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America’s best weekly Marita Garrett urges Black women to go ‘above and beyond’

Why can’t the Steelers play like this every week?

People B9

Sports B7

TV personality Darieth Chisolm begins movement to fight against Cyber Rape

Business B1

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Vol. 108 No. 42

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OCTOBER 18-24, 2017

‘Get this case behind us’

New settlement offer proposed Fisher disagrees with comments made by Stevens during news conference on Ford

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URA authorizes $51 million for Hill, North Side affordable homes

by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

Tim Stevens, Chairman and CEO of the Black Political Empowerment Project, has called for an “immediate assessment of whatever offer has been made to Leon Ford, and that a new offer be made that can indeed bring this matter to a positive conclusion.”

The matter, of course, is last week’s deadlocked jury in Ford’s civil lawsuit against Pittsburgh Police Officer David Derbish, who is accused of using excessive force on Ford during a traffic stop on November 11, 2012. Derbish shot Ford B-PEP CHAIRMAN AND CEO TIM STEVENS, center, announces at an Oct. 16 press conference that he wants the city five times after the car in which to offer Leon Ford a new settlement. (Photo by J.L. Martello) Ford was driving accelerated of the letter Stevens sent see if there is a way to amend any promoments after it had come to a stop in Highland Park. to Mayor Bill Peduto, Pub- posed settlement to make it more likely to Ford is now paralyzed.

The jury cleared Pittsburgh Officer Andrew Miller of all lic Safety Director Wendell succeed in resolving this issue,” the letter Hissrich and Pittsburgh stated. “We think it is in the interest of all civil rights violations. within the City of Pittsburgh to get Stevens, standing in solidarity with the likes of this case behind us.”

NAACP President Richard Stewart Jr. and Alliance Stevens later commented in the letfor Police Accountability president Brandi Fisher, ter that the local police, B-PEP and told television cameras Oct. 16 that B-PEP believes other community partners have all “there has been significant improvements in comcontributed to the improved commumunity-police relations in Pittsburgh, particularly nity-police relations in Pittsburgh. when compared to the many stories we see involving need to continue to build on that police encounters across the nation.”

TIM STEVENS “We work,” the letter, dated Oct. 12, read.

But, Stevens said, “what we do know…is that acB-PEP Chairman and CEO “If this case goes in a certain ‘negacording to experts in policing, the act of Officer Dative’ direction, it could throw us back vid Derbish of jumping in Leon Ford’s car was toin ongoing efforts. None of us want to tally inappropriate and did not reflect appropriate Police Chief Scott Schubert. see that happen.” police policy and procedures.”

During the Oct. 16 press conference, SteWith a new civil trial expected for early 2018, Stevens “The Black Political Empowerment Project rec- vens said that “none of us may ever really said that “trials cost money to all affected parties.”

Officials at the Freedom Unlimited building in the Hill ommends that the offer to SEE SETTLEMENT A5 District provided the New Pittsburgh Courier with a copy Leon Ford be reviewed to

“There may have been bad decisions on all sides.”

Ex-Steeler Santonio Holmes hosts bowling event for kids with Sickle Cell disease

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

No one’s really sure who won the Santonio Holmes celebrity bowling event at AMF Noble Manor Lanes in the West End, Oct. 10.

That’s because the real winners were the kids.

Holmes, forever minted in Steeler lore after making the Super Bowl-winning

touchdown catch against the Arizona Cardinals, has a son with Sickle Cell disease.

Through his Third and Long foundation, the Super Bowl XLIII MVP has hosted a number of programs and events to build awareness about the disease, and to increase financial support for research. The Strikes Against Sickle Cell Bowlathon gave youth with the disease a chance to bowl with the stars.

“We advocate for our kids,” said Michael

SANTONIO HOLMES, top left, and current Steeler Roosevelt Nix, right, with some of the youth at Holmes’ celebrity bowling event, Oct. 10. (Photo by Tationna Smalley)

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Matthews, executive director of the local Children’s Sickle Cell Foundation. “If you go to a particular school, the staff may not know what Sickle Cell is. They might think it’s contagious, they may think it’s only a Black disease, which it is not. We go in the schools and help educate the staff so they can be better advocates as administrators and teachers.”

Matthews, whose foundation brought the youth to the bowling event, said the organization works with about 220 children in Allegheny County with Sickle Cell. “If you’re a parent of a child with Sickle Cell, we not only provide programming for that child, we encourage it throughout the entire family,” he told the New Pittsburgh Courier in an exclusive interview. “So, this event, you see some kids with Sickle Cell, but you also see some of their siblings.”

The kids shared bowling lanes and fun with Holmes, former Steelers Charlie Batch and Brett Keisel, and current Steelers Roosevelt Nix and Joshua Dobbs.

“Keep encouraging them, spend more time with them, get to know the kids as a whole, because these kids, they kind of go into a shell of being different from everybody,” Holmes told the Courier in an exclusive interview. Holmes’ son, Santonio “TJ” Holmes III, has Sickle Cell disease.

He is now 15 years old.

“It’s not a good feeling to know that your own child doesn’t communicate with you on the real issues that are bothering SEE BOWLING A4

Grant Oliphant says

Developer Bob Mistick was all smiles during last week’s Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh board meeting, and will be for some time.

At its Oct. 12 meeting the board not only authorized $15 million in tax-free bond funding for his firm to renovate 75 affordable housing units that Mistick owns in partnership with the Northside Coalition for Fair Housing, it also approved another $36 million for property improvements to Crawford Square. Mistick will be the contractor for that work, too.

“It’s kind of unusual because just this morning I was yelling at Shirley on the phone about getting some things done on the North Side,” said Mistick. “And now here SEE URA A5

Almona site reborn as Hazelwood Green

by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer

With bike lanes, a new road in place, and site remediation that includes traps to keep all rainwater on the property, representatives from the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, the foundation community and their development partners unveiled the new name and vision for the former Almono industrial site in Hazelwood.

Now, with Hazelwood Avenue reconnecting the one-time Jones & Laughlin Steel Co. mill site to the neighborhood, the SEE ALMONA A4

IT’S BACK!

Courier’s ‘Men of Excellence’ Awards 2017

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

Andy Williams famously sang, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year…”

Little did people know that he was referring to the New Pittsburgh Courier’s “Men of Excellence” Awards…

For nearly a decade, the Courier has bestowed honors upon local African American men who have exemplified extraordinary strength and commitment to their profession and to the community. They are fathers, leaders, executives, business professionals, educators, etc., and they belong to an exclusive society—A New Pittsburgh Courier Man of Excellence.

Come this Dec. 13 at the Fairmont Hotel, Downtown, the time will be right to induct another group of Pittsburgh-area men into this exclusive classification.

Emmy Award winner Emmai AlaquiSEE MOE A4

Helping Puerto Rico is not political—it’s human decency Opinion B3

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INTERNATIONAL

OCTOBER 18-24, 2017

In Africa, LGBT rights activists worry about Trump’s impact

by Carley Petesch Associated Press Writer

DAKAR, Senegal (AP)— Gay rights activist Joseph Achille Tiedjou is worried every day that he will be harassed or arrested in Cameroon.

Defending LGBT rights can be dangerous in Africa, where many countries have laws against homosexuality.

But in recent years activists have stepped out of the shadows, empowered by the support of the Obama administration and the international community.

Now many fear the Trump administration will undermine those gains, and that their exposure could make them more vulnerable if support fades.

“I have so many worries with the new administration,” the 32-year-old Tiedjou said, pointing out Trump’s ban on transgender people in the U.S. military. “Obama was known to be very engaged. Hillary Clinton was a champion of LGBT rights and made many guarantees in addressing these issues specifically.”

Obama’s administration made LGBT rights a major domestic and foreign policy, though some in Africa saw it as pushing “Western ideals.” The Obama administration also created a special envoy position on LGBT rights. The Trump administration has said it will keep the post, but concerns remain.

“The difference with the previous administration was that the rights of LGBT people were explicitly part of foreign policy. So LGBT groups around the world could absolutely rely on the moral and, indeed, material support that came from the U.S. government and that made a huge difference,” said Graeme Reid, director of Human Rights Watch’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights Program. “Under this administration, we are no longer going to be seeing that proactive engagement around LGBT rights.”

Though the Trump administration’s overseas policies on LGBT rights remain to be seen, the erosion of domestic advances directly undermines the authority of the U.S. to speak out internationally, Reid said. He cited the pushback against federal protections and the

Elaine Effort

PERSECUTED—In this Oct. 2013 file photo, Alhaji,who fled Gambia after being beaten, tried, and persecuted for being gay, poses for a picture in front of the African Renaissance Monument in Dakar, Senegal. Photo: Jane Hahn, AP appointment of “openly homophobic officials” to senior government positions.

The U.S. recently joined a dozen other countries to vote against a U.N. Human Rights Council resolution that urged countries not to use the death penalty for specific forms of conduct, including consensual same-sex relations. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said the vote was made “because of broader concerns with the resolution’s approach in condemning the death penalty in all circumstances” but said the U.S. “unequivocally condemns the application of the death penalty for conduct such as homosexuality.”

Same-sex acts are illegal in more than 33 African countries and can lead to death sentences in parts of at least four, including Mauritania, Sudan, northern Nigeria and southern Somalia, according to Amnesty International.

Homosexuality is criminalized in the East African countries of Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. In Tanzania, authorities recently stopped health providers from non-governmental organizations from providing services to LGBT people.

In Cameroon, a strong ally of the U.S. in the fight against extremism, Human Rights Watch has documented high levels of arrests of LGBT people.

Colonial-era anti-gay laws are still in place in Ghana and are implemented from time to time, and a high level of social intolerance and family violence

Pittsburgh Profiles with KQV’s Elaine Effort sponsored in part by the New Pittsburgh Courier

Pittsburgh Profiles with Elaine Effort heard exclusively on Pittsburgh’s all-news radio station for 30 years

KQV 1410 AM and at WWW.KQV.COM Friday, October 20 at 7:30 P.M. Saturday, October 21 at 7:00 A.M.

exists against the LGBT community.

In Gambia, where former leader Yahya Jammeh made “aggravated homosexuality” punishable by life in prison, activists are waiting to see whether new President Adama Barrow will amend the law.

In Senegal, violence is directed at LGBT communities, along with arrests, according to Human Rights Watch.

“In practice the act is criminalized so it can be used broadly to detain people based on their orientation,” said Francois Patuel, a West Africa researcher for Amnesty International.

But despite setbacks in some countries there have been some gains, Patuel said.

The African Commission on Human and People’s Rights in 2014 adopted a resolution condemning violence and discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. South Africa’s constitution specifically protects the rights of LGBT and allows same-sex marriage.

The United States has provided support for HIV/ AIDS and other programs that indirectly have enabled gay rights groups to form in some sub-Saharan African countries. Patuel urged that such support not be revoked under the Trump administration.In Mali, activist and journalist N’Deye Traore said social media has been used to incite hatred against the LGBT community, discouraging people from publicly advocating change and forcing many to live in hiding and at risk of exposure to HIV/AIDS. Traore said she worries about the example set by the Trump administration.

“It is the life of human beings that is at stake and must be respected!” she said. “I urge the American president to seize and at least tolerate this community for sustainable development in America and around the world.”

(Associated Press writer Rodney Muhumuza in Kampala, Uganda contributed.)

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This Week In Black History

Week of October 18-24 October 18 1917—“Dizzy” Gillespie, bandleader and pioneer of “B-bop Jazz,” is born John Birks Gillespie in Cheraw, S.C. 1945—Actor, singer, activist and socialist Paul Robeson receives the NAACP’s prestigious Spingarn Medal for his artistic achievements. Robeson would be hounded by the U.S. government because of his leftist leanings.

He was labeled a communist, blocked from working in America and later denied a passport so he could not travel to Europe to work.

1951—Novelist Terry JOHN BIRKS ‘DIZZY’ GILLESPIE McMillan is born in Port Huron, Mich.

October 19 1859—Co-founder of West Virginia State College, Byrd Prillerman, is born. He became one of the state’s most prominent educators 1870—The first African-Americans elected to the U.S. House of Representatives came from South Carolina: Joseph H. Rainey, Robert C. Delarge, and Robert B. Elliott. Rainey was actually seated first and thus became the first African-AmerTERRY McMILLAN ican sworn in as a member of Congress. A portrait in his honor was finally placed in the U.S. Capitol Building in 2006.

1894—Henry Ossawa Tanner wins the Medal of Honor at the Paris Expositions for his paintings. He was the first African-American painter to gain international acclaim for his works. Tanner was born in Pittsburgh, Pa. In fact, he eventually moved to Paris because of opposition to a Black artist in the United States. His most famous painting is “The Banjo Player.”

October 20 1898—The North Carolina Mutual And Provident Insurance Co. is founded by a group led by John Merrick. The company grows into the largest Black-owned insurance firm in America.

1904—Enolia P. McMillan is born. She becomes THE BANJO by HENRY OSSAWA first female president TANNER of the NAACP. October 21 1865—Jamaican national hero and independence advocate, George William Gordon, is unjustly arrested and sentenced to death for his struggle to free the Caribbean island nation from White minority rule. The son of a White man and a Black slave woman, Gordon is considered one of Jamaica’s most significant national heroes.

1950—Earl Lloyd becomes first Black person to play in an NBA game.

1994—Dexter King, youngest son of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., is named head of SCLC— an organization founded DEXTER KING by his slain father. Ironically, Dexter’s sister Rev. Bernice King would later be named to head the civil rights group.

October 22 1906—Three thousand Blacks demonstrated and rioted in Philadelphia to protest a theatrical production of Thomas Dixon’s racist play—“The Clansman.” The play essentially praised the Ku Klux Klan while demeaning Blacks.

1936—Black Panther Party co-founder Bobby Seale is born in Dallas, Texas.

1953—Clarence S. Green becomes the first African-American certified as a neurological surgeon.

2009—The Centers for Disease Control and BOBBY SEALE Prevention issues a devastating report showing the number of new HIV/AIDS infections was declining for all population groups—except homosexual males, which the CDC refers to as MSM— men who have sex with men. Among MSMs, the highest infection rate was found among young Black males aged 13 to 24.

October 23 1775—The Continental Congress approves a resolution barring free Blacks from the army fighting for American independence from England. The resolution came even though many free Blacks were already fighting in the war. The motive behind the resolution came from Southern slave colonies which feared that by fighting in the war for American independence, Blacks would also demand an end to slavery.

1911—The National Urban League is formed. Next only to the NAACP, it becomes the second oldest and second largest Black self-help organization in America.

It grew out of the spontaneous 20th-Century Freedom Movement for freedom and opportunity that came to be called the GEORGE EDMUND HAYNES Black Migrations. Central to the organization’s founding were two remarkable people: Mrs. Ruth Standish Baldwin and Dr. George Edmund Haynes, who would become the Committee’s first executive secretary.

1947—The NAACP files an “Appeal To The World” with the newly found United Nations concerning racial injustice in America. For its day, the filing was a bold move on the part of the NAACP and it angered many liberal and conservative Whites.

October 24 1892—More than 25,000 Black workers are said to have joined a workers strike in New ADAM CLAYTON POWELL Orleans to protest working conditions, lynching and other social ills.

1935—Fascist Italy invades Ethiopia—at the time, one of only two independent countries in Africa. U.S. Blacks were among thousands protesting worldwide. Powerful Harlem, N.Y., Pastor Adam Clayton Powell Sr. was among those seeking aid for Ethiopia. Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie spoke at his church.

1935—“Mulatto” opens on Broadway in New York City. The play written by famed Black poet Langston Hughes LANGSTON HUGHES becomes the first long-run Black play on Broadway. Written during the summer of 1930, “Mulatto” is Hughes’ first full-length play. Opening on Oct. 24, at the Vanderbilt Theatre, “Mulatto” ran on Broadway for more than a year and toured for two seasons.

1948—Kweisi Mfume is born Frizzel Gray in Baltimore, Md. He became a congressman and head of the NAACP but later lost a bid for a seat in the U.S. Senate.

1964—The African nation of Zambia becomes KWEISI MFUME independent from White colonial rule.

NATIONAL

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

OCTOBER 18-24, 2017

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Nearly three decades later, Anita Hill sees the needle moving

by Jocelyn Noveck Associated Press Writer

It’s been 26 years since Anita Hill, soft-spoken and deliberate in her bright blue suit, sat before a Senate panel and detailed the lurid sexual harassment charges that would transfix a nation. Clarence Thomas went on to the Supreme Court, but Hill’s testimony was a watershed moment that raised awareness in incalculable ways.

Will the sordid Harvey Weinstein scandal be recalled as another one of those watershed moments, its reverberations spilling out of Hollywood into the everyday workplace? Hill is one of those who think it will.

“I absolutely think we needed something to push the needle, and this has done it,” Hill said in an interview from Brandeis University, where she has led a quiet academic life since 1998.

All along, Hill says, there have been bits and pieces that have moved that needle a bit. But the Weinstein story, with its ever-growing cascade of disturbing revelations, reminds her of her own ordeal. “I think one of the reasons 1991 was so impactful was how public it was—people had faces and voices, and it was almost like a long conversation about how these things play out. This Weinstein story feels like a long conversation too, with different parts getting developed and different people being brought into it.”

Since the story broke more than a week ago, some 30 women, from lesser-known names to megastars like Angelina Jolie and Gwyneth Paltrow, have emerged to recount disturbing experiences with Weinstein, who has issued a blanket denial of nonconsensual sexual conduct. (In just the latest accusation, actress Eva Green said Saturday

she once had to physically “push off” the powerful producer in a meeting.) Simultaneously, a growing chorus of public figures has been denouncing him.

While Hill, now 61 and a professor of social policy and gender studies, has been buoyed by the attention being paid to sexual harassment in light of the Weinstein story, she cautioned that progress is always incremental: “This case may be bigger than some in the past, but I think we’re kidding ourselves if we think that everything is going to change overnight from one episode, even as big as this one.”

