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Duquesne Light celebrates Juneteenth by beautifying Homewood Page A2
Pittsburgh Courier NEW
www.newpittsburghcourier.com Vol. 112 No. 25
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JUNE 23-29, 2021
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Thousands fill Point State Park, as Juneteenth becomes a national holiday
JUNE 18-20 WAS ALL JUNETEENTH IN DOWNTOWN PITTSBURGH, as thousands converged on The Point to celebrate Freedom Day. In the left photo are Christian DiBoko and Binay Geathers of ProBantu Style. In the right photo are Elijah Bullock, 12, and Torey Bullock, 15. (Photos by Rob Taylor Jr. and Gail Manker)
by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer
Over the past eight years, no one in Pittsburgh has fought harder for Juneteenth than B. Marshall. He took on the city when it tried to bestow on him hundreds of thousands of dollars in security costs for his Juneteenth events, when other events in the city weren’t charged nearly as much. He led the charge in Pittsburgh ultimately recognizing Juneteenth as
an official holiday. Allegheny County soon followed. Governor Tom Wolf signed a bill designating June 19 as “Juneteenth National Freedom Day” in 2019. “While Independence Day marks the conception of a free nation, Juneteenth is a celebration of the fulfillment of this ideal through the Emancipation Proclamation,” said Gov. Wolf, in a statement two years ago. “In honoring this day, I encourage all Pennsylvanians to reflect
on the struggles and sacrifices our forefathers made to give us freedom, while realizing the importance of continuing to build a nation that truly reflects the self-evident truth that all people are created equal.” And just six days ago, with the stroke of a pen and a heart of gold, President Joe Biden signed legislation making Juneteenth a federal holiday, the first federal holiday declared since Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day was
declared in 1983, 15 years after his death. “Throughout history, Juneteenth has been known by many names: Jubilee Day. Freedom Day. Liberation Day. Emancipation Day. And today, a national holiday,” Vice President Kamala Harris said in Washington, D.C. before introducing the president. With all the hoopla surrounding Juneteenth across the country this year, it only made B. Marshall’s Juneteenth cele-
bration larger. Thousands descended on Point State Park this past weekend, with the most attendees coming out on Saturday, June 19, the actual date of Juneteenth, which saw hip-hop legends Big Daddy Kane and Rakim grace the City of Pittsburgh-constructed megastage. “Juneteenth is part of our culture, our heritage, and nobody is teaching that to our youth,” B. Marshall told the New Pittsburgh Courier at Juneteenth,
Downtown. “We started (having Juneteenth events) in 2013, but it’s been many people that have done Juneteenth celebrations in Pittsburgh. We just picked up where somebody else left off.” There were Juneteenth events in other areas of the region this past weekend, including at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater in East Liberty, in Wilkinsburg, and a re-dedication service SEE JUNETEENTH A6
A Civilian Police Control Council... in Pittsburgh? It could happen by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer
RON AND TEONA WILLIAMS, of Moon Township, celebrating Juneteenth in Downtown Pittsburgh. (Photo by Gail Manker)
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Could there be a Civilian Police Control Council, the first of its kind in the nation, in Pittsburgh? Why not, says Randall Taylor. “All of us know we want to have more say in the police, so how do you do that? The only way we could do it is to have a democratically-elected body that would be in charge of all aspects of policing—hiring, firing, discipline, budget, but particularly decisions made about how, where and when we police our communities,” the longtime activist said during a press conference at Freedom Corner, June 17. Taylor, who is a leader in the “Pittsburgh for Community Control Over the Police” movement, said that Mayor Bill Peduto and City Council haven’t SEE CIVILIAN A5
RANDALL TAYLOR, with Pittsburgh for Community Control Over the Police, says it’s vital to the future of public safety in the city that there is a “separate governmental body” that controls it. (Photo by Rob Taylor Jr.)
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Duquesne Light celebrates Juneteenth with employees beautifying Homewood
IN HONOR OF JUNETEENTH, Duquesne Light employees who are part of its African American Business Employee Resource Group partnered with the organization Grounded Strategies to pick up trash, do yardwork and plant and fix garden beds throughout Homewood on June 18. Also during the event, Duquesne Light presented Grounded Strategies with a check for $1,000. Among those pictured is David Johnson, bottom right photo with the Steelers hat, who is DLC’s vice president and Chief Customer Officer.
Home for children with disabilities opens in Penn Hills The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that thanks to the nonprofit organization Community Options, a new community-based home for children with disabilities recently
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opened in Penn Hills. On June 14, Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, Penn Hills Mayor Pauline Calabrese and other community leaders came together to celebrate with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Community Options is a national nonprofit that provides housing and employment supports for people with disabilities. The newly renovated home was developed in partnership with Allegheny County. The home will support two children with disabilities who are transitioning from a congregate setting into personalized community-based housing. “We are delighted to be part of this excellent initiative for children and are
honored that Community Options recognizes the opportunities for growth that Penn Hills has to offer,” said Mayor Calabrese, in a statement provided to the Courier. Community Options’ innovative program is funded through Allegheny County’s Residential Enhancement Service Planning Opportunities for New Directions Program (RESPOND). The program is based in a small home to provide intensive services to high-need children. Community Options will provide these children with a home to call their own while simultaneously implementing the treatment plans needed to help each child achieve their goals. A NUMBER OF COMMUNITY OFFICIALS AND LEADERS, including Allegheny County Chief Executive Rich Fitzgerald, second from left, celebrate the opening of a new home for children with disabilities in Penn Hills, June 14. “As parents, it is very difficult to have your child living apart from you. When that child has a disability, it can be even more difficult, as his or her needs are harder to meet,” said Kelly Novic, whose son will live in the home. “We are very thankful to Community Options for providing our son with such a wonderful new home, one that we feel will give him the ability to live his fullest life.” Also in attendance were
Community Options’ partners and supporters, including Dollar Bank, Senator Jay Costa’s office, and Bob’s Discount Furniture. Furnishings in the home were donated by Bob’s Discount Furniture. Community Options supports about 700 people with disabilities in housing and employment programs in Pennsylvania, including over 100 in Allegheny County.
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This Week In Black History A Courier Staple JUNE 23
1921—“Shuffle Along”—the first of a succession of widely popular Black musicals performed for White audiences—opened at the 63rd Street Theatre in New York City, becoming the first African American Broadway musical. The musical comedy combined the talents of the legendary team of Eubie Blake and Noble Sissle. “Shuffle Along” produced a long list of hits including “Shuffle Along,” “I’m Just Wild about Harry,” “Gypsy Blues” and “Love Will Find A Way.” 1981—Legendary Reggae artist Bob Marley is given an official state funeral in his homeland of Jamaica. He had died of cancer on May 11 in Miami. Marley and his band “The Wailers” had made Reggae popular worldwide with such hits as “Stir It Up” and “No Woman, No Cry.” He was considered the first third-world superstar and a prophet of the Rastafarian religion. He was only 36 when he died. His body now lies in a mausoleum in Jamaica.
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1854—Anthony Burns, one of the most celebrated fugitive slaves in American history, is captured by deputy U.S. Marshals in Boston. But at the time anti-slavery feeling was running high in Boston and it was one of the cities which had vowed not to obey the Fugitive Slave Act—a federal law that required even those opposed to slavery to help slave owners capture run-away slaves. For fear that Boston residents would help Burns escape to Canada, the U.S. government sent 2,000 troops to Boston to assist in returning Burns to Virginia. Thousands lined the streets as Burns was marched to a ship on June 3 for a trip back South. However, a Black Boston church raised the money to purchase Burns and within a year of his capture, he was back in Boston a free man. 1856—The so-called Pottawatomie Massacre takes place. A force of men led by famed abolitionist John Brown attacks a pro-slavery settlement in Franklin County, Kan., leaving at least five men dead. The attack was part of a period known as “Bleeding Kansas” when pro and anti-slavery forces battled one another in a bid to determine whether Kansas would be a slave or free territory. The “Pottawatomie Massacre” was also one of the events which made the Civil War unavoidable. 1944—Legendary singer Patti LaBelle is born Patricia Louise Holte in Philadelphia, Pa.
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1773—Massachusetts slaves petition for their freedom. As a result of the petition, a bill ending slavery in the state was actually drawn up and passed by the legislature. But the governor refused to sign it and there were not enough votes to override his veto. 1941—President Franklin D. Roosevelt issues Executive Order #8802 banning racial discrimination in the nation’s war industries on the eve of America’s involvement in World War II. The order came as a result of pressure from Black labor leader A. Phillip Randolph who had threatened a massive “March on Washington” to protest discrimination by the military and the military industry. 1968—Lincoln Alexander becomes the first Black member of the Canadian parliament. 2009—Pop music superstar Michael Jackson dies of cardiac arrest in his Los Angeles home after reportedly being given a powerful sedative (Propofol) to help him sleep. Jackson was 50 years old and was in the process of preparing a major comeback tour. His doctor Conrad Murray was charged and found guilty of manslaughter in the case.
JUNE 26
1899—Black inventor William H. Richardson redesigns the baby carriage. While the idea for the baby carriage is nearly 300 years old, Richardson’s patent, filed at the
Boston patent office, included several new features including a special joint which allowed the bassinet to be turned to face the mother or whoever was pushing the carriage. Many of Richardson’s designs are still in use today. [There is some authority that Richardson’s patent was actually filed on June 18.] 1942—Harvard medical student, Bernard W. Robinson, becomes the first African American to win a commission to the United States Navy.
JUNE 27
1872—Paul Lawrence Dunbar, one of the most popular poets in Black American history, is born in Dayton, Ohio. Dunbar first gained national recognition with a collection of works published in 1896 entitled “Lyrics of a Lowly Life,” which included “Ode to Ethiopia.” Despite the power of his poetry, Dunbar angered some Blacks who were concerned about “what will White people think” because he generally used Black dialect and not Standard English in much of his poetry. Dunbar’s first poem was published in a newspaper owned by high school friends and American airplane pioneers Orville and Wilbur Wright. The Wright brothers would also provide Dunbar with funds to open the Dayton Tattler—a newspaper geared toward the city’s Black community. Unfortunately, Dunbar died at the age of 34 in 1906 of Tuberculosis.
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1839—Cinque, original name Senghbe; after being kidnapped and sold into slavery, is placed on the Spanish slave ship Amistad. The son of a King of the Mende, Mendi) tribe in West Africa would lead the most successful revolt on a slave ship during the entire history of the slave trade. The Amistad was captured by the slaves who killed the captain and attempted to sail the ship to Africa. But due to delaying tactics by the remaining White crew, the ship was captured by a U.S. naval ship. Cinque and the rebellious slaves were taken to New Haven, Conn., and put on trial for murder. Amazingly they won their case and were allowed to return to Africa. 1971—Muhammad Ali is allowed to box again after winning a victory in the United States Supreme Court. The court overturned his conviction for refusing to be drafted and serve in the United States war in Vietnam. When asked how he could claim to be a pacifist opposed to war while being a professional boxer, Ali’s most frequent response was, “I am not going 10,000 miles from here to help murder and kill and burn poor people to help continue the domination of White slave masters over the darker people.” 1978—The United States Supreme Court hands down the Bakke Decision which undermined affirmative action programs that had been designed to give preference to Blacks and other minorities in education and industry in order to compensate for decades of past discrimination. Although the court ruled affirmative action programs were constitutional; it struck down the use of quotas and that had the effect of weakening the affirmative action programs.
JUNE 29
1970—NAACP Chairman Stephen Gill Spottswood creates a national controversy by telling the annual convention of the civil rights organization that the administration of President Richard Nixon was “anti-Negro” and was pursuing policies “inimical to the needs and aspirations” of African Americans. 1972—The United States Supreme Court rules in a historic five to four decision that as it was being carried out in America, the death penalty was “cruel and unusual punishment” and thus violated the Constitution. The ruling also suggested that the death penalty was racist. At the time 483 of the approximately 600 people waiting to be executed in the nation were Blacks or members of other minority groups. However, since the decision, at least 38 states and the federal government have re-instituted the death penalty by supposedly meeting Supreme Court guidelines.
