safer for everyone is moving forward in Ithaca, New York. When it is fully implemented, the Ithaca model will replace the current police department with a department of public safety. The new department will be civilian led and will include both uniformed police and unarmed community safety workers. That will reduce the potential for situations that do not require an armed response, which we know can
escalate into deadly violence. And it will free armed officers to focus their time on the kinds of crimes that do require their attention. That’s how we can keep everyone safe, including people who are most likely to be targets of unjustified and deadly police violence. By helping more Americans view public safety from a broader perspective and breaking out of the idea that our only choices are more or less money for cops, we can overcome political resistance and move toward better models of public safety. And that brings me to Judge Ketanji Jackson Brown. Just a few days before the State of the Union address, President Biden nominated Judge Jackson to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. She is a brilliant lawyer who is now serving as a federal judge. She will bring to the Supreme Court perspectives that have never been represented among the justices. She will be the first Black woman ever to serve on our highest court. She will be the first justice to have been a public defender and the first since Thurgood Marshall to have done criminal defense work. She has a personal understanding of how our justice system can treat people without wealth and political influence. Having Judge Jackson’s brilliant mind and her life experience on the Supreme Court will strengthen the court and our democracy. Her confirmation will be one more step in our country’s long and continuing journey of becoming “a more perfect union.” (Ben Jealous serves as president of People For the American Way and Professor of the Practice in the Africana Studies Department at the University of Pennsylvania where he teaches leadership.)
B4
FORUM
MARCH 9-15, 2022
Racism is global, but you knew that (The Indianapolis Recorder)-- If anyone needed a reminder that racism isn’t solely an American issue, one need only watch media coverage of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. You’ll find racism not only in the way reporters discuss the invasion but also in the treatment of Africans and other non-White people. The media’s message was loud and clear: Wars don’t happen in nice, White countries. Wars are proprietary to what former President Donald Trump referred to as “s**thole countries.” It’s the international equivalent of “this is a safe neighborhood; crime doesn’t happen here.” According to CBS News senior foreign correspondent Charlie D’Agata, Ukraine “isn’t a place, with all due respect, like Iraq or Afghanistan, that has seen conflict raging for decades. This is a relatively civilized, European — I have to choose those words carefully, too — city, one where you wouldn’t expect that, or hope that it’s going to happen.” Unfortunately, D’Agata wasn’t alone. Other journalists joined him in their disbelief that conflict could occur among Europeans. “We’re not talking about Syrians fleeing the bombing of the Syrian regime backed by Putin,” Phillipe Corbe, a journalist for BFM TV in France, said. “We’re talking about Europeans leaving in cars that look like our cars to save their lives.” Maybe if the refugees from other countries drove cars that looked like the ones Europeans drove, there would’ve been more compassion for them. How sad and shallow.
Oseye Boyd
Commentary But wait, there’s more. The well of racism runs deep. “Now the unthinkable has happened to them,” An ITV journalist from Poland said. “And this is not a developing, third world nation. This is Europe!” A news anchor from Al Jazeera said, “Looking at them, the way they are dressed, these are prosperous … I’m loath to use the expression … middle-class people. These are not obviously refugees looking to get away from areas in the Middle East that are still in a big state of war. These are not people trying to get away from areas in North Africa. They look like any.” War can’t happen in Europe because “They seem so like us,” Daniel Hannan of the Telegraph said. “This is what makes it so shocking. Ukraine is a European country. Its people watch Netflix and have Instagram accounts, vote in free elections and read uncensored newspapers. War is no longer something visited upon impoverished and remote populations.” Classist and racist. I would say I’m astounded but I’m not. I’m not surprised by the bigotry expressed by these reporters. This type of bigotry is present in so many newsrooms — especially if there aren’t Black people or other people of color represented in those newsrooms. It’s proof journalism schools need to do a better job and so do newsrooms. It shouldn’t take having the presence of someone from a marginalized group for those who aren’t marginalized to realize everyone should be treated like a human being. The comments these journalists made is proof we need to do a much better job teaching history — world history in this instance. Correct me if I’m wrong, but the ‘90s and early aughts were filled with conflicts in Bosnia, Chechnya, Kosovo, Croatia and so on. And conflicts in Europe didn’t start in recent decades. Let’s not forget about the Hundred Years’ War. So, there’s a legacy to live up to. Maybe if the reporters did a better job of being anti-racist, they would do a better job covering the racism Africans, many of whom are students, and people of color are facing. There have been widespread reports of abuse and violence directed at Africans and Indians as they try to flee to safety. Some leaders are explicit in their racism. “Of course, we will take in refugees, if necessary,” Austria Chancellor Karl Nehammer said recently. A few months ago, Nehammer sang a different tune when those seeking refuge were Afghan. He was vehemently against them settling in Austria and didn’t think twice about sending them right back into the hands of the Taliban. “It’s different in Ukraine than in countries like Afghanistan. We’re talking about neighborhood help.” The apple (America) doesn’t fall far from the racist tree.
