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COMMUNITY OUTRAGE State Rep. Wheatley among those angered by shooting death of 1-year-old Zykier Young Page B5

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www.newpittsburghcourier.com Vol. 111 No. 36

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SEPTEMBER 2-8, 2020

• CONTRACT RENEWED •

PPS BOARD OF DIRECTORS GIVES ANTHONY HAMLET A VOTE OF CONFIDENCE Superintendent’s strategic plan showing promise; will stay as district leader until 2025 PPS SUPERINTENDENT ANTHONY HAMLET, ED.D.

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

Pittsburgh Public Schools Superintendent Anthony Hamlet, Ed.D., while running the second-largest school district in the state, has had to deal with his share of detractors. Local television stations have plastered his face on the tube next to a series of investigations that, in ef-

fect, made him look unfit for the district’s highest position. A group of 50 local Black women, called Black Women for a Better Education, in June called for Dr. Hamlet not to receive another term as superintendent, after calling Dr. Hamlet’s first term an “abject failure.” Sala Udin, the longtime civil rights advocate and

current PPS board member, vehemently rejected the notion of Dr. Hamlet receiving another term. Udin expressed his displeasure with Dr. Hamlet in a letter he sent to media members in mid-August, saying the Black student achievement was severely lacking. But on Wednesday, Aug. 26, months before they were required to, the PPS

board got together and gave Dr. Hamlet the ultimate vote of confidence— voting 7-2 to renew his contract for another four years. Dr. Hamlet, barring any unforeseen circumstances, will be superintendent until 2025. The board members who voted to retain Dr. Hamlet were Pamela Harbin, Sylvia Wilson, Devon Taliaferro, Kevin Carter, Veronica

Edwards, Terry Kennedy and Cynthia Falls. Those who voted “no” were Udin and Patrick Gallagher, who actually wanted the board to table the vote until a later date. Dr. Hamlet’s original five-year contract expires on June 30, 2021, but now, district staff, parents, students and all affected parties know that Dr. Hamlet will be in charge for an ad-

ditional four years. Falls, in her remarks prior to her vote, said that the district has had nine superintendents in the last 30 years, and while unfortunate, the reality is that over the years, there’s been a gap in achievement between Black and White students in the district. SEE HAMLET A6

Robert W. ‘Bob’ Goode dies at 80 Son of pioneering broadcaster Mal Goode; Former Senior VP of Mellon Bank by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

His father, Malvin R. “Mal” Goode, was the first African American correspondent in the U.S. for a major TV network, ABC, so the “Goode” name is historic.

But Robert W. “Bob” Goode made sure to carve out his own path, leaving his own legacy via personal and professional accomplishments. Bob Goode, a Westinghouse High School graduate (and member of the school’s Hall of Fame), for-

mer state human relations commissioner and senior vice president at Mellon Bank, died on Aug. 18 after a 15-month battle with cancer. He was 80. “Robert was truly a scholar, husband, dad and decent human being who gave back to his commu-

nity in a positive manner,” echoed Ronald B. Saunders, president of the Dr. Edna B. McKenzie Branch of the Association for the Study of African Life and History, in an interview SEE GOODE B4

ROBERT W. “BOB” GOODE

NO MATTER WHAT, SUPPORTERS DEMAND JUSTICE FOR ROMIR

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A SERIES OF PROTESTS converged in Wilkinsburg, Aug. 22, to denounce racial injustice and, specifically, demand justice for Romir Talley, a 24-year-old Black male who was shot and killed by Wilkinsburg Police in December 2019. In the photo at right is Latasha Talley, Romir’s mother. Read more on Page A2. (Photos by J.L. Martello)

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SEPTEMBER 2-8, 2020

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

JUSTICE FOR ROMIR—A UNIFIED MARCH THROUGH THE STREETS OF WILKINSBURG

No matter what, supporters demand justice for Romir Talley by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

In some conservative-based online blogs, you’ll find comments from users saying comments such as, “Why are they marching?” or “What is the point of protesting and blocking the streets?” If you asked any of the hundreds of marchers who formed a solid front in Wilkinsburg on Saturday, Aug. 22, they would direct you to what happened the very next day after the march, as to why they can’t take the racial injustice anymore. Nearly 24 hours after Frank Nitty, a Milwaukee activist who had come to Pittsburgh, said to a crowd in Wilkinsburg that he believes the police “care about Black people the least” out of all minority groups, Jacob Blake, a 29-year-old Black man, was shot seven times in the back in Kenosha, Wisconsin, by a White

police officer—in front of his three kids. Blake survived, though he is paralyzed, and his family said it would “take a miracle” for him to ever walk again. But people like Antwon Rose II, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, Rayshard Brooks and Romir Talley didn’t survive. They died at the hands of law enforcement or, in Arbery’s case, by vigilantes. Talley’s case has been front-and-center here in the Pittsburgh area because even though investigators said that Talley fired a gun at a Wilkinsburg officer first, prompting Officer Robert Gowans to return fire and kill Talley in Dec. 2019, there’s no body camera footage of the encounter. That’s because the Wilkinsburg Police Department does not have body cameras for its officers. Talley’s family attorney has called on Officer

Gowans to be fired, for the Wilkinsburg Police Department to be disbanded, and for Officer Gowans to be charged with criminal homicide. Nitty has made national headlines for walking from Milwaukee to Washington, D.C., site of the March on Washington, Friday, Aug. 28. He met Latasha Talley, Romir’s Talley, at the Aug. 22 march. “Somebody has to be held accountable for what the police are doing,” Nitty said in an interview with the New Pittsburgh Courier’s J.L. Martello. “Right now, no one is held accountable, there’s no transparency. A lot of times, if we haven’t filmed it ourselves, we don’t even know what’s going on.” Nitty added: “Things have to change now. People are not going to keep taking this...this is not a negotiation, this is a demand. Government, we demand change.”

LATASHA TALLEY, the mother of Romir Talley, shown in the photo in the background. Romir Talley was shot by Wilkinsburg Police Officer Robert Gowans in December 2019. Investigators say Talley shot at the officers first, but supporters say because Wilkinsburg has no police body cameras, Wilkinsburg can’t prove their account of the events that transpired. (Photos by Courier photographer J.L. Martello)

MEMBERS OF THE TALLEY FAMILY, demanding justice, during a series of protests which turned into a combined march for justice, Aug. 22.

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LATASHA TALLEY, Romir Talley’s mother, and Talley’s brother, at the combined march for justice, Aug. 22, in Wilkinsburg.

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METRO

SEPTEMBER 2-8, 2020

JUSTICE FOR ROMIR—A UNIFIED MARCH THROUGH THE STREETS OF WILKINSBURG

DEMANDING JUSTICE—Supporters of Romir Talley call for justice in the police-involved shooting which left Talley dead in December 2019 in Wilkinsburg. (Photos by Courier photographer J.L. Martello)

MILWAUKEE ACTIVIST FRANK NITTY, who came to Pittsburgh on his way to the March on Washington on Aug. 28, with Romir Talley’s mother, Latasha Talley, and Javontae Fitzgerald.

1HOOD MEDIA’s JASIRI X speaking to the crowd.

SEPTEMBER 2-8, 2020

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SEPTEMBER 2-8, 2020 A5

METRO

SEPTEMBER 2-8, 2020

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

PITTSBURGH PUBLIC SCHOOLS

IT’S FOUR MORE YEARS FOR HAMLET School Board says, ‘Why wait?’ With contract not expiring until 2021, board votes now to renew superintendent’s contract until 2025 HAMLET FROM A1

She rejected Udin’s claim that Dr. Hamlet should lose his position over a problem that hasn’t been cured by any superintendent in decades. Falls did say, however, that Dr. Hamlet’s strategic plan has yielded some positive, tangible results with Black students in the district, such as improved graduation rates and a big decrease in out-of-school suspensions. Falls believed that removing Dr. Hamlet would cause the district to have to “start over” with a new person, who would bring their own ideas. This would cause the momentum that Dr. Hamlet has started, to be halted. “Over the past four years, progress has been made in the levels of Black student achievement,” Wilson, the board president, said before the vote. “…The levels of Black student achievement were low before Dr. Hamlet arrived….change and evolution takes time. Dr. Hamlet did not bring his magic wand to accomplish this.” Wilson then said that while “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” there were “no outcries when previous superintendents destroyed achievement goals of students of color during their tenures.” Wilson lauded more ac-

complishments spearheaded by Dr. Hamlet, including having a nurse on every campus, additional social workers and counselors, an expansion of the Career and Technical Education programs, a student group speaking directly with Dr. Hamlet on issues, “community schools” being expanded, and bettering relationships with the board and other figures. Wilson said the board decided to make their decision on Dr. Hamlet sooner rather than later because, with COVID-19 affecting schools across the country, “The district is making every effort to move forward in a difficult time that was not created by us.” Also, “We have several other considerations to resolve that impacts educating our children that must be resolved, such as collective bargaining agreements that have expired, others that will expire soon and our financial future is worrisome,” Wilson said. “We need to maintain stability at this time so that the critical work can be accomplished.” What’s absolutely certain is Dr. Hamlet is the first PPS superintendent who’s had to deal with a global pandemic…or at least the first superintendent in the

past 100 years. Dr. Hamlet and his team had to essentially flip the district from in-school to remote instruction in a few weeks, when coronavirus originally forced schools to close in mid-March. Though there were some hiccups, Dr. Hamlet and his team found a way for the students to have classes from

district handled the COVID-19 pandemic under Dr. Hamlet’s leadership, was applauded by the board. “I want to thank the board for this vote of confidence,” Dr. Hamlet said in a prepared statement hours after the Aug. 26 vote. “And while the misdirected self-interest of

“We need to maintain stability at this time so that the critical work can be accomplished.” April to June online, while still giving the seniors an opportunity to graduate. Sure, there weren’t the usual show-stopping, family-friendly ceremonies of past years, but the district’s Class of 2020 were guaranteed laptops, and were able to finish the necessary courses to earn their diplomas. Entering this school year, which will begin on Sept. 8, students have been picking up laptop computers at a number of schools, if needed. District officials believe the next nine weeks of remote instruction will go much more smoothly than in the spring. Overall, the way the

a few attempted to take away from the progress we have made together, we are now able to move forward squarely focused on improving outcomes for our students. With only 35 Council of Great City Schools recommendations left to complete and the groundwork that has been laid with the initiatives of our Expect Great Things strategic plan, we have laid a strong foundation for the next five years.” Dr. Hamlet’s contract renewal was something that wasn’t awarded to John Thompson, who, 20 years ago, became Pittsburgh’s first Black superintendent. Since Thompson, there

have been Black superintendents, such as Linda Lane, but Dr. Hamlet was the first Black male superintendent since Thompson. Because of Thompson’s rocky relationship with some during his tenure, and the lack of exuberance the board back then had with retaining him, some district-watchers believed that Dr. Hamlet always would have a target on his back, coming to Pittsburgh, as a Black male leader of the district. Also, Dr. Hamlet was coming in as a firsttime superintendent. But, among other factions, the Western Pa. Black Political Assembly had Dr. Hamlet’s back, not only last year, but in a letter to the media a few weeks ago. “The most important question we must ask of any superintendent is: Are we making progress towards our ultimate goal? That goal is ALL children are making the academic progress necessary to be productive and successful adults. It is indisputable that under the leadership of Dr. Anthony Hamlet the answer is—YES,” the organization wrote, which appeared in the New Pittsburgh Courier in July. “The success of the Pittsburgh Public Schools is inextri-

Mayor Peduto declares Juneteenth an official holiday in the City of Pittsburgh... Courier story on Page B4

cably linked to the success not only of this city, but our region. We know that many of our children are not reaching their academic potential. We know at times that there will be negative incidents in our schools, wrongdoing by school officials, and turnover in staff, but again the most important question remains. While there is still work to be done, the African American community is pleased with the progress toward all students achieving academic equity.” “When I arrived at Pittsburgh Public Schools, to take on my first superintendence, I left Palm Beach County (Florida) intent on making Pittsburgh my home,” Dr. Hamlet said. “I understood the challenge ahead and the time it would take to truly transform the district for all students. I now have a heart for this city, its residents and most importantly, its children. And we now have the stability we need to ensure all students receive the high-quality education they deserve and that all graduate with a plan for their future and beyond.”

