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APRIL 12-18, 2017
Regional Alliance touts potential job growth Aliquippa mayor wants more for his constituents by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
MAYOR DWAN WALKER
The Beaver County Chamber of Commerce has issued a special a set of “baseball cards” featuring, among others, a Black female mechanical engineer, a Black male electrical engineer and a Black male analyzer technician. On the backs of the cards are the salaries these jobs
pay and the educational requirements to attain them. Why? Because these jobs, like the painting, environmental engineering, health and safety, electrician, plumber and crane operator positions featured on the other cards, are all either directly related to, or ancillary to, needs at STARTING AT $84,000—Chemical Engineer is Royal Dutch Shell’s ethane one of the professions the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce is promoting ahead of the Shell SEE ALLIANCE A4 cracker plant opening.
Pittsburgh Promise promotes retention for its graduates by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
During an interview with the New Pittsburgh Courier in 2015, Robert Morris University President Christopher Howard noted that seeing African American students through to graduation is an ongoing battle, which he summed up by noting that, “These kids are one phone call from home away from dropping out.” So it’s hardly surprising that he was among the supporters of the Pittsburgh Promise bringing Georgia State University Vice-Provost Timothy Renick to town for a March 31 luncheon presentation to administrators from its partner colleges and universities. Renick told the packed house at the Duquesne Club that as his university in downtown Atlanta beSEE PROMISE A5
GET TOGETHER—From left: James Farrior, Iman Farrior, TiAnda Blount and Mel Blount. (Photo by Debbie Norrell)
Mel Blount Celebrity Roast a party with a purpose by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer
What could possibly be the reason Pittsburgh Steelers of the past and present, like Mel Blount, Jerome Bettis, Greg Lloyd, “Mean” Joe Greene, and Joey Porter would all come together on a sunny, spring day in
April? To help the youth, of course. Forget the first downs and hard hits on the field, the 19th annual Mel Blount Youth Home All-Star Celebrity Roast is all about partying with a purpose. The event was held April 7 at the Westin, Downtown. “I’ll tell you, it’s awesome to
think about how 19 years ago, my wife said, ‘I want to do something for your birthday,’” Blount told the New Pittsburgh Courier. “She said, ‘We’re going to get a lot of people together and raise some money for the youth home.’” SEE BLOUNT A5
State looks to increase minority contracts by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
Because the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania uses two main, yet differing methods to award contracts, it doesn’t have an entirely accurate picture of how many Blackowned, women-owned or veteran-owned firms it’s doing business with, since only one method calls for bidders to specify a “diversity component.” The question is, how can you increase something—as Gov. Tom Wolf wants to do with contracts to small and minority businesses—if you KERRY KIRKLAND don’t know where you’re starting? In February, Wolf appointed Kerry Kirkland as deputy secretary for the Department of General Services to address this and make meaningful increases in contracting for Blacks and other minorities. Most recently, Kirkland was the Central Regional Director for the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic
“The cover that ‘diversity’ gives for not hiring Black firms will disappear.” KERRY KIRKLAND
Development, where they revitalized central business districts, urban neighborhoods and rural communities in 24 central Pennsylvania counties. On April 5, Kirkland spoke exclusively with the New Pittsburgh Courier about DGS’s Small Diverse Business and Veteran Small Business Annual Report for 2015-2016 and increasing the state’s minority contracting. The report showed that payments to small businesses and small diverse businesses totaled $354 million, or 8 percent of the total $4.6 billion spent by the state SEE STATE A4
Nazura Asaseyeduru remembered as ‘Warrior Woman’ at memorial by Renee P. Aldrich For New Pittsburgh Courier
Over 100 people gathered at the Community Empowerment Association in Homewood this past Saturday (April 8) for a memorial ceremony celebrating the brief, but impactful life of Nazura Asaseyeduru. Asaseyeuduru, born Delores Haymon, was a community activist in Pittsburgh whose life ended suddenly on March 19 while attending a conference in Washington, D.C.
She was 38 years old. Before the ceremony, a community processional with everyone in white, and the women wearing red, green and black head wraps, marched, danced and drummed from the Pittsburgh Coliseum on Frankstown Avenue to the CEA. The Red, Black, and Green March set the stage for the occasion, which had all the pomp and ceremony due any true “Warrior Type,” as she was referred to by spoken-word artist, Leslie Ezra Smith, in a
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poem he wrote in her memory. The central theme of the day centered around her character; a “Warrior Woman,” a committed community activist whose determined spirit and commitment to her people was unrelenting and serious. This came through in all the comments and reflections about her—but the power in her efforts did not come without controversy at times. “There was no such thing as a permanent rift be-
tween you and Nazura, because if you thought there was, a discussion that came across like a disagreement, the next day she was right there supporting your cause, or something you were doing,” Ezra Smith said. “She was at everything. No, there was no way to stay at odds with her.” Mistress of Ceremonies was local author and poet, Dessie Bey. “Nazura went to D.C. in May of 2005 for the celebration of African LibSEE ASASEYEDURU A4
Jesse Jackson says
NAZURA ASASEYEDURU
Decision to bomb Syria was dangerous, deceptive Forum B4
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INTERNATIONAL
APRIL 12-18, 2017
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
This Week In Black History
SAVED FROM DEMOLITION—In this April 6, photo Rhea McCauley, a niece of Rosa Parks, poses in front of the rebuilt house of Rosa Parks in Berlin. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)
Artist moves civil rights icon Rosa Parks’ home to Germany by Jona Kallgren Associated Press Writer
BERLIN (AP)—Behind a metal gate in Berlin, in a small courtyard nestled between a residential building and a car park, stands a piece of American history. The Detroit home of civil rights icon Rosa Parks has been painstakingly rebuilt here by American artist Ryan Mendoza outside his studio in the Wedding district of the German capital. The unlikely location is the result of the financial crisis of 2008 and Detroit’s dramatic decline. Like thousands of houses in Detroit, Parks’ home was abandoned after the sub-prime mortgage crisis hit. Authorities planned to demolish it in an effort to clean up the city. That Parks had moved there only two years after becoming famous for refusing to give up her seat to a White man on a bus in Montgomery, Ala., did not matter. To stop the demolition, Parks’ niece Rhea McCauley bought the house from the city for $500 and donated it to Mendoza, who already had moved a Detroit house to Europe as part of an art project. When Mendoza said he wanted to bring Parks’ house to his studio in Ber-
lin, McCauley agreed. “It is something that is precious,” she told The Associated Press while visiting the wooden two-story house in Berlin this week for the first time. “And it is priceless. And yet it is being mistreated. That’s what I saw. And that’s how it felt. And so when I met Ryan and he said, ‘Let’s bring it to Berlin and restore it,’ I said yes.” In the summer of 2016, Mendoza and volunteers took the house apart, put it into containers and shipped it to Germany. Mendoza has spent six months rebuilding it. “It would be a difficult thing to do if you didn’t want to do it,” he told the AP. “But I wanted to do it so much that it was a joy. Each day when I saw something completed at the project was a day that I had fulfilled something wonderful in my life.” Parks moved to Detroit from Montgomery in 1957 to escape death threats and stayed in the house with her brother and his family. McCauley was a child then, but she remembers that Parks used to take her for walks in the neighborhood to help struggling families and talk to them about politics. Seeing the house standing again brought back memories.
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“Each little nook and cranny, each part of the board that you see is worn by weather, you know, to me (it) shows her personality. What she went through. As a beautiful woman, as a smart woman. And as a courageous woman.” The German capital has a long relationship with the United States. It was here that President John F. Kennedy gave his famous “Ich bin ein Berliner” speech and President Ronald Reagan implored Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to “Tear down this wall.” There is a Rosa Parks school in Berlin, as well as a Martin Luther King school and kindergarten. King visited the divided city in 1964, giving speeches to crowds on both sides of the Berlin Wall. “This house is happily here, I believe. Because it finds itself in a city that honors tolerance,” Mendoza said. “This house was rebuilt in a city that was reborn out of a wall being taken down.” The house was shown to the public on Saturday along with a film about the project made by Mendoza’s wife, Fabia. Visitors were not be able to go inside, but lights were on in the windows and Mendoza played music from the time when Parks lived there. The house’s future is uncertain. Mendoza hopes to sell it to an art institution, with all profits going to the Rosa Parks Family Foundation. Mendoza says he would be happy if the house returns to the U.S. one day. But McCauley says America needs to “grow up as a country” before then. “So when she grows up, yeah, I wouldn’t mind if aunty Rosa’s house came back to the States. But I don’t want to take it back the way she is now.”
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Week of April 12-18 1787—Famous Black clergymen Richard Allen and Absalom Jordan organized the Free Africa Society which is believed to be the first Black selfhelp organization or mutual aid society in America. The two, especially Allen, attempted to better life for Blacks through the organization of separate Black controlled institutions. Allen is also the founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. 1861—The Confederates attack Fort Sumter in the Charleston, S.C., harbor setting off the Civil War. Thinking the recent election of Abraham Lincoln would lead to the ending of slavery, the Southerners struck first in a bid to form a separate, White-controlled, slave-owning nation. 1940—Contemporary jazz composer and musician Herbie Hancock is born in Chicago, Ill. 1975—Josephine Baker dies. RICHARD ALLEN She was born Freda Josephine McDonald in St. Louis, Mo., in 1906. Baker left the United States for France in 1925 seeking a career as a dancer. She achieved fame throughout Europe, becoming a versatile and sensational performer with her often revealing dances. During World War II she even aided the French resistance in its battle against occupation by the forces of Nazi Germany. April 13 1873—The Colfax Massacre takes place in Grant Parish, La. Still smarting from the loss of the Civil War and enraged by the political powers being given Blacks during Reconstruction, a White paramilitary terrorist group known as the JOSEPHINE BAKER White League set out to restore White rule in Louisiana. The spark was a disputed election and a confrontation near the Colfax courthouse between a 60-member sparsely armed Black militia and nearly 300 heavily armed members of the White League. The Blacks took refuge in the courthouse and a gun battle rages for hours leaving three Whites dead. Then the Whites convinced an elderly Black man to sneak into the courthouse and set it afire. As the Blacks escaped the flames, they were either shot or arrested. But even those arrested were later killed. Before the day was over, somewhere between 60 and 100 Blacks were massacred. COLFAX MASSACRE 1946—R&B great Al Green is born in Forest City, Ark. Many considered Green the greatest male R&B singer of the 1970s. Among his greatest hits were “Tired of Being Alone,” “I’m Still in Love with You” and “Let’s Stay Together.” April 14 1865—President Abraham Lincoln is shot and critically wounded at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C., by John Wilkes Booth. Lincoln would linger for several hours, but died at 7:22 a.m. the following day, April 15. A debate still rages among historians as to how broad based the conspiracy was to assassinate Lincoln. RegardAL GREEN less, it is clear that Booth was a racist who supported slavery and the South during the Civil War. Originally, he was part of a plot to kidnap Lincoln and hold him in exchange for captured Confederate soldiers. But on April 9, 1865, Confederate troops under Robert E. Lee surrendered to Gen. Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox. Later that day, Lincoln gave a speech suggesting that the ex-slaves be given the right to vote. The speech infuriated Booth and thus the plot to kidnap Lincoln was converted into a plot to assassinate him. Booth escaped capture for 12 days. But on April 26, 1865 he was cornered by federal forces and shot and killed during a gun battle. Four of his fellow conspirators, including one woman, were tried and hanged. The assassination of Lincoln changed the course of history for Blacks. While Lincoln was not as great a supporter of Black rights as he has often been portrayed, he was a much greater supporter than the man who replaced him in office—Vice President Andrew Johnson. Johnson actually sympathized with the Southern slave-owning aristocracy and opposed most civil and virtually all voting rights for Blacks. The proBlack legislation of the Reconstruction period was normally passed over his objection or veto. Nevertheless, Johnson is one of the primary reasons the Reconstruction period only lasted 12 years. He helped lay the foundation for the Jim Crow period beginning around 1880 during which time Black political and civil rights were systematically taken away. This probably would not have happened if Lincoln had not been assassinated. April 15 1899—Asa Phillip Randolph, organizer of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, was born in Crescent City, Fla. Randolph brought the power of unionism to Black America. He also used his position as the nation’s number one Black union leader to become one of the major civil rights leaders of his era. More than anyone else, it was Randolph who organized the historic March on Washington during which Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous “I Have A Dream” speech. ASA PHILLIP RANDOLPH Ironically, as a young man Randolph left Florida and moved to New York to become an actor. Instead, he became involved with the Socialist Party and helped develop a magazine known as The Messenger. The editorial slant of the magazine describes Randolph as “midway between the cautious elitism of the NAACP and the utopian populism of Marcus Garvey.” Randolph died May 16, 1979. 1922—Harold Washington, the first Black and 42nd mayor of Chicago, is born in Chicago. April 16 1862—President Abraham Lincoln signs a bill ending slavery in Washington, D.C. Approximately nine months later he would issue the Emancipation Proclamation which had a highly emotional and symbolic impact but actually freed very few slaves when it was first pronounced. The Proclamation targeted slaves in the South. But at the time, Lincoln had virtually no control over the rebellious slave-owning Southern states. 1929—The now little known, but one of the grandest voices in African-American history is born on this day in Leesburg, Ga.—Roy Hamilton. Hamilton’s baritone voice made him a hit during the 1950s. His most memorable songs were “Unchained Melody” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” 1947—Basketball great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is born KAREEM ABDUL-JABBAR Lewis Alcindor in New York City. His more than seven-foot frame would make him a dominant player in professional basketball. 2010—The National Center for Health Statistics releases a report showing that a whopping 72.3 percent of Black babies are born to unmarried women. The same report revealed that Hispanic women had the highest birthrate in the nation (98.6 births per 1,000 women) followed by Asian American women (71.4); Black women (71.2) and White women (59.6). April 17 1872—Activist and fiery journalist William Monroe Trotter is born on this day in Boston, Mass. A close friend of W.E.B. Du Bois, Trotter was one of the most militant Black leaders of the late 1800s and early 1900s. He helped found the Niagara Movement, which led to the establishment of the NAACP but then refused to WILLIAM MONROE TROTTER join, claiming the group was too moderate and elitist. He was also a leading opponent of the accommodating policies of Booker T. Washington. Trotter’s primary vehicle of expression was his newspaper—the Boston Guardian. April 18 1818—Military leader Andrew Jackson (later president) leads the defeat of a force of Indians and Blacks at the Battle of Suwanee, bringing an end to the First Seminole War. The Seminoles had been the target of a government military campaign because they possessed lands, which Whites in Florida greatly desired, and because they had provided safe haven for escaped slaves. Indeed, Blacks such as John Horse would become major Seminole leaders. It would take at least two more major military campaigns before the Seminoles and their Black allies lost possession of those lands. 1977—Alex Haley, author of “Roots,” is awarded SEMINOLES the Pulitzer Prize.
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Lynch urges putting nation before president, congress CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) —Former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch on Friday encouraged her successor to remember the American people are the Department of Justice’s clients, not the president or Congress. “I would urge people who are taking over the department now to remember this is the Department of Justice for everyone,” she said, without mentioning Attorney General Jeff Sessions by name. “As you look at the rule of law, it’s not just words on the page. It’s the impact on people’s lives.” Lynch spoke at a conference organized by Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. The forum is focusing on pressing issues facing Blacks in America. Former President Barack Obama appointed Lynch to serve as attorney general in 2015, succeeding Eric Holder. The first Black woman to run the department, Lynch said Friday she understands each administration has different priorities and different ways of seeing things, adding how she wanted to open up the department to empower people. But she urged her successor to remember he is responsible for the safety, wellbeing and health of all Americans. When she was asked by a student about her biggest mistake as an attorney or as the attorney general, Lynch referred to her now-infamous meeting last summer with former President Bill Clinton, when the Department of Justice was investigating his wife, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. “That was a very public mistake on my part,” she said and added how it was not an excuse to say she was caught off guard by the meeting. “When you make a mistake, you have to admit it and acknowledge the problem it causes,” Lynch said. The 57-year-old North Carolina native graduated from Harvard College in 1981 and Harvard Law School in 1984. She told students about her time at Harvard Law working in the legal aid bureau and how she had the opportunity to help everyday people with their problems, including a woman she helped to get a divorce.