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Should all nations possess a nuclear deterrent? Decades ago, a question was quietly posed to the international community. Would the world be safer if all nations possessed a nuclear deterrent? The answer was no, followed by another question. What if they fell into the wrong hands? But an insistence that nuclear weapons were in the “right hands” propelled the world into the nuclear age. In 1939, Albert Einstein and Leo Szilard warned US President Franklin D. Roosevelt that the Nazis were developing a nuclear bomb. Einstein and Szilard implored Roosevelt to create nuclear weapons before Hitler. In 1942 the United States entered World War II and started to develop nuclear weapons in the top-secret Manhattan Project. By May 1945, Hitler was dead, and Nazi Germany was defeated, but the United States was still at war with Japan, who vowed to never surrender. By this time, US nuclear weapons were operational, but US President Harry Truman faced a moral dilemma. Truman opposed invading Japan. The estimated loss of American lives made the invasion suicidal. Even if Truman was willing to accept the high American casualty rate, victory was still predicated on the annihilation of the Japanese population. Truman’s advisors rationalized if a nuclear attack forced Japan to surrender, that would spare the lives of American troops and the Japanese population. However, the Manhattan Project scientists thought the moral issue extended far beyond the war with Japan. They petitioned President Truman urging him not to use nuclear weapons. The scientists stated they developed “the bomb” to counterattack the Nazis. Once Germany was defeated, that danger was averted. The scientists believed Ameri-
J. Pharoah Doss
Check It Out ca’s lead in the field of atomic power brought the moral obligation of restraint. “If we were to violate this obligation our moral position would be weakened in the eyes of the world and in our own eyes. It would then be more difficult for us to live up to our responsibility of bringing the unloosened forces of destruction under control.” In August 1945 the United States dropped nuclear bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Japan surrendered as Truman’s advisors predicted, but four years later the Soviet Union conducted its first nuclear weapon test resulting in a nuclear standoff between the rival superpowers. During the cold war period, there was a nuclear double standard. Nations agreed nuclear weapons threatened civilization but wanted their own arsenal to deter other nuclear powers. Therefore, Britain and France developed nuclear weapons to deter the Soviet Union, China developed nuclear weapons to deter the United States plus the Soviet Union, Israel developed nuclear weapons to secure their existence in a hostile region, and India developed weapons to deter China and Pakistan. Every military conflict that involved conventional forces took place in countries without a nuclear deterrent during the
first decades of the nuclear age. After these costly conflicts were deemed unnecessary in hindsight and it was clearly understood the nuclear genie was never returning to the bottle, experts quietly asked if the world would be safer if every country possessed a nuclear deterrent. The question was ignored because the answer was feared. Other experts believed agreements between nations and international law were a reliable deterrent amongst civilized nations going into the 21st century. In 1991 the Soviet Union collapsed. The countries that were behind the iron curtain sought independence and protection against future Russian aggression. Ukraine was a strategic territory within the Soviet Union. It possessed one-third of the Soviet Union’s nuclear arsenal. In 1994, Ukraine destroyed its nuclear arsenal in exchange for agreements made by Russia, Great Britain, and the United States that they would refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of Ukraine. Almost three decades later, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed Ukraine was not a country and belonged to Russia. Putin invaded Ukraine in February of 2022. Since Russia has nuclear weapons, no neighboring nation is willing to assist with troops to help fight back an illegal invasion. A Ukrainian member of parliament told the media, “Ukraine is the only nation in human history which gave up their nuclear arsenal, the third biggest in the world in 1994, with guarantees from the US, UK, and Russia. Where are those guarantees?” Apparently, there are no guarantees in international relations except for the nuclear deterrent.