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Gender wage gap shrinking at Pittsburgh-area nonprofits. But there are still problems with diversity. by Sophie Burkholder PublicSource
Over nearly two decades, Peggy Outon has studied the pay gap narrowing between male and female nonprofit executives in the Pittsburgh region. In 2010, for instance, women made 75 cents for every dollar men made. By 2019, that shifted to 82 cents. But a 2021 report from the Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management showed a dramatic jump that surprised even her. Women in leadership roles at Pittsburgh-area nonprofits now make 92 cents for every dollar men make in similar roles. “What is particularly pleasing to me is to see that the reason the pay gap narrowed this time
is because we have more women of power in larger organizations,” said Outon, who leads the center at Robert Morris University. “And I believe that will help create permanent and sustainable change not just for executives, but for all women working in nonprofits.” Yet the promising news has a contrasting backdrop. The report that spans 185 nonprofit organizations in the Pittsburgh region also suggests a racial disparity in who benefits, a lack of overall diversity and a contingent of employees who make low enough wages to qualify for public assistance. The Pittsburgh region has thousands of nonprofits, and Bayer notes that the survey only reflects the state of organizations who responded.
According to the survey, White or caucasian executive directors received an average of $124,824 in annual compensation, while Black or African-American executive directors received an average of only $107,087. A lack of representation, however, complicates the results. When calculating median salary, the figure is $7,000 higher for Black or African-American directors, compared to White directors. But only 16 of the surveyed organizations reported having Black or African-American leaders, compared to 133 organizations with White leaders. Overall, Black or African-American workers made up about 17 percent of employees across the 185 nonprofits.
Supporting diversity De’netta Benjamin, executive director of Sojourner House, a nonprofit that provides residential addiction treatment services to mothers, feels there is room for progress in promoting equity across both gender and race. While happy with the closing gender pay gap illustrated by the report, Benjamin pointed to a 2020 study from the Program to Aid Citizen Enterprise (PACE), which found that nonprofits primarily serving communities of color are funded inequitably compared to those serving white or mixed communities. “Because executive pay is tied to your budget, if we are funded inequitably, then we cannot
“Because executive pay is tied to your budget, if we are funded inequitably, then we cannot expand our budget. And that means that more African-American executives, especially if you serve a minority population, you’re going to be in a situation where your pay is not going to be equitable compared to others.” DENETTA BENJAMIN, executive director of Sojourner House expand our budget,” said Benjamin. “And that means that more African-American executives, especially if you serve a minority population, you’re going to be in a situation where your pay is not going to be equitable compared to others.” Benjamin sees several opportunities for improvement. There could be more pathways to government funding or foundation money for smaller organizations, she said, and more support from big-budget organizations through partnerships. “If you can get more support for operations, you can expand your capacity,” Benjamin said. “If you can expand your capacity, you can increase your budget and improve your pay for leadership and staff.” A 2019 national survey from the Building Movement Project found that 22% of organizations led by people of color had budgets greater than $5 million, compared to 40% of White-run organizations. The report also asked respondents about financial well-being with questions about salary, bonuses or other increases, and whether or not survey respondents regularly provided financial support to family members outside their household. Salaries themselves were fairly equal, but employees of color more frequently provided financial support to outside family members and also saw less frequent raises, bonuses or cost of living adjustments. Anne Gingerich, the executive director of the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations (PANO), hosted the Building Movement Project at PANO’s annual conference to help local nonprofits address some of the problems exhibited by this data. Specifically, she wants to understand why the lack of representation in nonprofit leadership persists. “We need to figure out what it is that gets in the way of promoting people of color within our organizations,” Gingerich said. In recent years, Gingerich said organizations have focused on diversity and equity training, but without creating more Black leaders. She doesn’t think the solution will come with more diversity training, though. “Many organizations, over the last three years, have done more training on diversity, equity and inclusion, and yet that trend didn’t change anything (in execu-
tive representation),” Gingerich said. The 2019 survey from the Building Movement Project found that employees at White-led organizations felt there was less commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, compared to organizations led by people of color. “If we’re not paying attention to cultural issues within the organization that may not be as welcoming to people of color, they may not feel as comfortable stepping into leadership roles,” Gingerich said.
‘Supposed to role models’
be
Peggy Outon of the Bayer Center is also dismayed by the meager pay reported for some lower-level nonprofit employees. Of the nonprofits surveyed, 14% reported that they had at least some full-time workers who were eligible for public assistance benefits. “That nonprofits would not value their employees enough for full-time work so that they would not need public assistance is a point of pain for me,” Outon said. “I think we are supposed to be role models in society in sticking up for social justice and fair treatment of people.” Benjamin said Sojourner House uses the Bayer Center’s report to help assess if their organization’s wages are fair, she said. “We want to make sure that if they’re not, that we bring them up to the percentile that’s recommended in the Bayer study.” The economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic mean that nonprofits face difficult financial choices. According to a 2019 report from the National Council on Nonprofits, 88% of all nonprofits have budgets under $500,000. Gingerich thinks it could take some organizations nearly two years to fully recover from the financial hardships of the pandemic — and some may not survive. She believes that financial stability for the nonprofits and fair wages for employees aren’t mutually exclusive goals. Achieving both may require temporary sacrifices, including scaling back services to increase pay. “Our stance has always been that we understand the challenge of every nonprofit,” she said, “but employees have been seriously under-salaried for decades.”
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NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Randall Taylor pushing for a Civilian Police Control Council CIVILIAN FROM A1
done enough to address police violence, and that over-policing has failed to reduce poverty-driven crime. Taylor, who’s a former board member of the Pittsburgh Public Schools, sees this Civilian Police Control Council as working in a similar capacity in the public safety realm. While there is a superintendent of schools in Pittsburgh, that person ultimately answers to the school board. If Taylor has his way, the police chief of Pittsburgh would answer to the new Civilian Police Control Council. “Right now there are only two voices that are heard in the City of Pittsburgh on police policy, and that’s the mayor and head of the fraternal order of police,” Taylor told reporters. “Now, (if the Civilian Police Control Council is created), we would not only have nine new elected people in the room, but also, the citizens of this city will get a chance to vote for a representative that will be responsible for public safety in this city.” Pittsburgh for Community Control Over the Police had about 20 people at Freedom Corner on June 17, most of whom are being tasked with gathering 25,000 signatures, or double the 12,500 needed for the question to be on the November election ballot. The group said 500 signatures had already been gathered as of June 17. The Civilian Police Control Council’s electoral structure would be as follows: elected members would serve four-year terms; elected Council
RANDALL TAYLOR members shall number one from each City Council district (9 total); candidates must reside within the city for at least one year prior to seeking office and be at least 18 years old by election date; candidates cannot run for the Council if they are currently employed by the city and within the police bureau, holds public office, is employed by the Allegheny County DA’s office or serves in any other civil servant position; candidates cannot be convicted of bribery, embezzlement, extortion, perjury or other corruption-related offenses; candidates must disclose any personal, professional or financial conflicts of interest that could hinder the individual’s performance as a Council member. Taylor said if the new Council is created, it would, in effect, replace the Civilian Police Review
Board that’s currently in operation. When Taylor was asked at the news conference why Pittsburgh City Council couldn’t just become the de facto Civilian Police Control Council instead of creating a new entity, Taylor responded: “City Council has long been taken out of the issues of policing (in Pittsburgh), and they would tell you.” Taylor added: “This is not an anti-police thing. This is about building a new city and we need communities to feel comfortable with the police and policing taking place in our community and that is not the case now and that’s not been the case, ever...We believe that the issue of public safety is so important, that we should create a separate governmental body whose sole responsibility is keeping our city safe.”
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JUNE 23-29, 2021
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Thousands fill Point State Park, as Juneteenth becomes a national holiday
JUNE 18-20 WAS ALL JUNETEENTH IN DOWNTOWN PITTSBURGH, as thousands converged on The Point to celebrate Freedom Day. (Photos by Courier photographer Gail Manker)
burgh belongs to the collaboration between B. Marshall and the city, where, for the first time, Downtown streets leading to Point State Park were blocked off, as more than 40 African American vendors sold products to customers all weekend. Gateway Health
was also present at the celebration promoting good by Bethel AME Church in health and wellness, and the Hill District, at the site UPMC had tents set up to in the Lower Hill where the give COVID-19 vaccinachurch originally stood, pritions next to the T-station. or to it being demolished by The line for some barbecue the city to make way for the from Uncle Rick’s SmokeCivic Arena. house seemed everlasting, But Juneteenth in Pittstoo. Some customers purchased “African King” and “African Queen” T-shirts from ProBantu Style, owned by Christian DiBoko. DiBoko is originally from Congo, in Africa, and came to Pittsburgh in 2016. The year 2021 marks his third year with ProBantu Style as an official business, which also sells jewelry, art, denim jackets and hoodies. DiBoko called the Juneteenth celebration, in a word, “togetherness. Usually, they use us (in the media) for violence, all those stereotypical things, but they don’t use us for our love, togetherness, hard work. That’s what you see, hard-working people here.” DiBoko said it was exciting to see “money circulating in the Black community” with all the Black-owned JAMES “DIAMOND” WILLIAMS, an original member of the Ohio businesses at Juneteenth. Players, onstage at Juneteenth, Downtown Pittsburgh. (Photo by “Bringing people together is something I always wanted. Gail Manker) Things like this is good for the future of our kids,” DiBoko told the Courier. “To see us coming together for one purpose, enjoying our freedom.” Shannel Givner, a Pittsburgh resident, said it was “such an honor to see our city actually acknowledging JUNETEENTH FROM A1
HIP-HOP LEGEND BIG DADDY KANE holds the Terrible Towel to the thousands in attendance at Juneteenth. (Photo by Gail Manker)
it (Juneteenth), and to see all of our people coming together, enjoying the music, the food, the fellowship.” Ron and Teona Williams, Moon Township residents, came down to Pittsburgh to celebrate Juneteenth, with their children. “We have to
recognize the African American culture,” Ron Williams said. “The abolishing of slavery is definitely something to celebrate.” When President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863, which established that all enslaved people in the Confederate states “shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free,” that didn’t mean slavery instantly ended. A report on the History Channel said that the proclamation only applied to places under Confederate control and not to slave-holding border states or rebel areas already under Union control. Texas had been seen as a place where slavery was continuing, as it was not technically part of the Confederacy. However, on June 19, 1865, U.S. General Gordon Granger went to Galveston, Texas, and read General Orders No. 3: “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor.” It wasn’t just old-school hip-hop on the Juneteenth stage in Pittsburgh. Friday,
June 18, saw the Ohio Players, Raheem Devaughn, the Bill Henry Band, the Tubby Daniels Band, Muddy Creek Band, The Flow Band, and Flo Wilson and Old School Band perform. Sunday, June 20, was the Classic Soul Showcase, with Cupid (of the Cupid Shuffle fame), the Youngstown Charisma Band, Shining Star Band, and the bands Motor City and Who’s Bad. KDKA Radio personality Chris Moore broadcasted his weekend show from Juneteenth, inside the nearby Wyndham Grand Hotel. Among his guests were Tim Stevens, Chairman and CEO of the Black Political Empowerment Project. “I have a friend of mine who is polish,” Stevens told the Courier. “Her father was having a problem at a job because he was polish. You know what they did? They had a family meeting, and they chose an English-sounding name. Black people can sit down and have all the meetings they want, they’re still Black in America. So, we are in a different position, historically, and will be for some time to come. This is a holiday where Black people just need to be able to enjoy their Blackness, history and the positives about being Black in America.”
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RELIGION/METRO
JUNE 23-28, 2021
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Praise & Worship ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH 91 Crawford Street Pgh., PA 15219 412-281-3141 Sunday Mass 10:30 A.M. www.sbtmparishpgh.com
East Liberty Presbyterian Church Rev. Dr. Randy Bush, Senior Pastor 412-441-3800 Now offering in-person services, with limited capacity and required pre-registration through the website, and virtual services!! Worship Online on Facebook/YouTube www.ELPC.church
HIP-HOP LEGEND RAKIM, right, at Pittsburgh’s Juneteenth Celebration, June 19. (Photo by Gail Manker)
B. MARSHALL, left, organizer of Pittsburgh’s Juneteenth Celebration, with James “Diamond” Willams of the Ohio Players. (Photo by J.L. Martello)
Summer worship.......10:00 a.m. Taize -Wednesdays.........7:00 p.m.
Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community!
