4.1.26 NPC

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh

by Rob Taylor Jr.

Courier Staff Writer

Everyone knows that the majority of players who will be officially drafted into the National Football League in the first round on April 23 outside of Acrisure Stadium will be Black.

Everyone also knows that the majority of Pittsburgh-area businesses who will financially benefit from the NFL Draft being in Pittsburgh will be those that are White-owned.

The question some community activists and Blackled organizations really want to know is, just how many Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs will be included in the projected $215-plus million that the Draft is expected to bring into Pittsburgh?

From the NFL, to VisitPITTSBURGH, to the Pittsburgh Downtown

Partnership, so far, no one is talking about it. Not publicly, at least.

The fact that no one is talking had B. Marshall, leader of Stop The Violence Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh’s Juneteenth celebration, bring the co-leader of the national Target boycott from Minnesota to Pittsburgh on March 30 to advocate for Pittsburgh’s Black community and businesses.

The fact that no one is talking about it had Tim Stevens, CEO of the Black Political Empowerment Project, issue a statement asking for transparency from the NFL and local officials.

The fact that no one is talking about it had the NAACP Pittsburgh Branch issue a statement demanding transparency from the

History Made

Zeigler is first Black Commissioner

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

Dr. Julie Zeigler is the Chief Financial Officer for Tadiso Inc., one of the state's largest medication-assisted treatment facilities. But she’s also one of five Commissioners for Crescent Township. If you haven't heard of Crescent Township, it's located near Moon Township and Sewickley in Allegheny County. She loves living there. And she enjoys her role as Commissioner, a role she's had since January 2026. But what few people know is that Dr. Zeigler is the first Black Commissioner to ever serve in Crescent Township.

Dr. Zeigler had formerly served as Judge of Elections for the township, but some of the other commis-

sioners contacted her to see if she would be interested in becoming a commissioner. She said yes.

Dr. Zeigler is a member of the New Pittsburgh Courier's "Women of Excellence" Class of 2024. Originally from Youngstown, Ohio, she came to Pittsburgh by way of Dayton, Ohio, in the mid-’90s. She's lived in Crescent Township for nine years. Crescent Township has been around for more than 150 years, but it hasn't been a home for many African Americans. Its popu-

lation is about 2,800, with, according to Dr. Zeigler, "one percent, if that," classified as African American in the township.

Dr. Zeigler and the other four commissioners, for all intents and purposes, run

FUND MEMBERS

by D. Kevin McNeir

Special to The AFRO

Nearly 100 members of the Black Press—some still honing their skills as journalists in college classrooms along with seasoned veterans representing Black publications from across the U.S.; and both friends of and corporate sponsors of the Black Press, gathered on the campus of Howard University (HU) on March, 18 for this year’s Black Press Week Reception. The program, hosted by the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Fund, now in its 50th year and led by Executive Director Kelly Hodges, was held in the HU Blackburn Center. Highlights from the reception included a State of the Black Press address delivered by NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin Chavis Jr., musical selections from the Howard University Community Choir, an AI-themed fireside chat, and remarks from various speakers who updated the audience on recent initiatives related to the survival and growth of the Black Press.

As in years past, the most sacred part of the reception was the enshrinement presentation and plaque acceptance led by Karen Carter Richards, NNPA Fund chair, which celebrated the life of Bernal E. Smith II, who, prior to his death in 2017 at the age of 45, had been instrumental in restoring local ownership of The New Tri-State Defender in Memphis, Tenn., as its president and publisher.

Hodges described Smith as a visionary, a dynamic leader, and one of the NNPA’s most widely regarded voices representing the next generation of Black Press publishers.

“He was known for his commitment to community empowerment, social justice, and innovative

media leadership,” Hodges said. “We chose to enshrine him into the NNPA Fund of Distinguished Black Publishers this year at Howard University where he will forever be recognized for his lasting contributions to African American journalism and the legacy of the Black Press.”

The Black Press Week 2026 reception opened with a welcome address from Karen Carter Richards, NNPA Fund chair and publisher of the Houston Forward Times, who invited the audience to join her in “celebrating the excellent legacy of those who have powered the Black Press over the past 199 years.”

John Warren, NNPA Fund board member, publisher of The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint and chair of the NNPA, delivered opening remarks that emphasized his decades-long connection and commitment to Howard University.

During Black Press Day 2026, held on the campus of Howard University on March 18, one recurring theme shared by featured speakers was the importance of providing more opportunities for intergenerational conversations among members of the Black Press. Pictured is Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., president and CEO, NNPA, an icon from the Civil Rights Movement, and Phil Lewis, Washington Association of Black Journalists, president, who moderated a fireside chat about the essential integration of AI in Black Press newsrooms during the program and who represents the cadre of young Black journalists who are making their way in the industry. Credit: AFRO Photo/D. Kevin McNeir.

During Black Press Day 2026, held on the campus of Howard University on March 18, one recurring theme shared by featured speakers was the importance of providing more opportunities for intergenerational conversations among members of the Black Press. “I’m a two-time graduate and of Howard who completed law school 42 years ago and I am excited to be back on this campus,” Warren said. “We have weathered some tough times but always survived because of powerful presidents who shepherded us through the storms. Howard University represents a vast and impressive history—stories that without the Black Press may have never been documented and would have been lost to future generations.”

Chavis, who chose as the theme for his address, “Legacy, Struggle, Innovation, and the Road Ahead,” said while the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, Blacks must remember that our history did not begin in 1776 but rather thousands of years earlier on the African continent.

“Even in the face of unprecedented inhumanity, torture, rape, violence, lynchings, and the racist discrimination and en-

This Week In Black History A Courier Staple

• APRIL 1

1868—Hampton University is founded during Reconstruction in Hampton, Va. The school is now one of the leading Black educational institutions in America.

1950—Surgeon Charles Drew dies at 45 in an automobile accident near Burlington, N.C. Drew developed the concept of a blood bank for storing large amounts of plasma. Anyone who has ever received a blood transfusion is indebted to Dr. Drew. He had dedicated his life to insuring that increased scientific knowledge actually led to the betterment of human life. One of his most frequently repeated quotes: “There must always be the continuing struggle to make the increasing knowledge of the world bear fruit in [the form of] increased understanding and the production of human happiness.”

financial betterment issues for Blacks. Riots or urban rebellions broke out in over 100 U.S. cities. At least 50 people are killed as over 20,000 federal troops and 34,000 National Guardsmen are mobilized to put down the disturbances. The official finding was that a lone White gunman, James Earl Ray, was responsible for the assassination. However, suspicions remain until this day that the FBI, led by arch-conservative J. Edgar Hoover, was somehow involved in the killing.

• APRIL 5

slavement of African people in America before and after 1776, we not only survived but held on to our sense of dignity, purpose, struggle, mission, and vision,” Chavis said.

“Now, as we prepare for the 200th anniversary of the Black Press, we must consider what truths are we passing on to the next generation?

“What truths are we holding onto that shatter the sinful and hateful stereotypes that work to sustain our oppression rather than to ensure our liberation? We represent a sacred tradition of truth telling as members of the Black Press. However, it has never just been about the news—it has always been about freedom, justice, dignity, and self-determination,” said Chavis who added that the Black Press must continue to serve as a prophetic voice in the wilderness of American democracy as it challenges various forms of injustice.

As the Black Press continues its commitment to digitizing photographs and publications dating back to its founding in the early 19th century, Howard University serves as the home for archives that continue to grow and are housed on Howard’s campus under the auspices of the Moorland Spingarn Research Center (MSRC).

Reports from two representatives of the NNPA’s ongoing digitization efforts, Brandon Nightingale, senior project manager, and Sijan Shrestha, MSRC scholar, provided critical information about the NNPA’s efforts to ensure that its past works remain available for future generations.

Chavis challenged his colleagues to ready themselves for the digital transformation which is sweeping across America and the world and to recognize that the shift from print to digital publishing is far from optional but is instead essential for those who wish to survive.

“This moment demands strategic resilience, intergenerational leadership to secure the future, and the ability to move forward as innovators who understand the benefits of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and who are not afraid of the changes that it will inevitably bring to our industry,” he said. “But changes notwithstanding, our mission remains urgent and that cause first voiced in 1827 by the publishers of Freedom’s Journal which journeyed throughout two centuries of struggle and triumph, is still before us.

“The role of the Black Press is more vital today than ever before,” he continued. “As we honor the legacy of those like Frederick Douglass and Ida B. Wells, we must accept as our task the preparation of a new generation who will be called upon to carry the torch.”

1984—Sensational, Washington, D.C., born R&B singer Marvin Gaye is shot and killed by his father during an argument. Gaye was 38—just one day short of his 39th birthday. The senior Gaye later died of pneumonia. Gaye helped to shape the sound of Motown Records in the 1960s with a string of hits, including “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” and “I Heard It Through the Grapevine”, and duet recordings with Mary Wells and Tammi Terrell, later earning the titles “Prince of Motown” and “Prince of Soul.”

• APRIL 2

1855—John Mercer Langston becomes the first African American elected to public office when he wins the position of clerk of Brownhelm Township, in Ohio. Though not well known today, Langston was one of the foremost Black leaders of the 1800s. With the aid of his two brothers, he organized anti-slavery societies throughout Ohio. The Oberlin College graduate also became a lawyer and statesman for Black rights. After the Civil War, he organized the law department at Howard University in Washington, D.C. The town of Langston, Okla., is named in his honor. He died in 1897.

1932—World famous Black cowboy William “Bill” Picket dies on this day in Ponca, Okla., after being kicked in the head by a horse. He was 70. But during his heyday Picket was perhaps the best known and most celebrated cowboy in the world traveling with various “wild west” shows including the Millers Brothers’ Fabulous 101 Ranch. He invented the rodeo sport of bulldogging. Picket was of Black and Indian descent.

1939—Marvin Gaye is born on this day in Washington, D.C. He signs with Detroit’s Motown Records in 1962 and goes on to become one of the leading R&B male vocalists of the 1960s, 1970s and early 1980s, with hits ranging from the socially conscious “What’s Going On” to the sexy “Let’s Get It On.” Gaye was shot to death by his father during an argument in 1984.

• APRIL 3

1930—Ras Tafari is proclaimed Emperor of Ethiopia—one of the only African nations to successfully resist European colonization. He is renamed Haile Selassie. Blacks in many parts of the world view him as a god-like figure. Indeed, Jamaicans form a religion in his honor. They call themselves Rastafarians. Selassie could trace his ancestry as far back as the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon of the Christian Bible.

1950—Carter G. Woodson, the father of Black History Month, dies at age 74 in Washington, D.C.

1961—Comedian-actor Eddie Murphy is born in Brooklyn, N.Y.

1968—Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivers his powerful and prophetic “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech in Memphis, Tenn. Many felt he used the speech to predict his own death. He was assassinated the very next day—at 6:01 p.m., April 4, 1968.

• APRIL 4

1915—Muddy Waters is born McKinley Morganfield in Rolling Fork, Miss. Walters would go on to become one of the primary shapers of that genre of music known as the blues. Indeed, he was easily one of the most influential musicians of the first half of the 20th century.

1928—Poet Maya Angelou is born Marguerite Johnson in St. Louis, Mo. Angelou now ranks as one of the greatest poets in America. But her talents have also been expressed as a playwright, author, producer, historian and civil rights activist.

1967—Civil rights legend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. formally announces his opposition to America’s war in Vietnam during a speech before the Overseas Press Club in New York City. The speech brought King even greater opposition from the federal government, especially then-FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover. It also alienated some Black leaders who felt it was a mistake to mix domestic civil rights issues with foreign policy issues. But King charged that “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

1968—Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is assassinated while standing on a hotel balcony in Memphis, Tenn., as he had embarked on a campaign to focus the Civil Rights Movement on economic and

1856—Booker T. Washington is born a slave in Hale’s Ford, Va. He would become one of the three or four most influential leaders in all of African American history. He was one of the nation’s greatest educators, having founded the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. However, more progressive Black leaders became critical of him after he delivered the so-called “Atlanta Compromise” speech of 1895 in which he appeared to offer an acceptance and accommodation to American racism in exchange of greater vocational training of African Americans.

1976—The infamous COINTELPRO documents are released. In response to an accidental discovery at a warehouse and a freedom of information lawsuit, the FBI is forced to release documents detailing an intensive and extensive campaign to disrupt and destroy civil rights and anti-war organizations and their leaders. Among the documents released was a letter dated Aug. 25, 1967 which made clear that one of the campaign’s chief aims was “to expose, disrupt, misdirect, discredit or otherwise neutralize the activities of Black nationalists …” But the FBI’s definition of “Black nationalist” was so broad that even moderate civil rights organizations and their leaders were targeted to be neutralized. For example, the letter characterized the SCLC (Southern Christian Leadership Conference) as one of the organizations having “radical and violence prone leaders…” The leader of the SCLC was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 1990—Jazz great Sarah Vaughn dies. Vaughn was born in Newark, N.J., in 1924 and went on to become what many considered “the world’s greatest singing talent.” She was known as the “incomparable Sarah Vaughn.”

• APRIL 6

1798—One of the nation’s most famous and accomplished early Black pioneers, James Beckwourth, is born. The product of a White slave owner and a Black slave mother, Beckwourth acquired his freedom and became a successful fur trader. He would later become a scout for the Rocky Mount Fur Company. However, in 1824, he joined the Crow Indian nation and married a Crow woman. He would later move west where he discovered an important passageway through the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. The passage was named “Beckwourth Pass,” after him.

1846—Dred Scott and his wife, Harriet, first file suit claiming their freedom. The case would eventually lead to Supreme Court Justice Roger B. Taney’s infamous “Dred Scott Decision” in 1857. Scott had basically argued that by being taken from the slave state of Missouri and living in free states or territories for seven years he was in effect a free man. The case finally reached the U.S. Supreme Court. In a 7 to 2 decision written by 80-year-old Chief Justice Taney, himself a former slaver owner, Scott’s argument was rejected. In one of the most racist Supreme Court decisions ever issued, Justice Taney ruled that neither Blacks nor their descendants could be U.S. citizens and thus had no right to sue for their freedom in U.S. courts. Taney capped off the ruling by saying, “A Negro had no rights a White man was bound [required] to respect.”