Gun violence and drug money in Black Pittsburgh At this very moment, gun violence is a major problem in Black Pittsburgh and in African American communities all across the United States. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner recorded 125 homicides in 2021, compared to 107 in 2020 and 95 in 2019. Eighty-five of the 2021 victims were Black males. The predominately African American Homewood neighborhood had 11 homicides, the largest number in Pittsburgh. Some of the gun violence is caused by domestic arguments, or accidental shootings, or an asinine fight in some bar or tavern. But illegal drug money is surely the leading cause of much of this gun violence plaguing the Black community. During the latter half of 1988 and the first half of 1989 the crack cocaine free-enterprise market took-off in Pittsburgh and brought much more illegal drug money into the city. The cycle of narco-gun violence endemic to illegal drugs commerce also escalated in Black Pittsburgh and it has never returned to the pre-crack level of gun violence. By some estimates, the dollar amount of illegal drugs sold in the United States is some $150 billion annually. African Americans are estimated to consume 15 percent of the illegal drugs in the USA. In dollar amounts, this would total $22 billion annually. This estimate could be way too high, but if it is only 5 percent, it would still total $7 billion annually. Whatever the exact amount, asks yourself this unanswered question, what is the annual dollar amount of illegal drugs sold by Pittsburgh Black drug dealers to both their Black and White customers? It is surely a tidy sum, and if just a small percentage of it is used to purchase guns, it is still an awful lot of money to buy an awful lot of guns. What happens to the dope money? Black drug dealers do not have the connections, the “White privilege,” to laundry their drug money that their European American counterparts have. A hypothetical White drug dealer can laundry say $10 million of illegal drug money easier than his Black counterpart can laundry say $300 thousand. Large sums of White dope money can be hidden, “invested,” in constructing sports arenas, commercial real estate buildings, condominium complexes, or other gigantic development projects. Some Black drug dealers purchase expensive automobiles and large homes, and maybe invest in some legitimate small business in the Black community, but the profits keep piling up. They can bury some of their stash in the cellar, or hide it in pillow cases under the bed.
Fred Logan
Commentary They must be on guard 24/7, and hiding dope money can be as great a task as selling illegal drugs. The small arsenal of guns often seized when drug dealers are arrested go along with the business to protect the dealers. A lot of people in the neighborhood know the dope man has money stashed somewhere. They also know he can’t call the police and report that someone stuck him up and stole his dope money. So, why stick-up the neighborhood corner store with, at most, only a few hundred dollars on hand, and get reported to the police and perhaps shot by the store owner when often a stick-up man can get more money from some drug dealer? The post-WWII collapse of the downtown Pittsburgh retail district, the Mon Valley manufacturing district, the entire Greater Pittsburgh regional economy fell like an avalanche on top of the Black community locked in by racism at the very bottom of the local social and economy pyramid. The current 30-yearlong cycle of narcoviolence in Homewood, for example, did not initiate Homewood’s decline which has been under way for over 50 years old. It did add more fuel to the fire, and made bad matters worse. Mexico, Guatemala, and other countries in Latin America and predominately Black communities in the United States that are plagued by narcoviolence share very important characteristics. In various ways, they have been victimized and “destabilized” by US foreign or domestic political and economic policies that serve the interest of the US status quo. The masses of people are destitute, and they have a long adversarial relationship with the state, the police. The scale and character of narcoviolence differs greatly among these “marginal” locales depending on their role and place in the production and distribution of illegal drugs. In response to the on-going gun violence, the Pittsburgh Black Elected Officials Coalition recently called for a 2022 campaign called “Reclaiming the Village.” This
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR FOR PUBLICATION The New Pittsburgh Courier welcomes all responsible viewpoints for publication. All letters should be typewritten and contain writer’s address and phone number for verification. All letters will be edited for clarity and length. Address all letters to: Letters to the Editor New Pittsburgh Courier 315 East Carson Street Pittsburgh, Pa. 15219 You may fax your letter to 412-481-1360 or via e-mail to letters@newpittsburghcourier.com
follows in the footsteps of Black Pittsburgh’s decades-long struggles against illegal drugs and narcoviolence. Over the past 50 years, the Pittsburgh Courier has published countless articles and photographs documenting the undisputable fact that the Black community, far and away, has been the vanguard of the struggles against illegal drugs and narcoviolence in Pittsburgh. In the 2022 struggles and beyond, the Pittsburgh Black community must acknowledge these past struggles and it must study and critique the very important lessons of these struggles. It must also build an informed, organized, and politically active Black community to wage this struggle and “turn weakness into strength.” In the struggle, Black Pittsburgh must study and master the sophisticated art and science of African American coalition-building in Pittsburgh. This struggle will be waged inside and outside the Black community. So, it must be funded by the Black community and cannot be dependent on public or private establishment funding. Black folks must stop glamorizing Black drug dealers as pop-cultural heroes and roles models. This is what mainstream America does with The Godfather, the Sopranos and other perpetrators of “Whiteon-White” violence. The battle against narcoviolence must denounce and expose the rampant conspiracy-mongering by Black folks about a secret racial plot to flood the Black community with illegal drugs and kill off Black people. At the very least 70 percent of the people who use illegal drugs in the United States are White people. Is a racial conspiracy behind that to kill off White people? These crazy conspiracy theories scare Black people, and they also sow widespread confusion in the struggle. Narcoviolence in the Black community must be closely monitored and critiqued by Black Pittsburgh to stamp out the confusion, fear and nonsense that clouds the reality of the crisis. Not last or least, the struggle must put pressure on Black folks who are always condemning the gun violence in the Black community, but who buy stolen goods from “opioid abusers,” patronize drug addicted prostitutes, and/or buy what they call occasional recreational drugs. They put money in the illegal drug market and some of that money is used to purchase the weapons used in the gun violence these hypocrites denounce.
