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GET THE VACCINE! Courier urges our community to get the shots, and let’s defeat this virus!
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www.newpittsburghcourier.com Vol. 112 No. 33 Two Sections
AUGUST 18-24, 2021
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Report: Just 35 percent of African Americans in Allegheny County are ‘fully vaccinated’ Urgent push by officials — ‘the vaccine is safe,’ doctors profess by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer
Just 35.5 percent of African American adults in Allegheny County are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and as the delta variant of the virus has the country on edge, Pittsburgh’s Black community leaders and health officials are practically pleading with Black residents to get the vaccine. “The vaccine is safe; it has killed large portions of our community, and I think this is the one tool that we have to keep people alive,” said Stephanie Miller, M.D., a family medicine physician at Allegheny Health Network’s Braddock location, in an exclusive interview with the New Pittsburgh Courier, Aug. 13. “I don’t want people to roll the dice with COVID and say, ‘I’m going to take my chances’... because COVID will kill you.” The state of Pennsylvania’s health department tracks demographic data on those who have received the vaccine (partial
or full). As of Aug. 13, 55.1 percent of Whites in Allegheny County were fully vaccinated, 20 percentage points higher than the African American number. Governor Tom Wolf announced on Aug. 16 that 64.3 percent of Pennsylvania adults are fully vaccinated, though the state doesn’t have race data on about 10 percent of that number. In Allegheny County, almost 63 percent of adults of all ethnicities are fully vaccinated. The push is on to make that number increase, for everyone’s benefit. “There are a lot of people that are trying to meet the community where they are, and share with them that we are concerned about your health and we want you to take the vaccination,” echoed Esther L. Bush, president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, during an interview with KDKA Radio host Kevin Battle on Aug. 6. Bush discussed how the mistrust between the Afri-
CHALLENGE GAINES, of the Hill District, gets the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine during the Homewood Community Health and Wellness Summit, Aug. 14. UPMC registered nurse Phelicia Goshea adminstered the shot. (Photo by Rob Taylor Jr.) can American community and the medical profession is still palpable, going back to the Tuskegee Experiment, when hundreds of Black men were subjected to a U.S. study of untreated syphilis. But even when penicillin became the treatment for the disease, the Black men were not offered the treatment. Hun-
dreds died over the years, and it wasn’t until almost 40 years after the start of the study that an Associated Press report shed light nationally on the experiment, ending it. “And so with COVID-19, some of that has absolutely carried over,” Bush said. “But I am extremely pleased of the work the
Urban League has been doing to reach out and try to influence people to take a hard look at the fact that they really need to take this COVID-19 vaccine.” Among other efforts, the Urban League has partnered with Steelers greats Franco Harris and Mel Blount to promote getting the vaccine. The two leg-
ends stood at the steps of Central Baptist Church in the Hill District in April, celebrating the opening of a vaccine clinic inside the church. The location reported that it has seen an uptick of people coming in to get the vaccine in recent SEE FULLY VACCINATED A4
New census data shows Pittsburgh’s Black population dropped by 13 percent City’s Asian, Hispanic and multi-racial population has increased by Charlie Wolfson PublicSource
Pittsburgh’s overall population didn’t change dramatically in the 2010s, according to the 2020 U.S. Census, but the city underwent notable change in terms of race and age. “These are all important things in a region that has seen decline for many decades,” said Christopher Briem, a University of Pittsburgh demographer. “The city is still declining, a little slower, but there’s been massive changes within the composition and characteristics of the city’s population.” Pittsburgh in 2020 had 302,971 people, a 0.89 percent drop from its 2010 population, according to data released Thursday,
Aug. 12. The rate of decline in the decade was much lower than what the city experienced during the 2000s, when it decreased by more than 8 percent.
Race
Pittsburgh’s two largest racial groups declined faster than the city overall during the 2010s. The city’s Black population dropped by 13.4 percent (about 10,500 people, to 69,050) while the White population fell by 5.6 percent to 187,099. Meanwhile, the census showed that the city saw a boom in its Asian, Hispanic and multi-racial populations. The city’s Asian population rose by 47 percent, and the number of respondents indicating two or more races almost doubled
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over the decade. (The census relies on self-response, so it’s possible that some individuals marked more than one race in 2020 after marking just one race in 2010). Briem said data over the last 50 years shows strong symmetry between Black population decline in Pittsburgh and growth elsewhere in Allegheny County, which indicates that most of the Black residents who left in the 2010s likely didn’t move far. “I think there are suburban communities that are themselves seeing pretty rapid changes in the characteristics of their populations,” Briem said. “Even if their overall population is relatively flat, there’s probably a greater level of change in the characteristics of who’s living in some communities.” Allegheny County grew by 2.2 percent, or about 27,000 people, since 2010, according to the 2020 Census. A number of Allegheny
County municipalities saw their Black population rise dramatically in the 2010s.
Black population is not a surprise; annual census estimates predicted a simi-
opportunity. They left because they could no longer afford to live.” Some local officials have pointed to the city school district and other issues, and Briem said housing is one of many factors that could be contributing.
Age
COMMUNITY ACTIVIST RANDALL TAYLOR, on the sharp decline of African Americans in Pittsburgh over the past decade: “They didn’t leave for economic opportunity. They left because they could no longer afford to live.” Small municipalities like Oakmont, Harmar, Blawnox, Brentwood and Pitcairn saw an increase of 100 percent or more, while larger municipalities like Monroeville, Shaler and Bethel Park saw more modest increases as well. The decline in the city’s
lar trend. Advocates called attention to the matter earlier this year, decrying the city’s lack of quality, affordable housing for the mass departures. In a City Council hearing in May, housing activist Randall Taylor said, “They didn’t leave for economic
While the city’s population declined by just under 1 percent, its under-18 population dropped by more than 10 percent. Briem attributed the difference to the fact that Pittsburgh’s population has a strong college student component — he estimates that 40 percent of Pittsburgh’s young adults are enrolled in college. This high proportion of college students causes a lower proportion of children, Briem said. “College students have some different demographic impact than other non-college students in that they come to school, SEE CENSUS A6
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Ann Adams Simms presented 2021 Sister Susan Welsh Good Neighbor Award
MS. ANN ADAMS SIMMS, third from left, accepting the 2021 Sister Susan Welsh Good Neighbor Award from (far left) Marisol Valentin, executive director of McAuley Ministries; as (second from left) Sister Susan Welsh, retired CEO of Pittsburgh Mercy and founding member of McAuley Ministries; and (far right) Emma Lucas-Darby, chairperson of McAuley Ministries, look on.
The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that McAuley Ministries, Pittsburgh Mercy’s grant-making foundation, presented the 2021 Sister Susan Welsh Good Neighbor Award to Ms. Ann Adams Simms of the Hill District during an outdoor ceremony in July. Simms’ family joined her for the presentation and celebration held on Carlow University’s campus in West Oakland, where McAuley Ministries’ office is located. The Good Neighbor Award was created to honor the legacy of Sister Susan Welsh, RSM, retired president and CEO of Pittsburgh Mercy, and founding and current board member of the McAuley Ministries Foundation. Sister Susan has been a compassionate, friendly, helpful, and willing volunteer, beyond the scope of her leadership responsibilities. In honor of Sister Susan’s service to Pittsburgh Mercy and her continued works of mercy, the Sister Susan Welsh Good Neighbor Award was
created. The award recognizes a resident of the Hill District, Uptown, or West Oakland, the three neighborhoods served by McAuley Ministries, who exemplifies the ideals of a “good neighbor”: willing to devote time, talents, and resources to make their neighborhood a better place to live. The award celebrates an individual resident who is working at the grassroots level to make a positive difference for his or her neighbors and community, beyond their day-to-day work responsibilities. Simms was nominated by Emma Lucas-Darby, PhD, LSW, chairperson of the McAuley Ministries Board of Directors and a longtime resident of the Hill District, and the Rev. Victor J. Grigsby, senior pastor of Central Baptist Church in the Hill District. “Ms. Simms is approachable, willingly gives her time to community activities, shares her legal knowledge with local residents, and is committed
MS. ANN ADAMS SIMMS and her family: Kumar Simms, grandson; Martin Simms, son; Tamara Simms, daughter-in-law; Alyiah and Essence Simms, granddaughters. to freeing the Middle Hill community of a rampant drug problem,” said Dr. Lucas-Darby, explaining how Simms exemplifies the characteristics of a con-
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cerned and caring neighbor. Reverend Grigsby echoed Dr. Lucas-Darby’s characterization of Simms. “Ms. Simms’ activities have focused on neighborhood improvement from representation of Hill District residents and employment
opportunities during construction of (PPG Paints Arena) to her current efforts addressing the tragedies of drug addiction that plague our neighborhood.” Simms has been active in the Hill District community, especially addressing issues of public safety.
Simms has witnessed the devastating impact of the drug sales, overdoses, injections of overdose reversal medication, and deaths on the street. And, in response, she has been consistent in her efforts to address drug problems, and to clean up the drug-infested areas around Wylie and Webster avenues and Perry and Elmore streets. Simms organized multiple community meetings with residents and elected officials trying to gather support in the fight against the drug activity in her neighborhood. Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, the activity worsened as a party atmosphere was created with food trucks, street parties, and vendors. The mornings following the parties, the streets were covered in litter, food remains, clothing, beer cans and bottles, and other lost items. Things escalated to a point of someone being killed one weekend and shots fired the following weekend. In July 2020, a community meeting was organized that included elected officials, representatives from the NAACP, the magistrate, the Station #2 commander, and several concerned residents. Simms was very vocal about community members and SEE SIMMS A3
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Darrell Smalley among latest TALI Board additions The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that The Advanced Leadership Institute has added four new members of its Board of
Directors, bringing the total to 11. The new board members are: Darrell Smalley, principal and U.S.-Central
Tax Market Energy Sector Leader, EY (formerly known as Ernst & Young); Eric Boughner, chairman, BNY Mellon Pennsylvania; Noland Cheung, shareholder and co-leader, IP and Technology National Practice Group, Dentons Cohen & Grigsby; Dr. Carlonda R. Reilly, vice presi-
vided to the Courier. "My new role as a TALI board member aligns well with my personal commitment to helping others and sharing the insights and knowledge I have gained throughout my career; and it’s an opportunity to help TALI continue to grow its local and national foot-
NOLAND CHEUNG
DARRELL SMALLEY
Ann Adams Simms wins Good Neighbor Award
MS. ANN ADAMS SIMMS explaining her community involvement to eradicate drug activity in her neighborhood. SIMMS FROM A2
elected officials being more proactive to change these situations. Her efforts resulted in “walk the blocks,” an organized community group interested in taking back their streets. Simms is a criminal defense attorney and a member of the Allegheny
Ann Adams Simms has been relentless in her efforts to make the areas around Wylie and Webster avenues and Perry and Elmore streets a better place for all. County Bar Association for over 35 years. Reverend Grigsby shared how Simms applies her professional experience to help those who are vulnerable. “Attorney Simms has stated often that while the addicts must take responsibility for their actions, they are also victims of the system that has not fully addressed the underground drug industry,” he said. “She has provided legal representation to some of the people who are addicted to drugs and given food to several of them who are extremely frail from the years of drug abuse. This shows her concern for human life.” Simms views provid-
ing legal representation and assistance to persons who struggle with addiction and substance abuse as another effort for them to address their legal situation and hopefully recover from their addiction. In addition to her law practice, Simms volunteers with the NAACP and the Hill District Branch of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. During the award presentation, Simms paraphrased Elie Wiesel, Holocaust survivor and Nobel Peace Prize winner: “Indifference is worse than hate.” Simms uses that quote as her mission to eradicate the drug activity in her neighborhood. Marisol Valentin, executive director of McAuley Ministries, shared, “I grew up in a community where neighbors were really the fabric that knit the community together. It has been an honor to meet Ms. Simms and learn of her work, love, and dedication for her community which has helped to knit and shape Wylie and Webster avenues and Perry and Elmore streets. As best said by Henri J. Nouwen, the discipline of community makes us persons: that is, people who are sounding through to each other. We should through to each other a truth, a beauty, and a love that is greater, fuller, and richer than we ourselves can grasp.”
