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VOL. 107, NO. 44
Erasing juvenile records
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NOVEMBER 2-8, 2016
100 Black Men Gala celebrates 30-year service
Hopefullyanewpresident willmakeadifference
by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
Not only were there 100 Black Men celebrating 30 years of mentoring disadvantaged African American youth to improve their quality of life and educational opportunities, there were 100 Black women and several hundred others filling the ballroom at the Doubletree Hotel in Green Tree. Among them was KDKA-TV reporter and anchor Lisa Washington Rushing, who served as the event’s emcee. “I’m honored that they would even think of me to host this momentous event,” she said. “And I’m excited to help highlight the tremendous work they do making a strong impact in our community.” First established in 1987, 100 Black Men of Western PA, Inc. is a nonprofit charitable institution dedicated to improving the lives of youth in at-risk communities in the Greater Pittsburgh area through mentorship. Its Mentorship Program helps prepare deserving youth, and specifically African American disadvantaged youth in the Greater Pittsburgh area, for post secondary education in their quest to become productive citizens in our society. The annual gala is the organization’s largest fundraising event during the year, with all proceeds going to support the Mentorship Program. The event included a reception
66 of 83 homicides Black lives
by Ulish Carter and Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writers
SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT—Duquesne Law School Assistant Clinical Professor Tiffany Sizemore-Thompson will lead juvenile record expungement efforts in Pittsburgh public housing communities. (Duquesne Univ. School of Law)
Duquesne Law School and Housing Authority win expungement grant by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
Thanks to a $100,000 federal grant, juveniles with criminal records living in Pittsburgh public housing communities may have an opportunity to have those records expunged. The Juvenile Reentry Assistance Program grant made
jointly by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Department of Housing and Urban Development will allow the Duquesne University School of Law’s Juvenile Defender Clinic and the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh to assist residents with juvenile record expungement. The initiative will be led by the
law school’s Assistant Clinical Professor Tiffany SizemoreThompson who will oversee a team of 10 student attorneys who will conduct intake interviews and provide consultation, advise and representation—all at no cost. “We’ll do pro-bono expunge-
And the beat goes on. Rapidly approaching one of the most important elections in the country’s history, the street violence against Black males continues. Four of the six victims in October were young Black males ranging from ages 18 to 29, bringing the total to 66 of 83. Even though Pittsburgh numbers are nowhere close to other major urban cities, every life counts. Hopefully, whoever wins the presidential election will make curtailing the number of Black dead bodies a priority. October Homicides (6) Oct. 3—Ronald Carter, a 29year-old Black male, was found by police on the sidewalk in the 1300 block of Maple Avenue in SEE HOMICIDES C6
Exxon gives $26 million in S T E M f u n d s t o Walker-Montgomery makes final election push local schools SEE 100 A4
by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
With the exception of headliners U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle, D-Pa, and his Republican challenger Lenny McAllister, most of the candidates for state office sent surrogates to represent them at last month’s Great Debate in Oakland. One who did not was V. Fawn WalkerMontgomery, who personally made her case that she should be elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for Dis-
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FIGHTING CORRUPTION—State House candidate V. Fawn WalkerMontgomery tell the Great Debate audience she’ll get rid of corruption in the Mon Valley starting with her indicted opponent Mark Gergely. (Photo by J.L. Martello)
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trict 35 over seven-term incumbent Rep. Marc Gergely, DMcKeesport, who has been indicted on corruption charges related to illegal gambling. “I’m running because I care about my community. I’m tired of walking outside and hearing gunshots. I’m tired of seeing no grass cut and I’m tired of no development coming to the area,” she told the debate audience Oct. 24. “My opponent faces corruption charges as we speak. He has been arrested and his trial date is set for December—so I’m running to end some political corruption in my district because, at this point it’s ongoing and expected. We have to change that. My election is a statement election. I’m running to let the Mon Valley politicians know that we’re going to take our district back.” Gergely faces felony counts of dealing in the proceeds of illegal ac-
Building on the student improvement seen by previous grants, Exxon and its natural gas subsidiary, XTO Energy, have announced a $26 million expansion of their funding for STEM education in western Pennsylvania schools. Joined by Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Pedro Rivera, the energy firms, in collaboration with the National Math and Science Initiative’s College Readiness Program, announced the massive grant during an Oct. 27 celebration at West Allegheny High School in Imperial. “Access to a high-quality education can be critical to a student’s academic growth and their future success,” said Rivera.
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by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
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INTERNATIONAL
NOVEMBER 2-8, 2016 NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
International court hit by planned exit of 3 African states by Mike Corder Associated Press Writer
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP)—When the treaty creating the International Criminal Court was opened for signatories in 1998, Egyptian-born legal scholar Mahmoud Cherif Bassiouni called it “a triumph for all peoples of the world.’’ Fast-forward 18 years, and the lofty ideal of establishing a court that would end impunity for atrocities and deliver justice to victims is reeling from the announced departures of three African member states: Burundi, South Africa and Gambia. Never before has one of the court’s 124 member states quit. Now three have. Concerns are growing that more African countries will leave. The court, which this year moved into a new headquarters in The Hague, long has been accused by some African leaders of bias against their continent. At first glance, it’s easy to see why. Since the Rome Statute treaty creating the court came into force in 2002, the ICC has convicted only four people of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Three were from Congo and one from Mali. The court, so far, has indicted only suspects from Africa, ranging from notorious Ugandan warlord Joseph Kony to Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and late Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi. It currently has 10 full-scale investigations underway, with nine in Africa and the other in the former Soviet republic of Georgia. But Alex Whiting, a professor at Harvard Law School and former ICC prosecution coordinator, said the court shouldn’t be blamed for the Africa focus. In six cases, the African countries themselves asked the ICC to investigate, and two others were referred to the court by the U.N. Security Council. “Could the ICC really have declined to move on these cases?’’ Whiting said. Supporters of the court say more is at play, including fears in Burundi and Gambia that ICC prosecutors could target rulers there.
PROSECUTOR—In this Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2015 file photo, prosecutor Fatou Bensouda waits for former Congo vice president JeanPierre Bemba to enter the court room of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, file) (The Associated Press) The court’s chief prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, herself a Gambian, was defiant this week and insisted—as do other observers—that the court will weather the crisis. “I don’t think we should feel we are defeated and that the court will close tomorrow,’’ Bensouda told a seminar in The Hague. “No, the court will have its challenges. We will counter those challenges. We will confront them and move forward.’’ The African departures have highlighted broader criticisms of the court, which employs some 800 staff and has a proposed budget next year of just over 150 million euros ($164 million). Most notable is its failure to tackle crimes outside the continent, such as the litany of atrocities in Syria’s brutal civil war. Another longstanding criticism that feeds into African discontent is the fact that global powers such as the United States, Russia and China are not members. Theo van Boven, an honorary professor of international law at Maastricht University who led the Dutch delegation at the Rome conference that created the ICC, said the absences hurt the court. “It would be helpful indeed if major powers ... would join and contribute to the representative character of a judicial institution that is standing for universal values of an imperative nature,’’ Van Boven wrote in an emailed response to questions by The Associated Press.
The court’s focus has begun shifting further afield. It is currently conducting 10 so-called preliminary examinations—probes to establish whether to open a full investigation —in countries including Afghanistan, Ukraine and Colombia, as well as the Palestinian territories and alleged crimes by British forces in Iraq. While the court has had high-profile failures in Africa—the collapse of the case against Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and the inability to have Sudan’s president arrested—it also has registered successes. ICC judges have delivered convictions for using child soldiers in conflict and for horrifying sexual crimes that long have gone unpunished. They recently convicted an Islamic militant for destroying historic mausoleums in the Malian desert city of Timbuktu. It is still possible that South Africa, a staunch supporter of the court under former President Nelson Mandela, will reverse its decision to leave the court, Prof. Michael Scharf, dean of the law school at Case Western Reserve University, said. The decisions by South Africa, Burundi and Gambia to leave also might be a wake-up call for the court, he said, “inspiring a serious re-examination of ICC-African relations and ultimately leading to reforms in the ICC’s approach to Africa.’’ The global human rights umbrella organization FIDH slammed the countries’ departures as damaging the lofty goals of the court. “We believe that withdrawing from the ICC puts a premium on impunity,’’ the group said in a statement signed by 106 rights groups, including many from Africa. “Withdrawal poses a threat to one of the greatest advances in justice of the 21st century, at a time when genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes are perpetrated regularly and rampantly worldwide.’’
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This Week In Black History
Week of November 2-8, 2016 November 2 1889—The last great African king is crowned. Menelik II became “Negusa Nagast” (King of Kings) of Abyssinia (Ethiopia). At that time Abyssinia included not only present day Ethiopia, but parts of Kenya, Somalia and the Sudan. European colonialism would weaken and reduce the size of the kingdom. Menelik could trace his heritage back to King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba of the Christian Bible. 1903—Maggie L. Walker opens the St. Luke Penny Savings Bank in Richmond, Va. Walker was one of the most accomplished business women in Black American history having founded a bank, a newspaper, other businesses and a political MAGGIE L.WALKER party known as the Lily Black. Constant refrain in her speeches was “Let us put our money together…and reap the benefits.” 1930—Haile Selassie is crowned emperor of Ethiopia after the death of Ethiopian Empress Zawditu. Tracing his lineage back to the Bible’s King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, some Blacks (most notably the Jamaican Rastafarians) consider him a god. Selassie’s name prior to being crowned emperor was Raz Tafari. 1983—Conservative Republican President Ronald Reagan signs the law that designates the third Monday in January as Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Shortly after the signing, he angers some Blacks when in response to a reporter’s question he suggests that King may have been a communist. November 3 1868—John W. Menard is elected to the U.S. Congress and was among the first group of Blacks to take a seat in that body during the Reconstruction period, which followed the Civil War. He defeated a White candidate in Louisiana’s 2nd District. 1983—National Black political leader Jesse Jackson announces the first of his bids for president of the United States. His camHAILE SELASSIE paign, at the time, is credited with registering the largest number of Black voters in modern history. 1992—Carol Moseley Braun, D-Ill., becomes the first Black woman elected to the United States Senate. 1992—James Clyburn becomes the first Black person elected to U.S. Congress from South Carolina since Reconstruction. He is now one of the most power people in Congress. November 4 1922—The entrance to King Tutankhamen’s tomb is discovered in Egypt. Controversy reigns to this day as to King Tut’s color. Many Black authorities claim White historians and museums continue a historic practice of using representations of Tut that lighten his skin and downplay his African features. 1872—P.B.S. Pinchback was elected to the United States Congress from Louisiana. He was one of the most colorful Blacks who took seats in Congress after the Civil War. His full name was Pinckey Benton Stewart Pinchback. 1872—Blacks actually take political power in Louisiana. C.C. Antoine is elected lieutenant governor; P.G. Deslonde become secretary of state; and W.B. Brown becomes superintendent of public education. Virtually all Black political gains would be taken away as Reconstruction gave way to the Jim Crow period. 1874—The Democratic Party sweeps the off-year elections. At this stage in history the Democrats are largely an anti-Black political party. Their taking control of the House of Representatives helps pave the way for the end of Reconstruction and the beginning of the racist Jim Crow period. 1982—Scholar and educator Rayford Logan dies. He was one of Black America’s most prominent educators and historians, and the author of numerous books. He was also the longtime chairman of Howard University’s history department. 1988—Entertainer Bill Cosby and his wife, Camille, give Spelman College $20 million—the largest gift by a Black couple to a Black educational institution in U.S. history. 1999—Daisy Bates dies at 84. Her efforts and leadership helped integrate public school education in America. Bates was prominent in aiding the “Little Rock a group of Black students that integrated Central High School in Little Rock, Ark. November 5 1867—The first Reconstruction Constitutional Convention takes place in Montgomery, Ala. In attendance were 90 RAYFORD LOGAN Whites and 18 Blacks. Reconstruction would bring forth a period of tremendous political and educational advancement for ex-slaves after the Civil War. But Reconstruction was significantly undermined by the Hayes-Tilden of 1877 and the beginning of the anti-Black Jim Crow period. 1902—Etta Moten (Barnett) is born in San Antonio, Texas. She would become one of the first major African-American Broadway stars. She starred in “Porgy and Bess” and had a successful Broadway career. 1926—Negro History Week is started by Black historian Carter G. Woodson. It would later grow into the current Black History Month which takes place each February in the United States. In England Black History Month takes place in October. Woodson (1875–1950) is recognized as the “Father of Black History Month.” 1956—The Nat King Cole Show—the first Black hosted network television variety show—debuts. The show began with just 15 minutes and later expanded to half-an-hour, but was pulled in 1957 for lack of advertiser support. 1968—Brooklyn, N.Y.’s Shirley Chisholm becomes the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress. She would later make an unsuccessful bid for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination. 1974—Walter Washington becomes the first elected mayor of Washington, D.C., as the predominantly Black city gains limited voting rights. Washington had declined an earlier appointment to be the city’s commissioner because the proposal did not give him control of several city agencies including the police department. SHIRLEY CHISHOLM November 6 1746—Absalom Jones is born into slavery in Sussex, Del. He becomes the first Black Episcopal Church priest. Along with African Methodist Episcopal Church founder Richard Allen, he also founds a Black self-help group called the Free African Society. Jones dies in 1818. 1858—Samuel E. Cornish dies. Along with John Russwurm, he established the first black owned and operated newspaper in America—“Freedom’s Journal.” The newspaper’s famous motto was “We wish to plead our cause.” 1860—Abraham Lincoln is elected the 16th president of the United States. His opposition to the expansion of slavery prompted slave-owning states to succeed from the union which brought about the Civil War. Lincoln’s opposition to slavery was more pragmatic than moral signified by his famous phrase—“A nation cannot exist half-slave and half-free.” 1900—James Weldon Johnson composes “Lift Ev’ry Voice And Sing.” The song becomes the “Black National Anthem.” In 1920, Johnson becomes the first Black head of the NAACP. 1928—Oscar DePriest (1871-1951) is elected to the 71st U.S. Congress from the first Congressional District of Illinois. He was the first Black congressman from the North and the first to take a seat in Congress since Jim Crow laws and attitudes drove the last Black from Congress in 1901. 1973—Coleman Young and Thomas Bradley are elected mayors of Detroit, Mich., and Los Angeles, Calif., respectively. They thus become the first Black mayors of cities with populations of one million or more. 1990—Sharon Pratt Dixon (later Kelly) is elected the first Black female mayor of Washington, D.C. November 7 1837—Elijah P. Lovejoy, one of the White heroes of Black history, is killed by a pro-slavery mob while defending his anti-slavery newspaper in Alton, Ohio. 1841—The “Slave Revolt On The Creole” occurs when 125 Black slaves overpower the crew of the slave ship Creole and sail it to the Bahamas, where they were granted freedom and political asylum. 1876—The disputed presidential election which changed the course of Black history occurs. The dispute led to the Hayes-Tilden Compromise. In order to be declared president, Republican Rutherford B. Hayes reached an agreement with southern Democrats, which had the effect of ending much of Reconstruction and the protection of Black rights. The Jim Crow era began with “Black codes” and other measures which severely limited Black rights. Many of these rights were not restored until the 1960s. 1934—The first Black Democrat is elected to the United States Congress. His name was Arthur L. Mitchell. Up until this point in history, most Blacks were Republicans because of the roles of Abraham Lincoln and a group, known as the “Radical Republicans,” played in ending slavery. Mitchell defeated Oscar DePriest for the congressional seat from Chicago. November 8 1898—The Wilmington Massacre occurs. A mob of Whites launches a terror campaign against Blacks in Wilmington, N.C. They destroy a Black newspaper plant, seize control of city government and officially leave nine to 11 Blacks dead. However, the unofficial death toll was said to be closer to 100. The Black press building was burned. 1933—Actress Esther Rolle is born in Pompano Beach, Fla. She is best remembered for her role in the 1970s television series “Good Times.”