• APRIL 7

1712—The New York City slave rebellion occurs. A group of 27 slaves began setting fires in the city and shooting Whites. At least a dozen Whites were killed before the state militia arrived to brutally put down the rebellion. Following the revolt, slave codes were toughened, 21 Blacks were executed and six committed suicide.

1915—Billie Holiday is born. She would go on to become the greatest blues and jazz singer of her era with songs like “The Man I Love” and “God Bless the Child Whose Got His Own.” She was born to a 13-year-old mother and began her working career as a small girl helping to clean up a Baltimore, Md., whorehouse—a house in which she was also raped. Holiday made money from her performances despite the fact that she never received any royalties from any of the 200 songs she recorded. Drug use was a factor in her premature death at 44.

NNPA

STAND WITH FAMILY MEMBERS OF THE LATE BERNAL

E. SMITH II, who was honored during this year’s enshrinement ceremony. From left to right: Kelly Hodges, executive director; John Warren, board member; and Karen Carter Richards, chair; Smith’s wife, Tawonda Peete-Smith; daughter, Brianna Smith-Herman; and sister, Cher D. Smith. Pictured at the far right is Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. (Credit: AFRO Photo/D. Kevin McNeir.)

Community activists to the NFL and VisitPITTSBURGH: RELEASE THE NUMBERS

NFL FROM A1

NFL and local officials as well.

“The NFL has enjoyed the talent of Black athletes,” voiced Nekima Levy Armstrong, co-founder of the national Target boycott and former president of the Minneapolis NAACP, in front of Acrisure Stadium, March 30. “They have also had a history of discriminating against Black coaches as well. And now we are seeing discrimination against Black businesses in Pittsburgh who deserve the opportunity to vend at the NFL Draft.”

Armstrong continued:

“This particular Draft event is expected to bring in upwards of $200 million. When you look at the socioeconomic conditions facing Black residents of Pittsburgh, we know that disparities abound. We know that there’s a lack of economic opportunity, but B. Marshall and his wife (Margo) have been very intentional about creating economic opportunity for Black businesses. So why wouldn’t the City of Pittsburgh including its mayor, its City Council and other elected officials stand behind Black businesses who are not asking for anything special other than equal treatment and an opportunity to participate in the

er has learned that about 1,800 businesses and entrepreneurs applied for the program, and anywhere from 100 to 165 businesses were selected. The NFL said that preferences were given to women-owned, minority-owned and LGBTQowned businesses. The NFL held an event on Dec. 9, 2025, at Acrisure Stadium that brought the selected businesses together for a networking opportunity of sorts, and to give the businesses further detail on the next steps toward ultimately obtaining a contract with the NFL to be a supplier for the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. As of March 31, it’s unclear how many of those selected businesses received official contracting offers from the NFL. As for VisitPITTSBURGH and the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, it’s unclear how the organizations chose which businesses would be allotted space in Downtown and other blocked-off areas to set up shop. It’s also unclear if there were any more vacant Downtown physical spaces left that the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership was trying to allot to small businesses. The Courier has reached out to NFL Draft Source representatives for an interview, and as of March

owned businesses selected by VisitPITTSBURGH and the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership to fill its spaces, that exact number is also unknown.

B. Marshall, who has held

ness showcase during the Draft in his usual area of Liberty Avenue and Stanwix Street. He has said that his application was placed on hold for months, and then was told by not

NFL Draft as nearly half a million people flood into the City of Pittsburgh.”

For its part, the NFL has a Draft Source program that solicited Pittsburgh-area businesses to apply to become a supplier for the NFL while the Draft would be occurring. The Couri-

31, has not received a response. While it’s safe to assume that there are at least some Black-owned businesses that were selected to receive a contracting opportunity with the NFL for the Draft, the exact number is unknown. As for the number of Black-

many events in Downtown Pittsburgh that have given Black-owned businesses a chance to showcase and sell their products via Juneteenth, the Black Music Festival and Soul Food Festival, has contended that he wanted to host a “Draft Bash” Black busi-

only the NFL but also by representatives of VisitPITTSBURGH that his idea, in effect, would not work, because the concept didn’t work in other cities that previously hosted the Draft. B. Marshall rebutted, saying that he has a wealth of supporters

who will make his event a success. Ultimately, according to B. Marshall, he was told he could host only a few businesses Downtown, to which he turned down.

Then, at the March 30 press conference, he said there were rumblings that the City of Pittsburgh mayor, Corey O’Connor, might have a way to provide space for some 30 businesses for B. Marshall for the Draft.

“So this is a great opportunity for him (O’Connor) to step in and say, ‘yes, we need to let our Black businesses have an opportunity for this Draft,’” B. Marshall said. “...He still has an opportunity...if he offered us 30 businesses, then contact me to let me know what we can do with 30 or 40 or 50 businesses. I’m still waiting on his call.”

Pittsburgh currently has a Black population of 23 percent. The percentage of Black-owned businesses in the city is at 2.5 percent. When one takes a glimpse of Downtown and the North Shore, finding a Black-owned business is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Thus, any event that comes to those areas, Black-owned businesses won’t, as a whole, benefit.

Which is why the NAACP Pittsburgh Branch, Black Political Empowerment Project and B. Marshall are sounding the alarm.

The Black Political Empowerment, in its March 27 open letter, is asking for the “public release of the official list of all approved

vendors for the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh; a demographic breakdown, to the extent allowable, identifying how many of those vendors are minority-owned, including Blackowned businesses; and a clear outline of the vendor selection process, including outreach efforts, evaluation criteria, and any diversity or inclusion measures that were implemented.”

B-PEP added: “Our goal is to ensure that the opportunities created by this event are accessible to all, especially those historically underrepresented in large-scale contracting and event participation.”

The NAACP Pittsburgh Branch on March 30 said that the national NAACP had gotten involved. Also, the local NAACP said, “we have met with representatives of the NFL and the Pittsburgh Steelers and received a substantial amount of information regarding their process. We are currently awaiting a detailed report that breaks down vendor participation by ethnic group so that we can better assess the level of Black inclusion in Draft-related opportunities. We have made it clear that meaningful inclusion must be measured not only by intention, but by results.”

NATIONAL TARGET BOYCOTT, SPOKE IN PITTSBURGH, MARCH 30, 2026.

THE REV. JOHN WELCH WAS ONE OF THE SPEAKERS AT B. MARSHALL’S PRESS CONFERENCE, MARCH 30, 2026.

BLACK BUSINESS OWNER ANISE PETITE SPEAKS OUTSIDE OF ACRISURE STADIUM, MARCH 30, 2026. (PHOTOS BY ROB TAYLOR JR.)

Community welcomes St. James AME Church's new pastor, Rev. William C. Roberts II

St. James AME Church, 444 Lincoln Ave., East Liberty, has a new senior pastor.

Rev. William C. Roberts

II is a dedicated and accomplished professional with a distinguished career in ministry, counseling, and community service. He is a Licensed and Ordained Itinerant Elder in the AME Church.

According to a biography on the St. James AME Church website, Rev. Roberts brings over 30 years of experience in behavioral health and human services. He is a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor (LICDC-CS) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Ohio, with national certification. His career has spanned multiple leadership roles— from counselor to director—each marked by his commitment to helping individuals overcome barriers and achieve their full potential. Recently retired as Senior Manager of Recovery Services at Public Health —Dayton & Montgomery County, Rev. Roberts continues to shape lives through mentorship, advocacy, and education. His community impact includes coordinating the African American Male Initiative at Sinclair Community College, co-founding the Men of Standards (MOS) fatherhood support program, and establishing the Family Unification Network (FUN) basketball league. He has also served in

leadership roles supporting senior citizens through his oversight of Senior Services at the Dayton Metropolitan Housing Authority, reflecting his lifelong dedication to holistic community well-being. Trained in the Grief Recovery Method, Rev. Roberts provides compassionate care for individuals and families navigating life’s most difficult moments.

His service has been recognized through numerous honors, including the Lifetime Service Award in Alcohol and Drug Counseling from Montgomery County and recognized as one of Dayton’s Top Ten African American Males (2016)—a testament to his faith-driven leadership, compassion, and excellence in empowering men and families.

Beyond his public service, Rev. Roberts is co-owner of Pattie’s Place, a group home designed to help young men transition toward independence. He is married to Dr. Denise Roberts, and they share a blended family with 3 boys and 3 girls and are grandparents to five grandchildren and one great grandchild.

On March 29, after the Sunday service, the Larimer Consensus Group hosted a meet-and-greet with Pastor Roberts and Dr. Denise Roberts, where they were greeted by, among others, City Councilman Khari Mosley, and former Pittsburgh mayor Ed Gainey.

REV. WILLIAM C. ROBERTS II, WITH WIFE, DR. DENISE ROBERTS. (PHOTOS BY J.L. MARTELLO)

FORMER

CITY COUNCILMAN REV. RICKY BURGESS AND HIS WIFE, CARLOTTA, WITH NEW ST. JAMES AME CHURCH PASTOR REV. WILLIAM C. ROBERTS II AND HIS WIFE, DR. DENISE.

SOME OF THE ST. JAMES AME CHURCH FAMILY...

REV. MAUREEN CROSS BOLDEN, CENTER, WITH REV. WILLIAM C. ROBERTS II AND HIS WIFE, DR. DENISE ROBERTS.

VisitPITTSBURGH President/CEO Jerad Bachar responds to the Courier about the NFL Draft

The New Pittsburgh Courier on March 31, 2026, contacted VisitPITTSBURGH communications representatives requesting an interview with President/CEO Jerad Bachar pertaining to the NFL Draft and the concern from some African Americans that Black businesses were largely being left out of the NFL Draft’s economic jolt that it will give businesses in the region come April 23-25. VisitPITTSBURGH responded with a statement from Bachar. The full statement is below, dated March 31, 2026.

“Since the Draft started moving from city to city in 2015, the NFL has prioritized working closely with each community to ensure the event reflects the people, businesses, and character of the host city. The Pittsburgh Draft is no different.

Over the past two years, the NFL has partnered with our Pittsburgh Organizing Committee – a group comprised of public, private, and nonprofit community leaders such as the African American Chamber of Commerce, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, 3 Rivers Business Alliance and many more. This group is designed to ensure diverse voices help guide the event and deliver an experience that is inclusive, welcoming, and authentically Pittsburgh. That commitment is showing up in tangible ways.

It is putting dollars directly into the pockets of residents through a paid NFL Teammates program and hiring local artists to activate public spaces.

A Draft Day 3 Makers Market is giving local creators one of the

biggest stages in sports while also allowing them to keep 100% of their revenue. It is ensuring small businesses have the resources to shine with the soon-to-be released PicksBURGH Business Resource Kit. And it is putting local and diverse entrepreneurs front and center through NFLDraftPittsburgh.com and OnePass’s Guide to Pittsburgh. Another cornerstone is the NFL-led Draft Source Program. The program connects local and diverse businesses to Draft contracting opportunities, while also providing networking and educational resources—an approach the NFL brings to host cities for marquee events. Through strategic and intentional outreach and communication, Pittsburgh’s program has been unprecedented. More than 1,700 businesses applied, many of them minority-, women-, veteran-, and LGBTQ+-owned, representing the largest applicant pool since the inception of this program. Ultimately, 165 small businesses were selected by the NFL through a

highly competitive and transparent process. To date, more than 70 local contracts are underway, with more than $1 million in contracts already projected with underrepresented business owners, and more to come.

Importantly, this work is designed to extend beyond the Draft. A centralized database of all 1,700 applicant businesses will be used to support future procurement opportunities across the region— helping to ensure long-term impact.

In a few short weeks, the Draft will be the largest event Pittsburgh has hosted and will place our region on a global stage. When it does, it will showcase our communities, support local businesses, and create lasting economic impact. The Pittsburgh Organizing Committee remains committed to working under the leadership of the NFL and alongside a host of local partners to deliver an experience that reflects—and benefits—the full community.”

WOMEN IN MEDIA—The panel discussion

JERAD BACHAR

History Made

Zeigler is first Black Commissioner of Crescent Twp.

Brother Marlon’s

Top 5 Songs of Inspiration

Pull out your phone or computer, and listen to these five songs of inspiration, hand-picked by Brother Marlon Martin, a Courier freelance photographer, DJ for Courier events, and on-air host of “I Praise,” Sunday mornings from 7 to 11 a.m. on WAMO 107.3 FM.

1. “God’s Got a Blessing” by Bishop Norman Hutchins

2. “For The Rest of My Life” by The Victorious Army featuring Vincent Bohanon

3. “We Can’t Lose” by Wan Wes

4. “He’s in Control” by Martha Munizzi

5. “Nobody But Jesus” by Tasha Page Lockhart

COURIER CHURCH DIRECTORY

BAPTIST TEMPLE CHURCH

Sunday Worship: 8 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.

Pastor—Rev. Dr. Rodney Adam Lyde 7241 Race Street Pittsburgh, Pa., 15208

Sunday School/Breakfast: 9 a.m. Sunday Worship Service: 10:30 a.m.

Bountiful Blessings: 1st, 3rd Tuesday, 5-7 p.m. 312 Viola St. Duquesne, Pa., 15110 116 South Highland Ave. Pittsburgh, Pa., 15206 412-441-3800

the township. There is no mayor, no council members. There is a township manager, who is helped by the administrative assistant. There is a Crescent Township Volunteer Fire Department, and a Crescent Township Police Department, which has five officers, according to its website.

Dr. Zeigler told the Courier she wants to work to help the township attain more grants, and help the

township become "more well-known."

