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VOL. 106, NO. 45

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Byrdsong: Community violence requires mental health approach

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NOVEMBER 11-17, 2015

INSIDE

by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer

Community Empowerment Association President and CEO Rashad Byrdsong has long been an advocate of finding a holistic approach to addressing violence in Pittsburgh’s Black communities. During a recent, wide ranging

ACHIEVE! 2015

talk with the New Pittsburgh Courier editorial board he reiterated that it would take education, employment, and resident participating and owning the rebuilding the physical neighborhoods in places like Homewood to combat street violence. All of those components are part of training programs CEA offers. But he has also advocated treat-

ing violence as an epidemic, taking a public health approach to eliminating it—particularly with respect to mental health. And that work, he said, is beyond the resources of one or two community organizations. “The Black community is essentially suffering from PTSD because people are being subjected to relentless episodes of trauma,”

Special Section

he said. “Vio l e n c e, poverty, un- RASHAD BYRDSONG employment; happening day after day, year after year. I mean, just yesterday a young man shot his girlfriend and she had six kids. And this isn’t just going to affect them, SEE COMMUNITY A4

Juvenile offenders share their pain for research

U.S. Steel bails out of arena HQ site by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer

by Michael B. Rose

Though both Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto are downplaying the loss of U.S. Steel as the anchor corporate tenant at the former Civic Arena development site, it also means tax revenues earmarked for business and economic development in the Hill will be delayed. As the Courier reported in February, the Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance district would divert taxes paid by property owners in the “district,” which includes the arena site; half for infrastructure and half for neighborhood revitalization. The city estimated the district would generate $40 million—half going to surrounding development, mostly in the Hill. But now, the entity that would have begun making about 10 percent of those payments in 2017 will not be taking up residence in the 285,000-square-foot office building they showed off in. The U.S. Steel’s announcement came two days after the company reported a larger-than-expected third-quarter loss and significantly lowered its financial outlook. The poor revenue news, coupled with the possibility that the Penguins could be sold, made going forward with the new headquar-

For New Pittsburgh Courier

at odds with fellow officers, it also garnered their respect and admiration for her leadership and dedication. Chief Cameron McLay said Sloan epitomizes the compassion and professionalism he is trying to instill throughout the bureau. He thanked her and everyone there from Zone 1 for the great work they are doing bringing

This past week, 24 juvenile offenders from the Community Intensive Supervision Program congregated to communicate where the system failed them as part of the National Week to End Violence. As a result of their time, their recommendations will be included in a final report that will be submitted to 40 plus governors, mayors and other leaders who have signed on to participate. The National Week of Non-Violence is spearheaded by Black Women for Positive Change out of Washington, D.C., but the local effort is being led by Rev. Rodney Adam Lyde, pastor of Baptist Temple Church in Homewood and co-chaired by Chief of the Pittsburgh Police Bureau Cameron McLay. The event was not meant to be another event where religious figures and other leaders in the community lecture students on the importance of an education because these children have already been educated in the school of hard knocks. The goal was to listen and ask how they ended up in handcuffs. All youths will only be identified by their age and neighborhood

SEE SLOAN A4

SEE JUVENILE A4

SERVICE AND DEDICATION—Lt. Shirley Sloan holds her proclamation as she poses with, from left: Chief Cameron McLay, Asst. Chief Maurita Bryant, Cmdr. Lavonnie Bickerstaff and state Rep. Ed Gainey. (Photo courtesy Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.)

Lt. Sloan’s 35 years of service celebrated by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer

When Pittsburgh Police Assistant Chief Maurita Bryant needed someone to help take her “Moms and Cops” outreach program to the community, Lt. Shirley Sloan was there. When the Zone 1 station needed an interim commander, she was there. When her community needed her she was

SEE U.S. STEEL A4

there. So when state Rep. Ed Gainey, D-East Liberty, celebrated Sloan’s career with the Police Community Service Award at the Zone 1 station Nov. 7, they were there for her. “There aren’t many who’ve been on the job as long as Shirley. She’s risen in the ranks, having to deal with divisiveness and controversy as a Black woman,” said Bryant. “When I needed

someone to help with “Moms and Cops,” she stepped up and told her story. So I’m here to thank her for all her contributions to the bureau.” Sloan, who began as a patrol officer on the North Side in 1980, often faced racism and sexism. Throughout her career she has been a staunch voice against discrimination and brutality. And while it, at times put her

Symposium offers new recommendations to save Black men by Michael B. Rose For the New Pittsburgh Courier

Educating Teens Inc. held their eighth Stop the Violence Focus on Boys and Young Men Symposium, recently. They brought together scholars from around the city to better understand how to teach and relate to young Black men in a broader objective to convince them to avert a life of crime. Michael Quigley, PhD, emceed the event and began by stressing the importance of focusing on the strengths of the men instead of the deficits. “In a lot of Black families graduation from high

school is the measure of success. They spend hundreds sometimes thousands of dollars on the prom because that is the plateau. The measure of success is simply surviving.” Quigley added, “I don’t say that as a sweeping generalization or indictment of the Black family. There is a consistent thread across our young men’s lives that they are being failed by the schooling system. African American children start school three thousand words behind their peers.” Quigley said he sees that is an African American community issue. SEE SYMPOSIUM A5

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A GUIDING LIGHT—Some of the youth and teachers who listened to speakers at the Educating Teens Inc. event. (Photo by J.L. Martello)

Ulish Carter says

New NAACP leader must keep focus on education Opinion A6

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This Week In Black History

NOVEMBER 11-17, 2015

INTERNATIONAL

DEVOTED FRIEND—In this July 12, 2013, file photo, retired U.S. Navy Capt. Thomas Hudner, who was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Truman, poses on the porch at his home in Concord, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)

New book chronicles remarkable Korean War friendship

by Mark Pratt

Associated Press Writer

CONCORD, Mass. (AP)— Retired U.S. Navy pilot Thomas Hudner is 91 now, but he’s never been able to shake the promise he made to a trusted Korean War wingman 65 years ago: “Don’t worry, we’ll be back for you.” Two years ago, his lifelong quest took him back to North Korea in hopes of recovering the remains of Ensign Jesse Brown, the Navy’s first Black combat pilot. In 1950, after Brown was shot down, Hudner crash-landed his own Corsair on the frozen North Korean landscape in an unsuccessful effort to save his friend. A new book out just in time for Veterans Day chronicles the two men’s remarkable friendship and the heroism that won Hudner the Medal of Honor, America’s highest military award. Adam Makos’ book “Devotion,” released Oct. 27, chronicles their story: from their vastly different childhoods, to their time on the aircraft carrier USS Leyte, to their final frantic moments together when Hudner made his promise. It includes first-person accounts of the horrific conditions experienced by the Marines on the ground during the fighting around the Jangjin Reservoir—known to Americans as the Chosin Reservoir.

Theirs was an unlikely friendship. Hudner was an affluent White kid from Fall River, Massachusetts. Brown was the Black son of a poor sharecropper from

“The friendship with Jesse took me out of that bubble and taught me that not everyone grew up like me.” THOMAS HUDNER Lux, Mississippi, just a speck on the map near Hattiesburg. The pilots’ job was to provide air support to the ground troops, fighting in snow and sub-zero temperatures against tens of thousands of Chinese soldiers intent on their destruction. Race is irrelevant in war, Hudner said from the neat living room of his home in Concord, Massachusetts. He doesn’t look an ounce heavier than in his flying days, his ice-blue eyes still intense. He proudly wears the Medal of Honor around his neck. Pilots flying in tight formation, so close they can see each other’s facial expressions, and often skimming the treetops, need to have absolute trust in each other. Hudner, who retired from the Navy in the 1970s as a captain, had that trust

My Brother’s Keeper unveils...

its action plan for engaging local African american young Males. Elaine Effort Learn more on the next Pittsburgh Profiles with KQV reporter Elaine Effort. Pittsburgh Profiles Heard on

KQV 1410 AM and at WWW.KQV.COM Friday, November 13 at 7:30 P.M. Saturday, November 14 at 9:30 A.M.

in Brown. “He was special, a leader,” he said. Everyone liked Brown, the pious, polite pilot who wrote to his wife, Daisy, every day—even White sailors who had grown up in the segregated South. To the Black sailors, limited mostly to low-level jobs, Brown was a hero. “The friendship with Jesse took me out of that bubble and taught me that not everyone grew up like me,” Hudner said. The book has been a seven-year project for Makos. “It’s an inspirational story,” the Colorado-based author said. “Jesse Brown didn’t get a fair shake from history.” Unable to pull the dying and trapped Brown out of his cockpit, Hudner was whisked away by helicopter, never to see him again. The Navy dropped napalm on the wreckage of the crashed Corsairs so they wouldn’t fall into enemy hands. Hudner had hoped to bring Brown’s remains home in 2013 when he traveled to North Korea, but monsoon-like weather that washed out bridges and roads conspired to keep them away from the battlefield. Decades-long hostility between the U.S. and North Korea makes travel there uncommon, but Hudner’s trip took place as the reclusive regime was marking the 60th anniversary of the Korean War armistice. Today, he doubts he’ll ever return, but hopes that relations between North Korea and the U.S. thaw enough that American officials can return to the isolated communist nation to find Brown and the nearly 8,000 other American servicemen still missing. Not a day goes when Hudner doesn’t think of Brown. But Veterans Day is special. “It’s a time of reflection for me more than anything,” he said. “Especially about those who never came back.”

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Week of November 12-18 November 11 1831—Anti-slavery rebel Nat Turner is hanged roughly two months after his capture for leading the bloodiest slave revolt in U.S. history. The minister and mystic told reporters God had called on him to lead the revolt, which left 55 Whites dead. November 12 1775—General George Washington, first president and “father of the country” issues an order barring free Blacks from serving in the army as the U.S. struggled for independence from England. Washington was also a slave owner. The slave owning aristocracy felt if free Blacks fought for America’s liberation they would demand freedom for their enslaved brothNAT TURNER ers and sisters. Despite Washington’s order, hundreds of Blacks did fight in the Revolutionary War. 1900—Henry Ossawa Tanner becomes an internationally acclaimed artist as he takes a silver medal for his art displayed at the Paris Exposition. Nearly 7,000 artists had entered their works. The Pittsburgh-born Tanner had numerous major works including his painting called “The Banjo Lesson.” 1922—Sigma Gamma Rho is founded by seven Black women in Indianapolis, Ind. The sorority grows to become one of the largest in the nation. 1977—Ernest “Dutch” Morial is elected the first Black mayor of New Orleans, La. 1994—Track and field great and Olympics star Wilma Rudolph dies in Nashville, Tenn., at the age of 54. November 13 1839—The Liberty Party—the nation’s first anti-slavery political party—is formed in Warsaw, N.Y. Among the founders were legendary abolitionists Samuel Ringgold Ward and Henry Highland Garnet. At this point in history HENRY OSSAWA TANNER the two major political parties—the Whigs and the Democrats—were both pro-slavery. 1913—Pioneering Black surgeon Daniel Hale Williams becomes a member of the American College of Surgeons. Williams is generally credited with being the first American doctor to perform open heart surgery. The history-making event took place in Chicago on July 9, 1893. 1922—Many Black historians have selected this as the date which marks the beginning of the Harlem Renaissance—perhaps the greatest period of artistic achievement by African-Americans in U.S. history. From poetry to plays and from paintings to sculptures, Black art reached a pinnacle. In a broader sense, the Harlem Renaissance ran from the early 1920s to the mid 1930s. 1951—Ballerina Janet Collins becomes the first Black woman to dance with the Metropolitan Opera Co. in New York City. Prior to that achievement she performed with the world-renowned Black dance troupe directed by the legendary Katherine Dunham. 1955—Whoopi Goldberg, given name Caryn Johnson, is born in New York City. She graduates from a stand-up comedy routine to become a major Hollywood actress and is currently one of the principal hosts of the television talk show “The View.” 1956—The United States Supreme Court upholds a lower court ruling which banned segregation on public buses in Montgomery, Ala. The decision was forced in major measure by a year-long Black bus boycott sparked by the refusal of Rosa Parks to give up her seat WHOOPI GOLDBERG to a White man. Leadership of the boycott also launched the civil rights career of Martin Luther King Jr. and his status as the national Black leader. 1967—Carl Stokes wins the race for mayor in Cleveland, Ohio. In doing so, he becomes the first Black mayor of a major American city. 1985—New York Met Dwight Gooden becomes the youngest pitcher ever to win the Cy Young award. November 14 1915—Booker T. Washington dies in Tuskegee, Ala. Washington was easily one of the top five most influential Black leaders in African-American history. Some considered him too accommodating to Whites, but his influence was still significant. Among the educator’s lasting accomplishments was the founding of Tuskegee Institute. He was only 59 when he died. 1934—William Levi Dawson’s Negro Folk Symphony (Symphony Number One) is performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra. This marked the first time a classical symphony composed by an African-American was performed by a major White orchestra. Dawson also gained renown as the choral director at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. He died in 1990 at BOOKER T. WASHINGTON the age of 91. November 15 1884—The Berlin Conference begins. This stands as one of the most significant events in all of African and Black history. Basically, seven European powers sat down and divided Africa for their benefit. They created countries which divided tribes and were often unworkable economically. The divisions and exploitations, resulting from the Berlin Conference, plague Africa to this day. The conference was completed in Berlin, Germany, in February 1885. 1897—John Mercer Langston dies. Today, Langston is an unsung hero, but in the 1800s he was one of the nation’s most dedicated fighters for Black freedom and betterment. Born to a White slave owner and an emancipated Black woman, Langston became an accomplished lawyer. He helped organize the National Black Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1848; organized Blacks to fight in the Civil War; worked in the Freedman’s Bureau; organized Howard University’s law department; became president of the Virginia Normal & Collegiate Institute; and became the first Black elected to Congress from Virginia. The town of Langston, Okla.—home of Langston University—is named after him. JOHN MERCER LANGSTON November 16 1780—Paul Cuffee organizes a demonstration by free Blacks protesting the fact that they were being taxed, but were not allowed to vote. Cuffee was a prominent whaling captain and businessman who organized the first integrated school in Massachusetts. In his later years he became frustrated with American racism and advocated the establishment of a free Black colony in the West African nation of Sierra Leone which was then controlled by the British. 1873—W.C. Handy is born in Florence, Ala. The prolific composer and publisher would become known as “The Father of The Blues.” Handy helped move the blues from just a musical genre among low income Blacks to national status. His works became so popular that his 84th birthday was celebrated at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City and drew a crowd of over 800 blues enthusiasts. Handy’s full name was William Christopher Handy. 1963—Zina Garrison is born in Houston, Texas. She would go on to win 37 professional tennis titles, an Olympic gold medal and finish runner-up at Wimbledon in 1990. 1967—Lisa Bonet is born to a Jewish mother and a Black father in San Francisco, Calif. She becomes a major actress, but is perhaps best known for her role in the 1980s television series “The Cosby Show.” Her given name was Liliquois Moon. 2001—Agbani Darego is crowned Miss World becoming the first Black African to win the coveted beauty pageant. She was from the oil-rich West African nation of Nigeria. November 17 1842—Fugitive slave George Latimer is arrested in Boston, setting in motion a legal battle between North and South over the degree to which free states were required to aid slave states in capturing escaped slaves. The Latimer incident was resolved when at least 100 Black men surrounded the jail where Latimer was being held. Fearing for his safety if he tried to take Latimer back South, the slave owner decided to “sell” LISA BONET Latimer and left with a small amount of money and no slave. 1911—The Omega Psi Phi fraternity is founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. It goes on to become one of the largest and most influential Black Greek-letter organizations. 1972—Despite massive Black voter support for the Democrat George McGovern, Republican Richard M. Nixon is elected president carrying all states except Massachusetts and the District of Columbia. The Black view of Nixon would later be vindicated when he is forced from office because of the Watergate scandal. Nixon was referred to as “tricky dick.”

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

NOVEMBER 11-17, 2015

NATIONAL

RESIGNS UNDER FIRE—University of Missouri system President Tim Wolfe announces his resignation from office, Monday, Nov. 9, during a U.M. System Board of Curators meeting in University Hall at the campus in Columbia, Mo. (Justin L. Stewart/Columbia Missourian via AP)

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BLACK PLAYERS LEAD BOYCOTT—In this Oct. 10,, file photo, Missouri running back Russell Hansbrough fights his way past Florida defenders. At least 30 Black football players announced they will not participate in team activities until the school’s president is removed. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson. File)

University of Missouri president resigns under pressure over race complaints by Summer Ballentine and Alan Scher Zagier Associated Press Writers

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP)— The president of the University of Missouri system stepped down Nov. 9 amid criticism of his handling of student complaints about race and discrimination. President Tim Wolfe said his resignation was effective immediately. He made the announcement at the start of what had been expected to be a lengthy closed-door meeting of the school’s governing board. He largely pre-empted that session in a halting statement that was simultaneously apologetic, clumsy and defiant. “This is not the way change comes about,” he said, alluding to recent protests. “We stopped listening to each other.” He urged students, faculty and staff to “use my resignation to heal and start talking again to make the changes necessary.” A poor audio feed for the one board member who was attending the meeting via conference call left Wolfe standing awkwardly at the podium for nearly three minutes after only being able to read the first sentence of his statement. The race complaints came to a head over the weekend when at least 30 Black football players announced they would not participate in team activities until Wolfe was gone. For months, Black student groups have complained of racial slurs and other slights on the overwhelmingly White flagship campus of the state’s four-college system. Frustrations flared during a homecoming parade Oct. 10 when Black protesters blocked Wolfe’s car, and he did not get out and talk to them. They were removed by police. Black members of the football team joined the outcry on the night of Nov. 7. By Nov. 8, a campus sitin had grown in size, graduate student groups planned walkouts and politicians began to weigh in. Until Nov. 9, Wolfe did not indicate that he had any intention of stepping down. He agreed in a statement issued Nov. 8 that “change is needed” and said the university was working to draw up a plan by April to promote diversity and tolerance. The Tigers’ next game is Saturday, Nov. 14, against Brigham Young University at Arrowhead Stadium, the home of the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs, and canceling it could cost the school more than $1 million. “The athletes of color on the University of Missouri football team truly believe ‘Injustice Anywhere is a threat to Justice Everywhere,’” the players said in a statement. “We will no longer participate in any football related activities until President Tim Wolfe resigns or is removed due to his negligence toward marginalized students’ experience. WE ARE UNITED!!!!!” Head football coach Gary

Pinkel expressed solidarity on Twitter, posting a picture of the team and coaches locking arms. The tweet said: “The Mizzou Family stands as one. We are united. We are behind our players.” Practice and other team activities were canceled Nov. 8. A statement issued by Pinkel and Missouri athletic director Mack Rhoades linked the return of the protesting football players to the end of a hunger strike by a black graduate student who began the effort Nov. 2 and has vowed to not eat until Wolfe is gone. “Our focus right now is on the health of Jonathan Butler, the concerns of our student-athletes and working with our community to address this serious issue,” the statement said. The protests began after the student government president, who is Black, said in September that people in a passing pickup truck shouted racial slurs at him. In early October, members of a Black student organization said slurs were hurled at them by an apparently drunken White student. Also, a swastika drawn in feces was found recently in a dormitory bathroom. Many of the protests have been led by an organization called Concerned Student 1950, which gets its name from the year the university accepted its first Black student. Its members besieged Wolfe’s car at the parade, and they have been conducting a sit-in on a campus plaza since last Monday. Two trucks flying Confederate flags drove past the site on Nov. 8, a move many saw as an attempt at intimidation. At least 150 students gathered at the plaza that night to pray, sing and read Bible verses, a larger crowd than on previous days. Many planned to camp there overnight, despite temperatures that had dropped into the upper 30s. Also joining in the protest effort were two graduate student groups that called for walkouts Nov. 9 and 10 and the student government at the Columbia campus, the Missouri Students Association. The association said in a letter Nov. 8 to the system’s governing body that there had been “an increase in tension and inequality with no systemic support” since last year’s fatal shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, which is about 120 miles east of Columbia. Brown, an unarmed Black 18-year-old, was shot and killed by a White police officer during a struggle, and his death helped spawn the “Black Lives Matter” movement rebuking police treatment of minorities. The association said Wolfe heads a university leadership that “has undeniably failed us and the students that we represent.” “He has not only enabled a culture of racism since the start of his tenure in 2012, but blatantly ignored and disrespected the concerns of students,” the group wrote.