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OVERHEATED?—In this Sept. 11, file photo, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton waves BILL CLINTON’S WOMEN—In this Oct. 9, file photo, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump after leaving an apartment building in New York. Every presidential race has its big moments. This one, sits with Paula Jones, Kathy Shelton, Juanita Broaddrick, and Kathleen Willey, before the second presmore than most. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File) idential debate in St. Louis. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci, File)
Moments to remember—or try to forget—from Campaign 2016 by Nancy Benac Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON (AP)—Every presidential race has its big moments. This one, more than most. A look back at some of the historic, amusing and cringe-inducing events of Campaign 2016. There are plenty more where these came from. Play along at home and think about what you would add to the list. GOING DOWN? Donald Trump’s long ride down the escalator at Trump Tower to announce his presidential bid in June 2015 wasn’t huge news at the time. It only merited a page 16 story in his hometown newspaper, The New York Times. But his 45-minute speech laid out a road map for the next 500 days. It had denunciations of rapists from Mexico, the promise to build a border wall, complaints that the United States doesn’t win anymore, assertions that the U.S. should have taken Iraq’s oil before the Islamic State group got it, criticism of President Barack Obama’s health law, pledges to get lost jobs back from China and elsewhere, rants against “stupid” trade deals and many more themes Trump has hammered on ever since. RAISE YOUR HAND Trump jolted the first Republican debate in August 2015 when he was the sole candidate among 10 men on the stage to raise his hand to signal he wouldn’t pledge to support the eventual GOP nominee. The best he could offer: “I can totally make the pledge if I’m the nominee.” (The GOP field was so crowded then that seven more Republican candidates were relegated to an undercard debate.) This was the same debate where Trump mixed it up with Fox News’ Megyn Kelly over his history of intemperate comments about women, foreshadowing a running campaign theme. Trump answered Kelly’s question about whether he was part of the “war on women” with a riff against political correctness. THOSE ‘DAMN EMAILS’ Clinton got a gift from Bernie Sanders in the first Democratic debate in October 2015 when he seconded her dismay at all the focus on her use of a private email setup as secretary of state. “The American people are sick and tired of hearing about your damn emails,” Sanders said. That took some air out of the controversy but it never fully went away. Then in June, FBI Director James Comey announced he would not recommend charges against Clinton over the email issue, but said she and her aides had been “extremely careless” in handling classified information. The issue took on new life when the FBI announced just 11 days before the election that it was investigating whether there is classified information in newly discovered emails. Trump called it “bigger than Watergate.” SMALL HANDS. EWW. A Republican debate this past March strayed into cringe-inducing territory when Trump brought up GOP rival Marco Rubio’s mocking reference to his “small hands” and then volunteered some reassurance about the size of his genitals. Trump told his debate audience and millions of TV viewers, “He referred to my hands, if they’re small, something else must be small. I guarantee you, There’s no problem, I guarantee.” The arbiters of good taste had a problem with that. CEILING: SHATTERED She wore white, the color of suffragettes. Clinton stood before voters at the Democrats’ Philadelphia convention in July and at last claimed the presidential nomination of a major party for women. “I’m so happy this day has come,” she told cheering supporters. “Happy for grandmothers and little girls and everyone in between. Happy for boys and men, too. Because when any barrier falls in America, for anyone, it clears the way for everyone.” Clinton had finally shattered that “glass ceiling” she cracked in the 2008 campaign. THE ‘DEPLORABLES’ Clinton drew laughter when she told supporters at a private fundraiser in September that half of Trump supporters could be lumped into a “basket of deplorables”—denouncing them as “racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, Islamophobic, you name it.” No one was laughing when her remarks became public. Clinton did a partial rollback, saying she’d been “grossly generalistic” and regretted saying the label fit “half” of Trump’s supporters. But she didn’t back down from the general sentiment, saying, “He has built his campaign largely on prejudice and paranoia and given a national platform to hateful views and voices.” Soon enough, Trump had the video running in his campaign ads, and his supporters were wearing the “deplorable” label as a badge of honor. A REAL STUMBLE There are always stumbles in a presidential campaign. Clinton took a real one in September when she became overheated while attending a 9/11 memorial service in New York. It turned out she was suffering from pneumonia, a condition she’d hidden from the public and most of her aides. That gave Trump an opening to press his case that Clinton lacks the “stamina” to be president. But she had a sharp rejoinder in the fall debate with Trump, saying: “As soon as he travels to 112 countries and negotiates a peace deal, a cease-fire, a release of dissidents, an opening of new opportunities in nations around the world or even spends 11 hours testifying in front of a congressional committee, he can talk to me about stamina.” ‘YOU CAN DO ANYTHING’ Trump’s living-large persona is part of his appeal for many people. But the leaked release in October of a 2005
video in which Trump boasted about groping women’s genitals and kissing them without permission threw his campaign into crisis. Politicians in both parties denounced Trump and some said he should drop out of the race. Trump apologized, but wrote off his videotaped comments as mere “locker-room banter.” He denied engaging in the kind of predatory activity he’d laughed about. But a string of women came forward to say he’d made unwanted sexual advances toward them. HE WENT THERE Trump toyed throughout the campaign with bringing up allegations about Bill Clinton’s past sexual misconduct. Trump went there in a big way in October at the second presidential debate, seating three of the former president’s accusers in the front row for the faceoff. “Bill
Clinton was abusive to women,” Trump said. “Hillary Clinton attacked those same women and attacked them viciously.” HE WOULDN’T GO THERE As Trump’s standing in the polls faltered, he cranked up his claims that the election was being rigged against him. Asked in the final presidential debate if he would accept the results of the election, Trump refused to go there. Pressed on the matter by the debate moderator, Trump said: “I will tell you at the time. I’ll keep you in suspense.” It was a startling statement that raised uncertainty about the peaceful transfer of power after the election. Even the Republican National Committee disavowed Trump’s statement. Follow Nancy Benac on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/nbenac
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100 Black Men Gala celebrates 30-year service
NEW MEMBER––Mel Blount, being pinned as a 100 Black Men member at the gala, poses with his wife, TiAnda Blount.
LEADERS—Western Pa. President Ronald Lawrence and National Chairman of 100 Black Men Curley Dossman. (Photos by J.L. Martello)
Walker-Montgomery makes final election push CONTINUED FROM A1
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and silent auction prior to the awards dinner that included honors presented to Aaron Walton and Tamika Williams, as well as for the Pittsburgh Chapter’s founding members Dr. Leon Haley, Dr. Herman Reid and Dr. Lonnie Hudspeth. “It’s the answer to a dream come true. When we started we had no idea it would evolve into what it’s become,” he said. “But like the man said, you never know how things will go until you start.” Hudspeth echoed Reid’s remarks. “I’m very proud, satisfied and fulfilled to have seen such great work done in the last 30 years,” he said. “What we did when we started was just a fraction of what you see today. So I am very honored to have been a part of it.” Founding member Leon Haley said as great as the organization’s work has been, it must continue be-
cause the need continues. “The motivation behind creating 100 Black Men still exists today,” he said. “The challenges faced by African American youth, the disparities in income and educational achievement are still there. So the work is needed today maybe even more than before.” National Chairman of 100 Black Men Inc. Curley Dossman agreed, and assured everyone the work would continue and the organization would continue to grow. “I have to extend my congratulations to this chapter for 30 years of service, it’s President Ronald Lawrence, and to these gentlemen— they are the people on whose shoulders I stand,” he said. Their initiative is now a movement with over 100 chapters around the country. I’m proud to be here to celebrate their 30 years of service.” (J.L. Martello contributed to this story.)
HONOREES—Lifetime Achievement honoree Aaron Walton, Highmark vice president, with the Courage honoree Jamika Williams, Penn State University admissions counselor.
tivity and two counts of corrupt organizations, plus three misdemeanors. He is one of 70 individuals charged in connection with “Operation Pork Chop,” which brought down illegal gambling kingpin Ronald “Porky” Melocchi, whose video poker machine operation that had some 335 machines at 70 restaurants, bars, bowling alleys and other locations throughout the Mon Valley. Gergely pleaded “not guilty” at his preliminary hearing. Melocchi was sentenced to 10 years probation after pleading guilty last year. In the May Primary Election, Walker-Montgomery, a two-term McKeesport councilwoman, was forced to run a write-in campaign after operatives loyal to Gergely, removed her from the Democratic ballot. Despite these machinations, she garnered enough votes to win a spot on the Republican ticket and oppose Gergely for the 35th State House District race in
November. She is the first African American to run for the seat. Since the debate, WalkerMontgomery has continued her door-knocking campaign to educate district residents about her run— and how to vote for her. “I’ve knocked on over 8,000 doors, talking to people. They tell me they are ready for something new and for something to actually get done,” she said. “I talk to people more about the race than party. Still, I’ve run into people who say they don’t vote for Republicans. But then when I explain who I am, people tell me they didn’t know they could vote for me and still vote for Hillary (Clinton.) And some people have even been told they can’t vote for me. I’m surprised how many older people don’t know you can vote a split ticket.” While running as a Republican has presented challenges, Walker-Montgomery said the Party has been quite supportive.