ZARIAH LEWIS, 8, has her own business! She was at the Kids Zone during Juneteenth, held at Mellon Park, June 19. (Photo by J.L. Martello)
SHE SAID YES! Melvin McCane proposed to Mylia Stevenson during Juneteenth, and she said....yes! They are Penn Hills residents. (Photo by Gail Manker)
For rate information, call 412-4818302, ext. 128. We want to feature positive youth from our Pittsburgh church community. Please mail their bio and photo to: New Pittsburgh Courier 315 E. Carson St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219 or email us: religion@newpittsburghcourier. com
TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEXT CHURCH EVENT! A YOUNG GIRL plays with legos during the Kids Zone at Juneteenth, held at Mellon Park, June 19. (Photo by J.L. Martello)
We want to place your event in our Church Circuit weekly calendar!
“For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the Power of God unto Salvation, to EVERY ONE that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek (Gentile). For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, The just shall live by faith. - Romans 1:16-17 REV. WALKER SAYS: Let’s share the Gospel=(Good News of Jesus) that by His (JESUS’) Death, Burial and Resurrection we have Salvation. Our Sin debt paid in FULL, by Jesus’ Sacrifice. IT is FINISHED. St. John 14:6, “Jesus said unto him, I AM THE WAY THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE NO MAN COMETH UNTO THE FATHER, BUT BY ME.” 1-YEAR-OLD KENYATTA sports her Juneteenth shirt, during Juneteenth at Point State Park, June 19. (Photo by Gail Manker)
(Rev. A. Marie Walker is servant pastor of St. John Baptist Church.)
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LABOR DAY is the traditional end to the home-shopping season, and a time when homes tend to sit on the market the longest as parents aim to be settled in their new home before their kids head back to school. (Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA)
Want to sell your home quickly? List it on the Thursday before Labor Day SEATTLE—In today’s competitive housing market, the time it takes to sell a home is measured in days, not weeks. Homes listed on a Thursday sell faster on average and are more likely to sell above list price than those listed on any other day of the week, a new Zillow® analysis reveals. And while this spring selling season may not look so different from the rest of the year as the pandemic-fueled market has stayed red-hot through traditional slow periods, Zillow recommends listing your home before Labor Day based on historical market trends. Why the day of the week matters for home listings Homes listed on a Thursday typically go pending faster than any other day of the week, all else equal. Those that are put
up for sale on a Sunday tend to sit on the market longest, eight days longer than Thursdays. Saturday and Monday are only marginally better—homes listed on either of those days typically take seven
day. “Home shoppers I work with tend to be most active on Thursday and Friday as they plan their weekend tour schedules. With the market as competitive as it is today, this timing strategy gives sellers the
Homes are selling within days in many U.S. metros, and the day a home is listed can have a huge impact on the sale price. days longer to sell than homes listed on Thursdays.1 Jeff Knipe, president of Knipe Realty in Portland, Ore., always recommends his clients list homes on a Wednesday or Thurs-
best chance at seeing multiple offers on their home, from my experience,” Knipe said. “Think of selling a home as if you’re going fishing; the goal is for the most possible fish to see your home as it enters the
pond.” Thursday listings also are most likely to sell for more money. Zillow’s research shows that homes listed on a Thursday are more likely to sell above their asking price than those listed on any other day of the week, while homes listed on either Saturday or Sunday were the least likely to sell above list. In today’s market where half of homes are selling within a week, a few days can make a difference. “A home sitting even for one week without a sale in this market can signal to buyers that they may be able to get a small discount,” Knipe adds. “A good strategy for buyers who want to avoid getting into a bidding war could be SEE HOME SELLING B2
Over 7.3M Black households have net worth of under $10K by Sherri Kolade Michigan Chronicle
According to the economic state of Black America report, roughly 3.5 million Black families (19 percent) have a negative net worth, Black Enterprise reported. Nearly one out of every five Black people are impacted by the net worth problem. Only 8 percent of White households have a negative net worth, in comparison. The primary issue of the dismal net worth numbers for many Black families is, in part, due to debt, according to the article. Teri Ijeoma, a course creator
on Teachable, has helped others eliminate their debt. She’s taught people how to make money in the stock market through her trading courses, the article stated. Philly-based financial coach Shaquana Watson-Harkness went another route. She saved and reduced her spending and was able to pay off $169,000 worth of debt in two years, the article added.
John W. Rogers Jr., founder of Ariel Investments, created a school on the south side of Chicago to address this problem, the article said. “To me, financial literacy is not just about saving, credit cards, retirement, and home mortgages,” Rogers said during an interview with Black Enterprise. “All those things are important. But equally important is understanding how to invest in the equities market and compound money. Long-term stock market returns have substantially outperformed the returns on savings accounts.”
Protecting your most important asset! What is your number one asset? (A) Home, (B) Car, (C) Another valuable possession, (D) None of the above. The answer may surprise. Drumroll…if you guessed (D) None of the above, you guessed right. Your most valuable asset is your ability to earn an income. In order to provide food, clothing, shelter, transportation and other necessities and luxuries for you and your family, you need an income to pay for it. By the way, your income is your most powerful wealth-building tool—but that’s another topic. If you become disabled and cannot work, will you have enough money to buy food, make the house payment, keep the lights and other utilities on, pay the car note and put gas in the car? Statistics show that roughly 40 percent of all foreclosures are the result of a person becoming disabled. Long-term disability (a disability generally lasting 90 days or more) is more devastating on a family’s finances than death. In the event of death there are no ongoing expenses associated with the deceased. When a loved one becomes disabled, a family incurs additional expenses due to the cost of providing care to the disabled person while losing the income once provided by the person who is now disabled. Most of us understand the negative effects that death has on a family’s finances. Therefore, many people have life insurance in place (although most are under-insured). However, people tend to underestimate the need for disability insurance. As a result, a large percentage of people don’t have disability insurance. Of
those who do have disability insurance, far too many have skimpy coverage. You’re 12 times more likely to become disabled than you are to die over a 30-year working career. About half of all employees will have a disability that will last at least 90 days. One out of every 10 people can expect to be permanently disabled prior to age 65. Your income is your most valuable asset and a potential disability is your highest risk of all. This makes disability insurance an instrumental component of a comprehensive financial plan. Before I share important terms you should know in a disability insurance policy, let me first answer some questions that cause many people to procrastinate getting disability insurance. “I am in good health, I know I can earn a living.”—Christopher Reeve (Superman) thought he’d leave this world with a lasting impression of him flying through the air. Although he continued to earn a living, I doubt if he made the same type of money he made prior to his disability (he broke his neck after being thrown from a horse in 1995). You can sustain an injury or illness in a number of ways, including accident, work-related injury or some unforeseen medical condition. “Won’t Social Security help me?”—I
have an aunt who suffered a stroke in 2003. Her physical limitations resulting from the stroke were obvious. It took the assistance of an aggressive attorney, two appeals, and nearly four years before she received a check from Social Security. Obtaining disability income from Social Security is extremely difficult. The definition of disability under social security is very rigid and requires a mental or physical impairment that prevents you from engaging in what they term “substantial gainful employment” (roughly $900 per month) for a minimum of 12 months or be expected to result in death. There are two types of disability insurance —short-term and longterm. Long-term insurance is the more important of the two. Disability insurance replaces between 50 and 70 percent of your gross income with the average being 67 percent. If you pay for your premiums, the income from disability insurance is tax-free. However, if your employer pays the premium, the income is subject to taxation. Premiums are based primarily on the type of work that you do. A fireman, police officer and someone who works around machines will pay a higher premium than someone who works in an office setting. Group disability insurance offered through your employer is offered at a very reasonable price. If your employer
does not offer disability insurance, you can purchase an individual policy. The average price is about $40 per month. Important terms to know: Benefit Amount—This is the amount you’ll be paid should you become disabled. Benefit Period—This will define how long benefits will be paid. It could be five years or until age 65. It’s worth the extra premium to be covered to age 65. Definitions of Disability—There are two general types of disability definitions that you should be aware of. Own Occupation—which states that in order to be declared disabled you cannot perform your particular occupation. This is the best option. If you are a singer and can no longer sing, you’re declared disabled and will receive benefits. Any Occupation—this stipulates that you are unable to perform any occupation. If you’re a singer and you can no longer sing but you can earn a living as a stage manager, you will not be declared disabled. Guaranteed Renewable—This means the insurance company can’t cancel your policy as long as you pay the premium. Waiting or elimination period—This is the time you have to wait before payments begin. This is akin to a deductible in other types of insurance policies. Waiting periods may range from 30 to 180 days. A longer waiting period reduces the premium.
(Damon Carr, Money Coach can be reached at 412216-1013 or visit his website @ www.damonmoneycoach.com.)
B2
BUSINESS
JUNE 23-29, 2021
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Merritt McKenzie named COO at Phoenix Physical Therapy The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that Merritt McKenzie has been named Chief Operating Officer at Phoenix Physical Therapy in Cranberry Township. Merritt brings over 26 years of healthcare experience with more than 21 years in leadership. He has held senior executive roles in clinical, sales, operations, and general management functions, including 20+ years with private equity-backed organizations. McKenzie is known for cultivating strong relationships with clinicians and referring physicians, driving improved healthcare operations and patient outcomes, and growing organizational revenues, earnings, and market share within ambulatory
healthcare service settings. His experiences include inpatient, outpatient, and home care in physical rehabilitation, applied behavior analysis (ABA)/Autism care, workers’ compensation, and personal injury. In his role, McKenzie will manage the day-to-day operations of Phoenix Physical Therapy and identify opportunities to enhance clinical care, strengthen referral source relationships and help the organization grow. He will also lead the company’s efforts to improve operational processes and introduce new programs while working together with the regional leaders to position Phoenix for long-term success. He was most recently the President of
Sell your home quickly HOME SELLING FROM B1
to target homes that have been on the market for a week or two, or even those listed over the weekend that are less likely to sell quickly.” Sellers may have caught on already—nationally, 21 percent of homes are listed on a Thursday, which is more than any other day of the week. The savviest sellers are in Seattle and Portland, Ore., where more than a third of homes are listed on a Thursday, the highest shares in the country among large markets. Only 13 percent of homes are listed on a weekend, which is less than any individual weekday. Is spring still king? Spring is typically the best time of year to list your home for sale, at least in years before the pandemic-fueled housing boom, when buyers tend to come out of winter hibernation and hit the market in droves. Homes listed during the weeks of March 11 and 18 had the fastest sales of 2019. Labor Day is the traditional end to home shopping season, and a time when homes tend to sit on the market the longest as parents aim to be settled in their new home before their kids head back
to school. The worst time to list for those looking for an above-list sale in 2019 were the weeks of October 14 and 21, when homes were least likely to sell above their asking price. However, today’s housing market is anything but typical. Unrelenting buyer demand has pushed homes to sell at a breakneck pace even through what are typically slower months. Homes typically take a few days longer to sell in the winter than at the height of the spring selling season, but that pattern was reversed last year. The market has picked up the pace even more since then, and the share of sales happening above list price is more than double what it was pre-pandemic. “The housing market has had its foot on the gas since last summer, never entering its usual winter hibernation,” said Zillow Group economist Nancy Wu. “It remains an open question whether 2021 will bring a return to normalcy in that sense, but it’s likely that seasonality in the housing market will remain in some form, even if the changes from season to season are less dramatic than in the past.” In addition to steady de-
mand and low inventory, the increased adoption of real estate technology likely has played a role in seasonal housing trends becoming less impactful. Buyers can more quickly narrow down their options rain or shine, freeing them from having to wait for the traditional weekend open house and potentially braving the elements to do so in the winter. A large majority (79 percent) of Americans say they’d like to use virtual tours, such as Zillow’s 3D Home tours, when they shop for a home. Sellers looking to sell quickly can take advantage of these tools as well—listings with a Zillow 3D Home tour sold, on average, 10 percent faster than listings without. “Technology has made it easier for home shoppers to confidently say that a home on the market is the right fit for them or more quickly rule them out,” Knipe said. “Shoppers can get a clear picture of the home’s layout and neighborhood online to narrow down their options. By the time shoppers look at a home in person, they’re usually already giving strong consideration to putting in an offer, which helps make the market more efficient.”
the Therapy/Applied Behavior Analysis Division of Aveanna Healthcare, managing its business with 1,300 employees in over 50 locations. During his tenure, he led the unification of the therapy and ABA business units, drove year-over-year earnings, opened several de novo clinics, and achieved a strong patient satisfaction score for therapy and ABA services. “I am excited to join the Phoenix Physical Therapy team,” said McKenzie, in a statement. “My experience in the healthcare industry, commitment to delivering patient-centered care, as well as a passion for building, empowering, and leading teams have positioned me well for this opportunity.”