RELIGION/METRO

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

The Wilkinsburg Block Party Promoting Positivity in the Community

SEPTEMBER 2-8, 2020

Praise & Worship ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH Crawford & Centre Ave. Pgh., PA 15219 412-281-3141 Sunday Mass 10:30 A.M. www.stbtmchurch.org

East Liberty Presbyterian Church Rev. Dr. Randy Bush, Senior Pastor 412-441-3800 Worship Online on Facebook/YouTube www.ELPC.church Journey Worship...........8:45 a.m. Sanctuary Worship...........11 a.m. Taize -Wednesdays.........7 p.m.

Curious about Quakerism? You Are Welcome at our Meetings for Worship Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Pittsburgh Friends Meeting 4836 Ellsworth Avenue

THE KIDS, having fun at the Wilkinsburg Block Party.

www.quaker.org/pghpamm/

ORGANIZER ROB PRESSLEY, with son, Avon, 10. (Photos by Courier photographer J.L. Martello)

THE FOOD WAS PLENTIFUL at the Wilkinsburg Block Party, held Aug. 15.

Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community! For rate information, call 412481-8302, ext. 128.

DJ PINCKNEY AND JAMEL WINN, hanging out at the Wilkinsburg Block Party.

RON HOWELL, ANGEL JACKSON, JALIYAH COLBERT, ASIANA BRANTLEY

RUDY EUGENE RICHARDSON

MARLENE LOUISE JACKSON, Age 81, passed away on August 25, 2020 Daughter of the late Naomi and Charles Jackson. A graduate of Fifth Avenue High School. She was Employed at the Post Office, Silver Lake Drive-in, Trower’s Cleaners, Mercy Hospital ER admittance specialist. member of Macedonia Church of Pittsburgh Avid scrabble player and proficient in Sign Language Coordinator of the Hill District National Night Out, President of Dinwiddie Community Alliance Sister of Mary L. Farr and Ronna D. Jackson and the late Lavinia Finney Wilfred (Bill) Jackson and Joseph Jackson. Also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, friends. A service of remembrance on Wednesday, Sept 2, 2020 at 11am in the Jones Funeral Home vistiation one hour prior. Interment Homewood Cemetery. IN MEMORIAM

VIVIAN M. (HICKMAN) LAVELLE.

Age 84 of Beechview, on Wednesday, August 26, 2020. Beloved wife of the late Clarence “Bill” Lavelle. Loving mother of Roderick D. Lavelle, Cynthia A. (Dorin) Townsend and Clarence “Peanut” Lavelle, Jr. Grandmother of Tanika, Aprel, Candace, Danielle, Julian, Sabrina and Rod, Jr. Great-grandmother of Torrey, Ranelle, Joelle and Hasaun, Jr. Sister of Reggie, Stanley, and Bill Hickman and the late Hattie Mae, Hilda, Dolores, Mary, Howard, George, and Maurice. Friends will be received for viewing on Wednesday, September 2nd, at Calvary Baptist Church, 2629 Wylie Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15219, from 9 a.m. until time of Homegoing Service at 11:45 a.m. Burial will be private for the family. Repass details will be announced during the service. Vivian’s Homegoing Service will be live-streamed via Periscope. Download the Periscope App and follow @candacehaywood412 to view the service. Arrangements entrusted to BRUSCO - NAPIER FUNERAL SERVICE, LTD., 2201 Bensonia Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15216. To leave a memory of Vivian, visit us at: www.brusco-napierfuneralhome.com

Former McKeesport resident Rudy Eugene Richardson, 84, of White Oak, PA, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 12, 2020, at the Canterbury Place Hospice in Lawrenceville, PA. He was born in the Bronx borough of New York City on December 7, 1935, to the late Rita Giles Wilson and Will Richardson. He is also preceded in death by stepfather, Moses Wilson, two brothers, Stanley and Reggie Richardson, and a sister, Gertrude Easterling Coles. He was also raised by his late Uncle Phillip and Aunt Blanche Easterling of McKeesport. Rudy is survived by his wife, Dorothy of 57 years, daughter, Tonya (Gerald) Johnson of Montclair, NJ, two grandchildren, Deven and Bria Johnson of Montclair, NJ; three godchildren, sister-in-laws, numerous, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He attended McKeesport Area Senior High School, and was a member of the track and field team through his service in the military. He served the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1962, and received honorable discharge. As a competitive athlete, he was also a master pool player, very passionate about the game his entire life. During his professional career as a lightweight boxer, Rudy fought locally in his hometown, and competed in the U.S. National Golden Gloves championships. In 1965, he was featured in The Ring, an American boxing magazine published in 1922, for his achievements in the sport of boxing. He fought Billy Backus, a retired New York-based World Welterweight champion, in 1965. During his match against Rex Agin, the two appeared on the same fighting card, featuring Caussius Clay (Muhammed Ali) at the Pittsburgh Civic Arena on January 24, 1963. He also connected with one of his favorites, Sugar Ray Robinson. He traveled around the country and to Canada to defend his boxing record. And according to fightstat.com, that includes a total of 39 Bouts, 218 Rounds, 16 Wins, 22 Losses, and 5 knockouts. As a longtime community mentor, he launched a neighborhood boxing program to train local youth in Harrison Village. In 2014, his name was inducted on to The Spirit of Youth Moran Field monument wall, dedicated to yesterday’s and tomorrow’s legendary sports figures, great educators, veterans and civic organizations of the McKeesport community. As a police officer for the City of McKeesport for 21 years, he held various roles on the force, including the SWAT team, and filled in as acting lieutenant and warden, as needed. Optimist International presented him with the 1976 Respect for Law Award for his outstanding service to citizens in the McKeesport community. He received numerous other awards and certificates throughout his police career, and beyond. During retirement years, he assisted his wife as a part time teacher’s aide in their family owned day care center, and outside daycare facilities that she later directed. He held various security jobs, and was a youth counselor at the New Castle Development Youth Center where he mentored teen boys. This man of God, grew up in Bethlehem Baptist Church for 50 years, and served on the Men’s Senior Usher Board. Rudy also became a member of Elizabeth Nesmith A.M.E. Church in West Mifflin, and served on the usher board. In 2002, he was ordained as a Deacon at the Lighthouse of Peace Ministries of the McKeesport Towers, where he and his wife, Dorothy, an ordained minister, served the elderly community tenants at the Towers. He was a participating member of the Community Life Living Independence for the Elderly for 12 years before his home going. Services for Rudy were held August 22, at the House of Jackson Memorial Chapel in Donora. A private inclement will take place Monday, August 31. Call 1-800-272-3900 to donate to the Alzheimer’s Association in his honor. Also visit, http://act.alz.org/goto/Rudy_Richardson

TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEXT CHURCH EVENT! We want to place your event in our Church Circuit weekly calendar! Send info to: New Pittsburgh Courier 315 E. Carson St. Pittsburgh PA 15219 Or Email us! religion@ newpittsburgh courier.com

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SEPTEMBER 2-8, 2020

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New Pittsburgh Courier

No vaccine for racism?

J. Pharoah Doss B5

BUSINESS

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Find what you need from jobs to cars to housing B3-4

SEPTEMBER 2-8, 2020

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Federal housing assistance falls short of meeting COVID-19 needs by Charlene Crowell For New Pittsburgh Courier

As the nation’s double dose of health and economic crises continue, many consumers believe that federal assistance to make ends meet has virtually disappeared. While the $600 weekly federal supplement to augment state unemployment benefits expired July 31. And the Paycheck Protection Program again stopped accepting applications on August 8. A recent policy analysis developed for the Brookings Institution suggests that the wages and earnings of economically vulnerable workers left little—if any— funds for regular household savings. “Unemployed respondents, on average, report a household income of $33,000 which is well below the U.S. median household income of $78,500 and less than 130 percent of the federal poverty line for a family of four,” wrote authors Jevay Grooms (Howard University), Alberto Ortega (Indiana University), and Joaquin Alfredo-Angel Rubalcaba (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill). “While all unemployed Americans are facing significant economic challenges, these findings suggest that unemployed Black workers are less likely to receive unemployment benefits and are disproportionately experiencing delays in receiving critical benefits designed to mitigate economic hardship,” wrote the professors. “These findings indicate that our society has failed to address many of the socioeconomic inequities faced by racial and ethnic minorities that were brought to light during the Great Recession.” Additionally, a three-part consumer survey by Morning Consult, a DC-based global intelligence firm, determined that by the end of this August, 5.4 million consumers who lost $600 per week in unemployment insurance will also lose their ability to pay for daily living needs like housing, health care, food and clothing. By the end of September, the same survey found that an additional 9.2 million con-

sumers will be in the same financial dilemma should Congress fail enact new or extended aid. Despite COVID-19’s ongoing disruption to the economic health of many Americans, our lawmakers have not taken steps to alleviate all the resulting strain, including housing. In late May, the U.S. House passed legislation to continue vital federal assistance as the pandemic continues. Entitled the HEROES Act, it would extend the CARES Act’s previous moratorium on evictions and foreclosures. But it would also provide new housing assistance including $100 billion in emergency rental assistance, $75 billion for homeowner assistance, $11.5 billion in homeless grants and expand Section 8 vouchers with a $1 billion revenue infusion. Together, these measures could help shore up housing, a major pillar in the nation’s economy. In the ensuing three months, the Senate never considered this proposal and instead put forth a much smaller package this August that provided nearly nothing to assist homeowners and renters. This approach garnered little support and now the upper chamber is not expected to return to work until after the Labor Day holiday. Likely as a result of one of four recent executive orders, HUD extended the moratorium on evictions and foreclosures on homes with FHA-backed mortgages.