“They held a fundraiser for me just last week at Luciano’s in White Oak,” she said. “The chairman (D. Raja) was there, and so was Rep. Mark Mustio (R-Moon). Her other biggest challenge has been voters who have little or no knowledge of Gergely’s indictment. “A lot of them don’t know he’s been indicted, but then we don’t have (the McKeesport Daily News) any more,” she said. “It’s astounding, in this day and age. I don’t get it. He faces three felony charges and no one is talking about it. He was caught on a wiretap, but about 40 percent don’t know or they forgot. I think it goes back to the deep, deep corruption in this state—and we have to get it out of there. How do you tell kids not to get into criminal activity if they see elected officials doing this?” Duquesne University Law Professor Bruce Ledewitz said district voters may also not know that if Gergely wins, and is later found
guilty, he would not be forced out for some time. “In that circumstance, he would not have to leave until he is actually sentenced, which in a two-year term, could be a long time,” said Ledewitz. “The seat would then be filled via special election.” So Walker-Montgomery continues to make her rounds through the district. White voters, she said, have been very responsive, and those that aren’t Republicans generally ask how they can vote for her. “I have people putting me be on absentee ballots—and they took time to call first. I thought that was cool,” she said. So I’m believing. It’s looking good, and when it’s over, either way, I can definitely say I left it all out there.” (State House representatives serve two-year terms at an annual salary of $84,012. The 35th legislative district includes Clairton, Duquesne, Lincoln, McKeesport, Munhall, South Versailles Township, Versailles, parts of West Mifflin, Whitaker and West Mifflin.)
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METRO
Exxon gives $26 million in STEM funds to local schools CONTINUED FROM A1
“As the commonwealth works together to invest in students and schools that teach, the College Readiness Program is a standout model of how public schools, innovative educational organizations and committed businesses can partner to ensure that the next generation of scientific, business and civic leaders are prepared to succeed.” Rivera said 70 percent of 17,000 jobs estimated to be created over the next decade will require some level of computerrelated or computational, or critical thinking skills. The College Readiness Program is designed to encourage school districts to im- MORE ROAR—Pa. Secretary of Education Pedro Rivera holds a mic for the cheering students at West Alprove participation in legheny High as NMSI President Greg Fleisher and XTO Energy V.P. Mike Johnson present a $46K STEM AP classes to better grant. (Photo courtesy of The Savvy Group) prepare students for college and careers in Sci- neering science. We’re also Jaclyn Castma, National and CAPA joined in the ence, Technology, Engi- partnering with teachers so Math and Science Initiative 2015-16 year along with neering and Math-related they know about the vari- program manager for west- Chartiers Valley, Deer fields. Thanks to the ous career paths,” she said. ern Pennsylvania, said she Lakes Peters Township and grant the five original Allegheny High “And for several years, was very pleased to an- West Pittsburgh schools and 11 Exxon Mobil and XTO En- nounce the expanded fund- Schools. suburban district schools ergy have hosted Introduce ing and to celebrate the Burrell, Chartiers-Houscould be joined by up to 24 a Girl to Engineering achievements the program ton, Kiski Area, McGuffey, additional schools. Penn Hills, Ringgold, and events, where we invite fe- has already yielded. Amy Dobkin, community male students to meet engi“Our results have been re- Trinity Area high schools relations manager for neers, compete in team pro- markable, the increase in joined for the current school XTO’s Appalachia Division, jects, and give them expo- student performance was year. Dobkin said several said it and Exxon realize sure to energy careers, our more than half the state av- other district high schools that energy is critical to in- employees and job opportu- erage, and the seven new are in various stage of the novation and vice versa, so nities.” schools were in top 15 per- process to join the initiative supporting STEM educaNational data shows that cent in the increase,” she for the next school year and tion just makes sense, and in just one year, the pro- said. “So we are very proud beyond. as such, have contributed gram boosts the number of of the students and the im“We hope as we move formore than $180 million to AP qualifying scores in pact we’re having in the re- ward they will take advanthe effort over the years. tage of the opportunity to math, science and English gion.” But the commitment ex- in partner schools by 10 Pittsburgh Brashear and enhance their students’ tends beyond the class- times the national average, Pittsburgh Sci Tech were skills in math and science room, she said. while producing outstand- the first high schools to join so critical to our field and “XTO works with local ing gains among female the initiative in 2013-14 others throughout the reschools to do job shadowing, and minority students, two school year, and were ini- gion.” (For more information on the provide internships and groups that are tradition- tially funded by a grant give students an idea about ally underrepresented in from the Heinz Endow- National Math and Science Inidoing the geology and engi- STEM fields. ments. Allderdice, Carrick tiative, visit nms.org.)
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Community Calendar Essay Deadline NOV. 4—Applications for the Second Baptist Church, in Rochester, Pa., 2016 Oratorical Semi-Finalist presentations are due. The presentation celebration will be held at 3:30 p.m. at the church, located on Clay and Irvin Streets, Rochester, Pa. For more information, call Eugenia at 724-775-7734.
ABA Basketball Season Opener NOV. 5 & 6—The Steel City Yellow Jackets open their 17th season with weekend games against the Kentucky Enforcers, Nov. 5, and the Reading Wizards on Nov. 6. Games start at 7 p.m. at Pittsburgh Obama Academy, 515 N. Highland Ave., East Liberty. Tickets $10, $5 for students, $15 for both games.
Social Justice Convention Trip NOV. 5 & 6—Black is Back Coalition for Social Justice, Peace and Reparations is leading a bus and van trip to Washington, D.C., for the National Black Political Agenda for Self-Determination Convention. The cost for the trip is $55. For information on registration and hotel accommodations, call 412-606-0059 or kraheem322@yahoo.com.
Housing Summit Luncheon Discussion NOV. 10—The University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work is sponsoring a Housing Summit Luncheon discussion with Dr. Mindy Thompson Fullilove, 12-1:30 p.m., Room 2017 Cathedral of Learning. The panel discussion will also include Hill House Vice President for Neighborhood Development Terri Baltimore, Duquesne University Prof. Eva Simms, Pitt assistant Prof. Mrinalini Rajagopalan, Associate Prof. Mary Ohmer and Prof. Michal Glass. The luncheon and discussion are free of charge.
Black Economic Summit
NOV. 13—Stop the Violence Pittsburgh will host a Black Economic Empowerment Summit from 5-8:30 p.m. at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater, 5941 Penn Ave., in East Liberty. The program will feature presentations by Boyce Watkins and Jay Morrison, who will examine issues such as Starting a Business, Investing, Making money on the Internet, Marketing for Success, and Real Estate Investing. Tickets are $30, $40 for VIP package. For more information, call 724-205-9376 or visit stoptheviolencepittsburgh@yahoo.com
Racial Justice Awards NOV. 16—The YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh will host its 25th Annual Racial Justice Awards Dinner and Celebration from 6:30-9 p.m. in the grand ballroom at the Omni William Penn Hotel, 530 William Penn Place, Downtown. The Silver Celebration award honor individuals who have shown a commitment to social justice in the arts, business, community service, education, faith, health, and public service & safety. RSVP by NOV. 8. Individual general admission tickets are $100, VIP tickets $150.
Coat Drive NOV. 16 & 19—East End Cooperative Ministries will hold its annual coat drive distribution at 6140 Station St., in East Liberty. Anyone wishing to donate, or to volunteer with set up and organization on NOV. 14 & 15, contact Tracy Hudson at 412-345-7124 or by email at tracyh@eecm.org.
50th Anniversary Gala NOV. 18—Community College of Allegheny County will celebrate its 50th year of servicing the county’s educational needs with a dinner and awards presentation beginning at 6 p.m. at the Wyndham Grand, 600 Commonwealth Place, Downtown. For tickets and sponsorship information, visit www.ccac.edu.
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NATIONAL
NOVEMBER 2-8, 2016
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Days before election, Clinton talks criminal justice, jobs and education with the Black Press by Cash Michaels The Carolinian
(RALEIGH)—In an exclusive interview with North Carolina’s African-American press, Hillary Clinton said that even though she is running to benefit all Americans, the first woman expected to be elected president of the United States on Nov. 8th does have a special focus on working with the African American community and its leaders—both local and national—to improve employment, business, education, and other important quality of life issues. “I want to pay particular attention to Americans who feel left out and left behind by the economy, or the situation in their communities,” the former First Lady, senator and United States Secretary of State said Oct. 23 at St. Augustine’s University in Raleigh, a historically Black college, during perhaps one of her last sit-down interviews of the campaign. “I’ve laid out a really extensive agenda for African-Americans, starting with improving the economy so that its producing more jobs for more people; raising the national minimum wage—[we’ve] got mostly women earning minimum wage, often times being the sole support of their children, and they deserve a better economic opportunity,” she said. Clinton also cited more affordable housing as a need. She maintained that getting equal pay for women as a “particularly big issue for African American women,” adding that Black female small business owners are “the fastest growing segment of the small business world in our country.” “[But] they’re running into credit…[and] regulatory problems. We’ve got to look at those, not just from
STRONGER TOGETHER—In this Friday, Oct. 21, file photo, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton speaks at a rally at Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)
CLINTON SUPPORTERS—Supporters listen to First Lady Michelle Obama as she speaks during a campaign rally for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
a 30,000-foot view, but right down on the ground. What is it that stands in the way of men or women getting their businesses going?” Improving higher education not only through the proposal that she and Senator Bernie Sanders, D-Vt., have developed to make public universities “tuition-free” for students from families making $125,000 or less, but also creating a “dedicated $25 billion fund” to help private historically Black colleges and universities like St. Augustine’s and Shaw universities to continue to grow. “Taking on systemic racism,” something she has “talked very openly and specifically about,” is something Clinton added to her pronounced agenda for African Americans. She points towards reforming the criminal justice system “from end to end” to help stem the tide of questionable fatal police shootings of Black people, improving police training, and building greater respect between law enforcement and the African American community. “I particularly want to provide more diversion from the criminal justice system and more second chance
has characterized in such a negative way what I see as a part of America that has a lot going for it, but [also] has some challenges that we must honestly address.” Clinton expressed support for South Carolina Congressman James Clyburn’s “10-20-30” plan—10 percent of federal funds should go to the twenty percent of communities that have been living with generational poverty and lack of development for thirty years. Clinton says she’s developed a plan that not only implements 10-2030 into the federal budget, but also the empowerment and enterprise zones that helped build Black businesses under President Bill Clinton’s “New Markets” tax credits to be able to further invest, and hire people within their communities. Mrs. Clinton said she’d like to see “a much bigger effort” when it comes to upgrading skills training so that more people can actually qualify for the 1.2 million available jobs in the marketplace. She says she wants to accomplish this challenge literally on a “neighborhood by neighborhood” basis, working with local officials, businesses and faith leaders
programs for people who have paid their debt to society so that we begin to reverse what has been an over incarceration that has really disrupted communities.” “But I also have to do more to heal the divides that we face in our country, and I’m taking all of this on because I want to build on the progress that Pres. Obama has made. I don’t want to see it reversed or ripped away.” And yet, a “President” Hillary Clinton’s approach would be from “a different perspective that will hopefully get even more people listening,” she said. Clinton certainly disagrees with Donald Trump’s assessment that African Americans “live in hell,” instantly exclaiming, “Oh, that’s so wrong,” and then adding “One of many insulting, divisive comments that Trump made was his characterization of African American communities. It just shows he’s never been in any, he doesn’t know any people, he has no idea of the dynamism of small business or the importance of historically Black colleges and universities, or the role that Black churches play, or Black professionals, and every walk of life.” Clinton continued: “He
she served voted 98-0 to renew the VRA, and then-Pres. George W. Bush signed it. “I want to appoint people to the [United States] Supreme Court who understand, based on what you read in the Fourth Circuit [and other court findings against Republicans trying to suppress the vote]. I also want to go back to Congress and try to get legislation to fix the heart of the Voting Rights Act…” noting that Congressman John Lewis, D-Ga., is leading a bipartisan effort now “…to reinstate the full reach and power of the VRA.” Clinton lauds President Obama’s leadership in getting the country out of the greatest financial crisis since the great Depression—an economic collapse she says was caused by a combination of huge tax breaks for the wealthy, and Republicans taking the regulatory eyes off Wall Street and the financial markets. Clinton says that Obama “doesn’t get the credit that he deserves for pulling us out of that big ditch.” She credits the president’s “steadiness” in guiding the economy with a substantial stimulus and recovery package and the reinstatement of a higher tax rate on the wealthy, all resulting in over 75 consecutive quarters of economic growth. Last year until now, Clinton adds, more people are finding work, incomes went up and more people are entering the jobs market. “I want to build on that foundation,” Mrs. Clinton says of Pres. Obama’s achievements, “and I don’t want to see it ripped up and thrown away by a false ideology that the way you create economic wealth and equality in America is top down. I think its middle out, and bottom up. I will build on what the president has done.”
who know the most about their own communities, and bring different perspectives to the table. When asked if “President” Hillary Clinton’s United States Justice Department would continue to pursue the strengthening of voting rights, keeping in mind the United States Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that the Republican-led N.C. General Assembly deliberately suppressed African-American voters with “surgical precision,” Clinton immediately said, “Yes, a hundred percent.” She furthered that she was “proud” of the efforts of both United States Attorney General Loretta Lynch and her predecessor, Eric Holder, combatting unconstitutional voter ID laws in North Carolina and across the nation. However, Clinton also blasted the United States Supreme Court for striking down Section 4(b) of the 1965, effectively taking away the Justice Department’s most effective tools in policing how various states are upholding the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Clinton lamented that the High Court crippled the VRA, especially since Democrats and Republicans in the (The Carolinian is a member United States Senate when publication of the NNPA.)
