5.1.24 NPC

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned exclusively that B. Marshall's "Stop The Violence Pittsburgh" organization that hosts Juneteenth at Point State Park will host Juneteenth once again as per usual. This year, the dates are Friday, June 14 to Sunday, June 16. However, the organization’s annual "Black Music Festival," usually held at Point State Park in mid-July, has been canceled.

The Courier has also learned that the City of Pittsburgh is planning its own Juneteenth Celebration, though the exact details of the celebration have not been made public.

"The City is ensuring that the Juneteenth Celebration is treated as the July 4th Celebration," Olga George, Mayor Ed Gainey's Press Secretary, told the Courier in an

email on Tuesday afternoon, April 30. "This is not a dueling or competition for the Juneteenth Celebration. There are lot of various celebrations during July 4th and we're working towards having that same energy for Juneteenth."

The City of Pittsburgh's July 4 celebration always includes a 25-minute fireworks display at Point State Park as night falls. However, the City of Pittsburgh did not explicitly state for fact that "ensuring that the Juneteenth Celebration is treated as the July 4th Celebration" means that the City of Pittsburgh will have a fireworks display on Wednesday, June 19, at the Point for Juneteenth.

B. Marshall, who has been the leader of Juneteenth in Pittsburgh for the past several years and who is credited with giving Pittsburgh such a siz-

by Genea L. Webb

For New Pittsburgh Courier

Mother’s Day is a very symbolic time for mothers and families alike. That’s why Cecilia Coleman-Finney has continued to hold her annual Mother’s Day

Extravaganza event for the past eight years.

“Besides getting a fullcourse meal, you get to see a full fashion show and it’s at a nice venue at the Hotel Indigo and you get to support other women and other mothers,” Coleman-Finney told the New Pittsburgh Courier in advance of her event, which will be at the aforementioned Hotel Indigo in East Liberty, May 12 from 3 to 6 p.m. Doors open at 2 p.m.

“And I think people enjoy going to nice places and just have a nice time and a nice day out. I want people to walk away feeling special and I want them to enjoy the fashions because the fashion designers are working hard to create great fashions. Every time I check on them, they are

sewing away.” This year, there will be three fashion designers being featured with local models, along with vendors and DJ Tuffy Tuff.

“It’s normal for women to be curious of the new fashion and the fashions will be able to purchase if they’d like,” Coleman-Finney said. “This year, there will also be a young man named Var B who will be singing two songs; one after dinner and one while the models are getting set up. Var B is a nice young man and he is a co-worker of mine and he released a CD and is about to release another one. His music is so smooth. I was blown away when I heard the songs. WAMO played several of his songs recently. The crowd is going to love him.”

Coleman-Finney, whose company is called “CC Productions,” is partnering with Ebony Davenport for an upcoming June

Students, faculty, and alum urge Morehouse to rescind Biden’s commencement invite

by Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire

Senior Correspondent

On April 23, Morehouse students gathered in a campus auditorium to protest the college’s decision to invite Biden to deliver the commencement address next month.

The dissatisfaction extends beyond the student body. Alums, Morehouse, Spelman, and Clark Atlanta University officials are urging the college to rescind its invitation.

In a letter on April 24, concerned alums criticized Biden’s role in a recent foreign aid package, which included funding for Israel’s conflict with Hamas. The letter highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, condemning Biden’s leadership as contributing to the deaths of over 34,000 Palestinians. The alumni called on Morehouse to stand against injustice and not allow its platform to be used to “launder consent for genocide.”

Faculty members from the three Atlanta institutions expressed similar concerns, questioning the

decision to invite Biden to a historically Black college, especially given Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy as an advocate for social justice.

“Like any group of alumni of any college or university, political and ethical commitments among us are not unanimous,” the alum wrote. “There are many among us, however, who stand on the prophetic vision of our most famous alumnus, who said in 1967 that war is a hell that diminishes us all as human beings and that our moral conscience compels us to speak out against it.”

The concerned alumni invoke one of the college’s most famous graduates. “In inviting President Biden to campus, the college affirms a cruel standard that complicity in genocide merits no sanction from the institution that produced one of the towering advocates for non-violence of the 20th century in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. If the college cannot affirm this noble tradition of justice by rescinding its invitation to President Biden, then the college should reconsider

This Week In Black History A Courier Staple

its attachment to Dr. King.”

The alumni went on to say that the decision to have the president speak for commencement is harmful not just to Palestinians but to all those associated with the prestigious higher learning institution.

“Nobody wins in this. Not our precious brothers on campus, who are most certainly being used as a step stool for President Biden’s political ambitions. Not faculty, who are already up against institutional pressures to remain silent. And certainly not Palestinians, who, lest we forget, are the reason students and many faculty are protesting in the first place,” they explained.

The alumni also suggested that Morehouse not only refuse Biden to serve as commencement speaker but divest from all companies that do business with Israel. “Should the college continue down this course, we urge our fellow brothers across the Morehouse community to make your dissent known. We urge our community to recall the lesson we all heard over the course of our time at the college, which is that the bells toll for our moral leadership. Justice compels us to work to bring this genocide and brutal occupation to an end.”

Biden’s Foreign Policy Under Scrutiny

Biden’s foreign policy decisions, particularly concerning the Israel-Hamas conflict, have sparked protests on university campuses nationwide. The president recently signed a $95 billion war aid measure, allocating approximately $26 billion to Israel and $1 billion in humanitarian relief for Palestinians in Gaza. Despite calls for a ceasefire, Biden emphasized the need for Israel to provide swift humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Biden’s voter base has criticized his foreign policy choices, which could impact the upcoming elections. Additionally, Morehouse received criticism for selecting Biden as its 2024 commencement speaker.

“We understand that the decision to platform Biden was made solely by the Morehouse administration and that students and faculty members were not consulted,” Faculty and Staff for Justice in Palestine’s Georgia chapter wrote.

“It is not too late to correct the course. There is no reason why Morehouse cannot rescind this invitation. Indeed, the college must do so.”

• MAY 1

1866—The two-day Memphis, Tenn., race riots, one of the most savage events immediately following the civil war, begins. When it was over, former Confederate soldiers, angered by the loss of the Civil War and the new status for Blacks, had killed 46 Blacks and two of their White supporters, as well as raped five Black women and torched over 90 homes, schools and churches. In support of the rebel soldiers, local police arrested hundreds of Blacks and not the Whites who were rioting. However, the savage nature of the rioting in Memphis (and a similar disturbance in New Orleans) prompted Congress to pass radical Reconstruction to aid Blacks, a Civil Rights bill, and the 14th Amendment to the Constitution guaranteeing citizenship and equal protection to former slaves.

1950—Brilliant poet Gwendolyn Brooks, the first African-American to win a Pulitzer Prize in 1950 for her second collection, “Annie Allen,” is born on this day in Topeka, Kan. At 17, she started submitting her work to “Lights and Shadows,” the poetry column of the Chicago Defender, an African American newspaper. Brooks published her first book of poetry, “A Street in Bronzeville” (1945) with Harper and Row, after strong show of support to the publisher from author Richard Wright. Brooks died on Dec. 3, 2000 in Chicago, Ill.

1967—The “Long Hot Summer” begins. The period between May 1 and Oct. 1, 1967 witnessed the most dramatic and destructive series of Black urban disturbances in American history. Major riots took place in 40 American cities. There were also lesser disturbances in 100 smaller towns and cities. Many felt the riots were sparked by a collective sense of frustrated hopes and a new urban generation less willing to adopt peaceful means for change.

• MAY 2

1844—Master inventor Elijah McCoy is born in Colchester, Ontario, Canada. He would become the holder of over 50 patents—most were mechanical devices, which greatly improved engines, locomotives and steamships. The superiority of his inventions led to the phrase “the real McCoy” coming to mean the mark of excellent and authenticity. McCoy was born to slaves who escaped America for a free life in Canada. His parents became successful and sent him to study engineering in Scotland when he was only 16. After the end of U.S. slavery, he settled in Ypsilanti, Mich., and began his remarkable career. 1870—One of the most unsung religious leaders in American history, William Seymour, was born on this day in Centerville, La. Seymour became pastor of the Azusa Street Mission in Los Angeles and the catalyst for the worldwide Pentecostal movement. He not only rejected racial barriers in the church in favor of “Unity in Christ,” but he is also credited with eliminating many of the restrictions placed on women in the church. He died of a heart attack in 1922.

• MAY 3

1845—Macon B. Allen passes the Massachusetts bar thus becoming the first African American lawyer to pass a state bar and the first Black person permitted to practice law in the United States.  Allen was born in Indiana but after the Civil War he moved to South Carolina where he was elected a judge in 1873.

1933—Singer James Brown, known as “The Godfather of Soul” for his game-changing style in funk, soul and R&B throughout his career, was born on May, 3, 1933, in Barnwell, S.C. Brown charted on the Billboard Pop Charts close to 100 times and on the R&B charts at least 110 times. In a career that spanned six decades, Brown influenced the development of several music genres. Brown died on Dec. 25, 2006.

1949—The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of J.D. Shelley on Shelley v. Kraemer, a landmark housing and civil rights case. After years of living with relatives or in rental properties, Shelley, who’d migrated from the South to St. Louis, Mo., with his family to escape

racial oppression, decided to buy a house. He learned, however that many owners had agreed to a real estate contract clause that banned them from selling their homes to people of “Negro or Mongolian” descent. After Shelley finally bought a house, White homeowner Louis Kraemer hired an attorney to invalidate the contract and took the case to court. After Kraemer successfully appealed, which reversed the first court’s decision, the Shelley family took the case to the U.S. Supreme Court and won.

• MAY 4

1891—Dr. Daniel Hale Williams founds the Provident Hospital and Training Center in Chicago, Ill. It becomes a major training center for Black doctors and nurses.  Williams is best known, however, for performing the nation’s first open heart surgery on July 9, 1893. He operated on a man injured in a knife fight. The man would live for another 20 years after the surgery.

1961—Thirteen Freedom Riders began bus trips through the South to test Southern compliance with a 1960 U.S. Supreme Court ruling outlawing segregation in interstate transportation facilities. They were soon joined by hundreds of other “Freedom Riders” of all ages and races. Despite the Court decision, dozens of Freedom Riders were arrested as the South attempted to hang onto its segregationist ways.

• MAY 5

1905—Robert Sengstacke Abbott founds the Chicago Defender newspaper calling it “the world’s greatest weekly.” Indeed, he would build the Defender into the largest circulation and most influential Black newspaper of its day. The Defender, which became the most widely circulated Black newspaper in the country, came to be known as “America’s Black Newspaper” and made Abbott one of the first self-made millionaires of African American descent. In 1919, Illinois Gov. Frank Lowden appointed Abbott to the Race Relations Commission. Abbott died of Bright’s disease in 1940 in Chicago, Ill.

• MAY 6

1787—Prince Hall organizes the nation’s first Black Masonic lodge in Boston, Mass.—African Lodge #459. Hall would go on to become the father of Black Masons in America and a major Black leader in the Northeast.

1812—Martin R. Delany, a pioneering Black nationalist, is born on this day in Charles Town, Va. Abraham Lincoln once described him as one of the most brilliant men he had ever met. Delany would fight in the Civil War to end slavery and become one of the nation’s first Black military officers. After the war he became a doctor. But over the years he became frustrated with American racism and began to advocate a return of Blacks to Africa.

• MAY 7

1800—On this date the founder of the settlement which would grow to become the city of Chicago, Jean Baptiste Pointe Du Sable, sold his property and left the settlement. The Haitian-born frontier trader and businessman had a history of building significant wealth, losing it and building it again. He would die 18 years later in St. Charles, Mo. 1878—Black inventor, Joseph R. Winters, receives a patent for his designing of the fire escape ladder. 2010—A report on felony disenfranchisement laws begins to receive widespread publicity. The report was actually released on April 21 by the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund. It showed that 5.3 million Americans were being denied the right to vote because of past felony convictions. Disproportionately, those denied voting rights were African American. In fact, the report revealed that 13 percent of Black males could not vote because of felony convictions. Historically, most voting disenfranchisement laws were enacted after the Civil War as a means to keep newly freed Blacks from voting.

City of Pittsburgh honors Cam Heyward

COURIER EXCLUSIVE REPORT

Also, City of Pittsburgh is planning

able Juneteenth celebration year after year, told the Courier he hopes the city puts on fireworks on June 19, a tradition that he started in 2023 when a 25-minute fireworks display was presented to thousands on Monday, June 19, following his four-day Juneteenth celebration.

"We're looking forward for the city to do fireworks similar to the way they do 4th of July fireworks," B. Marshall said. "We would expect that they would do the same thing for Juneteenth that they do for the 4th of July."

Now that there will be two "Juneteenth celebrations" of sorts in Pittsburgh at least for this year — B. Marshall's and the City of Pittsburgh's — it's important to differentiate the two. B. Marshall's Juneteenth begins on May 17 with its annual Stop

The Violence Pittsburgh Black Tie Honors Gala, at the Sheraton Pittsburgh Hotel Station Square, a salute to military veterans. Honorees include Judge Dwayne Woodruff, Dr. Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew, A.J. Jefferson (Homeless Children's Education Fund) and Brandi Fisher (Alliance for Police Accountability). A Youth Fest will occur on June 8-9 at Mellon Park, East Liberty, which includes a basketball tournament, baseball tournament, flag football, Damar Hamlin's Chasing M's CPR Tour, bounce houses, and a Playstation tournament, among other festivities.

The main event on Friday, June 14, at Point State Park is "Hip-Hop Night," with featured artists Freeway, Beanie Sigel and Arrested Development. Saturday, June 15 is "Ladies Night," with featured artists Keke Wyatt, Elle Varner and Brownstone on the Point State Park Stage. And Sunday, June 16 will feature Kelly Price and Stokely at the Point. B. Marshall said it's best for people to get to the point by 6 p.m. each day to ensure they see all the featured performers. A stage will be set up at Market Square throughout the weekend, too, focused on the older generation. Artists include The Blackbyrds, Klymaxx, and Adam Hawley, a jazz guitarist.

The annual Grand Jubilee Parade will be held, Saturday, June 15, at 11 a.m., starting at Freedom Corner and heading through Downtown Pittsburgh. The grand marshals will be retired Tuskegee Airman James Harvey, and the rapper

Master P. Following the parade, a "Juneteenth Big Money" event will be held at the Byham Theater, Downtown, featuring Master P and Dame Dash. That event requires paid admission, while all other Juneteenth events, except for the Black Tie Affairs Gala, are free.

B. Marshall told the Courier that his Juneteenth celebration at the Point was "this close" to being canceled this year. The reason, according to B. Marshall? He said he was going "back and forth" with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, which runs Point State Park, over "bills" that B. Marshall said the state wanted him to pay, which totaled roughly $140,000. B. Marshall told the Courier the unpaid bills were for electrician services, security services and Port-A-John rental services for the Juneteenth celebration in 2023 at the Point, services B. Marshall claims the state negotiated for without his consent or approval.

"In October (2023), after everything was done, they (DCNR) ended up sending me a bill for $140,000 telling me that we had to pay this bill, so we protested that because we didn't negotiate those bills nor did we give them approval to do that," B. Marshall told the Courier exclusively. "So we went through six or seven months of arguing with them about that, and the conclusion was that they've rescinded the bills and we're proceeding with Juneteenth (at the DCNR-run Point State Park)."

The Courier reached out to the media relations department at the DCNR for comment, but had not received a response as of Tuesday evening, April 30.

The Courier confirmed that the security company the state (DCNR) contracted with to handle some parts of security, especially for the Monday, June 19, 2023, fireworks night, was Next Level Security, owned by a Black woman, Marcia Hunter. The company is based in Philadelphia. Hunter, who was reached by the Courier on Tuesday afternoon, April 30, claims she has yet to be paid by the state for her company's services for the 2023 Juneteenth at the Point. However, she did confirm to the Courier that her company was hired by B. Marshall to provide security for the 2023 Black Music Festival, which occurred the following month, July 2023. Her

company was paid $7,000 for the services. She said Next Level Security has been hired by B. Marshall, not the state, to provide some security services for the upcoming Juneteenth 2024 at the Point. The price tag? The same as the 2023 Black Music Festival, $7,000. As for the 2024 Black Music Festival, there will be none. B. Marshall usually holds the Black Music Festival in mid-July over a weekend at Point State Park, but he claims he was unable to get clearance for his July 11-13 dates due to the City of Pittsburgh extending its hold on Point State Park until July 8, four days after the city's usual 4th of July celebration. B. Marshall claims the DCNR wants at least seven days in between events of that magnitude, knocking B. Marshall out of the July 11-13 spot. When he tried for an alternative date in late August, that, too, was already booked by a third party.

However, in an email chain obtained exclusively by the Courier, Mayor Gainey's Chief of Staff, Jake Wheatley, said B. Marshall's claims were not true.

"For clarity, we are not preventing the Commonwealth from making any arrangements around the usage of the Park (Point State) for either of your events," Wheatley wrote to B. Marshall, dated Feb. 25, 2024. The email sent by Wheatley was also sent to the email addresses of the likes of B-PEP Chairman and CEO Tim Stevens, numerous members

of Pittsburgh City Council, and the Afro-American Music Institute’s Dr. James Johnson.

The Black Music Festival in Pittsburgh in recent years has brought artists like Rose Royce, Will Downing, Rakim, Karen Clark Sheard, Dorinda Clark-Cole, and Musiq Soulchild. This year, B. Marshall told the Courier he was looking to bring in R&B singer Donell Jones, the legendary group Con

Funk Shun, and the rapper Scarface.

B. Marshall did confirm that his annual Soul Food Festival, traditionally held over Labor Day Weekend, is still on as planned along and near the Boulevard of the Allies and PPG Plaza.

Still, he calls the loss of the Black Music Festival wholly unfortunate.

"Last year, with the Black Music Festival, we generated $2 million for

the city in economic development, over 22,000 people (Downtown), and now all those people are being affected by us not having the Black Music Festival," B. Marshall told the Courier exclusively, April 30. "And it seems like the city and public officials don't care about what we bring to the Black community or what we do for the Black community."

Saxophonist, composer Marion Meadows

MARION MEADOWS, CENTER, WITH MANY FANS, AFTER HIS PERFORMANCE AT THE ORIGINAL PITTSBURGH WINERY, MARCH 17. (PHOTOS BY J.L. MARTELLO)

Dr. Cornel West visits Pittsburgh

American philosopher, professor, author, activist and independent presidential candidate Dr. Cornel West came to Pittsburgh on Thursday, April 25. But before he spoke at the Hosanna House in Wilkinsburg, he stopped by the pro-Palestinian protests that were occurring in Oakland at Schenley Plaza. Among his comments there, he said: “Don’t let any other mainstream media, don’t let any other corporate voices try to tell you and us that we’re here out of hatred. We hate occupation. We hate domination. We hate injustice.”

DR. CORNEL WEST, WITH MEMBERS OF 1 HOOD MEDIA, AT THE HOSANNA HOUSE IN WILKINSBURG, APRIL 25, 2024. (PHOTOS BY EMMAI ALAQUIVA)

DR. CORNEL WEST SPEAKS TO A CROWD AT THE HOSANNA HOUSE, AS 1 HOOD MEDIA’S JASIRI X LOOKS ON. (PHOTOS BY EMMAI ALAQUIVA)

Annual ‘Mother’s Day Extravaganza’

becoming premier event in Pittsburgh

Hotel Indigo is the site for the May 12 event

event, where Davenport will create custom-made hurricane glasses for sale. Davenport will have her slushy machine up and running at the “Wings and Wine” event, June 1, at the Festivity Event Center in Penn Hills.

“I was a married, stayat-home mom of three boys and a husband and I prayed hard for God to send me someone and something,” Davenport revealed to the Courier. “I needed a job to have somewhere to go and get away from everyone for a few hours. I got the job at the hotel and then she told me about the Mother’s Day Extravaganza event and I wanted to be involved.

Coleman-Finney sees the culmination of all of the talent involved, from the models to the fashion designers, as a way to pay homage to her supporters at the Mother’s Day Extravaganza on May 12.

“This is all about making the audience, mothers and staff feel appreciated on that day because I appreciate all of them coming and supporting the event more than I know,” Coleman-Finney said. “They can go anywhere for Mother’s Day and the fact that they are choosing to come here and spend Mother’s Day means more to me than they will ever know.”

(Editor’s Note: For more information on the Mother’s Day event, call 412583-2649.)

I have ordered over 5,000 rhinestones on 16-ounce hurricane glasses. The glasses will also be decorated with kiwi, pineapple and other fruits...CC (Cecilia Coleman-Finney) is my mentor. She’s helping me develop my business. No matter how old you are, you need a mentor.”

THROWBACK PHOTO FROM 2018—SARAH GILMER, DARLENE TROWER, MS. JOY

CECILIA COLEMAN-FINNEY

Imani Christian Academy's Dayshaun Burnett to play football at Penn State

VEGAS VITRIOL

Omar Khan, Mike Tomlin turn in A+ draft class for the Steelers

The 2024 NFL Draft is now one for the history books and the Steelers GM Omar Khan and Head Coach Mike Tomlin have crushed the haters again, and many folks, as the late, legendary entertainer James Brown might say, “can’t stand it.” All the NFL “mock drafts” have been placed upon an experimental spacecraft and jettisoned toward the destination of oblivion. Please folks, please read this column very carefully. The primary reason that this column was titled: "Vegas Vitriol" was to warn the naysayers and doubters not to waste their time, energy and money betting against Khan or Tomlin based on the poisonous and subjective rhetoric that originated in the betting parlors of "Sin City," even though many of those that created and profited from the betting lines oftentimes purposely and forecasted that Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin could not possibly repeat the success they achieved in the 2023 Draft. Why? The logic for the 2024 draft predictions of Khan was initially based on the nickname, "Khan artist”

that the "yinzer" media created for Omar Khan. Smoke and mirrors, and three card monte were not the reason for the success of the Steelers' 2023 or the 2024 draft class. Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin did not waste spaghetti by throwing it on bathroom walls. Instead, they put spaghetti on our plates, accompanied by a fresh salad, a hot bowl of Italian wedding soup, and fresh-from-the-oven garlic bread. During the 2024 Draft, there were occasions when the Steelers did not prematurely fire or remove their guns from the holsters because patience was the ultimate weapon. Omar Khan elaborated saying:

“Yeah, I mean, you have no choice but to be patient on draft weekend. But it all comes down to what players are there when you're picking, and you try to make the right decisions, whether to move up, move down, or take a pick. As I've said before, for me, I know we made some moves last year, but when there's a good player there, it's hard to trade away from and we had the opportunity to trade away, to trade back this year, and

with where we were, we just felt really good about the players we took and where we took them.”