A key problem, she said, is that so many women still fear retaliation or that they won’t be believed if they come forward. “When a person is a big Hollywood star, it’s easier for that person to be embraced and not feel the repercussions of speaking out,” she said.

“But when they’re young ... they have their lives to think about.”

And so, many sexual harassment cases are never reported, Hill and others note, which makes it difficult to gauge the scope of the problem. Even when they are, many cite the huge role that both confidential settlements and mandatory arbitration play in keeping cases hidden from view.

“It’s secrecy on secrecy,” says Gretchen Carlson, the former Fox News Channel anchor whose allegations brought down late Fox chief Roger Ailes. Carlson says she’s now lobbying on Capitol Hill against mandatory arbitration clauses —in which employees, as a condition of employment, agree to resolve claims via arbitration, not the judicial system. “These clauses are one reason we don’t ever know about this, why it stays in the shadows,” she says. “And guess what else happens: the woman gets

fired from her job and the perpetrator gets to stay in the workplace, and nobody knows about it. It’s outrageous!”

“It’s a terrible system,” concurs Washington lawyer Debra Katz, who specializes in sexual harassment law.

Meanwhile, most cases that do reach the legal system end in settlements, which almost always involve confidentiality clauses. Some, like Carlson, say this further contributes to the veil of secrecy around sexual harassment. Others, like Katz, say it’s more complicated: Some women just want to move on, and fear their careers will be threatened if it’s known they filed a claim.

Even Hill is conflicted about the issue of confidentiality. On one hand, she says, it often benefits the perpetrator; Weinstein likely benefited from agreements “that allowed him to continue to behave badly, with no accountability.” On the other, when women do make complaints, the fact that they’ve made them can follow them. “And the reality is, most institutions and people in power aren’t looking positively on a person who has filed a complaint,” Hill says. “So there’s still a negative public reaction, even though we say it’s wrong.”

Despite all this, Carlson feels change afoot. “I feel more buoyed than I have in the last 15 months about cultural change,” she says, pointing not just to Weinstein, but to harassment cases at Uber, at tech firms, at venture capitalist firms, and at Amazon Studios. “I feel like this is a tipping point, where women are saying we’re not putting up with this crap anymore.”

As for Hill, who has said many of her young students don’t even know about her 1991 ordeal in which she testified Thomas had sexually harassed her—allega-

tions he vehemently denied before being narrowly confirmed by the Senate—she notes wryly: “I certainly didn’t think this is what I would be talking about 26 years later.”

“I have to say that I didn’t appreciate how complicated it was, how entrenched it was,” she adds. “And we’re going to have to just keep pushing it and engaging a new generation of people to bring their own sense of what’s right and wrong. I’m confident that inch by inch, we will make some change.”

ANITA—In Jan. 19, 2013 file photo, Anita Hill, subject of the documentary film “ANITA,” poses at the premiere of the film at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, in Park City, Utah. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/ Invision/AP, File)

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METRO

OCTOBER 18-24, 2017

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Ex-Steeler Santonio Holmes hosts bowling event for kids with Sickle Cell meds.”

Clarke added: “I wouldn’t wish a pain crisis on my worst enemy.”

According to data disseminated by The New York Times, Sickle Cell disease is the most common genetic order in the U.S., with roughly 100,000 Americans currently living with the disease. Another 1,000 are born with the disease each year. To acquire the disease, both parents of a child must possess the Sickle Cell trait, of which there is a 25 percent chance the child will have Sickle Cell disease.

Sickle Cell disease is not a death sentence, The Times report added. Many people with the disease are living into their 40s and 50s, when just 20 years ago, children with the disease rarely

BOWLING FROM A1

him which are allowing him or her to be less active, or even slacking in their schoolwork. And it’s because of Sickle Cell,” Holmes said. “So just talk to them more and spend more time with them, and do fun things that the kids like to do, and I think that in a whole will bring the spirit out of the kid so that they can enlighten themselves with the fact that parents are here no matter what.”

Jessica Owens, mother of Chase and Faith Owens, told the Courier it’s difficult to watch her kids who, in effect, just want to be kids. “The main challenge is the balance of normalcy.

These kids are chronically ill, they have limitations and restrictions,” she said, not to mention the hospitalizations.

Jessica Owens, of Monroeville, has been affiliated with the Children’s Sickle Cell Foundation since 2008 when Chase, now 8, was 6 months old. Faith also has the disease. “The foundation has been wonderful, they reached out to me right away,” she said. Owens also mentioned that the foundation has even helped her financially at times.

ANDREA AND MICHAEL MATTHEWS, with John, 17. John has Sickle Cell disease, and his mother, Andrea, founded the local Children’s Sickle Cell Foundation in 2002 to help John and other kids progress despite the disease. (Photo by Tationna Smalley) “Having Sickle Cell, there’s often pain that you go through that others don’t realize,” added Charmaine Clarke. “There are special precautions that we take when it comes to the weather, and making sure that we’re hydrated that

people don’t notice that can affect our physical well-being.”

Clarke said she doesn’t have it as bad as others when it comes to the ill-effects of Sickle Cell. But the Pittsburgh CAPA High School graduate said one

Nominations being accepted for Courier’s ‘Men of Excellence’ 2017

day during her freshman year of college at Hampton University, she agonized in pain for days.

“I had a pain crisis in my leg, and wasn’t able to walk,” she told the Courier.

“I was basically on bedrest. MOE FROM A1 I stayed in bed and took va. Curator/activist Paradise Gray. EQT supplier diversity manager Lance Hyde. Former Steelers starturned business owner J.T. Thomas. Strong Cleaners owner Eric Strong. Classic wishes of Hazelwood.

2.5-acre “side porch” of Events! Executive director “This is a great day. I the Mill 19 building. The Ralph P. Watson. have to give a huge thanks overall plan calls for HaThey’re just some of the to the foundations, the zelwood Green to house men who have been named city and county. When the a mix of offices, research New Pittsburgh Courier architect Ken Doyno met and development, light “Men of Excellence.” with us, he wrote down ev- manufacturing, housing, “I am still honored and erything we said and made retail, parks and public humbled as one of the perit part of the plan. It’s a green spaces, trails and sonal/professional accogreat day because it means transportation, and will lades of my career, receiving the hopes and dreams of offer significant potential the community won’t get for advancing the region’s the 2014 New Pittsburgh Courier Men of Excellence swallowed up in something innovation economy. recognition,” Watson told that is not about the comGeorge Thomas, Chair the Courier. “While it is almunity,” he said. of the Greater Hazelwood “We have been at the Community Collaborative, ways a great experience to be recognized, I remember table—we are at the table. echoed Smith, noting it is leaving the event feeling We need jobs, opportunity key to reconnect the site empowered to continue the and education, and this to Second Avenue and the plight of civic engagement site represents an opportu- community. and inclusion for the unnity for all of that.”

“My goal is to make sure In keeping with the we grow together,” he said. derserved.”

Thus, the nomination progreen name, Floro an“We don’t want what hapcess has officially begun. nounced a competition to pened to Eighth Avenue To make a nomination, design the property’s first in Homewood to happen please adhere to the followpark, which will sit on the here.” ing guidelines: Nominees must be a male at least 21 years old who resides in the Greater Pittsburgh area; nominees must be active in his career or profession; se-

Almona site reborn as Hazelwood Green ALMONA FROM A1

178-acre site has officially been renamed Hazelwood Green.

“Green” is deliberate choice, said Project Director Rebecca Floro.

“We are here today to celebrate a new beginning—for this site and its neighborhood,” she said.

“Together, we are creating a new model for sustainable development that will advance our region’s place in the global innovation economy.”

County Executive Rich Fitzgerald said the site can be a model for sustainable development across the country, and while it is ushering the new economy, it pays homage to the old—two of the original buildings; the railroad en-

gine roundhouse and Mill 19 still stand and will be repurposed. Negotiations are already underway for a firm to occupy 90,000 square feet inside the superstructure of the Mill 19 building. The remaining 90,000 square feet will be occupied later.

“When J & L built this plant here 100 years ago, it was the innovation economy. It was state of the art—and it moved the nation into the 20th century,” he said. “Now we have a fantastic new site to lead future innovation, and maybe lure that company from the west coast here— name starts with an ‘A.’” Reverend Tim Smith of the Center for Life, said the entire process has included the people and

lived to become adults, according to the report.

Pittsburgh’s Children’s Sickle Cell Foundation was started by Matthews’ wife, Andrea. Seventeen years ago, her son, John, was diagnosed with Sickle Cell. Citing a number of adult-oriented programs for those living with the disease, Andrea Matthews started an organization two years later, in 2002, that was primarily centered on local children with Sickle Cell.

“One of our slogans that Andrea came up with is, ‘Living well with Sickle Cell.’ We believe in prayer and know that a cure is going to come one day,” Matthews said. “Our job is to make sure that you are well enough to receive that cure when it comes.”

lections will be made by the New Pittsburgh Courier Men of Excellence Selection Committee based on local African American business executive or entrepreneur, proven success in career/ profession, positive role model, and demonstrative community service.

Questions to be completed by those nominating include: Describe specific accomplishments that demonstrate nominee’s excellence; describe nominee’s community service activity/ organizational involvement; and how the nominee has mentored others. Those nominating should include nominee’s name, age, profession, years in industry, along with nominee’s address, phone number and E-mail. Those nominating should provide their own contact information, as well. Photos of the nominee are not needed during the nomination process.

Nominations can be sent via E-mail to events@new pittsburghcourier.com or via U.S. mail, “Men of Excellence,” 315 E. Carson St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Deadline for nominations is Monday, Nov. 6, at 4 p.m.

Keepin’ Our Community CONNECTED A Conversation With Harry Belafonte

OCT. 20—Civil rights advocate and entertainment icon Harry Belafonte will appear at the Carnegie Lecture Hall in Oakland for a Civil Rights “conversation” at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 to $50 for the talk and a question-and-answer session. A $175 VIP ticket includes dinner. For tickets or more information, call 412622-3131 or visit cmoa.org.

Homeless Support Event

OCT. 21—Jamar’s Place for Peace will host its “Pittsburgh, Let’s Make Our City #1” afternoon of fellowship and support for Pittsburgh’s homeless. Seeking to serve 100 homeless men women and children, attendees will receive free meals and a “Bag of Hope” containing sleeping bags, batteries, flashlights, can openers, clothing, combs and brushes, gift cards, toothpaste, toothbrushes and deodorant.

For more information, call Wynona Harper at 412-6574233.

Undressed: A History of Fashion in Underwear

OCT 21 through JAN. 7-The Frick, 7227 Reynold St. Pittsburgh, is pleased to be the exclusive North American venue for this blockbuster exhibition organized

by London’s Victoria & Albert Museum. Discover the fascinating world of underwear design from the 18th century to the present day in Undressed, which takes a serious look at an alluring

subject. For times and ticketing visit https://thefrickundressed.org.

Scarehouse

ONGOING Through NOV. 4—Visit Pittsburgh’s scariest haunted house, Scarehouse, in Etna—free shuttles run from the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, 7340 Butler Street, Pittsburgh. Featured haunts include Infernal, Nocturna 3-D, The Basement, and new this year, The Sunset Lounge. For times and tickets visit www.scarehouse. com.

Thad Mosley Tribute

NOV. 8—The Center for African American Poetry and Poetics will host a Poetry tribute to sculptor Thaddeus Mosley, 7:30 p.m. at the Frick Fine Arts Museum, 650 Schenley Drive, Oakland.

Participating artists include R. Erica Doyle, Francine J. Harris, Douglas Kearney and Renaldo V. Wilson. The event is free and open to the public.

Farmers Markets

ONGOING Through NOV.—Visit conveniently located Farmers’ Markets throughout the summer and fall to find a wide variety of perennial favorites and seasonal specialties.

All markets sell farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheese and baked goods, while several locations also sell flowers, small gifts and gardening items. For a complete listing of locations and times, visit http://pittsburghpa.gov/citiparks/farmers-market.

METRO

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

OCTOBER 18-24, 2017

A5

Stevens, Fisher have spoken—But what about Leon?

SETTLEMENT FROM A1

know what fully happened on that November day.

There may have been bad decisions on all sides.”

That statement did not sit well with Fisher—literally. Fisher, who had been standing near Stevens during the press conference, later sat down in a sign of disagreement.

“It’s always been APAs (Alliance for Police Accountability’s) position that the police in that situation had been completely wrong,” Fisher told the New Pittsburgh Courier in an exclusive interview, Oct. 17. “The only thing that Leon did wrong was drive while being Black. A traffic stop ended in a 19-year-old being paralyzed for the rest of his life. There’s no reason for that, whatsoever. The police use the same story all the time, that there’s a ‘bulge’ in someone’s pocket, but there’s nothing to ever substantiate it. They just make up things to justify their actions because they

know they’re wrong.”

The New Pittsburgh Courier reached representatives for Leon Ford, but they elected to have no comment.

Later in the press conference, Stevens said there are a few incidents that African Americans can do to prevent another tragic ending during a police encounter.

“When stopped, just turn your engine off. That way the police are sure you’re not going anywhere. Just that alone,” Stevens said.

Stevens continued: “Put your hands on the wheel or on the side of the car so they can see your hands and what you’re doing.

At night, turn your dome light on so they can see that you’re being open and transparent. Do you have to do all this? No. Is it in your best interest? Yes. This is in no way an accusation to Leon, because he didn’t know. If he just did what I just said, he’d be out of that wheelchair today. So this is

BRANDI FISHER, far right, began the press conference standing with Tim Stevens and others, Oct. 16. However, she distanced herself by sitting down after disagreeing with some of Stevens’ comments. (Photo by J.L. Martello) a statement going forward on what people need to do.”

“I think that statement somehow says that he (Ford) was at fault for the tragedy that occurred,” Fisher told the Courier in response to

Stevens’ comments. “I think that’s the worst message we can send for any victim.”

Fisher continued: “Tim (Stevens) asked for my presence. I support Tim normally when he calls and asks

for support, and he stated (the press conference) was to push the people involved in a suit to come to a conclusion, and I’ve been with this fight with Tim for the past seven years when it

comes to police brutality so I know where he stands on the issue,” Fisher told the Courier exclusively. “It’s unfortunate that his comments reflecting a toeing of the line as opposed to a

URA authorizes $51 million for Hill, North Side affordable homes URA FROM A1

we all are, one big family.”

Shirley Rucker, Northside Coalition’s board president, said she has fun working with Mistick.

“I just want to thank everybody,” she said. “And tell you Bob has already done some great work on some of the houses—I wouldn’t mind moving into one of them.”

The 75 units on the North Side, scattered in 43 buildings in the California-Kirkbride and Central Northside neighborhoods, represents just the first phase of property rehabilitation for a total of 324 units, which will take place over the next eight years.

Because the units date to between 1870 and 1910, URA Housing Director Bob

Cummings said historic tax credits will account for some of the project funding.

“The plan includes historic renovations of the vast majority of the units and the new construction of some units in a later phase to replace obsolete units,” he said.

“Renovations will include new roofs, windows, flooring, appliances, and updated kitchens and bathrooms.

Most of the units will be gutted and reframed. The approximate construction cost per unit is $142,000.

All units will be rented to households with incomes at or below 60 percent of the area median income.”

In response to a question from board member Jim Ferlo about handicapped accessibility—which the

authority is required to provide in more units than in the past—Mistick said the historic nature of many of the buildings limits what he can do in terms of wheelchair ramps and wider doorways. But he will add those, and features like bathroom grab bars and lower light switches where possible.

Such modifications will be much easier, he said, when renovating the Crawford Square units in the Hill District. The authority board authorized issuing $36 million in bonds to renovate the development’s 348 units, 294 of which are subsidized.

Last year, the covenants requiring a potion of the development to be affordable expired and some of the original partners want to

sell—meaning all the units would be market-rate. The city arranged for the partners to be bought out and established new covenants with remaining owner McCormack Barron that will maintain affordability for another 30 years.

Mistick, Ferlo, and fellow board members Pittsburgh Councilman Danny Lavelle and state Rep. Ed Gainey praised Mayor Bill Pedu-

to and board Chair Kevin Acklin for moving quickly to preserve the affordable housing in the Hill.

Cummings said because Crawford Square dates only to the 1980s, the scope of the work will be less extensive than that needed for the North Side properties and primarily includes updating mechanical systems and appliances with a focus on making the prop-

erty more sustainable and energy efficient.

“There will be one less unit, as we are combining two one-bedroom units to make a single three-bedroom unit,” he said.

Mistick said the work on both the North Side and Hill projects will not require any current tenants to move during the renovations, which should take about two years.

ENTERTAINER New Pittsburgh Courier

A6

OCTOBER 18-24, 2017

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

A st H r-studded celebration for a st H r-studded cause

SANTONIO HOLMES, right, and Roosevelt Nix, left, were among the many Steelers and other celebri- COURIER PHOTOGRAPHER TATIONNA SMALLEY captured many young ones having nothing but fun ties at Holmes’ Strikes Against Sickle Cell Bowlathon, Oct. 10 at AMF Noble Manor Lanes on the West at Santonio Holmes’ Strikes Against Sickle Cell Bowlathon. Kids in the maroon shirts are diagnosed End. Holmes’ son, T.J., was diagnosed with Sickle Cell disease at birth. (Photo by Tationna Smalley) with Sickle Cell.

SANTONIO’S FAMILY—Malloy Coles, top left, Carla White, bottom left, Dallyss White, Kathy Coles, Robert Coles, Lexis White.

FORMER STEELERS SUPER BOWL XLIII MVP SANTONIO HOLMES

FORMER STEELER CHARLIE BATCH (Photo by Tationna Smalley)

CHASE AND FAITH OWENS, with their mother, JESSICA. (Photos

by Tationna Smalley)

JOHN CHAMBERLIN

New Pittsburgh Courier

OLDER PEOPLE WITH ACTIVE LIFESTYLES OCTOBER 18-24, 2017

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

8 tips for navigating holiday food temptations (BPT)—The holidays throw in a lot of temptations from every direction if dieting or watching your weight. Holiday parties and get-togethers in particular can be a healthful-eating challenge. Caught up in conversation among friends and family, surrounded by tasty food and drinks, it’s easy to lose track of what and how much is being eaten. Registered Dietitian Sarah Galicki offers tips for staying the course through the holidays.