She added: "To actually bring more things for the children, because there are quite a few children in the area as well."

Dr. Zeigler wants more upgrades to the township's park, called Shouse Park, at 1391 McCutcheon Way.

The public school district for Crescent Township is Moon Area. Dr. Zeigler said all are welcome to

move to Crescent Township. You don't have to bring the whole bank, but don't come with chump change, either. She said a few condominiums that were just built are starting at $300,000 and "the house that was just sold next to us," Dr. Zeigler said, "they had lived there for about 21 years, but it sold at $399,000. We didn't think they were going to get that but they got it."

Reverend A. Marie Walker’s Weekly Inspiration

RESURRECTION SUNDAY APRIL 5, 2026

“And he said unto them, Be not affrighted: You seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: HE IS RISEN; He is not here: behold the place where they laid Him. But go your way, tell His disciples and Peter that He goes before you into Galilee: there shall you see Him as He said unto you.”

St. Mark 16:6-7

REV. WALKER SAYS: JESUS IS ALIVE, JESUS HAS RISEN FROM THE DEAD, HALLELUJAH!!! The Greatest Day of All Time. AMEN.

2001 Wylie Avenue Pittsburgh, Pa., 15219 www.baptisttemple.church www.ebenezerbaptistpgh.org

Pastor—Rev. Dorothy Stubbs

EBENEZER MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

Sunday Worship Service: 11 a.m.

Sr. Pastor—Rev. Dr. Vincent K. Campbell

Barbara A. Gunn

Robin Horton

Laphon Flood-Francis

Pastor— Nathaniel Pennybaker

DR. JULIE ZEIGLER IS A CRESCENT TOWNSHIP COMMISSIONER.

Developing the undeveloped NBA develops players in other countries... What about here in America?

Now that the MLB season has kicked off in earnest, a few questions have jumped out at me. There have been a litany of reasons that attempt to justify the reasons for the shoddy and sometimes questionable statistics kept for Negro Leagues baseball games. When it comes to documenting the exploits of Black players, many stats are abbreviated, erroneously recorded or not recorded at all. Also, I’m hoping to profile how the MLB recruiting efforts for Black youth in America are a sham in comparison to the process and the money spent on youth from the Latin American and Caribbean areas. This article is not remotely intended to be a regurgitated history lesson but just a distant reminder of the potholes that existed on the road of the Negro Leagues to showcase and develop players. The Negro Leagues had a "developmental system" in place but did not have a "one stop shop" as far as having a bona fide minor league system that could compare with the cash-loaded reservoir of MLB. The legendary MLB hall-of-famer Jackie Robinson is known to have had mixed feelings about briefly playing in the Negro

Leagues. He played for the Kansas City Monarchs in 1945 before being signed to play for the Brooklyn Dodgers. He did not approve of the Negro Leagues' lack of formal contracts as well as questionable officiating and less-than-ideal transportation for the players. Nowadays, the minor league system of MLB has a partner that is demographically compatible for player and community development. Over the past three decades, let’s also check out the amount of money that MLB has invested in community, youth and player development, especially in the Caribbean area.

Although from a numbers standpoint it may be justified, baseballbiographies. com has an article that is concerning when it comes to MLB actively recruiting inner-city youth. The article is: “How Many MLB Teams Have Training Facilities in the Dominican Republic? An In-Depth Overview.”

The article points out that: “Major League Baseball recognizes the Dominican Republic as a key player in developing talent in the sport. A total of 30 MLB teams operate training facilities in the Dominican Republic, showcasing the country’s importance in

the international baseball market. These academies serve not only as training grounds, but also as crucial hubs for player development. These facilities are strategically located to tap into the immense baseball talent found in the Dominican Republic. They offer young athletes the opportunity to refine their skills and pursue their dreams of playing in Major League Baseball. This focus on player development has

transformed the Dominican Republic into a significant source of professional players. The relationship between the MLB and the Dominican Republic underscores the importance of international markets in modern baseball. With such a strong investment in training, future stars are being groomed, ready to make their mark on the game.”

There was also an article posted online in May 2024

by Delores Vicioso:

“Baseball becomes an instrument to development.” Ms. Vicioso writes: “Junior Noboa, baseball commissioner in the DR, confirmed the close ties when asked to speak during the May 13 press conference. He said for the first time a Dominican president (Luis Abinader) visited the headquarters of the MLB in the United States to meet with the U.S. baseball commissioner. He explained Minister of the Presidency Joel Santos is in charge of MLB and government relations.

He said in addition to the $100 million in baseball academies, "another $40 million is being invested in the remodeling of seven academies. For 2025, three new academies are underway.”

Wow, a Dominican president visited the headquarters of the MLB. How many presidents visit the NBA?

The governments from some of these areas seriously consider MLB as a vital part of their economic growth and development, not just a source of pocket padding free grants. Now let’s go over the NBA’s investment in the Black community.

According to Wikipedia: “The NBA Academy was

founded in 2016 to provide a comprehensive development pathway for young elite athletes in their home regions. NBA academies recruit talent through their Jr. NBA programs, which are located in over 75 countries. The NBA has academies in multiple countries, but specific information about the number of American cities with NBA academies is not provided in the available sources. The NBA Academy is primarily focused on developing international high school age prospects, with locations in countries like India, Australia, Mexico, and Senegal. “ Why isn’t comprehensive data available about the amount of money spent in the inner-city on developing the economic and athletic development of the community? MLB allows their information to be accessed. Why won’t the NBA allow the same? They sure will allow certain info when it comes to increasing the sales and marketing of their merchandise. I googled one simple question: “How much capital has been invested in major Black cities regarding NBA academies?” and I could not find or get a straight answer. MLB lays it out on the table. What does the NBA have to hide? Are they cremating the books? The NBA must be forced to augment their presence in 75 American cities first, then expand to 75 countries! Also, why don’t the 1,400 members of the United States Conference of Mayors get together and hold the feet of Adam Silver, the commissioner of the NBA, to the fire and demand to see the books before they are cremated to see the percentage of profit that the league has and is currently reinvesting into the community. Not just occasional grants but serious and consistent investments. The United States Conference of Mayors doesn’t have a specific committee dedicated solely to discussing NBA investments. Why? I haven’t the faintest idea. However, I suggest that one of the issues that should be addressed when we enter the “valley of the vote beggars” and the voting booth is to make sure that our leaders make it clear to the sports owners that when they are panhandling taxpayers to get new facilities, that they will keep a set of ears open when the taxpayers begin shaking our tin cups.

PENN HILLS BIG RED MACHINE... STILL

First of all, allow me to put this story in perspective. It goes without saying, if you’re a high school football fan, or for that matter, a football fan in general, and most specifically, a Western Pa. football fan, you know all about the Penn Hills High School Big Red Machine football program.

It’s important that you know this long-overdue story not only speaks to the history of the Penn Hills program, but the stability of the program both on and off the field. The tradition is well-known and the end results are not only region-

ally, but nationally recognized.

The evidence and the recognition are easily recounted when the names of the legends who ran “Those Hills” (oh man, those hills in Penn Hills...wow!) are “Brought To Bear.” Hubie Bryant, Bill Fralic, Aaron Donald, Tom Flynn, Dwayne Rideout, Dan Mason, Greg Botta, Larry “Big Splash” Johnson, Tom Tumulty, Barry Church, Daequan Hardy, Anthony Morelli, Ron Graham, Jr., Jake Schifino, and Dante Cephas, just to name a few, and trust me, the list is quite extensive! (Right now is when all you City League guys reading this article can stop hating and read on...just read on!)

Clearly and without question all the aforementioned most likely would not have reached their legendary status without superior coaching by a qualified staff and a dynamic head coach who ties it all together both on and off the field.

Men like Charles “Ace” Heberling, Neil Gordon, Jon LeDonne, and Andy Urbanic...speaking of whom, when I hear his name, I still try to find a wall to run

through!

RED & STILL A MACHINE!

Needless to say, the talent has to be there. Commitment, hard work, sacrifice, trust and buying into the program. But you have to have that man...that head coach who changes the culture and takes the program to the next level.

The continuance of that championship spirit is maintained through the leadership, guidance, discipline and love for the game and for his players by Coach Charles Morris.

“The kids are good. They simply need people to believe in them. After that, God makes it all good.” “It’s important to note, we don’t overly concern ourselves with NIL, certainly we’re fully aware of it and open to all of its possibilities. But we don’t base our objectives on it. We count on the great support of the parents, volunteers, the team spirit of the spectators and supporters, and the non-stop efforts of people such as Daina Hunter and many others. My efforts are to be positive, keep growing, and evolve the program.”

Today’s Big Red Machine is propelled by Coach Morris. Now in his fifth year as head coach, he brings 20plus years of stellar football coaching expertise to the table, including time spent with former legendary Gateway player and coach Terry Smith, who now anchors the mighty Penn State Nittany Lions as their Associate Head Coach.

Coach Morris is a former gridiron great at Penn Hills, 2002-2004, and was an All-PSAC standout corner and D-back at Edinboro University. That plus his All-Conference and second-team All-State recognition at EU speak loudly to his potential PHHS Hall of Fame induction. The only thing standing in the way of that recognition would be his humility! With his roots in the city...(oh, OK, now you City League dudes are back on board) Coach Morris was raised by his super strong mom, Mrs. Tracy Benson, who was a standout athlete at Carrick High School

in track, volleyball and basketball. She is his #1 fan and supports him 100 percent. You know, Moms always get the praise and the glory, but we don’t want to forget dad, Charles Morris and stepdad, William Benson for their continued support.

The accomplishments both on and off the field don’t come without the necessary tools in the box to work with. With a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education and a Master’s degree in School Counseling from Duquesne University, Coach Morris is fully equipped to develop the “culture” I spoke of earlier. Most notably; to help change behavior, help improve grades, improve and increase the talent level, and encourage alumni to revisit the Big Red program through presence, support and participation!

To that point...and in full disclosure, I am a proud former Penn Hills player, Class of 1970 and, as noted, played for Coach Ur-

banic. I was fortunate and privileged to have been inducted to the Penn Hills Sports Hall of Fame. So I’ve been around, and I’ve seen a lot... and in my opinion, none finer than that demonstrated under Coach Morris. That which has been achieved is not only the result of outstanding talent, but the old school sense of hard work, commitment and sacrifice that coaches require of their players. With permission of Coach Morris, I want to shout out to all PHHS football alumni. Come back to the program, help support, be a part of the solution, and most importantly, don’t forget where you came from and how you got there!!! (And for you very few alumni who are just a little slow in reading the game plan... yes, that means bring your checkbook. C’mon man!)

Speaking of the game plan, the coach has a clear one for his talented and exceptional coaching staff. #1. Help them reach their

dreams. #2. Be honest with them. #3. Be consistent. #4 Remember you get out what you put in. #5. Last and most importantly, show them the love! Those efforts, much easier said than done, are made more than doable when you tout quite possibly the best coaching staff in Western Pa. and the WPIAL. Including Charles Bradley, Asst. Coach and O.C.—coaches QBs—Teacher at Dilworth Elem.; Gary Nolen, Asst. Coach and O.C.—coaches receivers; Conner Hillam— coaches Off.-Line—Wm & Mary —Miami Dolphins; Corey Jones—coaches Special Teams—University of Toledo; Terry Blakeman— coaches running backs— Slippery Rock University; Dan Mason—coaches linebackers—University of Pittsburgh; Dr. Lavaughn Wesley—Def. Coach—Edinboro University—Ph.D., Duquesne University— Principal at Winchester Thurston H.S.; Treyvon Hester—coaches Def.Line—University of Tole-

do—Philadelphia Eagles, Oakland Raiders, Buffalo Bills; Joe Rash—coaches Def. Ends—University of Akron; Derrick Lane—Def. Asst. Coach—West Lincoln College (Missouri); Kevin McCoy—IUP—Equipment Manager. That’s the story and I am proud to tell it. As a man, Charles Morris is at the top of my list. As a coach, he possesses all the talent to "Achieve Greatness" on and off the field, most especially in the classroom. As a community leader he is so respected he was awarded the Willie Stargell Pittsburgh MVP Award (Most Valuable Person). And as a humanitarian...trust me, a lot of people talk the talk and don’t walk the walk. But in my 50 years of dedicated community service, Coach Morris is on my starting team anywhere, anytime! (Special note, to get on board, contact cmorris@phsd.org)

COACH MORRIS DELIVERS THE WORD...

Property is Power!

Why Black buyers must move beyond interest rate fear

There is a quiet hesitation shaping today’s housing market. It is not a lack of income, nor a lack of opportunity. It is something far more subtle and far more dangerous. It is the fear of interest rates. Across the country, would-be buyers are standing still, waiting for rates to drop by a percentage point, or even a fraction of one. They are watching, calculating, refreshing headlines, and convincing themselves that just a little more patience will produce a significantly better outcome. But here is the truth; in many cases, that 1 percent difference is costing far more than it is saving. This is not to dismiss the reality of higher borrowing costs. Interest rates matter. They influence affordability, monthly payments and long-term cost of capital. But what must be understood, especially by those approaching this decision, is that rates do not exist in isolation. They operate

within a broader ecosystem of price appreciation, rental inflation and time. And time, more than anything, is where the real cost lies. Consider what happens when a potential buyer delays a purchase in hopes of securing a lower rate. During that waiting period, home values may continue to rise. Rents may increase. Inventory may tighten. The very asset they hoped to acquire becomes more expensive, not less. What was once attainable begins to move just out of reach not because of a dramatic market shift, but because of incremental change compounded over time. The irony is striking. In an effort to save on interest, many end up paying more for the asset itself. This is where the concept of the “1 percent difference” must be reframed. It is not simply about the rate on a mortgage. It is about the difference between action and inaction. Between entering the market and observing it. Between building equity and funding someone else’s. For the educated and analytical buyer, this becomes a question of strategy rather than emotion. A 1 percent increase in rate may affect a monthly payment but ownership introduces variables that renting never will. Principal reduction, appreciation and leverage all begin working in the owner’s favor from day one. These are not theoretical benefits; they are measurable, compounding advantages that grow over time. Moreover, interest rates are not permanent fixtures. They are cyclical. Today’s rate does not have to be tomorrow’s rate. Refinancing remains a viable pathway when market conditions shift. In that sense, the rate you secure today can be

Smart ways to bounce back financially after a job loss

by Laura Onyeneho

WORD IN BLACK—Layoffs can happen to anyone, from tech workers to government employees.

