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VOL. 106, NO. 42
OCTOBER 21-27, 2015
INSIDE
by Christian Morrow
Voters Guide 2015
Courier Staff Writer
Special Section
Courier comes out big in Pa. Newspaper of Year Awards by Ashley Johnson Courier Staff Writer
America’s best weekly proves, once again, that it is one of Pennsylvania’s as well. On Oct. 15, the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association (PNA) Foundation announced the recipients of its 2015 Newspaper of the Year Awards. The New Pittsburgh Courier earned seven awards in its division, including a tie for second place for Newspaper of the Year for weekly publications. The Wellsboro Gazette also won second place, first place was awarded to the Central Penn Business Journal. Along with Newspaper of the Year for weeklies, the SEE COURIER A4
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Hill delivers therapeutic change at Shuman Center Published Weekly
Three Sections
YOU NEED TO HEAR US—Students tell chief Cameron McLay they are angry and frustrated about their opinions and input being ignored on community violence and possible remedies. (Photo by J.L. Martello)
McLay gets earful at youth violence forum by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
As one of the events in the Week of Non-Violence sponsored by Black Women for Positive Change, the “Youth Talk We Listen” forum at the Community College of Allegheny County was meant to let Pittsburgh Police Chief Cameron McLay hear from the youth on ways to reduce community violence. He heard it—and then some. Following a welcoming press conference that included remarks from Pittsburgh Council-
woman Natalia Rudiak, CCAC Allegheny Campus President Donna Imhoff and Black Women for Positive Change Founder Stephanie Myers, McLay joined a moderated panel of high school and college-aged students, listening to each give their thoughts on the reasons their contemporaries were killing each other and how it could be stopped. The panelist offered their thoughts ranging from kids being desensitized to violence through movies and video games, to too many negative community influences.
“The people I see being negative and saying don’t even try are those who are unsuccessful and who don’t want anyone else to succeed,” said panelist Kevin Gales from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Then they opened the questioning up to the audience—and the script went out the window. “The average income in the Hill is $18,000 and you all are blaming people for not achieving, when it’s about why they aren’t achieving,” said Tresa MurphySEE McLAY A5
Ribbon cutting celebrates new transit development by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
They used to call it “Little Downtown,” before urban renewal created Penn Circle and destroyed East Liberty’s thriving business corridor in an effort to create an urban mall. Last week, more than 40 years later, local, regional and national leaders gathered to
cut the ribbon on a $150 million transit center development that could return East Liberty to its Little Downtown status. “Look around you,” said Urban Redevelopment Authority Executive Director Robert Rubinstein. “What you see represents $750 million of investment. It’s generating millions upon millions of dollars of tax revenue, and it’s helping to drive Pittsburgh’s economic resurgence. The
linchpin of everything you see is the transit center.” Around him—and Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle, D-Pa., Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, and representatives from the governor’s office, the Federal Transit Administration, the developer and East Liberty stakeholdSEE RIBBON A4
Fitness classes, yoga and meditation, computer labs, art classes yielding intricate paintings, sculptures and quilts that are displayed in the hallways, and a large field with volleyball nets— sounds like a great school. But it’s not. The field is surrounded by a twelve-foot fence topped with razor wire, and the hallways lead to locket units EARL HILL where adjudicated youth spend their nights. This is the Shuman Juvenile Detention Center. The center’s recent turbulent past—the firing of the previous director, guards assaulting youths, the loss of its state license—is giving way to a new focus on service, and mental and physical fitness proSEE HILL A4
Wallace leading Penn Hills YMCA to be more by Ashley Johnson Courier Staff Writer
Growing up in a rough Wilkinsburg neighborhood, in a single parent home, left Thomas Wallace with little positive influences and way too much time to get in trouble. He had multiple run-ins with law enforcement, lost two best friends to senseless violence, had one son and another on the way by the end of his senior high school year, and a vision that didn’t THOMAS WALLACE
CITY LEAGUE HALL OF FAMERS—The new members of Pittsburgh’s All City League All Sports Hall of Fame. See story and other photos on Sports C3-C4. (Photo by Gail Manker)
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Ulish Carter asks
The Million Man March…what now? Opinion A6
SEE WALLACE A4
African migrant dies after Israeli This Week In Black History guard shoots him, mob attacks
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OCTOBER 21-27, 2015
INTERNATIONAL
by Daniel Estrin
Associated Press Writer
JERUSALEM (AP)—An Eritrean migrant shot by an Israeli security guard and then attacked by bystanders who mistook him for an assailant in a deadly bus station attack has died of his wounds, hospital officials said Monday. The mistaken shooting of the migrant seemed to capture the current climate of ratcheted up tensions among Israelis after weeks of seemingly random lonewolf attacks by Palestinians. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the beating, telling members of his Likud Party that Israel is a “law abiding country.” “No one should take the law into their own hands,” he said. Police say that during Sunday night’s attack, carried out by an Arab citizen of Israel, a security guard mistakenly identified the Eritrean man as a second attacker. He shot the migrant, and as he lay on the ground a mob of people cursed him, kicked him and hit him with objects. Netanyahu offered condolences to the man’s family, and police say they are reviewing security camera footage to identify and catch the people who beat the man. “It’s terrible,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon. “It shows you what a terrible situation we are in.” The daily newspaper Yediot Ahronot left no ambiguity as to why it thought the man was shot. An article in Monday’s paper was headlined: “Just because of his skin color.” African migrants frequently complain of racial discrimination in Israel. Israel’s Interior Ministry identified the man as Haptom Zerhom, an Eritrean in his late 20s. Dr. Nitza NeumanHeiman, deputy general director of Soroka Medical Center, told Army Radio that Zerhom arrived at the hospital in “very serious condition” and died late Sunday from both gunshot wounds to the abdomen and the injuries sustained during attacks by bystanders. The attack, at the central bus station in the southern
SHOT AND ATTACKED BY MOB—In this Sunday, Oct. 18, file photo, Mulu Haptom Zerhom, a wounded Eritrean, is evacuated from the scene of an attack in Beersheba, Israel. I(AP Photo/Dudu Grunshpan, File) city of Beersheba, was among the bloodiest in a monthlong wave of violence. A 19-year-old Israeli soldier was killed and nine people were wounded when an Arab assailant armed with a gun and knife opened fire. The attacker was shot dead by police. Israeli news websites posted security camera footage that shows Zerhom crawling on the floor and a security guard shooting him. Footage also showed a mob of shouting Israelis crowded around the man as he lay in a pool of blood. A bench was rammed at him and he was kicked in the back of the head, as an Israeli officer and a few bystanders tried to protect him. An Israeli identified only by the first name Dudu told Israeli Army Radio that he regretted participating in the attack on the Eritrean migrant. “I understood from people he was a terrorist. If I would have known he wasn’t a terrorist, believe me, I would have protected him like I protect myself,” he said. “I didn’t sleep well at night. I feel disgusted.” Police are seeking to arrest those Israeli civilians who “aggressively beat” and kicked the Eritrean man “while he lay on the floor and posed no threat,” police spokeswoman Luba Samri said. During a month of violence, nine Israelis and the Eritrean have been killed. Forty-one Arabs including 20 identified by Israel as attackers—have been killed, with the rest dying in clashes with Israeli troops.
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The attacks, carried out seemingly at random by attackers with no known membership to organized militant groups, have unnerved Israel. Zerhom was in Beersheba to renew his Israeli visa, said his employer at a plant nursery, Sagi Malachi. “He was a modest man, quiet, and he tried to do his job as best as he could,” Malachi told The Associated Press. “I can say that he was a dedicated and pleasant employee... It is heart breaking, all in all I think that he was in the wrong place at the wrong time.” About 34,000 Eritrean migrants are in Israel. They say they are fleeing persecution and conflict and seek refugee status. Israel does not grant them refugee status, but does not deport them to Eritrea in line with international law so as not to endanger their lives. Migrants must renew Israeli visas every month or two, according to migrant activists. African migrants began pouring into Israel in 2007, with their numbers steadily growing until Israel built a fence along the Egyptian border in 2012. Many Israelis fear the influx threatens the country’s Jewish character, with one right-wing Israeli lawmaker calling migrants a “cancer.” “The death of an asylum seeker at the hands of security guards and an angry mob is a tragic but foreseeable outgrowth of a climate in which some Israeli politicians encourage citizens to take the law into their own hands,” said Sari Bashi of Human Rights Watch Israeli police identified the assailant as 21 year-old Mohannad al-Okbi, an Arab citizen of Israel, from the Bedouin town of Hura in southern Israel. Security officers arrested one of alOkbi’s relatives on suspicion that he assisted the attacker, Samri said. The Israeli security agency Shin Bet said the attacker had no past record of involvement in militant activity.
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Week of Oct. 21-27 October 21 1865—Jamaican national hero and independence advocate, George William Gordon, is unjustly arrested and sentenced to death for his struggle to free the Caribbean island nation from White minority rule. The son of a White man and a Black slave woman, Gordon is considered one of Jamaica’s most significant national heroes. 1950—Earl Lloyd becomes first Black person to play in an NBA game. 1994—Dexter King, youngest son of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., is named head of SCLC—an organization founded by his slain father. Ironically, Dexter’s sister Rev. Bernice King would later be named to head the civil rights group. October 22 1906—Three thousand Blacks demonstrated and rioted in Philadelphia to protest a theatrical production of Thomas Dixon’s racist play—“The Clansman.” The GEORGE WILLIAM GORDON play essentially praised the Ku Klux Klan while demeaning Blacks. 1936—Black Panther Party co-founder Bobby Seale is born in Dallas, Texas. 1953—Clarence S. Green becomes the first AfricanAmerican certified as a neurological surgeon. 2009—The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issues a devastating report showing the number of new HIV/AIDS infections was declining for all population groups—except homosexual males, which the CDC refers to as MSM—men who have sex with men. Among MSMs, the highest infection rate was found among young Black males aged 13 to 24. October 23 1775—The Continental Congress approves a resolution barring free Blacks from the army fighting for AmeriBOBBY SEALE can independence from England. The resolution came even though many free Blacks were already fighting in the war. The motive behind the resolution came from Southern slave colonies which feared that by fighting in the war for American independence, Blacks would also demand an end to slavery. 1911—The National Urban League is formed. Next only to the NAACP, it becomes the second oldest and second largest Black self-help organization in America. It grew out of the spontaneous 20th-Century Freedom Movement for freedom and opportunity that came to be called the Black Migrations. Central to the organization's founding were two remarkable people: Mrs. Ruth Standish Baldwin and Dr. George Edmund Haynes, who would become the Committee's first executive secretary. 1947—The NAACP files an “Appeal To The World” with the newly found United Nations concerning racial injustice in America. For its day, the filing was a bold move on the part of the NAACP and it angered many liberal and conservative Whites. October 24 1892—More than GEORGE EDMUND HAYNES 25,000 Black workers are said to have joined a workers strike in New Orleans to protest working conditions, lynching and other social ills. 1935—Fascist Italy invades Ethiopia—at the time, one of only two independent countries in Africa. U.S. Blacks were among thousands protesting worldwide. Powerful Harlem, N.Y., Pastor Adam Clayton Powell Sr. was among those seeking aid for Ethiopia. Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie spoke at his church. 1935—“Mulatto” opens on Broadway in New York City. The play written by famed Black poet Langston Hughes becomes the first long-run Black play on Broadway. Written during the summer of 1930, “Mulatto” is Hughes' first full-length play. Opening on Oct. 24, at the Vanderbilt Theatre, “Mulatto” ran on Broadway for more than a year and toured for two seasons. 1948—Kweisi Mfume is born Frizzel Gray in BaltiLANGSTON HUGHES more, Md. He became a congressman and head of the NAACP but later lost a bid for a seat in the U.S. Senate. 1964—The African nation of Zambia becomes independent from White colonial rule. October 25 1940—Black newspaper owner’s group—the NNPA (National Negro Publishers Association)—was founded when John H. Sengstacke of the Chicago Defender organized a meeting with other AfricanAmerican publishers designed for “harmonizing our energies in a common purpose for the benefit of Negro journalism.” The group decided to form the National Negro Publishers Association. In 1956 the trade association was renamed the National Newspapers Publishers Association. 1940—Benjamin O. Davis Sr. becomes the first Black general in the U.S. Army. 1958—An estimated 10,000 students led by Jackie Robinson, Harry Belafonte, and labor leader A. Phillip Randolph, participate in a youth march for integrated schools in Washington, D.C. 1976—One-time racist Gov. George Wallace grants a JOHN H. SENGSTACKE full pardon to Clarence “Willie” Norris—the last known survivor of the nine “Scottsboro Boys.” The group had been framed in a 1931 conviction for allegedly raping two White women. 1994—Apparently believing it would be easy to frame a Black man for the crime, Susan Smith—a White woman from Union, S.C.— claims that a Black carjacker had driven off with her two sons. Her story became a national sensation, but it later fell apart. She eventually confessed to drowning the children and was convicted of murder. October 26 1749—The British parliament legalizes slavery in the American colony, which would become known as Georgia. 1806—Benjamin Banneker dies at 74. He had become a recognized inventor and scientist. He also completed the design and layout of Washington, D.C., after L’Enfant returned to France. 1868—B.F. Randolph, a prominent Black politician in South Carolina after the Civil War, is assassinated. He was believed to have been killed by former Confederate soldiers seeking to re-establish White racist rule in the state via terrorist organizations such as the Ku Klux Klan. BENJAMIN BANNEKER 1872—Inventor T. Marshal patents the fire extinguisher. 1911—Famed gospel singer Mahalia Jackson is born in New Orleans, La. She is generally considered the greatest gospel singer that ever lived. October 27 1891—Inventor P.B. Downing patents the street letter mailbox whose basic design remains in use today. Not much is known about Downing. 1960—President John F. Kennedy intervenes to get Martin Luther King Jr. released from the Georgia State Prison in Reidsville, where he had been imprisoned because of his civil rights activities. The Kennedy action endeared him to Black voters. 1981—Former United Nations Ambassador Andrew Young is elected mayor of Atlanta, Ga., becoming the city’s second Black MAHALIA JACKSON mayor.
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Mental health and homelessness…Silent killers in the Black community by Mary L. Datcher Chicago Defender
In Chicago, along the Dan Ryan and Kennedy expressways, it is normal to be greeted by the homeless holding up signs for help. Many have turned the underbelly of I-94 into their makeshift homes. Upon closer examination, people holding signs can readily be assessed to be homeless, unemployed or drug dependent, but many suffer from the battles of mental illness. These are the obvious among us, but there are many among us; hidden in the workplaces and classrooms—independently functioning in the shadows of normalcy. In the last twenty years, we’ve witnessed victims of fatal shootings at schools in Columbine, Denver, Sandy Hook, Connecticut, Virginia State Tech and, most recently, Umpqua College in Roseburg, Ore. In many of these cases, the alleged shooter, typically a young White male, is deemed to be suffering from some type of mental illness according to main stream media accounts. We often wonder what drives a person to commit such heinous acts of violence. Yet, whenever there is a murder or shooting committed in Chicago by Black or Hispanic men, it is almost never linked to mental illness, no matter the circumstances. As the Cook County Jail population exploded, it seemed to include more cases that involved individuals that suffered from some form of mental illness. Mental illness it is often a topic that has been avoided in Black households for generations: whether out of embarrassment, lack of financial assistance, proper healthcare or shame—it has become a slow and silent killer in our community. What’s in the dark must now come into the light. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in every five adults in the U.S. experiences a mental health condition and one in every five children ages 13-18 have or will experience the same. However, within the Black community the numbers concern 18.6 percent of Black Americans compared to 19.3 percent of White Americans dealing with a mental health condition according to a race study conducted in 2012. Six mental health care clinics closed in 2012 by the City of Chicago in predominately Black communities that included Auburn Gresham, Back of the Yards, Beverly/Morgan, Northtown/Rogers Park, Northwest, and the Woodlawn neighborhoods. Therefore it’s no surprise to see the recent uptick in panhandling throughout the city. The state-run mental health facility, Tinley Park Mental Center, also suffered serious budget cuts when their hospital was closed in 2012 under Governor Pat Quinn without much warning, displacing patients with few alternative solutions. Lydia Healthcare located in Robbins, Illinois is a for-profit clinic that has felt the increase of patients as a result of budget cuts to the regional health care system. Often they receive people that have either gone off of their medication(s) and require stabilization to be restored to functionality. Also there are cases where family members have been hurt in some way and seek the clinic as a last resort. The stigma that this carries with some African American families when a loved one is suffering from mental instability—depression, bipolar syndrome, or schizophrenia is either ignoring the behavior or replacing it with a faith base remedy. Further, often the mentally ill, seek means outside of medical help and fall into drugs, alcohol and deviant behavior oftentimes appearing as an individual who is wild,
when all the while their behavior is manic or schizoid. Their indulgence is an attempt to bring them balance. Being aware of what mental illness symptoms look like is key in being able to seek help for yourself or loved ones. Ronald Robinson, Community Relations director at Lydia Mental Healthcare is also a parent whose son suffered a brain injury in an automobile accident, noticed an immediate change in his mental stability. Robinson said, “My son bounced around from five different facilities. Everyone said, ‘Bring that boy home, he’ll be alright. We can pray over him, he’s not crazy.’ He came here to Lydia for six months but now he’s living independently. He will always have challenges but he’s still here and able to take care of himself.” Praying away the illness is what some of us heard was the remedy for those with mental issues when growing up. Because of the stigmas that were associated with mental illness—touched, a little slower than others, knocking out the demons Blacks deny it when they recognize the behavior. The unfamiliarity of how to cope can put further pressure on those without knowledge and proper education of helping friends and loved ones. In many cases, as seen by the Cook County justice system it’s often too late to prevent a crime by a person experiencing mental instability until they are incarcerated. According to Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart—the county jail is the largest mental health facility in the country with 30 percent occupancy held by inmates that are in need of mental health treatment. Bukky Mitchell, an Admissions Director for Lydia Healthcare, who worked with his office in the past and is currently working to assist with the mentally ill population, states, “In the State of Illinois if a person is rated high risk’, we are required to provide a private room. If we don’t have any available, guess where they end up? Back on the streets or in the jails again.” In 2015, Health & Disability Advocates (HDA) conducted a review of the Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs) which was completed by Chicago hospitals required by the Patient Protection Affordable Care Act (ACA). In parts of the review, socio-economic factors contributed to making treatment options less available to African Ameri-
cans. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of 2012, 19 percent of African Americans have no form of health insurance. Although, the Affordable Care Act is making it easier and more affordable to get insured, most clinics still rely on Medicaid to cover low-income patient’s expenses. When the City closed six mental health centers in mid2012, it simultaneously awarded $500,000 in funding to seven agency partners to increase community capacity for psychiatry services for uninsured persons. Upon review of the City of Chicago 2015 Budget proposal, there is an effort to expand the school-based health centers that serve Chicago students –13 centers out of the 30 SBHC centers. We reached out to Mayor Emanuel’s office as to how many of these health centers are located in predominately African American communities and will they include mental health services for people? Budget spokesperson, Molly Poppe said, “By 2019, the City plans to open five more school-based health centers through strategic investments of e-cigarette tax revenue and TIF funds. Each new center will provide comprehensive primary care and mental health services,” Poppe said, “The location of the new school-based health centers have not yet been identified, but the City will choose locations in low-income communities that are medically underserved as defined by census data and other federal data.” As the State budget stalemate continues to stretch the needs in underserved communities gripped with this silent and gradual killer in the African American community, advocates such as a NAMI is providing necessary education to the community. The statistics provided showed that 10.3 percent of Black females and 6.6 percent of Black males will use Mental Health services compared to 21.5 percent of White Females and 11.3 percent of White Males with even a lower number of Hispanic females, 9.2 percent, and Hispanic males, 5.5 percent. So, while more people have signed up under the Affordable Healthcare Act and others qualify for Medicaid assistance—the challenge in the African American community is recognizing the need for mental health treatment. Part of the problem is the cultural disconnection among African Americans refusing treatment due to a lack of African American mental health professionals. Only 3.7 percent of members in the American Psychiatric Association and 1.5 percent of members in the American Psychological Association are African American. What will it take before we pay close attention to the behaviors of those close to us that raise red flags? And, why is it considered ‘normal’ to occasionally ‘snap off’ on a girlfriend, boyfriend, family member or through social media when the lines of venting or letting off steam is acceptable in our society? When are the lines crossed and how do we properly identify what is acceptable and what is a cry for help? In society, where unruliness in the classroom can lead to either immediate discipline or childhood medication—critics believe there is still a cultural and educational disconnect in our Black community. Regardless, assistance beyond the home, school and church in receiving professional care is vital to make the correct psychiatric analysis for those living with mental health challenges. It is not ‘their’ problem, it is ‘our’ problem. The stigma of therapy being a ‘rich’ and White problem or economic burden is not the case with community base centers there to assist. Our community must take the necessary steps to acknowledge the problem, seek help and accept and work with the outcome, which in the end can save a life.
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OCTOBER 21-27, 2015
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
METRO
Wallace leading Penn Hills YMCA to be more CONTINUED FROM A1
A NEW BEGINNING—Officials and stakeholders cut the ribbon on the $150 million East Liberty Transit Center, opening a pedestrian bridge to the associated housing and retail development.
Ribbon cutting celebrates new transit development CONTINUED FROM A1
ers—stood what will soon be 43,000 square feet of mixed commercial space, 360 units of market-rate housing, a 554-space shared-use parking facility, a new street connection, a new pedestrian bridge, a 120-space bike garage, lighting, streetscape improvements, landscaping and plaza facilities that connect Penn Avenue transit users to MLK Busway facilities.
Peduto said the Center will help development and generate funding for affordable housing through a tax abatement plan. A percentage of taxes generated by construction in East Liberty and Shadyside will go into a fund to affordable housing in and around East Liberty. “The disinvestment that’s happened in East Liberty and Homewood and Larimer has driven families out of those neighbor-
hoods for 50 years,” Peduto said. “What we’re seeing now is an investment that’s coming back, and we want (those families) to be a part of it.” Mark Minnerly, director of real estate for the Mosites Co., the project developer, said residents will start moving into the housing portion of the development in just weeks. “We’re not even halfway to seeing this neighborhood come back,” he said.
MAELENE MYERS East Liberty Development Inc.
MALIK BANKSTON Kingsley Association
REGINA HOLLEY Pittsburgh Public School Board
see him living past the age of 21. But after finding the right mentors, who bestowed upon him a new sense of self, he turned, what many would see as an excuse to fail, into reasons to succeed. Now, Wallace, 34, of Penn Hills, has made it past the age of 21 and is using his experiences to make a positive impact on others as the executive director of the Penn Hills branch of the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh where he is, to his knowledge, its youngest and first Black leader. “I didn’t have a vision for my future. I was lost, like a lot of the kids that grow up in lower socioeconomic areas. I thought that, quite honestly, I wouldn’t survive past the age of 21,” said Wallace. “I had a rough upbringing and a couple run-ins with the law. It wasn’t a pleasurable experience, but it was definitely a learning experience and one that I wouldn’t take back; it helped shape me into the who I am now and introduced me to a lot of positive people.” Wallace’s earlier years consisted of him, his mother, father, sister and three brothers, one of whom was his step-brother from his father who had come to live with his family; that is until his parents separated when he was 9. His mother, a newly single parent of five, worked numerous jobs to take care of their family, which left him and his brother with time to “get into things we shouldn’t have.” He was getting into trouble and barely going to school, until his tenth grade year when his high school football team received a new coach—Anthony Mitchell. Wallace said Mitchell became like a father figure to him. He coached him, told him “he could be something” and “introduced him to the idea of wanting a future and college.” Mitchell even assisted him with getting a scholarship to play football at Edinboro University, where he joined the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, met his future wife, Sandra, and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. It was that same commitment and selfworth he received from Mitchell that Wallace wanted to pass onto others. He then became a teacher of kindergartners, then later first graders, at Rapah Charter School in East Liberty, while coaching football at Wilkinsburg High School and conducting personal training sessions at a gym Mitchell had opened, all while being a single parent to his oldest son whom he gained full custody of after graduating from college. He was passionate about his work, but felt overwhelmed and stretched thin. Wanting to find one job that fulfilled all three of his passions, his path led him to the Homewood-Brushton YMCA where he began working as the Healthy Living director in 2005, under the leadership of former executive director, Olivia Jones. “After the first year I knew I was in love with it. It absolutely fulfilled all of my passions, from coaching, to teaching and personal training; helping other people meet their goals,” Wallace said. “I was able to see the positive impact that I was able to have in others’ lives. I really fell in love with working for the Y and wanted to do more there.” Throughout his years at that location, Wallace went from Healthy Living director,
to supervisor of Child Care, to Branch Manager and finally, director of Operations. In 2011, he was named the executive director of the Baierl Family YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh, in the Franklin Park area of North Hills, making him the first the African American to hold a position of leadership at that Y. Still wanting more, and having a reputation of passion for the social service side of the job and success with leadership, Wallace was informed about the opening for an executive director of the Penn Hills branch where the former director was retiring. A perfect fit because it was in his community and mix between the “social service-based” and the “country club” Ys he had worked at before, Wallace applied for the job and was given the position in 2015. His “home” for the past six months, Wallace is working diligently on trying to change the community’s view of the Penn Hills’ location being just a “gym and swim” to being so much more—a place that meets the whole needs of the entire family. “My vision and the vision I’m helping my staff develop is that we want to be seen and known as the resource center of the community; whether you’re trying to meet physical fitness goals, or you need other resources. We may not be the direct provider of that service, but we can connect you to that resource” said Wallace. “You should know that if you need anything, one of the first numbers, outside of emergency, you can dial the YMCA.” The Y currently offers subsidized family memberships, traditional gym programs, afterschool and before school childcare, free childcare while working out, youth sports for ages 3 and up, community nights, volunteer and community service opportunities, and offsite programs such as providing staff and curriculum for physical activity classes in Propel and private schools. Wallace said they have partnered with the Penn Hills School District to facilitate a “Manhood 2.0” mentoring program for young men that focuses on violence prevention and healthy relationships. Along with changing the Y’s reputation, Wallace said he is also currently working to gain volunteers, “new blood” on their advisory board and develop partnerships. Joyce Davis, president of the Penn Hills Unit of the NAACP, said she’s impressed with Wallace’s “ideas and how he wants to expand the Y and it’s reach within the community. It’s a beautiful facility and there’s a lot of untapped potential that he sees. He’s doing a lot for Penn Hills and the community.” When it comes to what drives him, Wallace said it’s the fact that he and his wife came from rough backgrounds and know the impact the YMCA can have on the community and youth; his desire to have a positive example for his three sons that live with him, ages 17, 16 and 6; and his firsthand knowledge of the senseless violence. “My door is always open. I’m committed because I have a social service heart, but I’m also committed because this is my community, this is where I live.”
Hill delivers therapeutic change at Shuman CONTINUED FROM A1
NEW DIGS—Residents will move into some of the 360 apartments built next to the East Liberty transit Center within the month. The 43,000-square-foot commercial space will open thereafter. (Photos by J.L. Martello)
Courier 2nd in Pa. newspaper awards CONTINUED FROM A1
Courier also won first place in its division in the categories of Advertising Excellence, Editorial & Commentary Excellence, Diversity, Promotion and Community Service, as well as honorable mention in the News Presentation Excellence category. “I congratulate New Pittsburgh Courier team. We have a longstanding history of producing news excellence and meeting the needs of our audience, and our winning of these awards signifies that,” said Rod Doss, Courier editor and publisher. “Each week our staff and writers work diligently to produce an award-winning product that we can be proud of. It is my pleasure to work with such committed individuals.” The Newspaper of the Year Awards contest showcases the work of an entire news organization’s staff while recognizing the outstanding work across all departments and including all products, with an emphasis on overall excellence. “The PNA Foundation is delighted to honor Pennsylvania’s outstanding news media companies through our Newspaper of the Year contest. Excellence is recognized for not only news coverage and pre-
sentation, but also advertising, photography, diversity, special sections, promotion, community service and video,” said Melinda Condon, CMP, executive director of the PNA Foundation. “Through these awards, we are able to showcase and reward the amazing work that is produced each day and week by our member newspapers. Through their products and services, PA newspapers continue to be vital sources of information with great impact on their communities.” Newspapers from the greater Pittsburgh area proved to be strong during this competition. The Beaver County Times won first place for multi-day publications and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette won second place. This is the fourth year that the Courier has participated in this contest. Last year, the newspaper won ten awards including Newspaper of the Year for weeklies. The awards will be presented at a brunch during the PNA’s annual convention, Nov. 11-13, at the Hotel Hershey in Hershey, Pa. (For more information on the PNA or the Newspaper of the Year Awards, visit www.panewsmedia.org.)
gramming for the inmates, rather than punishment. That’s because its director, Earl Hill, is a psychologist by vocation, having spent his previous career treating patients at St. Francis Hospital and Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic. Now, 70, Hill came out of retirement to take over Shuman. “I’m a clinician. I look at treatment,” he said. “We’re trying to build therapeutic programs, and talking to the kids and staff; we’re progressing and changing.” Visually, the most striking change to the center is at the entrance and main corridor leading to the units and classrooms. Visitors and youth scheduled for hearings used to enter through an imposing floorto-ceiling iron turnstile to the waiting area, then another leading to the units. Those are gone, replaced by all glass entranceways with electronic doors. The center is in the process of removing the imposing pen-
(For more information on the Penn Hills branch of the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh, call 412-7952600.)
itentiary-style guard station from where all the doors leading to the cafeteria, classrooms, and units were controlled. “It’s much more welcoming, far less penal looking,” said Hill. Another reason Hill can focus on programming that entices learning is that the population has been greatly reduced because he actively works with the judiciary to make sure only youth that really need to be there are sentenced to Shuman. All the educational components are delivered by accredited teachers supplied by the Allegheny Intermediate Unit. The center has also brought in artists from the Society for Contemporary Craft as well as professional physical trainers When the New Pittsburgh Courier visited the center Oct. 16, its population numbered 59, housed in 10 units segregated by sex, age, charges and level of aggressiveness. And while everything is not perfect—a
MEDICAL STAFF—From left: Tie Tolliver, Regina Littlepage and Carla Branch. (Photos by J.L. Martello)
guard was suspended last month after being charged with attempting to solicit sex from an inmate—the incidence of violence has been greatly reduced. “There is no kids-on-staff violence,” said Deputy Director of Operations Rich Gordon, who previously worked at the Westmoreland County juvenile facility. “We’ve had visitors here from Tennessee, Las Vegas, even Korea, and they all commented on the quiet, asking, ‘where’s the noise?’ There is so much opportunity here. I think we have the chance to be a model center.” Still, it is a detention facility. Searches, which are now scrutinized more carefully by state overseers, do turn up contraband. “We find shanks and occasional drugs,” said Deputy Director Lillian ReeseMcGhee. “But we have full contact visitation, so passing something is easy.” Hill said they don’t see much drug abuse among the residents, though some are there because they were involved in sales. “We see a lot of pot and alcohol use, some cocaine, very little heroin,” he said. “And recidivism is an issue because even though we can give them tools to do better, they are often returning to highly dysfunctional environments. Some actually want to come back and do things to get here. There’s a lot going on with these kids.” Reese-McGhee added some commit crimes because they think they are in danger. “Still, there’s a lot of good things happening here,” said Hill. “We are strengthbased. We work to build on the positives.” (Send comments to cmorrow@newpittsburghcourier.com.)
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
OCTOBER 21-27, 2015
METRO
A5
Police Chief McLay gets earful at CCAC youth violence forum CONTINUED FROM A1
Green. “Then you have this meeting at 10 a.m. saying it’s to hear from youth. Have it at 3:30 p.m. when kids could actually be here.” Several students wanted McLay to address police-involved shootings of Blacks in the community rather than the Black-on-Black crime the forum was to focus on. Other students in the audience added that the community needs more transparency from the police. “We need our questions answered. We need to express our anger,” said CAPA student Tyra Jameson. “This has to be about more than having events for the media. We should be asking the questions and when we got here we didn’t even have seats.” Another student referencing what McLay earlier called “trauma informed communities,” said, “We’ve been in trauma since we were born.” And when organizers tried to regain some order, noting time was running short, audience members
UPSET YOUTH—Youth who clearly didn’t like the meeting stress their beliefs to the Black Women for Positive Change founder Dr. Stephanie Myers, far left, and Diane Powell, outreach co-chair. (Photos by J. L. Martello) objected. “We are sick and tired of being quiet,” said Jameson. “If we have to yell to be heard—we will.” Eventually passions subsided and McLay an-
NIA ARRINGTON
JOAN MUKOGOSI
Community Calendar Police Relations Town Hall OCT. 22—State Rep. Ed Gainey will host a Police/Community Relations Town Hall Meeting from 6-8 p.m. at the Homewood branch of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, 7101 Hamilton Ave., Homewood. Young people, community partners, educators, City of Pittsburgh police and local officials are invited to participate in the conversation about police and community relations. No registration is required. For more information, call 412-6655502.
Living History Cemetery Tour OCT. 24—The McKeesport Regional History & Heritage Center will host a “Living History Cemetery Tour” fundraiser from 12-4 p.m. at the McKeesportVersailles Cemetery, 1608 Fifth Ave., McKeesport. For two days, ten historical figures will present the stories of their lives. For more information, call 412-6781832.
Halloween Party OCT. 24—The First Tee of Pittsburgh will host a Halloween Party from 4-6 p.m. at the Bob in Schenley Park, 5370 Schenley Dr., Oakland. Youth in costume will enjoy the putting graveyard, haunted basement, treats, a showing of “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” and more. Reservations required. For more information, call 412-6226959 or email LRussell@thefirsttee pittsburgh.org.
Legal Excellence Dinner OCT. 30—Classic Events! Will host its Salute to Legal Excellence Dinner at 6 p.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel in Monroeville, 101 Mall Blvd., Monroeville. This event is to honor those who give their very best in the legal community. Senator Jay Costa will be the master of
ceremonies. For more information, call 412-7232414 or email classicevents@gmail.com.
Scholarship Application NOV. 3—Applications are due for the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s College Scholarship Program. Students selected as Cooke Scholars will be awarded as much as $40,000 each year for four years toward tuition, living expenses, books and other required fees. Scholarships are available to high-achieving, low-income high school seniors to attend the nation’s best four-year colleges and universities. For more information, visit www.jkcf.org/scholarships/ college-scholarship-program.
Meet the Beat Cop NOV. 7—Peace Pittsburgh will host the Meet the Beat Cop Meeting from 11 a.m.7 p.m. at Living Word Ministry, 717 Ridge Ave., North Side. There will be a discussion on police and community relations to prevent and solve violent crimes. For more information, call Rev. Charles Ragin at 412818-7206.
Human Rights Dinner NOV. 7—The East Boro NAACP will host its Human Rights Dinner and Excellence in Business Awards Ceremony from 5-9 p.m. at the Rankin Christian Center, 230 3rd St., Rankin. The mistress of ceremonies will be Diane Daniels of DID Associates. For more information, call Lori Rue at 412256-8237 or email eastboronaacp15104@gmail. com. (To have items listed on Community Calendar, send information at least two weeks in advance to: 315 E. Carson St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219; Fax: 412481-1360 or email: newsroom@newpittsburghcourier.com.)
nounced he was forming a Youth Advisory Committee, and asked anyone there who was interested to sign up. Diane Powell, outreach cochair for BW4PC, said
ALONZO HALL
TRESA MURPHY-GREEN
while it didn’t go as expected, it went well. “We did want to let them know their views are valid, and they’re right—they can teach us,” she said. “What I’m hoping is they want more chances to dialog.” Reverend Rodney Lyde, who drove some of the students in the audience, said going off-script was a good thing. “It was great. We have to be more inclusive about how we design our forums,” he said. “That was a moment. It shifted, and I em-
brace that.” Myers said BW4PC would add the sentiments and comments brought up here to those from similar forums held in other cities across the country the same day and publish a report on its website. “As for having it at 10 a.m., we were somewhat at the mercy of people’s schedules, particularly chief McLay,” she said. “But, they are engaged. And that’s what we wanted.” (Send comments to cmorrow@newpittsburghcourier.com.)
A6
OCTOBER 21-27, 2015
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
OPINION
The Million Man March…what now?
Guest Editorial
Do Black Lives Matter to us? Black Lives Matter is undergoing “growing pains,” according to a recent article that was carried in the Philadelphia Tribune, as it “evolves from social media hashtag to full-blown movement.” Maybe it should consider adding a question mark, and a few letters to pose, “Do Black Lives Matter— to us?” Black Americans are nearly eight times as likely as White ones to be homicide victims, according to American statistician Nate Silver. In a huge majority of the cases, those victims died at the hands of another Black person. Should we tailor our level of outrage based on who’s behind the killing? No matter who kills the person, he or she is dead. Black Lives Matter, despite its growing pains, has played a phenomenal role in raising awareness about police brutality, police cover-up and a racially biased justice system. It has forced America to take a good look at the historical mentality of law enforcement personnel, and it has led to such reform ideas as police body cameras. This editorial in no way is meant to diminish the very valid points of this movement. But the success of its example stands in stark contrast to the inability to focus any effective attention on the high rate of Black homicides. Would critics intensely shining a disapproving spotlight on the murder of every single Black murder victim — with hashtags, banners and adjustments in law enforcement tactics—make a difference? Would it turn the tide against the violent behavior that has taken a room in our house? The mayor of Philadelphia, where the homicide rate is slightly down from this time last year, was quoted in last month’s issue of The Atlantic magazine, with some advice for other mayors, “when young people are dying in the streets, you’ve got to take a forceful stand against the violence, or you’re going to be criticized for not fighting it and not caring about young African-Americans.” Mayor Nutter bid those words in reference to Mayor Mitch Landrieu of New Orleans, where 6,000 African-American men have been murdered since 1980. Although White, Landrieu has become particularly outspoken about Black murders. “I’m absolutely certain we have the money and the capacity to solve this problem, but we do not have the will,” he argued in The Atlantic. “This problem doesn’t touch enough Americans to rise to the level of a national crisis. But these are all our children. I’m embarrassed by it. How could this be normal?” His city launched a program called “NOLA for Life,” which features mental-health counseling, substance-abuse counseling, job training, summer camps, midnight basketball leagues and counseling designed to discourage retribution from shootings. A gang violence reduction program targets the activities of small networks of gang members in specific locations. Landrieu said of the violence, “This is absolutely not the state of nature. It’s treated like it is, but this is a lie.” He said the nation must embrace as unacceptable, “schools that are not working, people who don’t have jobs, and, consequently, young men killing each other because they don’t see anything better for themselves.” So if Black lives are being snuffed out by people for whom life does not matter, then we must convince them—and us—that they do. Let’s create a hashtag and start a movement. (Reprinted from the Philadelphia Tribune)
Pittsburgh Courier NEW
Founded 1910
Rod Doss
Editor & Publisher Stephan A. Broadus Assistant to the Publisher
Allison Palm
Eric Gaines
Office Manager
Advertising Manager
Ulish Carter
Ashley Johnson Associate Editor
Managing Editor
Jeff Marion Circulation Consultant
John H. Sengstacke Editor & Publisher Emeritus (1912-1997)
Thousands of Blacks gathered Oct. 10, in Washington D.C. to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Million Man March put together by Minister Louis Farrakhan of the Nation of Islam. But the big question of many if not most of the people who attended or supported it, was “what now?” After a two-and-a-half hour speech by Min. Farrakhan most listeners struggled to find something to hold on to, something to support, something. One of the biggest issues during the original Million Man March was Min. Farrakhan’s challenge to Black men to take on the responsibility of being leaders in their homes, and leaders in their community. Which in short if you are going to make a baby then take on the responsibility of raising or at least being there for your child, which as a whole hasn’t happened. The violence, in the streets and domestic, is the number two problem in the Black communities throughout urban cities in this country. Under employment is number one. Cities like Chicago, Detroit, Atlanta, New York City, St. Louis and other major urban cities continue to be like war zones with the working communities being held hostage by thugs and hoodlums in the streets as well as in the homes. It was great to see so many young people, especially young Black males at the march and supporting the march. It showed that young people do care, but unless something is done about the violence, and the lack of good paying jobs in the Black communities these young males will also be lost to hopelessness. One thing about the Civil Rights Movement was that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other leaders generally made it perfectly clear what they was fighting for and how to go about accomplishing those goals. One thing we must stop doing is
Ulish Carter
Just Sayin’ blaming the White man for everything. How many more Black businesses would there be and how many more Blacks would be employed if Black people supported Black businesses, or at least the businesses in our communities. How many businesses have failed in the Black community because Blacks would rather go all the way out into the suburbs to purchase the same thing they could get 5 minutes away? The Black on Black violence also hurts Black businesses because no one is going to shop in a community nor have a business in a community in which they don’t feel safe. The Black on Black violence has to have a severe mental health affect on our young people. Imagine what they have to go through seeing a loved one murdered or shot. Or having to live in a community where drug traffic is the norm, and there’s always pressure on you and your loved ones to use drugs or sell drugs, or to be involved in something illegal. In many urban communities young males are recruited to join gangs or sell drugs, and in many cases they are one and the same. If they say no then their family and loved ones become targets, because they are seen as a threat if they don’t participate. So what happens is those who don’t want to participate in drugs or other illegal activities become the victims. Young men who have to fight their way in and out of the neighborhood, who are always picked on by others, because they don’t conform, when they say no who protects them? Domestic violence is another prob-
lem that appears to be getting worse instead of better. And it’s not just men abusing women its both ways, as well as men and women abusing children. And these abused children go out to abuse other people because this is all they know. Even though racism is every bit as real and prominent in this country as it always has been, if we are going to advance as a people we must solve the violence issue from both sides. Black on Black violence as well as White on Black violence. But first we need to look in the mirror. Yes, we still have far too many incidents of police killing Black males but the biggest problem we need to confront with Whites is the lack of diversity in the job market, trade unions, and blockage from equal education from first grade through college which leads to Blacks being behind Whites in everything else in life. Money matters. I think what most of these young and old people are asking for from our leaders and from the leaders of the Million Man March is how do we best address these problems as an individual, a community and as a race of people? We need to see some changes now. The Selma march was to get Blacks the right to vote. The Montgomery march was the beginning of the fight to eliminate racial discrimination across the board but started with the buses. The Million Man March and other such marches don’t seem to have a firm objective. Or if they do, nothing solid is happening as a result other than making people feel good for the moment. Hopefully I’m wrong and someone can inform me of some of the positive concrete things coming from these marches, because I don’t see these young males stepping up or stepping forward if they don’t see concrete change. (Ulish Carter is the managing editor of the New Pittsburgh Courier.)
Gun lobby can be defeated (GEORGE CURRY MEDIA)—Each Monday in Chicago, we gird ourselves for the most recent score. Not on how well the Bears, Bulls or Blackhawks, Cubs or White Sox have fared, but on how many new victims of guns have been racked up. Two weekends ago, three were killed with 17 other shooting victims, according to CBS News. Victims of gun shootings are spiking in Chicago and in cities across the country. From 2014 to 2015 to date, the murder rate in Milwaukee is up 76 percent. In St. Louis, it’s up 60 percent, in Baltimore up 56 percent, and in the nation’s capital, up 44 percent. Chicago is up “only” 20 percent, but the numbers are staggering—from 244 to 294 to date. Someone in Chicago has been shot every 2.84 hours this year, a total of 2,349 shootings from January 1 to October 6, according to the Chicago Tribune tally. Over five years, Chicago police report 12,814 shootings and 2,583 murders, according to a chart provided me by the Chicago Police Department. We lost nearly as many people in Chicago alone as we lost on 9/11. Nearly nine of 10 murders (89 percent) are from gunshots. Eight of 10 victims are African-American males. The guns are not made in Chicago. The Chicago police recover about 7,000 illegal guns annually—more than any other city. What we have here is a national security emergency. There is national mourning for the victims of the mass killing at Umpqua Community College in Oregon. But Chicago is experiencing an Umpqua almost every week. Too many illegal guns are in circulation, from handguns to military assault rifles. These guns are powerful enough not only to shoot up churches and schools but to bring down airplanes. Too many legal guns are in
Jesse Jackson Sr.
Commentary
more than simply too many guns. The violence stems from the growing misery of too few jobs, too many guns and too little hope. Any sensible plan against the spike in murders and shootings will include jobs for the young, increases in the minimum wage, guaranteed paid family leave days and more. The culture of drugs and guns has to be challenged with an economy of jobs and opportunity. The Black Lives Matter Movement has raised awareness of the violence in our cities, focusing on the horror of African-Americans threatened by the very police who are charged with protecting them. But the spike of murders and shootings comes not from the actions of the police but from the actions of residents. Citizens in many cities want a crackdown on the trafficking and carrying of guns. But many cities find themselves preempted by state legislatures. The gun lobby has systematically pushed to get state legislatures to block municipal reforms. That has to be exposed and challenged. It is too easy to be cynical, to suggest that the gun lobby always wins, or to dismiss gun control as inadequate. As the spike in murders continues, we witness a true national security crisis. Change will meet fierce resistance. Reform may be blocked and sabotaged again and again. But that is only reason to keep pushing. Make the case for fundamental reform at the local, state and national level. Lay out a comprehensive strategy. Challenge citizens to demand the changes that we need. No civilized country can allow this level of violence to continue without mobilizing in response.
the wrong hands. Too many young men use guns rather than reason to settle disputes, bullets rather than accomplishment to establish their manhood. President Obama has spoken out forcefully against gun violence, but his proposed reforms have been dead on arrival in the Congress, unable even to come to a vote. His most recent comments have despaired that yet another slaughter brings no action. It is time to increase both the heat and the light. President Obama should convene a White House Conference on Gun Violence. That commission should detail reforms needed to begin to address the epidemic of gun violence, and call the nation to action. The reforms can’t be limited to closing gun show loopholes or other gun law reforms. The Department of Homeland Security should be there, detailing the threat posed by the spread of guns designed for the military, not for hunters. We need to crack down on illegal gun ownership, with harsh penalties for repeat offenders. We should be jailing those who traffic in illegal guns, while reducing sentences for nonviolent drug offenders. There should be a push to revive the ban on assault (Jesse L. Jackson Sr. is founder and presiweapons once more. It is ridiculous that weapons designed for war are dent of the Chicago-based Rainbow PUSH Coalition. You can keep up with his work at spread across American streets. But the murder spike represents www.rainbowpush.org)
Calling Black Lives Matter ‘anti-police’ won’t work (NNPA)—It has been both interesting and unsettling to watch the attacks from the political Right on the Black Lives Matter movement, and the larger movement for Black lives. Specifically, the suggestion that Black Lives Matter activists are somehow terroristic and promote the killing of police is so outlandish that it’s not only difficult to believe that anyone would even take such allegations seriously, but it’s also hard to imagine someone mouthing such words in the first place. Let’s start by debunking a myth that is being promoted by the political Right. The political Right and several police unions have suggested that there is a war against the police. The facts stand in contrast. The number of police killed has actually decreased. Given this, why are we being led to believe otherwise? Simply put, promoting fear and suggesting that there is somehow a war against the police is a smokescreen to shift attention away from the actual war that has been underway, and that is a war against
Black civilians by right-wing haters and out of control police. This point cannot be emphasized too strongly. Not only do the facts demonstrate that there is no war against the police, but they also continue to demonstrate that young Black men are anywhere between seven and twenty-one times more likely to be shot and killed by the police than White young men. It is these statistics that the political Right wishes us to ignore. As a result of the attention that folks in the Black Lives Matter movement and the movement for Black lives have brought to the phenomenon of police lynchings, they have found themselves the target of those who wish to suppress any actual discussion of the discrepancy in police violence. Using the suggestion of terrorism is a time-honored technique to smash any open discourse. In the fall of 2001, shortly after the 9/11 Al Qaeda attacks on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon, the then attorney general of South Carolina wrote an op-ed suggesting that protesting dock-
workers in Charleston who had been set up by the police were domestic terrorists. The allegation was completely outrageous and was quickly disavowed by sensible South Carolinians. Nevertheless, the clear hope had been that such an allegation would lead to the defeat of a nation-wide campaign to free the five Charleston dockworkers. That scare tactic did not work. Today, such scare tactics are being reissued and for the same general purpose. Rather than focus the attention of the country on the discrepancy in police violence and the larger negative differential in treatment experienced by African Americans compared to Whites, the hope is that fear of chaos and fear of vigilante justice against police will lead the population to close its collective eyes and simply tolerate whatever actions the police believe to be appropriate. It will not happen. (Bill Fletcher Jr. is the host of The Global African on Telesur-English. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and at www.billfletcherjr.com)
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Grading the Democratic debate (GEORGE CURRY MEDIA)—The first debate among Democrats seeking to succeed Barack Obama as president may have been the first time a group of national politicians bragged on television about getting a failing grade. Speaking in the third person, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders began the show-andtell by saying in reply to a question from moderator Anderson Cooper regarding his record on guns, “Let’s begin, Anderson, by understanding that Bernie Sanders has a D-minus voting rating from the NRA.” Former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, directing his remarks to Sanders, said, “And I have an F from the NRA.” Former Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee didn’t have to brag about his grade when it was his turn. Anderson Cooper did it for him: “Gov. Chafee, you have an F-rating from the NRA...” Cooper also said, “Let me bring in somebody who has a different viewpoint. Senator Webb, your rating from the NRA, you once had an A-rating from the NRA...” One of the problems with the debate was there was so much back-and-forth on how the National Rifle Association graded the presidential candidates and zero emphasis on the grades they received on issues of primary importance to Blacks. The NAACP has been compiling legislative report cards since 1914. It explains, “The NAACP Civil Rights Legislative Report Card demonstrates how every Member of Congress voted on the bread and butter civil rights issues and priorities important to the NAACP.” Sanders, the only Democratic candidate running for president who is still serving in Congress, consistently earned an A, voting with the NAACP’s position on legislative bills 100 percent of the time in each of
George E. Curry
Commentary the four grading periods he has been in the U.S. Senate. Former First Lady Hillary Clinton, who served as a senator from New York from 2001-2009, also earned straight-As from the NAACP in each full term in the Senate. She voted with the NAACP 100 percent of the time during the 110th Congress, her last before being appointed Secretary of State by President Obama, 96 percent in the 109th Congress, 100 percent in the 108th and 97 percent in the 107th Congress, her first full term. Former Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee—who has been a Republican, an Independent and now a Democrat—has been at the opposite end of the spectrum. Serving in the Senate at roughly the same time as Clinton, he earned Fs in every complete session except the 109th Congress when he received a C. He typically voted with the NAACP only 42 to 51 percent of the time. In the debate, Anderson Cooper reminded Jim Webb, who served as Assistant Secretary of Defense and Secretary of the Navy under Ronald Reagan: “...in 2006, you called affirmative action ‘statesponsored racism.’ In 2010, you wrote an op/ed saying it discriminated against Whites. Given that nearly half of the Democratic Party is non-White, aren’t you out of step with where the Democratic Party is now?” Webb tried to defend his remark by saying, “I have always supported affirmative action for African Americans. That’s the way the program was originally designed because of their unique history in this country, with slavery and the Jim Crow laws that followed.” Webb is the most conservative Democrat running for president. NAACP report cards for the period he served in Congress were not immediately available. When O’Malley was reminded by Sanders that he hadn’t served in Congress, O’Malley retorted, “Well, maybe that’s a healthy thing.” CNN gets an unhealthy F when graded on including diverse voices in the questioning of the candidates. For the most part, it was left up to Don Lemon, the Black guy, to raise the “Black question,” though he asked a couple of others, and the Latino guy, Juan Carlos Lopez, to raise the immigration questions. Fielding questions from thousands of viewers via Facebook, the first question Lemon allowed to be asked was perhaps the most feeble of the night: “My question for the candidates is, do Black lives matter, or do all lives matter?” Was that the best questioner Lemon could find? When he got his turn, Juan Carlos Lopez’s questioning was pointed: “Senator Sanders, in 2013, you voted for immigration reform. But in 2007, when Democrats controlled Congress and the Bush White House was onboard, you voted against it. Why should Latino voters trust you when you left them at the alter at the moment when reform was very close?” It is evident that when it comes to the media—-and these presidential debates in particular—Black questions matter. (George E. Curry is President and CEO of George Curry Media, LLC. He can be reached through his Web site, georgecurry.com.)
OCTOBER 21-27, 2015
FORUM
A great big thanks to all of you As most of sons who were you are fully Louis ‘Hop’ Kendrick on the program aware by now I were Attorney was presented Jack Simmons, an award on recently retired Oct. 9 and I am Chuck Powell, compelled to Dr. Cyril publically Wecht, former thank those of Allegheny you who made County Comit happen. missioner Bob First I must thank Nabhi Christian Cranmer, former Allegheny County Ministries and Sandy Tolliver, for- Executive Dan Onorato, Brenda merly of the New Pittsburgh Courier Tate, Malik Bankston and my oldest and currently of the Pittsburgh Tri- daughter Toni, who spoke for herself bune-Review, for their diligent efforts and her two sisters. Every one of of putting together an exceptional those who spoke that evening was on program. target, particularly as they referred The program was opened with the to me. Their remarks could have Most Competent commentator in the been a part of my columns “Tell the area, Chris Moore. Chris dialogued Truth.” with the audience as only Chris can. I would be remiss if I failed to thank It is impossible to have any worth- all of you in attendance, but if I atwhile program begin without the tempted to name you individually I Word. City Councilman Rev. Ricky would inadvertently miss a number of Burgess opened with some pertinent people. To all of you who were in atcomments and an excellent inspiring tendance I thank you from the bottom prayer. Chris then presented the of my heart. (Louis “Hop” Kendrick is a weekly contribuQueen of Talk Shows, the incomparable Bev. Smith. The following per- tor to the Forum page.)
To Tell The Truth
The Cosby Show an artist vision After allegathe product of a tions surfaced J. Pharoah Doss poor environagainst Bill ment, a victim Cosby, I knew of systematic fans that reracial oppresfused to besion, not relieve Cosby sponsible for would drug his decisions and “take adbecause they vantage” of were reactions women. (They to racism. (Pocouldn’t even use the word rape.) I re- litically the Black community is still minded these Cosby Show fans that divided between Bigger Thomas on they knew the sitcom character Dr. the left and Uncle Tom on the right.) Cliff Huxtable not Bill Cosby. Wright’s other books were titled That’s the power of television, im- Black Boy, Black Power, The Color ages instilled in childhood remain in- Curtin, and White Man Listen. fluential, and when The Cosby Show Race was the central theme of most aired from 1984-1992 Cliff Huxtable art created by Blacks during these was the most influential character decades which provoked novelist made for television, but Cliff Ralph Ellison to state that Blacks sacHuxtable’s influence wasn’t based rificed art because they were afraid to solely on the sitcom’s success it leave the comfort of race. When Ellistemmed from the artistic vision of son made his controversial remark a his creators. young Bill Cosby was developing a Before television there were two race neutral comedy routine that cenHarlem Renaissance figures with con- tered on universal themes. trasting artistic visions. Countee Decades later Cosby’s artistic viCullen expressed his desire to be a sion was turned into The Cosby writer not a Black writer. Cullen be- Show. A sitcom featuring an upper lieved in a universal art that could class Black family living the Ameristretch the imagination beyond su- can dream. The show single handperficial differences and depict the edly combated all the negative essence of humanity. Langston stereotypes projected about Blacks Hughes’s art was fueled by dual con- since silent films. The show embodsciousness. (A concept suggesting ied Cullen’s universal essence, Blacks couldn’t have allegiance to Hughes’s celebration of Black culboth race and nationality.) Hughes ture, and Toomer’s belief in oneness, felt he was responsible to the audi- and demonstrated the possibility of ence to write from a Black perspec- a different world to all Americans. tive. (The spin off wasn’t called A DifferBut the literary masterpiece of the ent World just because Denise went Harlem Renaissance was a book to college.) called Cane, a work Hughes praised Recently Malcolm-Jamal Warner, for it’s depiction of Black life in the who played Cosby’s son on the sitcom, rural south, written by Jean Toomer, a commented about the re-runs of The lesser known figure with an artistic Cosby Show being removed from the vision of his own. air. He said, “My biggest concern is Toomer’s thesis was that “America when it comes to [negative] images of had given birth to a new race which people of color…We’ve always had subsumed all the old identities.” The Cosby Show to hold up against Toomer believed he was a member of that and the fact that we no longer this new race and wanted to pursue have that … Saddens me the most beart from this new perspective. But cause in a few generation the HuxtaCane was the only work Toomer got bles will have been just a fairy tale.” published. Toomer stated Cane was But Warner’s time length is inaccuan end “and why no one had seen and rate. felt that, why people expected me to The Cosby Show went off the air in write a second and a third and a 1992. fourth Cane is one of the queer misIn 1993 a popular black book was understandings of my life.” called Monster: The autobiography of Decades later Richard Wright an LA gang member, and a popular emerged with his own artistic vision. black movie was called Menace II SoWright believed all art was propa- ciety. (J. Pharoah Doss is a contributor to the New ganda, and Bigger Thomas was the character Wright promoted in his Pittsburgh Courier. He blogs at jpharoahnovel Native son, Bigger Thomas was doss@blogspot.com)
Commentary
A7
Oscar Blayton
Commentary
America’s cherished ‘White Space’ (GEORGE CURRY MEDIA)—One weekend, in 1966, I was traveling with some Marine buddies from Eastern North Carolina to Myrtle Beach, S.C. After night fell, we began to see roadside signs advertising a “Fish Fry” taking place that evening near the South Carolina border. It was late, we had not eaten dinner; and fried fish sounded like a pretty good idea. We followed the signs that led down a dark country road to a point where cars were turning into an open field. We fell into the long line of cars and pickup trucks and inched forward until we could see a man directing the vehicles to parking spots. Then, we realized that we had a big problem. The man was wearing a white Ku Klux Klan robe and conical headgear. My three traveling companions were White and I was in the back seat of the car; so we were able to pull out of line and head back to the main road without my being noticed. No one in the car had said a word when we saw the Klansman directing the parking. No one needed to say anything. We all knew that we had come very close to entering a particular type of “White Space,” where my presence would not have been appreciated. We joked about it later; after we had put several miles between us and the fish fry, and were certain that no one had followed us. And we continued our trip to Myrtle Beach without any more problems. Once we got to Myrtle Beach, my friends and I split up, thinking that we could each do better meeting girls on our own, rather than in a “pack.” But it did not take long for me to realize that I had entered another White space. There was no one walking along the shore in Klan regalia, but I was clearly in another White space, the recently enacted Civil Rights Act notwithstanding. America is littered with White spaces— and not just in the South. A classic White space was Levittown, N.Y. in the 1950s. Blacks were not allowed to live, even though it was subsidized by G.I. Bill loans and other federal programs. Conservative talk show host, Bill O’Reilly of Fox News, grew up in Levittown, which explains a lot. In years past, White spaces were the front seats of Southern city busses. They were those movie theatres and railroad cars reserved for “Whites only.” And while those vestiges of a meaner time have faded away, the stench of White spaces and white privilege still linger over America. We saw that a few weeks ago when a group of mostly Black women were removed from the Napa Valley Wine train because of unfounded allegations of improper conduct. The wine train has since offered an apology, but that does not address the problem of why they were put off the train in the first place. It is clear to all but the most confused among us that White privilege does exist. And the existence of White spaces is one of the many forms in which White privilege often manifests itself. In the early 1950s I was 7 years old and my parents sent me away to a very nice summer camp in Vermont. The camp did not allow me to return the following summer, supposedly because I had gotten into too many fights. The truth was that I had not gotten into even one fight. The camp also instituted a new policy of requiring prospective campers to submit a photograph along with their applications. Four years after my Vermont camping experience, a progressive Episcopal priest invited my family to join all-White Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg, Va. Prior to our becoming This time, there were no KKK robes, but several individuals made it abundantly clear that they were not happy with our presence. One prominent member of the congregation even suggested that Blacks and Whites did not go to the same heaven, not that he would know. There are many manifestations of White privilege today, and White space is just one of them. And a Black presence in a White space is unwelcome because it contradicts the notions of White meritocracy upon which White privilege is ultimately justified. When African American students complain of not being made to feel welcome at Ivy League schools, it is because they are perceived by some Whites to have trespassed into White space. When Black professionals occupying corporate suites get the “stink eye” from their White counterparts, it’s because executive proficiency and expertise is believed to be the domain of White people. In the minds of many Whites the only space available to Black folk is at the back of the bus, on the bottom rung of the economic ladder or in those human warehouses, called “prisons.” To some Whites, all of America is White space, and people of color are intruders or mere inconveniences whose presence are only allowed with permission. White space is where White Americans expect to enjoy “the good life” and the bounty of this country. But as with an exclusive country club, most people of color need not apply. (Oscar H. Blayton is a former Marine Corps combat pilot and human rights activists who practices law in Virginia.)
Schools across US find alternatives to suspending students
A8
OCTOBER 21-27, 2015
by Jamie Stengle
NATIONAL
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
she returned, she couldn’t concentrate on her studies because she was afraid Associated Press Writer it would happen again. It did, and this time she was expelled, she said. DALLAS (AP)—The recent arrest of “I was just done. I thought since noa 14-year-old Muslim boy whose body was on my side that nobody teacher mistook his homemade clock cared about me really,” said Atencio, for a bomb led to widespread ridicule who had to repeat the seventh grade. of school officials and accusations that Now 19 and a recent high school gradIslamophobia may have played a part. uate, she has volunteered as a youth It earned Ahmed Mohamed an invileader for Padres & Jovenes Unidos tation to the White House, where the for three years. Irving teen will attend astronomy Eldridge Greer, who runs the Denver night Monday. But it also got him a district’s Whole Child Supports prothree-day suspension, which he says gram, said the school year before the the district insisted he serve even policy changes began taking effect, after it was clear it was just a clock. there were about 11,500 out-of-school Ahmed’s suspension—his parents suspensions and 167 expulsions. He have since withdrawn him from the said last school year, those figures school—reflects the rigid disciplinary were down significantly, to about policies that many U.S. schools 5,400 suspensions and 55 expulsions. adopted in the 1990s. But many disBefore the change, students involved tricts, including some of the nation’s in incidents like shouting matches largest, have been softening their apwould receive out-of-school suspenproach, foregoing automatic suspensions, but nothing would be done to sions, expulsions and calls to the poNEW MODEL—Using a restorative justice model, which includes teachers and students gathering in cir- address their behavior, Greer said. lice for one-on-one counseling and less cles for discussions, seventh graders Sarah Reusser, second from left, and Jayden Witter, top right, talk Now, such students might meet with a severe forms of punishment. “When we can’t tell the difference be- with Jackie Wade, bottom left, assistant principal Rufus Lott, third from left, assistant principal Sara Tomp- school official instead to discuss the tween a serious problem and a non-se- kins, Phillip Carney, bottom right, and counselor Betty Arredondo, bottom center, about a recent conflict, reasons for the spat and to try to address them. rious problem with a kid in school, the at Ed White Middle School, Friday, Oct. 16, 2015, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Daniel Kim, director of youth orgaproblem is not the kid: It is us,” said nizing for Padres & Jovenes Unidos, Michael Gilbert, who heads the San said that while the change in school discipline poliAntonio-based National Association of Community cies is benefiting all students, there are still dispariand Restorative Justice, which advocates a focus on ties in the punishment rates for minorities when dialogue instead of punishments. compared to Whites—especially for Blacks. The school districts in New York, Los Angeles and Outgoing U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan Denver are just some of those that have moved away said last month that suspensions and expulsions from discipline policies that relied heavily on sus“track too closely with race and class.” pensions. State governments have also been taking “This is not just about explicit, obvious bias. Inaction: This year, Connecticut limited out-of-school deed, sometimes, when a genuinely transparent mosuspensions and expulsions for students up through ment of bias arises, the whole country stops and the second grade, Texas decriminalized truancy and takes a break. A child holds a clock. And we see a Oregon limited when suspensions and expulsions bomb,” he said. “But more often, it’s far subtler can be applied to students up through the fifth stuff.” grade. After Ahmed’s arrest, the police chief said there Last year, the Obama administration asked schools was no evidence that he meant to cause alarm. But to abandon policies that send kids to court, issuing the school district has declined to explain its hanguidelines encouraging training school personnel in dling of the incident, citing student privacy laws. A conflict resolution. spokeswoman has said the district could provide “a “We’re seeing a lot of change at the federal, state different viewpoint” if given permission by the famand local level that I think is moving us in a new diily to release his school records. rection,” said Russell Skiba, director of The Equity Dan Losen, director of the Center for Civil Rights Project at Indiana University. But, he added, “There Remedies at UCLA’s Civil Rights Project, said his are still a lot of schools that don’t have the resources group’s report looking at the most recent U.S. numor are afraid to move to something else.” bers found out-of-school suspension rates leveling off Denver Public Schools started implementing a soand racial gaps narrowing slightly. called restorative discipline program in 2008. DisPhilip Carney said that three years after starting a trict leaders were concerned about the high number restorative discipline program as principal of Ed of suspensions and expulsions, which the grassroots White Middle School in San Antonio, out-of-school group Padres & Jovenes Unidos pointed out were suspensions have dropped by 72 percent. being disproportionately used to punish minority “We even got to the point where students are hanstudents. dling their own conflicts, now with us just observing One such student, Margarita Atencio, said her DenRIGID SUSPENSION POLICY—In this Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2015, file ver school suspended her in seventh grade—before photo, Ahmed Mohamed, 14, thanks supporters during a news confer- and setting up the process,” said Carney, now the restorative discipline coordinator for his school disthe new policies were fully in place—after other girls ence at his home, in Irving, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade, File) trict. beat her up and blamed her for the incident. When
New Pittsburgh Courier
LIFESTYLES
Pittsburgh Fashion What’s on my mind Week turns Six opens 24th season B5
New Horizon
OCTOBER 21-27, 2015
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
Women’s Weekend
at Pentecostal B2
B
Debbie Norrell
Lifestyles Report
At the top of my Facebook homepage there is a question, “what’s on your mind?” There is always a lot on my mind and I like to share those thoughts. There has been a lot of commentary about the comments T.I. made about a woman as the “leader of the free world.” The rapper/jailbird said that he just could not see a woman with that kind of power. Ok, cool; everyone has their own opinion, and with that in mind stick to your opinion. Don’t apologize when someone calls you on it or strongly disagrees with you. If that is the way you feel, T.I., go with it. Same goes for Raven Simone who recently spoke out about how some Black people name their children; you know that whole Shanana issue. Simone said she would not hire someone with a nontraditional name like Watermelondrea. She later apologized. Why? Girl you are on “The View;” isn’t that what you are supposed to do, speak your mind. Why all of the moon-walking? What I want to know is how many White girls do you know named Raven? I love to watch all of this crazy stuff on television, but I also love to read books and magazines. Right now I’m reading “The Book of Luke” by Luther Campbell. Yes, Too Live Crew’s Luther Campbell. So far I like it. I heard him being interviewed on a radio talk show so I went to the book store and bought his book. I love biographies. “Strayhorn An Illustrated Life” recently appeared in my mailbox. I can’t wait to read this book. I picked up a Family Circle magazine last week during my lunch break. A book or a magazine is such a great lunch companion. I ran across an ad about incontinence, you know that frequent urge to go to the rest room. One of the tips given in the article was to stay hydrated, in other words drink more water, but limit your fluids after 6 p.m. The misconception is that drinking less water will prevent accidents. Actually, that tactic can worsen bladder problems. Isn’t that odd, I thought exactly the opposite. Also excessive fat, particularly in the abdomen, puts pressure on the bladder, contributing to that nagging got to go feeling. Weight loss through a healthy diet and regular exercise can help about 70 percent of women achieve satisfactory bladder control, according to a Harvard University study. All of this good information was in an advertisement but I could not see that they were selling anything. Lately, I have been drinking a lot less water so I don’t have to run to the ladies room so often. This might have affected another health issue. My doctor’s office called me after my recent exam and, while they were happy about my health in general, they were concerned about my sugar levels. They told me to drink more water. I was shocked, blown away. I will follow their orders and drink more water and look for better results next time. (Email the columnist at debbienorrell@aol.com)
by Debbie Norrell Courier Staff Writer
MIYOSHI ANDERSON—Pittsburgh Fashion Week founder and executive director.
Pittsburgh Fashion Week kicked off on Sept. 21 with The O.N.E. “Opening Night Extravaganza and VIP Reception. This designer showcase featured fashions by DebrAnn Weiss, KAMmaze Fashions Inc., RIPpurr Wear, Mayfield Avenue, Exotic Hush, Jenkins & Baldwin Originals and Faith ‘N’ Khaos. The first three nights of Pittsburgh Fashion Week took place at the Highmark Stadium. The show was full of variety, from ready-towear to rip away lingerie to futuristic body suits. The week concluded with a Macy’s Front Row Fashion Show in Ross Park Mall and a Back to Basics Runway Show at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Miyoshi Anderson, founder and executive director of Pittsburgh Fashion Week, says Pittsburgh Fashion Week continues to be a frontrunner for the fashion, style and beauty industries, and there is something for everyone to enjoy at fashion week. She is already looking forward to next year. The Pittsburgh Fashion Week Hall of Fame Luncheon typically closes out the week, however, it has been rescheduled for
EXOTIC HUSH Oct. 25 at the Omni William Penn Hotel. This year’s fashion icons were Ashley Boynes Shuck, Gino Chiodo, Emilio Cornacchione, James Houk, Ahmad Sandidge and Lisa Wagner Freeman. The Exceptional Artist Award will go to Nicole Widdowson.
BACK TOGETHER AGAIN—William Joseph Jenkins and Richard Baldwin
RIPPURR WEAR THE LADY IN RED
DESIGN BY FAITH ‘N’ KHAOS
MAYFIELD AVENUE
PRETTY IN LACE (Photos by Debbie Norrell)
B2
OCTOBER 21-27, 2015
Praise & Worship HILLCREST SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
RELIGION
Women’s Weekend at Pentecostal led by Barbara Mann
2340 Wylie Ave., Pgh., PA 15219 412-391-4334 412-566-8757
“Be Encouraged”
Elder Christopher C. Thompson Power Hour Sabbath..............8:15 A.M. Sabbath School.......................9:00 A.M. Divine Worship.....................11:00 A.M. AYS One Hour Before Sunset Prayer Meeting Wednesday....7:30 P.M.
ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH Crawford & Centre Ave. Pgh., PA 15219 412-281-3141 Mass Sunday 9:00 A.M. & Noon Sunday (Gospel Choir Mass) Noon 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
YVONNE CAPEHART, PhD Guest Speaker
FIRST LADY BARBARA MANN, the weekend’s facilitator.
PSALMIST LaTESHA NICOLE gives a melodic dedication to First Lady Mann.
Church School.....................................9:30 A.M. Worship Service.....................8:00 & 10:45 A.M. Bible Study/ Prayer Wednesday.......................6:30/7:30 P.M. www.metropolitanbaptistchurchpgh.com metropolitanbaptist2224@gmail0.com
SIXTH MOUNT ZION BAPTIST CHURCH 6556 Shetland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206 (412) 441-7839 Church School 9:00 a.m. Worship Service 10:15 a.m. Wednesday Night Bible Study 6:00 p.m.
East Liberty PresbyterianChurch Rev. Dr. Randy Bush, Senior Pastor 412-441-3800 116 S. Highland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206 www.cathedralofhope.org
Journey Worship.........8:45 a.m. Sanctuary Worship........11 a.m.
Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community For rate information, call 412481-8302, ext 40. We are looking to
WOMEN’S CHOIR SINGS at the Sunday morning worship that marked a grand finale of the spirit-filled services recently held at Pentecostal Temple COGIC, in East Liberty. It was Women’s Weekend, an annual event led by First Lady Barbara Mann. The Theme, “Unite my Heart to fear Thy Name,” taken from Psalm 86:11, was the focus of teaching at the Fellowship and Workshop conducted by Dr. Mae Walker, PhD, of Ohio. Yvonne Capehart, PhD, from Jacksonville, Fla., was the guest speaker. In her sermon she admonished the ladies to remain diligent in their efforts to encourage their family members to seek the manifestation of their Godly purpose and destiny on earth. (Photos by Jackie McDonald)
66th annual Holy Convocation for COGIC western Pa.
FIRST LADY MARTHA FOSTER
HOLY CONVOCATION—”Christ’s Extreme Sacrifice calls for Our Extreme Commitment,” II Corinthians 5:14-15, was the theme for the 66th Annual Holy Convocation for the COGIC First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Western Pennsylvania. The weeklong event was held at First COGIC, located at 2502 Centre Ave., Pittsburgh. Above, Haitian Bishop Leon Pamphil praises in the background as Bishop James M. Foster preaches his annual sermon. (Photos by Jackie McDonald)
JURISDICTIONAL MOTHER WILMA BEAUFORD ADDRESSES AUDIENCE
Church Circuit Women’s Fellowship OCT. 23—Bethlehem Baptist Church, 716 Walnut St.,
McKeesport, will host its I Am My Sister’s Keeper Women’s Fellowship at 7 p.m. Women are
asked to bring a friend, a favorite movie and a covered dish. For more information, call 412664-7272.
Heavenly Harvest OCT. 24—Victory Baptist Church, 1437 Juniata St., Manchester, will host the Marilyn Adams Heavenly Harvest from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. There will be vendors, a treasure hunt sale, a Chinese auction, baked goods and spaghetti. There will also be free health screenings. For more information, call 41-361-3483.
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 e-mail:
egaines@newpittsburghcourier.com
Pastoral Anniversary OCT. 24—New Beginnings Ministries Inc., 705 Shaw Ave., McKeesport, will host its 26th Pastoral Anniversary Celebration at 5 p.m. This event is to celebrate and show appreciation for Founder and Senior Pastor Bishop Albert Stinson Sr. There will be an anniversary dinner with the theme, “Celebrating the Laborer that Dwells Among Us.” For more information, call 412872-4930.
Men’s Day OCT. 25—Antioch Baptist Church, 332 Elizabeth St., Sewickley, will host its Annual Men’s Day Celebration. The day will begin with a breakfast from 7:30-9:30 a.m., followed by a
Morning Worship and Praise Service at 10:45 a.m. with guest speaker Rev. Frank Perkins of First Baptist Church of Midland, Pa. For more information, call 412-741-7688.
their communities and who have aspired to making their churches and families better. For more information, call Rev. David Clark at 412-313-3826.
Church Anniversary
OCT. 31—New Birth Baptist Church, 406 W. Grant St., Duquesne, will host its Friendship Luncheon from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The last Saturday of the month, members of New Birth invite the community from the tri-state area to a delicious lunch, a clothing giveaway for the needy and an enlightening discussion. For more information, call 412-466-2229.
OCT. 25—Bethel AME Church, 2538 Woodlawn Dr., Monroeville, will host its 92nd Church Anniversary Celebration at 4 p.m. The theme is “And Still We Rise.” The guest preacher, Rev. B. DeNeice Welch of Bidwell Presbyterian Church will bring a spirit-filled, dynamic Word. Dinner will be served immediately following the morning service and refreshments after the evening service. For more information, call 412-829-9245.
Black History Achievement Awards OCT. 26—The Pastor’s Wives’ of the COGIC Second Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Pennsylvania will host the Annual Autumn Black History Achievement Awards Banquet at 7 p.m. at the Marriott Airport Hotel, Grand Ballroom, 777 Aten Rd., Coraopolis. The event’s theme is “Millennium Open Heaven: Networking Empowerment for You.” This is a celebration of those who have made a difference in
Friendship Luncheon
Pre-Pastoral Anniversary NOV. 1—Clark Memorial Baptist Church, 1301 Glenn St., Homestead, will host a Pre-Pastoral Anniversary Celebration for Rev. James D. Burwell at 11 a.m. He will celebrate 19 years of service. The theme is: “The Year of Expectation.” There will also be a 4 p.m. Pre-Anniversary Service. For more information, call Patti Dobbs at 412-8678615. (To have items listed on the Church Circuit, send information at least two weeks in advance to: 315 E. Carson St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219; Fax: 412481-1360 or e-mail: newsroom@newpittsburghcourier.com.)
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
OCTOBER 21-27, 2015
PEOPLE
B3
FAMILY—Louis “Hop” Kendrick, center, poses with his family. See story in the Oct. 14-20 edition of the Courier and online at www.newpittsburghcourier.com. (Photos by J. L. Martello)
‘Hop’ honored for 60 years of service LOVING KISS—Bev Smith kissing both sides of Hop’s face after a brief speech. She calls him the Godfather.
EMCEE CHRIS MOORE
REV. RICKY BURGESS
ORGANIZER— Hop with Jacque Fielder, the event chair.
MALIK BANKSTON
STILL IN LOVE—Gloria and Hop Kendrick still in love after 63 years of marriage.
BRENDA TATE
DAN ONORATO
JACK SIMMONS
GATHERING OF FRIENDS—Dr. Cyril Wecht, Hop Kendrick and Charles Powell sharing a laugh before the program commences.
New Pittsburgh Courier
B4
ENTERTAINER OCTOBER 21-27, 2015
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
Cover To Cover
‘Grant Park’ by Terri Schlichenmeyer For New Pittsburgh Courier
Open mouth, insert foot. Maybe it doesn’t happen often, but there are times when you have a knack for saying what’s on your mind at precisely the wrong time. You can’t un-say things, though, especially if you mean them but as you’ll see in the new novel “Grant Park” by Leonard Pitts Jr., at least those words won’t kill you. In his heart, Malcolm Toussaint was always an activist. The son of a Memphis sanitary worker, Toussaint grew up seeing the lack of equality around him, and he understood that higher education was a means of escape. Once at college, he grew an Afro, wrote angry pamphlets, and spoke his mind but, though he wasn’t alone in his radicalism, he was expelled from whiteman’s school anyway. That was February 1968; it was cold but so was life, which Toussaint learned the spring before he returned to college, chastened and wiser. Four decades later, the awardwinning newspaper columnist hadn’t forgotten those days, which was why, early one morning, he snuck into his editor’s office and quietly inserted a rant in the paper, a column that had been rejected by his superiors, a
tired-of-white-people column that Toussaint knew would kill his career. As the paper’s editor, Bob Carson was the first to reject the column so it especially stung that Toussaint’s action caused Bob to lose his job, too. Being fired was a shock, and there was more: not only was Toussaint missing, but an old girlfriend, Bob’s first love whom he hadn’t seen in years, was in Chicago with the Obama campaign and was hoping to have lunch with Bob. That was fine. He had nothing else to do. Toussaint had seen to that, hadn’t he? For most of his life, Clarence Pym was bullied, abused, and didn’t have many friends, but he had Dwayne and their carefully-laid plans for Something Big. Recently, they’d formed the White Resistance Army, and Dwayne said it was time for white men to take America back. It didn’t matter who died—starting with that Black writer from the newspaper… It’s-only-a-book, it’s-only-abook, that’s what to keep reminding yourself here. It’s only a book which, because you’re immersed in history and authentic events and because the fictional parts feel natural, is easy to forget when you’re reading “Grant Park.” And then there are those thrills—gasping, mouth-gaping page-turners that author Pitts Jr. weaves through another realism: truthful, brutal plot-lines about racial issues of the last five decades, mulling over exactly how far we’ve really come.That makes this will-they-live-or-won’tthey nail-biter into something that also made me think, and I absolutely loved it… Until three pages from the end.There’s where Pitts Jr. inserted a tiny little thread that almost made me cry with frustration and cliché-repulsion. I could cry now, in fact, but instead, I’ll recommend this book with one caveat: stop before you finish it. If you can, you’ll love it wholeheartedly with no disappointment. (“Grant Park” by Leonard Pitts Jr., c.2015, Bolde, $24.95/higher in Canada, 400 pages.)
Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo celebrates 31 years BLACK COWBOYS AND COWGILS
by Genea L. Webb
For New Pittsburgh Courier
For 31 years the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo has shone a spotlight on Black cowboys and cowgirls. The rodeo was the brainchild of Lucious “Lu” Agustus Vason after he attended the Cheyenne Frontier Days, the Granddaddy of Rodeos. Vason thought the rodeo was entertaining but lacked Black cowgirls and cowboys. Blacks have always served as cowhands and horse wranglers. From Wyoming to Texas, Black cowboys became known for their ability to ride horses, specifically the roughest broncos that White cowboys would not touch. As a result, Wild West rodeos would cast Black cowboys. As the sport began to pick up steam and audiences grew, organized rodeo associations were formed. In 1947 through a group of wealthy Black businessmen, prominent East Texas ranchers, and a handful of Black cowboys the Negro Cowboy’s Rodeo Association was born. It was the country’s first and only organized Black Cowboy association and produced its own rodeos across the west. The association has long since dissolved and today’s Black cowboys are scattered across the United States with Texas being the hub for Black cowboys and girls. However, on any given weekend from February to November, within a 60-mile radius of Houston three to five rodeos are sponsored by one of six predominately Black Cowboy Rodeo Associations. Although they are integrated, membership remains 80 to 90 percent Black. In 1984 Vason created the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo. It is the only African American touring rodeo in the United States and throughout the world. It has traveled to more than 33 cities across the United States and has touched countless people. Sadly, Vason passed away earlier this year. His wife, Valeria HowardVason, is carrying on the rodeo and Vason’s legacy. “My husband was a genius when he created this,” said Howard-Vason who is serving as acting CEO for the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo. “The rodeo was instrumental to the community and to young African Americans. I feel blessed to continue his legacy. My husband was committed to telling the story of Blacks in the West and our rich contributions to rodeo while creating a platform and legacy that will thrive as we move forward.” The rodeo supports education and awareness for youth in various ways in-
VALERIA HOWARD-VASON cluding the Bill Pickett Memorial Scholarship Fund, a non-profit that provides scholarships to Black high school and college students involved or interested in pursuing careers in rodeo or animal science. The scholarship is awarded based on academic standing, student need, determination, community involvement and professional recommendations. Rodeo of Kidz Sake is a spe-
BILL PICKETT
cial performance for elementary and middle school aged children that allow them to interact with and be educated by some of the nation’s top cowboys and cowgirls. “The rodeo is a great thing and it teaches kids that there are things out there that they can do and get scholarships and make careers out of,” said Clairton resident Woodie Ford who brought a busload of Pittsburghers to the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo. “The event itself is fun and entertaining and I will definitely come to it again.” There are five areas of competition during the rodeo: 1. Bulldogging requires a cowboy riding on horseback, starting behind a barrier, the cowboy begins his chase after the steer has been given a head start, the steer wrestler is assisted by a hazer (another cowboy on horseback) tasked with keeping the cow running in a straight line. When the bulldogger’s horse pulls even with the steer he eases down the right side of the
TWO BLACK COWBOYS
horse and reaches for the steer’s horns. After grasping the horns, the bulldogger digs his heels into the dirt. As the steer slows, the cowboy turns the animal, lifts up on its right horn and pushes down with his left hand in an effort to tip the steer over. After the catch, the steer wrestler must either bring the steer to a stop or change the direction of the animal’s body before he throws the steer down or he is disqualified. The clock stops when the steer is on his side with all four feet pointing in the same direction. Black cowboy Bill Pickett who was born in 1870 five years after the Civil War ended and slaves were emancipated invented the art of bulldogging. Pickett became interested in horses, cattle and dogs by the time he was 16. If it had not been for those dogs, Pickett may not have become the famous bit ‘em style bull dogger his legacy suggests. Catch dogs went after its prey’s head while heel dogs attacked a critters heels. Cowboys used these dogs because it was almost impossible to catch cows due to the thick brush that encompassed Pickett’s hometown. 2. Bare back riding is a single, handheld, eight-second ride that starts with the cowboy’s feet held in a position over the break of the horse’s shoulders until the horse’s front feet touch the ground first and jump out of the chute. The rider earns points by maintaining upper body control while moving his feet in a toes-turned-out rhythmic motion in time with the horse’s bucking action. As the rider and bronco come out the chute, the rider must have both spurs touching the horse’s shoulders until the horse’s feet hit the ground after the pair initially comes out off the chute. If the cowboy fails to do this he is disqualified. As the bronco bucks, the rider
pulls his knees up, rolling his spurs up the horse’s shoulders. As the horse descends, the cowboy straightens his legs, returning his spurs over the point of the horse’s shoulders in anticipation of the next jump. 3. Tie down roping got its start on the ranches in the Old West as sick and injured calves were roped and tied down for medical treatment. Nowadays, things are a bit different. After the calf is given a head start, the horse and rider begin to chase it. The cowboy ropes the calf then dismounts and runs to the animal. After the calf is caught, the cowboy ties three of the animal’s legs together using a string he carries in his teeth until he needs it. When he finishes his tie down he throws his hands up to signal the judge. 4. Cowgirls get to strut their stuff in the ring too thanks to the ladies steer undercoating and ladies barrel racing. The female version of Steer Wrestling, instead of dismounting the horse and pulling the cow to the ground, the cowgirl has to gallop alongside the steer and remove a ribbon that is attached to its neck. The event starts with the cowgirl in a starting box secured behind a rope barrier. She gives a signal that she is ready and the steer is released into the arena giving it a head start. When the steer reaches its advantage point the cowgirl races out after the steer. A brightly colored ribbon is attached to the cow’s neck and the cowgirl must ride alongside the cow, lean down and remove the ribbon. As soon as she has the ribbon she sits up to signal her victory to the judge. Steer Undercoating is one of the fastest events in the rodeo with winning times often being 2-3 seconds. In ladies barrel racing the cowgirl and her horse enter the ring at full speed. Horse and rider trigger an electronic eye that starts the clock. The rider rides a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels positioned within the arena, and sprints back out of the arena, stopping the clock as she leaves. The contestant can touch or even move the barrels, but receives a fivesecond penalty for each barrel that is overturned. 5. Upper body control and strong legs are essential for the sport of bull riding. The rider tries to remain forward at all times. Leaning back could cause him to be whipped forward when the bull bucks. Judges watch for good body position, use of the free arm and spurring action, which will add points to a rider’s score. Part of the score is determined by the cowboy’s performance and the other half is based on what the cow does.
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
October Thursday 22 Free Thursdays The Carnegie Museum of Art and Natural History presents Free Thursdays in October from 3-8 p.m. at the Carnegie Museum of Art and Natural History, 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland. This is a fun way to have a night out at the museums, with world-class scientific and art collections, as well as special exhibitions. For more information, call 412-622-3131 or visit www.carnegiemuseums.org.
Pittsburgh Improv Jam The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust presents its Pittsburgh Improv Jam at 10 p.m. at Cabaret at Theater Square, 655 Penn Ave., Cultural District. Every Thursday patrons can enjoy a night of spontaneous, comedic scenes inspired by audience suggestions and performed by experienced improvisers. This is a 21 and older event. For more information, call 412-456-6666 or visit www.trustarts.org.
Friday 23 Jazz at Andys Andys Wine Bar at the Fairmont Pittsburgh Hotel presents Jazz at Andys from 5-7:30 p.m. at 510 Market St., Downtown. Special guest DJ Malls will be spinning the vinyl as part of the VINYL Happy Hour. Following the happy hour, there will be a musical performance by Maria Beycoates-Bey. It is open to the public. For more information, visit www.andyswinebar.com.
From Russia with Jazz MCG Jazz presents “From Russia with Jazz: Igor Butman & the Moscow Jazz Orchestra-100 Years of Sinatra with Sachal” at 7 p.m. at the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild, 1815 Metropolitan St., Manchester. The hottest jazz orchestra of Russia and one of the best in the world will make a rare stop in the U.S. Also, as a special treat, Igor Butman will play classic Frank Sinatra hits with jazz and pop singer Sachal. For more information, call 412-323-4000 or visit www.mcgjazz.org.
New Horizon Theater opens its 24th season with the powerful play ‘I.D.’ by Genea L. Webb For New Pittsburgh Courier
Have you ever wondered who you really are? The play “I.D.” explores the often harrowing subjects of identity, classification and race in a hip-hop setting. “This play empowers people to know who they are,” explained director Steve Broadnax, an associate professor and head of M.F.A. Acting in the School of Theater at Pennsylvania State University. We challenge people to look again at who they are and celebrate their differences culturally and look again at other people.” “I.D.” was written by NSangou Nukam, a member of the 2015 Emerging Writers Group at the Public Theater. Nukam received his B.F.A. in acting from Howard University. After tracing his roots to Cameroon, he returned to his homeland and received the name NSangou. Nukam goes into innercity schools across the country to do the ancestry testing to empower young people to learn who they are and feel empowered by that. The production was origi-
Saturday 24 Halloween Mayhem The Kelly Strayhorn Theater presents the 7th Annual Halloween Mayhem from 12-4 p.m. at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater, 5941 Penn Ave., East Liberty. This spooky day of activities and performances is designed to delight and entertain the whole family with its live music and dance, costume parade, games and more. Reservations are required. For more information, call 412-363-3000 or visit www.kelly-strayhorn.org.
Sunday 25 Michael McDonald Latshaw Productions presents Michael McDonald Live at 7 p.m. at The Palace Theatre Center for the Performing Arts, 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg. Grammy Awardwinning singer and songwriter, Michael McDonald, will brings his soulful baritone voice to the Greater Pittsburgh area for onenight only. His show will feature a special duet with singer Judy Collins. For more information, visit www.thepalacetheatre.org.
U.S. Jazz Band Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum presents The U.S. Navy Band, The Commodores from 7-9:30 p.m. at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum, 4141 Fifth Ave., Oakland. The Commodores are an internationally acclaimed jazz band that has performed around the world, including the White House. For more information, call John Ayers at 412-665-6790 or email joayers@pa.gov.
Monday 26 Savoy Jazz Savoy Restaurant presents Savoy Jazz Mondays from 5-9 p.m. at 2623 Penn Ave., Strip District. Every Monday guests can enjoy live jazz in a sophisticated atmosphere by some of the city’s most talented jazz performers. The guest musicians will be the Time Stevens /Leonard Johnson Project. The attire is business casual. For more information, call 412-281-0660 or visit www.savoypgh.com.
Tuesday 27 JazzLive The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust presents JazzLive at 5 p.m. at the Backstage Bar at Theater Square, 655 Penn Ave., Cultural District. Every Tuesday, guests can enjoy a free live jazz series that showcases some of the region’s finest jazz musicians. The evening’s featured performer will be Eric Johnson. For more information, call 412-456-6666 or visit www.trustarts.org.
OCTOBER 21-27, 2015
ARTS & CULTURE
STEVE BROADNAX
ACTION—From left: Vaughn Kelsey Davis, Aaron Densley, Marco Munoz and Cecil Blutcher. (Photo provided by Joyce Meggerson-Moore.) nally commissioned and produced by the Penn State Centre Stage for its thirdyear acting graduate class. Its world premiere was presented July 2-5, 2015, at the Grahamstown Natural Arts Festival in South Africa. “South Africa ate it up! It was a beautiful response. We gave validity and a spectrum to the history of Africa. To see Africans come and see our play and say thank you and could relate to that human part even with the division in Africa.” Broadnax said. The community in Pittsburgh was very important to promote unity in the community and Pittsburgh was the perfect place to do that.” New Horizon Theater Chairperson Joyce Meggerson-Moore agreed with Broadnax. “This is a diversion from what we normally do,” Meggerson-Moore said. “We always do a socially conscious
or historical play. Our audience likes a combination of that. ‘I.D.’ is a powerful play and you can make social change through theater. It was the right time for New Horizon to do a play like this. “In our 24 season, the collaboration with Pennsylvania State University was brought about because of the persons we have met over the years and our ability to maintain contacts,” Meggerson-Moore continued. “We were happy to
meet Steve Broadnax through Herb Newsome. These introductions led us to other staff at Penn State University for this collaboration The 10-member cast of “I.D.” took DNA tests to trace their own roots to add authenticity to their roles. Not only did the test results help the actors in their roles, it changed their own personal lives. “Racism has been in my face and on my plate and is served daily,” said Eliza-
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beth J. Stewart, who portrays reporter Naima in “I.D.” “Since taking the test, I accept that everyone’s view of racism is different and I have to accept that.” For Aaron Densley, who portrayed the bigoted police officer, Undercover Michael, the test and play helped him see the privilege that Whites receive in society. It was something he never took notice of before. “It’s hard to play this character. I realized how damaged Undercover Michael is and how we as a society has been such a failure to people who see the world the way he does,” explained Densley who is married with three children. Michael is pissed because he is lost but returning hate with hate is not the way to handle things.” Following its Pittsburgh run, “I.D.” will be shown at the Edenborough Festival in Scotland, the number one theater festival in the world. “It’s the number one theater festival in the world. Its global people from all around the world in the arts community comes together to share theater,” Broadnax said. “It’s a wonderful experience to share us, American theater.” Broadnax is currently in talks with a theater in New York to take “I.D.” there in the future.
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OCTOBER 21-27, 2015
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
PEOPLE
Million Man March
SPEAKING TO THE PEOPLE—Minister Louis Farrakhan, shown on one of the many jumbotrons throughout the mall, speaking to the people.
PEOPLE ATTENDED FROM ALL OVER—Natatia Oatman with her husband, Shaun Worrell, both from Chicago, on the lawn listening to the speakers.
COMING HOME—These Black women came home to D.C. from college to be there for the 20th anniversary of the Million Man March. From left: Jordan Bonnette, Ellice Ellis, KaiYanna Washington, Hannah Hill, Kiah Lewis and Eboni Ellis holding African flags in support of African Americans in America.
SHOWING THEIR SUPPORT—Sisters Eboni Ellis, left, and Ellice Ellis holding African flags and wearing t-shirts with a message that were sold at the event in support of all Black people. They were just two of the thousands of women who attended the 20th anniversary march to show their support for the cause.
THOUSANDS ATTENDED—The Lincoln Memorial lawn with tepees and some of the many people who came for the Million Man March.
PITTSBURGHERS—Many people filled buses traveling from Pittsburgh to D.C. This is group shot is of the Pittsburghers before they got on the bus to go home from D.C. See the story in the Oct. 14-20 edition of the Courier. (Photos by J. L. Martello)
New Pittsburgh Courier
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Inside Conditions
BUSINESS
Find what you need from jobs to cars to housing C5-C6
Classifieds
The Humphries prove dreamsdo come true
OCTOBER 21-27, 2015
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
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A PRICELESS VIEW OF THE CITY—Roger and Regina Humphries point out the progress on the first townhouse being built on East Jefferson Street. (Photo by Diane I. Daniels)
by Diane I. Daniels For New Pittsburgh Courier
Most people in the Pittsburgh region, musicians and music lovers worldwide recognize Roger Humphries as one of the most exciting percussionists in the business. What most people are not aware of is that he and his wife Regina of 50 years have been land and property owners in their North Side community for a long time. Always active in the community while raising their family and building their careers, they held on to their dream of one day establishing the Roger Humphries’ Development Project. Earlier this month their dream came true when they broke grown for the East Jefferson Street and Carrington Street Project which consists of the building of six townhouse units. “It has been a long time coming,” Roger said about he and his wife’s’ efforts. “It is exciting seeing it become a reality.” Under the auspicates of RH Factor LLC the new energy efficient townhouses will be comprised of three bedrooms inclusive of a huge master bedroom suite with a bathroom and massive walk-in closet, a full second floor bathroom and half bathroom on the first floor, second floor washer and dryer
hookups, hardwood flooring on the first floor and carpet on the second and an oversized one car integral garage. The homes have an open floor plan and energy star rated stainless steel appliances and are equipped with granite countertops with stainless steel and an under-mount sink. Highlights of the buildings are an expansive rooftop deck providing what the Humphries’ consider a “priceless view of the city.” The houses also have an unfinished walkout basement. The 227 and 229 East Jefferson Street properties which are currently available for purchase will be completed January 2016. The Humphries, both born on the North Side, Roger the youngest of 10 children at 225 East Jefferson and Regina in Manchester own an apartment building and built the house where they currently live. “I love my community,” said Roger when questioned why he never left the neighborhood where he grew up even though he has traveled the world. “This is home. My roots and friends are here. My family is important to me and raising my children here was significant.” The couple have four adult children, nine grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. While in New York playing and recording with Ray Charles, who owned real estate and was
family oriented, Roger said he always wanted to bring New York City back to Pittsburgh through his music. “The attitude there was different and I realized it’s all about attitude. I wanted to play music, but also wanted to do something where I could make money, support my family, have a sense of independence and help others,” he expressed mentioning that he and his wife consider themselves very blessed. “What we are doing now exhibits to young people how important it is to have a dream,” said Regina. The Humphries said they like to reach out and show by example. “We are demonstrating that it is necessary to think out of the box,” said Roger Humphries. Even though the townhouses are becoming a reality, Regina said she still has a desire to provide housing for the homeless and to provide safe, comfortable and affordable housing for senior citizens. “I’d like for them to live within the city without being confined,” she said. A retired registered nurse, Regina Humphries has more than 30 years in the medical field. Remembering playing the drums since the age of three and beginning his professional career at the age of 14 Roger, 71 said he has had a love for music as long as he can remember. He is retired from his teaching position at the
Waldrup promotes Downtown Partnership at PowerBreakfast by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
Four years ago when Jeremy Waldrup came to town to talk about taking the job he has now, he was standing at an intersection about a block from where he was going—but he didn’t know that. “I’m on the phone telling this guy I’m a little lost,” said Waldrup. “And he says, ‘where are you?’ And I look, and there are no street signs, in either direction, on any of the corners.” Now as President and CEO of
the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, improving signage in the golden triangle is just one part of his mission in making the city cleaner, more efficient and more navigable for residents and visitors. Speaking at the African American Chamber of Commerce Oct. 16 PowerBreakfast Meeting, Waldrup outlined the PDP’s mission to restore Downtown as a vibrant place to live, work and play. Perhaps the most obvious thing the PDP does involves its cleanup crews, those men and
women in their bright yellow shirts who collectively spend 32,000 hours removing more than a million pieces of garbage from the streets each year. But they do more than that. “They are all receiving customer service training and helping people find their way around—like I couldn’t. They are ambassadors,” he said. “But they are also the first line of outreach to the city’s panhandlers and homeless. Last year SEE WALDRUP C2
Pittsburgh High School for the Creative and Performing Arts but has not retired his group RH Factor and still plays throughout the city. He has played drums for the likes of Ray Charles, Horace Silver, Richard “Groove” Holmes, Stanley Turrentine, James Moody, Lee Morgan, Billy Taylor, Benny Green, Lionel Hampton, Coleman Hawkins, Clark Terry, J.J. Johnson, Dizzy Gillespie, George Benson, Jon Faddis, Slide Hampton, Randy Brecker, Joe Williams, Milt Jackson, Jimmy Smith, Jimmy Witherspoon, Nathan Davis, Pete Henderson, Don Patterson, Gene Harris, Grant Green, George Harris, Freddie Hubbard, Bill Dogget and Jack McDuff. He has recorded with Horace Silver, Carmell Jones and with such artists as, Geri Alan, Herbie Mann/Phil Woods, Richard Groove Holmes, Kenny Blake, Frank Cunimondo, Dwayne Dolphin and Nancy Wilson Roger has performed at Carnegie Music Hall, the Village Gate and the Apollo Theatre in New York City. He has also played at the Bohemian Caverns and Shelly Manne’s Manhole in Los Angeles; the Penthouse in Seattle, Wa; Pep’s Lounge and Showboat, Philadelphia; the Jazz Workshop and SEE HUMPHRIES C2
BRINGING DOWNTOWN BACK—Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership President and CEO Jeremy Waldrup reviews initiatives to revitalize Pittsburgh at the Oct. 16 PowerBreakfast.
Banks caught redlining Black communities (NNPA)—The old adage, ‘the more things change, the more they stay the same’ seems somehow an apt description for what a growing number of communities are suffering: a lack of fair lending. In recent weeks and in varying locales, the issue of redlining has led to lawsuits that have been challenged or settlements that avoided courtroom dramas. Regardless of locale, allegations are remarkably similar: lack of access in mortgage lending coupled with a lack of convenient access to fullservice banking. On September 24, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Department of Justice jointly ordered Hudson City Savings Bank to pay a total of $32.75 million. Of these funds, $25 million will be dedicated to subsidizing increased mortgage opportunity for Blacks and Latino neighborhoods, $5.5 million paid in penalties, and $2.25 million for outreach and community programs in Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and both New York City and Staten Island. Although the Equal Credit Opportunity Act bans businesses from discriminating against applicants in credit transactions on the basis of race, color or national origin, 94 percent of Hudson City’s branches were in areas with scant consumers of color. Further, 94.5 per-
cent of the bank’s top that foreclosures 50 brokers’ offices Charlene Crowell dating to the late were concentrated 2000s were the reoutside of minority sult of steering micommunities. In nority borrowers Philadelphia and in into high-cost loans Camden, none of even when their bank’s 47 loan officers credit profiles made were based in Black them eligible for and Latino areas. cheaper loans of“Hudson City Savfered to Whites. ings Bank structured its business operations In his decision, U.S. District Judge John Z. to systemically avoid providing credit ser- Lee wrote, “These discriminatory actions vices in predominantly minority neighbor- increased the minority borrowers’ risk of hoods,” said U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman of default and foreclosure, resulting in a rash the District of New Jersey. “There is no room of foreclosures in the county, which in turn for such behavior in our banking system.” caused economic and noneconomic injury to Nor is Hudson City Savings alone. Just a the County.” few days later on September 29, another HSBC must now decide whether to appeal Justice Department settlement noted the denial, defend its actions in court or redlining in the St. Louis area by Eagle broker a settlement with Cook County. Bank and Trust. Citing both the Fair HousIn yet another case in Buffalo, NY, Attoring Act and the Equal Credit Opportunity ney General Eric Schneiderman secured an Act, a $975,000 settlement will now open $825,000 agreement with Evans Bank to two new locations in northern St. Louis end its discriminatory redlining that deamong other changes. nied services to the largely Black East Side The next day, September 30, a federal of the city. In this action, Evans Bank was judge in Chicago denied efforts by HSBC found to use a lending map that excluded Holdings to stop a fair housing lawsuit Black consumers while including neighborbrought by Cook County in Illinois. On be- ing communities. It also disqualified East half of its citizens, Cook County charged Side mortgage applicants regardless of
Commentary
their creditworthiness. The largest portion of settlement funds $475,000 – will be used to create a Housing Opportunity Fund to support development and restoration of affordable housing. Remaining monies will be dedicated to marketing and advertising to communities of color ($200,000), a special financing program to increase lending activity in underserved areas ($100,000), and payment of fees and costs to the state ($50,000). In recent months, even more similar legal actions have been filed; but the pattern should be clear: communities of color often lack access to mortgages and/or fair credit. Artificially raising the cost of the single largest investment most consumers make is just as harmful as the failure to approve mortgages to creditworthy borrowers. The moral to this continuing saga is that once laws have been passed to correct discriminatory lending, vigorous enforcement will make those laws real for consumers and lenders alike. “Without access to affordable credit, neighborhoods deteriorate in the long shadow cast by unfair lending,” said Richard Cordray, Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. (Charlene Crowell is a communications manager with the Center for Responsible Lending.)
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NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
BUSINESS
In trusts should you trust? Should a trust be part of your estate planning? Trusts are typically associated with the very rich, but a surprising number of people use them to solve a variety of problems or achieve a range of different objectives. In the most simple terms, a trust says who gets what when. The Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants spotlights three situations in which a trust might suit your needs. Set terms for your heirs Some parents may want to leave all of their assets to their children, but they might have concerns about how soon the kids should have control over the money they inherit. In that case, a testamentary trust, which is written into a will, may be the answer. For example, it can be used if a couple wants to leave their money to their children but, in case they die when the children are young, they want to name a trustee in the will to manage that money until the kids reach a certain age, graduate from college, marry, or any other point they might choose. This kind of trust can also be used when the beneficiary is someone with a disability who might need assistance overseeing the inheritance. It is generally easy and inexpensive to add a testamentary trust to a will. Avoid probate The probate process, which begins when someone dies, involves checking that the will is valid, identifying and assessing the property involved, paying any required taxes and allocating the property to the correct heirs. These steps can take time, and there are fees involved, which is why some people turn to revocable living trusts. In a typical case, you might transfer ownership of important property—such as real estate or bank or investment accounts—to the trust, naming yourself as the trustee. You also name a successor trustee who will distribute the trust property to your beneficiaries when you die. Your heirs receive their inheritance from the trust immediately upon your death, sidestepping probate, and the process is more private than probate. It’s also possible to remove items from this kind of trust during your lifetime if, say, you decide to sell your house or access an investment. And if you become too ill to manage your assets, the successor trustee can take over for you. Deal with family complexity Forty percent of weddings are a remarriage for at least one of the partners involved, according to the Pew Research Center. That can complicate estate planning when, for example, the spouses want to ensure that, when one of them dies, the surviving spouse has enough to live on but also wants to guarantee that children from earlier marriages get their intended inheritance. A Qualified Terminable Interest Trust may be the answer. A QTIP can make it easier to ensure you provide for both spouses and children in blended families. Don’t forget the will Although trusts can be useful, they should not take the place of a will, which can address how assets outside of a trust might be handled. Other important documents you need include a living will or health care directive, which spells out the medical treatments you’d want to use to prolong your life; a health care proxy that identifies who can make medical decisions for you if you are incapacitated; and a durable power of attorney, which establishes who can make financial decisions for you if you’re unable to do so and are still living.
Humphries prove dreams come true CONTINUED FROM C1
Boston; Ronny Scott’s in London. Even though his music career has expanded throughout Europe, Roger still has the interest to teach and help local youth in music. He said he is currently involved with a group of musicians that are striving to organize and start their own school. Recognizing that the Roger Humphries’ Development Project will not solve the affordable housing problems in the city, they feel they are doing their part while fulfilling their dream. “One project might not do much, but if we do our part perhaps others will follow,” said Roger Humphries. (The property is listed on the real estate multi list or more information can be obtained by calling 412321-1069.)
Making a new rap about unity and the Black dollar by James G. Muhammad
get our marching orders.” Millionaire entrepreneur Rodney P. Hunt deSpecial to the NNPA from The Final Call scribed Dr. Martin Luther King and Min. FarWASHINGTON—The power of hip hop and the rakhan as “change agents” and expressed support for the Justice Or Else movement. The coBlack economy were the topics of discussion during a press conference at the National Press founder of RS Information Systems, which he sold for hundreds of millions of dollars, said he Club Oct. 9, kicking off the day’s events for the admires the Minister’s ability to reach people Justice Or Else weekend here. where they are. Real Hip Hop Network chairman Atonn He said that African American men and Muhammad called for an end to community violence and the murders of Blacks by police, adding that rap artists play a key role in the solution. “Hip hop is a means to not just influencing Black people, but influencing the world. Our job is to challenge these negative images in hiphop culture. We’re here to make a change,” he said. Mr. Muhammad acknowledged the choices many artists make in order to maintain access to the powerful in the industry. He described a “hidden hand” of those who control the industry that hamper artists—as rappers like Jay Z have admitted in songs—from saying what’s in their hearts. Featured speaker Nuri Muhammad of Indianapolis Muhammad EMPIRE—Russell Simmons (second from right) has built a business empire based on Mosque #74 referred to hip-hop culture and is an example of the power of the hip-hop economy. (Monica Morthe criticism that the gan/The Final Call Newspaper) Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan has women must show solidarity and courage to faced as he has sought to meet hip hop artists build our communities despite our differences. during the mobilization of the Justice Or Else Panelist Maurice Rashid Hood of The Money gathering. To that criticism, Min. Farrakhan has said rappers are the leaders in our communities Club and GMG Enterprises, both hip-hop oriented companies, commended the Minister for and that one good rap song is worth more than 1,000 of his lectures, Student Minister Nuri said. reaching out to the youth and advised others to hear the raw pain of people talking about their “When you look at any fruit of Louis Farrakhan…you are looking at the fruit of less than lives in their rap. “Some people can’t relate to the way things are 1,000 lectures. When a hip-hop artist has the said, but this is raw pain. Every song has a mesright idea in their music, you can, with one sage,” Mr. Hood told The Final Call. “I thank the song, make soldiers better than Malcolm X. You can produce, with one song, soldiers better than Minister for accepting the path that was chosen for him which has given me a platform to stand Farrakhan. With one song. “We hope that as those artists have heard from on. Any enlightenment or inspiration that would raise Black people will be opposed by the power the Minister, that you will go home and renegostructure,” he said. tiate your script for your lyrics. If you’re gonna Atonn Muhammad said he invited panelist rap, make it a revolutionary rap. Make songs Robby Wells, who aspires to be the Democratic about the struggle for liberation of our people,” nominee for president, because as a white candihe said. date he’s speaking forcefully about Black issues. Min. Nuri said the Million Man March was a “It’s time to stare down the fear of our differ“glimpse of heaven” experienced by nearly 2 milences with the face of courage,” Mr. Wells said. lion men and there has been a yearning among “We need leaders with a plan to restore the those men to have “another moment in time” damage done to the African American commuwhere their wives and families can experience nity.” heaven. (For more information on the Justice...Or Else! Move“10-10-15 is important,” Min. Nuri said, “but ment, visit http://www.justiceorelse.com.) 10-11 is critical. We’re gathering on the mall to
Waldrup promotes Downtown Partnership CONTINUED FROM C1
they initiated 685 contacts and made 85 referrals to emergency services.” Waldrup said the PDP is supporting sustainable development initiatives and working on transportation advocacy in an effort to be the city more business friendly, in addition to hosting a number of cultural, educational and artistic events designed to bring people into the city. Some of these efforts included restoring the facades of two building on Liberty Avenue—the Army Navy store and Specialty Luggage—pushing to get two more daily trains between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, and hosting gallery crawls, pop-up urban supper events, open street celebrations, First Night, and the July “Picklesburgh” music and food festival aimed at millennials learning to preserve their locally-grown food. “That one actually got some national attention, with the 30-foot inflatable pickle on the Rachel Carson Bridge,” he said. “Yeah, the next day, my mother calls from Ashville, NC. And says, ‘Jeremy, your pickle is on Good Morning America.’’
Waldrup said the PDP is also working on ways to simplify and improve the flow of people and traffic around greater downtown—from the North Shore to the South Shore, and from the West End to Oakland, adding that if there is anything he can do to help chamber members’ businesses, just let him know. “One thing we can do, that a lot of folks don’t know about is reserve parking,” he said. “Say you have a meeting, or a client coming into town at 10 a.m. You know by then the garages will be full. Call us—we can reserve a parking space for you far that time window.” Though he sees the city will more bike and pedestrian traffic and greater access to the rivers and with more entertainment, art and dinging options, he does not, in the near term, anticipate a “big box” retail replacement for Macys. “Those don’t work anymore unless you’re in a really large city. I see medium and boutiquessize businesses until residency goes way up,” he said. “But it’s up 45 percent in the last five years, and it’s continuing.” (Send comments to cmorrow@newpittsburghcourier.com.)
Comcast names Uthman V.P. of inclusion by Target Market News For New Pittsburgh Courier
Comcast announced Oct. 7 that Janet Uthman has been named Vice President of Inclusion and Multicultural Marketing for the company’s Northeast Division. In this new role, Uthman will be responsible for the planning and execution of diversity and inclusion efforts and multicultural marketing strategy across the Division’s footprint, which consists of approximately 22,000 employees and 7.5 million customers across 14 northeastern states from Maine to Virginia and Washington, D.C. Reporting to both the Human Resources and Marketing departments at Comcast, Uthman will lead efforts toward Comcast’s goal to become a best-in-class
model for diversity and inclusion within the industry and will serve as a resource to develop and recommend strategies to attract and retain a diverse workforce. In addition, she will spearhead marketing efforts to increase awareness and adoption among diverse multicultural consumers and niche lifestyle segments. She will be relocating to Baltimore City, Maryland. “Janet has always blended her Comcast role with a strong commitment to volunteerism with diverse community organizations and professional networks,” said Kerri St. Jean, Senior Vice President of Human Resources for Comcast’s Northeast Division. “She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her new position, and we’re thrilled that she will be part
JANET UTHMAN of our team.” “Janet’s leadership skills combined with her proven track record of creative and effective marketing strategies and execution will make her a huge asset in our mul-
ticultural marketing efforts,” added Randy Waddell, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Comcast’s Northeast Division. “She will play a critical role in helping us reach and relate to these important audiences.” Uthman brings 18 years of experience in marketing leadership to her role. She previously served as Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Comcast’s Western New England Region, where she worked to ensure all marketing and sales goals and initiatives were communicated and supported for all channels and stakeholders. Before holding that position, she served as Director of Product Management for Comcast’s Western New England Region and Marketing and Sales Director for Baltimore City. Prior to joining Com-
cast, Uthman owned her own cable industry consulting company, served as corporate marketing director for Black Entertainment Television, and held management positions with The Disney Channel and Coopers & Lybrand. Uthman holds a Masters of Business Administration in Marketing from UCLA Anderson School of Management and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting and Finance from UC Berkeley. She is active in many community and industry organizations, including Women in Cable Telecommunications, and serves on the Board of Directors for the National Black MBA Association. Uthman also recently completed a three-year term on the board of the Urban League of Hartford.
BUSINESS CALENDAR
Lunch and Learn Series OCT. 22— The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh will host its Lunch & Learn Series at 12:15 p.m. at the Downtown & Business Branch, 612 Smithfield St., Downtown. The topic will be “Crowdfunding Your Business.” Artists, entrepreneurs and others utilize crowdfunding to collectively raise capital for business ventures, causes and community projects. In this session, Jennifer Hamilton, of Kiva Zip, will teach attendees about crowdfunding and Kiva Zip’s 0 percent interest micro-loans for startups and small businesses in the Pittsburgh area. For more information, call 412-281-7141 or visit www.carnegielibrary.org.
Soldier to Entrepreneur OCT. 28—The University of Pittsburgh Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence will host “Soldier to Entrepreneur: Managing the Operations” from 7:3010:30 a.m. at Riverside Center for Innovation, 700 Ridge Ave., North Side. During this session, experts will go over basic human resource management, training, managing and motivating employees as well as leadership basics. Registration is required. For more information, call 412-648-1542 or email info@innovation.pitt.edu.
Members’ Mixer OCT. 28—The African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania will host its Members’ Mixer from 5-7 p.m. at the Laurel Highlands Council Boy Scouts of America, Flag Scout Center, 1275 Bedford Ave., Hill District. Chamber associate members, the Laurel Highlands Council Boy Scouts of America, will host this event that gives members an opportunity to network and gain contacts. Attendees are asked to bring their business cards to pass out. Members are asked to bring their pins. For more information, call 412-392-0610 or email information@aaccwp.com.
Entrepreneur Session for Seniors OCT. 28—The Seeds of Unity Entrepreneur Program of Sisters Saving Ourselves Now will host an Entrepreneur Know How Session for Seniors 55 and older at 6 p.m. at Greater Allen AME church, 3600 California Ave., North Side. Attendees will learn how to get focused, set an agenda and take action to hone their skills to develop a business. Limited space is available and registration is required. For more information, call 4122414436 or visit www.seedsofunity 3600@gmail.com.
Networking event OCT. 28—The National Association of Women Business Owners Greater Pittsburgh Chapter will host “The Good Life” Networking event from 6-8 p.m. at Savoy Restaurant, 2623 Penn Ave., Strip District. This is an opportunity to meet the organization’s new board members as well as returning ones, all while networking. For more information, email president@nawbogreaterpittsburgh.org.
Growth Workshop OCT. 29—Chatham University’s Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship will host MyBusiness Growth Workshop from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at Chatham University, 1 Woodland Rd., Shadyside. The topic will be “Website & Social Media for Growth with Google Pittsburgh.” Google’s Partner Technology Manager Timothy James will facilitate a hands-on workshop covering website design, optimization and social media development topics for established businesses. Attendees will learn how to access their website for effectiveness and how to get the most out of their presence and online options. They will also gain a greater understanding of their social media options and how to promote their business to a local audience as well as maintaining a global presence online. Registration is requested and a light breakfast will be provided. For more information, visit www.chatham.edu/cwe.
Technology Expo/ Conference NOV. 9—Pittsburgh Trade Show will host the Pittsburgh Technology Expo and Conference from 9 a.m.- 3p.m. at the Sheraton Station Square Hotel, 300 W. Station Square Dr., Station Square. This event is designed to provide opportunities for tech related companies, schools and institutions to generate business leads, network with business professionals, and showcase technology related products and services. Registration is required. For more information, call 724-271-8540 or email info@pittsburghtradeshow.com. (To have information on Business Calendar, send information at least two weeks in advance to: 315 E. Carson St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219; Fax: 412-481-1360 or e-mail: newsroom@newpittsburghcourier.com.)
New Pittsburgh Courier
SPORTS
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OCTOBER 21-27, 2015
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
City League All-Sports Hall of Fame takes off like a helicopter ride
BEYOND THE CITY—Pittsburgh City League All Sports Champions who went on to become champions in their respective sport in college, and or the pros, with Steelers great Franco Harris, front center, and Bill Neal back center. (Photos by Gail Manker)
By Smokin’ Jim Frazier Ask anyone from Pittsburgh what their town is like and they will most likely say that it is a sports town and go on to mention the Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins. However, that is just the tip of the ice burgh for Pittsburgh.
The second annual Pittsburgh City League All Sports Hall of Fame banquet held on Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Wyndham Pittsburgh University Center Hotel in Oakland was a sold-out event and the master of ceremonies was the legendary Pittsburgh Steelers and NFL Hall of Famer Franco Harris. The event was presented
by Achieving Greatness, Inc., in conjunction with the Office of the Mayor, Office of the Chief Executive of Allegheny County, Pittsburgh School Board and city council members and the National Football League Alumni Association is. Twenty-three new inductees were awarded along with the posthumous induction of 50 of the City
League’s greatest all-time athletes and coaches. The selection of inductees was made by the ninemember Hall of Fame committee: Eddie Jefferies, Smokin’ Jim Frazier, Chuck Franklin (chair), Vince Neal (co-chair), Fred Lucas, Ron Saunders, Curtis Hefflin, Toni Allen,and Mike Harber. “I was honored to attend
the Pittsburgh City League All-Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and the atmosphere emitted dedication, commitment and hardwork,” said Jodi Velazquez, author of ‘SlickMove Guide’. “I sat among NFL Super Bowl champions and Hall of Famers, Olympians and Olympic medalists, a Kickboxing World Heavyweight Cham-
pion, state champions, national contenders, record holders, record breakers, all-time leading scorers and other celebrated athletes for their remarkable achievements. The well-orchestrated, elegant affair hosted by Bill Neal, was an eye opening event as to how much Pittsburgh really is a
LARRY ANDERSON South Hills
LARRY BROWN Schenley
CARMEN BRUCE Schenley
RICK CANNON Perry
HENRI CHATMAN Carrick
KEITH SHON CROSBY Carrick
WESLEY GARNETT Westinghouse
JOHN GIRDANO Westinghouse
LYNN HARRIS South
CURTIS HEFFLIN Westinghouse
MARC HOGAN Brashear
HOSEA HOLDER Westinghouse
CLARENCE HOPSON Schenley
CARLITA JONES-EVANS Peabody
TONY LISCIO Westinghouse
ROD RUTHERFORD Perry
AHMAD SHAREEF Westinghouse
ARNOLD SOWELL Schenley
For New Pittsburgh Courier
SEE HALL C4
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OCTOBER 21-27, 2015
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
SPORTS
Landry Jones shines after Vick injury, should start by Ulish Carter Courier Staff Writer
In what most figured would be an easy victory for the then high flying 4-1 Arizona Cardinals, especially after the Steelers second starting quarterback went down with an injury, actually may have saved Pittsburgh season. Landry Jones who had not played in three years and was so unimpressive during the preseason the Steelers went outside to pick up veteran Michael Vick when both starter Ben Roethlisberger, and second stringer Bruce Gradkowski were knocked out with an injury. But after being forced into action against the Cardinals when Vick injured his leg, Jones threw two touchdowns on 8 of 12 for 168 yards in the second half as he led the Steelers to a 2513 win over the Cardinals. Not only pulling their record up to 4-2, but reviving the passing game. Martavist Bryant had 6 catches for 137 yards and 2 touchdowns. Despite winning two games for the Steelers, Vick was struggling trying to learn the offense which made the offense one dimensional while taking Antonio Brown almost totally out of the game. Where as Jones, who has been with the team for three years, know the plays and the players.
Jones will start next week even though some are saying that Roethlisberger will be ready. He earned it, plus the Steelers want to see just how good this kid is, after overlooking him all season. “I just can’t believe I got in the game,” Jones said. “I’m still kind of reeling from it.” “He played very well for a young guy to come in in that situation,” Arizona coach Bruce Arians said. “He won the football game.” “Landry was like Ben’s little brother out there,” Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell said. “He was out there making checks and everything and it brought us back like ‘Dang, Landry really got this.’ After we scored the first touchdown, it was like a confidence booster.” The Cardinals dominated the Steelers in the first half in every aspect of the game except the score. They only led 10-3 after the first half and they paid for it dearly in the second half when the offense caught up with the defense. The defense played another outstanding game. This Sunday the Steelers face the 1-5 struggling Kansas City Chiefs, who lost to the Minnesota Vikings last week 16-10. Alex Smith‘s 42-yard touchdown pass to Albert Wilson midway through the fourth quarter pulled
the Chiefs within three points, but the Vikings (3-2) played well enough early to survive their ragged finish. They shut out the Chiefs for more than three quarters. The Chiefs (1-5) netted 51 yards in the first half and were penalized for 50 yards, but they found a rhythm after the break with five receptions for 88 yards by tight end Travis Kelce. The Chiefs at one time were considered to be an up and coming franchise but haven’t done anything this year on either side of the ball to show that they are a contender. But it’s teams like this, with nothing to lose that give the Steelers the most trouble. Both Ryan Shazier and Jarvis Jones missed Sunday’s game, and it’s not sure if they will be available for this weekend’s game. If Vick cannot play this week, then Roethlisberger may be activated as the second string quarterback, because the Steelers would be down to one quarterback. The Chief wide receivers are: Jeremy Maclin and Albert Wilson, but their top receiver last week was tight end Travis Telce. The running back is Kmile Davis. In other AFC North Division action: The Cincinnati Bengals remained undefeated (6-0) by beating the Buffalo Bills, 34-21, the Cleveland Browns (2-4) lost to the Denver Broncos in
City League All-Sports Hall of Fame takes off like a helicopter ride CONTINUED FROM A1
sports town!” There is a foolproof way to turn a casual conversation about high school sports into a heated debate. Ask somebody to name 10 to 20 of the best players in city league history. For most Hall of Fame athletes, their most memorable moments happened on the field or the court. For Marc Hogan, he had many electrifying moments on the field but his legend grew from the friendly skies. “I was an assistant basketball coach at Brashear high school back in the ‘70’s and early 80’s and we had a kid by the name of Marc Hogan who was a quarterback on the football team, “said Coach Chuck Franklin. “The last week of school all the Phys Ed classes were outside and this big orange helicopter flies over our field. It circles the basketball court and then hovers over the football field and finally it lands. University of Tennessee head football coach Johnny Majors jumps out and puts Marc Hogan in the helicopter and flew him back to Tennessee.” The 2015 Allderdice Dragons and the 2007 Schenley Spartans are considered by many as two of the best basketball teams in City League history. But, maybe Bill Clark’s 1976 Fifth Avenue’s team should get a vote. “I was a teacher at Fifth Avenue when they won the state championship in 1976 and most of the players were underclassmen. Warner Macklin, David Kennedy and Sam Clancy,” said Vince Neal, Special Ed teacher and coach. “The one senior on the team was Bill Clarke, who went on to play at Duquesne University. When they began state playoff play. There was a candy bar called Fifth Avenue and before the games the players would throw Fifth Avenue candy bars into the stands. The state championship was played in Hershey, so the team would also throw Hershey bars into the stands. The center on the team was 6’10 Bill Clarke and he would throw Clark bars into the stands. After they won the state title Mars Candy Company donated boxes and boxes and boxes of Clark bars, Fifth Avenue and Hershey candy to the school.” Westinghouse High School has its own Hall of Fame. So many great men and women walk through
those hallways and if you’re a Bulldog, you ride or die with The House. “I was a running guard and linebacker and was AllCity in 1953 and 1954. I was Honorable mention allstate and I played in the Big-33 game,” said Curtis Hefflin. “At Westinghouse we believed in winning championships. In 1951 the Westinghouse Basketball team of Maurice Stokes and Ed Fleming could beat most small college teams. They were that good.” Ricky Cannon, star of the 1986 Perry High School undefeated city league championship football team and he was also All-City in basketball and baseball. But, when “Lightning” Rod Rutherford walked in the room parted like Moses splitting the Red Sea. Rutherford was All-American in football All-State in basketball at Perry and broke all of Dan Marino’s passing records at Pitt. “I coached Rod Rutherford and he was a tremendous athlete who played football, basketball, baseball and also ran track. He made allcity in every sport he played in,” said Coach Chuck Franklin. “He played at Pitt and had a short stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was on the taxi-squad and broke his ankle and they had to put a pin in his ankle. He is now coaching football at IUP.” The athletic public conference made up of Pittsburgh’s public schools inducted Carmen Bruce and 22 other former stars who have added to the organization’s storied 103-year history. Bruce helped Schenley win three City League girls’ basketball titles and scored 2,175 career points. She also was a star in track and field, winning three more City League titles in the shot put and discus throw each, as well as a PIAA state championship in the shot put. She now serves as an assistant women’s basketball coach at Pitt. “It was such a pleasure to be at this event. To see all 23 standout athletes receive the recognition they deserve was a great feeling,” said Liz Costa Abbondanza, star of TV’s Championship Chase. “So many amazing athletes have come out of the City League and went on to have equally amazing professional careers. It was a special night for the inductees, Pittsburgh Public Schools and the city.” Most of these Hall of Fame athletes were born
and raised in a tough area of Pittsburgh. Their athleticism also helped to protect them because it was respected on the streets. They were looked after. “It’s a way to establish a bond between young and old,” said Bill Neal, the CEO of Achieving Greatness, Inc., and founder of the Hall of Fame program in 2014. “This is the first time in the city’s history of a hall of fame strictly for studentathletes who participated in City League schools,” Neal said. Achieving Greatness, Inc., is a for-profit corporation providing services in community development, consulting, advertising, marketing, promotions, and special events. It is headquartered near Monroeville. Congratulations to the 2015 Pittsburgh City League Hall of Fame Class of: Larry Anderson, South Hills; Larry Brown, Schenley; Edna Campbell, Allderdice; Henri Chatman, Perry; Bill Clarke, Fifth Avenue; Keith Shon Crosby, Carrick; Herb Douglas, Jr., Allderdice; John Giordano, Westinghouse; Wesley Garnett, Westinghouse; Brashear; Clarence Hopson, Schenley; Tony Liscio, Westinghouse; Lynn Harris, South Hills; Renee Henderson, Peabody; Hosea Holder, Fifth Avenue; Carlita Jones-Evans, Peabody. Curtis Hefflin, Westinghouse; Marc Hogan, Rod Rutherford, Perry; Ahmad Shareef, Westinghouse; Arnold “Arnie” Sowell, Schenley; City League Hall of Fame inducted posthumously are: Joseph Atkins, John Brewer Sr., Sige Burden, Cornell Cooper, Clarence Doak, Alvin Floyd, Pomeroyal Fountain, Edward Geasa, Charles Hefflin, Otis Johnson, Calvin Jones, Ronnie Latronica, George S. McDougal, Ellsworth Morgan, Fred Myers, Billy Peatross, Robert “Bob” Purkey, Darryl Robinson, James S. Robinson Jr., Pete Sheffield, William Tibbs, Joseph Ware, Joseph L. Woods, Henry Yandell Sr., James Brewer, Elliot Brodie, Courtlandt Burrell, Dennis Cuff, Keith Edmunds, Morris Fountain Sr., Norman Frey, Frank Graves, Gary Henderson, Allen Hyatt, Ernie Jones, Milton Lederstein, Joseph Moore, Robert Mungin, Al Patrick, Francis Peay, Hy Richman, Emory Robinson, William H. Robinson, Henry Thompson, Kenneth Wade, Thomas Williams, and Teddy Woods.
overtime, 26-23, and the Baltimore Ravens, (1-5) lost to the San Francisco 49ers 25-20
Despite all the Steelers offensive problems after the injury to Big Ben, they are still fourth in the league in
points scored behind the Cardinals, Green Bay Packers and the New England Patriots.
Inside Conditions – Yogis of the gridiron by Aubrey Bruce For New Pittsburgh Courier
What is yoga? Well according to merriamwebster.com yoga is: “a system of exercises for attaining bodily or mental control and well-being.” Also, it is a well-known fact that those who practice yoga can also gain maximum flexibility as a result often bending their bodies into positions that are next to impossible for “ordinary” people. The Pittsburgh Steelers had to have in some form or another been practicing yoga in order to pull out a 25-13 win over the Arizona Cardinals this past Sunday at Heinz Field. The Cardinals dominated the game in almost every phase except in rushing and where it ultimately counted, on the scoreboard. The Cardinals won the battle of first downs, (21-14) third down efficiency, (5-1242% to 3-12-25%). It goes on and on from time of possession, to net passing yards, to total net yards. At the end of the first half, the Cardinals QB, Carson Palmer had 233 passing yards to six yards for Steelers “starting” QB Michael Vick, nonetheless Arizona took only a 10-7 lead into the locker room at the half. During the first 30 minutes, the Steelers defense was bent almost in two, but had not broken. When the second half that’s when things started to take a turn for the better for the Black and Gold, and that curiously happened when the Steelers QB Michael Vick was escorted to the sideline as a part of the “concussion protocol” that was an ultimate misdiagnosis by the officials because it was announced a bit later that Mike Vick was forced to leave the game because he had some “dirt in his eye.” By the time that there was 10:21 left in the 3rd quarter when the Steelers beleaguered “third string quarterback” Landry Jones had entered the game and ended the possession by tossing a TD pass to Steelers wide receiver Martavis “speedy Gonzales” Bryant. The Cardinals defense which hadn’t bent much in the 1st half was beginning to break. As far as the Steelers backup QB was concerned there may have been no immediate visions of sugarplums dancing around in his head. “It’s been a long road since those days at Oklahoma, just blessed to get in there
and finally play the game again” he said. For all of those who may or may not have been Landry Jones supporters have to acknowledge the difficult position that he was placed in having to come off of the bench cold, (in more ways than one) and enter a game that that was certainly on perched on the cliff of disaster and snatch victory from what certainly appeared to be the jaws of defeat.” When Jones was asked about his preparation methods he explained that, “I’m just trying to prepare like the starters [because] in practice I don’t get a whole lot of reps. Mike got most of the reps, you just have to go in there and play.” There should be no backup quarterback controversy within the Pittsburgh Steelers or the Steelers nation. The Steelers needed three quarterbacks on their roster with only the starting position guaranteed. Quarterback Michael Vick had the edge to be the number one backup to the Steelers starting QB Ben Roethlisberger, especially based on the experience factor, but aside from his miraculous finish defeating the San Diego Chargers in San Diego, it appears that Vick may have taken a step backwards even in light of the fact that he took all of the first string reps during the week preceding the Steelers/Cardinals matchup. There is a misnomer perpetrated throughout the sports world that a player should not lose his position based on an injury. The hot hand that Michael Vick possessed prior to meeting the Cardinals has grown cold. Could it be that it was never really that hot in the first place? Was the Steelers Mike Vick led victory over the Chargers a “one trick pony,” a fluke an aberration, a once in a blue moon occurrence? Was the comeback by Steelers third string QB Landry Jones over the Arizona Cardinals an anomaly, a just “keep the fort warm until the real “general” returns moment in time? We all now have an opportunity to judge Landry Jones under the “psyche melting” spotlight that all NFL quarterbacks must endure. Will he grow strong under the glaring heat lamp of scrutiny or wilt? Only time will tell but all of the Steelers including Landry Jones may bend but for the sake of claiming another Lombardi trophy, at this stage of the season, they had better not break. (Special thanks to Shawn McCullough).
Overtime by Bill Neal For New Pittsburgh Courier
SPECIAL EDITION: THE TOP TEN REASONS YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN AT THE 2nd ANNUAL PITTSBURGH CITY LEAGUE HIGH SCHOOL ALL-SPORTS HALL OF FAME INDUCTIONS… :10—You missed a chance to win $250 big ones in the 50/50. It was a $500 draw. (Big thanks to Fred Lucas, Toni Allen & Carmen.) :09—See the Hall of Fame Committee decked out in Jack’s Tuxedos, red vest and ties with the Black Dior Tux. That being Chuck Franklin, Chairman Vince Neal, CoChairman Fred Lucas, Mike Harber, Ron Saunders, Curt Hifflin and of course the President of the Know-It-All-Club “Sir Eddie Jefferies.” Great job gentlemen. Mission accomplished! :08—Speaking of job well done, you missed seeing the ladies of Achieving Greatness in all their radiant glory and running the show as only they can. Tremendous job ladies. Couldn’t have done it without you. Elizabeth King Sr., Vice President Brandi Lipford, Director of Advertising, Marketing & Sales Joelle Montague, Public Relations Director and Lara Lee, Special Assistant. (Special thanks also goes out to Red Lee, Michael Cobbs, Toni Allen and Carmen.) :07—Oh yeah, while you were “Somewhere Else” you didn’t get to see the Sponsors Awards. Iftakhar Milick and Penn Avenue McDonald’s winning the honors for 2015 and recognition going to the Savoy Restaurant and Chuck Saunders Charities as co-winners followed by the superior support of Highmark, the Pittsburgh School Board, Super Bakery, KDKA, Rivers Casino, the Wilson Group, and the fabulous hosting by the Wyndham Hotel, University Center.
:06—Chuck Cooper Jr., representing and speaking on behalf of his legendary and historic father Chuck Cooper Sr., the first Black man to play pro basketball in the NBA, and the presentation of a classic photo of Mr. Cooper with the Boston Celtics to Achieving Greatness. :05—The lighting of the candles in memory of the 50 legends that have gone on to better playing fields. “Hoo-Ray” to Vince Neal, Ron Saunders and Chuck Franklin. :04—The great, great, great 20 living legends that went into the City League Hall of Fame. (See the forthcoming story by Smokin’ Jim Frazier to get caught up.) But to be sure…Rod Rutherford, Arnie Sewell Olympian, Carmon Bruce, Curt Hifflin, Clarence Hopson, West Garnett and the great Larry Brown and others…Now that’s a party! :03—You need to know if you had come you would have been in the company of Pittsburgh legend, four time Super Bowl Champion, Franco Harris. :02—The All-Star Dream Team that made the presentations to the Hall of Fame Inductees…The M.C.’s for the event led by “The Grande Dame” of Pittsburgh socialites, Debbie Norrell, KDKA’s finest Bob Allen, the heart of Aliquippa Kevin Cameron and the energy of Smokin’ Jim Frazier. The only crew better than this one is on ESPN…and that’s a toss-up!!!!! :01—And you missed seeing Darrell Porter and Rick Cannon side by side again. Looking like they can still get it done! :00—And the number one reason you should have been there is the amazing fantastic - tremendous - overwhelming 300 plus sell-out standing room only City League crowd that turned out to show love for the City League legends. CITY LEAGUE YOU SHOW UP!!! ~ GAME OVER ~
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Help Wanted
FISCAL SERVICES ASSISTANT ALLEGHENY COUNTY
Allegheny County is accepting applications for a Fiscal Services Assistant position for Kane Regional Centers. For application requirements and job description check our website at www.alleghenycounty.us/jobs or visit us at our Human Resources office at 102 County Office Building, 542 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA.
DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL AID (MANAGER 200)
Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) invites applicants for Director of Financial Aid (Manager 200) within our Enrollment Management Division. To view the full description and apply for this position, please visit www.iup.edu/employment All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon confirmation of work eligibility and satisfactory completion of all pre-employment background checks. IUP is an equal opportunity employer M/F/H/V and is a proud member of the State System of Higher Education.
QA TESTER (Multiple Openings)
SDLC Management, Inc. (Greater Pittsburgh, PA area) resp for analyss, testng, & implemnttn of clientsʼ proprietary softwre systms & apps. Carry out all aspcts of SDLC; execte manual & automatd test cases using enterprse-grade quality tool suites such as IBM Rational or MS Team Foundatn Servr; develp test plans, test scenrios, & test cases based upon analyss of busnss reqs; create test data by applyng advancd technques to complx client envʼts; write & execte SQL queries to condct tests; apply test automatn technques to imprve test coverge & redce cycle time; carry out structred analyss, desgn, & devʼt of clientsʼ proprietary IT systms; analyze clientsʼ projct mgmt methodlgies & integratng SDLC QA procsses & technlgies; devse & implmnt quality imprvemnt progrms customzed to fit client technlgies, procsses, & cultre. Reqs: Masterʼs in Comp Sci, Electrnc Engʼg or relatd discplne. Resume to Ms. Terri Nicholls, HR Specialist, SDLC Management, Inc., 2790 Mosside Blvd, Ste 705, Monroeville, PA 15146 & refer to “QA Tester”. Finance
QUANTITATIVE ANALYTICS AND MODEL DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT SENIOR
The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. seeks a Quantitative Analytics and Model Development Consultant Senior in Pittsburgh, PA responsible for: (i) driving statistical models and recommendations that measure risk parameters for the wholesale portfolio; (ii) working collaboratively with team members across the organization to perform data analyses, data mining, complex mathematical modeling, PD/LGD/EAD modeling, ALLL quantification, CCAR/DFAST stress testing modeling and Basel II/III modeling; (iii) utilizing a strong understanding of debt instruments, lending and underwriting practices, and credit risk measurement; (iv) working with Working Groups, comprising of senior executives, and Model Risk Management Group (MRMG) to solve their foremost challenges related to developing models for quantifying risk, including loan origination, deal underwriting, portfolio management and regulatory compliance; (v) assessing the model development requirements, conduct analysis to develop and support recommendations, provide advice and share expertise on issues and concerns raised by Working Groups and MRMG; and (vi) demonstrating a high level understanding of the ideas, research and products developed by external risk-consulting firms and rating agencies. Masterʼs degree in Business, Statistics/ Biostatistics, Mathematics, Economics, Operations Research, or Engineering plus 6 years of experience in a quantitative analysis position is required. Experience must include: (i) statistics modeling (linear regression model, Panel Data regression, time series econometrics, logit/probit modeling, and Fixed Effect modeling, including relaxing assumptions); (ii) complex mathematical modeling (involving probability distributions, derivatives, integration, mathematical equations, simulations, and optimization); (iii) data mining for predictive models for regression; (iv) design and selection of model methodology or framework to fit empirical data; (v) experience with SAS (Base, Stat and Graph) and R; and (vi) developing CCAR/DFAST stress testing and PPNR models and development of PD, LGD and EAD models. 40 hours/week, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Interested individuals apply online at www.pnc.com using keyword 224432BR. PNC provides equal employment opportunity to qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or other category protected by law. COURIER CLASSIFIEDS…THE ONLY WAY TO GO!
EQUIPMENT OPERATOR C1A
The Allegheny County Airport Authority has a position opening for Equipment Operator C1A at the Pittsburgh International Airport. Complete information about this position is available at http://www.fly pittsburgh.com/ACAA_employment The advertisement period ends on October 28, 2015. EOE / M / F / D / V
SENIOR ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN
Port Authority is seeking an Senior Engineering Technician to provide engineering technical support for civil, electrical, mechanical and facilities engineers and/or Architects and others as directed by the managing engineer in areas of engineering and architectural design, PAAC Systems, plan preparation, design review, specification development, construction inspection and monitoring contract progress for the Operations Division. Job requirements include: •Associate Degree in Engineering Technology, Architectural Technology, Construction Technology or related degree from an accredited school. •Minimum of five (5) years of experience as a facility or infrastructure inspector, and/or experience in the preparation of plans and/or specifications. •Effective and professional written and communication skills. •Demonstrated ability in the use of Windows and Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. •alid PA driverʼs license. Preferred attributes: •Experience in the use of computers for the purposes of developing and reviewing technical documents. •Experience in inspecting and overseeing construction work. •Experience in surveying and/or field measurements •Experience assisting engineers and/or architects with the preparation of plans and/or specifications for facility and/or infrastructure projects. •Experience in drafting and/or the use of CADD.
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JOB OPPORTUNITIES
LEGAL ADVERTISING
LEGAL ADVERTISING
Health Care
Bids/Proposals
Bids/Proposals
ABDOMINAL TRANSPLANT SURGEON
University of Pittsburgh Physicians seeks an Abdominal Transplant Surgeon in Pittsburgh (Allegheny County), PA and Erie (Erie County), PA. Perform life-saving surgeries transplanting liver, kidney, or small bowel organs. Provide care for transplant patients on a daily basis assessing current health status pre and post-transplant and formulate plans based on complex variables. Maintain involvement in continuous quality improvement of surgical services provided to transplant patients. Must have a Medical degree or foreign equivalent; must have completed four years of post-graduate training in General Surgery; must have completed three years of fellowship training in Transplantation Surgery (ASTS accredited program); must have a valid PA medical license or be eligible for licensure. Apply at http://careers.upmc.com. Enter 2085864 in the keyword/Job ID field. EOE/M/F/V/D
ANNOUNCEMENTS We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Interested candidates should forward a cover letter (with salary requirements) and resume to: Missy Ramsey Employment Department 345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 MRamsey@portauthority.org EOE JOB OPPORTUNITIES Health Care
HOSPITALIST
University of Pittsburgh Physicians seeks multiple Hospitalists in Allegheny, Blair, Bedford, Butler, Erie, Mercer and Venango Counties, Pennsylvania, to provide and direct inpatient medical care for hospital patients. Must have medical degree; must be Board certified or Board eligible for certification in Internal Medicine or Family Medicine; valid unrestricted PA medical license. Apply at http://careers.upmc.com. Enter 2084910 in the keyword/Job ID field. EOE/M/F/V/D
OBSTETRICAL ANESTHESIOLOGIST
University of Pittsburgh Physicians seeks an Obstetrical Anesthesiologist in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, PA. Provide labor analgesia through several modalities including epidural, spinal, combined spinal/epidural techniques, as well as the administration of nitrous oxide; provide anesthesia for obstetrical surgery (cesarean section, postpartum tubal ligation, cervical cerclage, removal of retained parts of conception, cesarean hysterectomy, etc.), usually through regional anesthesia techniques, but can also include general anesthesia; co-manage, in conjunction with a maternal-fetal medicine physician, pregnant women with a myriad of complex life-threatening medical diseases; provide care for women whose fetusʼ is undergoing in utero fetal surgery. Must have a Medical degree or foreign equivalent; completion of residency in Anesthesiology; completion of fellowship in Obstetric Anesthesiology; must be Board eligible or Board certified in Anesthesiology; must have a valid PA medical license or be eligible for licensure; must have DEA license or eligibility. Apply at http://careers.upmc.com. Enter 2084298 in the keyword/Job ID field. EOE/M/F/V/D
Meetings
NOTICE
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will hold its October 2015 Board of Commissioners meeting on THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2015. The meeting will be held at 10:30A.M. 200 Ross Street, 13th Floor Wherrett Room, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT
Community College of Allegheny County A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the College will be held on: Thursday, November 5, 2015 4:00 p.m. Board Meeting CCAC Allegheny Campus Byers Hall 808 Ridge Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15212 ANNOUNCEMENTS Public Notices
Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Housing Choice Voucher Program PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice of the suspension of the oneyear residency requirement waiver Effective November 1, 2015, the waiver of the one (1) year residency requirement is suspended. All applicants to the Housing Choice Voucher Program that have not lived in the City of Pittsburgh for one (1) year as of the time of application processing will be required to use the HACP voucher issued to them within the City of Pittsburghʼs jurisdiction for one (1) year. LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices
Estate Notices
Letters have been granted on the estate of each of the following decedents to the personal representative named who request all persons having claims against the estate of the decedent to make known the same in writing to him or his attorney, and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment to him without delay:
Estate of ROSSER, FRANK S., deceased of Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, No. 02-15-05159, John F. Rosser, 49 Fawnvue Drive, McKees Rocks, PA 15136 or to Rosemary L. Corsetti, Esquire, Buchananan, Ingersoll & Rooney, PC, One Oxford Centre, 20th Floor, 301 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. McCLAFFERTY, MARGARET A., deceased of McCandless Township, No. 05272 of 2015, Roberta A. Shirey, Exec., 86 Park Place East, Midland, PA 15059 or to Michael J. Saldamarco, Esq., Ste 100, 908 Perry Hwy., Pittsburgh, PA 15229.
PROPOSAL
The Public Parking Authority of Pittsburgh (Authority) is soliciting proposals from qualified, experienced Vendors to supply Mobile Hand Held Ticket Writers and Mobile Ticket Printers for the Authorityʼs Enforcement Department. RFP Packets will be available on the Authorityʼs Website at www.pittsburghparking.com and also at the Authorityʼs main office located at, 232 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA. 15222 on Friday, October 16, 2015. A mandatory pre-bid conference will be held at the office of the Authority at 10:00am EST on Thursday, October 22, 2015. Sealed proposals are to be submitted no later than 3:00pm EST on Thursday, November 12, 2015
ADVERTISEMENT PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY
Sealed proposals must be received at the Purchasing and Materials Management Department, Port Authority of Allegheny County (“Port Authority”), 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2527 by 2:00 p.m., E.S.T., November 9, 2015, for the following: RFP No. 5000: 40 foot low floor and/or 60 foot low floor articulated transit buses, including project management/administration, testing, spare parts, special tools and equipment, alternatives/options, and the delivery of data, manuals and drawings. Each proposer may submit a proposal for the 40 foot low floor buses, the 60 foot low floor articulated buses or both. No proposer may withdraw a submitted proposal for a period of 180 days after the scheduled time for receipt of offers. A Pre-Proposal Conference will be held on the procurement at 9:00 a.m., October 16, 2015 in Port Authorityʼs Fifth floor Board Room at 345 Sixth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527. Attendance at this meeting is not mandatory, but is strongly encouraged. The Request for Proposal (“RFP”) may be obtained at the Purchasing and Materials Management Department, Port Authority of Allegheny County, 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2527 upon payment of ($15.00) fifteen dollars for a copy of this RFP. Payment is to be made by check or money order (NO CASH), payable to Port Authority of Allegheny County. No refunds of payment will be made. The telephone number for Purchasing and Materials Management is (412) 566-5151. This acquisition may be subject to a financial assistance from the United States Department of Transportation and as such, subject to applicable Federal, as well as state and local, laws and regulations. The Contractor shall also be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity laws and regulations. Port Authority hereby notifies all proposers that it will affirmatively insure that in regard to any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises and diverse business will be afforded full opportunity to submit proposals in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, religious creed, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a parent, national origin or otherwise in consideration for an award. All proposers will be required to certify that they are not on the U. S. General Services Administrationʼs List of Parties Excluded from Federal Procurement or Nonprocurement Programs. Port Authority reserves the right to reject any or all proposals for any reason whatsoever. COURIER CLASSIFIEDS…THE ONLY WAY TO GO!
To place a display ad in the New Pittsburgh Courier call 412-481-8302 ext. 128 or 129
OFFICIAL ADVERTISEMENT THE BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION of the SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH
Sealed proposals shall be deposited at the Administration Building, Room 251, 341 South Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15213, on November 17, 2015, until 2:00 p.m., local prevailing time for: Loading Dock Rehabilitation 1305 Muriel Street, Pgh., Pa., 15203 Rehabilitation of Structural Slab General, Plumbing, Mechanical and Electrical Primes Extraordinary Electrical Repairs Various Locations Electrical Prime Security System Maintenance Various Locations Electrical Prime Project Manual and Drawings will be available for purchase on October 19, 2015 at Modern Reproductions (412488-7700) 127 McKean Street, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15219 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. The cost of the Project Manual Documents is nonrefundable. Project details and dates are described in each project manual.
PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY
Electronic Proposals will be received online at the Port Authority of Allegheny Countyʼs Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.portauthority.org). The submission date for all proposals is 11:00 AM on Thursday, October 29, 2015 and read at 11:15 AM., the same day, at the Port Authority, 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2527, for the following: Electronic Proposal - Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.port authority.org) B150113R Police Utility Vehicles B150419 AIR COMPRESSOR REPLACEMENT EAST LIBERTY B150955A Coach Replacement Parts—Meritor Drive Train & Front Axle Parts B150956 Ethernet Components B150958A Spray Injection Patching Services Paper Proposal – Documents are available for the following item at Port Authorityʼs Main Offices 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania 15222-2527 B150959A Unleaded Gasoline No bidder may withdraw a submitted Proposal for a period of 75 days after the scheduled time for opening of the sealed bids. A Pre-Bid Conference will be held on each of the above items at 9:00am on Wednesday, October 14, 2015 at the Port Authority, Third Floor at 345 Sixth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA. Attendance at this meeting is not mandatory, but is strongly encouraged. Questions regarding any of the above bids will not be entertained by the Port Authority within 48 hours of the scheduled bid opening. These contracts may be subject to a financial assistance contract between Port Authority of Allegheny County and the United States Department of Transportation. The Contractor will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity laws and regulations. Contractor is responsible for expenses related to acquiring a performance bond and insurance where applicable. All items are to be FOB delivered unless otherwise specified. Costs for delivery, bond, and insurance shall be included in bidderʼs proposal pricing. Port Authority of Allegheny County hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively insure that in regard to any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprise will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award. The Board of Port Authority reserves the right to reject any or all bids.
COURIER CLASSIFIEDS… THE ONLY WAY TO GO!
C6
OCTOBER 21-27, 2015
CLASSIFIEDS
LEGAL ADVERTISING
LEGAL ADVERTISING
Bids/Proposals
Bids/Proposals
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR UNDERGROUND GAS LINE DETECTION AND CERTIFICATION SERVICES IFB#300-30-15
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): UNDERGROUND GAS LINE DETECTION AND CERTIFICATION SERVICES IFB#300-30-15 The documents will be available no later than October 19, 2015 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 1:00 P.M., November 6, 2015 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, at which time they will be opened and read aloud. Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Invitation for Bid from the Business Opportunities page of www.HACP.org. Questions or inquires should be directed to: Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 2nd Floor, Suite 200 100 Ross Street 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, October 29, 2015 1:00 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. HACPʼs has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation. Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR TREE AND SHRUB REMOVAL AUTHORITY WIDE REBID IFB#300-28-15 Rebid
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): TREE AND SHRUB REMOVAL AUTHORITY WIDE REBID IFB#300-28-15 Rebid The documents will be available no later than October 12, 2015 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 10:00 A.M., November 2, 2015 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, at which time they will be opened and read aloud. Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Invitation for Bid from the Business Opportunities page of www.HACP.org. Questions or inquires should be directed to: Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 2nd Floor, Suite 200 100 Ross Street 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 Friday, October 23, 2015 10:00 A.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACPʼs has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation. Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR COMPACTOR/CHUTE REPAIR AT VARIOUS HACP LOCATIONS REBID IFB#300-26-15 Rebid
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): COMPACTOR / CHUTE REPAIR AT VARIOUS HACP LOCATIONS REBID IFB#300-26-15 Rebid The documents will be available no later than October 12, 2015 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 11:00 A.M., November 2, 2015 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, at which time they will be opened and read aloud. Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Invitation for Bid from the Business Opportunities page of www.HACP.org. Questions or inquires should be directed to: Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 2nd Floor, Suite 200 100 Ross Street 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 Friday, October 23, 2015 11:00 A.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACPʼs has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation. Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR FIRE EXTINGUISHER INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE IFB#300-31-15
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): FIRE EXTINGUISHER INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE IFB#300-31-15 The documents will be available no later than October 12, 2015 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 11:00 A.M., November 4, 2015 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, at which time they will be opened and read aloud. Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Invitation for Bid from the Business Opportunities page of www.HACP.org. Questions or inquires should be directed to: Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 2nd Floor, Suite 200 100 Ross Street 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 Tuesday, October 27, 2015 11:00 A.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACPʼs has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation. Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.
To place a display ad in the New Pittsburgh Courier call 412-481-8302 ext. 128 or 129
SONNY BOY
LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR Internet Services RFP #200-25-15
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Internet Services RFP #200-25-15 The documents will be available no later than Oct. 19, 2015 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 10:00 A.M., Nov. 6, 2015 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Parties or individuals interested may obtain information from: Mr. Kim Detrick – Procurement Director/Contracting Officer Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 2nd Floor, Suite 200 100 Ross Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116, Option 1 or by visiting the Business Opportunities section of www.hacp.org A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 October 29, 2015 11:00 A.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACPʼs has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation. Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.
America’s Best Weekly 315 East Carson St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Classifieds 412-481-8302 Ext. 140 E-mail: ads@newpittsburg courier.com Deadline/Closing/ Cancellation Schedule for copy, corrections, and cancellations: Friday noon preceding Wednesday publication
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
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 337 FIFTH AVE COMET NEWS 540 BRADDOCK AVE PUFFS DISCOUNT TOBACCO 1722 GREENSBUR AVE A-PLUS SUNOCO 7403 WASHINGTON ST COGO’S 1050 BRINTON RD COGO’S 2003 S BRADDOCK AVE EDGEWOOD EXPRESS 253 EDGEWOOD AVE BRAD EXPRESS 1101 S BRADDOCK AVE GIANT EAGLE #619 1705 S. BRADDOCK AVE CVS 7406 CHURCH ST HANINI MARKET 1105 SWISSVALE AVE DUKE’S SUNOCO 825 DUQUESNE BLVD 7-11 818 N. DUQUESNE BLVD GIANT EAGLE #6379 420 EAST WATERFRONT DR GIANT EAGLE—MCKEESPORT 3812 O’NEILL BLVD J & S FOOD MART 625 W GRANT AVE RITE AID PHARMACY 100 WILLIAM MARKS DR GIANT EAGLE 1356 HOFFMAN BLVD BP GAS STATION LYSLE & WALNUT DS FOODMART 929 UNION ST RITE AID PHARMACY 725 LYSLE BLVD CHARLIE’S CORNER STORE 500 LOCUST ST NEIGHBORHOOD DOLLAR 333 5TH AVE GIANT EAGLE #38 1901 MURRAY AVE JACK’S E 8TH AVE 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 JT RIB SHACK 1 RAQUET LANE DESTINY’S HAIR SALON 408 RODI RD PUFF’S DISCOUNT TOBACCO 10991 FRANKSTOWN RD MIKE’S SPOT 815 UNIVERSAL RD CREAMY CREATIONS 144B JEFFERSON 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 FLOSSYS HAIR DESIGNS 5927 PENN 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 CITY NEWS & ARCADE 422 WOOD ST FABER COE & GREGG 500 GRANT ST FABER COE & GREGG FIFTH AVE. PLACE FABER COE & GREGG 600 GRANT ST NIELSEN’S STORES #09 301 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 NEAL NEWS 400 CHERRY WAY CVS PHARMACY #4120 610-612 WOOD ST 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