“There are a lot of calories packed into this time of year.

You’re doing your holiday baking, people are dropping off candy and treats, there are parties with all-youcan-eat buffets and creamy drinks like eggnog, so it’s important to be prepared. It is possible to navigate the holidays without gaining weight by doing these things.”

Eat first. Never go to a party hungry. If you do, chances are you’ll wind up eating too much, too fast. Eat a snack before you go, such as some Greek yogurt, which is loaded with protein and calcium. Add fruit for extra taste and nutrients, and top with pistachios for crunch and good fats.

Drink wisely. If you want to indulge a little bit, have some champagne or white wine. A 4-ounce glass has approximately 100 calories. By comparison, a cup of traditional eggnog has 344 calories and 19 grams of fat (11 grams saturated fat). Skip the creamy drinks. The best bet is to avoid alcohol altogether if possible. Drink a spritzer made with sparkling water, cranberry and a lime instead.

It looks festive, tastes great and has hardly any calories.

Fill up on finger foods.

Small, bite-size appetizers limit the calorie impact.

A good option? Pistachios.

They’re great to snack on; 49 have exactly 150 calories, and they satisfy that crunchy craving. Plus, they’re full of nutrients and fill you up.

The healthy fats will help regulate your blood-sugar level throughout the night, which is really helpful if you’re drinking. Wrap some up decoratively and take along for a hostess gift to be sure there’s a healthy choice on hand. And everyone loves pistachios.

Survey your options. Mindful eating is always key in any situation. Once

the buffet table opens, take a visual sweep past it before jumping in line and making your selections. This way you’ll avoid piling one of everything onto your plate needlessly when you eventually pass through.

Don’t be first in line. The food in a buffet line looks pretty in the beginning. Once people serve themselves, it’s not as appealing and you’ll eat less.

Get a small plate. This trick helps limit portion size.

Avoid the white stuff. Given other options, skip the white rice, white

pasta and white bread. They’re loaded with calories but no nutrients.

Choose items with whole grains instead. They’re full of nutrients and have fiber, which will fill you up so you won’t eat as much.

Delight in dessert. Dessert is probably the toughest temptation of all.

But there’s no reason to skip. Most of us have a sweet tooth. Satisfy that sweet craving with some fresh fruit. To make sure it’s available, bring some as a hostess gift; it’s always welcome.

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LIFESTYLES New Pittsburgh Courier

A8

OCTOBER 18-24, 2017

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

Debbie Norrell

Lifestyles Report

Why?

I don’t know how the subject came up but I was just talking to a co-worker and we were going over the number of retail establishments that have disappeared.

We began talking about Century III Mall and how impressed we were with it when it opened. It was large and had great stores.

We talked about the stores that surrounded it and how most of them are no longer around. Our conversation then moved over to East Liberty and we reminisced about Sears on Highland Avenue.

He is not old enough to remember the area where they sold hot dogs; it was right as you came in the door off of the parking lot.

I used to go there with my father. He loved Sears and my mother seemed to hate it. I loved being with my father and I enjoyed the hot dogs with mustard, relish and onions.

That Sears has been long gone as well as the one on William Penn Highway. It looks like the one on William Penn Highway is going to be a storage building.

My question is, why are there so many storage buildings? It looks like the old hotel that was right off of the Wilkinsburg exit is also going to be a storage building. I would think we could use a hotel in that area but we are getting a storage building instead.

Why do people have so much stuff? My co-worker and I determined if you have so much stuff that you need a storage unit that you never visit, you have too much stuff and with the number of stores that are going out of business people must be buying the stuff online. I can only imagine having a storage unit if I were in between houses. So why do people hold on to stuff that they have no room for? Reportedly a lot of people have moved from houses into apartments and they no longer have the luxury of storing items in an attic, basement or garage so they rent a storage unit. That storage unit then becomes a regular bill just like a gas bill or light bill or a car note. A lot of people never go to their storage units. I wonder if they even know what is in it.

I am also trying to figure out why girls want to be members of the Boy Scouts. I watched a news piece last week and one young lady said she wants to be an Eagle Scout like her brother; she wants to do the things he did to become an Eagle Scout. Well, just go and do the same things... why do you have to be a part of the Boy Scouts to accomplish them? Now girls can be Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts but there will be separate divisions.

And according to that story that I watched last week, guess who is upset about girls joining the boy scouts?

You guessed it, the Girl Scouts. They see this as competition for their membership.

(Email Debbie at debbienorrell@aol.com)

COMMUNITY Hines

CHAMPION—Imogene

COMMUNITY CHAMPION—Margaret Smith Washington

COMMUNITY CHAMPION—Fran Winbush

ALLEN PLACE FOUNDERS—Milton and Jerry Ann Allen (Photos by Debbie Norrell)

Vintage Gold PROM Gala

presented by Allen Place Community Center

by Debbie Norrell Lifestyles Editor

COMMUNITY CHAMPION—Christina Wilds

The event is called the “senior prom,” but the word prom has a meaning—Partnerships Reaching the Organizational Mission.

President and co-founder Jerry Ann Allen says Allen Place Family Life Center strives to reduce the health disparities that exist within the surrounding communities of Allegheny County. The ongoing goals and commitments are to enhance the services of Allen Place and respond to the needs of the local community; on-site health and wellness sessions; to continue to participate in and to showcase at health expos; and to implement youth after-school mentoring programs which focus on health care and science career exploration.

On Sept. 24, at the Marriott City Center, Allen Place recognized community champions for their hard work unlocking the doors so others can succeed. Allen and Executive Director Winifred Torbert said Allen Place is applauding caregivers, communicators, educators, mentors, business and community leaders and financial supporters on this evening. The 2017 Vintage Gold PROM Gala Community

COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS—Kathy and Russell Bynum

Champions included: Kathy and Russell Bynum of Bynums Marketing & Communications, Inc., award winning retired teacher and mentor Imogene Hines, Rev. Dr. Judith Moore, pastor of First A.M.E. Church in Clairton, Pa., Chenits Pettigrew Jr., Ed.D, Assistant Dean for Faculty Diversity at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Christina Wilds DrPH, senior program officer at the Highmark Foundation and Margaret Smith Washington, president of Washington Associates, a Pittsburgh based consulting firm that provides training and workshops in communications to physicians, health care providers and patient groups across the country.

A special recognition award was presented to Frances Winbush for exemplary service to Allen Place and always going above and beyond.

During the PROM evening secret judges selected the best dressed in their prom attire.

The winners: Opal Jackson, Alfredo Russell and Rose Cheriton. With Bob Allen, KDKA TV as Master of Ceremonies and William E. Strickland Jr. as Honorary Chairperson guests enjoyed Flo Wilson & The Old School Band and a great tribute MASTER OF CEREMONY—Winifred Torbert, executive director and Bob Allen, master of ceremony to community champions.

COMMUNITY CHAMPION—Rev. Dr. Judith Moore BEST DRESSED—Opal Jackson, Alfredo Russell and Rose Cheriton

WE ARE ALLEN PLACE

PEOPLE

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

OCTOBER 18-24, 2017

A9

‘Scottsboro Boys’ performer Scott Kelley—the role ‘made me fearless’ Kelley is the son of Hill District native Toni Jones

by Genea L. Webb For New Pittsburgh Courier

Dance is a part of Scott Kelley’s DNA. The Los Angeles-based performer grew up around the graceful bodies of dancers.

“I was raised in the dance studio. My mom used to take me there with her. I began dancing at 3 years old and I began to take it seriously at age 9 or 10,” explained Kelley, 23, whose mother, Hill District native Toni Jones, graduated from Point Park University in the ‘80s with a dance degree. Jones moved to Los Angeles and earned her Master’s in the discipline from the University of California-Irvine.

So when Kelley was handpicked by legendary interdisciplinary artist and Point Park University graduate Tome Cousin to perform in Point Park University’s Pittsburgh Playhouse production of “The Scottsboro Boys,” which Cousin directed and choreographed, he knew he boogied into something that would profoundly change his life and the way he viewed it.

“I got a text from my mother saying there was an opportunity to perform in Pittsburgh,” recalled Kelley, who portrayed Andy Wright, the oldest of two brothers who receives 99 years in jail. “My mom had been telling him about me and me about him and he said he wanted to put me in a production. Tome never met me until the first day of rehearsal but there was a sense of family and unity even though everyone else in the cast are from Point Park. He was looking for someone who could sing, dance and act all in one.

He took a risk on me. He saw something in me that I didn’t see. He knew who to cast in which roles and he knew I could bring something to this show.”

“I am extremely proud of him,” gushed Kelley’s mother, Toni Jones. “When he was

born I wanted a girl because Scott has an older brother, so when I got two boys I was like, OK. I never tried to put them into dance but they went to the dance studio with me and he just took to it. Ever since he started taking this seriously he would study everything about what he was going to do. He loves to do research on why people do what they do.”

“The Scottsboro Boys,” which ran at the Raugh Theatre here in Pittsburgh from Sept 8-24, tells the horrific tale of nine Black boys who were accused of raping two White women while aboard a train bound for Alabama in 1931. Although no evidence of the rape was found, the nine youths were convicted and all but one, a 12-year-old, were sentenced to death. The case depicted a harsh light on the denial of Blacks on juries and the unjust treatment of African Americans during that time period.

“The show parallels what we’re going through today with race relations. America needs to accept its wrongs and admit them,” said Kelley, who graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a film degree. “It’s scary to know that something like that could happen today to any of us. At any moment law enforcement could look at us and take away our human rights. Black males are being slaughtered and police officers are getting off on paid leave like we don’t matter.”

Kelley felt a sense of kinship and brotherhood with the other Black men in the cast. Something he hadn’t felt before and didn’t know he craved (he grew up in all-White or mostly Asian schools) until he experienced it.

“I was closed off, standoffish, but Tome opened me up.

This is the first show where it’s all Black men in the cast and there’s something so powerful about that. The first two weeks to three weeks of rehearsal I noticed

SCOTT KELLEY, who performed in “The Scottsboro Boys.”

SCOTT KELLEY I was standoffish because I didn’t know how to communicate with my own people.

This is one of the most important pieces of work I’ve done,” Kelley said.

After cutting his dance teeth at the studio with his mother, Kelley auditioned for his school’s dance team, on a dare. The year he joined the team, it won first place in every competition it competed in.

“I said, ‘Oh I’m good at something.’ I was the only boy. Sports didn’t interest me; I’m small and didn’t

like getting hurt so I stuck with the dance thing and began mimicking Michael Jackson’s moves and I was at this party, and I was dancing like Michael Jackson and someone from the Universal Dance Designs Studio was there and saw me dance. They asked me to audition for the owner of the studio to play a young Michael Jackson,” he said.

The studio is where dancer Savion Glover and the grandsons of the famous tap dancing Nicholas Brothers learned to tap

dance and taught all of the Jacksons how to tap.

Kelley performed for studio owner Arlene Kennedy and was cast in the role of a young Michael Jackson.

“Michael Jackson actually got the chance to see Scott perform. It was during the time that Michael was on trial for the molestation and he wasn’t able to be in the room with children at that time but he did watch through a monitor and saw Scott do Smooth Criminal,” Jones said.

For the next five years Kelley was a member of the

studio and learned alongside the Nicholas Brothers’ grandsons the fundamentals of tap dancing and other forms of the discipline.

“I was the worst student but I didn’t know I was with legends. I was about 10 years old and I just wanted to have fun. But I was being seen as a dancer and that was my motivation. The Kennedys exposed me to making a living out of it,” Kelley said.

His years under the Kennedys’ tutelage prepared him for roles in such musicals as “Chicago,” Hairspray,” and “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.” In 2013, he landed a role as an American dancer in Germany’s “Magic of the Dance.” He spent two to four months in the winter and one to two months in the summer performing in the show. He will be returning to perform in the show later this year.

Next year he plans on returning to Pittsburgh, which he affectionately calls his second home because he spent several weeks here during his childhood summers with his maternal grandparents to teach a class on the North Side.

“The role in ‘The Scottsboro Boys’ made me fearless,” Kelley said. “I realized I have this gift that I need to share on my own terms. I realized that all of this is in me and if I don’t push myself I’d be doing my ancestors a disservice.”

A10

RELIGION

OCTOBER 18-24, 2017

Praise & Worship

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

‘Spirit of Excellence’ community breakfast

ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH Crawford & Centre Ave. Pgh., PA 15219 412-281-3141 Mass Sunday 9:00 A.M. & 12:00 P.M. Sunday (Gospel Choir Mass) 11:00 A.M. www.stbtmchurch.org

METROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH 22 Sampsonia Street, Northside Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412-231-2554 FAX 412-231-6395 Rev. Lacy F. Richardson, Ph.D., Pastor Church School.................................9:30 A.M. Worship Service.................8:00 & 10:45 A.M. Bible Study/ Prayer Wednesday...................6:30/7:30 P.M. www.metropolitanbaptistchurch.com metropolitanbaptist2224@gmail.com

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

www.cathedralofhope.com

Journey Worship........8:45 a.m.

Sanctuary Worship...11:00 a.m.

Curious about Quakerism?

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

Pittsburgh Friends Meeting 4836 Ellsworth Avenue 412-683-2669

Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community!

For rate information, call 412481-8302, ext.

128.

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

HCCC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CHERYLIE BLAIR-FULLER REVEREND WILLIAM J. FULLER, Wilkinsburg Councilwoman Marita Garrett, keynote speaker Bishop Dr. Loran E. Mann.

(Photos by Jackie McDonald)

by Jackie McDonald For New Pittsburgh Courier

The residents and business leaders in the Homewood area enjoyed a delightful early morning event that included a breakfast buffet

and awards ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 12 at the House of Manna Faith Community Center, 7240 Frankstown Avenue.

The second annual event was given by the Homewood Concerned Citizens Council, headed by Executive Director Cherylie Blair-Fuller

and Reverend William J. Fuller Sr., Board President. The organization, which began in 2013, endeavors to acknowledge and serve the interests of the residents with inclusiveness and transparency to encourage community pride and promote improvements.

HAWTHORNE, KENNETH L.

“I’ve never forgotten where I came from.” Kenneth L. Hawthorne, age 83, passed away on October 8, 2017. He was born in Mobile, Alabama on February 16, 1934, to Gertrude Wiley Hawthorne and William J. Hawthorne, Sr. Ken’s father was owner of the Hawthorne ESSO Station in Pittsburgh’s Hill District and a skycap for United Airlines. Mrs. Hawthorne was a homemaker and met her husband in Mobile before migrating together to Pittsburgh. Ken was the second of three brothers in whom their parents instilled a quiet pride and a philosophy that one gets ahead by constantly striving to better himself.

Ken was always a good student, and was popular throughout his school years. At Schenley High School, he excelled in sports, was a member of the mile ready team and a star tackle. At Virginia State College, he studied business administration and was a football player until he injured his knee.

Ken worked in his father’s service station from age 12. By the time he had graduated from high school, 1952, he had all kinds of good ideas on how to expand the family business and the station became one of the first successful black enterprises on The Hill. He would become the station’s manager and, later decided to apply for a job at Gulf Oil he felt he had a great deal to offer the oil industry.

In September of 1963, Ken Hawthorne began at Gulf Oil as a Retail Consignment Representative. He was responsible for collection of money and checking on the inventory of the gasoline consigned to dealers in his territory. He held the job for nine months. By June of 1964, Ken was promoted to Sales Representative. Sales seemed a natural to him, especially because of his own background as a dealer. It became evident he was excellent at dealer recruiting, and he began to receive assignments in more and more responsible territories. Ken would eventually be appointed Pennsylvania Turnpike Supervisor. The job required him to move his wife, Eugenia, and his three children to Harrisburg, Pa. In the seven months he held the post, he covered 24,000 miles over the vast 340-mile territory he supervised.

In 1968, Govern Raymond Schafer asked Gulf Oil to, “Lend Me a Good Man” to work on Urban Programs, Gulf sent Ken. The decision to send Ken was lauded by a number of Pennsylvania Legislators, and Governor Raymond Shafer said, “Mr. Hawthorne beings to government an understanding of business and how we can get business more involved in the problem of our cities. He was selected

by Gulf as on of their outstanding young executives.”

Ken would go on to be named an advisor on Gulf’s worldwide marketing coordination in 1970, New York City district manager in 1971, and corporate Equal Employee Opportunity director in 1975.

In 1977 Ken was appointed Vice President of human resources for Gulf Trading & Transportation Company. In this role he was responsible for salary administration, recruiting, administering payroll, incentive programs and terminations. Ken reported directly to the President of Gulf Oil. After more than 50 years of service to Gulf Kenneth Hawthorne was a sleeping giant in the oil and gas industry.

After retiring from Chevron in 1983, Ken consulted and did for pleasure what he once did for a living, work on classic automobiles. In 19XX Ken and his wife, relocated from Houston, Texas to West Palm Beach, Florida where he lived until his death.

Ken’s civic involvement included life membership to the NAACP and Urban League, Board of Managers of the Harlem YMCA, Board of Directors of Boy Scouts of America and PACE. Ken had received numerous awards and special recognitions among them being Businessman of the Year from Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and recognitions a number of recognitions from the National Urban League and NAACP. Saddened by his ascension to his Heavenly home are his wife Eugenia; daughter Cecilia, retired US Airways Customer Services Manager sons . Bruce, a financial advisor in West Palm Beach and Bart a real estate investor and former Chevron employee; granddaughters, Cheyenne and Gelila; grandsons, K. Chase, Kenneth and Andre; daughter-in-law, Elanie; great-grandson, Chase; and a host of family, business colleagues, and friends.

Family will have a private memorial on Sunday, October 22, 2017.