CARLONDA R. REILLY
dent and chief technology officer, Kennametal, Inc. “I’ve served as an executive mentor for the past three cohorts, and I have had an amazing experience getting to know the participants and helping them as they seek to advance their careers. The one-on-one interaction has been very special," said Smalley, in a release pro-
ERIC BOUGHNER
print.” TALI has an expanded portfolio of leadership development programs, which includes the Emerging Leaders Program. The Emerging Leaders Program is designed for talented Black professionals who are currently in individual-contributor or early manager roles. It is a 12-session program covering a variety of career-enhancing topics and will run from October 2021 through April 2022 at Carnegie Mellon University. TALI’s flagship leadership program, the Executive Leadership Academy, is currently in its third year. Delivered in partnership with Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business, the Executive Leadership Academy focuses on preparing Black leaders for executive advancement.
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SENATOR WILLIAM, 12, gets the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as his mother, Jacinta William, holds his hand. At the same time, Jacinta William’s 15-year-old son, Dia’Mere Jackson, gets the shot, too. UPMC provided the vaccine as part of the Homewood Community Health and Wellness Summit, Aug. 14. (Photo by Rob Taylor Jr.)
Report: Just 35 percent of African Americans in Allegheny County are ‘fully vaccinated’ Urgent push by officials — ‘the vaccine is safe,’ doctors profess FULLY VACCINATED FROM A1
days, as COVID cases are skyrocketing in Pa. and Allegheny County. For the week beginning Aug. 1, Allegheny County reported 799 confirmed cases. That’s a boatload more than the 85 confirmed cases in the county for the week beginning July 4, or the 176 confirmed cases during the week of July 11. From July 23-29, there were more than 4,000 confirmed cases across the state. “It’s a difficult situation,” voiced state Rep. Summer Lee, an African American woman whose district includes the Mon Valley. “The reality is that we’re still going up against the confluence of mistrust that the Black community has with the government, the medical industry...and we’re kind of reconciling them at a really inconvenient time. The reality is, we have to address that distrust at the same time as doing a mass mobilization.” Representative Lee said
she had no hesitation about getting the vaccine, especially when Allegheny Health Network brought the vaccine to a free clinic at the Greater Valley Community Space, in Braddock, in April and May. She received both shots there. “My message is that it’s a vaccine that has been proven to be effective, it is a safe vaccine that is going to save lives. It’s already saving lives, it’s already saving and freeing our community,” Rep. Lee told the Courier. “My suggestion is to absolutely get it, but if you have hesitancy, we’re happy to take our time to talk you through it, we’re (Rep. Lee and other Black local state representatives like Austin Davis, Jake Wheatley and Ed Gainey) happy to go with you, because it’s that important” that African Americans get the vaccine. Dr. Miller understands the hesitancy that some African Americans have with getting the vaccine. They’ve told her they felt
the vaccine was “too new, it was developed way too quickly,” and they were concerned about the longterm side effects. However, Dr. Miller said she explains to patients that the “achiness, low-grade fever, feeling tired...I tell people, that’s your immune system working. People are afraid of that, but the symptoms last 24 hours and it goes away. Some people have a little bit longer (that symptoms persist) but every day, they get better. It’s your immune system learning, ‘This is what COVID is. When I see COVID, I have to be able to go after it.’” Vaccination clinics are popping up out of the woodwork lately, as the delta variant seems to take no prisoners. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the delta variant is more than twice as contagious as other variants and might cause more severe illness than other variants in unvaccinated people. The CDC acknowledg-
es that a person who is fully vaccinated can still contract COVID, a “breakthrough infection,” as it’s dubbed. However, “the amount of virus produced by delta breakthrough infections in fully vaccinated people goes down faster
Summit, and at Braddock’s Community Day celebration. AHN will have the vaccine available at Rep. Wheatley’s Health & Wellness Weekend, Saturday, Aug. 21, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Centre Ave. YMCA, 2621 Centre. The Pitts-
JACINTA WILLIAM took her sons to get the COVID vaccine, and she wants others in the Black community to get vaccinated, too. “Stop being selfish...get it done,” she said. than infections in unvaccinated people. This means fully vaccinated people are likely infectious for less time than unvaccinated people,” the CDC’s website read. This past weekend, the vaccine was available at the Homewood Community Health and Wellness
burgh Steelers announced that the vaccine would be available from Giant Eagle pharmacists for those attending the preseason game against the Detroit Lions, also on Aug. 21, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Heinz Field. UPMC is providing the vaccine at the McKeesport Family Center, 339
Fifth Ave., second floor, on Aug. 27 from 3 to 5 p.m.; Enon Baptist Church, in the Hill District, 110 Erin St., Aug. 28 from noon to 3 p.m.; Unity Baptist Church, in North Braddock, 531 Jones Ave., Aug. 29 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and at Kingdom Light Ministries International, 6378 Centre Ave., on Aug. 29 from 1 to 3 p.m. Central Baptist Church, 2200 Wylie Ave., is still providing daily COVID vaccines, as well. The Courier spotted several people taking advantage of the vaccine clinics over the weekend. Challenge Gaines, of the Hill District, had plans on jumping on a plane to Puerto Rico for his upcoming birthday. So, he firmly planted himself in the chair outside at the Homewood Health Summit, Aug. 14, his family recording each moment, as he got his first vaccine dose from UPMC registered nurse SEE FULLY VACCINATED A5
What local leaders are saying about the COVID vaccine
“There are a lot of people that are trying to meet the community where they are, and share with them that we are concerned about your health and we want you to take the vaccination. I am extremely pleased of the work the Urban League has been doing to reach out and try to influence people to take a hard look at the fact that they really need to take this COVID-19 vaccine.” ESTHER L. BUSH President/CEO, Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh
“My message is that it’s a vaccine that has been proven to be effective, it is a safe vaccine that is going to save lives. It’s already saving lives, it’s already saving and freeing our community. My suggestion is to absolutely get it.” REP. SUMMER LEE
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Urgent push by community leaders, health professionals for more African Americans to get vaccinated
STEPHANIE MILLER, M.D., Family Medicine Physician at Allegheny Health Network’s Braddock location, said in an exclusive interview with the New Pittsburgh Courier that the COVID-19 vaccine is “safe. It has killed large portions of our community, and I think this is the one tool that we have to keep people alive. I don’t want people to roll the dice with COVID and say, ‘I’m going to take my chances’... because COVID will kill you.”
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Phelicia Goshea. “Getting the vaccine is a better option than ending up in the hospital sick and unable to breathe with COVID,” Goshea told the Courier afterwards. And Jacinta William held her 12-year-old son Senator William’s hand as another UPMC registered nurse put the first dose of the COVID vaccine into his left arm at the Homewood Health Summit. Jacinta William’s 15-year-old son, Dia’Mere Jackson, got his first vaccine dose at the same time, too, no mom’s hand needed.
“The numbers are going up and they’re around their friends too much—I don’t want them to be in the hospital,” Jacinta William told the Courier. “It’s my job to keep them safe.” Jacinta William has been fully vaccinated for months, she said. She wants everyone else to get vaccinated. “Stop being selfish...get it done,” she said. “I don’t want to see my friends and family in the hospital. It’s free. Let’s do it.”
UPCOMING COVID VACCINATION CLINICS SATURDAY, AUG. 21, 2 to 5 PM HEALTH AND WELLNESS WEEKEND CENTRE AVE. YMCA 2621 CENTRE AVE. FRIDAY, AUG. 27, 3 to 5 PM MCKEESPORT FAMILY CENTER 339 FIFTH AVE., SECOND FLOOR SATURDAY, AUG. 28, NOON to 3 PM ENON BAPTIST CHURCH 110 ERIN ST., HILL DISTRICT SUNDAY, AUG. 29, 10 AM to 1 PM UNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 531 JONES AVE. NORTH BRADDOCK
STEPHANIE MILLER, M.D.
(Photo by Rob Taylor Jr.)
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DLA Troop Support celebrates promotion of Army Lt. Col. Nakamura Pittsburgh native, raised in Garfield, graduated from Peabody High School in 1997
NEWLY PROMOTED ARMY LT. COL. BENJAMIN NAKAMURA kneels as his new rank is pinned on by loved ones at a ceremony in his honor, Aug. 6, in Philadelphia. Nakamura is currently serving as the operations officer for the Clothing and Textiles supply chain with the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support.
The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support celebrated the promotion of Army Lt. Col. Benjamin Nakamura during a ceremony in Philadelphia, Aug. 6. DLA Troop Support Commander Army Brig. Gen. Eric Shirley presided over the ceremony. He welcomed Nakamura’s wife Danielle, who is a major in the Army Reserves and the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator for Army Support Activity at Fort Dix, and their three children: Aja, Aiko and Benjamin Jr. Nakamura is currently the operations officer for the Clothing and Textiles supply chain. “(Ben’s) work here has been vital in DLA Troop
Support’s, and the Nation’s COVID-19 efforts,” Shirley said, in a statement. “He helped us, and our whole of government partners like FEMA and the Department of Health and Human Services, secure and deliver more than $574 million of (personal protective equipment) and more than 200 million masks, coveralls, Tyvek suits and gowns.” Nakamura thanked his extensive family who attended, from his and his wife’s families, to his Army and fraternity families. “I am a product of everyone that you see in the room, so all the things that I am is the best of all of what you are,” Nakamura said, in a statement. “I’m so thankful that I’ve been
able to have you as a part of my life, and I really appreciate you taking time in this unique space we are in the world, to come here and share a little bit of time with me.” Shirley imparted some advice to the new lieutenant colonel, including to stay humble and live up to his potential. “As you remain committed to accomplishing the mission and caring for your teammates, these future milestones will certainly come to pass because you have demonstrated the clear potential for future service and leadership in our nation’s Army,” Shirley said. During the ceremony, Nakamura’s wife and his aunt, Clara Snow, were
He deployed several times including to Baghdad, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as well as Kandahar and Kabul, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Resolute. He also served as the company commander of the 29th Brigade Support Company, 525th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade for 29 months. presented with flowers of appreciation. Nakamura, a Pittsburgh native, was raised in Garfield and graduated from Peabody High School in 1997. He enlisted in the Army at age 21 and was trained as a 91W, Combat Medic. He deployed several times including to Baghdad, Iraq, in support
of Operation Iraqi Freedom as well as Kandahar and Kabul, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Resolute. He also served as the company commander of the 29th Brigade Support Company, 525th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade for 29 months. In addition, Nakamura started a tutoring program
for soldiers to boost their Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery scores in the “general” and “technical” categories while he was deployed to Iraq in 2007. As a result of his continued work in this program, he helped at least 40 soldiers raise their scores, helping them increase opportunities for new military careers and college options. Six of his former soldiers became officers. He graduated from South Carolina State University as a Distinguished Military Graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant into the Quartermaster Corps.
