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Father David Taylor

Yolanda Murphy

Holy Rosary School Reunion

Chris Brown performs in Pittsburgh

Jack and Jill Diamond Jubilee

Metro A9

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Lifestyles A6

Pittsburgh Courier www.newpittsburghcourier.com

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Vol. 110 No. 41

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OCTOBER 9-15, 2019

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More Black women live in poverty RIDC donates building in in Pittsburgh than comparable cities

Duquesne to New equity report shows noticeable disparities the Urban League

by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer

Typically, analyses of racial and gender disparities in Pittsburgh’s crime rate, unemployment, economic activity, education levels, poverty, etc. compare it with 13 cities of similar size and racial makeup.

But Pittsburgh’s Inequality Across Gender and Race report compares the city to 89 others—including those 13. The result, as one of the report’s researchers said at the Sept. 17 release of the report, confirms what many people already knew instinctively: “If Black residents got up today and

moved to most any other city in the U.S., automatically by just moving, their life expectancy would go up, their income would go up, their educational opportunities for their children would go up,” said University of Pittsburgh sociologist Junia SEE POVERTY A4

The mission—Getting more Black teachers into PPS New program aims to turn Black paraprofessionals into teachers Courier Staff Writer

SEE TEACHERS A11

Courier Staff Writer

Urban League President and CEO Esther Bush loves old buildings, and now she has a new one to love. Last month the Regional Industrial Development Corporation (RIDC) of Southwestern Pennsylvania donated its Business Innovation

“We’re looking forward to providing additional social services —not just the Urban League’s, but from other providers who are looking to expand their services to the Mon Valley. It’s an opportunity to strengthen what we’re doing.”

Esther Bush Urban League President and CEO

by Rob Taylor Jr. African American students make up 53 percent of the Pittsburgh Public Schools district, while White students make up 33 percent.

But when it comes to the teachers in Pittsburgh Public Schools, only 16 percent are “of color,” and 84 percent are White.

While “of color” refers to teachers who classify as Black, Asian, Hispanic, American-Indian and Multi-Racial, 90 percent of the teachers who classify themselves as “of color” are, indeed, Black.

The district admits—the above statistics are a problem.

by Christian Morrow

GEORGE BOOKER, a paraprofessional with Pittsburgh Public Schools, applies for the Para2Teacher program, which would enable him to obtain a master’s degree in education in two years. (Photo by Rob Taylor Jr.)

Center building in Duquesne to the Urban League.

Built at the end of the 1800s, it was originally the office building for Carnegie Steel. Since being acquired by the RIDC in 1988, it has filled a number of purposes, primarily as an incubator for start-up firms, but it also provided space for social service agencies—the Urban League has operated one of its three Family Resource Centers there for more than two decades.

“We’ve been in that building for 25 years.

We were the last tenant in the building,” Bush told the New Pittsburgh Courier.

“We’re looking forward to providing additional social services—not just the Urban SEE RIDC A4

‘It’s time’ to reform Pennsylvania’s probation system CNN host Van Jones comes to Pittsburgh with a clear message

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

With two words, Van Jones, the popular CNN host and political commentator, summed up the sentiments of nearly everyone at an event in East Liberty, Sept. 16:

“It’s time.”

Jones said it’s time for something to be done about all of the people caught up in the revolving door of Pennsylvania’s probation system. “People are on probation for too long, they’re going back to prison for violations that are too small,

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and they have no incentive to do better because it’s so punitive,” he told the New Pittsburgh Courier at the Sept. 16 event at Repair the World in East Liberty meant to advocate for probation reform.

“Reform” is the operative word—Jones is the CEO of the REFORM Alliance, an organization that is committed to advancing criminal justice reform and eliminating outdated laws that perpetuate injustice, starting with probation and parole.

Pennsylvania has the highest rate of people under probation or parole supervision in the northeastern U.S. (296,000), and third-highest in the country, behind only Georgia and Idaho, according to a 2018 report from the SEE JONES A11

CNN HOST VAN JONES speaks in Pittsburgh to advocate for reforming Pennsylvania’s probation system. (Photo by Sixxdegreesmedia.com)

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OCTOBER 9-15, 2019

NATIONAL

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

This Week In Black History

DANIELLE NOTTINGHAM

A conversation with ‘California Live’ host Danielle Nottingham

by Shaquille Woods

didn’t initially think about journalism as a career choice. Can you explain?

DANIELLE NOTDanielle Nottingham TINGHAM: I started a is a renaissance woman path thinking I would be who tackles any story. The in academics or work in award-winning journalist the business world. So I has brought audiences started off consulting. I stories from global breaking news to entertainment was working in strategic communications for a red carpets. Nottingham while. I then got hired as a was there for the Pope’s public information officer, resignation in Rome. working for the Governor’s She was there for Nelson Mandela’s funeral in South office in New Jersey. While Africa. But now, she is here I was there, I would send out tapes to stations for in Southern California jobs in journalism. showing viewers what it LAS: How did you end up means to live in the Golden in Los Angeles? state.

NOTTINGHAM: I went Nottingham, a 2009 New from Mississippi to South Pittsburgh Courier Fab Carolina, then Milwaukee, 40 honoree, is the co-host Pittsburgh, Washington of NBC 4’s “California D.C., and now Los Angeles.

Live.” The show focuses LAS: That sounds like an on the latest national and ambitious route. local entertainment news, NOTTINGHAM: Yeah, social, digital, and technolit’s tough because you see ogy trends. Segments can other people take a differrange from Nottingham interviewing legends, such ent route and get there faster. It is a constant as the Supremes singer grind. I’m always asked Mary Wilson, to beating Shaquille O’ Neal in a bas- how did I learn teleprompter. There were days when ketball contest.

I took scripts home just to The show’s format sways practice in the mirror. It away from typical news segments. Instead, the seg- takes a lot of learning and adapting. ments shine light on the LAS: How has your beauty behind Southern position as a Black woman California culture.

The Los Angeles Sentinel impacted your career?

NOTTINGHAM: We Newspaper spoke with Nottingham over the phone always enter situations where you are one or few, about her journey and so you think about that in working on-air as a Black the back of your mind. I woman. think the difference now LOS ANGELES SENfrom when I started is that TINEL NEWSPAPER I purposely seek out that (LAS): I read that you voice in the stories that I cover. One thing that I THE love now in my position at NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER PUBLISHING COMPANY For New Pittsburgh Courier

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California Live is that this market gets to see another person of color on television.

LAS: What makes “California Live” different than most news station shows?

NOTTINGHAM: We talk about things that are happening right now but we are not a news program.

Our goal is to show people the best of California and how to live their best lives. It can come from a cool restaurant or even an event. We just try to have fun and show what California is all about.

LAS: What’s something recently that happened on the show that stood out?

NOTTINGHAM: I beat Shaquille O’ Neal in a basketball game!

LAS: Shaquille O’ Neal?

What happened?

NOTTINGHAM: I was at The Grove. I only had one shot. I made it but he missed his shot. It was very exciting!

LAS: What would you tell someone who is inspired to become a journalist?

NOTTINGHAM: You need to learn how to write and organize your thoughts. It’s all about finding your voice. You should also talk to someone who can give you guidance.

People are willing to help.

Plus, it’s always okay to reinvent yourself because people might not always see your potential.

(Audiences can watch “California Live” Monday-Friday, midday across the stations’ on-air, mobile, or digital page at www.nbccalive.com.)

Week of October 9-15 October 9 1806—Benjamin Banneker dies in Ellicott Mills, Md., at age 74. Banneker was a brilliant mathematician with a great memory and is credited with completing the layout and design of Washington, D.C. 1823—Mary Ann Shad is born. She becomes publisher of Canada’s first anti-slavery newspaper—The Provincial Freeman. In fact, she is the first woman in the U.S. or Canada to edit and publish a newspaper.

1962—The east African nation of Uganda becomes independent from British rule.

1984—W. Wilson Goode makes history by becoming the first Black mayor of PhiladelBENJAMIN BANNEKER phia, Pa. 2009—In a move which surprised just about everyone, President Barack Obama is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Obama had been in office for less than 9 months at this time last year but the Nobel Committee in Oslo, Norway, said it was impressed by his “promise” of disarmament and diplomacy.

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

1899—Black inventor Isaac Johnson patents the bicycle frame.

W. WILSON GOODE 1901—Frederick Douglass Patterson is born. He grows up to become President of Fisk University in Nashville, Tenn. From there he would later launch an effort that leads to the 1944 founding of the United Negro College Fund.

1917—Famed Jazz pianist Theolonius Monk is born in Rocky Mount, N.C. 1935—George Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess,” a Black spiritual opera, premiers on Broadway in New SIDNEY POITIER and DOROTHY York City. It starred Todd Duncan from Howard DANDRIDGE in ‘PORGY AND BESS’ University. The play becomes one of the most popular Black-themed shows ever to hit Broadway. The 1959 movie version stars Sidney Portier and Dorothy Dandridge.

October 11 1887—Alexander Miles patents a major safety improvement to the elevator. Miles did not invent the elevator. But he made it safer with an automatically closing door which prevented people from accidentally falling down elevator shafts.

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

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

1991—Comedian and actor Redd Foxx dies at age 68. He was born John Elroy Sanford in St. Louis, Mo. An IRS raid on his Las Vegas home to collect back taxes is thought to REDD FOXX have hastened his death.

October 12 1854—Lincoln University is founded in Pennsylvania.

1932—Richard Claxton “Dick” Gregory is born in St Louis, Mo. Gregory is an American civil rights activist, social critic, writer, entrepreneur, conspiracy theorist and comedian.

1945—The lynching of Jesse James Payne takes place in Madison County, Fla. The lynching came to typify the lies that prompted many a lynching. Payne got DICK GREGORY into an argument with his White boss and threatened to expose some of his boss’ illegal dealings. But the boss then spread a rumor that Payne had molested his daughter and Payne was lynched.

1972—Nearly 50 Black and White sailors were injured in a race riot aboard the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk during the Vietnam War. 1999—Basketball legend Wilt Chamberlain dies at age 63. The 7’1”, 280 pound great included among his records the scoring of 100 points in one game when the Philadelphia Warriors beat the New York Knicks 169 to 147 on March 2, 1962.

October 13 1902—Arna W. Bontemps (1902-1973) is born. He was a noted poet and librarian of Fisk University in WILT CHAMBERLAIN Nashville, Tenn. Bontemps frequently collaborated with another noted Black poet Langston Hughes.

1914—Garret Morgan, an African American inventor and community leader, invents and patents the gas mask. He is renowned for a heroic rescue in 1916 in which he and three others used the mask he’d developed to save workers trapped within a water intake tunnel, 50 feet beneath Lake Erie.

GARRETT T. MORGAN 1919—Whites riot in Phillips County, Ark., leaving nearly 80 Blacks lynched.

1926—Jesse Leroy Brown is born. He became the first Black naval aviator.

1970—Communist and activist Angela Davis is arrested as a fugitive in New York City for her alleged role in a California courthouse shootout that left four dead.

She is later found not guilty.

October 14 1902—William Allison Davis is born. He earns a PhD and becomes a leading educator and anthropologist.

ANGELA DAVIS Among his lasting legacies were his well-documented challenges to the cultural bias of IQ tests which generally portrayed Blacks as less intelligent than Whites.

1916—Washington and Lee University of Virginia refuses to play Rutgers University of New Jersey because it has a Black player on its team. That player was Paul Robeson who withdrew from the game, but later became world famous as an actor, singer, and advocate of Black and socialist causes.

1964—Martin Luther King Jr. becomes the youngest man ever to win the Nobel Peace Prize. He was 35 and had already become world famous for his leadership of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement.

1999—Former Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere dies at 77 of cancer. He had led his country to independence and called on AmeriMARTIN LUTHER KING JR. can Blacks to come to Africa to help rebuild the “motherland.”

October 15 1859—White minister and mystic John Brown leads a violent uprising in Harper’s Ferry, Va., in a bid to spark a Black uprising against slavery. Dozens of Whites are killed, but the revolt is eventually put down. President Abraham Lincoln once referred to him as a “misguided fanatic,” but Brown actually had a fanatical hatred of slavery and JOHN BROWN wanted it ended at all costs.

1887—The U.S. Supreme Court declares the Civil Rights Act of 1885 unconstitutional. The decision was spurred by the end of Reconstruction and helped to usher in the Jim Crow period in the South whereby Black rights won during Reconstruction were taken away.

1991—Conservative Black judge Clarence Thomas is confirmed as the 106th associate justice of the U.S. Supreme. He remains on the court with a voting record, which continues to CLARENCE THOMAS anger many Black leaders.

NATIONAL

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Dr. Benjamin Chavis Jr. visits with a ‘Strong Bill Cosby’

by Stacy M. Brown For New Pittsburgh Courier

On the first anniversary of his imprisonment, Bill Cosby received a visit from Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., the renown civil rights leader and lead-member of the famed political prisoner group known as the Wilmington Ten. Chavis, who is the president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, the trade organization that represents the Black Press of America, joined Cosby’s longtime crisis manager Andrew Wyatt for a visit with Cosby.

It was Chavis’ third visit with the fallen icon, who has refused to meet or speak with representatives from any other news organization.

The meeting took place at the request of Cosby, who in 2018, received a 3-to10-year prison sentence following his conviction on charges of aggravated indecent assault.

“We saw a strong Bill Cos- FALLEN ICON—Chavis said Cosby is using his time in prison to help others. (Photo: Pool Photo) by today,” Chavis said.

During the visit, Chavis said he prayed an advocate for those who have been unjustly That should have disqualified the juror, but the with Cosby and discussed a range of toplabeled as outcasts,” Chavis stated. trial Judge Steven T. O’Neill rejected defense ics from health and family, to his convicDuring the visit, Wyatt and Cosby both arguments to remove him. tion and the pending appeal. praised the Black Press for its coverage of CosAnother juror admitted that she was friends While Chavis said details of what he by’s trials. and neighbors with the court reporter, who and Cosby discussed are personal, the “Mr. Cosby said that he appreciates that the serves as an employee to the judge. O’Neill revisit reminded him of the near decade he Black Press was the only African American fused to recuse that juror. and the other members of the Wilmington media at both trials every single day,” Wyatt One other juror said he had a “personal relaTen spent behind bars. stated. tionship” with one of the detectives who investi“The conditions inside all prisons in “Mr. Cosby never asked for favors, and he only gated Cosby, and he too remained on the panel America are architecturally designed asked that the media would treat him fairly despite defense objections. and standardly built to breakdown and and look at the facts. Thanks to Dr. Chavis Additionally, Assistant District Attorney Stuart suppress the spirit and emotions of those who sent his reporter there, Mr. Cosby remains Ryan shouted out in court that he was “tired of in prison,” Chavis stated. grateful to the Black Press for its fairness,” this black s..t,” which set the tone for the racialSCI-Phoenix stands behind what Wyatt said. ly-charged trial.