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AURORA INNOVATION, INC. seeks Software Engineer II in Pittsburgh, PA to apply high perf. computing, machine learning/ deep learning to train AI models for self-driving vehicles (dom. travel req). Email resumes to Mary Ellen Mahoney at memahoney@aurora.tech and include REF#00244. ATTEND THE ECS VIRTUAL CAREER FAIR: MARCH 19 The Environmental Charter School (ECS) is hosting a Virtual Career Fair on Saturday, March 19 from 9-10:30 a.m. for potential applicants to meet the staff and learn about the school culture. ECS is seeking innovative and highly motivated individuals for a variety of positions for the 2022-2023 school year as the district grows to a K-11 public charter school. RSVP by March 17 at 11:59 p.m. at ecspgh.org/careers to guarantee your spot at the ECS Career Fair.
DIRECTOROFCAMPUSDEVELOPMENT PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY Penn State has an opportunity for a top frontline fundraiser in the role of Director of Campus Development for its Greater Allegheny Campus. The University is committed to ensuring that diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to the success of a world-class research institution. We are dedicated to fostering institutional change required to realize a more socially just University and we value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission. The campus is known for its diversity with approximately 43% of students and 17% of faculty/staff coming from underrepresented groups. The campus also places priority on strong academics, student support, community outreach, economic development and a deep commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion programming. To review detailed responsibilities and requirements, please visit: https://recruitment.giveto.psu.edu/ RIVERLIFE SEEKS MANAGER OF INSTITUTIONAL GIVING The Manager of Institutional Giving is an integral part of Riverlife’s External Affairs department. The position oversees a diverse portfolio of corporate, foundation, and public funders. This position manages the exi sti ng gr ant s c ale n d a r a n d consistently pursues new philanthropic funding opportunities. The position is responsible for producing high-quality and timely grant proposals, LOIs, reports, and other materials that demonstrate Riverlife’s work and meet ambitious revenue goals. Full-time position, salary range $62,400-$67,600, commensurate with experience, excellent and comprehensive employee benefits. Full job description and more info: riverlifepgh.org Send cover letter and resume to jobs@riverlifepgh.org to apply FANNY EDEL FALK LABORATORY SCHOOL UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH 4060 ALLEQUIPPA STREET PITTSBURGH, PA 15261 WWW.FALKSCHOOL.PITT.EDU TEACHING POSITIONS ANNOUNCEMENT Falk School, a coeducational K-8 school in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is currently seeking full-time teachers for the next academic year beginning Fall 2022 for the following positions. K-5 Elementary Teacher K-8 Music K-8 Spanish Teacher Middle School Language Arts and History Teacher For full detailed position announcements and consideration for any of these positions, please go to https://www.join.pitt.edu under faculty positions and upload your materials. Review of applications will continue through March 25, 2022 or until the position is filled. The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity, and diversity. EEO/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled. SOUTH FAYETTE TWP. SCHOOL DISTRICT is seeking FOOD SERVICE MEMBERS for the following positions: HIGH SCHOOL GENERAL WORKER-PANNER INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL GENERAL WORKER DELI DELIGHT STATION/DISH Complete job description and directions on how to apply are available at: www.southfayette.org Applications must be received by 4:00 PM March 14, 2022
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TRANSPORTATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST Port Authority is seeking a Transportation Technology Specialist to provide day-to-day support of Transportation Technology systems and services from a device and software level, focusing on data management, data integrity, reporting, system integrations, and customer support; including training and usage assistance. Primary support will be for the Transportation Technology software systems and services, with cross-support for other related applications also included. Works with Authority and vendor personnel to identify any technology or data-centric related issues with the systems and services and then follows through until conclusion. Works with data within systems to ensure integrity; building reports and data visualizations for effective understanding and presentation of information. Provides training support and assistance in the design of documentation. Essential Functions: • Serve as technical analyst supporting systems, services, and software of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), including on-board tracking systems, electronic wayfinding signage, vehicle headsigns, Transit Signal Priority (TSP), Scheduling software, Maintenance and Operations management. • Support data management of ITS applications, including integrity, entry, and import/export. • Serve as data-centric support for reports, information sharing, and