Job security feels more uncertain than ever in 2026. The emotional and financial fallout from losing a job can hit hard, especially for Black and Brown families already carrying the weight of economic disparities. But financial recovery  is possible. With a steady plan, clear priorities and community support, you can regain your footing.

Here’s a deeper look at how to bounce back smarter, not just faster, after a layoff.

Rest

Losing your job can feel like losing part of your identity. Whether you’re feeling embarrassed, angry, or even relieved, it’s crucial to acknowledge those emotions.

Suppressing stress can lead to longterm health consequences. According to the American Psychological Association, chronic stress from unemployment can increase risks of depression, high blood pressure and even heart disease, especially among Black adults.

What to do:

Give yourself a few days to process before jumping into job applications.

Write down what you  enjoyed about your last role and what you didn’t.

Consider speaking to a culturally competent therapist.

Get a financial reality check

You can’t adjust what you haven’t assessed. The first financial step is to gather all the facts.

What to check:

Cash on hand: How much is in checking, savings and emergency funds?

Severance: Are you getting one? How long will it last?

Recurring expenses: Which bills are fixed vs. flexible?

Debt: What do you owe and to whom?

Apply for unemployment benefits immediately. You can file, but delays are common, so don’t wait.

Use community resources

You are not alone, and there is no shame in using local resources. Many organizations are designed to support individuals in financial crises.

Want to check for state/federal aid? Visit  USA.gov/benefits and use the  Benefit Finder tool to see what you qualify for, from SNAP to Medicaid to utility bill relief.

Rework your budget  Budgeting while unemployed doesn’t mean cutting everything that brings you joy. It means shifting into “financial survival mode” while still protecting your mental health.

How to start:

Prioritize essentials: Housing, utilities, groceries, transportation.

Pause or cancel: Subscriptions, gym memberships, takeout, online shopping.

Switch to income-based repayment on student loans if necessary. Try free budgeting apps like Rocket Money MINT, or  EveryDollar and budget weekly instead of monthly to

various aspects of life. However, there

Let me talk to my Gen X folks for a minute—my generation. You know who you are. You came up in the era of latchkey kids, Walkmen, and “figure it out yourself.” You watched your parents work hard, and you did the same. You played by the rules. And somehow— somewhere between raising kids, helping aging parents, paying off debt, and just trying to keep the lights on—retirement snuck up on you like a bill you forgot you owed. Gen X is in trouble—and a lot of them can feel it, even if you don’t have the exact numbers in front of them. Ages 46 to 61 are supposed to be the prime “earning” and “catch-up” years for retirement, but for many Gen Xers it feels more like a financial chokehold than a final sprint to the finish line. This isn’t just stress; it’s a full-blown money storm. Here’s the hard truth: Gen X—that’s anyone born between 1965 and 1980, currently ages 46 to 61—is ground zero for one of the worst retirement and cash-flow crunches in American history. And most of us are feeling it heavy right now. Let me give you the receipts. The Savings Problem Is Real: The median Gen X household has saved roughly $40,000 for retirement.

That’s not per person—that’s the median across the generation, including households that have been contributing for 20-plus years. Even more alarming: approximately 1 in 4 Gen Xers has no retirement account at all. Zero. Nothing. Now add this layer: only about 14 percent of Gen X has a traditional pension to fall back on. That means the overwhelming majority of us are entirely dependent on 401(k) plans, IRAs, and Social Security —a threelegged stool where two of the legs are wobbly at best. Let’s be mindful of the fact the Social Security Trust Fund is dealing with a storm of its own. There’s a strong likelihood, changes will be made to Social Security. Those changes will result in a smaller Social Security check. That means the responsibility falls squarely on our shoulders—through 401(k)s, IRAs, and personal investments. Translation? If you don’t build it, it doesn’t

tighten your grip on cash flow.

Avoid using credit cards as a crutch Credit cards may look like lifelines, but often have long-term consequences. According to the  Federal Reserve Bank of New York, U.S. credit card balances fell by $29 billion from the previous quarter to stand at $1.18 trillion, a record high, with unemployed households carrying disproportionately high balances.

Instead of relying on credit: Contact creditors to ask for hardship or forbearance programs.

Prioritize minimum payments to protect your credit score.

Use credit only for needs, not temporary “wants.”

Side hustles, gigs, or consulting

While looking for full-time work, tapping into a side hustle can create much-needed income and sharpen your skills.

Try: Gig platforms: Uber, Instacart, Fiverr, TaskRabbit Tutoring online Consulting in your industry, reach out to former clients or colleagues Offering digital services like resume

exist. The Debt Situation Is Suffocating:

Gen X carries the highest average credit card balance of any generation —approximately $9,600 per household. That’s not a minor inconvenience. That’s a financial anchor dragging against every dollar you’re trying to save or invest. And don’t sleep on the student loan numbers. Gen X also holds the highest average student loan balance at around $44,240. Many of you are still paying for degrees you earned 20 or 30 years ago—or co-signed loans for your kids on top of your own. That’s not a coincidence. That’s a system that has been squeezing your generation from multiple directions simultaneously. Living Paycheck to Paycheck— Even With Good Income: Here’s what most people get wrong about financial struggle: they assume it only happens to people with low in-

writing or social media management

Warning: Side gigs still come with tax responsibilities. Use tools like QuickBooks or Keeper to track income and expenses for tax season.

Even if it’s short-term, earning something can help boost morale and reduce reliance on savings or credit.

Anchor yourself with a routine and a support system

Job loss often disrupts daily life, leaving you feeling lifeless at times. Creating structure helps you regain control.

Here’s what that might look like: Wake up and go to bed at consistent times.

Block out daily hours for job applications, rest and self-care. Include movement, walking, stretching, or workouts. Set weekly goals (number of applications sent, contacts reached, interviews lined up).

Most importantly, don’t isolate  Call a friend. Join a support group. Ask for help. Emotional resilience is your best asset during uncertain times.

comes. Wrong. Roughly 60 percent or more of American adults are living paycheck to paycheck—and Gen X is heavily represented in that number, even among households earning $80,000, $100,000, and beyond. Why? Because income alone doesn’t determine financial health. Debt payments, lifestyle inflation, lack of financial systems, and—as we’re about to discuss—caregiving responsibilities eat up income faster than most people realize.

The Sandwich Generation Squeeze:

This one hits differently. Over 70 percent of Gen Xers are what financial experts call the “sandwich generation” —simultaneously supporting children and aging parents. You’re paying college tuition while covering prescriptions for mom. You’re helping your adult kid get on their feet while managing your dad’s medical bills. You’re emotionally stretched, financially stretched, and nobody’s talking about it at the level it deserves.

This caregiving reality doesn’t just drain your bank account. It costs you

ANTHONY O. KELLUM

JOB LOSS CAN BE CHALLENGING and impact

are ways to manage stress and anxiety. (Credit: Canva)

How to leverage and monetize AI

by Mark S. Lee

(Michigan

Chronicle)—

Pittsburgh has always been a city of builders, problem-solvers, and risk-takers. From manufacturing to mobility, retail to the creative economy, businesses here have learned to adapt through economic cycles, policy shifts, and market disruption.

Today, another shift is underway: the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and smart technology. For many entrepreneurs, in particular, the question isn’t if to use AI—but how and monetize it.

The good news is that AI is no longer just for big business or tech startups, but for those looking to grow through innovation while connecting with consumers in a technology-enabled economy.

Many of the tools available today are affordable, easy-to-use, and designed to support teams. Not necessarily replacing human interactions but enhancing in a cost-effective manner.

Think Efficiency First, Not Elimination

Small businesses often operate lean, with owners wearing multiple hats. AI can help lighten that load by handling routine, time-consuming tasks. Tools that automate appointment scheduling, invoicing, payroll, and customer reminders allow business owners to spend more time on strategy, sales, and community relationships.

To wit, AI-driven chat tools can answer basic

customer questions after hours; while bookkeeping software can identify cash-flow trends before problems arise. Use Technology to Make Better Financial Decisions Access to capital and cash-flow management remain top concerns for local businesses. Financial tools can analyze spending patterns, forecast revenue, and flag potential risks. Rather than reacting to financial stress, business owners can plan. This kind of insight is especially valuable in a city where many entrepreneurs are growing businesses while rebuilding personal and generational wealth.

Monetize, Don’t Just Modernize.

The real opportunity with AI isn’t only saving time—it’s generating revenue.

AI allows small businesses to personalize marketing based on customer behavior, increasing repeat purchases and average transaction value. A neighborhood retailer can analyze sales data to identify buying patterns and automatically promote complementary products.

A service provider can use automated follow-ups to encourage referrals or upsell premium offerings. Restaurants can leverage online ordering data to suggest add-ons that increase ticket size.

AI can also help businesses refine pricing strategies. By analyzing demand trends and competitor data, owners can adjust pricing strategi -

cally rather than guessing. Even small margin improvements can significantly impact profitability over time.

Technology opens doors to potentially new revenue streams, such as creating digital products or become e-commerce extensions of brick-and-mortar stores. These scalable offerings generate income without dramatically increasing overhead.

Bottom line (pun intended), improving cash flow and reducing revenue loss can be just as impactful and financially rewarding as attracting new customers. Level the Playing Field in Marketing and Outreach Marketing budgets for are often limited. AI tools can help close that gap and can assist with drafting social media

posts, email campaigns, website content, and even customer surveys.

Used properly, AI can help businesses communicate more consistently and professionally, without losing their authentic voice.

The goal is to be clear, consistent, compelling, and visible while speaking in an authentic voice to audiences you want to connect and attract.

Protect What You’ve Built

As businesses adopt more digital tools, cybersecurity becomes essential. A single data breach can derail a small operation. AI-enabled security systems can monitor for unusual activity, prevent fraud, and help safeguard customer information. Protecting data isn’t just a technical issue—it’s about trust.

Customers expect businesses to handle their information responsibly. Invest in People, not Just Platforms. Technology works best when employees understand and trust it. Focus on basic training and skill-building so staff can use new tools confidently. This doesn’t require advanced technical expertise.

Short workshops, online tutorials, and peer learning can go a long way. When people see technology as a support system rather than a threat, adoption improves and productivity increases. Keep Pittsburgh Values at the Center. Pittsburgh businesses are deeply rooted in relationships, community, and purpose. Enabling AI technology should enhance those values—not

undermine them. Being transparent about how technology is used, protecting customer privacy, and maintaining a human touch all matter.  Small businesses have a unique advantage because know their customers by name, not just by data point. To be clear, AI and technology are not silver bullets. They are tools— powerful ones—that can help businesses operate smarter, generate new revenue, and remain competitive in uncertain times. Used thoughtfully, they offer an opportunity not just to survive change, but to shape it. In Pittsburgh, resilience isn’t new. The tools may be different, but the mindset remains the same.

Property is Power! Move beyond interest rate fear

temporary, but the property you acquire and the position it creates can be lasting.

This is the distinction many overlook. You can renegotiate the rate. You cannot renegotiate the purchase price once the market has moved beyond you. There is also a psychological dimension to this moment. The fixation on rates has created a form of analysis paralysis. Highly capable, well-informed individuals are delaying decisions not because they lack understanding, but because they are seeking optimal conditions in a marketplace that rarely offers them. But wealth is not typically built in perfect conditions. It is built through timely, informed decisions made in imperfect environments. The disciplined buyer does not wait for ideal circumstances. They assess risk, understand the landscape and position themselves accordingly. They recognize that participation in the market even at a less-than-ideal rate can be more advantageous than prolonged absence. This is particularly relevant within the broader context of Black homeownership. Access to information has

improved. Income levels have risen for many. Yet participation gaps remain. If we allow rate anxiety to become another barrier, this time self-imposed, we risk extending that gap even further.

time, energy, and focus that could be directed toward building your own financial foundation. And because Gen X grew up in a culture that taught you to handle your business quietly, a lot of you are carrying this weight alone. Real Talk: Before You Fix Your Money, Fix Your Mindset: Here’s where I always start with my coaching clients—not with a budget spreadsheet, not with an investment calculator. I start with the truth about what’s driving your financial decisions in the first place. Your habits, your fears, and your past experiences with money are running the show. Until you address those, no financial strategy will stick. You’ll make a plan, fall off, and wonder why you can’t get disciplined. Discipline isn’t the issue. Unresolved money mindset is. Once you’ve done that internal work, then we get strategic: Know your net worth. Not just your income or your debt—your complete

nancial picture. Assets minus liabilities. That number tells you where you actually stand.

you stand still? These are the questions that matter. The 1 percent difference, in the end, is not about the rate alone. It is about mindset. It is about whether we allow short-term variables to overshadow long-term vision. It is about whether we approach homeownership as a transaction to be timed or a position to be secured. Because those who understand ownership do not simply chase lower rates. They pursue higher ground. And in that pursuit, they recognize a fundamental truth, small shifts in rates should never outweigh the power of a big decision. Because property is not just a purchase, it is a “position.” And in the long arc of wealth-building, position will always matter more than a percentage point.

(Dr. Anthony O. Kellum—CEO of Kellum Mortgage, LLC

Homeownership Advocate, Speaker, Author NMLS # 1267030 NMLS #1567030

O: 313-263-6388 W: www.KelluMortgage.com.)

What is the cost of waiting one year?

Two years? How much equity is lost?