Chavis called internationally outlawed, Chavis has long held an interest in the Cosby Ryan’s colleague, Kristen Feden, also lashed out life-threatening razor-sharp barbed wire case. at Cosby’s team during jury selection.Feden said fences that are fortified by 20-foot electriAs a civil rights activist, Chavis was conthe Cosby team already had their token Black fied concrete walls. cerned about numerous unconstitutional ruljuror.

The jail contains 9-feet-by-5-foot solid ings by the trial judge in the case.

“They already have their one. What more do steel cages.

Further, tactics used by prosecutors during they want,” Feden stated within earshot of the Asked why it was important that he jury selection, opening and closing statements, judge, lawyers, and media. visit Cosby, Chavis said the issue is more and throughout the trial proved troublesome Chavis noted that mainstream media’s coverage significant than Cosby. for most courtroom observers. of the trial lacked facts, and the racially and po“The Black Press of America maintains Before the start of the second trial last year, litically-charged atmosphere inside and around a proud tradition of not only exposing the one juror who’d just been selected to serve on the Pennsylvania courthouse may have deprived various injustices that are done to Black the panel told other potential jurors, “We can Cosby of a fair trial.

America but also it is our tradition to be all go home, he’s guilty.”

Cosby is appealing his 3-to-10-year prison

OCTOBER 9-15, 2019

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sentence.

He’s currently awaiting a ruling from the state Superior Court, which heard oral arguments from Cosby’s attorneys, prosecutors, and the state attorney general in August.

Meanwhile, Chavis said Cosby is using his time in prison to help others.

“As the Wilmington Ten discovered, Bill Cosby is not serving time. He is making time serve the liberation of the minds and consciousness of his fellow inmates through mentorship, spiritual, personal, and collective development sessions,” Chavis stated.

“His spirit, mind, body, and soul are strong and getting stronger each day.

The fact that he is blind has not handicapped him or prevented him from maintaining his integrity, self-worth, value, and intellectual genius.”

When asked what makes Cosby a political prisoner, Chavis said the answer is similar to what caused the Wilmington Ten political prisoners.

“The systematic injustice of his racially-motivated and orchestrated charges, trials, conviction, and imprisonment pending his appeal,” Chavis stated.

“I know this from firsthand experience with the unjust incarceration of the Wilmington Ten political prisoner group in North Carolina during the 1970s,” Chavis continued.

“The Wilmington Ten were officially declared political prisoners by Amnesty International and by the United Nations. The Pennsylvania prison that Bill Cosby is now unjustly imprisoned exemplifies the prisons that are designed to break the spirit of those in there,” Chavis said.

“It is important for Black America to know that mass incarceration is not the end. Bill Cosby is showing that you can promote personal and collaborative transformation inter-generationally,” Chavis said.

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METRO

OCTOBER 9-15, 2019 NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

More Black women live in poverty in Pittsburgh than comparable cities POVERTY FROM A1

Howell.

The report looks at multiple health variables: infant mortality; causes/ages of death; heart disease; poverty rates; income levels; educational attainment; and job sector inclusion. In many of these areas, the disparity between Blacks and Whites in Pittsburgh is worse than almost anywhere else.

One such indicator is fetal death: For Pittsburgh’s

New equity report shows noticeable disparities

Black women, 18 out of every 1,000 pregnancies end in a fetal death. This is compared to only 9 out of every 1,000 White pregnancies and 2 out of every AMLON (Asian, Multiracial, Latinx, other racial groups or Native American) pregnancies. That rate for Black women is higher than 94 percent of other cities.

Urban League President

and CEO Esther Bush, who submits a monthly health column to the New Pittsburgh Courier, said she found the report’s findings sobering.

“It’s like, I knew we were bad, but I didn’t know we were the worst,” she said.

“We need to come to a place of necessity, where we ask each (person) what ‘we’ are doing, personally, to make

things better—because whatever we’ve been doing is inadequate.”

While the poverty rates for all races in Pittsburgh are higher than the other cities surveyed, Blacks, again, have higher rates.

However, more Black women live in poverty in Pittsburgh than in 85 percent of other cities. And 85 percent of other cities have higher rates of Black employment than Pittsburgh.

Also, as the chart from

the report indicates, while Whites tend to find employment across high-to-low income employment sectors, Blacks are more segregated, with fewer in the high-income positions such as attorney, engineer, mathematicians, etc.

While the report’s authors note that some national factors affect outcomes— in primary education, for example—others seem to be localized and therefore could be remedied by study-

ing what has been done in the comparison cities.

This is the first of four reports the Pitt team of researchers will produce in the coming months. Mayor Bill Peduto said he plans to develop policy based on the findings but told the Sept.

17 press conference audience that the city can’t do it alone. He said the city’s largest institutions and corporations should use the same data to help.

Echoing Bush, he said, “Start by asking, ‘What are you doing to make their lives better?’”

RIDC donates building in Duquesne to the Urban League RIDC FROM A1

League’s, but from other providers who are looking to expand their services to the Mon Valley. It’s an opportunity to strengthen what we’re doing.”

The Duquesne Family Support Center, like the Urban League’s two others in Northview Heights and East Hills, focuses on strengthening families with children ages 0 to 5.

“We provide the kind of support to make sure kids are ready for school, things THE RIDC HAS DONATED the Business Innovation Center building in Duquesne to the Urban League like immunizations, earof Greater Pittsburgh. (Photo courtesy RIDC) ly childhood development

programming,” Bush said.

“We assist families with any issue that could help make them better parents, try to expose them to different programs and opportunities they might not be aware of that could benefit them, and of course, upgrading employment opportunities.”

Bush said she isn’t yet sure how much more of the three-story, 14,512 squarefoot building her agency will use.

“We’ll use some, but we look forward to leasing space to other providers.

We are looking to positively impact the community,” she said. “Our forums and seminars will expand there also. (And) we’re going to continue to serve Allegheny County with a focus on Pittsburgh’s Hill District, Homewood and North Side, and the Mon Valley—it needs more attention than it receives now.”

And while the building itself will at some point need attention, Bush said it is in good shape, especially considering its age.

“This one is very nice.

It’s stately. There’s a second-floor conference room where one entire wall is solid wood, and it has a lot of period detail,” she said.

“But what is the lifetime of the AC, of the furnace? So, like any building it needs maintenance. So in addition to expanding our services, we do have to look for grants and do fundraising to upgrade the facilities.

But we are very appreciative of RIDC, which was very patient with us. They want to make sure we are successful.”

RIDC president Donald Smith told the Courier that was the point of donating the building.

“I think it’s an important resource in a community that really needs it, it was important for the services to be maintained for the people and the surrounding communities,” he said. “We’ve been invested in that community for quite some time and it’s a community that has weathered some economic challenges. The good work that the Urban League is doing and working with community members is important in that community.”

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OCTOBER 9-15, 2019

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LIFESTYLES New Pittsburgh Courier

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OCTOBER 9-15, 2019

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

Debbie Norrell

Lifestyles Report

Senior ‘Fare’

When I see a phone number that I don’t recognize on my cell phone, I typically don’t answer it. The other day I got a call that appeared to be from Harrisburg, so I took a chance and answered the phone; the call was from state Representative Tony Deluca. It was a recorded message inviting me to a senior “fare.”

It sounded like something that I might be interested in. The recording gave me a local number to call and register so I did and attended the event.

Anyone that knows me knows that I love things like this, free and the possibility of fun. I made sure that I left the house in plenty of time to find my way to the location in Oakmont, park and get in line. I knew there would be a line. Conor Lamb was there and of course, Tony Deluca, decked out in a pink sportcoat. It was like trick or treat for seniors. I was able to get my flu shot for free and also signed up for my Port Authority senior bus pass.

This was great; I had been meaning to go Downtown for my pass; now I won’t have to.

There were more than a dozen tables to stop and get good information. I found good pamphlets on identity theft, investments and senior services in my neighborhood.

There were coffee and donuts, free T-shirts, ink pens, candy, jar openers, back scratchers and lots of “stuff ” that a young senior like me could use.

I was flattered that many people did not think I was old enough to be there.

I’m quite pleased with all of the things that I am being afforded as a senior citizen in Pittsburgh.

While we are hearing so much negative news about Pittsburgh being such a bad place to live for African American females, I am seeing an article that says Pittsburgh is one of the best places for seniors to live. Census data shows that seniors will outnumber kids by 2035. With such a major shift in the U.S. population, it’s important that our communities are prepared to meet the physical and mental needs of older adults. The 2019 Senior Living Report from caring. com ranks the best and worst cities for seniors to live based on health care, housing options, community engagement, transportation, quality of life and workforce development. In fact, Pittsburgh is ranked number 54 out of 302 cities. While cities like San Francisco, Fredericksburg, Washington, Boston, and Brooklyn are listed among the top 10 senior-friendly cities, there are a lot of things going on that are for seniors or designed with seniors in mind.

The recent jazz series that was at the Thelma Lovette YMCA was sponsored by AARP. UPMC For Life (UPMC Health Plan Medicare Program) has sponsored walks and activities at the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. These events are good for your mental and physical health. You get out of the house, walk and interact with others.

All of these things are good for your health.

(Email Debbie at Debbienor rell@aol.com.)

DIAMOND JUBILEE COMMITTEE—Lisa Washington Rushing, Diane Stotts, Kanika Capel, Deborah Vereen, Janine Frazier Macklin, Rosa Miller, Jalila Jefferson Bullock and Annice Reese

Jack and Jill Pittsburgh Diamond Jubilee

by Debbie Norrell Lifestyles Editor

MOM & DAUGHTER—Wrenna Watson and Michelle Watson (Photos by Debbie Norrell)

THEY ATTENDED THE FIRST COTILLION BALL— Bea Vasser and Dottie Debow

MOM & DAUGHTER—RaShell Brackney and Rikki Griffin

The Pittsburgh Chapter was organized in 1944 as the fourth chapter of Jack and Jill of America Inc. and was at the heart of the development of a plan for the national organization and its incorporation in 1945. The biennial Presentation Ball is the signature event of the Pittsburgh Chapter. The purpose of the event is threefold. First, it is a major fundraising event for a local charity and for the Jack and Jill of America Foundation. Second, it recognizes high school juniors and seniors for their accomplishments in the classroom and in the community.

Third, it allows the chapter to showcase the organization to the Greater Pittsburgh area.

Do the math and you will see that Jack and Jill Pittsburgh has been around for 75 years and that is something to celebrate, and celebrate they did during the weekend of Aug. 30 through Sept. 1. The celebration began with a party at Terrace on Fifth.

PICNIC COMMITTEE—Daria Crawley, Alexis James Steals, Carlotta Guests dined and danced and enjoyed the Burgess and Brittany Criswell great view afforded by the rooftop location.

On Aug. 31, a relaxing picnic was held at Blueberry Hill Park in Sewickley. The weekend concluded with a luncheon at The LeMont Restaurant with Lisa Washington Rushing (KDKA–TV) as mistress of ceremonies.

Members of Jack and Jill Pittsburgh Chapter reflected on 75 dazzling years via videos and pleasant memories.

Chapter President, Bridgette N. Cofield, welcomed the large group and Beatrice Vasser, Ph.D., reflected on past cotillions, the first one was held in 1982. The afternoon concluded with the J&J Pink and Blue Runway where young Jack and Jill members were introduced to the group. The Diamond Jubilee event chairs included: Janine Frazier Macklin, Rhonda Bolding and Alexis JACK AND JILL PROUD James Steals.

CELEBRATING 75 YEARS—Denise Smalley, Bethany Criswell, Kelly McCormick, Crystal Turner

PAST PRESIDENTS—Carlotta Burgess, Denise Hayes, Martha Vasser, Sharon Sales and Alexis James Steals

FRIDAY NIGHT COMMITTEE—Nichol Green, Denise Smalley, Rhonda Bolding, Bibi Steverson and Jennifer Bennett Brown

CELEBRATING 75 YEARS—Bridgette Cofield, Alexis James Steals and Rhonda Bolding

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

OCTOBER 9-15, 2019

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Breast cancer is the most imperative health issue facing African American women

by Ricki Fairley For New Pittsburgh Courier

Though Black women get breast cancer at a slightly lower incidence rate than White women, Black women are 42 percent more like to DIE of breast cancer than White women. That is an astounding number and indicative of a variety of factors, many reflecting racial disparities.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Black women, and an estimated 33,840 new cases are expected to be diagnosed in 2019. An estimated 6,540 deaths from breast cancer are expected to occur among Black women in 2019.

Women do not need to DIE from breast cancer. It can’t be prevented but early stage breast cancer (meaning it has been localized within the breast) has a 99 percent 5-year survival rate. Note the inequity here: the overall 5-year relative survival rate for breast cancer diagnosed is 81 percent for Black women versus 91 percent for White women. And, 54 percent of breast cancers in Black women are diagnosed at a local stage, compared to 64 percent in White women.

To add more fuel to the fire, Black women under age 35 get breast cancer at two times the rate of White women and DIE from breast cancer three times as often as White women.

So, what’s the problem?

Why are Black women dying unnecessarily?

Higher death rates among Black women reflect the following: •Black women are not taking action. While 92 percent of Black women agree breast health is

to be talking about our health, our family histories, and educating all of the women in our lives.

The ongoing conversations in this country around access to affordable health insurance must include acknowledgement and action regarding the inequities for Black women.

Black women need to demand the attention and care of health care professionals.

We at Sisters Network, Inc., a sisterhood of survivors and thrivers, will continue to fight like girls and be the voice of Black women. We are committed to increasing local and national attention to the devasting impact that breast cancer has in the African American community. We are working diligently to reduce the mortality rate of breast cancer among Black women by generating awareness, garnering attention, providing access to information and FIGHTING DISPARITIES—Black women need to demand the attention and care of health care professionals. (Photo: iStockphoto/NNPA) resources, and supporting research efforts in the and staff. important, only 25 peris aggressive and comes ecosystem.

•Because they may not •Black women face cent have recently disback after treatment. It ABOUT SISTERS have health insurance, logistical cussed breast health with has the highest mortality NETWORK® INC. Black barriers to their family, friends, or rate and is the only breast Sisters Network®Inc. women accessing colleagues. And, only 17 cancer sub-type that does founded in 1994 by Karen may not care (such percent have taken steps not have a therapy to Eubanks Jackson, 25-year follow up as transto understand their risk prevent recurrence. Note and three-time Breast on abnorportation for breast cancer. that younger women and Cancer Survivor. SNI is mal mamissues or •Black women lack infor- mogram women diagnosed at later the only national African not being mation about the severity stages are more likely to American breast cancer results able to miss get Triple Negative Breast survivorship organization of breast cancer, breast because work or cancer symptoms and the Cancer. in the United States and they can’t arrange for need for screening.