data visualization. • Serve as customer support for software usage: Guide users with functional support and assist with navigating software. Resolve help desk tickets related to application software. Provide system end-user instruction for report generation and system functionality and also assist in the design of user documentation. Job requirements include: • Two-year technical school/Associate Degree in Information Science, Business or technology related field from an accredited school –or• BS Degree in Information Science, Data Analytics, Business or a technology related field from an accredited school • Related experience may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis • Strong analytical and problem solving skills • Exemplary attention to detail • Experience with complex deployments of enterprise-level applications, especially within the transportation industry • Experience working with multiple interrelated applications concurrently • Proven experience managing data, especially in ensuring integrity • Knowledgeable in reporting software • Ability to quickly understand, retain and apply large amounts of new information • Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment • Great organizational skills • Experience in monitoring and adhering to procedures and policies • Excellent verbal communication skills with the ability to present information in a clear and concise manner • Excellent customer service and problem resolution skills. • Professional and effective communication skills. • Ability to be flexible and adapt to change. Preferred attributes: • Aptitude in collating data and providing information in concise and useful manner.
We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Interested candidates should forward a cover letter (with salary requirements) and resume to: Missy Ramsey Employment Department 345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 MRamsey@portauthority.org EOE COURIER CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS
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SOFTWARE TEST ENGINEER – SENIOR – UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside seeks multiple Software Test Engineers – Senior to work in Pittsburgh, PA (Allegheny County). Verify the MyUPMC application meets functional and performance requirements. Develop and execute tests in an Agile/SCRUM based software development model. Review other Quality Assurance test cases to ensure these standards are being met and make suggestions or corrections, as necessary. Must have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related field, plus five (5) years of progressive software engineering, software test engineering or related experience, creating automation test scripts; utilizing programming technologies, including Java, JavaScript, Android and iOS; translating business requirements into software test plans; performing tool evaluation analysis; and conducting Quality Assurance code review. Must have at least four (4) years of experience applying Agile methodologies to software development; and designing and executing test cases. Telecommuting Permissible. Apply by following these steps; visit http://careers.upmc.com and enter 2200018B in the “Search Keyword/ Job ID” field and click Go. EOE.
EMERGENCY MEDICINE PHYSICIAN – University of Pittsburgh Physicians seeks an Emergency Medicine Physician to work in New Castle, Greenville, and Farrell, Pennsylvania to treat patients in Emergency Room to ensure proper injury care and disease diagnosis; evaluate patients, think and act quickly to make a tentative di a gnosis and det er m ine t he appropriate course of treatment; work as part of a team with providers and other members of the emergency staff. Requirements: medical degree; must have completed a U.S. accredited medical residency training program in Emergency Medicine; valid Pennsylvania medical license. Apply by following these steps; visit http://careers.upmc.com and enter 2200018C in the “Search Keyword/ Job ID” field and click Go. EOE/Disability/Veteran.
PEDIATRIC OPHTHALMOLOGIST University of Pittsburgh Physicians seeks a Pediatric Ophthalmologist to work in Pittsburgh, PA (Allegheny County). Examine, diagnose and provide medical and surgical treatment of ocular and visual system disorders in these advanced diseases for neonates, infants and children, and adult motility patients; participate in hospital and emergency room consults, staff surgery and outpatient clinical care; treat patients with congenital corneal opacities and diseases of the cornea affecting children; perform collagen crosslinking for both children and adults with developmental delays, and treat patients with pediatric cataracts. Must have a Medical degree or equivalent; must have completed t hr ee year s of post - gr aduat e residency training in Ophthalmology; must have completed one year of fellowship training in general Pediatric Ophthalmology; must have completed one year of training dedicated to anterior segment pediatric diseases, including using high frequency and linear ultrasound devices (Not Vector Ultrasound); must be Board Certified in Ophthalmology (foreign certifications accepted); must have a valid PA medical license. Apply by following these steps; visit http://careers.upmc.com and enter 2200017X in the “Search Keyword/Job ID” field and click Go. EOE/Disability/Veteran.
