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Vol. 110 No. 44

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OCTOBER 30-NOVEMBER 5, 2019

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Can Black people walk around Churchill without being labeled ‘suspicious?’

Lawsuit filed against Churchill officer with checkered background

by Rob Taylor Jr.

ciding to video-chat with her husband via cell phone.

A resident of Churchill called police, believing that Suits, an African American

Courier Staff Writer

Can a Black woman walk around in Churchill without being accosted by police?

Rebecca Suits thought she could, until she took about

“I was just out taking a walk. I thought to myself, ‘why shouldn’t I be able to take a walk? What’s wrong with it? Is it because of where I am and the color of my skin?’”

ATTORNEY TODD HOLLIS, who is representing Suits, shows the media a New Pittsburgh Courier edition in which Churchill police officer Stephen Shaulis was caught on camera attacking a Woodland Hills High School student.

REBECCA SUITS an hour-long walk in the upscale borough in the late afternoon hours of Sept. 23.

A lawsuit was filed on Oct. 21 in federal court, alleging Churchill police Officer Stephen Shaulis violated Suits’ constitutional rights when he approached her as she took a walk in the borough, then followed her to

region, “became afraid and decided she was going to end her walk,” Hollis said.

She returned to her godmother’s home in nearby

REBECCA SUITS, right, with her husband, David Burkett, recalls the events of Sept. 23 when she was woman, may have been a confronted by Churchill police officer Stephen Shaulis as she took a walk through the borough. (Pho- threat, or more specifically, tos by J.L. Martello) a “squatter” in the neighborhood. nearby Wilkinsburg, and later placed her to continue on the borough’s police force.

Officer Shaulis arrived, under arrest and took her to the Churchill Suits, flanked by her husband, David and, according to Hollis, police station.

Burkett, and godmother, Lougwin Spen- “demanded to know what The lawsuit, filed by Suits’ attorney, cer, told the media at an Oct. 21 press con- her name was and why she Todd Hollis, also lists Churchill Borough, ference that she was simply taking a walk was in the area.” for allowing an officer with Shaulis’ record through the streets of Churchill, later deSuits, who is not from the

How can city police investigate at Pittsburgh Public Schools?

Board members prepared to vote

by Stephanie Hacke PublicSource

To address concerns from the community and Pittsburgh school board members, the latest draft of a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) between Pittsburgh Pub-

lic Schools and city police specifies that law enforcement cannot conduct an investigation without first reaching a student’s parent or guardian.

The MOU has undergone numerous revisions over the last several months to address concerns from community and student groups, board members and the ACLU. School board members looked over the newest draft at their Oct. 23 agenda review meeting.

The board is set to vote today, Oct. 30, on the agreement between police and the

district that is years in the making.

“Largely, the concerns have been addressed,” district solicitor Ira Weiss said.

The agreement establishes procedures for how police can respond to certain incidents on school property or at school-sponsored activities. It does not cover incidents outside of the school setting and should “create no substantial disruption to the learning environment.”

SEE CITY POLICE A7

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Longest serving Black member of Congress

by Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent

SEE COX A7

SEE CONYERS A7

For New Pittsburgh Courier

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John Conyers dies at 90

She entered the room singing “La Vie en Rose,” a popular love song first performed in the 1940s by Edith Piaf, one of France’s greatest international stars.

Before going onto the stage, she sang while strolling by tables much like a chanteuse of bygone days, providing the audience a glimpse of the nightlife from a club or cafe along the ChampsÉlysées in Paris.

“This show is sort of revealing,” she told the New Pittsburgh Courier. “It takes me outside of what people have seen before. I’m excited about that and a little scared because revealing is a scary place to be.”

Deborah Cox, the Canadian-born singer, the Grammy Award-nominated vocalist, her songs so synonymous with the mid-1990s to today; she opened the Trust Cabaret Series’ eighth season on Oct. 14, Downtown Pittsburgh. The Trust Cabaret Series is an intimate

by Tene Croom

Pittsburgh Courier

SEE CHURCHILL A3

Former U.S. Congressman John Conyers, whose 15-year fight to pass legislation that would make Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday a federal holiday, died on Sunday, Oct. 27. He was 90.

The longtime Michigan Democrat represented what is now the state’s 13th Congressional District (which includes parts of western Detroit) for more than 50 years. Conyers resigned in 2017.

Conyers was born in Detroit in 1929. He was elected to Congress in 1965 and immediately became a forceful voice in the Civil Rights Movement, JOHN CONYERS co-sponsoring the Voting Rights Act of that same year.

Conyers was the first African American to chair the powerful House Judiciary Committee and helped spearhead the 1994 Violence Against Women Act. Conyers and 12 other African American members of the House of Representatives founded the Congressional Black Caucus in 1971.

“We always knew where he stood on issues of equality and civil rights in the

R&B singer Deborah Cox shows different side in Pittsburgh performance

R&B SINGER DEBORAH COX performed at the Greer Cabaret Theater, Downtown, Oct. 14. (Photo by J.L. Martello)

Wilkinsburg moments later, but, Hollis said, Officer Shaulis followed her in his police cruiser as Suits approached her godmother’s home on Collins Road.

As Suits approached the porch and the front door,

Glenn Ellis on

Racism, stress,Forumand your health B6 Forum B6

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INTERNATIONAL

Liberia to raise up the country’s poorest with $100 in cash (TriceEdneyWire.com/ GIN)—Thousands of Liberia’s poorest citizens will be getting an early Christmas gift of $100 this year as part of a five year project which the government hopes will shrink chronic poverty and eliminate hunger.

Authorities at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection say they have started to disburse “social cash” to the extremely poor and food insecure citizens in two counties.

The money comes from the nation’s Social Safety Nets Project funded by the U.N. Development Program.

“Over 3,000 households will be given cash to help them secure the needed support for their families,” said Minister Williametta E. Saydee-Tar, speaking at a news conference in Monrovia.

“This cash transfer is a major achievement under the Pro-poor Agenda, which says power to the people and sub-chapter investing in social protection.”

The Pro-poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development (PAPD) underscores the importance of “direct cash transfer” outside centralized national poverty reduction programs, she said, adding: “This milestone also captures the very essence of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

under pillar one and two that says no poverty and zero hunger.”

The five-year (2019-2023) Agenda, according to Deputy Finance Minister for Fiscal Affairs Samora Wolokollie, is about strengthening people’s capacity to thrive and seeks to draw all Liberians at home and abroad into the national development process.

The two counties so far in the program are Grand Kru and Maryland.

However, not all Liberians are on board with the plan.

Robert Quiminee, an activist and an author, in an article on Liberia’s Poverty Recovery Strategies, fears the program lacks the input of poor people in the policy process.

He mentioned a wide-

ly-seen photo of President George Weah in which he and his wife are eating with bare fingers but with no plan to transform lives.

“Pro-poor is not about identity, it’s about transformation,” Quiminee said.

A. Witherspoon, writing in the Liberian Observer, asked rhetorically: “Where does this cash transfer program fit into the overall development plan? These ad hoc initiatives will not help our people. These piecemeal ventures are what is deepening the (poverty) situation in the country.”

Meanwhile, the first All Liberian Diaspora Conference is set for Dec. 6-7 at the St. Andrews Ukrainian Orthodox Center in Silver Spring, Md.

African languages among the top 10 spoken in U.S. homes (TriceEdneyWire.com/ GIN)—If you think you’re hearing more Swahili, Yoruba, Amharic or Twi coming from your neighbor’s home, you’re right!

Newly released data from the U.S. Census Bureau

Amharic/Somali.

Although African immigrants make up a small share of the nation’s immigrant population, their overall numbers have doubled every decade since 1970, according to the Pew

finds African languages are among the top 10 fastest growing languages spoken at home in the U.S. The Census list features three groups of African languages: Swahili and other Central/Eastern/Southern African languages; Yoruba, Twi, Igbo, and other Western African languages; and

Research Center.

Africans now make up 39 percent of the total foreign-born Black population, up from 24 percent in 2000.

Despite President Trump’s unkind comments about African countries, African migrants continue to seek refuge in the U.S. In June 2019, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officials recorded an unprecedented rise in African migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border,

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arriving at a rate of 30 to 40 people a day. A majority of these asylum seekers are from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Angola.

This is not a trend that is expected to change drastically anytime soon.

North America is a top destination for the continent’s mushrooming under-30 population, particularly those between the ages of 18 and 25 who want to leave. This desire to migrate is highest in West and Central Africa.

Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Tanzania, Senegal and Kenya are among the principal countries of origin for sub-Saharan African migrants to Europe and the United States, which explains why Swahili, Yoruba and Igbo are leading the African cohort on the Census Bureau’s list of fastest-growing languages.

Swahili is the major African language spoken in the U.S. And for the first time, the country will, in the upcoming 2020 census, print guides in three additional African languages— Igbo, Yoruba, and Twi. The previous census in 2010 had guides printed in five African languages all of which were from East and South Africa.

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This Week In Black History

Week of October 30-November 5 October 30 1831—Minister and mystic Nat Turner, leader of the bloodiest slave revolt in U.S. history, is captured in South Hampton County, Va. The uprising took place Aug. 21 and 22 of the same year and left 55 Whites dead. Turner was hanged and then skinned on Nov. 11.

1954—The U.S. Department of Defense announces the official end of all segregated military regiments in the armed forces.

1966—The Black Panther Party is founded in California by Huey Newton and Bobby Seale. The full NAT TURNER name was the Black Panther Party for Self Defense. It was formed in major measure to bring attention to and combat brutality against Blacks by the Los Angeles Police Department.

1974—Muhammad Ali defeats George Foreman for the heavyweight boxing title. The fight took place in Zaire (now the Congo) and was billed as the “Rumble in the Jungle.”

1991—BET Holdings, Inc. sells 4.2 million shares of stock in an initial public offering becoming the first Black company listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Founder Bob Johnson has since sold the company to the media giant Viacom.

2002—One of the original founders of modern rap music Jam Master Jay of the group Run-DMC was killed in a shooting at his New York recording studio. He was 37. His group, RunDMC, was a major force attracting young Whites to rap music.

October 31 1517—Revolutionary Christian leader Martin Luther MUHAMMAD ALI posted his famed 95 Theses on the door of Wittenberg Palace in Germany setting off the Protestant Reformation against the Catholic Church. It is believed the parents of American Civil Rights Movement icon Martin Luther King Jr. named him after Martin Luther. However, King’s original name was “Michael” and was later changed to “Martin.”

1820—(circa) Irish Catholics bring Halloween to America where it first gains popularity among the lower classes and becomes heavily influenced by both American Indian and Black American (slave) superstitions.

1896 (or 1900)—Actress and singer Ethel Waters is born in Chester, Pa. She became one of the nation’s best known jazz and gospel singers. Waters was born to a 12-year-old Black girl who had been raped by a White man.

November 1 1604—William Shakespeare’s great play “Othello” was first performed at Whitehall Palace in London. It is the earliest ETHEL WATERS known European play with a Black lead character.

1866—America’s first Civil Rights Act is passed over the veto of President Andrew Johnson. In part, it was Johnson’s opposition to such pro-Black legislation that led a group called the “Radical Republicans” to seek his impeachment.

Johnson had become president after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and adopted a wide-range of anti-Black policies.

1910—Scholar and political activist W.E.B. DuBois published the first issue of the NAACP’s monthly magazine “Crisis.”

DuBois would later break with the NAACP charging that its approach to ending discrimination against Black was too “gradualist.”

1945—The first issue of Ebony Magazine was published in Chicago by founder John H. Johnson. Johnson died in September W.E.B. DUBOIS 2005. The magazine and its sister publication, Jet, are now facing financial difficulties and may be purchased by a group of non-Blacks.

1991—Clarence Thomas takes his seat on the United States Supreme Court after a prolonged controversy over his alleged sexual harassment of former co-worker Anita Hill. Thomas would go on to disappoint much of Black America by rendering votes on major issues, which many leading African-American felt were JOHN H. JOHNSON anti-Black.

1999—Chicago Bears running back great Walter Payton dies of cancer at the age of 45. His power and grace on the football field led to his nickname “Sweetness.”

November 2 1889—The last great African king is crowned. Menelik II became “Negusa Nagast” (King of Kings) of Abyssinia (Ethiopia).

At that time Abyssinia included not only present day Ethiopia but parts of Kenya, Somalia and the Sudan. European colonialism would weaken and reduce the size of the kingdom. Menelik could trace his heritage back to King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba of the Christian Bible.

1903—Maggie L. Walker opens the St. Luke Penny Savings Bank in Richmond, Va. Walker was one of the most accomplished business women in Black American history having founded a bank, a newspaper, other businesses and a political party known as the Lily Black. Constant refrain in her speechMAGGIE LENA WALKER es was “Let us put our money together…and reap the benefits.”

