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$500,000 SETTLEMENT AWARDED TO WOODLAND HILLS STUDENTS

INSIDE

by Christian Morrow and Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writers

Women of Excellence 2018 Special Section

What’s up with Lexington Technology Park?

Community discusses development plans for Point Breeze site

by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer

Though still early on in the development process, the City of Pittsburgh and its Urban Redevelopment Authority are working to make sure the residents of Homewood and North Point Breeze are informed—and can inform them—about how the redevelopment of Lexington Technology Park into a new mixed-income housing and commercial site will proceed.

During a Sept. 27 meeting at the Carnegie Library’s Homewood branch, representatives from the mayor’s office, city planning and the URA—including Executive Director Robert Rubinstein—presented plans from the three remaining developers of the seven that initially responded for the residential part of the project.

Authority Real Estate Officer Julie Edwards told the 50 or so residents in attendance that funding for the 16.5-acre Lexington Technology Park site, a former Rockwell International manufacturing facility, would largely come from U.S. Department of Transportation grants and state tax credits.

Pittsburgh Councilman Rev. Ricky Burgess, who had previously outlined his thoughts on the development’s percentage of affordable housing, minority contractSEE LEXINGTON A4

In 2016, a Woodland Hills student, then 13 years old, had to use the bathroom before class, which made her late for class. When she emerged, school Resource Officer Stephen Shaulis confronted her and pulled her into his office, where he allegedly slammed her head into a wall, and on a desk, multiple times.

She ended up with a concussion—and was charged with disorderly conduct.

Another student, who was 14 years old at the time, had his teeth knocked out, allegedly by the same officer.

Still another received a broken wrist. But this week, they and two other students received something else—a settlement to the civil rights lawsuit filed on their behalf last year in excess of $500,000.

An Oct. 8 press statement by Attorneys Todd Hollis and Timothy P. O’Brien originally announced the settlement. “The parties have agreed—subject to court approval—to settle the students’ claims in excess of half

BRANDI FISHER

TODD HOLLIS AHMAD WILLIAMS JR., 15, is violently restrained by Woodland HIlls school officer Steve Shaulis in this 2015 video.

Superintendent James P. Harris Jr. says he ‘100 percent supports a safe environment for education.’

SEE SETTLEMENT A4

Week of non-violence aimed at ‘changing cultural norms’ Events scheduled Oct. 14-20

by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer

For the sixth year in a row, Black Women For Positive Change (BW4PC) will partner with schools, clergy and communities as part of its week of non-violence campaign.

The series of events kicks off with a proclamation from Pittsburgh

Councilman Anthony Coghill and continues Oct. 14-20 with a number of workshops and discussion panels aimed at reducing violence in the Black community.

Pittsburgh BW4PC Chair Diane Powell said the goal nationally is to reach more than 25,000 people with a strong message and community action. But locally, she said, this year’s campaign is

focused on increasing involvement by the church.

“We’re making a concerted effort to get faith leaders to be more proactive in interrupting the cycle of violence,” she told the New Pittsburgh Courier in an exclusive interview.

“We have residents pleading with church leaders to come out and meet the peoDIANE POWELL

SEE NON-VIOLENCE A4

Helping to change people’s lives for the better Fifth annual ‘Passion Meets The Road’ held Sept. 30

by Renee P. Aldrich For New Pittsburgh Courier

The pathway through Phipps Conservatory through which guests had to walk to reach the Tropical Forest special events hall created the perfect backdrop for the fifth annual “Passion Meets The Road” event, an afternoon of celebration, honor and recognition.

Awards were bestowed in three categories: Forerun-

ner honorees, Entrepreneur honorees and Roadrunner honorees. Those such as LouAnn Ross, Eileen Sharbaugh, Lynee Williams and Tammy Murdock were Forerunner honorees for their work in co-founding Jeremiah’s Place, Pittsburgh’s only crisis nursery in East Liberty. Other honorees in the category were Giselle Fetterman and Leah Lizarondo of 4-1-2 Food Rescue, WILKINSBURG MAYOR MARITA GARRETT, right, gives a proclamation to Erica Brettney Duck of G.O Girls, Givner, left, and her daughter, Felicia Renee Robinson, during the “Passion Meets and Ciora Thomas of Sis- The Road” event, Sept. 30. (Photo by Dayna Delgado)

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Louis ‘Hop’ Kendrick says

Ters Pittsburgh.

In the Entrepreneur category, honorees included Tyian Battle, founder of ACH Clear Pathways, Julius Boatwright Steel, Keysha Gomez of H.O.P.E. for Tomorrow (West End), Nikkia Ingram of Cultivating Resilience in Youth, and Leonard Hammonds II of Hammonds Initiative.

The Roadrunner honorees included Roy Blankenship of Hilltop Alliance, Richard Garland with the Department of Community Health Sciences (University of Pittsburgh), Doug Spencer with Allegheny County Department of Human Services, and Shanon Williams, the founder of Self Care Housekeeping.

“I started Passion Meets The Road because I’d never seen any recognition for social workers,” Erica Givner, LCSW, said.

“Individuals I felt who not only truly deSEE PASSION A10

The welfare party has played Blacks since 1936!

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OCTOBER 10-16, 2018

INTERNATIONAL

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

This Week In Black History

Week of October 10-16 October 10 1778—What is believed to be the first formal school for Blacks—the Africa Free School—opens in New York City.

1899—Black inventor Isaac Johnson patents the bicycle frame.

1901—Frederick Douglass Patterson is born. He grows up to become President of Fisk University in Nashville, Tenn.

From there he would later launch an effort that leads to the 1944 founding of the United Negro College Fund.

1917—Famed Jazz pianist Theolonius Monk is born in Rocky Mount, N.C. 1935—George Gershwin’s “Porgy FREDERICK DOUGLASS and Bess,” a Black spiritual opera, premiers on Broadway in New York City. It starred Todd Duncan from Howard University. The play becomes one of the most popular Black-themed shows ever to hit Broadway. The 1959 movie version NOBEL WINNERS—The photos show Doctor Denis Mukwege, from the Democratic Republic of Constars Sidney Portier and Dorothy Dandridge. go, left, on Nov. 26, 2014 and Yazidi woman from Iraq, Nadia Murad on Dec. 13, 2016, as they both October 11 address the European parliament in Strasbourg, France. (AP Photos/Christian Lutz, file) 1887—Alexander Miles patents a major SIDNEY POITIER and DOROTHY DANDRIDGE safety improvement to the elevator. Miles did not invent the elevator. But he made it safer in ‘PORGY AND BESS’ with an automatically closing door which prevented people from accidentally falling down elevator shafts.

1890—Black inventor Charles Orren Bailiff patents the shampoo headrest.

1939—The NAACP organizes the NAACP Education and Legal Defense Fund, which goes on to win many important legal battles guaranteeing civil and educational rights for Blacks.

1991—Comedian and actor Redd Foxx dies at age 68. He they’ve shown a kind of political will that was born John Elroy Sanford in St. Louis, Mo. An IRS raid on

by Jim Heintz and Mark Lewis we’re not seeing in our political leaders his Las Vegas home to collect back taxes is thought to have Associated Press Writers right now to make a difference,” said hastened his death.

Kumi Naidoo, head of Amnesty InternaOSLO, Norway (AP)—An Iraqi woman October 12 tional. who became a global advocate for victims 1854—Lincoln University is founded in Pennsylvania.

Many of the women treated by Mukafter being raped and tortured by Islamic 1932—Richard Claxton “Dick” Gregory is born in St wege were victims of gang rape in the State militants and a Congolese surgeon Louis, Mo. Gregory is an American civil rights activist, social who has treated countless rape victims in central African nation that has been critic, writer, entrepreneur, conspiracy theorist and comedian.

REDD FOXX wracked by conflict for decades. Armed his war-torn nation won the Nobel Peace 1945—The lynching of Jesse James Payne takes place Prize on Friday for fighting to end the use men tried to kill him in 2012, forcing him in Madison County, Fla. The lynching came to typify the lies that prompted many a to temporarily leave the country. of sexual violence as a weapon of war. lynching. Payne got into an argument with his White boss and threatened to expose “This particular type of war crime has Dr. Denis Mukwege was in surgery some of his boss’ illegal dealings. But the boss then spread a rumor that Payne had been more invisible, because the victims —his second operation of the day—at molested his daughter and Payne was lynched. have such a stigma and no one is willing the hospital that he founded in 1999 in 1972—Nearly 50 Black and White sailors were injured in a race to speak up on their behalf,” Reiss-AnderCongo’s eastern Bukavu region when the riot aboard the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk during the Vietnam sen told The Associated Press. announcement came Friday that he and War. Both honorees are the first from their Nadia Murad had won the prestigious 1999—Basketball legend Wilt Chamberlain dies at age 63. The countries to receive a Nobel Prize and prize. He learned of it because he heard 7’1”, 280 pound great included among his records the scoring of will split the award, which is worth 9 colleagues and patients crying at the 100 points in one game when the Philadelphia Warriors beat the million Swedish kronor ($1.01 million). news.

New York Knicks 169 to 147 on March 2, 1962.

After the announcement, mobile phone The 63-year-old gynecological surgeon October 13 said for nearly 20 years he has witnessed footage showed a smiling Mukwege 1902—Arna W. Bontemps (1902-1973) is born. He was a war crimes “against women, teenage girls, jostled by dancing, ululating medical noted poet and librarian of Fisk University in Nashville, Tenn. colleagues in scrubs in the hospital’s small girls, babies.”

WILT CHAMBERLAIN Bontemps frequently collaborated with another noted Black poet courtyard.

“Dear survivors around the world, I Langston Hughes.

Eastern Congo has seen more than two want to tell you that through this prize 1914—Garret Morgan, an African-American inventor and decades of conflict among armed groups the world is listening to you and refuses community leader, invents and patents the gas mask. He is that either sought to unseat presidents indifference,” he said. “We hope that the renowned for a heroic rescue in 1916 in which he and three or simply grab control of some the world will no longer delay taking action others used the mask he’d developed to save workers trapped central African nation’s vast mineral in your favor, with force and determinawithin a water intake tunnel, 50 feet beneath Lake Erie. wealth. tion, because the survival of humanity 1919—Whites riot in Phillips County, Ark., leaving “The importance of Dr. Mukwege’s depends on you. It’s you women who nearly 80 Blacks lynched. enduring, dedicated and selfless efforts carry humanity.”

1926—Jesse Leroy Brown is born. He became the first GARRETT T. MORGAN in this field cannot be overstated. He Murad was one of an estimated 3,000 Black naval aviator. has repeatedly condemned impunity for Yazidi girls and women kidnapped in 1970—Communist and activist Angela Davis is arrested as mass rape and criticized the Congolese 2014 by IS militants in Iraq and sold a fugitive in New York City for her alleged role in a California government and other countries for not into sex slavery. At 19, she was raped, courthouse shootout that left four dead. She is later found not doing enough to stop the use of sexual beaten and tortured before managing to guilty. violence against women as a strategy escape after three months. After getting October 14 treatment in Germany, she chose to speak and weapon of war,” the Nobel commit1902—William Allison Davis is born. He earns a PhD and tee said. to the world about the horrors faced by becomes a leading educator and anthropologist. Among his lastMurad’s book, “The Last Girl,” tells of Yazidi women, regardless of the stigma in ing legacies were his well-documented challenges to the cultural her captivity, the loss of her family and her culture surrounding rape.

ANGELA DAVIS bias of IQ tests which generally portrayed Blacks as less intelliher eventual escape.

At 23, she was named the U.N.’s first gent than Whites.

Iraqi President Bahram Saleh praised Goodwill Ambassador for the Dignity of 1916—Washington and Lee University of Virginia refuses the award for Murad, saying on Twitter Survivors of Human Trafficking. to play Rutgers University of New Jersey because it has a that it was an “honor for all Iraqis who This year’s peace prize announcement Black player on its team. That player was Paul Robeson fought terrorism and bigotry.” comes amid a heightened attention to who withdrew from the game, but later became world faCongo’s government congratulated the sexual abuse of women—in war, in mous as an actor, singer and advocate of Black and socialist Mukwege while acknowledging that their causes. the workplace and in society—that has relations with him have been strained. been highlighted by the “#MeToo” move1964—Martin Luther King Jr. becomes the youngest Government spokesman Lambert Mende man ever to win the Nobel Peace Prize. He was 35 and had ment. told The Associated Press that Muk“We want to send a message that womalready become world famous for his leadership of the U.S. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. wege did “remarkable” work, though he en who constitute half the population in Civil Rights Movement. claimed the laureate tended to politicize those communities actually are used as 1999—Former Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere dies at 77 of cancer. He had led it. weapons and that they need protection, his country to independence and called on American Blacks to “(Still) we salute that a colleague is and that the perpetrators have to be come to Africa to help rebuild the “motherland.” recognized,” he said. prosecuted and held responsible,” said October 15 U.S. Ambassador Mike Hammer said Berit Reiss-Andersen, chairwoman of the 1859—White minister and mystic John Brown leads a in a Twitter post: “Congratulations Norwegian Nobel Committee. violent uprising in Harper’s Ferry, Va., in a bid to spark a Black “#MeToo and war crimes is not quite the Dr. Denis Mukwege! Looking forward uprising against slavery. Dozens of Whites are killed, but the to visiting Panzi Hospital and seeing same thing, but they do, however, have revolt is eventually put down. President Abraham Lincoln once firsthand your remarkable work against in common that it is important to see the referred to him as a “misguided fanatic,” but Brown actually sexual violence and in support of survisuffering of women,” she said. had a fanatical hatred of slavery and wanted it ended at all vors.”

Rights advocates were thrilled with the costs.

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader choice of this year’s winners.

1887—The U.S. Supreme Court declares the Civil Ginsburg, meanwhile, tweeted a link to “Dr. Mukwege brings smiles and helps Rights Act of 1885 unconstitutional. The decision was the Nobel announcement, commenting repair women from the barbaric acts spurred by the end of Reconstruction and helped to usher in that “the timing of this topic is of men in Congo,” said Solange Furaha the Jim Crow period in the South whereby Black rights won Lwashiga, a Congolese women’s activist. extraordinary as we fight for the end of during Reconstruction were taken away. #Violence “We’re talking (about) two ordinary citi1991—Conservative Black judge JOHN BROWN Against zens, at one level, who show that ordinary Clarence Thomas is confirmed as THE Women.” people can do extraordinary things. And the 106th associate justice of the U.S. Supreme. He remains NEW PITTSBURGH on the court with a voting record, which continues to anger COURIER many Black leaders.

PUBLISHING COMPANY October 16 1849—The man considered the first Black historian in Publication No.: USPS 381940 America is born. His name was George Washington Williams. He was also the first African-American to serve in the 315 East Carson Street Ohio legislature. He died in Blackpool, England, in August Pittsburgh, PA 15219 1891.

1855—John Mercer Langston, probably the first Black Phone: 412-481-8302 elected to public office in America—wins the race for Clerk of Fax: 412-481-1360 the Brownhelm Township, Lorain County, Ohio.

1876—Race riot in Cainhoy, S.C., leaves five Whites CLARENCE THOMAS The and one Black dead.

New Pittsburgh Courier 1895—The nation’s leading African-American medical group—National Medical Association—is founded in Atlanta, Ga. is published weekly 1901—Booker T. Washington becomes the first Black leader to dine at the White House with the president when Theodore Roosevelt invites him. Some Black leaders periodicals charge Washington’s invitation was a result of his policies which they charge tended to paid at Pittsburgh, Pa. accommodate racism. Nevertheless, the invitation and dinner served to crown WashPRICE $1.00 ington as the Black leader of the period.

1917—One of the most unsung heroes of the Civil Rights Movement, Fannie Lou (Payable in advance) Hamer, is born in Montgomery County, Miss. Her famous and most oft-repeated quote: “I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired.”

6 Months.....$25 1940—Benjamin Oliver Davis Sr. is named the first Black general in the regular U.S. Army. Davis died in 1970 at the age of 90.

1 Year....$45 1968—Sprinters John Carlos and Tommie Smith give the clenched-fist Black 2 Years...$85 power salute when accepting their medals at the Mexico City Olympics as a protest against racism in America. Sadly, the two sprinters would become involved in a per9 Month School Rate $35 sonal dispute years later. A White Australian sprinter also wore a human rights badge in support of their protest.

POSTMASTER: Send 1973—Maynard Jackson, elected the first Black mayor of Atlanta, Ga., dies of a address changes to: heart attack while on a visit to Washington, D.C., in 2003.

1984—Bishop Desmond Tutu is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work to end New Pittsburgh Courier White minority rule in South Africa.

315 East Carson Street 1995—Nation of Islam leader Min. Louis Farrakhan leads the Million Man March in Washington, D.C. More than a million Black men gather to “atone” and organize. No Pittsburgh, PA 15219 permanent organizational efforts resulted from the historic gathering.

Nobel Peace laureates demand end to sexual violence in war

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OCTOBER 10-16, 2018

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Chicago verdict raises hope of greater police accountability

by Errin Haines Whack

Black Lives Matter built momentum from that Associated Press Writer outrage after 18-year-old A rare scene in the Amer- Brown, who was unarmed, ican justice system unwas fatally shot by a White folded Friday in a Chicago Ferguson police officer in courthouse: A White officer August 2013. Fueled by stood before a mostly White social media and nightly jury and was convicted of street protests, thousands killing a Black teenager. of young people pressed for It was the second such change in how police deal verdict nationally in with Black communities. two months. Jason Van Protests spread around the Dyke’s guilty conviction country when other African for second-degree murAmericans were killed by der and multiple counts police. They demanded of aggravated battery for arrests, indictments, confatally shooting 17-year-old victions and police reform.