“Which sounds sad, but she was the happiest client I have ever had,” Lynch joked. Such experiences, she said, taught her to put herself in other people’s shoes and understand their points of view and concern. She noted that it “has become extremely hard” today for people to really relate to others “because the examples of leadership we are seeing today are not doing that either.” Lynch praised Obama for his ability to “empathize with situations and conditions” and to step back and find objective solutions. “Even though that isn’t being modeled today, it doesn’t mean that we can’t do it,” she told the group. “It doesn’t mean that we can’t call for it and it doesn’t mean that we can’t urge it to exist.” Lynch acknowledged the U.S. has always been divided, but said she believes people have never felt so free to be “so uncivil about it.” “So we descend into vitriol and we descend into sort of political name-calling and I think people on both sides of an issue write the other opinion off as something that’s ill-informed and uneducated,” she said. She urged students to put themselves in someone else’s shoes and ask, “What are people so afraid POLICY FORUM—Former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch, bottom center, posed with students of?” after a policy forum at Harvard University on Friday. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
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Asaseyeduru remembered as ‘Warrior Woman’ ASASEYEDURU FROM A1
eration Day. It was during this time that she entered her Afrocentric consciousness, and she went from being Delores Haymon to Nazura Eshe Asaseyeduru, and began the fight for her people and to live out her life purpose, focusing on community organization— which she did until her last day,” Bey said. By following her purpose, she left a deep footprint in the Pittsburgh Black community. “She was one of the founders of Sankofa United, which pulled together all the community organizations to become one
group and she was truly dedicated to Sankofa,” Bey said. Asaseyeuduru held a Master’s Degree from Chatham University in Organizational Leadership and Transformation. She organized many events, creating a circle of inclusion so that all the organizations could come together—this she did from the heart, not because of employment obligation, but because she believed strongly in building up her people. “She also believed in the enlightenment of her people, and would bring in speakers, such as Dr. Umar John-
son, to give our community a fresh perspective,” Bey said. “It is for these reasons that she leaves such a footprint on this community. It is for these reasons that there were memories and services held for her, along with her funeral, which was in Virginia, in two other cities—Truly reflecting the path she was on.” Saturday’s two-hour celebration consisted of more drumming, dancing, singing and reflections. One special tribute was from the Black Steel Gun Club, of which Asaseyeduru was
a member. Club president, Bomani Howze, read an emotional tribute to her. Assanta Richards, Asaseyeduru’s friend from Houston, delivered a powerful eulogy. She spoke passionately of their relationship from two perspectives—one as a best friend, one as a comrade. “As a friend, Nazura didn’t care if we had some fights or disagreements; that would not stop us from being friends, sisters forever. She was not letting you go once you were in her ‘friendspace.’ “It is in that same vein
that she approached the work of community and of empowering our people. Disputes did not matter, you show up the next day and keep working,” Richards said. “And as a comrade, she showed what it was to be ‘all in.’ She never took a day off. Nazura found causes to give herself asking for no compensation; her word was stead and she was honorable in her word. “Our sisterhood was spacious, comfortable, and ever-evolving,” Richards said. “We never demanded that we diminish our own indi-
Regional Alliance touts potential job growth ALLIANCE FROM A1
cracker plant, which is currently under construction 33 miles from Downtown Pittsburgh. The cards were among the materials featured at the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance’s 10th annual Business Investment Scorecard and Economic Overview. Though the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance sees continued growth in Western Pennsylvania’s ten-county region in health, financial, tech and life sciences sectors, it expects the biggest employment and further regional investment benefits to accrue from the cracker plant and perhaps other petrochemical investments related to Marcellus and Utica shale gas extraction.
“Last year the region saw a record $10.2 billion in capital investment, which, even without Shell’s six billion, would have been a record,” said outgoing CEO of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development Dennis Yablomsky. David Ruppersberger, president of the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance, noted there were 245 deals in the region last year that created or retained 11,344 jobs. Energy companies invested another $3.1 billion with the biggest deals being Taneska, building a new $785 million natural gas-fired power plant in Westmoreland County and Energy Transfer Partners spending $1.5 billion natural gas processing plant there as well.
Denise Brinley, senior energy advisor for the state Department of Community and Economic Development, said the region has an advantage over the Texas gulf coast in terms of becoming a ethane-related chemical industry hub. “They have the infrastructure, pipelines, storage to ship anywhere, but we have something else,” she said. “We have all of the major end users of polyethylene pellets within 700 miles of us—we don’t have to build any pipelines. We also are located inside two of the largest shale plays in the world, so we have a price advantage.” Brinley said the DCED is hopeful that price advantage will entice not only more middle and down-
stream ethylene users, but other large petrochemical producers to the region. “Shell isn’t the only one out there,” she said. Aliquippa Mayor Dwan Walker said, as he has for over a year, “The good news is the cracker plant is coming—the bad news is the cracker plant is coming.” Walker said though it’s great the Beaver County Chamber is promoting the kinds of jobs and training that the plant will need, both during construction and once it’s online, the training programs are not readily accessible for his friends, neighbors and constituents. “Ten thousand people will be needed to build it, but only 1,000 to run it. I
want Aliquippa people to be part of that 1,000,” he said. “Most of the training is in places like Green Tree, and for people who have to use Beaver County Transit Authority buses, you just can’t get there.” Walker said the new president at Beaver County Community College is working to ramp up training programs for the jobs that are coming, but he says more needs to be done. “It’s good that these conversations are taking place at the Chamber level, but they need to take place in the community—in Aliquippa, Monaca, Ambridge,” he said. “The plant won’t be online for two years—this is the perfect time to reach out to the kids in high school.”
vidual bright lights when we are in each other’s presence. We appreciated each other’s ability to shine. When we killed the insidious lie of perfection, our capacity to love each other strengthened and deepened.” Amber Worthy, Asaseyeduru’s cousin, was still visibly reeling from her cousin’s sudden passing. “This tribute definitely spoke to the character of my cousin,” Worthy said. “She really wanted to pull people together. I only wish I would have allowed myself to know her in this manner and the people whom she surrounded herself, and I wish I could have been a part of the work she did.”
State to increase minority contracts STATE FROM A1
on goods, services and construction. Kirkland said Wolf wants to increase that to 30 percent, and he is moving to do so. “The first thing we’re doing is issuing more RFPs (Request For Proposal) and fewer IFBs (Invitation For Bids). IFBs, or sealed bids, don’t have a small business requirement, let alone a minority small business requirement. They are simply based on the lowest price,” Kirkland said. “RFPs allow for more complex scoring—technical capability, cost and diversity can all be used. Small and minority small businesses get a much better deal with the RFP process.” Kirkland’s press secretary Troy Thompson said DGS has already begun issuing RFPs for goods and services formerly contracted by sealed-bids that have increased minority spending and reduced overall costs. “We issued one for legal services where we were paying, in some cases, more than $400 an hour—now we’re paying $100,” he said. “We would like to provide people with an epiphany.” Because DGS issues the most contracts of any state department—spending $41 million on small businesses last year—it has leverage. Kirkland has created an interagency liaison program that will result in each state department reporting monthly on their spending. This will aide in the massive data collection that will ultimately reveal how many minority small businesses contracts went, for instance, to Black-owned firms. “When we implement this electronic data and tracking system, we can maintain that data on each ethnic group and we’ll be able to determine the spend levels in each specific area,” he said. “The cover that ‘diversity’ gives for not hiring Black firms will disappear.” But the real transformation, Kirkland said, will come in about two years when, thanks to Gov. Tom Wolf’s support, a state-wide disparity study will be completed. A disparity study determines if a difference exists between the number of companies available to participate in contracts, and those that are actually utilized on those contracts in a particular market area. It is the only way governments can legally set racial contracting preferences. Kirkland said the first draft of the study, and the new database on agency small business usage and payments should both be ready in about 12 months. “This governor understands the economic engine of small businesses, and he is committed to increasing minority contracting,” said Kirkland. “People say we can’t afford to do this study. We say, we can’t afford not to.”
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Mel Blount Roast a party with a purpose BLOUNT FROM A1
Blount said he thought no one would come to such an event. “And look at us now,” he said. The Mel Blount Youth Home is located in Washington County. Its mission is to provide youth with programs where they will have a healthy environment to learn, work, play and develop principles of respect, responsibility and leadership, according to its website. “It’s great to be here and see and witness firsthand Mel’s dream come true,” Greene told the New Pittsburgh Courier. “He was a rookie when I was in my second year, and he came in talking about a youth home, talking about kids, and he’s living the dream now. This is something he always wanted.” Many Steelers players and other dignitaries attended a cocktail reception
Community Calendar Summer Job Kick-off Event
APRIL 13—Allegheny County and the City of Pittsburgh officially kick-off their Learn and Earn summer jobs program, 1 a m to 2 p m in arket Square, Downtown Applications are also being accepted online at www jobs4summer.org. This year, Allegheny County, the City of Pittsburgh and Partner4Work will place nearly 2,000 young people, ages 14 to 21, with summer jobs and personal development opportunities, while also assisting the long-term growth of Pittsburgh-area employers mployment fields include health care, education, science and technology, entrepreneurship, government and community services, labor and trades Applications will be accepted through ay 2 he work period runs from June 26 to Aug. 4.
B-PEP Jazz
AP I 1 he Black Political mpowerment Project presents its annual B-PP P a Fun-raiser, 5:30 to 11:30 p.m., Wyndham Pittsburgh University Center, 100 Lytton Ave , Oakland Featured performers include oger umphries the Factor, the im Stevens Project and more than guest musicians and vocalists Donation is 5 For tickets or more information, visit b-pepja org
Open House
APRIL 19—Community College of Allegheny County will host College ickstart Day at all its campuses and centers from - p m Attendees can take placement tests, meet with an advisor and learn about CCAC’s program offerings in the arts and humanities, business, education, social and behavioral sciences and human services, and more CCAC staff will be on hand to answer questions about admissions and enrollment procedures, financial aid options, transfer and career opportunities and college services, sports, clubs and other activities For more information, call 412-2 - 2
Art and Music Open House
APRIL 27—Community College of Allegheny County will host an Art and usic Open ouse, 11 a m to 2 p m at West all, directly across from the Foerster Student Services Center, 800 Ridge Ave. Attendees can e plore the art, music and theatre departments, as well as state-of-the-art equipment housed in CCAC’s newly renovated and historic West all he open house will be followed by a show of student artwork in the gallery, as well as vocal, instrumental and theatrical performances by Allegheny Campus students.
A FABULOUS EVENING—From left: Rhonda Backers-Garrett, Michelle Rodriguez, TiAnda Blount, Christy Porter, Charlotte Greene, Joy Woodruff prior to the Roast dinner. Among the other Steelers players spotted were former receiver Louis Lipps, linebacker Andy Russell, guard Gerry “Moon” Mullins, linebacker Robin Cole, and safety Mike Logan. Joey Porter, this year’s honorary recipient of the Celebrity Roast, said, “It’s going to be interesting to see what stories they share.
But (being here) gives me the opportunity to come and support a great event, and running into some of my old teammates.” “Joey’s a great guy, and I know he’ll take all the jokes in,” added Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier. The dinner and subsequent Roast was closed to print media outlets. Blount touted the success
of many youth who have entered the Home and its programs, including a “young man in our program who went and fought in Iraq, he was a sergeant, and now he’s doing well, has a family,” Blount said. Also, “we had a young man who came to our program, went through high school, and we sent him to Morehouse College. He finished More-
house, and now he’s working on his Master’s at Jackson State University,” Blount said. “Because of what Mel means to this community and what he means to the youth, it’s so important (to support him) because he’s taken the time to want to invest in the young people in this community,” Bettis told the New Pittsburgh Courier. Bettis was Master of Ceremonies
for the event. Shazier and James Farrior, a fellow linebacker, stressed the importance of professional athletes acting as role models and giving back to their respective communities. “I think that’s so important because a lot of kids these days, they don’t grow up with a strong father figure or a great mentor in their life, and when you have somebody that can be a role model such as Mel, and a lot of guys in the NFL, it really helps lead guys in the right direction,” Shazier said. “Sometimes guys are listening to the wrong influences, and take the wrong path in life, but they have so much untapped potential.” “It’s very gratifying, it’s a very uplifting feeling to know that you can be able to help people in less fortunate situations and try to give back to your community as much as possible,” added Farrior. “That’s something that Mel has taught us, and we all strive to do the same thing.”
Pittsburgh Promise promotes retention PROMISE FROM A1
gan attracting more low-income, urban and minority students in the early 2000s, it also began to see lower graduation rates and higher dropout rates. In 2003, the university’s graduation rates for African Americans was 25.6 percent. This coincided with a $40 million loss in appropriations and applicants with SAT scores that were 28 points lower. “So we had people saying, ‘the high schools aren’t doing their job getting these kids ready,’” Renick said. “But some asked if we were the problem, and if so what can we control.” It turned out that by using predictive analytics and putting data to better use, they could control quite a bit without spending a lot. Between 2009-10 and 2014-15, the number of African Americans graduates increased 82 percent, from 1,001 to 1,825; the graduation rate for Pell grant recipients rose 93 percent, from 1,298 to 2,501. The key was retention, and improving that started before enrollees even arrived, because some didn’t even do that. Some didn’t fill out the federal financial aid application correctly, some that did failed to respond to the return verification request, some were not aware that Georgia requires proof of immunization for certain diseases, and still others had failed to take placement exams or register for classes. “We found that there was a subset of these applicants, that for a variety of reasons to which we’d been oblivious for years, were destined to fail,” said Renick. “So we built an online portal for new students that builds a path for the students. It asks things like are resources important to you; do you need help with transportation, child care, technology, etc. and it goes into their file.” The profile builds up, and students can access it via their phones, answering questions about interests,
easiest and hardest high school classes, do they work, how much, are they disabled, etc. And once they are enrolled, the system will send them notes and nudges—read chemistry chapters 1-3, or, you have a quiz tomorrow in Math 120. The university also instituted a Summer Success Academy for the 420 highest risk incoming freshmen that included seven hours of degree-level work, intensive advisement, financial literacy training, and team building and skills training. The retention rate that was 50 percent in 2011 is now 87 percent. The system also guides students through choosing an area of study they can stick with, and gain meaningful employment in upon graduation. Again, it can all be done from a cell phone. If you choose, say, a nursing associate degree program, it shows what it costs, current jobs posting and average salary. It also asks if you’d consider related tracks like radiology, and shows their salaries and job openings. This reduced the number of students changing majors— and losing credit hours and scholarships funding—and dropping out—by 32 percent. Howard said Robert Morris is introducing similar support mechanisms. “We have a moral obligation to make sure our students arrive and thrive,” he said. “Dr. Renick and Georgia State demonstrate the power of data. We can use data we have collected for years to identify individual students most at risk and craft interventions before they fail a class, or even fail a test. I call it the Netflix model. Studying your past behavior helps to predict your future choices.” Community College of Allegheny County President Dr. Quentin Bullock said Renick’s model underscores the benefits of connecting with students early and often. He said CCAC has embraced similar practices at several of its campuses.
“For example, CCAC’s North Campus Single Point of Contact program provides all new, first-time students at North Campus and West Hills Center with a designated mentor who works with them to address any challenges they may have,” he said. “Through the development of intentional, rela-
tional interactions between the student and SPOC administrator, students are able to discover the many learning and social supports the college offers to foster their success. These interactions have resulted in an 8 percent increase in student retention from fall 2016 to spring 2017 for all first-time students at these
locations.” Promise Executive Director Saleem Ghubril thanked everyone for their input and attendance. “What we want to do is to move from telling anecdotes about successes changing individual lives to changing systems,” he said. “That ensures no one falls through the cracks.”
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PEOPLE
APRIL 12-18, 2017
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Public service members recognized at awards ceremony by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer
When there’s a fire blazing, most people are moving as far away as possible from the flames and the harm that it could bring. Then there’s people like Steve Jasper, who does the exact opposite. He races to the scene, puts out the blaze and tries to save anyone who needs medical attention. The firefighter of 30 years was among 17 local public service members honored at the 16th annual Pittsburgh and Allegheny County Public Service Awards, held April 5 at Savoy Restau-
told him the tragedy was even more than what television cameras could capture. “I was so moved, I wanted to go to New York to help. But I also wanted to do something here to recognize our local heroes,” Neal said. About 125 people were in attendance for the upstairs event, many grabbing some eateries and listening to music before the event began. Then, Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Dwayne Woodruff addressed the crowd, lending his full support to the honorees. “We need them,” Woodruff
for a short while, but for the long haul.” Officer Richard Ernest McClain, one of the honorees, has served 28 years on the Pittsburgh Police force. He’s Homewood-raised, a graduate of Westinghouse High School and Tuskegee University, and told the New Pittsburgh Courier he loves to serve. “It feels great to be recognized,” he said. “I like dealing with people, and working with people.” McClain said many police officers are compassionate, and care for the people in the communities they serve. “People shouldn’t judge (us) based on what they see on
PUBLIC SERVICE—These men and women were honored for their years of public service during the Public Service Awards, at Savoy Restaurant, April 5.
the news or in other cities. They should get to know the officers because we are all human before we put the uniform on. Once you get to know us as a person, you’ll realize that we’re real people just like they are,” he said. Deborah Walker, another honoree, was recognized in memoriam. The former director Deputy Chief of Human Resources in the city’s Department of Personnel and Civil Service Commission left a lasting impact on everyone, said her niece Deanna Smith. “She was just a loving HONOREE—Surrounded by her supporters, Loraine Cook, middle, received an award for her dedicaperson,” said Smith, who tion to public service. (Photos by J.L. Martello) received the award on her
PITTSBURGH POLICE—City officer Richard Ernest McClain, third from left, with family members Richard McClain III, Audriana Ford and Bruce McClain.
CHUCK SAUNDERS AND JUDGE DWAYNE WOODRUFF rant, in the Strip District. The event was originated by Achieving Greatness, Inc. “When I was younger, I always heard the sirens going off and I always wanted to be a firefighter, so I joined the (Penn Hills Volunteer Fire Department) and have been there ever since,” said Jasper, who is now Deputy Chief of the Penn Hills Lincoln Park Volunteer Fire Department. “I’m an adrenaline junkie, so it was just something I wanted to try out, and I loved it.” Jasper, a Penn Hills High School graduate, also served four years in the Air Force, then with the Wilkinsburg and Pittsburgh fire departments, while also serving for the Penn Hills Lincoln Park Volunteer Fire Department. Jasper said when people thank him for putting out a fire, or administering life-saving procedures, “It feels pretty good, but I take it as, I was just doing my job because that’s what I’m here to do.” Bill Neal, the event’s host and sports columnist for the New Pittsburgh Courier, began honoring those in public service after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. He knew people in New York City at the time, and they
said. “As adults, we sometimes fall short of what we should be doing. These people that we honor today, those are the ones who have been standing tall, not just
aunt’s behalf. “She was for the community. She would do anything for anyone, and she’s always been that way.” Smith said that Walker was a strong proponent for “the Black community. She was an avid person for Black rights and to achieve Black progress.” Walker also served as a police officer for the University of Pittsburgh, chair of Pittsburgh’s Citizens Police Review Board and manager of the city’s Office of Municipal Investigations. Walker died in late February. She was 62. “She leaves a great legacy behind her, one that we’re all proud of,” Woodruff said.