1930—Haile Selassie is crowned emperor of Ethiopia after the death of Ethiopian Empress Zawditu. Tracing his lineage back to the Bible’s King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, some Blacks (most notably the Jamaican Rastafarians) consider him a god. Selassie’s name prior to being crowned emperor was Raz Tafari.

1983—Conservative Republican President Ronald Reagan signs the law that designates the third Monday in January as Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Shortly after the signing he angers some Blacks when in response to a reporter’s question he suggests that King may have been a communist.

November 3 1868—John W. Menard is elected to the U.S. Congress and was among the first group of Blacks to take a seat in that body during the Reconstruction period, which followed the Civil War. He defeated a White candidate in Louisiana’s 2nd District.

1983—National Black political leader Jesse Jackson announces the first of his bids for president of the United States. His campaign, at the time, is credited with registering the largest number of Black voters in modern history.

1992—Carol Moseley Braun, D-Ill., becomes the first Black woman elected to the United States Senate.

1992—James Clyburn becomes the first Black person elected to U.S. Congress from South Carolina since Reconstruction. He is now one of the most power people in Congress.

November 4 1922—The entrance to King Tutankhamen’s tomb is discovered in Egypt. Controversy reigns to this day as to King Tut’s color. Many Black authorities claim White historians and museums continue a historic practice of using representations of Tut that lighten his skin and downplay his African CAROL MOSELEY BRAUN features.

1872—P.B.S. Pinchback was elected to the United States Congress from Louisiana.

He was one of the most colorful Blacks who took seats in Congress after the Civil War. His full name was Pinckey Benton Stewart Pinchback.

1872—Blacks actually take political power in Louisiana. C.C. Antoine is elected lieutenant governor; P.G. Deslonde become secretary of state; and W.B. Brown becomes superintendent of public education. Virtually all Black political gains would be taken away as Reconstruction gave way to the Jim Crow period.

1982—Scholar and educator Rayford Logan dies. He was one of Black America’s most prominent educators and historians, and the author of numerous books. He was also the longtime chairman of Howard University’s history department.

1988—Bill Cosby and his wife, Camille, give Spelman College $20 million— the largest gift by a Black couple to a Black educational institution in U.S. history.

November 5 1867—The first Reconstruction Constitutional Convention takes place in Montgomery, Ala. In attendance were 90 Whites and 18 Blacks. Reconstruction would bring forth a period of tremendous political and educational advancement for ex-slaves after the Civil War. But Reconstruction was significantly undermined by the Hayes-Tilden of 1877 and the beginning of the anti-Black Jim Crow period.

1902—Etta Moten (Barnett) is born in San Antonio, Texas. She would become one of the first major African-American Broadway stars. She starred in “Porgy and Bess” and had a successful Broadway career.

1926—Negro History Week is started by Black historian Carter G. Woodson. It would later grow into the current Black History Month which takes place each February in the United States. In England Black History Month takes place in October.

Woodson (1875–1950) is recognized as the “Father of Black History Month.”

1956—The Nat King Cole Show—the first Black hosted network television variety show—debuts. The show began with just 15 minutes and later expanded to half-anhour but was pulled in 1957 for lack of advertiser support.

1968—Brooklyn, N.Y.’s Shirley Chisholm becomes the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress. She would later make an unsuccessful bid for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination.

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OCTOBER 30-NOVEMBER 5, 2019 A3

Can Black people walk around Churchill without being labeled ‘suspicious?’

Lawsuit filed against Churchill officer with checkered background at the press conference.

“I thought to myself, ‘why shouldn’t I be able to take a walk? What’s wrong with it? Is it because of where I am and the color of my skin?’”

Suits said the September incident has “changed my worldview. I’ve never, ever had an encounter with police in my life— being arrested, wanted, anything—and to have this type of encounter, it changes the way I look at things.”

“I don’t ever want to see Stephen Shaulis working as a police officer or in any other law enforcement capacity ever again,” Hollis said. “This is a situation where money is not enough—the fact that he could walk into an elderly woman’s home and…open up their door and enter their house as if he had a right to do so and would suffer no consequences… and essentially he has not.”

Hollis said with all the acDAVID BURKETT, husband of Rebecca Suits, expresses his outrage at his wife being labeled “suspi- cusations levied against Ofcious” while she walked in Churchill. (Photos by J.L. Martello) ficer Shaulis over the years,

CHURCHILL FROM A1

Hollis said the officer asked Suits for identification, which she refused, because she said she was doing nothing wrong and had committed no crime.

“He (Officer Shaulis) says, ‘Oh, I see where this

is going,’—he opens up Ms. Spencer’s door, brushes past her, grabs Ms. Suits by the arm, places her in handcuffs and throws her in his police car,” Hollis said. “What is wrong with the status of people with officers in this community?

Why is it that a Black woman can’t go on a normal walk as any other person would or could?”

Suits was taken to the Churchill police station, but ultimately was not

charged with any crime.

She later went to Forbes Hospital for bruising and inflammation.

Officer Shaulis is no stranger to controversy. In 2015, as a school resource officer for Woodland Hills High School, he was caught

on video shocking a student with a Taser. And in April 2017, he was accused of using excessive force when he knocked out a student’s tooth. Hollis filed a lawsuit on behalf of students in the Woodland Hills School District alleging excessive force by its officers and employees against students.

The case was settled in 2018 for $500,000.

Suits, who has addresses in Idaho, Georgia and Arkansas, was in the area to

Derrick Coleman Jr. named Student Council Treasurer at MACS “The more you learn, the more you earn,” is what Manchester Academic Charter School eighth grader Derrick Coleman Jr. says to his mother each morning before school.

The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that Coleman, 13, was just named Student Council Treasurer at MACS. Sometimes, it’s hard to get youth into learning about finances. But Jaz’Mine Coleman, Derrick’s mother, said she’s been talking to him about the importance of good credit, a savings, and how that translates

into, say, having a very low (or no) down payment on a car, and having money for a “rainy day.”

“He went through a lot last year at Pittsburgh Sunnyside,” Jaz’Mine said of Derrick. But at MACS, “academic wise, he’s more focused, more interested in learning, he’s more sociable, he likes to get up in the morning, where before, he didn’t really want to get up,” she said.

“He’s looking forward to getting into an engineering program,” and already is thinking about college.

The Colemans reside in Brighton Heights.

DERRICK COLEMAN JR.

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provide care for Spencer.

Suits’ husband, Burkett, was in Georgia listening to most of the events unfold as the cell phone connection between he and Suits was still working.

“I was just out taking a walk,” Suits told reporters

LOUGWIN SPENCER, godmother of Rebecca Suits. “he has not come before a single judge…he still works as a police officer and he has not lost $1. So what would be his motivation to stop this kind of conduct if he suffers no consequences?”

Suits, who has a 29-yearold son, told reporters that as she was in the back of the Churchill police cruiser, “I feared, ‘would I ever see my child again? Would I ever see my mom and my husband again?’”

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The Westinghouse Bulldogs—Champions again

WESTINGHOUSE’S DAYON HAYES, a Pitt recruit, hoists the City League championship trophy after the Bulldogs defeated University Prep, 12-2, on Oct. 26. (Photos by Courier photographer Brian Cook Sr.)

WESTINGHOUSE CO-MVPs Troy Lanier and Dayon Hayes.

For the first time since 1996, the Westinghouse Bulldogs are on top of the City League football world.

A 12-2 victory on Saturday, Oct. 26, over University Prep was followed by a joyous celebration for the Homewood team, as quarterback Troy Lanier completed 7 of 14 passes for 109 yards and two touchdowns, and star de-

fensive end Dayon Hayes had 1.5 sacks and helped tame the U-Prep running game.

In an interview with the New Pittsburgh Courier earlier in the season, Bulldogs coach Donta Green said that “it takes maturity to finish games,” and his team struggled early on.

“It’s just finishing those games and really driving

that point home that we have to finish,” Green said.

Well, things have changed. After losing their first three games of the year, including a 3222 decision to University Prep on Sept. 5, Westinghouse has won seven straight games, including the convincing City League championship win this past Saturday.

LIFESTYLES New Pittsburgh Courier

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OCTOBER 30-NOVEMBER 5, 2019

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

Debbie Norrell

Lifestyles Report

A good read You never know where you are going to find your next good book to read. I remember when I used to interview book authors on my radio talk show. Most of the books were worth reading and I enjoyed endorsing the book and supporting the writers.

A few weeks ago I was sitting next to a friend at a brunch event and somehow our conversation led to the notorious African American jewel thief Doris Payne.

She asked me if I had read the book “Diamond Doris.”

I had heard about her in the news but never read the book or viewed the documentary “The Life and Crimes of Doris Payne.”

After the brunch the book arrived in my mailbox. I was ecstatic. Thank you, Yvonne Durham.

Payne was born in the segregated coal mining town of Slab Fork, West Virginia, but the beautiful clothes, jewels and lifestyles that she saw in shiny magazines like Harper’s Bazaar and Town & Country fascinated her. She dreamed of a life away from the abuse of her father who worked in the coal mines and abused her mother and siblings. It’s funny how one incident can change the direction of someone’s life.

Doris Payne had developed a good friendship with a White storekeeper and one day he threw her out when a White customer arrived, Payne vowed that neither race nor gender would hold her back. She was going to control her own life and make her own money. She began a life of shoplifting small pieces of jewelry from local stores and then branched out to states surrounding West Virginia and yes, she even came to Pittsburgh’s diamond area and successfully “lifted” some diamonds. Over the course of 60 years Payne grew her talents with each heist. As a world-class expert jewel thief she daringly pulled off numerous diamond robberies, using nuns and various ruses to help her avoid arrest while her Jewish boyfriend fenced the stolen gems. As of December 2018, Payne was still alive and living in Atlanta.

The book is a quick and enjoyable read. I recommend it. Now I will get busy locating the documentary. Next on my reading list is “Smoketown.” I know I am way behind in reading this treasure about Black Pittsburgh from the 1920s to 1950s. From what I have read so far the Pittsburgh Courier is referred to often in “Smoketown.” I hope it is as fascinating as “Diamond Doris.”

I have a stack of books that have never been touched and now that I have more free time I need to read more and “crush less candy.” If you want to recommend a book for me I would love that. I like exciting true stories, suspense and a good murder mystery. Please, no science fiction. As a child I was a big Nancy Drew fan and in later years Lawrence Sanders so that should tell you what I enjoy.

Books make great gifts, try Half Price Books for great prices and a good selection of books and DVD’s.

(Email Debbie at debbienorrell@aol.com.)

KEYNOTE SPEAKER—Tony Norman (Photos by FAITHFUL—Scipio White, Sublime Prince Debbie Norrell)

REMARKS—Gordon Manker

St. Cyprian Consistory No. 4 holds Annual Scholarship Luncheon

by Debbie Norrell Lifestyles Editor

On Sept. 21, at the Comfort Inn Conference Center in Penn Hills, St. Cyprian Consistory No. 4 held their Annual Scholarship Luncheon honoring three of their own. The list of honorees included: Illustrious S.G.I.G. Donald L. Hutchinson, 33*, Dean, Queen Esther Chapter No. 4, Knights of Rose Croix, G.I.G. Antoine L. Smalls, 33*, Illustrious Secretary and Keeper of the Seal and Archives and S.P. Charles J. Franklin, IV., 32*, Illustrious Commander in Chief.

Guests enjoyed two musical selections by the Women of Worship/Mime Ministry, a tasty lunch and keynote speaker Tony Norman, award-winning HONOREES—Charles J. Franklin, Donald Hutchinson and Antoine L. Smalls

SUPPORTERS—Krista Smalls and Robin Horston Spencer

WOMEN OF WORSHIP

columnist for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Norman has been with the PG since 1988. In late 2016, he left the PG’s editorial board to avoid ever having to write anything positive about Donald Trump. Norman continues to write his provocative, rabble-rousing column twice a week.

He said he often gets letters that readers have to keep a dictionary nearby to look up words in his column.

Franklin thanked the friends, family, fraternal Fraters and Loyal Ladies that attended to make the afternoon possible. A special thank you was given to Scipio White who turned 101 in July and drives himself to all meetings.

The purpose of the luncheon is to raise funds for student scholarships.

EVENT CHAIRS—Christopher Ransome Sr. and Sannford Richards

ORDER OF THE GOLDEN CIRCLE—Ann Coleman, Linnie Hatcher, Rosie Jones Moore, Simone Spaulding Cephas and R. Ann Bradford

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How can city police investigate at Pittsburgh Public Schools?