Concerned Student 1950 has demanded, among other things, that Wolfe “acknowledge his White male privilege,” that he is immediately removed, and that the school adopt a mandatory racialawareness program and hire more Black faculty and staff. One of the sit-in participants, Abigail Hollis, a Black undergraduate, said the campus is “unhealthy and unsafe for us.”

“The way White students are treated is in stark contrast to the way Black students and other marginalized students are treated, and it’s time to stop that,” Hollis said. “It’s 2015.” The school’s undergraduate population is 79 percent White and 8 percent Black. The state is about 83 percent White and nearly 12 percent Black. Wolfe, 56, is a former soft-

ware executive and Missouri business school graduate whose father taught at the university. He was hired in 2011 as president, succeeding another former business executive who also lacked experience in academia. Lawmakers and elected officials began to weigh in Sunday. The chairman of a Missouri House higher education committee, Republican Rep. Steven Cookson,

said in a statement that Wolfe “can no longer effectively lead” and should leave his post. Joining him in calling for Wolfe’s resignation was Assistant House Minority Leader Gail McCann Beatty, the highest-ranking Black member of that chamber. (Associated Press Writer Ralph D. Russo in New York contributed to this report.)

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NOVEMBER 11-17, 2015

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

METRO

Juvenile offenders share their pain for research CONTINUED FROM A1

they are from. One-16 year old from Homewood and East Hills, blamed himself for being a follower stating he is trying to work on his anger and short temper and plans to go into the military. The 18-year old from the Hill District blamed his plight on domestic violence. “I consider my parents to be the definition of insanity. My father would beat my mother and as a result of being a boy I would want to protect my mother but that led to more problems,” he said adding that he can’t blame his being in trouble on one event. While some blamed home life and situations beyond their control others stated the allure of being a gangster was too hard to ignore. As a 16 year old from Garfield put it, “I just want to do what I want to do. Anything to get money. You want your own money, buying Jordans or trying to get girls.” This young man states he

doesn’t think his environment dictated to him who he wanted to be. “Doesn’t matter where you live but who you surround yourself with. I could live in the suburbs and still be with people doing bad things in the suburbs,” he said as he began telling his misadventure that led to him being prosecuted as an adult. “The main goal was to steal his car. When he saw the weapon he dropped the pizzas and tried to fight back. [That’s when] my friend shot him in the stomach. We jumped in the car but couldn’t drive it because it was a stick shift. So we jumped out, but the police were already on top of us because they heard gunfire.” He got no pizza no money and no car. “All I got was a jail cell and a set of handcuffs and a free ride to the county.” Statistically it has been proven that Black boys are more likely to be charged as adults than other races. He is

SAVING OUR YOUNG MEN—Rev. Rodney Lyde, pastor at Baptist Temple Church, speaks to youth about where they are at and how adults and the church can help move them forward. (Photo by J.L. Martello) an example and feels it is wrong. “They want to consider me an adult and give me real time. That’s not fair because

Lt. Sloan’s 35 years of service celebrated

juveniles make mistakes.” While this youth takes full responsibility for his actions, he doesn’t buy the excuse that some kids stated, that they were beat up if they didn’t commit crimes. “It’s

not always force because I beat up people who still didn’t want to do stuff.” A 19 year old from East Hills and Erie is an example of someone who might have had a different future, but really felt he had no other option. “When I was going to school I was a straight A student,” he said. “My mom and dad died. My grandma chose drugs over family. I became forced into that lifestyle.” Some children in the African American community are now being diagnosed with PTSD from the trauma they have experienced in childhood. “I have seen some of my friends get killed, I have been shot, grazed a couple of times. I have seen so much I can’t sleep sometimes, days I can’t eat, days I don’t want to live but you have to fight through it because you know you want something better for yourself later down the line. My friend got shot in the head I had his brains on me. I tried to kill myself after-

wards and there were no bullets in the chamber. I wonder if there had still been a bullet I would be in heaven or hell right now. “I was nine years old selling dope with a burner. And nobody understood me but me. I sold these drugs and I destroyed people’s lives. I never noticed until the time I got older and saw my family on drugs their face deteriorate from killing themselves slowly. I sold drugs to pregnant women. I couldn’t say no. I was 10 years old with a house to maintain.” With his wanton ways behind him, he now raps, has his own studio and wants to be a carpenter. “I consider this event to be incredibly successful,” said Reverend Lyde. “But I also consider it to be just the beginning, we have work to do, let us pray.” Pittsburgh is one of 10 cities across the nation that hosted events for the National Week of Non-Violence, running Oct. 17-24. (J.L. Martello contributed to this article.)

U.S. Steel bails out of arena HQ site CONTINUED FROM A1

PROUD FAMILY LEADER—Police Community Service Award winner Lt. Shirley Sloan, center, enjoys her celebration event with her daughter, grandson and son. (Photo courtesy of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police) CONTINUED FROM A1

the police and the community together. “I can’t tell you how proud I am of the staff and officers here. Your commitment is off the charts, and you haven’t slowed down a bit in doing the hard work of reducing violence and keeping this community safe,” he said. “Thank you, Lt. Sloan for your leadership and compassion, and Cmdr. (Lavonnie) Bickerstaff for institutionalizing these changes.” Bickerstaff also praised Sloan’s passion. “She is committed to serving the citizens of the North Side. And her passion for her work shines every day,” she said. “Thank you.” Sloan’s son, Alphonso, also a police officer, and who is a previous recipient of the community service award, said she is his role model. “Growing up was kind of hard. She became a cop when I was about 8 years old,” he said. “But as a single mom, she was the leader in the family and a leader in the community. She’s put down some big foot-

steps to follow. She makes me very proud.” Gainey, who presented Sloan with a proclamation from the state house, said he hadn’t experienced knowing two generations of police officers before. And with promoting policing as a career option for young African Americans being one of his priorities, he called their example “powerful.” “Today we get a chance to celebrate an officer who’s doing exactly what we want to see our officers do,” he said. “She’s a mom who’s a great cop. Thank you.” Sloan thanked her children and grandchildren, and all the officers at Zone 1. “My pleasure has been you guys. You’re the best group of officers I’ve ever worked with,” she said, adding. “Don’t let the uniform define you—be who you are. And keep treating people the way you want to be treated. This award is for all of you too.” Gainey has presented the Police Community Service Award to an officer nominated by the community and peers since 2013. Previous recipients were Officers Alphonso Sloan and Michael Gay.

ters untenable. Hill District Community Development Corp. Executive Director Marimba Milliones, who won an agreement reducing the minimum size of development parcels within the LERTA district to allow for small and minority development entities to take part in the general contracting work, and had boundaries of parcels within the district altered so that certain properties—most notably the CONSOL Energy Center— would not receive revitalization funds, said at the time the plan was great news for the Hill District. Neither she, nor city Councilman R. Daniel Lavelle was available for comment on U.S. Steel’s decision by New Pittsburgh Courier deadline. Even with U.S. Steel pulling out, Penguins’ CFO Travis Williams said last week the housing portion of the development, which he said was always scheduled to be first, is moving ahead. The plan calls for nearly 1,100 apartments, office and retail space, and a 150room hotel. Carl Redwood Jr., co-convener of the Hill Consensus Group, said political leaders signed off on the tax district plan, not the residents. He is continuing to push for a greater percentage of the housing component to be set aside for Low income residents. “They will say the deal means $22 million for Hill development, but nobody really knows. This is where we fight to force (the Penguins) to follow the Hill District Community Plan, which requires 30 percent of the housing to be affordable for families making 50

ARENA SITE—This file photo shows the clearing out that has already started at the old Civic Arena site. (Photo by J. L. Martello) percent of the median income, which is $22,000 for the Hill,” he said. “The Penguins said they can only build 20 percent of the housing for families making less than 80 percent.” He said if the Penguin owners sell the team, it would mean a massive transfer of public subsidies into private profits. “The subsidies given the Penguins (including development rights and funding for the CONSOL Energy Center) total more than $750 million,” he said. Williams said the housing component could start in June, lead by McCormack Baron, which will develop for up to 850 apartments, and an as yet unnamed minority-owned firm will be selected to develop up to 250 more units. He also said the team would not scrap its building design because a lot of work and money has gone into

it—including getting city planning approvals. He added that the team has been contacted by potential tenants, and would only tweak the design a minimal amount if need be. State Rep. Jake Wheatley, D-Hill, said it is never good news when one of the regions anchor firms experiences difficulties, and he wishes U.S. Steel the best in righting their ship. “On the other hand, this wasn’t totally out of left field either. I don’t see this as any kind of deathblow. We are still early in the process. There are a lot of opportunities, and a lot of demand for that space,” he said. “It’s also a chance to get back to the table. So, as long as we stay focused, I think in very short order we’ll have more good news to announce about that site.”

Community violence requires mental health approach CONTINUED FROM A1

but also their other family, friends. It is relentless, and no one is having this conversation.” Byrdsong’s observations are supported by comments Shuman Juvenile Detention Center Director Earl Hill made in a recent interview. Hill, who spent more than 30 years working as a clinician in psychiatric hospitals, is focusing the center on therapeutic remedies for the kids he sees. A lot of them, he said, believe they are in danger just because of who their friends are. “Recidivism is an issue because even though we can give them tools to do better, they are often returning to highly dysfunctional environments,” said Hill. “Some actually want to come back and do things to get sent here. There’s a lot going on with these kids.” Earlier this year, Allegheny Health Choices conducted an analysis of mental health services delivered to 303 students within the Pittsburgh Public Schools during 2013 and 2014, and discovered that the large majority of students being treated, 63 percent, were Black males. The study noted that the top two diagnoses were Adjustment Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The

(Send comments to cmorrow@newpittsburghcourier.com.)

number of students diagnosed with either increase by more than 30 percent in one year. The number of students being medicated increased by 40 percent. And despite treatment and counseling, chronic absenteeism increased and gradelevel advancement decreased. Byrdsong said these examples support his contention that even a traditional mental health approach, when applied, isn’t working. “We’re not talking about schizophrenia— we’re talking about mental health, not mental illness,” he said. “You can’t counsel people out of White supremacy and racism.” Byrdsong likes to use his tropical fish tank as an analogy. “You have all these different fish swimming around peacefully, and then at some point, they start attacking each other. I asked my fish guy what is that all about and he told me it’s due to the build up of waste material in the tank—it affects their nervous systems,” he said. “Concentrated poverty, lack of opportunity, oppression—these are the root causes of these pathological behaviors. All are part of the mental health of the community. All the research points that way.” (The Courier will examine other aspects of its recent conversation with Byrdsong in future editions.)

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

NOVEMBER 11-17, 2015

METRO

A5

Symposium offers new recommendation to save Black men CONTINUED FROM A1

“They view themselves as intellectually inferior but physically gifted. A lot of this culture is promoted by educators. That’s why you have a privileged class that are athletes but those same

Black men are considered problems as students.” He said this leads to what he calls “Racial invisibility disorder. The effects of which lead to a mentality in Black men that unless I’m on the field or court or in

Info sought in 2 homicides that left multiple kids without a parent Authorities are asking for the community’s help in locating a person of interest in the homicide of a 28-yearold East Hills mother of six found dead in her home. Markese Reese, 20, of Verona, is being sought for questioning in the Nov. 9 fatal shooting of Marqua Wilson, who was found shot to death in her Wilner Drive townhouse by authorities who were responding to a call of unknown trouble. A Black male was seen fleeing the scene and according to a release from the Pittsburgh Public Safety Department, Reese was identified as the male. Sonya Toler, public information officer for the Public Safety Department, said anyone with information on the whereabouts of Reese, who had not been located as of this publication’s deadline, is asked to call 9-1-1. The search for Reese has already led police, with the assistance of SWAT, to a Penn Hills home and a North Versailles hotel. It has been reported by other news outlets that Reese was the father of one of Wilson’s children. Wilson is the second mother of six children to be shot and killed this year. Many have shared Reese’s photo on Facebook. Wynona Hawkins Harper of Mothers with a Voice and Jamar Place of Peace, who also tragically lost her son in 2013, shared the photo and commented, “They need your help to get him off the street in getting the help

that he needs in the Allegheny County Jail for he has destroyed a whole family and six children that he took their mother.” She went on to write, “This is the most ignorant thing you can ever imagine as a man killing his girlfriend and I pray to God that they catch him today for the community is in danger I feel sorry for us because no one wins do you understand deep please share let’s work together and get him off the street.” This is just one of two city homicides that has taken place within two days, leaving multiple children without a parent and no arrest, as of yet. On Nov. 8, just before 5 a.m., Zone 2 officers found a 43-year-old music producer dead in the Hill District while responding to a disturbance call. The body of Mark Green was found in his home in the 200 block of Devilliers Street in the Hill District. According to a release from Pittsburgh Public Safety Department Assistant Public Information Officer Emily Schaffer, he had received fatal injuries during a physical altercation that took place inside the home. He was pronounced dead at the scene and it was ruled a homicide. Green was the father of 11 children, all age 5 and under, and the owner of Almighty Record Productions. Anyone with information about this investigation, as well, is asked to call 9-1-1.

PASSING KNOWLEDGE DOWN —Kezia Ellison, founder and President of Educating Teens Inc., speaks to the kids. trouble you don’t see me.” His recommendations for this were as follows. We need to focus on the real and the skill helping Black men develop a sense of selfworth, pride and a sense of pride and ability in academics. Help to build selfdiscipline. Focus on math and literacy. Increase the amount of Black teachers, especially in the higher level courses. Utilizing role models that have been through something to help the youth. Critical race theory—creating conversations in schools about Black males. Deal with internalized Black racism how Black men view themselves.

Kezia Ellison founder and president of educating teens Inc. said this is the crux of what the Black community needs to focus on. “This is the eighth year that we have had this focus. It doesn’t just impact them as far as losing their lives or being injured but it destroys families so it is not just an issue of health but community.” She said she developed a way to better understand youth when she was a youth herself in high school. “I developed AUDA in high school. A for awareness, U for understanding D for dialogue and A for action,” she said.

GETTING IT ALL DOWN—Young men take notes of what the speakers are presenting. (Photos by J.L. Martello)

TAKING EXACT NOTES— Ronald Pelton, 13 years old and from the Hill District, takes notes.

“That is why the first session was called let’s hear it from the boys.” Boys like Ronald Pelton, 13 of South Hills middle school from the Hill 8th grade who said the main thing he learned was “to pay attention do my work and listen.” Albertha Graham Ellison

is the VP and program director of Educating Teens On HIV/AIDS. “Education cannot stay stagnant, we have to constantly change with what’s going on in the environment. Learn when to ask for help. Learn to walk away, just not from the police.”

Community Calendar Free Kidney Screening NOV. 14—The National Kidney Foundation will host a Free Kidney Screening from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, 1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd., Downtown. This is part of the American Diabetes Association’s Bridge to Wellness Expo. The screenings will feature a kidney disease risk factor survey, body mass index and blood pressure measurements, consultation with a doctor, and more. Must be 18 and over. For more information, visit www.kidney.org.

Racial Justice Awards NOV. 14—The YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh will host the 24th annual Racial Justice Awards from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Westin Convention Center Hotel, 1000 Penn Ave., Downtown. The YWCA recognizes the work of five champions of social justice. This year’s awardees are Gregory Spencer, Joseph Lagana, Ed.D, the Squirrel Hill Health Center, Tracey McCants Lewis, Esq., and Kendal Nasiadka. Registration is required. For more information, visit www.ywcapgh.org.

Dating Violence Symposium NOV. 18—Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence, PA Says NO MORE, Southwest PA Says NO MORE will host “Engaging Youth: Working Across Generations to Prevent Dating Violence” from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Circuit Center, 5 Hot Metal St., South Side. This is the first of a two-part symposium on ending domestic violence and sexual assault. There will be separate sessions for adults, college and high school students. The second part, “Ending Dating Violence: How to be the Generation of Change,” will take place Nov. 19 at the Jewish Community Center in Squirrel Hill. All sessions are free, but registration is required. For more information, visit www.surveymonkey.com/pcadv

therapy shopping and raffles. This fall luncheon benefits the UPMC Neurological Institute and the University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute. Reservations are required. For more information, call 412-648-6106 or visit www.lhas.net.

Information Fair NOV. 21—The Fund for Advancement of Minorities through Education will host its annual Information Fair from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Kingsley Association, 6435 Frankstown Ave., East Liberty. Attendees will learn what college-preparatory education opportunities African American students can access through FAME’s independent partner schools and more. For more information, call 412-363-5553 or visit www.famefund.org.

Anti-Violence Rally/Meeting NOV. 21—Hank Commodore of The House that Ruth Built and others will host an Anti-Violence Community Rally/Meeting from 12-4 p.m. at the HomewoodBrushton YMCA, 7140 Bennett St., Homewood. This is a meeting to address the problem of violence around the world and local communities as well as the solutions to it. There will be entertainment, free food and gifts, presentations and more. For more information, call Commodore at 724-217-3866.

Inspirational Presentation

Mind, Body & Spirits

NOV. 21—South Avenue United Methodist Church will host an Inspirational Presentation with Charlie Batch from 12:30-3:30 p.m. at 733 South Ave., Wilkinsburg. Homestead native and former Pittsburgh Steeler quarterback, Batch will deliver a message about overcoming obstacles and achieving one’s best in life. Following the presentation, community leaders, service providers, organizations and others will discuss pathways to becoming the best. Registration is required. For more information, call J. Reid at 412-567-1196 or email jreid.creativeresource@gmail. com.

NOV. 19—The Ladies Hospital Aid Society will host Mind, Body & Spirits from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Duquesne Club, 325 Sixth Ave., Downtown. The event will include mini cocktails, retail

(To have items listed on Community Calendar, send information at least two weeks in advance to: 315 E. Carson St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219; Fax: 412-481-1360 or email: newsroom@newpittsburghcourier.com.)