SOFTWARE DEVELOPER PRINCIPAL The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. seeks a Software Developer Principal in Pittsburgh, PA to participate in all aspects of the Asset Management Group (AMG) MIS activities. Specific duties include: (i) align business strategy with software solutions; (ii) propose, design and code software solutions to address complex business needs; oversee technical and procedural documentation required; (iii) lead complex problem solving; (iv) provide technical guidance and support to colleagues and solution development; and (v) display an innovative approach to apply modern principles, methodologies and tools to advance business initiatives and capabilities; develop and lead AMG digital applications. Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Electronics Engineering, Computer Engineering or Computer Science plus 5 years of experience in position(s) identifying user requirements and performing research and analysis to determine conceptual design for sol vi ng busi ness probl ems i s required. Must have experience with: (i) Java; (ii) Angular; (iii) HTML5; (iv) CSS3; (v) Java Script, TypeScript, Spring Boot, NodeJS; (vi) designing and developing responsive web applications; (vii) DevOps CI/CD, Jenkins, Gradle, GIT, Artifactory; (viii) working closely with product owner(s) to recommend and implement process improvements; and (ix) interacting with Enterprise Architecture and technology vendors and influencing solution design adhering to industry standard. 40 hours/week, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Interested individuals apply online at www.pnc.com using keyword R070849. PNC provides equal employment opportunity to qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or other categories protected by law.
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VASCULAR SURGEON University of Pittsburgh Physicians seeks a Vascular Surgeon to work in Pittsburgh, PA; McKeesport, PA; and Monroeville, PA. Treat patients with chronic conditions related to diseases and disorders surrounding the heart and circulatory system, providing arterial, endovascular, and venous care; and provide care to patients in outpatient clinic settings, as well as in OR, IR, and Cath Lab. Must have a Medical degree or equivalent; must have completed a residency in General Surgery; must have completed at least two years of training in Vascular Surgery; must be eligible for Board certification in Vascular Surgery; must have a valid PA m edical license. Apply by following these steps; visit http://careers.upmc.com and enter 2200017W in the “Search Keyword/ Job ID” field and click Go. EOE/Disability/Veteran.
ACUTE PAIN/CARDIOTHORACIC ANESTHESIOLOGIST University of Pittsburgh Physicians seeks an Acute Pain/Cardiothoracic Anesthesiologist to work in Pittsburgh, PA (Allegheny County) an d Cr anber r y Township, PA (Butler County). Provide acute pain anesthesiology services and postoperative pain management care to cardiothoracic surgical patients at UPMC Presbyterian; diagnose, treat, and attend to patients requiring pain management therapy related to surgery; administer anesthetic or sedation during surgical cases involving the heart, lungs, and other operations of the human chest, including coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and other procedures ranging from minimally invasive surgery, robotic surgery, and complex multi-stage aortic surgery; prepare patients for emergency surgery and monitor patients to counteract any adverse reactions or complications during the surgical procedure; coordinate care and pain management plans for patients recovering from surgery and establish preventative health practice; member of ERAC (Enhanced Recover After Cardiac Surgery) team, which is a group of multidisciplinary physicians who collaborate on improving outcomes and reducing hospitalization for cardiac patients. Must have a Medical degree or equivalent; must have completed a residency in Anesthesiology; must have completed a fellowship in Acute Pain and Regional Anesthesia; must have completed a fellowship in Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology; must be Board certified or eligible for certification in Anesthesiology; must have a valid PA medical license. Apply by following these steps; visit http://careers.upmc.com and enter 2200017S in the “Search Keyword/ Job ID” field and click Go. EOE/Disability/Veteran.
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ANATOMIC PATHOLOGIST University of Pittsburgh Physicians seeks an Anatomic Pathologist to work in Pittsburgh, PA (Allegheny County). Determine cause of diseases at a cellular level; perform testing of medical specimens in a hospital setting, analyzing samples for evidence of disease, collaborating with other physicians to appropriately diagnose a wide range of illnesses, and developing effective treatment plans; assigned to the Bone and Soft Tissue (BST) Pathology Center of Excellence, along with coverage of Cytology service as needed. Must have a Medical degree or equivalent; must have completed a residency in Anatomic/Clinical Pathology; must be Board certified in Anatomic Pathology;must have a valid PA medical license. Apply by following these steps; visit http://careers.upmc.com and enter 2200017U in the “Search Keyword/Job ID” field and click Go. EOE/Disability/Veteran.