ATTENDEES—Ahyanna Morton, Misa Jennings, Janet Ritter

MORE ATTENDEES—Mrs. Linda Grice, Dr. Sheron Clark

= Church Circuit = TRINITY ANNUAL HOMECOMING

OCTOBER 29-Trinity missionary Baptist church will celebrate our annual homecoming on Sunday Oct. 29, at 11 a.m. morning service. The preacher of the hour will be Rev. James Earl Garmon Jr. 3415 Ligonier St. Pittsburgh.

MT. OLIVE 124th ANNIVERSARY

OCTOBER 22—Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 330 Fourth Ave. in Rankin, will celebrate their 124th church anniversary during the 11 a.m. service. The guest pastor will be Rev. Nathaniel Pen-

nybaker from Triedstone Baptist Church. In addition, The annual harvest festival will take place Oct. 28 at 6 p.m. For more information, call 412-271-0331.

MULBERRY PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY

NOVEMBER 4—Mulberry Community Church, 601 Wallace Ave., will celebrate the 2nd pastoral anniversary of Pastor Lawrence W. Smith and his family, at noon at the church. Guest speaker will be Bishop Jesse N. Gavin from Greater Calvary in Erie. For more information, call 412-5836828.

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

The Courier is…

PEOPLE

OCTOBER 18-24, 2017

A11

… Everywhere

TYRONE BURRELL’s Pittsburgh Outreach Recovery Program held a “Day at the Pittsburgh Zoo” in September. Gift baskets were given away to raffle winners in the middle and right photo, as they also enjoyed a day at the Zoo free of charge. The left photo shows Cynthia Davis with Burrell and Maurice Ervin.

JAYSHAUN AND HEATHER enjoying hot dogs at A Second Chance’s Community Day Celebration along Frankstown Road in August.

Courier reporter/photographer Jackie McDonald captured this photo and those below of the positive community event.

A SECOND CHANCE COMMUNITY DAY

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OCTOBER 18-24, 2017

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

BUSINESS New Pittsburgh Courier

From Victim to Victor People B10

OCTOBER 18-24, 2017

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

Classifieds

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

B

James Clingman

Blackonomics

The last dance (TriceEdneyWire.com)—Those of you who are my age will remember the house parties in our parents’ basements with the blue and red lights. Whether boy or girl, although you were reluctant to ask or too shy to accept that slow dance with someone you considered special, when the moment finally came and the two of you embraced each other, that dance was the most you could ask for in your teenaged years.

Unfortunately, that dance was usually at the bewitching hour when your parents said everyone had to go home. You finally got the nerve to do it, and then it had to end—you had to let go. That’s what I feel as I work my way through this final Blackonomics article.

Since the age of 24 or so, after I visited the Topographical Center in Chicago during the late 1960’s, I finally found the consciousness I needed to do something in response to what was happening in this nation vis-à-vis Black people. I began to speak out and do whatever I could to ameliorate our problems on a local level.

From 1972 until 2012, I earned my living by working for Black administrators and business owners, on behalf of Black people, in the public and private sectors. My much-anticipated dance began 45 years ago, and I have embraced my dance partner, the uplift of Black people, ever since.

In 1993, after writing a letter to the editor of the Cincinnati Herald, I started this particular dance by embracing the opportunity to write on a weekly basis. Now, nearly 25 years later, the houselights have been turned on, drowning out the blue lights, and it’s time to let go of my dance partner. But she was never mine to keep anyway; someone danced with her before me and someone will dance with her after me.

Yes, after authoring some 1,500 articles, editorials, and essays, and writing nine books, five of which on economic empowerment, giving hundreds of speeches and teaching numerous classes across this country, there is probably not much more I can say on empowerment. Moreover, as I suggested, the message was never my own—it was just in a different form, relative to my time and experiences.

The economic empowerment message belongs to no one person; it is not new and it certainly is not unique or proprietary to anyone of us who chose to spread that particular “gospel.” It was touted by the likes of Maria Stewart and Frederick Douglass, Mary McLeod Bethune and Booker T. Washington, Ida B. Wells and Marcus Garvey, Maggie Lena Walker and Malcolm X, Amos Wilson, Carter G. Woodson, Kenneth Bridges, and Maynard Jackson.

Contemporaries, along with myself, are now the messengers for economic empowerment. Same message, different griots.

No one has all the answers and no one SEE LAST B2

DARIETH CHISOLM, conversing with Pittsburghers during one of her many events. The long-time TV anchor has launched a campaign called “50 Shades of Silence.”

REFUSING TO REMAIN SILENT

TV personality Darieth Chisolm begins movement to fight against Cyber Rape

by Diane I. Daniels For New Pittsburgh Courier

For the past four years since leaving her news anchor position at WPXI-TV, Darieth Chisolm has been fulfilling her dreams and living an interesting life as an entrepreneur.

She currently describes herself as an author, coach, speaker, visibility and media strategist and an Emmy Award-winning TV host. Several years ago, she owned and operated Fullbody Fitness Club, an aerial arts studio and was a distributor with It Works Global, a network marketing company. “I’ve been living a blessed and fun life,” admits the Detroit native.

Last month, the long-time Pittsburgh resident kicked off a multimedia campaign that includes a documentary, an anthology, a website with resources and a social media awareness campaign called “50 Shades of Silence.”

The campaign reveals that Chisolm was a target of cyber sexual rape, cyber stalking, harassment, and extortion. “I found myself at the very center of such an assault. I was cyberstalked and cyber-raped by an ex-boyfriend. He put up

a website with harassing memes, nude photos and videos that I was unaware of.”

The photos, she explained, were taken when she was asleep, while living with him. “He also threatened to kill me if I didn’t return to the controlling relation-

movement, 50 Shades of Silence.

Finding purpose in her pain, Chisolm describes 50 Shades of Silence as a global movement giving voice and dignity to victims of cyber harassment and online crimes. “I’m not doing this for profit. In fact, we must raise money to shoot the documentary. It’s “In order to make a real about being an advocate, change, we must remove the activist and filmmaker. It’s about getting the word out veil of silence and be pre- and providing tentacles in pared to help others in need. I the marketplace and online to reach people to tell their am sharing my story—a very stories as well as to collabopersonal story, to give others, rate with.”

Chisolm said she has the freedom to do the same.” plans to not only do the documentary and film, but to eventually write a book. ship. He couldn’t kill me so he used a difContributions can be made to the projferent weapon: his cell phone, loaded it ect as a onetime donation or pledging with my naked body and fired it for the through Patreon monthly. Funds raised world to see.” for the multi-media campaign go towards After months of isolation, suffering in all aspects of research, pre-production, shame and silence, Chisolm said she rose equipment, crew, travel, and post-producfrom a very humiliating, painful and po- tion for the documentary. Also, the antholtentially professionally-damaging inciSEE CHISOLM B2 dent to tell her story and build a global

Civil rights leaders, clergy support federal rules to crack down on payday lending After five years of field hearings, town hall meetings, multiple research reports, and over one million comments, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) announced on Oct. 5 a new rule to rein in predatory payday and car-title loans.

“These protections bring needed reform to a market where far too often lenders have succeeded in setting up borrowers to fail. . . Faced with unaffordable payments, consumers must choose between defaulting, re-borrowing, or failing to pay basic living expenses or other major financial obligations,” said Richard Cordray, CFPB Director.

Central to the CFPB’s rule is the establishment of an ability-to-repay principle. High-cost loans of 45 days or less, as well as longer term loans that end in a balloon payment, must first take into account whether the loan is affordable when both borrower income and expenses are considered. These loans allow lenders to seize funds from either a borrowers’ bank accounts (payday loans) or repossess vehicles that were used as collateral (car-title loans).

Although marketed by predatory lenders as an easy lifeline in a financial emergency, research by CFPB, and other consumer groups found otherwise: payday lending’s business model is the tool that drowns borrowers into a sea of debt. With triple-digit interest rates of 400 percent or higher, payday

and car-title loans cy. “This CFPB drain $8 billion in rule establishes Charlene Crowell fees on loans avera much-needed aging $300-$400. set of transparent Borrowers stuck responsibilities for in more than 10 lenders and basic loans a year genrights and protecerated 75 percent tion for borrowers.” of all payday loan “We will work fees. Similarly, 85 to defend and percent of car-tistrengthen this tle loan renewals rule,” continued occur 30 days after Shelton, “so Ameria previous one could not be fully repaid. cans face fewer burdens in establishing Across the country, these high-cost financial security.” lenders are most-often found in comFor Reverend Willie Gable, Jr., Pastor munities of color where Blacks, Latinos, of Progressive Baptist Church in New and low-wealth families reside. The data Orleans and Member of the Nationand consistency of business locations in al Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., the these areas suggest that lenders target country’s largest predominantly Afrifinancially vulnerable consumers. can-American religious denomination, Upon learning of CFPB’s payday rule, the payday rule was both personal and clergy and civil rights leaders who have pastoral. steadfastly opposed payday and car-ti“In my home state of Louisiana, the tle lenders’ triple-digit interest rates average payday loan interest rate is were swift to speak in support. Their 391 percent,” said Reverend Gable, Jr., desire to rein-in the debt trap of these “With rates this high -- and even higher unaffordable loans was both strong and in other states, cash-strapped people consistent. who needed only a couple hundred dol“With little accountability for their ac- lars soon discover they are in financial tions, payday lenders have long preyed quicksand, paying loan fees were after upon communities of color and drained week, that only sink them deeper into them of their hard-earned savings,” debt.” said Hilary O. Shelton, the NAACP’s “As best I can, I comfort those caught Washington Bureau Director and Senior in payday lending’s web of debt,” Gable Vice President for Policy and Advocaadded. “Yet I also know that it is time

Commentary

for change. These shackles of debt must be broken.”

“President Trump and Congress should get on the side of civil rights advocates, the religious community, consumer organizations, and the public at-large by supporting and strengthening the CFPB’s new rules on payday lending,” challenged Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, a coalition of more than 200 national organizations to promote and protect the civil and human rights of all persons in the United States. “Payday lending is bad for many consumers; but like many predatory scams, it invariably ends up as a weapon against the disadvantaged communities that are least able to bear its terrible burden.”

Looking ahead, many consumer advocates remain hopeful that CFPB will go even further with its rules, to include similar actions against harmful and longer-term loans.

At both the state and federal levels, civil rights leaders and consumer advocates must remain watchful to preserve, expand, and enforce existing interest rate caps now in effect in 15 states and the District of Columbia. Advocates must also remain watchful for any congressional actions that may be taken to preempt or undermine consumer SEE DREAM B2

B2

BUSINESS

OCTOBR 18-24, 2017

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Darieth Chisolm refuses to remain silent CHISOLM FROM B1

ogy and all aspects of book publishing, website maintenance, and social media outreach, in-school education, public awareness, advocacy, and other resources to assist cyber harassment and cyberbullying prevention education.

“In my early research about cyber stalking and harassment, cyber bullying, and revenge porn I discovered some startling facts,” she said. “Nearly 50 percent of online users

say they have faced some sort of harassment online.

The number of cases of victims rises daily, suicide and self-destructive behaviors are happening more often and content is created and shared at a fast pace.”

She also pointed out the lack of tough penalties for predators, slow responses and no responses from Internet companies to remove such content and a huge lack of international involvement with the overall

safety for our online identities.

Chisholm wears many hats and thrives on helping others become successful. She coaches people to become more visible, confident and successful by conveying their brand, message, and mission to the world. Often, she serves as a keynote speaker and conducts seminars and workshops.

Her Internet TV and Podcast series, “Hustle and Heart TV,” is an online collection of video and audio interviews filled with strategies, tools, resources and actionable advice that helps the viewers and listeners take their life and business to the next level.

Chisholm says interviews are conducted with some of today’s most influential and successful entrepreneurs,

trendsetters and moguls who inspire one to hustle and love your journey. Hustle and Heart TV, she said, was a Top 10 finalist for the 2015 Podcast Awards for Best Video Podcast and was ranked number one on iTunes for more than two months with subscribers and viewers in several different countries.

In 2015 Chisolm published her first book, “Hustle – Why Now is the Time to Unleash Your Passion.”

Like Hustle and Heart TV, the book includes information and anecdotes of successful and inspiring people. “The book is filled with practical advice, tips and strategies to help guide the reader into action and into greater abundance,” she said.

Chisolm credits her 25 years of experience in tele-

vision and years of serving as an emcee, host, moderator, panelist and keynote speaker for preparing her to be the go-to expert for existing business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs who are looking to gain clarity and visibility and create strategic action plans that get results.

A natural informer, Chisolm, since the age of 16 when she penned her first article for a Detroit newspaper, said 50 Shades of Silence is her way of providing a voice to thousands of cyber stalking and cyber bully victims across the globe. “In order to make real change, we must remove the veil of silence and be prepared to help others in need. I am sharing my story—a very personal story, to give others, the freedom to do the same.”

How to buy the last house you’ll ever buy My husband and I bought what we Liz Weston thought was a starter home 20 years ago. Now we think of it as our “forever” home, where we plan to retire and live out the rest of our days.

We got lucky, because most of the features that make our place good for “aging in place”—the single-story layout, open design, wide doorways—weren’t on our must-have list when we were newlyweds.

We’re not the only people who didn’t think far enough into our future. The vast majority of homebuyers and remodelers don’t consider what it might be like to grow old in their homes, says Richard Duncan, executive director of the Ronald L. Mace Universal Design Institute, a nonprofit in Asheville, North Carolina, that promotes accessible design for housing, public buildings and parks.

“We think aging is what happens to other people,” Duncan says. “Nobody puts away money to save for that good-looking ramp they’ve always wanted.”

CONCERNS FOR EVERYONE Consider these figures: •Only about 1 percent of the national housing stock can be considered truly accessible, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, with basic design features such as no-step entry, single-floor living, wide hallways and doorways, electrical controls reachable from a wheelchair and lever-style handles on faucets and doors.

•Homeowners ages 55 and over account for half of the nation’s home improvement expenditures, but fewer than 1 in 10 older remodelers tackled a project that would make their homes more accessible, the center found.

•Eight out of 10 people 65 and older want to remain in their current homes as they age, but the lack of accessible features means many will have to leave those houses or risk a worse quality of life, says Rodney Harrell, director of liveability thought leadership at AARP Public Policy Institute.

And it’s not just the elderly who are affected. Ask anyone who worries about aging parents tumbling down steps or becoming increasingly isolated in family homes that are hard to navigate.

“If you can’t get in and out easily, it’s a huge barrier to staying connected in the community,” Harrell notes.

These concerns are more than just professional for Duncan, since he and his wife are currently renovating a home to make it more accessible after moving from Chapel Hill to Asheville,

North Carolina, to be closer to their daughter.

The Duncans had renovated their previous home to allow his disabled father to visit, but finding a new home that had even some of the features they wanted proved a challenge, Duncan says.

WHAT TO SEEK IN YOUR LAST HOME Since truly accessible dwellings are rare, people can focus instead of finding one that can be easily adapted to their needs as they age, Duncan says, such as a home with at least one bedroom on the same level as the kitchen, a full bathroom and the laundry room.

The couple ultimately found a firstfloor condo and are remodeling it to widen the master bedroom doorway, replace the thick carpeting with solid-surface floors and add a Wi-Fi-enabled thermostat that is easier to adjust. Future projects will include making the front entrance and back porch “step-free” (they now have 2-inch and 3-inch rises, respectively) and creating a “curbless” or step-free shower.

No-step entries are good for people in wheelchairs, of course, but they also make life easier for people with walkers, teenagers in casts or anyone wheeling a big-screen TV through the door, Harrell notes.

Other important features to look for include: •Open floor plans that minimize the number of hallways and doorways older people have to navigate.

•Hallways in main living areas that are at least 42 inches wide and bedroom and bathroom doors that are 32 inches wide for wheelchair access.

•Baths and kitchens that can be made more accessible.

For example, standard wheelchairs require a 5-foot turning radius and showers without steps. People can help their future selves by choosing a home with a bathroom that’s spacious enough to maneuver a walker (or a person plus a caregiver) and a shower that’s large enough to include a chair or seat. If homeowners aren’t ready to add more supports—and you should know that “stylish grab bars” are no longer an oxymoron—they can at least reinforce walls during a remodel so that adding bars later is an option.

“You don’t need to create an institutional-looking home,” Harrell says. “You just need to think about your future needs.”

Personal Finance

A SENSE OF FREEDOM—A target of cyber sexual rape, stalking, harassment, and extortion, Darieth Chisolm’s burden is lifting.

(Photo by Diane I. Daniels)

The last dance LAST FROM B1

alone can take us where we must go; a critical mass of us must go together, based on collective leverage, cooperation, and strength.

Like those before me, I am leaving a compendium of writings on economic empowerment that will be catalogued and available, via streaming, for study groups and individuals to read and use in building a solid foundation for future generations. Like others before me, the lessons I have learned will be there for developing and executing solution-based strategies.

The question is: “Will they be followed, or merely discussed, ad nauseam, by the folks who believe that by talking about our problems they have actually ‘done’ something to solve them?”

Based on our errant history since 1964, I pray we will act appropriately by using the knowledge left to us by our progenitors. Here are a few ways to do that: •Raise our consciousness to a level of “unconscious competency” •Leverage our dollars and our votes against injustice and inequity by withdrawing them •Use our consumer dollars to create conscious Black millionaires •Establish more viable, professional, well-managed busi-

nesses, and support them •Establish trusts, equity funds, revolving loan programs, and endowments •Form strategic business alliances and partnerships that can take on larger projects •Scale up our businesses to provide more jobs for Black people •Teach our youth the history of Black business in this country •Teach our young people to think entrepreneurially •Demand reciprocity from politicians and the marketplace, from a position of economic strength •Vote for those who publicly state and commit in writing their support for our interests •Withhold our votes from anyone and any party that will not support our interests •Hold ourselves accountable for our own economic freedom •Organize ourselves around practical economic and political solutions that benefit US •Commit some of our time, talent, and treasure to the uplift of our people Always remember: “Well done beats well said every time, and if people put you on a pedestal, don’t take up residence there.” Peace and Love to all. What a dance, huh? What a dance!