As reported by Politico, an estimated 8.1 million single-family homeowners will now be protected until 2021. Omitted in this new development are mortgages that originated with other government-sponsored mortgages like VA and USDA, as well as those backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. And no assistance in this action addresses the needs of many renters who

monthly payments for financially-challenged homeowners with an FHA, VA, or USDA loans. These mortgage borrowers can request a suspension for up to 180 days plus an additional 180 days if needed. Thirty days before the end of forbearance, mortgage servicers should contact these homeowners to discuss available options. Repayment options will also depend upon the

Many homeowners sought to take advantage of lower mortgage interest rates, and filed applications to refinance their loans, in hopes of lowering their monthly payments. But beginning Sept. 1, a new surcharge fee has been added to refinance applications with both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the other GSE with a large share of the mortgage market. A 0.5 percent fee on refinanced capital will be charged directly to lenders and then be passed on to consumers making applications. This new fee adds an upfront, estimated $1,400 to the mortgage cost, and as a result may eliminate any savings that might have been possible. do not live in FHA-backed housing. It is estimated that these renters already owe up to $25 billion in back rent, and could reach $70 billion by year’s end and no way to pay. By contrast, the CARES Act included limited forbearance, a postponement —not forgiveness—of

type of loan held. Fannie Mae’s most recent annual housing survey shows that one-fifth of Americans are unaware that this assistance is available. Mortgage servicers should do more to notify borrowers of these options. Many homeowners sought to take advantage of low-

er mortgage interest rates, and filed applications to refinance their loans, in hopes of lowering their monthly payments. But beginning September 1, a new surcharge fee has been added to refinance applications with both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the other GSE with a large share of the mortgage market. A 0.5 percent fee on refinanced capital will be charged directly to lenders and then be passed on to consumers making applications. This new fee adds an upfront, estimated $1,400 to the mortgage cost, and as a result may eliminate any savings that might have been possible. In reaction, outraged housing stakeholders are demanding that the Federal Housing Finance Authority (FHFA), that oversees both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, reverse this new and harmful fee. Their stance is based on the facts that housing accounts for almost 20 percent of the nation’s overall economy, and further that the fee undercuts the Federal Reserve efforts to support an ailing economy. “It doesn’t make sense,” Bob Broeksmit, president and CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association, told MarketWatch. “The implementation timeline is intentionally punitive and absurd.” “This is harming American families,” says Mike Calhoun, president of the nonprofit Center for Re-

sponsible Lending. “It’s absolutely the wrong thing to be doing now… We should be doing more to help people refinance,” he says. “And this is going in the opposite direction.” Most reasonable people would agree that now is the worst time to add home costs. And for Black America—already reeling from disproportionate unemployment, COVID-19 diagnoses, and far less wealth—any increase in costs will be harder to absorb. Some online resources provide additional information: • An online Look-Up Tool enables consumers to enter information and learn whether their home or landlord’s mortgage is held by Fannie Mae; • Fannie Mae renter assistance information is available online at: https://www. fanniemae.com/heretohelp/ renters/ ; and • Access to live personalized assistance from HUD-approved housing counselors is available through its Mortgage Help Network or the Disaster Response Network. What lawmakers, regulators and corporate decision-makers must remember during these terrible times is that everyone deserves a future full of hope and genuine opportunity. It’s time our lawmakers got back to work. Every consumer should be afforded an equal opportunity to survive this pandemic and achieve financial prosperity.

Can you hear me now? Imagine this. I grew up in an era where cellphones didn’t exist. Everybody in one household shared one phone line. Phones were not wireless. I’ve literally tripped over the cord a time or two trying to answer the phone before the caller hung up. There was no caller ID. We didn’t have to dial the area code for local calls. Long distance calling was expensive. We rarely talked to friends and relatives on the phone who lived in remote locations. If you didn’t have a call waiting, you couldn’t use the phone if someone in the house was waiting on an important call. Average phone bill was under $100 per month. That’s if you didn’t have an incarcerated family member. Those collect calls from loved ones who were in jail caused our phone bill to skyrocket—resulting in our phone being shut off on several occasions. Try calling our number during this time, you’d hear, “the number you’re trying to reach has been disconnected.” Even with collect calls, on the high end the phone bill was $350 per month. As I transitioned to adulthood, I observed the transition from home-basedonly phones, to pagers, to cellphones. I’ve observed families going from one phone for the entire household to everyone within the household having their own phone and their own unique phone number. I remember when 3-way calling was a big deal. Nowadays, we can talk to and see multiple people simultaneously via Apple Facetime, Google Duo, Facebook Messenger, and Zoom. I’ve observed the average cost of monthly phone bills soar from $50 per month to hundreds of dollars per month. My monthly cell phone bill is insane. I’m

current and have never been late. For the record, I expect it to be higher than average. I have three phones that are exclusively mine. Sounds insane, I know. I have one personal phone and I have two other phones for two separate businesses. My wife and two of my children are also on my plan. Then I have car-wifi for two different cars. Lastly, I have a tracking device so that I can know where my teenage sons are at any given time. Since two of the phones and the car-wifi devices are primarily for business use, I can write a large portion of the expenses related to those off on my taxes. So, it didn’t bother me too much about my cell phone bill being insanely high. That was until I had a conversation with my mom. I realized that my cell phone bill was higher than my mama’s rent. I started digging. After a thorough review, I concluded it wasn’t the cost of the phone plan that was driving the insane amount of my monthly bill. Cell phone plans average between $75 to $200 per month. It was the cost of the phone(s) and other devices that was driving the price of my cell phone bill to $550 per month. Did you know that the payments you make for the phone, tablet, and any other device on your cell phone bill is a DEBT? This one slipped past me. I never viewed it as a debt, UNTIL NOW! When COVID-19 hit, and schools were forced to go virtual, I went out and bought two Chromebook laptop computers for my

sons. I also bought a Microsoft-based laptop for myself. I spent about $1,200 for all three computers. When the Best Buy clerk swiped my debit card for the cost of those computers, I felt that $1,200 leaving my account. My I-phone 11 pro max cost me about $1,100. I didn’t feel that hit to my account. Think about that, I got three laptops for the cost of one I-phone. In fact, the cost of the I-phone 11-pro max was so painless, I bought two. Here’s where they got you and me! Remember when you use to sign up for a cellphone plan, they’d give you the phone free. We had to commit to 2-years of services. They’ve craftily and slowly moved from giving us the phone for free to charging us for the phone outright. Very few if anybody is dropping $1,100 on a brand new cellphone on the date of purchase. They spread the payments of the phone over 18-36 months depending on which carrier. They don’t talk to us in terms of the overall cost of a cell phone. They talk to us in terms of monthly cell phone payments. Furthermore, if you have decent credit, there’s no down payment or no interest rate on the terms. We’re agreeing to perpetual, never-ending finance terms and don’t even realize it. New cellphones drop yearly. We upgrade our phones, sign up for new financing terms and never ever really own our phone outright. Here’s a quick summary of how the major carriers charge us for cell phones:

AT&T Next UP: Requires AT&T installment plan, payoff phone in 30 months. Trade in or upgrade after paying off 50 percent of your phone. Never miss out on the newest device. Low monthly payment. $0 down. 0 percent interest. Verizon Device Payment Plan: Easy monthly payments. The cost of your phone device is split into 24 months. Get a new phone whenever you want once your device is paid off. Keep up with the latest technology. The latest device can be yours without waiting for the contract to end. T-Mobile Jump Plan: Low monthly payments. Phone paid off in 24-36 months. Add Jump option for an additional monthly fee. Gives you the freedom to upgrade anytime after you’ve reached 50 percent of your device cost. Sprint Flex Lease: With Sprint Flex Lease, Sprint owns the phone. You lease a phone with affordable monthly payments. At the end of the agreement you have three options. Upgrade to a new phone with new payment terms. Own it by paying off the remaining balance in full with monthly payments between six to nine months. In the end, approximately $225 or HALF of my monthly cellphone bill is payments on devices. Easy fix. I will pay them off, get rid of the debt, and keep my phones until I truly need an upgrade. Unlike before, where I opt for the upgrade because a new phone hit the market. When I do upgrade, I will negotiate a reduced price and pay cash. Can you hear me now? Good, I encourage you to do the same. (Damon Carr, Money Coach can be reached @ 412-216-1013 or visit his website @ damonmoneycoach.com.)

OPINION

SEPTEMBER 2-8, 2020

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

If you hear it enough

Guest Editorial

Disgusting excuses made for vigilante A White 17-year-old, Kyle Rittenhouse, was arrested last Wednesday after two people were shot to death during last Tuesday night’s protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin, over the police shooting of Jacob Blake. The demonstrations broke out after Blake, a 29-year-old Black man, was left paralyzed when he was shot from behind by White officers answering a domestic dispute call After two demonstrators were killed by gunfire last Tuesday night, Rittenhouse from Antioch, Illinois, was arrested on suspicion of first-degree intentional homicide. Incredibly, some are attempting to rationalize this criminal vigilante behavior. Fox News’ Tucker Carlson suggested that no one should be surprised by the killing of two demonstrators during social unrest in Kenosha because local officials stood back and watched Kenosha burn.” So are we really surprised that looting and arson accelerated to murder?” Carlson said on Fox News on Wednesday. How shocked are we that 1 -year-olds with rifles decided they had to maintain order when no one else would?” Presidential son Donald Trump Jr. tweeted that the left-wing media is willfully twisting Tucker Carlson’s words to smear him. He never endorsed ‘vigilante justice.’ He just pointed out that when ‘leaders’ cede control of our streets to the mob, it leads to heartbreaking consequences.” Even for Carlson, a serial race baiter, this is a disgusting new low. His commentary appears to be sympathetic to Rittenhouse or offering ustification for murder. Only racism can explain how those who call for law and order can be sympathetic to someone who traveled 15 miles from another state to shoot two people to death who were exercising their constitutional right to protest. The shooting came after repeated calls for armed vigilantes to travel to Kenosha to protect businesses after the police shooting of Blake spread across social media. Several posts on Facebook and Reddit urged militias and other armed people to head to the protests, researchers at the Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab said in a blog post Wednesday. It is also disturbing how Kenosha police interacted with Rittenhouse. According to witness accounts and video footage, police apparently let the gunman walk past them and leave the scene with a rifle over his shoulder and his hands in the air as members of the crowd yelled for him to be arrested because he had shot people. Video taken before the shooting shows police thanking civilians armed with long guns walking the streets. One of them appears to be the gunman. Both police and now armed vigilantes must be held accountable for their actions. The demand for justice, equity and accountability and against the excessive use of force against Black Americans must continue. (Reprinted from the Philadelphia Tribune)

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(TriceEdneyWire.com)—Growing up in Louisiana, I was exposed to men and women who used animals to work their land and/or as a food source to sustain their families. It was fascinating that most of these men and women could gather their animals to a central location for feeding and other purposes with a unique sound, call or shout. I was amazed at the amount of control these calls afforded these people over their “dumb animals.” I didn’t immediately think about a correlation between animals and humans, but after observation, I realized humans become conditioned to the influence of “noise” in our lives as well. Because of scientific research, we understand the effect of “noise” on African Americans is responsible for many significant behaviors. In 1939, noted Black psychologist, Dr. Kenneth Clark and his wife performed an experiment where they asked Black children ages six to nine to choose between Black and White dolls that were the same except skin-color. The test asked the children seven questions. “Show me…: the doll you like best or that you’d like to play with?” the doll that’s the ‘nice’ doll?” the doll that looks ‘bad’?” the doll that looks like a white child,” the doll that looks like a colored child,” the doll that looks like a Negro child,” the doll that looks like you.” At question six, most had identified the Black doll as “bad.” When asked

Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.