How much rent is paid without return? How much does the target move while

The decision to purchase a home is not merely a financial calculation; it is a strategic move toward stability, equity and long-term leverage. It is an entry point into a system that, when navigated effectively, can produce generational impact. So, the question is not whether rates will fall. Eventually, they will. The question is whether waiting for that moment will position you better or leave you further behind.

If your employer offers a match, that’s free money you cannot afford to leave on the table. And if you’re 50 or older, you qualify for catch-up contributions. Use them. Understand Social Security. The age at which you claim Social Security dramatically

Property is Power! is a movement to promote home and community ownership. Studies indicate homeownership leads to higher graduation rates, family wealth, and community involvement

The Bottom Line: You can’t control interest rates, inflation, or the stock market. But you can control your next move. The question I want you to sit with today is this: Are you reacting to money—or are you managing it?

Reacting looks like: paying the minimum, putting out fires, avoiding the hard conversations. Managing looks like: knowing your numbers, making intentional decisions, and building a plan even when the circumstances aren’t perfect. Gen X has always been resilient. The generation that raised itself can absolutely get its financial house in order. But it starts with being honest about where you are—and then getting serious about where you need to go.

PROPERTY

The demise of truth

Lately, there have been a number of issues that have created havoc among people in America —there is a growing tendency to spread more and more lies. It is very difficult to identify when truth is being spoken. Many of the lies and misinformation sent through the internet target a number of things, including technology, politics, health, and more. AI generates fake information so frequently that a person must really think hard before sending information or responding to that which has already been distributed. AI has circulated false information about anti-vaccine conspiracies, “Stop the Steal” election claims, climate change stories, and more. The bottom line is that there has been a proliferation of lies so ubiquitous that many people will have to forego their own good logic in order to remain sane.

Basically, we are being inundated with a culture of lies so thick that it is difficult to distinguish truth from fiction. Stories like “Pizzagate,” which claimed that a pizza shop was the location of a pedophile ring, are just one example. There is also erroneous information circulating about climate change. Our weather has been almost unpredictable at times, and it has played havoc with Earth dwellers.

Moreover, there are also hyper-realistic videos circulating with other false tidbits of information that have people reeling. Truthfully, it is becoming so ubiquitous that a cadre of people are being developed who have a total disdain for what passes as “truth.”

Interestingly, one of the individuals responsible for spreading lies is the president of the United States. Donald J. Trump has a penchant for lying. Some people say that he really believes the lies that he liberally spreads.

Another example of the tendency to spread untruths can be seen in the constant lies that circulate daily, such as the cases of two young disabled people who are apparently the newest victims of misinformation. People are sending condolences to them. But the truth is that they are apparently victims of the spread of lies. Both young men have histories of fighting a terrible bone disease; they are best friends, and they have similar maladies. According to those who know, both young men are alive. One is in college, but they are both alive, according to those who supposedly know.

It may seem that lies may not be that important, but if you give it serious thought, you will realize that the pack of lies liberally spread throughout the American body politic has the capacity to create very challenging situations in America (and elsewhere). After all, with the intense circulation of untruths, all types of decisions stand to be made that would be compromised. What exacerbates the situation even more is the proliferation of lies that impact people on a personal level. Technology connected with AI is so advanced that it will be very difficult to determine what is truth and what is not in this regard. In the case of the United States, our president has a penchant for spreading huge lies. Actually, he may not be doing this on purpose; he might be telling what he believes is truth. But that is a stretch—too many lies continue to circulate among the American people (and beyond). More importantly, the truth should be embraced because of the positive benefits that can accrue from that behavior. Lies will almost always generate problematic responses. They create huge problems, especially among people who are somewhat naïve and who do not expect prevarication.

The reason this situation is so drastic is connected with the loss of lives that can result from the distribution of wild lies. And AI is just going to exacerbate the situation. There are whole movies that can be made utilizing the images of people who do not have a clue that this is happening. Entire scenarios can be created utilizing your likeness. If things continue at the current rate, the truth will always elude us. This is a super-serious issue that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Basically, falsehoods can cause people to lose their lives while, at the same time, muddy the waters of all issues in their lives. Embrace truth; you will regret it if you do not.

Aluta continua.

(Reprinted from the Chicago Crusader)

Rod Doss

The real war is on honesty!

TriceEdneyWire.com—War is a serious matter, not a joking one or an “I don’t care one”. In recent weeks, we’ve witnessed men sitting around joking about war, a war in which hundreds of people have been killed. Many are denied the right to vote by coming up with unnecessary new rules to disqualify them. You might say we have a war on voting! Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu got together and just started to bomb people who had nothing to do with their disagreements with Iran and nothing to do with Iran’s disagreements with other nations. I don’t listen to Netanyahu daily, but I do hear him sometime. He sounds as mean and racist as Trump. Every news channel in America carries something shocking that Trump has said or done daily. Just because you hear it, doesn’t make it true and it certainly doesn’t make it right.   House Republicans have passed the Trump-backed SAVE Act—one of the worst voter suppression bills in history, disguised as an “election integrity” measure. If mailing in ballots is so bad—so untrustworthy—why did Trump mail in his recent ballot in Florida just a short time ago?  The so-called SAVE Act refers to something Trump’s people threw out that makes it more difficult for certain (meaning Black, Brown or Poor) people to vote. This bill isn’t about stopping noncitizens

from voting in federal elections. Non-citizens can’t and don’t. That’s not a problem. It’s about changing the rules of the game to make it more difficult for people who probably would be voting for Democrats. Republicans don’t believe they can win a majority of Americans over on their current policies, so they want to make it harder for some Americans to vote.

I was talking with a good friend in North Carolina a few days ago who has a son that we usually refer to as Jr., and that is how the son signs his name when carrying the same name as his father. The father is usually referred to as Sr. and he writes Sr. to distinguish his name from that of his son who has the same name as he has. That was perfectly okay before the MAGA ERA, but since the era of Black people waking up, learning who is for or against them, and voting accordingly, that now presents a problem! The father moved, and went down to renew his voters’ card, only to find he could not use his drivers’ license as proof of who he is! They told him Sr. is not on

his birth certificate!

I mention this case because for any reason your registrar wants to stop you and decides to play dumb about SR means the father, and JR means the son! This is just one example of ways you can be stopped from registering in the Trump world. Their goal is to limit the number of Black people voting. We’ve suddenly become a threat to the process!

Don’t wait until the last day to register because God only knows what trick you will encounter.  Find out what the requirements are in your area and give yourself enough time to comply with whatever documents you will need to register or to change your registration.

Learn early the days you may register, because it won’t surprise me that certain jurisdictions will put up new rules, will change your polling place, will change opening and closing times to vote and try anything to deny your vote. Some are attempting to discontinue “Souls to the Polls.” That is to prevent your church from leaving service and taking you to the polls.  Don’t wait until the last minute of the last day to register or to vote. Assume you might encounter a problem. Leave yourself time to seek advice if needed.

(Dr. E. Faye Williams is President of The Dick Gregory Society.)

Merit-based promotions should also be about fairness

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—The fight for fairness will never be easy. Fairness is the quality of making impartial, just, and equitable decisions, free from bias, discrimination, or dishonesty. It involves providing equal opportunities and adhering to fair rules, often balancing individual circumstances to ensure just outcomes. It means making decisions by being open-minded and objective. When people say they are anti-DEI, they are telling us they do not believe in fairness. They are exposing themselves as individuals who do not believe everyone deserves an equal opportunity to succeed. They are revealing the degree to which they are willing to accept dishonest tactics that are developed to hold back women and people of color. The anti-DEI initiative has proven to be an effective offense ploy waged in the culture war against the Black community. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who serves as the principal defense policy advisor to the President, knows he sits in a perfect position to dismantle all racial fairness throughout the military ranks. Before his appointment by the Trump administration, Hegseth wrote books critical of the U.S. military as “woke” while suggesting that diversity throughout the ranks had weakened the force.

Having such a person, lacking character and integrity, in a high-ranking position of power is dangerous. As a result of the policy influence given to Hegseth and others like him, the culture war has become a war without end. It is an everlasting conflict meant to reshape societal norms in ways that will negatively impact the careers of future service men and women. Hegseth has said repeatedly that he is determined to change a culture corrupted by “foolish,” “reckless,” and “woke” leaders from previous administrations. We are constantly told that the Department of Defense, sometimes referred to as the Department of War, is now controlled by meritoc-

David W. Marshall Commentary

racy. While meritocracy is a system in which power and positions are assigned based on individual ability, talent, and achievement rather than social background, wealth, or nepotism, it still requires a fair promotion system. Meritocracy, in the true sense, still means that everyone has an equal chance to succeed regardless of background, race, and gender. Today, about 43 percent of the 1.3 million troops on active duty are people of color. But those leading the military are overwhelmingly White and male.

The New York Times reported that Defense Secretary Hegseth blocked the promotion of two Black men and two female Army officers who were on track to become one-star generals. According to the Times article, Hegseth pressed senior Army leaders, including Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll, to remove the four names from the list of about three dozen officers, most of whom are White men. Driscoll refused, citing the officers’ decades-long records of exemplary service. It is customary that after a service board approves a list of colonels to be promoted to general, the defense secretary is not supposed to intervene, military officials say. Despite standard procedures, Hegseth removed the four names from the list and announced that President Trump had approved his new list of 29 Army colonels for promotion.

“If these reports are accurate, Secretary Hegseth’s decision to remove four decorated officers from a promotion list after having been selected by their peers for their merit and performance is not only outrageous, it would be illegal,” Sen. Jack Reed said in a statement. What message does this send to

the public about the military’s ability to remain apolitical and free from society’s cultural wars? What message does this send to minorities and women currently in the military who have hopes of moving up the career ladder based on merit? And will there ever be another Gen. Colin Powell or Gen. Charles Q. Brown? Both were Black officers appointed as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest-ranking military officer in the U.S. Armed Forces. Gen. Brown was abruptly fired from that role by Hegseth without explanation. Brown Jr. is an example of Black excellence. He is now a retired U.S. Air Force general who served as the 21st chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and, prior to that appointment, served as the 22nd chief of staff of the Air Force. Like so many other Black service men and women, Brown came from a proud military family. His father, Charles Sr., served for 30 years in the Army, rising to the rank of colonel. His paternal grandfather, Robert E. Brown, was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II and served in the Pacific Theater, including Hawaii and Saipan. For many Black households, the military was not just a job but a family tradition handed down from one generation to the next. It also served as a pathway to Black prosperity and the middle class. When Hegseth denied four officers their rightful promotion, it was a painful and personal reminder to the two Black men and two women that discrimination within ranks and the Pentagon is still alive. It also serves as an unwelcome message to young Blacks from JROTC students to college graduates who believed the military glass ceiling was already broken. It is clear with this current administration that promotion to the highest ranks will never be about merit or fairness. It’s all about White males.

(David W. Marshall is the founder of the faith-based organization TRB: The Reconciled Body and the author of the book God Bless Our Divided America.)

The future of work

Louis J. King II

Commentary

Editor & Publisher

Stephan A. Broadus Assistant to the Publisher

Allison Palm Office Manager Ashley Johnson Sales Director Rob Taylor Jr. Managing Editor

John. H. Sengstacke Editor & Publisher Emeritus (1912-1997) Founded 1910

NNPA NEWSWIRE—The future of work is no longer a distant idea— it’s here. Automation, artificial intelligence, remote work, and the green economy are redefining the workforce, and at breakneck speed. For the communities we serve and partner with, this moment presents both a challenge and a huge opportunity. The question is: will we be passengers or drivers of this transformation?

At OIC of America, we’re preparing people to lead in this new world of work and not get left behind. That means teaching digital and AI skills, expanding access to technology, and making sure every learner has the tools to succeed in a tech-enabled economy. But it also means investing in emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and adaptability—skills that are just as important in a fast-changing and increasingly competitive world.

The World Economic Forum predicts that by 2030, up to 85 million jobs may be displaced by automation — but 97 million new roles will emerge. These

new jobs will require new skillsets. The future will reward lifelong learners— those who are willing to train, pivot, and grow. And for the skilled trades where we focus on preparing people for the workforce, the possibilities to chart new paths are endless.

In Pennsylvania, our Delaware Valley Alliance (DVA) serves as the blueprint for this evolution. The DVA is an essential component of the infrastructure needed to ensure communities secure the necessary resources to thrive long-term. By integrating housing, public safety, career training, health and more into a cohesive advocacy framework, we

aren’t just filling jobs; we are securing economic independence for Pennsylvania’s talented, yet untapped (and overlooked) workers. This coordinated effort is structured so that the Commonwealth’s booming industry surges in life sciences, data centers, and advanced manufacturing also benefit its citizens more equitably. These wins reflect a statewide victory for its citizens; as the “future of work” arrives, no community is left on the sidelines of progress. We look forward to scaling this approach in other communities where we serve. For communities that have historically been left out of opportunity and forgotten, the future of work must include justice, not just jobs. That means policy change, corporate investment, and community-based solutions that put people at the center.

This is a defining moment. Let’s make sure our people are prepared to not just survive—but lead. For more information, visit  http://www. oicofamerica.org

The people are not subjects

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—Last Saturday, millions of Americans took to the streets under a simple banner: “No Kings.” More than 3,000 protests were organized across the country. Demonstrations filled not only the expected places—Washington, New York, Chicago—but also towns that rarely see political marches: Midland, Michigan; Casper, Wyoming; McMinnville and Tillamook, Oregon. In communities like these, residents gathered in parks and town squares carrying handmade signs and a message that sits at the heart of the American story.

This country does not have kings.

At first glance, the slogan sounds almost quaint, something lifted from a civics textbook. The United States fought a revolution to rid itself of monarchy, and the idea that one person should stand above the law is supposed to be foreign to the American political tradition.

But the people who gathered last Saturday were not simply protesting a personality or even a presidency. What they expressed was something deeper—a growing sense that the political system increasingly serves the powerful while ordinary Americans are told there is nothing left for them. That contradiction is visible almost everywhere.