MERRITT MCKENZIE
Eight tips on how to save for a home by Robert Kirkland For New Pittsburgh Courier
(BlackPressUSA)—June is National Homeownership Month, and according to a recent Chase Home Lending survey the majority of first-time homebuyers indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic had a considerable impact on home buying in 2020, yet one-in-four first-time home buyers admit to having strong confidence that they will be financially ready to purchase a home in 2021. For many people, the first step to buying a home is saving up for their down payment. It can feel like a difficult goal when you first start saving, even if you don’t plan on buying for years. But there are a few things you can do to help speed up the process. Determine your budget Knowing how much you need to save will help you create a focused plan for reaching your goal. Therefore, you need to consider how much you can afford for your new home. Keep in mind that most people can qualify for a bigger mortgage than they can comfortably afford. Use a mortgage afford-
your expenses and decide what you can do without for now so you can save for a home. Saving doesn’t have to mean eliminating all your discretionary spending. But the more you cut back, the faster you’ll reach your financial goal. Here are a few steps to reduce your expenses: • Start by listing all of your expenses, then look at where you could cut back. Consider everything, even an expense like rent. Could you move into a less expensive property or split the bills with a roommate? • Take a close look at your monthly membership expenses. Do you need cable when you use streaming services most of the time? Or could you ditch the gym membership in favor of running local trails? Maybe brew coffee at home instead of going to the local coffee shop? Only you can decide what you’re willing to live without while you work to save for your down payment. But remember, you won’t be saving for a down payment forever. A few years without that subscription will feel worth it when you’re sitting in your new home. Automate your savings
June is National Homeownership Month, and according to a recent Chase Home Lending survey, the majority of first-time homebuyers indicated that the pandemic had a considerable impact on homebuying in 2020. Yet, one-in-four first-time homebuyers admit to having strong confidence that they will be financially ready to purchase a home in 2021. ability calculator to help you determine what you could borrow, then speak with a home lending advisor to better understand what fits your budget. Perhaps the most common down payment amount you’ve heard of is 20 percent, but there are lower down payment options available. Most first-time homebuyers need three to five percent of the home value down. However, the higher the down payment can mean lower monthly payments, and you’ll pay less interest over the life of your loan. It can also help you avoid the extra expense of private mortgage insurance (PMI). Don’t forget to calculate the other costs of buying a home, including things like: • Closing costs and fees • Homeowners insurance and property taxes • Moving costs By taking all these expenses into account, you’ll have a better estimate of how much you’ll need to save. Think about your timeline Thinking about when you want to buy a home will help you start planning for how to save. Decide on a time frame, then break your savings amount down into monthly amounts. For instance, say you want to buy a home in five-years, and you need to save $60,000 for the down payment and other costs: • You’d need to save $1,000 a month for five years ($60,000/60 months = $1,000 per month). Having a monthly savings plan can help you focus your efforts and make your down payment goal more achievable. It can also help you make better decisions about what you can afford and a reasonable timeline for doing so. Pay down your debt When you are trying to save for a home, it can feel counterintuitive to spend money paying down debt. After all, shouldn’t every extra penny be going into a savings account? Not necessarily. Paying down your debt can help with your home purchase in two main ways: • It’s good for your credit score. Credit scores have a big impact when it comes to qualifying for a mortgage. The better your credit score, the lower your mortgage interest rate is likely to be. By paying down your debt, you can have a positive impact on your credit score. It shows lenders you’re able to cover your expenses. • It can free up savings in the future. By paying down debt you can gain some wiggle room in your monthly budget. The money you used to pay bills can now go directly into your savings account rather than paying interest on other debts like credit cards. The bonus is that you won’t notice the difference in your budget because the money was going out, anyway. Paying down your debt can help you once you buy your home, too. The money you were spending can now go toward updating and decorating your new place. Reduce your expenses Now’s a great time to take a close look at
The more you can automate your savings, the easier it can be to stick to the plan. Create a monthly automatic withdrawal on payday to send money directly to your savings account. That way it moves without you ever seeing it. Make sure you keep your savings separate, too, either by opening a new account with your current bank or even opening a new account with another bank. This sort of automated savings plan is known as “paying yourself first.” You pay your savings account first, then see what’s left to spend for the rest of the month. This removes the temptation of waiting to see what’s left to save at the end of the month. If you aren’t sure how to set up an automatic transfer to your savings account, talk to your bank. There are also savings apps that can help you automate the process. Just be sure you read the fine print to make sure the money will be available for withdrawal when you need it. Put “found” money to work Found money is the money you earn that doesn’t come from your monthly income. It’s those unexpected windfalls that you don’t factor into your budget. Things like tax refunds, cash gifts for birthdays or holidays, a bonus at work and rebate offers are all “found” money. Instead of pocketing the money, put it towards paying down your debt or building up your savings. Even small amounts here and there can add up quickly over the years you are saving for your home. Research Financial Assistance Options Research grants and other down payment assistance; there may be more options than you think. Most city and states have first time home-buyer grants. Chase expanded its grant program to $5,000 to help more customers cover closing costs and a down payment when buying a home in 6,700 minority neighborhoods nationwide. You can also get an additional $500 homebuyer education if you qualify for the DreaMaker mortgage just for taking a free eight-hour education workshop. Cover yourself with an emergency fund Plans are great, but life happens. Protect yourself and your savings by creating an emergency fund. Set aside some cash that you can dip into for unexpected expenses like car repairs or a medical emergency. You can use this money instead of paying with a high-interest credit card or pulling from your down payment funds. When the emergency is over, pay back your emergency fund first, then resume your savings plan. When you start saving, it can feel like you have a long way to go to reach your ultimate goal. But as the months go by, your enthusiasm will build as your savings does. While you’re saving, make sure you know all of your mortgage options and keep an eye on interest rates. (Robert Kirkland is Chase Divisional Community & Affordable Lending Manager.)
OPINION
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
JUNE 23-29, 2021
B3
Rebirth of a nation
Guest Editorial
Wisely invest state budget surplus Pennsylvania lawmakers will soon decide what to do with $10 billion in surplus revenue and federal coronavirus pandemic stimulus funding. Legislators must decide how to use $7.3 billion in federal COVID-19 aid courtesy of President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan. State lawmakers will also have another $3 billion in surplus revenues. How these lawmakers use this unique opportunity could help shape the state’s future. State Sen. Vincent Hughes, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, is understandably “deathly afraid” that the GOP-controlled legislature will squander the opportunity to use the funding to address long-term, systemic issues, including many that disproportionately affect African Americans. In an interview with the Philadelphia Tribune, Hughes and House Minority Leader Joanna McClinton said Republicans have not revealed their spending plan to Democrats. “The silence, I think, from our Republican colleagues is deafening. … We don’t know what they’re going to come out with,” Hughes said during a recent meeting with the Tribune’s editorial board. Jason Gottesman, spokesman for state House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff, R-Centre, told the Tribune that the GOP’s plan will be “reflected in the budget we produce.” “Currently, we are going through the guidance from the federal government on how the money can be spent, taking into account the years of deficit spending from the Wolf administration that needs to be addressed in this budget, and making sure we are responsible to taxpayers by not raising taxes in any potential budget plan we put together,” Gottesman said. However, the budget surplus presents an opportunity to reinvest in Pennsylvanians while not raising taxes. This is an opportunity to invest in Pennsylvania workers and small business owners who are still badly hurting from the pandemic. The surplus is also an opportunity to reinvest in our schools that have been challenged for years with crumbling buildings and asbestos. Negotiations between state Democratic and Republican lawmakers are ongoing. State lawmakers must pass a balanced budget by the end of the month. The new fiscal year starts July 1. The federal funding can be spent over the coming years. Hughes and McClinton said Democrats have laid out a plan to spend the surplus and federal pandemic stimulus that focuses on small businesses, public infrastructure and workforce development. Hughes said the state’s revenue surplus combined with the federal pandemic funding was the largest influx of capital into the economy since President Franklin D. Roosevelt. McClinton said she expected the state to reap high state revenue “for a while.” “We’re seeing better days ahead, with the federal government literally printing out money, distributing it to not only our state, but here in Philadelphia,” McClinton said. Philadelphia will receive a total of $1.4 billion in federal pandemic stimulus funding. As the state gets closer to its budget deadline, all eyes are on how legislators will decide to use the surplus. Hopefully, Pennsylvania lawmakers will choose to invest wisely. (Reprinted from the Philadelphia Tribune)
Founded 1910
Rod Doss Editor & Publisher Stephan A. Broadus Assistant to the Publisher Allison Palm
Rob Taylor Jr.
Jeff Marion
Office Manager
Managing Editor
Circulation Consultant
John. H. Sengstacke
Editor & Publisher Emeritus (1912-1997)
(TriceEdneyWire.com)—Some of my “vintage” or “experienced” readers may remember or actually saw the movie, Birth of a Nation. Not the 2016 Nate Parker version, I refer to the 1915 silent film, originally called The Clansman, by D. W. Griffith. In short, it glorified the KKK and denigrated civil and human rights for formerly enslaved persons using the “Black man, White woman” paradigm. Although praised at its release, the original Birth of a Nation is now understood as a gross misrepresentation of reality and historical revisionism at its worst. What it did was give cover and justification for the racist social constructs of the ante-bellum South and the general acceptance of the theory and practice of White racial superiority in the nation. Across the Potomac River in Virginia, a mere 31 miles as the crow flies, from Washington, DC, lies Loudoun County, VA. Loudoun is the fastest growing county in Virginia and is listed as the wealthiest county in the United States. By most measures, including the newness of housing and commercial structures, supporting infrastructure, and the quality of schools, Loudoun is a desirable place to live and raise a family. One could reasonably believe that, given the academic and technical skills necessary to command the salaries necessary for the designation of wealthiest county in the nation, Loudoun is a well-educated and enlightened community. Since, by my definition, education is an on-going endeavor and enlightenment is the willingness to explore the full dimen-
Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.
Commentary sions of the truth, calling Loudoun well-educated and enlightened is an arguable proposition. Sadly, Loudoun, like many other social arenas, is currently embroiled in a controversy related to the teaching of “Critical Race Theory” in the Loudoun County Public Schools. The interim school superintendent asserts that CRT is not being taught, yet there is vigorous opposition to that type of instruction in the schools. Opponents of CRT assert that it is anti-American and that it teaches students that America is racist, American culture is inherently bad, and that America’s entire system must be radically altered to make it better. Listening to a local DC radio news station, I heard a person identified as a Loudoun public school history teacher claim that CRT imposed feelings of guilt on White students and a sense of inferiority upon African American students. It is open to argument, but my assessment of that teacher and others who protest against CRT is that “their” misunderstanding of historical truths and personal feelings of guilt inspire their opposition. My reality informs me that, just as America has made great
accomplishments and led innovation to the benefit of the world, it has a history of violence, brutality, and ruthlessness that has been encoded in its genetic profile. To reject the truth of CRT (America’s racism) is to ignore and deny: • The dispossession of Native America lands and the “Indian Wars” which eradicated generations of native people. • The establishment of “Indian Schools” which had the expressed purpose of destroying Native American language and culture. • The brutal, 200+ year enslavement of Africans kidnapped from their homeland. • The denial of full participation in the American lifestyle (Jim Crow Laws). • The innumerable rapes, lynching, and murder of people of color. • The “documented” systemic exclusion of people of color from educational, employment, and housing opportunities. • The duplicitous pattern of policing in communities of color. • A myriad of other racially inspired physical and emotional indignities and assaults. To those who oppose CRT, I say, I will not allow your embarrassment or guilt to erase the truths of our collective histories. I will not sit quietly while you ignore our past and continue with your opportunistic patterns of discrimination. My voice will ring loudly! As for your GUILT, GET OVER IT!!! (Dr. E. Faye Williams is President of the National Congress of Black Women.)