Commentary question seven, many replied that the White doll looked like them. Others refused to pick either doll or just start crying. The Clark Test was presented as evidence in the Supreme Court Brown v. Board decision and, more than any other instrument, demonstrated the psychological impact of the portrayal of image and character upon a group; how image can shape and influence conduct and behavior. Considering the historically stereotyped images of African Americans, it is easy to understand OUR struggle to maintain positive character images rather than acceptance of the negativity projected/expected of us. Those who enjoy history or who witnessed when we began to accept ourselves understand how WE embraced the beauty of our natural selves and reject the images of European beauty. We rejected “processed” hair, straightening combs and skin-lightening creams. Many can still remember the pride and self-confidence that surged through their bodies upon first hearing James Brown singing, “Say it Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud.” Many are now consumed with con-

cern about the impact of another “noise” influencing our communities. Throughout the ugliness of our 400-year experience, our musical artists provided us with music that was uplifting and projected positive outcomes. I believe the recent introduction of gangsta rap has had a profoundly negative impact on our community. With rare exceptions, our music pronounced respect for self and others, but something influenced our people to believe it okay to denigrate each other. Some rappers even stooped to denigrating their mothers, grandmothers, and women in general. The genre promotes the thinking that violence is the preferred method of conflict resolution. Lyrics normalize profanity which creates conflict and difficulties in school and the workplace. Asked to justify their “art,” some say, “It’s the only way we can make money.” Some report their White managers and producers tell them the filthier they are about Black people, the more money they’ll make. Denigrating our humanity becomes the norm and through this genre our worth comes into questionable value. Meanwhile, White promoters get the “gold.” Joseph Goebbels, Hitler’s Minister of Propaganda said, “If you repeat a lie often enough, people will believe it, and you will even come to believe it yourself.” OUR wounds are badly in need of healing! Our first step is to stop lying to ourselves! (E. Faye Williams is President of the National Congress of Black Women.)

Truth in labeling: It’s ‘White racism,’ not ‘racism’ More than 20 cities and counties, including the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, along with the states of Michigan, Nevada, and Wisconsin have declared “racism” a public health issue. Across the nation, leaders of colleges and universities, foundations, and corporations have waxed eloquently regarding the need to reckon with “racism.” A plethora of scholars have documented the systemic/pervasive nature of “racism” (See, for example, How to be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi). Because of what is widely labeled “systemic/pervasive racism,” Blacks experience significant disparities in [1] rates of cancer, diabetes, heart attacks, infant mortality, death during pregnancy, and Covid-19 infections; [2] educational achievement; [3] viable employment; [4] gun violence victims; [5] home ownership; [6] life expectancy; [7] murder by a police officer; [8] public transportation availability; and [9] the building of wealth. What is labeled “racism” is so destructive that we must be very clear regarding how we label the pathology in question—just as clearly as the federal government insists that we truthfully label food products. Imagine the drastic consequences for diners with allergies if they were not warned that what was being served contained caffeine, peanuts, soy, fish, shellfish, sugar, cow’s milk, monosodium glutamate, or eggs. Consider the critical importance of listing side effects on the labels of medicine. Given the life destroying effects of “racism,” it too should be labeled properly, i.e., it should be labeled “White Racism,” not simply “racism.” It is not “racism” perpetrated by the indigenous people of America that contributes to Blacks disproportionately dying from Covid-19, police brutality, and inadequate health care. The Latinx population is not engaged in systemic “racism” that adversely impacts Blacks in terms of home ownership and wealth accumulation. The educational achievement gaps experienced by Blacks are not a function of systemic “racism” caused by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color). On the other hand, it was a White racist who fired 7 shots into the back of Jacob Blake. During the subsequent protest, it was a 17-year-old White racist who killed two people and wounded a third. In terms of a prime example, I agree with others who assert that POTUS 45 is a White racist, given his attacks on Hispanics, Muslims, President Barack Obama, Senator Kamala Harris, the citizens of Atlanta, Baltimore and Haiti, and too many more incidents to enumerate. We must label correctly when a Black grade school child watches a news account of Jacob Blake being murdered and, in despair, throws her arms in the air; declares in anguish, “So, they killed another Black man;” and then tearfully asks, “Why?” She must know that “they” are White

Jack Daniel

Commentary racists who disproportionately punish Black school girls for the same offenses committed by White school girls. “They” are White racist who view Black girls as chronologically older than they are, very aggressive, and deserving of harsh punishment. “They” are White racists who caused the deaths of Sandra Bland and Breonna Taylor. “They” are White racists who, tragically, might unjustifiably kill her. Healing begins with truth telling and, therefore, people healing from alcoholism say, “I am an alcoholic.” They don’t say euphemistically, “I have a problem with drinking.” “Racism” too is a euphemism, i.e., a toneddown, indirect word substituted for “White Racism” which is considered too blunt and embarrassing for Whites. “Racism” is used to appease Whites, to make a concession to them as potential racist aggressors, and, in doing so, those pursuing equity and social justice slow down the progress of dealing with “White Racism.” At historically White educational institutions, while consciously and unconsciously doing so, it is appeasement when Black faculty, staff, students and administrators identify “racism” as contributing to institutional policies and practices that lead to low Black student enrollment and few Black faculty hires. References to “racism” permit the incumbent White administrators, faculty, and staff members to refer to the nebulous “institution” being at fault; to how an abstract “system” must be changed. As such, the White leaders don’t focus directly on the fact that they are personally and professionally responsible for addressing “White Racism” at their institutions, that they might be White racists, or, at a

minimum, they are the Whites who are responsible for administering White racist institutions. Defeating “White Racism” must include White institutional leaders acknowledging the famous quote, “We have met the enemy and the enemy is us.” White leaders must take ownership as did Pitt Chancellor Patrick Gallagher when he stated, “But this is also a time to turn the lens inward and consider our institution’s own role in perpetuating unfair structures and systems…” They must acknowledge truths such as, “...The University of Pittsburgh is a longstanding leader in our region. Yet, for all of our remarkable accomplishments, African Americans living within the Cathedral of Learning’s shadow are still confronting an alarming opportunity gap. We can expand our efforts to translate our work into practice and spur a local renaissance in our surrounding neighborhoods and communities…” As with Chancellor Gallagher, in the case of Western Pennsylvania, White leaders such as Mayor William Peduto, County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, and Governor Thomas Wolf along with the heads of entities such as Bayer, PNC Financial Services, and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center must lay down the gauntlet against “White Racism.” Its fine that White senior managers’ “hearts are in the right place,” that they “get it” when it comes to understanding “racism is a public health issue.” We also need them to, with all deliberate speed, lead an assault on “White Racism.” If all concerned wish to demonstrate that Black Pittsburgh Matters, if they wish to do as John Lewis advised, i.e., “Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and redeem the soul of America,” then they must end the politics of “White Racism Appeasement;” they must cease “going along to get along;” and they must “call a spade a spade” by appropriately labeling the “racism” destroying Blacks as “White Racism.” (Jack L. Daniel is Vice Provost and Professor Emeritus, University of Pittsburgh, and author, Negotiating a Historically White University While Black.)

New Pittsburgh Courier

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SEPTEMBER 2-8, 2020

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DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE Port Authority is seeking a Director of Technology Infrastructure to be the leader of the IT- Infrastructure Department. The Director of Technology Infrastructure is responsible for the growth and management of the core network, systems and server infrastructure, and desktop support activities of Port Authority information systems as the Infrastructure services enhance the strategic obectives of the agency in service to our customers. Primary focus is on the enhancement and continuous operations of data center services, networks, remote and digital desktop systems, equipment purchasing, and design and implementation of future services. This position is a unique role in leading and working hands-on with an array of team managers and members advancing the services of the network, systems, and related technology e uipment, for the Agency and customers. This role works e tensively with other areas of the agency in coordination of pro ects and activities. Essential Functions: Coordination and oversight of technology infrastructure for agency use including, but not limited to: network topology, servers and data centers, disaster recovery, telecommunications and internet connectivity, physical security infrastructure (cameras, door access), related physical technology infrastructure (timeclocks, computers, devices) •Ensure secure networks and systems with regard to Information Security aspects as related to network, server, data center and related infrastructure components, especially as related to PCI compliance, monitoring, response and recovery. In leading the Infrastructure team, participates in the analysis, research, scope development, evaluation and development of enterprise long range strategic plans and operating plans to insure that the infrastructure services are consistent with long term business ob ectives. Identifies implementation risks analyzes potential impact to enterprise and scheduled ob ectives develops, submits and maintains enterprise critical path schedules; and initiates action to correct any deviations from this schedule. Job requirements include: •BS Degree in Computer Science or directly related field from an accredited school. Related experience may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis. •Network administration, server or systems administration experience. •Extensive experience with Microsoft Windows platform and various server architecture (windows/linux/ etc). Minimum of seven (7) years of e perience in leadership of an infrastructure team including multiple aspects of server, network, and systems support. Minimum of five (5) years of e perience in hands-on of either network administration, server or systems administration, data center coordination. Demonstrated ability in the use of Windows. Preferred attributes: Defined leadership ualities necessary to lead a forward-momentum technology environment, including organizational management and team development. etworking or systems certification(s) such as MCSE, MWare, Cisco networking, or similar. •Telecommunications experience. •Experience with both cloud and on-premise data and application services.