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE POSITION OF POLICE OFFICER ALTOONA POLICE DEPARTMENT Applications for Police Officer with the City of Altoona can be obtained from the Human Resources Department of City Hall Monday through Friday between 8:30 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. For additional information or an application, please visit the “Employment Opportunities” Quick Link on the City’s website at www.altoonapa.gov. Completed applications must be received in the Human Resources Department no later than Noon on Friday, March 18, 2022. Human Resources Department 1301 12th Street, Suite 400 Altoona, PA 16601 The City of Altoona is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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MT. LEBANON, PA POLICE OFFICER TESTING MT. LEBANON POLICE DEPARTMENT will be conducting a physical agility and written exam for POLICE OFFICER on Saturday, April 2, 2022. Starting at $71,790 annually. Must be a U.S. citizen; 21 years of age at hire; bachelor’s degree from accredited college/university at hire; pass physical, written, oral exams plus a comprehensive background investigation. Full test requirements, description and application may be obtained at https://mtlebanon.bamboohr. com/jobs/view.php?id=99. Deadline ending no later than 4:00 pm, March 11, 2022.
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Mt. Lebanon provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment based on competence, merit, performance, and business needs. We are committed to valuing the diversity of all individuals without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or i gi n, a g e , d i s a b i l i t y, o r a n y o t h e r classification protected by law. Reasonable accommodations for the needs of otherwise qualified applicants with disabilities will be made upon request to the Human Resource Office at 412-343-3625 or bcross@mtlebanon.org.
CITY EDITOR The New Pittsburgh Courier is seeking a highly motivated individual with a sense of urgency in developing engaging general news and feature content to be our City Editor. The successful candidate must be an engaging storyteller with strong reporting, writing, and editing skills and the ability to work within a fast-paced production and marketing environment while maintaining high ethical standards and meeting deadlines. Our ideal candidate should also be able to produce quality photographs to supplement their stories and have graphic layout skills. Duties will include: working with editorial leadership to determine priorities for daily news coverage and reporting geared towards the Black community for both digital and print publication; and daily collaboration across a close-knit team, assisting leadership in the planning and managing of day-to-day operations, proofreading and editing copy for compliance with policies, style, and tone; and attending events, panels and speaking engagements on behalf of the publication. This is a full-time position offering compensation commensurate to experience. Excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, and more. Please send a letter of interest and resume to jobs@newpittsburghcourier.com LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices
Estate of MR. CARL A. HANEY, Deceased of 812 Benwood Avenue, McKees Rocks, PA 15136 Estate No. 02-22-01022, Mr. Gary W. Feist, Executor, c/o Max C. Feldman, Esquire and the Law Office of Max C. Feldman, 1322 Fifth Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108 Estate of WILLIAM G. QUINLAN A/K/A QUINLAN, WILLIAM GRAY, Deceased of Shaler Township, Estate No. 01015 of 2022, Beth A. Kusen, 4230 Woodwind Ln, Allison Park, PA 15101 ,Executor, or to MICHAEL J. SALDAMARCO, ESQ., STE. 100, 908 PERRY HWY. PITTSBURGH PA 15229 Estate of ANTHONY J. MAOLA, Deceased of Monroeville, Pennsylvania, Estate No. 02-22-00703, Joseph F. Maola, Executor, or to Ryan W. Brode, Atty; 6 Clairton Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15236 Estate of CLARENCE W. GARNER, Deceased of Bridgeville, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Estate No. 02-22-01163, Terrance Zinger, Executor, 1061 Sarah Street, Bridgeville, PA 15017, or to ROBIN L. RARIE, Atty; BRENLOVE & FULLER, LLC. 401 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017 Estate of MARGARET FLENORY, deceased, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Estate No. 022201138, Paula Flenory, Administratrix, 736 Bryn Mawr Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Estate of ROSINA DIPERNA A/K/A ROSE DIPERNA, Deceased of Pittsburgh, Estate No. 022200708 of 2022, Ronald Diperna Executor, 729 Liberty Circle, Macclenny, FL 32063, or to c/o Jacqueline H. Brangard, Esquire, Scolieri Law Group, P.C., 1207 Fifth Avenue, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Estate of JAMES E. VINCENT, JR. Deceased of Pittsburgh,PA 15235 Estate No. 09188 of 2022, Lorraine D. Vincent, Executor, P.O. Box 17536. Pittsburgh, PA 15235, or to Sheila M. Ford Esq, 6419 Stanton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
The Trustee named below gives notice to the death of MICHAEL STEFANCHIK, late of Carnegie, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, who died on December 10, 2021. During his lifetime, the said Decedent established the Michael Stefanchik and Kathleen M. Stefanchik Revocable Trust under Trust Instrument dated September 19, 2002, as the same has been amended. The Trustee requests all persons having claims against the Decedent to make known the same in writing to him or his attorney, and all persons indebted to the Decedent to make payment to him without delay: Michael J. Stefanchik, Trustee 376 Golden Grove Road Baden, PA 15005 or to: Todd A Fuller, Atty. Brenlove & Fuller, LLC. 401 Washington Avenue Bridgeville, PA 15017
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HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR MOVING SERVICES IFB #450-02-22 The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby requests bids from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Moving Services The documents will be available no later than February 28, 2022 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 9:00 AM on March 22, 2022. 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 22, 2022 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 inquiries 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 10, 2021 at 9:00 AM. Please see meeting information below: Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 999 7648 8636 Passcode: 564626 +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 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.