The criminal way in which Trump used the Justice Department revealed (NNPA)—Former President Donald Trump repeatedly and flagrantly demanded that the Department of Justice carry out his political will and tried to use the DOJ as a cudgel against his political opponents and media members, according to Congressman Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), the chair of the House Intelligence Committee. “It is increasingly apparent that those demands did not fall on deaf ears. The politicization of the Department and the attacks on the rule of law are among the most dangerous assaults on our democracy carried out by the former President,” Schiff asserted. The congressman’s comments came amid a New York Times report that revealed prosecutors subpoenaed Apple for data from the accounts of at least two Democrats on the House Intelligence Committee, aides, and family members. One was a minor, the Times reported. “All told, the records of at least a dozen people tied to the committee were seized in 2017 and early 2018, including those of Schiff, then the panel’s top Democrat and now its chairman,” the newspaper continued, citing committee officials and two other people briefed on the inquiry. Representative Eric Swalwell of California also was notified that his data was subpoenaed. The Times determined that prosecutors, under the beleaguered attorney general, Jeff Sessions, “were hunting for the sources behind news media reports about contacts between Trump associates and Russia. Ultimately, the data and other evidence did not tie the committee to the leaks, and investigators debated whether they had hit a dead-end, and some even discussed closing the inquiry.” But William P. Barr revived languishing leak investigations after he became
Stacy M. Brown
Commentary attorney general a year later. The newspaper concluded that Barr moved a trusted prosecutor from New Jersey with little relevant experience to the main Justice Department to work on the Schiff-related case and about a half-dozen others, according to three people with knowledge of his work who did not want to be identified discussing federal investigations. “Though we were informed by the Department in May that this investigation is closed, I believe more answers are needed, which is why I believe the Inspector General should investigate this and other cases that suggest the weaponization of law enforcement by a corrupt president,” Schiff wrote in a statement released on Friday, June 11. The Times reported that the Intelligence Committee had investigated Russian interference into the 2016 election and interviewed witnesses behind closed doors. Schiff and other Democrats on the committee became some of the most vocal critics of Trump in Congress, NBC News wrote. Speaking late Thursday to CNN, Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), said Apple had told him that his records, too, had been sought. Apple notified some members of the committee last month that their information had been included, NBC News reported, citing confirmation from a committee official.
Apple also notified current and former staff members and relatives, including a minor child, that their information had been subject to subpoenas, the official said. The committee asked the Justice Department for more details and was informed last month that the matter had been closed, the official continued, NBC News said. The investigation initially was launched, The Times reported, to find the source of leaks of classified information early in the Trump administration. Sessions began the inquiry, and Barr revived it. The Times reported that, ultimately, the investigation did not connect anyone on the committee to the leaks. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., echoed Schiff’s call for an inquiry into the matter, calling it a “weaponization of law enforcement by the former president.” “The news about the politicization of the Trump Administration Justice Department is harrowing. These actions appear to be yet another egregious assault on our democracy waged by the former President,” Speaker Pelosi said, according to NBC News. Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden, D-Ore., in a statement, said the pursuit of the phone records was “a direct attack on the separation of powers and Congressional independence” and called for an investigation of Sessions and Barr. “There must be a full investigation of abuses under former Attorneys General Sessions and Barr, and anyone at DOJ who was complicit in these abuses of power cannot be trusted to continue serving in government,” the statement said. (Stacy M. Brown is NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent.)
The Black Press: Our trusted messenger Sometimes it’s necessary to be reminded who we are and who our friends are. It’s also important to remember from whence we have come. Such is the case this week with the Black Press. Our Black newspapers are now celebrating 194 years of being the keeper of the flame of liberty and the source of information in “our” struggle for freedom and equality. With the advent of the recent pandemic and the visible disparity of Blacks dying at greater numbers than others, getting fewer vaccines, working the most high risk occupations and death at the hands of law enforcement, our need for a “trusted” source of information is greater than social media which has become an alternative for many. At the same time, the interest in reaching our communities has increased on all levels. The question has become “who is in touch with the Black community” as injustice, murder and social disparity continues to grow among Blacks. The NAACP and the Urban League gave the impression that they were in touch with the Black community. But the reality is neither
John E. Warren
Commentary organization has ever been in touch with the Black community without the Black Press. It is Black newspapers and not CNN, ABC, NBC or CBS that carries the articles and commentaries of these organizations to the Black community. Yet, neither of these ever mention the Black Press when taking both credit and dollars for outreach to the Black community. The African American and Black communities of America should not be duped into believing that social media has become a substitute for the Black Press. The Black Press is now both print and electronic, it’s a newswire service as provided by the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), providing coverage of both news here in America and around the
world. It is the Black Press that has been the “Trusted Messenger” to our communities for 194 years and that says a lot. Our newspapers are the rear guard, the battle ground against the efforts to resegregate America and return “Jim Crow” racism. As we celebrate Juneteenth, let us remember that we are not only free, but capable of defending and determining our futures, if we get serious. Let’s remember how we got here, on the backs of those like the Black Press who bought us thus far; let us not forget in the words of James Weldon Johnson: that “we have come over a way that with tears has been watered, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered.” We are still being slaughtered today by others as well as each other. Let’s remember who is truly telling our story and our obligation to keep and support that effort. Pick up a Black newspaper and get involved. You owe that and more to keeping the Juneteenth principle of freedom alive today. (Dr. John E. Warren is Publisher, of The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint.)
B4
FORUM
JUNE 23-29, 2021
Critical Race Theory: Theorist vs. activist dimension
Not jumping for Juneteenth (TriceEdneyWire.com)—High props go to 94-year-old Opal Lee, the Texas woman determined to make Juneteenth a national holiday. Thanks to her efforts and those of others like Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), Juneteenth is now a federal holiday, the eleventh national holiday, and the first since Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday was made a holiday. For federal employees, it means a paid day off work. Some private employers will also make Juneteenth a paid day off. I chuckle at the irony of Klan members getting a paid day off work to commemorate Juneteenth. Perhaps that will help them with the concept that the South lost the Civil War! While I am buoyed by the new holiday, I’m not jumping for joy nor dancing in the street. The Senate passed the holiday legislation unanimously. How come they can’t do the same for the George Floyd bill or voting rights. While the Juneteenth holiday is impactful, the ease with which it got Senate passage ought to give us all pause. It is easier to support a holiday than to support the principle of democracy, which is allegedly at the foundation of our democracy. It is easier to support a holiday than to abolish the use of the chokehold. It is easier to support a holiday than to support SB 40, the Senate’s reparations bill. Juneteenth reminds me of justice and equality denied. Those Galveston enslaved people didn’t find out they were free until nearly two and a half years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Their exploiters were the beneficiaries of thousands of hours of free labor. They intended to game the system and exploit Black people for as long as they could. Fast forward. The exploiters are still gaming the system with prison labor, substandard wages, and other forms of economic injustice. It will take something
Julianne Malveaux
News Analysis more than a holiday to right those wrongs. If Juneteenth goes the same way other American “holidays” do, it will be commercialized. Consider Dr. King’s birthday and the sales that holiday motivates. I cringe to think what might be sold to commemorate Juneteenth, but capitalism is the mother of exploitation, so I’m sure the evilly creative will come up with something. No, I’m not jumping for Juneteenth. President Biden gets credit for signing this legislation, just as he gets credit for going to Tulsa at the hundredth commemoration of the destruction of Black Wall Street. While both these things are primarily symbolic, these are symbolic gestures that he did not have to make. If Biden doesn’t “get” race and racism (and honestly, what White person does), he’s spent enough time with Senior Advisor Cedric Richmond and Vice President Kamala Harris to communicate his affinity for Black people and his commitment to some progress. It’s up to us, now, to push him on what needs to happen next. We aren’t likely to get the John Lewis Voting Rights Act passed unless the filibuster is eliminated. Still, President Biden has shillyshallied about getting rid of the filibuster, and West Virginia’s DINO (Democrat in Name Only) Senator Joe Manchin is no help. He says he values bipartisanship, but he seems to appreciate nothing more than the attention he gets by “negotiating” with recalcitrant Republicans who love the former president more than they value justice. Sure, they voted unanimously to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. Still, several in Congress voted against it, and several others voted to withhold the Congressional Medal of Honor from the capitol police officers who bravely defended them on January 6. Some of them still adhere to the big lie that the previous won the election. But they voted to make Juneteenth a holiday. I’m not jumping. Juneteenth represents more than symbolic progress, though. While most of White America had never heard of Juneteenth, now they have. They now have the opportunity to reflect on our nation’s history in ways they haven’t reflected on it before. Annually, there will be a flurry of newspaper articles and television specials focusing on Juneteenth. The ignorant can change the channel or flip the pages of their newspapers, but commemorating Juneteenth begins the process of fully embracing our flawed history. So while I won’t jump, I’ll pause for a minute to thank the Juneteenth warriors who made this holiday happen. And I’ll ask President Biden not to rest on his laurels. We need the John Lewis Voting Rights Act to be passed yesterday, and by whatever means necessary. Melvin van Peebles wrote a play in the 1970s, Ain’t Supposed to Die A Natural Death. One of the lines that stuck with me through these many years is from a woman folks assume is suicidal because she is standing on a ledge. She says, “I ain’t leaping. I’m just leaning”. That’s how I feel about the Juneteenth holiday, not leaping for joy but leaning in gratitude and progress. (Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an economist, author, and Dean of the College of Ethnic Studies at California State University, Los Angeles.)
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The New York Times recently described Critical Race Theory (CRT) as a “framework” that found its way inside American institutions. The Cambridge Dictionary defines “framework” as a system of rules, ideas, or beliefs that is used to plan or decide something. I’m pointing this out to suggest CRT does not lend itself to a single or simplistic definition. Recently, former CNN political commentator Marc Lamont Hill conducted several interviews with opponents of CRT on The Black News, a show Hill hosts. Hill began each interview by asking CRT opponents to define CRT. Each opponent defined the theory as best they could, then Hill dismissed their definitions as simplistic or misrepresentations. Hill’s rebuttal gave the impression the opponents of CRT were ill-informed. Hill’s tactic worked well. Following Hill’s interviews there were headlines boasting: Opponents of CRT struggle to define the term. However, in two brief exchanges with CRT opponents, Hill inadvertently made comments that highlighted why there’s been opposition to CRT in the first place. In the first exchange, the CRT opponent listed specific incidents that he found problematic, and Hill wondered if the problem was the implementation of CRT and not the theory itself. This is an important distinction. Defenders of CRT are defending the original purpose of the overall theory while
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Check It Out opponents of CRT are objecting to how the theories are put into practice. In the second exchange, the CRT opponent told Hill CRT abandoned Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream of a colorblind society. Hill asked the CRT opponent if King’s philosophy should be taught. Yes, the CRT opponent replied, but Hill said, King stated right before his death that he believed all White people were unconsciously racist, and that’s what CRT teaches. Then Hill asked: Shouldn’t that part of King’s teachings be taught also? The CRT opponent was caught off-guard and dodged the question. Hill pulled a fast one. King’s personal opinion and his philosophy are not one and the same. Hill cleverly used King’s moral authority to legitimize a basic CRT tenet. However, right-wing media outlets have circulated a clip of a Black woman, Ashley Shackleford, giving a presentation on racism to show how this basic CRT tenet is implemented in real-time. Shackleford is not a CRT scholar. During Hill’s interviews when CRT opponents
mentioned objectionable tenets of CRT, Hill asked them if a CRT scholar had ever expressed the concept. According to Hill, if a CRT scholar didn’t make the claim, then that particular tenet isn’t associated with CRT. But the 2001 textbook—”Critical Race Theory: An Introduction”—stated, “Unlike some other academic disciplines, Critical Race Theory contains an activist dimension.” For argument’s sake, Shackleford belongs to that activist dimension. The clip showed Shackleford in front of a group of White people. Behind Shackleford there was a presentation board that said: ALL WHITE PEOPLE ARE RACISTS. Shackleford explained: I put this up because I really want every White person in the room to know upfront that this is what we’re dealing with. There will be no coddling of White tears. We’re not going to discuss, ‘oh, maybe some of us are going to work it out.’ No, you’re always going to be racist. Like people of color and Black folk (are always) being dehumanized, actually everyone is dehumanized by White supremacy (but White people) are born into a life not to be human, and that’s what White people are taught to do, be demons. So, in this particular way, White people are all racist. Obviously, this is an extreme example of theory vs. implementation, but it clearly demonstrates why there is opposition to CRT, especially when the activist dimension of CRT can’t be distinguished from its theorists.