Laquan McDonald 16 times The Justice Department incame two months after a vestigated multiple police Texas officer was convicted departments and found in the killing of a 15-yearpatterns of racial discrimold unarmed Black boy. ination.

The pair of guilty verThe McDonald case dicts could signal a shift in fueled a racially charged momentum after years of atmosphere in Chicago, delayed arrests, non-indict- and the city anticipated ments and not guilty verviolence if the verdict had dicts. Activists and advogone the other way. Police cates say that their efforts, officers lined the streets along with the ubiquity of and activists converged cellphone camera evidence, downtown in anticipation could be changing the pow- of the verdict. er balance between police “If jurors would not and Black communities. convict a police officer who “We’re starting to see shot a man...16 times, some verdicts that are in when that man was not line with justice,” said Rathreatening the officer in shad Robinson, executive any way, when would they director of Color of Change, convict?” said Georgetown a civil rights group that University law professor has supported electing reand former federal proseform-minded district attor- cutor Paul Butler. “The conneys in cities such as Chicern was that it was a very cago and Philadelphia. “No real possibility, based on verdict is going to bring the way these cases usually Laquan back or change the go. If the jurors hadn’t conway he was taken from his victed Van Dyke, it would family, friends or comhave been an outrage, but munity. But being able to it would have been a familstart sending a message to iar outrage.” law enforcement that they Van Dyke, 40, was the are not above the law is first Chicago officer to be important.” convicted of murder for It was not an outcome an on-duty shooting in 48 some expected, despite years. He was taken into evidence including a video custody moments after the of McDonald’s shooting. It verdict was read. is extremely rare for police It culminated a series officers to be tried and con- of events that convulsed victed of murder for shoot- Chicago in the aftermath ings that occurred while of the 2014 shooting. City they were on duty. Before officials resisted for months the conviction Friday, releasing a dashboard camonly six non-federal police era video that showed Van officers had been convicted Dyke fire 16 shots at the of murder in such casteenager, who was walking es—and four of those were away from officers. Police overturned—since 2005, said McDonald was armed according to data compiled only with a small knife. by criminologist and BowlThe city erupted in proing Green State University test after the video became professor Phil Stinson. public. Mayor Rahm EmanSeveral cases in the past uel fired the police superfew years—including the intendent and a Justice police-involved deaths of Department investigation Michael Brown in Fergufound a “pervasive cover-up son, Missouri; Eric Garner culture” in the Chicago Poin New York; Tamir Rice lice Department, which is in Cleveland; and Freddie headed for federal reforms.

Gray in Baltimore—have The Cook County district ended in disappointment attorney, Anita Alvarez, for many in the Black com- was ousted from office in munity, as White officers the 2016 primary election have gone unpunished in for failing to seek timely their deaths. charges against Van Dyke.

AP Fact Check: Trump fudges history on Black vote, employment WASHINGTON (AP)— Facing pivotal November elections, President Donald Trump is misrepresenting the history of African-American voting and exaggerating his influence in boosting income.

He laments in campaign speeches that Blacks’ support for Democrats had become “habit,” having voted for them “for 100 years,” and insists his administration’s policies are changing that. In fact, most African-Americans were effectively blocked from the right to vote until 1965. Much of the income gains he claims for Blacks came during the Obama administration.

BLACK VOTE: TRUMP, on Black support for Democratic candidates in recent elections: “It’s only habit.

It’s habit, because for 100 years, African-Americans have gone with Democrats.”—Kansas rally Saturday.

THE FACTS: No, Black Americans did not primarily vote Democratic for 100 years, or anywhere close to it.

Most African-Americans for much of U.S. history were disenfranchised, then effectively deterred from voting via poll taxes and literacy tests until passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, which outlawed racial discrimination in voting.

African-Americans who could vote before then generally backed Republican candidates until the

1932 election of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. His New Deal programs of economic relief won their support and helped spur a longer-term shift of Black voting from Republican to Democratic.

MEDIAN INCOME: TRUMP: “How does your African-American, how do you vote for somebody else? I’ve done more for them in two years... And their median income is the highest.”— Minnesota rally Thursday.

THE FACTS: He’s wrong about median income now being the highest for African Americans. He also exaggerates the economic gains he’s accomplished for Blacks.

The median income last year for an African American household was $40,258, according to the Census Bureau. That’s below a 2000 peak of $42,348 and also statistically no better than 2016, which was Democratic President Barack Obama’s last year in office.

Many economists view the continued economic growth since the middle of 2009, in Obama’s first term, as the primary explanation for recent hiring and income gains.

More important, there are multiple signs that the racial wealth gap is now worsening and the administration appears to have done little, if anything, to address this problem specifically.

and act on the visionary demands that we have to transform our community.”

Civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson called the verdict a “small sign of progress” in Chicago, which leads the nation’s largest cities in police-involved killings.

“The people’s cup has run over with these police violations of people’s rights,” he said. “People were hoping for the best and expecting the worst.”

Jackson lamented the lack of diversity on the jury—which had a lone African-American, although Blacks make up a third of Chicago’s population—and wondered whether Van Dyke’s conviction would overshadow the need for GUILTY—People react outside of City Hall after a jury convicted White Chicago police Officer Jason overall reform.

“They were killing before, Van Dyke of second-degree murder in the 2014 shooting of Black teenager Laquan McDonald Friday, and subsequently,” Jackson Oct. 5, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Matt Marton) said. “The system continues unabated.” But activist This summer, Emanuel an- step in the fight for racial work to do,” Carruthers Robinson says the recent nounced that he would not justice and progress, said said. “This is a moment verdict sends a message to seek re-election as strained Charlene Carruthers, an where people are seeing police and others in power. relations with the Black activist and the founding that the blue wall that ex“Those in power know community took its toll on national director of Black ists in Chicago has a crack his political prospects.

Youth Project 100. in it. This is an opportunity there will be consequences for not valuing Black lives.”

The verdict marks one “We still have a lot more to continue our organizing

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OCTOBER 10-16, 2018

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

$500,000 SETTLEMENT AWARDED TO WOODLAND HILLS STUDENTS SETTLEMENT FROM A1

a million dollars,” the statement provided to the Courier and other media outlets read.

The statement also said that “the plantiffs brought this lawsuit to ensure that society’s most vulnerable members—our children—would never again be subject to a culture of violence and sub-standard education while attending the Woodland Hills School District. As a result of the lawsuit great progress has been made. There is a new Superintendent and high school Principal.

There is a commitment on their part—and the School

District’s—to end the violence and guarantee that no Woodland Hills student is again a victim of the ‘school-to-prison’ pipeline.

“This lawsuit shows that courageous citizens and dedicated community activists, coming together, can correct injustices and create real change.”

A news conference was scheduled for 11 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 10, to elaborate further on the matter. When reached by the New Pittsburgh Courier for comment on Oct. 9, Hollis declined, pointing to the news conference as to when he would make public comments.

New Woodland Hills Superintendent James P. Harris Jr. told the Courier, Oct. 9, that he would not comment on legal matters.

However, he told the Courier he was “glad that it’s been settled, I’m glad that we can move forward.”

Harris continued: “The students should be supported and the families that were involved. The new administration, the new board 100 percent supports a safe environment for education. This helps us move forward.”

The August 2017 lawsuit brought federal civil rights charges against Resource Officer Shaulis, another

Week of non-violence aimed at ‘changing cultural norms’ Events scheduled Oct. 14-20

NON-VIOLENCE FROM A1

ple where they are. When you hear about something, come out from the church and pray with us, minister, counsel us. Don’t wait for us to come inside.”

This year’s campaign also includes multiple activities in the Penn Hills and Woodland Hills school districts aimed at promoting student leadership on ways to increase the peace and finding alternatives to violence.

There is also an essay contest for middle school and high school students based around the film “Drop—A Story of Triumph,” which focuses on the importance of education and interrupting the school-to-prison pipeline.

Powell said the organization has increased its partnerships to include New Voices Pittsburgh and the West End Power communi-

ty group. It has also worked with Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala’s office and Pittsburgh police to help families of gun violence victims better navigate the legal system and better understand the investigative process. She also said the organization now has a “millennial chair,” Ebony Giles.

And though measuring the success of such a campaign is difficult, at best, Powell is undeterred.

“Even if we are just quelling a family’s grief by getting answers, that’s a success,” she said.

Ultimately, changing cultural norms is a slow process. But we are committed to making people more aware, better at handling conflict and re-doing the norms around guns, violence, and making people feel safer.”

This year’s scheduled

events are: •Oct. 14—Moms Demand Action–Gun Violence Workshop, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1965 Ferguson Rd., Allison Park, 1-4 p.m.

•Oct. 15—New Voices Pittsburgh, 5987 Broad St., 5-7 p.m.

•Oct 16—Interfaith Service Calling, St. James AME Church, 444 Lincoln Ave. at 6pm, in partnership with Black Political Empowerment Project •Oct. 19—Roundtable Discussion with clergy and community leaders with Homewood Ministries, hosted at Bethany Baptist Church, 7745 Tioga St. •Oct. 20—Community Workshop on non-violence with Intercommunity Violence Partners, St. James Church, 11524 Frankstown Rd., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

(For more information email Diane Powell at pittbw4pc@ gmail.com.)

Churchill officer (Chris Lewandowski), the Woodland Hills School District, then-Superintendent Alan Johnson, former high school principal Kevin Murray, Assistant Principal Patrick Scott, and Dynasty Security, which provided additional security at the school.

“The United States Constitution and common sense require that no child be subject to violence and abuse at school,” the joint statement by Hollis and O’Brien read. “We have been honored to join with the plaintiffs as their counsel to remedy these past

abuses and make sure they never happen again.”

Brandi Fisher with the Alliance for Police Accountability, and whom has worked side-by-side with Hollis throughout the ordeal, told the Courier in an exclusive interview, Oct. 9, that the settlement was “significant.

It’s significant because there was a real problem that students were being abused. Significant because we can’t always believe people in power. We must make sure that we look into anything that impacts children in such

an egregious way.”

Fisher, who said she was scheduled to attend the Oct. 10 news conference, said that if anything is taken away from the settlement, it’s that “young people need to know that their voice matters and they can advocate for change effectively.”

Fisher applauded the students for their “courage, their tenacity, their consistency and their fortitude.

Without them being courageous enough to tell someone, to get in front of cameras saying they were abused, we wouldn’t see this great day today.”

LEXINGTON FROM A1

are the principles you think we should take into account and ultimately present to the board?”

The first plan from Lexington Partners (Studio for Spatial Practice and Alliance Construction/Integrity Construction) would build 50 townhouses in 15 buildings and another 100 apartments in a single larger building. Of these, 125 would be for rent, 25 for sale.

Seventy-five would be rented or sold at market-rate, and 50 would be designated affordable. The plan would also extend McPherson Blvd., North Lexington and Jonathan streets.

The Action Housing plan (with partners Martini Construction and 4080 Architecture/BCJ Architects) calls for 120 total units; 100 for rent, with all the rental units designated as affordable. It would also extend McPherson and North Lexington.

Beacon Communities Development/Ralph Falbo Inc. (with Desmone Architects and Mistick Construction)

was the only firm that also submitted a proposal for the commercial parcel. Its housing plan calls for 176 units; 148 for rent, 28 for sale. Of the rental units, 95 would be market-rate and 53 affordable.

George Moses, past president of the National Low-Income Housing Coalition, said he wouldn’t endorse any of the plans until he gets more details on the finances and subsidies.

“I’m not sold on any of them yet because they didn’t get enough information about the numbers,” he said. “The numbers drive everything.”

Real Estate Broker Judith Ginyard said the meeting was informative, but she still has questions about the density, how it blends in with the surrounding neighborhoods, and increased traffic.

“The residents aren’t against development,” she said. “They want responsible development. And they want a transparent and equitable process.”

What’s up with Lexington Technology Park? ing, and density in a Sept.

10 letter to the community, said the project has the potential to be transformative.

“This should not be looked at as a project by itself,” he said. “It should be looked at as potentially transformational, with additional development going down Thomas Blvd. to Wilkinsburg, and along Lexington Ave. into Homewood. We want something that can spur continued development.”

Rubinstein presented the proposals from all three development teams, noting two had been revised based on community feedback from earlier meetings.

“The good news is all the housing developers are capable developers. We’ve worked with all of them.

They all have the capability to pull off this development. So, at the end of the day, we’re going to end up with a quality development,” he said. “What we want from you is: what is that development? What

THE STEELERS WIN BIG…

See the Courier’s exclusive photos and analysis from Brian Cook, Aubrey Bruce and Bill Neal on Page B7!

COOK

BRUCE

NEAL

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

METRO

OCTOBER 10-16, 2018

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Family, Police still searching for Jessica Young

Pittsburgh police are alerting the public that the search continues for 35-year-old Jessica Young, and that the Missing Persons detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating her.

According to police, Young was last seen leaving a home on Apple Street in the Lincoln-Lemington neighborhood around 11:30 p.m. on Sept. 12. oung s family members and friends have posted yers in the city, hoping that someone has seen or recognizes Young, or may know where she is.

Please contact Missing Persons detectives at 412-323-7142.

The Courier is the VOICE of Black Pittsburgh.

LIFESTYLES Women of Purpose New Pittsburgh Courier

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OCTOBER 10-16, 2018

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

Debbie Norrell

Lifestyles Report Smoking costs and this is where you start paying Like a kid who has done something wrong, smokers are forced to their designated outside corners to smoke their cigarettes.

There is a business that I pass frequently in Monroeville where I see the smokers outside in the rain or snow huddled together smoking. I am old enough to remember the days when people were allowed to smoke inside of a restaurant and on an airplane, in those days it really didn’t matter if you were in the smoking section or not the scent of the cigarettes could not be contained and your clothes and hair absorbed the fragrance. Smoking indoors at the workplace has been banned for a long time and now some companies will charge you if you are a smoker. If you’re an employee that receives health care benefits you may have to pay a monthly or every payday fee if you’re a smoker. I have close ties to a company that charges $25 per pay check if you smoke. Due to a change in the company the fee will soon be going up to $125 a month. To me that would be an incentive to stop smoking as the company also offers a smoking cessation program.

A recent news story says Pittsburgh city workers will pay $50 a month if they use tobacco products.

It’s called a surcharge and it is incorporated into the fees that are paid for health care benefits. Again this alone would give me an incentive to quit along with the high cost of cigarettes. The Affordable Care Act allows employers to levy the surcharge provided they offer a tobacco cessation program and an employee fails to participate, according to the American Lung Association. I think employees are on the honor system here.

Cigarettes have an average cost of $5.51 per pack with the price in most states being between $6 to $8. This number is taken from the combined prices of all of the states but the actual numbers vary greatly with the most expensive cigarettes costing on average, $12.85 (New York).

I used to be a cigarette sales rep for Brown and Williamson Tobacco Company. We sold Kool, Belair, Raleigh and Viceroy Cigarettes. It was my first sales job and I received two cartons of cigarettes per pay as a part of my compensation. I used to take cash instead or trade the cartons with other sales reps that sold things like toothpaste and mouthwash.

I have watched people buy by the carton and I am amazed at the price.

To me it feels like setting money on fire and I never would want to do that.

Imagine the money you could save by quitting. I will not date anyone that smokes, I don’t allow people to smoke in my car or my house but I do have a few dear friends that smoke and pray they will soon quit. *** If you are looking for coverage for your event send an email with request for coverage in the subject line. I have already booked into 2019. (debbienorrell@aol.com)

by Debbie Norrell Lifestyles Editor

WOMAN OF PURPOSE—Brenda Tate

“A woman in harmony with her spirit is like a river flowing. She goes where she will without pretense and arrives WOMAN OF PURPOSE—Marsha Grayson at her destination prepared to be herself and only herself”—Maya Angelou On Sept. 15, the women of Homewood AME Zion Church presented their “Women of Purpose: Encouraging Acceptance of Christ Fellowship Luncheon.” With Bernadette Gibson and Deborah Sair as co-chairs seven “Women of Purpose” were honored, women in the community who have given of themselves tirelessly, are role models for our youth, and have a strong, positive impact on the Pittsburgh community. The honorees included: Dr. Janet Bell, Sharlene Dominick, Dr. Staci Flint, Marsha Grayson, Gail Payne, Brenda Tate and Donna Smallwood. Guests enjoyed a poem

by Bernadette Gibson and a praise dance by Gwendolyn Ratliff. Each honoree received a plaque and a beautiful gift from the women of Homewood AME Zion Church where Reverend Stanley Dennison is the pastor.

WOMAN OF PURPOSE—Gail Payne

MARYANN HOWARD WITH HONOREE—Donna Smallwood

SHARLENE DOMINICK RECEIVES HONOR—From Debbie Sair

HONOREE—Janet Bell (Photos by Debbie Norrell)

STACI FLINT—Receives honor from Debbie Sair

OPAL

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Regular eye checkups key to cognitive health (BPT)—Regular eye exams have always been an important part of maintaining healthy vision, but it turns out they can help keep your brain healthy, too. New research is revealing just how connected eye health and brain health are, and how receiving regular eye treatment might mean the difference between a healthy brain and cognitive decline.