Head Coach Mike Tomlin may have been a little excited by drafting players who may have an opportunity to begin their NFL career as starters. “We're looking for guys with talent. Oftentimes that talent is coupled with experience. It's good to have a group that is mature as players and as people, and I think that's reflective of the collective that you're talking about. All that means is we should expect those guys to have a high floor and maybe have a good presentation of what they're capable of early on, and for that, we're excited certainly.”

trickery such as marked decks of cards, and other devices intended to trick competitors. Instead, those briefcases contained miniature sledgehammers coupled with carefully crafted battle plans that detailed attack and counterattack measures. If the remainder of the NFL franchises came into the 2024 Draft expecting trickery and slickness from "Khan artist" and the Steelers, they had to be sickened and saddened when they felt the unexpected blows of sledgehammers "oops, upside their heads."

The draft strategy of the Pittsburgh Steelers is not and never will be based on tricks or traps but on providing treats and possible future Lombardi Trophies for the Steeler Nation.

Former New England Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick said the Steelers' 1974 draft class was the "greatest of all time."

Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan did not arrive in their 2024 war room sporting sunglasses and carrying briefcases filled with various tools of

In an article on steelersnow.com, Belichick is quoted as saying: “People talk about the draft, and they talk about how great the ’83 draft was and all of that, but it’s really about team-building. It’s about how you build your team. 50 years

ago, this was the greatest team-building draft of all time, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Swann, Stallworth, Lambert, Webster, and Donnie Shell, he was a free agent, in one draft. Five, five Hall of Famers in one draft. You talk about building a team. Now, what happened after that? Four Super Bowls.” From 1971-1990, Dick Haley was the GM of the Steelers but the Steelers' NFL super scout and eventual NFL Hall of Famer Bill Nunn Jr. was far more responsible than Haley for bringing the core of the Steelers star players to the team from 1971-1980. During that amazing era, the Steelers won four Super Bowl trophies. Dick Haley had a secret super weapon as a GM and that weapon was not the performances of the players on the field. The Steelers' secret weapon of the 1970s was Bill Nunn Jr., no smoke and mirrors were needed. In 2024, these were the Steeler's early to midround draft picks. Round 1, Troy Fautanu, offensive tackle, Washington; Round 2, Zach Frazier, center; Round 3, Roman Wilson, wide receiver,

Michigan; Round 3, Payton Wilson, linebacker, N.C. State. Running back Daijun Edwards was signed as an undrafted free agent from the University of Georgia. It has been 50 years since the historic draft class of 1974 produced five draft picks and a free agent in one draft class who were eventually inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Will the Steelers' draft class of 2024 be a repeat of the 1974 draft class? In the Steelers war room, no rabbits have been pulled from a top hat, and no cards disappeared up Mike Tomlin’s or Omar Khan's sleeves. The success of the Pittsburgh Steelers stems from the blood, sweat, and tears of many scouts who became afflicted with bloodshot eyes from observing player after player and tired feet from pounding city streets and traveling down dimly lit and dusty country roads, seeking raw talent to develop into champions for the ages, without having to throw spaghetti against the wall.

IMANI CHRISTIAN ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR DAYSHAUN BURNETT, WITH HIS FAMILY, HEAD COACH AND IMANI CHRISTIAN OFFICIALS, FEB. 7. BURNETT, THIRD FROM RIGHT, MADE HIS DECISION TO PLAY FOOTBALL AT PENN STATE IN 2025. BURNETT IS EXPECTED TO PLAY LINEBACKER AND DEFENSIVE END AT PENN STATE.

DAYSHAUN BURNETT’S FATHER SPEAKS TO THE CROWD AT IMANI CHRISTIAN, FEB. 7.

DAYSHAUN BURNETT IS A JUNIOR AT IMANI CHRISTIAN ACADEMY — BUT AS FAR AS COLLEGE GOES, HE ALREADY KNOWS WHERE HE’S GOING.

by Anthony Kellum

The “Property is Power” movement is championing a transformative initiative designed to enhance home and community ownership among historically marginalized groups. With a strong emphasis on Black and brown communities, this movement seeks to overturn systemic barriers that have long obstructed access to property ownership. The evidence supporting the numerous societal benefits of homeownership is robust and compelling, demonstrating that owning a home led to higher graduation rates, greater accumulation of family wealth, and increased community involvement. To truly level the playing field of life, there must be a fundamental shift in the mindset within our communities regarding real estate and its benefits. Educating and empowering individuals about the strategic value of homeownership can serve as a powerful tool for economic balance and social mobility.

Homeownership transcends the simple for communities that have faced historical disadvantages, the ability to own property is not just an economic transaction, but a milestone of empowerment. It provides individuals with a vested interest in their neighborhoods, engendering a profound sense of belonging and accountability. This empowerment allows res-

ident to influence community decisions and participate actively in shaping the environments in which they live.

The advantages of homeownership ripple through generations, providing a multitude of long-term benefits. Educational outcomes improve markedly within families that own their homes. Statistics show a clear correlation between homeownership and higher educational achievements among children, including increased likelihood of completing high school and pursuing a college education. This level of education attainment is a critical factor in social-economic mobility, opening doors to better job opportunities and financial stability.

Additionally, homeownership is a cornerstone of family wealth creation. Over time property ownership can provide significant financial security, acting as a hedge against economic downturns and serving as an asset for future generations. The equity built through homeownership created opportunities for further investment and financial growth, reinforcing the cycle of prosperity.

Community involvement is another critical aspect of homeownership. Homeowners are more likely to engage in local governance, participate in educational initiative, and support neighborhood improvement projects. This heightened engagement results in safer,

Approximately 10 years ago, I wrote an article entitled, “Look at what you can do when you’re 40.” In this article I shared a story about my aunt on her 40th birthday. She was in a state of happiness as she danced and pranced with the biggest smile screaming, “Look at what you can do when you’re 40.”

I likened this to personal finance. When we’re in our 20s, we’re just getting started. Everything is new, fun, and exciting. New college degree or polished skills we take into the workforce to earn a living. First apartment or house. First car. We meet new people and forge new relationships. We start a family. When we’re in our 30s, we begin to fully understand our parents’ struggle and sacrifice raising us. We begin to stabilize our life and appreciate what we have. We’ve been through some ups and downs. We summarize that maintaining our children, health, relationships, homes and cars is a daily grind and a huge financial load. When we’re in our 40s, our children are more independent or grown and on their own. We’ve paid off some debt. We’ve saved and invested money. We’ve accumulated some stuff. Bigger and newer stuff is no longer the center of our world. We see stability as being more important than stuff. It’s been 20 long strenuous years. But finally, once we’re in our 40s, we begin to take our life back. With the kids more independent, we can turn our attention

by Renata Sago

Erika Broadwater’s career began 33 years ago with a phone call. A former colleague had seen her work as an intern and invited her to apply as a marketing administrator. The position was ideal. She had just earned a business degree.

“My résumé was by typewriter,” she remembers. “But you had to, back then, go to the location and complete a paper application. There were no online portals for you to digitally apply.”

Broadwater now manages recruiters and implements some of the applicant tracking systems (ATS) that collect data from job websites. She is also CEO of the National Association of African Americans in Human Resources. Although how people navigate the market has greatly shifted from when Broadwater started working, she says one thing

has remained the same: name bias.

“We have been paying a lot more attention in bringing more awareness to that stereotype, and it really is both gender and ethnic-focused,” she says. “We do know through common language—and this is in every culture for the most part, except for, perhaps, those countries and continents within the Middle East— where a name with the ending of an A is usually associated with a woman. But there are some cultures that it’s not.”

The pressure to secure employment in this economy can lead Black job seekers to think about changing their names. An analysis of 2022 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics finds that 83.6 percent of Black graduates, ages 20 to 29, were employed soon after receiving associate, bachelor’s, or advanced degrees. The percentage of unemployed talent was 8.7 per-

to “OURSELVES.” We can dance and prance with a smile, screaming, “Look at what you can do when you’re 40!”. When I wrote that article, I was under 40. I was gleamy eyed and hopeful. During that time, there was constant forward momentum for me. I had the “Midas Touch.” Every decision I made seemed to be the right one. Then life happened. Things weren’t going according to plan. I’ve gone through some mess.

I couldn’t seem to get forward traction. It was either status quo or going backwards. Not exactly the trajectory that I was aiming for. I’m on the other side of 40 now. I’ve gone from “Look at what you can do when you’re 40” to “Age 40 and over, you have Zero F-ups left to give.” I’m right in both instances! As adults, where we are in life is a reflection of the decisions that we’ve made. If we consistently make good decisions,

cent—higher than self-identifying Asian, Hispanic, and white graduates.

A report out this year from Strada Institute for the Future of Work and the Burning Glass Institute finds that one year after graduating, 60 percent of Black graduates were underemployed. This percentage was higher compared to other groups. Five years later, the underemployment percentage rate was higher than other groups, too.

Social media influencers humorize the job search process, boasting in mockumentary-style interviews about how proficient they are at Excel formulas or group projects while displaying extreme incompetence once hired. Exaggerating skill sets might be a typical practice among entry-level candidates. Shortening and completely changing names takes place at all levels. Candidates with strong ethnic names might put a more ethnically ambiguous or “whitened” version of their name on an application. This can draw more attention from the hiring team.  “I can guarantee my name has positively influenced my chances for employment,” Amber Chatham tells Word In Black. “I can recall multiple instances of the hiring manager or whoever was conducting the interview, having a look of slight, almost imperceptible shock on their face when they called me from the lobby, expecting to see someone else. As a biracial woman, I’ve encountered this both professionally and in my personal life countless times.”

we will avoid some stumbling blocks that either delay or thwart us from reaching our desired goal. If we constantly make bad decisions, it creates a misstep, a mishap, a missed opportunity, broken dreams, broken heart, or broke pockets. Here’s the good news. Struggle teaches you a lesson. Lessons make you wiser. Wisdom gives you strength. Strength turns into self-belief. Self-belief shows you that anything is possible. If you’re in that 40-and-over group and you’ve made more good decisions than you’ve

ANTHONY O. KELLUM

Photo by Oscar Obians on Unsplash)

Catapult Greater Pittsburgh awarded $3 million from JPMorgan Chase

The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that Catapult Greater Pittsburgh was awarded $3 million from JPMorgan Chase to tackle the housing supply and affordability crisis in Pittsburgh by addressing residential vacancy and abandonment in the city and helping existing homeowners with title clearances and estate planning assistance.

The announcement was made, April 30.

Catapult Greater Pittsburgh will use the $3 million to acquire and rehab vacant or abandoned properties in the community in an effort to stabilize neighborhoods and keep property in the hands of the community.

Catapult will also use the funding to support their CLEAR (Clinic for Legal Equity and Repairs) program, which supports people living in Allegheny County who do not have a legal title to the property in their name. CLEAR participants are eligible for home repairs, title clearance, and estate planning to ensure that they can grow their

wealth andtransfer assets across generations.

“A big portion of our city’s disrepair, vacancy, and abandonment issues can be attributed to tangled title issues, particularly in low-income, Black communities,” said Tammy Thompson, Executive Director, Catapult Greater Pittsburgh, in a statement. “Families are losing billions of dollars in generational wealth across the country because of this issue, and we’re excited that we can help families here in Pittsburgh resolve these complicated legal matters while also helping resolve health and safety repair issues that could force a family to walk away from a home.

“Going one step further, I’m thrilled that we will be providing estate planning and will preparation workshops to help proactively protect these family and community assets.”

“Housing that is safe and affordable is a critical pillar of any healthy community,” said Lisa Haley, Market Executive, JPMorgan Chase, in a state-

ment. “Today’s commitment aims to make stable housing affordable for all Pittsburgh residents, especially low-income individuals and families. By investing in long-neglected communities, we hope to generate learnings that can be used to address the housing supply crisis and catalyze change in communities across the country.”

Additional funding for the CLEAR program comes from Pittsburgh-based foundation McAuley Ministries, which provided a grant of $50,000 to do this work in the Hill District. Neighborhood Legal Services, Rising Tide Partners, and the Trade Institute of Pittsburgh all serve as vital program partners.

Advancing Policy Solutions to Increase Homeownership

To further advance solutions that address housing vacancy, the JPMorgan Chase PolicyCenter has released a brief on “Tackling Persistent Residential Vacancy, Abandonment, and Despair,”

which shares insights and policy recommendations to address the widespread issue of vacancy.

Catapult Greater Pittsburgh is featured in the report for their work to protect existing homeowners and tackle persistent vacancy in Pittsburgh. The goal of the brief is to generate local conversations and learnings that can be further scaled into national solutions. In addition, the JPMorgan Chase PolicyCenter published a policy brief outlining pathways to advancing affordable, sustainable homeownership as well as insights into how untangling titles for heirs property homeowners can support generational wealth building. The Challenge—Vacant Neighborhoods in Pittsburgh Pittsburgh faces persistent vacancy challenges as a post-industrial rustbelt city with approximately 23,757 existing vacant properties. High rates of neighborhood vacancy discourage investment in the community and are linked to an in-

crease in crime, restricting economic growth. In the past decade, the number of abandoned homes and lots in Pittsburgh doubled in size, with one in five carrying code violations, including collapsed roofs, shattered windows, and electrical hazards. The issue of tangled titles, or cases where people lack legal titles to the properties they live in, further exacerbates the housing supply problem.

According to the nonprofit Neighborhood Legal Services, Allegheny County alone has an estimated 4,000 tangled titles, many of which exist in low-income neighborhoods. The current process for fixing tangled titles in Allegheny County requires a lawyer and is costly and time-consuming, with administrative costs ranging from $1,500-4,000, not including inheritance taxes.

Participants of Catapult’s CLEAR program are eligible for legal services provided through vetted consulting attorneys, including long-time judge and housing advocate Irene Clark. Home

repairs will be carried out by local contractors and all services will come at no cost to participants. The goal is to protect existing homes as key assets for generational wealth building within Pittsburgh communities, especially communities that have limited access to this kind of support.

“People are walking away from their properties because they can’t afford attorney fees or home repairs or they can’t get around the barriers of not having title,” said Gabrielle DeMarchi, Director of Equity Protection, Catapult Greater Pittsburgh.

“This program will help remove some of those barriers and ensure that the legacy of the home stays intact.”

more integrated communities where collaboration and mutual support are commonplace.

My vision of the Property is Power movement aims to instill a global awareness of the impact of property ownership. With a mission to ensure every child understands the power of property, the movement underscores the importance of knowledge and empowerment in achieving life-changing outcomes. The message is clear: property ownership is a transformative tool that can dramatically shape one’s trajectory.

To support this vision, it is vital for communities, particularly in black and Brown neighborhoods, to grasp the fundamentals of homeownership. This includes understanding educational programs centered on financial literacy, the property acqui-

sition process, and strategic investment in real estate are crucial. Such initiatives equip individuals with the knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of the real estate market and maximize the benefit of their investments.

The Property is Power movement is more than a campaign for housing… it’s a beacon of hope for generational change, providing a blueprint for empowerment and success through property ownership. As this movement grows, it continues to break down barriers, foster community resilience, and create legacies of wealth and stability that will endure for generations to come.

Chatham is a human resources practitioner who screens hundreds of applicants with algorithms that she believes sometimes overlook qualified candidates. It’s tougher in this economy, especially for entry-level candidates. Hundreds of people might be applying for one position that decision-makers don’t fill for different reasons, she says.

The stability of certain industries fluctuates from year to year, with some candidates pivoting temporarily until their desired industry is back afloat. According to a survey from the National Association of Colleges and Employers, social services and engineering employers are planning to increase hires for the 20232024 academic year. The accounting services and electronics manufacturing

industries are planning to decrease hires.

Broadwater with the NAAAHR says Black graduates entering the market this year need to seek professional mentors to talk them through their résumés, salary expectations, and long-term goals.

“This generation seems to only want to stay in a job for 2-to-3 years. There is no longevity, so there is essentially no commitment. You couple that with look-

ing to come out of school making six figures, and that’s almost unheard of in very competitive instances.”

Staying connected to alumni groups is helpful for learning about opportunities and staying motivated. There are also several organizations— Blacks in HR, Hire Black Now, and The Black HR Society, for example— that offer virtual and in-person support.

at heart. During my 40-plus years on this earth, I’ve come to learn through observation and experience that it’s harder to maintain than it is to acquire. You can acquire a good relationship, a nice body, a nice home and car. You can produce children. While it creates a feeling of fulfilment and happiness to acquire these things in life, maintaining them is the real grind. Maintenance requires attention, hard work, consistency, sacrifice and patience. Key word being consistency. Have you ever delayed doing a chore around the

house? When it comes to chores, I’m a huge procrastinator. I don’t like doing them. For example, I’ll put off organizing the garage until the last minute. By the time I get to organizing the garage, there’s more clutter than it was when I was supposed to do it. When I get to organizing the garage, it requires more time, effort and energy to complete the task. Had I consistently maintained it, and kept it organized throughout the course of time, it would have required less time and effort on my part. The same holds true with life. The sooner we wise up and consistently make good decisions

about our life, health, finances and our relationships, the less effort we’ll have to expend to maintain them. Take some time to reflect on your life. If you’re 40 and over, you’ve been through some things. You’ve had your fair share of fun. You’ve had your fair share of successes and failures. You’ve made your fair share of mistakes. You’ve delayed making yourself a priority because you had responsibilities you deemed were more important. It seems like just yesterday we were graduating from high school. Now our children are walking across the stage. Time stands still for no one. The next 20 years will be here

in the blink of an eye. Things will not get easier. It’s time for us to get better. It’s time for us to make ourselves a priority. The best gift that we can give our children is not to be a burden to them. We can no longer afford to continue to make bad decisions. If you’re age 40 or over, we have ZERO MISHAPS left to give. We must be prudent! It’s

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) refers to the attempt to level the employment playing field by expanding inclusion of underserved groups in the workplace to ensure the creation of a more diverse workforce. Theoretically, everyone will benefit from such a scenario.

Interestingly, according to an online AARP article, age is often left out of the picture, seriously compromising the purpose of the strategy. This omission is one of DEI’s current weaknesses.

Since there are redress strategies in place, it might be prudent to ask “What is the difference between Affirmative Action and DEI?”

Affirmative Action was opposed from its inception. It attempted to remedy historical inequities historically supported by law.

Rachel Murray, in an online article entitled “Understanding the Difference Between Affirmative Action, EEO, and DEI” (10/16/2023) describes Affirmative Action “as one aspect of the federal government’s efforts to ensure equal employment opportunity for minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

“It grew out of deep-seated systemic discrimination against underrepresented groups, such as racial minorities and women.

“Its primary objective is to rectify past and present injustices by providing preferential treatment to historically disadvantaged individuals, often through quotas or preferences in hiring, college admissions, and contracting.”

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) on the other hand, represents a broader, more comprehensive approach to fostering fairness and inclusivity. This initiative aims to create an environment where all individuals, regardless of their background feel valued, respected, and have equal access to opportunities.

Unlike affirmative action, DEI isn’t limited to remedial measures but encompasses a holistic approach to inclusivity. (Sharon Murray)

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) was specifically designed to target the protection of Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. It asserts that everyone should have an equal chance to succeed and shouldn’t face discrimination based on factors such as race, age, gender, religion, or disability.

Our problematic history of discrimination in the United States is revealed by the need for the aforementioned strategies.

Affirmative Action, which was almost always resisted by certain employers and others from the beginning, was one attempt at a remedy to address discrimination against a certain group of American citizens who were systematically targeted by white employers. The EEOC also targeted individuals who were traditionally discriminated against.

DEI is the latest iteration of a wild attempt to level the playing field, but seems to be a strategy of generalizing discrimination, as though maltreatment of job applicants is race neutral. Affirmative Action and EEOC basically grew out of the discrimination against certain kinds of people; DEI takes the “sting” out of the racial aspect with a “Kumbaya” approach.

It is commendable that there are attempts to include every American citizen in the workforce, especially because that inclusion and fair treatment is a major factor in determining people’s well-being and quality of life. After all, in a capitalist society it is imperative that the playing field is accessible; being denied access can result in many of the debilitating social and economic ills with which the African American community is well acquainted.

Let’s be clear—DEI in itself is not a panacea for the equity problems faced by Blacks; actually, it might be seen as a type of back-tracking away from the protections of what was known as Affirmative Action. DEI de-colorizes inclusion, which can theoretically result in a shrinking of the gains realized by Affirmative Action.

With that said, we must be vigilant to ensure that DEI is not just another way to ignore addressing and protecting the needs of certain groups of people, since there are no “racial” or age mandates. The age issue has already been identified as problematic by the AARP. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion could relate to ANYONE, and it does not address or remedy the very specific historic needs and maltreatment of Black people or people of certain ages by America’s discriminatory economic infrastructure. Aluta Continua.

(Reprinted from the Chicago Crusader)

Our Supreme Court: Hard to believe

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—I listened to every word of the United States Supreme Court Hearing in the past few days. My mind went back to years ago when people seeking justice would say the words “We will take this to the Supreme Court” because we truly believed we would receive some measure of justice there. The last place we want to go today to think we’re going to get justice for women, for Black people, poor people, for Liberals!