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
NOVEMBER 2-8, 2016
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OPINION
NOVEMBER 2-8, 2016
Editorial
Our Choices for the General Election Every election is critical, but this may be one of the most important we’ve had in years, from top to bottom. At the top is Democrat Hillary Clinton vs. Republican Donald Trump. Coming into the final week, Clinton had a slight lead over Trump, both in Pennsylvania and the country, but that can easily be reversed. The Republican Party, without Trump, has demonstrated, and even come out and said, that they were going to block everything President Barack Obama puts forward to improve this country and they have made no effort, which includes condemning police for the shooting of unarmed Black men, to move this country forward from the Great Recession from the George Bush years. Even though there’s a split in the GOP between Trump and some of the Republican leaders, they differ on none of the major issues facing the Black community. They would gut just about everything President Obama has set in place to move this country forward economically, racially and with foreign policy. It’s that which makes it vitally important that we look at the U.S. Senate seat from Pennsylvania and the U.S. House seat of Mike Doyle vs. Lenny McCallister. Voting for Clinton means nothing if she runs into the same blockades that President Obama has. We need to vote for Katie McGinty for U.S. Senate and Doyle for U.S. House. McCallister says he’s an independent Republican who doesn’t support Trump, but it hasn’t been Trump who has blocked President Obama at every level. It has been the men he supports, Rubio and Ted Cruz. Locally there is not much competition. Jake Wheatley, 19th District House of Representatives, and Ed Gainey, 24th District House of Representatives, are running unopposed. One very critical race is the 35th District House of Representatives in the Mon Valley area where political activist V. Dawn Walker-Montgomery, running as a Republican, is challenging Marc Gergely who is facing corruption charges. This would be a major victory for not only Blacks in the Mon Valley area, but all residents of this area. She would be the first Black person to win a seat in that area and would go out of her way to serve all the people in the Mon Valley area. The Courier choices are: Hillary Clinton President Katie McGinty Pennsylvania U.S. Senate Josh Shapiro Pennsylvania Attorney General Mike Doyle 14th Congressional District Jake Wheatley 19th District House of Representatives Ed Gainey 24th District House of Representatives V. Dawn Walker-Montgomery 35th District House of Representatives Make sure you vote. Most of the races will be close, which means your vote will be critically important.
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Rod Doss Editor & Publisher Stephan A. Broadus Assistant to the Publisher Allison Palm
Ulish Carter
Jeff Marion
Office Manager
Managing Editor
Circulation Consultant
John. H. Sengstacke
Editor & Publisher Emeritus (1912-1997)
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Vote…vote…vote
This is one of the most critical elections in years. If we don’t get it right this time, we as Black people just may see ourselves move back to the 1950s and ‘60s. Yes, we are finishing up eight years of a Black president who, if allowed, would have moved this country to its greatest heights in world history. We would have had an affordable health care system, which would have benefitted everyone, but all he could get passed was a stripped down version of the Affordable Care Act. If he had been allowed to push his economic agenda through, we would have had a record-breaking number of jobs created. But everything he pushed forward was shot down with nothing to replace it. Even though the country is at an all time high level in job creations it could have been better. The Republican House and Senate made it very clear that they didn’t care about the affect to the country; they were going to block every single bill or program President Obama tried to accomplish. Why? We know why. So even though the majority of Americans voted for Obama and the policies he made absolutely clear during his campaigns, the Republicans said they didn’t care about the majority of Americans or the country as a whole; they were blocking anything he brought forth. Much like the health plan, even though they said back in 2008 it was terrible, when asked to submit an alternative, nothing was offered. There has still been no health plan offered by the Republicans today because the Pharmaceutical companies own them. So many say conditions are still bad in the Black communities. Police are still killing Black men in cold blood with a Black president. So why should we vote? Because Black Republicans are saying, look, things
Ulish Carter
Just Sayin’ haven’t changed in all these years under Democrats, under Obama. I say things are still bad, but things would be like living in Nazi Germany, or for those of us who remember, the 1950s, and ‘60s. I don’t care how much older people talk about the good ole days; no Black person would want to go back to those days. Yes, we have a long ways to go for equality, but only a fool would want to go backwards. That is if you are Black. Whites, that’s another story. Following the lead of Donald Trump, yes, White America wants to go back to the days when White men had all the good jobs, the best education, thus leaving whatever was left over for Blacks, Latinos and women. The far right are dreaming about the good old days when America was great…for White people. It has never been great for the Black masses. I am not generally a party person, but the Republicans have gone so far to the right it’s frightening. So you say, why should I vote? The Democrats only help Blacks after they march, protest and raise all kinds of hell, and the Republicans do nothing. Remember, neither President Kennedy nor President Johnson did a thing for Blacks until many had died, were shot, beaten, or dogs turned loose on them. Finally, Kennedy and Johnson did something. But could you imagine what would have hap-
pened if Ronald Reagan, Donald Trump, Ted Cruz or Paul Ryan had been president? They’d say, let those niggers die. Most people are only looking at the presidential race between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Wrong. Without a Democratic House and Senate there will be very little Clinton will get accomplished. Some say the same will be true for Trump because he doesn’t stand for mainstream Republicans. I say that’s a lie. His views are the same as mainstream Republicans or he would not have beat all his opponents by a landslide in the primary. If he wins, he will get all his programs pushed through. Diversity and any form of Affirmative Action will be forgotten. Once again, the good old boys will get the cream of the crop when it comes to jobs, with women and Blacks having to accept the crumbs. It’s amazing to me how many people are supporting Trump. It’s a true reality check of just how far we haven’t come over the years. How many people believe the conditions in this country for Blacks is our fault, that there is no racism in this country? Maybe a Trump victory will wake up Black America, maybe it will help us come to the realization that we still have to fight for every little thing we have received and need for the future. It’s vital that we get out to vote, that we get out to vote for the president, for the U.S. Senate and U.S. House seats, as well as for the state House, the state Senate, city council, county council, and yes, even committee men and women. We must vote or shut up when we are out on the streets homeless. We may not have great choices, but at least we have a choice. (Ulish Carter is the managing editor of the New Pittsburgh Courier.)
A blessed 75 years of defying the status quo Blessed are those who plant seeds in the faith that others might enjoy the forest. (October 8) was my 75th birthday. I have been blessed to see how many of the seeds we planted have taken root and turned to sturdy trees. I was born in Greenville, S.C., to an unwed teenage mother. I grew up in a home poor in resources, but rich in love, supported by a loving family, a tight community and a strong church. Yet, we quickly learned that we were like birds in a cage, caught in the bars of segregation. I went to segregated schools with double shifts. Often we had one book for six of us. Public spaces— bathrooms, water fountains, pools— were closed to us. We sat at the back of the bus. We saw no Black police officers or firefighters, no Black car dealers. We were expected to adjust our hopes down to fit our circumstances. But change was in the air and we rattled the bars of that cage. My parents, classmates, teachers and minister instilled high hopes and expectations. My classmates and I chafed at the limitations. Sit-ins began to take place across the South. As a college student in Greensboro, N.C., I helped lead demonstrations to desegregate the theater and local cafeterias. After being arrested in 1960 for the first time for trying to use a public library in my hometown of Greenville, I lost my fear of jail, experiencing the dignity that comes from standing up— or sitting in—for a cause that is just. I was joined by a partner for life and children to nurture. I met Dr. King and was honored to learn at his side. We grew close at Selma. We
Jesse Jackson Sr.
Commentary suffered the sting of de facto segregation in Chicago and its suburbs. We marched, confronting injustice with nonviolent protest. Nonviolence demanded discipline in the face of provocation, love in the face of hate. Many were injured; some gave their lives. The blood of the martyrs haunted us, but propelled us. And that movement transformed America. After Dr. King was taken from us, I fought to make his dream real. But the war on poverty was lost in the rice paddies of Vietnam. Our agenda couldn’t get a hearing. We began a drive to register African Americans to vote. After seeking out other candidates, I decided to take our case to the American people, running for president in 1984 and 1988. We registered millions and helped change the national agenda. And 20 years later, I was blessed to be in Grant Park celebrating the election of Barack Obama. I imagine sometimes the struggle for equal rights as a symphony. The first movement—with the clash of chains and the cannons of war—was to end slavery, culminating in the Civil War, the Civil Rights amendments to the Constitution and a Reconstruction that showed the poten-
tial of multiracial coalition politics. The second movement began with the drums of reaction—the Klan, the Supreme Court legalizing apartheid, to its shame, 100 years of segregation. But the symphony ends with trumpets hailing the triumph of the civil rights movement—the Supreme Court outlawing segregated schools, the opening of public accommodations, the Voting Rights Act. Dr. King left us, and the third movement—the movement for equal opportunity and for economic justice—remains unfinished. The racial wealth gap yawns at record levels. Poverty disproportionately blights the lives of too many Black mothers and babies. The systemic bias of our criminal justice systems literally takes lives, as we’ve witnessed over and over again. We have a long way to go. At 75, I see how far we have come. Our progress has always come from struggle and sacrifice. The powerful do not dispense change; the people must demand it. And now, I am buoyed by the movements that are stirring—by Black Lives Matter, the dreamers, the fight for $15 and the democracy movement pushing back against attacks on voting rights and the poison of big money. In my lifetime, the Civil Rights Movement has made America better. Our diversity is now our strength. Doors once locked have been forced open. We reject those who would divide us along lines of race or religion or region. And we continue to work, to march, to demonstrate and to push for a more perfect union. At 75, I celebrate my blessings. (Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Sr. is founder and president of the Chicago-based Rainbow PUSH Coalition.)
Why the HBCU community should support Hillary (NNPA)—This article summarizes why African Americans should be eager to vote this year, and why historically Black colleges and universities, students and the Black community, as a whole, should vote for Hillary Clinton for president. Additionally, parents should urge young millennials to support Clinton as well. Voting affects every aspect of our American lives. It is the cornerstone of our democracy as well as a constitutional right that we must responsibly exercise as American citizens. As an outspoken college president regarding civil rights, I can easily articulate that the most critical challenges facing African Americans today center around educational issues, economic inequality, and growing injustices. Voting is the first step and a necessary condition to fashioning solutions to many of these challenges. The right to vote is a matter of dignity and democracy. Sometimes it is important to remind each other of the significant bloody and deadly battles that were fought for such a fundamental right that should have been enforced from the inception of our democracy. In fact, we honor the legacy of those who made sacrifices by exercising this decisive right. This brings us to the critical choice between the candidates for this all-important election on November 8 that many are characterizing as one of the most crucial elections in
Glenda Glover
Commentary the last 60 years. In analyzing the candidates, their platforms, experiences and qualifications, Clinton is the clear choice for this nation for the following reasons: •Her commitment to HBCUs is far reaching. Her New College Compact pledges $25 billion to HBCUs and minority serving institutions, thereby strengthening opportunities for African Americans and other minorities to attend college. It provides that families with income up to $125,000 will pay no tuition at in-state public colleges and universities, and that community colleges are tuition free for all working families. Also, it makes debt-free college available to everyone and addresses student loan debt. •Her pledge to protect Pell grant funding for minority students and reinstate summer Pell grants, thereby making this funding available year round. •Her history of supporting concerns that affect African Americans including improved education, unemployment, civil rights, the current crim-
inal justice system, racial injustices and other disparities in the Black community. •Her experience with health care initiatives which will ensure that affordable health care is available for families. This is especially important since there are enormous health disparities that affect African Americans and other minorities. •Her platform advances an economy that works for everyone, and presents an investment in the nation’s infrastructure, thereby providing a comprehensive new jobs program. •Her proven record of promoting and advancing women; and she will continue to tear down barriers, especially as it relates to African American women. •Finally, and most of all, her unparalleled credentials and experience in government, public service, law and international affairs. These are only a few of the reasons that define the choice for Clinton, and explain why I’m with her and you should be too! Clinton will build upon President Barack Obama’s legacy and chart her own path toward issues that are important to us. Your vote counts! Your vote matters! We have a responsibility as well as a duty to vote. In this critical election, we must vote to effect chanwge. No vote, no voice, no victory! (Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover is the eighth president and first female president of Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee.)