We MUST STOP THE a leading voice in the fight afford the child care).

•Black women take care SILENCE! against breast cancer diagnostic •Black of others at the expense of Early detection saves in the African American testing. women fear lives. Black women of all their own health. community. Sisters Net•Black a cancer •Black women are often ages need to check their work is governed by an women diagnosis. at a more advanced stage breasts monthly. We need elected Board of Directors. often don’t RICKI FAIRLEY •Black upon detection. to know what our “normal” Membership includes over have access women •Black women may not feels like so if there is some 20 survivor-run affiliate to the have the highest odds have access to health care abnormality, immediate chapters nationwide. To same prompt high quali(2 times more likely) of or health insurance so action can be taken. learn more about Sisters ty treatment that White may have lower frequency Black women need to Network Inc., please viswomen have. They express getting Triple Negative Breast Cancer, a kind of of and longer intervals understand the severity of it www.sistersnetworkinc. that they are often feel between mammograms. this health crisis. We need orgor call 1-866-781-1808. disrespected by physicians breast cancer that often

RELIGION

A8 OCTOBER 9-15, 2019

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Pentecostal Temple COGIC’s 2019 Women’s Weekend

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/

Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community!

For rate information, call 412481-8302, ext.

128.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEXT CHURCH EVENT!

PSALMIST KEESHA SHEFFEY

EVANGELIST EARLENE SMITH

‘Nothing is more important to any woman than family’

by Jacquelyn McDonald For New Pittsburgh Courier

The 2019 Women’s Weekend held on Sept. 13-15 at Pentecostal Temple Church Of God In Christ, 6300 East Liberty Blvd, was a celebration of family.

“Nothing is more important to any woman than family,” stated First Lady Barbara Mann, who emphasized the event theme, “Hannah’s Prayer Cry.” The liturgical dancers, guest psalmists, dramatic skits, men in song and the women’s choir participated in the initial Friday evening service. The ladies shopped with the guest vendors and raised the praises to God as Evangelist Earlene Smith preached a dynamic sermon at the Saturday Luncheon held at the Georgetown Centre, 526 E. Brucetown Rd. in Pleasant Hills.

The ladies returned to Pentecostal Temple for Sunday’s finale service that crescendoed into fervent worship as the dynamic and energetic Evangelist Mae Walker of Ohio preached and ministered individually to all the ladies.

WOMEN’S WEEKEND COMMITTEE MEMBERS

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.

FIRST LADY BARBARA MANN

THE TAYLOR FAMILY

Church Circuit SECOND BAPTIST MALE CHORUS CONCERT

OCTOBER 13—The senior and junior usher boards at Second Baptist Church, 108 West 12th Ave., Homestead, invite all to come and fellowship with them at 4 p.m. at the church. The theme is: “Make a Joyful Noise Unto The Lord With Song and Dance,” featuring the Second Baptist Church Male Chorus in concert. For more information, call 412-461-8235.

MT. OLIVE 120TH CHURCH ANNIVERSARY

OCTOBER 13—All are Invited to come and celebrate Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Coraopolis’ 120th Church Anniversary. Mt. Olive is located at 1201 Hiland Ave. The theme is: “Celebrating Our Legacy—Embracing Our Destiny” (Luke 6:48). Guest preachers will be Rev. Dr. Winston C. Ridley Jr., Greater First Baptist Church, Washington, D.C. (11 a.m.) and Rev. Derrick Knox, Covenant Heritage Bible Church, Wilmington, Del. (4 p.m.) There will also be a Pre-Anniversary Old-Time Religion Concert on Oct. 12 at 6 p.m. For more information, call 412-264-3125.

JERUSALEM WOMEN’S DAY WEEKEND

OCTOBER 19-20—The Jerusalem Baptist Church, 123 Steuben St., invites all to their Women’s Day weekend. Rev. Marie Kelly, Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, Hill District, will be the guest preacher for the women’s day luncheon on Saturday, Oct. 19, at 11 a.m. The guest preacher for the Women’s Day Worship service at 11 am on Sunday, Oct. 20, is Rev. Avis Williams of First Baptist Church, West Mifflin. The luncheon Donation is $15 on Oct. 19. For more information, call 412-921-0822.

BISHOP LORAN MANN praying for the ladies.

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

HOLY ROSARY ALUM—Marie Capone, Victor Capone, Jane Snyder and Satara Snyder Sparrow

OCTOBER 9-15, 2019

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ACCEPTING FOR SARA BOTTOMS—Shawaun Charmaine Bottoms- Morgan and Anthony Sloan

Holy Rosary School holds All-Class Reunion

by Debbie Norrell Lifestyles Editor

HOLY ROSARY ALUM—Rashall Brackney, Betsy Capone Worrall, Sister Sandy Kiefer and Ed Gainey

REUNION COMMITTEE—Pamela Tarpley, April I. Smith, Mary Rivers-Poellnitz, Victor Capone and Anthony Sloan

HOLY ROSARY ALUM—Lasuan Thomas Rose, Father Taylor and Precenda Thomas

Reunions of all types happen all the time. Normally the gathering will revolve around a milestone time frame where 10- and 50-year reunions are common.

During the weekend of Aug. 30 through Sept. 1, the first Holy Rosary School All-Class Reunion was held. It was unique because a reunion had never been held by the students that graduated from the school. The reunion was held at the DoubleTree Hotel in Monroeville. The day before the main event students toured the building that was Holy Rosary and is now home to the Community Empowerment Association (2012). Holy Rosary opened with 377 mostly Caucasian and Catholic students in 1904.

Its peak enrollment in elementary and high school was over 1,500 in 1941. With community demographic shifts Homewood and Holy Rosary became predominately African American and non-Catholic in the 1960s; the student enrollment had dropped below 200. The Extra Mile Foundation was created to subsidize tuition at Holy Rosary and other Catholic schools in Pittsburgh’s economically disadvantaged neighborhoods (1989). Due to declining enrollment, Holy Rosary was merged with St. James School in Wilkinsburg to form Thea Bowman Catholic Academy in 2010. Former students, teachers and administrators attended the three-day event.

Honorees included: Father David H. Taylor (priest assigned to Holy Rosary Parish), Shelbia Randolph Sorrells (teacher 1969-2010), Sara V. Bottoms (Holy Rosary cafeteria supervisor), Rosemarie Elizabeth Morelli Capone (Capone is 92 years old and attended grade school and high school at Holy Rosary—all eight of her children did as well), Sister Sandy Kiefer (former teacher and co-principal), Satara Snyder Sparrow (former student and teacher at Holy Rosary) and Kathleen Gallagher, better known to students as Sister Kathy. Before awards were presented, City Councilman Ricky Burgess presented a proclamation. Reverend Burgess actually went to Holy Rosary and met his wife, Carlotta, there. He was in third grade and she was in the first. State Rep. Ed Gainey also presented a proclamation; he graduated from Holy Rosary in 1984.

Guests had a great time and ended the weekend with a picnic in Monroeville Park. The Holy Rosary Committee included: Adriene Gardner-Hogan, Jamie Calloway, Anthony Sloan, Pamela Tarpley, Mary Rivers-Poellnitz, Victor Capone and April I. Smith.

HONOREE—Rosemarie Capone (Photos by Debbie Norrell)

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OCTOBER 9-15, 2019

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NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

ON LOCATION

CHRIS BROWN CONCERT AT PPG PAINTS ARENA

WAMO 100’s MIKE DEAN, center, with ladies headed to the Chris Brown IndiGOAT Tour, Sept. 24, at PPG Paints Arena. (Photos by Courier photographer Streets)

THEY’RE READY FOR THE CHRIS BROWN SHOW…!

ASIA, CHIRON, DANNIELLE, ISSY KIOR, ARIE, headed to the Chris Brown concert…!

CAMILLE COX, TOMASINCEA NEWRING, headed to see Chris Brown…!

YOLANDA MURPHY AND COBE CLEMONS headed to the Chris Brown concert…!

MOM AND SON—Tammy and Lil’ Flats

LISA SHORT, ARLENE MCDONALD, ALESHIA POLK, JODI WOMACK, headed to see Chris Brown…!

KENT AND KELIA…

SHANELL, PUMPKIN, DEEDEE, headed to the Chris Brown concert…!

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NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

OCTOBER 9-15, 2019 A11

The mission—Getting more Black teachers into PPS New program aims to turn Black paraprofessionals into teachers

TEACHERS FROM A1

Thus, they’ve introduced a program that allows current PPS paraprofessionals (classroom aides, the majority of whom are Black) who have a bachelor’s degree and at least three years of experience as a paraprofessional in the district to earn their master’s degree in education at a discounted financial cost, while still maintaining their full-time employment status with the district. A master’s degree in education, combined with a certified teaching license from the state of Pennsylvania, will make those paraprofessionals eligible to spring into a teaching position with PPS, starting as early as the 2021-2022 school year.

“They don’t reflect reality,” PPS Director of Talent Management Brian Glickman told the New Pittsburgh Courier about the lack of Black teachers in the district. “(Roughly) 85 percent of our teachers are White, and that’s not the world we’re preparing our students to enter.” Glickman said those comments aren’t supported by research, “but supported by common sense.”

While there are more than 400 paraprofessionals in the district, there are 127 paraprofessionals who possess a bachelor’s degree and at least three years of seniority as a paraprofessional in the district. Of those 127, 56 percent are Black. Only those 127 paraprofessionals are eligible for the “Para2Teacher” program, of which an initial cohort of up to 33 paraprofessionals will be selected for the two-year master’s program via Grand Canyon University, a Phoenix, Ariz.-based

private, Christian school which offers the master’s in education online. Grand Canyon University also became the best fit for the program because it offered a 23.5 percent reduction in tuition for PPS employees.

Those paraprofessionals selected for the initial cohort will also each receive $3,000 per year ($1,500 from the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers, $1,500 from PPS) to help with tuition costs. The money the district is providing to each paraprofessional in the cohort comes from a $49,500 grant by The Heinz Endowments.

Given that today’s firstyear teacher in Pittsburgh Public Schools earns roughly $47,000 according to Glickman, a significantly higher salary than that of a paraprofessional—combined with the overall less cost to attain a master’s in education thanks to the program, it’s something African American paraprofessionals like George Booker couldn’t pass up.

Booker, along with roughly 30 other mostly-Black paraprofessionals, applied for the “Para2Teacher” program with the assistance of Grand Canyon University officials at an “Application Day” held at the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers building on the South Side, Oct. 3.

Booker, a current paraprofessional at Oliver Citywide Academy, said it’s imperative for Black students in the district to see more Black teachers in the schools. He said that as a Pittsburgh native who graduated from Perry Traditional Academy, he understands what many Black students are going through.

“A lot of our students are being raised by the grand-

parents; some of their parents are incarcerated, some of their parents are deceased, some of our students feel hopeless in their situations at home,” he told the Courier. “I just feed them positive words, positive encouragement. You can really aspire to be whatever you want to be, you just have to have a goal and some plans.

Set a plan for your life,” Booker tells many Black students, “continue to work towards each goal, daily, weekly, monthly.”

“There are significant benefits for students of color to be taught by teachers of color, but the benefits are not limited to just the students BRIA WESTRY, right, is a paraprofessional at Pittsburgh Conroy. She applied to the new Para2Teacher program, of color—it’s actu- which would enable Westry to obtain a master’s degree in education from Grand Canyon University in two years. ally beneficial for (Photo by Courier photographer Rob Taylor Jr.) all students to have a more diverse teaching to their education…and held at the PFT building, time teaching job with staff,” Glickman told the (from) people who have Oct. 3, he had received the district after they atsimilar backgrounds,” applications from eligi- tain the master’s degree, Courier.

Glickman then cited re- Stackhouse, a paraprofes- ble paraprofessionals who Glickman said they will search data provided to the sional for autistic students couldn’t attend the event. receive “preferential hirdistrict (and other districts in grades 3-5 at Pittsburgh He told the Courier that ing.” out of those applications, Glickman added: “Obvinationwide) that showed Morrow, said.

“I grew up in the same two-thirds were from cur- ously we wouldn’t launch “significant reductions” in student absenteeism and neighborhoods that they rent Black paraprofession- a program for this if it wasn’t our intention to try dropout rates for students are growing up in and I als in the district.

Combine those applica- to hire them,” but a state of color. “There’s research currently am still living in that supports an improved the same neighborhoods tions with the 30 or so that law commonly referred school climate for all stu- that they are living in,” were filled out in-person to as the “Eligibility List” dents, not just students of said Westry, who resides in during the Oct. 3 event by only allows a district such color” when the teachers Chartiers City, near Shera- mostly-Black paraprofes- as PPS to hire the top 10 are more diverse, Glickman den. “I think I can make a sionals, and the pool from percent of candidates withdifference for my students’ which the initial cohort of in any defined certification said.

Research wasn’t needed to educational lives by teach- 33 participants will be cho- area.

“Paraprofessionals who convince PPS Black para- ing them and allowing sen should be at least 75 complete this program will professionals Robyn Stack- them to see someone that’s percent Black.

Those chosen will begin automatically be on our ‘Elhouse and Bria Westry that like them.”

Westry is a paraprofes- online classes on Oct. 24, igible List,’ so while they’re more Black teachers equals a better overall Black stu- sional at Pittsburgh Con- with an expected gradu- not guaranteed jobs, they’re roy. ation date of May 2021. guaranteed to be considdent performance.

Glickman said prior to While those in the cohort ered for jobs,” Glickman “I feel like students need people who are dedicated the “Application Day” event aren’t guaranteed a full- said.

‘It’s time’ to reform Pennsylvania’s probation system JONES FROM A1

Columbia University Justice Lab. Jones was in Pittsburgh as a special guest of state Rep. Ed Gainey, D-Lincoln-Lemington, who is a co-sponsor of House Bill 1555, which, if it becomes law, would cap probation sentences for felonies at five years, and two years for misdemeanors. HB 1555 would also: ban courts from extending probation terms because a person failed to pay a fine, cost, or restitution, if the person is not financially able to pay such amounts; ban courts from imposing one sentence of probation consecutively with another sentence of probation; and permit early termination of probation sentences for compliant probationers.

“The reason why this bill is so important is because it’s the first step in us doing

what’s necessary to make sure that we change and influence the whole probation process,” Rep. Gainey told the crowd at the Sept.

16 event. “If you take one nugget of what you learned here today and just share it with somebody, your help, our strength will help to change the whole probation process. So tonight is the beginning of a journey to give people their life back.”

Sometimes, a conviction of a crime and subsequent sentencing will not result in jail time—rather, probation can be ordered by a county judge for a period that usually exceeds the amount of time of the original jail sentence.