Three urgent steps to defend democracy from cynics and skeptics (TriceEdneyWire.com)—The far-right attack on voting rights is fierce. And the unwillingness of some Senate Democrats to challenge rules that allow a Republican minority to block voting rights bills is making some question whether we can turn back the tide of voter suppression. As the Black Voters Matter Freedom Ride Bus Tour makes its way through Southern cities including Nashville, Atlanta, Columbia, Raleigh, and Richmond with the final stop in Washington, DC, we must redouble our efforts on three fronts on what we know will be a long road ahead to defend democracy from the cynics and the skeptics. Yes, a long road. Democracy in the U.S. has always been a work in progress. It is always under attack. It must always be defended and strengthened. When the Constitution was written and ratified, “We, the people” didn’t apply to most of the people. After a bloody civil war, the Constitution was amended so dramatically that historian Eric Foner has called it “the second founding.” But without the political will to enforce those amendments, Reconstruction gave way to the brutality of Jim Crow, voter suppression, and legally enforced segregation. It took decades of struggle to defeat Jim Crow through Supreme Court rulings and passage of civil rights and voting rights laws. Like the post-Civil War amendments, the victories of the civil rights movement changed history. But they didn’t change human nature. They didn’t bring an end to the struggle for justice and equality. Racism and discrimination took new forms and were institutionalized in new ways. The flood of voter suppression laws being passed this year builds on an earlier wave of voter suppression that came after the
Ben Jealous
Commentary Supreme Court’s conservatives did away with key provisions of the Voting Rights Act. And all those laws are part of an even broader attack on genuine democracy that includes extreme racial and partisan redistricting and laws and court rulings that have allowed a flood of big money to overwhelm our election system. This corruption of our democracy harms us in concrete ways. It keeps power in the hands of those who resist efforts to address the systemic inequities in our society and economy. I understand why some people look at this corruption and the power devoted to upholding it and think there’s just no way to defeat it. But our country’s history, and specifically the history of Black people in America, is a history of struggle against impossible odds, a history of overcoming resistance and backlash. We have proven that we can win when we fight strategically and make progress whenever we have the opportunity. Right now, with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in the White House, and Democrats holding majority power in the House and Senate, we have an opportunity we cannot afford to waste. There are three urgently important steps
Congress must take this year to defend voting rights and strengthen democracy. The late Rep. John Lewis, for decades the conscience of the Congress, had his heart and hands in all three of them. The first is to pass the For the People Act. It would overturn new state voter suppression laws and eliminate the worst abuses of redistricting and big money in our elections. Lewis authored its voting rights provisions. It is urgently important to pass the For the People Act now to prevent massive voter suppression in the 2022 and 2024 elections. The second is to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which would protect against future voting rights abuses by restoring its enforcement mechanisms. The third is to grant statehood to the District of Columbia and give its 700,000 residents full voting rights and voting representation in Congress. The District of Columbia has a higher percentage of Black residents than any other state, which makes their disenfranchisement a fundamental civil rights violation and a betrayal of basic democratic principles. John Lewis was a champion of D.C. statehood. He saw the disenfranchisement of D.C. citizens as a moral wrong. The For the People Act, John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, and D.C. statehood are a pro-democracy trinity. To keep faith with the voters who put them in power, especially Black voters, President Biden and congressional Democrats must seize the moment to turn back attacks on voting and democracy. And to honor the voting rights legacy of John Lewis, we must all continue to make our voices heard and make “good trouble” on behalf of voting rights and democracy. (Ben Jealous serves as president of People For the American Way.)
What’s up with critical race theory? by Larry Smith Critical race theory. It’s difficult to think of an academic concept that causes more angst among politically conservative Whites (and the small percentage of African Americans who are their allies). Critical race theory (CRT) is the newest boogeyman that is vexing the far right, perhaps even surpassing “socialism” as America’s greatest danger—as opposed to the White nationalists who the FBI identifies as our No. 1 domestic threat. (I’m not being hyperbolic; one can witness borderline hysteria in certain news outlets, on social media platforms and in town hall meetings.) Irrespective of whether one favors or opposes CRT, is it too much to ask that they take the time to actually learn what it is? Or, equally as important, what it isn’t? In the Dark Ages (i.e., the days before Google), one had to physically go to a library to find information on any number of topics. One could peruse microfiche or even—gasp!—find books to read! (This ordeal is no longer necessary, though I highly recommend it.) While I often criticize people who use Google as a primary research tool, it can be helpful in offering a basic understanding of various topics, including CRT. In a very small nutshell, CRT is an academically based ideology which emphasizes the role that racial discrimination has always played in America. It is particularly focused on the historic inadequacies of legal remedies. For example, CRT examines the failure of the Civil Rights Movement to ensure greater racial equity, largely due to its “incremental”
approach. Having grown out of critical legal studies, CRT challenges traditional progressive approaches to fighting racial inequity, primarily by attacking systems of power. CRT seeks to ensure that Black liberation moves from analysis in the classroom to action in the courts— and in the streets. In short, it is not sufficient merely to be a scholar; those who genuinely believe in racial equity must actively engage in the struggle to achieve it. Its ethos owes as much to the Black Panthers as it does to Black intellectuals. Sadly, conspiracy theories about CRT abound among conservatives. Many claim that school systems are introducing CRT by calling it something else (e.g., social and emotional learning). To be charitable, social and emotional learning is not critical race theory. Those who claim that it is are either intentionally lying or don’t know what either discipline is. I cannot overemphasize the fact that CRT is not being taught in K-12 schools. It is taught in a few undergraduate courses but is mainly reserved for graduate school. (I marvel as I watch parents express outrage at the thought of CRT being taught in their kids’ school—especially since virtually none of them can even define it.) To be sure, there are reasons to be critical of CRT. For one, like most esoteric academic disciplines, it is in danger of collapsing under the weight of ever-expanding jargon—and increasingly narrow definitions. Further, one simply doesn’t need an advanced degree to (for example) fight police brutality effectively. But
that’s a story for another day. Fear is at the core of conservatives’ complaints. One fear is that children of all races will learn more about America’s extremely troubling racial history, thereby stoking “division.” (Apparently, telling the truth causes more division than the police who summarily execute Black folks.) Such fear is coupled with the fact that right-wing “news” outlets continually whip up racial animosity, including by pushing so-called White replacement theory, which was advanced by the neo-Nazis in Charlottesville. (Tucker Carlson and other apologists push it as well.) The bottom line is that millions of Whites are genuinely afraid that America is becoming irrevocably Black and brown. They believe that, once Whites become a numerical minority, their privilege (which many of them vehemently deny exists) will evaporate. Further, many of them believe that people of color will exact “revenge” for “past wrongs.” (I’m old enough to remember this concern being voiced before Barack Obama assumed office.) White America must understand that a racial reckoning is coming. It has been coming for 400 years. I, for one, don’t believe that it will be a violent one—unless we take seriously the threats of right-wing extremists. (Why would Blacks want a race war when racial “peace” puts us through hell?) Critical race theory is not the problem; it merely exposes it.
(Larry Smith is a community leader. Contact him at larry@leaf-llc.com.) (Reprinted from the Indianapolis Recorder)
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QUANTITATIVE ANALYTICS AND MODEL DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. seeks a Quantitative Analytics and Model Development Consultant in Pittsburgh, PA, to participate in all aspects of model validation activities. Specific duties include: (i) work with Model Owners and Specialists, and independently perform validations of high impact models (particularly complex models such as those used for the Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review (CCAR), including Pre-provision Net Revenue (PPNR) models, wholesale exposure at default (EAD) models, wholesale probability of default (PD) models, and related models for similar loan exposures) in compliance with OCC 201112 and PNC’s Model Validation Policy and Guidelines; (ii) as a member of the Model Risk Management Group (MRMG), provide oversight and execution to the model validation activities; (iii) receive and review data and assumptions used in models, including model output, in preparation for model validation; (iv) conduct robust and comprehensive model validation testing and analysis in accordance with PNC’s Model Validation Policy and Guidelines; (v) document and present model validation results to the head of the MRMG; and (vi) provide support/analysis on key stress testing models assigned. Master’s degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Quantitative Finance, Financial Engineering, Economics, or Business plus 3 years of experience in financial modeling and quantitative validation is required. Must have experience with the following: (i) asset valuation, loss forecasting, capital calculation and risk analysis; (ii) analytic applications for modeling or model risk including model estimation and/or testing model specification for assessing model risk; (iii) theoretical research related to analytic applications for modeling or model risk including model estimation and related hypothesis testing; (iv) statistical and econometric modeling, and data analysis for pandel data and/or cross-sectional data; (v) SAS, R, VBA, Python or Matlab for statistical/stochastic modeling, simulation and large data set manipulation (data sets involving large numbers of records (>10K) or variables (>100) or source systems); (vi) development of testing methodologies including regression and ANOVA statistical tests needed for CCAR/DFAST (Dodd-Frank Act Stress Tests) and/or Current Expected Credit Loss (CECL) uses, and the creation of working papers; (vii) business decision-making based on statistical modeling or validation; and (viii) presentation of complex statistical concepts that underlie and provide theoretical or empirical support for modeling approaches chosen and research results to non-statistical audiences. 40 hours/week, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Interested individuals apply online at www.pnc.com using keyword R062557. 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. EMBEDDED SOFTWARE ENGINEER MSA Innovation, LLC (Cranberry Twp., PA) to be rspnsbl for design, dvlpmnt, & testing of embedded sftwr for personal protective & gas detection eqpmnt. Specific job duties incl: participating on cross-functional project teams in dvlpmnt of new products; engng in Sftwr Cmnt efforts for cntnus review & imprvmnt of sftwr dvlpmnt processes & tools; collabrtng w/ eectral, echaial, oftae test/aiion & manfctrng engineers to ensure products are delivered on time, while meeting functional, performance & quality rqrmnts; & applying sftwr design principles, design patterns & archtctrs to create reusable & flexible sftwr sltns. Master’s degree in Electrical Engnrng or directly rltd discipline. Must know (through acdmi training or work exp.) embedded sftwr prgrmng in C or C++, production quality embedded sftwr in C/C++ running on Real-Time Oprtng Sys. (or similar); advncd testing & debugging approaches for complex sftwr; high level algorithm or API dvlpmnt; & wired or wireless comnctns protocols & busses. All applications & resumes must be submitted via email to careers@msasafety.com SENIOR DATA WAREHOUSE DEVELOPER American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.’s Pittsburgh, PA, office seeks a Senior Data Warehouse Developer to develop, administer, and analyze solutions for the company’s Customer Data Systems. Send CV with cover letter, references, and salary requirements to American Eagle Outfitters, Inc., Attn: Sarah Lauterbach, Re: Senior Data Warehouse Developer, 77 Hot Metal Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. SPECIAL EVENTS COORDINATOR AND ADMINISTRATION SERVICE COORDINATOR Rivers of Steel Heritage Corporation, managers of the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area seeks to fill two positions: Part-time Special Events Coordinator to serve as the primary point of contact during facility rentals and special events primarily at the historic Pump House at the Waterfront; Bost Building National Historic Landmark in Homestead; and Carrie Blast Furnaces National Historic Landmark in Swissvale. Customer service, building management, overseeing event set up/tear down among other duties. Strong attention to detail and ability to work evenings, weekends and holidays. Part-time Administration Services Coordinator to assist with many of the day-to-day functions of the office, the staff, and the visitors and patrons of the organization. Customer service, scheduling, admin support among other duties. Strong attention to detail and accuracy. Proficient with Microsoft Office and data entry experience. For more detailed job descriptions and application instructions, please see https://riversofsteel. com/hiring-part-time-coordinators/. Rivers of Steel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. JANITOR Part Time - Four Days per week, 5-8 pm, 18.31 per hr. Govt. Bldg. Location: Pittsburgh Air Traffic Control Tower, Airport Rd., 376 Business Loop, Coraopolis, 15108. Must have general housekeeping experience. Apply by calling Kathy/Regina (614-864-6582)
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AFCS THIRD PARTY RETAIL ASSISTANT Port Authority is seeking a AFCS Third Party Retail Assistant to report all retail sales activity and AFCS fare media and equipment disputes. Provides prompt and professional resolution to AFCS third-party retailers by assisting with AFCS equipment issues through the AFCS helpdesk and escalates issues when outside of scope. Essential Functions: •Monitors monthly sales activity of third-party retail outlets. Verifies and validates claims for incorrect charges due to AFCS equipment malfunctions, load errors on sales terminal, or incorrect amounts loaded to cards. Reconciles third-party accounts and generates monthly invoices. •Provides responsive, timely support to all third-party retail outlet accounts by providing basic level diagnosis of remote Sales Outlet Terminal equipment to identify source of problem and either assists client by working through processes or escalates issue as needed. Submits monthly reports summarizing helpdesk activity and follow-up. •Act as the liaison between Port Authority and third-party retailers regarding AFCS equipment and Scheidt Bachman to arrange maintenance services. Follows through with client to ensure issue has been resolved. Schedules service maintenance. Job requirements include: •High school diploma or GED. •Associate degree or successful completion of two (2) years or college level coursework in Business Administration or related field. Directly related experience may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis. •Three (3) years of experience in Finance •Two (2) years of experience providing process or administrative support •Demonstrated ability in the use of Windows, Microsoft Word and Excel. •Valid PA driver’s license •Effective and professional communication skills, including strong telephone skills. •Ability to prioritize multiple work objectives and schedules. Preferred attributes: •Customer Service experience.