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing from the male justices—not even the Chief Justice. As much as I hate to say it, there was no doubt they did not deserve to be called Justices.  There was not a word about preserving our Constitution. If it were not for the four women on the Court—Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson (who was brilliant); Justice Sonia Sotomayor (who was awesome), Justice Elena Kagan (also brilliant) and I will give Justice Amy Coney Barrett her props (who gave a little bit of hope with her questions).

As for the men, they didn’t assure us they were sitting on that bench to protect the American people.  They made it clear they were there to be more interested in protecting

Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.

the orange man by almost surely supporting his well-known habit of figuring out every possible means to delay, delay and delay proceedings designed to keep him out of jail by pretending not to know his actions could not possibly be immune from punishment. Orange man’s attorney didn’t even try to go back before the Court once the People’s Attorney, Michael Dreeben, completed his appearance.  At the same time, Attorney Dreeben was representing the People brilliantly, the orange man was sitting in a New York courtroom where David Pecker was testifying to reasons why the orange man should be convicted for breaking laws the rest of us are required to obey.

The orange man bragged at a rally in Iowa that he could stand in the middle of 5th Avenue and shoot someone and not lose voters. What a pity for him to even say

that, but worse to hear the discussion that seemed to be the attitude of the male Justices as they tried to figure out every way possible to agree with him. It was shocking!  I couldn’t help but wonder what young people who heard that were thinking—especially the ones across the country protesting the killing of thousands of innocent people in Gaza!  Many of them are being punished for peaceful protests whether you agree with the reason for which they are protesting or not. It’s not illegal! While the orange man was sitting in the courtroom, Rachel Maddow says “He sat there looking miserable—like a man who’s old and tired and mad.” That would be okay if he were at all sorry about the damage he’s done to our country and people whose lives he’s ruined. I would pray that wherever he winds up, he would see the error of his ways and see there’s a limit to what he’s allowed to do—how many bad acts he can perform without understanding the meaning of “No one is above the law.” I pray the men on the U.S. Supreme Court would recognize that, too.

(Dr. E. Faye Williams, President of the Dick Gregory Society.)

DEI confronts the legacy of Jim Crow

We need DEI programs to help remedy decades of Jim Crow policies that led to underinvestment in Black and Brown students.

As a lawmaker, a parent, and a member of a community that has felt the sting of systemic injustices, it’s time to confront the uncomfortable truths of our past and pave the way toward a more just future, especially in our education system. Centuries of discriminatory policies stemming from systemic racism have left lasting scars on Black and Brown communities. State-sanctioned policies have deprived generations of students of the opportunities they deserve. These policies have relegated students to inferior schools, underfunded classrooms, and a future shrouded in inequality.

Today, the echoes of those injustices still reverberate in our educational institutions. Despite progress, glaring disparities persist, with Black and Brown students disproportionately facing barriers to success. It’s time to acknowledge that simply removing overtly discriminatory laws is not enough. We must actively work to dismantle the systemic biases and structures that continue to perpetuate inequality. This is where diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs become not just an educational necessity but also a moral imperative. By embracing DEI initiatives in our

schools, we acknowledge the unique challenges marginalized communities face and commit to addressing them head-on. These programs provide a framework for creating inclusive environments where every student, regardless of race or background, feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Critics may argue that DEI programs are unnecessary or even divisive. They couldn’t be more wrong. DEI is not about singling out any group; it’s about ensuring every student has a sense of belonging and can succeed. The goal is to promote empathy, comprehension, and cultural competence among students and educators. It’s about recognizing that diversity is not a hindrance but a strength— one that enriches the educational experience for everyone.

Moreover, DEI programs are not just about rectifying past wrongs but about building a brighter future for all. By breaking down barriers and fostering inclusivity, we address the injustices of the past and lay the groundwork for a more just society moving forward. When

every child has access to a quality education and feels supported in their journey, we all reap social, economic, and moral benefits. Implementing DEI programs has challenges, but the rewards far outweigh the obstacles. It requires policymakers, educators, parents, and communities to prioritize equity and inclusivity in all aspects of education. It demands uncomfortable conversations, introspection, and a willingness to confront our own biases. But if we genuinely believe in the promise of equality and justice for all, there is no other path forward. As we reflect on the legacy of Jim Crow and the injustices it wrought, let us not despair but rather draw inspiration from the resilience of those who fought for change. It’s shameful that the MAGA Movement has attacked the marginal progress we’ve made under DEI programs. They are reversing history with anti-DEI and critical race theory policies under the leadership of MAGA extremists like Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Let us honor their legacy by redoubling our efforts to create a more just society, starting with our schools. Let us embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion as not just buzzwords but guiding principles in our quest for a brighter future for all our children. (Ron Reynolds is a Texas State Representative)

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—“…it’s notable that the Court felt no urgency to [correct the Fifth Circuit’s error in Mckesson] while it spent the Fischer argument thinking about how to shut down some hypothetical future case where the government may not show adequate respect for First Amendment rights. The Mckesson case, moreover, involved a Black Lives Matter protest, while the Fischer case involved a proTrump insurrection. If nothing else, this is a terrible look for the Supreme Court. And it suggests that many of the justices’ concerns about free speech depend on whether they agree with the political views of the speaker.”—Ian Millhiser Should protestors be held responsible for criminal acts committed during a protest? According to the reactions of U.S. Supreme Court justices, it may depend upon the protesters’ race or political views.

This week, the Court allowed to stand a lower court ruling that DeRay Mckesson, a Black Lives Matter activist, could be sued by a police officer who was injured during a protest, even though Mckesson did not commit the assault.

A day later, the justices “appeared skeptical” that members of the mob who attacked the U.S. Capitol on January 6th for the express purpose of stopping the electoral vote count could be charged with obstructing, influencing, or impeding an official proceeding. In other words, if you organize a protest for racial justice—or any other issue toward which the reigning majority on the Supreme Court is hostile—you can be held responsible personally if a single attendee commits an illegal act.

But if you join in storming the U.S. Capital with the explicit and obvious intent of disrupting an official

proceeding, the outcome of which the reigning majority of the Supreme Court personally opposes, you can’t be charged with disrupting an official proceeding.

At least, legal observers believe the Court is leaning that way.  A ruling is expected in late June.  But the very fact that the Court agreed to hear arguments in the case has led federal judges to some convicted insurrectionists early.

The justices concern that charging violent criminals with violent crimes could stifle the free speech rights of non-violent protestors is especially

hypocritical in light of the fact that it’s illegal even to stand in a protest in the Supreme Court Building or grounds.

The sad fact is, Donald Trump wants the January 6 insurrectionists released, so the Supreme Court will do what it can to release them. Trump wants racial justice protestors to suffer, so the Court will do what it can to compound their suffering.

Will the justices be concerned for First Amendment rights of peaceful protestors when they are shot in the legs or expelled from the country, as Trump has advocated? Will they defend the due process rights of the accused when Trump fulfills his vow to criminally prosecute political adversaries?

The question isn’t whether the Court will find a legal justification for doing Trump’s bidding, or whether it even will try. The question is how far will the Court go to appease his vengeful, authoritarian whims?

H. Morial

A year of turmoil

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—The year of 1968 remains one of the most historic turning points in history. This single year was marked by historic achievements, assassinations and protests over a much-hated war. It was a year which literally transformed the future of a nation. While young White students protested the Vietnam War, frustrated Blacks protested racism and poverty at home. The assassination of Martin Luther King on the balcony of the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis unleashed a wave of violence, looting and arson in cities across the U.S. Two months later, on the night of the California primary, Sen. Robert F. Kennedy was leaving the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles when he was shot by a young Jordanian immigrant Sirhan Sirhan. Born in Jerusalem, Sirhan later said he assassinated Kennedy out of concern for the Palestinian cause and felt betrayed by the senator’s support for Israel during the Six-Day War in 1967. After Kennedy’s victory in the California primary, he was in reach of securing the Democratic presidential nomination. One has to wonder what would have happened to the direction of our nation if Sirhan was not motivated by the Israeli/ Palestinian conflict. Whether a person is a supporter of Israel or pro-Palestinian, the conflict between the two sides has a long and complex history of impacting our

David W. Marshall

political landscape. Universities have always been breeding grounds for political activism. Protests against the war in Gaza have now spread through American college campuses where students are now being arrested, suspended and setting up encampments in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

On October 7, Hamas and several other Palestinian militant groups launched a surprise attack into southern Israel resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and over 200 hostages in Israel. Hamas said its attack was in response to the continued Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories. The Israeli / Palestinian conflict will never be seen as a win-win scenario abroad or here in the U.S.  The current protests may not ever reach the magnitude of the student protests of the 1960’s against the Vietnam War or the 1980’s against South African apartheid, but the level has risen to where they can impact the results of the 2024 U.S. presidential election—especially against the Biden campaign. Biden has a problem now with Arab-American voters which was part of his winning coalition in 2020. If they decide to stay home, it is still a “protest vote” which supports the prospects of a Trump election.

The president has been steadfast in his support for Israel, but has repeatedly denounced the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Biden’s embrace of Israel is seen by some as a political liability. Others feel the president needs to be harder on Israel. Biden has received both pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian backlash in recent weeks. It exemplifies the no-win reality leaders often face in politics. The student-led protests on college campuses is not only about the long held dispute over an independent Palestinian state, it has now turned into a fight over the humanitarian crisis for Palestinian civilians living in Gaza. The biggest losers in this struggle are the civilians, Israeli and Palestinian. Hamas, the de facto governing authority of the Gaza Strip has used Palestinian civilians as human shields in conflicts with Israel since 2007. Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza has resulted in the killing of more than 33,000 Palestinians and injuring more than 75,000 others. Some 1.7 million Palestinians, nearly 75 percent of the population, are estimated to be internally displaced and are vulnerable to hunger and disease. For Israeli civilians, the October 7 Hamas massacre was labeled the bloodiest day in Israel’s history and the deadliest for Jews since the Holocaust. Many of the 200 hostages still remain captive.

Any nation, including Israel, has the right to defend themselves. But at what point does the oppressed become the oppressor?

The human dignity of an innocent civilian should always be defended. This is true if the person is American, Israeli or Palestinian. When you take away the basic rights of human beings because of hatred, it simply perpetuates more hatred and mistrust. The depth of active hostility shown by Sirhan Sirhan in 1968 is still alive in 2024.

On May 19, President Biden will be giving the commencement speech at Morehouse College. The announcement was met with an immediate backlash from Morehouse students and faculty opposed to Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza. The alumni reportedly drafted a letter calling on the school to drop the president’s commencement address. Needless to say, the president will be exposed to uncomfortable protests as he speaks at the alma mater of Martin Luther King Jr. a social justice advocate. The backlash from Morehouse and other universities extends from the fight for human dignity. In this year of turmoil and given Joe Biden’s no-win situation, the president should give the Morehouse social justice crowd a presidential social justice message. Meanwhile, acceptance of the new Israeli proposal for a cease-fire will help diffuse the protest at Morehouse and other universities nationwide.

(David W. Marshall is the founder of

In 2002, the Arkansas Hall of Fame inducted former Democratic President Bill Clinton as an honorary member. The hall acknowledged Clinton as the first non-Black individual.

Toni Morrison, a famous novelist, may have given Clinton an extra stamp of approval with a prior honorary title. Morrison referred to Clinton as the country’s “first Black president” in The New Yorker in 1998. Morrison claimed that she first heard the idea in chats among Black men during the Clinton Whitewater probe. Morrison claimed Clinton was “blacker than any actual Black person who could ever be elected in our children’s lifetime. After all, Clinton displayed almost every trope of blackness: single-parent household, born poor, working-class.”

Regarding the Republican attempt to destroy Clinton over sexual misconduct, Morrison stated that for these Black men, “The message was clear: no matter how smart you are, how hard you work, or how much coin you earn for us, we will put you in your place.”

At the time, no one disputed the idea, which was jokingly repeated.

A decade later, when Barack Obama challenged Hillary Clinton for the Democratic presidential nomination and it was clear that Obama had a good chance of becoming the first Black president, Time Magazine asked Morrison if she regretted her statement.

Morrison wasn’t asked if she regretted calling Clinton “the first Black president” because it reduced blackness to stereotypes. It was more so: did she regret her rush to “blacken” Clinton because she never imagined an actual Black president in her lifetime?

Morrison said, “People misunderstood that phrase. I was deploring the way in which Clinton was being treated vis-àvis the sex scandal that was surrounding him. I said he was being treated like Black on the street, already guilty.”

This time, Morrison sounded even more off-base.

Clinton was handled in the same way that all politicians are treated by

their political opponents, which had nothing to do with how a Black person was treated on the streets. Simply put, Clinton’s sex scandal was not a metaphorical Rodney King beating.

The Clintons fell out of favor with the Black Lives Matter generation when Hillary ran for president in 2016. Unlike Blacks in the 1990s who praised Clinton’s economic policies, the BLM generation condemned Clinton for supporting the 1994 crime bill, which they believe contributed to Black mass incarceration.

The BLM generation’s writers rejected Clinton’s “blackness” in their essays, highlighting what should have been obvious in 1998: Clinton was not the first Black president.

Hillary Clinton lost to Donald Trump; Trump lost to the current president; and now the former president is running again. During his presidency, Trump faced impeachment twice and was accused of attempting to overthrow the government.

Since leaving office, Trump has faced four criminal indictments in four cities, totaling 91 felony counts. Trump supporters believe there is a conspiracy to prevent Trump from becoming president again, but Trump is being treated the same way all politicians are handled by their political opponents.

Would anyone dare say Trump is being treated like a “Black on the street” because of his legal issues?

A few months ago, Trump stated at the Black Conservative Federation’s annual banquet in Columbia, South Carolina, that he was indicted for nothing, and a lot of people told him that’s why Black people like him, because they have been hurt so badly and dis-

criminated against, and Black people believe the same thing is happening to him. The Black conservatives laughed. Blacks on the left who oppose Trump called his comments ultra-racist because Trump was equating blackness with criminality, but Trump has not been destroyed by being labeled a racist, as past Republicans have. Typically, when the Black left accuses a prominent person of racism, they can force that person to apologize, which is an admission of guilt, and then that person must restore their reputation. Because the Black Left cannot damage Trump’s reputation, they frequently attack the reputations of people they consider Trump sympathizers. This time, their target was Stephen A. Smith, a sports analyst. Smith appeared on Sean Hannity’s program and informed him that Trump was telling the truth.

Smith explained, “When you see the law, law enforcement, the court system, and everything else working against him, it is something that Black people across the country can relate to. We’ve seen it happen with some of our historical and iconic figures. So, no matter what race or ethnicity you may emanate from, we relate to you when you’re suffering like that.”

Because of the way the Black left denigrated Smith on social media, one may have assumed Smith referred to Trump as the first Black Republican president.  Despite Smith’s public apology to the Black community for defending Trump, those seeking to damage his reputation deemed it insufficient. The Grio published a piece called Stephen A. Smith’s non-apology for his statements on ‘Hannity’ about Trump and Black people, did not help. The author said, “There’s no real value in having Smith talk about Black people and Trump. As we’ve seen, he doesn’t even know the right answer.”

And if you don’t give the right answer, the Black Left in America will treat you “like a (n-word) on the street.”

In this piece, I will discuss how Black people have embraced White ideals of excellence and perfectionism.

Although hashtags such as Black excellence and Black girl magic highlight Black accomplishments and representation, it’s crucial to acknowledge how this perpetuates White supremacy culture. Moreover, the pressure to adhere to White standards of achievement can detrimentally impact the mental and physical health of Black people. I will be sharing my personal experience of falling into this trap and discussing ways this can show up locally.

Throughout my upbringing, I was taught to attend college, set goals, and to be better than the “White people’’ as well as outperform them to succeed. As a result, I obtained a master’s degree and was elected as one of the youngest council members in my community before the age of 30. I subsequently became a trailblazer in many respects. While this may seem like a commendable accomplishment, it ultimately led to feelings of anxiety, burnout, and health issues.

Regardless of my achievements, it felt as though my efforts were never deemed adequate, while mediocre efforts by White counterparts were often praised. I came to understand that the definition of success was tied to conforming to a set standard that aligned with “Whiteness.” This meant that Black people must adhere to a specific set of rules that often catered to

“respectability politics” aimed at keeping White people comfortable. I frequently received advice that I needed to learn how to “play the game.” I instinctively resisted, recognizing that no amount of strategic maneuvering or achievements could shield me from the realities of racism. Locally, I have witnessed how this can lead to stress and burnout within the Black community.

This shows up with how Black people support one another, the role of the Black elite, and implicit bias. Specifically, with the notion that Black people have to be “polished” to have success in their careers and other spaces. I have observed instances where Black people withhold support from others whom they perceive as not polished enough to interact with White individuals. Such behavior perpetuates the harmful narrative of needing to avoid “scaring the White people.”

This mentality has also hindered deserving individuals from being acknowledged through local awards. Speaking from personal experience, I have received

some of these awards (accepting some and declining others), and while I do not take issue with the concept itself, I question the criteria and process for their distribution. This trend mirrors the concept of the “talented tenth” introduced by W.E.B. Du Bois, which promotes the notion that exceptional Black individuals will save the community; an inherently elitist notion, as it elevates the Black elite above the rest of the community, disregarding the systemic effects of racism that impede collective progress. Many individuals in our community are still struggling to attain basic necessities such as clean air, water, and adequate health care. A radical response to this will require transformative self-reflection that questions the systems we have benefited from.

It is important to understand that the concept of “rest is resistance” goes beyond a hashtag. We need to reflect on how our ideas of productivity and excellence are connected to the concept of “Whiteness.” This is essential in challenging systems of White supremacy and capitalism. I will explore further the concept of unlearning and self-reflection in my upcoming column in the New Pittsburgh Courier. I urge everyone to participate in discussions and self-reflection on how these dynamics impact our personal lives.

African patriots in America

Each year, July 4th celebrates the formal declaration of war that led to the founding of the United States of America. With a foundational belief in the concept that “all men are created equal,” subjects of the British monarchy rebelled ferociously. Eloquence, in support of liberty, abounded as Patrick Henry (a slave owner) said, with unintended irony:  Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!   Nathan Hale, at age twenty-one, was convicted of spying for the rebellious colonials.  As he approached the British hangman, he is reported to have said:

I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country.

For eight years, an army of farmers and landowners fought against shiploads of English conscripts and mercenaries. Life-ending musket balls and stabbing bayonets confirmed their willingness to die rather than be ruled by a distant king. Henry and Hale, along with many men who are pictured on U. S. currency, opted for violent resistance to oppression. The “War of Independence” resulted in tens of thousands of deaths. American history books teach us the ends of freedom justify the means of violence.

What about Africans who rebelled violently? Africans, who were in North

America involuntarily, also believed that “all men are created equal.” Their resistance to enslavement has not been broadly celebrated and popularized in American history classrooms. Was their struggle any less noble?

So-called “slave rebellions” in North America were undeniably actions against human bondage, subjugation, and rape. Most public school education provides NO (or very little) information on the heroic efforts of enslaved Africans.

Many American educators teach from a curriculum that celebrates the British, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, and French “discovery” of the North American continent. Public school history lessons typically sanitize the brutality of a continent awash in bloody conflict. Students are educated to accept the portrayal of “Indians” as savages and slavery as a relic of an inglorious past.    Enslaved Nat Turner exists on the fringes of today’s educational horizon. His resistance to slavery was brutal but

seldom characterized as righteous. The names of Nat Turner, Gabriel Prosser, and Denmark Vessey should resonate among the pantheon of freedom fighters. These rebellious enslaved men were hanged along with many of their followers. They should be broadly celebrated as patriots!

Each year, the thunder of fireworks explodes across the country to celebrate the bloodshed upon which the United States was founded. The hundreds, probably thousands, of rebellions against enslavement are largely unacknowledged and uncelebrated. Enslaved persons of African descent were often brutalized, but their valiant and resilient spirit has persevered through generations.   Brave fighters for human dignity, independence, and self-rule, were fluent and articulate in their native tongues. American history ignores and distorts the scholarly intellects of people stolen from Africa. Their assertions of self-worth and human dignity were no less articulate than those captured in U. S. history books. English is not the only language of freedom fighters.

This is a plea for leaders in public education to ensure every American child is exposed to the unflinching bravery of all patriots who pledged their lives and sacred honor in the belief that all men are created equal.

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. seeks a Market Investment Risk Professional II in Pittsburgh, PA to work within the Market Risk Management department and provide advanced quantitative and financial analyses in the areas of balance sheet management, capital markets, counterparty risk, liquidity and/or investments, utilizing mathematic and/or statistical applications, tools, models and computer programmin g languages. This role will also support senior management in the development, implementation, and communication of complex risk management methodologies, policies and processes. This position offers the ability to telecommute with appropriate telecommuting systems for up to two days per week, with a minimum of three days per week in the office. Duties include: (i) implement and operate financial models/tools related to market risk, liquidity risk, investment risk, capital adequacy, regulatory reporting requirements and/or credit/counterparty exposures; (ii) maintain risk management models/tools including review and validation of data sources, documentation and outputs; (iii) analyze and effectively communicate results of various processes such as market risk models/ tools or reporting systems to support internal risk monitoring and/or regulatory requirements; (iv) assess and understand movements in risk parameters and their impact on risk; (v) initiate, lead and/or execute analytical projects, from solution design and data integrity evaluation through documentation and implementation; (vi) develop processes and complex quantitative analytical tools to measure, monitor and report market, liquidity and/or investment risk exposures; (vii) develop reporting infrastructure, including databases, for financial products, leveraging knowledge of computational methodologies, and assist other business groups to better utilize system capabilities and meet requirements; (viii) partner with model developers to design and user acceptance test new market risk models/tools; (ix) communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders to support independent review and challen ge, implementation, etc.; (x) advise and respond to business unit partners and other stakeholders on market, liquidity and/or investment risk related issues; and (xi) provide recommendations to ensure market, liquidity and/ or investment risks are appropriately measured, monitored and reported. Master’s degree in Computational Finance, Quantitative Finance, Economics, Financial Engineering, Statistics, or Applied Mathematics plus 1 year of financial industry experience relevant to market risk managemen t is required. Must know (from any completed university-level coursework, seminars, workshops, or real-world, hands-on experience) the following: (i) risk management concept of Value at Risk; (ii) markets and valuation of financial products including fixed income securities and derivatives; (iii) statistical methods for analyzing financial data including regression and time series analyses using statistical languages; (iv) probabilistic techniques for finance including financial models that rely on stochastic calculus; (v) numerical methods for finance including Monte Carlo and optimization methods and finite difference methods for partial differential equations; and (vi) financial computing and analysis of financial data using languages including R, Python, and Matlab. 40 hours/week, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Interested individuals apply online at www.pnc.com using keyword R157927 . PNC provides equal employment opportunity to qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or other categories protected by law.