3 BLACKS AMONG 7 POLICE PROMOTIONS—Mayor Bill Peduto administered the oath as officers Monique Jones, Torriona Mitchell and Derek Williams were all promoted to the rank of sergeant along with officer James Zigarella. Sergeant Stephen Vinansky was also promoted to Lieutenant and Lt. Anna Kudrav was promoted to commander. (Photo courtesy of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police)

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NOVEMBER 11-17, 2015

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

OPINION

New NAACP leader must keep focus on education

Editorial

Crooked cop was culprit, not Black Lives Matter Apologize. That’s what every elected official, police group and television network should do that blamed the death of Fork Lake, Ill., police Lt. Joe Gliniewicz on the Black Lives Matter movement and comments from President Barack Obama when the culprit was actually the crooked cop himself. In September, the decorated officer known as “G.I. Joe” radioed to police about his search for three suspects, “two white males, one Black male,” before being found gunned down in a remote marsh area. Investigators “randomly” gathered the DNA of hundreds of residents and spent $300,000 scouring the region for the suspects. “Blue Lives Matter!” slogans went up across Illinois, and conservative pundits and others began hurling accusations. “Barack Obama, as chief enforcement officer of the United States, is going to have to stop acting like a conscientious objector in this war on cops,” conservative commentator and politician Pat Buchanan said. Presidential candidate Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) complained: “Cops across the country are feeling the assault. They’re feeling the assault from the president, from the top on down... Whether it’s in Ferguson or Baltimore, the response of senior officials from the president to the attorney general is to vilify law enforcement. That is fundamentally wrong, and it is endangering the safety and security of us all.” Megyn Kelly, of Fox News, called the fatal shooting “a crime that has led to the new complaints about the antipolice rhetoric we have been hearing, in particular from some of the Black Lives Matter protests. But law enforcement officials are not the only ones questioning the movement now.” Gliniewicz was honored on the floor of the U.S. Senate by Democrat Dick Durbin of Illinois, while in our neighboring New Jersey, Gov. Chris Christie proclaimed, “This is the president’s problem, because he has not allowed law and order to be the rule of the day in the United States. Lawlessness has been the rule of the day. And now the president says little or nothing about these police officers that are being hunted.” Never mind thus far this year, 33 officers have been killed by gunfire—a 23 percent decrease from last year— leading the American Enterprise Institute to call 2015 “one of the safest years in history for police.” Christie, another GOP hopeful, might now understand that President Obama said nothing because the investigation into Gliniewicz’s death had not been concluded. Christie and the others all should have restrained themselves. Because when the investigation was complete, Fox Lake police deemed Gliniewicz’s death “a carefully staged suicide,” possibly to avoid the discovery of the lieutenant’s stealing and laundering of thousands of dollars from the police department’s youth Explorers Program. Investigators reportedly determined the money was used to pay for gym memberships, porn websites and mortgage payments. “Gliniewicz committed the ultimate betrayal to the citizens he served and the entire law enforcement community,” said George Filenko, commander of the Lake County Major Crimes Task Force. “Personally, this is the first time as a police officer that I’m ashamed by the actions of a member of law enforcement.” Another betrayal was by the officials and police groups that pointed fingers at Black Lives Matter and President Obama. Not even a former U.S. attorney general — Gov. Christie—paused before publicly convicting peaceful protesters of violence without a shred of evidence against them. Shame on him. Our nation needs to take a deep look at how it got to this point of so broadly accepting a negative narrative about Black America and social movements, even though facts don’t support that picture. These hot-headed accusers need to admit that they were wrong, and apologize. (Reprinted from the Philadelphia Tribune)

Pittsburgh Courier NEW

Founded 1910

Rod Doss

Editor & Publisher Stephan A. Broadus Allison Palm

Eric Gaines

Office Manager

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Ashley Johnson Associate Editor

Ulish Carter

Just Sayin’

sued related to fossil fuels, and other energy and environmental issues. The NAACP should be out front working hand in hand with the Urban League and the African American Chambers across the state in making sure Blacks realize the importance of creating Black businesses, and supporting Black businesses. If the NAACP is going to reach the grass roots community, young or old, male or female, they have got to become more visible at the various rallies, marches, and vigils and other community activities. Not just NAACP events, but other community events sponsored by others, especially Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, where the vast majority of the Black people in Pennsylvania live. Hopefully this will not be the last time we hear of Duvall-Flynn, because that’s what seems to happen to state NAACP presidents, they just disappear. We only hear from the Pittsburgh or Philadelphia presidents. I think that if she stays focused on the problems of today, not yesterday, not tomorrow, she will receive Black community support. Those issues are: Black on Black violence, streets as well as domestic. Poor education from K –through college, lack of preparation for the job market, that leads to mass poverty and low-income jobs. How many college grads or trade school grads are in the streets gunning each other down? Most of the street thugs are high school dropouts. We know what the problems are. The question is what will Duvall-Flynn do to help solve these problems. Will she be visible or disappear after the Washington, Pa. Convention?

nia especially in urban areas such as Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Erie. These are the problems that must be addressed immediately if the NAACP is to move back out front as a leader of the Black community. Some of her major goals are: Environmental racism and criminal justice. “I plan to start moving on establishing an environmental task force immediately,” according to an article in last week’s New Pittsburgh Courier, in response to members health and economic concerns related to the use and storage, transportation, and extraction of fossil fuels. I’m sorry, but maybe I’m missing the point. How can this be your first priority? How is this going to stop our kids from killing each other on the streets, or the police from killing us as well as not hiring us? How is this going to educate our youth on how important education is and how it is a matter of life and death? How our schools at every level, which include colleges and trade schools, must make every effort to education our youth at how to find and keep jobs? The environmental protection is important, but we need jobs now. What the NAACP needs to be doing is making sure Blacks are getting our equal share of these high paying jobs, and Black businesses are allowed through (Ulish Carter is the managing editor of the the doors when contracts are being is- New Pittsburgh Courier.)

What’s wrong with the truth? (NNPA)—Award-winning film director Quentin Tarantino gets high props for stepping up to tell some truth about the many murders of African Americans at the hands of misbehaving police officers. How, after all, can you justify the killing of a baby boy, Tamir Rice? Or the illegal choking of Eric Garner? Michael Brown stole some cigarillos. Does that deserve the death penalty? We can call the roll and then we can describe a murder. That’s all Tarantino did. Here’s what Tarantino said—“I’m a human being with a conscience, and if you believe there’s murder going on then you need to rise up and stand up against it. I’m here to say I’m on the side of the murdered.” Tarantino isn’t a “cop hater.” He is, as he said, a human being with a conscience. Too bad we can’t say the same thing about Patrick Lynch (ironic last name), the president of the New York City Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, who called for a boycott for the Tarantino film “The Hateful Eight,” scheduled for release in December. I’m not a huge Tarantino fan, but if the police are going to boycott his film, I will see it at least twice (or buy tickets for somebody) just to have his back. What is wrong with the truth? Quentin Tarantino didn’t say that every police officer is a murderer. He called out those who are and said that he stood with those killed—the Eric Garners, Michael Browns, Tamir Rices of the world. Patrick Lynch and those who share his opinion have so embraced the “thin blue line” that they refuse to decry unacceptable po-

Julianne Malveaux

Commentary

uplift good officers and criticize bad ones. They’d assert, and then enforce, a code of conduct. They’d say there is zero tolerance to illegal police behavior, and then they’d enforce it. Unions are supposed to defend their members, and that makes sense. Even as they defend those that are unjustly accused, they must also be quite clear that they oppose illegal behavior. Officer Randolph Holder, a Guyana native, whose application to the police academy included an essay that said he wanted to be a role model, was killed in late October by a criminal who was fleeing him. His death was a tragedy. His family, by the community, and by his fellow officers, mourns him. We who are human must mourn him. We who depend on law enforcement officers to maintain order in our communities must condemn the culture of violence that led to his death. And we who are human and object to violence must also object to the police violence that left Eric Garner dead. We must also criticize the grand jury that decided that his murderer, “Officer” Daniel Pantaleo, did nothing wrong. We must decry the folks who said that Garner was complicit in his own death because he was overweight. There is nothing wrong with the truth. Quentin Tarantio spoke it. The rabid Patrick Lynch opposes truth and calls for boycotts on a Tarantino film to punish him. Where are the police officers that will cross the thin blue line to hold fellow officers accountable? Why are so many silent in the face of police brutality, murder, and injustice?

lice behavior or even express remorse for the unnecessary killings of citizens. There is an attempt to justify every killing, an attempt to say it is all right to use a chokehold, deemed an illegal maneuver; to massacre a soon to be married Sean Bell; to turn 41 bullets on an unarmed Amadou Diallo (19 of the bullets hit him), to sodomize Abner Louima. In the Louima case, several “officers of the peace” were tried and convicted, but they are among the very few who pay the price for their rouge activities. Any human being ought to shudder at these extreme police killings. Too many human beings, too many police officers, seem to think this behavior should not be decried. The police officers that I know speak among themselves about rouge police officers and their unacceptable behavior, but they don’t speak up. So, there are police officers that choose to rape some of the women they stop for traffic violations. There are police officers that coerce delinquent young girls into prostitution. There are police officers that take the drugs confiscated in drug busts for their own use or to sell. There is silence from police unions regarding (Julianne Malveaux is an author and these actions. Police unions with integrity would economist based in Washington, DC.)

Letter To The Editor

Remind our psychotic Black critics Dear Editor: The news just came out. The national death rate is rising for middle age White folks. Drug OD’s are behind it. The news media said so. It must be the truth. The death rates for every other age, racial, or ethnic group are holding steady or deceasing. The media said that. That’s how bad the dope is in mainstream and non-mainstream White America. And White America doesn’t know what to do about it and can’t stop it. Now, for years, decades, generations, for as long as we can remember the Black community—that’s us—has been scolded, ridiculed, mocked and

bad-mouthed by White America. And the Black psychotic fools—and “they are legion,”—who blindly follow White folks have bad mouthed us too. They all bad mouthed the Black community for not doing enough to stop the drug crisis in the Black community. But they didn’t condemn White folks for not stopping the dope in their communities. Back at a May 1985 Pittsburgh City council public hearing then councilmen Ben Woods and Jim O’Malley told the Black community to do what White folks did to keep drugs out of their neighborhoods. Woods and O’Malley were asked point blank to name these White folks, in private, so the Black community

could do what these White folks did. Woods and O’Malley did not name anyone, because there never was and is not any such White folks. The White community has the national, state, and local governments, all the money, the armed forces, the news media, all of the experts on everything; they got it all. And they say they are helpless. By comparison, Black people have nothing in these categories. Remind the Black psychotic critics of this the next time you hear or read their criticism of Black folks and you note their stone silence on White folks. Remind them! Do that! Fred Logan Homewood

Letters to the editor for publication

Assistant to the Publisher

Ulish Carter

Education is the key to advancement for the Black community. The Pennsylvania NAACP appears to have gotten it right in their selection of its new president. Marches, protests and vigils are great, they bring people together to learn what the problems are, as well as attention to the problems and hopefully learn what needs to be done to solve these problems. But if there’s nothing done beyond these marches and rallies, they are useless. Joan Duvall-Flynn was recently elected president of the Pennsylvania NAACP and she has over 40 years of experience in education and said she plans on using that experience in leading the state NAACP. Why is this so important? Look at the things holding us back. Poverty, low income, poor housing, crime, and few to no Black-owned businesses in community. How do you solve these problems? Education. She’s only the second female elected to the position. The first was Sophie D. Nelson from Pittsburgh in 1934. She was an educator as well. But more importantly Duvall-Flynn plans to use those 40 years of experience to strengthen the NAACP and hoist activism in education reform across the state and the nation. This is where she needs to start and doesn’t get side tracked by some of the other issues she addressed. Black people, especially young males, need decent paying jobs now. Far too many of the few who are graduating college or trade schools are having to work at low paying sometimes minimum wage jobs because of the lack of diversity in the market place. Black males are killing each other at a record pace throughout Pennsylva-

Managing Editor

Jeff Marion Circulation Consultant

John H. Sengstacke Editor & Publisher Emeritus (1912-1997)

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

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Fake ‘hero’ cop proves White Lies Matter (GEORGE CURRY MEDIA)—Writing under the headline, “Police lives matter too,” Chicago Tribune Columnist John Kass summed up the sentiment—and mass hysteria—surrounding the supposed Sept. 1 murder of a policeman in a bedroom community 50 miles north of Chicago: The killing of Fox Lake police Lt. Charles Joseph Gliniewicz had nothing to do with our hashtag politics about which lives matter. Gliniewicz, whose body was found in a marshy area near Fox Lake, was just a cop who’d been doing his job. And he was killed for it, left stripped of his gear. We have since learned that it was all a hoax or, as the chief investigator put it, “a carefully staged suicide” by the man known as G.I. Joe as he was about to be exposed as a thief who had been stealing funds intended to mentor young people interested in becoming police officers to pay his mortgage, a gym membership, travel and a pornographic website. Kass’ assertion notwithstanding, it was about hashtag politics—it was about denouncing the Black Lives Matter Movement and anyone else interested in holding police accountable for killing unarmed citizens Even though the number of cops losing their lives in the line of duty by firearms is down this year, cops and conservatives have sought to project a different picture in the aftermath of the August 28 murder of Harris County, Texas Deputy Sheriff Darren H. Goforth, who was repeatedly shot in the back of the head at a service station in Cypress, Texas, a Houston suburb. At an Aug. 30 news conference, Harris County Sheriff Ron Hickman said, “We’ve heard Black lives matter, all lives matter. Well, cops’ lives matter, too. So, how about we drop the qualifier and just say lives matter?” Just days later, more than 1,000 miles away,

George E. Curry

Commentary the death of Lt. Joseph Gliniewicz in Illinois brought about increased attacks on the Black Lives Matter Movement and President Obama. Now we know that Gliniewicz was lying when he radioed in that he was in pursuit of three suspects—and African American and two Whites— after he was supposedly shot by them. The resulting manhunt cost more than $300,000. Though Obama had strongly denounced attacks on police, his critics pretended he had never said a word. Media Matters, the watchdog group, noted in a headline: “Fox Figures Demand Obama Make Remarks Condemning Violence Against Police Days After He Did Just That.” O’Reilly Factor producer Jesse Watters said, “There is a war on cops in this country. It’s funny, the liberals care more when a lion is killed as opposed to a cop...I think Democrats have created a monster in this Black Lives Matter situation.” Sean Hannity of Fox said: “The president spoke out in the Trayvon Martin case. Spoke out in the Cambridge police case. Spoke out in the Michael Brown case. Mr. constitutional attorney spoke out without evidence presented in all three of those cases and was wrong in all three. My question is, why, after these incidents of assassinations of cops, why doesn’t he speak out publicly about that and take a strong stand?” Frequent Fox guest Milwaukee County Sheriff David A. Clarke said, “I think the president of the United States—because he weighed into this days after Ferguson with some inflammatory rhetoric, and where he breathed life into this anti-cop sentiment that now exists in the United States.” As Media Matters pointed out, the myth of the ‘Ferguson Effect’—the idea crime has increased because cops are more restrained because of increased scrutiny in the aftermath of episodes of police brutality—has been thoroughly discredited.” Even so, Fox co-host Kimberly Guilfoyle said, cops “don’t want to be arrested or persecuted for just putting on the blue every morning.” But Radley Balko of the Washington Post destroyed such faulty reasoning. “It is true that we’re seeing an awful surge in murders in St. Louis and Baltimore right now. [Heather Mac Donald of the Manhattan Institute] blames this on police reform activists by claiming their rhetoric both emboldens criminals and makes cops either afraid or unwilling to do their jobs,” he wrote on his blog. “On the first point, the implication seems to be that people should just keep quiet in the face of what they perceive to be brutality and injustice, lest it embolden violence against the police... “The second point is more alarming. If police in Baltimore and St. Louis are letting protesters and critics make them too afraid or spiteful to do their jobs, essentially turning their backs to allow people to be robbed and killed, that isn’t a problem with protester or social justice culture, it’s a problem with police culture...” The real problem is that the crew at Fox TV and other conservatives, some running for president, took the easy and popular way out by rallying around police, even when attacks on them are down, all the facts were not yet in and, in the case of Lt. Joe Gliniewicz in Illinois, he was plotting to have a hit put on a city official because he feared she was on to his trail. All of them owe President Obama and the Black Lives Matter Movement an apology. But, like Donald Trump, they are incapable of admitting they are wrong. (George E. Curry is president and CEO of George Curry Media, LLC. He can be reached through his Web site, georgecurry.com.)

NOVEMBER 11-17, 2015

FORUM

Too little focus on drug prevention At the outset of impose lengthy senheroin being Louis ‘Hop’ Kendrick tences, but incarcerdumped in the ation still failed to Black communities stop the growth of the common denomthe dope problem. inator between the The heroin epidemic mob and governis out of control, parment officials was ticularly in White the negative atticommunities, so tude, “it is no big now the entire nadeal let the monkeys tion is crying out, have it.” I write this column from first hand “let’s do something, because it is no longer experience, because I witnessed the intro- just a problem for the monkeys.” It has been proven that jail can’t solve the duction of heroin. Its nickname was “Boy” and nickname for cocaine was “Girl”. The co- dope selling or dope using. The president on caine was too expensive for the everyday down in my estimation makes excuses for person, but heroin was selling for 25 cents, the use of drugs today. He and others simply yes a quarter. There were certain individu- state that the driving factor is that the als, who became well known as drug dealers White community can’t afford prescription even the squares who did not indulge (the drugs and they find it cheaper to buy heroin. majority like me) knew who they were. They I witnessed my nephew die from drugs, my had big bankrolls, pretty women, flashy friends, neighbors and associates. Almost cars, talked loud, set up the bar, some even our entire football team wound up becoming bankrolled neighborhood sport teams. One addicted to drugs. I witnessed people from of their favorite expressions when they every walk of life succumb to the use of bragged about getting arrested was, “so drugs, some became addicts others recrewhat it is worth the risk, the money is long ational users. Preachers, police, athletes, and the time you have to serve is short.” politicians, and I had over the years quesThese were the early years, the dealers tioned those I really knew WHY? To a perknew what lawyers to hire, and the lawyers son they would respond, “I feel good.” The nation’s priority must become a focus would keep postponing the trial until he was scheduled to present the case in front of on prevention, because saying no and incarcertain judges. There was an extended pay- ceration have proven to be an absolute failroll, police, bondsman, district attorneys, ures. How do we do it? At least once a month and judges. I was the co founder of the first I write a column that focus on the rebuildAllegheny County drug squad and I know ing of the family structure. The biological fafirst hand the temptation that police, partic- thers have to be provided with the opportuularly those in narcotics were confronted nities to become “daddy’s.”A structured famwith, but I also knew plenty of them took ily has a better opportunity of instilling in their children a sense of self-worth, of unthe drugs for personal use and the money. There came a period of time that there derstanding that that you can do and bewas a growing outcry about the need to cur- come whomever you choose, can’t is never a tail the trafficking in narcotics, because part of your vocabulary, that nothing is imnow White youths are becoming hooked, possible, materialism is not necessarily true and the only open drug markets in this richness and last but not least is to truly see country even in 2015 exists in our neigh- yourself as somebody and then you will not borhoods, yes Black neighborhoods. The for- require anything synthetic—dope or alcomer President Richard Nixon coined the hol—to make you feel good. It is not easy, phrase “Say No To Dope.” It was inadequate but living is not easy. We must make a comand the dope problem continued to expand. mitment to do everything necessary to win The government now decides to imprison this fight to our families and ourselves. (Louis “Hop” Kendrick is a weekly contributor to those, who were charged with drug dealing. They failed, so the government decided to the Forum Page.)

To Tell The Truth

Decisions at the round table: Superintendent crowned by Johnson Martin, Ph.D

they designed and can prove that the implementation helped students. The reason that the Steelers won for such a long period was because they had coaches who were around for several years. It takes the same length of time as a successful coach to prove your worth as a superintendent. If things are really bad, then the Board must take action, otherwise the Board members should work with the new person and help with development of new programs so that teachers and students will benefit. Changing models and programs are detrimental for everyone. The great Orson Welles once said, “ If I were President of the USA for one day, I would do…”, then he stated what he thought was necessary. Like Welles, if I were president of the school board I would make the following recommendations for a new process in the selection of school superintendent: Once the group of candidates is chosen through the outside search agency, I would have two additional committees of sixseven people on each to work with the school board members. One committee would consist of chosen community leaders who have a history of school involvement. The second group would be made up of retired/former central office directors. These educators are very knowledgeable about how all programs work in schools, and third would be the central committee of the board members. Each committee would independently interview all candidates and communicate periodically with the other committees regarding their opinions about the candidates. These round table meetings will help to narrow the screening process until it’s down to the top few. Although there is input from the additional committees to the public, the Board members will make the final selection with one or two members from the sub committees. In order to keep the public aware of the on going process, a section in the Sunday paper and community bulletins will be used as a public note to keep Pittsburgh citizens informed. There must be strict rules in contacting educators at the candidates’ present school districts so as to not jeopardize their positions. Students can often judge if a school administrator is too autocratic or pleasant enough to listen to their concerns. Perhaps two students should be added to one of the committees. I was in education for 35 years. The last two years were as a consultant to superintendents Mark Roosevelt and Linda Lane. I saw the stress and pain on their faces when programs had to be closed. It is a highly stressful job. In order to bring Pittsburgh back to the days of excellence, we need someone to have the iron will of Queen Elizabeth or the intestinal strength of King Arthur. When reforms show progress and students are improving in challenging courses, only then can the new leader pull the golden pencil from the anvil and stand resolute and shouting, “ I am now proud to be crowned superintendent of the Pittsburgh School District.”