FORUM
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Donald Trump is straight up lying about voter fraud (NNPA)—I watched the Presidential debate on Oct. 19 in both awe and horror. Awe, because I truly do not understand Mr. Trump’s temerity to lie, interrupt, sniff, sigh, and interject offensive comments (“such a nasty woman”) in lieu of disagreement. The horror came when Mr. Trump asserted that he would not necessarily accept the result of an election he has described as “rigged” (actually, in Trump’s world, anything that does not go his way is rigged—debates, primary elections, Emmy Awards). Trailing in the polls, Mr. Trump is playing the same racial games he has played throughout the elections, suggesting that there is massive voter fraud in cities like Philadelphia and Detroit, cities with large African American populations, that dead people are voting, and that millions of voter registration records are wrong. There have been dozens of reports that refute the Trump claims. According to analysis by a professor at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, Calif., only 31 of more than 1 billion votes cast since 2000 have been fraudulent. The Brennan Center for Justice, housed at the New York University School of Law has studied voter fraud and found that allegations are most often unfounded. Trump also cited a Pew Center study that indicated that one in eight voter registrations might be inaccurate. But Pew says inaccurate registration may not be fraudulent ones. As an example, some people have not changed their addresses, and will do so before they attempt to vote again. These folks aren’t committing fraud, they’ve simply moved. The Pew Center says that our nation’s voter registration system needs an upgrade. They have not identified massive voter fraud as a problem. Donald Trump, though, is the master of
Julianne Malveaux
Commentary manipulative repetition. Just like he hammered on “Little Marco,” “Low Energy Jeb” and “Crooked Hillary,” now he is hammering on voter fraud, whether it is accurate or not. At least one fact-checker has detailed how wrong Trump is and has described his claims as “bogus.” Claims of voter fraud divert attention from a more significant issue: that voter suppression makes it more difficult for many to vote. Too many states have instituted new voter ID laws, reduced the number of early voting days, consolidated precincts (forcing people to travel further to vote), and purged people from voting registration polls. Several organizations are providing backup for voters, including the website www.iwillvote.com that allows people to check their voter registration. But with registration deadlines closing in this handful of days before the election, it is likely that some people who want to vote will not have the opportunity. This voter suppression has been deliberately, and it has had a partisan skewing. Why can a gun registration be used as appropriate voter identification, but not a student ID? Rule shifting has gained the attentions of conservative appeals courts. As an example, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in Texas voided Texas Voter ID laws. Wisconsin’s voter restrictions were also disallowed. Most notably, a federal appeals court shot North Carolina down and, were uncharacteristically critical. The court wrote that, “Although the new provisions target African Americans with almost surgical precision, they constitute inapt remedies for the problems assertedly justifying them and, in fact, impose cures for problems that did not exist.” Is there voter fraud? If only 31 cases, out of a billion votes, were found fraudulent, we can say that there is a bit of fraud, something that is less than a fraction of one percent. At the same time, voting restrictions imposed in 2014 and 2015 were set to block over 1.3 million voters in Ohio, Nor Carolina, Virginia, and Wisconsin, all swing states. Should we be more concerned about voter fraud (31 claims out of one billion votes cast) or the 1.3 million Americans who have been deliberately and “surgically” excluded from the voting process through voter suppression? African Americans know rigged elections. Our voices have too often been rigged out of the electoral process. Fannie Lou Hamer was beaten to within an inch of her life because she dared organize people to vote. Medgar Evers was killed because he dared organize Black folks to vote. Our people overcame grandfather clauses, voter tests, and all kinds of other nonsense in order to vote. We know voter suppression. When Donald Trump talks about elections being rigged, he exhibits, again, his historical ignorance. Every time Black folks were excluded from the voting process, we accepted the outcome. We accepted the democratic process. Now Trump has millions of rabid followers who inhale his every word. His irresponsible allegations of rigged elections may well mobilize his base to reject the integrity of the electoral process. Some of us know all we need to know about rigged elections. We know voter suppression personally and immediately. And we know that Mr. Trump has disqualified himself for leadership by saying he cannot commit to an electoral outcome that does not favor him. (Julianne Malveaux is an author and economist. Her latest book “Are We Better Off? Race, Obama and Public Policy” is available via www.amazon.com. For more info visitwww.juliannemalveaux.com.)
Who are you, what is your response? Every four ed was his color years we hear Louis ‘Hop’ Kendrick of skin, because the same predicthe party owned tion: “This preshim and the idential election people were still is the most imsecondary. portant election It is astoundin history.” The ing how pertwo major politsons, particuical parties in larly of color, this 2016 elecdescribe themtion did not create a larger divide selves when asked who are they. I between the Black and White voters, would hope that most Black persons but they did highlight how serious would answer: a proud concerned the ongoing problems are. Black person. Then there are those I was compelled to reflect on my who brag that they are Democrats years in politics many years before first and forever. If you point out we ceased to be “colored”, and became how they have supported the party Black and how much has not changed almost 100 percent 70 years or lonfor the better. In 1956 a colored man ger and the multitude of problems decided to run for the committeeman that confront Blacks they say, “they in the 9th district 3rd ward against a don’t care.” Thirdly there are a limWhite man who had been in the po- ited number of people who say they sition for at least 20 years, and col- don’t care, because every now and ored voters physically attacked him then, we are able to get some monand accused him of being out of his ey from them. The Blacks who hold tree for having the incredible nerve elected offices their first obligation is to challenge Mr. Charlie. The colored and always has been total allegiance candidate was defeated, but the third to the Democratic Party. There has time he ran all colored politicians never been an elected Black, who unRepublicans and Democrats joined derstood the importance of building a forces and elected him. The election power base, which would stop them of the colored individual was a total from begging and thereby they would disappointment, because we realized be in a position of power to demand. (Louis “Hop” Kendrick is a contributor to early that the only difference between him and the White person we defeat- the New Pittsburgh Courier.)
To Tell The Truth
Do Clarence Thomas and the father of Black History have anything in common? History is writcharacterized ten by the vic- J. Pharoah Doss as if they were tors. nothing but deIf that’s true, fensively armed then who writes social workers. Black history, That’s a mild victors or vicaccusation of tims? political correctIn 1926 Carness. ter G. Woodson But other critstarted Negro ics have charged History Week because Black contribu- the museum with blatant bias and tions to civilization were suppressed circulated a petition for the museum by textbook authors. Woodson be- to acknowledge the accomplishments lieved White students, developed ra- of Clarence Thomas, the second Black cial prejudice from this omission and Supreme Court justice. Black students developed an inferiorThe museum actually does mention ity complex. Clarence Thomas but it’s in reference In 1976 Negro History Week was ex- of being accused of sexual harasspanded into Black history month and ment by Anita Hill during Thomas’ Carter G. Woodson is considered the 1991 confirmation hearings. (Is this “father of Black history”. history written by the victims?) Now, But during Carter G. Woodson’s ca- if Clarence Thomas wasn’t mentioned reer, he was ostracized for his schol- at all critics would have just comarship. plained, but it’s this snub/smear that Woodson believed education along- generated the petition by a group of side social and professional inter- conservatives. action would reduce racism and he The museum defended its decision wanted to turn Black history into an by stating “They can’t tell every story.” academic discipline to advance that That’s true, but it’s far from the cause. truth. But Woodson’s contemporaries For decades Clarence Thomas has rejected his insistence on defining been ostracized for conservative judiBlack history as its own entity. These cial opinions labeled anti-Black, and educators believed Negroes were he’s been branded a traitor unworthy American with no history apart from to replace Thurgood Marshall. By “American History”, and they blocked continuing this tradition the museall of Woodson’s efforts to get Black um has made its own statement on history into school curriculums. who writes Black history. Woodson’s views were also rejected But the petitioners are political too. by historically Black colleges. They’re more interested in having Today, Woodson’s contemporar- a representative of conservatism on ies are forgotten, and there is a Dr. display in the museum, not necesCarter G. Woodson African American sarily, honoring Thomas’ life story of Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida. overcoming poverty and oppression Speaking of museums. (History of the victor) to reach the The Smithsonian National Muse- Supreme Court. um of African American History and But that’s Washington. Culture recently opened in WashingBoth Carter G. Woodson and Clarton, D.C. and like everything else in ence Thomas were ostracized for their Washington it has its critics. scholarship. One wanted to make One critic stated the Museum is Black history, its own entity. The othilluminating and flawed. It’s plain er is being excluded from an African how much African-American history American museum for becoming his and culture is simply American his- own entity instead of Thurgood Martory and culture. (That’s what Carter shall’s clone. G. Woodson’s critics said to him.) The irony is those that do the ostraBut this critic went further and said cizing don’t understand how people the museum is reluctant to give a nu- make history. History remembers and pays speanced assessment of conflicts, to cast doubt on one perspective or another. cial homage to those that were conFor example, the actual doctrines of demned, excommunicated, or ostraElijah Muhammad, a leader of the cized by their contemporaries. (J. Pharoah Doss is a contributor to the New Nation of Islam and mentor to Malcolm X are unmentioned, and, more Pittsburgh Courier. He blogs at jpharoahtroubling, the Black Panthers are doss@blogspot.com)
Commentary
Letter To The Editor
Vote No on judicial ballot question Dear Editor: The retirement age for PA judges is now 70. Let’s keep it that way! Vote NO on the ballot question to raise the retirement age to 75. Leave the
seats for younger, experienced attorneys. VOTE NO ON NOV. 8 Bonnie DiCarlo Pittsburgh
Letters to the editor for publication The New Pittsburgh Courier welcomes all responsible viewpoints for publication. All letters should be typewritten and contain writer’s address and phone number for verification. All letters will be edited for clarity and length. Address all letters to: Letters to the Editor New Pittsburgh Courier, 315 East Carson Street Pittsburgh, Pa. 15219 You may fax your letter to 412-481-1360, or via e-mail to letters@newpittsburghcourier.com.
NOVEMBER 2-8, 2016
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Raynard Jackson
Commentary
Mainstream media is rigging the system (NNPA)—I will be writing this column in the spirit of the 2002 blockbuster film, “Minority Report,” which starred Tom Cruise. The movie is set in 2054 Washington, D.C. The basic premise of the movie was that the government had the ability to arrest and convict a person of a crime before they actually committed the crime. With that in mind, I predict the biggest loser of next month’s elections will be the American people, regardless of who the winner is. Americans have already become more and more cynical towards our governing institutions; political, religious, corporate, and civic. When people lose all faith in their institutions, it’s a recipe for a total meltdown of society. The WikiLeak e-mails have provided proof, not so much to Trump’s assertion that the election is rigged, but to the fact that the American way of life is rigged. Over the years, I have constantly heard many Republicans complain about how biased and liberal the media is. I used to dismiss these charges as simply sour grapes and that Republicans have never really been very good at communications, but the WikiLeak dumps have proven that Republicans have been right all along. The media “claims” to be the fourth estate and it is anything but. The fourth estate refers to the role of the media, especially print, in being a check and balance on the other three estates (or branches) of our government: the executive, judicial, and legislative. What I find amazing is that this proven media bias puts the journalistic industry in direct violation of their own professional standards as established by the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ). The SPJ is supposed to be the arbiter of the standards by which all journalists must comport themselves to. According to SPJ’s website, their mission “is dedicated to the perpetuation of a free press as the cornerstone of our nation and our liberty… To ensure that the concept of self-government outlined by the United States Constitution remains a reality into future centuries, the American people must be well-informed in order to make decisions regarding their lives and their local and national communities. It is the role of journalists to provide this information in an accurate, comprehensive, timely, and understandable manner...to stimulate high standards and ethical behavior in the practice of journalism… to foster excellence and to encourage diversity among journalists.” What I find astonishing about SPJ’s mission statement is that they claim to “foster excellence and to encourage diversity among journalists,” but yet they don’t have one Black staffer in their headquarters in Indianapolis and have only one Black on their board of directors. If the governing body of journalism is hypocritical, should we expect their members, the media, to be any different? WikiLeaks has shown that major media entities and reporters are in bed with the Clinton campaign, specifically, and the Democratic Party, in general. But yet, according to their own mission statement, “It is the role of journalists to provide this information in an accurate, comprehensive, timely, and understandable manner...to stimulate high standards and ethical behavior in the practice of journalism.” Since the media has been actively promoting Hillary’s candidacy, how can they then turn around and claim to report “accurately and to stimulate high standards and ethical behavior?” The few times that mainstream media has asked Clinton directly about these leaked e-mails, the so-called journalists allow her to simply deflect by saying that Russia stole these emails. Neither Hillary nor her supporters can deny the substance of these e-mails. Imagine that you have a teenage son whose best friend lives next door. They also go to school together and and one day your son mistakenly leaves his schoolbooks at the friend’s house. The friend’s mother returns the books to you, but also states that she found his report card in one of the books and tells you that she’s seen these grades. Your son never showed you the report card, because he had bad grades. You question your son about the poor grades and his response is that the neighbor had no right to look at his grades. Regardless of how you learned about on his grades, it doesn’t negate the fact that he received poor marks. Likewise, it doesn’t matter how WikiLeaks got all the e-mails, not one e-mail has been proven to be inaccurate and it is the media’s responsibility to question Hillary and her supporters like they have been doggedly questioning Trump over these women who are making “allegations” of misconduct. Hillary’s e-mails are presenting actual evidence of wrongdoing. The media has totally ignored hard evidence of Clinton and her campaign having direct conversations with the State Department and Department of Justice regarding open investigations involving Clinton. How is this even possible? Do you really wonder why the American people have lost all faith in our various institutions? Americans feel like if you have power or wealth, there is a different set of rules you live by. If Trump made the argument that the system was rigged in this regard, then he would have the support of most Americans. (Raynard Jackson is founder and chairman of Black Americans for a Better Future (BAFBF), a federally registered 527 Super PAC established to get more Blacks involved in the Republican Party. BAFBF focuses on the Black entrepreneur. For more information about BAFBF, visit www.bafbf.org. You can follow Raynard on Twitter @Raynard1223.)