Board members prepared to vote

R&B singer Deborah Cox shows different side in Pittsburgh performance COX FROM A1

concert setting held oftentimes inside the Greer Cabaret Theater, 655 Penn Ave. The show put her vast vocal range on full display and she admitted that it gave her a bit of trepidation.

Richard Jay Alexander, di-

Dion, also a Canadian.

“That was an amazing experience. She was one of the most disciplined artists that I had ever worked with in the sense that she would always take care of her voice,” Cox said. “She was disciplined about how much she spoke before a

DEBORAH COX (Photo by J.L. Martello) rector of the Oct. 14 show, said he was blown away by her work, revealing they had never met before until they were getting ready for this tour.

“I was totally enchanted.

I loved her story,” he told the Courier in an exclusive interview. “I loved the fact that she was a mom. I loved the fact that she was so beautiful. I loved the fact that her vocal gifts were totally intact. It’s really become a collaboration and I’m really proud of it.”

The powerhouse singer’s selections throughout the evening included her hit song, “Nobody’s Supposed To Be Here,” along with “Easy As Life,” from her appearance on Broadway as Nubia in the acclaimed musical, “Aida.” She also sang “Strange Fruit,” and a song for her and other children, “Best Day Ever,” from the popular Nickelodeon animated series SpongeBob SquarePants.

The 45-year-old Cox began her entertainment career when she was a teenager as a backup singer for superstar singer Celine

show. Now as a performer myself, I implement some of those same things.”

Cox’s first album, entitled “Deborah Cox” and released in 1995, featured two wellknown singles, “Sentimental” and “Who Do You Love.”

Three years later, her second album, “One Wish,” was released, which featured the aforementioned “Nobody’s Supposed To Be Here” and another big hit, “We Can’t Be Friends,” featuring R.L. from the group, Next.

Cox has since released three more albums.

Cox won the Soul Train Lady of Soul Award in 1999 for Best R&B Song of the Year (“Nobody’s Supposed To Be Here”).

In 1996, Cox was nominated for an American Music Award for favorite new artist in the soul/R&B category. In 2008, she was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical (“Destination Moon”).

Cox and her high school sweetheart and manager, Lascelles Stephens, live in Florida with their three children.

John Conyers dies at 90 CONYERS FROM A1

fight for the people,” Rep. Rashida Tlaib, who now represents Conyers’ district, tweeted.

“Sad to hear of the passing of former Congressman John Conyers,” the Rev. Al Sharpton stated. “He worked with us on many civil rights cases as Chair of the House Judiciary Committee and helped lead the fight for the Martin Luther King (Jr.) Holiday.”

“Most of us from Michigan loved our congressman. He was idolized and was absolutely an icon. Not only was he an icon of the Civil Rights Movement but we looked to him for leadership. This is a massive loss. All of us in business, the clergy, the community, respected, admired and aspired to be like John Conyers,” said Hiram Jackson, president and CEO of Real Times Media, which also owns the New Pittsburgh Courier.

“Congressman John Conyers decades ago held the first U.S. Congressional Hearings on Racially-Motivated Police Brutality; led the House Judiciary Hearings on Criminal Justice and Prison Reform in America; was co-founder of the Congressional Black Caucus; and was a leading congressional advocate for the freedom of Angela Davis, the Wilmington Ten, and all political prisoners in the United States,” remarked Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

“Conyers was a constitutional scholar and political visionary whose longstanding vision for freedom, justice and equality was unparalleled in the Congress of the United States,” Chavis continued. “May God bless the freedom-fighting memory and legacy of The Honorable John Conyers.”

CITY POLICE FROM A1

The MOU defines parameters for information sharing between the two parties, what incidents school officials must notify city police regarding and what law enforcement response may involve, including taking a child into custody, notification of parents or guardians and reporting requirements.

Pennsylvania School Code requires that districts and municipalities have an MOU in place. The Pittsburgh district has been working without an agreement with city police since 2011.

“There are segments in the community that are very resistant to having city police in the building,” Weiss said. “But the reality is that there are circumstances where that becomes necessary.”

The MOU was pulled from a vote in May and delayed again last month when a

board member asked for another month to give the public time to comment.

The issue of Pittsburgh police being permitted to arrest students in school for offenses committed in the past or off of school grounds had been a sticking point in negotiations over the MOU. At the Oct. 23 meeting, board member Regina Holley said she, along with community members, had concerns with an earlier draft that would allow students to be interrogated without an adult present.

Weiss said that concern has been addressed in the latest draft, which also specifies that a school official cannot stand in place of a parent during an interview by law enforcement. If a parent or guardian cannot be reached, a child will not be questioned by police at that time.

Kevin Carter, first vice president of the board, questioned if the child

could be taken into custody.

Weiss said that if the police department has a legal basis to take a child into custody, they can do so with or without a parent there.

School board members on Oct. 30 are also scheduled to vote on the authorization of grant applications, seeking roughly $1.8 million in funds from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to strengthen security, broaden staff capacity to respond during emergencies and reduce racial disparities with student discipline.

The grant applications seek money for added metal detectors, including for schools that currently do not have them, along with a new public address system for five schools, two-way radios, a partnership with the Association of Black Psychologists and implicit bias trainer certifications.

Holley emphasized that trauma-informed ap-

proaches and various supports are what other districts are doing to combat behavioral issues, rather than adding more equipment.

“I’m glad to see that we have, other than more equipment for safety, that we’re also looking for some human capital to come in and support our students as well,” she said.

Board member Sala Udin questioned if the district has done a survey recently of the schools that have and do not have metal detectors to determine their effectiveness, and if there should be more added or all taken out.

District leaders said they have not done a survey of that nature, but will conduct a research briefing to provide to the board.

(Stephanie Hacke is a freelance journalist in Pittsburgh. She can be reached at stephanie.hacke@ gmail.com or on Twitter at @ StephOnRecord.)

RELIGION

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NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

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

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

www.cathedralofhope.com

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

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

Taize -Wednesdays.........7 p.m.

Curious about Quakerism?

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

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

NEWLY-INSTALLED DIOCESAN BISHOP—Pastor Carl Anthony Turner Sr., with Lady Karen Turner. (Photos by Courier photographer J.L. Martello)

The Bishop Installation for Pastor Carl A. Turner Sr.

Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community!

For rate information, call 412481-8302, ext.

128.

BROTHER MELVIN EL, LADY KAREN TURNER, BISHOP CARL A. TURNER, REP. ED GAINEY, at the Oct. 25 event at Petra International Ministries.

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

The Courier is THE VOICE of Black Pittsburgh.

LADY KAREN TURNER

BISHOP ANDREW TURNER II, brother of newly-installed Bishop Carl A. Turner Sr.

FRENCH, JEANETTE MAY FOSTER

Jeanette May Foster French, widow of the late Robert P. French, Jr. and a long time resident of Pittsburgh, PA passed away on Monday, October 21, 2019 in Virginia Beach, VA. She was born on May 31, 1924 in South Haven, Michigan. She graduated from South Haven High School in 1942 and furthered her educational studies at Talladega College in Talladega, Alabama. Jeanette was initiated into the Chi (X) Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, on January 21, 1944. She was recognized as a Diamond Soror in March 2019 celebrating 75 years or membership and service. Jeanette graduated from Talladega College in 1946 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology.

Jeanette attended the Urban League Convention in Philadelphia, PA where she met and soon after married the late Robert Paul French, Jr. on February 20, 1954 and relocated to Pittsburgh.

Jeanette furthered her professional career in various roles with the City of Pittsburgh Juvenile Court Probation Office, Pittsburgh Public Schools as a Social Development Group Worker, Community Liaison, and a School Social Worker.

Jeanette was also employed by Camp Fire Girls of America as an Inner City Specialist. For several years she served as a Girl Scout Leader in her borough of Braddock Hills. She retired in 1986 from the Pittsburgh Board of Education as a Certified School Social Worker.

While residing in Pittsburgh, Jeanette was a member of Alpha Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and an active and dedicated member of Mount Olive Baptist Church, Rankin, PA. She served faithfully in the Senior Choir, taught Sunday School, and provided leadership of the church’s annual “International Holiday” program sponsored by The Educational Board.

Jeanette relocated to Virginia Beach, VA in October 2010 with Stacye and her son-in-love Michael Blue.

She leaves to cherish her memory and carry out her legacy her daughter Stacye Blue (Michael); four grandchildren, Shannon Harris (Dean), Rashaad Blue (Nicole), Kamron Blue, and Jazmynne Blue (Anthony); two great-granddaughters, Laila Marie Blue and Faith McKenzie Blue; her niece Naxie Holland; goddaughter Derietra Neal-Ferguson, West Palm Beach, FL, and a numerous extended family members, sorority sisters, and friends.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or UNCF.

Church Circuit ASPINWALL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH FALL BAZAAR

NOVEMBER 9—Aspinwall Presbyterian Church, 299 Center Ave., is holding its annual Fall Bazaar from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the church. There will be attic treasures, home goods, seasonal decorations, toys, furniture, a hot lunch and bake sale.

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@newpittsburghcourier.com

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

METRO

OCTOBER 30-NOVEMBER 5, 2019

ACBA’s Homer S. Brown Division turns 50!

ALYSIA KEATING, TONY THOMPSON, KELLIE WARE-SEABRON FORMER STATE SUPREME COURT JUSTICE CYNTHIA BALDWIN, AND ART BALDWIN, at an event commemorating The Homer S. Brown Division’s 50 years in existence, Oct. 17, at the K&L Gates Building, Downtown. (Photos by Courier photographer J.L. Martello) One of the Pittsburgh’s most historic organizations just turned 50 years old! The Homer S. Brown Division was initially founded in 1969 as the Black Lawyers of Western Pennsylvania. It was

subsequently renamed the Homer S. Brown Law Association to honor Pittsburgh’s first African American judge, and in 2011 it joined the Allegheny County Bar Association and became the

Homer S. Brown Division.

Since its inception, HSBD has served as an advocate and ally for African American lawyers and members of the Black community in Allegheny County.

QUINNTARRA MORANT, MORGAN MOODY, JACQUELIN WALKER

ALLEGHENY COUNTY COURT OF COMMON PLEAS JUDGE ELLIOT HOWSIE, ELIZABETH HUGHES, REGINA WHILSON, JUDGE MARK HORNAK

DUQUESNE SCHOOL OF LAW—Students Malika Fields, Lexi Jones, Natheena Tyler, Gabrielle Campbell

RON JONES, NICHOLE KING-YOHE

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OCTOBER 30-NOVEMBER 5, 2019

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

BUSINESS New Pittsburgh Courier

The dead silent Black majority J. Pharoah Doss B6

OCTOBER 30-NOVEMBER 5, 2019

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

Classifieds

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

B

When selling or buying a home, ask yourself: Online or real estate agent?

by Anthony Kellum For New Pittsburgh Courier

In today’s technology age the way many Americans shop for homes has forever changed. Some people have resorted to purchasing their homes site unseen. With websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, Trulia and Homes.com (to name a few popular websites) have influenced how people are purchasing their homes. But this begs the question: “Although we can purchase our homes solely online, should we?” A great question to consider, especially since this is arguably the largest purchase most of us will make in our lifetimes.

Not only can you search for your home online, mortgage companies are bursting onto the scene faster than the speed of lightening. Which means you can even get pre-qualified without meeting face-too-face and before you have even found your dream home.

Let’s dive into this concept a bit further. Often the most commonly used websites are those recommended by friends, however unless those friends are in the real estate business you are probably being misguided. The truth of the matter is most homebuyers have not a clue and don’t really know where to find homes for sale. Many people think national websites are the best place to look for homes because they may ANTHONY O. KELLUM have a lot of attractive pictures and some even answer frequently asked questions. But the truth of the matter is, national websites may not be your best bet for purchasing your home.

While it’s usually a good idea to hire professionals who are skilled in doing electrical work, plumbing or any number of home or car maintenance that you need. Because if you do it yourself, you might make it worse and a simple problem could end up costing you hundreds if not thousands.

Well, it’s the same concept when buying a home.

The steps in real estate are constantly changing, therefore it is in your best interest to have someone on your team who can explain the many nuances, is well versed in the terminology and can help you get the best deal.

Although the option is there for you not to use an agent, if you are unfamiliar with the process you could miss necessary steps to save you money or protect you from unlawful real estate practices. Granted, even if you can do all this upfront work yourself/you still may need the help of an agent to finalize the transaction. Even if you bring in an agent towards the end of the deal, she/he will still charge realtor fees and they earn the same 3-6 percent commission as if you used them from the beginning of your purchasing process, for doing a fraction of the work.

(Typically, the seller pays the 3-6 percent commission and they build this fee into the price of their home, which means you might pay more for the house.)