DIRECTOR OF CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT & SERVICES Port Authority is seeking a Director of Customer Engagement Services to be the leader of the IT - Customer Engagement Department, the Director role is passionate about ensuring that customers are receiving the absolute best service possible through communications and coordination of resources to attain that goal. Responsible as the point-person for the IT Division, this role is highly communicative, focusing about the effect on the customer as a primary component. In leading and supporting pro ects of different scale and scope, the Director will engage with members across the agency and be an agent for forward momentum in the use of current and future technology solutions. This role works extensively with other areas of the agency in coordination of pro ects and activities. Essential Functions: Serve as the primary point of contact in communications and coordination with customers of the IT Division, primarily employees, guests, and contractors, with regard to services and pro ects. •Oversee IT Service Management functions, including the full lifecycle of incident re uest and response, in ensuring that customers receive timely response and appropriate levels of service of a 2 operation. Coordinate escalation and response mechanisms within the various departments of the IT Division for Service Management. •Lead the audio-visual support and design for on-site spaces (conference rooms, training rooms) as well as online functions, such as webinars. •In leading the Customer Engagement team, participates in the analysis, research, scope development, evaluation and development of enterprise long range strategic plans and operating plans to ensure that services are consistent with long term business ob ectives. Identifies implementation risks analyzes potential impact to enterprise and scheduled ob ectives develops, submits and maintains enterprise critical path schedules; and initiates action to correct any deviations from this schedule. Job requirements include: BS Degree from an accredited school. Related experience may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis. Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience leading a highly interactive, communications and customer-centric service team. •Excellent written and verbal communication skills. •Proven experience converting technical concepts to easy-to-understand language for non-technical customers. •High attention to detail. E perience leading pro ect implementations. •Experience managing budgets and proposal scope definitions. Preferred attributes: IT Service Management certifications, such as ITIL. Pro ect management e perience and or certification(s). •Experience designing audio-visual implementations. Defined leadership ualities necessary to lead a forward-momentum technology environment, including organizational management and team development.

We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Interested candidates should forward a cover letter (with salary requirements) and resume to: Amy Giammanco Employment Department 345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 AGiammanco@portauthority.org EOE ADJUNCT INSTRUCTORS (DAY AND EVENING) C.A.D., CULINARY, ELECTRICIAN, WELDING, AND HVAC/R Pittsburgh Technical College is seeking ualified applicants for the following positions •C.A.D. Instructors for AET & MET Programs Associate degree re uired, Bachelor’s preferred •Culinary and Pastry Chef Instructors Associate degree re uired, Bachelor’s preferred ACF, CCE, or CEC preferred but not required •Electrician Instructor Electrician ourneyman e perience or licensure required •HVAC/R Instructor, EPA niversal Certification re uired Must pass criminal background check. Immediate opening at our North Fayette campus near Robinson Towne Center. Apply to www.ptcollege.edu (Employment with PTC) or www.workforptcollege.com . EOE M F

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

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SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER Opening for Long-term Substitute High School Social Studies teacher at Steel alley School District for 2020-2021 school year. PA Social Studies Certification re uired. Deadline is September 4, 2020. Send letter of interest, resume, PA Standard application, certificate, transcripts and Acts 3 , 11 and 151 clearances to HRSupport@steelvalleysd.org. EOE

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HRIS CLOUD DEVELOPER - EXPERT UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside seeks a HRIS Cloud Developer - Expert to work in Pittsburgh (Allegheny County), PA. Lead in the creation, development and refinement of PMC Human Resource Information Systems’ (HRIS) specific application, specifically within the Oracle Human Capital Management (HCM) system. Bachelor’s degree or e uivalent in Information Systems, Applied Computer Science or a related field, plus seven (7) years of progressive software development, consulting or related experience, including two (2) years of e perience working on data migration; developing interfaces to support Oracle HCM Cloud implementations and integrations assisting in all areas of pro ect life cycle (requirement analysis, implementation, quality assurance). developing fast formulas defining testing scenarios and developing test scripts; writing business requirement documents for reports, interfaces, data conversions and application extensions and developing interfaces and reports using Oracle BI Publisher and HCM Extracts. Telecommuting Permissible. Apply by following these steps; visit http://careers.upmc.com and enter 200001TV in the “Search Keyword ob ID field and click o. EOE/Disability/Veteran.

NOTICE OF TRUST ADMINISTRATION

ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA August 21, 2020 The Office of the County Controller of Allegheny County, in con unction with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Contract Awards Room th Floor Commonwealth Keystone Building 00 orth Street Harrisburg, PA 1 120 will receive bids through ECMS or a diskette delivered to the aforementioned address until 11:00 A.M. prevailing local time, Thursday, September 17, 2020. Bids will be opened through ECMS at approximately 11:00 A.M. and can be viewed publicly in the Contract Awards Room, for the following: DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS SOUTH 10th STREET BRIDGE DEHUMIDIFICATION SYSTEM MAINTENANCE ALLEGHENY COUNTY COUNTY PROJECT NO. MA11-3513 MPMS NO.: 114243 THIS PROJECT WILL BE BID THROUGH PENNDOT ECMS As a prospective bidder, please note the following general Pro ect data regarding Pre Bid Information, Bidding Requirements, and Contract Conditions. See the Pro ect Manual and Drawings (Proposal Report) for detailed information, responsibilities and instructions. PRE-BID INFORMATION: View the Pro ect Manual and Drawings (Proposal Report) on the PennDOT ECMS website (http://www. dot14.state.pa.us/ECMS) or in Room 50 , County Office Building, 5 2 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. BIDDING REQUIREMENTS: THIS PROJECT REQUIRES PREQUALIFICATION OF BIDDERS, INCLUDING SUBCONTRACTORS, AS SPECIFIED IN SECTION 102.01 OF COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SPECIFICATIONS (PUBLICATION 408/2016, CURRENT EDITION) ON THIS PROJECT. ALL QUESTIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED THROUGH ECMS AND IF NEEDED ADDENDA WILL BE ISSUED ELECTRONICALLY. INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS WILL BE PROVIDED IN THE PROPOSAL REPORT WHICH CAN BE VIEWED THROUGH ECMS. SUBMIT YOUR BID USING ECMS OR MAIL A DISKETTE TO THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, CONTRACTS AWARD ROOM. CONTRACT CONDITIONS: U.S. Department of Labor minimum salaries and wages apply to this Pro ect. The County Manager reserves the right to re ect any and all bids. The anticipated Notice-to-Proceed for this pro ect is December 14, 2020 and the pro ect is to be completed by November 16, 2025. The County of Allegheny, in accordance with the Davis Bacon Act and other Federal Labor Standards Provisions Title I of the Civil Rights Act of 196 , 78 Stat. 252, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4 and Title 9, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, Part 21 on-discrimination in Federally-assisted programs of the County of Allegheny issued pursuant to such Act; Executive Order 11246 Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968; Section 109 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974; and Executive Order 11625 (Utilization of Minority Business Enterprises), hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract pursuant to this advertisement, the County will afford disadvantaged business enterprises full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and the County will not discriminate against disadvantaged business enterprises on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award. It is a condition of the bidding process/contract that responsive bidders/contractors shall follow the disadvantaged business enterprise procedures in the Bidding and Contracting Documents.

The Trustee named below gives notice of the death of Denis Duffy, late of pper St. Clair Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, who died on June 6, 2020. During his lifetime, the said Decedent established the Denis Duffy Family Trust dated October 2, 2007 and the same has been mostly recently amended by writing dated June 3, 2020 of which regory . Jones was as Trustee. The Trustee requests all persons having claims against the Decedent to make known the same in writing to him or his attorney, and all persons indebted to the Decedent to make payment to him without delay regory . ones, Trustee 65 5 uaker Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15236 or to Todd A. Fuller, Atty., Brenlove Fuller, LLC, 01 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 1501

MERCHANDISE Garage/Yard Sale

ESTATE SALE 1845 ATKINSON PLACE SATURDAY SEPT. 5, 2020 9 AM TO 5 PM Some items for sale: Dining Room set, Piano, Fender Rhodes Keyboard, Secretary, Refrigerator, Dormitory Refrigerator, Portable Washer, Lawn Furniture, Ladders, 2 Stanley Furniture ight Stands, CR D D Combo, CR, File Cabinets and various items. PLEASE WEAR A MASK LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR OF CHINESE The niversity of Pittsburgh seeks an Assistant Instructor of Chinese to work in The Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures at the niversity of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, PA. Duties include teaching both recitations and lectures of language courses, with a 3/3 course workload, as well as working closely with the language coordinator to contribute to the overall effectiveness of the Chinese language program. Applicants should apply through Interfolio at https:// apply.interfolio.com/72704 and submit a letter of application, C , three letters of reference (one letter should comment explicitly on the candidate’s teaching ability), a statement of teaching philosophy in both Chinese and English, representative samples of narrative and quantitative teaching evaluations, transcripts from the last university attended, and an unedited video of teaching beginning students (DVD or a URL of the video). The University of Pittsburgh is ffir e c O portunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.

SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA CORPORATION SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA COMMISSION COMMUTEINFO REGIONAL RIDESHARE PROGRAM DISADVANTAGE BUSINESS ENTERPRISE GOAL FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION-ASSISTED CONTRACTS FISCAL YEARS 2021, 2022, 2023 PUBLIC NOTICE This notice is to inform the general public that the Southwestern Pennsylvania Corporation/Commission has reviewed its anticipated Federal Transit Administration funded contracting program activities associated with the CommuteInfo Regional Rideshare Program for the fiscal years beginning October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2023 and has established the following Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE) oal of 2.4%. A copy of the DBE oal-Setting documention can be reviewed on our website at:www.spcregion.org/dbe or by contacting SPC. Southwestern Pennsylvania Corporation Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission Two Chatham Center, Suite 500 112 Washington Place Pittsburgh, PA 15219-3451 (412) 391-5590

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Robyn Taylor Employment Department 345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 RTaylor@portauthority.org EOE SOUTH FAYETTE TWP. SCHOOL DISTRICT Everyday Building Substitute Teachers Complete ob description is available at: www.southfayette.org Deadline September 18, 2020 EOE

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America’s Best Weekly Estate Of MARIO L. TOLLIS AKA MARIO TOLLIS, Estate No. 02-20-03446, of the City of Coraopolis, County of Allegheny and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Linda Tollis Administratri , c o 50 State Street, Suite 300, Erie, PA 16501; Attorney Alan Natalie, Esquire, 50 State Street, Suite 300 Erie, PA 16501 Estate of JOSEPH H. FISHER A/K/A/ JOSPEH H FISHER, SR., Deceased of Bridgeville, Pennsylvania. Estate No. 02-20-03960, Patricia Ann Fisher, E ecutor, 325 Redrome Circle West, Bridgeville, PA 1501 or oseph H. Fisher, r., E ecutor, 3200 Flannigan Branch Lane,Charlottesville, A, 22911 or to TODD A. F LLER, Atty; BRENLOVE F LLER, LLC., 01 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 1501 Estate of WILLIAM H. SULLIVAN, Deceased of Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Estate No. 02-2003962, Daniel W. Sullivan, E ecutor, 10 Olde Manor Lane, Moon Township, PA 15108 or to TODD A. F LLER, Atty BRE LO E F LLER, LLC., 01 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville,PA 1501 Estate of NORMAN J. MILLER, JR., Deceased of Mt. Lebanon, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Estate No. 02-20-04010, Haddie Weber, E ecutor, 109 Broughton Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15236 or to A BRE H. LO ER, Atty BRE LO E F LLER, LLC., 01 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 1501 Estate of CHARLES E. CLARKE, Deceased of Sewickley, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Estate No. 02-20-04007, Anne Clarke Ronce, E ecutor, 5 0 Academy Avenue, Sewickley, PA 151 3 or to A BRE H. LO ER, Atty BRE LO E F LLER, LLC., 01 Washington Avenue,Bridgeville,PA 1501