That’s according to the authors of a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Ophthalmology this summer. Researchers examined 2,520 adults age 65 and older over the course a decade and found a link between failing vision and mental decline.

The exact nature of the relationship still needs to be better understood, but one thing is clear: Research shows that taking care of your vision is extremely important for maintaining good cognitive function.

The reasons behind the connection might be that declining vision discourages people from activities like reading and crossword puzzles that challenge the brain and keep it active. But whatever the root cause, the key takeaway stands out: older adults should get regular eye checkups and undergo treatment right away for any issues.

The good news is that maintaining eye health is well within most people’s grasp.

Two of the most common age-related vision problems—cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD)—have common treatments available that can help keep vision crisp, and potentially help reduce the risk of associated mental decline. Even the relatively simple act of keeping eyeglass prescriptions current

can help, the research suggests.

The Mayo Clinic recommends that people 55 to 64 see their eye doctor every one to three years, and those 65 and older go once every year to two years. People who wear glasses or contacts, or have either a family history of eye disease or a chronic disease that puts them at greater risk, meanwhile, should schedule more frequent exams.

For some older and visually impaired people, however, it can be hard to get to appointments for exams or treatment.

Transportation can be a major hurdle. A recent study by the Angiogenesis Foundation, for example, found that for 41 percent of people living with wet AMD, getting to and from appointments is their biggest challenge with making regular eye doctor appointments.

Thankfully, there is help for those who no longer drive: Rides in Sight, a senior transportation information and referral service operated by ITNAmerica and sponsored by Regeneron, has the nation’s largest database of every possible kind of senior transportation option available.

Accessible via a toll-free telephone hotline (1-855-607-4337) or their website (ridesinsight.org), Rides in Sight helps seniors and visually impaired adults get the rides they need to ensure healthy eyes every day. Rides in Sight customer service representatives are ready to take your call at 1-855-607-4337 from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. EST Monday-Friday.

Don’t put off treatment for age-related macular degeneration, cataracts or other eye conditions. Your vision—and your brain health—matter.

New technology promotes healthy aging in place (BPT)—As millions of baby boomers reach their golden years, they’re changing the world yet again, this time by driving a booming market in senior-friendly aging-in-place technologies. From simple wearable devices to hightech monitoring systems, the list of gadgets designed to help aging boomers stay independent is extensive and growing.

Home-based technology tools are a great way to deliver peace of mind to caregivers and family members who want to help an aging parent or grandparent stay safe in their home, and to combat the debilitating isolation that often accompanies growing older.

Here’s a look at a few of the innovative technologies that are revolutionizing aging, and the benefits they provide.

Digital solutions for staying in touch It’s easy nowadays to take using smartphones or other digital technology for granted. But for many seniors, it has never been an integral part of their lives, meaning they can be left out of the family communications loop. Filling that gap are products like GrandPad, powered by Consumer Cellular. It’s a touchscreen-based tablet with simplified apps that let older users easily make voice or video calls, send and receive email, share photos, stream music and enjoy other recreational activities such as digital games.

GrandPad also offers comprehensive security, operating on a closed private network to guard against online scams, and can be managed by a designated family administrator for added personalization and protection. Plus, it’s offered

by Consumer Cellular, a provider with a long his-

tory of serving the senior market.

Fall alerts can be lifesavers Wearable devices that monitor and track health are becoming more popular among all ages. However, for seniors, especially those without a caretaker in the home, they can be lifesaving. With just the press of a button, help can be summoned for a wide range of emergency situations.

The most valuable types of these personal emergency response devices include accurate fall detection; falls are a leading cause of death for adults age 65 and older. Devices can automatically alert 911 or a close family member the moment a fall has been detected. This is especially valuable for aging-in-place situations where stairs are present.

Smarter access to health care medications As their mobility declines, it may become more difficult for seniors to make it to the doctor’s office. In response, many providers now offer video consultation for those who cannot come in for an appointment. This technology is ideal for those suffering from minor ailments that do not necessarily require an in-person visit.

In addition, for many

seniors, medication regimens can become difficult to follow, and the misuse of prescribed medications can lead to negative health consequences. One technology on the rise, especially for those without assistance in the home, is the automated pill counter designed to alert and properly dispense all medications that need to be taken.

In-home tracking for safety Placing activity sensors throughout the house is becoming a more and more popular way to monitor loved ones who are living unassisted. Sensors can be placed in multiple discreet locations, like doors, cabinets, windows or beds to track movement around the house and report back to a caretaker or family member.

If the sensors haven’t tracked movement in an expected amount of time, alerts can be set up to ensure a designated family member, caretaker or friend is notified to check in on the senior.

Tracking and monitoring systems run the gamut from units that are integrated with a full in-home security system, to simple free-standing versions that are less costly and more mobile, but may also be less sensitive.

OCTOBER 10-16, 2018

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Touring through the best Italian wines (BPT)—Dreaming of an Italian vacation? You can experience the country’s ancient, romantic regions without even leaving home. The wines of Italy embody the heart and soul of the regions in which they’re grown.

Letting the vineyards be your guide, travel from the Tuscan coast to the Adriatic’s sandy beaches, to the black, rich slopes of an active volcano. Marvel at Sicily’s crystal blue waters and Campania’s storied past. You can even learn about some dedicated winemakers along the way.

Invite your friends for a wine tasting, open up these Italian whites, and enjoy their not-commonly-known varieties accompanied by light, Italian fare.

Ca’Marcanda Vistamare: The playful name of this wine, which means “sea view,” was inspired by the Tyrrhenian sea breeze, the sun and the cheerful, lighthearted outlook of the Tuscan coast.

Coastal innkeepers would use “vistamare” to entice hotel guests, even if their rooms only offered a limited Mediterranean view. The vineyards used for Vistamare enjoy a panoramic view, and their grapes are gently touched by the salt air and brilliant colors of the Tuscan sea.

Terlato Vineyards Colli Orientali del Friuli Friulano: Travel to Northern Italy’s Friuli region, where mountains overlook the Adriatic Sea, its coastline dotted with lagoons. Friulano is the predominant wine here because of the ideal growing conditions. This Friulano comes from very old vines on estate vineyards at 1,050

feet above sea level, with cool nights and warm days, ideal for producing wines with excellent acidity and elegance.

Anselmi San Vincenzo: Grown in the Monteforte area within the Veneto region, San Vincenzo vines are planted on 110 acres of volcanic tuff and limestone.

Veneto is encircled by Lake Garda, the Dolomite Mountains and the Adriatic Sea. Imagine floating down the Grand Canal in Venice before finding a cafe where you can sip this delicious wine of the region.

Alta Mora Etna Bianco: Travel south to Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, where these grapes are grown and harvested on the slopes of the active volcano, Mount Etna. The soil is black, fertile and dynamic, and the name Alta Mora translates to “tall, black,” representing the great heights of the vineyards on the mountain and the dark, black volcanic soil. This wine is a slight nod to Sauvignon Blanc in style.

Feudi di San Gregorio Falanghina: This vineyard is in Sorbo Serpico, a tiny village in Campania’s Irpinia region, near Mount Vesuvius. The area, with its numerous castles and fortresses, has ancient roots, and has been a transit land between the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic seas. Named after the method of vine cultivation in Sannio at the end of the Roman Era called Falangs (“poles”), this Falanghina is ideal as an aperitif. It can also accompany appetizers, plates of simple fish and vegetables as well as fresh cheeses.

Let these wines bring the beauty of Italy to your table.

ENTERTAINER New Pittsburgh Courier

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OCTOBER 10-16, 2018

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

‘Pride and Prejudice’ — with a twist

African American women portray main characters at Pittsburgh Public Theater ASHLEY BUFKIN as Jane Bennet and Simone Recasner as Lizzy Bennet, in “Pride and Prejudice,” playing at The O’Reilly Theater through Oct. 28. (Photos by Michael Henninger)

by Genea L. Webb For New Pittsburgh Courier

Both Ashley Bufkin and Simone Recasner didn’t think there was a place for them in “Pride and Prejudice.”

But when the actresses received the script to portray two of the main characters—sisters Lizzy and

Bufkin, who hails from Las Vegas. “I knew the story of ‘Pride and Prejudice,’ we’ve all read the book and saw the Keira Knightly movie so I immediately thought there wasn’t a place for me, so I wasn’t that intrigued to do the story. But when I realized the director was a minority woman I was immediately intrigued because I

SIMONE RECASNER Jane Bennett—they both knew this was their chance to help bring the classic tale into the 21st century.

“What intrigued me most about ‘Pride and Prejudice’ was the director,” explained

said, ‘Whoa, a person of color is directing this project’ number one, and number two, it was a woman who doesn’t normally get a lot of shine in this industry.”

Recasner agreed. “I know

the playwright from New York (I don’t know her personally) but I see that they take stories and make them more modern. I saw that they were going to be going for a more diverse cast than the 1813 original story would suggest,” she said.

Recasner, who recently earned her Master of Fine Arts degree from New York University, is the daughter of actor Ron Recasner. “I am a mixed race, curvy woman who is younger in my career and I have never had the opportunity to be at the center of a story, so I’m really excited to be playing Lizzy.”

Recasner continued: “At the end of the day Lizzy is really terrified. She’s very smart. She decides to change the circle of trust that she has when she marries. She loves her sisters and her family.”

Written by Kate Hamill and directed by Desdemona Chiang, this wild adaptation of the Jane Austen classic tells the story of the Bennett sisters who are in a rush to find men to marry in order to save the family estate, save for Lizzy who’d rather risk the family fortune than go on a second date with her suitors.

“Pride & Prejudice” runs at the O’Reilly Theater through October 28. Tickets can be purchased by

visiting www.ppt.org or by calling 412-316-1600. The production is sponsored by Highmark.

“This adaptation is so much more playful and it’s not as rigid and strict a style as you would typically see the story told in,” said Bufkin, who portrays the beautiful, demure and bashful Jane. “The vibe is the same but there is a lot of movement and it’s very joyous. It’s not a museum piece. Jane is a hopeless romantic. She truly believes in the idea of being swept up by a prince charming.

She’s had the experience of being courted a few times and she’s just waiting.”

Both actresses hope African Americans who come see the show walk away knowing that they can relate to the humanity in each character.

“We do have a place in these stories and if anything, our voice or our presence in these stories can act as a beacon to other young people of color,” Bufkin said, “and show them that you have the capability to relate to these people. At the end of the day they are people and they are going through these experiences and there’s no reason why we can’t believe that we are capable of those experiences and delivering these

powerful performances.

Our voices deserve to be heard in these stories.”

Recasner believes the romantic component will resonate with Black audiences.

“The two female love interests in the story are African American women and these girls are gorgeous and have been proposed to by multiple men. Ulti-

mately it’s a love story and I hope people can relate to the romance and women having relationships with men and the relationships women have in society. In this show women have such small room for error and at the end of the play you see a lot of characters who thought they understood what perfection was and it’s turned on its head.”

ASHLEY BUFKIN

‘The Hate U Give’ upholds Tupac’s legacy Movie also connects with today’s youth and their experiences

by Merecedes J. Williams

Starr Carter (Amandla Stenberg), a Black teenager forced to deal with adultlike problems, when her For New Pittsburgh Courier friend is killed by police.

Based on Angie Thom- Like so many other young as’ 2017 same name novel, Black people, Starr expe“The Hate U Give” follows

AMANDLA STENBERG (AP PHOTO)

riences some of the world’s most difficult scenarios prematurely. The movie is an emotional roller coaster permeated with grief, joy, sorrow, and hilarity.

The film has a hard-hitting cast—Russell Hornsby, Regina Hall, Common, Issa Rae, and Anthony Mackie.

The “starr” who shined the brightest though is Amandla Stenberg. She is perfect.

The 19-year-old captures both the innocence and strength of Black femininity. If “The Hate U Give” is any indication of her talent and merit, I’d love to see more of her on the big screen.

The book and movie title stems from the iconic acronym Tupac Shakur had tattooed across his abdomen—T.H.U.G. L.I.F.E., meaning “The Hate U Give Little Infants F*** Everybody,” takes on a timeless meaning when the same hate that killed Latasha Harlins also killed Antwon Rose II 27 years later.

Tupac is one of the most underappreciated minds of all-time. His music and logic surpassed most understanding, and, oftentimes, his wisdom was overshadowed by legal troubles and misinterpretation. I consider myself a Tupac fan, and I was delighted to find

that “The Hate U Give” paid homage to his life, lyrics and legacy. The film honors the late West Coast rapper’s philosophy by connecting it to today’s most horrific instances—police brutality, racial injustice, and gang violence.

I mentioned this young man in my last movie review, because I just cannot get him out of my mind. As shots rang out in the film,

“The Hate U Give” rang out a chilling reminder that we will never see the rose that grew from Antwon’s concrete. That’s heartbreaking.

It is important for young minds, that can still be molded and shaped, to see this film. I welcomed students from Pittsburgh CAPA and Pittsburgh Obama as special guests at an advance screening last

week. “‘The Hate U Give’ is a great depiction of modern-day society. If I learned anything, it is that as long as you stand for what is right, no one has the power to take away your stance,” said Cecil Price III, 17, a junior at Pittsburgh Obama.

“The Hate U Give” hits theaters nationwide on Friday, Oct. 19.

PPS STUDENTS, including Pittsburgh Obama junior Cecil Price III, second from right, watched the advance screening of “The Hate U Give.” (Photo by Merecedes J. Williams)

PEOPLE

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

OCTOBER 10-16, 2018

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Nabhi Christian Ministries honors Chief Darryl Jones and Dr. David G. Hall Celebrating the valuable work of community leaders and advocates for youth and families, Nabhi Christian Ministries (NCM) of Pittsburgh honored two distinguished people at its annual NCM Awards dinner on Oct. 5 at the Rivers Club, Downtown, sponsored by Highmark Blue

Awards. “His contribution does significantly improve access to quality health care for all, including African American communities with higher percentages of poverty and chronic diseases. We are so pleased to honor Dr. Hall,” she said. “In addition, Dr. Hall provided a safe haven for teens and housed a local life skills-conflict resolution program in his center for young Black males during a time of rampant gang violence that endangered children and families and resulted in senseless deaths. His actions contributed to the success of Pittsburgh’s first gang peace rally held in Highland Park in 1996, which resulted in a public truce and cease-fire between five rival gangs, making him PITTSBURGH BUREAU OF FIRE CHIEF DARRYL E. JONES, DR. DAVID G. HALL, MD an ideal candidate for this (Photos by Courier photographer J.L. Martello) award,” Ms. Fielder said.

Chief Darryl E. Jones, fire department to a Class PhD, CFO, EFO, is the 1 fire department. first African American Chief Jones is an instrucappointed Chief of the tor for the National Fire Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire.

Academy, the Pennsylvania Chief Jones is responsible State Fire Academy and for the leadership of over Point Park University.

650 uniformed personnel Chief Jones has been a and all operations of the firefighter since 1986 and a Bureau. Under his leaderchief officer since 1995. ship, the Bureau expanded “We are so proud of Chief its Free Smoke Detector CHIEF DARRYL E. JONES, speaking at the NCM Awards ceremony, Jones’ remarkable perforProgram, initiated the Risk Oct. 5, at the Rivers Club, Downtown. mance and leadership exWatch safety program that cellence in building strong teaches safety techniques communities through Cross Blue Shield, UPMC to students grades K-6 as to all, especially the poor, extraordinary degrees of Life Changing Medicine including the uninsured, un- part of the health currisk and sacrifice in the heand the New Pittsburgh derinsured and undeserved. riculum and refurbished roic mission to protect life, Courier. its Company Inspection It now accommodates property and the environDr. David G. Hall, MD, more than 40,000 patients Program. One hundred ment. He is an inspirationnoted as one of the fineach year in four locations; percent of its personnel is al change agent,” Fielder est family physicians in East Liberty, Lincoln-Lem- certified to the Firefighter said. “He is committed to Pittsburgh, was voted II level. Because of fire ington, Wilkinsburg and the safety and training one of Pittsburgh’s Best safety education, improved the Hill District. of Pittsburgh firefighters, Doctors by Best Doctors firefighter training, and up“Dr. Hall’s work is imas well as the citizens of Inc. for four years in a row. pressive,” said the Rev. grading of equipment and Pittsburgh, making him Dr. Hall is the founding apparatus, the ISO rating Jacque Fielder, pastor of DR. DAVID G. HALL, MD, with remarks at the NCM Awards cere- another ideal candidate for physician and Medical Nabhi Christian Ministries for the City of Pittsburgh mony, Oct. 5. this award.”

Director of East Liberty improved from a Class 4 and founder of the NCM Family Health Care Center (ELFHCC) for the past 36 years.

ELFHCC was founded in 1982 in the basement of Eastminster Presbyterian Church in the heart of East Liberty. The faith-based center is dedicated to providing day-to-day, quality, whole-person health care

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METRO

OCTOBER 10-16, 2018

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Helping to change people’s lives for the better Fifth annual ‘Passion Meets The Road’ held Sept. 30 PASSION FROM A1

served it, but I felt the public should have a clearer understanding of what it is to do work on behalf of families. So it stayed on my heart to identify some of these people and host and event honoring them.”