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NOVEMBER 2-8, 2016 NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
LIFESTYLES New Pittsburgh Courier
PPT presents 42nd season B7
Ball celebrates Johnson B2
NOVEMBER 2-8, 2016
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
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Debbie Norrell
Lifestyles Report
Homeless or not How many people have you seen that appear to be what I call “homeless posers”? I know you can name one or two, maybe even three. The one that stands out for me is the man who is in Monroeville, right by the exit from the parkway east, near Valley Honda. If you don’t see him there, he is at the light when you come out of Sam’s Club and Gabriel’s. Not too long ago, someone posted a picture of a man that looked just like him driving a new model red car on social media. The social media post said that the man was not homeless, and that he lives with a wife and family in a nearby suburb. I have never given this man any money because he has been at this same post for so long that I just don’t believe that he is really homeless. I feel the same way about a new “beggar” that I have seen in the Monroeville area near Kohl’s. This young White man carries a cardboard sign that says he is stranded. He also has a small dog with him on a leash. When I saw him most recently, he had changed clothes and the dog was wearing a coat. If he is stranded, he appears to have somewhere to change clothes. There are two other “homeless” people that I see on a regular basis. I see these guys at the Grant Street exit. Both have the traditional cardboard signs stating that they are homeless and hungry, and anything will help. One man appears to be kind and his sign says he was in the military. The other is younger and seems somewhat agitated. I watched a person hand him an unopened can of soda, he took the can and jammed it into the bridge. I guess it was not his flavor. But the guy that really ticked me off is the older Black man sitting on the Smithfield Street Bridge. In the warmer months he sits there and begs with a ball cap. He has built a relationship with a lot of people who cross the bridge on their daily commutes to work. I don’t walk the bridge often, but when I do, I make it a point not to stop and open my purse or wallet for anyone. I believe the people that are asking for money can read the look on your face and they know if you are an easy mark. My thoughts are often how these people got to this low point in their life and are they really homeless? What disturbed me about the man on the bridge was that I saw him at the lottery vending machine buying lottery tickets. These people always say they are begging for food, but if you give them food they might throw it aside when you aren’t looking. This is not an attack on the homeless, just a word to the wise to beware who you make “donations” to. I stick with the groups that I can see visible results. (Email the columnist at debbienorrell@aol.com)
MEMBERS OF PITTSBURGH CLUB NO. 6—Denise Raiford, Ann Bradford and Glenda S. Ellison
HONOREES—Sharon Quarles, Catherine Brinkley and Katrina Organ
Pittsburgh Club No. 6 honors Women of Faith by Debbie Norrell Lifestyles Editor
On Sept. 23, at the Double Tree Hotel in Monroeville, Pa., Pittsburgh Club No. 6 presented An Evening of Inspiration Honoring Women of Faith. Mary Etta Johnson, president and loyal lady ruler, said, on behalf of Pittsburgh Club No. 6, that it was an honor to celebrate the evening’s honorees, and to share their personal relationship of commitment and services to others in the
UNIQUE AWARD—Katrina Organ
community. The honorees included: Robin L. Whitfield–Hurt ,volunteer services; Hazel Jackson, youth ministry; Reverend Jermaine McKinley, PhD, ministry and outreach; Reverend Katrina Organ, ministry; and Reverend Sharon Quarles, ministry. A surprise honor was presented to LL Mary Catherine Brinkley #5, state grand loyal lady ruler. Each honoree received a beautiful Black angel. Kara E. Whitfield served as the event chairperson.
ILLUSTROUS COMMANDRESS OF SAHARA COURT #9—Lorretta Carter
PITTSBURGH CLUB NO. 6—Joyce Culberson, Ann Coleman, Marcia Cereza, Kara E. Whitfield and MEMBERS OF PITTSBURGH CLUB NO. 6—Cheryl Murray and Mary Etta Johnson (Photos by Debbie Norrell) Simone Spaulding-Cephas
Western Pennsylvania Black Political Assembly’s awards breakfast
by Debbie Norrell Lifestyles Editor
September 24 was an historic day in Washington, D.C., and Pittsburgh, Pa. On this day, the African American Museum opened in Washington, D.C., and in Pittsburgh, the Western Pennsylvania Black Political Assembly held an awards breakfast at St. James AME Church ‘s Sumpter Hall. This year’s honorees included the Hon. William R. Robinson, Beverly “Bev” Smith, The Hon. Mark A. Brentley Sr. and The Hon. Regina B.
Holley. Chris Moore, of KDKA Radio, was the keynote speaker and said, as a people, Blacks have to do more than survive, we have to thrive. Brenda Tate accepted for the queen of talk radio Bev Smith,and Sylvia Wilson accepted for Regina Holley. The Political Assembly committee includes the Hon. Richard Adams, Ronell Guy, Louis “Hop” Kendrick, Darcel Madkins, George Moses, E. Richard Phipps, Robinson, Luther J. Sewell Jr., Roxanne N. Sewell and William T. “Jack” Simmons.
HONOREE—William “Bill” Robinson, former member of Allegheny County Council. (Photos by Debbie Norrell)
HONOREE—Mark Brentley, founder of Take your Father to School Day and former Pittsburgh Public School board member.
WESTERN BLACK POLITICAL ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE—Members, seated: William T. Jack Simmons and E. Richard Phipps. Standing: George Moses, Bill Robinson, Rick Adams and Louis Hop Kendrick.
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RELIGION
NOVEMBER 2-8, 2016 NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Praise & Worship
Church Circuit Music In A Great Space
ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH
NOV. 4–Duquesne University Choirs will perform Nov. 4 and Nov. 6 at Shadyside Presbyterian Church. Friday is entitled, “Radiant is the World Soul” and Sunday is “A Service of Remembrance for All Saints.” The Friday concert starts at 7:30 p.m. and the Sunday concert starts at 3 p.m.
Crawford & Centre Ave. Pgh., PA 15219 412-281-3141 Mass Sunday 9:00 A.M. & 12:00 P.M. Sunday (Gospel Choir Mass) 12:00 P.M. www.stbtmchurch.org
METROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH
Gospel Lights concert
22 Sampsonia Street, Northside Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412-231-2554 FAX 412-231-6395 Rev. Lacy F. Richardson, Ph.D., Pastor Church School.................................9:30 A.M. Worship Service.................8:00 & 10:45 A.M. Bible Study/ Prayer Wednesday...................6:30/7:30 P.M. www.metropolitanbaptistchurch.com metropolitanbaptist2224@gmail.com
East Liberty Presbyterian Church Rev. Dr. Randy Bush, Senior Pastor 412-441-3800 116 S. Highland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206
www.cathedralofhope.com
Journey Worship........8:45 a.m. Sanctuary Worship........11 a.m.
To have your church included in the Praise & Worship section contact Ashley Johnson at 412-481-8302 ext. 128 for ad rates.
Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community For rate information, call 412481-8302, ext. 128. We are looking to feature 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: ajohnson@newpittsburghcourier.com
BISHOP DERRICK JOHNSON Newly appointed bishop (Photos by Jackie McDonald)
NEILA JOHNSON First Lady
ball celebrates johnson, newly appointed bishop
NOV. 5—The Hattie B. Richey Missionary Society at Jerusalem Baptist Church, located at 123 Steuben St., in the West End, will host The Pittsburgh Gospel Lights in concert at 5 p.m. A free will offering will be collected. Reverend Theodore E. Pugh is the senior pastor.
100th Year Anniversary
NOV. 6—Monumental Baptist Church, 2240 Wylie Ave., in the Hill District, will celebrate its 100th Church Anniversary during its 11 a.m. morning worship service with a sermon delivered by guest preacher Rev. Dr. Kenneth L Gates Jr., supervisor chaplain at FCI, Fort Dix, N.J. Everyone is invited. For more information call 412-281-3384.
Rev. Burwell honored
NOV. 6—The 20th Pastoral Anniversary honoring Rev. James D. Burwell. Guest speakers ministering the Word of God for the 11 a.m. Pre-Anniversary Service will be messenger Annette Carswell, of Potters House Ministries, and Bishop Gerald Loyd, of Fountain of Life Church, at 4 p.m.
Pastor Anniversary
MASTERS OF CEREMONIES—Elder Shameka Drewery and Elder IN ATTENDANCE—Pastor Keith and Lady Deborah Moncrief Terrell Guyton
by Jackie McDonald
new fellowship entitled, “The Church Of the MillenFor New Pittsburgh Courier nium.” Bishop Johnson, the Everyone was festive at the Inaugural Ball for son of a Church of God in newly appointed Bishop Christ pastor, began his Derrick S. Johnson, pastor preaching ministry at the of the New Creation Fami- tender age of 14 and later ly Worship Center, located became an ordained elat 325 Oakland Ave., in der by the late Bishop L. B. Davenport and the late Greensburg, Pa. The event, recently held Bishop Ithiel Clemmons. at the Crystal Room in He matured into a powerMonongahela, Pa., followed ful and anointed preacher an Official Service of Con- and teacher of the gospel secration orchestrated of Jesus Christ, and conweeks earlier in Asheville, tinued on humbly submitN.C., and conducted by ting to the will of God by Apostle Reginald J. White, accepting the mantle of the presiding prelate of the the prophetic ministry for
which he was Confirmed in May 2004 at the National Prophetic Believers’ Conference. In October 2004, Bishop Johnson received his Doctorate in Divinity from the Sword of the Spirit School of Ministry. Bishop Johnson is a true prophet to be heard in this hour and continues to impact God’s people. He has completed his first publication entitled, “My Story: Moving Beyond the Negative Patterns,” which details his life and how God can deliver one from a road of destruction. His leadership experience
afforded the opportunity to proudly pastor First COGIC, in Pittsburgh’s Hill District, as well as his current church in Greensburg. He invites all to “come experience the difference” as he shares in ministry with his wife, Neila D. Johnson, and their combined family that includes eight children. As the second presiding bishop, Johnson says he aims to bring “amazing ministry” to those under his leadership and his passion is to consistently teach God’s principals according the Holy Bible while empowering people to win in life.
NOV. 12-13—Mulberry Community Church is celebrating Pastor Lawrence W. and First Lady Sonya Smith’s first anniversary with a luncheon at 12 p.m. The afternoon speaker will be Bishop Stanley K. Smith at 2 p.m. On Nov. 13, the morning worship service, held at 11 a.m., will feature Overseer L.C. Carter, and the afternoon speaker will be Overseer Sonny Conception at 3 p.m.
Family & Friends Day
NOV. 13—Jerusalem Baptist Church, located at 123 Steuben St., West End, is sponsoring their annual Family & Friends Day at 11 a.m. All are welcome. For more information please call 412921-0822. Reverend Theodore E. Pugh is senior pastor.
Antioch Youth Day
APOSTLE REGINAL WHITE Featured speaker
BISHOP KENNETH CRUMB Giving accolades
BISHOP LORAN MANN Sharing remarks
BISHOP LINWOOD LEWIS Giving remarks
Youth Ministry Fall Revival
NOV. 23—Bethlehem Baptist Church, 716 Walnut St., McKeesport, will host the Youth Ministry Fall Revival. Minister Laphon Flood-Francis Morningstar Baptist Church, of Clairton, will be the guest preacher. Reverend Earlene Coleman, senior pastor; Rev. Jamie Grayson, assistant pastor; and Rev. Phil Williams, youth pastor.