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HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BID (IFBs) FOR HOMEWOOD NORTH SPRINKLER SYSTEM MODIFIFCATION, AMP-020 HACP IFB NO. 600-24-20 THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH will receive sealed bids for the Homewood orth Sprinkler Modifications, AMP-20 The construction work is estimated to begin in November of 2020. Bid Documents will be available on or about Monday, August 31, 2020 and may be obtained from the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh’s webpage, www.hacp.org. Bidders may register on the website and download the bid documents free of charge. Electronic versions of the Bid Documents, including bid forms, pro ect manual, and drawings can be picked up in person, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.(Appointment is required) at: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Development and Modernization Department 100 Ross Street, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 ose Solis, Pro ect Manager 12-6 3-2899 A Pre-Bid Conference and Site Visit will be held on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.: Homewood orth, 901 Albertice St, Pittsburgh, PA 15208 Bidders shall come prepared to review all aspects of the construction site necessary to prepare a bid. Bids will be received at: HACP Procurement Department 100 Ross Street, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Attn: Mr. Kim Detrick, Director of Procurement/Chief Contracting Officer HACP will also accept online submissions for this Invitation for Bid in addition to accepting submissions at our 100 Ross Street office. For respondents wishing to submit online, please access the instructions provided in the pro ect manual to submit the bid digitally. In addition to the electronic submittal above, The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will only be accepting physical bids dropped off in person from 8:00 AM until the bid opening time of 10:00 AM on September 29, 2020 in the lobby of 100 Ross St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Sealed bids may still be mailed via USPS at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. All bids must be received at the above address no later than September 29, 2020 at 10:00 a.m., regardless of the selected delivery mechanism. THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH reserves the right to waive any informality in, or re ect any and all bids. No bid shall be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days subsequent to the opening of bids without the consent of the HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH. The Contractor will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity requirements for Federally Assisted Construction Contracts. The Contractor must ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of race, color, religion, se ual preference, handicap or national origin. HACP has revised its website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB RFP documentation. THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH STRONGLY ENCOURAGES CERTIFIED MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES AND WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES TO RESPOND TO THE SOLICITATION. Additional information may be obtained by contacting Kim Detrick, Director of Procurement at ( 12) 56-5116 Opt 1.

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR REMOVAL AND REBUILDING OF RETAINING WALLS AT 3929 WINSHIRE REBID IFB #300-23-20-REBID The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request bids from ualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Removal and Rebuilding of Retaining Walls at 3929 Winshire Rebid The documents will be available no later than August 24, 2020 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 10:00 A.M. on September 15, 2020. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will only be accepting physical bids dropped off in person from 8:00 AM until the bid opening time of 10:00 AM on September 15, 2020 in the lobby of 100 Ross St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Bids may uploaded to the Authority’s online submission site, the link is accessible via the HCP website and within the IFB. Sealed bids may still be mailed via USPS at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Solicitation from the Business Opportunities page of www.HACP.org. Questions or 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-bid meeting will be held via call in; on September 3, 2020 at 10:00 A.M. Please see call in information below: Join the audio conference by phone: United States - Washington, DC +1.202.602.1295 Access Code 598-776-271# The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACP’s has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation.

Caster D. Binion, Executive Director HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH

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

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

PUBLIC NOTICE: LAUREL AVENUE COMMONS REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) AFFORDABLE HOUSING – COLLABRATIVE DEVELOPMENT SERVICES: (DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION) The Westmoreland County Housing Associates, Inc. (WCHA-Inc.) is reuesting proposals from ualified and experienced professionals consisting of Design and Construction Firms operating as a Collaborative Group. The Collaboration shall consist of: Licensed Professional Architectural Firm, Licensed Civil Engineering Firm, Licensed eneral Contractor, Licensed Site Construction Contractor. The pro ect to be developed is a mi ed financed Affordable Housing Development, located within North Huntingdon Township and Irwin Borough, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania 156 2. The proect is titled Laurel Avenue Commons – Phase I and II. Interested respondents may obtain, at no cost, the Re uest for Proposal Documents from the WCHA-Website located at www.wchaonline.com. In addition, an electronic (PDF) file copy can be provided by contacting Mr. Erik Spiegel – Director of A&E Services at eriks@wchaonline.com or by phone at 2 -832- 2 8 e t. 3056. Interested respondents are required to respond by proposal submission (satisfying the requirements of this RFP-Invitation) on or before October 5, 2020 @ 10:00 AM (E.S.T) An outdoor Pre-Proposal Meeting will occur on September 8, 2020, 10:00 AM at the site ad acent to 9 9 Laurel Avenue, orth Huntingdon PA. 156 2 (40°19’03.5”N 79°42’04.4”W)

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

SONNY BOY

Mayor Peduto declares Juneteenth an official holiday in the City of Pittsburgh Juneteenth is now an official holiday in the City of Pittsburgh. The New Pittsburgh Courier learned that Mayor Bill Peduto made the announcement during the Black Voting Rights Forum at St. Benedict the Moor Church in the Hill District, Aug. 29. “Today, we celebrate those who fought for equitable access to voting—who fought to tell the world that Black people have a voice and that voice is important to helping to

shape the future of our neighborhoods, our state and our country,” Mayor Peduto said. Juneteenth is celebrated on June 19. It recognizes the day in 1865 when Union soldiers came to Galveston, Tex., and told residents that the Civil War had ended, and slaves were now free. “Juneteenth reminds us of the rich history of Black Pittsburgh and celebrates those who worked hard so that Black people’s voices could be heard through voting,” Mayor Peduto

continued. “Throughout history, many have tried to silence Black voices. We have arrived in a critical time where they are finally getting the attention that they deserve—and they are being heard. Many of us, particularly privileged White men, have not always listened as much as we should have. The time is now to make that change permanent, and formally set aside this holiday to celebrate Black voices.”

Robert W. ‘Bob’ Goode dies at 80 Son of pioneering broadcaster Mal Goode; Former Senior VP of Mellon Bank GOODE FROM A1

with the New Pittsburgh Courier. “Robert opened up many doors for African American students at Westminster College, where he is considered a pioneer.” Saunders first met Bob Goode when Saunders was employed as a human relations representative II in the Pittsburgh Regional Office of the Pa. Human Relations Commission. “Whenever I needed a subpoena signed to effectuate the work of the Commission, I would take it to Bob to sign in his capacity as a Commissioner of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission. Commissioner Goode was always available to sign subpoenas and it was obvious he loved his work as Commissioner. The Pennsylvania State Human Relations Commission at that time had the reputation as one of the most aggressive and effective Human Rights enforcement agencies in the country,” Saunders recalled. Nancy Bolden, wife of the late legendary Pittsburgh Courier reporter Frank Bolden, said that Bob Goode had a passion for social justice issues. She knew of Robert Goode through the working relationship her husband, Frank, had with Goode’s father, Mal, when the two worked at the Courier. Nancy Bolden said she got to know more about Robert Goode when he joined her church, Church of the Redeemer, on Forbes Avenue in Squirrel Hill. “Bob was a really bright guy that had an incredible career,” Nancy Bolden recalled to the Courier on Aug. 20. “He was a caring person, a very active member of the church, and of course, he came from a family where faith was important.”

Nancy Bolden called Bob Goode’s death “a great loss.” In the corporate world, Bob Goode was one of the giants. At a time in the mid-1980s when there were no more than 30 African Americans in the entire country who held an upper-management position for a bank, there Bob Goode was, as senior vice president of Mellon Bank. He was featured in a February 1987 article in Black Enterprise magazine; at the time, he led the bank’s Northeastern Lending Division, “a coveted post among aspiring banking professionals,” the article said. At the time, Bob Goode led a staff of lending officers who furnished loans to major corporations in New England, New York and parts of New Jersey. The Black Enterprise article discussed how Bob Goode, after graduating from Westminster College, in New Wilmington, Pa., entered Mellon Bank’s management training program in 1964. “Mellon was starting to look for Blacks, but they didn’t know how to go about it,” Bob Goode recalled in the feature. Bob Goode was discovered by Mellon Bank via the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, which operated a “skills bank” that matched Black candidates with companies looking for minority workers, the article said. In 1968, Bob Goode decided to enter the bank’s in-house credit-training programs, which helped him climb the bank’s corporate ladder. Born on May 30, 1940, to Mal and Mary Lavelle Goode, Bob Goode had six siblings. The Goode family was a large and prosperous one. Mal Goode

(1908-1995) worked not only at the Courier, but at radio stations KQV and WHOD. As the family lived in Homestead, Mal worked as a night janitor in the Homestead steel mills as he attended the University of Pittsburgh. Mal later worked in the juvenile justice system at the Centre Avenue YMCA and managed housing projects for the Pittsburgh Housing Authority, according to a 2013 report by the Tribune-Review. Eventually, Mal made it to the national stage in 1962, when ABC hired him as a backup reporter at the United Nations. He was often seen on television during the Cuban Missile Crisis and the 1964 and 1968 presidential election coverage. Bob Goode’s aunt, Mary Elizabeth Goode Dudley, had her own radio program in Pittsburgh, titled, “Movin’ Around.” Known on-air as “Mary Dee,” she also co-anchored a local television program with her brother, Mal. Bob Goode also served in the Marine Reserves, in addition to numerous community boards. His official obituary also stated that he loved children, and that children loved “Uncle Bob.” At the time of his death, Bob Goode was collaborating with the authors of an upcoming book on his father, Mal. Bob Goode is survived by his wife, Phyllis Moorman Goode, son, Michael Moorman Goode, siblings Richard Goode, Roberta Goode-Wilburn, Ronald Goode and Rosalia G. Parker, and sisters-in-law Joyce Moorman Lee and Patricia Moorman Kelly. The family suggests donations in memory of Bob Goode to the POISE Foundation or Hospital Albert Schweitzer Haiti.