The three most influential positions in the city are police commissioner, mayor and school superintendent. The process for the first two was decided by the voters and an appointed selection committee. Now the taxpayers of the city are faced with a traditional or non traditional process to select the best candidate as their new superintendent of schools. After the criteria are established for the candidates, the Board of Education members will in most cases hire an outside agency to conduct the screening process of all candidates. Whatever the process, the Board makes the final decision. This has been the procedure for many years, not only in Pittsburgh but across the nation. Because some Board members are not totally knowledgeable about all the other ingredients that make schools work, they sometime choose the wrong educator, or one that has to be terminated before the end of the contract. Longevity is the key to making urban school districts improve and stay improved for a substantial period of time. Within the last 14 years, Pittsburgh has had three superintendents, plus two interim leaders. Yes, most superintendents only last two to three years because there are problems with the academic progress of students, mismanagement of budgets and personality differences with Board members. When this happens the students suffer because in this short period of each superintendent’s time, the programs change as new cabinets make decisions on school reform projects. Each previous innovation that worked can be given little attention, or discontinued by the in coming superintendent. He/She might have their own specialty and want to try something that is not fully researched, thereby leading to complete confusion among the school staff. I attended a recent meeting where a panel provided information on the standard process to select Pittsburgh’s new superintendent. I heard nothing new, nor was I happy about who would have the final word on who would be hired. Why should nine Board members, consisting of three with no experience have the only say in the final decision? Citizens throughout the city should have their voices heard when their schools are on the list to be closed and supplemental programs are shut down because of budget cuts. Several school districts are beginning to change their selection process by including selected citizen leaders, or like Philadelphia’s School Reform Commission, a body of city leaders who participate in the screening and selection process. It’s time for Pittsburgh to practice what they preach about community involvement in the selection process. We all know that candidates can present impressive resumes. However, there are so many things to cover that the interviews must be conducted by committees that can ask in-depth educational questions about all phases of school reform. (Johnson Martin, Ph.D is a retired ex. director and The city needs a superintendent that can talk and write about what difficult reforms former principal in the Pittsburgh School District)

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J. Pharoah Doss

Commentary

Cops are ‘murderers’ and ‘failure to comply’ Recently filmmaker Quentin Tarantino called police officers “murderers” at a rally against police brutality in New York, and in South Carolina a deputy sheriff flipped a Black schoolgirl from her desk and arrested her for failure to comply. Tarantino’s remarks riled up police unions because his comments came just days after a fatal shooting of a New York police officer in East Harlem. But Tarantino’s claim brought back a memory. After I graduated high school someone I knew was shot and killed by the police. The police swore the suspect made a threatening gesture and a gun fell from his book bag. But rebuttal testimony on the street said he was murdered. The police were cleared by the courts. But the shooting wasn’t justified to my peers or me. Like Tarantino we declared the police murderers. We were also heavily influenced by the militant strand of “Black leadership” that told us we were public enemy number one. So we had to conduct ourselves with extreme caution when confronted by the police. I remembered this belief I held after I wondered why the schoolgirl didn’t comply, and it reminded me of a time I failed to comply with a police officer. It was after the police shooting I described. I was with a rowdy bunch. It was late at night and we disturbed every bit of peace on the block. It’s understandable why residents called the police, if that was the reason for their sudden arrival. When the police cars sped toward us and stopped some people ran. The police jumped out and chased the runners. The rest of us watched, but the other officers jumped out with their guns drawn. We put our hands up and the police ordered us to the ground. Everyone complied except me. I kept my hands up but I didn’t move because one officer had his gun pointed at my head. (He was a few yards back. But from my point of view I didn’t think he was pointing at the crowd in general.) Of course the officer repeated the order but I wasn’t going to give him a reason to say I made a threatening gesture and shoot. Police are murderers, right? So I failed to comply. And the police handled me just like the schoolgirl in South Carolina, but there was no desk I just got slammed and tossed in the back of a squad car. (This normally happens when you fail to comply. It wasn’t a matter of unnecessary force or excessive force it’s just how an arrest is made.) In front of the magistrate I explained my actions and my belief in extreme caution, but the magistrate thought my actions were unjustified based on her understanding of the psychology of fear. The magistrate asserted that most people that feared for their life at gunpoint do exactly what the gun holder said and my explanation was an excuse for a deliberate act of defiance. She said my noncompliance made me a threat to the police officers which put my life in the exact danger I was trying to avoid. I ignored the magistrate. How was I a threat? I wasn’t a murderer. Then it dawned on me if I failed to comply based on the belief that police were murderers what belief do the police base their actions on, especially when they patrol areas with high murder rates? Who’s afraid of whom? And is the fear based off of personal experience or a misguided belief based on what happened to someone else? Thoreau once wrote, “Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other’s eyes for an instant.” But even that won’t help if both sides dehumanize the other. (J. Pharoah Doss is a contributor to the Forum page. He blogs at jpharoahdoss@blogspot.com)

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NOVEMBER 11-17, 2015

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

New Pittsburgh Courier

Americaʼs underappreciated assets B3

Black Men:

LIFESTYLES NOVEMBER 11-17, 2015

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

celebrates second pastoral anniversary B2

Ebenezer

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Debbie Norrell

Lifestyles Report

Halloween is over There is only one page in your 2015 calendar left after November. The Halloween merchandise is marked down and, if you are like me, you have taken all the left over candy to work so you won’t eat it all. This year, the street seemed to be empty on Halloween night. Where did the children go for treats? I saw their pictures on Facebook in the most unusual costumes. I saw little ones dressed up as Ben Carson wearing stethoscopes and business suits; mini versions of Kat Williams with hair parted down the middle and skinny mustaches; and then there was a miniature Janelle Monae in a black and white outfit with spectator shoes. From what I saw on social media, kids wanted to look like the popular people in the entertainment news. Where were the superheroes and cartoon characters? My great nephew looked like he was a policeman for Halloween. In the city where he lives they do something called treats and trunks. I think I have this right. The parents bring their cars to the parking lot at the school and they open the trunks of their cars and hand out treats from the trunk of the car. Some of the trunks and cars are decorated for Halloween. My great nephew is 5 years old and doesn’t know that he is missing a good old fashioned trick or treat. But hopefully this is a safer Halloween option for the children. What I found more challenging this year was buying good candy. I still wanted to be prepared in case kids did come by and I didn’t want to get caught in a crowd. So I ducked into the local Big Lots, all of the good candy had been picked over. I ended up with a fun size bag of Peanut M’M’s and some crispy chocolate candy. The doorbell didn’t ring once. So now I have candy for my co-workers. I usually like to buy candy that I like to eat and that I’m proud to give out. It makes me happy when the kids are happy. There is nothing worse than an unhappy trick or treater. As far as leftover candy, I have been known to have a piece or two or three. This year I have not opened one piece. I remember the days when we would run out of candy. Halloween is over and now the concentration is on Christmas. The Christmas decorations have been up for over a month is some stores. Halloween is being quickly dismissed at 50 percent off and higher. I don’t need any Christmas decorations, as a matter of fact, I am packing up a box of things I have not used and donating them to the Goodwill. My Christmas decorations will go up after Thanksgiving and may not come down until Valentine’s Day. That makes me laugh every time I think about it. This year I’m doing a story on your Christmas wish list. I would like to know your fantasy gift wish. Send me an email and remember keep it clean people. (Email the columnist at debbienorrell@aol.com)

HONOREES—In no order, Norman Matthews, Anna Matthews, Glenna Davis and Geneva Black.

THE ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE—JoAnn Robinson, Donna Manns, Tina Miles and Sherdina Hill (Photos by Debbie Norrell)

Second Baptist of Homestead celebrates 110 years by Debbie Norrell Courier Staff Writer

In 1905, a gallon of gas was 20 cents, a gallon of milk was 29 cents and Second Baptist Church was established at 226 Sixth Ave, in Homestead. Second Baptist would recognize many milestones in the years to come and on March 7, 1971, Rev. Donald P. Turner was installed as pastor. The Teens for Christ, Wednesday Night Bible Study, New Membership Classes and the Senior Birthday Program were implemented. On Oct. 3 and 4, Second Baptist Church celebrated 110 years during multiple services with members and friends praising the Lord in song featuring Voices for Christ and held a fellowship dinner at Ministry Hall. The Ministry Hall is located on the property the church purHONOREES—In no order, Arcema Jones, Shirley Jiles, James Jiles Sr. and Lucille Murdock. chased in 2002. At that dinner, members of the church that had reached the age of 3 score and 10 (70 years of age and older) were honored and Rev. Donald P. Turner and his wife, Jean Turner, were there to witness the honors. Reverend Turner spoke of the 44 years that he has experienced as THE PASTOR AND FIRST LADY—Jean Turner pastor of and Rev. Donald P. Turner Second BapHONOREES—In no order, Doli Panfill, Pauletta Galloway, Mary Jenkins, Joan Snead, Lovell Keith, tist, saying that time has been a tremendous blessing William Huggins and Leroy Gilliard. and nothing short of a miracle. The Mayor of Homestead, Betty Esper was also recognized during the fellowship dinner. Mayor Esper said she was honored and surprised, and felt like a member of the Second Baptist Church family. Second Baptist Church is now located at 108 W. 12th St., in Homestead, and Pastor Turner says the best is yet to come.

HONOREES—Dolores Fisher, Diane Bagley, Lorene Skipwith, Wanda Burwell (a member of one of the original Second Baptist families), Mamie Ford and Ellsworth Ford.

THE MAYOR OF HOMESTEAD—Betty Esper

HONOREES—Hazel Jenkins, Lilly Williams, Rachel Jones, Joseph Backers, Juanita King, Nora Morant, Yvonne Boswell and Norma Freeman

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RELIGION

NOVEMBER 11-17, 2015 NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Praise & Worship

Church Circuit

HILLCREST SEVENTH-DAY ADVANTIST CHURCH

Pastoral Anniversary

2340 Wylie Ave., Pgh., PA 15219 412-391-4334 412-566-8787

NOV. 11—Clark Memorial Baptist Church, 1301 Glenn St., Homestead, will host its Pastoral Anniversary Celebration at 7 p.m. Through Nov. 13, Rev. James Burwell will be honored for his 19 years of service to the church and community. The theme is “The Year of Expectation.” Guest preachers include Bishop Linwood Lewis, Pastor Keith Moncrief and Rev. Dr. Lola Thorpe. The event will culminate on Nov. 15 with an 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. worship service featuring Rev. Gilbert Duncan and Rev. Donald Turner. For more information, call Patti Dobbs at 412-867-8615.

“Be Encouraged”

Elder Christopher C. Thompson Power Hour Sabbath...............8:15 A.M. Sabbath School........................9:00 A.M. Divine Worship......................11:00 A.M. AYS One Hour Before Sunset Prayer Meeting Wednesday......7:30 P.M.

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

METROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH 22 Sampsonia Street, Northside Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412-231-2554 FAX 412-231-6395 Rev. Lacy F. Richardson, Ph.D., Pastor

DEACONS ENJOYING THE CELEBRATION.

Ebenezer celebrates second pastoral anniversary

Church Schoo..................................9:30 A.M. Worship Service.................8:00 & 10:45 A.M. Bible Study/ Prayer Wednesday...................6:30/7:30 P.M.

NOV. 12—New Zion Baptist Church, 1434 Juniata St., Manchester, will host its 100th Church Anniversary. The theme will be “Don’t let the rain put out the fire.” The church, under the direction of Rev. Dr. Samuel Williams Jr., will celebrate a century of service to the community. Through Nov. 15, the church will welcome guest preachers that include Rev. B. DeNeice Welch, Rev. Eleanor Williams and Rev. Brenda Gregg. All are welcome. For more information, call 412-3223838.

SIXTH MOUNT ZION BAPTIST CHURCH 6556 Shetland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206 (412) 441-7839 9:00 a.m. 10:15 a.m. 6:00 p.m.

East Liberty Presbyterian Church Rev. Dr. Randy Bush, Semior Pastor 412-441-3800

Fall Bazaar

NOV. 14—Aspinwall Presbyterian Church, 229 Center Ave., Aspinwall, will host a Fall Bazaar from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. The event will include food, books, coats, jewelry, toys, kitchenware, Christmas items and more. There will also be a Chinese Auction. For more information, call 412-781-2884 or visit www.aspinwallchurch. org.

116 S. Highland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206

www.cathedralofhope.com

Journey Worship........8:45 a.m. Sanctuary Worship.......11 a.m.

Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community For rate information, call 412-4818302, ext. 128. We are looking to feature

NOV. 12—The Board of Directors of Geneva College’s Center for Urban Biblical Ministry will host the 2015 Pastor’s Meet & Greet from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at 7418 Penn Ave., East Liberty. Reservations are requested. For more information, call Rev. Helen Jackson at 412247-9010 or email Carla Lovelace at clovelace@cubm.org.

100th Anniversary

www.metropolitanbaptistchurch.com metropolitanbaptist2224@gmail.com

Church School Worship Service Wednesday Night Bible Study

Pastor’s Meet & Greet

SURROUNDED BY FAMILY—Ebenezer Baptist Church, located at 2001 Wylie Ave., in the historic Hill District, hosted the 2nd Pastoral Anniversary Celebration of Rev. Dr. Vincent K. Campbell. The two-day celebration included a banquet in the church’s banquet hall and a worship service the following day. The guest speaker was Bishop Loran Mann of Pentecostal Temple COGIC in East Liberty. Pictured above, Rev. Campbell with his wife Jamie, holding baby, and the rest of their children. (Photos by Gail Manker)

Community Breakfast

NOV. 14—Solid Rock Foundation Ministries of Pittsburgh, 435 Broadway Street Ext., Carnegie, will host a Free Community Breakfast from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. All are welcome. For more information, call 412-278-3411.

Music on the Hill

NOV. 14—Beulah Presbyterian Church, 2500 McCrady Rd., Churchill, will host its Music on the Hill Concert at 4 p.m. The theme is “The Great Composers: Celebrating 330 Years of Classical Music.” The works of Bach, Handel and Scarlatti will be featured. Following the concert, an Oktoberfest in November supper will be served. For more information, call 412242-4570.

Church Anniversary

CELEBRATION CO-CHAIRS

REV. CAMPBELL WITH YOUNGEST MEMBER OF THE FAMILY.

NOV. 14—New Grace Missionary Baptist Church, 566 Brushton Ave., Homewood, will host its 50th Church Anniversary Celebration Banquet from 5-10 p.m. at Olympia Banquet Hall, 1575 Electric Ave., Turtle Creek. On Nov. 15, Overseer L.C. Carter of King of Kings Ministries along with his choir and congregation will be the special guests of the 3:30 p.m. worship service. For more information, call Donita Watt at 412-609-7100.

Worship Concert

our positive youth in the church communities. You can e-mail, fax or mail their bios and photo to: New Pittsburgh Courier 315 E. Carson St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Fax: 412-481-1360 email: egaines@newpittsburghcourier.com

NOV. 14—The Greater Allegheny Chorale Chapter will host an Evening of Extreme Worship at 5 p.m. at Sixth Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 5556 Shetland Ave., East Liberty. The concert will feature Parrish Davenport & the Family and Friends Fellowship Choir as well as special guest, the Disciples of Mime. For more information, call 412-849-5220 or 412-247-5434.

Youth Day

NOV. 15—Antioch Baptist Church, 332 Elizabeth St., Sewickley, will host its annual Youth Day at 10:45 a.m. The guest speaker will be Rev. Ronnell Hunt of Second Baptist Church in New Castle, Pa. Dinner will be served after the service. All are welcome. For more information, call 412-741-7688.

(To have items listed on the Church Circuit, send information at least two weeks in advance to: 315 E. Carson St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219; Fax: 412-481-1360 or e-mail: newsroom@newpittsburghcourier.com.)

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

PEOPLE

NEW URBAN LEAGUE GUILD OFFICERS—On Oct.11, the Urban League Guild of Greater Pittsburgh swore in its new officers at Esther L. Bush’s home. The new officers are: Ronald A. King, president; Bernard Johnson, vice president; Marcus Flournoy, treasurer; Gay Velar, parliamentarian; Deb Campbell, recording secretary; Ruth Cox, financial secretary: and Regina Johnson, liaison. Above photo, seated, from left: Cox, Bush, president and CEO of Urban League, and Velar. Standing, from left: King, Flournoy, Campbell and Bernard Johnson. (Photo by J.L. Martello)

Black Men: America’s underappreciated assets What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Black males in the United States? That’s the question social entrepreneur Trabian Shorters would like more Americans to ask themselves. “I’d follow that question with another: Is it good?– Because too often, the first thing people conjure up in their minds is an outdated, negative stereotype,” said Shorters, founder and CEO of BMe Community, a net-

TRABIAN SHORTERS work of all races and genders committed to building better communities across the U.S. inspired by Black men. Shorters contends that defining any group by their challenges is the definition of ‘stigmatizing’ them and can cause you to relate to them in prejudiced ways that blind you to their contributions. “BMe’s work is not about saving Black men,” said Shorters who also is co-editor with Ben Jealous of the book, “Reach—40 Black Men Speaking on Living, Leading and Succeeding” (www.Reachwithus.com). “It’s about recognizing Black men’s everyday contributions to the wellbeing of society; and building America’s future based upon positive values that we all share. In the distorted dialog about race we forget that we all value good schools, safe streets, a strong economy and a healthy environment. The 18,000 members of the BMe Community do their part every day to secure those blessings for others.” Shorters suggests a few steps that could lead to a change in perspective about Black men. •Know the facts: There are far more Black males in colleges than in prisons. Black men serve this country in uniform at a higher rate than all other men, according to the U.S. Army.

The rate of business creation by Black males has been growing at nearly twice the national average for more than a decade, according to the U.S. Census. According to the National Institutes of Health, Black men who live with their children are the most likely to bathe, dress, diaper and interact with them daily. Also, Black men who do not live with their children are the most likely to still maintain contact even after remarrying. •Update the narrative: Shorters and others connected to BMe Community, including Ben Jealous, Russell Simmons and philanthropic leaders across the country, believe that a more consistent and authentic portrayal of black men’s love for creativity, community, commerce and country will inspire progress. “People only remember the statistics that reinforce what they already wanted to believe, but meaningful stories and experiences have the power to change minds,” he says. “That’s why we’re spotlighting an abundance of untold stories through our book, events, web content and community-enriching activities that people of any race or gender can join in.” •Make use of our assets: President Obama recently said that investing in young Black men isn’t charity; it’s lucrative. “The president is absolutely correct about the necessity to value all people and invest in Black males as assets,” said Shorters, who, as vice president of the John S. & James L. Knight Foundation, consulted in the formation of Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper Alliance for boys and men of color. “BMe actually goes a step further than the White House on this subject in that we don’t believe it’s a matter of closing gaps. There are 33 countries better at math education and 26 better in science education than the US, according to a 2015 Pew Report. If Black boys caught up to White boys, then we would all be 26th in the world together. Black boys need to be focused on excellence; White boys do, too, and each and all children deserve the opportunity to pursue their greatness.” (Trabian Shorters is co-editor with Benjamin Jealous of the 2015 bestselling book “Reach: 40 Black Men Speaking on Living, Leading and Succeeding” (www.Reachwithus.com), and he is founding CEO of BMe Community, a national network of all races and genders committed to building better communities across the U.S.)

NOVEMBER 11-17, 2015

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LEGAL EXCELLENCE HONORS—Classic Events held its Legal Excellence Dinner, Oct. 30, at the DoubleTree Hotel in Monroeville. State Senator Jay Costa was the master of ceremonies. Pictured are the honored guests. Awardees seated, from left are: Elizabeth Pittinger, Judge Livingstone Johnson and attorney Rosemary Crawford. Standing, from left: Awardees attorney Marc Daffner, District Attorney Stephan Zappala III, standing in for his father, Stephan Zapala Jr., attorney Turahn Jenkins, and Ralph Watson, founder of Classic Events. (Photo by J.L. Martello)

ENTERTAINER New Pittsburgh Courier

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NOVEMBER 11-17, 2015

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

Cover To Cover

‘Buffalo Soldiers’

by Terri Schlichenmeyer For New Pittsburgh Courier

Your family is filled with people to whom you look up. There’s Grandpa, who served in the war. Grandma, who raised many children with little money. Your uncle, another veteran overseas; and both your parents, who keep you fed and safe. You look up to all of them but imagine how high you’d have to look if they were on horseback, and then read “Buffalo Soldiers: Heroes of the American West” by Brynn Baker. At the beginning of the Civil War, many freedmen and recent-runaway slaves tried to enlist in the army to fight for the North. There were laws against that kind of thing then, but after the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, the Union Army was open to former slaves, who fought in segregated units. Says Baker, “By the time the war ended in 1865, about 186,000 Black soldiers had joined the Union Army.” Twenty-five of them were awarded the Medal of Honor for bravery in battle and so, seeing that African Americans made fine soldiers, Congress “reorganized the army” to create six “all-Black regiments” (later reduced to four) and sent them to patrol the Western territories on foot or by horse. They were called Buffalo Soldiers, although nobody knows exactly why. Segregation was still the law of the land then, but being a Buffalo Soldier was a way to make a living while also gaining “the respect of White men.” Riding on horseback, the Buffalo Soldiers kept the peace in a lawless Western frontier. Relations between settlers and Native Americans were shaky and the Soldiers helped eliminate disputes. They were assigned to fix forts, help local sheriffs uphold the law, and guard mail carriers. While doing their jobs, they mapped the new territories and took note of the wildlife they often encountered. There was adventure, but the job was “challenging” too; housing was usually poor, food was sometimes lacking, while battle and disease also took its toll. Buffalo Soldiers often worked with second-rate equipment and broken-down horses. Still, they “took their jobs seriously and served with honor,” and eight states can thank their existence, in part, to “the Buffalo Soldiers’ service to their country.” Dates and names. Does your child think that history consists just of those two sometimes-boring things? Show him that there are lively stories behind those names and dates by giving him “Buffalo Soldiers.” With plenty of pictures and sidebars, Baker puts history into perspective by explaining, in child-friendly terms, how Black men (and at least one woman) helped settle the West at a time when African Americans sometimes struggled for the chance to own property themselves. Baker furthermore shows how Native American history is intertwined with that of the Soldiers, and it’s told in an engaging, almost story-like way that I think kids will enjoy. For 9- to 12-year-olds, this is a great introduction to a sometimes-overlooked facet of history and it might spur them to delve even further into the topic.