Other honorees included Kim Long, Mary Lou Hoffman, Amera Gilchrist, Vianca Masucci, Allegheny County Housing Authority Chief of Police Mike Vogel, Hercules Chico Butler, Loraine Cook, Alieu Nyassi, Lori Crisswell, Brandon Phillips, Petty Officer Wayne A. McGonigal, Robert Williams and Sgt. Alejandro Ahumado Jr. “These are people that are serving because that’s the character that they have,” Woodruff said. “They’re not serving looking for recognition. They just continue to work hard for their community. We just thank God that they’re around.”
LIFESTYLES New Pittsburgh Courier
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APRIL 12-18, 2017
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
Debbie Norrell
Lifestyles Report ‘Instill and Inspire’ —the sidebar I must say, I was totally inspired by Vivian Hewitt. She was delightful. I pray that I will be as vibrant as she is at 97 years old. It was a pleasure to meet her on March 31 at the August Wilson Center. When I agreed to the assignment, I really did not think that much about it. After I took my seat in the auditorium and began to pay attention to what the evening was about, I realized how fortunate I am to be able to enjoy events like this for a living. Hewitt talked freely about her art collection and how she and her husband purchased African American art. What excited me was when she said anyone can do what they have done. She went on to say, one should move thier art around, take some pieces down and put others up. When she said that, I got excited. I have several pieces that I would like to move around, but just can’t figure out where they should go. Hewitt then began to talk about what adds value to a piece of art. She said even a print or poster can be valuable. Then I remembered that I have signed pieces from several artists, Charles Bibs and Paul Goodnight. Both artists were guests on my talk show and signed prints. I also have one by the late Jay Bakari. I remember the day I convinced him to sign it at the Homewood Art Festival. And then, there is the original Geoffrey Holder that I have yet to frame. Yes, Holder, the “Un-Cola” man, the dancer and the Boomerang actor. As I sat and listened to Hewitt, I realized that I have the beginnings of an art collection. As soon as my “busy season” is over, I am going to assess what I have on the walls and begin to rearrange. I have several pieces that need to be framed. Take a look at your art; you may have some interesting pieces as well. Do you have them displayed so you and guests can enjoy them? Do you have blank walls? My stairwell used to be blank and it is now a “stairwell gallery.” So often we let that space go to waste. Hewitt said one doesn’t have to be wealthy to be a collector; you should buy what you love and don’t let a decorator tell you what to buy. She said sometimes they would buy about six paintings a year and, at Christmas time, they would pool their money and buy art. I went up to her during the reception and asked if she could recommend an art dealer or art appraiser for me. She answered me very quickly and gave me a name. What a dynamic lady. Please go and see the exhibit at the August Wilson Center, Downtown. You have until June 30. Also, buy the book “Instill & Inspire.” I purchased my copy and keep it right with my books on my favorite photographer, Teenie Harris. (Email Debbie at debbienorrell@aol.com)
NEW CASTLE NATIVES—Thad Mosley wishing Vivian Hewitt a hap- EVENT CHAIRS WITH GUEST—Nancy D. Washington, Karen Farmer White and Ann Tanksley, artist py birthday. and native Pittsburgher.
by Debbie Norrell Lifestyles Editor
“Life’s Little Instruction Book” says, “acquire art that your grandchildren will fight over.” We don’t know of any fights, but the art that was acquired by John and Vivian Hewitt is worthy of the phrase. On March 31, at the August Wilson Center, the John & Vivian Hewitt Collection of African American Art was introduced to Pittsburgh. With Nancy D. Washington and Karen Farmer White as event co-chairs, guests enjoyed an evening of conversation and celebration with 97-year-old Vivian Hewitt. Alexis Taylor of the Harvey Gantt Center for African American Arts & Culture interviewed the collector on stage, and she shared the story of how she and her husband began collecting art, right after they were married. The New Castle native said, “I did not want a dishwasher or an electric sweeper, give me a painting.” The Haitian painting “Sugarcane Dancers” was one of the first paintings they purchased. “Instill & Inspire” is a collection of 58 paintings and drawings from across the 20th century. The works range from completely representational to fully abstract, mirroring the development arc of American art in the 1900s. The best known artists in the collection are Romere Bearden, Elizabeth Catlett,
INSPIRED BY THE COLLECTION—Janice Burley Wilson, Ann Tanksley, Karen Farmer White, Yvonne Cook, Jonathan Green and Vivian Hewitt taking in all the art.
ARTISTIC CAKE
VIEWING THE HEWITT COLLECTION—Jackie Dixon and Marcia Martin
PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE HARVEY GANTT CENTER —David Taylor
CELEBRATING ART—Rev. Glenn Grayson and Brenda Tate (Photos by Debbie Norrell)
Jacob Lawrence and Henry Ossawa Tanner. Spotted celebrating a belated birthday with Vivian Hewitt and previewing the collection were Thad Mosley, Tina Brewer, members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., The Links and The Pierians. Vivian Hewitt is an AKA, a member of The Links and an honorary Pierian. A book published by the University of Pittsburgh Press accompanies “Instill & Inspire” and was for sale that evening. The “Instill & Inspire” exhibit runs through June 30 at the August Wilson Center.
ART LOVERS—Carmen Lee and Erv Dyer
EXHIBIT HOST—Yvonne Cook with her mother, Christine Cook.
RELIGION
A8 APRIL 12-18, 2017
Church Circuit PRE-ANNIVERSARY CONCERT
APRIL 21—The Unity Baptist Church of Braddock, 420 Fifth St., will sponsor a pre-anniversary concert featuring the Mt. Ararat Baptist Church Male Chorus, under the direction of Brother Tony Mitchell, at 7 p.m. Come celebrate the 14th church anniversary by hearing this dynamic Gospel Male Chorus. For more information, call 412-646-1787.
ORGANIZATION KICKOFF EVENT
APRIL 23—The Women of Excellence, Ladies of Faith, will hold their kickoff event from 2 to 4 p.m. at Healthy Village Learning Institute, 2988 Boyd St., McKeesport. Donation is $10. Donation includes a drawing for a Mother’s Day gift basket and light refreshments. Hear more about this community-based outreach. For more information, call 412583-0594.
BETHEL AME LAY WITNESS SUNDAY
by J.L. Martello For New Pittsburgh Courier
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Fish fryin’ at First AME Church
The First AME Church of Clairton holds a Fish Fry each Friday during Lent. Emanual Lewis, a lifetime member of the church and a cook in the kitchen, said the Fish Fry is not just a fundraiser, but, “It’s important because a lot of people eat fish during Lent season and we try to serve the public. That’s what we are about, serving the public through God.” First AME church member Cornelia Pompey has been part of the church for 57 years. “The community comes in and it’s like a social hour,” she said. “We enjoy the fish and enjoy talking and entertaining each other.” First AME Church of Clairton is located at 177 Mitchell Ave. For more information and worship FISH FRY—From left: Trey Dixon, 9, Gregory Stewart and Dushawn Smith (Photos by J.L. Martello) times, call 412-233-5837.
APRIL 23—Bethel AME Church, 2720 Webster Ave., Hill District, will hold its annual Lay Witness Sunday, beginning at 11 a.m. The guest speaker will be Mr. Julius L. Redd, retired school administrator for the Pittsburgh Public Schools. For more information, call 412-683-2160. Rev. Dr. Steven A. Jackson is pastor.
MOUNT CARMEL SPRING REVIVAL
MAY 13—Mount Carmel Baptist Church, 90 Port Perry Rd., North Versailles, invites you to their Spring Revival, at 7 p.m. nightly. The guest preacher will be Rev. Dr Alyn E Waller, of Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church in Philadelphia. For more information, call 412-823-2841. Rev. Barbara A Gunn is pastor.
SHOW OF SUPPORT—Rev. William Calloway, pastor, Mt. Olive Baptist Church, with fellow members TASTES GOOD—Tennille Johnson and 8-year-old Avaughn Pompey enjoying the fish fry at First AME Church of Clairton. Dorothy Ellis and Willma Reaves.
Praise & Worship ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH Crawford & Centre Ave. Pgh., PA 15219 412-281-3141 Mass Sunday 9:00 A.M. & 12:00 P.M. Sunday (Gospel Choir Mass) 12:00 P.M. www.stbtmchurch.org
METROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH 22 Sampsonia Street, Northside Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412-231-2554 FAX 412-231-6395 Rev. Lacy F. Richardson, Ph.D., Pastor Church School.................................9:30 A.M. Worship Service.................8:00 & 10:45 A.M. Bible Study/ Prayer Wednesday...................6:30/7:30 P.M.
EMANUAL LEWIS
www.metropolitanbaptistchurch.com metropolitanbaptist2224@gmail.com
SHARON JOHNSON
East Liberty Presbyterian Church Rev. Dr. Randy Bush, Senior Pastor 412-441-3800 116 S. Highland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206
www.cathedralofhope.com
Journey Worship........8:45 a.m. Sanctuary Worship........11 a.m.
New Destiny CME Church 1018 Bidwell St. Pittsburgh, PA 15233 412-231-7882 Rev. Kornelus Neal, pastor The Rt. Rev. Marvin Thomas Sr., presiding bishop Sunday School....................................9 A.M. Morning Worship Service............11:00 A.M.
CORNELIA POMPEY
To have your church included in the Praise & Worship section, contact Ashley Johnson at 412-481-8302 ext. 128 for ad rates.
FOUR-YEAR-OLD AARON POMPEY
KENNETH STEWART
Second Baptist Church gospel music workshop
Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community For rate information, call 412-481-8302, ext. 128.
We are looking to feature our positive youth in the church communities. You can e-mail, fax or mail their bios and photo to: New Pittsburgh Courier 315 E. Carson St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Fax: 412-481-1360 email: religion@newpittsburghcourier.com
GOSPEL WORKSHOP—Members of Second Baptist Church and the Gospel Music Workshop of America, Pittsburgh chapter. (Photos courtesy Second Baptist Church)
PERFORMANCE—A choir member sings during the annual Gospel Music Workshop at Second Baptist Church of Homestead.
Second Baptist Church of shop, in conjunction with burgh chapter, on April 9. sical production, “The Story Church is located at 108 W. Homestead presented its the Gospel Music Work- This Saturday, April 15, the of Jesus,” at 6 p.m. Admis- 12th Ave. For more inforannual Gospel Music Work- shop of America, Pitts- church will present the mu- sion is free. Second Baptist mation, call 412-461-8235.
ENTERTAINER New Pittsburgh Courier
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APRIL 12-18, 2017
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
A star-studded event
Cover To Cover
Early Sunday Morning
The 19th Annual Mel Blount Youth Home All-Star Celebrity Roast
by Terri Schlichenmeyer For New Pittsburgh Courier
Each Sunday, your family has a routine they follow. Everyone gets up early to the smells of a good breakfast that Mama makes; she serves all your favorites before you go to church to raise your voice and praise God. Church is also where people can go to pray. Some people get saved there. And in the new book, “Early Sunday Morning” by Denene Millner, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton, some people get a dose of confidence. Sunday is the day your family sets aside for the Lord, which makes it pretty special because everybody puts on their best clothes, shines their shoes, and goes to church together. It’s your favorite day of the week, especially when something like a solo in youth choir makes it even better.
CELEBRITIES EVERYWHERE—Steelers legends were out in full force at the 19th annual Mel Blount Celebrity Roast, at the Westin, Downtown, April 7. (Photos by Debbie Norrell)
JEROME BETTIS Singing is fun, and it’s easy to practice when nobody’s around. It’s also fun when it’s done with someone else but singing alone in front of a microphone, in front of the whole church? That’s scary, even though everybody tells you it’ll be okay. You’ll be looking extra-fine, you’ll have your hair in a beautiful crown, they all have good advice but still, you’re awfully nervous. Mama says, “The angels will shout in Heaven” when you sing. Daddy says to “pick a spot in the church and sing to it like you do in the mirror.” Their words make you feel a tiny bit more confident. Once you’re at church, just getting through Sunday School is hard. Not looking at the microphone is hard. Not watching the clock is hard, too. And then, it’s time to put on the choir robe you’ve brought from home and walk to the front of the church with your friends. It’s time to open your mouth and sing… but you’re still nervous. Mama thinks angels will shout. Daddy reminded you to pick a spot and don’t worry. You remember all that, so you take their advice and a deep breath… Dry mouth. A little shaky in the knees. That funny feeling just below the ribcage. Yep, that’s a case of the nerves alright, but “Early Sunday Morning” shows your child that things have a way of turning out fine. And that can take time, as this story indicates. The main character, unnamed but based on author Millner’s own childhood, is ready-not-ready to tackle what’s obviously a big honor; through the expressive artistry of Brantley-Newton, young readers can see the character dealing with Mean Kids and wrestling with her fears, and that reticence is easy to identify with no matter what your age. But wait—that’s not all. Millner also tells a tale of a tight-knit community, a close family, and their collective faith. Of course this book is about a little girl’s solo in choir, but you can’t discount the adults, who quietly support the story. (“Early Sunday Morning” by Denene Millner, c.2017, Bolden, $17.95, 40 pages)
RYAN SHAZIER, MICHELLE RODRIGUEZ
MEAN JOE CRACKS A SMILE—“Mean” Joe Greene, right, and wife Charlotte are joined by Judge Dwayne Woodruff, and wife, Joy.
VOLUNTEERS—TiAnda Blount, middle with gold dress, with volunteers for the 19th annual Mel Blount Celebrity Roast, at the Westin, Downtown, April 7.
STO-ROX—Students from Sto-Rox High School, from left: Jayvier Guyton, Davonte Williams, Taiwan Larue
PITTSBURGHERS VICTORIA AND REV. VICTOR GRIGSBY
PITTSBURGHERS BROOKE NELSON AND TALISIA McGRIFF
STO-ROX REPRESENTIN’—Students from Sto-Rox High School, from left: Nasir Bey, Dylan Sewell, Gildas Kodjo, Jordan Berry, Dylan Greer, William Johnson
PITTSBURGHERS ANNA SPOTWOOD AND BARRY POWELL AS SEEN ON HGTV—Norris Blount, son of Mel Blount, and Denitia Blount
To see more pics from the event, visit newpittsburghcourier.com
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APRIL 12-18, 2017
HEALTH
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Take charge of your health today. Be informed. Be involved. Bridging Health Equity Across Communities
This month, the “Take Charge of Your Health Today” page focuses on bridging health equity across communities. Heather A. Anderson, MPH, community outreach coordinator, CTSI Community PARTners Core, and program educator, Community Benefits Initiative, Children’s ospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, and Esther L. Bush,
such a meaningful topic. As these pages have shown over the last five years, the status of minority health is heavily shaped by health inequity in our communities. It is key for us to talk about the gaps that cause these inequities. Also important is how we can “bridge” these gaps so that minority communities can have a health status equal to that of nonminority communities. We talk about this topic a lot among health and social service professionals But it’s not something that we talk about at the community level he health conversations that we have at a community level are focused on practicing healthy behaviors and staying informed. But I want to take it a step further than that Where does health equity fit in HA: Great question. I think the foundation president and CEO of the Urban League of is understanding exactly what health equity reater Pittsburgh, sat down to have an en- means and how it affects a person’s life lightening conversation about the featured Health equity is the study of differences in topic. both the health and health care of groups HA: ood afternoon, s Bush It’s nice to with different races, ethnicities, income levtalk again Because April is ational inori- els and se ual identities hey’re caused by ty ealth onth, we’ve decided to discuss social factors that can be prevented ou’ll health equity and bridging gaps across often hear the term “social determinants of communities. health” to describe the social factors that EB: I’m happy to see you again, eather, determine health outcomes. especially because we get to chat about EB: “Social determinants of health” means
a bill or law that will affect you or your community’s access to health care, call your local, state or even national politicians HA: es While health care policy changes are happening at a national level with the new president, there’s also a lot happening around us here in Pittsburgh. Our local health department, various churches, professional associations and political organi ations, are working on this topic hey’re identifying gaps and providing solutions, while local researchers are gathering data to support these efforts. One such person is ijung Park, PhD, S , P , niversity of Pittsburgh School of Nursing. Her areas of focus include creating new health ESTHER BUSH services models and working with diverse that a person’s health can be determined family caregivers by factors like where they live, work and EB: Thank you for sharing these details play he availability of health care and a and for this conversation, eather While person’s education level are other factors it’s unfortunate that there are such disparWhat I want community members to under- ities among groups, it’s good to know that stand is that they can do something about there are efforts being made at city, state health inequity. We should all be informed and national levels to address them And, about the ways that health policy affects as members of Pittsburgh’s community, our health. These policies can cause the it’s vital for those of us who can speak up inequity that we see in certain communities. about these issues continue to do so. Before you vote for politicians, find out their For more information or with questions, viewpoints on health care If you hear about e-mail partners@hs.pitt.edu.