Michael L. Washowich, President Westmoreland County Housing Associates, Inc

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Lawlessness and disorder: America’s mistreatment of its Black citizens (TriceEdneyWire.com)—When a seventeen-year-old White boy walks down the streets of Kenosha, Wisconsin, with a loaded automatic weapon, he is cheered and thanked by the police and offered a water bottle. No matter that he’d killed two people and wounded another. His attorney says it was self-defense, and Kenosha Sherriff Miskinis said the shootings would not have happened had those killed not broken curfew. Later he “clarified” his remarks, but his callousness was frighteningly evident. Speeches at the Republican National Convention painted a wildly inaccurate picture of the Democratic Biden/Harris ticket. It would not be “safe,” said VP Mike Pence. There will be lawlessness, violence, and destruction, said Rudy Guiliani. And count on the Republican presidential nominee to stir the pot during his dystopic 70-minute combination of lying bombast and dire predictions. Through it, all the words “looting” and “lawlessness” were repeatedly used. Black folks are all too familiar with lawlessness. After the aching oppression of enslavement, much of which was lawful, we endured the post-Reconstruction era where laws were made to re-enslave the recently emancipated with Jim Crow “laws” voter suppression, ran-

Julianne Malveaux

Commentary dom violence against Black people deemed “insolent” and others. Rabid racists took Black people’s property, raped Black women and girl children, and experienced no consequences. Though much of this was against the law, White law enforcement did not enforce the law, so there were few arrests, even fewer trials, and hardly any convictions. A White man was more likely to be convicted of killing an enslaved person (and usually fined) because he “destroyed someone’s property than to be tried or convicted because they killed a Black person. Consider the lynching of Anthony P. Crawford, a Black man of considerable property who was lynched on October 21, 1916, in Abbeville, South Carolina. Crawford owned 427 acres of “prime cotton land” and was wealthy enough to lend money to both Black and White farmers. He was a civic-minded AME church member but was described by some Whites as “rich for a (N)egro and insolent along with it.” Anthony Crawford, born enslaved, had land worth $20,000 in 1916 or $500,000 today. One day Crawford went to the county seat to sell cottonseed and other goods at the county seat. The owner offered him 5 cents a pound less than he offered Whites. Crawford, being “insolent” said he would rather dump his cottonseed in the river than be cheated, using colorful language. He was arrested for cursing at a White man. He bailed himself out. He had it like that and attempted to head home when a White mob attacked, beat and lynched him. The cabal may have been as many as 300 strong. The sheriff asked the mob to let the law take its course, but they preferred to physically destroy a prominent man, undoubtedly the source of considerable economic envy. How’s that for lawlessness, Trump, Pence, Guiliani? With all the RNC talk of fear, there was no reference to how Black men and women feel when they get behind the wheel of a car and drive in a rural area. Because of our double standard, White fear matters more than Black fear. We often are told that lynchings occur when Black men “violate” White women. That isn’t the case! Many Black men were killed or lynched because they had too much money, like Anthony Crawford. After the lynching, a newspaper editorialized, “the Black must submit to the White, or the White will destroy him.” No one was arrested, tried, or convicted for this lynching. However, a “civic meeting” voted to tell the Crawford family that they had to leave Abbeville within a month, and their property was seized. Two of the mobsters who participated in the lynching were named executors of Crawford’s estate! The tight-knit family was scattered, their wealth appropriated by the lawless and disordered. Thousands of Black people experienced the same loss of life and property as Anthony Crawford, of people expelled from “sundown towns” on a ruse of Black men and women lynched because they were “insolent.” The fact that Black people could accumulate, even in the face of the history of lynching, intimidation, and property appropriation, is a refutation of the White presumption of Black inferiority. That history is at the root of the contemporary racial wealth gap. Our 45th President waxed eloquent on our nation’s history without mentioning our nation’s foundational flaws because “we build the future, we don’t tear down the past.” He suggests we should “embrace history.” The history of racism, predatory capitalism, and exploitation cannot be embraced. When statues and monuments celebrate that sickness, there are those prepared to tear them down in the name of justice. His name was Anthony Crawford. Say his name. For too many Black people, law and order meant lawlessness and disorder. Nobody at the RNC bothered to mention this history of lawlessness while disparaging peaceful protestors. The double standard of law and order is as clear today as 104 years ago when envious and evil White people lynched Anthony Crawford. And no one can speak of unity until our nation acknowledges its exploitative past. (Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an economist and DC-based author.)

FORUM

No vaccine for racism? When Sen. deeply segregated J. Pharoah Doss Kamala Harris and structurally oraccepted the ganized as a White nomination for racial hierarchy, the vice-presand silence has idency at the many forms. SomeDemocratic Natimes it sounds like tional Conven“everybody is equal” tion, she made and sometimes it clear to the White parents tell American peotheir children to be ple there was no vaccine for racism colorblind. —We have to do the work. What’s wrong with equality and That’s a fact, besides what parent colorblindness? would allow their child to be injected Anti-racist philosophy teaches eqwith racism to develop an immunity; uity instead of equality. Non-Whites but after the mass shooting in El want to be treated fairly, but Whites Paso, Texas, where Latinos were tarbelieve non-Whites want to be equal geted, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to them making their promotion of stated, White supremacy was a virus, equality patronizing regardless of and America has not been inoculated. their sincerity. Colorblindness is This implies a vaccination process when Whites teach their children not is possible. to see race in order to reject racism, Jennifer Harvey wrote the book, but anti-racist philosophy states Raising White Kids: Bringing up teaching White children to be colorchildren in a racially unjust Ameriblind makes them reject non-White ca and the article: How not to raise culture and invalidates the experia racist White kid. In the article ences of people of color in a racist Harvey stated, no previous White society. (This is a strong argument generation handed down the kinds of against a literal interpretation of lessons that previous Black gencolorblind, but colorblindness was alerations passed on to their youth ways taught in a figurative fashion.) about race. (Harvey doesn’t give an According to anti-racist philosophy, example of a generational lesson that phrases like “all men are created Blacks passed down. It’s implied that equal” and “people should be judged Black people taught their children by the content of their character, not White people are racist and America the color of their skin” are not proper is a racist country.) Black people concepts to teach and could be conknow, and study after study backs it sidered racist. up, that there’s no such thing as too Harvey inquired: What happens early when it comes to talking with when White families fail to engage in our kids about race and racism. race-conscious, anti-racist parenting? And we can’t get to the anti-racism The racist culture in which all of our part if we don’t interrupt patterns lives are embedded teaches White of White silence. (Or we can’t create youth. Then Harvey quoted Ibram anti-racist White children if we don’t X. Kendi, author of How to Be an inject them with racism.) Antiracist, there’s no such thing as Harvey stated most White parnon-racist in a world of racism, one is ents today were socialized in White either racist or antiracist. silence and passed it on to their kids. Now the question is, will this antiWhite silence is a kind of race talk in racist philosophy produce its objeca nation that is at once very diverse, tive, or will it be counterproductive?

Check It Out

We must take action on gun violence— our children’s future depends on it Last week, I you and those who was reminded of Rep. Jake Wheatley you fight to protect, some dark realwhat’s left? Where ities that have does the stress and sadly been a contrauma of it all end? stant presence in I’m an eternal my life and only fighter and believe moments away. that I was born to There have fight for freedom and been severjustice. I believe that al shootings we have no choice around our city but to continue pushin recent days, but the one that took ing ahead, but there are days where the life of 1-year old Zykier Young in it drives me to my sunken place and Spring Hill just hits me differently. As opens those windows of doubt. We must a human and as a father, I must ask do better—for our next generation, for myself if this violence will ever end? our families, for us. I have started reading a book by It’s vital we continue to fight against Ta-Nehisi Coates to my 8-year-old son, this violence on all fronts in our cities called “Between the World and Me.” It and towns large and small across our gives us an opportunity to bond but to great state. Far too many of us have also talk about what it means to be a dealt with the anguish, grief and anger Black man and our role in this world. that comes after losing a loved one to But, the other night, I just couldn’t do senseless gun violence. We all deserve it. It’s too painful to look at my son and to feel safe in our homes and our comknow that there just doesn’t seem to be munities, and the only way we’re going any rest or secure place for us in this to accomplish this is by working toworld. gether to make systemic and effective When you can’t find safety in the changes to end this scourge, once and place where you rest your head, and for all. (Rep. Jake Wheatley is Democratic chairman you can’t walk or sit or drive in your neighborhood without fearing death of the Pa. House Finance Committee and repfrom those who are sworn to protect resents the 19th Legislative District.)

Commentary

Letter to the Editor

Hey, I’m just saying Dear Editor: As I sit here watching the BLM, the LBT, the Mothers Against Gun violence and City Council men/women protesting about Black lives mattering, I thought what would happen if those same groups protested about the Black lives that are being taken by Black-on-Black shooters in our neighborhoods. Yes, I know what the protests are about and yes I know and agree that we must have police reform and yes, I know that we have police that still have that mentality that created the police departments, way back in the slavery days. However, I have a question outside and not taking away the vision and purpose of BLM; the LBT; the Mothers Against Gun Violence and yes, our City Council men/women. Wait for it….wait for it……what if these groups used this same committed energy to march in the neighborhoods (North/South/East/West) where Blacks are killing Blacks and creating a “wild, wild west” atmosphere. These groups march in “White areas” like Oakland, Bakery Square and yes the mayor’s home, but what if they

marched with their signs and used a united front in the areas where Blacks are killing each other and shooting to death too many precious souls. What if they held up signs with the names of the babies that are being killed by bullets intended for others; what if they held up signs with the names of young people that never realized their dreams and held up a sign with a new acronym—“MERFBL” which means: Mentor/Educate/ Respect/for/Black/Lives. The Black individuals that are shooting like they are in the “wild, wild west” have no respect and don’t care because it doesn’t matter about the Black lives they are taking. If these organizations/councilmen/ women and oops forgot churches could come together with a united front to march in our neighborhoods, we would send a message to the Blacks that are killing Blacks that lives do matter and are precious to us, because these precious souls they are taking are someone’s legacy. Hey, I’m just saying. Diane Neely Pittsburgh

Letters to the editor for publication The New Pittsburgh Courier welcomes all responsible viewpoints for publication. All letters should be typewritten and contain writer’s address and phone number for verification. All letters will be edited for clarity and length. Address all letters to: Letters to the Editor, New Pittsburgh Courier| 315 East Carson St. Pittsburgh, Pa. 15219 |You may fax your letter to 412-481-1360 or via email to letters@newpittsburghcourier.com

SEPTEMBER 2-8, 2020

Jesse Jackson Sr.