We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Interested candidates should forward a cover letter (with salary requirements) and resume to: Missy Ramsey Employment Department 345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 MRamsey@portauthority.org DEPUTY DIRECTOR POSITION The Neighborhood Learning Alliance seeks a Deputy Director to work in coordination with the Executive Director in the overall development, strategic planning, service delivery, and management of the organization across multiple programs, sites, and works collaboratively with the Executive Director to direct the long-range strategic direction and fund raising of the organization. Master’s degree in public administration, non-profit management, education, social work or related field preferred. Salary is commensurate with skills and experience. To Apply: Send resume and cover letter to macisaac2@neighborhoodlearning. org no later than July 2nd, 2021 at 4:00PM. CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS!
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CLERK/RECEPTIONIST POSITION The Borough of Dormont is seeking well-qualified applicants for the position of Clerk/Receptionist in the Borough Office. Candidates must be comfortable working on a wide variety of administrative tasks, while maintaining a high level of customer service. Candidates must have excellent computer skills, as the Borough Office utilizes the Microsoft Office suite and a variety of other programs, which receive regular updates. Since many functions are time-sensitive, candidates must also be able to work under pressure with a positive attitude. Experience with cash, check, and credit transactions is preferred. This is a Union position with a starting salary of $30,854.77 and includes an excellent benefits package. Please email resumes to Borough Manager Benjamin Estell at bestell@boro.dormont.pa.us, or mail to: Borough of Dormont, 1444 Hillsdale Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15216. Resumes will not be accepted after July 9 at 12:00 PM.
Estate of CHARLES E. HORST, Deceased of Moon Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, (formerly of Orrville, OH) Estate No. 02-2104621, Marcy L. Andrews, Executor, 240 Larue Drive, Coraopolis, PA 15108, or to TODD A. FULLER, Atty; BRENLOVE & FULLER, LLC. 401 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017
ACTION TO QUIET TITLE In the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny, County, Pennsylvania, Civil Division, GD No. 21-003741 David Lam and Tu Huyen Thi Huynh, Plaintiffs v. The Estate of Andrew W. Kristof, The Unknown Heirs of Andrew W. Kristof, The Estate of Marie A. Kristof, and The Unknown Heirs of Marie A. Kristof, Defendants. Quiet Title Action regarding real property situated in the Borough of West Mifflin, County of Allegheny, and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, having an address of 808 Brierly Lane, West Mifflin, PA 15122. Tax Parcel No. 133-S-258. To: The Estate of Andrew W. Kristof, The Unknown Heirs of Andrew W. Kristof, The Estate of Marie A. Kristof, and The Unknown Heirs of Marie A. Kristof, Defendants. NOTICE If you wish to defend, you must enter a written appearance personally or by attorney and file your defenses or objections in writing with the court. You are warned that if you fail to do so the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be entered against you without further notice for the relief requested by the plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other rights important to you. YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW. THIS OFFICE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER. IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE ABLE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY OFFER LEGAL SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE. Lawyer Referral Service Allegheny County Bar Association Koppers Building 436 Seventh Ave., 4th Flr. Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (412) 261-5555 Plaintiff’s Attorney: David M. Tkacik, Esq., Tkacik Law Office, P.C., 9500 Brooktree Rd., Suite 205, Wexford, PA 15090. 412-414-9644.
PROGRAM PRINCIPAL ELEMENTARY Must have a demonstrated record of accomplishments, leadership, and communication skills; strong knowledge of differentiated instruction, curriculum, and learning communities; data analysis; and success as an instructional leader. Experience as an educational leader in public school preferred. Prior administrative experience preferred. Educational leadership experience with social emotional learning and diversity, equity and inclusion preferred. Experience working with teachers to develop skills in data analysis and using data to drive instruction, using technology, providing guidance with special education and gifted programs, and monitoring district strategic plan is required. Persons interested in this position should submit their application by 11:59 p.m., June 28, 2021, through the online application system at the following link: https://www.applitrack.com/ fcasd/onlineapp/. EOE SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER The Rochester Area School District is searching for a SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER to support ou middle school (grades 6,7,8) for the 2021-2022 school year. Applicants must possess the appropriate Pennsylvania teaching certificate and may apply by submitting the following information: letter of interest, PA application, undergraduate transcripts, copy of certificate, clearances (act 34, 151, 114, 168 and 24), along with three letters of recommendation, to Dr. Jane Bovalino, 540 Reno Street, Rochester, PA 15074. The RASD is an EOE SOUTH FAYETTE TWP. SCHOOL DISTRICT is seeking a MIDDLE SCHOOL SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER and a MIDDLE SCHOOL SPECIAL EDUCATION ONE SEMESTER PERMANENT SUBSTITUTE TEACHER for the 2021-2022 school year. Complete job descriptions and directions on how to apply are available at: www.southfayette.org Deadlines 4:00 PM, July 12, 2021 EOE LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices
Estate of ELEANOR D. VERNA,Deceased of West Mifflin, Estate No. 022104678 of 2021, Roberta J. Singer, Adm, or to c/o Jacqueline H. Brangard, Esquire, Scolieri Law Group, P.C. 1207 Fifth Avenue, Suite 200 Bldg., Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Estate of VICTOR J. SURMA, Deceased of Bridgeville, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Estate No. 02-21-04378, Kathy A. Surma, Executor, 701 Marigold Court, Bridgeville, PA 15017, or to AUBREY H. GLOVER, Atty; BRENLOVE & FULLER, LLC. 401 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017
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Estate of MAGER ELY SR., Deceased of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Estate No. 022104230 of 2021, Betty Turner, Extr., 3100 Iowa Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219. Lisa Ely, Extr., 3227 Terrence Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Estate of MS. CLAUDIA THERESA PAVLISKA, Deceased of 717 Montour Street, Coraopolis, PA 15108, Estate No. 02-21-04238, Mr. Michael Pavliska, Executor, c/o Max C. Feldman, Esquire and the Law Office of Max C. Feldman, 1322 Fifth Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108 Estate of MS. SHIRLEY A. PATTERSON, Deceased of 107 Parkhurst Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, Estate No. 02-21-04242, Ms. Gayle A. Price, 556 Ardmore Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15221, Executrix, c/o Max C. Feldman, Esquire and the Law Office of Max C. Feldman, 1322 Fifth Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108 NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY, ORPHAN’S COURT DIVISION, PENNSYLVANIA, ESTATE OF SETH KOLB, Deceased, Case No. 4148 of 2021. Notice is hereby given that on May 25, 2021 a Petition was filed by Colette L. Kolb a/k/a Collette Kolb to terminate the interests of the heirs and devisees of Seth Kolb, deceased, in the real estate located at 10 Oakwood Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15205 and determine that fee simple title is in Colette L. Kolb a/k/a Collette Kolb. If no exceptions to the Petition are filed within 30 days, Colette L. Kolb a/k/a Collette Kolb will seek an Order adjudging that Seth Kolb’s title is in Colette L. Kolb a/k/a Collette Kolb.
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JUNE HACP BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MONTHLY MEETING Due to the COVID-19 protective guidelines set forth by federal, state, and local governments, the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh’s Board of Commissioners will hold its monthly meeting for June on June 24, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. on a remote basis. The meeting will be held remotely, with public access to be provided online. HACP will provide a direct link to a livestream of the meeting, and instruction on how to make a public comment. Details will be made available on http://www.hacp.org, in advance of the meeting. ANNOUNCEMENTS Public Notice
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NOTICE OF APPLICATION AND FUNDING AVAILABILITY Allegheny County Economic Development (ACED) and the City of Pittsburgh, Office of Management and Budget (CITY) are pleased to announce that joint applications are available for the Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) Program funding. ACED and the City will award funding from at least their 2021 Direct Entitlements and any 2021 Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (PA-DCED) ESG other funds received. These applications will also be used for any future Federal or State allocations of ESG funding received by either entity. The Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) program provides funding to: (1) engage homeless individuals and families living on the streets; (2) improve the number and quantity of emergency shelters for homeless individuals and families; (3) help operate these shelters; (4) provide essential services to shelter residents; (5) rapidly re-house homeless individuals and families; and (6) prevent families and individuals from becoming homeless. Agencies awarded funds are required to participate in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) except for domestic violence shelters, they must use a comparable database to HMIS. Eligible ESG Components: 1) Street Outreach - funds may be used for essential services related to reaching out to unsheltered homeless individuals and families connecting them with emergency shelter, housing, or critical services, and providing them with urgent, non-facility-based care. Eligible costs include engagement, case management, emergency health and mental health services, and transportation. 2) Emergency Shelter - funds may be used to provide essential services, including services to special populations, to homeless families and individuals in emergency shelters, operating expenses and renovating emergency shelters. Because these costs are focused on emergency shelter, a transitional facility will only be eligible to receive Emergency Solutions Grants funds for the agency received funds in 2010 and does not require clients to sign a lease or occupancy agreements. 3) Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing (HP RRH) funds may be used for rental assistance, housing relocation and stabilization services, Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection services, rent reasonableness and Fair Market Rent (FMS) analysis. Client eligibility for ESG HP RRH funding must be at or below 30% of the area median income. The centralized intake will be provided by Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) Allegheny Link. If you have any questions, please submit the question via email to: ESGApplication@AlleghenyCounty.us. Content and technical questions will have deadlines posted on the ESG application page, listed below. Content questions asked that are determined to be applicable to other applicants will be posted in a Q&A document with the application materials. ESG Application materials are available at: https://www.alleghenycounty. us/economic-development/residents/emergency-solutions-grants.aspx and https://pittsburghpa.gov/omb/grant-opportunities. Applications are entirely electronic. If your organization does not have the technical capacity to submit a fully electronic application, please submit a statement to the email address above. All applications must be submitted electronically by Wednesday July 23, 2021 by 4:00pm. COURIER CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS!