Pitt’s Center for Health Equity: Making a difference in communities of color
Coordinating health services in African American barbershops. Documenting the daily life of Latino immigrants. Exploring strategies to reduce gun violence Building academic-community partnerships hese are some of the initiatives of the Center for ealth quity C at the niversity of Pittsburgh’s raduate School of Public Health. CHE has a goal to reduce the major causes of excess mortality among underserved populations in Southwestern Pennsylvania C does this by using a community-engaged approach to address health disparities. CHE works in various communities throughout the year but with a special emphasis on programs in April during National Minority Health Month. The health challenges facing African American men are well-documented hey are at increased risk for heart disease, prostate cancer, kidney failure and gun violence It is important to help the community learn more about these health conditions C partners with local barbershops, students in Pitt’s Schools of the ealth Sciences and
Take a Health Professional to the People Day (Courtesy Photo/Pitt Grad School of Public Health) health care providers hese partners go to the community and offer blood pres-
sure screenings and health education for barbershop clients his event is held
every year and is called ake a Health Professional to the People Day” (TADay). TADay is a health promotion effort that is open to anyone interested in volunteering time in a barbershop. CHE also partners with the four main trauma centers in our local hospitals to offer services to help improve the lives of gun-shot victims Another community embraced by CHE is the Latino population. This community has grown significantly in Allegheny County between the last two censuses. To raise awareness of their presence, 12 Latino immigrants from different countries will answer the question, “What does it mean to be a Latino immigrant in Pittsburgh by taking photos of daily life, work, family life and cultural practices. CHE and other departments at Pitt will showcase the photos at the Carnegie ibrary of Pittsburgh-Beechview and at the Graduate School of Public ealth he events are free and open to the public. For more information on all CHE initiatives, visit our website at www.healthequity.pitt.edu.
Where you live may make you old: The link between neighborhood quality and Biological Aging by Mijung Park, PhD, MSN, MPH The speed of chronological age is the same for everyone very 5 days, we become one year older It does not matter who we are Biologically, however, we age at different speeds. In other words, some people age faster than others on a cellular level So then the question is, what ages us, and who ages faster than others hese are interesting scientific questions. How do we measure our biological age One of the biological markers of cellular aging is the length of a telomere. Telomeres are the caps at the end of each strand of D A hey protect genetic information, like the plastic tips at the
ends of shoelaces elomeres get shorter each time a cell copies itself. Because cells constantly divide, telomeres get shorter at a steady rate owever, there are certain things—like stress, illness, smoking or obesity—that are known to speed up the aging process. Our study looked at whether living in lower-resource neighborhoods is related to faster cellular aging. By distressed neighborhoods, we mean those with high crime rates, vandalism and noise We thought that living in lower-resource neighborhoods would increase the level of stress and, in turn, quicken telomere shortening We found that, when comparing two individuals of the same age, sex and other characteristics, those who
live in lower-resource neighborhoods are biologically older than those who do not. he differences in telomere length between the two groups were comparable to 12 years in chronological age. Our paper is one of the very early studies examining social conditions in the context of biological aging. Therefore, I would like to caution people about applying our findings directly to social change owever, the gaps in living conditions between the people living in lower-resource neighborhoods and people who do not have been growing over the past decades. We need to look for ways to improve the living conditions of the people in our disadvantaged communities
Mijung Park, PhD, MSN, MPH
Get involved
Working toward a more equitable, healthier society is going to take all of us working together. As citizens, it is our responsibility to stand up for the health interests of our families, our communities and ourselves A number of local organi ations are providing information on how to get involved in improving our health care system Some of these organi ations are even working to organi e communities to take direct action and use their power as voters to help change laws If you want to get involved, contact one of these local organizations to get a better understanding of how you can join the movement Allies for Children: 412-586-0880 American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): 412-681-7736 Consumer Health Coalition: 412-456-1877 Pittsburgh United: 412-231-8648 Put People First! PA: 412-482-0041
BUSINESS New Pittsburgh Courier
Bill Neal’s Overtime B7
APRIL 12-18, 2017
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
Tax facts when you buy a home Are you planning to buy a home sometime soon? About 64 percent of American families own their primary residence, according to U.S. Census Bureau statistics, and homeownership is a long-standing part of the American Dream. Whether you’re still shopping or have already set up housekeeping, it’s a good idea to understand some of the tax implications of ownership. The Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs provides a rundown of some of the tax facts you need to know. Fact: There’s a mortgage interest deduction Your monthly mortgage bill includes both principal and interest payments. Individuals or married couples filing jointly are generally eligible to deduct all interest payments on home acquisition debt up to $1 million (up to $500,000 for a married couple filing separately). Because of the way mortgages are designed, your initial payments are made up mostly of interest, so the deduction is at its highest in the early years of your loan, which is a nice break for new homeowners. Interest on home equity debt of up to $100,000 ($50,000 for a married couple filing separately) is deductible as well. You can also deduct the cost of points you pay for a mortgage. In many cases, if you use a home loan to buy or build your main residence and the points paid were not more than the points generally charged in your area, you can fully deduct the points in the year you paid them. Fact: Property taxes are deductible too New homeownership typically means paying real estate taxes. The good news is that you can generally deduct those taxes, which will reduce their impact on your bottom line. Homeowner association fees paid on your personal residence are not deductible. If you have a home office, though, you may be able to deduct a portion of those HOA fees as an expense related to that office. Fact: You should know the tax rules on the sale of a home If you sell your home for more than your adjusted basis in the property, you generally will qualify for up to a $250,000 exclusion of that gain from your income ($500,000 for a married couple filing jointly) if you owned and used the home as your main residence for at least two of the past five years prior to the sale. (There are special exemptions that may apply to those in the military who are on “qualified official extended duty.”) If you don’t meet those requirements, you may still qualify for a partial exclusion of gain if you experienced one of a variety of unforeseen circumstances, including death, divorce, job loss or employment changes that render you unable to pay basic living expenses for the household, home damage or condemnation, or a pregnancy with multiple births. Fact: You’ll have to make decisions about itemizing All taxpayers must determine whether it’s best to take the standard deduction or itemize their deductions on their tax returns, based on which option will give them the best tax break. Before their big SEE TAX B2
Classifieds
Find what you need from jobs to cars to housing B5-B6
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5 surprising facts on the wage gap for women of color by Roz Edwards For New Pittsburgh Courier
Time to pursue oil jobs
Blacks, Latinos missing out on lucrative jobs in oil industry
by Stacy M. Brown For New Pittsburgh Courier
(NNPA)—There are great opportunities for African Americans and Latinos in the oil, natural gas, and petrochemical industries, according to industry insiders, who are calling on minorities to “get in the game.” “IHS Markit projects that there will be nearly 1.9 million job opportunities over the next 20 years in our industry, and [minorities] are expected to fill more than 575,000 of those positions,” said Deryck Spooner, the senior director of external mobilization at American Petroleum Institute. “These employment projections are based on current and expected trends in factors such as labor force participation rates, population growth rates, and educational attainment rates.” IHS Markit is known as the leading source of information and insight into critical areas that shape today’s business landscape. Spooner noted that opportunities would be available in a wide variety of occupations across the country. Of the 1.9 million new job opportunities, 57 percent are projected to be in blue-collar occupations and 32 percent are projected to be in management and professional fields, according to IHS Markit. Martha Montoya, the chair of the National Association of Hispanic Publications, said that it’s important for Black and Latino families to have conversations about opportunities in the oil industry that are available for people who aspire to join the middle class. A recent report by IHS Markit noted that Hispanic and African-American workers are projected to account for close to 25 percent of new hires in management, business and financial jobs through 2035. Also, of the women projected to be hired in the oil industry, more than half are expected to fill management and profession-
al occupations. The salaries in the oil and gas industry make the jobs very attractive. Currently, the average salary for a financial analyst in the industry is $55,620, while a petroleum engineer makes $82,000 annually. Oil and gas pipeline construction workers average about $76,000 per year and those who drill oil and gas wells typically rake in at least $98,000 per year, according to several databases. “Experienced engineers are being offered sky-high salaries and are taking regular calls from headhunters as the booming shale gas industry fights for scarce talent, snapping up engineers from other sectors,” reported Alanna Petroff of CNN Money. “There aren’t enough experienced engineers to go around, and global demand for engineers is growing, especially as the U.S. shale gas industry balloons.” In order to take advantage of the oil and gas boom, Spooner said that minorities must get in the game. “Our polling of African-Americans and Latinos showed that the vast majority of individuals had never applied for a job in the industry, with 60 percent of those being driven by a basic lack of familiarity with the industry’s opportunities,” Spooner said. As noted in the 2017 State of American Energy report, the American Petroleum Institute continues to work with Hispanics in Energy and the American Association of Blacks in Energy to spread the word about that 707,000 positions are projected to be held by African-American and Hispanic workers, said API spokesman Reid T. Porter. Porter added: “And, we’ve started a Veterans Energy Pipeline program to connect veterans with career opportunities that are compatible with their unique skill sets.” With above-average salaries and an
In honor of Equal Pay day on April 4, the American Association of University Women released its latest report on the disparity in men and women’s pay in America, and unfortunately, Black and Hispanic women have the longest way to go. We have all heard about the “20 percent” pay gap that exists between men and women--but in truth this does not reflect the reality of all women. The Simple Truth about the Gender Pay Gap gets to the brass tax of things, by not only addressing how the pay gap is influenced by age, race, motherhood and education levels, it now even includes information on disability status, sexual orientation, and gender identity. It also offers solutions on how to close it. First, five quick facts from the report: 1. According to AAUW, the pay gap won’t close until 2152. 2. The gender pay gap is worse for mothers, and it only grows with age. 3. Thanks to the pay gap, women of color especially struggle to pay off student debt. 4. Women in every state experience the pay gap, but in some states it’s worse than others. 5. More education helps increase women’s earnings, but it still doesn’t close the gender pay gap. Compared to the earnings of non-Hispanic White men (the largest segment of the workforce in America), Hispanic women earn 54 cents to every white man’s dollar; Black women earn 63 cents; White women earn 75 cents and Asian women 85 cents (which all together gets us to the “20 percent” wage disparity.) The report also dispels the notion that more education closes the gender pay gap. “As a rule, earnings increase as years of education increase for both men and women. However, while more education is a useful tool for increasing earnings, it is not effective against the gender pay gap. At every level of academic achievement, women’s median earnings are less than men’s median earnings, and in some cases, the gender pay gap is larger at higher levels of education,” notes the AAUW’s website. The report also documents that women of color have a harder time paying off their student debt. Yet, for all of the “bad news,” the AAUW also offers solutions to the gender pay gap: For companies SEE SURPRISING B2
SEE PURSUE B2
Regulatory reforms will unleash nation’s entrepreneurial spirit There has been much debate and discussion on Capitol Hill around the need to pass comprehensive tax reform to spur economic growth, investment, and job creation. Indeed, overhauling our complex, outdated tax code will accomplish all those goals with the House GOP tax reform blueprint being the best path forward. But more can be done to help the nation’s economy officially put the recession in its rearview mirror—meaningful regulatory reform. Americans for Prosperity senior policy analyst Mary Kate Hopkins recently noted <http://www.insidesources.com/ inside-look-border-adjustment-tax/>, “American companies want to be headquartered here, they want to do their business here. We have a strong dollar, the rule of law, its [sic] close to where they live. So, the best way to do that is to have the lowest tax rate for corporations in the world, and to have a regulatory system that makes it easy to do business.” Right now, that is not the case. Since 1975, the Code of Federal Regulations has grown from 71,000 pages to over 175,000. This growth has turned us into an over-governed society and the cost of excessive regulation stifles economic growth and represents a regressive tax on small and midsized businesses who can’t afford the lawyers and specialists needed to efficiently comply. The price tag for existing regulations amounts to more than $2 trillion a year,
per a 2012 study conducted for the Harry C. Alford National Association of Manufacturers. That’s about the size of Canada’s GDP. Households ultimately get hit with thousands of dollars of regulatory compliance costs in the form of higher costs for goods and services. Small businesses, who cannot readily pass their increased costs to their customers, are forced to absorb those costs or go out of business. Now, rolling back the regulatory burden that has been imposed on business in recent years does not mean rolling back worker safety, environmental protections, or reasonable financial safeguards, although big government advocates assert that to be the effect of the President’s regulatory agenda. The Trump Administration and Congress recognize the dead weight burden of too much regulation on economic growth and have given reform the high priority that it deserves. In late February, the President signed an Executive Order directing each federal agency to set up a task force to review existing regulations and identify those to repeal or modify. This is in addition to the directive that agencies cancel two regulations for each one issued. The Presi-
Beyond the Rhetoric
dent can also cancel Executive orders that impose unreasonable burdens on business and agency heads can cancel policy and guidance documents which have the same impact. Congress has been doing its part, using the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to send to the President three resolutions of disapproval of regulations issued by the Obama Administration with at least a dozen more likely in coming months. But it can do more. There are two pieces of legislation before Congress that have bipartisan support and the strong backing of the National Black Chamber, as well as many other groups—the Regulatory Accountability Act and the Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act. The Regulatory Accountability Act would modernize the 1940’s vintage Administrative Procedure Act, which governs our federal regulatory process. It would require more transparency and public participation. Under the Sunshine Act, agencies would have to give the public plenty of notice when they want to settle a lawsuit with outside groups. Thus, interested parties such as states and affected industries would have a chance to
voice their opinions before a settlement is finalized. We need to have a regulatory system that makes agencies accountable to the people, allows the public to meaningfully participate, and upholds the rule of law. The business community must insist on good governance and only by reforming the rulemaking system itself will we achieve that goal. The National Black Chamber of Commerce, which reaches 100,000 African American owned businesses, focuses on helping African American entrepreneurs and business owners pursue a successful course in our competitive economy. Today, African American owned businesses account for more than $138 billion in annual sales. Their contribution to the domestic economy is strong and has the potential for contributing more. But as it stands, the modern-day regulatory state often prevents companies from acting, discourages them from investing, and creates an environment where regulatory risk blots out the entrepreneurial spirit. Regulatory reform is ultimately about good government, which leads to a better economy. If we are to hold on to our personal and economic freedoms— and our character as a can-do nation—we must act now.
(Harry Alford is the co-founder, president/CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce® Website: www.nationalbcc.org email: halford@ nationalbcc.org)
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NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
When you buy a home TAX FROM B1
purchase, new homeowners may have taken the standard deduction, which is $6,300 for individuals and $12,600 for married couples filing jointly. Once you buy your home, however, it may be time to itemize your deductions because your annual mortgage interest payments could be higher than the standard deduction. Fact: Your CPA Can Help If you’ve recently bought a home or are about to do
so, congratulations! This is an exciting time. Since homeownership is a step that will have a significant impact on your finances, this is a good time to reach out to your local CPA. He or she can offer valuable advice to help you address how home ownership will affect your finances and all other financial concerns. To find a CPA in your area or for more financial tips, visit www.picpa.org/moneyandlife.
5 surprising facts SURPRISING FROM B1
While some CEOs have been vocal in their commitment to paying workers fairly, American women can’t wait for trickle-down change. AAUW urges companies to conduct salary audits to proactively monitor and address gender-based pay differences. It’s just good business. For individuals Women can learn strategies to better negotiate for equal pay. AAUW’s salary negotiation workshops help empower women to advocate for themselves when it comes to salary, benefits, and promotions. In Boston
or Washington, D.C.? Read more about the free workshops in your area, and stay tuned for more cities to come! For policy makers The Paycheck Fairness Act would improve the scope of the Equal Pay Act, which hasn’t been updated since 1963, with stronger incentives for employers to follow the law, enhance federal enforcement efforts, and prohibit retaliation against workers asking about wage practices. Tell the Congress to take action for equal pay.
(Roz Edward is Michigan Chronicle managing editor)
Pursue oil jobs PURSUE FROM B1
abundance of career opportunities projected over the next two decades, the oil and natural gas industry offers solutions to wage stagnation and income inequality, which remain major concerns in our still-struggling economy, said Porter. “Capitalizing on energy job opportunities doesn’t require a government program or taxpayer funding,” said Porter. “All it takes are smart energy policies and increased awareness of job opportunities to ensure the ‘Great Crew Change’ is the game changer it can be for America’s workers.” The industry is partnering with schools, labor organizations and the government to increase awareness of energy job opportunities and to promote greater participation in science, technology, engineering and math careers. Still, many are surprised to learn that the industry
BUSINESS CALENDAR
has a great deal of job opportunities in blue collar occupations (57 percent), which require a high school diploma and some post-secondary training, Spooner said. “These are jobs like welders, pipefitters, truck drivers, and construction workers,” said Spooner. “There are also hundreds of thousands of job opportunities projected in management and professional fields as scientists, engineers, architects, communication professionals, business managers, and so much more.” The oil and natural gas industry pays wages significantly higher than the national average and can provide tremendous career opportunities for women and minorities, said Jack Gerard, API president and CEO. Gerard continued: “These careers can help shrink the income inequality gap without spending a dime of taxpayer money.”
Business Energy Efficiency Grants
AT THE CAPITAL—Pittsburghers participate in the BWR Public Policy Education and Action Day by visiting Senator Pat Toomey’s office. Phyllis McDowell, Joyce Booker and Rev. Dr. Judith Moore share ideas with Senator’s aide.