MON YOUGH PATIENCES

310 Recording Studio charity event for autism by Paige K. Mitchell For New Pittsburgh Courier

The 310 Recording Studio recently held a charity event for those in the community living with autism. The recording studio found it important to not only raise awareness about autism, but to also extend love and support to those living with the disorder. “The idea for the event came about when we received a call from an employee of Mon Yough who was looking for a recording studio to allow their patients to experience being in a recording studio environment. She also explained to our company that no other studio would allow them access. Instantly, I knew this was an opportunity to help and I wanted my studio to be a part of it,” 310 Recording Studio Owner/Producer Van Taylor Jr. said. About 1 percent of the world’s population has autism, meaning 1 in 68 child births are diagnosed with autism. It is quickly becoming more and more relevant within our families, neighborhoods and schools; and it is important that we are educated and support the cause. It was brought to Taylor’s attention that several patients from Mon Yough were musically inclined and aspired to have the chance to work in a real live studio. “We believe if an hour or two of our day could make someone’s dream come true, it would be well worth it,” Taylor said The event took place during the evening of Sept. 14, at the 310 Recording Studio location in Monroeville at 204 Kenmar Dr., Suite 3. This event provided those who attended an opportunity of a lifetime, allowing everyone the chance to record a song in the studio with a music producer. “I then mixed and mastered every song before they left,” Taylor said. Each person then received their own disc with their song that they had recorded on it. The 310 Recording Studio also provided Mon Yough with disc copies, retaining all of the songs that were recorded at the event. “I have watched Van Taylor Jr. start this recording studio from the ground up, and I’m proud of him. The event was a success, but more importantly... touching and heart felt. The happiness throughout the event was something I will never forget,” event attendee Shantelle Renee (“Buffalo Soldiers: Heroes of the said. American West” by Brynn Baker, “After I quit my job to c.2016, Capstone Press, $26.65/ dedicate all of my time to higher in Canada, 32 pages.) building this businesses

A DREAM COME TRUE

VAN TAYLOR JR.

WAITING FOR THEIR TURN

I began to have doubts,” Taylor said. “I worked in it and I made good money. Well needless to say I don’t see a check every week any more. Up until the day of this I had wandered if I had moved a little too soon by quitting my job but after the first young lady, Kaylee, finished recording her song, she exited the vocal booth crying, saying it was always her dream to do this. I realized then that if I hadn’t been a risk taker, this would have still been a dream to many. That day meant more to me than any money I could have earned.” This was the first time 310 Recording Studio has hosted an event like this, but Taylor is looking forward to holding another event similar to this in the future.

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

NOVEMBER 11-17, 2015

ARTS & CULTURE

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November Thursday 12 Black Voices in the Arts The University of Pittsburgh Art Gallery presents “Exposure: Black Voices in the Arts” from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Frick Fine Arts Building, 650 Schenley Dr., Oakland. This student curated exhibition shines light on the issue of Black artists being underrepresented in national museums while celebrating the artwork of local Black artists. In this exhibit, the artists use a broad range of media and evoke diverse experiences and unique creative perspectives. Some of the artists included are James Edward White, Frank Floyd Hightower, Tina Williams Brewer, Thaddeus Mosley, Jo-Ann Bates, and others. The exhibition will run through Dec. 11. For more information, call 412-648-2400.

Friday 13 Keepers of the Flame

‘Empire’ soundtrack to be released (New York, NY; Columbia Records)—The mega hit show “Empire” is pleased to announce “Empire: Original Soundtrack, Season 2 Volume 1,” the follow up to Season 1’s chart-topping soundtrack, available Nov. 20. The release features songs from the first half of Season 2 and showcases cast members Jussie Smollett (Jamal Lyon) and Yazz (Hakeem Lyon), alongside Terrence Howard (Lucious Lyon) and guest stars Timbaland, Pitbull, Alicia Keys, Bre Z, V. Bozeman and Serayah. The soundtrack was produced by Timbaland, NE-YO, J.R. Rotem and Swizz Beatz. “Empire: Original

Soundtrack, Season 2 Volume 1” is available for pre-order now. The soundtrack will include multiple stand-out songs such as the upbeat party track “No Doubt About It,” the emotional ballad “Born To Love U,” the club anthem “Bout 2 Blow,” and the duet by Jussie and Alicia Keys “Powerful.” The digital deluxe version of “Empire: Original Soundtrack from Season 2 Volume 1” features eight additional songs. “Empire: Original Soundtrack from Season 1” was released in March 2015 and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200

chart, making history as the first soundtrack to debut atop the Billboard R&B/Hip Hop chart. To date, the soundtrack has sold over 2 million singles and is approaching half a million albums. The Lyon brothers brought the music to life performing hits from the soundtrack on the 2015 Billboard Music Awards, “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” “Good Morning America,” “American Idol,” the Teen Choice Awards, the BET Awards and “The View.” The original soundtrack from Season 1 received its first nomination for “Top Soundtrack” at the 2015 American Music Awards.

Legacy Arts Project Inc. presents the 9th Annual Keepers of the Flame Awards at 6 p.m. at the Hill House Association Kaufmann Auditorium, 1835 Centre Ave., Hill District. The 2015 Keepers of the Flame honorees are Leslie Braswell, Oliver Byrd, Henry Gaston, George Jones, Charlotte Ka, and Dr. Anthony and Iya Beatrice Mitchell. The award pays tribute to elders who’ve left a trail through their lifelong contribution in the works of art they create. For more information, call 412-452-3847 or visit www.legacyartsproject.org.

The Piano Lesson The Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company presents “The Piano Lesson” at 8 p.m. at the August Wilson Center, 980 Liberty Ave., Cultural District. This award-winning play is the fourth to be written and produced by August Wilson. Set in 1936, the play deals with family conflict, the remnant legacy of slavery with an incorporation of the supernatural and spiritual. Performances will run through Nov. 21. For more information, visit www.playwrights.com.

Saturday 14 Pop-Up Museum Duquesne University Students present “Our Hill, Our Home, Our Stories: Collecting Our Neighbor-

hood” from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Blakey Center, 1908 Wiley Ave., Hill District. This pop-up museum serves as a repository for art objects and stories related to the Hill District. Duquesne graduate public history students have curated this exhibition. This is a two-day event that will run Nov.13-14. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ ourhillourhome.

Sunday 15 Jazz Guitar Ensemble Duquesne University’s Mary Pappert School of Music presents the Jazz Guitar Ensemble featuring Mark Koch at 7:30 p.m. at Duquesne University, Genesius Theater, 600 Forbes Ave., Uptown. This is a free concert. For more information, call 412-396-6083 or visit www.duq.edu/musicevents.

Monday 16 Savoy Jazz

Savoy Restaurant presents Savoy Jazz Mondays from 5-9 p.m. at 2623 Penn Ave., Strip District. Every Monday guests can enjoy live jazz in a sophisticated atmosphere by some of the city’s most talented jazz performers. The featured entertainer will be Spanky Wilson and the Roger Humphries Trio. The attire is business casual. For more information, call 412-281-0660 or visit www.savoypgh.com.

Tuesday 17 Community Awards Manchester Bidwell Corporation presents the 2015-2016 Jesse W. Fife Jr. Fabric of Our Community Awards Reception from 5:30-8 p.m. at Bidwell Training Center, 1815 Metropolitan St., Manchester. The awards will honor Braskem America, the Dignity & Respect Campaign and Michael J. Romano. For more information, call Ellen Mixon at 412-323-4000 ext. 163.

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NOVEMBER 11-17, 2015

PEOPLE

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

THE LATE BURRELL BROWN

BROWN HONORED AT STATE CAPITOL—It is said that a person who is considered a legend is famous or important because they’ve done something extremely well. It is also said that a legacy is a gift or heritage bequeathed or transferred. The legend of attorney Burrell Brown, of Clairton, and his legacy was emphasized and acknowledged at the State Capital in Harrisburg. The House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania honored the memory of Brown by presenting a Condolence Resolution to his wife, Anita, and an entourage of family members. Brown was a tenured professor of business at California State University of Pennsylvania where he taught classes and conducted research in the areas of ethics, law and labor relations until his untimely death earlier this year. A respected union leader, he served the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties in numerous capacities and was affiliated with numerous other civic, professional and church organizations. Pictured above, Anita Brown, center, is surrounded by family and friends. (Photo and copy courtesy of Jackie McDonald)

MARGARET SMITH WASHINGTON

80th BIRTHDAY PARTY—Margaret Smith Washington was chauffeured from her home to her exclusive 80th birthday celebration, where she was escorted in by two gentlemen who were on the planning committee. Friends saluted her with surprise tributes, music, poetry, dancing and well deserved accolades. Her friends and family were present to honor her in a classy and personally manner at the Encore Event Design in Pittsburgh. She is a woman who has touched many through her professionalism, Christianity, workforce experience, church and neighborhood. People from all walks of her life were present to honor her. Pictured above, Margaret Smith Washington, holding microphone, gives a heartfelt thanks for the sign of love and support. (Photos by J.L. Martello)

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Overtime

BUSINESS NOVEMBER 11-17, 2015

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Five things to know about home insurance coverage What would happen if your home was damaged or broken into? Average insurance claims range from about $3,600 for theft to over $37,000 for fire or lightning damage, according to ISO, an insurance industry analytics company. When you’re making decisions about your home insurance coverage, the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants recommends keeping this advice in mind. It’s smart to shop around Even if your mortgage lender recommends an insurer, you may want to consider checking out three to five other companies’ premiums to be sure you get the best deal. Read the policies carefully to confirm that they are comparable, and be sure the seemingly less expensive options provide all the coverage you need. Compare their prices and, if available, consumer reviews. There may be considerable price differences, for example, between policies that offer replacement value (which covers the expense of rebuilding a similar home or replacing your possessions at current prices) and actual cost value (which reimburses you what it will take to replace your home after subtracting depreciation). Be sure to ask for discounts When evaluating insurance companies, find out if your top choices offer discounts for steps you take to make your home more secure. These steps might include installing alarm systems; dead bolt locks; updated heating, wiring and electrical systems; smoke detectors and sprinklers; or having well-maintained stairs, driveways, and sidewalks. You might even get a discount for a roof made with a sturdier level of material. If you already have a policy and undertake an improvement or update that makes it less likely your home will suffer damage, theft, or a liability claim, be sure to contact your insurer and ask about a discount. Additionally, if you’ve been claim-free for a number of years, or a longtime customer of your insurer, then you may qualify for other discounts. Create a home inventory If your home suffers significant damage, would you be able to list all the items lost? After building up a wide range of possessions over the years, this may be a difficult task. Only about 50 percent of homeowners have a list, according to the Insurance Information Institute, but an up-to-date home inventory is something that can be extremely valuable in establishing your claim. The list should include your belongings and their value based on receipts or other documentation available, and should be supplemented with photographs. Keep the list in a fire-proof safe or safe deposit box along with other important documents—including your insurance policy information and agent contact details—and consider storing a copy with a trusted friend or relative so it’s easily available when you need it. Review your policy regularly Checking the fine print at least once a year ensures that you’ll have full coverage for new purchases or home additions. If you have floaters addressing items not covered in the base policy, such as expensive jewelry, artwork, or technology, use this reSEE INSURANCE C2

A MODEL FOR CONFIDENCE—Surrounded by the range of wigs she offers at A Hair Boutique, owner LaToya Johnson-Rainey displays her first book. (Photo by Diane I. Daniels)

A Hair Boutique celebrates two years by Diane I. Daniels For New Pittsburgh Courier

In a two-hour period as clients entered for, and exited from, their appointments at A Hair Boutique Shadyside, 5510 Centre Ave., comments of satisfaction and expressions of joy seemed to be contagious. “I am so glad I came here. Tonya has helped me find the perfect wig and style that I feel comfortable and confident in,” said a mid-30 age client from Millvale. “Tonya makes me feel good about myself. I trust her. She is patient, caring and understanding,” said a client from Baldwin in the 60s age range. Celebrating two years in business, LaToya Johnson-Rainey is just as excited now, as she was Oct. 21, 2013 when she opened the doors to her shop. Staying true to her mission to have women feel beautiful by restoring their confidence and empowering women and girls she points out that the women she has assisted have also helped her. “I am blessed to be here.” Johnson-Rainey describes her boutique as a wig shop that provides quality wigs, compassionate service, and a premium experience. “We specialize in wig services for hair loss, thinning, modesty, and fashion,” she said. Incorporating lessons she has learned since opening, her current focus is to provide affordable high end wigs consisting of hi grade synthetics, human hair, blended and heat resistant hair. “When I first started I catered to anyone who wore a wig which had my prices at all ends of the scale,” she said she carries wigs ranging from $200 to $3000 for custom made. Even though the boutique is open Monday through Saturday, Johnson-Rainey said the

business operates by appointment only, which provides the opportunity to offer private and educational consultations. A lesson learned from the experience of operating the boutique, she and her husband Dwayne have rearranged the shop in a way that provides each client privacy and personal attention. Pleased with the growth and development of the business within the two-year time frame Johnson-Rainey said she has gained valuable insight from her clients. “They have taught me to listen and follow their lead. That there is a balance between compassion and profit. “I also have discovered how to find a balance between business and my personal life. While operating a business it takes a lot of time and effort, but there has to be a disconnection from them” Based on her experience, her advice to startup and fledgling entrepreneurs is to be specific with and to learn their target market. “Research is important and learning to stay in your lane is key.” She also suggests building a strong report and developing personal relationships with customers. “Good customer relations brings repeat customers and assists in retention.” A product of a family of entrepreneurs, Johnson-Rainey credits their dedication to building strong relationships with their clients and earning their trust and loyalty as teaching her to poses compassion, understanding, creativity, innovation, and a desire to make everyone feel beautiful from the inside out. From an early age she remembers watching her mother, a hair stylist transform women’s attitudes once their appearance improved. “After years of working with my family’s beauty supply business “Sisters” I

realized that there was a niche for an intimate place where women could shop for wigs and learn about wig care.” With cancer awareness month recently ending, Johnson-Rainey said she strives to continuously focus on the disease throughout the year. She receives referrals from UPMC hospitals including the Hillman Cancer Center, takes referrals from salon owners, and works with Hair Peace Charities, the African American Support Group, Our Club House and the Allegheny Health Network. “When a woman experiences hair loss it can threaten her confidence, sexuality, and her persona. It is my duty to provide them with hope to regain that confidence,” she said. The co-author of The Hair Commandments: Shalls and Shall Nots of Wigs, Weaves, and Natural Hair with C. Nathaniel Brown, Johnson-Rainey provides hair tips and resources from the combined point of view of hair stylists, dermatologists, beauty suppliers, distributors, and her clients. She said the book offers an unbiased approach that helps the readers make wiser choices for their hair while saving time and money. She describes the book as including chilling testimonies from some of the most influential women in the beauty industry that inspires and motivates the reader. When answering what is next for A Hair Boutique, Johnson-Rainey said she aims to continuously work with her clients to boost their confidence and to provide educate on how to properly care for and maintain their wigs. But what she is looking forward to the most is traveling to areas that don’t have stores and offer services like hers. “People SEE BOUTIQUE C2

More homeowners ditching real estate brokers by Les Christie For New Pittsburgh Courier

(CNN)—Bolstered by the housing recovery, a growing number of homeowners are going it alone when selling their homes hoping to save thousands of dollars in commissions. The hot housing market in Cambridge, Mass., gave Jon LaRosa the confidence to sell his condo on his own. So in late May, the 34year-old freelance IT worker listed it for $429,000 on ForSaleByOwner.com and scheduled an open house for the weekend. “I figured that even if I sold it for $5,000 less…I was still making out well,” he said. In the next week or so, more than 100 people came to see the place. LaRosa received seven offers and sold for $450,000, closing the deal by mid-July. Not only did LaRosa get much more than he asked for, but he only had to pay a 2 percent commission—of $9,000—to the buyer’s agent. That’s instead of the roughly $22,500 in commissions he would have had to pay if he had a broker. Broker commissions typically range from about 5 percent to 6 percent of the sale price, or about $10,000 to $12,000 on an average sale of $200,000.

Usually, about half the commission goes to the listing (or seller’s) agent and the brokerage they work for. These agents get paid to put the home on the Multiple Listing Service so agents who represent buyers see the home and bite. They also host open houses and help in negotiations once bids are

on the table. The other half of the commission goes to the buyer’s agent and their brokerage. “I think the pay structure is out of whack,” said LaRosa. “I don’t think agents put in $22,500 worth of work.” A growing number of homeowners agree. They have turned to

sites like Zillow and ForSaleByOwner to help them navigate the process on their own. Such sites offer up information on things like comparable sales and neighborhood data, enabling sellers to price and market their homes better. Sellers can also post photos and descriptions online, reaching

exponentially more house hunters than they would have in the past. “Zillow has opened up the market, becoming the consumer multiple listing service,” said Donald Van Dyne, who developed iGOfsbo, who developed a website to connect sellers with buyers and their agents. ForSaleByOwner’s site, which has been around since 1999, has seen listings spike 14% in the past year, according to general manager Eddie Tyner. Part of that increase has to do with the housing recovery. “Historically, for sale by owner [deals] ebb and flow with the shown it to three prospective buyers and by July 20, she had accepted an offer for the full asking price. If Stanley had hired a broker she would have had to pay $9,000 in commissions. But instead, she ended up paying the buyer’s agent a small commission, saving herself close to $6,000. Sellers say they also go it alone because they want more control of the deal. Tara and Brent Anderson didn’t want to rush the sale of their three-bedroom Dallas home, which they listed for $500,000. “Real estate agents are willing to take a lower price to make a quick sale, but that would cost me a lot SEE HOMEOWNERS C2

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Know about insurance coverage CONTINUED FROM C1

view to decide whether you need to increase, lower, or cancel the floater based on changing values. Factor in Insurance Costs When Buying a Home Just as some home improvements can lower your insurance costs, there are situations that can raise them. Being in a flood plain or in an earthquake-prone area are examples. They will require additional coverage, so it’s worthwhile to ask about the possible need for other insurance when you’re buying a home. A CLUE (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange) report details a home’s loss history, including claims made and loss types and amounts. They are only available to homeowners, but consider asking for one before buying a new place. Your CPA can hHelp Your local CPA has extensive experience helping people address important financial issues. Be sure to turn to him or her with all your financial questions. To find a CPA by location or area of expertise, as well as other resources, visit www.picpa.org/moneyandlife.