ROCHESTER AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT ATTENTION: FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT COMPANIES (FSMCS) The Rochester Area School District, a sponsor of the National School Lunch Program, is requesting proposals for full-service food service management services. Specifications may be obtained from Kathleen Onuska, Business Manager, onuskak@rasd.org or 724-775-7500 ext. 1813. A mandatory walk-through meeting is scheduled for March 25, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. at Rochester Area School District, Board Room, 540 Reno Street, Rochester, PA 15074.
Estate of JOHN F. SAMBOLT, Deceased of 1414 Fourth Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108 Estate No. 02-22-04523, Ms. Karen M. Wojtechko, Executrix, c/o Max C. Feldman, Esquire and the Law Office of Max C. Feldman, 1322 Fifth Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108 Estate of MS. FLORENCE L. PALLAS, Deceased of 1536 Vance Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108 E state N o . 0 2 - 2 2 - 0 1 2 8 5 , M s. Ta r a A. Pallas-Sheetz, Executrix, c/o Max C. Feldman, Esquire and the Law Office of Max C. Feldman, 1322 Fifth Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108 Estate of SHIRLEY GRACE KNIGHT, Deceased of 365 Wheeler Street, McKees Rocks, PA 15136 Estate No. 02-22-01284, Mr. John William Knight Jr., Executor, c/o Max C. Feldman, Esquire and the Law Office of Max C. Feldman, 1322 Fifth Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108 Estate of DIANE C. GAUTHIER, Deceased of Allegheny County, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Estate No. 02-21-06712, Chad A. Gauthier, Administrator, D.B.N., 8905 Cornish Hen Cove Austin, TX 78747 or to TODD A. FULLER, Atty; BRENLOVE & FULLER, LLC. 401 Washington Avenue Bridgeville, PA 15017
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Bids/Proposals
Bids/Proposals
Bids/Proposals
INVITATION TO BID On behalf of the Hill Community Development Corporation (Hill CDC) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that specifications and proposal forms for furnishing all labor and materials for the following project: New Granada Theater Redevelopment Phase II (2015 Centre Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15219) Full sets of drawings may be obtained by contacting A. Martini & Co. located at 320 Grant St, Verona, PA 15147, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM beginning Thursday March 10, 2022. Drawings will be available either via electronic submission at no fee or arrangements can be made to obtain hard copies. BIDS WILL BE RECEIVED until 2:00PM on April 6, 2022 at the office of A. Martini & Co. located at 320 Grant Street, Verona, PA 15147 or via EMAIL to myohe@amartiigc.com. A pre-bid is scheduled for March 16th and or 23rd at 10:00 AM, the pre-bid will be held off-site at the Hill House Conference Room, 1835 Centre Ave 2nd Floor Bids must be submitted on the proper bid form in the project documents in the manner therein described and be enclosed in a sealed envelope, bearing the name and address of the bidder on the outside, addressed to A. Martini & Co and marked with the project name or EMAIL to myohe@amartinigc.com. Compliance is required with the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act of 1961, P.L. 987, No. 442: Title VI and other applicable provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Department of Labor Equal Opportunity Clause (41 CFR 60 – 1.4); Executive Order 11625 (Utilization of Minority Business Enterprise); Executive Order 12138 (Utilization of Female Business Enterprise); in compliance with Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990; the Allegheny County MBE/WBE Program enacted July, 1981, which sets forth goals of 13 percent Minority and 2 percent Female Business Enterprise; and the Allegheny County Ordinance #686712, setting forth goals of 5 percent Veteran –Owned Small Businesses. All bidders are to comply with the minimum project goal of 35% MBE and 15% WBE. Bidders who are able to exceed the minimum MBE and WBE goals will be viewed favorably. If there are additional questions, please contact Mike Yohe, at A. Martini & Co., 412-828-5500.
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