Other times, a state prison sentence, which usually is a two-year sentence or longer, is followed by the individual serving jail

CNN HOST VAN JONES, with 1 Hood Media’s Jasiri X.

time, then applying for parole, which allows an individual to serve the remainder of their sentence out of jail. Parole could be granted or denied, but in either case, once the time has been served, a county judge could then levy probation on the individual for a period of time of their choosing, consistent with statutory maximum laws.

Thus, the individual is not out of the clear just yet.

Violations of probation range from serious crimes to technical violations. It’s those technical violations, such as not reporting to a probation officer at the scheduled time or place, not paying any required fines or restitution, visiting certain people or places, or traveling out of state without permission, which should not result in jail time, according to Jones and Rep. Gainey.

“We believe that the pro-

bation system should be a springboard to success, not a trap door into failure,” Jones told the Courier.

“We believe that the people who are on probation—if they commit a new crime, then that’s one issue, but when you have people who are just late to a meeting, or they went to the wrong neighborhood because their aunt was sick…and they go back to prison for two years? That’s completely unfair and it’s not necessary.”

Blacks have an incarceration rate nearly nine times as high as Whites in Pennsylvania, according to a 2016 study by The Color of Justice: Racial and Ethnic Disparity in State Prisons.

Reforming the probation system in Pennsylvania and other states would be particularly beneficial to the African American community, who, according to the Bureau of Justice Sta-

tistics, despite being only 13 percent of the U.S. population, comprise 38 percent of America’s state prisons.

Jones, who earned a degree from Yale Law School in 1993, told the Pittsburgh crowd that “he saw more kids doing drugs at Yale than I ever saw in any housing project. I saw more kids breaking rules, breaking laws at Yale than I ever saw in any low-income community. But those kids (in the low-income communities who are majority-Black) went to prison. If anything happened to those kids (at Yale, an ivy league university that’s mostly White), they went to rehab, or Europe, and they got help, and then they went on and got good lives.”

But it was the African Americans and Hispanics “just a few blocks away in the housing projects of New Haven, Connecticut,” Jones

said, “doing little bitty amounts of drugs and then getting big jail sentences, coming home unemployed, and in the cycle of being in and out of jail.”

For years, Jones said, he felt only Democrats and progressives cared about what he calls an unjust probation system in many states, including Pennsylvania. But, “it turns out there are people in the Republican Party, there are conservatives, just as much as Democrats, who say that this is not how we’re supposed to be treating human beings.”

It remains to be seen if there will be enough support in the Pa. House to ultimately pass House Bill 1555.

“It turns out both political parties have some love for freedom, some love for human dignity,” Jones said, “and yet we have not held hands to help.”

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BUSINESS New Pittsburgh Courier

J. Pharoah Doss on the Botham Jean/ Amber Guyger case Forum B6

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OCTOBER 9-15, 2019

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SHAREHOLDERS ARE SAYING, “If you’re not as diverse as we want you to be, there are going to be economic consequences,” said Margaret A. Neale. (Photo by: Christina Morillo | pexels.com)

Investors predict tech, finance companies with more gender diversity will see stock prices rise

by Olivia Riggio For New Pittsburgh Courier

(BlackPressUSA)—A study by Stanford University, Northwestern University, Dartmouth College and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology found investors are more likely to bet that a company will see its stock prices rise if it reported “higher-than-average” gender diversity among its staff.

The study’s authors, David P. Daniels, Jennifer E. Dannals, Thomas Z. Lys and Margaret A. Neale, found a positive correlation between press announcements of companies’ gender diversity achievements and a rise in stock prices for those companies. They looked at investor reactions to approximately 60 gender diversity announcements for companies in the tech and financial sectors between 2014

and 2018.

The study also included qualitative research through a survey of participants.

All who participated in the test reported they had some kind of managerial experience.

Responses to the survey suggest investors see value in gender diversity, linking it to innovation and creativity, and that investors prefer more diverse companies because they agree with gender diversity on a personal or political level.

Large companies like Google and Facebook are notorious for having dismal numbers regarding workforce diversity.

In 2014, Google’s workforce diversity report showed only 30 percent of employees were women, 3 percent were Hispanic and 2 percent were Black. Now, in 2019, Google has hardly improved. Women make up about 33 percent of their employee base,

according to its annual diversity report.

Just under 37 percent of Facebook’s employees are women, according to the company’s 2019 Diversity Report.

Neale, an organizational behavior professor at Stanford Graduate School of Business, and two of her doctoral students began the study to find whether investors cared about companies’ gender diversity.

According to Business Insider, Neale and her team highlighted Google’s 2014 diversity report, which showed 70 percent of the company’s employees were men. The company’s stock fell .39 percent the day the announcement was made. They then projected that if Google had just one percentage point more of female workers, it could have been worth about $375 million more.

The researchers found that the correlation between share price and diversity levels was even higher among other tech

companies than what they observed from Google, which they used as a benchmark.

When tech companies announced better-than-expected gender diversity, investors invested in them at higher rates.

In the financial sector, the researchers found a similar correlation. They found when an article came out announcing a company was delivering on diversity, stock prices for that company rose that same day.

For the next part of the study, researchers conducted an experiment. They gave a sample of people with managerial experience $1 to bet on whether a company’s value would rise or fall depending on its gender diversity announcements. They would place their bets and then link their decision to certain “belief items,” includSEE INVESTORS B2

Strengthening non-profit leaders strengthens communities The Forbes Funds launches ‘Catalytic Communities Cohorts’ program

by Diane I. Daniels For New Pittsburgh Courier

FRED BROWN, of The Forbes Funds. (Photo by Diane I. Daniels)

Since its inception 37 years ago, the leadership of The Forbes Funds has had an interest in small nonprofit organizations.

Throughout the years its mission has been to provide emergency financial assistance to nonprofit organizations experiencing funding interruptions or short-term cash flow problems, and provide management consultation and advice and conducting regional research to identify unmet needs in the human services sector. Today, its mission has expanded to focus on building the management capacity of commu-

nity-based nonprofits individually and collectively.

The organization envisions Pittsburgh’s nonprofit sector as innovative, informed, and effective, and advances capacity building within and among the region’s nonprofits.

Enter “The Catalytic Communities Cohorts,” an initiative of The Forbes Funds with support from the BNY Mellon Foundation of Southwestern Pennsylvania and The Heinz

Endowments.

The Cohort, which began in August, aims to advance the capacity of nonprofit leaders through mentoring, learning cohorts, and coaching sessions designed to improve leadership development, financial management, marketing and development support.

During the first year, “C3,” as the Cohort is dubbed, will provide strategic, inSEE FORBES FUNDS B2

Motown founder Berry Gordy retires

by Stacy M. Brown For New Pittsburgh Courier

(NNPA)—From the Miracles, Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Lionel Richie, and the shaping of the original Little Steven, to being the genius behind the launch of the man that would become known as “the King of Pop,” Berry Gordy long ago indelibly cemented his place as one of the true legends of popular music.

Known as “The Chairman,” Gordy is the founder and original architect of Motown Records—an American original that arguably featured the most exceptional assembly of talent in music history—has retired.

He announced his retirement during the 60th-anniversary celebration of Motown that took place in Detroit last month. “I have come full circle, and it’s only appropriate [to make the announcement] while here in Detroit, the city where my fairy tale happened with all of you,” Gordy said.

Sixty years ago, long before the lottery’s slogan of “A Dollar and a Dream,” was appropriated to describe “rags to riches” success, Gordy put up what little cash he had and launched Motown Records, forever and better known by its simpler singular moniker: “Motown,” out of his small Motor City home.

The determined businessman demanded the best from everyone passing through the illustrious halls of Motown.

BERRY GORDY Among his initial signings was The Miracles featuring Smokey Robinson. Smokey would go on to become a recording legend, but he is also the songwriting genius who penned tunes for artists like Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye.

In 2001, Gordy told this reporter that the

secret to success was, in part, understanding who to trust. Gordy made no bones that the foremost person he believed in is himself. However, he also knew when to comply.

“Her recollection is absolutely correct,” Gordy said with a respectful laugh

when relayed a story told by Lula Mae Hardaway. Hardaway, who died in 2006, said she was probably the most hardened person Gordy had ever negotiated with.

The negotiation involved her young son who would soon become known to the entire world as Stevie Wonder.

“For a year, I refused to sign a contract to let Steve work for Motown because I wasn’t sure if they’d provide a proper tutor for him to get a good education,” said Hardaway, who penned her life story in the 2002 book, “Blind Faith: The Miraculous Journey of Lula Hardaway, Stevie Wonder’s Mother.”

“We were poor, but I wasn’t stupid, and I wouldn’t be taken advantage of,” Hardaway told this reporter.

“We could certainly use the money Berry was offering, which really wasn’t much, but it wasn’t about the money, even though when we did finally agree to sign, it was a whole lot more than what he originally offered,” Hardaway stated.

Gordy said he knew he was getting a genius in the young Stevie Wonder, and a decade after his initial signing, Gordy and Wonder would ink what at the time was the largest contract in Motown history.

Along with Robinson and Wonder, Motown would produce an extensive roster of hitmakers.

SEE GORDY B2

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OCTOBER 9-15, 2019

BUSINESS

Business Growth Seminar

E-commerce Workshop

OCT. 15—The Duquesne University Small Business Development Center will present E-commerce: Ramping up in a competitive landscape, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., 108 Rockwell Hall, 600 Forbes Ave. Pittsburgh 15282. The seminar will present the fundamentals on how to save time and money while establishing and growing sales via e-commerce. Among the topics: Ecommerce Platforms of Choice: Shopify and WooCommerce; Shipping & Drop Shipping; Taxes; Search Engine Optimization; Pay Per Click Marketing, and Social Media Marketing. Cost $35. Call 412-396-1633 for more information.

PowerBreakfast Meeting

OCT. 18—The African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pa will host its second Powerbreakfast meeting of the season, 7:30 to 9 a.m., Rivers Club, One Oxford Centre, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. with guest speaker Cain Hayes, president and CEO of Gateway Health, who will share his strategic vision for Gateway Health and explore collaboration opportunities with the local business community. Cost: $20 for members, $30 for non-members.

Call 412-392-0610 for more information

Global Growth Seminar

OCT 21—The Chatham University Women’s Business Center will present Thinking Bigger: How to take a business global in five years—The success Story of Snapology, a Pittsburgh S.T.E.A.M. Education Franchise Company, 5:30 to 8 p.m., Chatham Eastside, 6585 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, 15206. Hear about the growth process, the decision to license and then the pivot to a franchise model, international expansion and the valuable lessons learned along the way. Cost $10.

Registration opens soon. Call Mitra Saeidi at 412-365-2779 for more information.

Start-up Training Event

OCT. 22—The Duquesne University Small Business Development Center will present First Step: Business Essentials, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., 108 Rockwell Hall, 600 Forbes Ave. Pittsburgh 15282. The workshop will cover the basic needs for starting entrepreneurs, including: business structure and formation; insurance; environmental concerns; taxation requirements and more. Cost $25. Call412-3961633 for more information.

Business Accounting Workshop

OCT. 29—The Duquesne University Small Business Development Center will present First Step: Get Behind The Number, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., 108 Rockwell Hall, 600 Forbes Ave. Pittsburgh 15282. This hands-on workshop takes a step-by-step approach to explain two important financial statements: Profit and Loss Statement and Balance Sheet.

The session will be led by representatives from Wilke & Associates, CPAs & Business Advisors. Cost: $25. Call 412396-1633 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 412365-2779 for more information.

Certification Webinar

The Chatham University Women’s Business Center will present Certification & Beyond—The Advantages of Certification For Your Woman Owned Business. Learn the basics of certification and its benefits for small businesses. The online session will be led by Joanne Peterson and Marian Neilson of Abator’s Get Diversity Certified. The webinar is free, but registration is required.

Call Mitra Saeidi at 412-365-1448 for more information.

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Investors predict

BUSINESS CALENDAR OCT. 10—The Duquesne University Small Business Development Center will host Proven Strategies for Business Growth, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., 108 Rockwell Hall, 600 Forbes Ave. Pittsburgh 15282.

Local businesses that have grown using these marketing and finance tools to enter new markets and expand in current ones.

Learn how to finance your growth and increase sales through exporting, government procurement, and digital marketing including social media. Speakers include: Andreas Beck, Beyond Spots & Dots; Jim Boltz, North Allegheny Chamber of Commerce; Ryan Lockhart, The 504 Company; Rich Longo, Duquesne University SBDC; Ed Nemeth, Southwestern PA Commission; David Pinkosky, Pittsburgh District Office, US SBA; Johnna Pro, Department of Community & Economic Development; Brent Rondon, Duquesne University SBDC; Heather Thomas, Huntington Bank, and Art Tintori, Catalyst Connection. The workshop is free. Call 412-396-5884 for more information.

INVESTORS FROM B1

“FOR THE DISCUSSION, we wanted to come after this from different perspectives, and this was a great discussion,” said Benjamin F. Chavis Jr.

Chavis moderates lively discussion on the State of Black Business

by Stacy M. Brown

spend in the LGBTQ community, they can tell you what they spend in the White community, they can tell you what they spend in [other] communities. But, ask them what they spend on the African American community, and it’s very difficult to get an answer,” he said.

Malveaux said economic envy has always been the biggest obstacle in building Black wealth. “Economic envy pre-

magazine, and we should be mourning the loss of Ebony.

We get married to the method (NNPA)—National Newsas opposed to getting married paper Publishers Association to the mission,” he said.

President and CEO Dr. BenjaEdmond also lashed out at min F. Chavis, Jr., moderated a long-standing belief on how a discussion that focused on long a dollar stays in the Black Black businesses during the community.

Congressional Black Caucus “It’s been reported and Foundation’s Annual Legislare-reported over and over tive Conference in Washingagain that a dollar circulates ton. in Asian communities for a The panel’s theme was “Namonth, in Jewish communities tion Building approximateThrough the ly 20 days and Black Business “The government is the biggest spender by White communiCommunity: The 17 days, and far. They can tell you what they spend in the ties Next 50 Years.” just 6 hours in Hosted

by LGBTQ community, they can tell you what they the Black comPe n n s y l v a n i a munity. That is Democratic Con- spend in the White community, they can tell not true,” Edgressman Dwight you what they spend in (other) communities. mond said.

Evans, panelists “We researched But, ask them what they spend on the African this over and included Ron Busby over at Howard Sr., the Presi- American community, and it’s very difficult to University and dent and CEO get an answer.” could never find of the U.S. Black study that was Ron Busby Sr. adone Chambers; Econto show President and CEO of the U.S. Black Chambers this. We need to omist and former Bennett College stop spreading President Dr. this. It’s just a Julianne M. Malveaux; Black vented Black people from ac- tool used against us. What we Enterprise Senior Vice Presi- cumulating wealth, and this should say is that we need to dent and Editor At-Large Al- is why the reparations story is spend more in our communifred A. Edmond, Jr.; and The an important story,” Malveaux ty.”