New census data shows Pittsburgh’s Black population dropped by 13 percent, to 69,050 CENSUS FROM A1
likely to be forming their families and having children here along the way,” Briem said. The drop in the under-18 population was less steep than in recent decades, though. For example, the population of children dropped 25 percent between 2000 and 2010 and it fell 38 percent between 1970 and 1980 as the city began its long transition from being a hub of steel and industry to being a hub of higher education.
Looking ahead
While Pittsburgh slowed its contraction in the 2010s, it’s not easy to predict whether or not it will
finally reverse its half-century streak of decline in the 2020s. While population change in larger regions is generally dictated by “natural population change,” Briem said, (having more births than deaths, or vice versa), population change in smaller areas such as the City of Pittsburgh is driven more by economic and policy changes that are much harder to predict. “Competitiveness of any one area, a neighborhood in particular, can shift very quickly,” Briem said. “If the city wants to engage in a much more active housing policy, you probably could see more folks here. But if they don’t, you probably
won’t.” At least one Pittsburgh official, City Controller Michael Lamb, is not ready to celebrate the city’s slowed decline in the 2010s. “While the decline wasn’t as severe as it was in previous censuses and the growth in Allegheny County is a step forward, these numbers reinforce the need for municipal collaboration and a comprehensive approach to our workforce challenges to make the city and the region more competitive,” Lamb wrote in an emailed statement to PublicSource, Aug. 12.
(This story was fact-checked by Chris Hippensteel.)
RELIGION
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Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church pastoral installation for Rev. Dr. John C. Welch
AUGUST 18-24, 2021
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Praise & Worship ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH 91 Crawford Street Pgh., PA 15219 412-281-3141 Sunday Mass 10:30 A.M. www.sbtmparishpgh.com
East Liberty Presbyterian Church Rev. Dr. Randy Bush, Senior Pastor 412-441-3800 Now offering in-person services, with limited capacity and required pre-registration through the website, and virtual services!! Worship Online on Facebook/YouTube www.ELPC.church Summer worship.......10:00 a.m. Taize -Wednesdays.........7:00 p.m.
REV. DR. JOHN C. WELCH is installed as senior pastor at Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church in Larimer. The weeklong celebration took place, July 14-18. (Photos by Courier photographer J.L. Martello)
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REV. DR. JOHN C. WELCH
“When Jesus came into the coast of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some Elias; and others Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say you that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” - St. Matthew 16:13-16 REV. WALKER SAYS: Question: Who do YOU say that Jesus is? Is He your Lord and Savior??? (Rev. A. Marie Walker is servant pastor of St. John Baptist Church.)
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This ain’t your grandma’s Black Wall Street by Tristan Wilkerson Think Rubix, Managing Principal
Let me first say, I love my grandma. I don’t know anybody who doesn’t love their grandma. And yet, we live very differently than the generations that have come before us. The 21st century looks different for entrepreneurs, in particular entrepreneurs of color. And, as the digital global economy evolves, we are learning that entrepreneurship and enterprise are still your best shot at prosperity, systems change, and social equity. We may live differently than Grandma did, but that doesn’t necessarily mean we live better. And this is our challenge – to make tomorrow more than different, but undeniably better. Here’s why rebuilding America’s Black Wall Streets is the win we’ve all been waiting for. So, what happened to Tulsa’s Black Wall Street? The story of that terror is best told by Viola Fletcher, a grandmother and 107-year-old survivor of the Tulsa Massacre that demolished one of America’s foremost prominent Black Wall Streets in vibrant Greenwood, Oklahoma. “I have lived through the massacre every day…I still see Black men being shot, Black bodies lying in the street.” she recounted in a powerful testimony to Congress. To put it plainly, the form of terrorism Black folks endured in Tulsa was calculated (and state-supported). It did what it was intended to do; embed a permanence of fear and inferiority among Black people. In a visceral poem, AJ Smitherman penned: “Kill them, burn them, set the pace. Let them know that we are white men, Teach them how to keep their place.” Prior generations of Black Wall Streets across the country withstood violent rac-
REBUILDING BLACK WALL STREET requires long-overdue repair of many forms. Black communities have incurred compounding negative interest, while their counterparts have enjoyed opportunities to build incredible wealth. (Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA) ism intended to deny wealth-building for their families and equity-based economic participation. This includes redlining and the deliberate financial exclusion of Black banking and Black borrowers, a denial that many still face today. Systemic racism prevented entire generations of Black Americans from building wealth, leaving behind a persistent and devastating racial wealth gap where the median Black family wealth is less than 15% than that of their white counterparts. Many have tried to blame the Black-White racial wealth gap on Black ineptitude, but that’s misplaced propaganda. The greatest threat to Black wealth, historically, isn’t Black ineptitude; it’s White supremacy. Creating and sustaining a Black economic ecosystem, where dollars are invested and circulated within a network of Black businesses and entrepreneurs, will look physically different than the Black Wall Streets
of the past, thanks to the digital economy. Paying for a vegan hot plate with Apple Pay, menus imprinted on QR codes, online retail, vertically integrated e-commerce, socialized media, digital marketing, streamlined manufacturing, influencers, and content creators are just a handful of the things that you wouldn’t have found on Black Wall Street back in the day thanks to the internet. The post-pandemic economy sits squarely in this digital world, and represents a golden opportunity to finally invite the permanent participation of firms, producers, technologists, and entrepreneurs who are Black, Black-led, and women. In 2020 alone, we lost 41% of Black businesses between the months of February-April. Many of our brick-and-mortar mainstays didn’t survive the economic shutdown, particularly those who weren’t sufficiently tech-enabled. Many of those momand-pop shops or small-to-medium size
enterprises (SME) have been subsumed under the new everyday economy. The everyday economy is now almost entirely online, and the central reason we have to tech-enable every Black business at little to no cost. Rebuilding Black Wall Street requires long-overdue repair of many forms. Black communities have incurred compounding negative interest, while their counterparts have enjoyed opportunities to build incredible wealth. Repair is more than access to capital. And access to capital does not mean high-interest loans or loans at all. And it isn’t always money. What access to capital really entails is its relationship to resources. It means low-cost, affordable capital at every stage in the life cycle of a business. It also means knowledge sharing, access to technology, and proper participation in supply chains. In short, it’s wholesale economic participation for Black entrepreneurs. Repair is more than Black banking too. Repair is Black-led Venture Capital and Private Equity firms like High Street Equity that are committed to “creating value with more than capital.” Repair is closing the Black-White racial wealth gap could unlock nearly $1.5 Trillion in untapped GDP. Rebuilding Black Wall Street requires a shift in thinking that asset frames Black business. One that values Black life. Only then will we begin to heal the harm of violently systemic racism and create the opportunity for a world of better for generations to come. Tristan is the grandson of sharecroppers and church folks. His background is rooted in public policy and political econ. He’s a Capitol Hill alum and campaign veteran turned entrepreneur and investor. He leads Think Rubix as Managing Principal and lives in Washington, DC.
Comcast names two Regional Vice Presidents The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that Mark Hutchinson has been named Vice President of Network Engineering and Virgil King has been named Vice President of Field Operations for Comcast’s Keystone Region, which comprises western, central and northeastern Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, northern West Virginia and the Maryland panhandle. In Hutchinson’s role, he leads the region’s construction and network maintenance organizations. King leads the technical operations and customer experience
teams that manage field operations and quality improvements to the Xfinity customer experience. Hutchinson brings 25 years of leadership experience in cable and telecommunications, spanning customer care, service delivery, engineering, and network and field operations. He most recently served as the Comcast West Division’s Director of Project Management, where he served engineering and technical operations teams launching strategic projects. King is returning to Comcast from ITG Com-
COMING TO PITTSBURGH—Virgil King has been named Vice President of Field Operations, and Mark Hutchinson has been named Vice President of Network Engineering for Comcast’s Keystone Region, which includes Western Pennsylvania. Both will be based in Pittsburgh. munications, where he served as Senior Vice President of Operations.
He was the market leader overseeing technical operations for ITG with
oversight of all operational objectives and supported 1200+ employees in 22 states. Prior to that role, he was Area Vice President of Operations for the Comcast Central Division, where he most recently served in the Florida Region. He was the market leader overseeing technical operations for the Ft Myers/Sarasota area. King has also held roles as Director of Operations for Comcast in Miami, Florida and the Bay Area, California. “In their previous roles, both have contributed to Comcast’s success in many ways, including de-
veloping top performing teams in high-growth environments that served both business and residential markets.” said Toni Murphy, Senior Vice President, Comcast’s Keystone Region, in a statement. “Mark and Virgil will both be instrumental in our quest to deliver an exceptional customer experience every time.” Hutchinson and King will reside in Pittsburgh.