Speakers during the Sept.

30 event included Terri Minor-Spencer, who spoke of “mountains moving” for her—at one time, she was involved in the sale of illegal drugs, then had struggles with addiction, then was incarcerated. But the shift occurred when “mountains” were moved and she told the powerful story of gaining employment at the Poise Foundation for 12 years. She’s now the outreach coordinator at Amachi Pittsburgh, as well as leader of her own nonprofit organization, P.O.W.E.R.

(Providing Opportunities With Effective Resources).

There was also a proclamation presented by Wilkinsburg Mayor Marita Garrett.

Halima Tammy Thompson served as keynote speaker for the event, and she had her own personal testimony—experiencing hunger and homelessness. Thompson, the executive director of Circles Greater Pittsburgh, discussed the depth of the trials of individuals living in poverty, who are disenfranchised, and who have an entirely different culture they must create because of the minimal income.

She shared that each person being recognized was a TYIAN BATTLE, BRETTNEY DUCK, LEAH LIZARONDO, NIKKIA INGRAM (Photos by Dayna Delgado) person whose service she could have used when she was a 22-year-old mom social services providers of poverty, understanding money, that those living in “Dark Place,” told the audiwith children. She dis- whose work is intended to that poverty is far more low-economic status believe ence that their work should cussed the importance of help navigate families out than just about not having themselves to be invisible, be directing them to the and are in a “Dark Place” light, which is their potenbecause of that. tial to live full productive Thompson, whose keynote lives as equal members of speech was indeed titled society.

ROY BLANKENSHIP, LEONARD HAMMONDS II, RICHARD GARLAND, JULIUS BOATWRIGHT

KEYSHA GOMEZ, middle, with Erica Givner, right, and Felicia Renee Robinson

MARY NESBY, HALIMA TAMMY THOMPSON

SHANON WILLIAMS, middle, with Erica Givner, right, and Felicia Renee Robinson

‘I want the Courier delivered to my home!’

The cold weather will be here before you know it. We want to make sure you receive the New Pittsburgh Courier every week, so you can be informed on what’s happening with Pittsburgh’s African American community. No other media entity covers Black Pittsburgh like the New Pittsburgh Courier. We lead the way. Others follow us.

Give the Courier’s Brenda Hill a call at 412-481-8302, ext.

134, and tell her you want the Courier delivered to your home!

Be sure to tell Brenda the code word: PROMOTION And she’ll give you the discounted rates below…

6-month subscription - $20 1-year subscription - $40 Discounted rates not available online. Discounted rates only available via phone or in-person purchase. New Pittsburgh Courier address: 315 E. Carson St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Limited time offer. Date that discounted rates end is solely up to the discretion of New Pittsburgh Courier management.

RELIGION

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

OCTOBER 10-16, 2018

HEALTHY and INSPIRATIONAL

Praise & Worship ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH Crawford & Centre Ave. Pgh., PA 15219 412-281-3141 Mass Sunday 9:00 A.M. & 12:00 P.M.

Alma Illery Center site of Community Health Fair

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

Healthy, and inspirational.

That’s how Cherylie Fuller best described the Community Health Fair that was held, Sept. 22, at the Alma Illery Primary Health Care Center in Homewood.

Nearly 200 people came out to get information on a variety of health-related topics, along with free blood pressure and glucose screenings, information from the Kidney Foundation and Pennsylvania Department of Human Ser-

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www.stbtmchurch.org

East Liberty Presbyterian Church

vices, among others.

“When it comes to African Americans, the more information that we can get out DJ NATE HOLLIS, with a new friend, spins the music during the Community Health Fair in Homewood, to them, it enlightens them Sept. 22. (Photos by Courier photographer Jacquelyn McDonald) to want to be healthy within themselves,” Fuller told the New Pittsburgh Courier at the event.

Fuller is executive director of the Homewood Concerned Citizens Council.

The organization co-sponsored the event along with The Central District of the First Jurisdiction of the Western PA Church of God in Christ and Alma Illery Primary Health Services.

There was information

Rev. Dr. Randy Bush, Senior Pastor 412-441-3800 116 S. Highland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206

www.cathedralofhope.com Worship on Sunday: Journey Worship........8:45 a.m.

Sanctuary Worship........11 a.m.

Taize Prayer Service (Wed.) 7 p.m.

Curious about Quakerism?

You Are Welcome at our Meetings for Worship Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

Pittsburgh Friends Meeting 4836 Ellsworth Avenue http://www.quaker.org/legacy/pghpamm

Seminary at the Tabernacle 43 Belvedere St., Crafton, PA 15205 Sept. 10, 2018-May 16, 2019 Sr. Pastor Tony Armstead, MDiv

PATRICIA PARKER, HELEN TURNER, BETTY DAY-RETHAGE

TOWANDA YOUNG, BETTY TAYLOR

for people who have vertigo and dizziness, and “how you can tell if your equilibrium is off,” Fuller said.

For residents whose pets may have died and are looking to adopt a pet, there was information available on animal adoption.

The Mt. Ararat Baptist Church men’s choir pro-

vided some memorable moments during the event.

Fuller said the men’s choir’s eloquent singing “went Facebook crazy,” as onlookers marveled.

The day began bright and early at 9 a.m. along

Hamilton Avenue. People were still coming out as the event came to a close at 3 p.m. “It was really great in getting the community to come out like this,” Fuller told the Courier. “I thought it was a great day.”

Christian Leadership School (CLS) a Four-year Program currently offering Four non-credited courses in four years.

Teaching includes Doctorate and Master of Divinity Teachers.

When: Fluctuates Mon. or Thurs., 6:308:30pm Cost: $75 per class, plus any required books Contact: Rev. Marjorie Davis, Ph.D. 412335-2832

New Destiny CME Church 114 North Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412-231-7882 Rev. Kornelus Neal, pastor The Rt. Rev. Marvin Thomas Sr., presiding bishop Sunday School....................................9 A.M. Morning Worship Service............11:00 A.M.

CHERYLIE BLAIR-FULLER, ZINA SCOTT

KIVA FISHER-GREEN, DARLENE KIRKLAND

Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community!

For rate information, call 412481-8302, ext.

128.

THE MT. ARARAT BAPTIST CHURCH MEN’S CHOIR

MR. PATNCK with Jamaica Far Away Caterers

Church Circuit RODMAN COLLECTING ITEMS

THRO H OCTOBER 13 Rodman Street issionary Baptist Church is leading an effort to help individuals and families affected by the historic ooding and devastation in orth and South Carolina. This ooding has caused such destruction and devastation, an immediate response for aid is needed from our community. The church will be receiving and organi ing donations to be shipped directly to the hardest hit ood areas in the Carolinas. tems will be sent to and received by the ount Calvary Church in Litle River South Carolina. This church will serve as a distribution center as well as be a resource center for the communities in orth and South Carolina. tems such as clothing, cleaning supplies, nonperishable food items, water, gift cards, and money will be collected during this time. All donations can be brought to the church, 6111 Rodman Street, East Liberty. Deadline is Saturday, Oct. 13. For more information, call 12-363- 0 2.

MOUNT OLIVE 125TH ANNIVERSARY

OCTOBER 13 ount Olive Baptist Church is 12 years old The church was established to uphold and spread the word of od. As Blacks were migrating from the South, they began to integrate in record numbers to the industrial areas of c eesport, Duquesne, Homestead, Braddock, and Rankin. This historic anniversary will be celebrated by giving thanks to od and praising Him for the wonderful things that He has done. Old members, new members, families, friends and acquaintances are invited to the celebration at Heritage Celebration Center, 1122 3rd St., orth ersailles, at 6 p.m. Reverend enneth ones of iami, Fla., is the guest speaker. Cost is 0 for the banquet. For more information, call 12- 1 - 116.

LIVING SPRING GOSPEL CONCERT

OCTOBER 13 Living Spring nternational Pittsburgh is having its si th annual ight of Wonders free gospel music concert at p.m. at Pittsburgh CAPA, 111 inth St., Downtown. n His Presence will feature oe ettle, the internationally acclaimed hanaian gospel songwriter and artist. The evening also showcases ohnny Praise a ew orkbased gospel artist. oices of Oasis, the host choir, whose membership is comprised of performers from four Redeemed Christian Church of od parishes in Western Pa., will also perform. Living Spring nternational Pittsburgh belongs to the denomination Redeemed Christian Church of od. t was founded in igeria and is one of the fastest-growing Pentecostal churches in the world. The church, at 00 Penn Ave., Wilkinsburg, has been in the area for about 1 years. Though free, people are requested to make reservations on www.eventbrite.com. For more information, call 12-2 2-2 00.

JAZZ ON THE LAWN

OCTOBER 13 The Church of the Holy Cross, 0 elly St., is hosting a on the Lawn at the church at p.m. Donations are 2 to enjoy the music of the Bill Henry Band and Howie Ale ander and his band. This event leads into the Annual Family Friends Day on Sunday, Oct. 1 , with service to begin at 10 a.m. The guest speaker is ayor Torrance Harvey of ewburgh, ew ork. He is the second Black mayor of ewburgh, and a orehouse graduate. For more information, call 12-2 2-320 .

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

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Classifieds

Find what you need from jobs to cars to housing B4-B5

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As joblessness falls, skilled workers might be hard to find

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Got an hour?

Chalk up four financial wins

by Liz Weston NerdWallet

REWARDING TRIP—“It has truly been a blessing to be a part of this unique and meaningful pilgrimage to Ile-Ife, Nigeria,” said Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., NNPA President and CEO.

Building bridges from Africa to America

NNPA makes historic inaugural trip to Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Sometimes money is like technology.

Getting stuff done—whether it’s updating an operating system or moving a bank account—often takes longer than it should.

There are some money chores, though, that can be done a lot faster than you may think. The following financial tasks, which could save you a lot of cash and stress in the future, each can be dispatched in 15 minutes or less once you’ve decided on a plan and have your information at hand.

ADJUST YOUR WITHHOLDING Tax reform means different brackets, the elimination of many deductions and the real possibility you’re withholding too much or too little.

Avoid unpleasant surprises next year by checking your withholding now.

You’ll need last year’s tax return plus your latest pay stubs. Plug the necessary numbers into the IRS site’s withholding calculator. The results will include instructions on exactly how to tweak your withholding, with a convenient link to a printable W-4 form. You can drop that off at your human resources department, or ask HR if there’s an online form.

DRAFT POWERS OF ATTORNEY Most Americans don’t have a will, which means they likely don’t have two documents that are even more important: powers of attorney for health care and finances.

If anything, these two estate planning documents—in which you name

SEE BRIDGES B2

SEE WESTON B2

‘We have never left the movement’

UAW leader on civil rights and Black labor

2018—UAW Constitutional Convention with Dr. William Barber, leader of the new Poor People’s Campaign.

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BUSINESS

OCTOBER 10-16, 2018

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Skilled workers The expensive outcome Got an hour? may be hard to find of millennial job-hopping Chalk up four SKILLED FROM B1

as economy keeps expanding and employers find they need to pay more to attract employees, pay could jump, especially in some sectors of the economy that require heavily skilled workers.

Some companies are already taking action. Consider Amazon’s just-announced boost in its minimum hourly wage to $15 starting in November.

Amazon’s rival retailers and warehouse operators, in particular, may feel pressure to raise pay, too.

For now, many employers appear to be raising pay only modestly while in some cases also offering short-term bonuses not included in the government’s gauge of hourly earnings.

American Textile, a 93-year-old manufacturer of pillows, sheets and comforters based in Pittsburgh, has found it a challenge in recent months to add and keep workers for its 800-person staff. It’s been raising pay by 3 percent to 4 percent annually for years. But it’s now introducing the perk of paying bonuses as soon as three months after a worker joins the company.

“Just show up—you’ll get something extra,” said Pete Marsalis, the company’s director of human resources.

LOTS MORE PEOPLE SEEKING WORK One of the best measures of available workers is what’s called the participation rate. That’s the proportion of working-age adults who either have a job or are actively looking for one.

The participation rate for people defined as prime age—25 to 54 years old—was 81.8 percent in September.

That is below the peak of 84.6 percent in January 1999.

The rate increased in 2016 and 2017, but it’s fluctuated this year.

Because the rate remains below its peak, it suggests that a pool of people exists who could potentially start looking for work or return to school to obtain specialized skills or training for a job.

To return to the peak participation rate would require roughly an additional 4 million people to start looking for a job and potentially find one.

SHARPER MISMATCH BETWEEN OPENINGS AND SKILL SETS If there already were a severe shortage of skilled workers, a broad mismatch would likely exist between the types of jobs available and the types of jobs people are seeking. But research published last month by the job listing site Indeed suggests that the degree of the mismatch has actually narrowed since 2014.

In examining resumes posted to Indeed, the researchers found that roughly one-third don’t match the available jobs. Though that’s a relatively high proportion, it’s less than in 2014, when the proportion was closer to 40 percent.

A shortage of skilled workers, like nurses, might now exist in certain sectors of the economy, Gimbel said. But a shortage doesn’t necessarily exist across the entire economy. If it did, the pressures to raise wages would be stronger.

A SLOWDOWN IN JOB GROWTH When Joe Brusuelas scanned the September jobs report, he saw signs that a shortage of skilled workers could emerge in the near future. He’s the chief economist for RSM, a consulting firm that specializes in midsize businesses.

“Over the past 12 months, we should start to see the pace of hiring grind down,” he said.

Brusuelas sees fewer people entering the labor force, a consequence of lower birth rates and other demographic changes as the vast baby boom generation retires. In June, the growth of the labor force was 1.2 percent compared with a year earlier.

By September, the 12-month growth in the labor force had more than halved to 0.52 percent.

Fewer people entering the job market could cause employers to slow their pace of hiring because they couldn’t find enough skilled workers.

FORMERLY UNDESIRABLE GROUPS BEING HIRED The Trump administration’s drive to limit immigration could worsen any shortage of qualified workers.

Brusuelas suggested that employers who foresee a lack of qualified workers might broaden their searches to groups they wouldn’t have previously considered for hires. He estimated, for example, that 8 million to 10 million people with felony records can’t fully participate in the job market now. Bringing these people into the job market is among the priorities of President Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka.

On the White House lawn Friday, Kudlow, the director of the White House National Economic Council, also endorsed the initiative.

“I’m all for it,” he said.

(AP Economics Writer Christopher Rugaber contributed to this report.)

by Dick Resch For New Pittsburgh Courier

American businesses have a new, multibillion-dollar problem: They can’t hold onto their youngest workers. More than one in five millennials changed jobs in the past year, triple the share of non-millennials who did so.

Such turnover is expensive. Every person who quits costs his employer about 20 percent of his annual salary, and that doesn’t include the cost of recruiting and training his replacement. Millennial turnover saps the U.S. economy an estimated $30 billion a year.

Today’s baby boomer bosses can avoid those costs by updating their workplaces to meet the psychological needs and aesthetic preferences of their youngest workers. Research shows that even small investments in workplace design and better management can deliver outsized returns.

Companies have little choice but to cater to millennials. They account for the largest share of the U.S. workforce: 35 percent.

Next year, they’ll pass the baby boomers to become America’s largest generation.

Millennials don’t just have strength in numbers. They’re the best-educated and most technologically adept generation in history. It’s in corporate America’s interest to bring as many of them into the fold as possible.

Young adults want a workplace that cares about them as individuals, not just cogs in the corporate machine. Over 90 percent of millennials say work-life balance is a top priority when searching for a job, compared with 70 percent of baby boomers.

Unfortunately, just 29 percent of millennials say they’re engaged at work. Worse, companies don’t know what to do to fix this state of affairs. Forty-six percent of CEOs don’t have a plan to address the epidemic of disengagement within their ranks.

That’s a mistake. With unemployment near record lows, millennials can afford to job-hop until they find a company that of-

fers them what they’re looking for.

That company is likely to prioritize a few things.

First, communication. Forty percent of millennials prefer weekly feedback from their supervisor—more than twice the share of any other generation.

There are other ways to boost communication between old hands and office rookies. Companies can experiment with reverse mentorship programs, whereby younger hires offer guidance to senior managers.

When millennials feel connected to their employers, they stick around. Financial services firm Pershing retained 96 percent of its millennial workforce over a threeyear period after instituting a reverse mentorship program in 2013.

Second, the ideal millennial workplace will look like a college campus. Recent college graduates have spent four years switching seamlessly from group work in a coffee shop to cram sessions at the library.

But when they get to the workplace, they’re expected to sit at a desk eight hours a day. It shouldn’t be surprising that nearly 90 percent of college graduates say they feel “lost in transition” after moving to static office layouts.

Employers can meet their workers halfway by giving them tools to customize their workspaces. Some workers might use movable screens to grab some privacy.

Others might wheel work tables together to create an ad hoc brainstorming space.

Empowering workers can boost productivity and revenue. A 2013 Cornell University study found that businesses that gave employees a choice over how to work grew four times faster than their inflexible counterparts.

In today’s tight labor market, successfully retaining employees can be a multibillion-dollar proposition. That’s a big enough sum to make even the most grizzled baby boomer boss embrace his millennial colleagues’ vision of work.

(Dick Resch is CEO of KI Furniture.)

UAW leader on civil rights UAW FROM B1

1965, Curry earned a B.S. Degree in Business Administration/Finance from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Later, he earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Alabama.