National summit aims to prepare women for post-Obama era by Diane I. Daniels For New Pittsburgh Courier
“Fired up!” and “Ready for the Fight” were consistent rally calls during the Sixth Annual Black Women’s Roundtable Summit recently held in Washington, D.C. “The time is now. We have to be fired up and ready for the fight as we move our agenda forward in a Post-Obama era,” said Rev. Dr. Judith C. Moore, executor of the local BWR affiliate, Sisters Saving Ourselves Now. She was one of four Pittsburghers that participated in the four-day summit. The purpose of the summit, according to President and CEO of the National Coalition of Black Civic Participation and Convener of the BWR, Melanie L. Campbell, was for the participants, nearly 300 women and girls, to advance issues of importance to women, their families and the communities they serve. “Throughout the years, we have proven that we w e r e ready f o r the
ous publications. At the dawn of a new political era, we thought it was wise to not just describe how Black women are faring, but instead, examine their challenges and needs through a prescriptive lens,” said Campbell. Headings of key findings from the 72page report are: A Sense of Responsibility and the Importance of Jobs Drove Voters to the Polls; Black Women are Expanding Political Power; Back Women and Girls Are Caught in the Crosshairs of Human Trafficking; Black Women’s Health Still in Peril; Black Girls Ensnarled in the Juvenile Justice System for Non-Criminal Acts; Black Women Excel in Higher Education, but Still Have Room to Grow in STEM; and Women Are Building Businesses and Breaking into Tech Entrepreneurship. The full report can be obtained from the NCBCP website. Founded in 1976, the NCBCP is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to increasing civic engagement and voter participation in Black and underserved communities. NCBCP strives to create an enlightened community by engaging people in all aspects of public life through service, volunteerism, advocac y,
READY FOR THE FIGHT—Longtime Black Women’s Roundtable supporter Texas Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee educates BWR summit participants about the proposed 2018 Federal budget. fight and during this summit we prepared participants to sustain, overcome and take action,” said Campbell. Some activities during the summit included; the release the of the fourth BWR’s Black Women in the U.S. and Key States, 2017: Moving Our Agenda Forward for a Post-Obama Era Report, a press conference addressing the federal budget, Supreme Court nominee and the Affordable Health Care Act held at the House Triangle on Capitol Hill, the Public Policy Education and Action Day visits to Congressional representatives, and other panel discussions. The summit’s theme was “Invest. Inspire. Unite. Act!” What Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas described as “a thin budget” was discussed. The proposed 2018 discretionary budget request of $1.06 trillion is calculated as a reduction of $2.7 billion from the 2017 enacted fiscal year total. The budget, according to summit participants, will harshly affect children, senior citizens and low-income families. Some agencies slated to experience significant cuts include Agricultural, Commerce, Education, Health and Human Services, Labor and the Environmental Protection Agency. Budget increases are proposed for the Defense Department and Homeland Security. “We have to find a way to get people involved in local elections,” said Ebony Baylor, assistant to the senior vice president for policy at the National Urban League Washington Bureau. While presenting during the #Ready4theFight for Our Rights and Justice for All panel, she emphasized that local elections are most important. “Once people are elected , building relationships with the politicians and having meetings expressing what you want and why is a way to have your voice heard.” Focused around five pillars: Black Women’s Health and Humanity; Black Women and Education; Black Women’s Politics and Perspectives; Entrepreneurship and Technology; and Challenges and Change Agents—Telling Our Stories, this year’s Black Women in the United States report lays out a forward path towards continued action on issues that are most critical to women’s needs, even in the face of a very different political landscape. Authors of the report say it is meant to provide an in-depth analysis of the needs and conditions of Black women throughout the nation. “This year’s report, however, is positioned somewhat differently than previ-
leadership development and voting. It has served as an effective convener and facilitator at the local, state and national levels of efforts to address the disenfranchisement of underserved and other marginalized communities through civic engagement. NCBCP has a national membership of organizations representing a diverse constituency base including civil rights, labor, and business organizations, fraternities and sororities, women, youth, educators, faith leaders, public policy makers, researchers and others. In addition to the Pittsburgh area, NCBCP has affiliate chapters in Alabama, the Bay Area, Chicago, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Northern Virginia, Ohio, Virginia and Texas. The BWR is an intergenerational civic engagement network of the NCBCP. It promotes public policies that ensure stable families and a prepared workforce for today and tomorrow. BWR believes that there must be intentional efforts, including program development, funding, staffing, administrative practice and rule of law to ensure genuine equity -- especially for women, communities of color, low income communities and others that have been traditionally left out of the policymaking arena. BWR promotes women’s health and wellness, economic security, education and global empowerment as key elements for success. Excited about the summit, Moore said her organization has a lot of work ahead of it to carry forth the agenda. One of her immediate tasks is to begin organizing the “BWR Take it to the Top HBCU and Community College Women’s Entrepreneurship Challenge.” She described the Challenge as a “Shark Tank-style entrepreneurship competition” consisting of two minority, women-owned business categories in three age groups. Categories are ideas/pre-venture concepts and startup businesses two years old or under. Age brackets are collegiate 18 to 35, 36 to 49 and 50 and older. The goal of Sisters Saving Ourselves Now is to develop a national agenda for mobilizing areas of concern for women of color. It is dedicated to actionable steps facing women with a specific focus on underserved women. The organization’s objective is to convene other like-minded organizations that have a passion and a willingness to collectively participate in eliminating the challenges women.
THROUGH APRIL 15—The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has up to $1,000,000 of grant funding available in the 13th year of the Commonwealth’s Small Business Advantage Grant Program for small businesses that adopt or acquire equipment or processes that promote pollution prevention and/ or energy efficiency projects Applicants must be a for-profit corporation, limited liability corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship or other legal entity with 100 or fewer full-time employees Businesses can apply for 50 percent matching funds of up to $9,500 to adopt or acquire energy-efficient or pollution-prevention equipment or procedures Funding is eligible for those costs incurred between July 25, 2016 and June , 2 1 For more information, contact 1 - 2-51
Minority Business Award Luncheon
APRIL 18--The Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council (EMSDC) will host the “Stellar Awards” Luncheon, honoring the achievements of corporations, minority business enterprises (MBE), and resource partners throughout Pennsylvania, Southern New ersey, and Delaware, 11 a m to 2 p m , at the Fairmont otel, 51 arket St , Downtown egister at www SDC org or 412- 1-442
RFP Bootcamp
APRIL19—The Chatham’s Women’s Business Center, in partnership with the Diversity Business Resource Center and Abator, a half-day FP workshop, will be held from a m to 2 p m at Braun all, Woodland d , on the Shadyside campus he bootcamp is designed to assist business owners develop customized criteria and processes in preparing responses Content is presented by experienced multiple contract awardees and covers strategies for: solicitation review; statements of work (SOW); terms and conditions (T&Cs); boilerplate development; best and final offers BAFOs and, debriefs ight lunch will be provided vent is limited to 2 attendees For more information call 412- 5-12 5
PowerBreakfast
APRIL 21—The African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pa Will host its monthly PowerBreakfast meeting, to a m at the Rivers Club in Oxford Towers, Downtown he Speaker will be Covestro President Jerry MacCleary, who will discuss how the company is committed to suplier diversity Cost 2 for members, $30 for non-members For more information call 412- 2- 1
Startup Seminar
APRIL 22—The Chatham University Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship will present MyBusiness Startup to Product Bootcamp, a m to p m at Techshop Pittsburgh 192 Bakery Square Blvd in ast iberty opics include methods to test your concepts, building and designing prototypes, finding manufacturers, regulations, packaging, distribution and pricing Partial scholarships are available o apply visit www chatham edu cwe events or call 412- 5-12 5
Training Event
APRIL 27—The Duquesne University Small Business Center presents Before You Sign: Effective Commercial Lease Agreements, 1 a m to 12 p m , Rockwell Hall Room 108, 600 Forbes Avenue, ptown opics include: How to review a commercial lease; How to determine a fair rental rate per square foot; What items are included in the lease as opposed to being the tenants responsibility; What is an Estoppel Agreement, and What is a Punch ist Cost 25 For more information, call 412-1
Invention Showcase
JUNE 13 to 15—INPEX, the country’s largest inventor showcase returns to the David awrence Convention Center with an opening night party and a rooftop Beer Garden networking event at Sienna Mercato, Downtown Both are open to exhibitors and business attendees For the complete schedule and to register, visit www inpe com
OPINION
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
APRIL 12-18, 2017
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Byrdsong more than just talk
Guest Editorial
Tighter gun laws would reduce Black homicide rate Poverty, joblessness and other societal problems may form the roots leading to a higher murder rate when African Americans are the victims, but too many guns are the fertilizer that makes that statistic grow. A new report released in March shows African Americans make up only 13 percent of the nation’s population, but are half of its murder victims. The annual Black Homicide Victimization in the United States study notes that the national Black homicide victimization rate, 16.38 per 100,000, far exceeds the rate for Whites who were murdered, which is 2.52 per 100,000. The analysis is based on unpublished data from the FBI Supplementary Homicide Report for 2014, the latest year for which data is available. Pennsylvania had 387 murders that year, which produced the fifth highest Black homicide victimization rate in the nation, 26.07 per 100,000. That’s 1-1/2 times the national Black homicide victimization rate and six times the overall homicide rate nationwide, according to the Violence Policy Center’s analysis. Missouri had the highest Black murder rate, with 250 victims, or a rate of 34.98 per 100,000; followed by Indiana, 29.49; New Mexico, 28.48; and Nebraska, 28.17. New Jersey, with 217 Black murder victims, had a rate of 16.43 per 100,000, ranking it 19th. Tiny Delaware had only 42 victims, but it ranked 14th in the country with a rate of 20.18 per 100,000. The study found that of Pennsylvania’s 387 Black homicide victims, 340 were male; the victims’ average age was 31 years old; 87 percent were killed with guns; and in instances where a relationship could be established, 87 percent were killed by someone they knew, typically as the result of an argument. “Pennsylvania remains a dangerous place for African Americans, especially African American males,’’ said Shira Goodman, executive director of CeaseFirePA. “And while our legislature has the power to enact policies that could help reverse this trend, it not only fails to enact them, but also fails to give our cities the tools to better protect their own people.’’ Making Goodman’s point is a renewed effort in the legislature to allow the weapons industry to sue Pennsylvania towns that try to enact tougher gun laws. “The gun lobby is obsessed with creating a special right for itself to sue our cities, punish elected officials for working hard to keep people safe, and divert tax dollars to frivolous litigation,’’ said Goodman. Mayor Kenney, Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, Lancaster Mayor Rick Gray and Oxford Mayor Geoff Henry have signed a letter urging the Senate Local Government Committee to oppose the legislation. The importance of better gun control is validated by the new statistics on Black homicides, which show that in 83 percent of the cases where the weapon could be identified, the victim was shot; and in 73 percent of those cases a handgun was used. In 71 percent of the homicides, no other felony was committed, which weakens arguments that people need guns to fend off robbers. The numbers show that most Black homicide victims were shot by someone they knew after an argument. More police may prevent some of those murders, but not as much as by having fewer guns. (The Philadelphia Inquirer)
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Rashad Byrdsong is noted for his activism in the Homewood area as president and CEO of the Community Empowerment Association, but whether you like him or not, he’s putting the jobs where his mouth is. Meaning, he’s not all talk, he’s getting jobs for people in the area. He may not have the personality that some people would like him to have, but he is getting the job done as far as making sure Blacks in the Homewood, Wilkinsburg and East End areas are getting a piece of the employment pie. There are new affordable houses being built in Homewood and the East End, and there are several Blacks employed in various labor positions, because of the efforts of Byrdsong. One important factor is that these are not just temporary jobs; these are high-paying, year-round jobs such as electricians, plumbers, carpenters, painters, roofers and others that are trained skills, not just for one project, but many others to come. Once these young men and women obtain the skills and experience from these projects, they can either continue to work for their current employers or start up their own business as electricians, carpenters, plumbers, painters, etc. What many of the veterans do is work on projects like this until it’s finished, then they go to the next project, with some doing individual jobs on the side as private
Ulish Carter
Just Sayin’ contractors. My father did this. I remember when the city was building the Crawford-Roberts housing, several Black contractors got jobs doing various tasks. Most were small contractors with two to three men operations that did whatever was needed to keep working. Many hired out to people like me, those who owned homes that needed work done that we couldn’t do ourselves. I hired a Black carpenter who knew other Black workers and referred them to me. So, I not only got a carpenter, but an electrician, plumber, and painter as well as a carpet installer. I kept a close relationship with these men for several years and anytime I or someone I knew needed work on our homes, I could call one of the contractors. But, as they got older, it became harder to find younger people working in the construction field to replace them. By helping these young men and women acquire these skills, it takes them off the unemployment rolls,
takes them off the street corners, gives them money to take care of their kids, rent or purchase a home of their own, and buy a new car as well as food and clothes. Thus, it moves them from being takers in the community to someone who can give back to the community, as well as sets an example for other young people to say, “If he/she can do it, I can do it.” Byrdsong is doing a great job of giving these young men a chance to get their foot in the door, but it’s up to us to not only make sure they stay employed on projects like these sponsored by the city, county, state or the feds, but beyond that. There are hundreds of Black homeowners in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas who spend thousands of dollars on home repair. Why not do it with Black contractors? I know the first thing you ask is, “Where are they?” It is also the contractor’s responsibility to let the customer know how to contact them. Which means a listing in the African American Chamber, the New Pittsburgh Courier, someplace online, or why not all three? If people knew where to find Black contractors, I believe most would hire them to do the work. Because heaven knows most homeowners are in desperate need of AFFORDABLE home repair contractors. (Ulish Carter is the former managing editor of the New Pittsburgh Courier.)
Roger Wood Wilkins’ life story is the story of civil rights (TriceEdneyWire.com)—“We have no hope of solving our problems without harnessing the diversity, the energy and the creativity of all our people.” – Roger Wilkins For Roger Wood Wilkins, the Civil Rights Movement was the family business. When Wilkins was born in 1932, in segregated Kansas City, Mo., his uncle Roy Wilkins already was a well-known journalist and activist serving as assistant NAACP secretary, and later would serve as executive director. His mother, Helen J. Claytor, was Secretary of Interracial Education for the National YWCA and later would oversee the organization’s integration. “My uncle lived in a building on Sugar Hill [in New York City],” Wilkins told NPR in 2011. “W.E.B. Du Bois lived there. And Kenneth Clark lived there. And Thurgood Marshall lived there. So when Roy would invite me to dinner, you know, these giants were in the room.” Roger Wilkins interned for Marshall while a law student at the University of Michigan. Newly-minted in 1957, Roger Wilkins was facing a prosperous career in the private sector in New York. But the Little Rock Nine–the first Black students to desegregate an all-white high school in Arkansas after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Brown v. Board of Education decision–changed his plans. “And so you couldn’t say to yourself,
Marc H. Morial
To Be Equal well, let those kids do it,” he said. “If you were alive, you had to say, I want to do something. I want to become involved.” He worked for a few years as welfare caseworker in Cleveland before joining the Kennedy Administration in 1962 as a special assistant to the administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development. Under President Johnson, he led the newly-created Community Relations Service, which describes itself as the U.S. Justice Department’s “peacemaker for community conflicts and tensions arising from differences of race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and disability.” “The racial upheavals in this country in the ‘60s came loaded with a heavy history,” Roger Wilkins wrote in 2005 upon the 40th anniversary of the Watts riots. “Many of the participants had lived through it; others had absorbed knowledge carried by their parents and grandparents of the soul-shriveling cruelty of
the post-bellum rural South, of the northward migration during World War II when defense jobs opened up, of the physical brutality and guile southerners used to keep their labor force submissive and cheap. They remembered the promised cities full of good jobs and how many of them just missed out as America passed its industrial peak. Finally, they surely understood the grim and fetid realities of the northern ghettos to which they were consigned.” At the end of the Johnson Administration, Roger Wilkins accepted a position with the Ford Foundation. There he worked closely with the National Urban League and then-President Whitney M. Young, funding a program Young created called New Thrust, which developed the leadership skills of urban Black youth. In 1972 he began writing editorials for Washington Post, where he won a Pulitzer Prize for his commentary on Watergate, and spent the rest of his career as a journalist, author and educator. As is the case for many of our parents and grandparents, Roger Wilkins’ life story is the story of civil rights in the 20th and 21st centuries. Born into Jim Crow, he initially thought Barack Obama had no chance of being elected president. Yet, he urged his daughter, Elizabeth, to work on his campaign, telling her, “this is your generation’s Selma and you dare not miss it.”
We’re with them!!! (TriceEdneyWire.com)—Word origins can “shed light” on the experiences of a people and explain much of what they’ve endured. Many older African Americans explain the origin of the term “honkie” as it relates to the activity of White men driving through African American communities “honking” the horns of their automobiles in an attempt to solicit sex from “willing” African American women. In targeting any woman who appealed to them, these “honkies” demonstrated their beliefs about their right to victimize and denigrate ANY Black woman because of their perception that Black women were inferior and of inherently low moral character. In truth, this behavior was/is merely an extension of the “roaming the slave quarter” and slave master mentality. Whether subliminally or consciously, these same attitudes fuel the actions of Whites today who, without cause or for some specious reason, choose to denigrate African American women. Most recently, we have seen this behavior in the attempted public humiliation of Representative Maxine Waters, American Urban Radio Correspondent April Ryan, and, once again, Dr. Susan Rice, former National Security Advisor to President Obama. In this context, we must stand against Fox News Anchor Bill O’Reilly, for his comment about Rep. Waters, stating, “I didn’t hear a word she said. I was looking at the James Brown wig. If we have a picture of James, it’s the same wig.” We saw and must stand against Presidential Press Secretary Sean Spicer, who erroneously, as though she were a child, admonished Ryan to, “Stop shaking your head!” We must stand against, and reject, the Trump Administration’s feeble attempt to justi-
Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.