Homeowners ditching real estate brokers

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

BUSINESS

The economic gospel of churches (GEORGE CURRY MEDIA)—On Dec. 3, the Collective Empowerment Group, formerly known as the Collective Banking Group of Prince George’s County and Vicinity, will celebrate a milestone achievement: Its 20th anniversary. The CEG was established in 1995 by 21 churches in response to discrimination and mistreatment by banks, some of which had financed church buildings but subsequently refused to make loans for renovations and business development. Instead of wringing their hands, whining, and begging the banks to change, Jonathan Weaver, pastor of Greater Mt. Nebo A.M.E. Church, rallied a few of his fellow ministers to respond appropriately to those banks. They used their collective leverage — the members of their respective congregations — to obtain reciprocity from the banks that they chose to be “in covenant” with. Banks began to “compete” for the churches’ business by coming to the leaders of the CEG to make their presentations. In other words, the banks did not interview the churches, the churches interviewed the banks. Important to note are the reciprocal relationships that evolved from the initiative of the churches and their refusal to continue doing business as usual. Both sides won. The banks understood the value of being in what was called a “covenant relationship” with this newly-formed dynamic group, and the churches understood the leverage they had by working collectively and cooperatively, across theological persuasions, toward business solutions for their members. The CBG became the CEG as a result of its growth from 21 churches to nearly 150 churches, comprising 175,000 members and its desire to involve itself in other business relationships. The CEG’s aim was to be more holistic in its approach to the myriad of issues affecting the daily

progress we would make if hundreds and even thousands more Black churches throughout this country would form CEG chapters and replicate what has been done in the original chapter and now in other local chapters. After all, as Willie Sutton once said, “That’s where the [Black] money is.” Although I have written several newspaper columns about the CEG, lives of Black people. As a result of CBG leadership recognizing the pos- I never tire of doing so because it has done such great work in the sibilities of doing even more busiarea of economic empowerment. ness with other retailers, i.e. furniture stores, carpet outlets, and orga- And because I hear so many of our nizations involved in health, politics, brothers and sisters asking, “What insurance, professional services, and are the churches doing?“ I am compelled to share CEG with any and supplies, the name was changed to all who will listen. Many churches reflect the organization’s broader scope of service. Not-for-profit enti- across the country are doing some fantastic things on an individual ties were also invited to work with basis; that cannot be denied. The the CEG, again creating mutually beneficial relationships and opportu- CEG demonstrates what can be done collectively, and it graphically nities not ordinarily available. illustrates that there is, indeed, The CEG Strategic Partners, power in numbers. I am thrilled to mostly small business owners and have the opportunity to write about service providers, not only gain acthis outstanding organization, and I cess to the individual members of will continue to sing its praises for the CEG with whom they can do spreading the gospel of economic business, they respond by offering empowerment. discounts and other special considYou can celebrate with the CEG erations to the CEG members. Havand learn more about how it began ing helped start a chapter of the and what it is doing now by attendCEG in Cincinnati, Ohio, I can personally attest to the benefits offered ing their 20th anniversary gala in Bowie, Md. For more information, by CEG Strategic Partner busigo to nesses. www.collectiveempowermentgroup.o Innovative, practical, bold, and rg or call 301/ 699 8449. beneficial are just a few words that Kudos, congrats, and bravos to the describe the CEG, its leadership, CEG, its visionary pastor Jonathan and individual members and partners. CEG churches do not continue Weaver, and its current leadership, to complain about how they are mis- President Anthony G. Maclin and treated despite spending significant Executive Director Diane H. Johnson. Just as important are all of amounts with businesses and dethose who followed their lead, lopositing large sums of money into banks that do not reciprocate. CEG cally and nationally, to establish what has now become a two churches take the issue into their decades-old successful organization. own hands, first by understanding Can I get an Amen? the power of leverage and then by (Jim Clingman, founder of the Greater being willing to address any inCincinnati African American Chamber of equities that exist in their business Commerce. He can be reached through his relationships via their collective website, blackonomics.com.) clout. Just imagine the economic

James Clingman

Blackonomics

US housing recovery divided on age, race and place

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of money,” said Tara. “We’ve priced it fairly and we’re not super motivated to sell. We’ll negotiate, but we don’t want to compromise much on price.” A study by Stanford University economists Douglas Bernheim and Jonathan Meer supports the Andersons’ concern. They found that homes sold on campus using real estate brokers sold for 5.9 percent to 7.7 percent less than homes sold without brokers. The National Association of Realtors, however, maintains that homes sold using agents usually fetch much higher prices. The Andersons admit that they have had to dole out some extra cash in order to get the listing in front of buyers: they paid a $750 fee to ForSaleByOwner.com to put their property on the Multiple Listing Service so more buyer’s agents would see it. They also agreed to negotiate the commission for the buyer’s agent. Even with those hits, though, they expect to save about 5 percent on the sale, or about $25,000 if they get their full asking price. “We had no experience selling but we felt it just makes common sense,” said Tara. “We could give the money away, or pocket it.” (Your comments are welcome. Follow @NewPghCourier on Twitter https://twitter.com/NewPghCourier. Like us at https://www.facebook.com/pag es/New-Pittsburgh-Courier/143866755628836?ref=hl Download our mobile app at http://www.appshopper.com/ne ws/new-pittsburgh-courier.)

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS

Three Rivers Village School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs and athletic and other school-administered programs.

by Josh Boak AP Economics Writer

WASHINGTON (AP)—It’s the most profitable time to sell a house since the Great Recession started in late 2007. But first-time buyers are increasingly scarce. More Americans are qualifying for mortgages, yet minorities still get disproportionately rejected. Three new industry analyses released Thursday show that the recovering economy has produced a divided U.S. housing market. Where people live, their age and the color of their skin have largely influenced who has benefited as real estate continues to heal from the bursting of a mortgage bubble that triggered the worst economic downturn in nearly 80 years. Budding sales growth over the past year has overwhelmingly helped existing owners who are seeking an upgrade. But the millennials buying their first home are being priced out of the market because student debt has prevented them from saving. And a major gap exists among who qualifies for a mortgage even as the overall approval rate improves. SELLER’S MARKET Between July and September, sellers unloaded their homes for an average of $40,658 more than they paid for their properties, according to RealtyTrac, the California-based real estate information company. This was the largest profit recorded since the third quarter of 2007, although it remains below profits averaging in excess of $100,000 during the height of the boom in late 2005. The financial gains might be enough to coax more people to list their prop-

erties for sale, ending a shortage of homes on the market. The profits are “enough to say, yes, I can leverage this into moving up and buying a bigger home,” said Daren Blomquist, a vice president at RealtyTrac. But not all markets are equal. Sellers in San Francisco pocketed $463,505. Manhattanites reaped $385,909. Those in Washington, D.C. made $130,593, while sellers in Los Angeles came away with $115,573. Meanwhile, housing in other major U.S. counties sold on average at a loss. This includes the Chicago suburbs outside Cook County, with McHenry County sellers losing an average of $19,849. Sellers tended to unload properties for less than they paid in Baltimore, Cincinnati, Milwaukee and Tampa, Florida. “In some cases, it may have to do with outlying areas that people were willing to buy into during the housing bubble,” Blomquist said. “They’re not close enough to jobs to make sense for buyers now.” FIRST-TIME STRUGGLES Millennials, ages 18 to 34, face a less affordable housing market than their parents, forcing them to put off ownership. The share of first-time homebuyers has fallen for the third consecutive year to its lowest level since 1987, according to a survey by the National Association of Realtors. First-timers accounted for less than a third of sales that are expected to comfortably exceed 5 million this year. This group has traditionally represented 40 percent of sales. The Realtors survey indicates that student loans and other debts have delayed down payment savings by a median of three years. A quarter of the

first-time buyers identified saving for a down payment as their biggest challenge, with the majority of this group saying that education loans hurt their ability to set aside money. This problem may only worsen as student debt burdens continue to expand. College borrowers who graduated in 2014 finished on average with $28,950 in debt, a 31 percent increase over the past decade after adjusting for inflation, according to a report last week by The Institute for College Access and Success. MORTGAGE APPROVALS It’s gotten easier to receive a mortgage, yet Black and Hispanic homebuyers continue to lag substantially behind Whites and Asians. The mortgage rejection rate fell last year to 11.2 percent from 12.4 percent in 2013, according to Zillow, the real estate marketplace. The rejection rate for Blacks also fell over the past year, but it remains elevated at 23.5 percent. Just 2.5 percent of approvals for conventional mortgages went to Blacks in 2014, even though they represent 12 percent of the U.S. population. Hispanics face similar obstacles. They composed only 5.5 percent of mortgage approvals, despite being 17.3 percent of the population. One of the issues is that home values in minority communities have been slower to rebound for the recession. Zillow found that home prices in primarily white neighborhoods are 4.7 percent below their peak, compared to being 20.3 percent below in neighborhoods that are predominantly Hispanic neighborhoods and 16.7 percent in neighborhoods that are largely Black.

Social Security question and answer Question: What can Social Security do to help me plan for my retirement? Answer: Social Security has some great online financial planning tools you can use to make an informed decision about your retirement. Social Security’s online Retirement Planner and our online Retirement Estimator are both tools you can access at any time. These will let you compute estimates of your future Social Security retirement benefits. They also provide important information on factors affecting retirement benefits, such as military service, household earnings, and federal employ-

ment. You can access our Retirement Planner at www.socialsecurity.gov/reti re2. And, you can use the Retirement Estimator at www.socialsecurity.gov/esti mator. Question: How do I earn Social Security credits, and how many do I need to qualify for benefits? Answer: We use your total yearly earnings to figure your Social Security credits. The amount needed for a credit in 2015 is $1,220. You can earn a maximum of four credits for any year. The amount needed to earn one credit increases automatically each year when aver-

age wages increase. You must earn a certain number of credits to qualify for Social Security benefits. The number of credits you need depends on your age when you apply and the

type of benefit application. No one needs more than 40 credits for any Social Security benefit. (For more information, visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov.)

A Hair Boutique CONTINUED FROM C1

have traveled from West Virginia to buy my wigs and I get a lot of business from my web site. I see traveling to conduct hair shows and clinics as a next step for A Hair Boutique.” Viewing A Hair Boutique as a place that helps and serves as a blessing to

the women that utilize her services, Johnson-Rainey said the business has helped her grow spiritually within the last two years. “This business would not be what it is if I had not experienced the trials and tribulations that I have in my life,” she said and for that I am grateful.

BUSINESS CALENDAR

Lunch and Learn Series NOV. 12— The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh will host its Lunch & Learn Series at 12:15 p.m. at the Downtown & Business Branch, 612 Smithfield St., Downtown. The topic will be “Small Business Legal Assistance.” Keith Whitson of Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis LLP will discuss how Pro Bono Center attorney volunteers can assist qualifying small business with a variety of legal needs including employment law, tax law, intellectual property, leases and contracts, and more. For more information, call 412-281-7141 or visit www.carnegielibrary.org.

Women’s Business Breakfast Series NOV. 13—The Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Chatham University will host its Women Business Leaders Breakfast Series from 8-9:30 a.m. at Chatham University, James Laughlin Music Hall, Woodland Road, Shadyside. The topic will be “Women Turning the Tables: Artisan Entrepreneurship” with facilitator Kate Joyce, of Artist & Furniture Maker. Joyce will discuss the challenges she faced entering a then exclusively male trade union, the steps taken to establish her work and her art as a personal, artistic and viable business success in a traditionally male-dominated industry, as well as her quest for the critical training required to develop her talents. Registration is required. For more information, call Patricia Decker at 412-365-2779 or email pdecker@chatham.edu.

Soldier to Entrepreneur NOV. 18—The University of Pittsburgh Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence will host “Soldier to Entrepreneur: Positioning Your Company for Future Growth” from 7:30-10:30 a.m. at Riverside Center for Innovation, 700 Ridge Ave., North Side. This session is part of the Soldier to Entrepreneur series, which is geared toward business-minded veterans. The last session of the series, individuals will look at how to identify major strengths and weaknesses within one’s business, focus on core competencies and put a plan into action to meet their goals in 2016 and beyond. Registration is required. For more information, call 412-230-3360 or email randy@spvcc.org.

Business Building Workshop NOV. 19—Pittsburgh Technology Council will host the DIY Business Building Workshop Series from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 –p.m. at the Pittsburgh Technology Council, 2000 Training Dr., Pittsburgh. The topic will be “How to Talk to the Media: Powerful Ways to Tell Your Story.” This workshop is for individuals who need to engage with today’s media. Participants will experience a fun, fast-paced and fact-filled session that presents practical techniques that can be implemented immediately. Attendees will learn how to speak with the media, prepare clear messages and tell stories effectively to any live audience. In these hands-on workshops, creative and entrepreneurs learn the latest strategies for business growth from industry experts. Registration is required. For more information, email events@pghtech.org or kchestney@pghtech.org.

The Second Step NOV. 20—The University of Pittsburgh Small Business Development Center will host “The Second Step: Developing A Business Plan” from 7:30-10 a.m. at the University of Pittsburgh, Mervis Hall, Roberto Clemente Drive, Oakland. Attendees will learn all they need to about operational and production planning, conducting market research and creating financial spreadsheets to attract funding for one’s business. Registration is required. For more information, call 412-648-1544 or visit www.entrepreneur.pitt.edu.

PowerBreakfast Meeting NOV. 20—The African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania will host its PowerBreakfast Meeting at 8 a.m. at One Oxford Centre. 301 Grant St., Downtown. The guest speaker will be Christina Cassotis, chief executive director of the Allegheny County Airport Authority, the Chamber’s new corporate sponsor. Cassotis will update attendees on the increasing activity at the airport and her efforts to increase procurement. Reservations are required. For more information, call 412-3920610 or email information@aaccwp.com. (To have information on Business Calendar, send information at least two weeks in advance to: 315 E. Carson St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219; Fax: 412-481-1360 or e-mail: newsroom@newpittsburghcourier.com.)

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DEVAUGHN McNARY Brashear’s (1) lays all out to make a touchdown catch in front of Allderdice’s Dorian Hardy, McNary made 2 touchdown catches to lead the Bulls to a 21-6 win over the Dragons in the City League Championship. (Photos by William McBride)

TRA PALMER Brashear’s (15) makes a catch over Allderdice’s Tim Jackson (1) in the end zone that was ruled out of bounds on a questionable call by the officials.

Bulls gore Dragons to repeat as City Champs by Smokin’ Jim Frazier For New Pittsburgh Courier

MVP—Brashear quarterback Therran Coleman, a Pitt recruit, holds his trophy after he threw 3 touchdown passes and was named MVP.

RAMON CREIGHTON Allderdice’s (4) breaks away to score the Dragons only touchdown, Creighton caught 4 passes for 129 yards in a losing effort.

Westinghouse, Perry and Brashear are just a few of the names that has cursed the Allderdice Dragons for 48 years. The Dragons haven’t won a City League football championship since 1967. Recently, the curse flashforwarded 46-years and the Dragons are losers of backto-back City League championship games. For the second year in a row, Brashear upset Allderdice, 21-6, and the students stormed the field, and the players jumped up and down in jubilation Saturday at George K. Cupples Stadium. Using an engaging personality, a strong work ethic and a keen sense of purpose, head coach Rick Murphy rose from a Brashear player and an assistant coach to City League Coach of the Year and backto-back champion. “It feels great,” coach Murphy said. “It is a new team. These guys have really bought into what we are doing and it has really made a difference and brought us back to where we used to be.” Khalil Saunders was at a loss for postgame words, at least. A junior running back, Saunders has been one cog in Brashear football machine that has driven the Bulls to their best two seasons since the mid 80’s. Many thought Allderdice could be the team to take their title. Not the case. The Bulls are a well-distributed team, with scoring threats at almost every position. Devaugn McNary isn’t usually the player other teams fear when they play against Brashear. He certainly came up with the Bulls biggest two touchdowns of the season. With 8:10 remaining in the half, Pitt recruit Therran Coleman connected with McNary for a 32-yard touchdown to give the Bulls a 7-0 lead. Before halftime, Coleman threw a 26-yard touchdown to McNary and it was a catch that Jerry Rice and Lynn Swann would have been proud of. Brashear led 14-0 at halftime. Typically, only a handful of sophomore influence the outcome of a game, and Brashear wide receiver Tra Palmer fits that bill. At 5foot-8 and 150 pounds, he is a receiver and returner many defenders hope to intimidate, if not obliterate. But his elusiveness leaves most potential tacklers disappointed.

Coleman passed for 111 yards and three touchdowns and was named game MVP. Coleman is a 6-foot-2, 190pound package of ferociousness and fearlessness for the city champions. “Pound for pound” he is the toughest player on the team. Between throwing touchdown passes he was laying forceful tackles on receivers and running backs. His great weapons, besides that toughness, is his speed (4.4 seconds in the 40-yard dash). It’s not often you see a top point guard in basketball who plays defensive tackle in football. But that’s the case with Ramon Creighton at Allderdice. Creighton is one of the best guards in the state. A 6-foot-1, 215pound senior, he decided to come out for the football team this year and had two sacks in the first half and was part of the Dragons defensive unit that limited the Bulls to only seventyfive yards on 44 carries. Creighton caught four passes for 132 yards and 1 touchdown. Quarterback Dajuan Dugger’s elevation to the starting job came after his strong play in a nonconference game early in the season. He passed for 159 yards. “We turned the ball over four times in the first half and had a punt blocked and was still only down two scores,” Allderdice coach Jerry Haslett said. “We were still in the game. We just couldn’t get anything going the whole game. I don’t know. It was like déjà vu.” It was like a curse. The possibility of Pennsylvania expanding of six classifications in football is one of the hottest high school sports topics in this state in a number of years and we can only speculate how this will impact the City League. An appreciation for football, a hard-knocking sport requiring the kind of gritty strength admired in the City of Pittsburgh. The Bulls could teach the NFL a thing or two about sportsmanship and character. As Vince Lombardi famously said, “The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand and the determination that, whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand.” Brashear will have a week off before they play the District 10 Class AAAA champion in the PIAA subregional.

THERRAN COLEMAN Brashear quarterback and defensive back, a Pitt recruit was named SC Sportsworld MVP of the City League championship game after he threw 3 touchdown passes to lead the Bulls to a 21-6 win over Allderdice.

NICIERE DAVIS Brashear’s (5) picks up yards after making an interception against Allderdice.

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NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

SPORTS

REPEAT CITY LEAGUE CHAMPIONS BRASHEAR (Photo by William McBride)

Inside Conditions—Play it again Sam…could Tomlin be Coach of the Year by Aubrey Bruce For New Pittsburgh Courier

Just when the Pittsburgh Steelers thought they may have been over the “injury hump,” the “bug” bit them once again. With Ben Roethlisberger seeming to shake off the rust from the Steelers loss to the Bengals the week before. Roethlisberger left Sunday’s game early in the fourth quarter with a left foot injury but the Steelers eventually came back to beat the Raiders 38-35 with Steelers kicker Chris Boswell kicking a 16 yard field goal just as time expired. Antonio Brown and DeAngelo Williams set up the game winning kick. Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin had this to say about

Antonio Brown. “He’s a guy who always wants to be the reason that we’re successful. He’s a competitor, and more importantly, than that, he’s a hard and detailed worker. That does football justice when a guy works that way he will get an opportunity to deliver for you in the manner in which he was able to do today.” The Steelers defense was a very complex and layered defense, often appearing to be bi-polar, maybe even a bit schizophrenic, giving up 139 rushing yards and 301 passing yards to the visiting and very determined Raiders. If not for the 5 fumbles (3 lost) by the Raiders this game may have very well turned out differently. The Steelers defense was at times physical and aggressive but

AUBREY BRUCE could generate very little pressure on the Raiders QB, Derek Carr. Everyone it seems was worried about the Raiders “press coverage,” well ev-

AIR ATTACK—Antonio Brown demonstrated why he was calling for the ball in previous games. He set Steelers’ records with 17 reception for 284 yards in leading the Steelers to victory over the Oakland Raiders 38-35. (Photo by Thomas Sabol)

eryone except Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown and Steelers backup QB Landry Jones. There was concern once again when Jones entered the game to replace Roethlisberger but unlike his last stint as a starter, everyone assumed that Jones should have at least gotten rid of the butterflies and been ready to perform, after all he (Jones) has been a part of the Steelers Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley’s system for 3 years and counting. Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin said as much. “That’s what we expect, [of Landry Jones]. Again much like DeAngelo, it’s not the first time we have called on him this year. He’s shown big play-making abilities in those moments in the past. It’s reasonable to expect

him to deliver again. Not that we don’t appreciate it, we do.” Tomlin also praised Steelers running back DeAngelo Williams, who gouged the Raiders “press defense” for 170 rushing yards and was a huge reason that the Black and Gold came away with the victory. Williams was first called upon to replace Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell during the first two games of 2015 when Bell was suspended for violating the NFL’s illegal substance policy, now replacing Bell as the result of a season ending knee injury. “He was DeAngelo that’s why we acquired him back in the spring.” Tomlin said. “That was our level of expectation and his as well. He’s delivered for us time

and time again.” With key multiple players’ being injured and/or suspended 2015 may end up being a banner coaching year for Mike Tomlin. Tomlin also reached a milestone in the Steelers Raiders game. He is only the 3rd Steelers Head Coach, following only Chuck Noll and Bill Cowher to win 50 home games during the regular season. It may be a bit premature but if the Steelers advance to and go deep into the 2015 NFL post season, Mike Tomlin should be a lock for NFL Coach of the Year. (Aubrey Bruce can be reached at: abruce@newpittsburgh courier.com or 412.583.6741 he is also a contributing columnist for urbanmediatoday.com. Follow him on Twittter@ultrascribe.)