A U.S. Army veteran, Curry began his manufacturing career at Daimler Trucks, in Mount Holly, North Carolina and he served in numerous elected roles for UAW Local 5285 until his 2004 appointment to the UAW’s International Staff and later, in 2010, as assistant regional director.

Curry won election as regional director in 2014 and, as a member of UAW’s International Executive Board, he was responsible for Region 8, which consists of 12 U.S. states in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast.

Earlier this year, Curry was elected UAW’s Secretary-Treasurer.

He said the importance of organized labor can also be realized in the voice of freedom fighters like Maryland Democratic Rep. Elijah Cummings, who has continued to speak in favor of unions, a message Cummings delivered during the recent Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference.

“It makes it better for everyone when you have an elected leader’s voice who has constituents that he talks to across the district every day and Congressman Cummings has a chance to hear the issues on a national level,” Curry said.

“He’s been one of those champions that believes and advocates for working men and women.”

It’s important that African Americans and other minorities understand the sig-

nificance of Curry’s election to the Daimler Supervisory Board because labor representation has always been vital for all workers and with voices sought in numerous places, having diversity in the United States and in host countries could go a long way in securing the livelihoods of employees, Curry said.

“The board is a reflection of the corporation’s global footprints and there’s a commitment… to diversity,” he said.

Despite its already rich history of supporting civil rights and other causes that have allowed them to partner with numerous minority groups, the UAW plans to continue to strengthen its relationship with historically Black colleges and universities and the Black Press, Curry said.

“We believe African-American newspapers need to be amplified. We have utilized a number of papers in the past including the Jackson Advocate and the Chronicle in Detroit as media outlets in our member messaging and organizing efforts.” he said.

“The voice of tolerance and inclusion needs to be amplified and this is not always done in the national media. Whether its Rosa Parks then, or Dr. William Barber now, we’ve got to have an outlet for that message. When you look back at 1965 and then today in 2018, I don’t think the question would be if Dr. King and other leaders would be impressed with the technology of today as much as they would question the ability to message globally through new avenues of social media,” said Curry. “And we still face issues in this country that federal laws and other advocacy were to have addressed in the sixties.”

BUSINESS CALENDAR Business Start-up Seminar

OCT. 11—The Penn State-McKeesport Innovation Hub will host “The A to Z of Staring Your Own Business,” 6:30 to 9 p.m., 410 9th Ave., McKeesport, Pa. 15132. The fee event will feature a presentation by attorney Jeff Reis on the important first steps in starting a business, a panel discussion on first steps of starting a business, legal basics for business owners, business filing options, acquiring your employment identification number, employer and employee protocols, and more. The will also be a presentation from KIVA on funding opportunities.

PowerBreakfast

OCT. 19—The African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania welcomes Audrey Russo, president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Technology Council as its October PowerBreakfast speaker, 7:30 a.m. Rivers Club, One Oxford Centre, Pittsburgh 15222. Cost: $20 for members, $30 for non-members. Call 412-392-0610 for more information.

Funding Workshop

OCT. 16—The Chatham University Women’s Business Center urges entrepreneurs to Think Beyond The Bank during its free alternative funding workshop, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at East End Cooperative Ministries, 6140 Station Street, Pittsburgh, PA. 15206. The workshop will feature presentations from, and networking opportunities with: Chatham’s Women’s Business Center, Kiva Pittsburgh, Urban

Redevelopment Authority, The Progress Fund, Bridgeway Capital, Honeycomb Credit, Idea Foundry, Allegheny County Economic Development, and the Hebrew Free Loan Association Pittsburgh. To register, contact Amy Flynn Schlicht at 412-3651448, or womensbusinesscenter@chatham.edu.

Training Event

OCT. 19—The Duquesne University Small Business Center will present Holding your team accountable…Building and maintaining accountability in your business, 9 a.m., 108 Rockwell Hall, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh 15282. Learn how to address the challenges of establishing and maintaining accountability with team members in your business. You’ll be guided through he different steps of accountability along with the education, tools, and processes needed to change how you manage your team. Cost: $49. Call 412-396-6233 for more information.

Training Event

NOV. 14— The Duquesne University Small Business Center presents Make the World your Market, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., 505 Rockwell Hall, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh 15282. Topics covered include: Global market opportunities; International shipping and payment; International legal aspects; Lessons learned from a woman-owned exporting business, and Who will benefit anufacturing or technology companies, logistics and shipping personnel, export brokers and agents, export-import businesses.

financial wins

WESTON FROM B1

the people you want to make decisions for you should you become incapacitated—are even more important than a will. Wills are supposed to dictate what happens after you’re dead, but powers of attorney affect what can happen to you while you’re alive.

For the medical power of attorney (also called an advance health care directive in some states), name your fiercest advocate: the person who is devoted enough to carry out your wishes and stand up to doctors or relatives who disagree.

For the financial power of attorney, name the person in your life who is not only good with money but also extremely ethical. Consider naming backups to both positions, and collect everyone’s addresses and phone numbers before you begin.

You may be able to get these documents for free or low cost if your job offers prepaid legal services. Otherwise, you can buy Quicken WillMaker software, which includes the forms, for about $80, or use online sites such as LegalZoom or Rocket Lawyer. Rocket Lawyer charges $40 per document, while LegalZoom charge $35 for power of attorney for finances and $39 for a health care power of attorney combined with a living will.

START SAVING FOR COLLEGE Got kids? They’re going to need some kind of post-secondary training to succeed in the 21st century. Don’t worry right now about whether they’ll get a four-year degree. You probably can’t save enough to pay the whole bill for that anyway. But whatever you save can reduce future student loan debt for whatever education they wind up getting.

A state-run 529 college savings plan is the best place for most families to save, and many states offer tax benefits (search for your state’s name and “529 tax break” to see what’s available).

You’re not restricted to your own state’s plan, though, so if you don’t qualify for a tax benefit in your own state, then consider one of the four plans Morningstar named as best in the country: •Illinois’ Bright Start Direct-Sold College Savings Program •Nevada’s The Vanguard 529 College Savings Plan •Utah’s my529 •Virginia’s Invest529 plan Go to the plan’s site to open an account, then set up an automatic transfer from your checking account. You typically can start with $25 per month or less, depending on the plan. The simplest investment choice is usually an age-weighted option, which gets more conservative as college gets closer.

ROLL OVER A RETIREMENT ACCOUNT Don’t risk losing track of your retirement money. If you currently have a good 401(k) plan at work, call the plan’s toll-free number to find out if it will accept a rollover from your previous job’s account. (What’s a good plan?

One indicator is that it offers low-cost options, such as target date funds with an annual expense ratio under 0.66 percent, which is the current industry average.) If the plan accepts rollovers, ask for help in getting started—filling out the forms takes just a few minutes if you have the account number for your old plan.

Another option is to roll your old 401(k) into an IRA, where you’ll typically have more investment options.

Open an account with an IRA custodian —Vanguard and Fidelity are two good, low-cost options, or choose Betterment or Wealthfront if you’re looking for a computerized robo-advisor that will manage the money for you. These sites’ online IRA rollover forms will guide you through the process.

(This column was provided to The Associated Press by the personal finance website NerdWallet. Liz Weston is a columnist at NerdWallet, a certified financial planner and author of “Your Credit Score.”)

Building bridges BRIDGES FROM B1

ated the world and deposited the elements of creation in Ile-Ife. The city of Ile-Ife is widely known for its many sacred shrines and spiritual sites that are meant to regularly highlight, promote and remember the Yoruba race and its cultural identities. The members of the NNPA delegation were able to visit many of these shrines and sites during their visit to the historical land.

Over the course of their visit to Ile-Ife, Nigeria, the NNPA will be participating in all aspects of The Olojo Festival and will be sharing many pictures, videos and coverage of this awe-inspiring and culturally significant annual celebration with its many readers.

(Jeffrey L. Boney is a political analyst and international correspondent for the NNPA Newswire and BlackPressUSA.com and serves as associate editor for the Houston Forward Times newspaper.)

OPINION

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

OCTOBER 10-16, 2018

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Constitutional right to counsel is meaningless under dismal current public defender system

Guest Editorial

Mrs. Trump’s visit to Africa Melania Trump is following through on her promise to make Africa her first solo international destination as the first lady. She arrived on Oct. 2 in Accra, Ghana where she was formally greeted at the airport by Ghana’s first lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo.

Her first trip ever to the continent includes visits to three other African nations including Kenya, Egypt and Malawi.

Mrs. Trump’s visit has not seen the headlines some had hoped for as her husband continues his fight with the Senate Judiciary Committee to get his U.S. Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh appointed. He is also on a multi-city MAGA tour to rally voters for the November mid-term elections to keep Democrats from winning back the Senate.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Trump will be spending time with school children, visiting hospitals and getting a taste of the people of Africa’s gracious hospitality, along with experiencing each country’s rich history and culture. She is also promoting her Be Best campaign that focuses on children and healthy living, cyberbullying and drug abuse.

What may be lost on this trip is the face of the New Africa. Despite the misguided attitude by the Trump Administration on Africa reflected in his offensive remark, made reportedly while hosting Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari last April, during which he called Africa and Haiti “s—hole” countries, Africa is experiencing a renaissance.

To be clear, Africa is not a country. It is a continent with 54 sovereign nations that collectively are demonstrating a fast-growing economic surge that appears strong, long-lasting and is surpassing many other developing countries. New leadership among many African countries has vowed to end corruption and to begin investing in their most precious commodity — their youth. Substantial investment and trade relationships have been built outside of the U.S. with other nations including China which continues to invest billions of dollars into Africa’s infrastructure. Just this week, global hotel chain Marriott International announced its “extensive expansion” plan for seven new hotels in Africa and to grow to over 200 hotels with more than 37,000 rooms by 2022. The company is currently present in 20 African countries.

Africans across the diaspora, including African Americans in the U.S. in search of their roots, heed the invitation to “Come Home;” they’re discovering affordable, safe and new travel options offered by airlines that include Ethiopian Airways and Kenya Airlines.

Mrs. Trump’s visit couldn’t be timelier although some Africans are still trying to understand the reason for her visit. She is welcome, they say but not her husband. But as Ghanaian journalist Elizabeth Ohene wrote in the Daily Graphic Online: “I wish I had had input in drawing up the program for this visit. I would have put Mrs. Trump in touch with my dressmaker to make her a kente jacket to rival her famous “I Really Don’t Care, Do U?” jacket.

(Reprinted from the The Washington Informer)

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(TriceEdneyWire.com)—“Reason and reflection require us to recognize that in our adversary system of criminal justice, any person hauled into court, who is too poor to hire a lawyer, cannot be assured a fair trial unless counsel is provided for him. This seems to us to be an obvious truth…

From the very beginning, our state and national constitutions and laws have laid great emphasis on procedural and substantive safeguards designed to assure fair trials before impartial tribunals in which every defendant stands equal before the law.

This noble ideal cannot be realized if the poor man charged with crime has to face his accusers without a lawyer to assist him.”—U.S. Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black It’s familiar to anyone who’s ever watched a cops-and-robbers drama on television or in the movies: You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you at public expense.

It’s enshrined in the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: “In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to…have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.”

Despite this constitutional mandate, poor defendants who could not afford lawyers to represent them were not guaranteed representation at public expense until 1963, thanks to a defendant named Clarence Earl Gideon. Convicted of burglary after having been forced to act as his own lawyer, Gideon studied the law in

Marc H. Morial

To Be Equal prison and appealed to the Supreme Court. The landmark decision resulting from his case, Gideon v. Wainright, required states to provide an attorney to defendants in criminal cases who are unable to afford their own attorneys.

In the 230 years since the ratification of the constitution, and more than a half-century since Gideon v.

Wainright, the United States has failed miserably in its duty to guarantee equal justice to rich and poor alike. The public defender system is broken, leaving thousands of poor detainees stranded in local jails—unable to raise enough money under discriminatory cash bail policies—waiting months or even years for a desperately overworked lawyer to be assigned to his or her case. The system forces innocent men and women to plead guilty, just to get out of jail and return to their families and their jobs.

In Missouri, which ranks near the bottom for public spending on defending the poor, the desperate head of the state public defender office appointed Gov. Jay Nixon to represent

an indigent defendant. Nixon had vetoed legislation to cap caseloads for Missouri’s public defenders, who average 240 cases each per year.

Nixon fought the assignment and won but the point had been made. According to the National Association for Public Defense, public defenders are handling three to five times as many cases as they can reasonably handle competently. The American Bar Association has been referring to public defender workloads as a crisis for more than 30 years.

New York State has taken steps to reform its public defender system.

A new law authorizes the state’s Office of Indigent Legal Services to establish and uphold standards that address the presence of counsel at a criminal defendant’s first court appearance; reasonable limits on the defenders’ caseloads; proper training, supervision, and support staff for attorneys; and access to resources needed to mount an effective defense. While the legislation leaves counties responsible for funding public defenders, the state will reimburse cities and counties for the cost of complying with the new standards.

Funding to defend the poor is an easy target for cash-strapped local governments, but in the process of budget-cutting, we diminish our integrity as a nation committed to justice. Constitutional guarantees are meaningless if we are unwilling to base our public policy on our highest ideals.

Where do we go from here?

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—Where do we go from here is a question Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. raised when we Black people were desperately trying to be treated as human beings in this country. All of my life, as a woman and as a Black person, I’m still asking that question because equality has been beyond reach for me as a woman and as a Black person.

As I watched so many White women being arrested in Washington, DC in support of the rights and treatment of women, I couldn’t help but wonder if they could relate to how my ancestors have felt since they were brought to this country against their will and treated as less than human. I wondered if this concern for humanity would last after the Kavanaugh decision is finalized.

As I watched those five elderly White Republican men stand behind the microphone on Capitol Hill with angry and self-righteous words with a “How dare anyone question what we are doing?” attitude, I couldn’t help but wonder what this means for the country many of us have tried so hard to see as fair and concerned about all of her citizens.

I’ve heard the ACLU speak out against Judge Brett Kavanaugh. We have seen the American Bar Association withdraw its support after seeing a raging performance from the man who wants to be on the Supreme Court. We’ve seen the Nation-

Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.

Commentary

can depend upon to help us through this. Dr. Butts indicated that “the Progressive National Baptist Convention has been compelled to step forward amidst the worsening crisis at the heart of American life to reaffirm the commitment of the Church of Jesus Christ to Truth and Justice.”

Dr. Butts went on to say, “…it’s always been the African American Church that has led the way forward along the moral arc of American history. And so, we have called this press conference for the express purpose of explicitly and intentionally enjoining the conversation as the alternative yet the most authentic Christian voice in this critical hour…And so, we have called this press conference for the express purpose of explicitly and intentionally enjoining the conversation as the alternative yet the most authentic Christian voice in this critical hour.”

If you miss it live, I urge you to get a copy of the press conference to be held Wednesday, Oct. 10t at the Press Club in Washington, D.C. Progressive National Baptist Convention and many other Black churches, unlike the White and often racist Conservative Evangelical movement, have always led the way forward to justice for all. We need to hear from them to hear where we go from here.

al Council of Churches call for the withdrawal of the nomination of Kavanaugh for a position on the Supreme Court. At one time, we would welcome something going to the Supreme Court, but Kavanaugh’s performance has made that thought a scary one for any of us who spend our days seeking justice. No matter what was said, there was never an honest or thorough effort to confirm or deny the allegations against the person seeking a position on the highest Court in the land. I believed Dr. Christine Ford as the judge denied everything. The performance we saw from Judge Kavanaugh would disqualify him from service on the Court that is the final authority on justice for those of us who are required to seek it on nearly everything that concerns us.

In a conversation with the Rev. Dr. Calvin Butts a short time ago, it was comforting to know that I’m just one of many with serious concern (Dr. E. Faye Williams is National President about what is going on and who we of the National Congress of Black Women.)

Time stopped for me on Sept. 27 (NNPA)—I did not intend to watch Dr. Christine Blasey Ford’s testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding her allegations of sexual assault on the part of Judge Brent Kavanaugh. I was busy preparing to head out of town. I figured that I would get the relevant parts of her testimony later in the day online. And, at the end of the day, I knew what she was going to allege.

For reasons that I cannot explain, something led me to turn on the television to watch the testimony. I found myself glued to the screen. Everything else seemed to get blocked out as she spoke, very convincingly and very passionately, about her experience. I fumed when she was asked questions by Republican hired gun and prosecutor Rachel Mitchell. Despite her pretend appearance as a sympathetic inquisitor, at the end of the day, as demonstrated this past Sunday in her memo on the case, she turned out to be anything but sympathetic.

Due to my schedule I was unable to listen to Kavanaugh’s response. Yet what struck me was the immediate response to Dr. Ford’s testimony by so many people across the political spectrum. Several commentators immediately noted that her testimony was devastating for the Republicans. Despite that, and true to form, the Republican propaganda machine went to work at once attempting to reverse the current, suggesting that Dr. Ford’s testimony and other allega-

Bill Fletcher Jr.

Commentary

been something wrong with Dr. Ford and others who have brought forward allegations against Judge Kavanaugh because they failed to raise their concerns earlier is specious. It is an allegation that can only be made by someone(s) who has not faced ridicule, harassment and self-doubt in response to their experiences with sexual harassment or assault.

And, to top this all off, Trump worries that the #MeToo movement and those who aligned with it, constitute a threat to powerful men.