Commentary fy Trump’s, now infamous, “wiretap” tweet by falsely accusing Dr. Rice of being the source of the “leaks.” Saying we stand against the abusive and oppressive nature of our society is not enough. As Black women, we must resolve to throw down the gauntlet in support of each other. This is especially true when we see a sister unfairly targeted for abuse because her politics do not comport with those who do not act in the best interest of our community and issues of importance to us. We must not be distracted by the irrelevant, superfluous comments of those who oppose us. Our unified 94 percent vote in the most recent presidential election demonstrates our understanding of this principle. We must commit to tell our stories and continue our unity. We’re the successors of fearless, strong and effective Black women like Shirley Chisholm, Barbara Jordan, Dr. C. Delores Tucker, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, Fannie Lou Hamer, Diane Nash, Ella Baker, Amelia Boynton, Septima Clark, Rosa Parks, Sojourner Truth,
Harriett Tubman and so many more who stood up for us despite their own personal peril. If you do not know these women and their efforts, I encourage you to learn. We must also stand with Black women of all ages who may not be in the news on a daily basis, but who march in the footsteps of other great Black women leaders. We must learn about and commit to supporting the efforts of women like Akousa Ali, president of the NAACP-DC; Ophelia Averitt, the wonder woman whose name is connected with anything of value occurring in Ohio; Dr. Lezli Baskerville who spearheads better funding for HBCU’s; Amy Billingsley and Dr. Julienne Richardson, who record/create an accurate account of OUR history through The HistoryMakers; and Oprah Winfrey, the largest donor to the African American Museum. History has shown that those who actively oppress are only concerned with identifying, discrediting and retarding the efforts of those who achieve progressive results. Without past and current accomplishments of many courageous Black women, our community would, most certainly, have floundered. The sisters I have mentioned, and others like them, are the ones with whom we must stand and salute. (Dr. E. Faye Williams is National President of the National Congress of Black Women, Inc. 202-678-6788. www.nationalcongressbw.org)
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 Street Pittsburgh, Pa. 15219 You may fax your letter to 412-481-1360, or via e-mail to letters@newpittsburghcourier.com
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APRIL 12-18, 2017
The March unemployment report is mixed news (TriceEdneyWire.com)—Our 45th President has had no trouble claiming the good employment news reported for January and February of this year. In those jobs reports, released on the first Friday of the month, we saw unemployment rates of 4.8 and 4.7 percent. In both of those months, more than 200,000 jobs were created. Forty-five crowed that this data showed how successful his Presidency had been, even though he had barely kept his seat in the Oval Office warm, and even though he had done nothing, from a policy perspective, to stake his claim on progress that could only have come from the economic recovery engineered by his predecessor, President Barack Obama. Now, we have the report from March, with an unemployment rate, at 4.5 percent, that is at its lowest level in a decade (since May 2007). We also have a sluggish report on job creation—with just 98,000 new jobs, less than half as many jobs that were created in each of the last two months. Is the 45th President going to claim that his actions have caused a slowing in job creation? Since he was so quick to claim credit when the numbers looked good, what
Julianne Malveaux
Commentary will he say now? More importantly, the low jobs creation number suggests that the economic recovery we have been experiencing is far from solid. The March number can be a mere hiccup—we did have weather challenges last month that may have slowed some job creation, and may even have been responsible for lower job growth in the retail sector. But it might also suggest that the Fed should not be so quick to raise interest rates. Despite relatively low unemployment rates, there is room for much more job creation before employers will have to compete for workers. The overall unemployment rate of 4.5 percent would be something to celebrate if it were accompanied with more job creation. It might also be something to celebrate if the Black unemployment rate were not so high—at 8 percent it is more than twice the White rate of 3.9 percent. Furthermore, when those marginally attached to the labor market, discouraged workers, and those working part time because they can’t find full time work, are included, the overall unemployment rate is 8.9 percent. Using the same methodology, this unemployment rate would be 15.8 percent for African Americans. To be sure, these numbers are a vast improvement on the numbers we saw a year ago, not to mention five years ago. But the impact of these low numbers has bypassed many workers. Too many have still not seen their pay levels increase (wage growth was around .02 percent last month), and too many still fear layoffs or job reorganizations. Equally importantly, the approach this administration has taken to federal employment and to health care have had chilling effects in the labor market. As an example, while employment has been trending up in health care, the health care sector added about 20,000 jobs a month, compared to an average monthly gain of 32,000 jobs in 2016. The baby boom isn’t getting any younger, and Americans sure aren’t getting any healthier. It is plausible that, instead, announcements about health care by this administration, and chicanery by this Congress, may have slowed health care employment when it should be rising. Except for “America First: A Budget Blueprint to Make America Great Again”, and a whole lot of rhetoric, we have no specifics around this Administration’s economic plan. We do know, however, that freezing or reducing federal employment will have an impact on unemployment rates, and that cutting key departments (Health and Human Services, Labor, Interior) will have an impact on the long-term employment situation. Those who work in the social service areas (social workers, community service workers) are also rightly apprehensive about how their work will be funded and who will pay for it. This unemployment rate report may be as good as it gets if Mr. Trump has his way. President Obama did his best to create a robust economic recovery. President Trump says he inherited “a mess.” The January and February unemployment numbers disprove that assertion. The March report, however, shows that while 45 did not inherit a mess, he can make one with his draconian budget cuts and other ill-advised economic measure. (Julianne Malveaux is an economist, author, and Founder of Economic Education. For more info visit www.juliannemalveaux.com.)
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Voting for the man in the mirror? The upcoming “Colored Democrats” election, particularly put on blinders and Louis ‘Hop’ Kendrick the Pittsburgh city could not recognize Mayoral Election, is they were being a reminder of politmistreated by the ical elections of the Democratic Party. 1950s and 1960s. It The very first elecwas the beginning tion of a Black person of my involvement in the Lower Hill was in politics. It was a an election of a Black rarity for Blacks to man to the position hold elected offices. I remember in my of constable, but the successful campaign ward there was only one Black comwas driven by the colored Republicans. mittee person. I will never forget how We met and decided that it would be effective the political machine had been. more beneficial to the Lower Hill if we The committeeman in my district was put political party in the background and titled as the most efficient vote-getter in designed a way to help a Black Democrat. Allegheny County. I voiced my opinion The Democrat Party had beaten the Black to him about the fact that 99 percent candidate twice and they used against of the committee persons were White, him that he had a speech impediment and and he replied, “It has always been this was not academically qualified. The White way.” The tragedy was that I took my candidate’s basic qualification was the fact concerns to the Black voters and their that he was White. response was identical, “It has always We, the Republicans, had untold numbeen like this,” but added, “You are bers of flyers printed and distributed and young, you don’t understand.” small mirrors with the Black candidate’s There were those of us who would not picture and the words vote for the person accept the system could not be changed in the mirror, yourself. We passed out the and we began to encourage and convince pictures and flyers the entire summer. We Blacks to run for ward offices such as the people were victorious. I will always magistrate, constable and committee men remember that election. and women, and it was no an easy task. The other day I was at a luncheon and The most difficult issue we had to eradwas asked the question who was I voticate was the constant reply that things ing for in the upcoming mayor’s race. My will never change; it’s always been like answer was easy. The person I see in the this. Upon becoming 21, I registered as mirror, Rev. John C. Welch. (Louis “Hop” Kendrick is a contributor to the New a Republican, but we always identified Pittsburgh Courier.) ourselves as “Colored Republicans.” The
To Tell The Truth
Increasing the minimum wage in promotion and practice Recently, Jesse Jackdard for proponents son stated inequality of “social justice” to J. Pharoah Doss has reached obscene promote one thing extremes and encourand practice another? aged efforts to double Jesse Jackson also the minimum wage. said, “A $15 minimum Great. wage is written into Do you remember the Democratic Party ACORN? (The Assoplatform, and it’s ciation of Community being written into law Organizations for in more cities across Reform Now) The organization dissolved the country.” in 2010. They lost funding after a video Recently Baltimore’s new Democratic surfaced of ACORN officials coaching a mayor, Catherine Pugh, vetoed city hall’s couple to defraud the IRS. Before their legislation that would have raised the troubles ACORN focused on voter registra- city’s minimum wage to $15 an hour. tion drives, affordable housing, healthcare, (Maryland already mandated a minimum and a living wage. wage increase to $9.25 an hour in July and A living wage factors in the cost of living to $10.10 in 2018.) Mayor Pugh stated at and raises the minimum wage to a level a press conference Baltimore would bethat meets basic family needs. ACORN come “a hole in the doughnut” if it required wanted employers that signed contracts a $15 an hour increase. Many Baltimore with government agencies to pay their residents that voted for Mayor Pugh are employees higher than the established upset. During her campaign Pugh said, “I minimum rate. am aware of the current initiative to raise It’s hard to argue against the concept. the minimum wage in the city council to Even Adam Smith, the father of capitalist $15 per hour and when it reaches my desk economic theory, stated: Workmen of differ- I will sign it.” ent kinds make up the far greater part of Is this another double standard? society. No society can be flourishing when Not exactly, according to the Foundathe far greater part of its members are tion of Economic Education, Mayor Pugh, poor and miserable. It is but equity that did what other mayors did not have the those who feed, clothe, and lodge the whole courage to do. She actually researched the body of people should have a share of the economic policies, and, as a result, Pugh produce of their own labor to be themdecided she could not sign the legislation selves well fed, clothed, and lodged. when the economic repercussions were Now, right before ACORN launched their potentially dangerous enough to harm the national campaign in favor of living wage entire city. laws their California branch made an Pugh realized legislators and execuargument that the minimum wage had an tives have different measures of success. adverse effect on their statewide operaSuccess for a legislator is their signation. ture on a bill that passed, but an execuACORN sued the state of California to be tive is judged by the success of the bill’s exempt from their minimum wage require- implementation. (That was Obama’s ments. They argued: The more ACORN failure, he took too long to adapt from must pay each individual outreach worker a legislator to an executive. He praised …The fewer outreach workers it will be himself for the passage of Obamacare, able to hire. but took no responsibility for its impleACORN was unsuccessful. mentation.) But it must be noted that ACORN made So next time you hear Jesse Jackson or the same argument private sector employa candidate advocating wage increases ers make when the bottom line indicates remember there’s a difference between an increase in the minimum wage will what’s practiced by people in charge of negatively impact their ability to hire. implementation and what’s promoted by (Along with other nonprofit organizations people who are not. (J. Pharoah Doss is a contributor to the New that don’t have half of ACORN’s funding.) Pittsburgh Courier.) Is that a double standard? Or is it stan-
Commentary
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Jesse Jackson Sr.
Commentary
Decision to bomb Syria was dangerous, deceptive (TriceEdneyWire.com)—Fifty-nine cruise missiles. When Donald Trump ordered the attack on Syria, he made an impetuous decision, turning his previous commitment to stay out of the Syrian civil war and focus on ISIS on its head. He ordered the attack on a sovereign nation without seeking sanction from the United Nations or the U.S. Congress. For this, he received lavish praise from the media and bipartisan congressional support. He’ll undoubtedly enjoy a boost in the polls. Military force is called “strong power.” Ordering an attack turns the president into the commander in chief and gives him an image of decisiveness and power. Yet the unleashing of cruise missiles against Syria is both dangerous and deceptive. If Trump has decided to commit to regime change in Syria, it is dangerous. Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad is backed by both Russia and Iran, and Assad’s forces are the leading opposition to ISIS, the terrorist gang that Trump is already committed to destroying. If the cruise missiles are simply a punitive gesture, a one-off strike to punish Assad for allegedly using chemical weapons in the Syrian civil war, it is deceptive. The missile attack will have done little but raise false hopes among Assad’s opponents. One day later, Assad’s air force launched attacks from the airbase that was hit, against the same town that was allegedly bombed with chemical weapons. Last year, the U.S. dropped 26,171 bombs—in Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Libya, Yemen, Somalia and Pakistan. The only thing that the new bombing in Syria does is to get Trump and the U.S. deeper into the Syrian civil war, even as Trump appears to be escalating U.S. activity in Afghanistan, Yemen and Iraq. During the campaign, Trump expressed his scorn for regime change and denounced the foreign policy elite for engaging in wars without ever “winning.” Now, he appears to be doubling down on those same wars without any plan for victory. Bombs—strong power—are in fact simply destructive. They build nothing. In Syria, the human catastrophe from the civil war is unspeakable. Roughly half of the 22 million residents of Syria have been driven from their homes, including an estimated 6 million internally displaced and some 5 million refugees whose flight has created an ugly right-wing reaction across Europe. Half a million have died. Another 2 million have been wounded. More bombs aren’t a sign of strength; they are an expression of violent futility. The horrible pictures of babies dying from poisonous gas might have sparked a different response. The U.S. could have gone to the U.N. with proof that the Assad regime had sponsored the attack, calling for a cooperative international effort to rid Syria of those weapons. Trump might have dispatched his emissary to Russia to demand that it join in fulfilling the promise it made to former President Obama to rid Syria of chemical weapons. The outside powers feeding the violence in Syria—the U.S., Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, Iran and Russia —might have convened in an effort to bring the violence to a halt, or at least to agree to stop fueling it with weapons and forces. The children’s deaths might have served to generate a global demand for an end to the violence. Instead, it triggered a quick recourse to bombs to “send a message,” ensuring only that the violence will continue, that more Syrian children will be killed, and that the U.S. will find itself enmeshed even more deeply in yet another war. The U.S. has been at war in the Middle East continually since 2001. In the name of creating democracy and security, we have created chaos and spread violence. In the name of fighting terrorism, we have generated ever more terrorists and helped create failed states where they can spawn. What will it take for this country to learn the limits of military force, the weakness of “strong power”? Dr. Martin Luther King got it right when he taught us: The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral, begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy. Instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it. Through violence you may murder the liar, but you cannot murder the lie, nor establish the truth. Through violence you may murder the hater, but you do not murder hate. In fact, violence merely increases hate. So it goes. Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that.
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APRIL 12-18, 2017
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he Office of the Director of the D PA OF P B IC WO S OF A CO will receive etters of Interest with current SF for Professional services until 4 p m , on hursday, April 2 , 2 1 for the following assignment: ALLEGHENY COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Construction Engineering, As-Needed; County Project No. CMIT-OPEN (Construction Management, Inspection and Testing Services) Stephen Shanley, P , Director Allegheny County Department of Public Works oom 5 1, County Office Building Pittsburgh, PA 1521 Place five 5 copies of your etter of Interest with required Standard Forms in a sealed, opaque envelope with firm’s name, the title and number of the Project, and the words etter of Interest on the front If you mail the etter of Interest, insert the sealed, opaque envelope containing the etter of Interest and standard forms inside a separate mailing envelope. he Director will receive etters of Interest with accompanying SF until the day and hour stated in the Public Advertisement. The Director will not consider any etter of Interest received after the set day and hour and will return it to the addressee unopened he firm is responsible for ensuring that the Director receives its etter of Interest by the set day and hour. This submission is limited to 4 pages including the SF forms he County will use only SF ’s of firms responding with etters of Interest to prequalify firms for consideration for these services. The County encourages responses from small firms, minority and women owned firms, and firms that have not previously worked for the County Any inquiries into this Advertisement are to be directed to Mr. Michael Dillon, P , Deputy Director of Public Works, at 412- 5 -54 The selection criteria will apply to the following general types of Capital Project Assignments: PA S Sports and recreational facilities; Shelter renovations; Miscellaneous civil improvements including drainage and pavement improvements; B D S eneral, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing renovations oof replacements and repairs; B ID Small bridge replacements rehabilitations, bridge repairs OADS ateral support projects including all types of wall construction; Paving projects; The County will preselect or shortlist three firms for consideration for this Project assignment on the following evaluation criteria: Experience, Record, Size, Workload, and Related Work By a equest for Proposal the Department of Public Works will notify the top three short-listed firms to submit proposals. he County’s minority business enterprise and women’s business enterprise goals for this Project will be 1 of the total price for B participation and 2 of the total price for WB participation Certification of MBEs and WBEs by the County is mandatory on or before proposal due date. Firms submitting a Letter of Interest must have their MBE/WBE participants in place and noted in their letter and/or SF 330 form information in order to be considered for this project. he contract will last up to 5 years in length or a contract value of 5, , he Director may reject any etters of Interest Proposals and may waive any irregularity in the Submission of etters of Interest Proposals. Stephen G. Shanley, PE, Director Department of Public Works of Allegheny County LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals
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Sealed bids will be received by the pper St Clair ownship School District in the Administrative Offices, 1 2 c aughlin un oad, pper St Clair, Pennsylvania 15241 until 11 a m , prevailing time, Friday, April 21, 2 1 , and will be opened at the same hour for: •72-passenger conventional school bus •78-passenger conventional school bus Bidding documents may be obtained by contacting onn ansfield, Director of ransportation, at 412 -1 t 451 or mansfi l uscs a us he pper St Clair ownship School District reserves the right to reject any or all bids and proposals. Scott P. Burchill, Secretary BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
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OFFICIAL ADVERTISEMENT THE BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION of the SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH
FORM OF ADVERTISEMENT PUBLICATION DATE: April 10, 2017 1 he Public Parking Authority of Pittsburgh Authority shall accept sealed bids for the performance of the described below the Work at its office at 2 2 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222, until 11:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday May 9, 2017. 2 D SC IP IO OF WO he performance of installation, maintenance, and repair of all types of plumbing equipment and systems for various Authority owned parking garages and lots located within the City of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as and when requested by the Authority he Instructions to Bidders, including the Form of Bid, Form of Agreement and eneral Conditions, may be obtained at the Authority’s office at 2 2 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222 after 3:00 p.m. EST on April 10, 2017. 4 A Mandatory pre-bid conference will be held at the office of the Public Parking Authority of Pittsburgh, 2 2 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-1 1 at 2:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday April 18, 2017. The purpose of the pre-bid conference is to provide additional details regarding the Work. The information provided at the pre-bid conference will be essential in preparing a bid to perform the Work. Persons or entities that intend to submit bids to perform the Work are required to send to the pre-bid conference at least one representative who will understand the information presented at the pre-bid conference in a manner that allows such information to be incorporated in the preparation of the bid to perform the Work. It is expected that the representative who attends the pre-bid conference will be experienced and employed by the bidder in a supervisory capacity. Pre-bid attendance is mandatory. 5 Sealed bids received prior to the deadline will be publicly opened and read at 11:00 a.m. EST on Tuesday May 9, 2017. 6. The Authority reserves the right to i change, at any time prior to the bid deadline of 11:00 a.m. EST on Tuesday May 9, 2017. The contract documents relating to the Plumbing Services ii waive any informality in any or all submitted bids; and iii reject any or all submitted bids. David Onorato Executive Director
Sealed bid proposals are hereby solicited for the Community College of Allegheny County, Allegheny Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 152 412 2 2 on the following items: Bid Proposal 992 – Replace Welding Lab Exhaust System at West Hills Center A MANDATORY pre-bid meeting and site visitation will be held onsite beginning at a m on uesday, April 1 , 2 1 he assembly point will be the south entrance of CCAC West ills Center, bear left up driveway, 1 c ee oad, Oakdale, PA 15 1 Proposals will be received at the Purchasing Department until 2:00 P.M. Prevailing Time on Wednesday, April 26, 2017. he CCAC Purchasing Department is now publishing all bids via the CCAC website at https://www.ccac. edu/Bid-RFP_Opportunities.aspx. It will be each vendor’s responsibility to monitor the bid activity within the given website Bid and FP Opportunities and ensure compliance with all applicable bid documents inclusive of any issued addenda. Failure to incorporate any applicable addenda in the final submittal may result in the rejection of your bid. The Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and all bids. The Community College of Allegheny County is an Affirmative Action qual mployment Opportunity Employer and encourages bids from inority Disadvantaged owned businesses.
Sealed proposals shall be deposited at the Administration Building, oom 251, 41 South Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa , 1521 , on ay 2, 2 1 , until 2 P , local prevailing time for the following: Pittsburgh Carrick High School oof eplacement Plumbing Construction Prime Contract BID Pittsburgh Liberty K-5 Playground Improvements eneral Construction Prime Contract Project anual and Drawings are available for purchase on April 1 , 2 1 at odern eproductions 412-4 , 12 c ean Street, Pittsburgh, Pa , 1521 between A and 4 P he cost of the Project anual Documents is non-refundable. Project details and dates are described in each project manual. We are an equal rights and opportunity school district
INVITATION TO RE-BID WASHINGTON COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY
HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to itle II, the Fair ousing Act, Section 5 4 of the ehabilitation Act of 1 , the Americans with Disabilities Act, he PA uman elations Act, etc and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.
The Washington County Housing Authority will receive separate, sealed re-bids for a single general prime contract with the Authority as follows: WINDOW REPLACEMENTS LINCOLN TERRACE / WASHINGTON, PA A certified check or bank draft payable to the Washington County ousing Authority, a S overnment Bond or satisfactory Bid Bond executed by the Bidder and acceptable sureties in the amount equal to ten percent 1 of the bid shall be submitted with each bid. Bids will be received no later than 1:30 PM/EST ON TUESDAY, MAY 2, 2017 at the Washington County ousing Authority, 1 Crumrine ower, Franklin Street, Washington, PA 15 1 at which time the bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. Bids will be held by the Housing Authority for a period not to exceed sixty days prior to contract award A Pre-Bid Meeting will be held at 10:00 AM/EST ON TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 2017. Interested parties are to meet at the Project Site, 2 orth incoln Street, Washington, PA. Plans, specifications and contract documents may be examined at the following location: The Builders Exchange 1 1 orth Franklin Street Pittsburgh, PA 152 or obtained through the office of the Architect, Shaeffer adama, Inc , 5 Fourteenth Street, Wheeling, W 2 upon receipt of deposit. Any unsuccessful bidder returning hardcopy documents within ten 1 consecutive calendar days following the bid opening in good, reusable condition will be refunded their 1 deposit less postage Non-bidders will not receive a refund A CD containing Plans, Specifications and Contract Documents may be obtained from the Architect for a 25 non-refundable payment. The work to be performed under this contract is a Section Project under provisions of the Housing & rban Development Act of 1 , as amended, and must, to the greatest e tent feasible, provide opportunities for training and employment for lower-income residents of the project and contracts for work in connection with the project be awarded to business concerns which are located in, or owned by, Washington County residents. Particular attention is directed to requirements of ecutive Order 1124 , 11 25 and 121 , as well as Section requirements, as set forth in the Specifications The Washington County Housing Authority reserves the right to reject any or all bids or waive any informality in the bidding. STEPHEN K. HALL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR TREE AND SHRUB REMOVAL SERVICES AUTHORITY WIDE IFB# 300-21-17
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh ACP hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service s TREE AND SHRUB REMOVAL SERVICES AUTHORITY WIDE IFB# 300-21-17 The documents will be available no later than April 1 , 2 1 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 2 p m on April 2 , 2 1 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 1 oss Street 2nd Floor, Suite 2 , Pittsburgh, PA 1521 , at which time they will be opened and read aloud. Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Solicitation from the Business Opportunities page of www.HACP. org. Questions or inquiries should be directed to: Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116 Opt 1 A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Dept. 100 Ross Street 2nd. Fl. Ste. 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Thursday, April 20, 2017 2:00 P.M. 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
INVITATION TO BIDDERS ECMS Designated Contract CITY OF PITTSBURGH DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS ADVERTISEMENT PROJECT: PITTSBURGH BICYCLE FACILITIES ECMS NO. 28173 BTE PROJECT NO. 16406
he City of Pittsburgh, in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Department of ransportation, will be accepting bids, through the Pennsylvania Department of ransportation’s ngineering and Construction anagement System C S , for the installation of bike lanes including signing, pavement markings, and other miscellaneous construction on Negley Avenue from Stanton Avenue to Howe Street. he construction plans and specifications can only be viewed on the Pennsylvania Department of ransportation’s C S website http:// www.dot14.state.pa.us/ECMS/ . The bid documents should be available on, or shortly after, uesday, April 1 , 2 1 Only electronic bids from ECMS business partners will be accepted. To register as a business partner go to http://www.dotdom2. state.pa.us/ECMS/ECMSHome. nsf/frmECMSframeset?open& eurdECMS_Business_Partner. nsf/frmBPPublicHome?OpenForm) All bidders and subcontractors on this project must be prequalified by the Pennsylvania Department of ransportation for the type of work to be performed. he bid opening et Date is scheduled for hursday, ay 1 , at 11 a m , D Bidders may view the bid opening online. Michael Gable, CPRP, Director Public Works Sam Ashbaugh, Director fic o ana m nt an u t
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APRIL 12-18, 2017
LEGAL ADVERTISING
LEGAL ADVERTISING
Bids/Proposals
Bids/Proposals
NOTICE TO BIDDERS MUNICIPALITY OF PENN HILLS ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Sealed Proposals will be received by the Municipality of Penn Hills, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania until 10:30 A.M. on May 10, 2017 to be publicly opened and read immediately thereafter for the following project: PENN HILLS LINCOLN PARK COMMUNITY CENTER UFAS UPGRADES The Project includes exterior site improvements to the Lincoln Park Community Center to meet Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS) requirements. This project includes, but is not limited to, the removal of existing asphalt and concrete pavements and the installation of new concrete sidewalk and ramps and asphalt paving as well as the installation of handicap signage, concrete wheel stops and line striping. All Proposals must be in the hands of the Purchasing Secretary, Municipality of Penn Hills, 12245 Frankstown Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15235, by 10:30 A.M., prevailing time on, May 10, 2017. Proposals shall be delivered in a sealed envelope and clearly marked on the outside with the words “Penn Hills Lincoln Park Community Center UFAS Upgrades.” Copies of Drawings, Specifications, Instructions to Bidders, General Conditions, Forms of Proposals and Agreement are on file and open to public inspection at the Penn Hills Purchasing Office, located at 12245 Frankstown Road, Second Floor, Room 213, Pittsburgh, PA 15235 where sets of said documents may be obtained upon payment of $50.00 per set. No refund will be made for the return of any documents. Davis-Bacon wage rates are required to be paid on this project. There will be a pre-bid meeting on April 13, 2017 at 10:00 A.M. at the Lincoln Park Community Center, 7300 Ridgeview Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15235. Proposals must be submitted on the forms provided by the Municipality of Penn Hills. Proposals to receive consideration must be accompanied by a Certified Check or Bidder’s Bond from a Surety Company authorized to do business in Pennsylvania, made to the order of the Municipality of Penn Hills in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the total amount of the Proposal as a guarantee that, if the Proposal is accepted, the successful Bidder will enter into an Agreement within 15 days after Notice of the Award of the Contract. The Proposals must be made to the Municipality of Penn Hills, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, and shall remain firm for a period of one hundred twenty (120) days. No Bidder may withdraw his Proposal during the one hundred twenty (120) day period without forfeiting his Bid guarantee. Performance, Maintenance, and Labor and Material Payment Bonds, along with Public Liability and Property Damage Certificates of Insurance in the amounts specified, as well as Certificates of Workman’s Compensation must be filed with the executed Agreement upon acceptance of the Proposal from the successful Bidder. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals, or any part thereof, for any reason, and also reserves the right to waive any informality therein. Mohammed F. Rayan Municipal Manager REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) ARCHITECTURAL/ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS AT CORBETT APARTMENTS CONTRACT ACHA–1579 The ACHA is currently seeking the services of a qualified architectural firm to provide professional design and construction administration services for INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS AT CORBETT APARTMENTS. This project includes dwelling unit kitchen and bathroom upgrades as well as outdoor seating area relocation, and parking lot re-paving. Interested firms are requested to respond with written qualifications that demonstrate evidence of the firm’s capabilities, including other information as requested. A detailed package - describing submission requirements, may be obtained by contacting Andrew Jamrom A/E Administrator at (412) 402-2464 or ajamrom@achsng.com. A Pre-Qualification Conference shall be held at the Allegheny County Housing Authority, 625 Stanwix Street, 12th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, Board Room, on Thursday April 20, 2017 at 10:00 AM. All offerors are encouraged to attend the Conference. Qualifications may be mailed or hand delivered to Andrew Jamrom, Architectural/Engineering Administrator, Allegheny County Housing Authority, 625 Stanwix Street 12th Floor Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222. Qualification submittals must be received no later than 2:00 P.M. on Tuesday May 2, 2017. Frank Aggazio Executive Director Allegheny County Housing Authority
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INVITATION FOR BIDS
Sealed bids for the Slippery Rock Township Community Center Parking Lot Project will be received in the office of Benjamin Holland, BUTLER COUNTY CONTROLLER, FLOOR 5, COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER, 124 WEST DIAMOND STREET, whose mailing address is P.O.BOX 1208, BUTLER, PA 16003, on or before 2:00pm, May 9, 2017. All Bids must be plainly marked Bid – Slippery Rock Township Community Center Parking Lot Project on the outside of the envelope. All bids will be publicly opened and read at the Public Agenda Setting Meeting of the Butler County Board of Commissioners on May 10, 2017 at 10:00 am, in the Government Center Public Meeting Room located on Floor 1 of the County Government Center, Butler, PA 16003. Bids will be received for the following: Slippery Rock Township Community Center Parking Lot Project according to the specifications in the bid package. Plans, specifications and bid documents are available for pick up at EADS Group, 15392 Route 322, Clarion, PA 16214. Contact David Neill at EADS Group with questions at 814-764-5050. Documents cost a nonrefundable fee of $50.00 add $20 for postage. Each proposal shall be accompanied by a bidder’s bond, or certified check or cashier’s check, in favor of the County of Butler, in the amount of not less than ten percent. The County of Butler reserves the right to waive any informality in and to accept or reject any and all bids or any part of any bid. No bid may be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days. Prevailing wages established under the Davis-Bacon Act will apply to this contract. The contract documents contain requirements addressing prevailing labor wage rates, labor standards, nondiscrimination in hiring practices, goal for minority and female participation, MBE and WBE participation, participation by Section 3 residents and businesses and related matters. BOARD OF BUTLER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Leslie Osche, Chairman Kim Geyer Kevin Boozel Attest: Scott J. Andrejchak Director of Administration/ Chief Clerk
Pick up your Courier at these locations WESTERN AREA: CRAFTON BEVERAGE CRAFTON/INGRAM SHOPPING CENTER GIANT EAGLE CRAFTON/INGRAM SHOPPING CENTER SHEETZ #353 5400 CAMPBELL’S RUN RD SHOP N’ SAVE #1686 2103 NOBLESTOWN RD SAFRANS SUPER MKT 429 WALNUT ST GIANT EAGLE #74 PARKWAY CENTER MALL SOUTHERN AREA: KEN’S 216 BELTZHOOVER AVE NELSON’S 92 SYLVANIA AVE GIANT EAGLE #61 2021 WHARTON AVE COGO’S 2400 EAST CARSON ST COGO’S 925 EAST CARSON ST DAILY MART 1125 ARLINGTON AVE SHOP N’ SAVE CARRICK SOUTH EASTERN AREA:
SUPER STOP 403 KENMAWR AVE CARL’S CAFE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF 337 FIFTH AVE THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH COMET NEWS INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR 540 BRADDOCK AVE FIRE HOSE INSPECTION PUFFS DISCOUNT AND REPLACEMENT TOBACCO AUTHORITY WIDE REBID 1722 GREENSBUR AVE IFB# 300-12-17 REBID A-PLUS SUNOCO The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request 7403 WASHINGTON ST proposals from qualified Firms or COGO’S Individuals capable of providing the 1050 BRINTON RD following service(s): COGO’S FIRE HOSE INSPECTION AND 2003 S BRADDOCK AVE REPLACEMENT AUTHORITY EDGEWOOD EXPRESS WIDE REBID IFB# 300-12-17 REBID 253 EDGEWOOD AVE The documents will be available BRAD EXPRESS no later than April 10, 2017 and signed, sealed bids will be accept- 1101 S BRADDOCK AVE ed until 11:00 a.m. on April 28, 2017 GIANT EAGLE #619 at which time they will be Time and 1705 S. BRADDOCK AVE Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street CVS 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, at which time they will be 7406 CHURCH ST HANINI MARKET opened and read aloud. Parties or individuals interested in 1105 SWISSVALE AVE responding may download a copy DUKE’S SUNOCO of the Solicitation from the Business Opportunities page of www.HACP. 825 DUQUESNE BLVD 7-11 org. Questions or inquiries should be di- 818 N. DUQUESNE BLVD rected to: GIANT EAGLE #6379 Kim Detrick 420 EAST WATERFRONT DR Housing Authority of the GIANT EAGLE— City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department MCKEESPORT 100 Ross Street 3812 O’NEILL BLVD 2nd Floor, Suite 200 J & S FOOD MART Pittsburgh, PA 15219 625 W GRANT AVE 412-456-5116 Opt 1 RITE AID PHARMACY A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the 100 WILLIAM MARKS DR City of Pittsburgh GIANT EAGLE Procurement Dept. 100 Ross Street 2nd. Fl. Ste. 200 1356 HOFFMAN BLVD BP GAS STATION Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Thursday, April 20, 2017 LYSLE & WALNUT 11:00 A.M. DS FOODMART The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages cer- 929 UNION ST tified minority business enterprises RITE AID PHARMACY and women business enterprises to 725 LYSLE BLVD respond to this solicitation. CHARLIE’S CORNER STORE HACP’s has revised their website. As part of those revisions, 500 LOCUST ST vendors must now register and NEIGHBORHOOD DOLLAR log-in, in order to view and down- 333 5TH AVE load IFB/RFPs documentation. GIANT EAGLE #38 Caster D. Binion, 1901 MURRAY AVE Executive Director JACK’S Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh E 8TH AVE HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.
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EASTERN AREA: WATERWORKS GIANT EAGLE #72 1005 FREEPORT RD— DIVINE HAIR STUDIO 10 DUFF RD GIANT EAGLE 9001 FRANKSTOWN RD GIANT EAGLE #78 230 RODI RD BP GAS STATION 11835 FRANKSTOWN RD THE SPOT 11675 FRANKSTOWN RD MASH MINI MART
4341 OLD WM. PENN HWY GIANT EAGLE #60 4004 MONROEVILLE BLVD GIANT EAGLE #76 AMES PLAZA, ROUTE 22 GET IT QUICK 500 GARDEN CITY DESTINY’S HAIR SALON 408 RODI RD PUFF’S DISCOUNT TOBACCO 10991 FRANKSTOWN RD SHOP N SAVE 3335 WILLIAM PENN HWY SHEETZ 3457 WILLIAM PENN HWY GETGO 10525 FRANKSTOWN RD CVS PHARMACY 10600 FRANKSTOWN RD SHELL OIL 7619 BAUM BLVD KIWI SUNOCO FRANKSTOWN AVE WILLIAM PENN SMOKE SHOP II 132 NORTH HIGHLAND AVE MARATHON GAS 6680 FRANKSTOWN AVE PENN AIKEN DAIRY 5401 PENN AVE GIANT EAGLE #17 6320 SHAKESPEARE ST HOMEWOOD MARKET 7201 FRANKSTOWN AVE SALIK HARDWARE 607 NORTH HOMEWOOD AVE NEGLEY A PLUS 123 NORTH NEGLEY AVE BAKER’S 7203 HAMILTON & STERRETT AVES DORSEY’S RECORDS 7614 FRANKSTOWN AVE HOSPITAL CORNER 4201 PENN AVE PEOPLES GROCERY 5136 PENN AVE A&M MARKET 5224 PENN AVE A-PLUS MINI MART 7701 PENN AVE WOOD & PENN 902 WOOD ST AL’S FISH & CHICKEN 1000 PENN AVE SAVE A LOT 725 ROSS AVE CVS PHARMACY 520 PENN AVE GETGO 408 PENN AVE QUICK STOP LIBERTY 3349 LIBERTY AVE K-2 CONVENIENT STORE 4900 PENN AVE SHUR SAVE 4120 MAIN ST SHELL GAS 6701 FRANKSTOWN RD UNIMART 5724 ELLSWORTH AVE GIANT EAGLE #77 254 YOST BLVD PUFF’S DISCOUNT TOBACCO 234 YOST BLVD SPEEDY MART 2131 ARDMORE BLVD SQUIRREL HILL NEWS 5804 FORBES AVE MURRAY AVE. NEWS 2024 MURRAY AVE GIANT EAGLE MURRAY AVE & LORETTA ST DISCOUNT TOBACCO & NEWS 1929 MURRAY AVE UNIVERSITY OF PGH BOOKSTORE 4000 5TH AVE DANA’S BAKERY 720 N. HOMEWOOD AVE DA STORE 606 & 1/2 N. HOMEWOOD AVE BONUS TIRE SERVICE 4349 VERONA RD KANDY CAFE 4291 VERONA RD GIANT EAGLE SHADYSIDE 550 CENTRE AVE MARATHON GAS 4010 PENN AVE STANTON NEGLEY DRUG 804 N. NEGLEY AVE RON’S CORNER DRUG MT. CARMEL RD
CENTRAL AREA: GET GO #64 4924 BAUM BLVD SCHWARTZ MARKET 1901 5TH AVE SMOKER FRIENDLY 906 5TH AVE HILL DISTRICT: WONG’S MARKET 2170 CENTRE AVE ANN’S MARKET 2316 WEBSTER AVE A-PLUS MINI MART 2350 CENTRE AVE UJAMMA BOUTIQUE 1901 CENTRE AVE K LEROY IRVIS TOWERS 715 MERCER ST SHOP & SAVE SUPERMARKET 1850 CENTRE AVE ABE’S MARKET 1860 CENTRE AVE WYLIE TOBACCO 2152 WYLIE AVE DOWNTOWN: KWIK-E-MART 212-10TH ST 7-11 #167 643 LIBERTY AVE 7-11 #165 SIXTH & PENN AVE 7-11 #170 429 WOOD ST ESTER’S SNAX FEDERAL BUILDING, 2ND FL SMITHFIELD NEWS 115 SMITHFIELD ST FABER COE & GREGG 500 GRANT ST FABER COE & GREGG FIFTH AVE. PLACE FABER COE & GREGG 600 GRANT ST NIELSEN’S STORES #09 GRANT ST— ONE OXFORD CENTER NIELSEN’S STORES #13 437 SEVENTH AVE— KOPPERS BUILDING 9TH & PENN NEWS-NUMBERS 136 PENN AVE EXTRA EXTRA NEWS 413 SEVENTH AVE UTSAV NEWS 400 CHERRY WAY C&C NEWS 2 PPG PLACE NEWSTAND SIXTH & WOOD ONE STOP 300 SIXTH & WOOD EDDIE’S SNACKS 262 5TH AVE BIG DADDY 465 FORBES AVE 711 SMITHFIELD 420 SMITHFIELD ST NORTHERN AREA: W. N. GROCERY 1018 NORTH AVE. NORTH SIDE BEER & BEVERAGE 1304 FEDERAL ST ALLEGHENY GIFT SHOP— AGH HOSPITAL 320 EAST NORTH AVE GIANT EAGLE #652 318 CEDAR AVE 7-11 #158 1001 WESTERN AVE RICHEY’S BARBER SHOP 1207 N. FRANKLIN ST QUIK-IT 820 PENNSYLVANIA AVE RITE AID #3459 802 PENNSYLVANIA AVE MARSHALL SHELL 1500 SPRING GARDEN AVE SWINKO’S MARKET 2535 PERYSVILLE AVE MERCY STREET EXPRESS 6 MERCY ST HARV’S EXXON 2501 BRIGHTON RD QUICK SCHWARTZ 3235 BRIGHTON RD HANINI MARKET 3245 BRIGHTON RD
SPORTS New Pittsburgh Courier
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APRIL 12-18, 2017
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
‘Cold’-Plays—Opening Day weather, and with Andrew McCutchen
by Aubrey Bruce
For New Pittsburgh Courier
Last Friday, the Pirates retuned to PNC Park to play their home opener. I, like many others, was a bit confused. Not by the Pirates returning home, but whether home was truly home, or had Pittsburgh unknowingly and unwillingly been transported to an uncharted destination somewhere in the “Twilight Zone.” With tongue-in-cheek, I posed a question to a couple riding on the train with me en route to the stadium as to whether I was on the right train or even in the right city for an early April opening day game. Janine and Andy Rogacki assured me that I was headed for the right destination. “We are bundled up and ready to go,” they both said enthusiastically. “There is no way that we were going to miss the opener.” Herein lies a little food for
thought. Last Friday, April 7, the temperature in Fairbanks, Alaska was 31 degrees, with a low temperature of 25. The temperature in Pittsburgh was a high of 39 with a low of 31. Just based on that small bit of trivia, I thought that I had entered the wrong stadium. But wait, there’s more. During the pregame, writer Chris Adamski made mention that the gametime temp at PNC Park was as cold or colder than any regular season home game played by the Steelers during their 2016 campaign. I checked that out on nflweather.com and sure enough last year, the average temperature for Steelers games played at Heinz Field was slightly above 50 degrees. At that point before the Pirates took the field against the Atlanta Braves, I was expecting a “Hea….. th” Miller cheer to break out at any moment from
the Bucs’ I have (gone) faithful. through this The Pirates, before. This especially is not my first those players time pitching hailing from in cold weaththe Caribbean er. I just try to and all points stay warm in south, did not the dugout.” seem to be The cold remotely comweather may fortable with have had a the weather slight impact conditions on Pirates even though left fielder they tried to Gregory Pobrush it off lanco. Polanas part of the co missed an game. After almost routhe game, I tine fly ball asked winthat could AUBREY BRUCE ning pitcher have had a Ivan Nova, if the cold weath- disastrous impact on the er forced him to do anything outcome of the game. Howdifferently? “No not really,” ever, Pirates manager Clint he said. “I throw like it is nor- Hurdle wasn’t buying it. “I mal weather. The only thing think that we saw in the is that you have to maintain beginning that there was your focus at all times, es- wind, but you gotta play pecially pitching in weath- with wind,” he said. “I think er like this. (The weather) that if you asked Gregory does not affect my delivery. he’ll tell you that’s a ball
Inside Conditions
he should catch. Some of those balls that were hit in the outfield I didn’t see anybody just plop right underneath them; there was some carry. The wind was moving some things around that was evident by the flag. However, we always try to put ourselves in the position where we overplay balls. When there’s wind you do the best you can to try to catch a ball coming back to the field rather than running away from the field. It didn’t happen in that circumstance.” Things might have been cold outside, but former Pirates center fielder, now current right fielder Andrew McCutchen, took his good old time preparing to address the post-game media pool especially in light of his slow start facing the Boston Red Sox during the Pirates season-opening series in Boston. Many prognosticators were gushing about his 3-for-4
offensive day against the talent-starved Braves, but a few may have thought that it was justified that McCutchen, the 2013 NL MVP, was allegedly on the trading block during this past offseason. When he was asked if he had to make any major adjustments as far as moving to right field is concerned, McCutchen said, “Just because I’m playing right field doesn’t mean that there’s going to be any changes. I‘m still me, I’m still Andrew McCutchen. No one’s theory of me on this team has changed; they know me.” Will their perceived lack of loyalty to one of their brightest stars hurt the Bucs as far as when future negotiations with current players take place? That, my friends, is a wait-andsee scenario. (Aubrey Bruce can be reached at: abruce@newpittsburghcourier.com or 412-583-6741. Follow him on Twitter@ultrascribe.)
Coach Wan Reaches youth through Basketball
by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer
There’s a certain kind of joy that Anwan Wesley feels when he can uplift, and build confidence in Pittsburgh-area youth. “I believe basketball is a hook to teach the youth a lot of stuff,” he said. “There’s a need. There’s not a lot of strong, positive male leadership out here these days.” Thus, roughly five years ago, Wesley, 35, helped start the Homewood YMCA Basketball League for grades 3-12. In November 2016, he moved his teams to the Community Empowerment Association, just a block away, with a new name; Coach Wan’s Developmental Youth Basketball League. Wesley’s 10 teams played in the gym there, but later collaborated with another coach, Jeff Marion, who had two teams of his own at the Homewood YMCA. Together, the 12-team league
Pittsburgh youth take direction on and off the court, during Coach Wan’s Basketball League. (Photo by Jackie McDonald) played games at both sites. The final games occurred in early March. “Sports is a great way to teach those life lessons,” Wesley said. “They like to see the highlights on TV, but I tell them that there is no highlight if you don’t play. And you don’t play if you don’t do your school-
work.” “He’s done a great job with the kids,” added Julie Williams, director of the Homewood YMCA. “He makes a great impact on the community. He also adds special programming for the young men, and teaches life skills; the topics that are important to
young men.” Williams said Wesley takes a holistic approach to teaching the youth. “He’s a positive role model for the young men. If we had more of those types around, that would be great. The (young men) get to see him and his family up close and personal, doing positive things.”
The games, practices, drills, and teaching seemingly never stops, Williams said. “The parents get worn out,” she said. “He gets so many people involved. It takes a lot to pull all that together. Baseball, basketball, everything, it just goes from one thing to another.” Wesley, a 1999 Penn Hills
high school graduate, said he can relate to the youth because he was raised in the Black community of Pittsburgh, and became a father early in life. He began “Fatherhood Magazine,” a publication aimed at assisting young fathers with raising their children. Wesley is also coach of the varsity basketball team at Imani Christian Academy. The team was section champs in single-A, and made it to the state playoffs this past season, falling in the first round. Wesley’s summer basketball league will begin soon. But skills and drills clinics will be held first, at three sites; Crescent Elementary School, Homewood, Homewood YMCA, and Imani Christian Academy. The skills and drills clinics are open to elementary, middle and high school students, beginning April 17 through May 28. To register for the clinics and summer basketball league, call 412-5830376.
SUPPORTING THE CAUSE—Parents and the youth, collaborating to learn basketball and life funda- ANWAN WESLEY, varsity basketball coach at Imani Christian Academy, with one of his players. Wesley mentals. (Photo by Jackie McDonald) has taught area youth the game of basketball and life for years. (Photo Courtesy Anwan Wesley)
Triple-Doubles are great, but can you win a NBA title?
by Bill Neal
For New Pittsburgh Courier
:10—OKC superstar Russell Westbrook recently broke the legendary Oscar Robertson’s record for most triple-doubles in a season. For those not in the know, that means at least 20 points, double rebounds and double assists. Before Westbrook, the only human being to do it was “The Big O.” Oscar Robertson, who averaged a triple-double for an entire season in 1962, as great a feat as that is, the question I have for you is…Does that transfer into a championship for the team? I think not. After leading the league in scoring for the umpteenth time and getting unjustly criticized, Wilt Chamberlain led the league in assists the next year. Clearly, he could have done it. You know Michael Jordan could have done it, if he wanted to. As could Bill Russell, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, Elgin Baylor or Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. But their focus to a man was about winning championships. :09—Think that’s an untouchable NBA record? Here’s a few that truly may never be touched. #10 Rasheed Wallace—41 technical fouls in one season (2001); #9 Walt Bellamy—playing an 88-game regular season (1968-69); #8 A.C. Green—1,192 consec-
utive games played…and for keep screaming about pitching. the record, the same amount C’mon man, I can have a 7.24 of time, and some without ERA and I can’t pitch my way any “good loving,” if you out of a Giant Eagle blue bag. know what I mean (Oh, for :07—Hey, let me shut up. goodness sake’s people, wake It’s a Marte-parte. This past up and smell the coffee… Sunday afternoon, a walk-off the man was a grown-up, retwo-run homer to beat the al-life virgin. Do I have to tell Braves again…And there was you everything?); #7 Dennis Noooooo doubt about it!!! Rodman—29.7% single-sea:06—Got a call from “The son total rebound rate (1994Caller,” last week. He’s not im95); #6 Darryl Dawkins—386 pressed with the 44-plus that personal fouls in one season Pete Maravich put up, every (1983-84) (That’s 4.7 fouls a game, to become the all-time game, in case you’re adding scoring champ. He wants you up); #5 Bill Russell—11… to know about some guy in DiBILL NEAL count ‘em…11 NBA chamvision II basketball that scored pionships! Michael who?; #4 more points…as if we care. Call Wilt Chamberlain—Everything!!! He had me back, “caller!” 50.4 points a game (1961-62) and 17 free :05—Listen up, everybody. Did ya hear throw attempts, per game; #3 Los Angeles the news? Ben’s not going to retire, after Lakers—33-game winning streak (1971- all. Yea, like he really was actually going 72); #2 John Stockton—3,265 career steals to give back the $16.8 million he would and 15,806 career assists, tied with Michael have owed the Steelers!!! Jordan’s 10 career scoring titles; And you :04—Your Pittsburgh Pens are gearing guessed it… #1 Wilt Chamberlain—100 up for the playoffs, but the chances to points in a single game (1962). repeat are looking less likely by the day. :08—Pirates Pitcher Trevor Williams has a Injuries are taking a toll at a bad time. 7.24 ERA. But you all keep wondering why I They face the Columbus Blue Jackets in
Overtime
the opening round. :03—Do yourself a favor, not me. One more time, just one more time, watch “Remember the Titans,” starring the great Denzel Washington. It pulls on all the hot spots; competition, love, hate, tears, fears, but most importantly…the will to win! It gets four basketballs out of five, in my book. :02—A big New Pittsburgh Courier reminder…the 4th Annual Pittsburgh City League All-Sports Hall of Fame is coming up on Saturday, Oct. 21, recognizing and honoring the greatest athletes in City League history, adding to the list that already includes Kenny Durrett, Sam Clancy, Jennifer Bruce, Orin Richburg, Ricky Coleman, Curtis Hefflin and others. Get your nomination to us now, before it’s too late. Call or text 412-6284856 with your City League legend. Brought to you by none of other than the historic New Pittsburgh Courier, where history is kept! :01—“Stomping at the Savoy” coming again, for everyone 35 and older, this and every Friday, at the fabulous Savoy Restaurant in the Strip. It’s from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $10 admission, cash bar, cash kitchen, dress to impress, valet and street parking, 50/50, prizes and surprises. Call 412-628-4856 for group seating and 412-292-1753 for VIP seating. - GAME OVER -
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PEOPLE
APRIL 12-18, 2017
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Penn Hills middle schoolers learn from area entrepreneurs by Rob Taylor Jr.
kindergarten to seventh grade. Next year, the school Courier Staff Writer will accept eighth graders. Williams said having an enPenn Hills Charter School trepreneurial mindset is conof Entrepreneurship held sistently taught to the stutrue to its name, recently, dents at PHCSE. “Students by holding its first Local are expected to show off what Entrepreneurial Summit, they’ve learned throughout allowing local business the year,” she said. owners a chance to share Williams discussed a stufirsthand knowledge with dent who wants to start students. their own company, “and “Just a way to bring the create a Cozy Chair,” she said. “She wants to invent a Cozy Chair and sell it. “Another student wants to be an engineer in a wellto-do firm. And another student wants to have a cooking truck. He wants to sell African American food, but all natural food,” Williams said. “We’ve been introducing this young man to caterers, just (for him) to really learn if this is his market niche.” Some parents attended the event, held at the school’s gymnasium. But next year, Williams said, she hopes that every parSHARING KNOWLEDGE—Local business owners and professionals shared information on entrepre- ent who wants to come will neurship at PHCSE’s first Entrepreneurial Summit, March 29. (Photos courtesy PHCSE) attend. community to our school, and let the students be around people that have the same aspirations,” said Terri Williams, the school’s innovation specialist. “The students can walk away with a mentor; someone who can guide them, lead them and help facilitate their choices” of certain areas of interest. The Entrepreneurial
Summit, held March 29, was open to the school’s sixth and seventh grade students. Over 30 local business owners and entrepreneurs were on hand, including Leon Ford, state Rep. Ed Gainey, Bruce W. Schafer, Mike Tedesco, Derrick Tillman, David Burton and Rev. Cornell Jones. The school currently has about 350 students from
The event’s emcee was nonprofit, minority, higher David Jones of NEED, the education assistance prooldest community-based, gram in the state.
FUTURE ENTREPRENEUR—A PHCSE student learns from an area business professional about the steps toward Entrepreneurship.
Holland named to Pittsburgh Mercy board of directors
DEBORAH HOLLAND Deborah A. Holland is among four who were recently named to the Board of Directors of Pittsburgh Mercy, a member of Trinity Health. Each of the members will serve a three-year term. “I’m delighted to be invited to be a member of the Pittsburgh Mercy Board of Directors,” Holland told the New Pittsburgh Courier. “As a human resource professional and consultant who has dedicated her life’s work to helping people and organizations thrive, Pittsburgh Mercy’s mission of being a compassionate and transforming, healing presence within our communities resonates with me. When we empower people and organizations, we also strengthen communities. This is something to which I am deeply committed, both professionally and personally. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Pittsburgh Mercy Board and to support the persons whom Pittsburgh Mercy serves.” Holland is president of DLJ & Associates, a consulting firm providing a full range of general hu-
man resources expertise: organizational capacity building; talent management, including the development and facilitation of leadership training and succession planning; leadership transition and executive search; change management; diversity and inclusion training; and professional coaching. Prior to starting her consulting practice, Holland served as vice president of Staffing and Employee Relations for a global telecommunications company. Holland also held various human resources leadership positions with the University of Richmond, DTE Energy, Duquesne Light and Mellon Bank. Her nonprofit experience includes senior leadership positions with the YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh and INROADS Pittsburgh. She received her Master of Education degree in counseling education and a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. Holland also serves on the board of directors for La Roche College in McCandless. She resides in Peters Township.