Is financial freedom possible? How can I save instead of gambling? Damon Carr answers your questions “People tickle me. I was on a call with someone who was saying, ‘I want financial freedom...’ “I’m no finance advisor like you but is there such a thing? Sure, having enough money to pay for everything you need and want is good but is it really freedom? You still have obligations. Taxes and things like that. Maybe I’m wrong but it doesn’t seem like anyone can absolve themselves of financial obligations altogether.” ~Christina Damon says: Christina, it’s possible to have financial freedom but it’s hard! It requires extreme discipline, major sacrifice for about 2 to 4 years to rid yourself of all consumer debt. Large student loans and mortgages will take upwards of 10 years depending on balances. As you work towards paying off debt and even when you become debt-free, you have to stay on guard not to fall back into the debt trap. Financial freedom is being completely debt-free. You don’t owe any man or any company anything. No debt payments! Sure, there’s utility bills, taxes, food, and other lifestyle expenses. But imagine having no debt—no credit cards, no student loans, no car payments, no personal loans, no buy now, pay in 30 days, no IOU’s. Imagine how much more disposable income you’ll have? A lot! Debt freedom is the first step to initiating the path to financial independence. What is financial independence? Shifting income sources from earned income to passive, portfolio, royalty, and rental income—to the point where income from these sources is sufficient to pay for your
lifestyle and expenses. Here’s why debt-free is the first step: Your disposable income is what you use to leverage your passive income sources, not OPM (Other People’s Money) because other people’s money is DEBT! OK, here comes another question... “‘I owe, I owe, so off to work I go’ comes to mind. How can I invest my money instead of playing cards?” ~Wendy Damon says: Wendy, I’ve been watching you play cards with my family since I was 10 years old. I’m now 48. That’s darn near 40 years you’ve been playing cards. Ask yourself: After 40 years of playing cards, did your winnings from playing cards allow you to build a substantial savings or respectable investment portfolio? The answer is NO! As you know, I still play cards from time to time. It’s in my blood. About 3 years ago, I sat next to a guy who hit 4 of a kind at Rivers Casino. It paid him over $6,000. You’d think he’d get up and leave. He didn’t. He stayed and played until he lost it all. I watched this guy squander it all at the same table. Dumb, right!? I’ve done similar stupid stuff on a smaller scale. I consider gambling to be the adult version of Chuck E. Cheese. It’s fun! It’s a rush! It frees your mind of the daily grind! Plus you can win money! Lots of money! Gambling is the act of risking money for
a reasonable gain in a short period of time —and it’s fun! It’s a component of the getrich-quick scheme. Few get rich and stay rich from gambling because: 1. The house always wins. 2. Easy come, easy go! Investing, on the other hand, is the act of risking money for a reasonable gain over an extended period of time. It’s boring! It requires patience, sacrifice, and consistent saving and investing over an extended period of time. Saving and investing is how you build financial security and eventually wealth. Let’s say you gamble and lose approximately $100 per month! Let’s say over that 40year period, you invested money instead of gambling it. That $100 investment would be worth $637,000 assuming a 10 percent average rate of return. When you realize, diligent, consistent saving over an extended period of time is a sure-fire, proven method for ordinary people to accumulate extraordinary wealth, you’ll curb the getrich-quick schemes and partake in saving and investing in things that have proven to make others wealthy. All that to say this...Curb your gambling! I’m not going to say stop. Because you’re not. Put a limit on how much you will lose in a given month. Make saving and investing a priority and a goal. OK, here comes another question... “I’ve thought about resuming payments to my student loan because it’s stagnating
my credit score. My score would be higher if more of my student loan was paid off.” ~Michika Damon says: Michika, this might surprise you! Your credit score shouldn’t be your primary focus. Your wealth score should be! In fact, your wealth score is the best measure of financial success. Your wealth score is your net worth. Net worth is defined as assets minus debts equals net worth. In other words, what you own minus what you owe equals your net worth. When your net worth equals $1,000,000.00, you’re a millionaire. Notice I said when your net worth = $1,000,000.00, not your income. You might be surprised to know that there are people earning over $1,000,000.00 per year that are not millionaires. Due to COVID, federal student loans are not only in forbearance. There’s no interest being accrued. The interest rate is effectively 0 percent. This means that every payment you make right now is a 100 percent principal reduction. Therefore, resuming your student loan payments now is smart for three reasons: Increases your wealth score. Increases your credit score. Every payment made will go to the principal, thus shortening the time you’ll have this student loan payment hanging over your head. I recently had another person ask me how they could quickly pay down their student loan payments. I’ll detail that process in my next article.
(Damon Carr, Money Coach can be reached at 412-216-1013 or visit his website at www.damonmoneycoach.com)
BUSINESS
B2 AUGUST 18-24, 2021
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
AARP report puts spotlight on consumer fraud by Stacy M. Brown Newswire Senior National Correspondent
Black adults most often encounter the government imposter, lottery, and work-from-home scams, according to a new AARP report: “Consumer Fraud in America: The Black Experience.” The report authors wrote that for both fake job postings and romance scams, Black adults far outrank White and other racial groups but are on par with Latino adults. Black and White – and other racial groups – adults rank being targeted by immigration scams the lowest. Further, Black adults under age 30 are most likely to report being targeted by a scam as nearly 1 in 5 between the ages of 18 and 29 report being targeted by a government impostor or mortgage scam. The report revealed that the rank of awareness of scams differs by race. Compared to White and other racial groups or Latino adults, Black adults reported higher awareness of fake job postings, Covid-19 stimulus payment, workfrom-home, tax preparation, and Black Lives Matter scams. They also reported lower awareness of utility, grandparent, immigration, and business coaching scams. Incidence of scam awareness also varied significantly by racial groups in the report. Black adults reported lower awareness of utility, grandparent, and immigration scams than one or both of the other
racial groups. AARP commissioned Precision Market Research, Latino Decisions, and the African American Research Collaborative to conduct the study, where 2,808 American adults participated. The study focused on Black and Latino adults. The researchers concluded that education is critical in helping consumers spot and avoid scams. However, the survey indicated that Educational efforts about scams and fraud might underserve black adults compared with White and other racial groups. According to the report, Black older adults, less affluent, and female, are less aware of scams, putting them at higher risk of experiencing a scam.
Black adults who are a victim – among Black men attained a bache- adults was on par with lor’s degree and report- other racial groups, with ed annual incomes of about one-quarter re$100,000 or more indi- porting being a target of cate a greater incidence two or more scams,” the of losing money to a AARP researchers wrote. scam, the report contin“A similar trend exists ued. among those who report Compared with White being a victim of a scam, and other racial groups, which represents about Black adults are less 1 in 5 adults within each likely to have robocall racial group.” protection or have posted The organization retheir phone numbers to ported a troubling trend the National Do Not Call Registry; these protections are designed to reduce fraud susceptibility. In addition to the direct economic consequences associated with scams, the survey identifies physical and emotional health consequences that Black adults suffer after a scam experience. Leading information ser“Exposure to scams – being targeted and, or vices company Experian announced the launch of Inclusion Forward – Experian Empowering Opportunities, a first-of-its-kind initiative to help clients identify and directly support underserved and vulnerable communities. Inclusion Forward harnesses Experian’s data, analytics and technology to help clients create and provide more affordable credit access. “At Experian, we believe every consumer deserves access to fair and affordable credit. In fact, it’s our
across all racial groups: more than half of those victimized were victims more than once. “The proliferation of financial fraud in the form of scams is undeniable,” AARP officials wrote on the organization’s website. “Federal data show the highest ever year-overyear rise in fraud reports between 2019 and 2020, and we know that scams
are severely under-reported. “We also know that when consumers are aware of specific scams, they are far less likely to engage with them, and far less likely still to lose money or sensitive information.”
Experian launches initiative to accelerate financial inclusion
WIL LEWIS
mission to drive financial inclusion and help facilitate that access,” said Craig Boundy, Chief Executive Officer of Experian North America. “Through Inclusion Forward, we will expand our work in helping clients better serve and provide greater financial opportunities for all consumers.” This is the latest step in Experian’s work to help the more than 100 million consumers who are restricted by traditional scoring methods. In 2019, the company introduced Experian Boost, empowering consumers to contribute positive payment history for accounts including cell phone, utility, streaming service, internet and more, directly to their Experian credit report. This helps build their credit history and can potentially increase their credit scores. Experian introduced United for Financial Health in 2020 to empower and protect vulnerable people and communities, enabling them to improve their financial wellbeing through education and action. “Closing the wealth gap is key in racial equity efforts,” said Wil Lewis, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer for Experian. “By unlocking the power of Experian data, clients can better understand the financial challenges consumers from diverse backgrounds may face and help achieve their diversity, equity and inclusion goals. This can lead to creating solutions and education for all consumers, so they can achieve their life goals.” Experian begins rolling out Inclusion Forward™ to clients later this month. As part of its longstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion for its employees and the communities in which it operates, Experian has been recognized for three consecutive years as a Great Place to Work, one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For, and a 2021 Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion. In addition, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation gave Experian North America a perfect score in its Corporate Equality Index for the third year in a row.
OPINION
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
AUGUST 18-24, 2021
B3
Making Good Trouble
Guest Editorial
An urgent need for repair Recently, in a YouTube video, an African American, Dr. George C. Fraser, cited a study that said that if nothing changes, it will take African Americans 228 years, if ever, to close the wealth gap between Black and white Americans, but it will take Hispanics 89 years to close that gap! Dr. Fraser said studies have shown that Black people will have no money in a market-based economy in a Democratic capitalist society and that we are working our way into a second slavery, if we don’t act to do something about it. The video was short, and did not give detailed reasons for why this conclusion was reached, nor did it name the study! Fraser said that Black people need their (our) a$$es kicked and that our ancestors and forefathers must be rolling over in their graves. The question remains though: is he right? When we talk about a market economy, we’re discussing the means to attain economic self-sufficiency. It is no secret that the United States was able to leap-frog over a number of other countries in the accumulation of wealth due to the fact that they had free labor for over 240 years. Moreover, they either stole or flat out took land from the indigenous population, giving them a distinct advantage in the real estate arena. After all, if you don’t pay for land, and you have free labor to work it, you have a very, VERY great advantage over others who did not use that strategy to acquire wealth. White Americans, the colonists and interlopers, were able to reach great economic heights due to nefarious practices. In addition to this, during their plundering and pillaging activities, they enacted as many impediments as possible to keep others from playing on the economic field that they created. They took the Native Americans’ land and stuck them in small corners of the country called reservations. They kept their slave population handicapped, and the miraculous and precious few were able to acquire some modicum of wealth, but the vast majority has been hopelessly locked out. So, when we look at the differences between the projected accumulation of wealth between Black and Hispanic people, it becomes perfectly clear that the Black communities were at a far greater disadvantage when compared to their Latin counterparts. American chattel slavery was a particularly cruel institution that sought to deprive Black people of their humanity. This conditioning has had an impact that is observable to this day. The Black community has been subjected to psychological warfare, and has been fed a steady diet of white supremacist dogma that continues to thwart Black progress. We must remember that in some arenas Black people were considered 3/5ths of a person, and if the truth be told, some white supremacists still see the community as almost quasi-human, which provides them with the justification for treating Black people the way they do. This situation is not all doom and gloom, however. The reality of life is that resistance makes us stronger; diamonds are created under pressure. When we exercise, it is the resistance that makes our muscles develop. The oppression that the Black community has experienced is creating Black human “diamonds” who are achieving on every level of society. Of course, there are the laggards, the ones who, unfortunately, have not been able to break out of the prison mindset of self-hatred and, therefore, turn inward on the community like destructive human viruses who seem hell-bent on killing and maiming Black people. They garner a great deal of attention. But that’s only half the story. We must not lose sight of the fact that Blacks are achieving in spite of extreme oppression. We have accomplished miraculous feats even as we have endured huge obstacles. It is almost magical. If we can accomplish what we have with the obstacles that we’ve faced, just think of what we could do if we were compensated for all of those years of free labor and maltreatment! Actually, this is what is needed: Black people need repair, and this should take the form of REPARATIONS! If we push for that on a unified front, the prediction that Dr. Fraser made about doom and gloom will go up in smoke! (Reprinted from the Chicago Crusader)
Founded 1910
Commentary wing justices had signaled their disapproval for the moratorium. So the White House and congressional leaders played a bit of last-minute hot potato before Congress left town for its August recess without taking action to protect the families at risk of homelessness. Rep. Bush grabbed a sleeping bag and camped out on the steps of the U.S. Capitol for several days to shame people into action. You can be sure that many of her colleagues didn’t like being put on the spot as they went on vacation. Some of them anonymously criticized her tactics. Her hometown paper said she was ignoring “political reality.” Her rightwing critics ranged from dismissive to abusive. But it worked. Bush’s troublemaking meant that public officials could not just deflect attention from the crisis that was about to engulf thousands of families. And the White House worked with the CDC to extend protection against eviction for the vast majority of people at risk. The new moratorium is being challenged in court, and it will expire in October. But it is buying time for families at risk. It is giving local officials a chance to get money into the hands of people who need it. Bush’s good troublemaking also brought needed attention to the fact that Congress had approved $46.5 billion to help renters and
their landlords, but some states and counties hadn’t distributed a penny of it even months after they got the money. When I saw people criticizing Rep. Bush for her tactics, I thought of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Letter from a Birmingham jail. He wrote that he had almost concluded that a greater stumbling block to the freedom movement than the KKK was the white moderate more devoted to “order” than justice, who constantly says, “I agree with you in the goal you seek, but I cannot agree with your methods of direct action.” Rep. Bush saw that families behind on rent were facing a crisis point. Our democracy is also facing a crisis point. In state after state, where Republicans are in control, they are imposing new barriers to voting as they try to prolong and expand their hold on power. They want the power to resist progress on racial equity, access to health care, and all the other issues that motivated people to turn out and vote for Joe Biden. We can’t let them win. Voting rights activists across the country are organizing. They’re looking for people to help them make good trouble. When that opportunity comes your way, think of John Lewis and Cori Bush. And answer the call. Ben Jealous serves as president of People For the American Way. Jealous has decades of experience as a leader, coalition builder, campaigner for social justice and seasoned nonprofit executive. In 2008, he was chosen as the youngest-ever president and CEO of the NAACP. He is a graduate of Columbia University and Oxford, where he was a Rhodes Scholar, and he has taught at Princeton and the University of Pennsylvania.