Congress can assemble $200 billion for war with remarkable speed, even as American troops once again find themselves with boots on the ground in an undeclared conflict, yet student borrowers are told that meaningful relief is unrealistic or unaffordable. Housing costs continue their relentless rise while wages struggle to keep pace. Millions of Americans carry student debt that will shape their financial futures for decades.

Even the people who keep the country’s basic systems operating often live with the

greatest economic insecurity. Transportation Security Administration workers, the people who check our bags and scan our boarding passes, offer a telling example. During government shutdowns or political standoffs, these workers are often required to keep showing up for work even when their paychecks are delayed. Eventually they receive their back pay. But back pay does not erase the damage done in the meantime.

Rent is still due on the first of the month. Credit card bills arrive on schedule. Utility companies expect payment whether Congress is functioning or not. When paychecks stop, many TSA workers must borrow from family, miss payments, or fall behind on bills. Late fees accumulate. Credit scores drop. The government may eventually restore their wages, but it cannot restore the late fees, damaged credit, or weeks of financial anxiety.

Seen in that light, the chant of “No Kings” carries meaning beyond constitutional symbolism. It reflects a concern that power in a democracy is supposed to flow upward from the people rather than downward from those who wield it.

One striking feature of last Saturday’s demonstrations was not just their size but their geography. Protests appeared not only in traditional centers of activism but also in smaller communities that rarely host large demonstrations. Residents assembled in Casper, Wyoming, a city in one of the nation’s most reliably Republican states. Demonstrators gathered in Midland, Michigan, a community where presidential elections often tilt conservative. In Oregon towns like McMinnville and Tillamook, people rallied far from Portland’s familiar protest culture.

That matters. When demonstrations appear in smaller towns and politically mixed communities, they often signal something larger than partisan disagreement. They suggest that frustration with the direction of the political system is spreading beyond the usual activist circles.

None of this guarantees policy change. Protest movements rarely produce legislative victories overnight. What they do reveal, however, is the mood of the country. And the mood right now is uneasy.

Americans are watching enormous sums flow toward military conflict even as economic pressures mount at home. Housing prices strain household budgets, student debt continues to shadow younger generations, and workers performing essential public roles—from airport security to public transit—often live paycheck to paycheck while keeping critical systems running.

Under those circumstances, people inevitably begin to ask whom the system ultimately serves. When government appears able to mobilize vast resources for some priorities while struggling to address the economic burdens facing ordinary citizens, the distance between democratic ideals and everyday experience becomes difficult to ignore.

The United States rejected monarchy in 1776.

Last Saturday, in thousands of towns and cities across the country, Americans gathered to remind the nation of a principle that still defines democracy. The people are not subjects.

The priesthood of progressive believers

The Protestant Reformation had a central tenet: the priesthood of all believers. It empowered each believer to interpret the Scriptures for themselves. However, theologian John Shelby Spong observed that even the most educated members of modern American culture have only a fourth-grade level of biblical understanding. That means when people with noble intentions share their biblical knowledge to enlighten the public, they end up doing the opposite.

For example, in January, journalist Don Lemon joined anti-ICE activists and disrupted a Sunday worship service because one of the church’s pastors worked for the local ICE office. The authorities charged Lemon and the demonstrators with violating the First Amendment rights of the worshipers.

Lemon defended the church disruption on a podcast, arguing that they performed just as Jesus would have. He said, “Jesus overturned the tables in the temple. He flipped the tables because he was tired of them not doing what they were supposed to do in his father’s house and not living up to the tenets of Christianity.”

Lemon is off base

According to the New Testament’s book of Acts, Jesus’ apostles were first called Christians in the city of Antioch. The book of Acts details the exploits of the apostles after the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus. That means the term “Christianity” did not exist during Jesus’ lifetime. Jesus was a Jew who practiced Judaism, making it impossible for him to turn over tables in the temple because the religious leaders weren’t living up to Christian tenets.

According to the scriptures, Jesus entered the temple, overturned the money changers’ tables, and drove out the buyers and sellers. Jesus told the buyers and sellers, “My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of robbers.”

The buyers and sellers were at the temple for self-serving reasons, just as Don Lemon and the demonstrators had self-serving reasons for disrupting the church service. Lemon promoted his new podcast, while local activists wanted national media coverage to fulfill their political ambitions. Lemon and the demonstrators are not comparable to Jesus flipping over tables in the temple. They

have more in common with the buyers and sellers that Jesus drove out.

In February, Kentucky Judge Tracy Davis made a controversial decision to reduce in half a jury-recommended 65year sentence for a 24-year-old man who kidnapped a lady at gunpoint, robbed her, and repeatedly sodomized her. Judge Davis expressed her discomfort about imposing a lengthy prison sentence on the 24-year-old, who she believed “fell through the cracks.” Judge Davis informed the 24-year-old, who exhibited no remorse for his actions, “No one, as long as they are breathing, is beyond rehabilitation and being on the correct path. So, if you know anything about God in your Bible, you know about Barabbas. At the very last minute, what happened to him?”

The answer is that Barabbas was released, but it was not due to his rehabilitation.

According to the Scriptures, Barabbas was imprisoned for a murder committed during a revolt against Rome. Barabbas was not undergoing rebel rehabilitation, nor was he released for good behavior. Barabbas was released because, at Jesus’ trial, the Roman governor, who believed Jesus was innocent of the charges, asked the crowd who he should release between Jesus and Barabbas. The crowd chose Barabbas because they conspired to have Jesus executed.

Barabbas’ release was a miscarriage of justice, and many of Judge Davis’s colleagues believed that her lowered sentence deprived the victim of the justice she deserved.

In March, James Talarico defeated Jasmine Crockett in the Texas Senate Democratic Primary. Talarico holds a master’s degree in divinity from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, but during the campaign, critics argued that he was eager to exploit the public’s biblical ignorance for his political ends.

Talarico once proclaimed that Jesus

was a feminist. Talarico told a church audience, “In the Gospel of Thomas, which was later omitted from the Bible by church officials, the Gospel of Thomas quotes Jesus as saying, ‘When you make the male and female one and the same, when the male is not male and the female is not female, then you will enter the Kingdom of God. ’”

Talarico’s harshest detractors accuse him of suggesting that Christians must not only be “born again” to enter the Kingdom of God, but they also need to be “nonbinary.” It’s unclear whether Talarico meant that, but he definitely sought to capitalize on most Americans’ conspiratorial mindset by claiming that church officials omitted the Gospel of Thomas from the Bible.

Talarico wanted them to believe that corrupt church officials refused to canonize the Gospel of Thomas in order to conceal the true teachings of Jesus. That’s not true. The ancient church had five ways to determine what should be included in the Bible. 1). The book must be written by an apostle or one of his associates. 2). The book had to show signs of being inspired by the Holy Spirit. 3). The book’s teachings had to be congruent with established faith traditions. 4). The book must have already been accepted by most churches in different regions. 5). The book must have been regularly utilized in worship services.

The Gospel of Thomas and dozens of other ancient manuscripts were excluded from the Bible because they failed to meet the requirements. (The scholarly consensus is that the Gospel of Thomas was written in the early 2nd century— well after the era of the apostles, and the anonymous author used Thomas’s name to give the text authority.)

According to the canonized gospel of Matthew, Jesus remarked, “Every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven … but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven in this age or the age to come.” From this verse, church officials have asserted “blasphemy against the Spirit” is the only unpardonable sin. Fortunately for Don Lemon, Judge Tracy Davis, and James Talarico, blasphemy against the Scripture is a forgivable offense.

In April, more than 500,000 people are expected to come to Pittsburgh for the 2026 NFL Draft. The event is projected to generate between $120 million and $213 million in economic impact for our region. Hotels will be full. Restaurants will be busy. Corporations will make money. The NFL will make money. The city will benefit from national attention and economic activity.

The question is simple: Will Black businesses in Pittsburgh be allowed to participate in the economic opportunities created in our own city?

I am speaking on behalf of more than 100 Black business owners in Pittsburgh who have been trying to participate in vendor opportunities, small business events, and economic activities connected to the NFL Draft. Many of these businesses are local entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community leaders who have invested in this city for years. Yet many of us have found ourselves locked out of meaningful economic participation tied to one of the largest events Pittsburgh has ever hosted.

This issue cannot be separated from the broader economic reality facing many Black residents and Black business owners in Pittsburgh. For decades, Black communities in Pittsburgh have faced economic disparities, barriers to business development, lack of access to capital, and the loss of Black-owned businesses and business districts due to development and urban renewal projects. Access to contracts, vendor opportunities, and business participation is not just about making money during one weekend. It is about building businesses, creating jobs, building generational wealth, and investing back into our communities.

Decolonization is defined as “being free from the dominating influence of a colonizing power and to identify, as well as revise practices that reflect the colonizer’s influence.” When I consider this in relation to Black Pittsburgh/Allegheny County, I see a consistent resistance to recognizing how White supremacy has been internalized within our community and ourselves. Two ways this shows up are the desire to seek White proximity and the way we respond to propaganda centered in whiteness. This often starts with our young people and then follows a dangerous cycle. A Black young person will excel in their field; a White person sees this and decides to support them by providing access or money. The young person may not be seen as “polished,” meaning they have not yet had their youth romanticized by whiteness. A mentor may take them on as a “project” and introduce them to other Black people they deem “safe.” They then start or work at a local nonprofit and end up burning out and being sure to not rock the boat too much or make a lot of noise, keeping White people comfortable. If they stray from this pattern, the cycle of “dangled diversity” begins. This pattern often ends with emotional stress and trauma, especially for Black women. This is further pushed by the propaganda

That is why access to economic opportunities tied to major events like the NFL Draft matters so much.

I proposed an event called the Pittsburgh Draft Bash Small Business Showcase, which would have provided space for Black-owned businesses to sell products, promote services, and participate in the economic activity surrounding the Draft. Instead of receiving a clear approval or denial, the permit process has stalled while time continues to run out before the event.

This issue is bigger than one event or one permit. This is about economic inclusion, economic justice, and whether Black businesses are going to be allowed to participate in the economic opportunities that come into our city when major events are hosted here.

The NFL benefits from Black talent on the field, Black fans in the stands, and Black consumer spending across the country. Cities like Pittsburgh provide public infrastructure, public safety, and public resources to host these events. When hundreds of millions of dollars are generated, Black businesses should not be standing on the sidelines watching everyone else profit in our own city.

If Black talent helps build the NFL, Black fans help fund the NFL, and Black cities host NFL events, then Black businesses must be included in the economic

opportunities created by the NFL. We are not asking for favors. We are asking for fair access. We are asking for transparency. We are asking for equitable participation. We are asking for the NFL and the City of Pittsburgh to release the numbers on how many Black-owned businesses are participating in Draft-related contracts, vendor opportunities, and economic activities. If there is nothing to hide, then release the numbers.

Economic opportunity is a civil rights issue in 2026. Access to contracts, vendor opportunities, and business participation is how communities build wealth, create jobs, and strengthen neighborhoods. When Black businesses are excluded from major economic opportunities tied to publicly supported events, it raises serious questions about equity and access in our city.

This is not just about the NFL Draft. This is about the future of economic inclusion in Pittsburgh. Every time a major event comes to our city, the same question should be asked: Who benefits, and who is left out?

Black businesses are not asking to be given anything. We are asking to be included in the economic opportunities that come into our city. We are asking for transparency, fairness, and access. Because economic opportunity should not depend on who you know, who you are connected to, or what neighborhood you come from. Economic opportunity should be available to everyone in the city that is hosting the event.

If Pittsburgh is going to grow, then everyone must have a chance to grow with it.

(William B. Marshall, Stop the Violence Pittsburgh)

and what we are being fed locally with print, TV, radio and digital media. Specifically, with the constant reporting of crime and a need for public safety in Black communities, as if White areas don’t have crime as well. With Cop City being built here, you see this in their push that it will address community violence in the Black communities of Lincoln/ Lemington. This is one reason violence in these communities is pushed to the forefront in the news, and they try to cut funds there so folks respond with a “need” for the funds, and they can tie this in with a need to have more police, especially in Black communities. For the reporting they use the “safer” words that keep White people comfortable, like public safety and reimagine, instead of defunding and abolish. Despite the ongoing violence that police have caused Black communities, we fall for this every time. Additionally, this also causes people to

be okay with having police in schools and be single-issue focused in their organizing. Pushing narratives like “nothing for us without us,” but completely ignoring this for Cop City and police! There has not been one single community meeting about Cop City in a county that does listening sessions and reports like we drink water. There comes a point where you have to ask why. The lack of being decolonized in our thinking also leads to the dehumanization of Black people, often propping us up as community heroes and martyrs rather than people, especially Black women. So many have died organizing and fighting for this county, with little gratitude or genuine appreciation that is not rooted in what I call “struggle support.” Meaning that the support comes only after years of proving ourselves. As a community, Black Pittsburgh desperately needs to move beyond framing our work solely through a social-justice lens and embrace Black consciousness to seek psychological liberation (decolonization). Moreover, not depend so much on White liberals to shape and develop our local movements. While multicultural spaces and the roles of White allies are significant; we need Black spaces that create and develop pride, identity, culture, and collective empowerment.

Julianne Malveaux

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Public Notice of the Proposed FY 2026 Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) is revising the Housing Choice Voucher Program Administrative Plan.

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The proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 HCV Program Administrative Plan is available for review and comment from Friday, March 27, 2026, to Monday, April 27, 2026, on the HACP website: www.hacp.org.

Written comments on the FY 2026

Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) Housing Choice Voucher Program Administrative Plan, must be addressed to “Attention: FY 2026 Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) The Housing Choice Voucher Program Administrative Plan” at the HACP Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Department, 412 Boulevard of the Allies, 5th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, and must be received by the close of business (5:00 pm) on Monday, April 6, 2026.

Public hearings to receive public comments on the proposed FY 2026 Housing Authority City of Pittsburgh Housing Choice Voucher Program Administrative Plan will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 9:30 am and 5:30 pm via Zoom. The Zoom meeting information is available at www.hacp.org.

For questions regarding the proposed FY 2026 Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) and the Housing Choice Voucher Program Administrative Plan, please contact Felicia Williams at 412-456-5000 extension 2260. People with disabilities who require assistance or alternative formats, or who wish to submit comments in alternative formats, can contact the Disability Compliance Office at 412-456-5282, extension 4; TTY 412-456-5282

LEGAL ADVERTISING

Bids/Proposals

LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

NORTH HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT

North Hills School District is receiving bids for Refuse Removal and Recycling. Bids are to be submitted in a sealed envelope clearly marked Refuse Removal and Recycling Bid, and delivered to the attention of Bids at North Hills School District, 135 Sixth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA. 15229. All bids must be received by April 9, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. The Bids will be opened publicly and read aloud in the Board Room of the Administration Building. The clock in the Board Room will determine the Prevailing Time for the Receipt of Bids. The District invites any interested parties to attend. Bidding Documents may be obtained by contacting David Serkoch, Director of Facilities @ serkochd@nhsd.net.

OFFICIAL ADVERTISEMENT THE BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION of the SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH

Submit sealed proposals to the Facilities Division, Attention: Mr. Sanjeeb Manandhar, Pittsburgh Public Schools Service Center, 1305 Muriel Street, Pittsburgh PA 15203 no later than 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026 for:

Request for Proposal

From Qualified Environmental or Industrial Hygiene Firms For Asbestos, Lead, Indoor Environmental Quality & Industrial Hygiene Consulting & Analytical Services

RFP will be available to download on Monday, March 23, 2026 at the Pittsburgh Public Schools website https://www.pghschools.org/ community/business-opportunities/ rfps.

COURIER CLASSIFIEDS

LEGAL ADVERTISING

Bids/Proposals

PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY D.B.A. PRT

Electronic Proposals will be received online at PRT’s Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.portauthority.org).

Proposals/bid submittals will be due 11:00 AM on April 8, 2026, and will be read at 11:15 AM., the same day, through your web browser via Microsoft Teams video conferencing, for the following:

Electronic Proposal - Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.portauthority.org)

BID NUMBER

1 B26-02-10

2 B26-03-09

3 B26-03-11

4 B26-03-13

5 B26-03-14

6 B26-03-15

BID NAME

Bio-Diesel

Snow Removal ServicesPark and Ride Lots

Coach Replacement Parts - Cooling

Coach Replacement Parts - Body

Coach Replacement PartsSuspension

Special TrackworkTurnout Components

To join the bid opening through Microsoft Teams meeting on your computer, mobile app or room device

Meeting ID: 242 554 892 300 58

Passcode: oi6Wn3qt

Or call in (audio only) 412-927-0245 Phone Conference ID: 372 371 16#

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

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held on each of the above items at 10:00 AM March 17, 2026, through your web browser via Microsoft Teams video conferencing. Attendance at this meeting is not mandatory,but is strongly encouraged.

Join on your computer, mobile app or room device

Meeting ID: 251 474 227 368 48

Passcode: sy3Cm9Am

Or call in (audio only) 412-927-0245 Phone Conference ID: 178 326 78#

Questions regarding any of the above bids will not be entertained by the PRT within five (5) business days of the scheduled bid opening. These contracts may be subject to a financial assistance contract between Port Authority of Allegheny County d.b.a. PRT and the United States Department of Transportation. The Contractor will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity laws and regulations. Contractor is responsible for expenses related to acquiring a performance bond and insurance where applicable. All items are to be FOB delivered unless otherwise specified. Costs for delivery, bond, and insurance shall be included in bidder’s proposal pricing.

Port Authority of Allegheny County d.b.a. PRT hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively insure that in regard to any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprise will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award.

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

LEGAL ADVERTISING

Bids/Proposals

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE COUNTY OF BEAVER Beaver, Pennsylvania INVITATION TO BID

The HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE COUNTY OF BEAVER will receive sealed bids, in duplicate, until 10:00 AM (local time) on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at the office of the Housing Authority of the County of Beaver, 300 State Ave, Beaver, Pennsylvania at which time bids will be publicly opened and read aloud for the following:

Parking Lot Patching, Sealing and Replacement

Contract #1 – Morado Dwellings, Monacatootha Apartments, Harmony Dwellings, Thomas Bishop Apartments, Pulaski Homes, Rocco Bovalino Apartments, Sheffield Towers and Joseph Edwards Elderly Apartments

Contract #2 - Beaver Village, Dawes Manor, New Brighton Townhomes, College Hill Apartments and 1416 6th Ave, Beaver Falls

A fifteen percent (15 %) bid bond is required for this project. Proposed forms of contract documents, including Plans and Specifications are being distributed by Accu-Copy Reprographics, Inc., 302 Thomson Park Drive, Cranberry Twp, PA 16066, phone (724) 935-7055. All bidders are REQUIRED to buy the full set of plans and specifications. DEPOSITS ARE NOT REFUNDABLE. Contact Accu-Copy for cost of plans and specifications. Documents will be available on March 19, 2026 EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY, Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act and Section 3 Compliance are required. A Pre-Bid Conference will be held at 9:00 AM on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at Morado Dwellings Community Room, 4th Ave & 43rd Street, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.

ADVERTISEMENT

Sealed proposals will be received by the Township of Wilkins of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania through the Quest Construction Data Network (QuestCDN) at www.questcdn.com until 11:00 AM prevailing time on April 23,2026 for:

CONTRACT NO. 26-R01

2026 ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

The scope of work for Contract No. 26-R01 consists of approximately 5,000 square yards of roadway milling and profiling, Superpave WMA binder course, 1.5” Superpave WMA wearing course, base repair, traffic control, line striping and all necessary appurtenances and restoration for said construction. All bidders are required to buy the Bid Documents in PDF format for a non-refundable deposit of $125.00 from QuestCDN using project number 10073225. Contact their Customer Support regarding membership registration, downloading and working with digital project information at 952-233-1632 or info@questcdn.com. Any technical questions regarding the bid documents are to be directed to LSSE. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud via video conference. Interested parties may contact the Township for access information prior to the date and time identified herein. Pennsylvania prevailing wage rates apply. Proposals must be upon the forms furnished by the Township. The bid must be accompanied by a certified check or bid bond in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the bid, made payable to the Township of Wilkins to guarantee the bidder’s entrance into the contract if given the award.

The Township reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive any informalities in the bidding. No bid may be withdrawn for ninety (90) calendar days after the scheduled time for receipt of bids.

Attention is directed to the fact that procurement is subject to all requirements of the Pennsylvania “Steel Products Procurement Act, Act No. 1978-3”; and for Contract value exceeding $25,000, the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act (Act of 1961 P.L. 987), and The Public Works Employment Verification Act (July 2012) apply.

The Township shall (a) award the construction contract to the lowest responsible bidder therefore, or (b) reject all bids received within ninety (90) days of the date of bid opening; provided, however, that the Township may, in its sole discretion, delay such award or rejection for up to one hundred twenty (120) days from the bid opening date until the Township has received all required approvals from other governmental agencies. Bidders on this work will be required to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

TOWNSHIP OF WILKINS Rebecca Vargo, Manager

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE COUNTY OF BEAVER Beaver, Pennsylvania

INVITATION TO BID

The HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE COUNTY OF BEAVER will receive sealed bids, in duplicate, until 9:00 AM (local time) on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at the office of the Housing Authority of the County of Beaver, James F. Tress Administration Building, 300 State Street (Vanport), Beaver, Pennsylvania at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at 9:00 AM for Asphalt Shingle Re-Roofing at Allaire Homes, Monaca, Pennsylvania. A fifteen percent (15%) bid bond is required for this project. Proposed forms of contract documents, including Plans and Specifications are being distributed, with twenty-four-hour notice of pick-up, by Ditto (www.dittoplanroom.com), 1020 Ridge Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15233, phone (412) 231-7700. All bidders are REQUIRED to buy the full set of plans and specifications. Contact Ditto for cost of plans and specifications. No Documents will be distributed until payment in full plus tax and shipping (non-refundable) payable to and received by Ditto. Free examination of said documents is available at the office of Canzian/ Johnston & Associates LLC and Pennsylvania Builders Exchange. Plans and specifications will be available on Thursday, March 26, 2026.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT

OPPORTUNITY

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at Stephen Phillips Homes Community Room, Project Road, Monaca, PA 15061.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The Borough of Wilkinsburg is accepting sealed proposals from qualified firms to provide rehabilitation services to the Eastridge Branch Library. The RFP scope is available for viewing at https://www.wilkinsburgpa.gov/ projects-and-initiatives/rfp/. The Borough is requiring a mandatory pre-bid meeting on April 3, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at 1900 Graham Blvd., Wilkinsburg, PA 15235. Respondents should submit a sealed proposal to the Borough Manager, Owen McAfee, 605 Ross Ave., Wilkinsburg, PA 15221, no later than April 13, 2026 @ 12:00 p.m. Proposals will be opened at noon, after the deadline. Wilkinsburg reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, or parts thereof, and to waive any informalities or irregularities in any proposal received.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

The Sports & Exhibition Authority will receive sealed bids for the Furnish and Install of terrace door hardware as identified below for the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The contract for this work will be with the Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. Inquiries regarding the bidding should be made to the Sports & Exhibition Authority 171 10th Street, 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, Attention: Morgan Schmitt- E-mail: procurement@sea-pgh.com, Telephone: 412-3256137. Bid Packages may be obtained after the date identified below through Accu-Copy at (724) 935-7055. Additional information on the project can also be found of Accu-Copy’s website at https://accu-copy.com/planroom

This Advertisement applies to the following Bid Package:

Project: David L Lawrence Convention Center

Bid Package Name: Terrace Door Hardware Replacement

Bid Package Available: Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Approximate Value: $33,000

Time/Date/Location for

Pre-Bid Meeting: 9:00am – Thursday, April 9, 2026

David Lawrence Convention Center – East Lobby 1000 Ft. Duquesne Blvd Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Time/Date/Location for Bid: 2:00PM – Tuesday, April 21, 2026

David Lawrence Convention Center – East Lobby 1000 Ft. Duquesne Blvd Pittsburgh, PA 15222

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

The Sports & Exhibition Authority will receive sealed bids for Heating

System Repairs as identified below for the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The contract for this work will be with the Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. Inquiries regarding the bidding should be made to the Sports & Exhibition Authority 171 10th Street, 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, Attention: Lucas Kistler- E-mail: procurement@pgh-sea.com, Telephone: 412-325-6179. Bid Packages may be obtained after the date identified below through Accu-Copy at (724) 935-7055. Additional information on the project can also be found of Accu-Copy’s website at https://accu-copy.com/plan-room.

This Advertisement applies to the following Bid Package:

Project: David L Lawrence Convention Center Bid Package Name: Heating System Repairs Bid Package Available: Monday, March 30, 2026

Approximate Value: $60,000

Time/Date/Location for Non-Mandatory 10:00 AM, Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Pre-Bid Meeting: David Lawrence Convention Center 1000 Ft. Duquesne Blvd Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Time/Date/Location for Bid: 10:00 AM, Wednesday, April 22, 2026 David Lawrence Convention Center 1000 Ft. Duquesne Blvd Pittsburgh, PA 15222

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR PARCEL LOCKER SYSTEMS

RFP #125-17-26

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s):

PARCEL LOCKER SYSTEMS

The documents will be available no later than March 30, 2026, and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 11:00 a.m. on April 30, 2026. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will only accept physical proposals dropped off in person from 8:00 AM until 11:00 a.m. on April 30, 2026, in the lobby of One Stop Shop at 412 Boulevard of the Allies Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Proposals may be uploaded to the Authority’s online submission site; the link is accessible via the HACP website and within the RFP. Sealed proposals may still be mailed via USPS at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 412 Boulevard of the Allies, 6th Floor - Procurement, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Solicitation from the Business Opportunities page of www.HACP.org. Questions or inquiries should be directed to: Brandon Havranek

Associate Director of Procurement/Contracting Officer 412 Boulevard of the Allies 6th Floor - Procurement Department Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-643-2890

A pre-submission meeting will be held via Zoom meeting; on April 15, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Please see the meeting information below: Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 861 9029 7252 Passcode: 398082 Dial by your location: +1 301 715 8592 (Washington, DC)

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation.

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

CLEAN SLATE E3 REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR OUT-OF-SCHOOL TIME (OST) PROGRAMS

RFP #E3-2026-01

The Housing Authority City of Pittsburgh (HACP) is issuing this Request for Proposals on behalf of our affiliated nonprofit organization, Clean Slate E3, hereby requests proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s):

Out-Of-School Time (OST) Programs

The documents will be available no later than March 23, 2026, and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 10:00 a.m. on April 29, 2026. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh on behalf of Clean Slate E3 will only accept physical proposals dropped off in person from 8:00 AM until the closing time of 10:00 a.m. on April 29, 2026, in the lobby of One Stop Shop at 412 Boulevard of the Allies. Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Proposals may be uploaded to the Authority’s online submission site; the link is accessible via the HACP website and within the RFP. Sealed proposals may still be mailed via USPS, at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 412 Boulevard of the Allies, 6th Floor - Procurement, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Solicitation from the Business Opportunities page of www.HACP.org.

Questions or inquires should be directed to:

Mr. Brandon Havranek, Associate Director of Procurement/ Contracting Officer

Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh 412 Boulevard of the Allies 6th Floor - Procurement Department Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-2890

A pre-submission meeting will be held via Zoom meeting on April 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Please see the meeting information below:

Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 851 3275 1343 Passcode: 740429 +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago, IL)

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages small businesses, minority businesses, women’s business enterprises, and veteran-owned businesses to respond to this solicitation.