Enterprise Center President, said.

Clark said Black businesses “Economic envy is what should stop viewing each other Della Clark.

The discussion centered on lynching was about. It wasn’t as competition. “The future of the various needs of Black about sexual relationships, business is not competition,” Ida B. Wells documented that,” Clark said. “It is collaboration businesses. And, it was blunt.

“In the Black community, she said. and working together.”

“White folks couldn’t stand Black businesses often get Evans said he’d welcome an caught up in getting business the fact that Black folks had encore for the panel, mainly if loans but not paying atten- stuff,” Malveaux said, explain- it meant helping Black busition to the cost of the loan,” ing that “stuff” meant acres of nesses. “When I came to WashBusby said. “If you don’t have land, thriving businesses, and ington, I wanted to be on the enough money when you start other assets.

Small Business Committee After Chavis noted the de- because the area more than your business, that’s a factor of failure. African Americans are mise of Ebony magazine, Ed- any other that effectuates the paying 19.85 percent interest mond said it’s important for Black community is wealth for credit while White people Black publications to stay the building,” said Evans. “You’ve [who often have worse creden- course. “At the risk of being got to build wealth.” tials] pay 10 percent,” he said. the bad kid on the panel, let Chavis also pledged that the Sitting next to Congressman me say that it’s not difficult to Black Press would continue Evans in the Walter E. Wash- keep Black magazines alive. to push efforts to encourage ington Convention Center, It’s impossible,” Edmond said. wealth building in the African “We stopped being a maga- American community. which was teeming with politicians, Busby slammed the zine company. We are a digital “This is a vital issue,” Chavis company, and we’re incredibly said. “For the discussion, we federal government.

“The government is the big- agile on social media. It’s im- wanted to come after this from gest spender by far,” Busby portant to stay committed to different perspectives, and the mission. We shouldn’t be this was a great discussion,” said.

“They can tell you what they mourning the loss of Ebony he said.

For New Pittsburgh Courier

Motown founder Berry Gordy retires GORDY FROM B1

From Marvin Gaye’s groundbreaking “What’s Going On?” to the Diana Ross and the Supremes “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” the hits came nearly every day.

Perhaps Gordy’s most shrewd signing was that of the Jackson Five.

While the group never won a Grammy Award and enjoyed a handful of No. 1 hits, it was its lead singer that Gordy took a particular interest in.

“When people ask, ‘Did I know that Michael Jackson would become as big as he did?’ I tell them, ‘Why of course,’” Gordy stated. “Why wouldn’t I believe he’d break records and set new standards? No one worked harder, and no one worked as often as Michael Jackson.”

Even though his solo success came under a different record label, Jackson would rock the world with the ultra-successful “Off The Wall” album. The singer would then cement himself as

perhaps the greatest pop music star in history with the release of his 1982 album, “Thriller.”

Two years after “Thriller,” Lionel Richie [former lead singer of the Commodores] released “Can’t Slow Down.”

The recording became the biggest selling album in Motown history.

It was the last major record under Gordy’s leadership.

He sold the label in 1988, and until this year, Gordy remained in the entertainment industry producing Broadway musicals and feature films.

“Motown records is one of the most successful Black-owned record labels of all time,” said Aaron Douglas of R.E.A.L. Music Entertainment.

“Its history is in concrete because of the mega artists and because Berry Gordy had an eye for up-and-coming talent. …a Black owner giving a Black up-andcoming talented artists a chance to show their talent to the world and to be a proven success over

and over again. This would be a blueprint for other young aspiring Black people. Seeing is believing,” Douglas stated.

Gordy made a difference not just in the music industry, but also in the world, said music producer Linnette A. Harrigan.

“The Motown Sound has impacted millions worldwide, and it has influenced the popular music we hear even to this day.

“Berry Gordy paved the way for minorities in a way that had never been seen before. His Motown sound is now known as the sound that changed America, helping to bring together the nation then divided by race and segregation.

“As an African American leader, businessman, entrepreneur, and important and historical agent of change, Berry Gordy is an inspiration and role model especially for African Americans like myself,” Harrigan stated.

She added: “His legacy should and could never be forgotten.”

ing morality, creativity, conflict of ideas and risk aversion.

The subjects were more likely to bet their dollar on the stock price rising following an announcement reporting good gender diversity. They also reported believing that more diverse companies were more likely to think creatively and act ethically and less likely to have personality conflicts and negative political attention. They also felt these companies were more likely to litigate lawsuits instead of settling.

Additional studies have also pointed to the financial success of companies with more women in the workforce. Though this study focused on women employees of all levels, a 2015 MSCI report found companies that have women on corporate boards achieve more profitability, fewer controversies and better decision-making than those without female leadership.

Of the results of the study, Neale said in Stanford’s report announcing the release of the study that they suggest diversity has more benefits than just helping a company appear more ethical.

“This goes beyond saying diversity is a good idea because it’s ethical,” she said. “Shareholders are saying, ‘If you’re not as diverse as we want you to be, there are going to be economic consequences.’”

(This post originally appeared in The Washington Informer.)

Strengthening non-profits FORBES FUNDS FROM B1

dividualized training to neighborhood-based nonprofits within 10 vulnerable targeted communities—Homewood, Braddock, Beltzhoover/Knoxville, McKeesport, Wilkinsburg, the North Side, McKees Rocks, Carrick, Hazelwood, and the Hill District.

“TFF hopes to educate leaders to tackle their community’s individual challenges and ensure that necessary services and opportunities are reaching residents, all the while growing the skillset of these leaders, who live and work within the community, to keep pace in the 21st-century global economy,” TFF president and CEO Fred Brown said.

Sure, there are many challenges that vulnerable communities have, but TFF is looking to provide long-term sustainability in these communities—and empowering the leaders of the nonprofits that are “on the ground” in these communities can only lead to better outcomes for the residents in those communities.

“TFF sits at the intersection between funders and the nonprofit community,” Brown said.

“Our work has shifted from a transactional focus to a transformational model that is anchored in a nearly 40-year history of advancing the well-being of our region by increasing the management and leadership capacity of human services and community-based nonprofits. We have lofty goals—50 communities transformed in five years. The work won’t be easy, but we have a plan.”

President and CEO of TFF for nearly two years, Brown brings over 30 years of nonprofit and public education sector experience to the organization. Most recently he served as the President and CEO of the Homewood Children’s Village and Associate Director of Program and Development of the Kingsley Association. He also has worked in a variety of leadership capacities, including the roles as supervisor, social worker, executive coach, consultant, conflict resolution and mediation specialist, coach and mentor. He invests his time, energies, and expertise in assisting a variety of communities and organizations to develop new and innovative programs that seek to empower at-risk populations and is actively involved in other aspects of professional development including dean of students, schoolteacher, adjunct professor, and project manager.

Brown also focuses on working with African American males to reduce minority dropout rates in post-secondary environments and bridging the divide between minority communities and their knowledge regarding energy reduction planning, carbon footprint analysis, and environmental justice leadership.

OPINION

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

OCTOBER 9-15, 2019

B3

Republican Senate stands in the way of moving America forward

Guest Editorial

Comcast vs. the legacy of Civil Rights Despite efforts by do-the-right-thing committed corporations and institutions with demonstrated efforts to make amends for past injustices, whether their own or in general, they often find themselves in the bullseye of a battle calling into question their commitment to civil rights. We could name dozens, but today it’s Comcast, the multibillion-dollar telecommunications company, that is a party to a Supreme Court case that seeks to understand why it refused an African American-owned media company access to its cable network.

We are proud of the achievements of Byron Allen, owner of the Weather Channel and several other channels under his banner of Entertainment Studios, the largest African American-owned media company in the U.S. We are also concerned that Comcast, one of only a handful of U.S. companies with a demonstrated commitment to diversity, is presently at odds with Allen and the majority of civil rights organizations engaged in this case. Groups, including the NAACP, argue that Comcast’s position in the Comcast vs. National Association of African American-Owned Media and Entertainment Studios Networks, Inc., which Allen owns, could negatively impact Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866.

At issue is Allen’s $20 billion claim that Comcast’s refusal to air several of his television networks is based on race and that the Supreme Court, set to hear the case in November, could issue a ruling that would roll back the 150-year-old Act which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color and ethnicity regarding making and enforcing contracts, a move supported by the current DOJ and pushed by the Trump Administration.

The NAACP stated: “In several weeks, the Supreme Court will hear one of the most important civil rights cases to come before it this term. Comcast—the second-largest broadcasting and cable television company in the world—is poised to take an unprecedented step. Because of a dispute with a Black businessman, the company has urged the Supreme Court to roll back the crucial protections of one of the nation’s oldest civil rights laws, Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866.

Comcast has been a partner with the Black Press and many other Black organizations and causes, more so than most of its counterparts. They’ve received praises over Internet Essentials, a program that provides Internet access to many of the underserved communities across the country. But it appears Comcast has found itself in an unpopular position in the eyes of civil rights groups whose support it must work to regain after the battle in the Supreme Court ends.

(Reprinted from the Washington Informer)

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(TriceEdneyWire.com)—Americans are disgusted that Washington has become dysfunctional, even as Americans struggle with ever greater challenges—from stagnant wages and growing inequality to catastrophic climate change to soaring health-care costs to a decrepit and dangerously aged infrastructure. President Donald Trump blames House Democrats, saying they are “getting nothing done in Congress.”

Don’t believe it. The record is clear: The Democratic majority in the House has passed major reforms that would begin to address America’s challenges. All of them have been blocked by Republicans in the Senate, led by Mitch McConnell, who calls himself the “grim reaper” dedicated to killing reform.

As of July, in their first half year as the majority, House Democrats had passed a total of 569 bills that are blocked in the Senate. These include major reforms that would make America better. Consider: The For the People Act—HR 1—contained the most comprehensive campaign finance and voting reforms since the 1965 Voting Rights Act. It would have made it easier to register to vote, harder to gerrymander districts, forced disclosure of secret funds, required paper ballots to limit election interference and would have begun to counter the influence of big money in our elections. McConnell refuses even to allow a vote in the Senate. HR 5—the Equality Act —extends civil rights protections to members of the LGBTQ community.

This is long overdue. McConnell refuses to allow a vote in the Senate.

HR 6—the American Dream and

Jesse Jackson Sr.

Commentary Promise Act—would have protected the Dreamers and offered a path to citizenship to 2 million immigrants without official status. McConnell refuses to allow a vote in the Senate. HR 7—the Paycheck Fairness Act—would have strengthened measures to counter the growing pay gap between men and women. No vote in the Senate. HR 8—the Bipartisan Background Checks Act—would have required universal background checks in the sale of guns, a reform supported by the vast majority of Americans. No vote in the Senate.

This list can go on. The Raise the Wage Act would have raised the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2025.

House Democrats passed a bill to return the U.S. to the Paris Climate Accord, which Trump scorns. House Democrats have passed legislation that would protect those with pre-existing conditions and lower prescription drug prices.

They’ve acted to save net neutrality.

They’ve passed nine bills to aid veterans, including extending childcare to veterans with young children. House Democrats put forth a major plan to rebuild our infrastructure; Trump stormed out of the meeting set up to discuss it. When the Senate actually passed a House resolution to get U.S.

forces out of the Yemen catastrophe, Trump vetoed it.

The House isn’t paralyzed; the Senate is. As House Speaker Nancy Pelosi summarized, “the Senate is the graveyard where bills that pass in the Congress, that have bipartisan support in the country, go to die.”

For McConnell and Republicans, paralysis is a partisan political ploy.

McConnell openly brags about the strategy. With Trump dominating the air waves, they believe that they can pin the blame for legislative paralysis on the Democrats. Now Trump uses paralysis as part of his defense strategy, arguing falsely that Democrats can’t investigate his crimes and legislate good reforms at the same time. McConnell doesn’t even deign to offer an alternative agenda and the Trump administration doesn’t have one.

When Republicans controlled everything for two years after Trump’s election, they passed only two notable reforms: an obscene tax bill that benefited the rich and the CEOs, and a decent criminal justice reform bill that made the first steps toward reducing mass incarceration. Republicans failed to offer a coherent alternative to the Affordable Care Act. They failed to offer a serious plan to rebuild our infrastructure.

The administration rolled back protections of our air and water, and Republicans looked the other way.

The paralysis in Washington won’t change until McConnell and Senate Republicans start losing elections.

They are standing in the way of reforms this country desperately needs.

And they will continue to do so, until voters move them out of the way.

No end to corruption (TriceEdneyWire.com)—Each day I get up I’m thinking things with our government can’t get any worse.

Despite my hope for a better day, things do get worse. All too often another Trump official seems to be coming under fire for some bad act such as allegations of peddling influence, ignoring the bad acts of members of the President’s staff and/ or associates, some new allegation about President Trump or his family and on and on!

How could one man have so much smoke around him without there being fire somewhere? One has to wonder what dirt Donald Trump has on some of these people that allows them to either seal their lips or outright defend his apparent corrupt behavior. In nearly three years of his selection, and I say selection because no rational person could believe a majority of the American people would elect someone so unqualified to follow in the footsteps of President Barack Obama who had the right credentials, right temperament, right family, right values to be President.

The tragedy of what’s happening with our government is that Donald Trump seems convinced that he’s the smartest man in the world. He believes he’s doing a great job. No matter how many crooked things he does, he believes everybody else is the crook! The other day I heard someone say, “When you work for a

We deserve to have leaders who play by the rules, and we’ve always been taught that ignorance of the law is no excuse for wrongdoing. When I look at the behavior of certain Members of Congress, I wonder how they sleep at night and what their own children think of them when they see their parents defending this President or remaining silent in the face of gross behavior. Some of them give crook (and stay) you, too, become a such silly arguments and defenses crook.” in support of this man that it’s mind At one time Rachel Maddow on boggling. This man is bringing this MSNBC was keeping a board that country so far down that we may listed all who exited the Trump not be able to emerge from the sorry Administration either by being asked depths to which he has taken us in to leave or volunteering to leave after our lifetime. getting a taste of what was going on Normally, someone rises up to say, around the White House and various we shall not continue to allow this government agencies. The list has foolishness but where is that person gotten so long that Rachel can’t seem who has the power to do so now? We to find space to place anymore names deserve better than what we have on the board. running our government. The 2020 A few months ago, those who judge election seems so far away to wait truth from lies indicated that Trump for a resolution. Impeachment alone had told over 10,000 serious lies. is not good enough if Republicans in They’ve been coming so fast latethe Senate are not willing to show ly that no new numbers are being some courage to get our country back given! Many of us try to teach young on the right track. Let us pray that people right from wrong, teach them all is not lost and that Republicans to be truthful and teach them to be will have an awakening before too respectful. What can we tell them long. In the meantime, let us not sit that makes sense about how this still and wait. Let’s do something President gets away with so many that makes a difference.