(This column was provided to The Associated Press by the personal finance website NerdWallet.)

Cracking down on payday lending DREAM FROM B1

protections.

CFPB’s payday rule marks a key step in disrupting the debt trap.

Yet, much more remains to be done before financial fairness is a reality for all.

(Charlene Crowell is the communications deputy director with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org.)

BUSINESS CALENDAR Insurance Workshop

OCT 18—The African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pa. presents Navigating the Business Insurance Landscape with Farmers Insurance, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Koppers Building Convention Center, 436 Seventh Ave., lower level conference room 4-H, Pittsburgh. The seminar will give attendees insight into the insurance landscape, different types of business insurance and entrepreneurial opportunities. Cost: $10, $20 for non-members. For more information, call 412-3920610.

Cybersecurity Workshop

OCT. 19—The African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pa. Presents a cyber security seminar with Omar Khawaja, VP and chief information security officer with Highmark Health, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Koppers Building Convention Center, 436 Seventh Ave., lower level conference room 4-H, Pittsburgh. Khawaja will discuss safeguarding the back office while staying connected in the front office and reducing risks of cyberattacks. Cost: $10, $20 for non-members. For more information, call 412392-0610.

PowerBreakfast

OCT. 20—The African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pa. will host its monthly PowerBreakfast meeting, 7:30 a.m. at the Rivers Club, One Oxford Center, Downtown. The guest speaker will be Pennsylvania Gaming Board Commissioner Richard G. Jewell, who will discuss the industry, its job creation, and how to do business with casinos. Cost: 420, $30 for non-members. For more information call 412-3920610.

Understanding Financial Statements Workshop

OCT. 25—The Chatham’s Women’s Business Center in collaboration with Duquesne University Small Business Development Center will host a hands-on, step-by step workshop for existing business owners covering the profit and loss statement and the balance sheet, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Duquesne University’s Rockwell Hall Room 108, 600 Forbes Avenue. Cost is $49 general admission, $30 for Center clients. For more information, call 412-3651153.

Sales Networking Seminar

OCT 27—The Duquesne University Small Business Center will present Leveraging LinkedIn, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in 108 Rockwell Hall, 600 Forbes Ave. Pittsburgh. Learn 25 tips and tricks that will help develop the skills and knowledge to effectively navigate Linked n to find new opportunities, as well as ensure you are found easily by those looking to do business with you. Cost is $49. For more information, call 412-3966233.

PennDOT Accepting Proposals

ONGOING through OCT. 31 he Penn O office of Public-Private Partnerships is accepting unsolicited proposals for transportation projects through Oct. 31. During this period, the private sector can submit proposals offering innovative ways to deliver transportation projects across a variety of modes including roads, bridges, rail, aviation and ports. Proposals can also include more efficient models to manage existing transportation-related services and programs. For more information and instructions on how to submit proposals visit www.P3forPA.gov.

OPINION

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

OCTOBER 18-24, 2017

B3

Just as many Americans thought racism was declining, Trump became president

Guest Editorial

Weinstein’s decades of sexual assault The growing list of accusations against movie mogul Harvey Weinstein from women alleging decades of systematic sexual harassment and assault is a sickening display of depravity and possible criminal behavior.

Top Hollywood stars Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie have added their first-person accounts to the list of accusations against Weinstein from women alleging sexual harassment and assault.

The accusers include an ever-growing list of known and unknown actresses, models, assistants and employees.

The accounts first appeared in the New York Times and were later followed by more horrific accounts in the New Yorker.

The New Yorker’s investigation into Weinstein’s conduct included three accusations of rape. The magazine also reported that 16 former and current executives and assistants at the Weinstein Co. and Miramax either witnessed or knew of Weinstein’s unwanted sexual advances: “All sixteen said the behavior was widely known within both Miramax and the Weinstein Company.”

A representative for Weinstein denied allegations of non-consensual sex in a statement to the magazine.

Since last week’s initial report by the Times, condemnations have come from prominent figures in entertainment and politics including former President Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Leonardo DiCaprio, Glenn Close and Jennifer Lawrence.

Weinstein’s wife of 10 years, Georgina Chapman, said Tuesday that she plans to divorce him. The company he helped co-found fired him. The company stated that Weinstein’s “alleged actions are antithetical to human decency” and that they had no knowledge of this conduct. The University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts rejected a $5 million pledge from Weinstein that was intended for a female filmmaker endowment.

The New Yorker described a “culture of complicity” that could extend far beyond Miramax and Weinstein Co. employees.

The question now is whether accusations will come out against more powerful men in the industry and whether real changes will be implemented.

“I worry that when predators like Weinstein go away, the whole web of obstacles for women in business remains,” actor Alan Alda wrote on Twitter. “Still lots of work to be done.”

Cathy Schulman, president of the advocacy group Women in Film, said the culture that allowed Weinstein to operate for so long is related to the vast under-representation of women in Hollywood in all aspects of the business.

“One thing I haven’t seen is a lot of statements from the big corporations. I haven’t seen the studios and networks and agencies make comments. At the end of the day, what are they going to do? It’s those people who make decisions about which content to finance. Are they going to make a change because of all this? That’s the big question mark,” she said.

“Frankly, if everyone is going to speak up and it’s going to be yesterday’s fish wrap and let’s wait for a hiatus and bring the guys back, then what have we really done?”

The growing Weinstein scandal follows a pattern similar to the sexual harassment scandals of former Fox News chairman Roger Ailes and top Fox News broadcaster Bill O’Reilly.

Weinstein was a major donor to Democratic candidates and liberal causes. Ailes and O’Reilly are known conservatives.

While these men have different political party affiliations, the one thing they apparently have in common is abusing their power to be sexual predators and demean women.

(Reprinted from the Philadelphia Tribune)

Founded 1910

Rod Doss Editor & Publisher Stephan A. Broadus Assistant to the Publisher Allison Palm

Rob Taylor Jr.

Jeff Marion

Office Manager

Managing Editor

Circulation Consultant

John. H. Sengstacke

Editor & Publisher Emeritus (1912-1997)

Even though it’s my opinion, take it as fact: Just as many Americans thought racism was headed out the door, Donald Trump was elected president.

His number one objective is to erase every major accomplishment achieved by President Obama during his eight years in office.

He has issued a record 56 Executive Orders thus far to Obama’s 26 in his effort to undo Obama’s achievements, with the latest one being an all-out effort to wreck the Affordable Care Act. Not able to get the votes needed from the House and the Senate to repeal ACA, Trump has enacted an Executive Order which will defund the ACA in many states. So, instead of putting the people first and pushing to repair the parts of the ACA in states where there are problems, he’s trying to force the shutdown of the program, which will lead to millions of people being without insurance because they can’t afford it. That, of course, leads to pain, suffering and deaths. It also leads to great confusion because he hasn’t made it clear as to what you can and can’t do. Which he hopes leads to death of the ACA, yet neither he nor Congress has offered an affordable alternative.

Which I repeat, will lead to millions being without insurance because they can’t afford it, and many more who have to struggle making payments on policies of upwards of $200 per month.

Just a week before, he issued an Executive Order dealing with the Dreamers (which are the estimated 800,000 children who came to this country with their parents illegally).

These children—mostly adults now— have lived in this country all their lives and would be totally lost if sent back to the country they came from.

to Americans who came from Germany and Italy because they were White. These are the same people who worship the American flag when Black people are protesting, but think nothing, nor say anything when hate groups such as the KKK, and Neo-Nazis are waving the American flag to promote their hate for anyone not White.

Harvey Weinstein scandal I can understand criminals being deWomen are really upset over the ported but these people, for the most Harvey Weinstein scandal, which part, are hard-working, tax-paying had gone on for several years. There people. are dozens of women who’ve accused Even though it’s still not clear what him of anywhere from molestation is going to happen to these people, to rape. But what he did wasn’t any Trump followers want them exported worse than what Trump was recordout of the country with their families. ed saying he did. I was tempted to However, making things even more say that women have become the confusing and cruel is, if these people new Niggers, but White women have have children born in the U.S. or been second-class citizens from the their parents had other children born beginning of this country. in the U.S., those children are autoI say second-class with Black wommatically citizens. Now think what en being third class and Black men that would do to families… fourth class. And if you add Latinos But Trump and his supporters and Asians, Blacks would drop even could care less, as long as the people lower. We seem to always be at the are not White. They are doing almost bottom. the same as they did to Native AmerBlack stars are at an all-time high icans. They took their homes and in the movie industry but other than their farms simply because Whites Tyler Perry very few have moved to wanted the land. the production side of the industry Obama opened relations with Cuba, on a big scale. Weinstein is not the which allowed many exiled Cubans first film mogul to take advantage of to go home or visit their families— women; way back during the Dorothy now Trump is trying to reverse that. Dandridge era in the 1940s and ‘50s What was odd was that right-wing they were doing it. It is rumored that Americans were against relations is why Dandridge committed suiwith Cuba because they were comcide and Josephine Baker moved to munist, yet opened relations with Europe because they were Black and Russia, China and even Vietnam women. If White women had to face despite their being communist. all these problems, just imagine what Trump and his supporters have the beautiful Black women had to face. same mentality as their ancestors Women shouldn’t have to sleep with who, under the leadership of various the executives to be hired or promotpresidents, took the land from Native ed nor should they have to be White Americans, enslaved Black people, or light-skinned.

(Ulish Carter is the former managing editor imprisoned Japanese Americans of the New Pittsburgh Courier.) during World War II but did nothing

Ulish Carter

Just Sayin’

Helping Puerto Rico is not political—it’s human decency Someone asked me on Oct. 12, whether the Endowments was making some kind of political statement in issuing a grant to support relief efforts in Puerto Rico.

I answered that, no, we were not. It has been the practice of this foundation for decades to reach beyond our usual regional giving focus when major catastrophe strikes another American community, which, lest we forget, Puerto Rico emphatically is.

The grants we make in these instances are typically tiny compared to the scale of need—$50,000 to the Community Foundation of San Juan, for example, and the same amount to a relief agency in Houston. But we make these grants to alleviate some degree of suffering and to express solidarity with another community in its hour of extraordinary need, just as we hope they would do if disaster were to strike the place in which we proudly make our lives.

Nothing seems more fundamentally American than that. We help each other. We come to the rescue of each other. We stand by each other. And sometimes we even march and kneel with each other, in prayer and in protest, in sorrow and in joy.

Grant Oliphant

Commentary On a day when the president seemed once again to attack Puerto Ricans for the audacity of their suffering and reporters for exercising their First Amendment rights, I suppose I understand why someone might wonder if our grant for Puerto Rico was some kind of a political statement.

In this era of demonization as official policy, of leaders plucking at our biases like ugly strings on Hell’s own guitar, what defense of the vulnerable, the poor, or the non-White, what protest of police brutality, what rally for the planet and its people, what basic act of understanding and compassion, cannot be conveniently cast as political?

What aspect of our essential human decency cannot be consumed by

the voracious, constant targeting of enemies?

But what a sad indictment of us all if that is allowed to stand, if this dark fantasy of us-against-them is who we truly become. Fundamental values of kindness, morality, civility, empathy, responsibility and respect for others are not partisan. They are human. They are only political in the mad fantasies of would-be tyrants and partisan hacks.

To care for your neighbor, regardless of how distant or how different, is the cardinal American virtue. It is also the core of this imperfect but noble thing we call philanthropy.

Fred Rogers famously advised children in times of calamity to “look for the helpers.” He believed there would always be helpers in the neighborhood he called America, and I believe that too. But we cannot take them for granted, nor the impulse they embody. A society of helpers rests on attitudes of love, trust and shared responsibility, without which there will be no helpers left to save us, be it from disaster or from ourselves.

(Grant Oliphant is president of Heinz Endowments.)

The State of Black Pittsburgh, an asset perspective

by Mark Lewis Too often reports about the State of Black People in Pittsburgh are painted with all of the issues, disparities, and what is wrong in our community.

We focus on the negative statistics of high unemployment, poor health, lack of opportunities, low education levels, infant mortality, low numbers of Black businesses and so on. It is no wonder why so many in our community are overly stressed or hopeless.

It’s true that there are tremendous gaps between Black and White Pittsburgh. It’s also true we don’t need to read another report or create another study to know we have challenges.

We can see challenges visibly in the lives of certain neighborhoods or people we know. But for every negative story or statistic, there is a positive side that we rarely talk about.

For instance, the following statistics represent the Black Pittsburgh Region from a positive point of view: •67 percent of families live above the poverty line.

•84 percent of our population has a high school degree or higher.

•Our employment rate is about 84 percent.

•96 percent of our population is not incarcerated.

•Median Black household income is $45,000.

Although these statistics need to be improved, we have a great base to build upon. If we focus on the assets that our community has, we can begin to remove stereotypes and negative perceptions that have circulated too long. For example, if 67 percent of our population lives above the poverty

line, then most Black people do not live in poverty (at least not as defined by government). If 84 percent of our community is employed, then you cannot call Black people lazy and not willing to work? If 96 percent of our community is not incarcerated, then most Black men are not criminals and thugs?

For too many years, our community has been portrayed as a liability providing limited value, and great costs to our Region. We are often perceived as a group that needs to be fixed through services that government and nonprofits provide. And yes, while I acknowledge structural and institutional racism is the cause that created this need, on which too many of our families depend, tackling that behemoth is not something we readily control.

What we do control is the money that comes through our households.

Annual Black income in the Pittsburgh region is $3.7 billion as of 2016.

Our challenge is turning that income into assets. From every paycheck we receive, we choose where our money is spent. Every penny we spend out-

side of our community is an asset we build for someone else. Currently, we spend on average 90 percent of our income outside of our community. To build assets, we need to focus a much higher percentage of our dollars on businesses, efforts, and investments within our community.

Why are assets important? Assets give you the ability to plan for the future. If we fail to build sufficient assets, we jeopardize our community’s net worth. When we choose to build assets, then our families, children, neighborhoods, businesses, and our culture will experience a future benefit. The question is and has been do we have the will to make it happen.

It’s time for the Black community to regain its will to build assets and turn our consumer spending into community power. If you are willing to share your time, talent, or treasure towards this effort, share your contact information with us at 412-2814967 or info@poisefdn.org. It’s time to build.

(Mark Lewis is president of the Poise Foundation.)

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

CLASSIFIED New Pittsburgh Courier

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OCTOBER 18-24, 2017

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

SONNY BOY

JOB OPPORTUNITIES Help Wanted

IT SYSTEMS ANALYSIS CONSULTANT

HM Health Solutions Inc. seeks IT Systems Analysis Consultant to work in Pittsburgh, PA & to work w/ customers, app. developers, architects, & team members to understand bus. req’ts that drive analysis & design of quality business solutions. Must also have any exp. w/ or knowledge of: COBOL (Common Business Oriented Language); DB2 – Database; JCL (Job Control Language); Easytrieve; Endevor; & EDI transactions – 834, 837, 270/271, 276/277, & 835. Apply at www. highmarkhealth.org, keyword J108807.

APPLICATION DEVELOPER

HM Health Solutions Inc. seeks Application Developer to work in Pittsburgh, PA & to be responsible for analyzing, designing, coding, testing, & implementing app. enhancements w/limited supervision.

Must have any exp. w/or knowledge of: Oracle (SQL); Java/JavaScript Framework; JSON; J2EE (Spring, Hibernate, Struts); REST Web Services; XML; UNIX Shell Script; & Waterfall or Agile mgmt tools. Apply online at www.highmarkhealth. org, keyword J108718.

APPLICATION DEVELOPER

HM Health Solutions Inc. seeks Application Developer to work in Pittsburgh, PA & to be responsible for analyzing, designing, coding, testing, & implementing app. enhancements w/no supervision. Must have any exp. w/or knowledge of: Java; J2EE; JPA; Oracle; Web Services; & Spring Framework. Apply at www.highmarkhealth.org, keyword J108804.

APPLICATION DEVELOPER

HM Health Solutions Inc. seeks Application Developer to work in Pittsburgh, PA & to be responsible for analyzing, designing, coding, testing, & implementing app. enhancements w/limited supervision. Must have any exp. w/or knowledge of: Java/JavaScript Framework; HTML 5.0; JSON; SQL; & PLSQL. Must have ava Certification OC P .

Apply at www.highmarkhealth. org, keyword J108796.

APPLICATION DEVELOPER

HM Health Solutions Inc. seeks Application Developer to work in Pittsburgh, PA & to be responsible for analyzing, designing, coding, testing, & implementing app. enhancements w/no supervision. Must have any exp. w/or knowledge of: Informatica, IMS & DB2; Oracle & Teradata databases; Data Warehousing; Java/JavaScript Framework; SQL; & Waterfall or Agile. Apply at www.highmarkhealth.org, keyword J108723.

MANAGER – EMPLOYEE RELATIONS

Port Authority is seeking a Manager – Employee Relations to be a representative in activities involved in contract interpretation and administration, grievance, discipline, and mediation/arbitration cases with employees. Provides advice to managers, employees, and Employee Relations Representatives regarding the interpretation and implementation of various laws and agreements, including Port Authority’s company policies and procedures affecting terms and conditions of employment. Oversees the administration of Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), attendance tracking and unemployment compensation. Direct activities of Employee Relations staff members and FMLA / Attendance Administrator within assigned operating locations.

Job requirements include: •BA/BS degree in Industrial Relations/Labor Relations, Human Resources Management, or related field from an accredited school.

•Minimum of two (2) years supervisory experience.

Minimum of five 5 years experience in the area of employee/industrial relations, including a minimum of three (3) years in a unionized environment.

•Knowledge of labor and employment laws.

•Professional, effective and interpersonal communication skills.

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

•Good organizational skills.

•Valid PA driver’s license.

Preferred attributes: •General Human Resource experience.

•Updated knowledge of laws governing human resource functions.

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

PIANIST/SINGER

Small Christian church, in Verona, PA. seeking a Pianist/Singer. If interested, please call Nita at (412) 793-3572.