GROUND GAME—DeAngelo Williams showed he can still do it. He ran for 170 yards on 27 carries to help the Steelers to a 38-35 victory over the Oakland Raiders. (AP Photo)

Overtime by Bill Neal For New Pittsburgh Courier

:10—I was going to kick this off with a “Ringo” Saunders update, but Antonio Brown has “10” catches for 180 yards in the first half…Ringo will have to wait! Say what you want about Brown’s crying for the ball. If this is what the tears bring ya, cry on young man…cry on! I think it’s more of a credit to Ben and the timing they have versus the lack of talent Michael Vick or Landry Jones has. Whatever it is, Brown is back baby! (Brown finished the game with a record setting 280 yards on 17 catches. :09—Yes, I’m at the game. I am always at the game. That’s what I do mmmaaannn! Don’t worry where I’m at. Just shut up and read. Here’s your Steelers run down: Clearly someone heard me say pass the ball to your tight end. So it’s true, if you actually wrap your arms around a man and hold on, he will go

down. Truth be told, when you open a hole at the point of attack, the difference between DeAngelo Williams and Le’Veon Bell is minimal. I know what you’re thinking, but look at the numbers. (Hell, “Smokin Jim” Frazier could run through those Steelers holes!) Timmons is such a beast at linebacker. You just take him for granted don’t ya? *D-backs are looking better and better each week. :08—Okay, back to “Ringo.” And of course it begs the question, “What is a “Ringo” and why? And more importantly, will somebody please tell me what is a bump yes??? Well, I don’t know what it is, but if you see one coming, get ready. You’ll have work to do and it won’t be easy especially in transition. They bring one guy 6’4” or better and nine guys that will run like you’re trying to catch Harriet Tubman’s last train off the plantation! But here’s the thing the coach and I agree on more and

BILL NEAL more as time goes by, we had the great pleasure of coaching some of the greatest players of the greatest basketball playing time in Pittsburgh history…“Juice” Houn, “Freeman,” “Bum,” “Gosby,” “McCrae,” “Scooch,” “The Twins,” “Bullet,” “Clyde,” “Byrd,” “Chicken,” “Magic,” “Dean,” “Dean,” “Dean,” “D.J.,” “Gilly,” “Singleton,” “O,” “Tomlin”…an endless list of sure-nuff asphalt jungle talent. If you were there, you know the

names…if you know the game, you know the names…out!!! :07—Sign up for your insurance plan. It’s that time. If you don’t have one, November 1st through January 31st you’ll be in the biggest game you’ve ever played in…the game of life! :06—It’s fourth quarter time…sorry, I spoke too soon about the d-backs. They’re still weak Kevin Cameron before you call me, there is little difference between Williams and Bell! (For the record, the d-backs may not cover well but they hit hard!) :05—Oh, one more thing about b-ball, I think everybody will agree the neighborhood thing was a good thing. The Hill, North Side, Homewood, Clairton, Braddock, East Lib…everybody made everybody better!!! :04—Now as you know, I will get on the ladies. Question? Who gave the okay for men to wear brown shoes with a blue or gray suit? No, no, no! DO - NOT - DO IT. Black only…you can go

dark-dark blue with blue…you can go gray with gray (the right gray now)…and you can do a nice burgundy combo with the right shirt and tie…but brown, no. And that goes for the knucklehead on Sports Center and LeBron James. Yeah, I said it!!! :03—Word on the street, aka my section at Heinz Field, they gave Martavis Bryant “a hit” at the end of the 3rd quarter. That’s why he finally caught one in the 4th. I’m just sayin’! :02—Please let the basketball gods make the Lakers trade Kobe to Cleveland. Please, please, please, please, please, please… :01—This should come as no surprise to you. As a matter of fact, you may already know, but B.B. Flenory has a grandson that’s a standout at Stanford University. Being a starting d-back is one thing, but being a freshman starting d-back at the nation’s No. 1 academic institution, well, that’s something way different. “Go forth young

man. Lead the way, and make us proud!” :00—I am telling ya right now…I am telling ya…don’t say I didn’t tell ya. The Par-Tay of the year will be Saturday, Dec. 25 at the spot. Lock it in! More info later. :00:00—DOUBLE OVERTIME WE DON’T CARE ABOUT NO STINKEN RAIDERS! :00:00:00—TRIPLE OVERTIME And I couldn’t be more serious about something. Worse James Bond ever…worse James Bond villain ever…worse “Bond Girl” ever…thus, worse Bond movie ever. No basketballs. No stars. Nothin’!!! : 0 0 : 0 0 : 0 0 : 0 0 — Q UA D OVERTIME Did I mention Pitt’s loss to a very good Notre Dame football team in front of its largest ever attendance at Heinz Field. Never mind the score. The boys battled hard, but they just don’t have that talent level yet. Better days ahead. ~ GAME OVER ~

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JOB OPPORTUNITIES

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Help Wanted

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ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY

Robert Morris University seeks applicants for several employment opportunities. Visit RMU.EDU/JOBS for details. Email resume to jobs@rmu.edu or mail to: Robert Morris University, Human Resources 6001 University Blvd., Moon Twp., PA 15108 or fax to 412-397-2555. RMU believes institutional equity reflects our continued commitment to a community where everyone is both valued and respected. We are dedicated to developing a diverse population and strive to be an inclusive community that celebrates and embraces differences. EOE

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE/ MEDIA SALES

WPXI-TV (Cox Media Group) seeks a motivated and energetic Account Executive who thrives on multi-platform sales and new business development. Outstanding communication and presentation skills along with strong computer literacy. Outstanding compensation and benefits package. To join a great team in a great city, call Bob Liga, Local Sales Manager at 412-237-1160 or email bliga@wpxi.com EOE

DUQUESNE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Duquesne City School District is seeking the following: Long term K – 6 Substitute Teachers Requirements include a valid PA teaching certificate. Substitute School Nurse Requirements include Bachelor Degree in Nursing; R.N. License; and valid PA School Nurse certificate. Substitute Paraprofessionals Requirements include High School Diploma or GED. Associateʼs degree or minimum 60 credit hours from accredited college/university required; Bachelorʼs preferred. Substitute Personal Care Assistants Requirements include High School Diploma or GED; Standards as required by Federal and State regulations. Full-time Secretary Requirements include High School Diploma or Equivalent; Practical secretarial experience preferred. Substitute Secretaries Requirements include High School Diploma or Equivalent; Practical secretarial experience preferred. Substitute Custodians Requirements include High School Diploma or Equivalent; Practical custodial experience in the physical operation and maintenance of buildings, grounds and equipment preferred. ALL candidates must have current Act 151/34/114 clearances. Additional information can be found on the Districtʼs website www.dukecitysd.org. Please send resume and cover letter to Duquesne City School District, 300 Kennedy Avenue, Duquesne, Pa 15110, ATTN: Human Resources/PR. EOE Deadline to apply is November 20, 2015.

PUBLIC RELATIONS COORDINATOR

Port Authority is seeking a Public Relations Coordinator to be responsible for the oversight and coordination of communication functions within the Communications Division and in collaboration with other Authority divisions and departments. Directly oversees materials developed for public use by Marketing, Creative Services, Communications and other departments. Job requirements include: •BA/BS in Journalism, English, Communications, Public Relations or related field. Directly related experience may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis. •Three (3) yearsʼ experience in public relations, marketing, journalism or other relevant area. •Demonstrated ability in the use of Windows, Microsoft Word, and PowerPoint. Familiarity with social media technology and trends. •Effective and professional written and verbal communications skills. •Valid PA driverʼs license. •Must be willing to take on duties outside of regular business hours, including but not limited to: updating social media channels and website, attending meetings and assisting Public Relations with media-related tasks. We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Interested candidates should forward a cover letter (with salary requirements) and resume to: Amy Giammanco Employment Department 345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 AGiammanco@portauthority.org EOE COURIER CLASSIFIEDS…THE ONLY WAY TO GO!

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PPG Industries Inc., a $15 billion leading producer of coatings, optical and specialty materials and glass products, is seeking talented people for full-time openings as Production Operators at its Springdale, PA coatings plant. The position requires experience in a production environment, strong communication and teamwork skills, and basic math skills. High school diploma or equivalent is required. The position entails blending, measuring and procuring raw materials to manufacture industrial coatings. Once completed, materials are packaged for shipment to customers. Starting salary is $14.40/hr. with vacation, holidays and benefits. In approximately 1 year you may reach the full base hourly rate of $18.07/hr. for a Large Work Cell Operator. Applicants must apply on line at www.jobsppg.com When asked to select the location… select Springdale Plant When asked to select the position… select Springdale Plant Production All candidates must apply using this website. Applications and phone calls will not be accepted at the facility.

Learn more about PPG at www.ppg.com Applicants must have the legal right to work in the United States PPG prides itself on the quality of its employees and as such, candidates who receive a job offer will be required to successfully pass a hair drug/toxins test and a background check. PPG Industries, Inc. offers an opportunity to grow and develop your career in an environment that provides a fulfilling workplace for employees, creates an environment for continuous learning, and embraces the ideas and diversity of others. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability status, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected status. PPG is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ANNOUNCEMENTS Meetings

NOTICE OF MEETINGS

Notice is hereby given that on November 18, 2015, the Board of Directors of the Allegheny County Housing Authority will hold a Finance Committee meeting commencing at 8:30 a.m., followed with an agenda review and other general matters at 9:30 a.m., and a Board of Directors meeting at 10:30 a.m. The meetings will be held in the Authorityʼs Boardroom located on the 12th Floor, 625 Stanwix Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15222. The public is invited to attend all meetings. LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices

Estate Notices

Letters have been granted on the estate of each of the following decedents to the personal representative named who request all persons having claims against the estate of the decedent to make known the same in writing to him or his attorney, and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment to him without delay:

Estate of WINDSOR JR., ALBERT J., deceased of Verona, PA, No. 02-15-04091, Deborah Windsor, Executrix, 7872 Mt. Carmel Road, Verona, PA 15147 or to Todd J. Hollis, Esq., 428 Forbes Avenue, Ste. 505, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

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

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

ADVERTISEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT ALLEGHENY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The Allegheny County Airport Authority will host a Small Business Fair at Pittsburgh International Airport, Landside Terminal, Ticketing Level (north end adjacent to the American Airlines Ticketing Counter), P.O. Box 12370, Pittsburgh, PA 15231-0370 from 9:00 A.M. until NOON, prevailing local time, December 02, 2015. The purpose of the Small Business Fair is to provide an opportunity to the business community to obtain information on doing business as a consultant, construction company, vendor, and supplier for the Allegheny County Airport Authority. Staff from the Authorityʼs various areas including Business Development, Safety, Security, Communications, Finance, Planning & Environmental Affairs, Maintenance, Engineering & Construction and Procurement will be on hand to answer questions. To register for the event by end of business on December 1, 2015, visit www.flypittsburgh.com and click the Doing Business tab on the right side of the page. Please call Samantha Stedford, Manager of Business Diversity and Outreach, at 412-472-3648 for additional information. Christina A. Cassotis Chief Executive Officer ALLEGHENY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR MULTIPLE INUSREANCE LINES RFP#700-33-15

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): MULTIPLE INSURANCE LINES RFP#700-33-15 The documents will be available no later than November 9, 2015 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 10:00 A.M., November 30, 2015 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, at which time they will be opened and read aloud. Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Invitation for Bid from the Business Opportunities page of www.HACP.org. Questions or inquires should be directed to: Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 2nd Floor, Suite 200 100 Ross Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116 Opt 1 A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Dept. 100 Ross Street 2nd. Fl. Ste. 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Monday, November 23, 2015 10:00 A.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACPʼs has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation. Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR FIRE ALARM REPLACEMENT/ UPGRADES AT VARIOUS COMMUNITIES HACP CONTRACT NO. 600-34-15 E

THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH will receive sealed bids for Fire Alarm Replacement/Upgrades at Various Communities. The construction work is estimated to begin in March 2016. The estimated value of the project is in the following ranges: Electrical Construction Contract No. 600-34-15 E Estimate of costs is in the following range: $735,000.00 - $1,070,000.00 Bid Documents will be available on or about Wednesday, November 4, 2015 for a non-refundable fee of $25.00 in the form of a CERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER ONLY. Bid Documents, including bid forms, project manual, and drawings can be picked up in person, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Kim Detrick, Director of Procurement A Pre-Bid Conference and Site Visit(s) will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2015 at 10:00 a.m.: HACP Development and Modernization Department 100 Ross Street, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Site visits will be conducted thereafter. Bidders shall come prepared to review all aspects of the construction site necessary to prepare a bid. Bids will be received at: HACP Procurement Department 100 Ross Street, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Attn: Kim Detrick, Director of Procurement until 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH reserves the right to waive any informality in, or reject any and all bids. No bid shall be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days subsequent to the opening of bids without the consent of the HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH. The Contractor will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity requirements for Federally Assisted Construction Contracts. The Contractor must ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sexual preference, handicap or national origin. HACP has revised its website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFP documentation. THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH STRONGLY ENCOURAGES CERTIFIED MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES AND WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES TO RESPOND TO THE SOLICITATION. Additional information may be obtained by contacting Kim Detrick, Director of Procurement at (412) 4565116 Opt 1. Caster D. Binion, Executive Director HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.

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

Sealed proposals shall be deposited at the Administration Building, Room 251, 341 South Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15213, on December 1, 2015, until 2:00 p.m., local prevailing time for: Pittsburgh Philip Murray School, 800 Rectenwald Street 15210 Major Renovation Work General, Plumbing, HVAC, Electrical, and Roof Primes Project Manual and Drawings will be available for purchase on November 2, 2015 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 nonrefundable. Project details and dates are described in each project manual.

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Sealed bid proposals are hereby solicited for the Community College of Allegheny County, Purchasing Department, 800 Allegheny Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15233(412.237.3020) on the following items: Bid Proposal No. 954 – Repair of Library and Library Connector Small Roofs – Allegheny Campus A MANDATORY pre-bid meeting and site visitation will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 17, 2015. The assembly point will be the front entrance to the Library Building, Allegheny Campus, 800 block of Ridge Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. Proposals will be received at the Purchasing Department until 2:00 P.M. Prevailing Time on Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at which time they will be publicly opened. Any proposals received after this deadline will be considered as a “late bid” and will be returned unopened to the offerer. The CCAC Purchasing Department is now publishing all bids via the CCAC website at h t t p s : / / w w w. c c a c . e d u / B i d RFP_Opportunities.aspx. It will be each vendorʼs 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. Proposals may require Bid Bonds, Performance Bonds, Payment Bonds, and Surety as dictated by the specifications. No bidder may withdraw his bid for a period of ninety (90) days after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids. 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.

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR EMERGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE REBID RFP#300-29-15 Rebid

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): EMERGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE REBID RFP#300-29-15 REBID The documents will be available no later than November 2, 2015 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 10:00 A.M., November 20, 2015 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, at which time they will be opened and read aloud. Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Invitation for Bid from the Business Opportunities page of www.HACP.org. Questions or inquires should be directed to: Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 2nd Floor, Suite 200 100 Ross Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116 Opt 1 A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Dept. 100 Ross Street 2nd. Fl. Ste. 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Thursday, November 12, 2015 10:00 A.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACPʼs has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation. Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.

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PUBLICATION DATE: November 6, 2015 1. The Public Parking Authority of Pittsburgh (“Authority”) shall accept sealed bids for the performance of the work described below (the “Work”) at its office at 232 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222, until 11:00 a.m. local time on Thursday, December 10, 2015. 2. DESCRIPTION OF WORK: The Project entails LED Lighting Technology upgrades at the First Avenue garage and Station. 3. The Instructions to Bidders, including the Form of Bid, Form of Agreement, General Conditions, Plans and Specifications, may be obtained after 3:00 p.m. local time on Friday, November 6, 2015, at the Authorityʼs office at 232 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222. Copies of the Plans and Specifications will be available for a non-refundable amount of $ 50.00. Check or Money Order Payment only. 4. A Mandatory pre-bid conference will be held at the Authorityʼs office at 232 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222 at 9:00 a.m. local time on Tuesday, November 17, 2015. The purpose of the pre-bid conference is to provide additional detail regarding the Work. The information provided at the pre-bid conference will be essential in preparing a bid to perform the Work. Persons or entities that intend to submit bids to perform the Work are required to send to the pre-bid conference at least one representative who will understand the information presented at the pre-bid conference in a manner that allows such information to be incorporated in the preparation of the bid to perform the Work. It is expected that the representative who attends the pre-bid conference will be experienced in construction matters and employed by the bidder in a supervisory capacity. Pre-bid attendance is mandatory. 5. Sealed bids received prior to the deadline will be publicly opened and read at 11:00 a.m. local time on Thursday, December 10, 2015. 6. Each bid submitted must be accompanied by a bid guaranty of ten percent (10%) of the proposed bid in the form of a bid bond, certified cashierʼs or treasurerʼs check payable to the Authority. 7. The Authority reserves the right to in its sole discretion, (i) change, at any time prior to the bid deadline at 11:00 a.m. local time on Thursday, December 10, 2015 the Contract Documents; (ii) waive any defect, irregularities, or informality in any or all submitted bids; and (iii) reject any or all submitted bids. David G. Onorato Executive Director

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR REPLACEMENT OF FOUR (4) BARRIER GATES AT NORTHVIEW IFB#300-36-15

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): REPLACEMENT OF FOUR (4) BARRIER GATES AT NORTHVIEW IFB#300-36-15 The documents will be available no later than November 2, 2015 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 10:00 A.M., November 20, 2015 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, at which time they will be opened and read aloud. Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Invitation for Bid from the Business Opportunities page of www.HACP.org. Questions or inquires should be directed to: Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 2nd Floor, Suite 200 100 Ross Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116 Opt 1 A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Dept. 100 Ross Street 2nd. Fl. Ste. 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Thursday, November 12, 2015 10:00 A.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACPʼs has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation. Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.

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PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY ADVERTISEMENT

Separate sealed Bids for the Work as listed hereinafter will be received at the Purchasing and Materials Management Department of Port Authority of Allegheny County, (Authority) Heinz 57 Center, 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222-2527 until 1:30 p.m. on December 15, 2015 and will be publicly opened and read immediately thereafter at the same address. GENERAL ANCILLARY SERVICES CONTRACT NOS. SYS-15-04R GH & GB REBID GENERAL HEAVY HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION – CONTRACT NO. SYS-15-04R GH REBID GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTION – CONTRACT NO. SYS-15-04R GB REBID The Work for these Contracts includes, but is not limited to, all labor, materials, and equipment necessary to perform assignments as identified by Authority pursuant to written Work Orders issued by Authority. The nature of the Work to be assigned may include, but is not limited to: General Heavy Highway Construction - providing asphalt and concrete paving, drainage system installation and repair, minor bridge repairs, landslide removals and other heavy repairs; General Building Construction - providing building foundations and floor slabs, steel fabrication and erection, doors, windows, roofing and other improvements to facilities; or performing other construction activities at Authority facilities and/or work as requested. As part of General Heavy Highway Construction Contract No. SYS-15-04R GH REBID, the Work and the Bid shall include Work Order #1 for South Hills Village Car House Repairs and Work Order #2 for Manchester Parking Deck Repairs. As part of General Building Construction Contract No. SYS-15-04R GB REBID, the Work and the Bid shall include Work Order #1 for South Hills Village Rail Maintenance Building Safety Railings. Bid Documents will be available for public inspection and may be obtained on or after November 6, 2015 at Authorityʼs offices at the following address: Port Authority of Allegheny County Purchasing and Materials Management Department Heinz 57 Center 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2527 Bid documents are available for purchase as follows: Bid Documents are available in an electronic form on compact disk upon payment of $15.00 per set. Payment shall be by Check or Money Order (NO CASH), payable to “Port Authority of Allegheny County”. No refunds of payment will be made. Upon request, Bid Documents can be mailed upon receipt of payment in full. Should the purchaser wish to have the Bid Documents delivered via special delivery, such as UPS or FedEx, the purchaser shall provide its appropriate account numbers to Port Authority for such special delivery methods. This Project may be funded, in part by, and subject to certain requirements of, the County of Allegheny and/or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Authority, in compliance with 74 Pa C.S.§ 303, as may be amended, require that certified Diverse Businesses (“DBs”)have the maximum opportunity to participate in the performance of contracts and subcontracts for this Project. In this regard, all Bidders shall make good faith efforts in accordance with 74Pa C.S.§ 303, to ensure that DBs have the maximum opportunity to compete for and perform contracts. Bidders shall also not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, disability, national origin, sexual origin, gender identity or status as a parent in the award and performance of contracts for this Project. If aid is required to involve DBs in the Work, Bidders are to contact DB Representative Cameil Williams at (412) 566-5257. The Bidderʼs attention is directed to the following contacts for Bidderʼs questions: Procedural Questions Regarding Bidding: Margarita Rodriguez - Port Authority (412) 566-5150 All other questions relating to the Bid Documents must be submitted by mail or facsimile to: Port Authority of Allegheny County Heinz 57 Center 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 Attn: Margarita Rodriguez Fax: (412) 566-5359 In addition, the Bidderʼs attention is directed to the following schedule of activities for preparation of its Bid: 9:00 AM Pre-Bid Conference November 24, 2015 Port Authority of Allegheny County Heinz 57 Center Park Conference Room 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 (Attendance is not mandatory, but strongly recommended) Pre-Bid Site Tour (immediately following the Pre-Bid Conference) 1:30 p.m. Bids Due December 15, 2015 Purchasing and Materials Management Department Authority reserves the right to reject any or all Bids

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Sealed bid proposals are hereby solicited for the Community College of Allegheny County, Purchasing Department, 800 Allegheny Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15233(412.237.3020) on the following items: Bid Proposal No. 955 – Repair Mechanical Systems at Science Center (Phase I) Allegheny Campus A MANDATORY pre-bid meeting and site visitation will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 17, 2015. The assembly point will be the front entrance to the KLI Science Center, Allegheny Campus, top of Legacy Way off Ridge Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. Proposals will be received at the Purchasing Department until 2:00 P.M. Prevailing Time on Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at which time they will be publicly opened. Any proposals received after this deadline will be considered as a “late bid” and will be returned unopened to the offerer. The CCAC Purchasing Department is now publishing all bids via the CCAC website at h t t p s : / / w w w. c c a c . e d u / B i d RFP_Opportunities.aspx. It will be each vendorʼs 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. Proposals may require Bid Bonds, Performance Bonds, Payment Bonds, and Surety as dictated by the specifications. No bidder may withdraw his bid for a period of ninety (90) days after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids. 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.