Maybe Trump is correct. Indeed, maybe rich and powerful men who believe that they are the masters of the universe and masters over the bodies of women should be worried.

tions against Kavanaugh, were aimed at destroying the reputation of a good man.

But what about the good woman?

What about someone who is facing death threats for coming forward?

What about the person who has been ridiculed by the political Right?

(Bill Fletcher Jr. is the former president of As I wrote last week, the continuous suggestion that there must have TransAfrica Forum.)

CLASSIFIED New Pittsburgh Courier

B4

OCTOBER 10-16, 2018

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

CHIEF OF STAFF

DIRECTOR OF RAIL SERVICE DELIVERY

Port Authority is seeking a Chief of Staff to serve as special advisor to the General Manager/CEO. Responsible for the coordination and collaboration between senior staff, departments and the GM/CEO. Responsible for prioritization of GM/ CEO’s calendar. Responsible for consistent communications of the organization’s vision with all Port Authority of Allegheny County’s (PAAC) stakeholders; customers, employees, community partners, and the public overall. Represents the GM/CEO at meetings when required and advises the GM/CEO by providing extensive professional assistance, project management, and recommendations on organizational issues. This position performs highly responsible management work covering a broad range of activities.

Essential Functions: •Assists the General Manager with the overall management and administration of program activities and internal operations. Advises the GM/CEO on a variety of issues that arise both internally and externally; working as an extension of the GM/CEO, thinking and operating strategically.

•Works with Senior Staff /Directors in assisting the General Manager with interactions with various internal and external constituencies.

Provides executive project management, acts on authority of the GM/CEO to oversee projects that typically require cross-functional collaboration and resource allocation. Reviews action items decided on in each strategic meeting and prepares a written summary, confirming project owner, timelines and adequate sign-offs.

Job requirements include: •BA/BS degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Urban Planning or related field from an accredited school. Relevant experience may substitute for education on a year-for year basis.

•Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in the management of complex public programs, of which five ( years is in an executive or senior management role.

•Must have excellent organization, communication, facilitation, and analytical skills.

•Must understand Board and operating policies and procedures necessary to ensure appropriate organizational decision-making processes are followed.

•Must possess a highly collaborative nature, with outstanding diplomacy, analytical and organizational skills.

Preferred attributes: •Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration or Urban Planning.

•Prior Chief of Staff experience.

•Transit experience.

We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. nterested candidates should forward a cover letter (with salary requirements) and resume to: Inez Colon Employment Department 345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 IColon@portauthority.org EOE

SONNY BOY

Port Authority is seeking a Director of Rail Service Delivery to implement and execute business strategies for light rail passenger operations including functional areas of light rail service delivery, rightof-way, LRT systems and power, Operations Control Center (OCC), equipment maintenance, manpower and other rail operations duties.

Investigate service delivery problems and initiate corrective and preventive actions. Address capacity and optimal efficiency in all areas.

Evaluate general service levels and make recommendations for improvement.

Essential Functions: •Plans, directs, and manages all phases of day-to-day light rail service delivery, OCC, LRT Systems & Power, Way and the administrative activities of the Rail Departments.

Assists with the development and implementation of strategic and departmental goals and objectives for Port Authority’s light rail system operations and maintenance to include, traction power, signals, track, bridges and rail structures. Ensures that all projects, programs and strategic plans are within established deadlines to facilitate the accomplishment of Port Authority’s strategic mission.

•Manages department matters relating to hiring, promotions, transfers, evaluations, training, other personnel actions and monitors standardized Port Authority programs, such as health and safety, drug and alcohol, attendance, workers’ compensation and safety as they relate to rail operations. Mentor and develop staff to improve accountability and results.

Job requirements include: •High School Diploma or GED. •BA/BS degree in Transportation, Business Administration, Public Administration or directly related field from an accredited school. Directly related experience may be substituted for the education on a yearfor-year basis.

•Minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in the areas of light rail operations and/or right-of-way maintenance.

•Minimum of four (4) years of supervisory/management experience in light rail operations.

•Thorough knowledge and understanding of light rail transit systems operations.

•Experience overseeing multi-million dollar capital projects.

•Experience working with FTA and state safety oversight agencies.

•Extensive knowledge of FTA regulations, including relevant new legislation affecting railroad operations.

•Effective and professional communication skills.

•Customer focused, well organized and results oriented.

•Demonstrated ability in the use of Windows.

3 4 8

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT CENTER NONPROFIT PROGRAM MANAGER

DIRECTOR – OPERATIONS UNIVERSITY

ASSISTANT MANAGER OF ROAD OPERATIONS

The Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) program aims to improve the financial stability of City of Pittsburgh households by providing high quality, one-on-one financial education and counseling to low-income residents. The Program Manager will support the programmatic design and implementation of the initiative; act as the liaison between Advantage Credit Counseling Service, Inc. and referral partners and hosts; work with partners to problem-solve operational issues, including programmatic integration with host sites and referral relationships with other local government agencies; train all FEC employees and referral partners on the FEC mode; and other duties as required. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college and two years of supervisory experience required. Candidate must be willing to travel between multiple work sites in the City of Pittsburgh.

Email cover letter and resume to hmurray@advantageccs.org.

FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT CENTER FINANCIAL COUNSELOR

The Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) program aims to improve the financial stability of City of Pittsburgh households by providing high quality, one-on-one financial education and counseling to low-income residents. An FEC Counselor’s primary purpose is to provide education, counseling, and support regarding personal finances and credit issues for individuals and families. Duties shall include assess client needs and develop individual financial action plans with each client; provide individualized financial counseling sessions and achieve client outcomes; collect, track and report required data using client management database; successfully complete and pass counselor training; and other duties as required. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience of relevant work experience with some background in finance, financial education, counseling/coaching, or social service delivery required. Bilingual applicants are of interest for this position. Candidate must be willing to travel between multiple work sites in the City of Pittsburgh. Email cover letter and resume to hmurray@ advantageccs.org.

COURIER CLASSIFIEDS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Public Notice

Public Notice

Public Notice

NOTICE CITY OF PITTSBURGH

Notice is hereby given that the following amendments are being made to the 2017 and 2018 budgets of the City of Pittsburgh’s Community Development Block Grant Program: EAR

OR AL AMOUNT

EW AMOUNT

Homewood Concerned Citi ens

201

2, 00.00

0.00

Trinity Temple Church Homewood Concerned Citizens

201

0.00

2, 00.00

Westside

201

2, 00.00

0.00

Birmingham Foundation .

Westside Mustangs

ustangs

201

0.00

2, 00.00

Mt. Washington Community Center

2018

Birmingham Foundation t.

Washington Community Center

201

0.00

10,000.00

Saint Rosalia Food Bank

201

3,000.00

0.00

Saint Rosalia Church Saint Rosalia Food Bank

201

0.00

3,000.00

Pittsburgh Aids Task Force

201

Alliance For Health and Wellbeing

201

Intro to the Trades

2018

Energy nnovation Center nstitute, nc. 201

$10,000.00

,000.00 0.00 $10,000.00 0.00

$0.00

0.00 ,000.00 $0.00 10,000.00

CHA

E

-

ACT

T

SER CE AREA

- 2, 00.00

Public Service

Homewood

2, 00.00

Public Service

Homewood

- 2, 00.00

Public Service

West End

2, 00.00

Public Service

West End

-$10,000.00

Public Service

Mt. Washington

10,000.00

Public Service

t. Washington

- 3,000.00

Public Service

reenfield

3,000.00

Public Service

reenfield

,000.00

Public Service

Citywide

,000.00

-

6 7 5

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. nterested candidates should forward a cover letter (with salary requirements) and resume to: Amy Giammanco Employment Department 345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 AGiammanco@portauthority.org EOE

PRO ECT

0 2 1

Public Service

Citywide

-$10,000.00

Public Service

Citywide

10,000.00

Public Service

Citywide

The City of Pittsburgh is requesting comments on its proposed use of Community Development Block Grant funds and on the City’s past CDBG performance. Comments may be sent to: Michael Petrucci Assistant Director for Community Development Office of Mana e ent and d et 200 Ross Street, Suite 201 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 t is requested that comments be sent in no later than Tuesday, October 2 , 201 .

Port Authority is seeking a Director – Operations University to direct the design, planning, and implementation of Port Authority Operations University’s operations training programs for operators, maintenance and first-line supervisors to align with the objectives and strategies of Port Authority. Collaborates with functional management teams to assess ongoing and future training and development needs as well as effectiveness of established programs. Develops a program delivery schedule that provides operations training on a scheduled and as-needed basis. Approves new training techniques and suggests enhancements to existing training programs. Manages and develops operations training professionals.

Essential Functions: •Assesses training needs of operators and maintenance employees through surveys, interviews with employees, focus groups, and/ or consultation with managers, instructors, or customer representatives, and compiles the data into statistical reports. Liaises with management to ensure training and educational programs are achieving corporate goals.

•Directs the Operations training staff. Establishes goals and objectives, monitors and evaluates performance.

•Directs the development of Operations training materials, procedural manuals, and directs the purchase of equipment, media, software and other visual or technical aids in order to expedite learning. Continuously evaluates and researches new training materials that will enhance training procedures and provide value to employees including manuals, guides, and course materials. Makes recommendations for improvements and oversees implementation of changes.

Job requirements include: •High School Diploma or GED. •BA/BS in Business Administration, Education, Transportation, Communications, Industrial Relations or directly related field from an accredited school. May substitute training/ facilitating experience for education on a one-for-one year basis.

•Minimum of seven (7) years as a facilitator/trainer, including a minimum of three (3) years designing and delivering training courses and/ or workshops. inimum of five ( years of supervisory experience.

•Thorough knowledge of modern adult learning theories, instructional techniques/design and behavior modification.

•Experience delivering Operator and/or maintenance training.

•Experience in project management.

•Effective and professional communication skills.

•Demonstrated ability in the use of Microsoft Windows, Word and PowerPoint.

•Ability and willingness to work shifts and pass days.

Preferred attributes: •MA/MS in Business Administration, Education, Transportation, Communications, Industrial Relations or directly related field from an accredited school.

•Previous experience managing a transit university.

•Previous experience working in a union environment.

•PHR, SPHR, or comparable certification sponsored by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHR or HR Certification nstitute.

•Previous experience using Statistical Process Control methods.

We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. nterested candidates should forward a cover letter (with salary requirements) and resume to: Robyn Taylor Employment Department 345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 RTaylor@portauthority.org EOE

To place a display ad in the New Pittsburgh Courier call 412-481-8302 ext. 128 or 129

Port Authority is seeking an Assistant Manager of Road Operations to provide assistance and support to the Manager - Road Operations & Special Services and is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the daily operating and administrative activities within Road Operations. To develop, communicate and implement bus/rail detours for special service and special events.

Essential Functions: •Plans, assigns and oversees the daily activities of all Road Operations supervisors including preparing payroll, conducting picks, approving and monitoring all daily reports, and resolving departmental employee relation issues.

•Attends meeting with contractors, special events coordinators, engineers and planners to help determine service impacts. Monitors construction developments to minimize transit service delays, and as needed; coordinates with police to clear roadways for transit service.

•Oversees the restoration of service disrupted by inclement weather, disabled vehicles, accidents, constructions, and other unforeseen events and reroutes transit service disrupted by parades and other events, making the necessary adjustments to minimize service impacts.

Job requirements include: •High School Diploma or GED. •Minimum of three (3) years experience as a Bus/LRV Operator; or two (2) years experience in one of the following positions within Bus or Road Operations: Bus Route Foreman Bus nstructor Traffic Dispatcher.

•Willingness and ability to respond to 24-hour emergency calls.

•Effective and professional communication skills.

•Thorough knowledge of Port Authority service area.

•Demonstrated ability in the use of Windows.

•Customer focused.

•alid Commercial Driver’s Class B License with a “P” endorsement. * This is a Safety Sensitive position subject to all testing provisions under the Drug and Alcohol Policy, including random drug and alcohol testing. The person selected for this position may be required to be tested prior to being awarded the job.

Preferred attributes: •Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Transportation, Business Administration, Public Administration or related field from an accredited college or university.

•Supervisory experience.

We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. nterested candidates should forward a cover letter (with salary requirements) and resume to: Amy Giammanco Employment Department 345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 AGiammanco@portauthority.org EOE LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices

Estate of RUTH W. SPEER a/k/a RUTH VAN ARSDALE WHALEY SPEER, Deceased of Aleppo Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, o. 02-1 -0 2 . ohn C. an Arsdale III, Executor, 111 American School Road, Harmony, PA 16037 or to AUBREY H. GLOVER, Atty; BRENLOVE & FULLER, LLC, 401 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 1 01 Estate of GEORGE L. ROSTRON, Deceased of South Fayette Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania o. 02-1 -060 0. effrey .

Rostron, Executor, 3801 Grove Road, Gibsonia, PA 1 0 or to TODD A. F LLER, Atty , BRENLOVE & FULLER, LLC, 401 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 1 01

CLASSIFIEDS

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

ANNOUNCEMENTS

LEGAL ADVERTISING

Meetings

Bids/Proposals

CITY OF PITTSBURGH PUBLIC MEETING WENZELL AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION AND CARNAHAN ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT

The City of Pittsburgh invites you to attend a public meeting being held for the Wenzell Avenue Reconstruction and Carnahan Road Bridge Replacement Project.

This meeting offers an opportunity to view the new intersection configuration, the proposed replacement structure, plans for Maintenance and Protection of Traffic during construction and the construction schedule.

The project team will also be available to answer questions.

MEETING DETAILS Thursday, October 25, 2018; 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM OPEN HOUSE PUBLIC MEETING Banksville Park Shelter Banksville Park Crane Avenue & Carnahan Road Pittsburgh, PA 15220 For more information, please contact: Emily Gaspich, Project Manager City of Pittsburgh (412) 255-2472 or emily.gaspich@pittsburghpa.gov The meeting facility is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In addition, if you or an individual with whom you are familiar does not speak English as their primary language and who has a limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand English, and desires to participate in this meeting, or if you require special assistance to attend and/or participate in this meeting or need additional information, please contact Richard Meritzer, ADA Coordinator at the City of Pittsburgh, at (412) 255-2102 or richard.meritzer@ pittsburghpa.gov.

LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

NOTICE TO PROPOSERS

The Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County (SEA) will receive proposals for the project identified below. The contract for this work will be with the SEA. The Request for Proposals (RFP) may be obtained after the date identified below from Ryan Buries, Email: rburies@pittsburghcc.com, Telephone: (412) 3256179, Facsimile: (412) 325-6104.

This Advertisement applies to the following RFP: Project: Waste Water Treatment Plant UV System Replacement at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center (DLCC) RFP Available: Oct. 1, 2018 Time/Date/Location for Non-Mandatory Pre-Proposal Meeting: 10:00 AM Oct. 4, 2018 Time/Date/Location for Proposals: 3:00 PM Oct. 19, 2018, DLCC, SMG Admin. Office-East Lobby, 1000 Ft Duquesne Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

INVITATION FOR BIDS:

The Allegheny County Housing Authority (ACHA) is requesting bids from qualified contractors for the PORCH DECK TEMPORARY SHORING CONSTRUCTION AT MAPLEVIEW TERRACE. The ACHA encourages responses from women, minority, disadvantaged and veteran owned firms, as well as firms that have not previously performed work for the ACHA. LOCATION: MAPLEVIEW DRIVE BRADDOCK, PA 15104 CONTRACT: #ACHA-1604 – GC/GENERAL CONTRACTOR DOCUMENTS: Bid Documents will be on file and may be viewed after Tuesday/October 9, 2018 on the Pittsburgh Builder’s Exchange, or the McGraw-Hill websites, and may be obtained at the ACHA Central Office, 625 Stanwix Street, 12th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA, 15222, or by contacting the ACHA at 412-402-2464 or emailing ajamrom@achsng.com.

FEE: A non-refundable fee is required for each set of Contract Documents (certified check or money order only) $75 for hardcopy documents -or- no charge for emailed (electronic) documents.

PRE-BID CONFERENCE: Thursday/October18, 2018, at 10:00AM in the ACHA Central Office Board Room 625 Stanwix Street 12th Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

BIDS DUE: 2:00 PM local time on Thursday November 1, 2018 at the ACHA Central Office Board Room 625 Stanwix Street 12th Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222 at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.

Compliance is required with the Davis-Bacon Act and other Federal Labor Standard Provisions; Title VI and other applicable provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Department of Labor Equal Opportunity Clause (41 CFR 60-1.4); Section 109 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974; Executive Order 11625 (Utilization of Minority Business Enterprise); Executive Order 12138 (Utilization of Women Business Enterprise); in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; the Allegheny County MBE/WBE Program enacted July 1981, which sets forth goals of 13 percent MBE and 2 percent WBE; and the Allegheny County Ordinance #6867-12, setting forth goals of 5 percent Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSB).

Frank Aggazio, Executive Director, Allegheny County Housing Authority

OCTOBER 10-16, 2018

B5

SONNY BOY

BID

The City of Pittsburgh, Office of Management & Budget, on behalf of the Department of Mobility & Infrastructure invites all vendors to submit bids regarding: FIFB18000608 - East Carson Street - Streetscaping.

Further information is contained in the FIFB documents which can be viewed and downloaded at: http:// purchasing.pittsburghpa.gov/ beacon/.

PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY

Electronic Proposals will be received online at the Port Authority of Allegheny County’s Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.port authority.org).

Proposals/bid submittals will be due 11:00 AM on October 26, 2018 and will be read at 11:15 AM., the same day, at Port Authority’s Heinz location (345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2527), for the following: Electronic Proposal - Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness. portauthority.org) B180851A Bus Batteries B180952A Janitorial Supplies -General B180953A Janitorial Supplies-Cleaning Products B180956A Wheel Flange Lubrication Sticks-LRV Paper Proposal – Documents are available for the following item at Port Authority’s Main Offices 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania 15222-2527 B180955A Leasing & Servicing of Coach Tires 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 10:00am October 10, 2018 at Port Authority’s Heinz location (345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, 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 bidder’s proposal pricing.

Port Authority of Allegheny County hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively insure that in regard to any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprise will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award.

The Board of Port Authority reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

COURIER CLASSIFIEDS

LEGAL ADVERTISING

LEGAL ADVERTISING

LEGAL ADVERTISING

Bids/Proposals

Bids/Proposals

Bids/Proposals

INVITATION TO BID

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR ELECTRICAL SUPPORT AUTHORITY WIDE 2018 REBID IFB# 300-13-18-REBID

INVITATION TO BIDDERS/ OFFERORS THE PITTSBURGH WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY ADVERTISEMENT

The Washington County Housing Authority will receive separate, sealed bids for the following prime contract with the Authority as follows: INTERIOR RENOVATIONS & WINDOW REPLACEMENTS DONORA TOWNHOUSES DONORA, PA A certified check or bank draft payable to the Washington County Housing Authority, a US Government Bond or satisfactory Bid Bond executed by the Bidder and acceptable sureties in the amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the bid shall be submitted with each bid.

Bids will be received no later than 1:30PM/EST, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2018 at Washington County Housing Authority, 100 Crumrine Tower, Franklin Street, Washington, PA 15301 at which time the bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. Bids will be held by the Housing Authority for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days prior to contract award.

A Pre-Bid Meeting will be held at 9:00AM/EST, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2018. Interested parties are to meet at the Project Site, 1335 McKean Avenue, Donora, PA. Plans, specifications and contract documents may be examined at the following location: The Pennsylvania Builders Exchange Pittsburgh, PA 15233 www.pbe.org or obtained at the office of the Architect, Shaeffer & Madama, Inc., 57 Fourteenth Street, Wheeling, WV 26003. A CD containing Specifications and Drawings is available for a $25.00 non-refundable payment.

The work to be performed under this contract is a Section 3 Project under provisions of the Housing & Urban Development Act of 1968, as amended, and must, to the greatest extent feasible, provide opportunities for training and employment for lower-income residents of the project and contracts for work in connection with the project be awarded to business concerns which are located in, or owned by, Washington County residents. Particular attention is directed to requirements of Executive Order 11246, 11625 and 12138, as well as Section 3 requirements, as set forth in the Specifications.

The Washington County Housing Authority reserves the right to reject any or all bids or waive any informality in the bidding.

STEPHEN K. HALL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Equal Opportunity Housing Hearing Impaired Call TDD (724) 228-6083

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): ELECTRICAL SUPPORT AUTHORITY WIDE 2018 REBID IFB# 300-13-18-REBID The documents will be available no later than October 1, 2018 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 9:00 a.m. on October 19, 2018 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 Solicitation from the Business Opportunities page of www.HACP. org.

Questions or inquiries should be directed to: Mr. Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116 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 October 11, 2018 9:00 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.

HACP’s has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation.

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

CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS!

SEPARATE and SEALED BIDS for the following solicitation, will be received by the Office of Procurement, Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, 1200 Penn Ave., Second Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, until 2:00 PM Prevailing Time October 23, 2018. Bids must be received in the hands of and stamped in by a PWSA Procurement Officer in sufficient time prior to the opening in order for a bid to be considered.

INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR LARGE WATER METERS PWSA PROJECT NO. PWSA106 All bids must be submitted in accordance with the solicitation that can be obtained by sending an e-mail to Charlene Juratovic at cjuratovic@ pgh2o.com. There will be no charge for the solicitation, as it will be sent via e-mail. All questions relating to the solicitation itself shall be directed to Nicole Dickun, Procurement Manager, via e-mail to: ndickun@ pgh2o.com, no later than October 16, 2018 at 4:00 p.m.

No Bid Bond is required. Successful Bidder(s) will be required to submit a Performance Bond, for 10% of the awarded contract value, within 10 calendar days of award notification. Failure to submit a performance bond within the time frame required may be cause for the PWSA to rescind the award. Performance Security(s) shall be accompanied by an appropriate power-of-attorney from the surety firm to the agent issuing the Security.

The Contractor must assure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of their race, color, religion, sexual preference, sex, or national origin.

The Authority reserves the right to withhold the award of the Contract for a period of 90 days after the opening of the bids.

The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all bids, and to waive any informality or minor irregularity in any bid or bids. The Authority also retains the right to investigate the qualifications of bidders prior to any award and to award contracts only to contractors who, in the sole judgment of the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, are qualified and equipped to properly execute the specified work.

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Pick up your Courier at these locations...

GIANT EAGLE (15 Pittsburgh Locations) 6320 Shakespeare St., East Liberty (EAST, near BUSWAY) 4004 Monroeville Blvd., Monroeville (MONROEVILLE MALL) 230 Rodi Rd., Penn Hills (EAST inside Penn Hills Shopping Center) 9001 Frankstown Road. (EAST, corner of Frankstown and Verona Rd.) 550 Centre Ave., Shadyside (EAST, Market District) 3812 O’Neill Blvd., McKeesport (SOUTHEAST) 1356 Hoffman Blvd., West Mifflin (NEAR KENNYWOOD) 1901 Murray Ave., Squirrel Hill (EAST) 4250 Murray Ave., Greenfield (EAST) 254 Yost Blvd., Forest Hills/Braddock Hills (SOUTH EAST) 1705 S. Braddock Ave., Edgewood Towne Center (EAST) 420 East Waterfront Dr., Homestead (SOUTHEAST) 2021 Wharton Ave. (SOUTH SIDE FLATS) 318 Cedar Ave., North Side (NORTH near E. OHIO ST.) Crafton/Ingram Shopping Center, 51 Walsh Road (WEST END) NORTH SIDE LOCATIONS North Side Beer and Beverage, 1304 Federal St. 7-11, 1001 Western Ave. RICHEY’S BARBER SHOP 1207 N. Franklin St. NORTH SIDE VALERO 820 Pennsylvania Ave. RITE AID 802 Pennsylvania Ave. MARSHALL SHELL 1500 Spring Garden Ave. SWINKO’S MARKET 2535 Perrysville Ave.

MERCY STREET EXPRESS 6 Mercy St. HARV’S EXXON 2501 Brighton Rd. QUICK SCHWARTZ 3235 Brighton Rd. HANINI MARKET 3245 Brighton Rd. SOUTH SIDE LOCATIONS KEN’S MARKET 216 Beltzhoover Ave. Daily Mart 1125 Arlington Ave. SHOP N’ SAVE Brownsville Rd., Carrick WEST END LOCATIONS CRAFTON BEVERAGE 15 Foster Ave., Crafton/Ingram Shopping Center SHEETZ 5400 Campbells Run Rd. SHOP N SAVE 2103 Noblestown Rd. HILL DISTRICT LOCATIONS SHOP N’ SAVE 1850 Centre Ave. WONG’S MARKET 2170 Centre Ave. ANN’S MARKET 2316 Webster Ave. A-PLUS MINI MARKET 2350 Centre Ave. UJAMMA BOUTIQUE 1901 Centre Ave. K LEROY IRVIS TOWERS 715 Mercer St. ABE’S MARKET 1860 Centre Ave. WYLIE TOBACCO 2152 Wylie Ave. POPULAR EAST END

LOCATIONS GETGO 4924 Baum Blvd.

BP GAS STATION 11835 Frankstown Rd., Penn Hills PUFF’S DISCOUNT TOBACCO 10991 Frankstown Rd., Penn Hills SHOP N’ SAVE 3335 William Penn Hwy, near Monroeville Mall GETGO 10525 Frankstown Rd., Penn Hills CVS PHARMACY 10600 Frankstown Rd., Penn Hills SHELL GAS STATION 7619 Baum Blvd., Shadyside STANTON NEGLEY DRUG 804 N. Negley Ave., Highland Park UNIMART 5724 Ellsworth Ave., Shadyside SHELL GAS STATION 6701 Frankstown Rd., East Hills SQUIRREL HILL NEWS 5804 Forbes Ave., Squirrel Hill MURRAY AVE. NEWS 2024 Murray Ave., Squirrel Hill PUFF’S DISCOUNT TOBACCO 234 Yost Blvd., Braddock Hills DORSEY’S RECORDS 7614 Frankstown Ave., Homewood HOMEWOOD MARKET 7201 Frankstown Ave., Homewood SHEETZ 3457 William Penn Hwy., Monroeville WILLIAM PENN SMOKE SHOP 132 North Highland Ave., East Liberty DOWNTOWN LOCATIONS PENN AVENUE 7-11 (Sixth and Penn) Koppers Building (Ninth and Penn) NEWS-NUMBERS 136 Penn Avenue SMITHFIELD STREET

SMITHFIELD NEWS 115 Smithfield St. 7-11 SMITHFIELD 420 Smithfield St. GRANT STREET FABER COE & GREGG 500 Grant St. FABER COE & GREGG 600 Grant St. NIELSEN’S STORES One Oxford Centre, Grant St. WOOD STREET 7-11 429 Wood St. NEWSTAND Sixth and Wood ONE STOP 300 Sixth & Wood OTHER DOWNTOWN LOCATIONS INCLUDE...

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B6

OCTOBER 10-16, 2018

Jesse Louis Jackson is a civil rights icon (TriceEdneyWire.com)—Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson turned 77 on Oct. 8.Nobody has led a less storied life. He first took a public stand for civil rights when he was just a kid attempting to use the library in his hometown of Greenville, South Carolina.

His activism brought him to the attention of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and he served Dr. King for years before his assassination. From then, Rev. Jackson founded and led Operation Breadbasket, the Rainbow Coalition, and the Rainbow/ PUSH Coalition. Along the way he ran for President twice, gaining millions of multiracial votes and enough support to provide him with significant influence on Democratic platforms.

One of the most important things about Rev. Jackson is the way that he empowered others. When I listened to the “Colored Girls”—Minyon Moore, Yolanda Caraway, Leah Daughtry and Donna Brazile—speak their truth at the National Museum of African American History and Culture on October 1, I was reminded that Jackson has been pivotal in the lives of so many African American political figures.

We can call the roll, and name names, but I won’t do that for fear of leaving someone out. What I will say is that there would be no President Barack Obama were there not a Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm who ran for President in 1972, nor a Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson, who ran for President in 1984 and 1988.

Jackson changed the way that African American people saw ourselves politically. Before him, we thought we could not make a difference. Because of him, we

Julianne Malveaux

Commentary know that we can. Before him, we did not believe, in his words, that “the hands that picked peaches could pick Presidents.” Because of him Stacy Abrams is a possible winner (if we vote) as governor of Georgia; Andrew Gillum is a possible winner as governor of Florida, and unlikely candidates for Congress are poised to win.

Thanks to Rev. Jesse Jackson, African American people claimed political audacity. We don’t have to wait our turn, follow the rules, and defer to the status quo. We can, like Ayanna S. Pressley, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Lucy McBath, just buck up against the system and decide to do it our way. We don’t have to climb up the ladder of a broken party system, or wait for the blessing of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Instead, we can step out when the time is right and the possibilities are there.

Nearly 45 years after his historic run for President, Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson is engaged in multiple fights. He is fighting for social and economic justice, as he always has, ever since he defied library protocol and insisted on his right to have access to a taxpayer funded public library. He is fighting police brutality and the unnecessary murders of young Black men like Chicago’s own LaQuan McDonald. He is fighting for young people to thrive in a nation that is biased against them. And he is in the personal fight of his life, fighting Parkinson’s disease as passionately as he fights injustice.

Those of us who know Rev. well are excited by his good days, and concerned by the days that are not so good. We see the occasional slowed gait, shaking hands and slurred speech, but we also see the days when his rhetorical representation is as excellent as it ever was, and then we cheer.

We know that this is an indefatigable leader, one who will be no more slowed by a physical impediment than he has been by structural racism. And so we cheer whenever we see him stand up, whether he is standing on his own might, or whether he is assisted. We cheer the long and fruitful life of a civil rights icon who has made the world better for so many people, and opened the door for hundreds of African American politicians.

I am writing this from a profoundly biased space. I met Rev. Jackson nearly 50 years ago, when I was an Essence Magazine intern supervised by Chicagoan Leniece Taylor, who was a friend of Rev. Jackson’s. I’ve been connected since then, as a delegate in 1984, a campaign surrogate in 1988, a family friend, and most recently President of PUSH/EXCEL the education arm of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition.

I could not have been more delighted than when the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation bestowed Rev. Jesse and Mrs. Jacqueline Jackson a lifetime achievement award, both because they deserve it, but also because Mrs. Jackie doesn’t often get the recognition she should get as “the wind beneath his wings.” I’m biased, y’all, and that’s just that.

Our icon, our leader, is celebrating another birthday, and that’s a great thing!

He is fighting, as he always has, injustice; but he is also fighting Parkinson’s. And he is not yielding space in either fight. If you appreciate Rev. Jackson as much as I do, let him know! You can go to the Rainbow website, www.rainbowpush.org to send a note, or you can hit him up on Facebook.

Let’s rain this brother down with birthday blessings for his 77 years of service.

(Julianne Malveaux is an author and economist.)

FORUM

The welfare party has played Blacks since 1936!

At 20 years of won the primaage I was atry, but it did not Louis ‘Hop’ Kendrick tempting to decide materialize. which political I recall an inparty I would regcident that took ister with. Those place many years persons who were ago, when I lived registered Repubdown the Hill. I lican would state happened to drive Abraham Lincoln by a house around had freed the the corner and I slaves so we should always be Republisaw the constables evicting a family. can. Those who were registered DemoI pulled over and inquired from the crat would insist that I register Democonstables what was happening. They crat, because the messiah, Franklin D. replied, “We are just doing our job,” and Roosevelt, took control of the country then said it’s too bad because he has a when it was in the throes of a depreswife and three kids, but you know the sion and saved colored folks by creating magistrate, you can call before it’s too the welfare for coloreds. late.

I made the choice of registering Upon calling I was informed if I was Republican and was active for the willing to come in the next day and pay next 20 years or more. I recall at every the back rent, the eviction would be polling place there was a portrait of postponed, and the next morning I paid the late president Franklin D. Roosit. The young man thanked me and said, evelt. But the overwhelming majority “If I ever am able I will pay you back,” of current voters did not know who and I simply said, “Don’t worry, just he was. I also recall when Allegheny take care of your family.”

County ordered all of the portraits to A couple of years ago I was running be removed. for a local office and asked the same The Democratic Party has done a young man for his vote. His reply was, masterful job of owning and controlling “Are you a Democrat or Republican?” the Black vote over the years. Of all the I stated Republican and he responded ethnic voters that make up the Demohe could not vote for a Republican. cratic Party, Blacks have been the most Yes, they did an unbelievable job on loyal and predictable. Black Democrats us. really fooled them in the 1995 AlleghIt is more apparent in the year of 2018 eny County election when we voted that those who are referred to as leftist for the Allegheny County Republican or liberals or just regular Democrats commissioners, Larry Dunn and Bob have unbelievable influence over those Cramner. A perfect example was the whom contend they represent BLACK last presidential election; the DemoCONSTITUENTS. (Louis “Hop” Kendrick is a contributor to the cratic candidate, Hillary Clinton, had New Pittsburgh Courier.) counted the Black vote before she had

To Tell The Truth

Did the First Lady make a colonial fashion statement in Africa?

First Lady, Melania Let’s look at other Trump, announced in J. Pharaoh Doss historical factors August she’ll travel and see if the critito Africa without her cism was warranted. husband, the PresMelania Trump ident of the United is from Slovenia, States. Her solo which was part of trip will be her first Yugoslavia. visit to the continent.

Now, from 1900 to She stated she was the start of World excited to educate War I there were herself on the issues African children 23 European countries, seven Europefaced, plus learn about Africa’s rich culture an powers colonized Africa. They were and history.

Britain, France, Germany, Belgium, This sounds well-meaning and unconSpain, Portugal, and Italy. One problem troversial. with the term European colonialism is After she arrived the First Lady went that it indicts 16 other countries that on a Safari in Kenya’s Nairobi National weren’t involved, and Yugoslavia wasn’t Park, and photographs surfaced of the formed until after World War I. First Lady, traveling in a jeep, wearing Yugoslavia never embarked on a colonial a white pith helmet (a safari sun hat). enterprise in Africa, besides between Since the First Lady is a former model, World War I and World War II anti-cosome members of the press treat everylonial movements rose and the imperithing she wears as fashion statements al power of Europe declined. Decades to be read like one of President Donald following World War II independence Trump’s insulting tweets. finally came to fruition for many African Headlines claimed: Melania Trump countries. raised eyebrows by wearing a controMeanwhile, during World War II, versial white hat that evoked colonialist Yugoslavia was invaded by the Nacomparisons. zis and occupied until the end of the The Gentlemen’s Gazette informed war. After Nazi occupation Yugoslavia its readership the white pith hat was eventually reorganized into the Socialwidely used by European militaries in ist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Slotheir colonies throughout Africa. The venia and five other territories formed Guardian associated the hat with White this republic, which was governed by colonialist rule and called the hat a the League of Communists of Yugoslasymbol of status and oppression. The via.

New York Times insisted that the sight Melania Trump was born in 1970. of a First Lady wearing something so By 1970, 39 out of 53 African countries closely associated with the exploitation were independent, and Slovenia was of Africa was a big error on the global still a part of the Socialist Federal Restage. public of Yugoslavia run by the league of And now, the academics. communists. Slovenia didn’t become an Kim Yi Dionne, a political science independent nation until 1991. professor who specializes in Africa These historical factors do not connect at the University of California, Rivthe First Lady to colonialism. erside, said, “Her attire is a signal of The only things she has in common her understanding of what Africa is with the colonizers of Kenya is Europein 2018. It’s tired and it’s old and it’s an ancestry and white skin, but I guess inaccurate.” And Matt Carotenuto, that’s enough to make her an accomplice historian and coordinator of African to historical wrongs. studies at St. Lawrence University, I agree, historical context matters, but said, “It’s like showing up to a meeting intellectual honesty is also a requireof African American cotton farmers in a ment.

(J. Pharaoh Doss is a contributor to the New confederate uniform…historical context Pittsburgh Courier.) matters.”

Check It Out

Letter To The Editor

Your ideas help make our schools safer Dear editor: Following the tragic school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in February, I asked the educators and support professionals who belong to the Pennsylvania State Education Association to send me their ideas for making our schools safer.

Several of our members said student wellness must be a priority.

That means investing in more school counselors, school psychologists, social workers, school nurses, and other specialists.

There are students in every school who struggle with physical and emotional health and need our support and encouragement. Research shows that when a student has a meaningful connection with at least one adult in school, that student is better able to

navigate challenges and solve problems.

As PSEA president, I shared nearly 1,000 ideas from our members with Gov. Wolf and state lawmakers. Many of the best suggestions were incorporated into a bipartisan school safety law passed in June that includes $60 million in grants for a menu of security, prevention, and counseling programs.

We have made a tremendous amount of progress in a short period of time, but more work remains to be done. We appreciate that elected leaders from both parties are listening to educators so that together we can take the necessary steps to prevent tragedies in our schools before they happen.

Dolores McCracken President, PA State Education Association

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

When a father…

by Sean C. Bowers (NNPA)—Seeing one’s son, not as the next generational offspring, but rather as “competition” sets the stage for a toxic relationship.

Because fathers are supposed to discipline and guide their sons, it is incumbent upon fathers to be able to exemplify self-discipline and leadership. When fathers are undisciplined or scatterbrained, this causes their sons to see they can choose to emulate these behaviors or to try and avoid the same failed traits. When fathers are absent or mentally checked out of the father / son dynamic, this leaves sons to puzzle their own survival skills, direction, and life plan.

Some fathers actually see their sons competing for Mom’s time, love and attention. Later, these types of fathers view their sons’ successes as somehow up-staging Dad—showing him up. Narcissism in fathers is all too common in today’s America: Over half of our children come from divorced homes.

Destructive Dads pass down their flawed insecurities and fears to their sons, sometimes knowingly, sometimes unaware. Narcissism’s biggest danger is the father-in- question’s ability to self-justify or rationalize their limited mental approach to the task of raising their sons in a positive, loving environment.

While healthy competition can breed success in some sons who are particularly strong, self-willed, determined and focused, it can destroy the resiliency and competitive spirit of other young males who develop later than others.

The father who gains his self-worth at the detriment to his son, is not a father figure at all. These kinds of fathers can become a roadblock or an unnecessary hurdle, impeding a child’s progress, that must be cleared and broken free from out of self-preservation. Not all Dad’s are father material, nor are all Dads given the all-important good parental examples they can learn from and then replicate with their own sons in the future.

Cycles of bad parenting on the father’s side have become the low standard “norm” in America today. Bad habits may be passed down from one parent to one son at a time, from generation to generation. True fathers inspire and nurture their sons’ abilities to become standup, do-right men who are faithful and accountable.

We sons observe our fathers in awe at first, because of the size differential. But as the luster of the bluster wears off, sons see exactly what kind of man their fathers are by the way they treat and care for the women in their lives – their wives, their sons’ mothers, other relatives.

While children don’t ever come with instructions, it is clear that far too many fathers check out of their sons’ relationship, and may check out of their marital relationship, too. When he leaves, the son becomes the frontline natural protector of the mother and assumes the job and responsibility that is supposed to be the father’s at a time that factors that contribute to the son’s capacity to respect others and himself are most atrisk.

We sons, who were forced to grow up too early, lose our childhood innocence because our fathers were not men enough to complete the jobs they started by becoming fathers in the first place. This can build bitterness and resentment that too many young, men who are still developing shoulders strong enough to lean on, are not prepared to deal with. All too often, the adult versions of these sons rain down their bitterness and resentment on the women and children in their lives.

Passing down this flawed angry gene of uncontrollable rage, anger and physical violence are learned and emulated responses from over-exposure to their father’s lack of responsibility.

Anyone can be a dad for a day, but being a real father is a completely different challenge. So, when do the obligations on fathers to their sons end? In a perfect world, they end when each son turns eighteen and technically becomes his own man. For those who don’t know or didn’t experience their fathers in their lives, their experience can either make or break the sons permanently in their life-growth cycle.

No father has the right to pass down his anti-woman, sexist, racist, classist, chauvinistic tendencies. Yet, it is by their actions that this becomes exactly what they do, in an ever-expanding pattern of continuing to be a creator and the breaker of family circles.

All we can do as sons of absent fathers, is prepare ourselves for life as best we can with those positive male role models in our lives—our neighbors, family, friends or coaches—that we may be lucky enough to learn from. This means watching, but not repeating the existing poor examples and finding and charting our own course of self-discovery to manhood.

Otherwise, we run the risk of repeating the sins of the father in perpetuity.

Turning to the heavenly Father can help, but ultimately the son’s future destiny to do and be better, is only located in one place: Within every son is a sense of selfworth, of right and wrong. A real Father is: Faithful, Accountable, Teaching, Helping, Every, Relationship.

(Sean C. Bowers is a progressive youth development coach, author and poet, who has written for the nation’s third oldest Black newspaper, The New Journal and Guide of Norfolk, Va.)

SPORTS New Pittsburgh Courier

B7

OCTOBER 10-16, 2018

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

NOW THAT’S MORE LIKE IT Steelers’ big win felt a little ‘unexpected’

by Aubrey Bruce For New Pittsburgh Courier

There was a certain cloud of doom hanging over Heinz Field as Steeler Nation anticipated the invasion of the Atlanta Falcons playing the Steelers, Oct. 7. Both teams were reeling from sudden and unexpected losses to begin their season and as of game time, neither squad seemed to have discovered the antidote to end their misfortunes. But when the final gun sounded, the Steelers, on a very hot and humid afternoon at Heinz Field, achieved a very, very unexpected 41-17 victory over a usually high-flying Falcons team.

The Falcons swooped into Pittsburgh flying very eagle-like with that predatoJAMES CONNER leaps over the line for the Steelers’ first touchdown of the game against the Atlanta Falcons, Oct. 7. Conner had a com- ry “look” in their eyes, talplete game in the team’s 41-17 victory. (Photos by Courier photographer Brian Cook) ons gleaming and extended focused on their prey. But they exited the Steel City appearing as if they were related to a flock of New York City Central Park pigeons, waiting for a few stale bread crumbs to be tossed their way.

There was something different about this day, this game and this team.

During their previous four games when facing the offensive coordinators of the Browns, Chiefs, Buccaneers and Ravens, Keith Butler, the defensive coordinator of the Steelers, appeared to be playing checkers in regards to his defensive game

Steelers soar over Falcons

Although the Pittsburgh offense was by far the most balanced it’s been all season, the “bromance” between Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and wide receiver Antonio Brown almost short-circuited Pittsburgh’s offensive momentum right before the intermission. With 34 seconds left in the first half, and the Steelers hanging on to a 13-10 lead, the Steelers had the ball, firstand-goal at the Atlanta 7-yard line. Roethlisberger attempted a pass to Brown which was incomplete. On the very next play when “Big” Ben attempted to force a pass to his “buddy,” the pass was intercepted by the Falcons, erasing a possible three or six points from the board for the Steelers!

Brown seemed to exhibit a sort of “pseudo” modesty after the game. When Brown was asked, “Does it feel good to have your first 100yard receiving game (for the 2018 season?)” Brown acted as if he didn’t notice.

“Well, I’m counting wins.

You can probably ask Dom (Rinelli) how many (100yard) games I got.”

Hmm, or maybe someone should ask Randy Fichtner, the Steelers’ offensive coordinator, how many 100yard receiving games that Antonio Brown has, being as though Fichtner bore the brunt of Brown’s wrath during the Steelers’ loss to the Kansas City Chiefs at

ANTONIO BROWN celebrates after scoring one of his two touchdowns, while JuJu Smith-Schuster makes a nice catch for a touchdown in the Steelers’ convincing win over the Falcons, Oct. 7.

Black sports talk show coming to Savoy! And ‘Night School’ should only be seen at night!

by Bill Neal For New Pittsburgh Courier

:10—At long last, a project “7” years in the making will kick off in Pittsburgh with the force of a “Shaq Daddy Mega-Ton Glass Breaking Slam Dunk.” “Champions Live” Sports and Entertainment Talk Show will premiere live every Thursday night beginning Thursday, Nov. 1. The combined effort of Achieving Greatness Inc., CEO, Bill Neal (that would be me!) along with Chuck Sanders, former Penn Hills star, Slippery Rock All-American, Pittsburgh Steeler and owner of the Savoy, along with the New Pittsburgh Courier. :09—“Champions Live” continued…The show will feature Neal, who has 30plus years in TV and radio broadcasting beginning at WYEP and continuing through WAMO and several live venues including James Street Café and the Crawford Grill. “Team Champion” will also include veteran sportscaster and NFL scout “Smokin’ Jim” Frazier, University of Pittsburgh basketball star and City League Hall of Famer legend Darelle Porter, Pittsburgh sports specialist Keith Davis and sports author Major Mark Whited.

The show will be the only Black-owned, Black-produced and Black-directed sports talk show in Western Pa. and will feature weekly sports celebrities, players, coaches and teams. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Showtime is at 6:30 p.m.! See ya at the

Savoy!!! :08—Now to the matter at hand. Yes, I am at the game, why wouldn’t I be? The opening drive only supports what I’ve been telling ya out the gate. Le’Veon who?

There is no “I” in TEAM; No man is an Island; Dance with the one that comes!

You can line up all the ____ that you want. I am dancin’ with James Conner. When

be scoring because neither defense can stop anybody.

(Editor’s Note: The Steelers ended up winning, 41-17) :05—BTW…For you dinosaurs, that means “by the way” (OK, you got me, I just learned it myself), we can’t let Tiger and the Ryder Cup team off the hook. Way to go, you bums. :04—You wanna movie review, yes you do, yes

TIFFANY HADDISH stars alongside Kevin Hart in “Night School.”

(AP PHOTO) you see Conner just think of Rocky Bleier—overcame the odds, overcame adversity, hard-nosed, steel-town mentality. That’s my guy! :07—Hey Ma…Hey Pa… Here’s a surprise, the Pittsburgh Steelers are running the football. Go figure. You mean to tell me if your offensive line opens holes somebody can actually run through it? WOW! :06—Oh yea, my prediction for the game—Steelers 34 – Falcons 24. There will

you do! Well you’re going to get it and you’re gonna like it! #1. For the sake of your future go see Fahrenheit 11/9. I am telling you for the second time because I went to see it a second time…it’s that good. #2.

Night School should only be seen at night…late at night while everybody’s sleeping.

Three funny spots if that!

And look, as much as I want Tiffany Haddish to have all her dreams come true, can we please stop with all the

“colored jive”…the ghetto lingo! Enough already. Five Basketballs for 11/9. Only two for Night School. :03—Another thing while I’m venting. Denzel, I know you’re the man. I mean really the man. “King Kong ain’t got nothin’ on you!” But, can you dress it up every now and then. I mean wearing a fitted suit and a tie won’t kill ya. I am just saying! :02—Back to the Bozo calling the Steelers plays.

You get lucky off a penalty, you’re inside the 20, WHYDON’T-YOU-RUN-THEDAMN-BALL-LIKE-YOUD I D - T H E - L A S T- T I M E YOU-WERE-THEREWITH-CONNER?????

C’MON MAN! :01—So here’s your playbook. Thursday, Nov. 1 you need to be at the Savoy for the premier of “Champions Live” Sports Talk Show. The opening show will feature the 2018 City League Hall of Fame Class. The show will be streamed live on YouTube and Facebook. Friday, Nov. 2, back to the Savoy for the Welcome Home Reception for the City League Hall of Fame. Come one, Come all.

Hey everybody, Marvin Batts is coming home. Hoo-Rah! :00—Please vote, vote, vote or can’t you see what Trump and his White House is doing right in front of your open eyes.

They just added another (you know what!) to the Supreme Court. So you’re just gonna forget all about Bill Cosby, huh? Ya’ll cold.

O.J….please shut up… forever!

GAME OVER.

STEELERS CB JOE HADEN shut down the very potent Atlanta Falcons receiver Julio Jones, in the Steelers’ 41-17 victory, Oct. 7. plan while the opposing offensive coordinators were playing chess.

Everyone was pining about the subpar defensive talent that the Steelers were trotting onto the field, but many observers failed to point out that many of the defensive schemes that Mr. Butler devised never transitioned from the blackboard to the gridiron.

Extraordinary Steelers cornerback Joe Haden had his mojo working on the Falcons’ all-world wide receiver Julio Jones, blanket-

Heinz Field a few weeks ago.

The Steelers defense also received a few “questionable” penalties and Mike Tomlin was not pleased. As far as the hands-to-the-face calls on Steelers linebacker Bud Dupree: “Those look like legitimate calls, we got to get better there but some of the other stuff is a joke. We got to get a better National Football League.

These penalties are costing people games and jobs. We got to get them correct so I am pissed about it, to be

ing him for almost 60 minutes. Haden limited Jones to a mere five catches for a measly 62 yards. That, my friends, is a very seldom accomplished feat by any defensive back that is charged with covering Jones.

quite honest with you.”

The following is my advice to the NFL. If a dragon is asleep, don’t provoke it unless your fire retardant suit has been tested.

(Aubrey Bruce: abruce@newpittsburghcourier.com)

B8

PEOPLE

OCTOBER 10-16, 2018

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

A moment fit for a ‘Princess’

PRINCESS FERGUSON receives a proclamation from Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, Sept. 25. Ferguson rushed passengers waiting at the Station Square “T” station to safety after a train derailed from a hillside, Aug. 5. (Photos courtesy Allegheny County)

Port Authority employee Princess Ferguson receives proclamation for getting passengers to safety during train derailment

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

It turned out to be anything but a routine Sunday afternoon for Princess Ferguson.

Seated at her post at the Station Square “T” station, she said she heard “a real loud noise. I mean, I

couldn’t explain this noise at all.”

Seconds later, she saw the unthinkable—“I saw the trains coming over the hillside.”

Yes, train cars from a freight train which chuga-lugs on a hill above the T station’s tracks had tumbled onto the T’s tracks.

Thankfully, no one was injured, and no Port Authority trains were passing through the exact area near the Station Square

told them to get off, let’s go, let’s go, hurry, get off,” Ferguson said at a press conference a few days after the event.

Ferguson, along with a number of Port Authority of Allegheny County employees who were instrumental in responding to the train derailment, were honored and given county proclamations by county Executive Rich Fitzgerald and County Councilmember Denise Ranalli-Russell,

other employees always had thoughts of a freight train derailing onto what’s essentially “street level” below. “We always thought about that, and it just happened to be me, at that time,” she said.

Engineers from the Port Authority worked feverishly to clear the debris— and train cars—from the Station Square station, a process that took weeks.

But it was finished in a faster time frame than

SOME OF THE PORT AUTHORITY EMPLOYEES honored by Allegheny County, Sept. 25. station at the time of the Aug. 5 incident.

“I grabbed my phone, and I ran out the booth, and I saw my passengers on the platform, ran up there and

Sept. 25.

“The only thing I was thinking about was the people. I gotta take care of my passengers,” Ferguson said. “And then after everything settled down, that’s when I was like, ‘Oh my goodness, I could have just lost my life or been in the hospital.’”

Ferguson has worked at the Port Authority for 14 years, and at the Station Square fare booth for three years.

Ferguson revealed at the press conference in August that she and

originally expected. One could head to the scene of the derailment now and find no indications that anything ever went wrong.

But for Ferguson, 42, of Pitcairn, that image of the Norfolk Southern Railway train coming down the hill is something that she’ll always remember.

Ferguson said that one of the passengers who were on the platform thanked her for saving his life.

Ferguson credited someone else: “God was with us that day.”

“The only thing I was thinking about was the people…And then after everything settled down, that’s when I was like, ‘Oh my goodness, I could have just lost my life.’”

PRINCESS FERGUSON Subscribe to the New Pittsburgh Courier!

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