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JUNE 23-29, 2021
LEGAL ADVERTISING
LEGAL ADVERTISING
Bids/Proposals
Bids/Proposals
LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL NO. 21-06 Port Authority of Allegheny County (Authority) is requesting proposals for the performance of the following service (“Contract Services”): GENERAL ARCHITECTURE AND ENGINEERING CONTRACT SERVICES The work under the proposed Agreement(s) consists of Roadway and Sitework Design; and Building and Structure Design. While it is currently the Authority’s intention to enter into agreements with a pool of two firms for each category, this number may be adjusted up or down, at Authority’s sole discretion, based upon the number of proposals received and Authority’s evaluation of same in relation to its General Architecture and Engineering Contract Services needs in each of the categories. The required services will be issued on a work order basis as they are approved to proceed by Authority. The Agreement(s) will be for a four-year period with the option to extend the term of the Agreement(s) up to one additional year at the sole discretion of Authority. A copy of the Request for Proposal (RFP) will be available on or after June 17, 2021 and can be obtained by registering at the Port Authority ebusiness website: http://ebusiness.portauthority.org and following the directions listed on the website. Please note that Proposers must register under the ebusiness category(ies) of ENGGAE, ENGPLAN, and ENGPM for this RFP. Proposers may also register in other categories for any future RFPs issued by Port Authority. If you have specific questions regarding this RFP, please contact Jeffrey C. Faddis at (412) 566-5315 or via email at jfaddis@portauthority.org. An Information Meeting for interested parties will be held at 9:30 a.m., prevailing time, July 1, 2021 via Microsoft Teams video conference and/or conference call to answer any questions regarding this RFP. To join by Microsoft Team video conference: • http://bit.ly/RFP21-06 To join by Microsoft Teams call-in number: • 412-927-0245 United State, Pittsburgh (Toll) • Conference ID: 250 734 040# Electronic proposals must be both received, and time stamped by a representative of the Purchasing and Materials Management Department through Authority’s Ebusiness website at or before 2:00 p.m., prevailing time, July 29, 2021, at http://ebusiness.portauthority.org. Proposals received or time stamped by a Purchasing and Materials Management Department representative through Authority’s Ebusiness website after the advertised time for the submission of proposals shall be non-responsive and therefore ineligible for award. Each Proposer shall be solely responsible for assuring that its proposal is timely received and time stamped in accordance with the requirements herein. Please note that a sealed Summary of Costs should NOT be submitted with the Proposal but will be submitted at a later date as requested by Port Authority. This Contract Services may be funded, in part, by, and subject to certain requirements of, the County of Allegheny and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The proposal process and the performance of the requested services will be in accordance with guidelines and regulations of the FTA “Third Party Contracting Guidelines”, FTA Circular 4220.1F, as amended, and all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Port Authority of Allegheny County, in compliance with 49 C.F.R., Part 26, as amended, implements positive affirmative action procedures to ensure that all Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (“DBEs”) have the maximum opportunity to participate in the performance of contracts and subcontracts financed, in whole or in part, with federal funds, if any, provided under or for the proposed Agreement. In this regard, all recipients or contractors shall take all necessary and reasonable steps in accordance with 49 C.F.R., Part 26, to ensure that DBEs have the maximum opportunity to compete for, and perform contracts and subcontracts for, the Contract Services. Port Authority of Allegheny County, in compliance with 74 Pa.C.S. § 303, as may be amended, also requires that certified Diverse Businesses, (“DBs”) have the maximum opportunity to compete for, and perform contracts and subcontract for, the Contract Services. In this regard, all Proposers, and the Contractor, shall make good faith efforts, in accordance with 74 Pa.C.S. § 303, to ensure that DBs have the maximum opportunity to compete for, and perform contracts and subcontracts for, the Contract Services. Further, proposers and the Contractor shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, disability, national origin, sex, sexual origin, gender identity or status as a parent in the award and performance of contracts or subcontracts for these Contract Services Port Authority of Allegheny County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals DOCUMENT 00030-AA ADVERTISEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT ALLEGHENY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA PROJECT NUMBER 21TS01 PROJECT NUMBER 21MS01 VERTICAL TRANSPORTATION PACKAGE AT PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ELECTRONIC BIDS & BID OPENING PROCEDURE: Electronic Bids will be received by the Allegheny County Airport Authority until 1:00 P.M. prevailing local time, AUGUST 4, 2021. Due to COVID-19 precautions, the ACAA is modifying its typical bid opening process; the formal bid opening procedure will be conducted virtually – any/ all firms submitting a Bid to the ACAA will be given special access to view the opening event. Once bidding is closed, any/all firms submitting a bid will be issued an Invitation (via email) to access the formal bid opening event via a live webcast. Bidders will also be notified of the results via an email within (24) hours of the Bid Opening event. ACCESS TO BID PACAKGE DOCUMENTS: ALL BIDDERS shall be required to provide a completed formal Bid Document Request application in order to purchase bidding documents for any/all of the above listed Project Numbers. No bidding documents will be issued prior to the Authority’s Construction Manager having a copy of a fully completed Request Application. Bid Document Request Applications can be obtained by sending a Request to the following email address: TMPBids y ittsburgh.com On the Subject Line, include the following: “Bid Documents Request – 21TS01 & 21MS01 (Vertical Transportation)”. Once a bidder’s request has been received, provided it is complete, and provided the requesting party is not barred from bidding the work, the CM will provide access for the bidder to access and download the bid documents through Building Connected, a web-based bid management platform. A PREBID CONFERENCE – Wednesday, June 30, 2021 – 11:00 AM (Bidders are strongly encouraged to review the plans prior to the meeting.) The meeting will be a Microsoft Teams Meeting. To join the meeting the following number can be called (877) 286-5733 - United States (Toll-Free) – Conference ID 774 413 718#. Please email TMPBids@ y ittsburgh.com to receive the link to oin by com uter. Due to COVID-19 precautions, ACAA will not permit any Bidders to tour the site. In lieu thereof, the Construction Management Team (CM) will conduct a Virtual Prebid Meeting. In addition to addressing administration issues, a video tour of the work areas will be provided. Specific details on how interested Bidders can view this broadcast will be provided as part of the Bid Documents via Building Connected. Note that no questions can be asked during this Prebid Meeting. Any/all questions must be issued to the CM as an “RFI”. There will be no site visits – photographs of the site will be included in the contract documents or issued via addendum. REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION (RFIs) Any/all questions related to this project must be made in writing to the CM. RFIs are to be sent to the CM via the Building Connected website. BID SUBMISSION Proposals must be made on the Authority’s forms and in accordance with the Plans and Specifications and the “Instructions to Bidders”’. Due to COVID-19 precautions, ACAA will not be accepting any hard copy bids for this Project. Accordingly, Electronic Bids are the only form that the ACAA will accept. While the Instructions to Bidders will provide more details, for an Electronic Bid to be accepted it must be sent through Building Connected and it must be received by no later than the established Bid Date and Time deadline. OTHER ISSUES Attention is called to the fact that not less than the minimum salaries and wages as determined by the General Wage Determinations issued under the Davis-Bacon and related Acts must be paid on these projects. This project has DBE participation goals; DBE firms must be certified with the Pennsylvania Unified Certification Program) (PAUCP). Firms must be certified prior to award of contract. A searchable database of DBE firms can be found on the PAUCP web site: https://paucp.dbesystem.com/ The Airport Authority reserves the right to reject any and all bids or waive any informalities in the bidding. No bidder may withdraw his bid for a period of sixty [60] days after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids. To view a complete advertisement, which is also included in the bidding documents, visit www. y ittsburgh.com under ACAA Corporate – Business Opportunities or www.pittransformed.com – Opportunities – Business Opportunities. ALLEGHENY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY
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LEGAL ADVERTISING
LEGAL ADVERTISING
LEGAL ADVERTISING
Bids/Proposals
Bids/Proposals
Bids/Proposals
COMBINED NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS (FONSI/RROF) This Notice is published pursuant to Federal Regulations promulgated by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Environmental Assessment set forth at 24 CFR Part 58, Section 58.36. June 23, 2021 Office of Management & Budget Community Development Division City of Pittsburgh City County Building, Room 501 414 Grant Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-255-2211 These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the name of The City of Pittsburgh and the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP). REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS On or about July 9, 2021, the City of Pittsburgh will authorize HACP to submit a request to HUD for the release of the following federal funds to undertake the project known as Northview Midrise: (a) HACP Moving to Work (MTW) Funds (approximately $9,400,000); and (b) Low Income Housing Tax Credits under IRS Code Section 42 (approximately $6,000,000); (c) Federal Home Loan Bank’s Affordable Housing Program Funds (approximately $420,000); (d) HACP Program Income Funds (approximately $760,000), and (e) Public Housing Operating Subsidy pursuant to Section 9 of the 1937 Act. The release of the aforementioned funds will be for the purposes of developing Northview Midrise, which includes new construction of 4-story elevator building comprised of 43-units of low income public housing with approximately 4,800 square feet of commercial/community service facility on the first floor of the building located at 250 Penfort Street, in the Northview Heights neighborhood of the City of Pittsburgh, 15214. As part of this notice, the project requires the implementation of a set of development activities related to the completion of this project which may include, and is not limited to, demolition, acquisition, disposition, new construction, and remediation. HACP is the land owner, Allies & Ross Management and Development Corporation is the developer, and Northview Midrise LLC (the mixed-finance owner entity will be the owner entity of this development. The total projected cost of the development is approximately $17,000,000. FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT The City of Pittsburgh has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR). The ERR will be made available to the public for review either electronically or by U.S. mail. Please submit your request by U.S. mail to City of Pittsburgh, Office of Management and Budget, 414 Grant St, City County Building Room 501, Pittsburgh, Pa 15219 or by email to Whitney.Finnstrom@pittsburghpa.gov. PUBLIC COMMENTS Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to: Whitney Finnstrom City of Pittsburgh 414 Grant St Room 501 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-255-2211 OR Whitney.Finnstrom@pittsburghpa.gov All comments received by July 8, 2021, will be considered by the City of Pittsburgh prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing. ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION The City of Pittsburgh certifies to HUD that William Peduto in his capacity as Mayor, City of Pittsburgh, consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the City and HACP use funding sources (a) through (c) identified under Request for Release of Funds above. OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City of Pittsburgh’s certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the City of Pittsburgh; (b) the City of Pittsburgh has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD; or (d) another federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted via email in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to the HUD Field Office of Public Housing in Pittsburgh at PittsburghPIH.ER@hud.gov. Potential objectors should contact the HUD Field Office of Public Housing in Pittsburgh via email to verify the actual last day of the objection period. WILLIAM PEDUTO Mayor City of Pittsburgh LOWER HILL REDEVELOPMENT P.J. Dick, in association with Mascaro and Massaro, for the Lower Hill Redevelopment: G1 – FNB Financial Center (Pittsburgh, PA) will be bidding twenty (20) individual Bid Packages in the following groupings: Interiors, Exterior, and Site Improvements. Issuance on July 12, 2021; Bids DUE July 30, 2021; and award August 2021. All documents will be provided upon request via a document sharing site. Email G OfficeTower dick.com to request the Bid Invitation or go to www.lowerhillredevelopment. com/construction-bidding.html TEMP CLOSURE OF HOMEOWNERSHIP PROGRAM Effective June 30, 2021 at 5 p.m. the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will temporarily close the HUD approved Homeownership Program. No new applications will be accepted after the closing date and time. HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.
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COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY ADVERTISEMENT Sealed bid proposals are hereby solicited for the Community College of Allegheny County, 800 Allegheny Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15233 on the following: BID PROPOSAL NO. 1088 – Infoblox Maintenance Renewal BID PROPOSAL NO. 1089 – Cisco SmartNet Maintenance Renewal Due date: 2:00 P.M. Prevailing Time on Monday, June 28, 2021. Any proposals received after this deadline will be considered as a “late bid” and will be returned unopened to the offerer. Proposals may require Bid Bonds, Performance Bonds, Payment Bonds, and Surety as dictated by the specifications. No bidder may withdraw his bid for a period of ninety (90) days after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids. The Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and all bids. The Community College of Allegheny County is an Affirmative A c t i on/ Equal Empl oyment Opport uni t y Empl oyer and encourages bids from Minority/ Disadvantaged owned businesses. For more information, contact Michael Cvetic at mcvetic@ccac.edu.
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR OCCUPIED AND COMMON AREA PAINTING AUTHORITY-WIDE IFB#300-24-21 The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby requests bids from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Occupied and Common Area Painting Authority-Wide IFB#300-24-21 The documents will be available no later than June 14, 2021 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 9:00 AM on July 8, 2021. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will only be accepting physical bids dropped off in person from 8:00 AM until the closing time of 9:00 AM on July 8, 2021 in the lobby of 100 Ross St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Bids may be uploaded to the Authority’s online submission site, the link is accessible via the HACP website and within the IFB. Sealed bids may still be mailed via USPS at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Solicitation from the Business Opportunities page of www.HACP.org. Questions or inquiries should be directed to: Mr. Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-643-2832 A pre-submission meeting will be held via Zoom meeting; on June 28, 2021 at 9:00 AM. Please see meeting information below: Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 914 8387 7289 Passcode: 576444 +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C)
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACP’s has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation. Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh
HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.
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: JD Edwards Systems Upgrade Interested Parties shall submit an electronic copy (pdf format) emailed to: suzanne.thomas@alcosan.org Attn: Suzanne Thomas, Procurement Officer All questions should also be submitted, in writing, to Suzanne Thomas. ALCOSAN intends to award the services to one firm to perform all of the services. All submittals must be received no later than 2:00 p.m. July 19, 2021. 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/workwith-us/planned-and-active-bids ALCOSAN encourages businesses owned and operated by minorities, disadvantaged and women’s 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 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. Lori McKay Manager of Accounting
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