The Olympics, a victory for the human race (Triceedneywire.com)—The Olympics? I am not a sports fan at all, so I never thought I would become so addicted to the equestrians, rowing, gymnastics, track, rugby, diving that makes us the Olympics. I even mystified myself as I sat spellbound watching something I didn’t think I cared a hoot about. As I leaned in, I was drawn into something much more remarkable than sports. The event I was watching was the progress of the Human Race, the race to lift up us and embellish what brings us all together as one tribe under one universal tent. As the Olympics coverage leaves the airway, I hope the message the young Olympians brought us will remain somehow tucked away in our minds,hearts, even our souls. As I leaned in, I saw Greatness on Parade. I saw Unselfishness being uplifted. I saw the fruits of diversity and I remembered the long hard fight it took to leap over racism and sexism. As I saw the Olympians continue to embrace the winners along with those who did not receive medals, I felt part of a universal hug because the champions from all over the world reflected a freshness, almost a purity that is often blotted out because of the meanness, backbiting, corruption, and hate pouring out daily from the news. The Olympians’ behavior, conduct were reminders of who we really are as human beings—or at least what we must try to be. We are better than that daily dose of dog-eat-dog, winning at any cost, lying, stealing, and finding victims to hide our deficiencies. What I saw was bigger and deeper than medals, whether silver, bronze, or gold. I saw a sprint, a vault, a drive to give more value, dignity and honor to the human race. Mutaz Essa Barshim and Gianmarco Tamberi For example, I saw two men, Mutaz Essa Barshim of Qatar and Gianmarco Tamberi of Italy agreed to share the gold, rather than to redo their efforts to prove which one was superior. They could have insisted upon protocol to keep trying
Barbara Reynolds
Commentary to outdo one another to see who would outlast the other. But their decision demonstrated a win-win spirit. Wouldn’t it be great if more people sought to help others win, not just ourselves? In doing so, it seems like we all win. Simone Biles I saw how Simone Biles moved out of the race with as much grace as she did when she reigned as the world’s top gymnast. She could have pushed on, even knowing she was suffering mentally, but she stepped back, encouraging and giving another young woman the chance to demonstrate her talent, resulting in a win not only for the US team but the entire sport. I also relished the long awaited and hard-fought efforts to achieve diversity within the sports. Who can forget how black athletes once were not permitted to participate in sports because of their race or gender? Once more inclusions outshine exclusions. Jesse Owens Jesse Owens, a graduate of my alma mater, Ohio State University fought against the racism in the USA to keep him from participating in the Olympics but his win in the 1936 Berlin Olympics perforated Nazi German’s theory of white supremacy. It also was the first time an African American male received a corporate sponsorship. The founder of Adidas asked him to wear and promote the company’s shoes. Wilma Rudolph Wilma Rudolph was the first American woman to win three gold medals at the Olympics. Not only did she have to deal with racism, but also polio, pneumonia, and scarlet fever. As a child, she was told that she would never walk without
braces, but she relentlessly pursued her goals and recovered from the paralysis, proving to the world that she could conquer anything. Charlie Sifford Another great example of how black people had to overcome racism to compete in the Olympics is Charlie Sifford, the first black golfer to play on the PGA tour in 1961. What should have been a joyous moment for him was filled with death threats once he showed up for the tour. Even in the face of atrocious acts, his head remained high and became a champion. Loa Dika Toua People of color weren’t the only ones to face discrimination from the Olympics. For decades tennis and golf were the only sports in which women were allowed to compete in. Until 2000, women were prohibited from competing in weightlifting ,as it was deemed a male sport that women couldn’t handle. Loa Dika Toua of Papua New Guinea was the first woman to ever compete in weightlifting at the 2000 Sydney Olympic games. Toua is still going strong and competed in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. I was also encouraged not only by the diversity of the different races, but the diversity of life experiences which played a role in grooming the super-athletes along the road to greatness . Kendra Harrison Kendra Harrison grew up in a family of 11 children, eight of whom like Kendra were adopted. Her adopted parents were white, and her siblings were of different races. She had to overcome many injuries, but none of them defeated her goal of winning the silver medal in the 100 meter hurdles in Tokyo. So the young champions left us with so much to feel good about. They showcased respect, love, and friendship. It makes me look at myself and feel good about not only a sports race but a race to becoming better humans. What I saw was a victory for humanity. I hope we don’t have to wait for the next Olympics to feel that good about our best selves again.
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(TriceEdneyWire.com)—Rep. John Lewis, the civil rights icon who died last year, liked to tell activists that building a better world depended on people being willing to make “good trouble.” Rep. Cori Bush has just given us an example of effective troublemaking that should inspire us to action. Rep. Bush is in her first term as a member of Congress representing St. Louis, Missouri. She didn’t come with a typical resume of prestigious college and law school degrees and previous political jobs. Bush got into politics protesting police killings of unarmed Black men. Because her work was seen and respected in her community, she beat the odds and beat a long-time member of Congress. Bush has experienced eviction herself. She knows how disruptive and dangerous it can be. So she wasn’t going to stay quiet when Biden administration officials and congressional leaders were ready to let a COVID-19 moratorium on evictions expire and put millions of families at risk. The temporary eviction ban was put in place by the Centers for Disease Control last September as a public health measure. Millions of families fell behind on rent because of the economic turmoil caused by the pandemic. The CDC knew that forcing those families out of their homes and into shelters or onto the streets in the middle of a pandemic would cost lives. That original moratorium expired on July 31. It made no sense to kick people out of their homes just when the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus was pushing the pandemic into another deadly phase. But the Supreme Court’s right-
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B4 AUGUST 18-24, 2021
Climate Change alert: Tuvalu is sinking (TriceEdneyWire.com) - Tuvalu is a tiny Polynesian island nation located midway between Hawaii and Australia. Home to just 11,000 people, it is just 10 square miles. It is smaller today than it was a decade ago. Thanks to world climate change, Tuvalu is sinking, and the evidence is everywhere. I’d never heard of Tuvalu until I attended COP15, the Copenhagen climate change conference, in 2010. It was an intense experience, partly because white climate change progressives were prepared to disrespect President Obama for not taking an extreme enough position on climate change. It was also intense because many small countries, like Tuvalu, did not have the opportunity to address the assembled delegates. Instead, they had to clamor for attention through booths and flyers in an area outside the main assembly. Tuvalu is sinking, a man said, grabbing my elbow to get my attention. He is angry, anxious for attention. He describes how beautiful his island once was and how he has seen the destruction from the rising ocean, partly a function of climate change. We talk for more than a few minutes, and we meet for tea before the conference is over. He asks, repeatedly, why the United States won’t do more to stop the destruction of the planet. I have no answers. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, in a report released August 9 (https://www.ipcc.ch/site/assets/ uploads/2021/08/IPCC_WGI-AR6-PressRelease_en.pdf) offers both answers and condemnation. They describe climate change as “widespread, rapid and intensifying.” U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres says the report is a “code red for humanity.” “The alarm bells are deafening,” he said in a statement. “This report must sound a death knell for coal and
Julianne Malveaux
News Analysis fossil fuels before they destroy our planet,” he went on to say. Code red means emergency, but few are treating this climate crisis as an emergency. Indifference or the tepid responses to the evidence we are experiencing has led us into a situation that will worsen before it gets better, a condition requiring world cooperation when such cooperation is rare. Frank, a 32-year-old Tuvalu native who is quoted in a 2019 piece that appeared in the Guardian, says, “Before, the sand used to stretch out far, and when we swam, we could see the seafloor, and the coral. Now, it is cloudy all the time, and the coral is dead. Tuvalu is sinking.” Tuvalu is sinking, California is burning, the Pacific Northwest, known for its mild weather, is experiencing temperatures sometimes exceed 100 degrees. Folks, this climate madness is all our fault. The IPCC says that emissions are “unequivocally caused by human activities.” They have pushed the global temperature up and will move it further if we don’t do something. But climate change deniers seem to think this is all-natural. The 44th President was rabidly vocal on this matter, and his acolytes deride climate change mitigation as a part of a “woke” Democratic plan. The leader of the pack is a non-Missouri living Missouri Senator, Josh Hawley (his residence issues could be the subject of an entire column). This man has raged against the infrastructure bill, which, though insufficient, represents necessary bipartisanship as we look to the future. The commitment to spend $39 billion on transit is significant, especially in the context of climate change. We need to get cars off the road, and we can only do it if people have easy ways to get around. Safe, reliable public transportation could help, but, as always, there is tension. Many would use the $39 billion for public transportation; some would use it for roads and carbon emissions. If our country and others are committed to combatting climate change, we must consider reducing or eliminating carbon emissions. And we must consider the ways climate change will change the world. Thousands of people are leaving Tuvalu because their lives and livelihoods have been threatened by climate change. Many are moving to Fiji, which has offered the Tuvalu government incentives to relocate to that island. The people of Tuvalu would become the first documented climate change refugees in the world. Thousands left New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Should they, too, be considered climate change migrants. There will be others as resources become scarce in one community and people are pushed into other communities, straining those resources and creating conflict. We will pay for ignoring climate change one way or another. We will pay now, we will pay later, but we will pay. Thus the infrastructure bill, while not enough, is to be applauded. The provision of some climate change mitigation in the budget is also commendable. But there is so much more to do, and Tuvalu is sinking. (Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an economist, author and Dean of the College of Ethnic Studies at California State University, Los Angeles. Juliannemalveaux.com.)