Commentary

Americans pay price as Trump fails to lead (TriceEdneyWire.com)—Donald Trump’s ignorance and incompetence have cost American lives in the pandemic. Now his failure of leadership will add to the misery of millions of Americans force onto unemployment, the hunger of children at risk, the homelessness of families facing eviction. At a time when bold action is imperative, the president offers posturing and gestures. Having failed to produce a deal on a much needed rescue program, he issues a showtime executive order and series of memoranda that will do more to foster confusion than to aid those in distress. “The Lord and the Founding Fathers created executive orders because of partisan bickering and divided government,” White House economic adviser Peter Navarro said on NBC News on Sunday. But don’t blame the Lord for the absence of leadership. A forceful leader would have convened the leaders of the House and Senate in his office and forced an agreement before letting them go home. By all accounts, they were close enough to get a deal. Democratic leaders Pelosi and Schumer had offered a compromise in the middle between the bill the House passed that would cost about $3.4 trillion and the bill Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell cobbled together that would cost $1 trillion and that he couldn’t get his own caucus to support. No bill could pass without Democratic votes in the House and the Senate, yet Trump’s representatives wouldn’t even go halfway. By all accounts the sticking points were that the administration wasn’t prepared to sign off on continued enhanced unemployment benefits of $600 a week, was inalterably opposed to helping the post office and states prepare for the November elections, and refused to support aid to states and localities. The latter is truly perverse since the pandemic shutdown collapsed revenues and increased costs creating deficits that states are mandated to eliminate. That has already forced 1.5 million layoffs with more to come. At the very time that Trump is demanding the states take responsibility for managing the pandemic, when opening schools safely requires large investments in facilities, protective equipment and staffing, the administration wants to force states to layoff teachers, police and fire fighters, and more. Instead of forcing agreement, Trump absented himself from the negotiations. When they collapsed, he offered little but political posturing. He claimed that his executive order and memos would “take care of, pretty much, this entire situation,” but they were in fact more show than go. He said he’d order payment of $400 a week in enhanced unemployment benefits through Dec. 6, but the resources he drew on—with questionable legality—will support them only for little more than a month. And that includes requiring the very states he just stiffed to ante up a quarter of the cost, which few will be able to afford. He claimed he’d sustain the federal moratorium on foreclosures and evictions, but his executive order didn’t do that. It simply called on the Department of Health and Human Services to “consider” whether it is necessary to temporarily halt evictions. More than 20 million families are now at risk of eviction and homelessness in the midst of the pandemic. He promised to defer student loan and interest payments, but that won’t leave students any less in debt. His final political pander was the most dangerous. He announced he would defer —not forgive—payroll taxes—the contributions to Social Security and Medicare—for Americans with jobs from Sept. 1 to the end of the year. Workers would still owe the taxes, but Trump said he would try to “terminate” the taxes if “I win in November.” That cynical promise adds only insult to injury. The deferral offers no help to the unemployed. It leaves the workers on the hook for taxes that are put off. It undermines the financing of Social Security and Medicare, at a time when the elderly are particularly at risk. And it offers a campaign promise that Republicans in the Senate have already rejected. This isn’t a reality TV show. We can’t afford a vaudeville president. We need leadership in the face of a real and present danger. Many voters have been willing to overlook Trump’s divisive racial posturing, his lies and insults, his mismanagement and corruption on the theory that he at least would shake things up. Now, the human casualties caused by the absence of real leadership are mounting. Mismanagement of the pandemic costs lives. Failure to lead in addressing the economic calamity will cost more job loss, homelessness, and spreading misery. Trump announced his showtime executive orders at his private golf club in Bedminster before an adoring audience of cleated golf shoe clad, white members straight from the 19th hole. Although not immune from the virus, for the most part they can afford the amusement. It is the front line workers, those who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own, the elderly and the vulnerable, the African Americans and Latinx who are disproportionate victims of the virus who will suffer most from this folly. They were not in attendance at the president’s show.

METRO/NATIONAL

SEPTEMBER 2-8, 2020

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Biden takes on Trump in Pittsburgh rebuttal speech by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

During the Republican National Convention on Thursday night, Aug. 27, President Donald Trump’s hardest swing at Joe Biden came on the issue of national safety—”You won’t be safe in Joe Biden’s America,” Trump said, echoed the night before in Vice-President Mike Pence’s speech. But here in the Steel City, a blue-collar town known for its hard workers, Biden, the Democratic presidential nominee, gave a blistering rebuttal. “Donald Trump failed to protect America, so now he’s trying to scare America,” Biden said at a former factory in Hazelwood, now known as Hazelwood Green, Aug. 31. The violence that the U.S. is seeing in various cities over racial injustice is being fueled by “right-wing militias,” according to Biden, groups of Trump supporters who are taking to the streets, clashing with the mostly-peaceful protesters in cities like Kenosha, Wis., and Portland. In Kenosha, two people have died due to protests related to the Jacob Blake shooting, and the shooting was done by a 17-year-old White teenage vigilante who came to the area from Illinois, armed with a semi-automatic rifle. And in Portland, numerous Trump supporters

were seen in trucks and with Trump flags, shooting paintballs at protesters. Later, a 39-year-old man with ties to a right-wing organization was shot and killed. “He may believe mouthing the words ‘Law and Order’ makes him strong, but his failure to call on his own supporters to stop acting as an armed militia in this country shows how weak he is,” Biden said in Pittsburgh. “Does anybody believe there will be less violence in America if Donald Trump is re-elected?” Trump likes to infer to White suburbanites that, with Biden as president, violence from protests would make its way to their neighborhoods. Or, with Biden as president, national gun laws would be tightened, an ideology which many right-wingers reject. But Biden said on Aug. 31 that he is the one that would make America safer. “You know me, you know my heart, you know my story, my family’s story,” Biden said. “Ask yourself, do I look like a radical socialist, with a soft spot for rioters? Really? I want a safe America. Safe from COVID. Safe from crime and looting. Safe from racially motivated violence. Safe from bad cops. Let me crystal clear...safe from four more years of Donald Trump.” It’s obvious that Biden’s campaign staffers wanted Biden to hit back at Trump on the safety issue.

JOE BIDEN AND SEN. KAMALA HARRIS Trump’s camp believes that on the issue of safety, Trump has the upper hand with Americans. But Biden wants that perception of him being “soft” on crime to go away. And if Biden can neutralize Trump’s perceived advantage on that issue, it’s Biden that’s leading nationally in other aspects. In an NBC News poll released Aug. 10, Biden leads Trump by 24 points on race relations, 23 points on bringing the country together, and 16 points on coronavirus. Biden pounced on the real-estate-mogul-turned-president on Trump’s handling of COVID-19. Biden said that Trump deflects discussing the truth about where the country is in handling the pandemic; instead, Trump talks about stopping rioters and looters in the streets as a deflection. When it comes

to national safety, Biden said, COVID-19 is the No. 1 issue. And in the coming days, 200,000 people would have lost their lives in America due to coronavirus—on Trump’s watch. “I’ll deal with the virus,” Biden proclaimed. “I’ll deal with the economic crisis. I’ll work to bring equality to everyone.” Biden, speaking in Pittsburgh without a public audience due to coronavirus, said that the violence from the protests, along with the increased gun violence in cities across the country, is used as a “political lifeline” by Trump. “The incumbent president is incapable of telling us the truth, incapable of facing the facts, and incapable of healing,” Biden continued. “He doesn’t want to shed light; he wants to generate heat, and he’s stoking violence in our cities...we have a president who fans the

flames rather than fighting the flames.” Biden told Trump, in effect, to face reality—the violence happening across America, along with the lives lost to the pandemic, are happening in real-time, while he’s the president. “The common thread,” Biden said, is “the incumbent president, who makes things worse, not better.” Though Pittsburgh has quite the stylish skyline, it’s not the reason Biden chose the region for his first public speech since the Democratic National Convention. Pennsylvania is a state that campaigns on both sides believe is vital to win, in order to win the presidency this November. In 2016, Penn-

have significant Black populations), can he garner enough votes in the rural areas of the state to come out on top? Only time will tell. Which is why, during his 23-minute address in Pittsburgh, he brought out another “Trump card,” so to speak —Biden said the murder rate is up 26 percent this year on Trump’s watch, while, during Biden’s tenure as vice president from 2009 to early 2017, violent crime across the country declined 15 percent. Biden said he was the person talking with the families of George Floyd and, most recently, Blake. He is the one trying to mend fences and build bridges. He is the one try-

sylvania went “red,” to Trump, by 44,000 votes. Biden, who was born and raised in Scranton, Pa., wants to win the state’s 20 electoral votes, and though he’s almost guaranteed to win Allegheny and Philadelphia counties (both

ing to unite the country, while, he says, Trump is trying to divide it. “Trump has sought to remake this nation in his image; selfish, angry, dark and divisive,” Biden said. “This is not who we are.”

Chadwick Boseman, idolized by many youth for superhero role in ‘Black Panther,’ dies at 43 Battled colon cancer for four years, unbeknownst to the public by Danielle Sanders Chicago Defender

Chadwick Boseman, the actor known for playing some of the most iconic African Americans, died on Friday, Aug. 28, from colon cancer. He was 43. The actor passed away in his home surrounded by his wife, Taylor Simone Ledward, and family, according to his publicist. The public was unaware of his private, four -year battle with colon cancer. Even the director of “Black Panther,” Ryan Coogler, didn’t know that Boseman was battling cancer. Boseman became a household name and big-screen sensation after playing T’Challa, the strong, inspirational superhero and leader of Wikanda in the film. “A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all and brought you so many of the films you have come to love so much. From “Marshall” to “Da 5 Bloods,” August Wilson’s “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and several more, all were filmed

during and between countless shall in “Marshall.” surgeries and chemotherapy. It “Black Panther” became one was the honor of his career to of the highest-grossing films bring King T’Challa to life in of 2018 and was nominated ‘Black Panther,’” Boseman’s for seven Oscars. Boseman’s role was a defining moment family statement read. Boseman was a graduate in his career, solidifying his legacy as a Black superhero of Howard University and that children could look up the British American Drato, one that they could relate ma Academy. He moved to Los Angeles in 2008 to to because they saw themselves in him. The first major superhepursue a career in acting. He landed his first starro film with a majority-Black cast, and the first to employ ring role in the film, “42,” playing Jackie Robinson, Maa Black writer and director, “Black Panjor League Baseball’s first Black player, in 1947. ther” became a That role propelled proud moment him into bigger films for many in such as “Draft the Black Day,” “21 Bridgc o m m u n i t y. es,” portraying A brilliant James Brown display of in “Get On Up” Black exceland Thurlence, the CHADWICK BOSEMAN good Marfilm became

a cultural moment with many holding special outings dressed in all-black or African clothing and attending the movie multiple times with family, friends, and loved ones. News of his passing shocked many of his fellow colleagues and actors, with many expressing their grief and sadness on social media. Sterling K. Brown, of “This Is Us” fame, said: “I don’t have words. Rest in Peace, Bruh. Thank you for all you did while you were here. Thank you for being a friend. You are loved. You will be missed.” Denzel Washington said: “He was a gentle soul and brilliant artist, who will stay with us for an eternity through his iconic performances over his short, yet illustrious career. God Bless Chadwick Boseman.” Oprah Winfrey remarked: “What a gentle gifted SOUL. Showing us all the Greatness in between surgeries and chemo. The courage, the strength, the power it takes to do that. This is what dignity looks like.”

Thousands descend on Nation’s Capital for March on Washington

NATIONAL ACTION NETWORK’S Rev. Al Sharpton led the rally and march, themed “Get Your Knee Off Our Necks.” On his left is Congressman Al Green (D-Texas). (PHOTOS: Roy Lewis/Trice Edney News Wire)

YOLANDA RENEE KING, 12, granddaughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., encouraged young people to stay involved, but peacefully.

MARTIN LUTHER KING III joined the march, also introducing his daughter as Dr. King’s only granddaughter and a future civil rights THOUSANDS SHOWED UP TO DEMONSTRATE their disdain for the unrelenting police killings and shootings around the nation. Because of the coronavirus, most wore masks. The march was held Friday, Aug. 28. leader.