Therefore, when making the decision to buy your home solely online or not, first weight the pros and cons.

Pros of buying house online: If you know where you want to live you can narrow down your search area. You might want to live in a specific area or school district, or maybe you are drawn to a particular neighborhood. Whatever your criteria you can go online and look at everything from crime rate statistics to population to school district. You can also make comparisons to similar neighborhoods.

You can browse the houses where and whenever you deSEE SELLING B2

TO MAKE SURE YOUR SPENDING PLAN WORKS, track and adjust your spending on a regular basis. (Photo: iStockphoto/NNPA)

Update or change your spending habits (NNPA NEWSWIRE) —Learning to adapt to changes is key to creating a healthy relationship with your finances. Taking control of your money means customizing your plans to your needs, so it’s important to remember to be flexible and open to change.

Update or change your spending to make sure you’re making the right decisions for you.

A spending plan is a wellthought-out strategy that turns a budget into a manageable part of everyday life. If you already have a plan, what’s next? Most people understand the importance of sticking to a plan, but as your life changes and you work toward new goals, your spending

Make sure you’re making the right decision for you habits will likely shift as well. When you don’t account for these changes, it’s easy to fall short of your goals.

Learning to adapt to changes is key to creating a healthy relationship with your finances. Taking control of your money means customizing your plans to your needs, so it’s important to remember to be flexible and open to change.

To make sure your spending plan works, track and adjust your spending on a regular basis. Here’s what

that might look like.

Know when to adjust your spending plan 1. Your income changes.

This includes both increases and decreases: events like a promotion, a job loss, a raise, or other changes.

2. Your situation changes. This includes moving, getting married, having a child, or having a loved one pass away.

3. Your financial goals change. Maybe you’re ready to start saving for a wedding or a down payment on a house. Or, maybe you

want to pay off student loans or credit card debt in the near future.

Adjust expenses in your spending plan Look for opportunities within your expenses to make changes. Here’s how to do so: 1. Re-examine where your money is going. It’s valuable to keep regular tabs on how you are spending money. Keep an eye out for “lifestyle creep”—these are small changes you’ve gradually made, such as going out to eat more, or making slightly more expensive purchases. Perhaps you’ve been promoted at work and want to splurge a little on yourself with new clothes.

SEE UPDATE B2

Founders of Black-owned natural skin care line are fed up with harsh chemical-based products Starting a business is never an easy undertaking. Everyone’s dream is to be successful but the inner city youth aren’t often given the tools to get there or even shown the right direction to start off. These are the factors that bonded the millennials at Ancient Cosmetics together as they took a leap of faith into the Beauty Industry.

Ancient Cosmetics is a Black family-owned business that was started after years of being fed up with harsh chemical-based products sold in our communities. After many disappointing experiences with potentially hazardous synthetic products, they realized a natural solution was the only way.

After doing their due-dili-

gence by researching natural oils and herbs from ancient times to the present, the team began vigorously working on creating natural products for individuals with sensitive skin.

This group of millennials turned an idea and a dream into a seven figure company. Although they came from different career paths they had one common goal

centered around health and wellness. This very sentiment helped to band them together and drive the skincare powerhouse to its stature today. Starting off as a local staple in the community and expanding to selling products across the United States, they have now set their eyes SEE FOUNDERS B2

Real estate investors benefit as competition eases hard money lending terms

by Christopher G. Cox For New Pittsburgh Courier

In the wake of the housing crash that shook the U.S. economy in the mid- to late 2000s, real estate investors had few borrowing options as financial institutions severely tightened lending practices. According to Nathan Trunfio, president of Lending for Pennsylvania-based Direct Lending Partners (DLP), this led to the rise of so-called hard money lending, where those willing to make real estate loans could demand returns of 15-20 percent and four to five points.

As a result of the bursting of the housing bubble, there were a lot of properties that needed to be foreclosed on, Trunfio said. “They were foreclosed on, but people were still in them or banks were holding them on their books and they needed to find a way to dispose of them,” he continued.

This created opportunities for investors to buy low, Trunfio explained. Many of these properties needed to be renovated and banks did not have the infrastructure to handle the renovations themselves.

“Real estate investors needed a source of capital,” he said, “so they would turn to hard money loans, which were largely based on the value of the asset.”

Although the term “hard money lending” is still in common use, this lending practice has evolved to show a softer side. Trunfio notes that for many years a hard money loan was viewed as a “bad news

loan,” one associated with some sort of “distressed situation where someone needs to pull equity out of a property.” These loans, he continued, typically reflected “some type of turmoil or big need that isn’t necessarily going to result in a good situation.”

In the current lending environment, Trunfio said, people are looking to utilize a loan for the purpose of

“navigating a business plan on a piece of real estate.”

“I call it soft money,” Trunfio notes, “because the approach that is taken is a combination of the analysis of the strength of a real estate investor and the asset. We are in the business of providing short-term bridge loans to experienced real estate investors.”

Asked why a borrower would seek one of DLP’s

bridge loans as opposed to a more traditional loan from a bank, credit union or other lending institution, Trunfio says there are a number of reasons. “The main reason,” he notes, “is that nowadays banks have credit policies that are too tight. They can’t move quickly enough, and they won’t lend on an asset that needs renovation, or that needs a tenant, or some-

thing along those lines.”

Trunfio notes that DLP works with a wide array of investors from singular individuals and small teams to organizations of 20-50 people.

“Our loans are to real estate investors—I call them serial investors—who invest in real estate as a way to make their money, whether it’s a primary or secondary focus.”

For about the last 10 years, Trunfio said, more and more institutional investors have begun to recognize that there are many financially savvy borrowers with sound investment plans. This has led to increased lending competition which allows investors to find loans requiring 8-12 percent interest and one to three points, as opposed to tougher terms in the immediate wake of the crash.

“Hard money has evolved into opportunistic money for real estate investors,” said Trunfio, “which helps the economy in a number of ways by providing more housing where there is currently a housing shortage.”

(Christopher G. Cox is managing editor and publisher of www. realesavvy.com.)

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OCTOBER 30-NOVEMBER 5, 2019

BUSINESS

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

BUSINESS CALENDAR Special Business Breakfast Meeting

NOV. 5—The African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania will host a special breakfast meeting with United States Steel President and CEO David Burritt who will discuss engaging with Chamber members and his plans to help revitalize the Mon Valley.

Cost; $20 for members, $30 for non-members. Call 412392-0610 for more information.

Women Business Leaders Breakfast Series

NOV. 8—The Chatham University Women’s Business Center will host URA Deputy Director Diamonte Walker, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., at the James Laughlin Music Center on the Chatham Shadyside Campus. Walker will discuss the power of entrepreneurship in 21st-century organizations, and about her approach to accelerating business and career growth by building a dynamic personal brand and enhancing the brand of the employer. Cost: $25, $12 for non-Chatham students and veterans. call 412-365-2779 for more information.

Sales Training Event

NOV. 15—The Duquesne University Small Business Development Center will host Sales Boot Camp, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., 108 Rockwell Hall, 600 Forbes Ave. Pittsburgh 15282. Learn proven techniques to create predictable, consistent sales results that lead to long-term customers who are willing to give references. Topics include: cold calling; presentations skills; handling objections; getting the asking price, and more. Cost: $399 and includes breakfast and lunch. Call 412-396-1633 for more information.

Website Workshop

NOV. 19—The Duquesne University Small Business Development Center will present Boost Your Website’s Visibility: SEO 101, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., 108 Rockwell Hall, 600 Forbes Ave. Pittsburgh 15282. Many small businesses struggle with ranking their website highly on search engine results pages. This workshop will present key techniques to increase website visibility such as: optimizing content; how Google Search works; organic results/paid ads; Google SEO tools, and more. Cost: $35. Call 412-396-1633 for more information.

Two-Day QuickBooks Advanced Tutorial

DEC. 11 & DEC. 18—The Duquesne University Small Business Development Center will present QuickBooks Advanced for desktop software users, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., 108 Rockwell Hall, 600 Forbes Ave. Pittsburgh 15282. This workshop is tailored to QuickBooks Desktop users that are interested in learning in-depth topics like money management, expense billing, and reconcile bank statements. Day one topics include: Inventory; Time and Billing; Company file setup and preferences, and Adjustments and year-end procedures. Day two topics: Sales tax payable; Payroll set up, and Payroll processing. Cost: $49. Call 412-396-1633 for more information.

Update or change your spending habits discounts and deals. Every year or so, take another look at what you’re paying for items like insurance, Internet, or other utilities. You could benefit from finding a new service provider or negotiating a lower rate. Perhaps you’ve even shopped at a store enough that you’re eligible for discounts. Being aware of these opportunities can help with your financial goals. Small changes like this can add up and make a big difference when you’re working toward a goal such as saving up for a down payment on a house or paying off student loans debts.

Don’t forget to make adjustments to your plan as you go through these steps.

To be valuable, your spending plan needs to be flexible. By both meeting current financial goals and knowing when it’s time to adjust, you can make sure you’re getting the most out of your resources.

UPDATE FROM B1

It’s OK to enjoy your accomplishments, but be sure to think about how this may affect the rest of your spending plan in the longterm. Look for balance: if you want to start spending 10 percent of your income on clothing or entertainment when you used to spend 5 percent, then look for ways to cut in other areas.

2. Find opportunities to reduce spending. As you re-evaluate your plan, look for things you continue to pay for but don’t actually use. This might be a subscription or service that doesn’t offer what you need anymore. For example, if you recently got married, you and your spouse may want to consider consolidating your subscriptions to help cut costs. Be sure to review expenses that are coming out of your account automatically that you may have forgotten about. © 2019 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A 3. Find opportunities for All rights reserved.

CULTIVATING AWARENESS about your psychology surrounding money—and the kind of spending habits it promotes—can help you chart a financial path that works for you. (Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA)

How you feel about money impacts your spending (NNPA NEWSWIRE)—Being aware of your own psychological and emotional approach to money is the first step to developing healthy spending habits. Psychologists agree that these beliefs can start early.

They may also come from other life experiences—whether you need to support a family, for example, or if you’ve had a negative history with unmanageable debt.

Your feelings toward money can influence how you spend it.

We all have a personal relationship with money, and it will often show in how we spend it. But our feelings about finance can sometimes lead to negative spending habits that can hurt us in the long run. To begin developing healthy spending habits, it can be helpful to start by identifying your emotional and psychological relationship with money.

Get to know your financial psychology Being aware of your own psychological and emotional approach to money is the first step to developing healthy spending habits. Psychologists agree that these beliefs can start early. They may also come from other life experiences — whether you need to support a family, for example, or if you’ve had a negative history with unmanageable debt. It’s important to remember that your emotional outlook on money, regardless of where it comes from and what it may be, is not inherently right or wrong. Rather, it may influence you to make unwise decisions in certain

financial areas, while setting you up to be great in others.

To understand your feelings toward money better, ask yourself: •How does being in debt make you feel?

•How does disclosing your financial situation to others make you feel?

•How willing are you to make bigger purchases (such as a car or a house)?

•How willing are you to make smaller purchases (such as clothes or eating out)?

•What purchases do you feel good about making? Which purchases do you not feel good about making?

•How often do you make impulsive purchases?

•How often do you feel compelled to check your bank statement?

•How often do you find yourself thinking about money?

•How does it make you feel to hear about the state of the larger economy?

This is the first step toward building a healthy relationship with money. Then carefully examine your responses.

Identifying your spending habits Once you have a better sense of your feelings towards money, it can be useful to identify how these feelings have translated into spending behavior. Do this by taking stock of your bank statement from the last two months. If a bank statement isn’t available to you, start keeping tabs on your expenses moving forward with your receipts. Then begin

looking for patterns. You might even consider working with a professional such as a financial coach, counselor, or advisor to help you identify your spending habits Ask yourself if your habits—frequently buying clothes, for example, or eating out multiple times in a week—make sense given the responses you gave to the questions above. This is the second step to developing healthy spending habits: moving beyond what you think your spending habits should be to which ones you actually practice.

From here, you can begin focusing on ways you can improve your use of money.

Identify the spending habits that you can change Think of ways you can make your financial habits healthier. This responsibility is twofold: not only should you focus on eliminating unnecessary purchases, but also on spending your money in ways that make you feel positive. For example, have you found that you too much of your paycheck goes towards clothes?

That doesn’t mean you have to eliminate all of your shopping but maybe you can consider less expensive options such as your local thrift store.

Does the thought of making a sizable purchase—such as a car—cause you stress, even if you know such a purchase will significantly improve your life? Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to a savings account so you can start working towards your goal in a way that doesn’t cause anxiety.

When selling or buying a home...