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Afro-pessimism and the ‘social death sentence’ During the first decade of the 20th century, W.E.B. Dubois and Booker T. Washington had a philosophical rivalry. Dubois predicted the problem of the 20th century would be the color line. He basically forecasted the permanents of White supremacy in America. Before Washington died in 1915, he made a contrasting statement. He didn’t intend to predict the future, but his statement was prophetic. Washington said, “There is a class of colored people who make a business of keeping the troubles, the wrongs, and the hardships of the Negro race before the public. Having learned that they are able to make a living out of their troubles, they have grown into the settled habit of advertising their wrongs—partly because they want sympathy and partly because it pays. Some people do not want the Negro to lose his grievance, because they do not want to lose their job.” Dubois’ prediction fell short due to the 1954 Brown v. Board Supreme Court desegregation decision, the 1964 Civil Rights Act, the 1965 Voting Rights Act, The Great Society programs and Affirmative Action. However, at the beginning of the last decade of the 20th century, an academic conference was held that launched a movement called Critical Race Theory. CRT predicted the problem of the 21st century would be systemic racism because racism was permanently embedded in American institutions. Therefore, the traditional civil rights movement’s attempt to create color-blind or race-neutral policies are ineffective, making race-based policies necessary to solve inequality. Critical Race Theorists, Richard Delgado and Jean Stefancic,
J. Pharoah Doss
Check It Out stated, CRT builds off the American radical tradition exemplified by Sojourner Truth, Frederick Douglass, and most of all, W.E.B. Dubois. Now, the question becomes, were Critical Race Theorists accurately analyzing America’s transformation, or did they create a theory in order to make Dubois’ failed prediction a reality? If the answer is the latter, then CRT actually fulfills Washington’s prophecy. CRT became a controversial topic during the first half of 2021 because Republican legislators insisted CRT was being taught in K-12 schools and sought to ban the theory from public education. Democrats defended CRT, not because of its merits, but out of a moral obligation to oppose the Republicans. The rival parties actually had one thing in common concerning CRT; neither was aware of its existence until 2020, after President Trump signed an executive order banning diversity training programs that incorporated CRT. That was the first national recognition of CRT since the movement was launched over 30 years ago. The same year CRT escaped decades of obscurity and entered the mainstream public discourse, Frank B. Wilderson III published a book that provides an intro-
duction to the latest obscure, race-based, academic movement called Afro-pessimism. (Afro-pessimism is also the title of the book.) Now, Dubois stated Blacks in America developed double consciousness or conflicting identities...which meant descendants of slaves were forced to balance the fact that they were Black and American but couldn’t be both because America didn’t recognize them as full citizens. Afro-pessimism takes this concept to the extreme and states Black people are Black and human but can’t be both because humanity rejects Blackness. Wilderson wrote, “Human life is dependent on Black death for its existence and for its coherence. Blackness and Slaveness are inextricably bound in such a way; whereas Slaveness can be separated from Blackness, Blackness cannot exist as other than Slaveness.” Wilderson also stated, Blackness is often misconstrued as an identity of the human community; however, there is no Black time that precedes the time of the slave. Afro-pessimism suggests that Blackness is a “social death sentence” because Black people never have an “equilibrium of social life” under White supremacy. Obviously, Afro-pessimism drags the problem of the color line into the 21st century and makes it eternal. Defenders of CRT don’t realize that if the current generation accepts the premises of CRT, Afro-pessimism will be the byproduct decades down the line. Unfortunately, the reason why defenders of CRT can’t foresee this future is because they haven’t heard of Afro-pessimism yet and won’t discover it until it’s 30 years too late.
Film sets record straight on Dick Gregory’s legacy (TriceEdneyWire.com)—“I chose to be an agitator. The next time you put your underwear in the washing machine, take the agitator out, and all you’re going to end up with are some dirty, wet drawers.” – Dick Gregory In the four years since we lost comedian and civil rights activist Dick Gregory, his powerful voice has been missed amid the recent broadening and intensifying movement for racial justice and equity. As the nation marked the 56th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act this week, few remembered Gregory as someone who put not only his career but his very life on the line in support of voting rights. He was among the thousands arrested during the iconic Birmingham Campaign of 1963 that flooded America’s newspapers and televisions with violent images of protestors being attacked with firehoses and police dogs. That fall, he spoke for hours in Selma, rallying hundreds of Black residents to line up at the voter registration office on “Freedom Day.” The following summer, when voting activists James Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Mickey Schwerner went missing, a $25,000 reward for information, raised by Gregory, led to the discovery of their bodies. A new documentary, The One and Only Dick Gregory, sets the record straight on Gregory’s legacy. I’m honored to be involved in several events surrounding the film’s screening at
Marc H. Morial
To Be Equal the Martha’s Vineyard African-American Film Festival this week: On Wednesday, I’ll take part in a panel discussion on Critical Race Theory, The Intersection of Race, Culture & Creativity, along with the Rev. Dante R. Quick, Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens, and Adrianne C. Smith, Senior Partner and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at FleishmanHillard. Thursday morning, at 10am Eastern Time, is a special Martha’s Vineyard edition of ReMARCs Live, when I’ll be joined by the festival’s co-founders Stephanie Taveras-Rance and Floyd A.B. Rance III. Then, following the film’s 8pm screening, I’ll be leading a conversation with the director, Andre Gaines. The release of the documentary and the discussions around it are especially meaningful to me. Dick Gregory was both a personal friend and a strong supporter of the Urban League Movement. He was a guest at my wedding, and spent two weeks campaigning for me in New Orle-
ans neighborhoods during my 1994 runoff campaign for Mayor. He was a frequent speaker at Urban League events. The film recounts how Gregory’s stand-up comedy career took off after a bravura performance before an audience of white southerners at the Chicago Playboy Club … and how he sacrificed it all to dedicate himself to the Civil Rights Movement. My predecessor at the National Urban League, Whitney M. Young, Jr., felt that Gregory, with his biting satire mocking racism and segregation, could accomplish more for the cause of racial justice onstage than in the streets. Gregory’s response: “When America goes to war, she don’t send her comedians.” He was arrested dozens of times, often beaten, and shot at least once. His body became an instrument for protest, as he endured hunger strikes over the Vietnam War, the Equal Rights Amendment, police brutality, apartheid, nuclear power, prison reform, drug abuse and Native American rights. The One and Only Dick Gregory comes at a moment when the rights for which Gregory fought and bled face a threat more serious than any in more than half a century. Gregory sacrificed fame, fortune and physical safety to secure these rights. We honor his legacy by defending them.
Message to Michael (TriceEdneyWire.com)—Mike Pompeo, I read your thoughts about America being “the greatest nation and greatest force for good on the planet, and it is up to us to keep it that way.” Obviously, you’ve never lived as a Black person, so with a few adjustments in your thinking, I could agree with you. If only you’d said America is the greatest nation and the greatest force for good on the planet for white people, I could agree with you. Understand that other people who’re not white haven’t had it as good as you have. Imagine you were Black, Brown, Red, or Yellow. Do you think you’d have enjoyed the historic brutality of white people? Suppose this was the native land of your ancestors and suddenly your land was stolen, your people were killed, treaties were dishonored, and your people were forced to live on undesirable land with few resources and fewer prospects for a prosperous future. Would you have enjoyed that? Suppose you’d been placed in concentration camps, or your family worked the fields raising fruits and vegetables for the masses while being paid less than minimum wage? Imagine your infant children being rounded up in their young adulthood and deported to a country where they’d never lived and where they had no social or minimal cultural connection. Think about it. All of these things were done to non-white people by white people like you. White people like you became the beneficiaries of
Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.
Commentary their labor and their deprivation. Truthfully, if circumstances were reversed, would you really sit back, grin, and be happy about people of color prospering while your people were lynched, brutally beaten/killed by the police without consequences, relegated to the back of the bus, or to jobs below minimum wage? Would you really be happy forgetting the cruelty that has existed for years and continues under the veil of social order? Seriously, if your white people had been denied education, denied decent housing, denied decent jobs--denied just about everything you would ever have hoped for, would you be shouting from rooftops how great America is, and that you don’t want to hear anything about Critical Race Theory or the truth thereof? You mean you really wouldn’t care that, with few exceptions, your community didn’t have decent healthcare or grocery stores or good schools? Knowing your current elevated lifestyle, I find it difficult to believe that, under the oppressive circumstances
previously described, you wouldn’t have wanted equal rights, safe streets, fair police protection, fair voting rights, and the opportunity to succeed on the basis of your personal merit. Truth is sometimes hard to take, but if things had been reversed, I believe you would be found in the street yelling “White Lives Matter,” “White Voters Matter,” “I’m white and I’m proud!” In reality, you ARE white and were born with all the associated privileges. My observations inform me that even poor whites understand the privilege their color offers them. Too often, the inability to understand leads one to falsely believe their privilege derives from being smarter or more deserving. That wrong-thinking will lead, as it has seemingly led you, to become an undeserving, self-serving, uncaring, ignorant white man who knows the truth, but who can’t contend with the discomfort of acknowledging the truth. Your greatest fear is losing undeserved white privilege and having the rest of us treated like the beings God made us. If you could just imagine what equality would be like, I am sure you would not have written that muddled article you wrote for CAVPAC. Critical Race Theory is about truth-telling and it’s obvious that people like you know little about TRUTH! (Dr. E. Faye Williams, President of the National Congress of Black Women, Inc. and host of “Wake Up and Stay Woke” on WPFW-FM-89.3)
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APPLICATION DEVELOPER HM Health Solutions Inc., headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, has work-at-home Application Developer position (w/ability to telecommute w/appropriate telecommuting sys) to be responsible for analyzing, designing, coding, testing, & implementing app enhancements w/no supervision. Apply at https://careers.highmarkhealth.org, using keyword J185525.