SOFTWARE ARCHITECT SENIOR

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. seeks a Software Architect Senior in Pittsburgh, PA with the ability to telecommute with appropriate telecommuting systems for up to three days per week, with a minimum of two days per week in the office. Participate in all aspects of PNC’s ACFR Technology MIS Delivery organization activities. Specific duties include: (i) implement services of data warehousing and quantitative modeling ecosystems that support Regulatory reporting and related software development analytics, data management, security requirements and governance; (ii) work with business stakeholders to elicit business goals and quality requirements that act as design drivers; (iii) review and evaluate designs to determine satisfaction of requirements and design drivers and for compliance to standards; (iv) work along a strong design thinking team and be an expert in using technology to advocate for the customer; (v) design a system using Design patterns with Secure, Scalable, Reusable, Maintainable and Quality aspects; (vi) lead development teams through software development life cycle; (vii) maintain and evolve the architectures of existing systems; (viii) establish design and coding standards and best practices; (ix) perform Application Programming Interface (API) development, Application Security, and Performance Analysis and Tuning; and (x) perform governance of development teams to insure implementations are i n accordance with high level design and established PNC enterprise standards and best practices. Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Computer Information Systems plus 8 years of experience in software architecture design, implementing analytical data warehousing, data lakes, Big Data application development, and software delivery in or for the financial services industry is required. Must have experience with: (i) proposing technical solution designs based on specific technology stacks that support user and functional requirements, use cases and business objectives; (ii) implementing financial models including CECL/CCAR/DFAST and Basel programs; (iii) developing object oriented application framework using Design patterns and developing reusable components; (iv) application development methodologies including waterfall, agile development including SCRUM and Test Driven Development (TDD); (v) DevOps tools to support Continuous Integration (CI) and Continuous Delivery (CD); (vi) mentoring and leading technical teams, performing design and code reviews; (vii) implementing service oriented architecture applications and building highly available distributed application systems using cloud technologies (including HDFS/GPFS); (viii) implementing and supporting Data Virtualization and Scalable Analytical algorithms using Python, Pyspark and UNIX shell scripting; (ix) designing relational/non-relational databases including Oracle, HIVE, NoSQL including Mongo DB and SQL Tuning; and (x) designing ETL/ELT data pipelines to build Data/Delta lakes using tools including Informatica, SQOOP, OOZIE, SPARK, SQL and PL/SQL. 40 hours/week, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Interested individuals apply online at www.pnc.com using keyword R161162. PNC provides equal employment opportunity to qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or other categories protected by law.

The University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Anthropology in Pittsburgh, PA, seeks an anthropological archaeologist for a tenure-stream Assistant Professor of Anthropology position. Will teach graduate and undergraduate courses in Archaeology as well as have an active research program in Africa and interests in the African diaspora. Apply at https://www.join.pitt.edu, #24003209. Please upload a cover letter, statement of teaching and research interests, curriculum vitae, article-length writing sample, at least three letters of recommendation, graduate transcripts, teaching evaluations and diversity statement. The diversity statement should address your contributions to diversity through research, service and/or community engagement. Applicants should share how their past, planned, or potential contributions or experiences relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion will advance the University of Pittsburgh’s commitment to inclusive excellence. Three letters of recommendation can be sent to Wynn Maloneywynn2@pitt.edu

CNC & ROBOTICS AUTOMATION MANAGER

Hall Manufacturing Technology (Ellwood City, PA) to be rspnsbl for mangng prdction team mmbrs; ovrseeng finncial bdgtng, forcstng, & retrn on invstmnt (ROI) anlyss; operatng w/in mltple allctd bdgtry lmts; priortzng prdction per indvdl machine to minmz cstmr dlvry times; creatng, maintainng, & audtng prdction rcrds for machin runnng csts & csts per prt prodcd; researchng & idntfyng prdcts or prcss for imprvd effcncies then cndctng ROI anlyss for sr mngmnt considrtn; dvlpng & intgrtng mtrl hndlng & strge systms; dvlpng advncd prgrms for robtic weldng cells; dvlpng hgh volme prdction prgrms for comptr numercl cntrl (CNC) machins; cndctng feasblty assssmnts on prts for robtic weldng & CNC machinng oprtns; prvdng estmts & rprtng on prdction cst per prt; mangng maintnnce schdles for prcsion machinry; inspctng & assssng prcsion machinry’s accrcy; utlzng tchncn lvl machne accss to rectfy errrs & inaccrcies; dsgnng, dvlpng, & prvdng ROI advce on fxtrng systms for automtd machinry; & idntfyng, assessng, & prvdng logcl sltns to prdction prblms from raw mtrials hndlng thru finishd prts. High school diploma w/ 5 yrs wrk exp in pos off or rel. Mst knw (thru acdmic trainng or wrk exp) perfrmng in-dpth ROI anlyss; advncd mnfctrng sklls in bth indstrial robtics, CNC prgrmmng, as well as prdction schdlng & qlty cntrl; & CNC machne oprtn. Resumes via email to careers@hallindustries.com mail to 514 Mecklem Lane, Ellwood City, PA 16117, or fax to 724-8248666

LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices

Estate of KAZUKO T. WERNER, Deceased of Jeannette, PA, No. 0853 of 2024, Steven Werner, Adm., 328 Woodside Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15221 or to Jennifer Roller Chontos, Chontos & Chontos, P.C., 561 Beulah Road, Turtle Creek, PA 15145

Petition to Determine Title to 1910 Termon Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 150212, formerly owned by Ida Gertrude Quinn, deceased, filed April 4, 2024 by Lisa Quinn, No. 2355 of 2024 John R. Axtell, Neighborhood Legal Services, 928 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15222, Counsel.

Estate of HELEN L. TURNER, Deceased of 819 N. Braddock Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15208, Executrix, Janet Mosley, 1720 Wylie Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 or to William C. Price, Jr., Price & Associates, P.C., 2005 Noble Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15218

Estate of DOROTHY M. WELSH, deceased of the Borough of West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, Estate No. 02-24-02445, William J. Welsh, Exexcutor or to Ryan W. Brode, Atty., 6 Clairton Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15236

Estate of JEWEL YANCEY, deceased of Pittsburgh, PA, Estate No. 022402550, Azari Yancey , Administrator or to Quinntarra Morant, Esq.,PO Box 10946, Pittsburgh, PA 15236

ANNOUNCEMENTS Meetings

ANNOUNCEMENTS Meetings

BOROUGH OF BELLEVUE

The Town Council of the Borough of Bellevue will be voting on the adoption of the following Ordinances at its Council Meeting on Tuesday, May 28th, at 7:00 pm.

Ordinance No. 24-06, Enacting Tax Credits for Volunteer Members of the Volunteer Fire Department.

Ordinance No. 24-07, Authorizing the Bellevue Fire Department to recover reasonable fees and costs relating to the use of emergency tools and equipment.

Copies of the proposed ordinances may be obtained by contacting the Borough of Bellevue Administrative Offices at 412/766.6164 from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, Mondays through Fridays.

The meeting will be held on the 2nd floor of the Council Chambers at the Bellevue Borough Municipal Building, 537 Bayne Avenue, Bellevue, PA 15202.

James E. Kelly Director of Administrative Services

2024 QUARTER 2 MEETING

The City’s Commission on Infrastructure Asset Reporting and Investment (also known as the Bridge Commission) will host its 2024 Quarter 2 meeting on Wednesday, May 8th 2024 from 5:00-6:30 PM. It will take place in the Learning Lab on the sixth floor of the City-County Building; 414 Grant Street, Pittsburgh PA 15219.

On the Agenda:

• DOMI Dashboard Progress Report

• Review of Bridge Maintenance Items

• Public Outreach Comments

• Review a draft of the First Report to City Council

• Scheduling Council Report

For more information email david.maynard@pittsburghpa.gov.

PUBLIC NOTICE ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY

LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices

Estate of JAMES A. DAUBE, Deceased of the Borough of Castle Shannon, Pennsylvania, No.: 02-24-02747, Linda A. Daube, Administratrix or to Ryan W. Brode, Atty, 6 Clairton Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15236

Estate of CHRISTOPHER D. POWELL Deceased of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, No.: 02-24-02695, L. Jeffrey Powell, Co-Administrator, 2102 Tee Court, Presto, PA 15142 or to Kathryn Powell, Co-Administrator, 2102 Tee Court, Presto, PA 15142 or to AUBREY H. GLOVER, Atty; BRENLOVE & FULLER, LLC., 401 Washington, Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017

Estate of KERRY A. O’CONNOR, Deceased of Mt. Lebanon, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, No.: 02-24-02561, Owen M. Descalzi, Administrator, 764 Osage Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15243 or to AUBREY H. GLOVER, Atty; BRENLOVE & FULLER, LLC., 401 Washington, Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017

Estate of CHRISTINE M. KAVALIS, Deceased of Pittsburgh, PA 15237, No. 01123 of 2024, Susan Berneburg, Adm, 228 Northview Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 or to Mary Elizabeth Fischman, Esq., Dornish Law Offices, Attys., 6000 Brooktree Road, Ste. 301 Wexford, PA 15090

LEGAL AD NOTICE IS HEREBY given the Emsworth Zoning Hearing Board has cancelled scheduled meeting on Thursday, May 9, 2024, and rescheduled a public hearing on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 7 p.m., prevailing time, at the Emsworth Borough Building, 171 Center Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15202, regarding the application from Holy Family Institute for property at 8235 Ohio River Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15202, seeking an Appeal from Borough Action relative to Ord. 245-22.A to place a former shipping container on referenced property to be used for hydroponic plant education.

All those interested in the above hearing should be present at the above time and place and you will have an opportunity to be heard.

CATHY JONES

Borough Secretary

LEGAL AD

NOTICE IS HEREBY given the Emsworth Zoning Hearing Board has cancelled scheduled meeting on Thursday, May 9, 2024, and rescheduled a public hearing on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 7 p.m. prevailing time, at the Emsworth Borough Building, 171 Center Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15202, regarding the application from Holy Family Institute for property at 8235 Ohio River Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15202, seeking a Special Exception from Emsworth Borough Ord. Zoning Section 245.52, parking spaces.

All those interested in the above hearing should be present at the above time and place and you will have an opportunity to be heard.

CATHY JONES

Borough Secretary

The Professional Services Committee of the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority will hold a special meeting for general purposes on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. prevailing time, in the Trefz Board Room at its offices located at 3300 Preble Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15233. Official action on the Committee’s recommendations will take place at a regular meeting of the Board of Directors at a later date. The public may view the meeting via livestream by visiting www.alcosan.org.

ANNOUNCEMENTS Public Notice

BOROUGH OF THORNBURG, ALLEGHENY COUNTYCONCISE FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The concise financial information is derived from the audited financial statements of the Borough of Thornburg as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023. Total assets of $867,568; total liabilities of $340 and total net position of $867,228. Total revenues were $894,500, total expenditures were $742,049 and the change in total net position for the year ended December 31, 2023, was $152,451. Full copies of the annual financial reporting information may be examined at the Borough’s office.

1984.

GD-24-001864 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Tamara Ross, PWSA, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Revenue; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents.

Concerning the Following Property: 2348 Atmore Street. Block & Lot 45-N-160. 27th Ward, Pittsburgh. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. City File: Red-1

GD-24-001924 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Heirs of Rachel Cohen, Louis Cohen, Anna Cohen Wise, et al., ALCOSAN, PWSA; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents.

Concerning the Following Property: 104 Pensdale Street. Block & Lot 68-H-26. 28th Ward, Pittsburgh. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. City File: Red-2

GD-24-001931 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Estate Of James J. Logue, Estate Of Mary J. Logue, Pa Department Of Revenue, Pa

Department Of Human Services, their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents.

Concerning the Following Property: Herschel Street FKA 544 Herschel Street. Block & Lot 19-G-54. 20th Ward, Pittsburgh. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. City File: Red-3

GD-24-001913 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Stephen Boyd, Percy Boyd, Heirs of the Estate of Barbara Boyd, Edward DeBruce, Eloise DeBruce Thompson; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents.

Concerning the Following Property: Mellon Street. Block & Lot 83-F-203. 11th Ward, Pittsburgh. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. City File: Red-4

GD-24-001868 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Joanna F. Jackson, Judith J. Jackson, The United States of America; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. Concerning the Following Property: Monroe Street FKA 3446 Monroe Street. Block & Lot 26-K-111. 5th Ward, Pittsburgh. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. City File: Red-5

GD-24-001933 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Raymond P. Brooks, Kelly Brooks, Delta Funding Corporation; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents.

Concerning the Following Property: Grenada Street FKA 3616 Grenada Street. Block & Lot 75-B-286. 27th Ward, Pittsburgh. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. City File: Red-7

GD-24-001941 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Vermetta L. Morris, Debora Rae Scott, Emerson Roebuck Jr., Evelyn B. Roebuck; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents.

Concerning the Following Property: Apple Street. Block & Lot 124-M-167. 12th Ward, Pittsburgh. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. City File: Red-8

GD-24-001934 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Alvin Weston, Louise Weston, GLS Capital Inc., Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - Inheritance Tax Division, PWSA, ALCOSAN; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. Concerning the Following Property: Hermitage Street. Block & Lot 174-F-82. 13th Ward, Pittsburgh. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. City File: Blue-2

GD-24-001915 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Richard E. Sharp; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. Concerning the Following Property: Moore Avenue. Block & Lot 33-A-347. 30th Ward, Pittsburgh. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. City File: Blue-3

GD-24-001929 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Sharone Cohen; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. Concerning the Following Property: Moore Avenue. Block & Lot 33-A-348. 30th Ward, Pittsburgh. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. City File: Blue-4

GD-24-001936 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Walter E. Borchert, Donna T. Borchert; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. Concerning the Following Property: Elkton Street. Block & Lot 20-M-79. 20th Ward, Pittsburgh. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. City File: Blue-5

GD-24-001944 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Daphanny Halsel, Joseph J. Schmidlin, Jane A. Schmidlin; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. Concerning the Following Property: Flowers Avenue. Block & Lot 56-C-49. 15th Ward, Pittsburgh. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. City File: Blue-7

GD-24-001938 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Theresa Pitacciato; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. Concerning the Following Property: Dean Street. Block & Lot 124-G-127. 12th Ward, Pittsburgh. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. City File: Blue-8

GD-24-001937 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Ruth A. Russell; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. Concerning the Following Property: 6406 Dean Street. Block & Lot 124-G-124. 12th Ward, Pittsburgh. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. City File: Yellow-1

GD-24-001939 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs PWSA, Ollie Easton and Velma Easton, Associates Financial Services Company, Inc.; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. 12th Ward, Pittsburgh. Concerning the Following Property: Dean Street. Block & Lot 124-G-125. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. City File: Yellow-2

GD-24-001958 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs John G. Artman, Jr., Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, United States of America, PWSA; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. 28th Ward, Pittsburgh. Concerning the Following Property: 1551 Clairtonica Street. Block & Lot 40-G-58. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. City File: Yellow-3

GD-24-001994 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Lenore Getty, PWSA, ALCOSAN; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. 27th Ward, Pittsburgh. Concerning the Following Property: 1143 Mitchell Street. Block & Lot 76-j-80. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. City File: Yellow-4

GD-24-001960 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs ALCOSAN, Caulis Negris LLC, Finance America CDC, GLS Capital, INC, National Tax Funding LP, Redevelopement Authority of Allegheny County, Wanda Antoinette Yost; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents.

Concerning the Following Property: 1204 Warlo Street. Block & Lot 22-L-276. 21st Ward, Pittsburgh. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. City File: Yellow-5

GD-24-003670 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Beneficial Consumer Discount Company D/B/A Beneficial Mortgage Co Of Pennsylvania, Western District Of Pennsylvania, U.S. Department Of Justice, County Of Allegheny, Criminal Division, Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority, George R. Lellock, Starlet J. Gainer Lellock; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. Concerning the Following Property: 955 Manton Way. Block & Lot 14-C-346. 18th Ward, Pittsburgh. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. City File: Yellow-6

GD-23-012995 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Brian Smith; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. 18th Ward, Pittsburgh

Concerning the Following Property: 300 Cedarhurst Street. Block & Lot 15-M-99. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. WHEREUPON the Court granted a rule on the aforesaid persons, and all persons, whatsoever, to appear and show cause within thirty days from this notice why the title of the CITY OF PITTSBURGH to the aforesaid real estate should not be adjudicated and decreed valid and indefeasible as against all mortgages, ground-rents, rights, title, interest in or claims against

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The Allegheny County Housing Authority (ACHA) is currently in the process of changing its 2024-2025 Agency Plan (annual and 5-year plans) in conjunction with the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act. Changes to the Agency Plan, once approved by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), will guide the ACHA in serving the needs of low-income and very low-income families during the 5-year period beginning October 1, 2024. The proposed changes to the Agency Plan and all supporting documents will be available for review and inspection by the public at the principal office of the ACHA located at 301 Chartiers Avenue, McKees Rocks, PA 15136.

A public hearing has been scheduled to present the changed Agency Plan and to allow public participation; information regarding the hearing is also contained on the Authority’s website at www.achsng.com:

DATE: Friday, June 21, 2024

TIME: 10:15 a.m.

PLACE: Allegheny County Housing Authority – Central Office 301 Chartiers Avenue, McKees Rocks, PA 15136

Prior to the public hearing, comments can be directed in writing to: Frank Aggazio, Executive Director Allegheny County Housing Authority 301 Chartiers Avenue McKees Rocks, PA 15136

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 May 24, 2024 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 B24-04-33A

Bid Name

Contactless Smart Fare Media

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

Meeting ID: 249 742 942 703

Passcode: bMd3Nt

Or call in (audio only)

412-927-0245

Phone Conference ID: 750 539 556

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 on May 9, 2024 through your web browser via Microsoft Teams video conferencing.

Join on your computer, mobile app or room device

Meeting ID: 241 754 564 498

Passcode: ie9brD

Or call in (audio only)

412-927-0245

Phone Conference ID: 847 728 56

Attendance at this meeting is not mandatory, but is strongly encouraged. 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.

THE BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH

Sealed bids will be received in the Bellefield Avenue Lobby, Administration Building, 341 South Bellefield Avenue until 11:00 A.M. prevailing time May 9, 2024 and will be opened at the same hour in the administration building cafeteria: 2024 Summer Leadership Academy Resource Library

General Information regarding bids may be obtained at the Purchasing Office, 341 South Bellefield Avenue, RM 349 Pittsburgh, PA 15213. The bid documents are available on the School District’s Purchasing web site at: www.pghschools.org Click on Our Community; Bid Opportunities; Purchasing - under Quick Links. The Board of Public Education reserves the right to reject any and all bids, or select a single item from any bid.

We are an equal rights and opportunity school district

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The Allegheny County Department of Human Services recently issued a Request for Proposals for the Development of an Enhanced Comprehensive Reentry System Due Date: 3 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, June 6, 2024 For more details and submission information, visit: https://solicitations.alleghenycounty. us/.

Erin Dalton Director

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR PERENNIAL PLANTING AT PRESSLEY HIGH-RISE REBID IFB #250-07-24 REBID

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby requests bids from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Perennial Planting at Pressley High-Rise REBID IFB #250-07-24 REBID

The documents will be available no later than April 22,2024, and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 10:00 a.m. on April 11, 2024. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will only be accepting physical bids dropped off in person from 8:00 a.m. until the closing time of 10:00 a.m. on May 14, 2024, at the One Stop Shop located in the lobby of 412 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Bids may be uploaded to the Authority’s online submission site; the link is accessible via the HACP website and within the IFB. Sealed bids may still be mailed via USPS at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 412

of the

6th

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:

Detrick

of

City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 412 Boulevard of the Allies 6th Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-643-2832

A pre-bid meeting will be held via Zoom meeting on May 2, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Please see meeting information below: Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 874 8681 7375 Passcode: 335564 +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C)

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACP has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation.

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR ANSWERING SERVICES AUTHORITY WIDE RFP# 300-11-24

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): The documents will be available no later than April 22,2024 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until: 11:00 A.M. in 2024

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will only be accepting physical proposals dropped off in person from 8:00 AM until the closing time of 11:00 AM on May 14, 2024, in the One Stop Shop in the lobby of 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, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Solicitation from the Business Opportunities page of www.HACP.org. Questions or inquiries should be directed to:

Mr. Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 412 Boulevard of the Allies 6th Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-643-2832

A pre-submission meeting will be held via Zoom meeting; on May 2, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. Please see meeting information below:

Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 811 6104 8138 Passcode: 137971 +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C)

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACP has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation.

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

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR EXTERIOR LIGHTING SERVICES AUTHORITY WIDE IFB#300-09-24

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

Exterior Lighting Services Authority Wide IFB# 300-09-24

The documents will be available no later than April 22, 2024, and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 9:00 a.m. on May 14, 2024.