MERCY ACTS INTERNATIONAL HOSTS HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS WORKSHOP Sat., Nov. 5, 2016, 8:30am – 12:00pm Dr. Ellyn Waller, Guest Presenter from Philadelphia, PA at Rodman St. Miss. Bapt. Church 6111 Rodman St., Pgh., PA 15206 Free to the public For more information call: 412/338-1447 Visit www.mercyactsintl.org
NOV. 20—Antioch Baptist Church, 332 Elizabeth St., Sewickley, will celebrate their annual Youth Day at 10:45 a.m. The guest speaker will be Min. Ronnell Hunt, of Second Baptist Church in New Castle. The theme is “I AM CHOSEN,” taken from 1 Peter 2:9. Dinner will be served immediately following service. All are welcome as the youth use their talents to glorify God! Reverend Travis C. Coon is the pastor. Call 412-741-7688 for details or visit www.antiochfwbaptistsewickley.org
DASIA FAITH JOHNSON Bishop Derrick Johnson’s daughter enjoying the festivities
(All announcements, events and press releases must be sent 2 weeks in advance with contact phone number and email address to newsroom@newpittsburghcourier.com.)
PEOPLE
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
NOVEMBER 2-8, 2016
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Generation NEXT: Jordan Blackwell sets the bar on giving back, working hard and leadership by Renee P. Aldrich For New Pittsburgh Courier
When a 15-year-old is held in such high regard that his own mother actually says, “Every day I learn so much from him,” you know he is special. Such is the case of Jordan Blackwell, a 10th grader at City Charter High School who, along with doing well in academics, is a volunteer at Small Seeds Development Inc., a social service agency whose mission is supporting, strengthening, and sustaining families to build strong and safe communities. Jordan Blackwell, who is currently enrolled in honors history and English, is remarkably prepared to be a leader for the next generation. He is described by others as having a keen sense of responsibility that belies his years, as a willing support and worker, and as a person who possesses a kind and generous attitude filled with humility. He connected with the organization when his father, Eric Blackwell, came to work there as a program coordinator. “I have never met any young person with such a fantastic attitude,” says Brittany Tonet, director of finance and development at Small Seeds. “He never hesitates to step up for any volunteer opportunity. He has been seen at everything we do, from our fundraising events to Comcast Cares Day.” “I am moved by this young man because his humility and generous spirit set him apart,” shares Andrew Cheeseboro, chief executive officer at Small Seeds, recalling a challenging financial time for the agency when it lost some funding and could not keep its janitorial service. “We were all amazed when Jordan stepped up and said he would come in on Saturdays and clean the bathrooms and
take care of trash,” Cheeseboro says. “It is this kind of effort that is admirable. It speaks to character—one that will take him far.” Jordan Blackwell’s mother, Lisa Blackwell, a nurse at UPMC, and his father both speak about the special qualities of their high-achieving son. The teen also has his own businesses, Blackwell Soundz and Blackwell Photography. “Jordan never ceases to amaze me,” says his father. “While we have taught him to be respectful, clear and to articulate well, we had no idea he would embrace the other qualities that cause him to shine. He really is quite a typical teen, enjoying video games. But he has already learned how to handle his finances.” Jordan Blackwell works with his father on weekends as he does sound and music for a variety of events, and has his own money and checking account. “When he wants something, he uses his own money to get it,” Eric Blackwell says. “This is how he demonstrates true responsibility, which I believe is highly unusual for youngsters his age—especially since he is the last of six children.” Jordan Blackwell has such varied interests that he is on track for becoming a Renais-
beautiful pieces,” he says. Eric Blackwell says he is proud of the way Jordan Blackwell has developed to be true to himself. “We have five other children and we always taught each of them to always be themselves, to remember the family values we instilled in them and, more than anything, be sure and give back.” Jordan Blackwell represents his training well. Not only does he give of his time at Small Seeds, but also he was a camp counselor at the House of Manna church camp in Homewood. Even with his love of music, writing and the arts, Jordan Blackwell says he is leaning toward the practical side of learning. He aspires to study education and ultimately become a history teacher. “I love history, I have always done well in it,” he says. “I have always been able to retain information like facts and dates—as a history teacher, I feel I’ll always be able to take it wherever I go. As he continues to figure things out, he says he is happy to go to Community College of Allegheny County after graduation and then transfer to a four-year university to pursue his career dreams.
JORDAN BLACKWELL is not only a responsible leader, he is on his way to becoming a Renaissance man. (Photo by Jacqueline McDonald) sance man. He has a very strong love of all genres of music, an appreciation for spoken word and poetry, and recently began to enjoy writing his own pieces. Most interesting is that, although he does not see himself as an “artist,” he has an affinity for art. “I have a spectator appreciation for art. I enjoy it, and though I don’t have it as my own skill, I really like to see what an artist does, how things come together on canvas and how the different forms of art are used to create
Each month in New Pittsburgh Courier, McAuley Ministries will sponsor an article highlighting the positive contributions of an African-American youth—male or female. We welcome community members to suggest a young person to feature in this monthly column. Criteria include: •Youth and young adults, ages 12-23 •Documented evidence of leadership or achievement in community service/ volunteerism; leadership or achievement in their classroom/school; creativity as an artist, musician, dancer or filmmaker; success as an entrepreneur; leadership in advocating for social justice and equity; and/or achievement in corporate or nonprofit arenas •A resident of Allegheny County. Readers who would like to suggest a youth for this feature should email GENNEXT@pittsburghmercy.org.
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NOVEMBER 2-8, 2016
HEALTH
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Take charge of your health today. Be informed. Be involved. Palliative Care
This month, the “Take Charge of Your Health Today” page focuses on palliative care. Vianca Masucci, health advocate at the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, and Esther L. Bush, president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, spoke on this topic. VM: Good morning, Ms. Bush. We’re lucky to start the day off by talking about another important topic—palliative care. Palliative care is a medical specialty that has been picking up steam within the last 15 years. To sum it up, it’s a type of care for those with serious illness that helps relieve suffering, whether it be physical, emotional or spiritual. EB: This is a vital branch of medicine. I know from taking care of sick relatives how stressful managing severe sickness can be. When someone is sick, there are many things to worry about—family, money, following the doctor’s orders, pain… the list sometimes seems endless. Each person’s illness and family dynamics are different. Sometimes it feels as if you need a team of professionals to help with all the
concerns that arise. That’s exactly what palliative care looks like in many cases: A team of health professionals helping someone with severe sickness feel better. The best part is that this team provides support for the families of the sick individuals as well. That is very important because managing sickness is often a family experience. These family members are considered caregivers. VM: Absolutely, Ms. Bush. I think that as this field continues to grow, more individuals and families will see the benefits and seek these services. Currently, people don’t know or are confused about what palliative care is. Some folks think palliative care is like hospice care or that it is meant to replace curative treatments. That is untrue. Palliative care is for anyone at any stage of a serious illness, whether it be curable, chronic or life-threatening. A palliative care health team works along-
ESTHER BUSH side the doctors who treat the illness. Palliative care doesn’t replace health care. Seeking palliative care does not mean giving up curative—or healing—treatments. In fact, some research suggests that palliative care can improve health outcomes. EB: I’m happy that you mentioned that
it’s for anyone because I know that there are many people who suffer in silence. They get sick, or their loved one gets sick, and when things start to get bad, they just accept it as part of the sickness. Many of us are accustomed to pushing through hardship. But you don’t need to suffer when there is help. If you or your loved one is battling serious illness, ask your doctor about palliative care options. You can even bring a copy of this article with you to start the conversation. VM: That’s a great idea, Ms. Bush. Thank you for sharing your always amazing insight. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on next month’s topic, which is depression. Much like this month’s topic, there’s a lot of misunderstanding surrounding the issue that keeps folks from seeking help. If people have questions or would like more information, e-mail us at partners@hs.pitt.edu.
Palliative Care... Not just for the dying
Those of us who have or know someone with a serious illness understand the toll it can take on the body and mind. The effects of illness are difficult enough to experience. But sometimes living with the side effects of illness can be tough, too. Serious illnesses can require medications that sometimes cause unpleasant symptoms. Being seriously ill can be stressful and cause some people to be depressed. It is tough on the people carROBERT M. ARNOLD, MD ing for those who are ill. Fortunately, more and more doctors have a way to treat the difficulties of being seriously ill—with palliative care. “Palliative care focuses on patients with serious illnesses and what can be done to improve their quality of life,” says Robert M. Arnold, MD, professor of medicine, of psychiatry, and of family medicine; director, Clinical Ethics Training Program, Institute to Enhance Palliative Care, and Institute for Doctor-Patient Communication, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; and professor of clinical and translational science. The word “palliate” means to ease harmful or harsh effects. During illnesses, palliative care can help patients and their caregivers experience a better quality of
“We like to think of it as other doctors focus on treating the patient’s primary illness. We focus on the burden of the illness. Doctors are trying to do the best they can for patients. Until recently, medical education has not focused on palliative care and easing the burden of disease. I’m impressed by how much doctors want to provide this kind of care. They want to learn more about how to make patients’ quality of life better.” ROBERT ARNOLD, M.D. life. For instance, if a patient has cancer and has pain because of it, Dr. Arnold would try to improve the pain. If that patient has nausea because of the cancer medication, he would treat the nausea. If family members need care, they can receive it. Patients can also receive resources to help with practical concerns, like insurance or legal questions.
Patient getting advice from palliative care nurse. (Getty Images) Doctors provide palliative care in hospitals, doctors’ offices, with nurses in nursing homes and with patients in community settings or in their homes. Palliative care doctors work with patients’ primary care or any specialty care doctors who are treating the cause of the illness. “We like to think of it as other doctors focus on treating the patient’s primary illness. We focus on the burden of the illness,” says Dr. Arnold. “Doctors are trying to do the best they can for patients. Until recently, medical education has not focused on palliative care and easing the burden of disease. I’m impressed by how much doctors want to provide this kind of care. They want to learn more about how to make patients’ quality of life better.” Research shows that palliative care can help patients’ illnesses, too. In 2007, the Institute of Medicine report “Cancer Care for the Whole Patient” cited many studies that show patients are less able to stick to their treatment and manage their illness and health when physical and emotional problems are present. However, Dr. Arnold says that not enough research focuses on symptoms and how to best relieve them. Palliative care is not the same as hospice care. Hospice care is provided when patients are at an advanced stage in an illness when it is clear that they are dying. Hospice care is meant to provide comfort and not treatment. In fact, Dr. Arnold says that confusion about the difference between palliative and hospice care can
cause patients to refuse his care at first. “They’re worried that this means it’s the end of their lives,” he says. “Our job is to provide an extra layer of support.” “When people have serious illness—like severe heart failure, kidney disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)—they don’t feel well. They feel as if they can’t do anything about it,” says Dr. Arnold. “People need to know there are
things we can do to help. As we get older, most of us will have some kind of serious illness. It’s important to talk to your doctors and family members not just about the disease but about your quality of life.” For anyone wanting more information about improving quality of life during serious illness, Dr. Arnold recommends having a conversation with his or her regular health care provider.
Father and Grandfather play checkers with child in hospital. Pediatric palliative care can provide comfort to children and their families. (Courtesy Photo National Institute of Nursing Research—National Institutes of Health)
Every adult should have a living will…Make yours today Imagine being in a coma. Would you want to remain on life support? Would you want your family to make the decision to end your care? A living will can help avoid this situation. It serves to inform family and health care providers about your decisions regarding your medical care. In Pennsylvania, you have the legal and ethical right to make your own decisions about the type of health care you want. As long as you are well enough, your physicians will involve you directly in making decisions about your medical treatment. However, if you are unable to make decisions about your care, others will have to make these decisions for you. A living will is a document that provides written health care treatment instructions.
It outlines your choices about starting, continuing, refusing or stopping life-preserving treatment and other specific directions. The Allegheny County Bar Association and Allegheny County Bar Foundation have
multiple resources in place to help you properly prepare a living will. First, a free Health Care Power of Attorney and Living Will Form created by the Allegheny County Bar Association (ACBA) and Allegheny
County Medical Society is available at https://www.acba.org/portals/1/pdf/LivingWillPowerofAttorney.pdf. Second, the ACBA’s Lawyer Referral Service can help connect you with an attorney who can draft a living will to fit your particular needs. Visit GetAPittsburghLawyer.com for more information. Finally, if your income is very low, you may be eligible to have your living will and other documents prepared at no cost by a volunteer attorney from the Pro Bono Center of the Allegheny County Bar Foundation at a variety of locations in the Pittsburgh area. For more information, visit www.pittsburghprobono.org or call 412-402-6677. Every adult should have a living will. Make yours today.