ASSOCIATE BUSINESS ARCHITECT H M H e a lth Solutions Inc., headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, has work-at-home Associate Business Architect position (w/ability to telecommute w/appropriate telecommuting sys.; remote worksite must be w/in commuting distance of Pittsburgh, PA for weekly trips to corp. office) to be responsible for assistin w definin preparing & modeling current & future state bus. process ows that can be used in future analysis to extend & mature bus. architecture & perform gap analysis. Apply at https://careers.highmarkhealth.org, using keyword J185527.
PROGRAMMER (PITTSBURGH, PA) Analyze new changes in Soft. Prog. for each quarterly initiative & raise queries rltd to gaps. Code, dsgn, dvlp & write comp. prog. as per bus. reqmnt utilizing C#, Azure Functions, Event Grid, .Net Core, Angular, Asp. net MVC, Web API, Router Design, SQL Server, Java, Restful APIs. Position req. Masters deg in Comp. ci. lec. n . or rltd field of study w/ 2 yrs work exp. in job offered or rltd field of study. Alternatively mp. will also accept Bach’s deg. Comp. ci. lec. n . or rltd field of study w/ 5 yrs work exp. in job offered or rltd field of study. ravel re . to various unanticipated client locs all over US. Mail Resumes to: Excellerent Technology Solutions Inc, 875 Greentree Rd, 7 Parkway Center Ste 104, Pittsburgh PA 15220 MANAGER PHARMACY CLINICAL AND SPECIALTY INSIGHTS Highmark Inc., headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, has work-at-home Manager Pharmacy Clinical and Specialty Insights position (w/ab i l i t y t o t el eco m m u te w/appropriate telecommuting sys; remote worksite must be w/ in commuting distance of Pittsburgh, PA for weekly trips to corp. office) to be responsible for managing pharmacy data analytics team comprised of data analytics engineers, data scientists, decision support analysts & bus. intel. engineers. Will develop, implement, & oversee strategic & analytic vision for managing Rx & specialty drug spend. Apply at https://careers.highmarkhealth.org, using keyword J185522. ECONOMIST II he inancial ervices roup Inc. seeks an Economist II in Pittsburgh, PA responsible for reviewing economic and financial mar et data and analyzing economic and financial conditions. he position also requires computer modeling o f t h e e c o n o m y, f o r e c a s t i n g economic conditions, and developing economic scenarios. he economist must also communicate these findin s and analysis to internal and e ternal audiences. pecific duties include: (i) using independent discretion in evaluating data and analy in national re ional financial and industry economic conditions and prospects; (ii) developing and maintaining computer economic and financial models developin and maintaining specialized economic and financial databases and forecastin economic and financial concepts (iii) communicating economic and financial conditions throu h written reports and presentations, including to senior leadership, based on independent analysis; and (iv) providing economic and financial analysis to the media. Master’s degree in Economics, Macroeconomics, Mathematics or Finance plus 3 years of experience managing risk, Global Economic Analysis (GEA), investment risk economics and finance and economic mar et ris at a financial services company is required. Must have experience with the following: (i) designing and reviewing Market Risk and Credit Risk projections for A A ii desi nin and reviewing Risk Identification and Scenario Design Processes; (iii) designing and reviewing stress testing methodologies for CCAR/ A and iv developin risk models, scenario design models, ris identification models and mar to-market loss models to assess risk associated with portfolios; and (v) analysis of risk exposure, including monitoring the risk environment, assessin economic and financial market data, and assessing emerging risks. Must have knowledge of: (i) econometric packages SAS or EViews; and (ii) programming languages Python or R. 40 hours/week, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Interested individuals apply online at www.pnc.com using keyword R068072. PNC provides equal employment opportunity to ualified persons regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or other categories protected by law. 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 27, 2021 EOE
ASSOCIATE COUNSEL – TRANSACTIONAL & LITIGATION MATTERS Port Authority is seeking a Associate Counsel – Transactional & Litigation Matters to provide proactive and effective legal representation for ort Authority and its officers and employees in a wide range of legal matters, including procurement, contractual and other transactional matters relatin to the efficient operation and business interests of Port Authority; represent Port Authority and/or assisting other internal counsel in representing Port Authority in civil, labor, criminal and administrative matters Essential Functions: •Regularly meet and communicate with relevant Division and Department management and staff to provide legal advice relevant to the preparation, revision and/or amendment of various legal documents including requests for bid documents, requests for proposal documents, construction contracts, professional services contract and contracts for equipment and material purchases. Participate and assist in negotiations of contract provisions with representatives of third parties. Attend bid openings and participate in resolution of bid protests and assist in drafting bid protest decisions and responses. •Regularly meet and communicate with relevant Division and Department management and staff to provide legal advice relevant to the preparation, revision and/or amendment of various real estate related legal documents and interests, including license agreements, permanent and temporary easements, leases, sales and purchase agreements and deeds. •Regularly meet and communicate with relevant Division and Department management and staff to provide legal advice relevant to the review and response to Right-to-Know requests, subpoenas, written authorizations for the release of information or documents and related records requests and retention issues Job requirements include: •Degree of Juris Doctorate and membership in good standing of the Pennsylvania Bar. •Valid Pennsylvania License to Practice Law. •Minimum of three (3) years substantive experience handling procurement, real estate and/or related transactional matters for a private or public entity or government agency, either in an in-house capacity or in an outside counsel capacity. •Admission to Pennsylvania State Courts. •Admission to U. S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. •Demonstrated knowledge of Pennsylvania and Federal Rules of Civil and Appellate Procedure and applicable statutes. •Demonstrated ability to analyze issues and communicate legal advice, both in written and oral form, to non-lawyers. •Demonstrated ability in the use of Windows, Microsoft Word, Outlook and Westlaw software. •Professional and effective communication skills. Preferred attributes: •In-house or outside counsel experience providing procurement, real estate or related general transactional advice and support to a federal, state or local public transit agency or similar municipal entity. •In-house or outside counsel experience processing and preparing final responses to records requests submitted under Pennsylvania’s Right-toKnow Law. •Experience prosecuting and defending litigation matters on behalf of a Pennsylvania government agency or Pennsylvania municipal entity.
We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits pac a e. nterested candidates should forward a cover letter (with salary requirements) and resume to: Missy Ramsey Employment Department 345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 MRamsey@portauthority.org EOE
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DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE POSITION Pittsburgh Public Theater is seeking a Development Associate to support the department with an emphasis on donor data management, reporting and analysis; grassroots individual giving, stewardship and acknowledgment; individual and corporate donor benefits mana ement. his position has primary responsibility for coordination of development events and provides si nificant support and management of the annual gala. osition is salaried ($43-46K) with benefits. or a full ob description visit ppt.org/employment. Please submit cover letter and resume to jfleisher@ppt.org
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE POSITION OF POLICE OFFICER - ALTOONA POLICE DEPARTMENT Applications for olice fficer with the City of Altoona can be obtained from the Human Resources Department of City Hall Monday through Friday between 8:30 A.M. and 4:30. For additional information and application requirements, please visit the “Employment Opportunities” Quick Link on the City’s website at www.altoonapa.gov. Completed applications must be received in the Human Resources Department no later than Noon on Friday, September 10, 2021. Human Resources Department 1301 12th Street, Suite 301 Altoona, PA 16601 The City of Altoona is an Equal Opportunity Employer
LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT INVITATION FOR BID CONTRACT NO. ACHA-1654, TREE REMOVAL & TRIMMING SERVICES The Allegheny County Housing Authority is requesting Bids from ualified ontractors to provide Tree Removal & Trimming Services throughout ACHA jurisdiction. Invitation for Bids and Contract ocuments are on file and may be obtained at no charge from the Allegheny County Housing Authority, 301 Chartiers Ave., McKees Rocks, PA 15136, or by contacting Guy Phillips @ gphillips@achsng.com, 412-402-2435. A non-mandatory pre-bid conference will be held in the Authority’s Boardroom on Wednesday, August 25, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. Bid submittals are due no later than 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at 301 Chartiers Ave., Mckees Rocks, PA 15136. he Authority encoura es responses from §3 business concerns, small firms minority firms and firms that have not previously performed work for the ACHA. he Alle heny County Housing Authority reserves the right to reject any and all submissions.
MANAGER OF SERVICE DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATES Port Authority is seeking a Manager of Service Development Associates to supervise the Service Development Associate (represented) positions and weekly work assignments. nsures that all field data collection requirements for Federal and State auditing are met. Oversees the collection, computer entry, analysis, and monthly and annual summaries of field data related to transit service. Ensures all tasks have appropriate instructions and process uides for field assi nments. Essential Functions: •Manages Service Development Associate personnel and work assignments in accordance with Collective Bargaining Agreement. Conducts quality assurance measures for collected data. •Oversees the collection, reporting and analysis of various metrics related to the delivery of transit network services. •Prepares monthly, quarterly, annual or ad hoc reports for oral and written presentation. •Oversees the design, production and distribution of public timetables and other customer information materials related to service. Job requirements include: •Minimum of two (2) years of Supervisory experience, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple staff simultaneously. inimum of five (5) years’ experience in transportation, customer service, business operations, information technolo y or related field. •Demonstrated ability in the use of Windows, Microsoft Word and Excel. •Valid PA driver’s license must be obtained within 90 days of starting the position. •Effective and professional communication skills. •Strong organization skills. Preferred attributes: •Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Accounting, Economics, Urban lannin or directly related field from an accredited school. perience in the field of public transit or multimodal transportation. •Knowledge of Port Authority service areas and routes.
We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits pac a e. nterested candidates should forward a cover letter (with salary requirements) and resume to: Robyn Taylor Employment Department 345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 RTaylor@portauthority.org EOE OFFICIAL COURT REPORTER The United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania is accepting applications for the position of an Official Court Reporter with an official duty station in ittsbur h Pennsylvania. Our Court Reporters maintain the courtroom record and produce transcripts of court proceedings according to strict standards. Highly accurate records and transcripts of court proceedings are critical to the administration of justice. Preference will be given to those applicants that are certified realtime. Visit the court’s website at https://www.pawd.uscourts.gov/ employment for complete employment information and how to apply through the court’s online application tracking system. Open until Filled. Preference will be given to those applications received by August 27, 2021. Incomplete applications will not be considered. The Court is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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Estate of ALINE ELLEN SOUKUP, Deceased of Castle Shannon, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Estate No. 02-21-05823,Judy Stevenson, Administrator, 1017 Woodridge Drive Canonsburg, PA 15317 or to ROBIN L. RARIE, Atty; BRENLOVE & FULLER, LLC. 401 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017 NOTICE In the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Orphans Court Division. Estate of SHIRLEY M. WILLIAMS, deceased. Case No. 02-11-00642. Notice is hereby given that on July 1, 2021 a petition was filed by Keanna Holliday to terminate the interests of the heirs and devisees of Shirley M. Williams, deceased, in the real estate located at 1352 Ridgway St., Pittsburgh, PA 15213 and to determine that fee simple title is in Keanna Holliday. If no objections to the Petition are filed within thirty (30) days, Keanna Holliday will seek an Order of Court adjudging that Decedent’s title to said real estate lies in her.