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will only be accepting physical bids dropped off in person from 8:00 a.m. until the closing time of 9:00 a.m. on May 14, 2024, in the lobby of 412 Boulevard of the Allies. Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Bids may be uploaded to the Authority’s online submission site; the link is accessible via the HACP website and within the IFB. Sealed bids may still be mailed via USPS at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped 2024 at 412 Boulevard of the Allies, Procurement Department, 6th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

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

Questions or inquiries should be directed to:

Mr. Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 412 Boulevard of the Allies 6th Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15219

412-643-2832

A pre-submission meeting will be held via Zoom meeting; on May 2, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. Please see meeting information below: Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 892 1039 3938 Passcode: 061959 +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C)

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACP has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation.

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

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

ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY LEGAL NOTICE

PRE-QUALIFICATION TESTING FOR CONTRACT NO. 1802

The Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (ALCOSAN) is issuing an invitation to Polymer Manufacturers interested in participating in Pre-Qualification Testing for Contract No. 1802, Furnish and Deliver Polymer for Centrifuge Dewatering System. Bid documents for Contract No. 1802 will be issued by invitation only to those manufacturers who successfully complete the Pre-Qualification Testing. The successful bidder for Contract No. 1802 shall be awarded a one-year polymer supply contract, with two additional 1-year optional extensions that include a price adjustment in the manner set forth in the Bid Documents and the Contract Agreement. Pre-Qualification Testing shall take place in ALCOSAN’s Laboratory facilities at 3300 Preble Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 only during the period of May 6, 2024 through May 17, 2024. Polymer Manufacturers interested in participating in this Pre-Qualification Testing shall submit a letter of intent to participate to Beth Joyce, Project Engineer II, by e mail at Beth. Joyce@alcosan.org by no later than 4:30 P.M. EST on May 15, 2024. ALCOSAN encourages businesses owned and operated by minorities and women to submit bids on Authority Proposals or to participate as subcontractors or suppliers to the successful bidders. Successful Bidders are to use minority or women’s businesses to the fullest extent possible. The Polymer Pre-Qualification document is available upon request at the Engineering office of the Authority, 3300 Preble Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15233. To request a copy of this document, or for any questions regarding the Pre-Qualification documents or testing requirements, please contact Beth Joyce, Project Engineer II, at Beth.Joyce@alcosan.org.

ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY

Kimberly Kennedy, P.E. Director, Engineering and Construction

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The Allegheny County Department of Human Services recently issued a Request for Proposals to Develop and Conduct a Leadership Development Series for DHS Supervisory, Management and Leadership Staff. Due Date: 3 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, June 6, 2024. For more details and submission information, visit: https://solicitations. alleghenycounty.us/.

Erin Dalton Director

LEGAL ADVERTISING

LEGAL ADVERTISING

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (ALCOSAN) is accepting Letters of Interest and Statements of Qualifications from Professional Companies who wish to be considered for the following: SOLAR POWER GENERATION for THE OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE BUILDING

Interested Parties shall submit an electronic copy (pdf format) emailed to: procurement@alcosan.org

Attn: Suzanne Thomas, Procurement Officer

All questions should also be submitted, in writing, to Suzanne Thomas. The Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (ALCOSAN) is soliciting Letters of Interest and Statements of Qualifications from Professional Engineering firms interested in providing Professional Engineering Design services for the design of solar energy generation as an alternative power source for the Operations and Maintenance Building (O&M Building) in at the Woods Run Wastewater Treatment Facility.

ALCOSAN intends to award the services to one firm to perform all of the services. Electronic submittals must be received no later than 2:00 p.m. (EST) June 6, 2024. It is Consultant’s responsibility to ensure the documents have been received. Late submittals will not be considered. Additional information and instructions may be obtained by visiting: https://www.alcosan.org/work-with-us/planned-and-active-bids

ALCOSAN encourages businesses owned and operated by minorities, disadvantaged and women’s and Service-Disabled Veteran business enterprises to submit qualification statements or to participate as subcontractors or suppliers to the selected Consultant/Firm. The Party selected shall be required to utilize minority, disadvantaged, and women’s and ServiceDisabled Veteran-Owned business enterprises to the fullest extent possible. The goals of the ALCOSAN’s Minority and Women Business Policy are listed on the ALCOSAN website at www.alcosan.org.

Kimberly Kennedy, PE Director, Engineering and Construction

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR NSPIRE CHANGEOVER ELECTRICAL SUPPORT AUTHORITY WIDE IFB #300-12-24

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby requests bids from qualified firms or individuals capable of providing the following service(s):

NSPIRE Changeover Electrical Support Authority Wide IFB #300-12-24

The documents will be available no later than May 21, 2024. Signed and sealed bids will be accepted until 9:00 AM on May 21, 2024. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will only be accepting physical bids dropped off in person from 8:00 AM until the closing time of 9:00 AM on May 21, 2024 in the lobby of 412 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Bids may be uploaded to the Authority’s online submission site, the link is accessible via the HACP website and within the IFB. Sealed bids may still be mailed via USPS at which time they will be time and date stamped at 412 Boulevard of the Allies, 6th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Solicitation from the Business Opportunities page of www.hacp.org. Questions or inquiries should be directed to:

Mr. Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 412 Boulevard of the Allies 6th Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-643-2832

A pre-submission meeting will be held via Zoom meeting; on May 9, 2024 at 9:00 A.M. Please see meeting information below:

Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 810 3024 5252 Passcode: 826235 +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C)

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACPs has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation.

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

HACP conducts business in accordance with

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR UNDERGROUND NATURAL GAS LINE INSPECTION, TESTING AND CERTIFICATION IFB #300-10-24

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby requests bids from qualified firms or individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Underground Natural Gas Line Inspection, Testing and Certification IFB #300-10-24

The documents will be available no later than April 2, 2024, and signed sealed bids will be accepted until 10:00 AM on May 21, 2024. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will only be accepting physical bids dropped off in person from 8:00 AM until the closing time of 10:00 AM on May 21, 2024 in the lobby of 412 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Bids may be uploaded to the Authority’s online submission site; the link is accessible via the HACP website and within the IFB. Sealed bids may still be mailed via USPS at which time they will be time and date stamped at 412 Boulevard of the Allies, 6th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

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

Questions or inquiries should be directed to:

Mr. Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 412 Boulevard of the Allies 6th Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-643-2832

A pre-submission meeting will be held via Zoom meeting; on May 9, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. Please see meeting information below:

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 878 5278 3400 Passcode: 820622 +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C)

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACPs has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation.

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

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 May 7, 2024, 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 Bid Name

1 B24--03-28 Cisco Networking Equipment & Licensing

2 B24-04-38A Snow Removal Services - Park & Ride Lots

3 B24-04-40A Janitorial Paper Supplies

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

Meeting ID: 274 182 122 711

Passcode: koDBMA

Or call in (audio only)

412-927-0245

Phone Conference ID: 543 037 351#

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 on April 23, 2024, through your web browser via Microsoft Teams Video conferencing.

Join on your computer, mobile app or room device Meeting ID: 255 467 417 124 Passcode: yeefH3 Or call in (audio only) 412-927-0245 Phone Conference ID: 230 996 516#

Attendance at this meeting is not mandatory, but is strongly encouraged. 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

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 May 14, 2024 and will be read at 11:15 AM., the same day, through your web browser via Microsoft Teams video conferencing, for the following: Electronic ProposalEbusiness website (http://ebusiness.portauthority.org)

1 B24-04-34 Digi Remote Manager

To join the bid opening through Microsoft Teams meeting on your computer, mobile app or room device Meeting ID: 220 058 897 435 Passcode: oMn3XT Or call in (audio only) 412-927-0245 Phone Conference ID: 464 638 4

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 on April 30, 2024 through your web browser via Microsoft Teams video conferencing.

Join on your computer, mobile app or room device Meeting ID: 237 183 335 735

Passcode: GSf4MV

Or call in (audio only)

412-927-0245

Phone Conference ID: 475 166 68

Attendance at this meeting is not mandatory, but is strongly encouraged. 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.

THE TRUE, AUTHENTIC

VOICE OF PITTSBURGH’S BLACK COMMUNITY.

AWARD SPONSOR

PATRON SPONSOR

And to our VIP Table Sponsors, Advertisers and Guests

MIKEY HOOD CELEBRITY HOST

Mikey Hood is a co-host on KDKA-TV’s “Talk Pittsburgh,” a lifestyle talk and entertainment show.

She grew up in the East End of Pittsburgh and graduated from Allderdice High School. She got her start in local daytime TV through a web show she created and produced called Pghspot.com.

“I always wanted to highlight people from my community… the feel good stories, the stories of victory and success,” Hood said.

She is married to Georin Oliver, who is a SAG-AFTRA actor. They have a son named Logan. She loves playing with her high energy dog, a Labradoodle named Wilson. Her motto is, “Try and focus on the things you can change, not on what you can’t.”

Taliya R. Allen

Program Associate, The Pittsburgh Foundation; Visibility Chair, Black Transformative Arts Network

Danai Battle

Program Director

ACH Clear Pathways

Tyrell Best-Savage

Deputy District Director

PA Congressional District 12

Chantal Braziel

Soprano

Classical Singer

Lytia S. Brock

Founder

Cloaked in Favor Outreach Ministries

Nathaniel Brown

Owner

Nate Brown Demolition, LLC and Brown Abatement, LLC

Fred Buckner

Senior Contract Specialist-Professional Services

Pittsburgh Regional Transit

MacKaiya Cherry

Communications Assistant/ Social Media

Pittsburgh Steelers

Danielle V. Colquitt

Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer/General Manager

Coston Funeral Homes, Inc.

Tyler Coulverson

Branch Manager, Allegent Federal Credit Union; Podcaster, Financial Literacy with TC!

Ashley R. Comans

School Board Director-Vice President, Wilkinsburg School District; Media & Government Relations Manager, Healthy Start, Inc.

Daylon A. Davis

President

NAACP Pittsburgh Branch

Pastor Michael Anthony Day

Founder & Senior Pastor, Legacy International Worship Center; Founder & President, LCOP, Inc.

Brandy Daye

Principal

UNITED at Twin Rivers Elementary School

Deanna D. Dias

CEO

Daressia Industries, LLC and Bangolz Boutique, LLC

Dorin Dickerson

Host, 93.7 The Fan Morning Show

Audacy

Jhason Dixon

Controller

Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County

Camille L. Edmonds

Founder & Owner

Her Salon, LLC

Jesse I. Exilus, Esq.

Deputy City Solicitor

City of Pittsburgh

Sydni Goldman

Host/Producer of The Glory Hour with Sydni Goldman Cornerstone Television Network

Dorien Goodnight-Giddens

Senior Vice President, Principal for Enterprise-Wide Functions

Compliance

Bank of NY Mellon

Erikka B. Grayson

Project Manager, Early Excellence Project; CEO/Founder, Bomb Moms, LLC

Dr. Sylvester C. Hanner

School Counselor, Pittsburgh Public Schools; Mental Health Educator, SCH Counseling and Consulting

Asraiel Harewood

Director of Enrollment Operations & Strategy

Carnegie Mellon University

Rashawd Hatten

Supervisor, IT Governance, Risk and Compliance, Duquesne Light Co.; Head Basketball Coach, Clairton High School

Tempestt Henderson-Sutton

Assistant Executive Director, Greater Valley Community Services, Inc.; Owner, Varie-T

Miracle Jones

Director of Policy and Advocacy

1Hood Media

Talia D. Kirkland

Reporter

WPXI-TV

Yasmeen Manyisha Safety Press Officer

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

Joan Owhe Ojo, Esq.

Deputy Attorney General

Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General

Danica Phillips

Principal and Founder,

Sienna Dawn Media Integrated Marketing Agency;

Assistant Director of Communications, Bridgeway Capital

Brooke Rawls, Ph.D., LCSW

CWEB Academic Coordinator and Clinical Assistant Professor University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work

Audia Robinson, MBA, Ph.D. Candidate

Community Investment Operations Analyst, Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh; Founder/CEO, DeSylvia Investments, LLC

Shana Smith

Assistant Principal Urban Academy of Greater Pittsburgh Charter School

Tiffany Stanley

Public & Community Relations Manager AAA East Central

John A. Ukenye, J.D.

Advocacy and Policy Officer

Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh

Lawrence Uradu, MD

Associate Chief, Division of Emergency Radiology, UPMC; Owner & CEO, Alfred Group, LLC

Danielle Commodore Walker

Assistant General Manager, M&J Wilkow; Licensed R.E. Salesperson, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Darius Wallace

Administrative and Project Coordinator, Mayor’s Office City of Pittsburgh

Orlando Watson

Senior Director of Programming

The August Wilson African American Cultural Center

Message froM The ediTor and Publisher

The New Pittsburgh Courier is extremely proud to present the New Pittsburgh Courier’s Fab 40 Under 40 “Class of 2024” and salutes these young movers and shakers for their hard work and dedication.

As we celebrate these individuals that were carefully selected from a list of many nominations that were submitted by our faithful readers, we also celebrate the diversity of job descriptions and titles now open to this generation.

Not only are these stellar individuals excelling in their professions, but they are also making an impact in the communities they serve. They represent a generation committed to making “the most livable city” a better place not only for themselves, but also for those who come behind them. Through their dedicated efforts, tomorrow’s African Americans have an ever-greater possibility at procuring a brighter future than ever before.

Who are the FAB 40 Under 40?

As the New Pittsburgh Courier’s Fab 40 Under 40 continues to celebrate and honor those who are making an indelible mark on our city, it does more than recognize achievement; it perpetuates a legacy of aspiration, where determination knows no bounds, and where Black excellence shines brightly, like a diamond in the heart of the city. These are the FAB 40 we recognize today.

Perhaps more than anything, those on this year’s Fab 40 Under 40 list come from a generation that knows the power of collaboration across lines of race, religion, and sexual orientation. They know Pittsburgh’s future is brighter when all parties work together for the greater good.

To the “Class of 2024,” we hope this honor serves as an inspiration to soar to even greater heights and to encourage others to reach their highest potential. To our readers of this special section, please share it with the youth in your area so they may be inspired to continue their lofty pursuits. From all of us at the New Pittsburgh Courier, we applaud you. Thank you for your unwavering service.

Congratulations to the New Pittsburgh Courier’s Fab 40 Under 40, the “Class of 2024!”

ROD DOSS

TALIYA R. ALLEN

Program Associate for Arts and Culture, The Pittsburgh Foundation; Visibility Chair, Black Transformative Arts Network

Taliya R. Allen is Program Associate for Arts and Culture at the Pittsburgh Foundation, beginning in October 2023. In this role, she primarily provides project management for several initiatives including Advancing Black Arts in Pittsburgh and the Exposure Artist Program; supports efforts to strengthen relationships with grantees and connect artists to one another as well as local and national resources that support their careers and lives.

Before joining the Foundation, she served as the Regional Manager for the Petey Greene Program which supports the academic goals of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people and educates volunteers on the injustice manifest in our carceral system. Allen is also a consultant for the Black Transformative Arts Network,

and has concentrated her energy to enhance Pittsburgh’s cultural and artistic landscape through direct support to artists and collaboration with small arts organizations.

Originally from Brooklyn, N.Y., Allen began her career as a 6th grade teacher at Honoka’a Elementary School in Hawaii, serving in the Teach for America 2013 cohort. She relocated to Pittsburgh in 2015 and began leveraging her experience as an educator, her academic training and her passion for social justice and human rights as a graduate intern in Pittsburgh Public School’s Office of Equity, and eventually as Director of Arts Education and Cultural Enrichment for 1Hood Media. In her free time she enjoys cooking, writing, and traveling.

UTOPIA ANDERSON

DANAI BATTLE

Program Director

ACH Clear Pathways

CHARLES W. ANDERSON, III

HENDEKEA AZENE

ALYSON D. BLACKBURN

DONTAE COMANS

MELVENA S. DANIELS

BRANDON DAVIS

ANTOINE DION

AARON DONALD

AKITA DONALD

SYDNEY ETHEREDGE

JAZMINE D. GRANT

DAINNA A. GRAY, M.ED

CHARONDA L. HILL

SAMSON X HORNE

DR. JULIAN HUNT

CHI ILOCHI

REESHA L. JACKSON, MPM

JERMAINE D. JOHNSON

TIFFANY JOHNSON, DNP, MSN.ED., RN

JALEN B. LEE

ABRIANA LOREN LEEPER

-ROBINSON, ED.D

PRINCE MATTHEWS SR., MPA

ARIEL MEADOWS

MORGAN JENKINS MOODY

ISABELLA MORELAND

LASHAWN R. MURRAY

BRIAN PRUITT JR.

LINDSEY RAMSEY

DARIAN D. REYNOLDS, M.S.ED.

LATRICE “PHOENIX” ROSE

DARIUS SINGLETON

MALAYSIA SMITH

MONIQUE S. SMITH

NATASHA S. SMITH

KIARA TALBERT

DEMIA TYLER

REV. GAVIN B. J. WALTON

BRANDON J. WILES, MBA

MARCUS WOODARD

KIERRAN YOUNG

Danai Battle, mother, daughter, sister, niece, friend, entrepreneur and Program Director, understands the importance of being a healthy part of someone’s village. Battle has an eagerness to give back to her community in more ways than one. Starting as far back as 2009, Battle has spent time vol unteering not only in the Hill District community, the community in which she was raised, but Garfield as well.  In 2009, Battle was a troop leader in the Hill District for Girl Scouts of Western PA and in 2013 ran a girls group with Brothers and Sisters Emerging. Both groups were formed to help build courage, confidence, and character in young ladies, and in return make the world a better place. Also in 2013, Battle began vol unteering with Garfield Youth Sports where she would spend her time coordinating fundraising efforts for the organization, handling participant registration, and being the cheer coordinator. Battle finds value in working with children, watching them develop into the people that they are destined to be, all while knowing that she had a positive hand in their development. These volunteer roles help shaped Battle for her current position as Program Director at ACH Clear Pathways. At ACH Clear

TYRELL

A. BEST-SAVAGE

Deputy District Director

PA Congressional District 12, Office of Congresswoman Summer Lee

Tyrell Best-Savage is a multi-faceted individual whose journey through life has been marked by passion, dedication, and unwavering perseverance. Born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, Best-Savage developed an early love for community which laid the foundation for his passion for assisting the most marginalized and ambition to change the political landscape for those individuals.

From a young age, Best-Savage always exhibited natural leadership and a thirst for knowledge. He was raised by his mother and grandparents. Being the oldest boy in a house of five siblings. he had to accelerate his childhood to be an example for his younger kin. Difficult obstacles would be placed in his path such as gang involvement, delinquency, and his father’s

Pathways, Battle oversees and manages all artistic programming for community, youth, and seniors. Battle also manages the staff of ACH, assuring that they are well equipped to carry out the mission of ACH Clear Pathways. The mission of ACH Clear Pathways is to nurture creativity through visual and performing arts by providing an opportunity to youth and family within the arts. As the Program Director, Battle understands the need to meet families where they are, and she realizes that every family is not the same. Being mindful never to judge but to have compassion and love for families along their journey. Battle has compassion not only for the youth in her community but also the elderly and disabled. This passion was founded most recently when Battle found herself caring for her terminally ill father. Discovering that some people don’t have the support from family prompted Battle to start NCB Passionate Home Care Agency. This agency allows seniors and people with disabilities to receive care with their day-to-day responsibilities, all while living in their own homes and maintaining their independence.

Battle’s biggest accomplishment and what brings her the most joy is being a mother to her two children. She loves to be supportive of her children’s development, all while being by their side every step of the way, experiencing both the highs and lows, letting them know that there is nothing that they can’t do.

Her children are also the reason she volunteers. Battle never wants a child to feel that no one cares.

Battle’s other passions includes cooking, singing, and traveling the world, all while keeping God the center of her life!

JENNIFER C. BARNES

JUSTIN M. BINION

ABRAXIS BLACKWELL

JA’LISA L. BROWN, MBA

KECIA CHANTEL

AUDIE L. CHAPMAN, II

GARY J. COLEMAN

SHAMIAH COULVERSON

DR. ARMANI A. DAVIS

LAUREN DEDOMENIC

DEJANÉ DOZIER

DR. RIKELL S. FORD

incarceration. However, he persevered to overcome these trials and tribulations to learn and become more insightful due to those experiences. These early barriers are one of the major reasons why he feels called to volunteer and advocate for the youth.

Best-Savage later would meet would meet former state Rep. Jake Wheatley, who introduced him to representatives at OnePennsylvania. There he started as a part-time door-to-door canvasser for the presidential election. In two months, he would be hired full-time as a permanent door-to-door canvasser, working on all the various political campaigns. The justice programs they offered were Education, Environmental, Housing, and Political. Also, while working with their organization, he

worked to get Mayor Ed Gainey elected. Within a year, he was promoted to Political Organizer for the organization. He would transition to work for Congresswoman Summer Lee’s campaign as a field organizer soon after. Securing a primary win for her campaign, he would go on to work statewide for multiple grassroots organizations at the same time. He worked with AlBustan Seeds of Culture,

PA Interfaith Power & Light, and PA United as a Political Civic Engagement and Environmental Justice Coordinator. He would transition back to working with Congresswoman Summer Lee starting as a constituent advocate for three months before being promoted to a field representative. Within another three months he would again be elevated to Deputy District Director.

JOHNNIE GEATHERS, MSW, LSW

STANFORD GRANDY

JESSICA GURLEY

ERRICKA HAGER

SAMANTHA HARTZMAN

IESHIA NICOLE HEARN

RYAN HOUSTON

TILO JORDAN

MONICA MALIK

THOMAS MCCLELLAN

GODFREY R. MCCRAY JR.

SOLEIL MEADE

PAIGE KENDRA MITCHELL

DR. CHANNING L. MORELAND

DELVINA L. MORROW

CYDNEY NUNN

CUE PERRY

CHARLES DAYMAR

PITTS-BONNER

WELDIANNE SCALES

ANDRE L. SCOTT

CAREE STEVENS

DEANDRE TIMBERS

DR. DARLA TIMBO

CALISTA TUCKER

ANDRE TURNER

JENNIFER LYNN WHITLEY

GINA WINSTEAD

DR. SHANI YELDELL

CHANTAL BRAZIEL

Soprano Classical Singer

Soprano Chantal Braziel is known for the beauty, passion, and magnitude of her voice. She infuses spirit and artistry in every performance, from arias to spirituals. Braziel has coached with the internationally acclaimed soprano, Latonia Moore, and she was a participant in Angel Blue’s Opera Training Studio, and performed in the Masterclass with the international tenor, James Valenti, through Angel Blue’s Training Studio. Braziel is a passionate classical singer who has performed both locally and internationally, and she also advocated for the National Opera House in Pittsburgh, founded by classical opera pioneer, Madame Mary Cardwell Dawson, in Homewood. When the owner of the opera house, Jonnet Solomon, was searching for local artists to help with the preservation, Braziel felt obligated to help. With the help of her fellow soprano colleague, she helped create the Opera House Challenge, which was a video of

her performing on the steps of the opera house and brought awareness to internationally acclaimed artists; and this led to artists and organizations donating to the opera house.

This year, Braziel won second place in the Birmingham International Online Vocal Competition. In 2021, Braziel won the Special Mention Award in the Medici International Vocal Competition. She also received the Women of Excellence Aspiring Artist Award through the Grace City Opera Theatre. Braziel is the Encouragement winner of the 2020 Metropolitan Opera Laffont Auditions in the Pittsburgh District.

In 2023, Braziel attended the international summer training program, the American Institute of Musical Studies (AIMS) program held in Graz, Austria. While attending the program, she was the guest soloist and performed with the AIMS orchestra; the featured soloist in the Spiritual concert and was a semi-finalist in the AIMS Meistersinger Competition. Braziel was also featured with the River City Brass Orchestra in Pittsburgh as a guest soloist in their concert of Porgy and Bess Meets Rhapsody in

Blue. She was featured on the Classical WQED-FM 89.3 radio station as a guest performer for the station’s 50th Anniver sary. Braziel also performed the Nation al Anthem for both the Pittsburgh Pi rates and Pittsburgh Penguins. She was the featured soloist with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in the Lift Ev ery Voice concert at Heinz Hall and returned in the ensemble of Lift Ev ery Voice in October 2022 and Feb ruary 2024.

In 2019, Braziel made her Met ropolitan Opera Debut in the en semble of the 2019 /2020 Grammy Award-winning production of Gersh win’s Porgy and Bess; she returned in the revival of Porgy and Bess in 2021, and she performed in the chorus of the Jessye Norman memorial, held at the Metropolitan Opera. Braziel also per formed in the ensemble of the world-pre miere production of Pittsburgh Opera’s “The Summer King: The Story of Josh Gibson.”

Braziel is a native of Pitts burgh and sings at local per formance venues in the area. She continues to

LYTIA S. BROCK

Founder Cloaked in Favor Outreach Ministries

Mother, Pastor, best-selling author, serial entrepreneur and certified life/ trauma coach are just a few of the titles that Pittsburgh native, Lytia S. Brock, goes by. Her book, “Making the Most of Life’s Lemons,” was published in 2016 and quickly made Amazon’s best-seller list. In addition to “Lemons” she has written and self-published “Self Inventory,” “Day by Day,” and in 2021, “Mental Help.”   In 2022, Brock launched a second food-based business, Soup and Bread, LLC.  Soup and Bread, LLC will feature a variety of freshly made soups and bread for its customers in the Greater Pittsburgh region.  Soup and Bread, LLC is a result of Brock’s pivot while attending Cohort 8 of Own Our Own Academy. Her penchant for

service and compassion for God’s children who don’t fit the status quo led her to birth Cloaked in Favor Ministries, a not-for-profit. To date, the organization has assisted with outreach efforts in Ghana, the Philippines, Kenya, and India. Brock also continues to spread the Gospel, through her work with her father, at Narrow Way International Ministries.  In addition to her work in service, Brock is an entrepreneur. She has been featured in The Washington Post, NextPittsburgh, and the New Pittsburgh Courier, and has been a guest on the #24 Hour Hustle Show with Anthony Freeze, and the Lynne Hayes-Freeland Show on KDKA-TV. She currently operates Abundant Living Life Coaching where

perform, and currently works as a fulltime substitute teacher at CAPA 6-12.

she encourages her clients to: “Live the Life they’ve imagined.”  Among her many accomplishments, she was a 2011 recipient of the prestigious Irene O. Bartko Award, which honors and celebrates the strides of both single and minority mothers. In 2021 Brock was awarded the Emerging Leader Award by the Onyx Women Network.  In 2023 Brock became a Founding Board member of Dominus High School.

As singer/songwriter, Brock performs under the name Tinna James and has had the honor of performing at many Pittsburgh venues such as Heinz Hall, and the Benedum Center, and headlined a concert at Heinz Memorial Chapel and the August Wilson African American Cultural Center. She is currently working on her sophomore album. Brock can be reached on social media outlets simply by searching Lytia S Brock.

DARNELL BONNER

SHANDIA BOOKER

CASSANDRA BRENTLEY

RICHENA BROCKINSON

MICHELLE BROWN

CATHRYN CALHOUN

STEVEN CARTER

NATHANIEL BROWN

Owner

Nate Brown Demolition, LLC and Brown Abatement, LLC

NATHANIEL L. CARTER JR.

DR. CAMILLE CLARKESMITH

RONALD COURSEY

ALONNA CUFFE

JAKIM DONALDSON

CARLTON FALCONER JR.

AMBER FARR

LEON FORD

JILLIAN GILES

JOEL GRAY

RENATA SILVA GRAY

GLENN GRAYSON JR.

RODNEY HEARD

ADRIEL A. HILTON

LASHESIA HOLLIDAY

CHARDAÉ JONES

JASON JONES

HON. SUMMER LEE

MARKESE LONG

ALYSSA P. LYON

JULE MCDANIEL

SHARISE NANCE

SIERRA PARM

BRAZITTE POOLE

LINDSAY POWELL

JULIUS RIDGLEY

TENECIA M. ROSS

ASTER TECLAY

DEBORAH M. TODD

JULLIAN TURNER

TERRI L. WHITE

KHAYREE WILSON

BRITTINI WRIGHT-BURLEY

Nathaniel Brown is the owner and found er of Nate Brown Demolition (NBD), LLC. He graduated from Kiski Area High School in 2010 and went on to obtain his associate’s degree in Busi ness Administration from Butler County Community College in 2015.   Brown started NBD in 2018 with the goal of providing an opportunity for himself, his family and other un derrepresented individuals to make an impact on the thriving construc tion industry in the City of Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas.   Through his passion and de termination and by utilizing the guidance of mentors and the valuable resources the city offers small business owners, Brown quickly grew NBD into a team of six full-time employees and several part-time employees

that regularly completes large commercial and government-funded projects.  With each project, Brown’s goals for himself and for NBD continue to grow and he hopes to be able to create and inspire a future generation of leaders in the community.

In his free time, Brown enjoys hunting with his nephews, barbecuing for his friends and family with his wife, Hailey, and cheering on the Steelers with his brothers and son, Walker.

ANDREA BARBER

CAMERON BARNETT

OLIVER BEASLEY

LACHELLE BINION

BLAYRE BRITTON

JOEL BURSTEIN

ALONNA CARTER

MELANIE CLAXTON GRIFFANN

COLEMAN-BREWER

ASHLEY RENAE CORUM

TORREY COULVERSON

MARTELL COVINGTON

LEANA CREIGHTON

SHARNAY HEARN DAVIS

FRED BUCKNER

Senior Contract Specialist-Professional Services

Pittsburgh Regional Transit

Fred Buckner, a native of Lincoln-Lemington, serves as a Senior Contract Specialist for the Professional Services Group within the Procurement Department of Pittsburgh Regional Transit.  In this role, he develops and solicits requests for proposals, negotiates, executes and manages consulting contracts for various professional services, including but not limited to: legal services, real estate consulting,

engineering, information technology consulting, insurance, financial services, and more.

Buckner attended Allderdice High School, which is where his passion for business and his understanding of the important role transit plays in connecting underserved communities to resources intertwined. While in high school, he partook in various programs such as Urban Youth Action, the faith/community-based health organization Center for Healthy Hearts and Souls, and Allderdice’s Robotics Team.

Buckner started his college studies at CCAC majoring in Business.  At this time, he joined CCAC’s Pittsburgh Promise Club and undertook various internships, the most rewarding being a business/manufacturing-based internship provided through Urban Innovation21. He then transferred to Clarion University, where he served as the Vice President of Clarion’s NAACP Chapter.  Graduating in 2015, Buckner has strived to maintain strong core competencies within his field and continues to be a productive member of cross-functional business teams.

In addition to his professional career, Buckner has been an active volunteer for years in the

Lincoln-Lemington community, serving in various roles for the Lincoln-Lemington Community Consensus Group as well as the Registered Community Organization – The Lincoln-Lemington Collaborative.  Through those community organizations, he is involved with securing funding for community projects through grants, spreading awareness of resources for neighborhood beautification, safety/security, economic development, political involvement and accountability, participating in community clean-ups, and more.

Buckner is also a member of the Pittsburgh chapter of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO), which is the leading national advocate for employment diversity, inclusion and contracting opportunities in the multi-modal transportation industry.

Buckner plans to continue volunteering as well as developing both personally and professionally so that he can become a greater asset to underserved communities who need us the most.

JAMES DOYLE

ANGELIQUE DRAKEFORD

JAMILAH DUCAR

CHRISTINA

FLEWELLEN-HOWZE

MARYN L. FORMLEY

DEONNA GANDY

AFTYN D.L. GILES

ELIADA GRIFFIN-EL

AKEMI HARRISON

AUDRYANA HATCHER

CHRISTIAN HUGHES

MUBARIK ISMAELI

DEVON MADDEN

KENYA MATTHEWS

BRITTANY MOORE, LSW, OSW-C

CANDACE OKELLO

DANIELLE PARSON-RUSH

CLAUDY M. PIERRE

MARCUS POINDEXTER

KELLI SHAKUR

ANTOINE THOMAS

AJA THOMPSON

BRIANA L. WHITE

TANESHYA WILLIAMS

NATASHA WILLIAMS

ALECIA DAWN YOUNG

MACKAIYA CHERRY

Communications Assistant/Social Media

Pittsburgh Steelers

Growing up, MacKaiya Cherry always had a passion for sports. Whether she was participating, watching, or working, sports always played a significant role in her life. Following the end of her own sports career, she knew that sports was the industry in which she wanted to pursue a career. She enrolled at the University of Maryland, College Park, in the spring of 2016. She pursued a career in sports broadcasting. While in College Park, Cherry was extremely involved. She was a member of the National Association of Black Journalists, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Honors College, Student Success Leadership Council, Sign Language Club, and the co-president of the school’s chapter of the Association of Women in Sports and Media.

While still working as a full-time student, she worked to gain essential experience in the sports world. She worked as a media relations assistant with Maryland Athletics, a training camp intern and gameday assistant with the Washington Commanders, a communications intern with the National Football League Players’ Association, and a team manager with the Maryland Gymnastics team.

Upon graduating in the spring of 2020, Cherry joined Obviouslee Marketing as a Marketing Coordinator. After spending a year in this role, she wanted to

months with the organization and shows continual support throughout their year-long internship.

In her first few seasons with the organization, she has worked with players to help grow their brands and find innovative ways to continue to make them marketable off the field. She has built long-lasting relationships and trust with not only players and coaches, but also members of the Pittsburgh media.

Cherry serves the Pittsburgh community by attending and organizing food drives hosted by players. She also has attended many drives to feed the homeless community and was a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers Huddle for the Holidays, which is an event held yearly to give back to children and families during the holiday season. Cherry also volunteered for Burgh Proud, a Thanksgiving meal distribution that provides turkeys and dry food boxes to families during Thanksgiving. She also attends the P.R.I.D.E parade when hosted in Pittsburgh.

Cherry currently resides on the North Shore. In her free time, she enjoys finding new places to eat, watching new shows, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family, especially with her nephew, Ishmael.

DANIELLE V. COLQUITT

Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer/ General Manager

Coston Funeral Homes Inc.

Danielle V. Colquitt is a Licensed Funeral Director, Embalmer, and General Manager at Coston Funeral Homes Inc. Colquitt oversees operations at Coston’s East Liberty and North Side locations. She specializes in Restoration and Restorative Art. Passionate about her craft, she leads a dedicated team of six women, providing compassionate service to over 200 families annually. She also mentors interns to help them understand the funeral business.

As a scientific thinker, Colquitt’s interest in human anatomy led her to study Biology and Autopsy Specialization at Carlow University. There, she found her true calling in funeral service. While performing autopsies in Dr. Cyril Wecht’s program, she was drawn to the unique blend of art, science and patience involved in embalming. This landed her at the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, where her passion took root. With seven years of licensure and 10 years of experience in the field, Colquitt excels in preparing challenging cases for viewing through her restoration and restorative art techniques. Her goal is to teach the science and art aspects of embalming worldwide. As a trailblazing woman in a historically male-dominated industry, Colquitt is proud to be among

those reshaping the perceptions of “The Undertaker.”

Colquitt is a proud native of Clarksville, Tennessee. She enjoys being a mother, eating at new vegan restaurants, and traveling.

AERION A. ABNEY

BARON BATCH

JESSICA N. BROWN

NATHANIEL M. BROWN

COREY BUCKNER

BRIAN R. BURLEY

LAKEISHA BYRD

TYLER COULVERSON

Branch Manager, Allegent Federal Credit Union; Podcaster, Financial Literacy with TC!

optimizing processes, and implementing strategies to enhance customer satisfaction and account retention.

MELISA CHIPANGILA-CAMPBELL

DON CHARLTON

JASON FLOWERS

TYRA GOOD, ED.D

TERESA RENEE HUNT

REGINA D. HUTSON

THOMAS JAMISON

WAYMAN R. JONES JR.

KEVION LATHAM

DEVON M. LYONS

KEVIN MCNAIR

KYSHIRA S. MOFFETT, MBA

KHEIR MUGWANEZA

JAMES MURPHY

NJAIMEH NJIE

RIEAN K. NORMAN

BRIGETTE BETHEA PATTERSON

CHEYENNE L. PATTERSON

OLIVIA T. PAYNE

BRANDON E. PHILLIPS

LEIGH SOLOMON PUGLIANO

REGINA L. SCOTT

YASMIN SHAHEED

LOLA SIMS

ERIC A. SMITH

M. SHERNELL SMITH

MICHELYN HOOD TINOR

SHAKITA TRIGG

DIAMONTE WALKER

THOMAS WALLACE

ANTHONY WILLIAMS

LAKEISHA WOLF

SOSSENA WOOD

Tyler Coulverson is a dedicated advocate for community engagement and social change, with a background in finances. Coulverson has spent years on the front lines at multiple financial in -

stitutions as a Branch Manager. Coulverson uses his platforms to help educate the community on Financial Literacy. Coulverson has been responsible for overseeing the daily operations,

ASHLEY R. COMANS

Coulverson has a proven track record of delivering exceptional results for his clients. He specializes in financial analysis and strategic planning, helping businesses and individuals achieve their financial goals. Coulverson is known for his dedication to client satisfaction and his ability to build long-lasting relationships. In 2019 Coulverson was part of the graduating class of the first BankWork$ program in Pittsburgh. He is a passionate podcaster dedicated to creating engaging and insightful content that resonates with listeners. Driven by a curiosity for exploring diverse topics, Coulverson delves into a wide range of subjects, from budgeting to establishing credit, offering listeners a well-rounded and enriching ex -

School Board Director-Vice President, Wilkinsburg School District ; Media & Government Relations Manager, Healthy Start Inc.

Ashley R. Comans is a passionate community advocate who has been a resident of Wilkinsburg for most of her life. A product of public schools, she’s a graduate of Woodland Hills High School and obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Clarion University. Comans and her husband, Dontae, are raising their two young children in Wilkinsburg, where they are both active in the community. Comans understands that change only happens through action, and stepped up to run for Wilkinsburg School Board in 2017. As a newlywed with future plans to start a family, she ran for school board so her own children would one day be able to receive the best public school education possible. Called to action, Comans knew she needed to do more for her community than show up to vote and was successful in her run for public office.

In December 2017, she was sworn into her first elected role as a School Board Director for the Wilkinsburg School District, where she has been a fierce advocate for public education, teachers, and fully funding Pennsylvania’s public schools. That same year she was named the Project Coordinator for the Hill Youth Partnership for Enrichment (HYPE), focused on out-ofschool time programming in the Hill District with the Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School (APOST), a grant-funded initiative through the United Way, where she worked on system-building efforts for after-school programs in the Hill District. Through her time with APOST, over $10,000 in scholarships was awarded to students in the Hill District. Comans also fought for Comans has continued to be a voice to speak out and stand up for the communities she has lived in

perience. Coulverson’s genuine enthusiasm for learning and sharing knowledge shines through in every episode, making for a dynamic and enjoyable listening journey.

As a skilled communicator and storyteller, Coulverson has a knack for fostering genuine connections with guests and listeners alike. Whether they’re interviewing industry experts, thought leaders or everyday individuals with extraordinary stories, Coulverson brings out the best in his guests, creating meaningful dialogues that leaves a lasting impact. Through his podcast, Financial Literacy With TC!, Coulverson aims to create a community where people can come together to learn, grow and be inspired. With each episode, he strives to spark curiosity, provoke thought, and encourage positive change in the world.

PAUL T. ABERNATHY

KAHMEELA ADAMS

OLIVIA BENSON

all her life, communities which are often counted out. Her work serving on boards such as Catapult Greater Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Urban Magnet Project, and UNITE! has allowed her to help effect change from a community

level.

She is currently the Media & Government Relations Manager for Pittsburgh-based nonprofit Healthy Start, where she works to address maternal health disparities in our communities.

AUSTIN A. DAVIS

L. DENISE EDWARDS

DAREN ANDERSON

ELLERBEE

AMBER M. EPPS

JAMES T. FREEMAN

REGINALD GOOD

DONTA A. GREEN

KRISTEN GUY

DEAVON HAMMONDS

YONA C. HARVEY

DERRIC I. HECK

LaRAE DANIELLE CULLENS

MERECEDES J. HOWZE

BRANDON HUDSON

PRINCESS ROSE HUGHES

RUFUS O. IDRIS

LLOYDINE J. JACOBS

CHEREÉ HASWELL

JOHNSON

MICHAEL A. JOHNSON

TRACI JOHNSON

MICHAEL A. KNIGHT

LaTRENDA S. LEONARD

CURTIS E. LEWIS JR.

GABRIEL McKNIGHT

JESSICA MITCHELL

JUSTIN R. NWOKEJI

TYRA OLIVER

MARINA J. OWENS

KEIHA R. PECK

TAMAIRA E. RIDGELY

RYAN S. SCOTT

DEVYN D. SWAIN

LAUREN O. WALLACE

AARON M. WHIGHAM

ELISE ‘THE DIVA CHEF’ WIMS

ANQWENIQUE L. WINGFIELD

SHEILA WOODS

DAYLON A. DAVIS

President

NAACP Pittsburgh Branch

Daylon A. Davis is the President of the NAACP Pittsburgh Branch, making history as the youngest-serving president in the branch’s 109-year history at the age of 28. Davis is driven by his deep passion for advocacy and social justice. His commitment to building a more inclusive and stronger Pittsburgh for all, especially for minorities who are consistently marginalized, fuels his tireless efforts in the community.

Throughout his tenure, Davis has been actively involved in various boards across the City of Pittsburgh, leveraging his networks to advance the cause of equity and justice. As

President of the NAACP Pittsburgh Branch, his primary goal is to bring the branch back stronger and rebuild community trust.

Davis’ leadership is characterized by his unwavering dedication to creating meaningful change and empowering those whose voices have been historically silenced. With a vision for a more equitable future, he continues to inspire others to join him in the slow march towards progress.

PASTOR MICHAEL ANTHONY DAY

Founder & Senior Pastor, Legacy International Worship Center; Founder & President, Legacy Community Options for All People Inc.

Pastor Michael Anthony Day was born and raised in Beltzhoover. The youngest of six, he grew up as a gifted and multi-talented musician, first playing drums for his grandfather’s church at the age of 5.

Pastor Day excelled in his musical studies at CAPA High School, CCAC and Duquesne University. His musical education, gift of music and passion has afforded him opportunities to travel internationally, accompanying many gospel artists and legends.

During his formative years, he spent most of his time in church where his leadership skills were

cultivated and he learned to love and serve others. Here he became a lover and student of the Word of God and accepted his call to ministry, preaching his first sermon at the age of 20.

With his lovely wife, Amber, and their beautiful daughters, Elise and Edyn by his side, Pastor Day serves as the Establishmentarian (2015) and Senior Pastor of Legacy International Worship Center (LIWC). Located on the North Side, LIWC is known as a vibrant, multi-ethnic, prophetic ministry. It’s the church for everybody! In a short time, God has blessed LIWC to grow in atten-

dance, membership and community outreach efforts, maximizing the ability to spread the Gospel and love of Christ.

Pastor Day is also the Founder and President of Legacy Community Options for all People (LCOP Inc.). LCOP is a non-profit community organization whose mission is to create options and opportunities that develop, enrich and empower all families and communities to live a wholesome life.

LCOP Inc., meets the immediate needs of the community by providing over 400 free hot meals and food pantry items to families, individuals and residents of senior living facilities in need through the Legacy Soup and Soul Kitchen, in partnership with LIWC. LCOP also offers financial literacy and job-readiness training to assist working age teens and adults in addition to other various services and resources.

Pastor Day is committed to impacting the community and City of Pittsburgh through LCOP’s Violence Awareness/Prevention Initiative. Through community events such as Violence Prevention Concerts and the North Side Community Back to School Bash,

over 1,000 youth and their families are able to attend and receive backpacks, school supplies, school uniforms, shoes and more each year, making a major impact in the community. He also sits on several boards including The Center for Urban Biblical Ministry, Geneva College Pittsburgh location and

the multi-faith counsel to the FBI.

Pastor Day, recognized as the community Pastor, is dedicated to the vision of God for his life, committed to his family and is determined to expand The Kingdom of God by spreading the love of Jesus Christ through Apostolic/Prophetic ministry

and service to the community.

One of Pastor Day’s favorite sayings is, “God wants you to win in every area of your life!” Pastor is committed to seeing that!

BRANDY DAYE

Principal

UNITED at Twin Rivers Elementary School

DEANNA D. DIAS

CEO

Brandy Daye was born and raised in Rankin Borough and attended the Woodland Hills School District.  Throughout her K-12 years, Daye was inspired by educators who believed in her potential and uplifted her spirit. From an early age, she had dreams of being an educator.  She earned a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Clarion University in 2012. While at Clarion, Brandy received many awards and accolades for her campus engagement and academic achievement. Upon graduating, she taught Special Education in the McKeesport Area School District as well as Pittsburgh Public Schools while simultaneously earning her Master’s in

Daressia Industries, LLC and Bangolz Boutique, LLC

Deanna D. Dias is a native of Pittsburgh. She was raised by her mother, the late Esther Dias, her late grandmother Esther Foulks, and grandfather, Darryl Foulks (re married to Elma Young), and a slew of other relatives. She attended the University of Pittsburgh and now attends American Military Univer sity with a focus on Business Ad ministration and Entrepreneurship. Dias is also currently serving as a United States Army Veteran.

Dias is a serial entrepreneur who owns a women’s clothing retailer, Bangolz Boutique, LLC, a largescale event and event marketing company, Daressia Industries, LLC, a luxury press on nail company, Press on Posse, LLC, and a business coaching company, Deanna Dias, LLC.

Her latest projects include her “How to Business” YouTube channel and organizing monthly events on behalf of her companies.

Dias’ rich background comes from her tough but loving background from her family and her various ex periences in the United States Army Reserve. As of today, she has served 19 years and is passionate about serving the past 20 years. She holds in her heart and soul what her grandmother told her when she was a little girl, “You can do and be anything you want in this world.”

Educational Leadership from Westminster College.

Robinson returned to the McKeesport Area School District in 2020 as an Assistant Principal.  Within McKeesport, Robinson led the District’s partnership efforts with the Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation to reimagine what was possible within the walls of her school building.  She was promoted to Head Principal of UNITED at Twin Rivers in 2022 and has dramatically transformed the staff and student culture since taking on this role.  Robinson lives in White Oak with her daughter, Bella (11), and regularly spends time with her family and friends.  In her free time, Robinson enjoys mentoring young women, reading, and traveling. Robinson is honored to receive the FAB 40 Under 40 recognition and congratulates all recipients.

JOEL ACIE

EMMAI ALAQUIVA

VERNARD ALEXANDER

MARISA BARTLEY

KENYA T. BOSWELL

SIOBHAN BROOKS

CARMEN BRUCE

CRYSTAL BYNUM

KEVIN CARTER

ROBERT CHAMBERS III YOLANDA

COVINGTON-WARD

BELINDA CURTAIN

EUGENE CURTAIN III

CAMILLE DAVIDSONBAZRON

LATIKA DAVIS-JONES

BRIAN EDMONDS

TISHA GERMANY

DR. MARILYN GRIFFIN

BRANDON HOLLY II

NEAL HOLMES

REV. CORNELL JONES

NICOLE MANNS

BETHANY MILLER

MARIMBA MILLIONES

KHARI MOSLEY

VINCENT D. MOYE JR.

ALLYCE PINCHBACK

JARVIS POWERS

JESSICA BROOKE

RUFFIN

LES SCALES

ORONDE SHARIF

PAUL DAVID SPRADLEY

TAMIKO STANLEY

KEZIA TAYLOR

IYANA TENNON

NATALIA THOMAS

SONYA M. TILGHMAN

MELISSA WADE

ERICKA WINGFIELD

SSG LANCE ALTON WOODS

RENEE ALSBERRY

BRANDEN BALLARD

JASON BELL

KENYON BONNER

JESSICA BROOKS

ONDREA BURTON

BRIAN COOK

ROLAND COSTON-CRISWELL

KIMBERLY ELLIS

INGRID FULTONEDWARDS

VANESSA GERMAN

DAVID HALL

RAYMAR HAMPSHIRE

LISA HOLD

BOMANI HOWZE

JEREMIAH JACKSON

CYNTHIA JAMES

WILLIAM JAMES JR.

STACY JOHNSON

CHAZ KELLEM

EPRYL KING

DR. MONICA LAMAR

NATHANIEL MITCHELL

AYISHA MORGAN-LEE

RYAN PATRICK PARKER

CHRISTOPHER

ROBINSON

SABRINA SAUNDERS

VLADIMIR ST. SURIN

FRANCES TAGGERT

KIYA TOMLIN

REV. MARKS TOOKES

TAMARA TORBERT

BERNADETTE TURNER

CARLTON WATSON

EUGENE WILLIAMS III

DAWNITA WILSON

DR. BARRETT WOODS

ROYCE WOODS

NATALIE YANNOTTI

DORIN DICKERSON

Host, 93.7 The Fan Morning Show

Audacy

Dorin Dickerson started his football career in Western Pa. and was a High School All-American and Pennsylvania Player of the Year in 2005 at West Allegheny. He played for the University of Pittsburgh and was First-team All-American tight end in 2009.

Dickerson was a seventh-round draft pick to the Houston Texans in 2010 and played six seasons in the NFL for the Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, and Tennessee Titans.

He is the father of three boys.

He joined 93.7 The Fan (KDKA-FM) in Pittsburgh in February 2017 as an on-air personality and now is cohost of its popular morning show. He is also the sideline analyst for Pitt Football on the Panthers Radio Network, and Steelers analyst for WPXI-TV (Channel 11).

JHASON DIXON

Controller

Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County

After graduating high school in his hometown of Chester, Pa., Jhason Dixon moved to Pittsburgh to pursue an accounting degree at the University of Pittsburgh. While attending Pitt, he became a fellow of the Community Problem Solving program of the Coro Center for Civic Leadership. During his fellowship, Dixon became an intern at the Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County (SEA). The internship led to a part-time accountant position, followed by a fulltime position after Dixon graduated from Pitt. As a staff accountant, Dixon was involved in projects such as the construction of PPG Paints Arena and the redevelopment of the Lower Hill. Outside of work, Dixon was active with the Urban League Young Professionals, Pitt’s Young Alumni Council, and P3R, where he was an ambassador for the Pittsburgh Marathon due to his love of running.

In 2019, Dixon became senior accountant of the SEA, then controller in 2022. Currently he remains engaged with Pitt as a board member of the African American Alumni Council and is a board member of the Partners Board of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.

CAMILLE L. EDMONDS

Founder & Owner

Her Salon, LLC

Camille L. Edmonds is the owner and founder of Her Salon, LLC. She has been in business going on six years, although she has been in the beauty industry for more than 10 years. She always enjoyed styling hair as a child, and it even became her first job while in high school.

Edmonds attended Empire Beauty School in 2012 and while in school she worked in a few beauty salons to get experience. Although Edmonds was unfulfilled, she knew that her passion was to operate her own salon. Therefore, with prayer, Edmonds decided to go for it in 2018. While working in the healthcare industry to help to support building her salon, Edmonds would work crazy odd shifts to make the time to get her salon up and running. It wasn’t easy. Today Edmonds runs a four-chair salon with

JESSE I. EXILUS, ESQ.

Deputy City Solicitor City of Pittsburgh

Jesse Exilus is the Deputy City Solicitor of the City of Pittsburgh. He started with the city as an Assistant City Solicitor focusing on real property and construction law.

As Deputy Solicitor, Exilus uses his legal expertise to assist the city in all legal matters, including contract negotiations, mediations and litigation. Some of his major accomplishments include advising City Council on district reappointment to ensure fair and equal voting across the city and

negotiating with state and federal agencies to support large infrastructure projects to keep the city a safe and thriving community.

Beyond his work with the city, Exilus endeavors to make the Pittsburgh legal community an inclusive community for all attorneys in the region. As a member of the Allegheny County Bar Association, he has served as the Chair of the Homer S. Brown Division, which focuses on addressing local issues for African Ameri-

can and Black attorneys in the ACBA. He currently serves on the Board of Governors of the ACBA. He also serves as a councilmember on the ACBA’s Young Lawyer Division, where he recently received the 2024 Outstanding Young Lawyers award.  In addition to this job and volunteer activities, Exilus focuses on raising his two daughters, Kettly and Zuri, with his wife, Tara, in Greenfield.

an amazing supportive team, located in Penn Hills. Edmonds currently is a mentor to young women and girls on their journey in the hair industry. Edmonds enjoys volunteering with her husband, Christopher E. Edmonds, during the holiday season, running a turkey drive in the Braddock area, along with a toy drive.

Edmonds is a proud mother of two amazing kids: Brandon, who is 16, and Ariane, who is 8. While operating a business, Edmonds attends all her son’s football and basketball games, her daughter’s dance recitals and cheerleading.

Edmonds is determined to show them that if you work hard with good intentions, anything can be done!

SYDNI GOLDMAN

Host & Producer of ‘The Glory Hour with Sydni Goldman’ Cornerstone Television Network

Sydni Goldman is a producer, media personality and speaker who loves to inspire others and bring joy wherever she goes. She is the creator, producer, and host of “The Glory Hour with Sydni Goldman,” an inspirational podcast featuring culturally relevant conversations from a spiritual perspective. Goldman hosted Cornerstone Television Network’s flagship program, “Hope Today,” for five years. The program launched after she pioneered, produced and hosted “Coronavirus: Hope For Today,” a daily program in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Goldman worked as an Associate Producer for WPXITV (Channel 11) in Pittsburgh. She started her career as a Field Producer/Production Assistant at NBC Philadelphia. Goldman holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Journalism from Temple University.

Goldman is the CEO/Founder of Free Light Media, a production company purposed to create spiritually-engaging, life-changing content. In 2022, God called her to pioneer the media venture to help thought leaders, organizations and non-profits elevate their purpose and mission through the power of storytelling. Free Light Media works with a team of diverse, cultural creatives to bring hope and inspiration by creating content to empower, educate and enlighten people of all colors and walks of life. She is an ordained minister at Petra International Ministries where she serves others by providing prayer, encouragement and love to the brokenhearted in her community so they can experience deliverance and freedom through the power of the Holy Spirit.

DORIEN GOODNIGHT-GIDDENS

Senior Vice President, Principal for Enterprise-Wide Functions Compliance Bank of NY Mellon

Dorien Goodnight-Giddens has spent over 13 years within the financial services industry, serving in various leadership roles across sales, operations, and compliance. He is currently a Senior Vice President, Principal within the Compliance Corporate Function supporting Americas Operations at The Bank of New York (BNY) Mellon. In this role, Goodnight-Giddens is a team lead, and has responsibility for supporting the various operational business units within Canada, the United States, and the Cayman Islands (collectively, the “Americas”) for the organization. Most recently, Goodnight-Giddens leads Regulatory Change Management where he is responsible for driving implementation of the regulatory change management process for Compliance for Americas Operations and Digital Assets to determine applicability of regulatory changes as they impact the firm. Additionally, Goodnight-Giddens is the Operations Compliance lead for Market Operations Business Units at BNY Mellon where he is embedded into various projects to support the businesses in maintaining compliance with global regulations. Goodnight-Giddens is an active member of BNY Mellon’s IMPACT Pittsburgh, a multicultural Enterprise Resource Group, which works closely with leaders across the organization on corporate-wide initiatives to help foster a workplace that values and appreciates cultural diversity and was a member of the inaugural cohort group of BNY Mellon’s Retaining and Advancement of Black Leadership (RABL) program.

Goodnight-Giddens previously held several roles in management within Enterprise Client Onboarding overseeing several teams within Client Activation. Prior to joining BNY Mellon, he worked at Dollar Bank in various roles within its sales department.

Goodnight-Giddens is the Executive Vice President of the Board of Directors for the Maple Unified Student Academy (MUSA) and is a committee planning member of Pittsburgh’s 50 Finest who, annually, raise funds in support of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Western Pennsylvania. He

was previously a mentor for the organization and was selected as an honoree for the 2019 Class of Pittsburgh’s 50 Finest where he raised over $15,000 to help find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis. He also served as a mentor for the Sigma Tau Gamma, Delta Beta Chapter Fraternity at Duquesne University; after having served in various leadership positions within the fraternity while obtaining his undergraduate degree. Personally, Goodnight-Giddens enjoys mentoring and developing talent, spending time with his ever-growing family and friends, as well as traveling. He holds a B.A. in Political Science and an M.B.A. in Finance from Duquesne University.

ERIKKA B. GRAYSON

Project Manager, Early Excellence Project; CEO & Founder, Bomb Moms, LLC

Erikka Grayson, a Project Manager at Early Excellence Project, holds a degree in Health Information Management from the University of Pittsburgh and earned her Master of Business Administration from Point Park University in 2013. Originally from Washington, D.C., she now proudly calls Pittsburgh home. As a devoted wife to Glenn Grayson Jr. and mother of three, she endeavors to excel both in her family life and as an advocate within her community.

Passionate about creating positive change, Grayson actively supports Miller Elementary School as a dedicated community advocate. In her role as a Parent Helper with The Center That Cares, she provides invaluable support and encouragement to students and families every morning. Collaborating closely with parents, teachers, and administrators, she works tirelessly to enhance the educational experience for every child, fostering a sense of community pride and empowerment.

Grayson’s commitment to uplifting mothers extends beyond her professional life. Through her Instagram platform, Bomb Moms, she cultivates a supportive space for moms to share and discuss their unique journeys in motherhood. Additionally, her Cold Coffee Podcast, a part of Bomb Moms, features insightful IG Live interviews covering diverse topics in motherhood, aiming to connect and empower mothers by amplifying their voices and providing valuable support and wisdom.

DR. SYLVESTER C. HANNER

School Counselor, Pittsburgh Public Schools; Mental Health Educator, SCH Counseling and Consulting

Dr. Sylvester C. Hanner is a recent graduate of Duquesne University’s Counselor Education and Supervision Doctoral program and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). His research initiatives focus on developing, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive school counseling programs to promote African American students’ academic success, college and career readiness, and social-emotional growth through multicultural frameworks. Dr. Hanner’s dissertation titled: “Social Justice Informed School Counseling: A Conceptual Model For Promoting Academic Achievement and Equality among Dual Enrolled African American Students,” was selected for presentation at the International Conference on Urban Education, for its utilization of research that produced evidence-based outcomes for urban students.

Dr. Hanner has worked as a school counselor for 10 years and currently serves as a school counselor at Pittsburgh Obama 6-12. He has worked in various K-12 public and private school systems while implementing and

evaluating data-driven school counseling programs. While at Pittsburgh Westinghouse, Dr. Hanner utilized culturally relevant Social Emotional Learning to increase the proficiency of students’ standardized state test scores by 70 percent. In addition, Dr. Hanner collaborated with community partners to design a student-led college readiness program which concluded with Pittsburgh Westinghouse having the most students dual enrolled in college courses in the Pittsburgh Public School district, averaging 20 transferable college credits upon graduation and a 3.4 cumulative GPA.

Dr. Hanner also has experience working in various higher education settings, including academic affairs, teaching, supervision, and professional counseling. He currently serves as an adjunct professor in the Dept. of Psychology at California University of Pa., where teaches clinical skills in Counseling and Childhood Trauma. While working for Duquesne University’s Gussin Spiritan Division, he was responsible for providing psychosocial, academic, and career

counseling for a diverse population of over 100 freshmen annually. He now supports the program by referring African American students from Pittsburgh full scholarship opportunities to attend the university through their endowment program.

Dr. Hanner is a prominent mental health advocate and believes that students can achieve success when the focus on their education is holistic. Dr. Hanner was featured on WPXI, where he championed access to mental health resources within Black communities.

With his passion for dismantling disparities of Black people entering and sustaining careers in technology and promoting a better quality of life for underserved students, Dr. Hanner was recently appointed Chief Science Officer (CSO) for Allegheny Intermediate Unit 3, a consultant for Counselors 4 Computer Science (C4C) northeast region, and a Dove Self-Esteem project trainer.

Dr. Hanner continues to advocate and contribute to the field of academia. This includes frequent conference presentations and consultant work for the American School Counseling Association (ASCA), Day of Service liaison for the Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development (AMCD) division of the American Counseling Association (ACA), and his work with the Anti-Racist Commission (ARC) for ACA which challenges and promotes systematic change of inequitable practices in the counseling field.

In recent years, Dr. Hanner was nominated School Counselor of the Year by the Pennsylvania School Counseling Association (PSCA), received the Black Excellence in Education Award from the State of Black Learning and received the Scholarship Award from the Iota Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.

ASRAIEL HAREWOOD

Director of Enrollment Operations and Strategy

Carnegie Mellon University

Asraiel Harewood is a passionate and dynamic educator whose impact has spanned K-12 public schools and institutions of higher education. She is the inaugural Director of Enrollment Operations and Strategy at Carnegie Mellon University, where her duties include coordinating high-level initiatives and special projects for the Office of Enrollment Management and overseeing the work of the administrative support staff. She also collaborates with campus partners to enhance efficiency in recruiting, enrolling, and retaining a diverse and talented student body. Harewood’s leadership on campus was recognized at the 29th Annual Andy Awards, where she was nominated in the Spirit category, celebrating staff members who enhance campus life with enthusiasm, dedication to the university community and commitment to exceptional service. The category highlights those that foster an inclusive, collaborative and welcoming workplace that transcends organizational and professional boundaries through positive and constructive approaches. On campus she is a member of the Sankofa – Black Faculty and Staff Alliance and serves on a number of advisory councils. Prior to joining the team at Carnegie Mellon, Harewood worked as an Educational Advisor with the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth Scholars Program and supported students from historically underrepresented populations in receiving acceptances to prestigious institutions including Princeton, Yale, Columbia, Brown, Stanford, Johns Hopkins, Duke, and the University of Chicago. Harewood’s profes sional career started in Char lotte, where she was a twotime district Teacher of the Year finalist and recipient of the Outstanding First-Year Teacher award at ARMS In ternational Baccalaureate in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. In Charlotte, she mentored new teachers par ticipating in the North Car olina Beginning Teachers Support Program and sup ported Teach for Amer ica alumni in nav igating careers after the classroom as a Leroy “Pop”

Miller Fellow.

Harewood actively serves her community as a member of the Board of Directors at the Woodland Hills Foundation, where she has appointments on the H.U.G.S., gala and scholarship committees. She regularly collaborates with the Woodland Hills College and Career Center to offer college-prep programming for students and families in the district.

Harewood is a Judge of Elections for Allegheny County and proudly serves the borough of North Braddock, where she grew up. She is a member of several national and professional associations, including NACAC, PACAC, PASFAA and NASFAA. Harewood is a national Coca-Cola Scholar and stayed connected to her alma mater through engaging with Cardea Fellows, volunteering for Duke reunions and serving on the Duke Women’s Forum Steering Committee. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, traveling and spending time with loved ones. Harewood is the daughter of Barbadian immigrants and a proud first-generation U.S. citizen and college graduate. She graduated with honors from Woodland Hills High School, completed her Bachelor of Arts with distinction in cultural anthropology and a minor in education at Duke University and pursued graduate studies at the Johns Hopkins University School of Education, where she earned a Master of Science in Education. This spring, Harewood received a Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business certificate after completing The Advanced Leadership

RASHAWD HATTEN

Supervisor, IT Governance, Risk and Compliance, Duquesne Light Co. ; Head Basketball Coach, Clairton High School

Despite being a former standout athlete in his community, Rashawd Hatten always saw himself as more than one with an athletic gift. While he serves as head basketball coach at his alma mater (Clairton High School), he always finds himself trying to motivate the young men and women in his community. His efforts serve his community in a multitude of ways. Some of those activities includes volunteering as a coach in the little league baseball, football, and basketball programs and community engagement efforts with The Unity Group of Clairton.

Hatten has been working in the Information Technology field for the past 12 years in various areas. His hard work and dedication over the years has led to him being promoted to a leadership role at Duquesne Light Company, where he oversees the change and configuration management program. Hatten is currently working to launch his own podcast titled “Corporate Athletes – The 5th Quarter,” where he plans to share insight on how he was able to transition success in the sports world to success in the corporate space.

Prior to his work experience, Hatten

played basketball at Cal-U and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in science and technology in 2011. He later obtained a Master of Science degree from Purdue University Global in 2014. He currently resides in White Oak with his lovely wife, Chevell, and their son, Carmelo (11). Hatten enjoys watching his son’s sports endeavors, traveling, and playing video games in his spare time.

TEMPESTT HENDERSON-SUTTON

Assistant Executive Director, Greater Valley Community Services Inc.;

Owner, Varie-T

Tempestt Henderson-Sutton is a dedicated human services professional with over nine years of experience in the nonprofit sector. She currently serves as the Assistant Executive Director of Greater Valley Community Services Inc., supporting the agency’s mission in the areas of case and crisis management, program development, and policies & procedures.  Henderson-Sutton brings vision and expertise in her oversight of critical programs such as Foster Care, In-Home Crisis, and Outreach for Violence Prevention. Her leadership has been instrumental in providing support, education and resources to those in need, and ultimately fostering a more inclusive and equitable community.

Driven by her passion for social justice and community development, Henderson-Sutton pursued higher education at Duquesne University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology (2009) with a concentration in Criminology. She continued her academic journey, obtaining a Master of Science in Social and Public Policy (2012), further expanding her skills in creating impactful change at the policy level. Her educational pursuits have earned her a lifetime membership with the Alpha Kappa Delta Sociology Honor Society. In addition to her academic achievements, Henderson-Sutton holds a Strengths-Based Leadership certificate from Temple University, highlighting her continued pursuit of personal and professional growth.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Henderson-Sutton is actively involved in volunteer work, serving as a Parent Mentor with Parent-to-Parent of Pennsylvania and sits on the board of the Pennsylvania Education & Athletic Training Association (PEAT).

Outside of her professional endeavors, Henderson-Sutton currently volunteers her time as a parent mentor for Parent-to-Parent Pennsylvania and sits on the board of the Pennsylvania Education & Athletic Training Association (PEAT). She is also the owner of Varie-T Custom Apparel, a business that reflects her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. Outside of her professional and charitable commitments, she is a devoted wife and mother, finding joy in her family life with her husband and two children.

Driven by her strong faith in God and commitment to making a positive impact in the community, Henderson-Sutton continues to leverage her skills and experience to drive meaningful change and foster a culture of empowerment and inclusion.

MIRACLE JONES

Director of Policy and Advocacy 1Hood Media

Miracle Jones is a writer, community organizer, and queer activist who works in the Pittsburgh area to advocate for equity along the intersections of gender, race, and class. She currently serves as the Director of Policy and Advocacy at 1Hood Media. She received her Juris Doctor degree (J.D.) and Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) from the University of Pittsburgh and her Bachelor’s from Georgia State University.

Her work focuses on implementing abolition-based principles and transformative justice through writing, policy, and advocacy and finding joy in times of trouble.

TALIA D. KIRKLAND

Talia Kirkland is a reporter at WPXI-TV (Channel 11), with a big personality and an even bigger heart. Before coming back to her hometown of Pittsburgh, Kirkland worked at CBS21 in Harrisburg and Fox News in Philadelphia.

As a local news reporter, Kirkland works to provide fair and balanced reporting to the community through empowering narratives, informed reports, and engaging content.

When she joined the WPXI team in January 2022, she quickly went to work covering some of the most impactful news stories of this region, such as the Fern Hollow Bridge Collapse, the 12th Congressional District Race, and provided live updates during Kennywood’s Fall Fest shooting. During her time with WPXI, she has worked tirelessly to elevate the stories and issues

of Black and brown people through an ongoing series, “Pittsburgh Gets Real.”

Outside of work, Kirkland devotes her time to bettering her community. She serves as a mentor to college students studying broadcast journalism at local universities.

A Duquesne University graduate, she earned an undergraduate degree in Journalism and a Master of Science in Media Technology and Arts.

Kirkland is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., and the National Association of Black Journalists.

YASMEEN MANYISHA

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

Yasmeen Manyisha has served as the Safety Press Officer for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) Pittsburgh region since 2016. In her role, she uses her public speaking skills to represent the organization as their spokesperson in the media, as well as her community outreach involvement and creativity to educate those of all ages in the Greater Pittsburgh area on an array of traffic safety topics. Through her position, she brings free educational programs to schools and communities to reduce the number of crashes and fatalities in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Manyisha has made it her goal to introduce these services and other free resources to under-served communities facing equitable transportation challenges.

Manyisha has had the honor of being a presenter on both a statewide and national level at various transportation focused conferences between Pennsylvania and New Mexico. The Pennsylvania Secretary of Transportation has also awarded her with the Communicator Innovator Award twice during her PennDOT career.

In 2017, Manyisha created PennDOT’s first regional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee. Today as the committee’s president, she leads dozens of members, all dedicated to fostering an inclusive work environment and collaborating with the diverse communities they serve. As part of the committee, she also started the semi-annual Open House, a program which invites high schools into PennDOT and introduces students of varying cultures and backgrounds to a variety of paths that can lead to a career in transportation.

Outside of work and volunteering, Manyisha enjoys spending time with her supportive and inspiring friends and family. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Manyisha loves the city and attending events in the area. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication. She received her Master of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Point Park University.

Manyisha and her husband have developed a passion for mentoring minority youth. They volunteer with several local organizations, which engage students by providing experiences that encourage them to think about their education and future. Manyisha is also a member of the Diversity & Inclusion Professionals of Central PA.

JOAN OWHE OJO, ESQ.

Deputy Attorney General

Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General

Joan E. Owhe Ojo is employed with the Office of Attorney General and currently serves as the Deputy Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In this position, she conducts civil litigation and represents the Commonwealth and its agencies, officials and employees in Federal and State Court.

Prior to working at the Office of Attorney General, Ojo worked at the Education Law Center as a Staff Attorney. During her work there, she advocated for education justice for students underserved by public education, advanced the education rights of Black girls and supported policy changes to create welcoming and affirming schools.

Ojo also worked at the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office in New York for nine years. During her work there she worked in the Special Victims Bureau. There she prosecuted felony adult sex crimes, crimes of violence against the elderly, and physical and sexual child abuse.

She was appointed by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to

DANICA PHILLIPS

serve on the Pennsylvania Disciplinary Board’s Hearing Committee. In this capacity, she is responsible for assisting the court in disciplinary and reinstatement proceedings. Ojo is also a member of the Allegheny County Bar Association’s 2023 CDI Pathway to Leadership Cohort.

Ojo graduated from Maurice A. Dean School of Law at Hofstra University in 2013. She also received a Bachelor’s Degree from

New York University. Joan Ojo resides in McDonald, Pa., with her husband, Kelvin, and their two children, Talia and Sofia. She is an active member of World Restoration Center and is also the President of Hope Emmanuel Foundation Inc., which provides financial and educational support for children who have been abandoned, abused or orphaned.

Principal & Founder, Sienna Dawn Media Integrated Marketing Agency; Assistant Director of Communications, Bridgeway Capital

Danica Phillips began her journey in public relations while serving on active duty in the Navy, where she honed her skills and developed a deep passion for service and effective communication. With a remarkable 12 years of experience in public relations and public affairs, her career has been nothing short of diverse.

From leading a multimedia journalism team to covering academia, crafting tourism and hospitality marketing strategies, serving as a public information officer for a local county government, and thriving in the fast-paced agency environment, Phillips’ professional journey is a testament to her versatility, expertise, and unwavering dedication to service and the art of storytelling.

These days, Philips is still serving in the United States Navy Reserve as a public affairs manager. She is also the assistant director of communications at Bridgeway Capital, and she owns her own integrated marketing agency by the name of Sienna Dawn Media. In her spare time, she is soaking up time with her husband and three kids. Phillips is a volunteer at Faison Elementary School where she reads to first graders, a mentor with Strong Women, Strong Girls, where she mentors a freshman at University of Pittsburgh, and she serves on the board of directors for the nonprofit, Assemble. She is also a part of the alumni council, mentoring students at her alma mater, Florida State University.

BROOKE RAWLS, PH.D., LCSW

CWEB Academic Coordinator and Clinical Assistant Professor

University

of Pittsburgh School of Social Work

Dr. Brooke Rawls is a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Pennsylvania. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Slippery Rock University, an MSW from California University of Pennsylvania and, in 2019, earned her Ph.D. in Instructional Management and Leadership from Robert Morris University. Her dissertation focused on the impact of secondary traumatic stress, burnout, and compassion fatigue on bereavement doulas.

Dr. Rawls has more than 13 years of diverse experience within the field of social work. She has worked as a caseworker for Children, Youth, and Families; managed the social work departments at both Forbes Hospital and Magee Women’s Hospital; and provided individual & couples counseling during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also has provided free LCSW supervision to 14 social workers in the Pittsburgh area, supporting them in advancing their careers by obtaining their licensure.

Currently, Dr. Rawls is the CWEB Academic Coordinator and a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Social Work. She provides career guidance, social support, and academic advisement to undergraduate students. As the CWEB academic coordinator, Dr. Rawls works with 15 different universities across Pennsylvania to recruit social work students to enter the field of child welfare with the goal to strengthen the Pennsylvania Child Welfare System by increasing the number of educated professionals and equipping them to deal with the complex demands of public child welfare practice. Through this program, Dr. Rawls helps to prepare students to become educated, empathetic, and culturally competent child welfare case workers. Additionally, she is an adjunct professor for Purdue

Global within their College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.

Dr. Rawls has developed and facilitated several trainings and presentations to help bring awareness to crucial social issues, including topics on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, trauma-informed care for teen parents, racial disparities impacting Black maternal and infant health, and post-hire support for social workers. These training sessions and presentations accentuate Dr. Rawls’ commitment to addressing critical social issues and equipping professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to make a positive impact in their respective fields. When not at work, Dr. Rawls is an active member of her community. She is the vice-president of cheer for the Gateway Midget Football and Cheerleading Association (GMFCA) in Monroeville.

She has held this position for the past eight years, holding a head coach position for the two years prior. During the 2023 season, Dr. Rawls introduced the first MSW intern from the University of Pittsburgh; together, they explored ways to strengthen the social support provided to the families within the GMFCA. Additionally, Dr. Rawls coaches for the Gateway Youth Track Club and is a certified official for the USATF (USA Track & Field). She also volunteers for FOCUS Beyond the Field; a free strength, conditioning, speed, and agility program for youth ages 8-18. As a community volunteer within these programs, Dr. Rawls helps provide a supportive and empowering environment for our youth that is dedicated to instilling values of discipline, resilience, and teamwork, while promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.

AUDIA ROBINSON, MBA, PH.D. CANDIDATE

Community Investment Operations Analyst, Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh; Founder & CEO, DeSylvia Investments, LLC

Audia Robinson is a driven and accomplished professional born and raised in Pittsburgh. With 10 years of rich experience in the banking industry, she has carved out a distinguished career at the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh, where she honed her skills and expertise in finance, community investment, and strategic planning. Beyond her corporate endeavors, Robinson is a visionary leader and a catalyst for positive change in her community. As the CEO and founder of DySylvia Investments, she seeks to inspire others to grow and sustain generational wealth while raise awareness around the importance of financial education.

In addition to her professional pursuits, Robinson is a dedicated scholar and a lifelong learner. Currently a Ph.D. candidate in community engagement with a focus on understanding the lived experiences of building and sustaining generational wealth among Black communities, she is delving deep into the intersection of finance, social impact, and community development. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Penn State

University and an MBA from Point Park University, Robinson’s academic background complements her practical experience, allowing her to approach complex issues with a holistic perspective. When she’s not immersed in her work or studies, you can find her exploring new destinations around the world, spending quality time with loved ones, experimenting with diverse cuisines in her kitchen, or engaging in thought-provoking conversations about financial literacy and wealth-building strategies. A true advocate for change and empowerment, she continues to stand on her faith and inspire others with her unwavering commitment to creating a more prosperous and equitable future for all.

SHANA SMITH

Assistant Principal Urban Academy of Greater Pittsburgh Charter School

Shana M. Smith is a devoted educator with a lifelong passion for fostering a love of learning. Her journey into teaching began in middle school, fueled by a desire to positively impact students’ lives. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary & Special Education from Clarion University. She continued her academic journey with a Master’s Degree focused on Community Mental Health and Special Education Support from Duquesne University.

Smith’s teaching career flourished at Baden Academy Charter School, where she progressed from Teacher Facilitator to Lead Classroom Teacher over five fulfilling years. Seeking new challenges, she relocated to Pittsburgh and joined the Urban Academy of Greater Pittsburgh Charter School. There, she served as Special

TIFFANY STANLEY

Public & Community Relations Manager

AAA East Central

Tiffancy Stanley serves as the Public and Community Relations Manager for AAA East Central. As the spokesperson of the organization, Stanley is responsible for promoting traffic-safety messages and leading initiatives that increase awareness of dangerous traveling behaviors such as driving under the influence, distracted driving and the Move Over Law. She manages a team of traffic reporters who broadcast morning traffic reports on KDKA Radio (1020 AM, 100.1 FM). Stanley also serves as the diversity, inclusion and belonging coordinator. She partners with executive leaders to host diversity trainings, create volunteer opportunities in underserved communities, recruit diverse candidates and deliver meaningful communications about diverse groups.

Stanley is the Chair of the AAA Lift Every Voice business resource group. She assists in creating an inclusive environment dedicated to giving African Ameri-

Assistant to the Chief Academic Officer before earning her Principal certification from Point Park University. For the past four years, Smith has excelled as Assistant Principal, assisting with the execution of Urban’s instructional vision, Federal Programs management, and special projects coordinator such as Middle States Accreditation and charter renewal compliance.

Outside of education, Smith finds joy in spending genuine quality time with her husband, kids, family, and friends. Smith has achieved fulfillment both personally and professionally, embodying dedication to the growth of young minds and the communities she serves.

can/Black AAA employees a voice while increasing advancement opportunities and supporting initiatives that promote belonging and respect.

Stanley’s prior experiences at AAA East Central included Branch Manager Trainee, where she managed up to 25 AAA employees in several branches across the Greater Pittsburgh area. She coached them to meet goals through proven sales approaches.

She also served as an insurance agent, where she learned to develop rapport with new and existing clients to deliver a superior product and assign the appropriate risk-management solutions as a licensed property and casualty agent. Through the organization, Stanley enjoys the opportunity to volunteer with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh, Open Doors Academy in Cleveland, the Boys & Girls Club and more.

Stanley is an entrepreneur who invests in real estate. Her properties range from single-family to multi-family properties and are located in Westmoreland County. She prides herself in acting with integrity by treating her tenants with respect.

She enjoys traveling with friends and family, going to the gym, playing tennis and spending time with her cat, Serene.

Stanley received a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in Natural Science, with a concentration in Pre-Pharmacy and a minor in Business Administration. During her studies, she served as the Success Networking Team Coordinator of The National Society of Leadership and Success, as well as the Fundraising Chair for the national service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega -Mu Chi Chapter.

JOHN A. UKENYE, J.D.

Advocacy and Policy Officer

Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh

For years, John Ukenye has dedicated his time to uplifting others. It began with his upbringing, being raised by immigrant parents from two different parts of the world: Nigeria and Cuba. They instilled in him the values of hard work, collaboration, and giving back to the community.

He completed his undergraduate education at Florida International University with two Bachelor’s degrees in three years. During his time in college, he served on Student Government, served as Vice President of his Amnesty International chapter, Vice President of his Order of Omega chapter, and served as president of his Omicron Delta Chapter Leadership Honor Society chapter. He then attended Washington University School of Law, where he balanced his studies while also serving as president of the 7,000+ graduate student body.

Today, he serves as pres ident of the Young Demo crats of Allegheny Coun ty, with membership that stands at over 100. He also serves as one of the youngest members of the Pennsylvania Dem ocratic State Commit tee. Through his civic engagement work, he actively works to get more young people like himself involved in our region’s political com munity. The local Young Democrats host candidate forums and meet and greets, a respected candidate

recommendation process, and a safe, networking space for young people to engage with one another, ask questions, and volunteer for candidates and causes that speak to them.

Professionally, he works as the Advocacy and Policy Officer for the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh. He is building a policy apparatus to allow the Urban League to lead on activism around the issues of today locally and beyond. He serves as the organization’s, both its staff and broader constituency’s, bridge to local, statewide, and federal officials. He hosts events such as informational townhalls with the City of Pittsburgh Police Chief, facilitates conversations with families facing issues at their local school district, and the non-partisan civic engagement campaign from the National Urban League called “Reclaim Your

Throughout his life, he has volunteered for his community. In high school, he completed over 1,000 hours of community service. Today, as president of the Young Democrats of Allegheny County, he has brought community service opportunities back into the group’s repertoire of ongoing work. His group has volunteered with organizations such as Tree Pittsburgh and Friends of the John Ukenye is dedicated to giving back to his community, just as it has given so much to him.

LAWRENCE URADU, M.D.

Associate

Chief, Division

of Emergency Radiology, UPMC; Owner & CEO, Alfred Group, LLC

Lawrence Uradu was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and embarked on a journey marked by academic excellence. He pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at Morgan State University before earning his Doctorate in Medicine from Marshall University School of Medicine. Driven by a passion for Radiology, he completed his residency at the University of Louisville Hospital and further honed his expertise through fellowship training at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). Motivated by a desire to bridge the gap for underrepresented students in medicine, Uradu founded project PREMED (Providing Real-World Experiences for Marshall Educated Doctors) at Marshall University. This initiative introduces underrepresented college students to the field of medicine. To show his commitment to fostering diversity and accessibility in healthcare education, Uradu donated $25,000 towards scholarships for participants in the program. In his professional career, Uradu serves as a distinguished radiologist at UPMC and holds the position of Associate Chief of the Division of Emergency Radiology. Additionally, he serves as the Director of Diversity and Inclusion at the UPMC Imag-

DANIELLE COMMODORE WALKER

ing Services Center, where he advocates for equitable representation and opportunities within the medical community. Beyond medicine, Uradu is a dynamic entrepreneur. He is the owner and CEO of Alfred Group, LLC, a thriving real estate investment and management company. Through this company, he spearheads projects aimed at revitalizing communities and providing affordable housing solutions. Recent endeavors include the transformation of abandoned properties in the Homewood community into vibrant establishments. His company, Alfred Group, LLC is a recent recipient of the American Rescue Plan Act grant to fund construction and development of a restaurant and lounge/event space in the Homewood community. Uradu’s interests reflect his unwavering dedication towards an equitable society. His multifaceted approach to effecting change, both professionally and through community initiatives, underscores his commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable society.

Assistant General Manager, M&J Wilkow; Licensed R.E. Salesperson, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Danielle Commodore Walker is a determined, hard-working, goal-oriented individual who strives for excellence with every opportunity given. Working in performance-based positions for many years, she has obtained the ability to bring out the best in every client and co-worker, which allows for her to effectively lead and motivate others. Most importantly, she has a respectable dedication to teamwork and an unwavering drive to succeed.

A graduate of Indiana University of Pa. with a B.S. in International Business, Walker joined the CRE industry working in multi-family property management as a Leasing Consultant with Amore Management Company. She became an On-site Property Manager at Brandy wine Communities managing a 198-unit apartment community for three years and then moved into the corporate office where her portfolio grew to 11 properties with over 600 units com bined. Walker obtained her Real Es tate Salesperson license in 2018 and has successfully assisted many clients with their residential real estate needs over the years. After almost 10 years in the industry, Walker transitioned from multi-family to office property management, joining M&J Wilkow in 2022 as the Property Management Administrator for their 20 Stanwix property. In less than a year, Walk er was promoted to her current role as Assis tant General Manager for the 11 Stanwix and 20 Stanwix properties. Walker is an active

member of several organizations including NAIOP, BOMA, National Association of Realtors, and sits on the Professional Standards and Arbitration Committee for the Realtors Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh.

Walker has also been a volunteer/participant in several organizations that support the educational advancement of minority students. Being an active member of NAIOP, she was given the opportunity to participate in the 2023 RMU-CRE Immersion Program as a panelist.

She also is an active member of the F.A.M.E. Parent Advisory Committee, which provides regular parental input and support to the CEO. The advisory committee also encourages a community experience through communication and events with the fellow parents of F.A.M.E.

Walker is a wife to a wonderful husband, and a mom to three beautiful girls. On her down time, she enjoys reading books, exercising, shopping for any and everything, and cooking meals of all varieties.

DARIUS WALLACE

Administrative and Project Coordinator, Mayor’s Office City of Pittsburgh

Darius Wallace was born and raised in Virginia Beach, Virginia, before moving and settling in Pittsburgh. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in government, law, and civil service. Throughout his childhood, Wallace excelled academically, displaying a natural curiosity for learning. This passion led to pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Political Science at Norfolk State University before obtaining his master’s degree in Public and International Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh.

During his time at Norfolk State University, Wallace became involved in various extracurricular activities, including his local NAACP Chapter and Young Democrats. He also embarked on internships and research projects, gaining valuable hands-on experience in the law field. After graduating with honors, Wallace began his professional career at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, where he quickly distinguished himself through his dedication and innovative thinking.

Today, Wallace works in the Office of Mayor Ed

Gainey, where he gets to make significant positive contributions to the communities in Pittsburgh. As the Administrative and Project Coordinator, Wallace is the lead staffer on special initiatives like My Brother’s Keeper and MADE Health Justice as well as providing supports across all the Mayor’s Of-

fice teams. Wallace continues to pursue his professional endeavors while enjoying quality time with his wife, family, and friends. He remains committed to lifelong learning and is always seeking new opportunities to grow and evolve, both personally and professionally.

ORLANDO WATSON

Senior Director of Programming

August Wilson African American Cultural Center

Orlando Watson has established himself as an emerging lyricist and recording artist whose signature baritone voice is known to weave through words with uncanny rhythmic delivery. In 2015, Watson was awarded the prestigious “Kente Cloth” by the Office of Diversity & Inclusion at The Ohio State University alongside acclaimed political commentator, Dr. Marc Lamont Hill. Watson’s début project, “Everything’s Personal,” was released in 2017 and peaked at #18 on iTunes R&B/Soul charts, which led him to open for Lalah Hathaway and Chantae Cann’s respective tours in 2018. His full-length album, “Corner Stories,” was released in December 2021 and peaked at #14 on iTunes top 20 R&B/Soul charts upon its release on Watson’s independent label, “Well Said Records,” attributed to his firstborn son, Maxwell.

Furthermore, Watson has been privileged to record with Emmy, Oscar and Grammy winners such as: Terence Blanchard, Keyon Harrold, Braxton Cook, John Clayton, and Bobby Sparks II of Snarky Puppy to name a few. His knack for storytelling led him to co-write Terence Blanchard’s “Our Voices: Democracy Revisited,” which was livestreamed on NPR’s “Jazz Night in America” hosted by acclaimed bassist Christian McBride. Watson was selected as one of the top

eight national finalists to compete at the 2019 “Jazz in the Gardens” poetry slam in Miami.

His poetry has been published in Linden Avenue Literary Journal as well as Five 2 One Magazine. As an arts and entertainment executive, Watson has served as the Associate Director of Cleveland’s Tri-C Jazz Fest from 2019-2022 and he currently serves as the Senior Director of Programming at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, where he manages the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival in addition to curating several signature events that have presented the likes of: Nikki Giovanni, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Nikole Hannah-Jones, Chef Eric Adjepong, Rapsody, Slum Village, Keyon Harrold, Gregory Porter and Ledisi.