(Dr. E. Faye Williams is national president violations of decency, of our Constitution, of diplomacy and of just plain of the National Congress of Black Women, Inc.) old common sense?

Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.

Commentary

Congress is duty-bound to investigate alarming reports of Trump’s misconduct TriceEdneyWire.com—“Any attempt by a President to use the office of the presidency of the United States for personal political gain—rather than the national interest—fundamentally undermines our sovereignty, democracy, and the Constitution ... Misuse of the office of the presidency for such a corrupt purpose would thus represent a clear breach of the trust placed in the President to faithfully execute the laws of the United States and to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution.”—Statement by Rep. Adam Schiff, Chair of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, Chair of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, and Rep. Eliot L. Engel, Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs Ever since Russian interference in American democracy first was disclosed in September of 2016, the words of George Washington’s 1796 Farewell Address have been invoked many times: “Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence (I conjure you to believe me, fellow citizens) the jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake, since history and experience prove that foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of republican government.”

Credible allegations have been made that President Trump not only solicited a foreign government for election assistance, but also sought help

Marc H. Morial

To Be Equal in discrediting an U.S. intelligence finding about previous foreign interference and implicitly threatened to withhold military aid if his requests are not honored.

The gravity of these allegations cannot be overstated. Congress is duty-bound to conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation to protect American democracy.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi is correct when she says this is a sad time for our country. Regardless of where one falls along the political spectrum, no one should take any pleasure in the idea that the Commander-In-Chief could be abusing the power of his office for personal and political gain.

“Our tone must be prayerful, respectful, solemn, worthy of the Constitution,” Pelosi said.

Nor should the impeachment process be abused for political gain. It is a remedy for only the most egregious betrayals of the public trust. Only a fact-driven, evidence-based inquiry

can determine whether that remedy is warranted.

The integrity of American elections is sacrosanct for African Americans, who have bled and died in defense of the right to vote. We at the National Urban League found reports that Russian interference specifically targeted African Americans so troubling that we devoted our 2019State of Black America ® report to an examination of the attacks.

What we found puts the egregiousness of President Trump’s apparent efforts to absolve Russia into stark perspective. The greatest portion of Russia’s online disinformation effort was aimed at dissuading African Americans from voting. Russian trolls exploited the credibility of legitimate online movements like #BlackLivesMatter, posing as activists, and abusing that trust to tamp down Black voter participation.

One Russian-created fake account, @WokeLuisa, garnered more than 50,000 followers, and its posts were highlighted by dozens of prominent news outlets.

All patriotic Americans should be outraged. Our leaders should be doing everything within their power to protect the integrity of our elections and thwart foreign interference. If, instead, President Trump is trying to deflect blame for this attack on democracy away from Russia, it is right to question where his loyalties lie.

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SKILLED MAINTENANCE WORKER

Seeking a Skilled Maintenance Worker (Full-Time) and Sr. Skilled Maintenance Worker (Full-Time).

Excellent benefits. For more details and to apply, visit https://apptrkr. com/1641004; and apply to “Skilled Maintenance Worker” or “Sr. Skilled Maintenance Worker” posting.

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CHILDREN’S LIBRARY DEPARTMENT MANAGER

Wilkinsburg Borough (EOE), a local government sector in Allegheny County, has a career opportunity for the position of Children’s Library Department Manager. A completer job description and applications are available at the Borough web site, www.wilkinsburgpa.gov. Applications and resume’s should be received no later than October 25th at 4:00 p.m. in person at Borough Offices, 605 Ross Ave. Wilkinsburg, PA 15221 or email at info@ wilkinsburgpa.gov Donn Henderson, Borough Manager

DIRECT SERVICES ADVOCATE-RIL TEAM

employment position available at the Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh.

Job Summary: Provides direct service and advocacy to clients in Front Office, Children’s, Shelter and Hotline Programs with a specific focus on working with individuals who are refugees, immigrants or speak English as a second language. Send cover letter & resume by 10/18/19 to careers@wcspittsburgh.org For additional information regarding this position, visit our website: www.wcspittsburgh.org and find this job posting under the “Who We Are” menu.

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NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, PA, Orphans’ Court Division, Estate of Frank E. Bennett, deceased, Case No. 021905581 of 2019: Notice is hereby given that on September 5, 2019, a Petition was filed by Teresa Bennett, to terminate the interests of the heirs and devisees of Frank E. Bennett, deceased, in the real estate located at 322 Crane Avenue, Rear, Pittsburgh, PA, 15216, and determine that fee simple title is in Teresa Bennett. If no exceptions to the Petition are filed within 30 days, Teresa Bennett will seek an Order adjudging that Decedent’s title is in herself.

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, PA, Orphans’ Court Division, Estate of Rose Lee Huggins, deceased, Case No. 021900528 of 2019: Notice is hereby given that on September 13, 2019, a Petition was filed by Toni Huggins, to terminate the interests of the heirs and devisees of Rose Lee Huggins, deceased, in the real estate located at 2866 Cherry Street, Bethel Park, PA, 15102, and determine that fee simple title is in Toni Huggins. If no exceptions to the Petition are filed within 30 days, Toni Huggins will seek an Order adjudging that Decedent’s title is in herself.

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Orphans’ Court Division, Estate of Robert L. Harvin, deceased, Case No. 021905975 of 2019: Notice is hereby given that on September 24, 2019, a Petition was filed by Wanda Harvin to terminate the interests of the heirs and devisees of Robert L. Harvin, deceased, in the real estate located at 7142 Idlewild Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15208, and determine that fee simple title is in Wanda Harvin. If no exceptions to the Petition are filed within 30 days, Petitioner will seek an Order adjudging that Robert L. Harvin’s title is in Wanda Harvin.

PUBLIC NOTICE CLOSING OF WAITING LISTS

Effective Thursday, October 17, 2019, at 12:00 p.m., the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) will close the following Project Based Voucher Program waiting lists: •Crawford Square Apartments - one (1), two (2) and three (3) bedroom •East Liberty Place South - one (1) and two (2) bedroom •Hillcrest Senior Residences - one (1) bedroom •Miller Street Apartments - one (1) and two (2) bedroom •Skyline Terrace - four (4) bedroom •Sycamore Street Apartments - one (1) bedroom No pre-applications will be accepted for these waiting lists after the closing date and time. Public Notice will be provided when the HACP determines to re-open specific waiting lists.

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NOTICE OF PRESENTATION OF PETITION IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA CIVIL DIVISION

In Re: The Condemnation by the County of Allegheny, of one Certain Parcel of Land, in the Borough of Dravosburgh, Allegheny County, of Herbert Palkovitz, Cheryl Lynn Hepfer and Wayne Allen Palkovitz, required to stabilize the slope supporting Elizabeth Street southeast of Scott Drive – Civil Division, GD19-3438.

Names and Addresses of Condemnees; Herbert Palkovitz, Cheryl Lynn Hepfer and Wayne Allen Palkovitz,, their heirs, successors or assigns, addresses unknown.

Name and Address of Condemnor: Allegheny County, (“County”), 101 Courthouse, 436 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Identification of Parcel of Land: Tax Parcel Identification No. 384C-30 consisting of 164 square feet required for right-of-way and 3,692 square feet needed for temporary construction easement, Plans-Miscellaneous Volume 176, Page 75, estimated just compensation: $550.00 TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Sections 307 and 522 of the Pennsylvania Eminent Domain Code, 26 Pa. C.S.A §§ 307 and 522, the County of Allegheny will, on November 18, 2019 at 9:30 a.m., present to the Motions Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Civil Division, a Petition Requesting Order for Possession Upon Condemnor’s Tender of Estimated Just Compensation to the Department of Court Records.

The identity of the Motions Judge then presiding can be ascertained in the City County Building located at 414 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 on the date of presentation either in the Department of Court Records/Civil Family Division located on the 1st floor or in the Assignment Room located on the 7th floor. At the time of presentation, the County will request the Court to authorize the payment into Court of the County’s estimate of just compensation, as identified above, and the entry of an Order granting the County possession of the subject property. The County’s Petition including a proposed schedule of distribution and proposed Court Order may be viewed in the Department of Court Records/Civil Family Division prior to the date of presentation. Any moneys which the Court may direct be paid into Court will be held by the Department of Court Records/Civil Family Division until further Order directing payment of said amounts to the Condemnees and/or persons entitled thereto pursuant to 26 Pa.C.S.A. §§ 521 and 522.

Andrew F. Szefi, County Solicitor LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices

Estate of MR. RAMON MUNDY, Deceased, of 1401 Sherman Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. Estate No. 02-19-05762 Ms. Jeanine Bacon, 1414 Hamlin Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15233, Administrator, c/o Max C. Feldman, Esquire and the Law Office of Max C. Feldman, Esquire and the Law Office of Max C. Feldman, 1322 Fifth Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108 Estate of MS. HELEN D. ROSE, Deceased of 45 Eichelberger Drive, Coraopolis, PA 15108.

Estate No. 02-19-05843 Ms. Linda D’Amico, 2016 Cutter Drive, McKees Rocks, PA 15136, Executrix, c/o Max C. Feldman, Esquire and the Law Office of Max C. Feldman, 1322 Fifth Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108.

Estate of GLENICE D. PRICE, Deceased of Pittsburgh, PA No. 05862 of 2019. Jannie Dean, Administratrix, 2015 Calistoga Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15221 or to Thelma C. Spells, Esquire, Atty., 1533 Bidwell Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15233.

Estate of MS. JULIE HERMANN, Deceased of 2115 Forest Grove Road, Coraopolis, PA 15108. Estate No. 02-19-05915. Ms. Marilyn J. Langman, 211 Sewickley Heights Drive, Sewickley, PA 15143, Executrix, c/o Max C. Feldman, Esquire and the Law Office of Max C. Feldman, 1322 Fifth Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108.

Estate of SUZANNE KEARNS, Deceased of 4760 Norma Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15236.

No. 02-19-04280, Administratrix. Stacy A. Kearns, 4760 Norma Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15236 or to American Wills & Estates, Lloyd A. Welling, Esquire, 2100 Wharton Street, Suite 302, Birmingham Towers, Pittsburgh, PA 15203.

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LEGAL ADVERTISING

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Bids/Proposals

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

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

Sealed bid proposals are hereby solicited for the Community College of Allegheny County, 800 Allegheny Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15233 (412.237.3020) on the following items: Bid Proposal No. 1056 – Hyland Imaging Software Maintenance Renewal Bid Proposal No. 1057 – Cisco SmartNet Maintenance Renewal Due date: 2:00 P.M. Prevailing Time on Tuesday, October 22, 2019 The CCAC Purchasing Department publishes all bids and RFPs via the CCAC website at https://www.ccac. edu/Bid-RFP_Opportunities.aspx.

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

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

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

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

INVITATION FOR BIDS

The URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY of Pittsburgh will receive bids from qualified contractors for the Beechview Exterior Canopy, and all work incidental thereto, until 11:00 a.m. prevailing time on (Friday), the 1st day of November, 2019, at its office, 11th floor, 200 Ross Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219, at which time all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud in the Conference Room on the 11th floor.

Contract documents will be available on Friday, October 11, 2019, on the URA website. Paper copies can be obtained IF REQUESTED 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE AND PICKED UP IN PERSON, from the Engineering and Construction Department, 11th Floor, 200 Ross Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219, upon a non-refundable payment of Twenty-Five ($25.00) DOLLARS made payable to the URA of Pittsburgh. CHECK OR MONEY ORDER ONLY. Contract documents will not be mailed.

A certified check or bank draft payable to the order of the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh, negotiable U.S. Government Bonds (at par value), or a satisfactory bid bond, executed by the Bidder and an acceptable surety in a dollar amount equal to 5% of the total bid, shall be submitted.

Each bid submittal must include the Bid, Non-collusion Affidavit of Prime Bidder, Bid Bond, Statement of Bidders Qualifications, and Certification of Minority and Women’s Participation with Exhibits.

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

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

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

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

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

URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF PITTSBURGH Diamonte Walker Interim Executive Director

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. Dilworth PreK-5 Finish and Miscellaneous Work General and Asbestos Abatement Primes Pgh. Linden K-5 Toilet Rooms and Miscellaneous Renovations General, Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical and Asbestos Abatement Primes Pgh. Obama 6-12 Gym A/C and Lighting Upgrades Mechanical and Electrical Primes Pgh. Pioneer Replace Electrical Power Distribution System General and Electrical Primes Pgh. Weil PreK-5 Boiler Replacement 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.

INVITATION FOR BIDS

The URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY of Pittsburgh will receive bids from qualified contractors for a three year period for the operation and maintenance of an irrigated, 0.64 acre landscape area on Port Authority of Allegheny County (PAAC) property at the intersection of Penn Avenue and Shady Avenue in East Liberty and all work incidental thereto required to complete ELTC Landscape Operations and Maintenance Contract No. 2-REBID No.3, until 11:00 a.m. prevailing time on Wednesday, October 30, 2019, at its office, 11th floor, 200 Ross Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219, at which time all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud in the Conference Room on the 11th floor.

Contract documents will be available on publicpurchase.com on Thursday, October 10, 2019. Any addenda will be posted only on publicpurchase.com.

A certified check or bank draft payable to the order of the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh, negotiable U.S. Government Bonds (at par value), or a satisfactory bid bond, executed by the Bidder and an acceptable surety in a dollar amount equal to 5% of the total bid, shall be submitted.

Each bid submittal must include the Bid, Non-collusion Affidavit of Prime Bidder, Bid Bond, Statement of Bidders Qualifications, and Certification of Minority and Women’s Participation with Exhibits.

The Contractor will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity requirements. The Contractor must assure that applicants and employees are not discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religious creed, handicap, ancestry, national origin, age or sex.

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

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

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

URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF PITTSBURGH Diamonte Walker Interim Executive Director October 10, 2019

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

The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA) is accepting competitive proposals from experienced property maintenance firms to perform year-round maintenance of properties located in the City of Pittsburgh. Approximately 1,3001,800 properties, bundled in geographic clusters across the City, are involved. A listing of properties and maps depicting the bundles are available for review as part of the RFP hosted online at the website below, and at the URA offices, for those companies wishing to submit a proposal. The initial contract period will be for twenty-four (24) months. Interested companies must secure a copy of the RFP from the URA website at https://www.ura. org/pages/proposals-bids.

A mandatory pre-proposal meeting will be held on Friday, October 18, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. ET in the Wherrett Memorial Conference Room, 13th floor at the URA, 200 Ross Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Proposals are due Thursday, October 31, 2019, at 4:00 p.m. prevailing time.

PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY

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

Proposals/bid submittals will be due 11:00 AM on October 24, 2019 and will be read at 11:15 AM, the same day, at Port Authority’s Heinz location (345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2527), for the following: Electronic Proposal Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.portauthority.org) B190427AR Reman/Exchange/ New Cummins Turbocharges B190859AR Bicycle Racks - Coach B190964A Snow removal Services - P&R Lots B190965A EGR Coolers - Cummins Engines B190974A Landscaping & Trash Removal Services for P&R Lots No bidder may withdraw a submitted Proposal for a period of 75 days after the scheduled time for opening of the sealed bids.

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held on each of the above items at 10:00am October 9, 2019 at Port Authority’s Heinz location (345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, PA). Attendance at this meeting is not mandatory, but is strongly encouraged. Questions regarding any of the above bids will not be entertained by the Port Authority within five (5) business days of the scheduled bid opening.

These contracts may be subject to a financial assistance contract between Port Authority of Allegheny County and the United States Department of Transportation.

The Contractor will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity laws and regulations.

Contractor is responsible for expenses related to acquiring a performance bond and insurance where applicable. All items are to be FOB delivered unless otherwise specified. Costs for delivery, bond, and insurance shall be included in bidder’s proposal pricing.

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

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

COURIER CLASSIFIEDS… THE ONLY WAY TO GO!

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

CLASSIFIEDS/SPORTS

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NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Sealed bids will be received by the Town of McCandless, in the Town Hall Building, 9955 Grubbs Road Wexford, PA 15090 until 2:00 P.M., Tuesday, October 15th 2019, for the following project: Project No. 2019.152 HVAC RENOVATIONS At MCCANDLESS TOWNSHIP TOWN HALL Separate Bids will be received for General Construction, HVAC Construction, Electrical Construction and Fire Protection Construction.

Bidding documents for Project No. 2019.152 may be obtained for a refundable deposit of $175.00 at Printscape Imaging & Graphics, 760 Vista Park Drive #7 Pittsburgh, PA 15205. http://myprintscape.com.

A Pre-bid Conference will be held at the Town Hall Building – 9955 Grubbs Road Wexford, PA 15090, on Wednesday October 9th, at 2:00 PM. Bids must be accompanied by a certified check, or a bid bond, payable to the Town of McCandless, in an amount not less than ten percent of the bid.

The Town of McCandless reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY

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

Proposals/bid submittals will be due 11:00 AM on November 4, 2019 and will be read at 11:15 AM., the same day, at Port Authority’s Heinz location (345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2527), for the following: Electronic Proposal - Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness. portauthority.org) B191075A Diesel Engine Oil No bidder may withdraw a submitted Proposal for a period of 75 days after the scheduled time for opening of the sealed bids.

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held on each of the above items at 10:00am October 16, 2019 at Port Authority’s Heinz location (345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, PA). Attendance at this meeting is not mandatory, but is strongly encouraged. Questions regarding any of the above bids will not be entertained by the Port Authority within five (5) business days of the scheduled bid opening.

These contracts may be subject to a financial assistance contract between Port Authority of Allegheny County and the United States Department of Transportation.

The Contractor will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity laws and regulations.

Contractor is responsible for expenses related to acquiring a performance bond and insurance where applicable. All items are to be FOB delivered unless otherwise specified. Costs for delivery, bond, and insurance shall be included in bidder’s proposal pricing.

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

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

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR WORKERS COMPENSATION INSURANCE RFP #650-35-19

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Workers Compensation Insurance The documents will be available no later than September 30, 2019 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 2:00 P.M., October 22, 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 200 Ross Street 9th Floor Conference Room Pittsburgh, PA 15219 October 10, 2019 9:00 A.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation.

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

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

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS!

Subscribe to the Courier today by calling 412-481-8302, ext. 134.

Is Randy Fichtner failing the Steelers?

by Mike Pelaia For New Pittsburgh Courier

At 1-4, the Steelers find themselves in quite a hole. That hole may not be insurmountable just yet but the Steelers will need to start their uphill climb this coming week against the Los Angeles Chargers.

With Mason Rudolph almost certainly out of the upcoming matchup, the charge will need to be led

by Devlin Hodges. More importantly, it will need to be led by Randy Fichtner, the Steelers’ offensive coordinator, and how he prepares Hodges and the rest of his offense.

I’ve been very hard on Keith Butler and his defense over the last several seasons but since the team added Minkah Fitzpatrick, his defense has been a turnover-creating, quarterback-pressuring, sack machine.

Obviously recognizing the loss of Ben Roethlisberger is a major blow, I still firmly believe this poor start falls on the shoulders of Fichtner and his clear inability or unwillingness to put together a quality game plan for the players that are taking the field.

The team, even without Big Ben, is too talented to be 1-4. Yet Fichtner has put them in this position.

He hasn’t really let Rudolph throw downfield as often as he could or should. Against the Ravens, prior to the injury, Rudolph had some success throwing it beyond 10 yards. He proved he could do it.

I understand the need for some “safer” play calls, and if Fichtner

wants to run some screens and a touch pass play here and there, fine, I can accept that. Yet, to call a wildcat inside of your own 20, which resulted in an interception thrown by Jaylen Samuels and allowed the Ravens to score a touchdown…or to call the wildcat again on second-and 1 inside the Ravens 10, which resulted in a five-yard loss and ultimately a field goal, is unacceptable.

Those are just two examples where Fichtner’s play-calling cost the Steelers 11 combined points. For those of you with short memories, they lost by three on Oct. 6, 26-23.

As they move forward most likely with Hodges, for at least this week, if not beyond, Fichtner needs to let the kids play. Hodges played well in the limited action he had against the Ravens and he can be put in the position to succeed against the Chargers this Sunday night as well. Should he be expected to play as well as Big Ben or even Rudolph? No, he’s a third-string quarterback for a reason. But Fichtner is paid to set him up for success, not failure. Will Fichtner allow Hodges to succeed against the Chargers or will he dink and dunk him into three-and-out situations? That, to me, is the real question.

It would be nice to see the utilization of the running game to the tune of 30 carries against Los Angeles. When you have a defense that is playing as well as the Steelers are right now, one way to help them, and your young quarterback out is by RUNNING

:10—I am here…It’s Loud…

And I am Proud! So, for all you non-believers, let me remind you what believing is all about. “Right Here, Right Now, Today…The Steeler Way!!!” That used to be how we rolled. When you got out of bed on Sunday morning you knew the win was coming. Your only concern was by how much.

It’s time to turn back that clock, Little Johnny. Let’s get this party started right. And if you think that your energy doesn’t matter… then you don’t know the “Steeler Way!” “They hurt one of ours, we send one of theirs to the morgue.

That’s the Pittsburgh Way!” (Sean Connery–The Untouchables.) :09—All that being said, I

thought the Steelers would win by 10 against the Ravens. Whoops! :08—Here’s the thing about the Pitt win over Duke on Saturday night, Oct. 5. Fact of the matter is Pitt was the better team on the field and should have won the game by double digits in spite of the spread.

The Panthers are a much better team than you think. But there has to be a joint effort going into the second half. The team has to play like the score is zero/zero in spite of the halftime lead of 20-plus points.

Secondly, the coaching staff must enforce that attitude to the max.

It’s sometimes human nature for a team to think they have the game won long before it’s over. :07—Just in case you’re not sure…“Tiger” was on the sports channel letting everyone know it’s not over yet. He survived an-

THE FOOTBALL! No, not via gimmick-type plays like the wildcat but by actually pounding the ball with your Pro Bowl running back, James Conner, up the middle, controlling the clock and setting up short-yardage situations. The Steelers had some success against the Ravens, running the ball to an average of 4.1 yards per carry. Conner was only given the ball 14 times. He hasn’t been in a rhythm all season long. You know why? Fichtner isn’t giving him the chances.

Conner can handle 20-25 carries a game. Yet, he’s only averaging 11.6 carries through the first five weeks. He has yet to amass 200 yards on the season! Is that on Conner or the offensive line, like many want to say it is? No, it’s on Fichtner, plain and simple. If you’re not given the chances, you can’t make the plays.

Fichtner is failing this team and it’s easy to give him a pass when his future Hall of Fame quarterback goes down for the season; but if they were losing games and he was calling plays to help this team win, I’d give him that pass. That’s not happening here.

He’s not even giving this team the chance to succeed. He’s being cautious, gimmicky and stupid and the team is 1-4 because of it. If he doesn’t do something different this week heading to Los Angeles, this team is staring at a 1-5 record and a long plane ride home, which to me, should be Fichtner’s last plane ride with this team.

We’re living in the ‘Land of the #NeverTomlins’ Some fans in this town will blame Mike Tomlin for anything

by Aubrey Bruce

For New Pittsburgh Courier

The Pittsburgh Steelers played the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field on Oct. 6, 2019, a day that will certainly live in infamy: well at least as far as the Pittsburgh Steelers and the NFL is concerned. The Ravens broke the 2323 tie with a field goal on overtime, winning by the score of 26-23.

However, the Steelers QB woes—and woes in general—continue. Within the past month the team has lost its starting QB, probable future hall of famer Ben Roethlisberger, to a season ending elbow injury. His backup, second-year QB Mason Rudolph, was knocked unconscious for several minutes in the third quarter of the Steelers/Ravens bloodletting.

Rudolph’s injury occurred after being hit by Baltimore Ravens defensive back Earl Thomas. All of the prayers of fans as well as the media go out to Rudolph, his family and the Steelers wishing him a thorough and speedy recovery.

However, even in the midst of dealing with a serious player injury, folks

still have time to put their scalpels aside to bring forth their guillotines reserved only for Mike Tomlin. I feel terrible about Mason Rudolph’s injury but no one is speaking too loudly about the numerous passes that he misfired that took away numerous first downs for the Steelers in the first half. Also, there were many deaf mutes that all but ignored the horrible play-calling by Steelers offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner. Tomlin was again blamed for the misfiring of the “Bobcat” (that’s what I call it, not “Wildcat”) pick thrown by Jaylen Samuels deep in Steelers territory.

If the offensive coordinator can’t accept responsibility for anything, why does he continue to be employed?

From the outset, there are many folks in this market since Mike Tomlin has been hired that have intentionally hit him, low, high and anywhere in-between.

Since his arrival in Pittsburgh over 12 years ago, they have let it be known that he will never be accepted, liked or appreciated in the Steel City. They have been and continue to be members and red-blooded card carriers of the

Quote the Ravens never more!

Steelers lose heartbreaker to Baltimore, 26-23 For New Pittsburgh Courier

B5

SONNY BOY

PROPOSALS

KJ Johnston, Ltd., is currently requesting proposals for the replacement of six hundred fifty-two (652) windows in the Homewood North community. Divisions included in this project are 7, 8 and 9.

Scope of work includes, but is not limited to the following: Removal of existing windows, Installation of new Pella fiberglass replacement windows, interior patching and painting, repair/replacement of siding soffit and fascia and installation of security screens. Residential Prevailing Wage Rates applicable.

Bids for this window replacement project are due October 18, 2019 Bid package information available through Brian Stoltenburg, PM. Interested parties should email their requests for information via brians@ johnstonltd.com or call 412-7617073 to discuss.

Support the publication that is ALWAYS focused on Pittsburgh’s African American community.

by Bill Neal

OCTOBER 9-15, 2019

other season following surgery and won the Masters. And, has every intention of winning more next season. Stay tuned. :06—This just in…Basketball season is here. Now the fun begins. Check all your local listings. :05—We’re halfway through the college football season and here’s your top 10 listing. #1. Alabama #2. Clemson #3. Georgia #4.

Ohio State #5. LSU #6. Oklahoma #7. Auburn #8. Wisconsin #9. Notre Dame #10. Florida :04—Speaking of the NCAA, and I just was if you were paying attention…I’ve said for years they’re second only to the casino business in taking lots of money in and giving little out. Simply put, every college student athlete that generates money for their school should be getting money back. And please don’t give me that classroom, books, food and dormitory nonsense. Just try providing these pleasantries for the 95 percent of the rest of the student body without the football and basketball bankroll! C’mon Man!

:03—Speaking of basketball… oops, caught you nappin’ again.

I was just on it a moment ago.

I don’t know if you heard coach Jeff Capel on “Soul Take – Champions Live” a few weeks ago, but, in a soft but certain tone, he offered that the help that Pitt needs in the form of a big man and a sharpshooter is on the way.

Let’s get ready to jump ball. :02—The MLB playoffs are in full swing and eight teams are set to advance and if things go as planned, the seventh game of the World Series will take place on October 30. Easy call for me, the New York Yankees beat the Dodgers in seven. See ya then. :01—OK, OK, OK. Trump didn’t do it…Nixon didn’t do it…

Al Capone didn’t do it…Jeffrey Dahmer didn’t do it…The Devil didn’t do it… For that matter, not even “The Joker” is guilty. C’mon people, open the window and take a deep breath of reality. Vote the “Mistake,” known as Donald Trump, OUT OF OFFICE! :00—GAME OVER.

secret and not so secret organization known as the #nevertomlins.

Here’s where politics and sports may be joined in “unholy matrimony.” When Senator Barack Obama was elected the first African American President of the United States, the Republican Party leader of the United States Senate, Mitch McConnell, issued the following battle cry with a wry confederate smile plastered all over his face. “The single most important thing we want to achieve is for President Obama to be a one-term president.”

As we all know, that didn’t happen.

During the 2016 presidential election there were also folks on the left and right that vowed that Donald Trump would never be elected president.

We all know how that turned out. Those folks go by the name of the “nevertrumpers.”

Let’s fast forward to the current coaching atmosphere surrounding Mike Tomlin. There has been a conscious effort by many fans and members of the media alike to make Mike Tomlin a year-toyear head coach since his tenure.

That has been their constant goal.

They are known as the #nevertomlins.

The #nevertomlins could not even wait until the Steelers/ Ravens game concluded before retreating to the safety of their “editorial basements,” brewskis in hand, again ready to throw trash on Mike Tomlin’s lawn after throwing him under the bus.

These living bobbleheads continue to use and misuse the airwaves at their disposal to express their serious biases and reservations about Mike Tomlin and any decision that he makes; good, bad or indifferent.

They don’t believe in pulling the wool over their listeners’ and readers’ eyes; they adhere to perpetrating the “eyes wide shut” syndrome.

From naming another man head coach of the Steelers on the day before Mike Tomlin was hired to whispering rumors and fake news into every ear that Mike Tomlin is available when any college or NFL coaching vacancy occurs. There is always a red carpet for Mike Tomlin leading out of Pittsburgh. Mike Tomlin is always responsible for defeat when the Steelers lose and he is always a long lost footnote when they are successful.

Let’s all do the following, boys and girls. Let’s just all say bye, bye, bye to the #nevertomlins.

B6

FORUM

OCTOBER 9-15, 2019 NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Fannie Lou Hamer died of untreated breast cancer (TriceEdneyWire.com)—October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the proliferation of pink ribbons is about to start. Predatory capitalists will make breast cancer their cause, producing pink t-shirts, pocketbooks, everything. It’s a mixed blessing, this awareness, because too many will make this both a marketing and a profit-making opportunity, while others will wonder how they can use their health insurance to afford a mammogram. Health equity is a major issue, and there is a gap in health care and health access. It is especially sharp when we address the issue of breast cancer.

While Black women get breast cancer at a lower rate than White women, we are 42 percent more likely to die from it. And young Black women, those under 35, are twice as likely as White women to get breast cancer, and three times as likely to die from it. Black women are also three times as likely as White women to get triple-negative breast cancer, an especially aggressive form of breast cancer.

I am privileged to know Ricki Fairley, a triple-negative breast cancer survivor, and marketing maven who now holds a leadership role at the nation’s oldest and largest Black women’s breast cancer network group. Sister’s Network, de-

Julianne Malveaux

Commentary scribes itself as a “survivorship organization” that provides support for Black women who are diagnosed with breast cancer. Ricki only recently joined the organization as its Vice President for Strategic Partnerships and National Programs, and she is on a mission to raise awareness about breast cancer in the African American community. Propelled by her own survivorship story, but also by the many women she has provided support for, she is passionate about the reasons that African American women must be informed and engaged around breast cancer issues.

Our civil rights icon, Fannie Lou Hamer, died of untreated breast cancer. She was just 59 when she made her transition, and one can only speculate about why this fearless leader had an untreated disease. Her untreated breast cancer was not the first collision she experienced with our racist health care system. At 44, she had surgery to remove a tumor, and the hospital also gave her a hysterectomy without her consent.

These unconsented sterilizations happened to lots of Black women in southern states. It eroded the trust that many Black women had in our health care system. Had Fannie Lou Hamer noticed a lump, would she be inclined to return to the health care system that had already oppressed her? Probably not.

Fannie Lou Hamer was poor and vocally Black in the South. Serena Williams is wealthy, Black and an international superstar. Despite her privilege, Williams also experienced the differential way the health care system treats Black women.

Serena might have died giving birth to her daughter, Alexandra. Because Williams was gracious enough to share her story, we are reminded that Black women are all too often ignored or dismissed by health care providers. Racial bias in the medical field is not only real, but also life-threatening. Reference Fannie Lou Hamer. Ask Serena Williams. Consider the thousands of Black women that are being sidelined by a health care system that does not hear our voices.

What must we do to ensure that Black women don’t carry the heavy burden of health disparities? We must be mindful and aware of the risks of breast cancer.

We must talk about breast care with our sisters and our young ‘uns. We must engage in a policy conversation about the ways health insurance can support our breast health. Too often, health insurance covers some, but not all, of the cost of screening. We must engage our civic organizations in breast health education.

We must remember Fannie Lou Hamer, who said she was “sick and tired of being sick and tired.” That means as tired as we are of being tired, we must also be committed to taking care of ourselves. Too many studies say that Black women ignore self-care for the care of others.

Fannie Lou Hamer was a leader and an icon. She was also a Black woman who gave voice to her tiredness and the way it impacted her. In saying that she was “sick and tired of being sick and tired”, she challenged us all to be less sick, less tired, and more self-aware. If we celebrate her, we must hear her. The health care system is biased against Black women, and we must take our health care in our own hands. Neither sick, nor tired, just empowered. And in October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, be supportive of organizations like the Sister’s Network, an organization that provides opportunities and services for the Black women who are diagnosed with breast cancer. We must do this in the name of Fannie Lou Hamer.

(Julianne Malveaux is an author and economist.)

Protect children, not guns “Sometimes, I sit back and I have to Marian Wright escape from what I see and hear every day.”

I hope this opening line of Milwaukee 11-yearold Sandra Parks’ award-winning essay on gun violence will make enough adults wake up and act to stop the slaughter of children. An aspiring writer, Sandra entered her school district’s Martin Luther King Jr. essay contest in sixth grade with “Our Truth,” her devastating account of growing up in a neighborhood and nation terrorized by guns.

“We are in a state of chaos,” she wrote.

“In the city in which I live, I hear and see examples of chaos almost every day.

Little children are victims of senseless gun violence.”

Two years later on Nov. 19, 2018, Sandra became a victim of the senseless gun violence she described in her essay when she was struck by a stray bullet watching television in her bedroom.

She died at 13 with so much of her life left to enjoy.

She begged for adults to act to protect children from guns—a plea the Children’s Defense Fund has been making since 1994, when Chicago inner-city children told us their greatest fear was dying from guns during a focus group we conducted with Hart Research Associates.

We then began our “Protect Children, Not Guns” campaign with brilliant pro bono help from a great Minneapolis ad agency Fallon McElligott Rice, now Fallon Worldwide.

After the 1999 Columbine High School massacre the Children’s Defense Fund published ads featuring searing images like the student falling from a window into the waiting arms of police officers in riot gear with the caption “Remember when the only thing kids were afraid of at school was a pop quiz?”

Every ad and poster carried the same message: It is time we protect children instead of guns. Yet, in the 20 years since we began our campaign, an entire generation of children has grown up fearful of gun violence as adults refused to act to protect them. Children and all of us have learned over and over again there are no guaranteed safe spaces in our country where hate, bigotry and terrorism continue to collide with unfettered access to weapons of war. We cannot worship, go to the movies or other public spaces, shop for groceries or sit in our homes with security from gun violence.

CDF’s new “Protect Children, Not Guns” report analyzes the latest fatal and nonfatal gun injury data for children ages 0-19 from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It continues to reveal a shameful crisis worsening in a nation that refuses to protect children and teens from the scourge of

gun violence: •3,410 children and teens were killed by guns in 2017—the greatest number since 1998.

•21,611 children and teens were killed or injured by a gun in 2017— one every 24 minutes.

•Gun violence was the second leading cause of death among children and teens of all races 1-19 years old and the leading cause among Black children and teens.

•Gun violence killed more children and teens than cancer, pneumonia, influenza, asthma, HIV/AIDS and opioids combined.

•Homicide is the leading cause of gun death among children and teens.

•Black, Hispanic, American Indian and Alaska Native children and teens are disproportionately likely to be killed or injured with guns.

•Guns killed more than twice as many preschoolers as law enforcement officers in the line of duty in 2017: 93 children under 5 were killed compared with 42 law enforcement officers in the line of duty.

•Children were not safe from guns in every state between 2008 and 2017.

Deaths ranged from 18 in Hawaii to 2,977 in California.

•The deadliest states were Alaska and Louisiana with about 8 gun deaths per 100,000 children and teens annually—more than twice the national rate.

•Since 1963, four times more children and teens were killed with guns on American soil than U.S. soldiers killed in action in wars abroad.

•Children and teens are 15 times more likely to die from gunfire than those in 31 other high-income countries combined.

This continuing indefensible gun violence against children should shame us all. How many more child shootings is it going to take for enough decent people to stand up and say enough and protect every children’s right to live?

Inaction is not an option. I hope every parent, grandparent, youth, teacher, faith and political leader will step up to the plate and act to pass common sense gun violence prevention measures a majority of Americans support.

I am deeply grateful that on Sept. 26, 1,000 children and parents with Jack and Jill of America Inc., of which I am privileged to be an honorary member, took copies of “Protect Children, Not Guns 2019” to their members of Congress on Capitol Hill asking: “Does my life matter to you?”

The answer cannot continue to be no.

Please read CDF’s latest report and demand your lawmakers read and respond with urgent and long overdue action.

Edelman

Child Watch

(Marian Wright Edelman is the founder and president emerita of the Children’s Defense Fund.)

Brandt Jean: Did display of forgiveness answer Christianity’s fiercest critic?

The late ChristoIn 2018, Amber pher Hitchens was J. Pharoah Doss Guyger, a Dallas the leading public police officer who is intellectual of the White, mistakenly New Atheist moveentered Botham ment and considJean’s apartment ered their fiercest thinking it was critic of the Abraher own. When hamic faiths. He Guyger saw a man wrote books with in the apartment blasphemous tishe assumed he tles such as: “The Missionary Position,” was a burglar and shot him dead.

“Mother Teresa in Theory and Practice” Jean was Black. and “God is Not Great, How Religion Recently, Guyger was convicted of Poisons Everything.” Hitchens didn’t murder, but after she was sentenced promote “God is Not Great” in book- to prison something unexpected hapstores across the country. The “God is pened in the courtroom. The victim’s Not Great” book tour consisted of Hitch- younger brother, Brandt Jean, forgave ens crisscrossing the bible belt debat- Guyger. He told her, “I personally want ing theologians, professors of religious the best for you…I don’t even want you studies, and pastors about whether or to go to jail…Give your life to Christ. I not morality came from God. think giving your life to Christ is the During this book tour Hitchens is- best thing Botham would want for you.” sued his famous challenge to believers. Then Brandt Jean asked the judge if he He’d instruct an audience to think of was allowed to give Guyer a hug. The a heinous act that can be attributed to judge allowed it and the two embraced. religious belief, or was committed in Hitchens would have ridiculed this the name of God, then he’d inform them example, then provided a list of non-bethat he knew their minds conjured up a lievers who forgave criminals for comlist of atrocities without hesitation be- mitting acts of violence against them. cause history was full of religious wars Hitchens was a man of reason. His and religious bigotry. definition of forgiveness came from the The audience normally laughed in field of psychology. Psychology Today agreement. says forgiveness is the release of reThen Hitchens asked the audience to sentment. It replaces negative feelings name a moral act that a religious person often harbored toward offenders with can do through faith that can’t be done neutral feelings. The act of forgiveness by an atheist because of non-belief, then is for ourselves. It allows us to move on he’d bet the audience they couldn’t name and not let anger and bitterness disone action. Hitchens was challenging turb our emotional well-being. Here, the notion that the absence of religion forgiveness is a demonstration of equaled an absence of morality. emotional maturity and the intent is After the book tour Hitchens boast- self-healing, but the perpetrator can go ed no one came close to answering his to hell. challenge. (At least not to his satisfacBut when Brandt Jean hugged his tion, an unspecified stipulation.) The brother’s killer, he demonstrated a form most common answers to his challenge of spiritual maturity non-believers were “praying for someone” and forgive- can’t contemplate. He already trusted ness. Hitchens dismissed praying for God for his own psychological healsomeone. He didn’t consider begging a ing, but he felt compelled by his faith fictitious deity to intervene in human to help initiate Guyger’s psychological affairs for the selfish reasons of the be- healing process by encouraging her to liever a moral action, but Hitchens was give her life to Christ, and he turned offended by the notion that religion was a sentencing hearing into an altar call. a requirement for forgiveness. He in- Whether this is moral or not can be sisted that a nonbeliever could forgive debated, but it’s an act a non-believer in the same fashion as a believer. But doesn’t have the maturity to perform.

Hitchens was wrong.

Check It Out

Fred Logan

Commentary

Alert; this is a critical moment for local Black politics It could not have happened at a better time for Black political struggle in Allegheny County.

So, the Black community must “seize the time” and integrate Black protest politics and Black electoral politics On Sept. 20, one White man and two Asian men attacked two Black women at a gas station on Pittsburgh’s North Side. The attack was captured on cell phone video and spread across the United States. Black people in Allegheny County are outraged. The office of right-wing Allegheny County district attorney, Stephen Zappala, charged the attackers with simple assault. The Black community is equally outraged over that.

Currently, Zappala, a professional nemesis of the Black community, is running for reelection in the Nov. 6, 2019 general election just a few weeks away. And over the next seven months Joe Biden, Elizabeth Warren, Kamala Harris and the other U.S. presidential candidates on the Democratic Party’s slate will be vying for Black votes in the April 2020 Pennsylvania primaries.

Over the next 12 months the entire United States will be in midst of its most turbulent presidential race—kin to a barrel house brawl—since the US Civil War. The gas station attack and Zappala’s decision take place in this context and lit a fire storm of Black resistance across Allegheny County.

The Black protesters are mobilizing the community with protests in the streets, meetings, petitions and other tactics. They are politicizing, that is educating, the community with these same tactics.

The next vital step is to organize this mobilization and education into a mass county wide Black vote “against” Zappala in the November election.

Lisa Middleman, Zappala’s opponent, may or may not be more favorable to the concerns of the Black community than Zappala. Middleman is an “independent.” Independents can be on the US far-right, the far left, or anywhere in between.

Most important here is what a massive Black voter turnout organized by the Black community’s own labor and resources would mean for Black struggle in the immediate future and for the long run. The day after the upcoming November election the Black community can compare the county-wide Black vote with its counterpart in 2017 and 2015.

If the vote is significantly or even moderately larger that will be because of county-wide African American mobilization, politicization, and organization. And the Black community must publicly take the credit for it. All sorts of political interest groups will try to take credit for it, to promote their own agenda and stymie Black agency.

Local Black and White Democratic Party loyalists, who had claimed they could not come out and publicly oppose the party’s endorsed DA candidate, and hid before the general election, will come out after November 6 and claim credit for the Black vote.

Some 40 years ago, the all-Black Pittsburgh chapter of the National Black Independent Political Party and the ad hoc September 11 Mobilization Committee (also Black) organized the Sept. 11, 1982 “March against Dope” in Homewood which attracted over 700 people.

About six months later shortly before the Easter Holiday, then Pittsburgh mayor Richard Caliguiri spoke at the Holy Cross Episcopal Church at Kelly and Collier Streets in Homewood. In touting his administration’s work in the community, Caliguiri said “we” recently held a march against dope in Homewood.

Randall Robinson, who spearheaded “Free South Africa Movement” during the U.S. anti-apartheid struggles of the 1980s, said that a “politician” is someone who, “if you organize a parade he (or she) will walk in front of it.”

Out of their own pocket books, Black people can pay for this one-month sprint to election-day that the community is geared up and eager to run.

The struggle would integrate Black protest politics with Black electoral politics. This integration is way past due. But Black people must never romanticize, as some do, either tactic as the panacea for black struggle.

Keep in mind, the epic Black-led Civil Rights Movement launched countless protest demonstrations large and small. But the same is also true of the Ku Klux Klan and White America at large.

Black people have casted their votes, ran for and won public elected office all the way up to the White House. This is also true of White People who vehemently hate Black people.

Protest politics and electoral politics are political weapons in the arsenal of the Black Freedom Movement, and Black people must master the art and science of both weapons and apply them to the specifies of each struggle they wage.

A county wide protest-electoral struggle against Zappala can do wonders for honing the Black community’s skills in Black coalition-building. Internal Black coalition building is indispensable for Black people and organizations to take part with equal footing in coalitions outside of the Black community.

A Black protest-election struggle against Zappala can go a long way to prepare Black people in Allegheny County for the day-to-day struggles they are bound to confront no matter who wins the Alleghany County DA race in November 2019 or the US presidential race in November 2020.