SOUTH FAYETTE TWP. SCHOOL DISTRICT

Substitute Teacher Positions Substitute Nurse Positions Substitute Paraeducator Positions Positions available for all grade levels and areas of content We encourage upcoming graduates and retirees (on emergency basis) to apply Complete job descriptions are available at: www.southfayette.org South Fayette Twp. School District 3680 Old Oakdale Road McDonald, PA 15057 EOE

SENIOR SYSTEMS ANALYST

HM Health Solutions Inc. seeks Sr. Systems Analyst in Pittsburgh, PA to provide app. development services in defined pro ect. Specific duties incl. developing req’ts & supplemental specs for new apps &/ or analyzing change/enhancement requests in existing apps. Apply at www.highmarkhealth.org, keyword J109271.

APPLICATION DEVELOPER

HM Health Solutions Inc. seeks Application Developer to work in Pittsburgh, PA & to be responsible for analyzing, designing, coding, testing, & implementing app. enhancements w/no supervision. Must have any exp. w/or knowledge of: J2EE, JPA, JSF, DB2, Oracle & Teradata Databases, MQ [JMS], WAS8.5, EJB 3.0, Advanced MS Excel; Software Development Lifecycle (Waterfall, Agile, or Rationale); Data Mapping; tech. platforms that integrate w/Mainframe, People Soft, Java web services & COBOL sys.; Enrollment Communication Sys., Individual & Group Billing Sys.; integration architecture associated w/ membership & billing (individual & group) for Healthcare Products that ensures a member is processed from enrollment thru invoicing & payment remittance.

Apply at www.highmarkhealth. org, keyword J108802.

Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting Corporation is an independent, locally owned community-supported public media organization, and is home to Pittsburgh’s NPR News station, 90.5 WESA, and 91.3 WYEP, home of Pittsburgh’s Adult Alternative Music.

We are seeking candidates to join our management team as our organization continues to grow: •Director of Finance •Director of Human Resources & Organizational Development We are seeking experienced individuals with an appreciation for the mission and value of non-commercial, nonpartisan media, and a desire to play a role in delivering its value to the full diversity of the Pittsburgh community.

For more information on these positions please go to our Employment Webpage: http://wesa.fm/topic/905wesa-employment-opportunities Please, no phone calls.

Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and actively seeks diversity in its workforce.

OPEN YOUR HEART TO A SENIOR PROGRAM DIRECTOR United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania

United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania is seeking an individual to serve as our Open Your Heart to a Senior (OYHS) Program Director serving communities in Greater Greensburg and Alle-Kiski area of Westmoreland County. United Way of Southwestern PA operates OYHS, formerly Faith in Action, in conjunction with community, business and volunteer leaders. The purpose of OYHS is to provide free, non-medical support services, such as transportation, home safety checks, yard work, supportive visits and calls, for older adults by matching them with trained volunteers.

Primary responsibilities for the Open Your Heart to a Senior Program Director include: recruiting, training and matching volunteers to older adults and working with local volunteer steering committees to assist with volunteer and program development. Promoting the program to older adults in the community and assessing their needs, fund raising to support the program delivery, administer the office operations and budget of the OYHS sites. Full-time position with benefits. Must have valid Driver’s License and personal use of a car. Bachelor’s degree in a human service field and or equivalent experience.

Visit our website at https://uwswpa.org/careers/ to view job description and apply for this position.

Submissions will only be accepted electronically.

The United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity, serving Allegheny, Westmoreland, Fayette and Southern Armstrong Counties.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

LEGAL ADVERTISING

Public Notice

Public Notice

Bids/Proposals

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (the “Authority”) will hold a public hearing on November , 201 , at 1 00 p.m., in the offices of the Authority, located at 200 Ross Street, 9th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, to discuss the issuance of tax-exempt revenue bonds (the “Bonds”) to be used along with other available funds, for the following project (the “Project”).

A. nitial Owner Addison errace Phase .P. the Borrower . An affiliate of the Authority will have a membership interest in the Initial Owner.

B. Maximum Principal An amount not to exceed $10,670,000 Amount of Bonds: (exclusive of any original issue discount or original issue premium).

C. Location of Project: An address expected to be located at 7030 Kelly Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15208 and contiguous parcels fronted along North Murtland Street, Hamilton Avenue and Kelly Street, each in the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.

D. Description of Project: The Project consists of (a) the new construction of 58 housing units, consisting of a mix of one-bedroom and single-family apartments and two- and three-bedroom two-story townhomes, together with a community center, management office and related site and infrastructure improvements, to be known as Addison Terrace Phase 4; (b) the funding of a debt service reserve fund, if required; (c) the payment of a portion of the costs associated with the issuance of the Bonds; and (d) the payment of any other eligible costs for which proceeds of the Bonds may be expended, including but not limited to reimbursing the Authority and the Borrower for costs incurred for the Project prior to the issuance of the Bonds.

At the public hearing, any and all persons in attendance will be afforded an opportunity to comment on the proposed project and the issuance by the Authority of its Bonds therefor. The meeting location is wheelchair accessible. If you need an accommodation due to a disability and want to attend this meeting, please call 412-456-5020, ext. 6035; TTY 412-201-5384, at least 48 hours in advance so arrangements can be made.

This notice is published, and the public hearing is being held by and on behalf of the Authority as the issuer of the Bonds, as required by Section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations promulgated thereunder.

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH ANNOUNCEMENTS

LEGAL ADVERTISING

Public Notice

Bids/Proposals

ATTENTION:

PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY

If you worked at Drava Engineering n/k/a Davy McKee Corp., Pittsburgh, PA, between 1970-1987, please contact Asbestos Investigator Sherry Day at (734) 878-5236 or email Sherry@SLDinvestigations.com.

LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices

Estate of LEONARD CERSOSIMO, Deceased of 44 Harlem Avenue, McKees Rocks, PA 15136. Estate No. 02-17-5562. Ms. Tammy Ulizzi, 41 Ehle Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108, Administratrix c/o Max C. Feldman, Attorney At Law, 1322 Fifth Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108.

Estate of NANCY LYTLE WILSON, of Upper St. Clair, PA, No.: 02-17-05670, Mary E. Wilson and Hiram C. Wilson, Co-Executors, Mary E. Wilson, of 1209 Klockner Road, Apt. #7, Mercerville, NJ 08619. Hiram C. Wilson of 197 Seegar Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241.

R.M. Entwisle, III, Atty., 125 1st Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

Estate of BONNIE M. WISNIOWSKI, (deceased) of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, No. 02-17-05224. Edward Wisniowski, Executor, 3726 McClure Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. Witherel & Associates, 966 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 Estate of SIMON LOUIS BROWER, Deceased Pttsburgh, PA No. 04753 of 2017.

Marlene Washington, Executrix, 116 Kennedy Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15214 or to Thelma C. Spells, Esquire Atty., 1533 Bidwell Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15233.

LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

The Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) recently issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Data Visualization and Information Design Partners. Due Date: Ongoing For more details and submission information, visit: www.alleghenycounty.us/ Human-Services/Resources/ Doing-Business/Solicitations(RFP/RFQ/RFI).aspx.

Marc Cherna Director Allegheny County Department of Human Services

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

Proposals/bid submittals will be due 11:00 AM on November 9, 2017 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.port authority.org) B170853A Secondary Air Suspension Springs 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 25, 2017 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 GET RESULTS

THE PITTSBURGH WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY ADVERTISEMENT

The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) has been utilizing documents published by the Engineers Joint Contract Documents Committee (EJCDC®) for all construction contracts since July of 2015.

The PWSA has proposed additional edits for new solicitations released after November 30, 2017. The following documents with PWSA-proposed edits are available to download for review and comment at: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ kxfw0kboxl1i85g/AAAL7ywQGY_ Ud7B1sQ2tPQZpa?dl=0 C ua ifications tate ent C-200 Instructions to Bidders for Construction Contracts C-700 Standard General Conditions of the Construction Contract C-800 Supplementary Conditions C-410 Bid Form C-520 Agreement between Owner and Contractor, Stipulated Price Please e-mail Kyle Hood at khood@ pgh2o.com with comments. All comments are due no later than 4:00 p.m. on November 14, 2017.

In addition, the PWSA will host an on-site meeting at 1200 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15222 on Monday, November 6, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. to permit further discussion regarding the above-referenced documents.

ROBERT A. WEIMAR, INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR THE PITTSBURGH WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY

OFFICIAL BID NOTICE TOWNSHIP OF UPPER ST. CLAIR

Sealed Bids will be received by the Township of Upper St. Clair, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania until 9:00 A.M., Tuesday, November 14, 2017, and the Bids will be publicly opened and read thereafter in the Township Building, Lower Level Training Room, at the same address for the following: BOYCE ROAD (S.R. 3006) AT BOYCE PLAZA ROAD PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS Bids from pre-qualified contractors must be sealed and addressed to Matthew R. Serakowski, Township Manager, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 and must indicate on the outside of the envelope “BOYCE ROAD (S.R. 3006) AT BOYCE PLAZA ROAD PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS”, before 9:00 A.M. prevailing time, November 14, 2017, and the same will be publicly opened and read at that time.

Copies of Bidding Documents may be obtained at the office of rans Associates Engineering Consultants, Inc., Suite 400, 4955 Steubenville Pike, Pittsburgh, PA 15205, upon a non-refundable payment of $100.00 for each set of plans and specifications.

A certified check or bank draft payable to the order of the Township of Upper St. Clair, or a satisfactory Bid Bond executed by the Bidder and an acceptable surety, in an amount not less than ten percent (10%) of the total bid shall be submitted with each bid. All bids must be submitted on a lump sum basis.

Bidders must be pre-qualified by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and submit proof thereof with their bid.

Bids will only be accepted from idders that are pre ua ified.

There will be a pre-bid meeting on Tuesday, October 31, 2017 at 9:00 A.M. in the Township Building, Lower Level Training Room, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA. Pennsylvania prevailing minimum wage rates will apply.

The Township of Upper St. Clair reserves the right to reject any and all bids or to waive any informality in the bidding.

Bids may be held by the Township of Upper St. Clair for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days from the date of opening of Bids for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the qualifications of Bidders prior to awarding the Contract. /s/ Matthew R. Serakowski Township Manager COURIER CLASSIFIEDS

CLASSIFIEDS

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

LEGAL ADVERTISING

LEGAL ADVERTISING

Bids/Proposals

Bids/Proposals

ADVERTISEMENT

Sealed bid proposals are hereby solicited for the Community College of Allegheny County, 800 Allegheny Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15233 (412.237.3020) on the following items: Bid Proposal No. 1013 – Printing Community Education Schedules Proposals will be received at the Purchasing Department until 2:00 P.M. Prevailing Time on Monday, October 30, 2017.

The CCAC Purchasing Department is now publishing all bids via the CCAC website at https://www.ccac. edu/Bid-RFP_Opportunities.aspx.

It will be each vendor’s responsibility to monitor the bid activity within the given website (“Bid and RFP Opportunities”) and ensure compliance with all applicable bid documents inclusive of any issued addenda.

Failure to incorporate any applicable addenda in the final submittal may result in the rejection of your bid.

The Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

The Community College of Allegheny County is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and encourages bids from Minority/Disadvantaged owned businesses.

PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY

The URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY of Pittsburgh will receive bids from qualified contractors for selective interior demolition, repair, refurbishment and cleaning of the vacant retail space at 536 Smithfield Street, part of the Mellon Square Parking Garage, and all work incidental thereto required to complete the Mellon Square Parking Garage, Vacant Retail Space, 536 Smithfield Street contract, until 11:00 a.m. prevailing time on Friday, the 17th day of November, 2017, at its office, 11th floor, 200 Ross Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219, at which time all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud in the Conference Room on the 11th floor.

Contract documents will be available on Wednesday, October 18, 2017, in the Engineering and Construction Department, 11th Floor, 200 Ross Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219, upon a non-refundable payment of TWENTY-FIVE ($25.00) DOLLARS made payable to the URA of Pittsburgh. CHECK OR MONEY ORDER ONLY. Contract documents will not be mailed.

A mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at 11:00a.m. at the site.

A certified check or bank draft payable to the order of the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh, negotiable U.S. Government Bonds (at par value), or a satisfactory bid bond, executed by the Bidder and an acceptable surety in a dollar amount equal to 5% of the total bid, shall be submitted. Each bid submittal must include the Bid, Non-collusion Affidavit of Prime Bidder, Bid Bond, Statement of Bidders Qualifications, and Certification of Minority and Women’s Participation with Exhibits.

Wages paid on this project shall not be less than the minimum wages determined by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry as set forth in the contract documents.

The Contractor will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity requirements. The Contractor must assure that applicants and employees are not discriminated against based on race, color, religion, disability, ancestry, national origin, age or sexual preference, gender identity, gender expression, political and/or union affiliation.

The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh requires that all bidders complete and submit Certification of Minority and Women’s Participation with Exhibits.

The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any informality in the bidding.

Bids may be held by the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh for a period not to exceed ninety (90) days from the date of opening of bids for the purpose of reviewing the bids prior to awarding the Contract.

URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF PITTSBURGH Robert Rubinstein Executive Director

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

Proposals/bid submittals will be due 11:00 AM on October 30, 2017 and will be read at 11:15 AM., the same day, at Port Authority’s Heinz location (345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 152222527), for the following: Electronic Proposal Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.portauthority.org) B170960 Switches - Junction B170962 Tow Tractor B170851 Ross Garage Wind Turbine B170963 LRV Suspension B170965A Equipment Cleaner B170967 Paint Booth - Collier B170968 Overhead Maintenance Vehicle B170964A Wheel Tire Kits - LRV B170969 Tamper B170961 Steel Hauler B170959A High Speed Gearbox Couplers - 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 B170966A Unleaded Gasoline No bidder may withdraw a submitted Proposal for a period of 75 days after the scheduled time for opening of the sealed bids.

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held on each of the above items at 10:00AM October 11, 2017 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

INVITATION FOR BIDS

America’s Best Weekly 315 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Classifieds 412-481-8302 Ext. 140 E-mail: ads@newpittsburghcourier.com Deadline/Closing/Cancellation Schedule for copy, corrections, and cancellations: Friday noon preceding Wednesday publication

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ADVERTISEMENT

Sealed bid proposals are hereby solicited for the Community College of Allegheny County, 800 Allegheny Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15233 (412.237.3020) on the following items: Bid Proposal No. 1012 – Truck Rental RFP 3098 – Internet Service Provider (ISP) Proposals will be received at the Purchasing Department until 2:00 P.M. Prevailing Time on Friday, October 27, 2017.

The CCAC Purchasing Department is now publishing all bids via the CCAC website at https://www.ccac. edu/Bid-RFP_Opportunities.aspx.

It will be each vendor’s responsibility to monitor the bid activity within the given website (“Bid and RFP Opportunities”) and ensure compliance with all applicable bid documents inclusive of any issued addenda.

Failure to incorporate any applicable addenda in the final submittal may result in the rejection of your bid.

The Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

The Community College of Allegheny County is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and encourages bids from Minority/Disadvantaged owned businesses.

OCTOBER 18-24, 2015

LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

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

SEPARATE and SEALED PROPOSALS for the following solicitation, will be received by the Office of Procurement, Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, 1200 Penn Avenue, Second Floor, until 4:00 P.M. Prevailing Time, November 8, 2017. Proposals must be received in the hands of and clocked in by a PWSA Procurement Officer in sufficient time prior to the opening in order for a bid to be considered. All late and/or electronically submitted Proposals will be rejected and not considered for award.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR MANAGED INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT SERVICES) PWSA PROJECT NO. PWSA82 The scope of work requires the Consultant to be responsible for monitoring and servicing the PWSA’s network.

All proposals must be submitted in accordance with the solicitation that can be obtained by sending an e-mail to 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 Autumn Barna, Contract Specialist, via e-mail: abarna@pgh2o.com no later than November 1, 2017.

A Pre-Proposal Meeting will be held on October 27, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. in the Authority’s Conference Room, 1200 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15222. The purpose of this meeting is to give an overview of the contract requirements and to allow Offerors to ask questions.

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

The Consultant will be required to submit the package of certifications included with the contract documents relating to Equal Employment Opportunity.

The Authority reserves the right to withhold the award of the Contract for a period of 60 days after the proposal due date.

The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, and to waive any informality or minor irregularity in any proposal(s). The Authority also retains the right to investigate the qualifications of Offerors prior to any award and to award contracts only to Consultants who, in the sole judgment of the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, are qualified and equipped to properly execute the specified work.

ROBERT A. WEIMAR, INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR THE PITTSBURGH WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY

To place a display ad in the New Pittsburgh Courier call 412-481-8302 ext. 128 or 129 TO PLACE AN AD IN SOUL READERS Call 412-481-8302, Ext. 140 The deadline for all ads to be placed is Monday at 4 p.m.

All ads must be paid for in advance. We accept Money Orders, Credit Cards and Western Union “Quick Collect” payments.

Pick up your Courier at these locations…

GIANT EAGLE LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals (16 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) 1005 Freeport Road, Waterworks Mall (NEAR FOX CHAPEL) 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.

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 NEWS 115 Smithfield St. 7-11 SMITHFIELD 420 Smithfield St. FABER COE & GREGG 500 Grant St. FABER COE & GREGG 600 Grant St. NIELSEN’S STORES One Oxford Centre, Grant St.

SOUTH SIDE LOCATIONS KEN’S MARKET 216 Beltzhoover Ave. Daily Mart 1125 Arlington Ave. SHOP N’ SAVE Brownsville Rd., Carrick

WOOD STREET 7-11 429 Wood St. NEWSTAND Sixth and Wood ONE STOP 300 Sixth & Wood

WEST END LOCATIONS CRAFTON BEVERAGE 15 Foster Ave., Crafton/Ingram Shopping Center SHEETZ 5400 Campbells Run Rd. SHOP N SAVE 2103 Noblestown Rd.

OTHER DOWNTOWN LOCATIONS INCLUDE...

KWIK-E-MART 212 Tenth St. 7-11 643 Liberty Ave. ESTER’S SNAX Federal Building, Second Floor FABER COE & GREGG Fifth Ave. Place, First Floor EXTRA EXTRA NEWS 413 Seventh Ave. UTSAV NEWS 400 Cherry Way C&C NEWS 2 PPG Place EDDIE’S SNACKS 262 Fifth Ave. BIG DADDY 465 Forbes Ave.

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.

B6 OCTOBER 18-24, 2017

What is a Black Identity Extremist?

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—While White men are beating Black men on the streets of Charlottesville, Virginia, while a lone White wolf is shooting people from the Mandalay Bay Hotel, while the word “terrorist” is hardly used to describe these men, the FBI, under the leadership of the racist Atty. Gen. Jeff Beauregard Sessions, is thinking up a new way to oppress Black people. Despite the fact that there is no evidence of a “movement,” the FBI has described a group of Black people as “Black identity extremists” who pose a domestic terrorist threat to police officers. (https://assets.documentcloud. org/documents/4067711/BIE-Redacted. pdf) Hold up! We have seen domestic terror threats, though there are those of limited intelligence who cannot fathom them.

The man who shot up an Orlando, Florida nightclub was a domestic terrorist.

Dylan Roof, who worshipped with the parishioners at Mother Emanuel AME church was a domestic terrorist so highly regarded by law enforcement that they bought him a meal before taking him to jail. The man I will not mention in Las Vegas was a domestic terrorist. But the FBI is manufacturing evidence to focus on us African Americans who embrace our Black identity.

Foreign Policy, the magazine and website that broke the story of this new classification of “woke” Black people, leaked the FBI document that links Black identity with extremism and threats to police officers. The document mentions Black Lives Matter, although the connection between Black Lives Matter and anti-po-

Julianne Malveaux

Commentary lice violence has not been established.

For the FBI to identify “Black Identity Extremists” as domestic terrorists is to declare war on Black people. After all, what does it mean to be a “Black Identity Extremist?” Does it mean we love our Blackness and refuse to back down when we are attacked? Does it mean that we revel in our identity and use every available platform (thank you, Colin Kaepernick) to lift our voices up against injustice? Why is this embrace of Blackness so frightening to melanin-deficient people? They prefer us silent, docile, grateful, acquiescent. They demand no such acquiescence from their melanin-impaired friends who gleefully walk through civilized streets of places like Charlottesville and parry racist chants like “you will not replace us, Jews will not replace us.” That’s domestic terrorism, Beauregard! Call it like it is instead of inventing a Black movement that does not exist.

Andrew Cohen (https://www.brenn an cent e r.o r g /b lo g/ fbi-n ew -fan tasy-black-identity-extremists) wrote about the FBI report for the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University and reports that “there is no “BIE movement,” but in the fertile mind of those within the Trump administration that want you to believe there is some sinister Black force out there bent on attacking police officers. No journalists or academics have discovered and chronicled such a movement or its leaders.

No such leaders have come forward to say they are part of such a movement.

No one has killed a cop in the name of such a movement. The only citations to the movement, the Foreign Policy piece tells us, come from “internal law enforcement writings made over the past two months.”

Journalist Sam Fulwood III, writing for the Center for American Progress blog, Think Progress, (https://thinkprogress.org/fbi-targets-black-activists83628a5eb611/) describes the FBI report as an “ominous siren call coinciding with President Donald Trump’s penchant for stoking racial divisions in the country.”

He says that “the administration views The FBI report says the Black Identity Extremist movement began after a Ferguson; Missouri police officer unnecessarily killed Michael Brown. Andrew Cohen notes that the FBI report lists six cases where so-called BIE perpetrators killed police officers. These cases are so isolated that if these men were white they would have been classified, as Dylan Roof was, as mentally ill or troubled. They would have gone to McDonalds with those who arrested them!

Instead the FBI has figure out another way to demonize Black people.

Meanwhile, 173 Black people were killed by police officers so far this year.

Six instances of BIE folks allegedly (do we know they are BIE, or just crazy) killing police officers is a pattern, but 173 Black folks being shot by police officers is what? Business as usual?

This so-called BIE nonsense is diabolically racist and pathologically creative.

It suggests that any Black person who has issues with so-called law enforcement is suspect. I stand with my people who choose to protest ignorance, ugliness and nonsense. Those who embrace their Black identity are not terrorists, we are healthily self-confident. We are at risk, as we have always been, when injustice prevails.

(Julianne Malveaux is an author and economist.)

FORUM

Oh, those words that we misuse regularly…

There are a number leaders” is definitely of words that we mis- Louis ‘Hop’ Kendrick a misuse of words. use with ongoing regMen who father ularity. I often wonchildren and brag der, are we aware of about the size of their it? Allow me to profamily, and make vide you with some limited, if any, contriof those words that I bution to their chilam referring to. dren’s welfare…some Overwhelmingly in of these imitations of our general convermen even have the sations, we use the same term describing gall to refer to themselves as the children’s our neighborhoods, persons who ride on daddy. That is a definite misuse of a word. the same bus, drinking partner, co-worker, I was privileged last week to attend church members; and that term is friend. an award affair, and all of the awardees The majority of these persons are general- were deserving. As I listen, there was one ly persons we know or just come in contact four-letter word that was used throughout with. The term “friend” is misused because the entire evening by all persons particia friend is a special person and the major- pating in the program from the outstandity of others are acquaintances. ing emcee, Chris Moore, to the closing There are those who attend church regular- benediction. All of the presenters and ly and are members and even officers and de- awardees spoke of love for God, parents, scribe themselves as being Christians. I have families, educators, and the financial conheard some of these persons speak about tributors who helped make the program the President of the United States, Donald possible. As I listened to the speakers as Trump, and openly state, “I hope someone they expressed their fortunate experiences kills that bastard.” It is my conviction that of love, a thought came to mind. when a person professes to be a Christian Every day I read in the newspapers, hear and advocates the killing of a person, then on the radio, watch on television, and perthe word Christian is definitely misused. sonally view some of the most atrocious I have witnessed men who profess to be and deplorable actions by persons. I have preachers who too frequently perform acts always been surrounded by love from birth, that are generally condoned by the devil. so I truly understand the importance of However, they still describe themselves as not just the word, “LOVE,” but the actions. a God-fearing man, a blatant example of We live in a nation with faults, but it is misuse of words. the greatest nation in the world. HowevAstronomical numbers of people of color er, it must become the nation for all of us. boast about how Black we are, but too fre- How? There are those who have always quently our lack of positive actions denote contributed, others who do the best they we frequently are just lost colored folks -- can, and others who can and must do more, once again, misused words. and that last segment who are unwilling There are those colored politicians who or unable to make any positive contriburun for office and get elected, and then they tions. Contrary to what some believe, mondescribe themselves as an elected Black ey is not the total answer. We must work leader. Disappointedly, they now state to help all persons be able to learn how to their primary responsibility is to serve the LOVE THEMSELVES. (Louis “Hop” Kendrick is a contributor to the New Democratic Party, and secondly respond to the needs of their Black voters. “Black Pittsburgh Courier.)

To Tell The Truth

President Trump’s ‘paper tiger’ test begins in Niger In 1992 the United can troops the United States began oper- J. Pharoah Doss States would withating in Somalia as draw its forces. part of a United NaIn 1998 Osama bin tions humanitarian Laden discussed demission. Operations feating the Russians of this nature attract in Afghanistan with little public interest. a reporter and Bin Midway through 1993 Laden explained, “Affour U.S. servicemen ter leaving Afghaniwere killed in Somalia stan [fighters] headed and pundits became interested in why the for Somalia and prepared for a long batUnited States cared about a failed African tle thinking the Americans were like the state ravished by civil war.

Russians … The [Islamic extremists] were Shortly afterwards the United Nations surprised at the low morale of the Ameriwas criticized for departing from its origi- can soldiers and realized more than before nal humanitarian purpose to conduct mil- that the American soldiers were paper tiitary operations against Somalia’s most gers. After a few blows, the Americans ran feared warlord, Mohammed Farrah Aidid. away in defeat.”

Then, during the first week of October, Now, over the past few years the U.S. the American people became interested in quietly established a military presence in Somalia. Two U.S. Blackhawk helicopters, Niger. on a mission to capture Aidid, were shot In 2015 the Obama administration dedown, and the dead bodies of American ployed 350 troops to Niger to help combat troops were dragged through the streets of al-Qaida-related groups and Boko Haram.

Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital.

The U.S. troops were sent to provide trainThe firefight that ensued became known ing and security assistance to Nigerian as the “Battle of Mogadishu,” and it was, forces, as well as intelligence, surveillance, as of 1993, the bloodiest firefight involving and reconnaissance, to target extremist in U.S. troops since the Vietnam War. the region.

One foreign newspaper stated, “Images But the U.S. presence isn’t limited to of dead American troops being dragged training in counterterrorism. through the streets of Mogadishu was the The Air Force operates a drone base out beginning of the end for U.S.-UN peace- of Niamey, Niger’s capital, and the Pentakeeping forces which quit operating in So- gon is building another $100 million drone malia.” base in Agadez, the largest city in Central In 1994 the Rwandan genocide took place. Niger.

During a 100-day killing spree the Hutu Recently, a joint U.S. and Nigerian patrol majority government sanctioned the was ambushed by about 50 enemy fightslaughter of 70 percent of Rwanda’s Tut- ers. One report stated the recent deaths si population. U.S. intelligence reports of U.S. servicemen in Niger were the first revealed the Clinton Administration was indication many Americans had that the aware of “the final solution to eliminate U.S. had boots on the ground in the West the Tutsis” but they didn’t intervene be- African nation. Once again four American cause the Clinton Administration feared a soldiers were killed, and once again the repeat of the “Battle of Mogadishu.” date was October 4, the anniversary of the This American apprehension led Islam- “Battle of Mogadishu.”

(J. Pharoah Doss is a contributor to the New ic extremists, who wanted to expel U.S. military presence from Muslim lands, to Pittsburgh Courier. He blogs at jpharoahdoss@ believe if they tortured and killed Ameri- blogspot.com)

Check It Out

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Jesse Jackson Sr.

Commentary Race and diversion (TriceEdneyWire.com)—President Donald Trump has a knack for diverting attention from his failures, often using race as the vehicle. So when Sen. John McCain came out against the cruel Graham-Cassidy Republican health care bill late Friday, guaranteeing its well-deserved crash, Trump went speeding down the racially divisive low road.

At a virtually all-white campaign rally in Alabama that night, the most powerful man in the world decided to crudely attack NFL players with the courage and consciousness to follow the example of Colin Kaepernick, the African American quarterback who took a knee during the national anthem to protest police killings of unarmed black men and boys.

No one should have been surprised by the latest Trump-attack. Racially charged statements and allegations are nothing new for him: a Justice Department lawsuit for housing discrimination against he and his father; the Central Park Five, birtherism, attacking the integrity of an Indiana-born Mexican-American judge in the Trump University trial, calling Mexican immigrants criminals, drug dealers and rapists when he announced he was running for president, a Muslim travel ban, Charlottesville, Jemele Hill and now attacks on Kaepernick, Stephen Curry and any other athlete with the nerve to speak out against injustice.

After the murderous events in Charlottesville, President Trump said there were some “fine people” among the thousands of KKK, neo-Nazis and white supremacist protesters marching with tiki torches carrying Confederate and Nazi flags. But when Black athletes non-violently kneel on the sidelines during the playing of the national anthem, Trump insults their mothers by calling the players SOBs. President Trump said race had nothing to do with his name calling. He said Kaepernick was disrespecting the flag and the military protecting it, and should be denied his right to speak and earn an honest living. Kaepernick said he was protesting racial injustice.

What could Kaepernick possibly have in mind?

His immediate concern was a rash of police killings of unarmed black people. But I’m sure he was aware of other substantive concerns as well: racial profiling while driving and in stores; a black incarceration rate 5.1 times that of whites and in Iowa, Minnesota, New Jersey, Vermont and Wisconsin the disparity is 10-to-1; in 12 states more than half of the prison population is Black, with Maryland having the highest rate at 72 percent, in 11 states, at least 1-in20 Black males are in prison; in Oklahoma, 1-in-15 males ages 18 and older is in prison; African Americans are 13 percent of the population but since 1976 are 35 percent of executions; 1-in-17 Black men aged 30-34 was in prison in 2015; Black males born in 2001 had a 32 percent chance of serving time in prison at some point in their lives; and in 2015 the rate of prison incarceration for Black women was double the rate for White women.

I’m sure racial disparities in health care also weighed heavy on his mind and heart. African Americans have higher rates of mortality than any other racial or ethnic group for 8 of the top 10 causes of death. People of color have the highest rates of cardiovascular disease, HIV/AIDS and infant mortality.

In housing African Americans were disproportionately foreclosed on during the Great Recession and are the main victims of redlining.

Black unemployment has always been at least twice that of whites. Youth unemployment is often over 50 percent in poor urban areas. Economically the wealth gap between whites and Black families nearly tripled from $85,000 in 1984 to $236,500 in 2009.

In education Blacks disproportionately attend poorly financed and segregated public schools. While there has been an increase in blacks going to college, most of this rise has been in lower-quality institutions.

President Trump wanted the owners to fire any player who took a knee, but given the response of the players on Sunday that would have left them with ball boys and middle-aged coaches lining up. Instead virtually all of the owners joined with their players in support of the issue Kaepernick raised—racial injustice. That was a little perplexing —and hypocritical—considering the owners had white-balled Kaepernick, denying him a job in the NFL for kneeling—and thereby standing up for the oppressed.

By taking a knee, Kaepernick stands firmly in the linage of Muhammad Ali, Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Olympics, Curt Flood, Billie Jean King and Jackie Robinson, a founding board member of Operation PUSH. Like those brave men and women, Kaepernick is not just courageous. He is good, very good at his job—throwing a football through the air on an autumn afternoon. He should be on an NFL team and until he is, every American who cares about justice and fair play should take a knee and boycott the games.

SPORTS New Pittsburgh Courier

B7

OCTOBER 18-24, 2017

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

Connie Hawkins was the player, man that others emulated

by Bill Neal

For New Pittsburgh Courier

:10—Once again, a fond farewell and rest in peace Connie Hawkins. You were the man that all other men in that position were measured against. Elgin Baylor, Julius “Dr. J.” Erving, Michael “Air” Jordan, Kobe Bryant...they all say, “Thank you!” :09—A huge at-a-boy to the New Pittsburgh Courier for being the only Pittsburgh newspaper to put Connie Hawkins on the front page, aka cover page, following his death. As it should have been. Congratulations New Pittsburgh Courier for doing the right thing!!! :08—To be honest with ya, I had the Steelers winning in K.C. by 10 points. They ended up winning by 6, 19-13 was the score. Close enough. I still have the Black and Gold not only

going to the Super Bowl but winning “The Stairway to Seven!” :07—Last time for this, I promise.

Since g i r l - wa t ch ing is the No. 1 sport in the world and I am in the Hall of Fame, I’ll offer this.

And look, I am a big man so I am not throwing stones from a glass house.

But Lord have mercy, big girls, you must understand—one size truly does not fit all. That’s just a marketing tool. Look, the safe way out is just use the mirror, don’t walk by it.

Use it, it’s your friend. And

REMEMBERING PITTSBURGH ABA LEGEND CONNIE HAWKINS it will never, never, never ever lie to you! I’m just sayin’.. :06—The 4th installment of the Pittsburgh City League Hall of Fame inductees are now in. Another

capacity City League crowd showed up and showed out.

Super support, dresses to impress, quality young, old, Black, White across the board and a grand time had by all. The photos and

the story coming in a future edition of the Courier. :05—Alright, somebody tell me again why they were saving James Harrison? I don’t think they were.

My gut tells me it had to be an injury of some kind that they just didn’t want to get out. :04—How about NFL commentator James Brown... no, not that James Brown, he’s dead mmmaaannn! I mean J.B. who runs the show for CBS’ “The NFL Today.”

He’s 80 pounds lighter. Job well done. (You may know

that J.B. was a major college basketball player at Harvard University. Was the team captain and allIvy League.) :03—Ohh, this just in —The U.S. Men’s Soccer Team lost to team whatyou-call-it. They’re out of the World Cup. That’s all I got. And ten times more than you knew so shut up! :02—Clearly someone in the Steeler front office got a call from the Emperor Chuck Noll and he simply said, “You have the best running back and the best O-line in football. Run the damn ball, man!!!!!” :01—High school and college basketball are about to be in full effect. Remember, go support, stay in your lane and remember, you weren’t that good when you thought you were good. Let your kids play the game: you just keep playing checkers. :00—GAME OVER.

Why can’t they play like this every week?

ANTONIO BROWN made the play of the year so far for the Steelers—catching a deflected pass with Chiefs defenders abound, then racing to the end zone for the touchdown that sealed a victory for the Steelers, 19-13, Oct. 15. (AP PHOTOS)

James Harrison is ‘Mr. Consistent’ Big Ben played better, but some of Once told he’d barely play anymore, he makes game-clinching sack against Alex Smith and the Chiefs

The 2017 Pittsburgh Steelers season has had more peaks and valleys than a roller coaster at Kennywood. The team peaked again this past Sunday, Oct. 15, as they rode Le’Veon Bell, Antonio Brown and Ben Roethlisberger to victory on the offensive side of the ball.

What Bell did, specifically, was impressive and proof enough for me that this team needs to continue to feed him the ball on a weekly basis.

More than centering the offense around Bell though, the team needs to play consistent football for all four quarters, something they seemed to have lacked through the previous five games of the season.

In game six, however, against the Chiefs, things seemed to click on all cylinders. I asked myself, other than Roethlisberger not throwing a billion interceptions, what was different about this game? Why did this seem like the most complete one of the season? As I contemplated it for a bit, it hit me. The difference was one man and one man only.

The one. The only. James Harrison.

Harrison plays with a chip on his shoulder every single down he’s out there.

He brings a fire to the team that is unmatched. He plays hard. He expects the best from himself and therefore he expects the best from those around him.

It seemed the defense was more intense vs. Kansas City than in weeks past.

It seemed like they were on a mission to prove they could be one of the best in the league. Sure, they had a lot of questions to answer after the disaster against Jacksonville, but you know

who didn’t play against Jacksonville? Harrison.

MIKE PELAIA COURIER STEELERS CENTRAL Harrison’s presence brings a much-needed quality to the team as a whole; consistency. He’s consistent in everything he does and thus the team around him is as well. He’s a leader, a winner and an unstoppable force.

With Harrison in pads, you’d never know the Steelers were one of the worst defenses against the run

STEELERS LINEBACKER JAMES HARRISON definitely “D-Boed” his way to the crucial sack of the Chiefs’ Alex Smith with seconds remaining in the 19-13 Steelers win, Oct. 15.

(Photo by Courier photographer Brian Cook)

in the NFL, whilst playing the league’s leading rusher. Why? Because the team was consistently following their assignments, as Harrison does.

Against Kansas City, Alex Smith was a little more frazzled than normal and unable to get outside of the pocket as he likes to do. Why? The team applied pressure in a more consistent and effective way, like Harrison does.

As the team readies themselves for a visit from their hated rivals, the Cincinnati Bengals, Oct. 22, they must recognize that they need to continue to bring that consistent level of play that they exhibited against the Chiefs.

Though the Bengals are 2-3, and the Steelers are 4-2 and leading the AFC North division, the Bengals aren’t afraid of Pittsburgh. Plus, they’ve had some success visiting Heinz field over the years.

The last thing the Steelers need to do now is allow the Bengals, who were left for dead just a few weeks ago, back into the AFC North picture. A Steelers victory on Sunday, Oct. 22 would put a 2.5 game gap between the two enemies, which, if the Steelers were to play consistently the rest of the stretch, would make for a very difficult lead to cough up.

The key however, is to allow Harrison to suit up the rest of the way, and more importantly, to allow him on the field. The Black and Gold have the talent to win the big games, as they just did this past week. They have the skill to do it. They have the leadership to do it. What they need make sure they have on top of it all is consistency.

That starts with James Harrison.

his passes were still ill-advised

Wha, wha, what happened? Not very many rational people (including yours truly) gave the Pittsburgh Steelers a snowball’s chance in hell of traveling to Arrowhead Stadium to face the Kansas City Chiefs for their sixth game of the season and exiting with a victory notch on their belt, winning, 19-13.

Why? Well, because the Chiefs had traveled to New England for the NFL’s 2017 kickoff game and convincingly beat the Patriots in Foxboro, and before the loss to Pittsburgh, Kansas City was 5-0 and the only undefeated team left in the league. And don’t forget this: the Chiefs had a running back (Kareem Hunt) that was deep frying NFL defenses at a volcanic pace but the Black and Gold big nasty “D” held monsieur Hunt to 21yards on 9 carries and even with that anemic performance against the Steelers, Hunt still currently leads the NFL in rushing.

Mr. Hunt usually racked up 21 yards in the first five minutes of a game. Plus, the Chiefs had a quarterback in Alex Smith who supposedly had a perfect grasp of the offense of his “genius” coach Andy Reid.

The Chiefs also had the No. 1-ranked offense in the NFL prior to their encounter with the Steelers, Oct. 15.

Last, but certainly not least, the Chiefs had the 12th, 13th and maybe even the 14th “man” represented by their historically raucous fan base.

First of all, let’s hit rewind for a few moments.

The week before their encounter with the Chiefs, Pittsburgh had a much more memorable “dance” with the Jacksonville Jaguars, who had given their defense a very appropri-

ate label, the “Sacksonville” Jaguars based on their week 1 performance against the Houston Tex-

AUBREY BRUCE COURIER STEELERS CENTRAL ans where the “Jags” accumulated 10 sacks. They could have renamed their defense “Picksonville” after their trip to Pittsburgh because of Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger’s 5 picks. Now and again there is much hemming and hawing about the great defensive scheme that Steelers defensive coordinator Keith Butler had drawn up against the Chiefs.

First and foremost, any defense can shine when their offense does not give the opposing offense 14 points, plus 3 additional possessions as the result of 5 interceptions. I don’t care if you have the “steel curtain” or the “purple people eaters” playing defense for you, there are not many teams that can overcome 5 picks. Now hear this.

The terrible game that Big Ben had against the

Jaguars did not deter Roethlisberger from throwing into double coverage against the Chiefs. One of his ill-advised passes to Antonio brown was picked because of Brown “running the wrong route.” The second gamble with disaster was when he again threw into double coverage and Brown had to dig up the skeleton of the late great illusionist Harry Houdini and create some magic that caused the ball to go through the hands and bounce off the helmet of Chiefs defensive back Phillip Gaines into the sticky mitts of Brown, who immediately raced into the end zone. Football is supposed to be based on skill and planning, not luck.

The play by Brown was not even necessary. There are other Steeler receivers.

Martavis Bryant, who, until recently was the No. 2 receiver, seems to have possibly lost favor with someone. Is there a mé·nage à trois “bromance” going on between Brown, Ben and Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell? If there is, does Bryant feel that he may be the odd man out? There are reports from the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport that suggest Bryant recently requested a trade from the Steelers.

With the hungry Cincinnati Bengals on the way to face the Steelers at Heinz Field on Sunday, Oct. 22, will this be just another distraction or excuse for the Black and Gold?

THE STEELERS DEFENSE played much better, limiting Chiefs rookie RB Kareem Hunt to 21 yards rushing. The Steelers won, 19-13, Oct. 15, improving their record to 4-2. (AP PHOTO)

(Aubrey Bruce can be reached at: abruce@newpittsburghcourier.com.)

B8

PEOPLE

OCTOBER 18-24, 2017

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Rockin’ the Benedum — ‘School of Rock, The Musical’ It’s in town at the Benedum Center, Oct. 17-22

by Genea L. Webb For New Pittsburgh Courier

All her life Diedre Lang wanted to entertain and make people happy.

“When I was 10 years old, I used to watch a lot of old movies. I used to have my mother wake me up in the middle of the night to watch those movies with Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly and Ginger Rogers and all those types of movies,” recalled Lang. “I wanted to watch those movies, I was fascinated with them and I wanted to learn how to dance and I asked my mother to put me in dance.

I could always sing, but it was always something about Broadway and those Hollywood movies that excited me.”

And as Ms. Steinkopf, one of the teachers in a prestigious prep school in “School of Rock — The Musical,” which is based on the 2003 hit movie of the same name that starred then-up-andcoming actor Jack Black, she’s able to do just that.

The musical, which will play at the Benedum Center October 17-22, features music by Andrew Lloyd Weber. The musical follows Dewey, an out of work rock guitarist who pretends to be a substitute teacher at the school. After identifying the musical talent of his students Dewey forms a band of fifth graders in an attempt to win the upcoming Battle of the Bands contest.

“This character is feisty, sassy and educated; most of the teachers there are

educated and uppity. She is funny and she gives Rosalie the side eye because she doesn’t trust Rosalie’s judgement. Rosalie hires Dewey Finn as a substitute teacher and she doesn’t understand why Rosalie would hire him. She has a hard exterior but she has a heart,” said Lang, who based her portrayal of Ms. Steinkopf on some of the teachers she had in high school growing up in New Jersey.

“In high school I had some tough teachers who came from a hard place but I realized they just wanted to see you grow,” said Lang, who attended Alvin Ailey Dance school and joined the casts of “Bubblin’ Brown Sugar” in Europe and “Smokey Joe’s Café” in Australia, “Cats,” and “The Who’s Tommy” before doing “Lion King” and most recently “Rock of Ages” on Broadway.

Lang was also a fly girl on Keenan Ivory Wayans’ sketch comedy juggernaut “In Living Color” from 1989-1995.

“I worked with J-Lo and all those guys, it was a lot of fun,” Lang said. “I was young and still learning the ropes but it was fun.

During the audition they said they wanted a melting pot of dancers to do street dancing but who could do technical dancing also,” said Lang, who enjoys reading and cooking when she isn’t performing in a show. “I got chosen for the pilot and then ‘In Living Color’ got picked up and I had to audition

again.

“When I got the pilot, there were hardly any girls there,” Lang continued. “I remember it was like 25 girls and then when the show got picked up there were a lot of girls there, probably 500-600

girls at the audition. I knew Kennan liked me but they wanted us to audition and see how we moved together. It was a really cool show.”

The married mother of two pinches herself when she sits and thinks about

DEIDRE LANG

being a part of “School of Rock—The Musical.”

“That movie was one of my favorites so it’s crazy that I’m doing this show. I gave the character some of myself because I’m funny.

The show is a family show for all ages. We have the kids in the show and they are very educated. The kids being in the band make the parents see that the kids have a voice and they are learning this other thing.

It bridges the gap between parents and kids,” Lang said.

“School of Rock—The Musical” opened on Broadway in December of 2015 and it was nominated for four 2016 Tony Awards including Best Musical Score.

It also won the 2017 Oliver award for outstanding Achievement in Music.

This touring production is part of the 2017-2018 PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh series presented by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and Broadway Across America.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.trustarts. org.

The diversity of the cast and the transforming pow-

er of music is what drew Patrick Clanton to the show.

“As an African-American actor, I don’t always get to play roles like the ones I get to play in ‘School of Rock,’” explained Clanton, who portrays three very different characters—Gabe, a science teacher at Horace Green School, Mr. Hamilton, Freddy Hamilton’s father, and Jeff Sanderson, the director of the Battle of the Bands. “I love playing all of them because they are each so unique and very different from myself.”

Both Lang and Clanton want audiences to walk away feel good and light-hearted after seeing “School of Rock—The Musical.”

“I want them to walk away with the message that we all have to listen to each other and understand each other’s pain if we want to make a better world,” Clanton said.

Lang acquiesced. “I feel now for what we’re going through in the world, the show proves that we can all get along. We’re all the same.”

Family assures Jason will always be remembered

ON OCT. 2, 2010, Jason Paylor Jr., 17 years old at the time, was shot and killed in Wilkinsburg. His mother, Lisa White, left, and sister, Joel’Lisa, were nearby as the shots rang out. White has vowed to keep her son’s name and legacy alive with a vigil, each Oct. 2. Courier photographer J.L. Martello was on hand for the 2017 vigil.

FAMILY OF JASON PAYLOR JR. AT THE OCT. 2, 2017 VIGIL (Photo by J.L. Martello)

JASON PAYLOR JR.

PEOPLE

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

OCTOBER 18-24, 2017

B9

THE MWPs ARE MVPs CONFERENCE empowered many African American women, held Oct. 7 at Pitt’s Scaife Conference Center in Oakland. (Photos by Gail Manker)

Conference keynote speaker Garrett encourages Black women to go ‘over and beyond’

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

Throughout the morning, midday and afternoon, Minority Women Professionals showed their true colors.

Marita Garrett. J. Nwando Olayiwola.

Amirah Hunt. Paula K. Davis.

Kyshira Moffett.

And countless others.

The MWPs are MVPs Conference Series was held Oct. 7 at the University of Pittsburgh’s Scaife Conference Center, as the nearly-75 women in attendance got a dose of valuable information in one ear, and vowed to never let it out of the other.

Pittsburgh Councilman R. Daniel Lavelle opened the conference with a welcoming of attendees and guests to Pittsburgh.

During the conference, Moffett, chief bombshell officer of The KSM Group, discussed how to bring a personal brand to life via social media and other means.

Darcel Madkins, business analyst at PNC Bank, spoke on coaching, mentoring and sponsorship.

Sandra A. Murray, PhD, gave words on time management and

work-life balance.

There were a number of other panels, speakers and performances, even an Afternoon Yoga Movement from Jamie DeMarco, physical therapist for Tri-State Orthopedics.

Conference hosts were Nwando Olayiwola, MD, chief clinical transformation officer for RubiconMD, Hunt, GirlGov program manager for the Women and Girls Foundation, and Davis, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences Diversity at Pitt.

Garrett, the incoming mayor of Wilkinsburg, served as keynote speaker. She stressed the importance of “Sister Circles,” where women of color can regularly meet, express what’s on their mind, uplift each other and have fun experiences.

“We need more support for us because there’s too many of us who are by ourselves in our fields and we’re not even sometimes getting support from other women,” Garrett told the women in attendance. “And I know I’m preaching to the choir, but it can be lonely sometimes when we’re in these board

DARCEL MADKINS, right, of PNC Bank, with Kenya Matthews.

NICOLE WEBSTER

meetings or in these conferences and we’re the only Black, or the only Black woman, or we’re the youngest. There are too many onlys and too many qualifiers, so that’s why we really need to stick together.”

Garrett is in a few sister circles herself. “We get to share our daily struggles, and we can laugh and have fun, and we can set up times for our next brunch or next get-together,” she said. “Those are absolutely crucial, going back to that burnout and stress, you need someone who is going to say, ‘Girl hold up, breathe, chill, let’s have a nightcap.’”

Garrett told the engaged crowd her parents instilled in her the need to give back to one’s community.

And over the years, Garrett learned through her ELITA WILLIAMS, right, and Michelle, enjoyed the day-long MWPs are MVPs Conference. parents and her own life experiences that, “You can’t be extraordinary without being a little extra.

“It’s so easy for us sometimes to get complacent, especially in a society that rewards mediocrity. I think it’s OK to go 100 percent, to go over and beyond.”

KEYNOTE SPEAKER MARITA GARRETT, right, with J. Nwando Olayiwola, conference host.

SANDRA MURRAY

KYSHIRA MOFFETT

B10

PEOPLE

OCTOBER 18-24, 2017

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

From Victim to Victor Tiffany Huff-Strothers suffered a gunshot to the leg from an ex-boyfriend. But her new book details how she stayed strong, kept the faith, and now stands tall

by Renee P. Aldrich

trails behind such an experience.

The book is “30 Day Stay.” It chronicles life For New Pittsburgh Courier after the shooting.

Yes, IPV can go that far.

October is National DoHeartbreak and hopelessness are mestic Violence Month; this terms that engulfed Huff-Strothers is a scourge on society that when she woke up one day and found has done much to destroy herself, at just 26 years old, a sinfamilies, create motherless gle mother of an 11-month-old and children, wounded spirits, a 3-year-old; she faced a personal diminished personal estrauma. She details the story of her teem in its victims and so abusive boyfriend (the father of much more. her children) who not only had freIn recent years, the fight quent outbursts, but ultimately has been on the increase— returned to her home one night, through education, inforclimbed into a window, fought mation and awareness, to her and shot her in the leg. eliminate this phenomenon That was 10 years ago, and in America. Yet, with all the the time has garnered positive recent education around shifts in her life. Her two sons this issue, the numbers are are now ages 9 and 13, and she still astounding. is the founder of the “Tiffany Huff According to the National Experience,” which is inclusive Coalition Against Domestic of Coffee and Clarity sessions, the Violence, nearly 20 people Reinventing You Podcast & Tour, and per minute are physically The Write For Your Life Masterclass. abused by a domestic partIn those programs, she works with a mulner in the U.S.—more than titude of women, as she teaches and moti12 million women and men vates them, and vice versa. over the course of a year.

“30 Day Stay” chronicles life after the Nearly 15 percent of womshooting and the period when she and her children had to flee their home and enter a local women’s shelter for battered women.

“Though it has been 10 years and all the while back then I was taking notes and saying I was going to write a book, I only knew last year it was time—The feedback from the work affirmed that God’s time and instruction were on point,” Huff-Strothers told the New Pittsburgh Courier in an exclusive interview.

The book is a poignant, moving depiction of her fight back, a personal look at the content of her emotional well-being that she feels kept her coming back to her sons’ father when she knew she shouldn’t. The story is about Huff-Strothers, but it is not her story alone.

This truth was manifested as well in the process, as the book was worked on and completed within 30 TIFFANY HUFF-STROTHERS, with her inspirational book, “30 Day Stay.” days. She felt these 30 days en and four percent of men have been injured as a result of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) that included rape, physical violence and/ or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime.

Nearly half of all women and men in the United States have experienced psychological aggression by an intimate partner in their lifetime, and women ages 18-24 and 25-34 generally experience the highest rates of IPV. Pittsburgh is not immune to its share of cases. Local author Tiffany Huff-Strothers has written a compelling book which details her personal struggle as a victim of Intimate Partner Violence, but it is a redemptive tale that demonstrates the depth and breadth of human spirit, and power found in God, faith and hope as weapons against the resulting trauma that

TIFFANY HUFF-STROTHERS were in direct correlation to the time that she and her sons were living in the shelter—further proof to her that she was on a mission of sharing.

“This was never a story I wanted to be about me anymore—my prayer was to move on, cease being a victim and let it be a thing of my past,” Huff-Strothers said. “I came to realize that this story was meant to give voice and strength to others—and there are others.”

It is with that in mind that she addresses the objective of her book. First, that folks would understand there is power in sharing your truth—what you are experiencing or going through, someone else probably is as well, and needs to hear from you. Second, that God is the great equalizer— when you are at your weakest, he is at his strongest.

And finally, whatever it is you are going through no matter how bad, doesn’t ne-

gate who God created you to be.

Huff-Strothers said her ultimate hope for readers is that they recognize that life’s challenges and facing trauma should be about growing, and not limiting; and you can actually reinvent yourself from the ground up while everyone is watching.

(Tiffany Huff-Strothers is conducting a book tour throughout October for National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. For details on Huff-Strothers, the book and appearances, follow her @thetiffanyhuff on social media outlets, and Tiffany Huff-Strothers on Facebook.)

Domestic Violence Programs/Hotlines in Allegheny County Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh (1877338-8255) www.wcspittsburgh.org Womansplace (1866-2025573) www.womansplace.org

Hurricane relief—CEA lends a helping hand

CEA HURRICANE RELIEF CONCERT featured a number of speakers and musical entertainment, like Jerelle, shown here. The event occurred Oct. 7 in Homewood. (Photos by J.L. Martello)

RASHAD BYRDSONG

JAQUAYA MAE, performing at the CEA Hurricane Relief Concert, Oct. 7 in Homewood.