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. LEGAL

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

HACP

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFBS) FOR HODGKISS AND SWEETBRIAR REHABILITATION

IFB #600-06-26

THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH (“HACP”) will receive sealed bids for the Hodgkiss and Sweetbriar Rehabilitation AMP-22 & AMP-39

The construction work is estimated to begin July 2026

Bid Documents will be available on or about Monday, March 23, 2026 and may be obtained HACP’s webpage, www.hacp.org Bidders may register on the website and download the bid documents free of charge. A Pre-Bid Conference and Site Visit will be held in person on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at 447-449 Sweetbriar Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15211. 10:30 a.m. at 453-455 Sweetbriar Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15211 11:30 a.m. at 1233 Hodgkiss Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212.

Bidders shall come prepared to review all aspects of the construction site necessary to prepare a bid.

Bids will be received at: HACP Procurement Department 412 Boulevard of the Allies, 6th Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Attn: Brandon Havranek, Associate Director of Procurement until 10:00 a.m. May 4, 2026.

HACP will also accept online submissions for this Invitation for Bid in addition to accepting submissions at our 412 Boulevard of the Allies office. For respondents wishing to submit online, please access the instructions provided in the project manual or on HACP’s website to submit the bid digitally. In addition to the electronic submittal above, HACP will only be accepting physical bids dropped off in person from 8:30 a.m. until the closing time of 10:00 am on May 4, 2026 , in the lobby of 412 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Sealed bids may still be mailed via USPS at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 412 Boulevard of the Allies, 6th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. All bids must be received at the above address no later than May 4, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., regardless of the selected delivery mechanism. HACP reserves the right to waive any informality in or reject any and all bids. No bid shall be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days subsequent to the opening of bids without the consent ofHACP. The Contractor will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity requirements for Federally Assisted Construction Contracts. The Contractor must ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sexual preference, handicap or national origin. HACP has revised its website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFP documentation. THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH

STRONGLY ENCOURAGES

CERTIFIED MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES AND WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES TO RESPOND TO THE SOLICITATION. Additional information may be obtained by contacting Brandon Havranek, Associate Director of Procurement at (412) 456-5890.

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.

POLICE OFFICER TOWN OF MCCANDLESS ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PA

The Town of McCandless Police Department is currently accepting applications for the position of full-time police officer. Applications can be obtained at the Town of McCandless Police Department, 9955 Grubbs Road, Wexford, PA 15090 or download a copy at www.townofmccandless.org. Completed applications must be returned to the police department Monday through Friday between 8am – 4pm. Completed applications may also be e-mailed to policeapplicant@townofmccandless.org. All applications must be received by Friday, April 24, 2026, at 4pm.

REQUIREMENTS: To be eligible, you must meet at least one of the following of 1, 2 and 3: 1) Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/ university. OR 2) Have at least 4 years (8,320 hours) law enforcement experience OR 3) Have at least 2 years (4,160) hours law enforcement experience AND one of the following: an associate degree from an accredited college/university OR have 4 years of military service with an honorable discharge. Candidate must also meet ALL of the following: Be at least 21. Licensed by the Commonwealth of PA to operate a motor vehicle. Be a citizen of the USA. At the time of appointment, be Act 120 Certified under MPOETC. Be of good moral character, must be physically and mentally fit to perform the full duties of a police officer and agree to uphold and abide by the Town’s mission statement. Be free of habitual addiction to liquor or drugs. Be eligible to carry a firearm and be free from conviction of a disqualifying crime in accordance with the Police Officers Education and Training Program of Title 37 of the PA Code. Satisfy the requirements of Act 57 of 2020 pertaining to background checks. Each applicant shall complete the prescribed application form. The applicant Is responsible for all information placed upon the form. False or incorrect information will void the application and any subsequent action taken upon it. The completed application and supporting documentation including, if appropriate, any claim for veteran’s preference is required. The date, time and location of a written examination will follow. A score of 70% is the minimum passing score on this examination. An agility test, oral examination, psychological and medical examination will also be conducted.

The Town of McCandless is an equal opportunity employer.

ALLEGHENY COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT in Pittsburgh, PA, is seeking a full-time Controller to be responsible for managing financial operations, financial planning, record-keeping, and developing comprehensive reports for the Executive Director and Board of Directors. Send resumes to resumes@accdpa.org

Hitachi Rail STS USA, Inc., headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, seeks a Senior System Validation Engineer to guarantee the compliance of complex systems (multi signalling technologies, mostly consolidated technology solutions) to the customer requirements and to build the required System Validation evidences in compliance with project schedules and budgets. Position is for a roving employee who will work in unanticipated locations throughout the U.S. Employee will have to relocate but travel is not required from any particular location. Apply at: https://careers.hitachi.com.

Hitachi Rail STS USA, Inc., headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, seeks a Senior System Engineer to be responsible for the overall system integration in turnkey projects to meet the requirements imposed by the contracts for Tender or Backlog Projects. Position is for a roving employee who will work in unanticipated locations throughout the U.S. Employee will have to relocate but travel is not required from any particular location. Apply at: https://careers.hitachi.com.

AEO Employment Services Co LLC seeks a Senior Analyst –Data Insights. This is a remote position, the employee can work from anywhere in the United States to drive retail and e-commerce insights. Duties include deep analysis of consumer behavior including website traffic, conversion rates and out of stock analysis. Apply at https://aeo.jobs with cover letter, resumé and salary requirements.

AEO Employment Services CO LLC seeks a Staff Engineer to develop global e-commerce applications. This is a remote position; the employee can live anywhere in the United States. Duties include designing and developing backend apps using Java/JDK8, Spring Boot and ATG. Apply at https://aeo.jobs with cover letter, resumé and salary requirements.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

COMPENSATION ANALYST

Pittsburgh Regional Transit is seeking a Compensation Analyst to participate in the planning, implementation, and administration of wage and salary programs for the Port Authority of Allegheny County d/b/a Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s (PRT) wage and salary programs. Conducts analysis and interpretation related to the organization’s compensation programs. Participates in and interprets compensation surveys. Recommends changes to ensure the maintenance of company compensation objectives.

Essential Functions:

· Serves as process owner in administering the performance evaluation and leads the development of new performance evaluation program and the implementation of supporting PeopleSoft module. Participates in the administration of the associated merit program.

· Uses HRIS system to manage several wage and salary processes, including but not limited to:

o Employee compensation, transfer, job title, and other types of changes.

o Salary plans and structures within Peoplesoft foundational set-up tables for collective bargaining agreements.

o Job code and position management information.

o Researching and resolving compensation related issues.

· Participates in transit industry and general industry compensation surveys. Conducts market reviews of company jobs to determine market competitiveness.

Job requirements include:

· High school diploma or GED.

· Bachelor’s degree in business administration, human resources management, industrial relations, or related field from an accredited college or university. Related experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.

· Minimum of three (3) years of experience in the planning and administration of compensation programs.

· Ability to conduct quantitative analyses and interpret data including wage data, wage trends, and prepare spreadsheets to ensure adherence to compensation strategies.

· Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees and senior executives. Must be comfortable presenting programs to groups and members of senior management using complicated numerical analysis and present in an easy to understand for individuals who may not be mathematically inclined.

· Detail oriented and comfortable working in a fast-paced office environment; outstanding planning and time-management capabilities; and superior organization skills and dedication to completing projects in a timely manner.

· Ability to work in a diverse environment; experience working collaboratively with others; capability of adjusting priorities and deviating from routines.

· Knowledge and understanding of state and federal wage and hour laws.

· Demonstrated ability in the use of Windows, Microsoft Word, and Excel.

· Must be able to maintain confidentiality.

Preferred attributes:

· Progress towards Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) Designation from the World at Work professional organization.

· Training and experience in Peoplesoft Human Resources Management System (HRMS).

Annual Salary $63,500 - $95,300

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@RidePRT.org EOE

EMPLOYEE RELATIONS REPRESENTATIVE

Pittsburgh Regional Transit is seeking a Employee Relations Representative to function as the Employee Relations/Human Resources representative of Port Authority of Allegheny County d/b/a Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) for assigned divisions, within the scope of labor /employee relations matters. Advises management on labor agreement interpretation and administration. Directs investigations, conducts disciplinary and grievance hearings to ensure consistent, system-wide adherence and applications and represents PRT at the first step in the grievance procedure. Screens grievance cases for arbitration and enters into binding agreements with unions in dispute resolution. Develops and implement Employee Relations training programs; identifies, recommends, and assists in facilitating other training opportunities, as required. Serves as a member of the PRT’s negotiating team to participate in contract negotiations with union representatives.

Essential Functions:

• Utilize PeopleSoft HRMS to perform the following:

o Enter, update, and maintain discipline, grievances, and terminations.

• Function as the Human Resources Representative at the assigned divisions, expediting the resolutions of labor/employee relations matters as they arise day-to-day. Provides information on labor law and accepted labor relations practices.

• Advise management on the administration of labor agreements and provides interpretations to ensure fulfillment of contractual obligations. Ensures adherence to company policies and procedures for proper and consistent application and compliance.

Job requirements include:

• High school diploma or GED.

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial/ labor relations, human resources management or related field from an accredited college or university. Experience within labor relations/ employee relations area may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in labor and employment law. No certifications or licenses required.

• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in a unionized environment.

• Knowledge of labor and employment laws.

• Demonstrated ability in the use of Windows, Microsoft Word, and Excel.

• Professional and effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Good organizational skills.

Preferred attributes:

• Previous supervisory and/or leadership experience.

• Oracle/PeopleSoft experience.

• General Human Resource experience.

Annual Salary

$78,300 - $117,400

We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Interested candidates should forward a cover letter (with salary requirements) and resume to:

Glenn Huetter

Employment Department 345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 GHuetter@RidePRT.org EOE

MEDICAL PHYSICIST ASSISTANT

(MULTIPLE OPENINGS)

UPCI Cancer Services in Pittsburgh, PA seeks multiple Medical Physicist Assistants to work under the supervision of a Qualified Medical Physicist (QMP) performing machine and patient specific quality assurance (QA), participating in acceptance testing and commissioning of new equipment, and assaying radioactive sources. May need to work flexible hours as needed including afternoons and evenings and weekends to perform quality assurance measurements. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Physics, Radiation Therapy, Medical Physics, Biomedical Engineering or related field and at least one (1) year of Medical Physicist Assistant, Medical Physics Resident, or related experience conducting and documenting daily, weekly, monthly and annual QA checks; operating linear accelerators; performing HDR brachytherapy source calibration; performing dosimetric verification; working with treatment planning techniques including IMRT and VMAT; and utilizing Oncentra HDR treatment planning system for simple and complex HDR brachytherapy planning and Eclipse external beam treatment planning systems. Apply by following these steps; visit http://careers.upmc.com and enter 260000L2 in the “Search Keyword/ Job ID” field and click Go. EOE/Disability/Veteran.

PHYSICIAN-NEPHROLOGY & INTENSIVIST

Regional Health Services, Inc.

located at 600 Grant St., U. S. Steel Tower, 57th Floor, Pittsburgh PA 16219 seeks a PhysicianNephrology & Intensivist to specialize in kidney care and the treatment of diseases of the kidneys, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), polycystic kidney disease (PKD), acute renal failure, kidney stones, and high blood pressure; diagnose a wide variety of clinical problems representing the extreme of human disease and work as a member of a coordinated care team, either as the primary care provide or a consultant, treating a broad range of conditions common among critically ill patients, with technological procedures and devices used in intensive care settings, and in areas such as end-of-life decisions, advance directives, estimating prognosis, and counseling of patients and their families at UPMC Nephrology, 300 State Street, Erie PA 16507 and UPMC Hamot, 201 State St., Erie PA 16650. Has the ability to work remotely from home if necessary, but not on a regular basis. Position requires a Medical Degree, Doctor of Osteopathy, its equivalent or its foreign equivalent, must have completed a residency in Internal Medicine and must have completed fellowships in Nephrology and Critical Care Medicine, must have Board certification in Internal Medicine with subspecialties in Nephrology and Critical Care Medicine or an active candidate for Internal Medicine with subspecialities in Nephrology and Critical Care Medicine board certification, and must possess an unrestricted Pennsylvania medical license & DEA license. Apply at www.upmc.com by following these steps; click Careers at UPMC, Start My Job Search, and follow the link to continue to search and apply for openings. Select Advanced Search and enter 260000KZ in the job opening ID field. EOE

CLASSICAL HEMATOLOGIST

University of Pittsburgh Physicians located at 600 Grant St., U. S. Steel Tower, 57th Floor, Pittsburgh PA 16219 seeks a Classical Hematologist to focus on the study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of blood-related diseases and disorders, encompasses various conditions affecting blood cells, bone marrow, blood vessels, and the coagulation system, diagnose and treat hematological conditions in both the inpatient and outpatient settings, complete clinical documentation in all electronic medical record system, attend appropriate Division or Department meetings, as necessary, and educate and teach Hematology Fellows and Internal Medicine Residents at UPMC Falk Medical Bldg., 3601 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh PA 15213, UPMC Presbyterian, 200 Lothrop St., Pittsburgh PA 15213, UPMC Magee -Womens Hospital, 300 Halket St., Pittsburgh PA 15213, UPMC Shadyside, 5230 Centre Ave., Pittsburgh PA 15213, and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, 5115 Centre Ave., Pittsburgh PA 15213. Has the ability to work remotely from home- not on a regular basis. Requires travel to various worksites within 5 miles. Position requires a Medical Degree, Doctor of Osteopathy, its equivalent or its foreign equivalent, must have completed a residency in Internal Medicine; must have completed a fellowship in Hematology/ Oncology or Hematology, and must have an unrestricted Pennsylvania medical license. Apply at www.upmc.com by following these steps; click Careers at UPMC, Start My Job Search, and follow the link to continue to search and apply for openings. Select Advanced Search and enter 260000L0 in the job opening ID field. EOE

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