THE BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH

Sealed bids will be received in the Office Of The Chief Operations Officer, Room 251, Administration Building, 341 South Bellefield Avenue until 11:00 A.M. prevailing time, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2015 and will be opened at the same hour for the purchase of the following equipment and supplies: REFUSE CONTAINER SERVICE General Information regarding bids may be obtained at the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Service Center, 1305 Muriel Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. The bid documents are available on the School Districtʼs Purchasing web site at: http://www.pghboe.net/pps/site/d efault.asp Click on Bid Opportunities under Quick Links. The Board of Public Education reserves the right to reject any and all bids, or select a single item from any bid. Leon Webb Purchasing Agent We are an equal rights and opportunity school district

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Classifieds 412-481-8302 Ext. 113 or 140 E-mail: ads@newpittsburghcourier.com Deadline/Closing/Cancellation Schedule for copy, corrections, and cancellations: Friday noon preceding Wednesday publication

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New Pittsburgh Courier • November 11-17, 2015

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SCHOOL CHOICE GUIDE 2015

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PPS accepts Wilkinsburg School District students by Michael B. Rose For New Pittsburgh Courier

Wilkinsburg has taken one more step to ultimately merge with the City of Pittsburgh. First, outsourcing their fire department and waste management responsibilities. Now, another huge step in that transition has been taken. Recently, the Wilkinsburg school board voted unanimously, 9-0, to merge both middle and high school students with Westinghouse 6-12 graders in a move that many see as a foreshadowing of more mergers to come. The Pittsburgh School Board voted 7-2 to accept them. Wilkinsburg has 217 students in 7th through 12th grade with less than 100 in high school.

It simply became too small to justify its large building and cost overhead. Westinghouse has twice as many students. The main difference in education is that Westinghouse offers a few advanced placement classes and several vocational programs such as culinary arts and cosmetology. Most importantly, Westinghouse has a commodity that is scarce to come by in Wilkinsburg—books. Sylvia Wilson, school board representative for district 1, where Westinghouse is located, describes being appalled at what she saw when she met with the 6-11 graders at both Wilkinsburg elementary schools and high school to welcome them to the district. “They asked ques-

tions that just made you sad. They asked, ‘Do you guys have books?’ And I was like oh my goodness.” To outsiders of both communities this would seem a match made in heaven. Two overwhelmingly African American schools set in poverty stricken and violent neighborhoods with histories of academic failure and consequent dwindling enrollment joining together. Both schools’ average SAT scores and overall academic performance places them both in the bottom 2.5 percent of schools statewide. For longtime PPS board representative Mark Brentley, this partnership is long overdue. Brentley said that PPS should have assumed the responsibility of taking

in failing schools on the outskirts of the city and should just change their name to Greater Pittsburgh Public Schools in a transition in which Wilkinsburg just happens to be the first. Children in the first year of the transition who have a specific skill set will be denied access to transfer to magnet schools. Brentley said that’s the part that almost makes him think they are setting them up to fail. “Wilkinsburg kids can apply. If they are accepted they are held. A kid who is in 11th grade, who is a possible musician and candidate for CAPA, will have to stay in Westinghouse through their final school year and not have access to programs that

they are eligible for? You don’t do that to children. To hold these kids back almost in a holding tank.” Diversity is something pushed as a plus for White children; to have exposure to other ethnicities and backgrounds.When asked if the kids of Wilkinsburg and Homewood deserved the same opportunity of diversity, Wilson was not concerned. “Diversity doesn’t just mean color. I don’t believe that just because there aren’t White kids around that you can’t get a good education. We have plenty of HBUs that prove that. “I am sure some said that, (but) Wilkinsburg parents that actually went to Westinghouse instead of just judging it from a distance were pleasantly surprised with

what they saw,” she said. State Reps. Ed Gainey and Jake Wheatley, and state Sen. Jay Costa asked the Pittsburgh Department of Education to provide funding for the transition to make its budget neutral. Although attending a Pittsburgh Public School, Wilkinsburg children will not have access to the Pittsburgh Promise, which is a $30,000 scholarship for kids attending public schools in Pittsburgh and who also live in the city limits. Saleem Ghubril, executive director of The Pittsburgh Promise, said the solution for that is the marriage of the municipalities and having Wilkinsburg become the Wilkinsburg neighborhood of Pittsburgh.

Students weigh-in on PPS, Wilkinsburg partnership by Merecedes J. Howze For New Pittsburgh Courier

Pittsburgh Public Schools and Wilkinsburg School District have agreed upon an educational partnership to start next school year, in which Wilkinsburg students in grades 7-12 will attend Pittsburgh Westinghouse. Students at both, Westinghouse and Wilkinsburg High School, have come together to share their excitement and concerns. Seated at a table in a conference room inside Westinghouse, student leaders met on Nov. 6 to swap their stories about their hopes and expectations for the 2016-2017 school year. From Westinghouse sat Junior Class President Mya Alford, 16, and sophomore Robert Montgomery, 15. On the other side of the table were Wilkinsburg freshman Annette Payne, 15, and juniors Sehshay Turner, 16, and Shawn Stubbs, 16. Straight out of the gate, Turner, in a calm voice said, “I just want to learn.” Due to low enrollment, the Wilkinsburg School District announced it could not provide the academic, extra-curricular and technology opportunities required to provide its students, in grades seven through twelve, the quality education they need. All three Wilkinsburg students plan to attend Pittsburgh Westinghouse next school year and expressed hesitation

WORKING TOGETHER—Pittsburgh Westinghouse and Wilkinsburg students meet at Pittsburgh Westinghouse on Friday, Nov. 6. From left: Annette Payne, Sehshay Turner, Shawn Stubbs, Mya Alford and Robert Montgomery. (Photo by Alexis Tippett) about leaving their teachers. Montgomery understood, because he liked his own teachers at Westinghouse. Also, Montgomery wishes that accepting Wilkinsburg students means more funding. “In my eyes, coming to Westinghouse is a privilege and hopefully, the change means more students, more opportunities, and more money,” he said. According the Letter of Intent approved by both districts’ school boards,

the Wilkinsburg School District will pay the School District of Pittsburgh the tuition rate of $8,000 per student in the first year. The tuition rate will increase to $9,600 in the second year. In the event that transition funding is not secured from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the Wilkinsburg School District will pay Pittsburgh the tuition rate of $12,954 in the first year. The tuition rate will increase to $13,056 in the second year.

Another big topic amongst the students is the transition. “It is not going to be peachy. There will be trials and tribulations. But we will get there,” said Alford about the transition. “I think there will be a division for the first half of the year where Wilkinsburg students will be sticking with Wilkinsburg students and vice versa. Everyone will be feeling out the new people,” said Stubbs. All five students hope to be a part of a transitional committee with district leaders to make suggestions and provide input. Both sides had a lot of questions about the change. Their most immediate concern is student body interaction. Starting soon, they want Westinghouse students and Wilkinsburg students to meet regularly by grade level for team building to ensure unison and familiarity on the first day of school. The Wilkinsburg students want to keep their teachers, while the Pittsburgh Westinghouse students don’t want their school year to be interrupted. Even though there are demands on both sides, they both agree they want a smooth transition. They also agree that there is a need for both districts to identify a time for the students to meet before the start of the school year. More than 200 Wilkinsburg students are anticipated to attend the Homewood school.

FAMEhelpsyouthadvancethrougheducation NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

The Fund for Advancement of Minorities through Education’s Annual Information Fair will take place on Saturday, Nov. 21. Attendees will learn what college-preparatory education opportunities African American students can access through FAME’s independent partner schools and the programmatic support. It will take place at the Kingsley Association in East Liberty, located at 6435 Frankstown Ave., from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

SCHOOL CHOICE GUIDE 2015

FAME is an active participant and stakeholder in the education equity and access discussion. With the demand for school choice and the struggles of the public school system, FAME’s work—to address the need and keep finances from being the barrier around the best educational institutions in Pittsburgh—is vital. Current FAME scholars represent many school districts in the area, including, Gateway, McKeesport, Penn Hills,

Pittsburgh Public Schools, Seneca, Sto-Rox, Wilkinsburg and Woodland Hills. FAME welcomes talented and motivated students and families to the Information Fair to introduce them to our partner schools: The Ellis School, The Kiski School, Shady Side Academy, St. Edmund’s Academy, Sewickley Academy, Western Reserve Academy and The Winchester Thurston School. (Information provided by FAME.)

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Neal changes career to make a difference Moving from engineer to teacher A Pittsburgh Urban Teaching Corps (PUTC) resident is making a career change to make a difference in the lives of children impacted by race and poverty. What do you do if you’re a successful African American female engineer spending your nights and weekends worrying about the state of public education? Especially when the children in your neighborhood, already struggling with poverty, violence and racial discrimination, aren’t getting the education they deserve. If you’re LaShawn Neal, you make the decision to do something about it. You decide that, like education reform leaders Marva Collins and Lisa Delpit, you will take on the challenge of educating our youth. You apply to PUTC and dedicate yourself to making a difference in the lives of children impacted by race and poverty. Before making the decision to change her career, Neal worked for Turner Construction Company as a senior cost engineer. She spent her week forecasting earnings for projects in Pittsburgh as well as understanding all related project risks. After years pursuing her career in engineering, Neal’s commitment to social justice and passion for helping children never went away. “I had been tutoring and working with youth in other volunteer capacities and my heart became burdened to do more as it relates to the education of our children,” she said. After much prayer and contemplation, Neal decided to make a career change to become a teacher. She applied to the PUTC program and in March 2015, she was

selected as one of 10 inaugural members. You may recognize Neal’s background from a previous New Pittsburgh Courier article written in 2000, titled “Neal’s math, science proficiency lands engineering job with Turner.” At the time, Neal was 21 years old and a recent Penn State University graduate. After spending a semester in Europe and four summers of paid internships, she was hired by Turner Construction to work on the $220 million dollar expansion of the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. At Turner Construction, she was the only African American female in its architectural engineering department. However, that didn’t discourage her from apply-

LaSHAWN NEAL

ing herself and succeeding within the company. After many years moving up the chain and becoming a senior cost engineer, Neal made a tough decision to make a career change and was accepted into the PUTC. Neal now spends her week in a 4th grade math classroom at a Propel Charter School in McKeesport, followed by night classes at Chatham University pursuing a Masters of Arts in Teaching. The PUTC is a teacher residency program developed by Propel Charter Schools and Chatham University in 2014. Selected participants are provided fully funded tuition for a MAT degree, a $1,350 per month stipend, health insurance, professional development and mentorship in exchange for three

MAKING A DIFFERENCE—LaShawn Neal teaches one of her classes at Propel Charter School. (Photos courtesy of Propel Charter School).

years as a full-time teacher in a Propel school. Participants embark on an intense 15 months of graduate coursework and a yearlong teacher apprenticeship in one of Propel’s 10 Pittsburgh-area schools. The program is designed specifically for people who want to make a difference in the lives of students and who have a passion for social justice and educational equity. Despite her very busy schedule, Neal stays focused and is determined to get as much out of the program as possible. She said she leaves school every day “with an overwhelming feeling of knowing that I made the right decision to switch careers. Making a difference in the lives of children brings me so much joy.” The PUTC is currently accepting applications for its second group of candidates. Applications will be accepted through Nov. 15. For information about the program or to apply, visit pghurbanteachers.org or contact Kimberly Roberts, director of Talent for Propel Schools, at kimberlyroberts@propelschools.org. Neal resides in Export, Pa., and graduated from Penn State University. She loves traveling and running and hopes to complete 50 races by the time she turns 50. Her advice to someone thinking about making a career switch is to be a teacher. “Talk to teachers and spend some time observing to give yourself a better idea of exactly what you would be getting into…the road to become and be a teacher is not an easy one, but at the end of the day when you’ve made an impact in the world of education, it is worth it.” (Information submitted by Propel Charter School.)

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Community College hosts Enrollment Open House CCAC will host an enate in a global arena, rollment open house at which is critical to helpall eight of its locations ing promote student sucSaturday, Nov. 14, from cess and the growth of 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., for the region and nation. prospective students and CCAC prides itself on their families. having a diverse student Individuals who bring population, including their high school diploma, one of the largest popuGED or college transcripts lations of military and can complete their CCAC veteran students in the registration in one day. Atstate. tendees also can complete Expanded learning “on demand” placement options testing, meet with an adviNo matter how busy a sor and learn about student’s schedule is, CCAC’s program offerings CCAC provides flexible in the arts and humanilearning options. From ties; business; education, the convenience of eight social and behavioral scicampus and center locaences and human services; tions to thousands of onhealth; science, technology, line learning options— engineering and math; CCAC gives students acand the skilled trades. cess to 24/7 education. CCAC staff will be on Nine degrees and 10 cerhand to answer questions tificates can be completed about admissions and enonline, while more than rollment procedures, fi50 percent of required nancial aid options, courses can be completed transfer and career oponline for numerous deportunities and college gree and certificate proservices, sports, clubs and grams. other activities. Education for the Attendees will learn careers of tomorrow about: in two years or less •Associate degree, cerCCAC offers associate detificate & diploma progree programs, certificates grams and diplomas in more •Programs designed to than 150 programs. From facilitate easy transfer to in-demand allied health four-year colleges and and nursing programs to STUDENTS OF ALL AGES, RACES, AND RELIGIOUS BACKGROUNDS ARE WELCOME AT CCAC. universities state-of-the-art STEM, •In-demand careers business and skilled that offer strong wages and career CCAC’s average class size is just 18 of private four-year colleges and uni- trades programs, CCAC provides educastudents, giving students the opportu- versities—all by spending their first tional programs for the leaders and innogrowth •Scholarships, grants and financial nity to have more personalized instruc- two years at CCAC. vators of the future. What is a CCAC tion. In addition, classes are taught by aid opportunities Extensive education worth? •Day, evening, weekend and online faculty members, not graduate stustudent services dents, so students learn from leaders in Individuals who earn a credit-bearing courses CCAC features a full range of services certificate or associate degree are bet- such as career planning, financial aid, CCAC personnel also will conduct their fields. ter able to get jobs at family-sustaining job placement assistance, libraries, perAccess to financial aid tours of the facilities for prospective More than 40 percent of CCAC stu- wages with benefits and advancement sonal and career counseling, support students and their families. Ever since its founding in 1966, dents receive need-based financial aid, opportunities. In fact, statistics show services for students with disabilities, CCAC has embraced the concept of making it easier for them to afford col- that individuals who earn a certificate transfer assistance, tutoring and veterproviding affordable access to quality lege. CCAC students are eligible for or degree can earn 32 to 42 percent ans services. CCAC job fairs draw hunhigher education. For hundreds of scholarships, work-study jobs and more than high school graduates, ac- dreds of local employers, and the CCAC thousands of the region’s residents, grant funds, in addition to student cording to the US Census Bureau. This Honors Program offers opportunities to means that you could earn an addi- expand learning. CCAC has been the gateway to a more loans. tional $400,000 in your lifetime—all as Transfer Opportunities fulfilled and prosperous future, offerRewarding student ing an avenue to a first-rate college CCAC students have transferred cred- a result of having completed your life experiences education oftentimes not otherwise its to nearly 500 colleges and universi- CCAC education. CCAC provides more than 100 clubs Diversity & inclusion available. CCAC has an exceptional ties, and the college currently has arand organizations, five honor societies, CCAC has long been committed to intercollegiate and intramural sports, reputation for providing quality in- ticulation agreements in more than fostering a culture where diversity cultural events and student governstruction at an affordable cost and 125 programs. Savings—college and inclusion are an institutional pri- ment leadership positions, providing this is just one of the reasons why made affordable ority, with the core belief that promot- CCAC students the opportunity to purevery year thousands of students make CCAC their college of first CCAC students save $19,000 over the ing diversity and inclusion is every- sue interests outside the classroom. cost of public four-year colleges and one’s responsibility. The college aims (Information submitted by the Community choice. Others include: universities and $54,000 over the cost to prepare students to think and oper- College of Allegheny County.) Excellence in teaching

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State releases School Performance profiles NEED: Assisting African American students by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer

Say you’re moving into western Pennsylvania and you want to know how the school in one town compares academically to others in the district or even one in a neighboring district. The Pennsylvania Department of Education has a tool that will let you do that. On Nov. 4, the DOE released its interactive School Performance Profiles report. It includes the latest available SAT, ACT, PSSA and Keystone Exam results for schools in all of Pennsylvania’s 500 school districts. A school’s SSP score also includes data on attendance and graduation

and promotion rates, as well as evaluations on efforts to improve achievement gaps for minority students. While detailed, the PPS is still incomplete, applying only to schools that have an 11th. Schools with other configurations, K-8, for instance, will receive their first PPS score next year. State Secretary of Education Pedro Rivera cautioned that it’s only one aspect of school evaluation. “While SPP scores can be a useful tool in assessing school performance, the Department is engaged in conversations with multiple stakeholders to consider comprehensive measures in evaluating schools.”

Schools may also earn extra points beyond the 100 point scoring system for those students who have earned advanced scores on the state, industry, and Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate exams. The PDE is currently working with Governor Tom Wolf to identify additional, more holistic measures for evaluating students and schools. The Performance Profiles are available at http://paschoolperforma nce.org/ The latest Keystone test scores can be found on the PDE website www.education.pa.gov under K-12, Assessments and Accountability.

NEED is a non-profit organization that provides career and college access services which empower youth from the Pittsburgh area. NEED is the oldest community based non-profit minority higher education assistance program in Pennsylvania. NEED’s vision is to unlock the power of education by helping local youth meet their potential. NEED is a nationallyrecognized full-service college access program. PROGRAMS AND SERVICES •Last Dollar Grants NEED’s flagship program awards nearly one million dollars a year to eligible students in order to fill the gaps when all local, state, and federal college funding sources

have been exhausted. •Historical Black Colleges

and Universities Educational Tour

The tour is designed to expose African American students earlier to campus life and the value of attending an institution of higher learning. •African American Male Mentoring Initiative. AAMMI provides mentoring to young males both one-on-one and on a group basis. •Access To College and Career Education Program (ACE) Program ACE advisors work with high school students to help them learn about career options. This serves as a supplement to the hard work of counselors, principals, and administrators. •Workforce Diversity

Internship Program NEED has a talent pool of the best and brightest college-going youth from this region. NEED actively partners with local companies and corporations to provide internships for NEED recipients both pre- and postgraduation. •STEM Program The goal of this program is to increase the number of African American females in STEM fields trips. •Future NEED Scholars Program The program connects girls ages 13-19, who are, or soon will be parents, with mentors, ensuring they will complete their high school education, become competent parents and go on to college.

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NOVEMBER 11-17, 2015

SCHOOL CHOICE GUIDE 2015

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER