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www.newpittsburghcourier.com Vol. 112 No. 30 Two Sections
JULY 28-AUGUST 3, 2021
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Dr. Leon Haley Jr. dies in tragic jet ski accident Shady Side Academy graduate was CEO of a Florida hospital by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer
The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that Pittsburgh native Leon L. Haley Jr., M.D., who most recently served as CEO of the University of Florida Health System-Jacksonville, died in a jet ski accident near West Palm Beach, July 24.
serving the underserved, moving medicine forward and impacting the lives of each person he encountered.” “Dr. Haley was an incredible leader and a beloved son, father, friend and colleague,” added David R. Nelson, M.D., Senior Vice President for Health Affairs at the University of Florida and President of
“Dr. Haley meant so much to so many people and to Jacksonville. Losing him is tragic and painful.” LENNY CURRY Mayor of Jacksonville, Fla. He was 56. “Dr. Haley was a beloved member of the UF Health family whose warm smile and kind demeanor brightened the day of all who knew him,” said Colleen Koch, M.D., M.S., M.B.A., Dean of the University of Florida College of Medicine, in a public statement. “He was a fierce advocate for his patients, his team and his community. He cared deeply about
UF Health. Dr. Haley was raised mostly in Point Breeze, and graduated from Shady Side Academy in 1982. He told the Courier in an exclusive interview four years ago that his parents, Ann and Leon Sr., were his personal role models, along with his grandmother, Mattie Sharpe (deceased). Dr. Haley also said at the time that his professional role
models included the late Carolyn Carter, one of the first Black head nurses at St. Francis General Hospital, and Don Yealy, now the chief medical officer at UPMC. Yealy “was a Fellow in Emergency Medicine that helped interest me in the field,” Dr. Haley had said. Dr. Haley completed his undergraduate degree from Brown University in Providence, and earned his medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh. He received his master’s degree in health services administration from the University of Michigan. Dr. Haley completed his residency in Emergency Medicine and was a Fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians. “Dr. Haley was such an incredible leader and colleague to all of us at UF Health, but he was also a good friend to so many, an amazing advocate for equality in health care and most importantly a man of integrity who always wanted to do the right thing,” Dr. Nelson said, reported by the Florida Times-Union. “This is not only a tremendous
DR. LEON L. HALEY JR., a 1982 Shady Side Academy High School graduate, died unexpectedly in Florida on July 24. Dr. Haley was CEO of the University of Florida Health System-Jacksonville. loss to Dr. Haley’s family, friends and the people he led at UF, but also to our communities in North Florida and elsewhere around the country. His leadership and friendship will be missed, but we will come together and continue his vision.” Prior to arriving in Jack-
sonville, Dr. Haley was executive associate dean of the Emory School of Medicine and deputy senior vice president of medical affairs at Grady Memorial Hospital, both in Atlanta. By all accounts, his appointment to CEO of UF Health-Jacksonville was met with praise.
“Dr. Haley was instrumental in my decision to join UF. In the short time I knew him, I saw firsthand how inspirational of a leader he was, and I feel lucky to have been able to call him my colleague,” Dr. SEE DR. HALEY A5
Janel Young emerging as an artist locally, nationally Created art for popular Pittsburgh bus stop, Arts Festival, U.S. Tennis Association by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer
The most popular bus stop in Pittsburgh has become a sight to see. On the corner of Smithfield Street and Sixth Avenue, Downtown, Pittsburgh-born artist Janel Young transformed the “P1” (or to the seasoned generation, “EBA”) “East Busway All Stops” bus stop into a colorful, space galaxy-themed piece of art entitled, “RESPECT.” Using a blend of the colors blue, purple, magenta and others, the artwork is meant to convey that each person should show respect for another at all times. “The artwork is supposed to reflect COVID challenges and how Pittsburgh is dealing with them,” Young
told the New Pittsburgh Courier as she was working on her design, June 20. “Things keep changing (with the COVID restrictions or non-restrictions), so I wanted to do something that would be a little more evergreen. The concept is, respect is more important than the (COVID) rules. Wearing a mask or staying six feet apart, even if those things keep changing, the respect for each other should stay the same.” Port Authority of Allegheny County halted all buses and riders from using the bus stop for five days in June so that Young could create the piece. Port Authority and Smart Growth America commissioned the artwork. SEE YOUNG A2
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JANEL YOUNG, who grew up in Beltzhoover and attended Schenley High School, was commissioned to create a painting at the popular bus stop at Smithfield Street and Sixth Avenue, Downtown...one of her many artistic creations around town. (Photo by Rob Taylor Jr.)
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Janel Young emerging as an artist locally, nationally YOUNG FROM A1
Young said she held an online survey of local PAT bus riders, and they wanted to see art and complex imagery, so they have something to look at while they wait” at bus stops, she learned. “Also, bright colors is uplifting, and I want my work to be fun and also tie in the (COVID) safety messaging as well.” Not surprisingly, the arts is celebrated and appreciated here in Pittsburgh. Of course, Andy Warhol comes to mind. So does the Carnegie Museum of Art. Black artists in Pittsburgh are increasingly getting more attention—and funding via grants. Philanthropic organizations such as The Pittsburgh Foundation, RK Mellon Foundation and The Heinz Endowments are major financial supporters of local artists of color. Earlier this year, Young was one of four Black artJANEL YOUNG’S “RESPECT” mural being created at Smithfield Street and Sixth Avenue, Downtown, where the P1 East Busway All Stops ists who designed a Carnbus picks up passengers. The Schenley High School graduate worked on the creation in June. (Photos by Rob Taylor Jr.) egie Library of Pittsburgh library cards to commemoLEGAL ADVERTISING rate the library’s 125th anniversary. She also curated Bids/Proposals a piece called “Pathway To Joy,” which stretches along NOTICE TO BIDDERS REBID Fort Duquesne Boulevard The Westmoreland County Housing Authority (WCHA) is between Sixth Avenue and requesting bids for: Stanwix Street, something 2021 PARKING LOT she made just in time for REHABILITATION CONTRACT last month’s Dollar Bank RESURFACING – SEALCOAT – LINE STRIPING Three Rivers Arts Festival. Located At Young, 29, grew up in VARIOUS RENTAL HOUSING SITES Beltzhoover and attended WESTMORELAND COUNTY, PA. GENERAL SITE CONSTRUCTION – CONTRACT – PA 18- 2021.1 GC CAPA for middle school, GENERAL SITE CONSTRUCTION – CONTRACT – PA 18- 2021.2 GC Schenley for high school. Westmoreland County Housing Authority is requesting She studied business marGeneral Construction bids for the referenced project through keting at Penn State Unisealed bids which will be received by the Westmoreland versity and relocated to County Housing Authority, until August 16th at 10:00 New York City to work in A.M. (eastern standard time). Bids shall be deposited at the public relations. Now, she Administrative Office of the Westmoreland County Housing has returned to Pittsburgh, Authority, 167 South Greengate Road, Greensburg PA looking to take the art 15601. Bids received will then be opened publicly at 154 South Greengate Road, Greensburg PA. 15601. world by storm. A Pre-Bid Meeting is scheduled for August 3, 2021 at 10:30 Other artistic creations A.M. (eastern standard time). Attendance is not mandatory, credited to Young include but highly recommended. Meeting location will be at WCHA “The Home Court AdvanWAREHOUSE – 154 South Greengate Road, Greensburg PICTURED ABOVE IS PART OF JANEL YOUNG’S “RESPECT” mural tage Project,” where she PA 15601. Electronic Bid Documents are available for downloading at created at Smithfield Street and Sixth Avenue, Downtown, where painted an entire basketball court at a place she’s www.wchaonline.com. Bidders are required to register online the P1 East Busway All Stops bus picks up passengers. oh so familiar with, McKinat the www.wchaonline.com to view bid documents. Plan holders proposing to bid shall also register their intent to submit a bid with Westmoreland County Housing Associates, Inc. via email to lindam@wchaonline.com and eriks@wchaonline.com in accordance with the bid requirements. Westmoreland County Housing Authority, By: Michael L. Washowich, Executive Director DOCUMENT 00030-AA ADVERTISEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT ALLEGHENY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA The Allegheny County Airport Authority will be receiving scanned PDF proposals through Submittable and a submission link will be sent to each registered plan holder. Submissions are to be submitted via Submittable by 1:00 p.m. prevailing local time on August 25, 2021, and bids will be opened by the Airport Authority and results will be emailed by end of business day of bid opening for the following project: ALLEGHENY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY PROJECT NUMBER 56G1-21 (GENERAL) SHORT TERM PARKING GARAGE REHABILITATION PROJECT AT PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT A pre-bid conference will be held at 2:00 p.m., on August 5, 2021. This meeting will be a Microsoft Teams Meeting. To join the meeting the following number can be called +1 412664-5551 United States, (Pittsburgh), Phone Conference ID: 568 029 332. Please call the phone numbers within the ad for the link to join by computer Attention is called to the fact that not less than the minimum salaries and wages, as determined by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, must be paid on these projects.Proposals must be made on the Authority’s form and in accordance with the Plans and Specifications and the “Instructions to Bidders”’. The non-refundable charge of $150.00 for the Bid Documents and the Plans, and Specifications through the bidding platform Submittable at www.acaacapitalprograms.submittable. com . Please note that Submittable does not support Internet Explorer 11. Submittable recommends the following browsers: Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Apple Safari. This project has DBE participation goals; DBE firms must be certified with the Pennsylvania Unified Certification Program) (PA UCP). Firms must be certified prior to award of contract. A searchable database of DBE firms can be found on the PA UCP 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.flypittsburgh.com – ACAA Corporate – Business Opportunities or call 412-472-3677 or 412-472-3543. ALLEGHENY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY
ley Park, in Beltzhoover. She told the online website Very Local Pittsburgh that she was very fond of seeing her artwork shown on ESPN last year at the U.S. Open (tennis), in New York City. Her painting, entitled “Be Open To...”, was pictured behind tennis legend Serena Williams courtside at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Young has also made history as the first artist ever commissioned to design Yahoo!’s Black History Month logo, which she did this past February. “Port Authority is proud to have a one-of-a-kind piece by Janel Young, an extremely talented local artist,” voiced Adam Brandolph, spokesman for the Port Authority. “Her piece, ‘RESPECT’...reminds us all to be a bit more mindful to others, particularly during difficult times. We are honored to be able to have her work at the busiest bus stop in the region, and thankful to Janel and everyone else who helped make it happen.” Sarah Aziz, director of festival management for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, called Young’s “Pathway To Joy” mural “the perfect tentpole public art piece” for the 2021 Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival. “The colors, shapes and message of ‘Pathway To Joy’ brought our festival-goers together in a truly special way and we are so grateful to Janel for sharing her gift with us.” “I believe my work is important, but it’s difficult to say how important,” Young told Very Local Pittsburgh. “I think it’s important for me to be able to represent myself, as an individual, but also Black people, women, and Black women. To create work that represents us, especially in a place like Pittsburgh where we may feel unseen or unheard.”
“Port Authority is proud to have a one-of-a-kind piece by Janel Young, an extremely talented local artist. Her piece, ‘RESPECT,’ at the corner of Smithfield Street at Sixth Avenue reminds us all to be a bit more mindful to others, particularly during difficult times. We are honored to be able to have her work at the busiest bus stop in the region, and thankful to Janel and everyone else who helped make it happen.” ADAM BRANDOLPH Port Authority of Allegheny County spokesman THE NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER PUBLISHING COMPANY
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MONESSEN HONORS ONE OF JOSH GIBSON’S MANY FEATS
THE NEWLY-ERECTED PLAQUE FROM MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL acknowledging Josh Gibson’s 538-foot home run that he hit on July 24, 1938, as a member of the Homestead Grays, in Monessen. (Photo by Rob Taylor Jr.)
Plaque unveiled for Gibson’s 538-foot home run hit in 1938 by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer
The legacy of Josh Gibson continues to grow. Way back on July 24, 1938, Gibson, the Georgia-born, Pittsburgh-raised Negro League Baseball great, hit a home run in Monessen while playing for the SEAN GIBSON, great grandson of Josh Gibson, with members of a local Monessen youth team, during the July 22, 2021, plaque unveiling Homestead Grays. Word is, that ball, hit against along Donner Avenue.
the Memphis Red Sox, traveled an astonishing 538 feet. Reportedly, the ball ricocheted off nearby tin mill buildings and almost landed in the Monongahela River. On July 22, 2021, Sean Gibson, Josh’s great grandson, and other dignitaries and supporters gathered at the spot near where Page Park (originally called Tin Plate Field) formerly stood, and a plaque was unveiled commemorating Gibson’s achievement. Also, the street next to where the plaque now stands was renamed Josh Gibson Way, throwing Sean Gibson for a surprise. “It is a privilege to see Josh Gibson’s legacy commemorated in Monessen,” Sean Gibson said in a statement. “I am excited and gratified to know residents of the town, as well as visitors, will learn the rich history and achievements of Josh for many years to come.” In 2020, Monessen resident Frank Lopresti and Monessen Mayor Matt Shorraw began talking about Gibson’s hit in Monessen. With the help of Lopresti, and Dan Zyglowicz at the Greater Monessen Historical Society, Mayor Shorraw was able to fill in missing pieces and find the exact date the home run took place. Mayor Shorraw contacted Major League Baseball in late 2020, asking if they would be interested in donating a plaque to commemorate Gibson. Mayor Shorraw said in a release that he was “humbled, honored, and thrilled to be able to honor Josh Gibson in this way, and to commemorate such a unique local historical event. Gibson wasn’t given the respect and accolades he deserved when he was alive and playing ball. I’m glad that we are able to commemorate his achievements now—not just in Monessen, but also throughout the region and beyond.”
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Dr. Leon Haley Jr. dies in tragic jet ski accident Shady Side Academy graduate was CEO of a Florida hospital
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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 DR. HALEY FROM A1
Koch added in her public statement. “As we grapple to process this loss, let us remember Dr. Haley’s uplifting spirit and strive to continue his incredible work and legacy.” Dr. Haley was lauded for his leadership in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic in Jacksonville. In December 2020, UF Health Jacksonville was the first local hospital to receive shipments of the COVID-19 vaccine, and it was Dr. Haley who was the first person there to get the shot, the Florida TimesUnion reported. “Dr. Haley meant so much to so many people and to Jacksonville. Losing him is tragic and painful,” said Jacksonville’s mayor, Lenny Curry, on Twitter. “I’m praying for his family. I always enjoyed our professional interactions but really enjoyed him as a person. We often talked about our families.” The day before his death, Dr. Haley held a telephone conference call with Jacksonville and Florida leaders urging them to stress to the public how important it is to get vaccinated for COVID. He said his hospital, UF Health Jacksonsville, had seen a 1,000 percent increase in COVID-19 cases since June 18, and that as of July 23, there were 150 there people hospitalized with COVID. The Florida Times-Union
reported that an emergency medicine physician at UF Health Jacksonville, Andrew Schmidt, wrote this on his Facebook page: “I have … always felt bad for the other hospitals because they didn’t have a man like Leon Haley at the helm. When most systems are being run primarily as a business and secondarily as a place of care, Dr. Haley was a true rock star doctor who really gave a damn about the health of the community and keeping the focus of the hospital on high quality care. You would be very hard pressed to find another hospital CEO who spent as much time in the emergency department, getting to know staff and helping to educate residents. With the disconnect that many medical professionals feel between the ‘C Suite’ and the folks actually providing care, he was our secret weapon. Our city, despite its continued issues with controlling COVID, owes a lot to Dr. Haley for keeping the issues of infection control and vaccination at the forefront.” Along with his parents, Dr. Haley is survived by his daughter, Nichelle, and two sons, Wesley and Grant. Visitation for Dr. Haley will be held on Friday, July 30, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Wesley Center AME Zion Church, 2701 Centre Ave., Hill District. Dr. Haley’s funeral will be held on Saturday, July 31, also at the 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 Summer worship.......10:00 a.m. Taize -Wednesdays.........7:00 p.m.
Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community! DR. LEON HALEY JR.
“Dr. Haley was such an incredible leader and colleague to all of us at UF Health, but he was also a good friend to so many, an amazing advocate for equality in health care and most importantly a man of integrity who always wanted to do the right thing. This is not only a tremendous loss to Dr. Haley’s family, friends and the people he led at UF, but also to our communities in North Florida and elsewhere around the country. His leadership and friendship will be missed, but we will come together and continue his vision.” DR. DAVID R. NELSON Senior Vice President, Health Affairs, Univ. of Florida President, Univ. of Florida Health
GRANT HALEY, a professional football player with the New Orleans Saints, has this photo on his Instagram social media page. It’s a photo of Grant as a young child with his father, Dr. Leon Haley Jr.
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“Seek the Lord while He can be found, call upon Him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts, and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:6-7 REV. WALKER SAYS: Don’t waste time coming to the Lord now, Our Lord is ready and waiting to show us mercy and forgiveness RIGHT NOW!! (Rev. A. Marie Walker is servant pastor of St. John Baptist Church.)
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Three ways to get over the mid-week hump by Andre Ellington For New Pittsburgh Courier
Friday is finally here, and a jolt of excitement powers you from your office entrance to your vehicle. You’ve just made it through another challenging workweek. Saturday and Sunday speed past only to be stopped dead in your tracks by Wednesday, also known as ’hump day’. You repeat the same things in your head, “TGIF can’t come fast enough,” “The week is moving so slow,” or “I wish today were Friday instead of Wednesday.” Does this sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone in your wishful thinking. Monster.com states that 76 percent of American workers get the “Sunday Blues.” This means that some Americans obsess over the idea of their workweek starting in 24 hours. This creates feelings of sadness and despair, which carries over into one’s busy schedule. Some even propose to cut the workweek down to four days, a move that boosted Microsoft Japan worker’s productivity by 40 percent. While this might not be an immediate reality in America, here are some solutions to avoid the crash of hump day. Plan things out for the weekend You can’t do everything under the sun in two days
but there are activities that you can plan out and stick to. Things like going on a picnic, seeing a movie or having dinner with friends will give you that expresso shot as you complete your workweek. And while you’re having fun, try and focus on the present. Don’t worry about anything work-related because it’ll be there once you return anyway. Change your workspace around Face it; you haven’t changed a thing on your desk since the ink became dry on your initial contract. It’s time to enhance your workspace. Add colorful posters for you to gaze at or a sunlight desk lamp for the winter months. Get a stress ball that you can squeeze in times of pressure-filled moments. All the little things matter when trying to create a space of tranquility and free of specific stressors at work. Engage with your co-workers throughout the day Every week, you’ll spend more time with your co-workers than any other group of people, including family. Sharing a meaningful conversation or a good laugh with a co-worker helps time move faster and breaks up the workday. Don’t be afraid to have fun and communicate with your work family.
5 signs it’s time to change careers Stress at work is inevitable, even if you love your job, but it shouldn’t be the only thing you gain from it. Sometimes, it’s hard when you’ve been settled in a position for so long, to contemplate anything different, or even admit that there’s a problem. Denial can be a dangerous thing, and most of the time “just getting on with it” isn’t the healthiest thing to do, nor will it do you any favors in the long run. You deserve a career which fulfils your needs. Here’s 5 signs it’s time for a career change! 1. Your self-esteem is at rock bottom—if your job has sapped every last little bit of pride and self-worth you once had, it’s time to for a change. No person should
be made to feel less than themselves for the sake of a job, and it can be seriously damaging long term for your mental health. 2. There are more negatives than positives—positive thinking is a powerful thing, and something, which everyone should be trying to implement. If your job has a huge list of bad reasons to be there, but there are only a few positives, which get lost in the bad vibes, it may be time to re-consider your options. 3. You’re under-appreciated and under-valued—nothing can be more damaging to your self-esteem than being made to feel like you don’t matter. Maybe you put in many hours of overtime, hoping for that promotion, only to be ignored for the third year running.
If you feel like you’re working too hard for no recognition, it’s time for a change. 4. You’ve actually thought about it—if you spend many hours in your current job daydreaming about an alternative career, this could be your biggest sign. If the only thing stopping you from making the change is you, don’t let it —allow yourself to strive for more, and go get it. 5. You find no joy in what you do—what you do in your job has to matter, even if it only matters to yourself. If you find no fulfillment, passion or joy in what you’re doing, it can be soul-destroying and you don’t want that for the rest of your life. Find something you’re passionate about, and consider the change.
Channing Capital Management launches its first mutual fund (TriceEdneyWire)—(CHICAGO, Ill.)— On July 1, Channing Capital Management, LLC (Channing) launched its first publicly traded mutual fund, the Channing Intrinsic Value Small-Cap Fund (Ticker: OWLLX). The investable universe is primarily domestic small capitalization stocks with a focus on quality companies that the portfolio management team believes to be attractively valued. Founded in 2003, Channing has built a solid 16-year track record for its flagship smallcap strategy within the institutional marketplace. The firm, which is based in Chicago, Illinois, currently manages over $3.4 billion in total assets under management as of June 30, 2021. Adds Channing’s Founder, Co-CEO, Rodney Herenton: “The mutual fund provides both institutional and retail investors access to Channing’s small-cap strategy, enabling us to further diversify our distribution and channel mix. Furthermore, the mutual fund
helps to strengthen our brand awareness and identification in the marketplace, something I’m very excited about as we continue to expand our product offerings and scale our
business as a boutique investment firm.” With approximately $2.2 billion in assets in the small-cap strategy, Channing is looking to further expand its client base among
corporations, foundations, and endowments, as well as sub-advisory and platform opportunities. Adds Channing’s Founder, Co-CEO, and CIO, Wendell Mackey: “The launch of our mutual fund allows us to bring our time tested, small company, distinctive, intrinsic value approach to a broader marketplace. We look forward to our mutual fund serving our clients, and prospective clients for their various channel needs.” Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses of the fund before investing. The prospectus contains this and other information about the fund, and it should be read carefully before investing. Investors may obtain a copy of the prospectus by calling 833565-1919. Distributed by Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (Member FINRA). Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC is not affiliated with Channing Capital Management, LLC.
CHANNING CAPITAL CO-FOUNDERS RODNEY B. HERENTON AND WENDELL E. MACKEY
Get your financial house in order first, then seek homeownership! We all need a place to stay. There’s no place like home! Purchasing a home is the single largest financial transaction most people will ever make. It’s often the largest household expense. It’s better to own your home than it is to be a forever renter. If you don’t do your homework before becoming a homeowner, homeownership can be the single largest financial mistake you ever make. I launched a mortgage company back in 1999. During this time, I partnered with a nonprofit company to provide training to prospective first-time homebuyers. The training was called “Get Mortgage Ready.” I offered general information and customized advice helping people qualify for a mortgage. The premise was “Get your financial house in order first, then seek homeownership.” I also helped countless people obtain mortgage financing. In 2008, when the mortgage market collapsed, I went back to corporate America. I helped people who had fallen behind on their mortgages and couldn’t catch up. I structured loan modifications —making the mortgage both current and more affordable. This prevented the homeowner from going into foreclosure. I eventually became manager of a team called “Driving Population.” The short of it is, we worked with attorneys across all 50 states, initiating and completing required steps for foreclosure. I had a front row seat from an expert
point of view to observe: The joy of becoming a homeowner; the fear of falling behind on the mortgage and not knowing what to do; the terror, shame, and embarrassment of losing your home to foreclosure and having to start all over. Make no mistake about it—homeownership is a wonderful thing. Through principal reduction and home value appreciation, you have the potential to build equity. If you want to increase your net worth and become wealthy, building equity is key. You’re connected to a community and you feel a sense of stability. There are tax incentives. You have the ability to make up to a $500,000 profit on the sale of a personal residence TAX-FREE. During the “hopefully short time” you have a mortgage the interest and property taxes you pay may be tax deductible. The improvements you make to your home will provide comfort to you and your family while at the same time increase the value of your home. You’ve probably heard about all of the positive things associated with homeownership. Those who ultimately benefit from you purchasing a home tend to exaggerate the benefits of homeownership
and never mention the fact that there is risk and many miscellaneous expenses associated with homeownership. When you consider only the upside potential without factoring in the downside risk and expenses, you have a skewed vision of the true cost of homeownership. So often we’re led to believe that you can get a house for what you pay in rent. The truth is you’re not comparing apples to apples when you’re comparing mortgage payments and rent payments. There are other expenses that you have to factor in as a homeowner such as taxes, homeowner insurance, private mortgage insurance, maintenance, and repairs that are not applicable when you’re paying rent. In addition most people end up paying a couple hundred dollars to thousands dollars more per month on a mortgage payment than they paid in rent payments. This is because during the home-shopping process they learned the type of house they wanted to purchase exceeded what they paid in rent. Here’s some risk and expenses associated with homeownership: • The neighborhood you live in could become undesirable for a number of rea-
sons and your home decreases in value • Long-term debt repayment schedules (30-year mortgage) compromises equity build-up in your home due to the fact that 85-96 percent of mortgage payments goes toward interest in the first 15-20 years • You’re responsible for the upkeep and repairs of the house • You’re responsible for all utility bills Homeownership is billed as the American Dream. It’s not. It’s a component of the American Dream. The American Dream includes raising and providing for your family, having reliable transportation, vacationing, keeping your children active in various activities, and having a life. It includes being prepared to withstand the uncertainties of life without jeopardizing the family’s well-being. Lastly, it includes saving for college and retirement. When you consider only the upside potential of homeownership and not the downside risk and all related expenses, you have a false sense of homeownership. When you make homeownership the American Dream and not a component of the American Dream, you tend to neglect other components that make up the American Dream. This leads to the most common mistakes people make when they buy a home: • Buying too soon SEE CARR B2
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NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
A blueprint for the nation’s infrastructure urges inclusion in housing, small business and student debt by Charlene Crowell For New Pittsburgh Courier
As the country continues to increase COVID-19 vaccinations, businesses and consumers alike still struggle with evolving versions of daily life. At the same time, there is little disagreement that sustained effort is needed for a return to stability—not only in public health, but in personal finance and the larger economy as well. By the end of July, the moratoriums on housing evictions and foreclosures will expire. Without a timely and broad-ranging federal response, the nation’s homeless population could explode to unprecedented levels. President Biden and majorities in Congress are pushing for enactment of an infrastructure plan to serve as a financial antidote for a nation wracked with myriad social and economic challenges. A recently negotiated and bipartisan multi-year plan has the support of the Biden Administration, 22 U.S. Senators, and a diverse coalition of business, labor, policy and professional organizations. In the first five years of the plan, $579 billion in new revenues would be directed to transportation investments. According to the White House web, “The historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework will make life better for millions of Americans, create a generation of good-paying union jobs and economic growth, and position the United States to win the 21st century, including on many of the key technologies needed to combat the climate crisis.” President Biden expanded his view of the plan in a June 28 Yahoo guest column. “The Infrastructure Deal is part of my economic strategy that, taken as a whole, will help create millions of jobs for years to come and add trillions of dollars in economic growth. According to one study of my Jobs Plan, nearly 90 percent of the jobs it will
create won’t require a college degree, and 75 percent won’t require an associate’s degree. It’s a blue-collar blueprint to rebuild America.” “This deal will also make it easier for all Americans to get to work each day, including communities of color who in some cities are twice as likely to take public transit but often have fewer good transit options,” continued President Biden. “In fact, it contains the largest federal investment in public transit in American history—making the public transportation that millions of working people rely on safer, quicker, cleaner, more frequent and more reliable.” For much of Black America, Biden’s remarks reflect the wish list of our working poor: livable wages, and reliable public transportation. No one wants or needs for their work commute to be a job in itself. Yet that is indeed a daily reality where public transit is limited and predictably unreliable. A diverse coalition declared its support of the
revised plan, bringing additional pressure to bear on lawmakers expected to vote on the measure in the coming days. Supporters such as the AFL-CIO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Laborers International Union of North America, National Association of Manufacturers, National Retail Federation and others overcame historic labor and business rivalries to make a united call on July 8 for Congress to act with dispatch. “Now is the time to turn these promises into projects,” stated the coalition. “We urge Congress to turn this framework into legislation that will be signed into law, and our organizations are committed to helping see this cross the finish line. Enacting significant infrastructure legislation, including investments in our roads, bridges, ports, airports, transit, rail, water and energy infrastructure, access to broadband, and more, is critical to our nation and will create middle-class family sustaining jobs,” the coalition urged. “Don’t let partisan dif-
ferences get in the way of action—pass significant, meaningful infrastructure legislation now,” warned the coalition. Other major provisions in the plan propose closing tax gaps, redirect unspent emergency relief funds and targeted corporate user fees to finance economic benefit projects such as: • Improvements to combat the multiple impacts of climate change, cyber-attacks, and extreme weather events; • Long-term, billion-dollar investments in clean energy and transportation via a first-of-its kind Infrastructure Financing Authority; • Creation of good-paying jobs to mitigate and support environmental justice; and • Construction of thousands of miles of new, resilient power transmission lines to facilitate the expansion of renewable energy, including through a new Grid Authority. Even though this plan proposes a major economic boost, many in Congress are debating exactly what
‘infrastructure’ means. Which meaning prevails will determine which investments will be made and for whom. For some, infrastructure is only about systems of roads and bridges, electrical grids, or water delivery and disposal—and as reflected in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework. Others endorse a much broader view of the term that includes the underpinnings of a functioning society: affordable housing, day care, and education— to name a few. Even a review of the Merriam Webster dictionary’s definition of ‘infrastructure’ offers two meanings. The first reads, “the system of public works of a country, state, or region also; the resources (such as personnel, buildings, or equipment) required for an activity”. The second expands the term as follows: “the underlying foundation or basic framework (as of a system or organization)”. For consumer advocates like Mike Calhoun, President of the Center for Responsible Lending, what
qualifies as infrastructure is clear. “Equitable housing investment and policy, student debt relief and reform, and grants for struggling small businesses, particularly those owned by people of color, must be a part of the infrastructure and recovery plan to come,” noted Calhoun. “We are hopeful for the nation’s future and look forward to working with the President and with Congress on enacting a plan for these communities to achieve financial security, build wealth, and thrive, all while stimulating the overall economy.” Similarly, California Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Chair of the House Financial Services Committee is equally lucid on infrastructure and what it includes. “As Chairwoman of the Financial Services Committee and a longtime advocate for ending homelessness and promoting fair, affordable, and accessible housing, my number one priority has been to ensure that President Biden’s infrastructure plan recognizes that Housing Is Infrastructure through robust funding,” stated Waters. “To say that the pandemic destabilized an already unstable housing market is an understatement,” continued Waters. “Our nation’s chronic shortage of affordable housing has left millions of people at all income levels struggling to pay their housing costs, and in the worst cases, has locked people out of homeownership, led to people being evicted or foreclosed on, and exacerbated our homelessness crisis… I look forward to continuing to work with the President, his administration, my colleagues in the House and Senate, and America’s housing advocates on enacting once-in-a-generation investments in our nation’s housing programs.”
(Charlene Crowell is a senior fellow with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@ responsiblelending.org.)
Get your financial house in order first CARR FROM B1
• Taking on more housing expenses than you could reasonably afford • Trusting that if the bank approved you for the loan it must be OK • Agreeing to take on mortgage loans, terms and conditions you don’t fully understand • Becoming house poor Mortgage lenders qualify potential borrowers based on their gross income (before taxes). The problem with that is,
er is the goal but renting has its place. One should rent while getting their financial house in order. Having your financial house in order is having your debts under control—preferably paid off, having money saved for emergencies in addition to having at least 10 percent to put down on a home, and having a retirement and college savings plan already established. This will reduce the likelihood of your financial house caving
“Having your financial house in order is having your debts under control – preferably paid off, having money saved for emergencies in addition to having at least 10 percent to put down on a home, and having a retirement and college savings plan already established.” you don’t get a chance to spend your whole paycheck. Uncle Sam will get his. The standard ratios used to qualify you on a common mortgage loan is 28 percent (Front end ratio) and 36 percent (Back end ratio) respectively. Some programs have higher debt-to-income ratio limits. This is akin to you being eligible for a mortgage with 45 to 60 percent of your net income (after taxes) tied up in debt payments. Is it starting to make sense why it was easier to save for your down payment on your home than it was to save for your future goals after you purchased your home? Becoming a homeown-
in and will allow you to enjoy every component of the American Dream. When purchasing a home, some rules to live by: • Do not take on a mortgage payment that exceeds 30 percent of your net income • Do not purchase a home more than 3 times your annual income • Never do an adjustable rate mortgage of any kind • Do not do a 30-year mortgage. Opt for a 15year or 20-year mortgage instead.
UPON LAUNCH, TRUSO will be available for both Apple and Android users.
TruSo, a Black-owned social networking app, set to launch by Stacy Brown For New Pittsburgh Courier
(NNPA)—A new app could end the so-called “Black Twitter” experience and allow African Americans their own social media platform. Backed by celebrities Sway Calloway, Kareem Grimes, Terrell Owens, and Miki Barber, the Black-owned social networking app, TruSo, is poised to debut. “I believe in the power of community—especially cultural communities,” Matthew Newman, the founder (Damon Carr, Money Coach, and CEO of TruSo noted in a news can be reached @ 412-216- release. 1013 or visit his website @ “As it relates to the Black commuwww.damonmoneycoach.com) nity, the entire world has witnessed what we can accomplish when we join together behind a cause—we cre-
ate a phenomenon.” Newman continued: “Now, we are introducing a social community that is built and funded by Blacks for Blacks and has monetization built-in so that everyone wins. Those who use the app should also benefit financially. That’s what we’ve built.” TruSo reportedly is designed to “empower and advance personal and career aspirations.” It includes a content calendar that engages prominent individuals within several categories: Arts & Culture, Business & Marketing, and more. Calloway said his partnership with the app was a strategic one and one that he felt others would use very well. “I got involved with TruSo because
this technology is truly disruptive in the social networking space,” he said. Grimes said Newman “has a clear vision and go-to-market strategy. I’ve worked with him on other projects, so I’m well-aware of his business acumen, and I welcomed the opportunity to get involved.” Upon launch, TruSo will be available for both Apple and Android users. The app is free, and individuals who join the waitlist in July will receive a complimentary six-month premium membership. Sign up at JoinTruSo. com and enter the referral code TruSoPR21. (Stacy M. Brown is NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent)
OPINION
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
JULY 28-AUGUST 3, 2021
B3
Both eyes open
Guest Editorial National Urban League’s annual ‘State of Black America’ report may offer light at the end of the tunnel In the National Urban League’s latest annual “State of Black America,” the civil rights group sounds the alarm that Black Americans face “three pandemics. The report, which was themed for 2021 “The New Normal: Diverse, Equitable & Inclusive,” addresses the urgency of dealing with issues in economics, health care and public safety. National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial said, “This report should be understood as trying to chart a course forward because 2020 and 2021 are what I call years of a pivot. “We’re trying to chart a vision of a ‘new normal’ in this country. This pandemic unmasked and took the covers off a lot of longstanding problems in this country and what we don’t want to do is put the covers back on and just rock and roll as though we had a little momentary interruption.” Analysis from Brookings Institution, Johns Hopkins Center for Health Equity, and the Center for Policing Equity revealed that systemic racism worsened the horrible effects of COVID-19. So along with horrible infections and deaths, there was a economic collapse and police violence across the nation. During the coronavirus pandemic, with many businesses shut down, Black Americans were disproportionately hit by higher unemployment, lower household incomes and net worth and a larger burden of housing insecurity, according to the National Urban League study. “Identifying and repairing the cracks in our national foundation will result in more resilient and dynamic institutions that expand opportunity for everyone,” Morial said. The analysis looks at a more equitable future with some solutions for overcoming some racial barriers. The study suggests free and low-cost banking services that allow households to build wealth and a credit history, a more hands-on approach to treating hypertension and virtual responses to some police calls. The report also discusses the racial disparities in hypertension, noting that addressing this will require more attention to the social needs of Black people, such as: financial hardships, limited access to health care, housing, and utility and transportation needs. Researchers who partnered with the NUL found that when these needs aren’t met, then it leads to more stress. They enrolled 1,822 patients from 30 practices in Pennsylvania and Maryland as part of the hypertension study. All of the patients in the ongoing study have high blood pressure with diabetes, high cholesterol, depression, heart disease, or smoke tobacco. In addition to the findings about hypertension, the report says that Black people are 6.5 times more likely to be stopped by police while driving and 20 times more likely to be searched during a stop than White people. Morial said the country is at a “crossroads of racial reckoning.” “One path leads backward, toward the ‘old normal’: a return to the marginalization, discrimination, and segregation that left Black and brown Americans exceptionally vulnerable to a deadly virus and economic desperation,” Morial continued. “The other path leads toward a nation where police approach the communities they serve as allies and collaborators, and not hostile combatants.” As the National Urban League continues to look at Black America each year—especially after facing a pandemic—many look for light at the end of the tunnel, and the report’s solutions offer some light. (Reprinted from the Philadelphia Tribune)
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Rob Taylor Jr.
Jeff Marion
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John. H. Sengstacke
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(TriceEdneyWire.com)—When one considers the events of last week, there is a significant question that thoughtful Americans are asking without the benefit of a cogent answer. What has this world come to when women seeking basic human rights are placed in handcuffs and charged $50.00 of their hard-earned money to pay the police who arrested them? Last Thursday, I am sure that seeing Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, the Chairperson of the Congressional Black Caucus, in handcuffs was a sight that brought extreme emotional discomfort to women and men across this nation. It sparked memories of a time that most of us thought had ended. We were reminded of those times when peaceful protest for Constitutionally guaranteed rights was met with mindless and ruthless violence —both physical and psychological. We were reminded of just how little control we have over how our bodies are handled or mishandled and the lack of protection we possess against brutality and mistreatment directed at us. Adding insult to injury, Congresswoman Beatty was arrested inside a Congressional office building where she had every right to be. She and the balance of women who accompanied her and were arrested with her were in that location to petition their government, as guaranteed in the Constitution, for the protection of the most fundamental and meaningful right of citizenship—the right to vote.
Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.
Commentary For all who will see, voter suppression efforts—locally and nationally —by the Republican Party are an existential threat to the principles of democracy we strive to perfect. Congresswoman Beatty and the activists with her reacted viscerally to what they perceived as the in-yourface erosion of rights already won through the struggles of those who preceded us. Before making his transition, Dick Gregory warned us that we needed to “Wake Up and Stay Woke.” I believe he could foretell that the blinders of complacency that we placed over our own eyes would prevent timely awareness of the social doom that is advancing upon us. The creature comforts of the limited integration of our recent history led us to mistakenly believe that we have “made it.” Because we’ve used our votes effectively in the past few election cycles, we mistakenly believe it is still the sacrosanct commodity of participatory citizenship owned by every citizen of this nation. Instead, through open eyes, we see that most valued element of citizenship wrestled from our collective grasp
by the manipulation of immoral and unethical laws. At one point, politicians of every stripe and patriotic citizens across the land would shout the necessity of the right to vote and that fair and open elections were essential. Those declarations now ring hollow as the true nature of these politicians and patriots come to light. It is abundantly clear that as the political will of people of color begins to shift the balance of political, social, and economic power, our votes are deemed unwanted and unnecessary. Like pre-civil rights bigots, Republicans and others who see a fairer distribution of opportunity as a personal threat and affront to their personal welfare are doing everything within their power to remove or diminish the impact of our voting rights. They no longer even pretend to embrace the principles of fairness. Like fights staged between enslaved men, Georgia has even taken a page from an old racist playbook. They’re encouraging one “acceptable” Black man (Herschel Walker) to run against the “unacceptable” Black man (Senator Raphael Warnock)! I declare this sham to be a failure! Even without awareness of Walker’s devotion to trump, we know the difference between the two! The mistake of those who would deceive us is one often made from a position of perceived superiority. They underestimate our awareness and our willingness to fight. (Dr. E. Faye Williams is president of the National Congress of Black Women.)
An update on President Biden’s promise to ‘have our backs’ (NNPA)—July 20, 2021, marked six months that Joseph R. Biden has been President. When I endorsed Joe Biden for President in January 2020, I said, “we know Joe, but most importantly, Joe knows us.” In his remarks following the endorsement, Joe Biden pledged that, if given the opportunity, he would nominate a Black woman to the United States Supreme Court, something that is long overdue. In his first official act as Presidential nominee he picked a woman of color to be his running mate. And when he was declared winner of the Presidential contest, Joe Biden acknowledged the pivotal role Blacks played in his success, declaring that he would “have our backs.” Joe Biden has accomplished a lot, and a lot remains to be done. I maintain that the best predictor of future performance is past behavior. I also maintain that this country does not need to be made great. It already is. Our challenge is to make the country’s greatness accessible and affordable for all its citizens. To meet this challenge, President Joe Biden has put together the most diverse Cabinet the country has ever seen, and many of his appointments are history making. Consider the following: • Lloyd Austin, III, the first African American to head the Defense Department; • Cecilia Rouse, the first African American to chair the Council of Economic Advisers; • Janet Yellen, the first woman to head the Treasury Department; • Xavier Becerra and Alejandro Mayorkas, the first Latinos to head Health and Human Services and Homeland Security, respectively; • Isabel Guzman, the first Latina to lead the Small Business Administration; • Deb Haaland, the first Native American to lead the Interior Department; • Katherine Tai, the first Asian Pacific Islander to serve as the U.S. Trade Representative; and • Pete Buttigieg, the first openly LGBTQ member of a Presidential Cabinet; • And, while not the first African Americans to hold these positions, Biden named Marcia Fudge to head Housing and Urban Development, Michael Regan to head the Environmental Protection Agency, and Linda Thomas-Greenfield as Ambassador to the United Nations. Executive Orders On his first day in office Joe Biden signed 17 of his 52 executive orders, and since then, he has taken other significant executive actions. Many of these actions have reversed “45’s” policies that discriminated against
Congressman Jim Clyburn
Commentary Blacks and other minorities, such as lifting the ban on immigration from African and Muslim countries; and repealing the ban restricting federal entities and contractors from holding diversity and inclusion training. He issued a directive to the Department of Housing and Urban Development to shore up the implementation of the Fair Housing Act. And he instructed federal agencies to report later this year on improving equity in their offices, their policies, and their programming. The Biden Administration has launched an all-of-government effort to expand federal contracts with small and disadvantaged businesses (SDB). Today, just 10 percent of federal contracts are with SDBs, and President Biden has set a goal to increase that by 50 percent by 2026, translating to an additional $10 billion investment over the next five-year period. To further fulfill his promise to “Build Back Better,” President Biden has launched some unprecedented legislative initiatives: three of which are the American Rescue Plan (ARP), the American Jobs Plan, and the American Families Plan. The American Rescue Plan has been signed into law and the benefits of its centerpiece, the Child Tax Credit, began reaching the American people on July 15th. Child Tax Credit (CTC) Experts say that expansion of the CTC will decrease the children living in poverty by half, with an even greater decrease among Black children. It is putting up to $3600 per child under 6 and $3000 per child ages 6 through 17 into parents’ pockets, starting with monthly payments over the next 6 months, to help families get back on their feet after COVID 19’s devastation. Black Farmers The ARP contains $5 billion to right the wrongs visited upon Black farmers by the Department of Agriculture for nearly a century, wrongs that resulted in huge losses of land and wealth. Now, Stephen Miller, a former White House Senior Advisor to “45,” has formed the “American First Legal Foundation,” and they are suing to deny relief to Black farmers. The Judiciary While the opportunity to appoint a
Black woman to the Supreme Court has yet to present itself, we can look at Biden’s appointments to lower courts to know that he is keeping his word to “have our backs.” Biden has gotten eight judges confirmed, the most at this point in a presidency since Nixon. There is a sense of urgency considering that “45” stacked the court with 230 new judges, several of them declared unqualified by the American Bar Association. To date, Biden has nominated a total of 32 federal judges including several of whom are Black, Hispanic, and Native American; and the first Muslim American nominated to the Federal District Court. HBCUs The ARP invests in historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and other minority serving institutions (MSIs). This legislation includes a record $3 billion in funding for these institutions, which can be used to support vulnerable students, monitor and suppress the coronavirus, and reengage students whose education was disrupted by the pandemic. There is also a temporary student loan debt relief provision included in the ARP, which dropped student loan interest to 0 percent and extends a pause on payments through September 30 of this year. The legislation also makes any debt forgiveness non-taxable. Going Forward I just completed six town halls where I heard from some who feel that much more needs to be done; and I agree. I also heard that reparations need to be made a priority. I agree with that as well but will not wait for legislation to pass before making some much-needed repairs. Ours is not an autocratic system. The legislative process is very deliberative with a significant number of checks and balances. President Lyndon B. Johnson’s programs seeking equity and fairness for Black Americans were not accomplished all at once. The 1964 Civil Rights Act did not apply to the public sector until it was amended in 1972. The 1965 Voting Rights Act was gutted by the Supreme Court eight years ago. The Fair Housing Act became law in 1968, and we are still beseeched by “redlining” in home sales and lending. Yes, much more needs to be done. I can assure you that work on the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, the For the People Act, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, and H.R.40 (Reparations Study) are just a few priorities of mine and the Congressional Black Caucus. And, for the remainder of this Congress, I will use this publication to keep you informed of our progress.
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B4
JULY 28-AUGUST 3, 2021
FORUM
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
A critical race equation: CRT – R = CT It’s time for patriots J. Pharoah Doss to stand up Check (TriceEdneyWire.com)—America’s democracy is under assault—systematic, unrelenting and unhinged. The assault is waged by one party—the Republican Party. It is largely driven by the lies and racism of Donald Trump, who simply will not accept that he lost the last election. To deny that unacceptable reality, Trump has spread—and Republican officials across the country have echoed—utterly fraudulent claims of fraud to justify measures to make voting more difficult. These are passed by partisan legislatures and designed—often “surgically designed,” as a federal court found in North Carolina —to suppress the votes of African Americans. Latinos and the young. Republicans have introduced voting restrictions in states across the country—and 25 new restrictions have been enacted. For Republican officials, the motivation is often cynical: They believe they have to attract Donald Trump supporters to stay in office, and so they echo his lies, and vie to show that they are working to change voter laws. After the passage of the Voting Rights Act in 1965, the Justice Department and the federal courts would have reviewed these laws and overturned many of them. Now, however, the right-wing majority on the Supreme Court has effectively disemboweled the Voting Rights Act, limiting the ability of lower courts to protect democratic elections. The big lie is enforced by venom and threat. Election officials—both Republican and Democratic—face death threats. In Arizona, Katie Hobbs, the state’s democratic elections official, was recently provided with a state security unit after being threatened for criticizing the preposterous partisan “audit” taking place in Maricopa County. As Colorado’s Secretary of State Jena Griswold summarized, “Elected officials really embraced the use of lies to try to manipulate
Jesse Jackson Sr.
Commentary American voters.” The lies are creating violence. The lies are creating threats.” Trump has argued that fraud took place only in states that he lost, not in states that he won. Without evidence, he fingers urban counties and cities—Atlanta, Philadelphia, Detroit, Maricopa County—as cesspools of election fraud. The racism is blatant and purposeful. Observers suggest that laws like strict voter ID requirements may not have much of an effect. Others argue that some of the Republican reforms—making it harder to cast an absentee ballot, limiting hours of voting to make it harder for working people to vote— might actually impede Republicans as well as Democrats. But American history makes it clear how dangerous this offensive is. After the Civil War, freed slaves were given the right to vote. Discrimination on the basis of race or creed was made unconstitutional. Biracial majority coalitions were forged in many of the former slave states. African Americans were elected to local and state offices. New progressive constitutions guaranteed the right to education, and progressive investments in schools, health and housing were passed. The reaction of the displaced plantation class was fierce, violent and utterly corrosive. Once more, lies about corruption and fraud were spread. Terrorists like the Ku Klux Klan murdered and threatened. Jim Crow laws were passed to limit the right to vote. Registrars learned how to enforce restrictions to make it virtually impossible for African Americans to register and vote. The South descended into legalized apartheid that lasted for nearly 100 years until the civil rights movement forced a change. If we are to avoid a modern-day version of that reaction, action is needed now. Democrats in the Senate should unite around key voting rights reforms — federal standards that would provide minimum standards for free elections—and pass them, even if it requires suspending the filibuster. Across the country, Republicans must be taught that the price they pay for undermining free elections is far greater than any benefit they might reap. That requires that corporations demand an end to voter suppression. It requires Republicans who care about the Republic to call out those peddling the Big Lie and stand up against voter suppression. Most of all, it requires those who are the primary targets of electoral disenfranchisement—African Americans, Latinos, the young—to organize and mobilize, to increase their turnout even in the face of the new obstacles. In state after state, Republicans are virtually guaranteeing that urban voters will face long lines, shorter hours, fewer voting sites. Their effort to suppress our votes should help us spread the word of how important that vote is. We must make those who would once more seek to suppress our votes pay for the insult big time. Donald Trump’s irresponsibility and Republican cowardice are undermining the democracy. The peril is great. If not challenged and stopped, our democracy itself is at risk from the poisonous brew. It is time for patriots to stand up.
Too many opponents of Critical Race Theory demonized the doctrine by calling it Marxist with no further explanation. That gave the impression those doing the demonizing were the only ones afraid of the doctrine. There’s no reason to demonize the term Marxist. In general, it’s a critique of capitalism. However, Marx was more than an economist. Marx was a philosopher, historian, sociologist, political theorist, and revolutionary. The term Marxism isn’t confined to economic theory. Marxist thinkers have developed theories in all of the social sciences throughout the 20th century. The term is also used to describe a worldview. Now, here’s a critical race equation: CRT - R = CT I’ll spell it out: Critical Race Theory minus Race = Critical Theory. What’s Critical Theory? No matter where you look, every definition of Critical Theory defines it as a Western-Marxist philosophy, but that doesn’t demonize it. In general, Critical Theory is a critique of society and culture to reveal and challenge power structures. The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy states, “Any philosophical approach with similar practical aims could be a critical theory, including feminism, Critical Race Theory, and some
It Out forms of post-colonial criticism.” Therefore, CRT opponents are correct when they label CRT a Marxist derivative, but the question is, why should that be concerning? Marx famously said, “The philosophers have only interpreted the world in various ways. The point, however, is to change it.” This sentiment was echoed by the authors of the textbook, Critical Race Theory: An Introduction, they wrote, “Unlike other academic disciplines, critical race theory contains an activist dimension. It not only tries to understand our social situation, but to change it.” The problem lies in how the “social situation” is interpreted. Marx interpreted the “social situation” through what became known as conflict theory. Marx produced this doctrine as an economist. It states that society is in
a perpetual conflict because of competition for limited resources. This creates the social situation of the rich versus the poor. Therefore, the social order can only be maintained through power and subjugation and not through consensus and conformity. Marx predicted that the “social situation” would only get worse and would only improve after the poor overthrown the rich and seized control of all social institutions. Now, various critical theories have taken conflict theory and substituted— rich vs. poor—with their own negative dichotomies. Feminist studies promotes the perpetual conflict between women and the patriarchy and CRT promotes the perpetual conflict between people of color and White supremacy, and these conflicts or negative dichotomies are presented to the public as the present “social condition”. In other words, critical theories are about the present, not the past. Many CRT sympathizers have accused CRT opponents of not wanting negative aspects of American history like slavery and Jim Crow taught in schools, but that is not the case, CRT opponents don’t oppose critical views of history, they oppose the indoctrination of negative dichotomies or conflict theory and its proposed solution.
State of Black America 2021: A path forward as the nation emerges from ‘three pandemics’ (TriceEdneyWire.com)—“Building a fair, representative democracy is how we achieve long-term advances on issues from employment to education, from health care to housing, and from civil rights to criminal justice. It’s how we count every vote—and make every vote count. It is how we advance equality, opportunity, and justice in areas where too many Americans are still let down, left out, and left behind. The job before us will not be easy; it never has been. But our aims are worth fighting for … Make no mistake, we have the capacity to repair our country and forge a nation that recognizes the dignity of every human being and that finally makes real the promise of America.”—Former U. S. Attorney General Eric Holder, Chairman, National Democratic Redistricting Committee, 2021 State of Black America Few events have shaped American history and our national perspective on racial inequity as profoundly as the grief, civil unrest, and economic devastation brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic didn’t simply unmask the stark racial inequities in our economic, health care and criminal justice systems and institutions—revealing not one but three pandemics, The National Urban League’s 2021 State of Black America® report, “The New Normal: Diverse, Equitable & Inclusive,” —released July 15—charts a path forward as the nation emerges from these three pandemics. The United States in 2021 finds itself at crossroads of racial reckoning. One path leads backward, toward the “old normal:” a return to the marginalization, discrimination, and segregation that left Black and Brown Americans exceptionally vulnerable to a deadly virus and economic desperation. The other path leads toward a “new normal”: a nation where police approach the communities they serve as allies and collaborators, and not hostile combatants; where every citizen has equal access to the ballot box, where fatal complications in pregnancy are just as rare for Black mothers as for as White mothers, where the value of a home is not determined by
Marc H. Morial
To Be Equal the race of its owner. The New Normal: Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive makes the case that dismantling structural racism - identifying and repairing the cracks in our national foundation —will result in more resilient and dynamic institutions that expand opportunity for everyone. To quote a flippant sentiment frequently shared on social media, “Equal rights for others does not mean less rights for you. It’s not pie.” Perhaps the most vivid illustration of the tension between the forces competing for the soul of America was the January 6 insurrection, when a violent mob dissatisfied with the results of the 2020 Presidential Election stormed the U.S. Capitol in an effort to overturn it. Led by White supremacists and rightwing extremists, the insurrection represented both a counterresponse to the ongoing protests against racial injustice and an almost perfect example of the injustice that inspired them. In the months leading up to the insurrection, peaceful racial justice protesters around the nation had been met with the aggressive tactics of militarized police, clad in fatigues and armor, assaulted with tear gas and rubber bullets, buffeted by the violent winds of swooping helicopters. The extremists who stormed the Capitol on January 6 had openly plotted the insurrection on social media, declaring their intentions to “storm the government buildings, kill cops, kill security guards, kill federal employees and agents.” Yet they were met with no troops in riot gear, no military helicopters. No tear gas was deployed as the mob shoved its way past barricades. Vastly outnumbered police stepped aside and allowed the mob to storm the Capitol.
The mob was motivated by furious resentment over historic Black and Brown voter turnout that contributed to the loss of their preferred candidate, Donald Trump. Baseless claims of fraud sought to tarnish the integrity of elections in Black and Brown communities, and lawsuit after lawsuit sought to invalidate votes in those jurisdictions. The “Big Lie”—the myth that the election was “stolen”—succeeded largely because it blamed voters of color for stealing it. It frames the promise of a multicultural, pluralistic democracy as an act of theft from the dominant White majority. Whether we are to achieve a “New Normal” that is truly diverse, equitable, and inclusive will depend in large measure upon our response to the “Big Lie.” A capitulation on voting rights is not only a fast track back to the “old normal,” it would further entrench the White supremacist ideology that has warped our society over centuries. Compelling analysis from our 2021 research partners—the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Equity, the Center for Policing Equity, and the Brookings Institution—turns some conventional wisdom on its head. Did stop-and-frisk programs not only fail to curb juvenile crime, but contribute to its increase? How does easing financial hardships affect health conditions like hypertension? Can a smartphone app lift unbanked households out of poverty and help repair their credit? As Jordan wrote in the very first State of Black America, “It is our hope that this document will pierce the dark veil of neglect that has thus far smothered efforts to right of the past and the present. It is presented as an alternative to failed public policies. I hope that it will be read closely in the White House and in the Congress, and that it may influence decision makers to open their eyes to the plight of Black Americans.” Visit www.StateOfBlackAmerica.org to view the full report. Our dynamic Virtual Event, which includes in-depth discussion of the issues raised by the report, can be accessed at https://soba.iamempowered. com/2021-virtual-series.
The real deal at Thomas Jefferson High School (TriceEdneyWire.com)—In a recent Wall Street Journal opinion column headlined, “A PTA Purge of Asians,” William McGurn wrote that the PTA of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, located in Arlington, Va., had created ways designed to lessen the number of Asian American students. Their goal, he wrote, is to create more “diversity” at a high school which was selected as the number one public high school in the country by US News and World Report. McGurn also wrote “In December the County School Board changed its admission process, replacing a rigorous raceblind entrance exam with a ‘holistic’ (read subjective) formula that includes grades but also puts caps on the number of students each middle school can send to TJ—a de facto limit on middle schools with high numbers of Asian American students.” As a result, he continued, “the percentage of Asian American students to TJ dropped to 54 percentage this year from
A. Peter Bailey
Reality Check 73 percentage last year. Whites, blacks (note the b in the noun Blacks is lower case) and Latinos all saw the numbers go up….” Two days later, a Wall Street Journal Editorial, “Parents Vs. the New Racism,” included the following: “Americans are awakening to the reality that….today’s Progressives want to discriminate by race. If Black and Latino children are not scoring high enough on competitive exams to get into the best public high schools, the Progressives’ answer isn’t to lift achievement or improve K-8 schools. Their answer is to suppress merit—and
deny seats to Asian Americans in particular. The main result is more bitterness resentment and racial division. “ Most people reading that commentary will believe that the admission changes cited by McGurn and the editorial writer were made to increase the number of Black Students at TJ. Nothing is further from the truth. Those changes were made to increase the White enrollment at TJ, which for most of its long history was overwhelmingly White. When I lectured there in the early 1990s, there were very few Black students among those in attendance. That’s why the admission changes for TJ, had little, if anything to do with increasing Black enrollment. They were made to increase White enrollment by any means necessary. McGurn and the editorial writer from the Wall Street Journal both misinformed readers in their coverage of the controversy. As for the huge decline in White enrollment at TJ, it’s a classic situation of the chickens coming home to roost.
New Pittsburgh Courier
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JULY 28-AUGUST 3, 2021
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
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Help Wanted
Help Wanted
SR. DATA ENGINEER POSITION Proofpoint has a Sr. Data Engineer (Req #M1612) job opening in Pittsburgh, PA: Develop and maintain SQL and database logic in RDBMS systems. Send resume to Global Mobility: globalmobility@proofpoint.com. Must include Req # to be considered.
CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, TRAINEE The Borough of Wilkinsburg is accepting applications for the position of o orc m t c r. This position is open to experienced code enforcement officers and also individuals without direct experience in code enforcement, but with relevant skills and experience who are interested in a career change or a new opportunity. Code enforcement officer is a full time non union position with benefits. The salary for this position is commensurate with experience. Position description and Borough Employment application are available below. Send applications to Admin Office, Wil insburg orough, oss Ave, Wil insburg, PA or info@wilkinsburgpa.gov; applications also accepted online or at the orough Administrative offices during normal business hours. EOE
TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT POSITION Provide technology support for staff and students on technology related issues. Troubleshoot, diagnose, and escalate technology issues when appropriate including such tasks as: device deployment, software and hardware support, coordinating repairs with vendors, documenting processes, managing inventory, and identifying and analyzing trends. Experience in a varied technology environment, particularly in macOS, iPadOS/iOS, Windows, and Chrome OS preferred. Persons interested in this position should submit their application by 11:59 p.m., August 4, 2021 through the online application system at the following link: https://www.applitrack.com/ fcasd/onlineapp/ . EOE
BLOOMFIELD-GARFIELD CORPORATION NOW HIRING: GARFIELD GREENZONE & SERVICE PROJECT COORDINATOR Hours: 30-35 hours per week Compensation: $20.00 per hour, with b ts h r r o is a place where neighbors can enjoy new walking trails, plant gardens, participate in organized or informal recreation, and preserve green space throughout arfield for future generations to come. The initiative also provides a pathway for non-violent offenders to avoid incarceration by diverting offenders into community service projects where they can develop landscaping skills and receive training that could lead to real jobs. Full a full job description, visit b oom i g r i .org u c t gori hiri g gr o coor i tor. PROGRAM & VOLUNTEER MANAGER Love the outdoors? Love working with people? Join Venture Outdoors as our new Program & Volunteer Manager! Job duties include scheduling outdoor trips, recruiting and training volunteers, working with partner groups to grow age specific programming and more. Interested individuals can submit their resume at www.ventureoutdoors.org/apply
CUSTOMER CARE ADVOCATE 4moms is looking to add a Customer Care Advocate to our growing team specifically to support our West Coast consumers. This position is full time but the hours are 11am -7pm ET, M-F. Our Advocates make lasting impressions on our customers and significantly in uence whether a customer stays with 4moms and / or recommends us to friends and family. The best candidate for the position will be organized, a self-starter, detail oriented, an active-listener, a multi-tasking expert, and an excellent communicator - both verbal and written. The ideal candidate should have the ability to work independently but also thrive in a dynamic and close-knit team environment. 4moms team members en oy a very competitive benefits package that includes competitive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(K) with company match, open paid time off, and an open & casual work environment. The complete job description, along with our online application can be found at www.4moms.com/careers. TRAC SERVICES FOR FAMILIES has provided adoption, foster care, in-home, and outpatient services and education to the Southwestern PA area for over 40 years. We are now loo ing to fill several positions including recruiters, caseworkers, case aides, and more. For more information please go to tracpgh. com/employment-opportunities/ WOMEN’S CENTER & SHELTER OF GREATER PITTSBURGH MULTIPLE POSITIONS Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh (WC&S) is a comprehensive domestic violence program. WC&S is hiring a Legal Advocacy Manager, a Paralegal, and a Program Associate. WC&S offers competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits pac age. Go to wcscanhelp.org for full job postings. Send a resume and cover letter to careers@wcspittsburgh.org by EOB Aug 6th.
SOUTH FAYETTE TWP. SCHOOL DISTRICT is seeking a CLASSROOM PARAEDUCATOR for the 2021-2022 school year Complete job description is available at: www.southfayette.org Please e-mail your application to SFAPPLY@Southfayette.org Place in the subject line last name, first name, position Deadline: 4:00 P.M., August 4, 2021, or u ti positio is EOE SOUTH FAYETTE TWP. SCHOOL DISTRICT is seeking MULTIPLE SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL SPECIAL EDUCATION PERMANENT SUBSTITUTE TEACHER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SPECIAL EDUCATION SUBSTITUTE TEACHER for the 2021-2022 school year. Complete job descriptions and directions on how to apply are available at: www.southfayette.org Deadline 4:00 PM, August 2, 2021 EOE SOUTH FAYETTE TWP. SCHOOL DISTRICT Is seeking a CERTIFIED SCHOOL NURSE A complete job description and how to apply are available at: www.southfayette.org Deadline: 4:00 p.m. August 9, 2021, or u ti positio is EOE SOUTH FAYETTE TWP. SCHOOL DISTRICT is seeking a BUILDING CUSTODIAN Complete job description is available at: www.southfayette.org Please e-mail your application to SFAPPLY@Southfayette.org Place in the subject line last name, first name, position Deadline: 4:00 P.M., August 4, 2021, or u ti positio is EOE. SOUTH FAYETTE TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT is seeking a HIGH SCHOOL BAND PERCUSSION INSTRUCTOR Complete job description and directions on how to apply are available at: www.southfayette.org Deadline 4:00 PM August 2, 2021 EOE LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices
Estate of WALTER JAMES LOWRY, Deceased of Pittsburgh, PA, Estate No. 05082 of 2021, Thelma C. Spells, Administratrix, 1533 Bidwell Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 Estate of MARGARET MASSIMINO A/K/A MARGARET E. MASSIMINO, Deceased of Bridgeville Rocks, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Estate No. 02-21-05321, Paul assimino, ecutor, regg Avenue, ridgeville, PA or to TODD A. FULLER, Atty; BRENLOVE & FULLER, LLC. 401 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017 Estate of GENEVIEVE CLARK CATON, No. 022105052 Date of Death: 06/08/2021 PNC Bank, National Association Attn: Sharon L Whitney, VP 300 Fifth Ave, FL 31 Pittsburgh, PA 15222 And/or: Heidi Rai Stewart, Esq. Houston Harbaugh Three Gateway Center, 22nd Floor 401 Liberty Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15222
LEGAL ADVERTISING NAME CHANGE
NAME CHANGE NOTICE
In the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: GD-21-7304. In re: Petition of Maurice Kenneth Scelfo, for change of name to Kenneth Maurice Scelfo. To all persons interested: Notice is hereby given that an order of said Court authorized the filing of said petition and fi ed Tuesday, August 31, 2021, at 9:30 a.m. as the time and the Motions Room, City-County Bldg., Pittsburgh, PA , as the place for a hearing, when and where all persons may show cause, if any they have, why said name should not be changed as prayed for. Michael J. Witherel, Witherel & Associates, 966 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh, PA 15237, Ph: 4123666629, Attorney for Petitioner.
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NOTICE OF CONDEMNATION IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA IN RE: THE CONDEMNATION BY THE COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY OF A CERTAIN PARCEL OF LAND LOCATED IN PLUM BOROUGH, ALLEGHENY COUNTY AND UPPER BURRELL TOWNSHIP, WESTMORELAND COUNTY OWNED BY CHARLES JOHNSON REQUIRED TO REPLACE THE SUPERSTRUCTURE OF PUCKETA CREEK BRIDGE NO. 5 (INTER-COUNTY) AT BOOKER STREET CASE NO: GD 21-6852 Estimated Just Compensation: $500.00 TO: CHARLES JOHNSON TAKE NOTICE that a eclaration of a ing was filed June 16, 2021 at the above referenced docket number. Name of Condemnee: Charles Johnson Name & Address of Condemnor: Allegheny County, (“County”) 101 Courthouse, rant St., Pittsburgh, PA . uthori i g t tut s . Article , and of the Allegheny County Home ule Charter, Article , . and . of the Allegheny County Administrative Code and the Act of uly , P. . , Art. , , et se . uthori i g r i c . Ordinance No. 03-21-OR, enacted April 13, 2021. he ordinance may be e amined at the offices of Condemnor, noted above. Condemnation Description. The purpose of this condemnation is to acquire certain property, designated in the Westmoreland County Department of Real Estate as 62-07-03-0-009, needed for the replacement of the superstructure of Puc eta Cree ridge o. nter County) at oo er Street, Plum Borough, Allegheny County, Upper Burrell Township, Westmoreland County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Statement of Condemnation. Condemnee s property identified on the Viewer’s Plan marked as Exhibit B to the Declaration of Taking, attached hereof, has been condemned as of June 16, 2021. The title acquired by the County is a fee simple interest, including all interests of every record owner thereof or any party claiming an interest therein, in the area labeled “Required Right-of Way” and an easement interest in the area labeled “Temporary Construction Easement” on Exhibit B. Plans showing the property condemned may be inspected in Condemnor s offices noted above and are also lodged of record in the Allegheny County Department of Real state, at State Highway Plan olume , Page . ust compensation for the condemnation is secured by the County’s power of taxation, which is deemed pledged as security for the payment of damages as, shall be determined by law. Challenging the Condemnation. If Condemnee wishes to challenge the power or the right of County to appropriate the condemned property, the sufficiency of the security, the procedures followed by County or the eclaration of a ing, the Condemnee must file preliminary ob ections within 30 days after being served with Notice of Condemnation. Howard M. Louik Attorney for Condemnor PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY Electronic Proposals will be received online at the Port Authority of Allegheny County’s Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.portauthority.org). Proposals/bid submittals will be due 11:00 a.m. on August 17, 2021 and will be read at 11:15 a.m., the same day, at Port Authority s Hein location (Please contact the respective Contract Specialist for Tele-Conference dial-in information for the Bid Opening), for the following: Electronic Proposal - Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.portauthority.org) 1 2 3
Bid Number B210657A B210661 B210764A
Bid Name Bicycle Racks - Coach Drop Table Replacement System - SHVRC Operators Supervisors & Maintenance Uniforms
No bidder may withdraw a submitted Proposal for a period of 75 days after the scheduled time for opening of the sealed bids. A Pre-Bid Conference will be held via tele-conference on each of the above items at 10:00 a.m. on July 28, 2021. Please contact the respective Contract Specialist for Tele-Conference dial-in information. Attendance at this meeting is not mandatory, but is strongly encouraged. Questions regarding any of the above bids will not be entertained by th ort uthority withi busi ss ys o th sch u bi opening. These contracts may be subject to a financial assistance contract between Port Authority of Allegheny County and the United States Department of Transportation. The Contractor will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity laws and regulations. Contractor is responsible for expenses related to acquiring a performance bond and insurance where applicable. All items are to be FOB i r u ss oth rwis sp ci . osts or i ry bo insurance shall be included in bidder’s proposal pricing. Port Authority of Allegheny County hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively insure that in regard to any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprise will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award. The Board of Port Authority reserves the right to reject any or all bids. WESTMORELAND COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY The Westmoreland County Housing Authority (WCHA) is requesting bids for Auto Insurance for its fleet of vehicles. Sealed bids will be received by Michael L. Washowich, Executive Director, until Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at 10:00 A.M. (Eastern Standard Time) at the office of the Westmoreland County Housing Authority, South Greengate Road, Greensburg, PA , at which time they will be opened publicly. Interested respondents can obtain hard copy bid documents from the WCHA Administration Office at the address listed above. Electronic Bid Documents can be obtained by emailing ch rit at rachelf@wchaonline.com. Perspective Bidders shall register with WCHA via email in accordance with the bid requirements.
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THE BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH Sealed bids will be received in the ellefield Avenue obby, Administration uilding, South ellefield Avenue until 11:00 A.M. prevailing time August 3, 2021 and will be opened at the same hour in the administration building cafeteria: Window CleaningVarious Locations General Information regarding bids may be obtained at the Purchasing Office, South ellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA . he bid documents are available on the School District’s Purchasing web site at: www.pghschools.org Click on Our Community; Bid Opportunities; Purchasing - under Quick Links. The Board of Public Education reserves the right to reject any and all bids, or select a single item from any bid. We are an equal rights and opportunity school district CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS!
DOCUMENT 00030-AA ADVERTISEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT ALLEGHENY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA The Allegheny County Airport Authority will be receiving scanned PDF proposals through Submittable and a submission link will be sent to each registered plan holder. Submissions are to be submitted via Submittable by 1:00 p.m. prevailing local time on August 25, 2021, and bids will be opened by the Airport Authority and results will be emailed by end of business day of bid opening for the following project: ALLEGHENY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY PROJECT NUMBER 8G1-21 (GENERAL) 2021 AIRFIELD AND DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS AT PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT A pre-bid conference will be held at 11:00 a.m., on August 5, 2021. This meeting will be a Microsoft Teams Meeting. To join the meeting the following number can be called +1 443-948-6058 United States, (Baltimore), Phone Conference ID: 908 569 850. Please call the phone numbers within the ad for the link to join by computer Attention is called to the fact that not less than the minimum salaries and wages, as determined by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, must be paid on these projects. Proposals must be made on the Authority’s form and in accordance with the Plans and Specifications and the “Instructions to Bidders”’. The non-refundable charge of $150.00 for the Bid Documents and the Plans, and Specifications through the bidding platform Submittable at www.acaacapitalprograms. submittable.com . Please note that Submittable does not support Internet Explorer 11. Submittable recommends the following browsers: Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Apple Safari. This project has DBE participation goals; DBE firms must be certified with the Pennsylvania Unified Certi fication Program) (PA UCP). Firms must be certified prior to award of contract. A searchable database of DBE firms can be found on the PA UCP 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.flypittsburgh.com – ACAA Corporate – Business Opportunities or call 412-472-3677 or 412-472-3543. ALLEGHENY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY THE URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF PITTSBURGH will receive bids from qualified contractors for the Summerset at Frick Park – Phase 2 Frick Park Extension located along Shelburne Drive in the Summerset at Frick/ S uirrel Hill neighborhood of the City of Pittsburgh, and all work incidental there to required to complete the Summerset at Fric Par Phase Frick Park Extension, until 3:00 p.m. prevailing time on the 30th day August, 2021, via Ion Wave Technology (IWT) bid procurement website (https://ura.ionwave.net/Login.aspx). Contract documents will be available after 1:00 pm on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, only on IWT. Paper copies will not be available for pickup. Contract documents will not be mailed. Bids will only be accepted through IWT. A pre-bid meeting will be held on Thursday, August 5, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. at Par view lvd (Summerset at Frick Park Community Center). Please email Ivy Alexander, Administrative Assistant, ialexander@ura.org to obtain additional information for this meeting. All interested parties are strongly encouraged to attend. Questions concerning the bid documents may only be submitted through the IWT bidding platform. Questions will be answered in a timely manner until five (5) business days prior to the due date (August 23, 2021, 3:00 pm). CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS!
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JULY 28-AUGUST 3, 2021
LEGAL ADVERTISING
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Bids/Proposals
Bids/Proposals
PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY ADVERTISEMENT Separate sealed Bids for the Work as listed hereinafter will be received at the Purchasing and Materials Management Department of Port Authority of Allegheny County (Authority) Heinz 57 Center, 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222-2527 until 1:30 p.m. on August 27, 2021 (Please call Cindy Denner at (412) 566-5117 prior to arriving at this location – all participants must provide and wear a mask at all times and practice minimum social distancing of 6 feet between other individuals) and will be opened and read at 2:00 p.m. via teleconference at (toll free phone number: 1-855-453-6957 and conference ID #4485786). Each Bidder shall be solely responsible for assuring that its Bid is both received and time stamped by a representative of the Purchasing and Materials Management Department at or before the advertised time for submission of Bids. Bidders submitting bids via FedEx, UPS, USPS, or other carrier must immediately provide tracking information to the assigned contract specialist via e-mail. Upon delivery, bidder will notify the assigned contract specialist with an e-mailed receipt. Bids received or time stamped in the Purchasing and Materials Management Department after the advertised time for the submission of Bids shall be non-responsive and therefore ineligible for Award. WEST MIFFLIN GARAGE PERIMETER PAVING AND SITE IMPROVEMENTS CONTRACT NO. WM-21-08 The Work of this Project includes, but is not limited to, the furnishing of all supervision, material, equipment, tools and labor for asphalt pavement construction of employee parking lots; concrete pavement construction of site perimeter and access ramp; exterior lighting upgrades; construction of new segmental retaining wall; installation of new diesel and gasoline storage tanks including pumps and dispensers and removal of existing; and miscellaneous site improvements including but not limited to site drainage, sidewal , fencing, par ing lot lighting and traffic control. Bid Documents will be available for public inspection and may be obtained on or after July 28, 2021 at Authority s offices at the following address (If you are picking up bid documents, please call Cindy Denner at (412) 566-5117 prior to arriving at this location - all participants must provide and wear a mask at all times and practice minimum social distancing of 6 feet between other individuals): Port Authority of Allegheny County Purchasing and Materials Management Department Heinz 57 Center 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2527 Bid Documents are available for purchase as follows: Bid Documents are available in an electronic form on compact disk upon payment of $15 per CD. Payment shall be by check or money order (NO CASH), payable to “Port Authority of Allegheny County.” No refunds of payment will be made. Upon request, Bid Documents can be mailed upon receipt of payment in full. Should the purchaser wish to have the Bid Documents delivered via special delivery, such as UPS or Federal Express, the purchaser shall provide its appropriate account numbers for such special delivery methods. This Project may be funded, in part, by, and subject to certain requirements of, the County of Allegheny and/or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Authority, in compliance with 74 Pa.C.S. § 303, as may be amended, require that certified iverse usinesses (“DBs”) have the maximum opportunity to participate in the performance of contracts and subcontracts for this Project. In this regard, all Bidders shall make good faith efforts in accordance with 74 Pa.C.S. § 303, to ensure that DBs have the maximum opportunity to compete for and perform contracts. Bidders shall also not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, disability, national origin, sexual origin, gender identity or status as a parent in the award and performance of contracts for this Project. If aid is required to involve DBs in the Work, Bidders are to contact Authority’s Director of Employee Relations and OEO at (412) 566-5262. The Bidder’s attention is directed to the following contacts for Bidder’s questions: Procedural Questions Regarding Bidding: Cindy Denner – Authority cdenner@portauthority.org (412) 566-5117 All other questions relating to the Bid Documents must be submitted by mail or email to: Port Authority of Allegheny County Heinz 57 Center 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 Attn: Cynthia Denner email: cdenner@portauthority.org In addition, the Bidder’s attention is directed to the following schedule of activities for preparation of its Bid: 9:00 AM August 5, 2021
10:00 AM ugust
Pre-Bid Conference will be conducted via teleconference at: Toll free phone number: 1-855-453-6957 Conference ID #4485786 (Attendance is not mandatory, but strongly recommended) Pre-Bid Site Tour st i fli r g b o o st i fli All participants must wear masks, safety vests & proper footwear Transportation will not be provide
1:30 PM August 27, 2021
2:00 PM August 27, 2021
Bids Due Purchasing and Materials Management Department Bids submitted via FedEx, UPS, USPS, or oth r c rri r r sub ct to th oti c tio requirements indicated above. Please call Cindy Denner at (412) 566-5117 prior to arriving at the Heinz 57 location - all participants must provide and wear a mask at all times and practice minimum social distancing of 6 feet between other individuals. Bid Opening will be conducted via teleconference at: Toll free phone number: 1-855-453-6957 Conference ID #4485786
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LEGAL ADVERTISING
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Bids/Proposals
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Bids/Proposals
ARTICLE 1 – ADVERTISEMENT PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY ADVERTISEMENT Separate sealed Bids for the Work as listed hereinafter will be received at the Purchasing and Materials Management Department of Port Authority of Allegheny County (Authority) Heinz 57 Center, 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222-2527 until 1:30 p.m. on August 26, 2021 (Please call David Hart at (412) 566-5415 prior to arriving at this location – all participants must provide and wear a mask at all times and practice minimum social distancing of 6 feet between other individuals) and will be publicly opened and read at 2:00 p.m. via teleconference at (toll free phone number: 1-855-453-6957 and conference ID #4485786). Each Bidder shall be solely responsible for assuring that its Bid is both received and time stamped by a representative of the Purchasing and Materials Management Department at or before the advertised time for submission of Bids. Bidders submitting bids via FedEx, UPS, USPS or other carrier must immediately provide tracking information to the assigned contract specialist via e-mail. Upon delivery, bidder will notify the assigned contract specialist with an e-mailed receipt. Bids received or time stamped in the Purchasing and Materials Management Department after the advertised time for the submission of Bids shall be non-responsive and therefore ineligible for Award. LRT HIGH PLATFORM STATION IMPROVEMENTS LRT-21-02 REBID-G LRT-21-02 REBID-E The Work of this Project includes, but is not limited to, various exterior renovations at 18 existing LRT Stations. Work at each Station may include alterations of existing materials and new construction, which will be phased to allow rider access during the entire construction period. Multiple prime Bids will be received for General Construction Work and Electrical Work. General Work generally includes selective demolition; concrete walk, wall, ramp, stair, and joint repair; unit masonry repair; replace metal stairs and railings; joint sealant work; glazing work; painting of various substrates, including metal railings; signage; tactile warning surfaces, and new site furnishings. Electrical Work generally includes selective demolition; replace site lighting poles and fi tures, wall lighting fi tures, and accent lighting fi tures replacing photoelectric cells; replace devices; repair and replace conduit and conductors; and concrete repair around electrical items. Bid Documents will be available for public inspection and may be obtained on or after July 26, 2021 at Authority s offices at the following address (If you are picking up bid documents, please call David Hart at (412) 5665415 prior to arriving at this location - all participants must provide and wear a mask at all times and practice minimum social distancing of 6 feet between other individuals): Port Authority of Allegheny County Purchasing and Materials Management Department Heinz 57 Center 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2527 Bid Documents are available for purchase as follows: Bid Documents are available in an electronic form on compact disk upon payment of $15.00 per CD. Payment shall be by check or money order (NO CASH), payable to “Port Authority of Allegheny County.” No refunds of payment will be made. Upon request, Bid Documents can be mailed upon receipt of payment in full. Should the purchaser wish to have the Bid Documents delivered via special delivery, such as UPS or Federal Express, the purchaser shall provide its appropriate account numbers for such special delivery methods. This Project may be funded, in part, by, and subject to certain requirements of, the County of Allegheny and/or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Authority, in compliance with 74 Pa.C.S. § 303, as may be amended, require that certified iverse usinesses (“DBs”) have the maximum opportunity to participate in the performance of contracts and subcontracts for this Project. In this regard, all Bidders shall make good faith efforts in accordance with 74 Pa.C.S. § 303, to ensure that DBs have the maximum opportunity to compete for and perform contracts. Bidders shall also not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, disability, national origin, sexual origin, gender identity or status as a parent in the award and performance of contracts for this Project. If aid is required to involve DBs in the Work, Bidders are to contact Authority’s Director of Employee Relations and OEO at (412) 566-5262. The Bidder’s attention is directed to the following contacts for Bidder’s questions: Procedural Questions Regarding Bidding: David Hart - Authority (412) 566-5415 dhart@portauthority.org All other questions relating to the Bid Documents must be submitted by mail or email to: Port Authority of Allegheny County Heinz 57 Center 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 Attn: David Hart Email: dhart@portauthority.org In addition, the Bidder’s attention is directed to the following schedule of activities for preparation of its Bid: 9:00 a.m. August 4, 2021
Authority reserves the right to reject any or all Bids
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Classifieds 412-481-8302 Ext. 140
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Pre-Bid Conference will be conducted via teleconference at: Toll free phone number: 1-855-453-6957 Conference ID #4485786 (Attendance is not mandatory, but strongly recommended) There will be no Pre-Bid Site Tour held for this project. All sites are publically accessible.
1:30 p.m. August 26, 2021
Bids Due Purchasing and Materials Management Department Bids submitted via Fed Ex, UPS, USPS or oth r c rri r r sub ct to th oti c tio requirements indicated above. Please call David Hart at (412) 566-5415 prior to arriving at the Heinz 57 location - all participants must provide and wear a mask at all times and practice minimum social distancing of 6 feet between other individuals. Bid Opening will be publicly conducted @ 2:00 pm via teleconference at: Toll free phone number: 1-855-453-6957 Conference ID #4485786
Authority reserves the right to reject any or all Bids. ARTICLE 2 – PRE-BID CONFERENCE A Pre-Bid Conference will be held with prospective Bidders to review the Bid Documents and generally discuss the Project. The time and place will be specified in the Advertisement. All idders are encouraged to submit their questions in writing to the respective individuals listed in the Advertisement prior to the time specified in the Advertisement for the Pre id Conference. A response may be provided during the Pre-Bid Conference or by Addendum thereafter. ARTICLE 3 – PRE-BID TOUR No site tour will be conducted. Bidders are encouraged to tour the LRT stations covering the area(s) of the Work on their own prior to bidding. ARTICLE 4 – PUBLIC OPENING OF BIDS Bids will be publicly opened and announced at the advertised time and place set for such Bid opening.
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HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR REHAB UNIT INSPECTOR REBID RFP #250-12-21-REBID The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): REHAB UNIT INSPECTOR REBID The documents will be available no later than July 19, 2021 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until: 9:00 AM August 10, 2021. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will only be accepting physical proposals dropped off in person from 8:00 AM until the closing time of 9:00 AM on August 10, 2021 in the lobby of 100 Ross St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Proposals may uploaded to the Authority’s online submission site, the link is accessible via the HACP website and within the RFP. Sealed proposals may still be mailed via USPS at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 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 9:00 AM on August 2, 2021. Please see meeting information below: Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 993 7282 2265 Passcode: 589473 +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C) The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACP has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation. Caster D. Binion, Executive Director HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH
HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.
NOTICE TO BIDDERS PA 18-14 JEANNETTE MANOR CITY OF JEANNETTE – WESTMORELAND COUNTY INVITATION FOR BIDS PLUMBING SYSTEM AND BATHROOM REPLACEMENT PROJECT GENERAL CONSTRUCTION – CONTRACT – PA 18-14-012021.1 GC ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION – CONTRACT – PA 18-14-012021.2 EC PLUMBING CONSTRUCTION – CONTRACT – PA 18-14-012021.3 PC Westmoreland County Housing Authority is requesting Construction bids for the referenced project through sealed bids which will be received by the Westmoreland County Housing Authority, until August 17th at 10:00 A.M. (eastern standard time). Bids shall be deposited at the Administrative Office of the Westmoreland County Housing Authority, 167 South Greengate Road, Greensburg PA 15601. Bids received will then be opened publicly at 154 South Greengate Road, Greensburg PA. 15601. A Pre-Bid Meeting is scheduled for August 2, 2021 at 10:00 A.M. (eastern standard time). Attendance is not mandatory, but highly recommended. Meeting location will be at Jeannette Manor - 401 S 4th St, Jeannette, PA 15644 Electronic Bid Documents are available for downloading at www.wchaonline.com. Bidders are required to register online at the www.wchaonline.com to view bid documents. Plan holders proposing to bid shall also register their intent to submit a bid with Westmoreland County Housing Associates, Inc. via email to lindam@wchaonline.com and eriks@wchaonline.com in accordance with the bid requirements. Westmoreland County Housing Authority, By: Michael L. Washowich, Executive Director