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In the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Orphans Court Division. Estate of THOMASENA B. SEALS, deceased, Case No. 02-97-00142. Notice is hereby given that on August 4, 2021 a petition was filed by Shirley A. Seals to terminate the interests of the heirs and devisees of homasena . Seals, deceased, in the real estate located at 1519 Brighton Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 (Parcel 23-J-2) and to determine that fee simple title is in Shirley A. Seals. If no objections to the etition are filed within thirty (30) days, Shirley A. Seals will seek an Order of Court adjudging that Decedent’s title to said real estate lies in her.
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COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT The Community College of Allegheny County Board of Trustees will hold a meeting on September 2, 2021. he meetin will be held virtually beginning at 4:30 p.m. and streamed on CCAC’s ou ube page. A copy of the Board meeting agenda will be made available for review on the College’s website (www.ccac.edu) Comments regarding items scheduled for action by the Board may be submitted via email to brichardson@ccac.edu by no later than 3:00 p.m. on the date of the meeting. Comments will be read into the record, up to a maximum of three minutes each. ALLEGHENY REGIONAL ASSET DISTRICT BUDGET REQUEST HEARINGS Notice is hereby given that the Board of the Allegheny Regional Asset District will hold public hearings for 2022 funding beginning at 2:30pm on the following dates: 8/18/21, 8/23/21, 8/24/21, 8/26/21, 8/31/21, 9/2/21, 9/9/21. The hearings will be held virtually and telephonically through the Zoom platform. For more information, visit radworkshere.org/pages/ public-hearings or call 412-227-1900
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ALLEGHENY COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY Frank Aggazio, Executive Director
ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY LEGAL NOTICE CONTRACT NO. 1748 The Allegheny County Sanitary Authority is soliciting Bids for CONTRACT NO. 1748 – Furnish and Deliver Incinerator Bed Sand. Proposals will be received until 11:00 A.M., revailin ime Thursday, September 9, 2021 at the office of the Authority and then shall be publicly opened and read via icrosoft eams eetin . ontact Kathleen P. Uniatowski for Invitation to Bid Opening eams eetin at Kathleen.Uniatowski@alcosan.org . ALCOSAN encourages businesses owned and operated by minorities and women to submit bids on Authority Proposals or to participate as subcontractors or suppliers to the successful bidders. Successful Bidders are to use minority or women’s businesses to the fullest extent possible. Bid Security is required and shall be furnished by providing with the id a ertified hec or id ond in the amount of $2,500.00. To Obtain Contract Documents send request to Kathleen P. Uniatowski via email at contract.clerks@alcosan.org . Any uestions re ardin the echnical Aspects of the Project should be directed to Benjamin J. Heilman, Contract Supervisor at Benjamin.Heilman@alcosan.org or 412-734-6204. he Authority reserves the ri ht to reject any or all Proposals, to waive any informality in any Proposal and to accept any Proposal should it be deemed in the interest of the Authority to do so. ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY Benjamin J. Heilman Contract Supervisor OFFICIAL ADVERTISEMENT THE BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Sealed proposals shall be deposited at the Administration Building, ellefield ntrance obby outh ellefield Avenue ittsbur h Pa., 15213, on September 7, 2021, until 2:00 P.M., local prevailing time for: Pittsburgh Grandview PreK-5 Window/Curtainwall Replacement and Masonry Restoration General, Mechanical, Electrical, and Asbestos Abatement Primes Project Manual and Drawings will be available for purchase on August 2, 2021 at Modern Reproductions (412-488-7700), 127 McKean Street, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15219 between 9:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. he cost of the ro ect anual Documents is non-refundable. Project details and dates are described in each project manual. CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS!
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Bids/Proposals
Bids/Proposals
ALLIES & ROSS MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR American Land Title Association (ALTA) Survey for the Manchester Redevelopment ARMDC RFP #2021-36 The Allies & Ross Management and Development Corporation (ARMDC) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): American Land Title Association (ALTA) Survey The documents will be available no later than August 16, 2021 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 10:00 a.m., September 9, 2021 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Responses may be hand delivered or sent by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, to the address below. Parties or individuals interested may obtain information from: Mr. Kim Detrick – Procurement irector hief ontractin fficer Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 2nd Floor, Suite 200 100 Ross Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-643-2832 or by visiting the Business Opportunities section of www.hacp.org A pre-submission meeting via audio conference will be held via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/95928759299? pwd=Ny9zU2JscVlaZDZoNjFOT HNja0dMZz09 Meeting ID: 959 2875 9299 Passcode: 231790 August 26, 2021 11:00 A.M. The Allies & Ross Management and Development Corporation strongly encoura e certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. ARMDC 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.
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR PROJECT BASED VOUCHERS 2021 PHASE III RFP #125-10-21 The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby re uest proposals from ualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Project Based Vouchers 2021 Phase III The documents will be available no later than June 30, 2021 and signed, sealed proposals for Phase III will be accepted until 9:00 A.M. on September 28, 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 September 28, 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 inquires 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 September 9, 2021 at 09:00 A.M. Please see meeting information below: Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 936 0035 5168 Passcode: 868150 +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C) The Housing Authority of the City of ittsbur h stron ly encoura es certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACP’s has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/ RFPs documentation.
Caster D. Binion, President & CEO Allies & Ross Management and Development Corporation ARMDC & HACP conduct business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.
LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT INVITATION FOR BIDS: The Allegheny County Housing Authority (ACHA) is requesting bids from ualified contractors for TRACTION ELEVATOR MODERNIZATION. CONTRACT: #ACHA-1653 TRACTION ELEVATOR MODERNIZATION LOCATIONS: Commerce Plaza Apartments, 314 Commerce Street, Wilmerding, PA 15148 & West Mifflin Manor, 2400 Sharp Avenue, West iffli PA DOCUMENTS: Bid documents & specifications for review will be available after August 18, 2021 on the Pittsburgh Builder’s Exchange, or the McGraw-Hill websites. Complete IFB Documents with Bid Package may be obtained from the Allegheny County Housing Authority, 301 Chartiers Avenue, McKees Rocks, PA 15136, or by contacting Dean Allen, Project Manager dallen@achsng.com or 412-402-2469 FEE: No Charge for Emailed documents; NON-MANDATORY PRE-BID CONFERENCE: August 25, 2021, at 10:00AM at the ACHA Central Office, 301 Chartiers Avenue, McKees Rocks, PA 15136 BIDS DUE: 2:00 PM EST on September 8, 2021 at the ACHA Central Office, 301 Chartiers Avenue, McKees Rocks, PA 15136 Frank Aggazio Executive Director Allegheny County Housing Authority
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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.
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Bids/Proposals
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LEGAL NOTICE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) RFP 2021-01 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR IMPLEMENTABLE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN BRENTWOOD, PENNSYLVANIA The Borough of Brentwood, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, is inviting firms to submit a proposal for a one time contract to perform certain professional services (consulting) work for the Borough of Brentwood involving the preparation of an Implementable Comprehensive Plan (“Plan”) with a focus on Economic Development. The previous comprehensive plan is date 1997. The implementable plan must focus on identifying community issues, steps to address the issues, persons or groups responsible for addressing the issues and financin . ources of finances should be identified. he emphasis should be determining the needs and desires of the community as well as economic development incentives and initiatives to attract and sustain businesses. A variety of techniques must be utilized to make this determination. As a general guide to developing an implementable comprehensive plan please refer to “Creating an Implementable Comprehensive Plan”, Workbook and Reference, Version 1.1, August 27, 2012 (or latest version).This may be accessed at Allegheny Places: http ://www.alleghenyplaces. com/pdf/CreatingAnImplementable CompPlanWorkbook.pdf This plan will consist of two phases: Phase I will be the determination of the community needs as well as economic development incentives and/or initiatives to attract and sustain businesses to the Borough. This will be the emphasis of the plan. The process must use a variety of methods to determine needs. This phase will also serve as the impetus for community ownership of the plan and for community capacity building. Phase II will be developing an implementation plan. The implementation at a minimum must specify steps for implementation, costs for implementation, source of funding for implementation, who is responsible for implementation, and a timeline for implementation. To obtain the RFP Documents relating to submitting a RFP includin specific requirements, the organization of the RFP , and evaluation criteria please refer to PennBid (https://pennbid.procureware.com). Interested parties must complete a no cost registration process to utilize this service. Paper copies of these documents will not be made available. All submittals must be submitted electronically at pennbid.procureware.com by 2:00 PM EST on September 24, 2021. The Borough reserves the right to reject any or all submittals, or any part thereof, for any reason, and also reserves the right to waive any informality therein. Questions regarding this project shall only be accepted electronically via the larifications’ section on pennbid.procureware.com. The Borough of Brentwood reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids.
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NOTICE OF PUBLIC REVIEW & COMMENT: FY 2022 MTW PLAN AUGUST 9, 2021 Notice of availability for Public Review And Comment and Public Hearings Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh FY 2022 Moving to Work Annual Plan Revised Moving to Work Homeownership Plan The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) is a participant in the federal Moving to Work Demonstration Program (MTW). The FY 2022 MTW Annual Plan takes the place of the Capital Fund Annual Statement, Five-Year Plan and the PHA Annual Plan normally required under the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act (QHWRA). The HACP is revising the Homeownership Plan to incorporate a new categories for the Loan Program and for clarity of existing content as applicable. The HACP’s FY 2022 MTW Annual Plan and the MTW Homeownership Plan will be available for review from August 16, 2021, to September 15, 2021, on the HACP Web Site www.hacp.org. 2022 MTW ANNUAL PLAN MTW HOMEOWNERSHIP PLAN Copies of the draft FY 2022 MTW Annual Plan and the MTW Homeownership Plan may also be obtained by contacting the HACP ecutive ffice at 412-456-5012. Written comments on the FY 2022 Annual Plan, and the MTW Homeownership Plan must be addressed to FY 2022 MTW Annual Plan, and the MTW Homeownership plan. Comments must be received by close of business (5:00 p.m.) on September 15, 2021, and sent to the following e-mail address marsha.grayson@hacp.org or call 412-456-5075. Public Hearings to receive comments on the Plan will be held on Thursday, September 16, 2021, at 12:00 p.m. and at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom: 12:00 p.m. via Zoom at Meeting ID: 93709175824 Password: 791497 (US) +1 301-715-8592 Passcode: 791497 5:30 p.m. via Zoom at Meeting ID: 98362724096 Password: 422719 (US) +1 301-715-8592 Passcode: 422719 Persons with disabilities requiring assistance or alternative formats, or wishing to submit comments in alternative formats, can contact the HACP ADA/504 Coordinator at 412643-2932, Extension 2932 ; TTY 412-201-5384. All other questions should be addressed to the Executi e Office at .
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