SELLING FROM B1

sire online. You do not have to communicate regularly with a real estate agent to see what’s new on the market or what has recently sold in the neighborhood(s) you are interested in moving.

Two important things you do not want to waste are: money and time. So, the economy is important, online shopping can help you decide which houses are worth looking at in person.

Cons of buying a house online: Online shopping can be a great starting point, but

chances are it won’t tell you everything you need to know so, buyers beware. Looking at a house in person allows you to roam around freely in the house and so you get a feel for the house and the neighborhood.

When you start out working with an agent you can get personal insight that you can’t get with a website.

Although the photos may look amazing on the site, the personal touch from an agent may tip you on zone changes, or potential problems or even/incompatible issues with your neighbors.

Visualizing your future in your home can be challenging if you only view it online. It’s important to stand in the house and look out of the windows, test the cabinets, doors, garbage disposal, etc. prior to buying your home. Checking out a home in person gives you a good idea whether it’s the right fit for you and your family.

Sometimes unethical people will place false advertisements to get your personal information. You must be very careful of scams. Never provide personal or financial informa-

tion online.

Basically, the Internet is a great resource when purchasing your home and can make the process a tad bit easier. But use it as a tool and not your only way to make your buying decision.

It’s a good idea to use an integrated buying process (using several sources) to make your final purchasing decision.

“Remember, anyone can do it—not everyone will.

The only question is: will you?” Gary W. Keller (Contact Anthony O. Kellum at 248-599-1624.)

Founders of Black-owned natural skin care line FOUNDERS FROM B1

on a global scale for distribution. Today, they offer a wide range of non-toxic products that are safe for the entire family including babies.

Humble beginnings, the team went from making products at home to a small commercial strip mall space. They now offer employ around 10 people from their local community. By staying true to their roots, the Ancient Cosmetics familia makes natural products with a flair and style that’s never before been seen in their industry.

Natural recipes inspired by their ancestors coupled with a strong social media push has fueled the exponential growth.

Besides selling stellar products, the team at Ancient Cosmetics knew early on that customer service THIS GROUP OF MILLENNIALS turned an idea and a dream into a seven-figure company.

and taking heed to feedback from their customers were going to be pivotal in their long term success.

This allowed them to curate products that people not only want but need on a day-to-day basis.

Watch out! Ancient Cosmetics has no plans of losing momentum; they won’t stop until their natural products are a staple of day-to-day living in every household. Raised awareness towards the benefits and effectiveness of nature’s essentials have brought the world into a new realm. The era of using over saturated, chemical-based skincare is over.

To learn more about Ancient Cosmetics and purchase their products, visit www.AncientCosmeticz. com or follow them on Facebook.

(This article originally appeared in the Chicago Defender.)

OPINION

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Our View

The Courier’s General Election Endorsements The race was much closer than most people in Allegheny County would have thought.

Longtime District Attorney Stephen Zappala Jr. did defeat his Democratic challenger, Turahn Jenkins, an African American, in the May 2019 primary election. But Zappala’s margin of victory was 59-41 percent, much closer than most expected, especially against an African American challenger in a county that is barely 14 percent Black.

Jenkins, like many African Americans in our area, felt that the District Attorney’s office didn’t put their best foot forward in the prosecution of Michael Rosfeld, the former East Pittsburgh police officer who shot and killed the unarmed 17-year-old Antwon Rose in June 2018. Jenkins even said if he were the D.A., he would have prosecuted the case himself.

Ultimately, Rosfeld was found not guilty on all counts,

A vote of “No Confidence” in the county District Attorney race. and while he walks around a free man, a Black teen is no longer here, and many African Americans have told the New Pittsburgh Courier that their faith in Zappala as D.A. is slim to none.

As we all prepare to cast our votes in next week’s Nov. 5 general election, the New Pittsburgh Courier is expressing a vote of “No Confidence” in the District Attorney race.

We understand the feelings of many African Americans in this area, and combined with Zappala not engaging in any public debates with challengers, and not coming to the Courier offices to speak with our editorial board, we cannot openly give Zappala our official endorsement.

At the same time, we cannot give his current challenger, Lisa Middleman (an independent), our endorsement, either. She has vowed to “overhaul our broken District Attorney’s office,” as “the incumbent’s years of poor judgment have harmed victims, cost taxpayers millions, and torn apart families,” according to her website.

Middleman jumped into the race just a few months ago, and the Courier, without a visit from her to our editorial board, is unsure that she is the right candidate to unseat Zappala. Simply put, we know she’s a longtime public defender and criminal defense attorney who knows the fundamentals, but we’re not 100 percent convinced she’s ready to tackle the concerns of Pittsburgh’s African American community in such a high-profile position.

Courier readers, you can make your own decision at the ballot box. For the position of county District Attorney, we’re leaving our ballot blank.

Below is a list of our endorsements of candidates whom we are confident to support, knowing they are competent to begin or continue serving in public office.

Pennsylvania Justice of the Superior Court AMANDA GREEN-HAWKINS

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—During the past 20 years I have attended numerous of the annual conferences hosted by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). CBCF’s 49th Annual Legislative Conference was held, as always, Sep. 11-15 in Washington, D.C., while ASALH’s 104th Conference was held this year in October 2-6 in Charleston, S.C. During two days CBCF presented over 100 workshops, panels and sessions; ASALH, in its three days featured over 200 of the same. The panels, workshops and sessions provided an opportunity for registrants to attend and participate in the discussion and analyzing of a significant number of education, economic, political issues in small settings.

There was also opportunity for registrants to attend two Town hall sessions at CBCF’s conferences and two plenary sessions at the ASALH event. The CBCF Town hall sessions were 400 years: Our Legacy, Our Possibilities and The Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys.

ASALH’s plenary sessions were Moving, Marking and Making the Beat: A Century of African American Migration and 400 Years of Perseverance: Stolen From Africa But Making

A. Peter Bailey

Commentary Black Lives Matter.

Which brings me to what I consider the continuous and major flaws of all their conferences that I have attended through the years. Both present way too many panels, workshops and sessions and a glaringly insufficient number of town hall and plenary sessions. Registrants at both conferences are Black folk, with skills and expertise in a wide variety of educational, economic, political and cultural arenas. Throughout the year they probably have opportunities to meet and discuss issues with others in their field. That’s why when they attend the national conferences hosted

by CBCF and ASALH, there should be an opportunity to attend numerous town hall and plenary sessions during which issues are analyzed and discussed that go beyond their particular field of study.

For instance, there should be ses-

sions that provide information and guidelines on how Black folks can more effectively use their collective economic resources to promote and protect their interests in this basically white supremacist society. They can also do the same when subjects such as Pan-Africanism as a force that can assist in blocking the continents of Asia, Europe and North America from exploiting Africa’s wealth in minerals; also guidelines on dealing with advances in science and technology, travelling to visit Africa, South America and the Caribbean. Also on confronting health issues that challenge Black communities.

There can be a town hall or plenary session to introduce all registrants to Black, historical warriors who may not be known to them, warriors such as Mary Elizabeth Bowser, who for two years spied for the Union Army in the Confederate White House.

More town halls and plenary sessions such as the above-mentioned and others would make the CBCF and ASALH conferences even more valuable than they are now. It have been valuable if either or both conferences had included town halls and plenary sessions on our economic, cultural, educational, psychological and political conditions after 400 years.

Decent: A word rarely heard (TriceEdneyWire.com)—Decent is a word we rarely hear—especially in Washington, but in the past few days, it was used frequently when describing the late Congressman Elijah Cummings.

On a personal note, remembering how many people abroad treated Americans who lived in or traveled to their countries after the first U.S. led attack on Iraq, I’ve chosen not to travel abroad until someone is elected to lead our nation who shows some sense of decency like Mr. Cummings.

News about how our country is run since President Barack Obama left office is nothing of which any American can be proud—but this past week, we can take pride in the descriptions by many of Congressman Cummings.

We’ve had a slight pause in the meanness of spirit we hear daily. Though the word decent is rarely heard in Washington, this week has been a bit different when Congressman Cummings died. His death brought out the better angels of Members of Congress as he became the first African American to lie in State at the U.S. Capitol.

Positive statements came from Democrats and Republicans when asked to comment on Mr. Cummings. He was described by many as a decent man, a uniter, a North Star, a good man, kind, a warrior for causes he cared about, an advocate for the people and our democracy. No one argued with those descriptions. We learned that

Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.

Commentary

special relationship with Rep. Cummings, jokingly saying he learned everybody had a special relationship with him!

It’s so refreshing to learn of all the good things Rep. Cummings stood for, not just talking about them, but doing something about them. Listening to Mr. Cummings’ good works from so many, I was reminded of Fannie Lou Hamer’s words when she said, “You can pray until you faint, but nothing will happen until you get up and do something.” From all the comments of who Rep. Cummings was, it’s obvious he often got up to do something!

Representative Mark Meadows is said to have shared a special bond with Mr. Cummings, saying he mentored, had a youth program, helped other elected leaders and many others to achieve their dreams. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver delivered an awesome prayer about the lessons we’ve learned from him. Speaker Nancy Pelosi said he’d made a request to give him more freshman Members so he could help them achieve their dreams.

Sen. Mitch McConnell said he encouraged unity and peace. Sen. Ben Cardin read from 2nd Timothy, “I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith.” Sen. Chuck Schumer said his voice could shake mountains and that we have lost a giant. I agree.

he had 12 honorary doctorates and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Howard University. He was respected by many who differed from him politically. He was held in high esteem.

Various groups held memorials to this man and what he represented to them.

Everyone who knew him seems to have thought they had a special relationship with him! I think that demonstrates there is more to life than politics, and it was certainly true for Congressman Cummings. He was admired by many, and his loyalty to truth and justice for all is unquestioned.

We’ll miss his strong voice when others are silent or argue over trivial matters. Representative Matt Gaetz is one of those exceptions to being civil as service for Rep. Cummings was in progress. MSNBC host, Hallie Jackson, was interviewing him. He talked all over her and talked about crazy stuff in an effort to shut her up so he could use his Republican talking points. Rep. Dan Kildee, who had spo(Dr. E. Faye Williams is president of the Naken just before Gaetz, spoke of his tional Congress of Black Women.)

Letter To The Editor

Judicial retention elections are confusing, but critical

County Chief Executive RICH FITZGERALD County Controller CHELSA WAGNER County Council District 10 DEWITT WALTON County Council District 13 OLIVIA BENNETT Pittsburgh City Council District 9 RICKY V. BURGESS Pittsburgh School Director District 2 DEVON TALIAFERRO Pittsburgh School Director District 8 KEVIN L. CARTER

Founded 1910

Rod Doss Editor & Publisher

Dear Editor: When Pennsylvania voters head to the polls on Nov. 5, one of the key items on the ballot will be the judicial retention election.

Quick question…Do you know what a retention election is?

If not, that’s not uncommon. If you’re like many citizens, a ‘retention election’ may be something you never heard about. They’re generally not high-profile races and tend to slip by us without a great deal of attention.

However, it really is important to participate and vote in retention elections (and ALL elections, for that matter) because they play a critical role in our democracy. When there are experienced, qualified and diverse judges on the bench, the result is a judicial system that is fair for people of all races, religions, genders, backgrounds and beliefs.

However, before voting in a retention election, it’s important to understand how they work.

When a candidate runs for a position as a judge in any court that is a part of the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System—the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, Superior Court, Commonwealth Court, and, locally, the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas—he or she runs for an initial 10-year term. These initial judicial

elections are much like other political elections in that they’re contested races against other candidates.

Once elected, these judges stay on the bench for an initial 10-year term.

When that 10-year term is up, that’s when judicial retention elections kick in.

These judges don’t run in contested re-election races; instead, they run unopposed for the opportunity to retain their seats on the bench for another 10 years. Voters simply have to vote “yes” or “no” regarding whether they feel each of the judges should, in fact, remain judges.

Part of the goal of this system is to keep ‘politics’ out of retention elections, because these are sitting judges who should focus on their judicial duties, not on campaigning and TV ads. The idea is that, if a given judge is doing a good job, she or he will be retained by the electorate. If not, she or he will not be retained.

However, determining this can be challenging: most people are not in a position to know if a given judge is doing a good job or not. Most citizens do not interact with the judicial system regularly and may not be equipped to offer an opinion on a given judge.

So, who would know?

The lawyers who appear before these judges.

As a service to the public, the Allegheny County Bar Association— which is made up of nearly 6,000 Pittsburgh-area attorneys (the vast majority of our region’s lawyers)— has a mechanism in place to tap into lawyers’ insight on sitting judges, and then share that information with voters.

The ACBA surveys these lawyers and asks them to indicate whether they feel each of the judges up for retention should receive a “recommended” rating or a “not recommended” rating, based on his or her qualifications, performance and judicial temperament.

This year, there are 12 Allegheny County judges up for retention, and all 12 have been “recommended” for retention by the ACBA. Included in this group are two African-American judges, The Hon. Kim Berkeley Clark and The Hon. Joseph K. Williams III, both in the Court of Common Pleas.

The ACBA has launched a special website—www.JudicialVote19.org— specifically for this retention election.

There you can find the names of all of these judges, news releases, media coverage and more.

Elizabeth L. Hughes, Esq. President-Elect of the Allegheny County Bar Association

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OCTOBER 30-NOVEMBER 5, 2019 B3

My problem with the CBCF and ASALH conferences

County Court – Judicial Retention Questions KIM BERKELEY CLARK JOSEPH K. WILLIAMS

Editor & Publisher Emeritus (1912-1997)

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

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SENIOR PROJECT ANALYST

COMPUTER/IT: Confluence Technologies, Inc. seeks Senior Software Engineer to work in Pittsburgh, PA & develop high-level prototypes, software applications, and other technical artifacts for use by other engineers and non-technical team members. Degree & commensurate exp. req’d. Apply online at https://confluence.applytojob.com/

UPMC Health Plan, Inc. seeks a Senior Project Analyst to work in Pittsburgh, PA. Requirements: Master’s in Comp Sci, Mgmt Info Sys, or related field and 2yrs of experience conducting data analysis for business intelligence, or Bachelor’s in Comp Sci, Mgmt Info Sys, or related field and 5yrs of experience conducting data analysis for business intelligence. Prior work exp must incl at least 1yr w with ER diagrams, creating relational databases, & writing algorithms in Excel. Apply by following these steps; visit http://careers.upmc.com and enter 1900016S in the “Search Keyword/Job ID” field and click Go. EOE/Disability/Veteran.

2-1-1 DATA AND TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania Pittsburgh Office

We are searching for a highly qualified and motivated individual who will drive all technical and data components in our quest to be the best. United Way is seeking a thoughtful, innovative individual to lead efforts to have our 2-1-1 regions become and maintain a cutting edge 2-1-1 from a data and technology perspective.

Similar to the 9-1-1 emergency service, 2-1-1 is a nationally recognized, easy to remember phone number that quickly and effectively connects people in need with information and referral services.

2-1-1 currently provides this connection via phone, text, live chat and website.

The 2-1-1 Data and Technology Director will direct and guide a team in ensuring that PA 2-1-1 Southwest, 2-1-1 SEPA, and PA 2-1-1 Northwest are maximizing the potential of technology and information systems to serve the community, while providing a positive user experience for the public, 2-1-1 staff, non-profit agencies, and other end users of the 2-1-1 website and database.

Five years of relevant experience required. Master’s degree preferred; Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and related experience required.

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, Butler, Westmoreland, Fayette and Southern Armstrong counties.

SOFTWARE DEVELOPER LEAD

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. seeks a Software Developer Lead in Pittsburgh, PA. Specific duties include: (i) lead in the technical design and development of cross-functional, multi-platform application systems; (ii) direct business assessment and requirements analysis processes for the development of hardware and operating systems; (iii) coordinate coding, testing, implementation and documentation of application solutions; and (iv) perform complex application programming activities including, coding, testing, debugging, documenting, maintaining, and modifying complex applications programs.

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Applications or Computer Information Systems, plus 3 years of experience in a software development lead position requiring the development of software systems with responsibility for analysis, design, implementation and deployment tasks is required. Must have experience with: (i) Java 8+ and Real-time Java Application Development; (ii) WebSphere 8.5+; (iii) Oracle 12c; (iv) Java Web Services/Rest API; (v) Application Security; (vi) Spring Boot Microservices with Docker Container; (vii) Enterprise Integration with Apache Camel; (viii) developing decision making solutions; (ix) application design activities, tools and techniques, and utilizing these to convert business requirements and logical models into a technical application design; (x) implementing processes for the evaluation and selection of products, tools, services and infrastructure components ensuring they are in line with business needs and architectural principles; (xi) technical troubleshooting approaches and anticipating, recognizing and resolving technical problems; and (xii) formal software process improvement disciplines, and assessing and improving the quality and stability of the applications.

40 hours/week, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Interested individuals apply online at www.pnc.com using keyword R012570. PNC provides equal employment opportunity to qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or other categories protected by law.

SONNY BOY

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SOUTH FAYETTE TWP. SCHOOL DISTRICT DIRECTOR OF STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Complete job description is available at: www.southfayette.org South Fayette Twp. School District 3680 Old Oakdale Road McDonald, PA 15057 Deadline: November 7, 2019 or Until Position is Filled EOE

FAMILY MEDICINE PHYSICIAN

University of Pittsburgh Physicians seeks a Family Med. Physician in Allegheny County, PA to examine, diagnose & treat patients w/ a wide range of conditions & refer those w/ serious ailments to specialist/ appropriate facility; take patient histories, perform/request diagnostic tests; prescribe treatment, admin. vaccinations & perform f/u exams; educate patients in disease prevention & health maintenance; & participate in OB Service. Must have M.D./D.O./foreign degree equiv.; completion of Family Med. residency; OB competency in vaginal deliveries (as confirmed by reference); & PA license. Apply by following these steps; visit http:// careers.upmc.com and enter 1900015L in the “Search Keyword/ Job ID” field and click Go. EOE/Disability/Veteran.

SENIOR PROJECT ENGINEER

Port Authority is seeking a Senior Project Engineer Responsible for management of capital projects to maintain state of good repair of Authority buildings, light rail system, busways, park and ride lots, patron facilities and related infrastructure.

Ensures projects adhere to the scope, budget, and schedule as well as interfaces with consultants, contractors, and external stakeholder representatives. Provides technical support for the maintenance and upkeep of various facilities/ equipment including building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and maintenance equipment.

Essential Functions: •Performs all project management functions necessary to implement the design, construction and closeout of funded capital projects within established scope, schedule, budget and quality metrics. Provides guidance and assistance to Port Authority personnel on facilities design issues and activities pertaining to all capital projects. Provides support for state of good repair programs related to buildings, light rail systems, busways, park and ride lots, patron facilities and related infrastructure.

(25%) •Responsible to review drawings, specifications and contract provisions for compliance with Authority and outside agency requirements and standards in the preparation of construction and procurement documents. Reviews and coordinates drawings and specifications of facilities projects in consideration of the impacts related to operational facilities, systems and infrastructure.

(20%) Job requirements include: •BS Degree, Major in Engineering or Architecture from an accredited school.

•Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive experience in managing projects, including design and construction of job-related work.

•Professional and effective communication skills.

•Valid driver’s license in any state or commonwealth with ability to obtain PA driver’s license within sixty (60) days of employment.

•Demonstrated ability in the use of Windows.

Preferred attributes: * Experience in design and/or construction of mechanical equipment in facilities and and/or public infrastructure and systems. * Registered Professional Engineer or Architect in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or the ability to obtain such registration through reciprocity within one year of appointment. * Demonstrated ability in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Interested candidates should forward a cover letter (with salary requirements) and resume to: Missy Ramsey Employment Department 345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 MRamsey@portauthority.org EOE COURIER CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS!

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TRANSIT POLICE OFFICER

SENIOR PROJECT ARCHITECT

Port Authority is seeking full-time Transit Police Officers. A Transit Police Officer is responsible for ensuring the safety of Port Authority customers, staff and property throughout the areas it serves. Officers must enforce all local, state and federal laws on and around our transit system.

Essential Functions: •Acts in accordance with rules, regulations, and procedures as a sworn police officer of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

•Knows all areas of Allegheny County and is able to respond to those areas in a timely manner.

•Be present at daily roll call, as required, properly uniformed and equipped; receive orders, details, etc.; proceed to assignment by the most direct route immediately following roll call.

•Investigate all suspicious persons and activity within sector as pertains to Port Authority.

Job requirements include: •High School Diploma or GED. •Valid PA Driver’s License.

•Current Act 120 certification or candidate must successfully pass the Act 120 certification test prior to an interview.

•Successful completion of administered written Police Officer exam.

•Successful completion of administered fitness exam.

•Basic clerical skills.

•Ability to observe and analyze situations objectively and respond appropriately.

•Ability to handle emotionally charged situations.

•Ability to act quickly and calmly in emergency situations.

•Professional and effective communication skills to include: •Ability to communicate orally and in writing in a clear and concise manner.

•Ability to understand and execute oral and written instructions.

•Successfully complete/maintain the following required training: •Yearly firearm qualifications with a department authorized firearm.

•Maintain Basic First Aid and CPR/ AED Certification.

•Yearly mandatory in-service training.

•Job specific training, as required.

•Ability to work various shifts, pass days, weekends/holidays, as required.

•This a Safety-Sensitive position subject to all testing provisions under the Drug and Alcohol Policy, including random drug and alcohol testing. The person selected for this position may be required to be tested prior to being awarded the job.

We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Interested candidates should forward a cover letter and resume to: Amy Giammanco Employment Department 345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 AGiammanco@portauthority.org EOE ANNOUNCEMENTS Public Notice

APPRENTICESHIP

The Joint Apprenticeship Committee of the Heat & Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local #2, Pittsburgh, PA is accepting applications for consideration towards apprenticeship in the Mechanical System Insulator and Asbestos Worker Trade. Applications are accepted without regard to Race, Religion, National Origin, Sex, Age, or Disability. Applicants must be a minimum of 18 years of age at the time of application; have a high school diploma at the time of application or G.E.D. at the time of application; have a dependable form of transportation; and must be physically fit to perform the work of the trade. Applications must be obtained in person Monday through Saturday: October 28, through November 2, 2019 and Monday through Thursday: November 4 through November 7, 2019 between the hours of 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM at the Insulators Training Center, 109 Pleasant Drive Suite B, Aliquippa, PA 15001. Photo identification is required and there is a $25.00 (non-refundable) application-processing fee, to be paid by certified check or money order.

Port Authority is seeking a Senior Project Architect Responsible for management of capital projects to maintain state of good repair of Authority buildings, light rail system, busways, park and ride lots, patron facilities and related infrastructure. Ensures projects adhere to the scope, budget, and schedule as well as interfaces with consultants, contractors, and external stakeholder representatives.

Provides technical support for the maintenance and upkeep of various facilities/ equipment including building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and maintenance equipment.

Essential Functions: •Performs all project management functions necessary to implement the design, construction and closeout of funded capital projects within established scope, schedule, budget and quality metrics. Provides guidance and assistance to Port Authority personnel on facilities design issues and activities pertaining to all capital projects. Provides support for state of good repair programs related to buildings, light rail systems, busways, park and ride lots, patron facilities and related infrastructure. (25%) •Responsible to review drawings, specifications and contract provisions for compliance with Authority and outside agency requirements and standards in the preparation of construction and procurement documents. Reviews and coordinates drawings and specifications of facilities projects in consideration of the impacts related to operational facilities, systems and infrastructure.

(20%) Job requirements include: •BS Degree, Major in Engineering or Architecture from an accredited school.

•Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive experience in managing projects, including design and construction of job-related work.

•Professional and effective communication skills.

•Valid driver’s license in any state or commonwealth with ability to obtain PA driver’s license within sixty (60) days of employment.

•Demonstrated ability in the use of Windows.

Preferred attributes: •Experience in design and/or construction of mechanical equipment in facilities and and/or public infrastructure and systems.

•Registered Professional Engineer or Architect in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or the ability to obtain such registration through reciprocity within one year of appointment.

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

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

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Orphans’ Court Division, Estate of David L. Fisher, deceased, Case No. 021906135 of 2019: Notice is hereby given that on October 2, 2019, a Petition was filed by Mary Fisher to terminate the interests of the heirs and devisees of David L. Fisher, deceased, in the real estate located at 406 West Prospect Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15205, and determine that fee simple title is in Mary Fisher. If no exceptions to the Petition are filed within 30 days, Petitioner will seek an Order adjudging that David L. Fisher’s title is in Mary Fisher.

NOTICE OF TRUST ADMINISTRATION

The Trustee named below gives notice of the death of ELEANOR M. DEBSKI, late of the Borough of Bethel Park, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, who died on September 3, 2019. During her lifetime, the said Decedent established a revocale trust under Trust Investment dated January 9, 2004, of which George R. Debski is the Trustee. The Trustee requests all persons having claims against the Decedent to make known the same in writing to him or his attorney, and all persons indebted to the Decedent to make payment to him without delay: George R. Debski, Trustee, 7502 Pine Creek Drive, Bridgeville, PA 15017 or to: Todd A. Fuller, Atty., Brenlove & Fuller, LLC, 401 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017

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Estate of MS. WILDA K. LOGUT, Deceased, of 1012 Linden Lane, Oakdale, PA 15071.

Estate No. 02-19-06542 Mr. Bradley P. Logut, 124 Shippen Drive. Coraopolis, PA 15108, Executor, c/o Max C. Feldman, Esquire and the Law Office of Max C. Feldman, 1322 Fifth Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108.

Estate of MR. WILLIAM JESSE BRADFIELD, Deceased, of 134 Elm Lane, Moon Township, PA 15108. Estate No, 02-19-06195. Ms. Suzanne Bradfield, 134 Elm Lane, Moon Township, PA 15108, Administrator, c/o Max C. Feldman, Esquire and the Law Office of Max C. Feldman, 1322 Fifth Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108.

Estate of MR. DAVID H. BRADFIELD SR., Deceased, of 1329 Washington Pike, Pittsburgh, PA 15017. Estate No, 02-19-06193.

Ms. Barbara Bradfield, 8215 Dog Leg Drive, Presto, PA 15142, Administrator, c/o Max C. Feldman, Esquire and the Law Office of Max C. Feldman, 1322 Fifth Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108.

Estate of MR. VAUGHN W. FINNEY, Deceased of 210 Fayette Avenue, Oakdale, PA 15071. Estate No. 02-19-06163 Ms. Nancy L. Finney, 142 Delmore Drive, Moon Township, PA 15108, Administratrix, c/o Max C. Feldman, Esquire and the Law Offices of Max C. Feldman, 1322 Fifth Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108.

ESTATE NOTICE

Letters Testamentary on the Estate of Mary L. McCaffrey Court Term No. 021906217, late of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, deceased, having been granted to the undersigned by the Director of Dept. of Court Records, Wills/Orphans Court Division of Allegheny County, notice is hereby given to all persons indebted to said estate to make immediate payment, and to those having claims against the same to present them to the undersigned, duly authenticated for settlement. Debra L. Moran, Executrix, 9151 Pine St., Pittsburgh, PA 15239, or to Cathy L. Brannigan, Esq., 15 Duff Rd., Suite 6C, Pittsburgh, PA 15235.

ESTATE NOTICE

Letters Testamentary on the Estate of Shirley E. Coleman, Court Term No. 021906218, late of Penn Hills, Allegheny County, deceased, having been granted to the undersigned by the Director of Dept. of Court Records, Wills/Orphans Court Division of Allegheny County, notice is hereby given to all persons indebted to said estate to make immediate payment, and to those having claims against the same to present them to the undersigned, duly authenticated for settlement. Lawrence E. Coleman, Executor, 3009 Hebron Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15235, or to Cathy L. Brannigan, Esq., 15 Duff Rd., Suite 6C, Pittsburgh, PA 15235.

LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AT-RISK SERVICES FOR THE DAVID L. LAWRENCE CONVENTION CENTER 4TH FLOOR GREEN ROOF–PHASE 2

The Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County (“SEA”) will receive proposals for Construction Management At-Risk Services as identified below. The agreement for this work will be with the SEA. The Request for Proposals may be obtained after the date identified below from Mr. Thomas P. Ryser Jr., PE - E-mail: tryser@ pgh-sea.com, Telephone: (412) 393-0200.

Project: Construction Management At-Risk Services David L. Lawrence Convention Center (“DLCC”) 4th Floor Green Roof –Phase 2 RFP Available: October 24, 2019 Time/Date/Location of Non-Mandatory Pre-Proposal Meeting: 1:00 PM, Thurs., Nov. 7, 2019, SEA Office Date/Location for Proposals: 2:00 PM, Thurs., Nov. 21, 2019, SEA, Attn: Thomas P. Ryser, Jr., PE, ASM Global Office, East Lobby, DLCC, 1000 Fort Duquesne Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

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

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NOTICE TO PROPOSERS

The Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County (“SEA”) will receive proposals for North Shore Riverfront Park (“NSRFP”) Pool Cleaning Services at Water Steps at the SEA office as identified below. The contracts for this work will be with the SEA. The Request for Proposals may be obtained after the date identified below from Bill Williams, email: bwilliams@pgh-sea.com, Phone: (412) 325-3003.

This Advertisement applies to the following Request for Proposal: Project: NSRFP Pool Cleaning Services at Water Steps RFP Available: Oct. 25, 2019 Pre-Proposal Meeting: 2:00pm Nov. 14, 2019 (non-mandatory), NSRFP Water Steps,Pittsburgh, PA 15212, Time/Date/Location for Proposal Submittal: 2:00pm Dec. 11, 2019 Mailed Proposals: SEA, 171 10th Street, Second Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Hand delivered Proposals: ASM Global, 1000 Ft Duquesne Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

NOTICE TO PROPOSERS

The Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County (SEA) will receive proposals for the below listed Request for Proposals (RFP). The contract for this work will be with the SEA. The RFP may be obtained after the date identified below from Bill Williams, email: bwilliams@pgh-sea.com, Phone: (412) 325-3003.

This Advertisement applies to the following RFP: Project: Audio/Visual Technology Consultant RFP Available: Oct. 25, 2019 Time/Date/Location of Non-Mandatory Pre-Proposal Meeting: 2:00 PM, Wed., Nov. 6, 2019 Conference Call as follows: 412325-6198 Code 6789 Time/Date/Location for Proposals: 2:00 PM, Tues., Nov. 26, 2019 Mailed Proposals to: SEA, 171 10th Street, Second Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Hand delivered Proposal to: ASM Global, 1000 Ft Duquesne Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

INVITATION TO BIDDERS THE PITTSBURGH WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY ADVERTISEMENT

SEPARATE and SEALED BIDS for the following solicitation, will be received by the Office of Procurement, Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, 1200 Penn Ave., Second Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, until 2:00 PM Prevailing Time November 14, 2019.

INVITATIONS FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR THE 31ST WARD SEWER SYSTEM PWSA PROJECT NO. 2017-424-100-0 Work under this contract includes the lining, repair and relay of existing sewers including installation of manholes, new storm sewer, and inlets of the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) public sewer system including storm and sanitary facilities as required or directed.

All bids must be submitted in accordance with the solicitation that can be obtained by sending an e-mail to procurement@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 to Susan Kemery, Sr. Contract Specialist, via e-mail: skemery@pgh2o.com, no later than November 7, 2019.

A Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting will be held on October 31, 2019, 11:00 a.m. prevailing Time in the Authority’s conference room located at 1200 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA. The purpose of this meeting is to give an overview of the contract requirements and to allow Bidders to ask questions.

Bids must be accompanied by a Bid Bond in the amount of Ten Percent (10%) of the bid for the project under construction. Said Bond shall be duly and legally executed with a Surety or Trust Company which has complied with City Ordinances/Resolutions relating thereto. A Performance Bond and Labor and Material Bond in the amount of 100% of the contract value for each awarded project will be required after award.

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

The bidders 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 opening of the bids.

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

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

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INVITATION FOR BIDS

Sealed bids for the Sanderson Road Reconstruction Project located in Slippery Rock Township will be received in the office of Benjamin Holland, BUTLER COUNTY CONTROLLER, FLOOR 5, COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER, 124 WEST DIAMOND STREET, whose mailing address is P.O. BOX 1208, BUTLER, PA 16003, on or before 10:00am, November 22, 2019. All Bids must be plainly marked Bid – Sanderson Road Reconstruction Project on the outside of the envelope.

Bids will be opened immediately thereafter, on Friday, November 22, 2019 in the Office of the Controller, 5th floor in the Butler County Government Center, 124 West Diamond Street, Butler, PA. Plans, specifications and bid documents are available at EADS Group, 15392 Route 322, Clarion, PA 16214 between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm upon payment of a non-refundable fee of $53.00 for each set of bid documents or $25.00 for the electronic format. Shipping is an additional $15.00. Contact EADS Group with questions at 814-7645050 or to have the documents mailed to you. A pre-bid meeting will be held at Slippery Rock Township Building 155 Branchton Road at 10:00 AM November 7, 2019.

Each proposal shall be accompanied by a bidder’s bond, or certified check or cashier’s check, in favor of the County of Butler, in the amount of not less than ten percent. The County of Butler reserves the right to waive any informality in and to accept or reject any and all bids or any part of any bid. No bid may be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days.

Prevailing wages established under the Davis-Bacon Act will apply to this contract. The contract documents contain requirements addressing prevailing labor wage rates, labor standards, nondiscrimination in hiring practices, goal for minority and female participation, MBE and WBE participation, participation by Section 3 residents and businesses and related matters.

BOARD OF BUTLER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Leslie Osche, Chairman Kim Geyer Kevin Boozel Attest: Lori Altman Director of Human Resources/ Chief Clerk

ALLIES & ROSS MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR Professional Market Study Analysis Services for the Manchester Neighborhood ARMDC RFP #2019-29-REBID

The Allies & Ross Management and Development Corporation (ARMDC) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Professional Market Study Analysis Services for the Manchester Neighborhood The documents will be available no later than October 28, 2019 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 11:00 a.m., November 21, 2019 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Parties or individuals interested may obtain information from: Mr. Kim Detrick – Procurement Director/ Chief Contracting Officer Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 2nd Floor, Suite 200 100 Ross Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116, Option 1 or by visiting the Business Opportunities section of www.hacp.org A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Conference Room Pittsburgh, PA 15219 November 7, 2019 11:00 A.M. The Allies & Ross Management and Development Corporation strongly encourage certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation.

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

Caster D. Binion, President & CEO Allies & Ross Management and Development Corporation ARMDC & HACP conduct business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.

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LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

The New Pittsburgh Courier presents…

OFFICIAL ADVERTISEMENT THE BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION of the SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH

Sealed proposals shall be deposited at the Administration Building, Bellefield Entrance Lobby, 341 South Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15213, on November 5, 2019, until 2:00 P.M., local prevailing time for: Pgh. Obama 6-12 Gym A/C and Lighting Upgrades Mechanical, Electrical, and Asbestos Abatement Primes Project Manual and Drawings will be available for purchase on October 7, 2019 at Modern Reproductions (412-488-7700), 127 McKean Street, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15219 between 9:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. The cost of the Project Manual Documents is non-refundable. Project details and dates are described in each project manual.

THE BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH

Sealed bids will be received in the Bellefield Avenue Lobby, Administration Building, 341 South Bellefield Avenue until 11:00 A.M. prevailing time November 12, 2019 and will be opened at the same hour for the purchase of the following equipment and supplies: REFUSE CONTAINER SERVICE General Information regarding bids may be obtained at the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Service Center, 1305 Muriel Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. The bid documents are available on the School District’s Purchasing web site at: www.pghschools. org Click on Our Community; Bid Opportunities; Purchasing - under Quick Links.

The Board of Public Education reserves the right to reject any and all bids, or select a single item from any bid.

We are an equal rights and opportunity school district

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR EMPLOYMENT VERIFICATION SERVICES RFP #400-41-19

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Employment Verification Services The documents will be available no later than October 28, 2019 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 10:00 A.M., November 19, 2019 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Parties or individuals interested may obtain information from: Mr. Kim Detrick – Procurement Director/ Chief Contracting Officer Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 2nd Floor, Suite 200 100 Ross Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116, Option 1 or by visiting the Business Opportunities section of www.hacp.org A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor Conference Room Pittsburgh, PA 15219 November 7, 2019 10:00 A.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation.

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

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

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

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Call the Courier at 412-481-8302, ext. 134, and purchase a 6-month subscription for $25,

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OCTOBER 30-NOVEMBER 5, 2019 NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Nooses, lynching, Importance of educators of color and racial for Black and Brown students intimidation Ron Rice Jr.

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—Are the use of nooses as symbols of intimidation rising in the workplace? Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) data says that reports of racism and discrimination are on the rise.

Their data does not speak to nooses, particularly. Still, it is disturbing to peruse newspaper reports to learn that at purportedly “woke” workplaces and supposedly liberal campuses, racists or fools (or both) are using nooses as symbols of racist intimidation, just as they were a century ago.

Some of the places that have had recent noose incidents include Stanford University, the University of Alabama, the University of Illinois, and Duke University. In September, two climate change activists appeared at the supposedly progressive University of Wisconsin wearing nooses. The protesters say they were modeling their behavior after seeing them used in a European climate change protest.

Nonsense. If these protesters grew up in the United States, they ought to have known what nooses mean.

Chancellor Rebecca Blank responded appropriately, “Nooses are an offensive symbol, with deep impacts to our students, faculty, staff, and community. Their use to amplify any issue

Julianne Malveaux

Commentary is misguided, hurtful, and contrary to UW–Madison’s values of civility, respect, and inclusion.”

Bananas were found hanging from string in the form of nooses at American University after Taylor Dumpson was installed as the first African American president of the student government. The bananas were marked with the letters AKA, which happens to be Dumpson’s sorority.

While the perpetrators were never identified, some people decided to take the hate to another level, identifying Dumpson in the racist rag, The Daily Stormer. Andrew Anglin, the publisher of The Daily Stormer, encouraged his readers to “troll storm” Dumpson, and she got so many racist emails, messages and threats that she feared for her life. Her grades fell, and she ended up dropping a minor. Of course, the University made all the usual noise about rejecting racism. They couldn’t find the perpetrators of the noose incident.

Taylor Dumpson got her victory this year, though. In August 2019, a judge awarded her more than $700,000 for punitive damages, compensatory damages, and attorney fees. Most folks who are the receiving end of noose intimidation don’t experience such a victory. Employees at UPS, who filed a lawsuit earlier this year, have yet to receive satisfaction. Nooses show up on construction sites (San Francisco), shipyards, offices, and in public places like courthouses and municipal buildings. And the nooses are used not just to intimidate individuals, but also to remind communities that racism continues to thrive.

Part of the reason it seems to thrive is because the leadership of our nation has openly embraced racism. While he has not yet used nooses, he doesn’t mind his supporters showing up at his rallies brandishing the symbols of the confederacy. Indeed, he embraced the neo-Nazi hoodlums whose actions in Charlottesville, Virginia, cause the death of Heather Heyer. And the man who has a long history of wallowing in racist mud recently opined that he feels “lynched” by the Congressional inquiry to his outrageous behavior, which includes pressuring the Ukrainian president to investigate his political opponent, repeatedly violating the Emoluments Clause of the Constitution, and withdrawing troops from Syria, leaving our Kurd allies unprotected.

When 45 uses the term “lynching,” he is attempting to minimize the terrorist roots of lynching in the United States. More than 4000 people died from lynching in this country, and their lynchings didn’t happen at the hands of a Congressional committee, but at the end of ropes. Many were burned alive. After they died, their bodies were first used for sport (some bodies were found with hundreds of bullets in them). Then, their remains were used as keepsakes when racist observers of lynching fought for souvenirs —a finger, a tooth, or whatever they could keep as a gruesome reminder of their White supremacy.

Nooses have no place in a civilized society, nor does the casual mention of lynching. While Mr. Trump did not create the racism manifest in nooses and lynching, he has undoubtedly unleashed its expression. I would say that 45 should be ashamed, but his outrageous acts and his insensitive rhetoric suggest that, actually, he has no shame.

(Julianne Malveaux is an author and economist.)

(NNPA)—I have been a Black student, education policymaker, and now an advocate for providing the best educational opportunities for all our children.

One reality that I’ve had to face and embrace through each of these stages in my life and career is that the prevalence of leaders of color like me is a major contributor to educational success and whose lack thereof stifles that potential. As a student of color, those examples helped me thrive; and today they inform my advocacy.

This month, my organization, the National Alliance of Public Charter Schools released its highly-anticipated report, “Identity and Charter School Leadership: Profiles of Leaders of Color Building an Effective Staff” which examined the ways that school leaders of color’s experiences and perspectives influence how they build school culture, parent and community relationships, and effective staff. This needed report affirmed what I and many fellow school leaders of color have witnessed first-hand in schools from New Jersey (where I advised the state Department of Education) to Massachusetts, California, Louisiana, Missouri, Wisconsin, and North Carolina, where school leaders of color were studied. The report’s finding is clear: our children of color thrive with diverse and experienced teachers who understand their challenges and have a personal, unwavering dedication to their success.

Most importantly, our report is instructive as well because it sheds light—through the profiles of three public charter school leaders of color from Louisiana, North Carolina, and California—on the principles that can help match our best current and future teachers with our nation’s students. Three of those principles that resonated with my two decades in education policy are: First, fill our school leadership pipeline with talented educators of color who come from nontraditional backgrounds and fields of study. But how do we dispel the myth that there are not enough qualified and passionate people of color who can and want to fill this educational pipeline? One way to do this comes from Eric Sanchez, co-founder of Henderson Collegiate—a network of three schools serving elementary, middle and high

school in Henderson, North Carolina.

Instead of only recruiting future educators from traditional education programs, Eric also recruits graduates from university programs focusing on social justice and ethnic studies. And this encouragement doesn’t end once the teachers reach the classroom—we must provide clear pathways for these teachers to pursue school leadership.

Second, school leaders and education policymakers of all colors must be committed to seeing and promoting diversity as an asset, not a deficit; an opportunity, not an obstacle. Imagine how better prepared our children will be for the world of tomorrow if they have been taught the history behind their identity, the language behind their culture, and the geography behind their journey. While nearly all schools struggle with activating this principle for the benefit of our students, our report demonstrates that public charter schools are making substantial progress where traditional public schools haven’t.

Third, achievement and demonstrated success—not myths, preconceptions, and inherited political biases—must be the basis upon which we support the best educational opportunities for all our children. For example, by their design, public charter schools have the flexibility to create and finetune curricula, teaching methods, and optimal outcomes that traditional public schools do not. So, why would we ever consider putting obstacles in any educational paths that are showing real achievement?

Race and identity of both our educators and students is only one factor in the holistic successes we are all working towards. However, it’s also true that all schools across our country in every community have historically not valued students’ diversity and identity as assets to enrich the education they receive. Public charter schools are making real progress to expose this blind spot and make the needed course corrections to ensure the success we’ve seen for some students are the norm for all.

Commentary

(Ron Rice Jr. is a former two term Newark, NJ city councilman, chief advisor to the New Jersey Department of Education, and is currently Senior Director, Government Relations at the National Alliance of Public Charter Schools.)

Dead silent Black majority In 2010 MiIn 2016 over chelle Alexander J. Pharoah Doss 100 Black published a book parents and called: “The New grandparents Jim Crow, Mass went to CincinIncarceration in nati to protest the age of Color the NAACP’s Blindness.” Alexdecision to call ander argued the for a morato“war on drugs” rium on the produced the highexpansion of est rates of incarceration in the world charter schools. For decades the maand over the decades, Black males jority of Black parents were in favor ended up with the largest rate of im- of “school choice” and the Black proprisonment in the United States. The gressive elite opposed it. EAGnews targeting of people of color, dispropor- reported, “The NAACP has officially tional sentencing practices, and high lined up against Black parents who minority prison rates became known want the best educational options as “mass incarceration.” Every 2020 available for their children.” After Democratic presidential candidate the Cincinnati police broke up the has condemned the 1994 crime bill demonstration an angry Black parand vowed to end mass incarceration ent asked a reporter, “Where was the NAACP when so many public schools if elected.

In between 2010 and 2020 profes- were failing our children?” This led sor Michael Fortner published a book the host to ask Fortner if there were called: “Black Silent Majority, The any other issues that separated the Rockefeller Drug Laws and the Pol- Black progressive elite from the itics of Punishment.” Fortner stated “Black silent majority.” Surprisingly, the voices of Black Americans living Fortner said no, the main issues were in neighborhoods turned violent due criminal justice and education.

But there are others. to the drug trade was missing from The 2018 Harvard-Harris poll reThe New Jim Crow/Mass Incarceration analysis. Fortner argued the vealed that Blacks were the racial mass incarceration narrative was group most opposed to immigration incomplete without acknowledging because Blacks were left to bear the the fact that many Black people in brunt of immigrant labor competihigh-crime neighborhoods through- tion. The majority of Black residents out the U.S. advocated for more po- that live in violent neighborhoods licing and harsh sentences for drug do not favor the type of gun control crimes. Fortner recently discussed policies suggested by Beto O’Rourke, his book on an Internet talk show. many Blacks do not favor the MediThe host was surprised there was a care for all plan advanced by Eliza“Black silent majority” that gave so beth Warren, and most Blacks don’t much support for drug policies that have an interest in what Bernie would eventually lead to mass in- Sanders refers to as Democratic-socarceration. The host acknowledged cialism. If the author of a book called there was a vocal Black progressive “Black Silent Majority” doesn’t even elite that dominated the national acknowledge other divisions between discussion on race issues and gave the Black progressive elite and the an example of a conflict between the Black rank-and-file then the Black Black progressive elite and the Black majority isn’t just silent, it’s dead silent. rank and file.

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

Glenn Ellis

Black Health

Racism, stress, and your health (TriceEdneyWire.com)—It’s amazing how many people become uncomfortable as soon as the word racism comes up.

As writer, Nadra Kareem Nittle, concisely sums it up, “Say the word “racism” and many people might imagine someone in a white hood. However, discrimination is much more complex and comes in different types. In reality, ordinary people perpetuate racism daily.”

When thinking about racism, remember it includes: Individual or internalized racism—It is when one holds negative ideas about his/her own culture, even if unknowingly.

Interpersonal racism—It is the holding of negative attitudes towards a different race or culture.

Institutional racism—Benefits are structured to the advantage of powerful groups at the expense of other groups. Jim Crow laws and redlining practices are two examples of institutional racism.

Structural racism—Examples of structural racism include power inequalities, unequal access to opportunities, and differing policy outcomes by race.

Because these effects are reinforced across multiple institutions, the root causes of structural racism are difficult to isolate. Structural racism is cumulative, pervasive, and durable.

Some racism is so subtle that neither victim nor perpetrator may entirely understand what is going on. There is a term which describes this particular form of racism: racial microaggression.

What does this have to do with health? It all begins with an understanding of the link between stress and inflammation.

The immune system is an intricate network consisting of processes, systems, cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against attacks by “foreign” invaders.

When stress becomes ongoing and uncontrollable it then becomes dangerous to our health and well-being.

Our ongoing survival depends on our ability to respond to any kind of infection, stress, and/or injury. Any of these threats triggers an immune system response to fight off these “invaders” and repair damaged tissues. A “deployment” of specific group of genes in the immune system are key to this defense process. Inflammation is a sign that those genes are working to counter the threat or repair the damage.

Inflammation serves to protect an organism from a health threat. First, let me say that stress has both its benefits and its downfalls. The physical stress on our muscles or the cardiovascular system from exercise to maintain fitness, or the level of mental needed to take an exam in school, or the stress of paying attention while driving during bad weather.

But if someone feels under threat for long periods of time, their health may suffer significantly with chronic inflammation.

A team of USC and UCLA scientists has found that racist experiences increase inflammation in African American individuals, raising their risk of chronic illness, according to the study published in the Psychoneuroendocrinology Journal. The study confirms what many of us had pretty much concluded that was a connection between discrimination and health outcomes, we just never knew how it affected health.

Turns out that racial discrimination appears to trigger an inflammatory response among African Americans at the cellular level. The basis for this concept was already established in earlier research that found this process took place in the inflammatory responses for people in socially-marginalized those experiencing chronic loneliness, poverty, PTSD, and other types of adverse life situations.

All of this leads us back to the concept of racial microaggression. It is the culminative, institutionalized, ever-present, everyday insults, indignities, and demeaning messages sent to Black people by well-intentioned White people who are unaware (maybe) of the hidden messages being sent by them.

The crazy thing is that a Black person is in somewhat of a Catch-22 when it comes to racial microaggression.

If you confront the perpetrator, they will outright deny any racist meaning behind their words or actions. Afterall, they are (presumably) not even aware of what they did! So, the Black person is forced to either create a confrontation, or just move on.

Either way, the damage is done.

Once the full-blown stress response is activated, there is little you can do to override it because the hormones being secreted, such as cortisol and adrenalin, trigger a chain of unstoppable events inside of cells. The effect of the inflammatory response by the immune system to the stressor is underway: heart disease; high blood pressure; diabetes; depression; cancer; and so on, and so on. Ironically, all things that impact the health of Black disproportionately; or is it irony?

Of course, any, or all, of these conditions are absolutely possible without being a victim of racial microaggression. You can be sure that, racism or not, inflammation is in play with any of these diseases.

The research from the USC and UCLA scientists shows that racism may account for as much as 50 percent of the heightened inflammation among African Americans.

It’s kinda like the old adage, “when White folks get a cold, Black folks get pneumonia”!

With all the talk about addressing disparities, health inequities, and social determinants of health, it’s time to acknowledge the science and the research that makes it clear that it racial microaggression is real, and it is deadly, particularly to Blacks.

It’s important to keep shining a light on the harm these behaviors inflict, no matter how Black people decide to handle a given encounter.

Remember, I’m not a doctor. I just sound like one. Take good care of yourself and live the best life possible!

(The information included in this column is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Glenn Ellis, is Research Bioethics Fellow at Harvard Medical School and author of Which Doctor?, and Information is the Best Medicine.)