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
NOVEMBER 2-8, 2016
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ENTERTAINER New Pittsburgh Courier
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NOVEMBER 2-8, 2016
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
Cover To Cover
‘We Gon’ Be Alright’ by Terri Schlichenmeyer For New Pittsburgh Courier
You had hope that things might be better. We elected a Black man as President and there was a minute where you could almost see a bit of racial optimism. And then Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, #BlackLivesMatter happened; are we back to where we started? Did we ever really make any progress at all? In the new book “We Gon’ Be Alright,” by Jeff Chang, the answer is maybe—and it’s fixable. HARLEM RENS IN ACTION—The dynamic Layon Gray Experience on stage with “Kings of Harlem,” from left: Thaddeus Daniels, Mitchell Ugwuezi, back, Delano Barbosi, The last four years have Blake Morris, Layon Gray and Lamar K. Cheston. been rough. Every time you turn on the TV or grab a newspaper, it seems as though another Black life has been lost and “the list never seems to cease,” says Chang. It’s a trend that’s escalated to the point that it’s now “blown into White America as well,” which should coalesce us but which actually seems to divide us all the more. We seem, as Chang says, to have “slid back toward segregation.” The current political cli-
‘Kings of Harlem’ successfully opens New Horizon Theater’s 25th season
mate isn’t helping. Over the past 12 months, Whites who felt “undone” by wage gaps and who had “fears of falling” flocked to a candidate that understood how to gain their support by pointing accusing fingers at Mexicans, the Chinese and Muslims. When demonstrations were held to protest this, violence broke out, which only fueled the fires. Diversity, says Chang, has become a “buzzword.” Schools strive for it but often do it wrong. Hollywood is still “overwhelmingly white,” as are the C-Suites of most major corporations. Colleges struggle with issues of Affirmative Action, while Black students make the same demands of their administrations that they’ve been making “for three decades now.” And then there’s housing. Chang uses San Francisco as an example: as the tech industry grows, formerly-Black neighborhoods with affordable rents have been taken over by new, elite, mostly-White residents. Overall, “cities are becoming wealthier and Whiter,” they’re becoming divided largely by income, and housing projects are being torn down, bringing us full-circle back to re-segregation. “The revolution is never complete,” Chang says. “But redemption is out there for us if we are always in the process of finding love and grace.” So what can be done? I didn’t think author Chang had many concrete solutions here, but in “We Gon’ Be Alright,” he offers an ocean of hope. In the meantime—long before you get to that— Chang’s provocative essays are wide and quite discouraging. Here, he writes of all that’s wrong in an effort to show how we might feel like we’ve made occasional progress, but that nothing’s really changed. Through re-segregation, our “progress” is just a problem, rearranged. Most assuredly, that doesn’t make this an eager read. (“We Gon’ Be Alright” by Jeff Changc.2016, Picador, $16/$22.99, Canada, 193 pages.)
CAST WITH GRAY—Layon Gray’s actors from “Kings of Harlem.” PITTSBURGH—“Kings of Harlem,” presented by New Horizon Theater, Inc., came alive on the Kelly Strayhorn stage, Oct. 14-16, with an engaging, flawless performance that was inspired by the 1939 Harlem Rens (Renaissance) basketball team. Excellent portrayals occurred of the story of seven
men who overcame adversity to win more than 2,000 games while barnstorming throughout segregated parts of the country in the 1930s despite never being officially accepted professionally or socially by the White media or society. The Harlem Renaissance Big Five was one of the most successful renowned all-Black profes-
sional basketball team in the 1920s and ‘30s that added grace and style to the game of basketball. The team was formed five years before the Harlem Globetrotters and provided African American men the opportunity to compete against White athletes equally on the court. The Rens got their name
from playing at the Renaissance Casino ballroom in Harlem, N.Y., where they amazed fans with their innovative and unique style of play. They toured the country competing against Black and White teams, and in the process, compiled the most impressive winning streak in Basketball history. In 1963, the entire team
was inducted into the Professional Basketball Hall of Fame. Author and director Layon Gray followed the success of his play, “Black Angels Over Tuskegee,” the story of the Tuskegee Airmen now in its 6th year Off-Broadway, with this play. Both plays were produced by New Horizon Theater, Inc.
A SUCCESSFUL RUN—Layon Gray and Joyce Meggerson-Moore pose in front of the show’s MINGLING WITH THE AUDIENCE—Jean Bryant, New Horizon Theater board member, greets the Layon Gray Experience actors. billboard. (Photos by Richena Brockinson)
ARTS & CULTURE
NOVEMBER 2-8, 2016
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
November Open Jazz Sessions
NOV. 2—Film screening “Round Midnight” Frick Fine Arts Auditorium. NOV. 3—The History of Jazz, Lecture and Q & A session by Maxine Gordon at Frick Fine Arts Auditorium. NOV. 4—The Business of Jazz, Lecture and Q & A by Linda Lorence. Daytime seminars NOV. 4—Artist Seminar with Cassandra Wilson. Listen like a musician, sing like a songbird. Fred Wesley, the Role of Jazz in Funk. Perry Hughes, My Life In Music. Jamison Ross, What Now? NOV. 5—Ambrose Akinmusiree; A Letter to My Yoounger Self. S. Epatha Merkerson; A Conversation with Merkerson.
Election Night Party
NOV. 8—Join Kelly Strayhorn Theater, and our neighborhood friends to watch via live stream, the results of this historic 2016 election. We’ll have music by DJ Steely Dang, delicious food, and our bar will be open. Doors open at 7 and the event kicks off at 8 p.m.. Registration is required.
For Jobs and Freedom Film
NOV. 9—The Senator John Heinz History Center and the Homewood Library presents the “From Slavery to Freedom” film series, featuring, “A. Philip Randolph: For Jobs and Freedom” a documentary film that traces Randolph’s early years as an activists and founder of the magazine, The Messenger, Wednesday, from 5:30 pm to 8 pm. Along with Chandler Owen, Randolph founded the National Association for the Promotion of Labor Unionism Among Negroes. He is best known as the founder of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters. A veteran of Civil Rights Randolph’s active life spans form the WWI era to the March on Washington. Members of the A. Philip Randolph Institute will join and moderate the post film dialogue.
Black Poets Speak Out
Nov. 9—Kelly Strayhorn Theater co-presented with The Center for African American Poetry and Poetics at the University of Pittsburgh Starting as a Tumblr hashtag video campaign, Black Poets Speak Out unities poets from across the country who refuse to accept the continuous murders of Black people. Video responses to these atrocious events us the force of art to transform policy, redefining what is normal. Hosted by organizing members of Black Poets Speak Out Jericho Brown, Mahogany L. Browne and Amanda Johnson will lead participants in an interactive poetry workshop at the Alloy Studios followed by readings and #BlackPoetsSpeakOut videos.
Economic Empowerment Summit
Pittsburgh Public Theater presents its 42nd season with ‘Between Riverside and Crazy’ by Genea L. Webb For New Pittsburgh Courier
Actors Eugene Lee and Bryant Bentley are excited to be performing in Pittsburgh again. “I feel at home here in Pittsburgh. I love the city and the people are very welcoming,” said Eugene Lee who last performed the electrifying one-man show,” How I Learned What I Learned,” an autobiographical story about Pittsburgh Playwright August Wilson for the Pittsburgh Public Theater in 2015. “I am excited to be working with the Pittsburgh Public Theater again. Bentley agrees with his cast mate. “I have done work with the Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre and Mark Southers and I really enjoyed the work and I love the city of Pittsburgh,” explained Bentley who began acting professionally 16 years ago but got cut his performing teeth as a youngster in church. The actors are in town starring in Stephen Adly Guiris’ “Between Riverside and Crazy,” which continues Pittsburgh Public Theater’s 42nd season and will be running at the O’Reilly Theater from Nov. 10-Dec. 11. It tells the story of retired police officer Walter “Pops” Washington. His disorderly but highly sought after rent-controlled apartment on New York City’s Riverside Drive, is where the action ensues. Since the death of Walter’s wife, his son, Junior has returned to stay for good. Also putting down roots in Junior’s girlfriend, Lulu and former ex-con Oswaldo. When an engaged couple from the NYPD comes for dinner, they bring their own agenda and another visitor, the mysterious Church Lady, is anything but pious. Filled with social commentary, “Between Riverside and Crazy,” which won the 2015 Pulitzer Prize, touches on social issues like the difference between justice and law, the human potential for change and how love is expressed. “This is a wonderful
EUGENE LEE piece of theater and a great father and son tale,” explained Lee who portrays Walter “Pop’s” Washington. “The play speaks to the father son relationship and speaks to things that don’t get said until later in life. My character is a 30-year veteran of the police force and he and his son are two ships that find each other.” Lee, who was born and raised and still resides in Texas said he used his previous acting performance of playing cops and his role as a real life father to give the role meat. The avid golfer began his acting career at the age of 19 and has appeared in stage work in the United States and Asia. He was one of the original cast members in “A Soldier’s Play” opposite Denzel Washington and Samuel L. Jackson. He has performed in a number of August Wilson plays including “Gem
of the Ocean,” which won him the title of “Wilsonian Warrior.” He is in residence and the artistic director of the Black and Latino Playwright’s Conference at Texas State University. “I’m basically using very little research and this is not a physically demanding play. The words are what makes the play sing,” Lee said. While Lee is using is previous acting experience for his role, Bentley is drawing on personal experience to bring the role of Junior to life. “I didn’t have a good relationship with my own father. My dad wasn’t in my life but I knew him,” said Bentley who was born in Dayton but resides in Columbus and began acting professionally in 2000 at the age of 26. He performed the role of Junior in a production of “Between Riverside and Crazy” last year. “As a kid I
NOV. 13—From 5–9 p. m, Stop the Violence-Pittsburgh will be conducting an Economic Empowerment Summit at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater with National Presenters Dr.Boyce Watkins, the People’s Scholar, and real-estate guru Jay Morrison at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater. Entertainment for this event will include the African American Institute’s Boys Choir, Sankofa For the Art’s Boys Drum Team and Soul Raydio.
CCAC host Open Stage Night
NOV. 14—The Community College of Allegheny County North Campus, 8701 Perry Highway, will present an open stage night, hosted by Greg Joseph of The Clarks, on Monday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the Atrium stage. Talented individuals who are interested in performing acoustic music, voice, poetry or comedy are urged to attend. This event is FAMILY SUPPORT—Actor Blake Morris, who was one of the cast of New Horizon Theater’s “Kings of free and open to the public. For Harlem,” is happy to see his parents who drove from Chicago to see their son perform. additional information, call 412369-3725.
“Live Music Thursdays”
Wallace’s TapRoom in Hotel Indigo® East Liberty is continuing its popular “Live Music Thursdays” with a very diverse schedule of musical offerings by first class Pittsburgh musicians, during November & December, according to Hotel General Manager. Wallace’s TapRoom is located in Hotel Indigo® East Liberty, 123 North Highland Ave., 412665-0555. Valet ($6) and street parking is available. “Live Music Thursdays” are from 6 to 8 p.m. and there is NO cover charge.
Najee, Downing
Nov. 30—At 8 p.m. join the Hill House Association for its annual year end fundraiser as the organization presents the Soulful Sounds of Christmas, featuring legendary musicians Will Downing and Najee. The Hill House relies heavily on the generous support of the Pittsburgh community and attending Soulful Sounds of Christmas is a fun and meaningful way to give back. For more information call 412-456-6666.
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BRYANT BENTLEY dealt with acceptance and I asked my father questions and that he never answered.” Bentley said there are moments in the play that really hit home for him in a lot of ways. “There is a lot of realness to this piece. It helps me as an individual to get some pain out. I would hope that the fathers and sons who come out and see this play will reach out to each other and get some closure and communicate to each other. People need to have a sense of forgiveness and love and stop walking around with bitterness in their hearts,” Bentley said. “Between Riverside and Crazy” is being directed by Pamela Berlin. The design team Michael Schweikardt (scenic); Suzanne Chesney (Costumes); John Lasiter (Lighting); Zach Moore
(sound); Fight Consultant Randy Kovitz and Assistant Stage Manager is Phill Madore. In addition to Lee and Bentley, the show features Christina Nieves as Lulu; Alejandro Hernandez as Oswaldo; Dawn McGee and Drew Stone as the engaged couple; and Karina Arroyave as the church lady. Performances for “Between Riverside and Crazy” are as follows: Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays 2 p.m.(except Nov. 12 and 19) plus 2 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8. Sundays 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. (except Dec. 11 when the final performance is at 2 p.m.). There will be no performance on Thanksgiving.
(Tickets range in price from $25 to $62 and can be purchased by visiting www.ppt.org or calling (412) 316-1600.)
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NOVEMBER 2-8, 2016
PEOPLE
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Rep. Gainey roasted at Sickle Cell fundraiser
MIKE DOYLE—The congressman speaking about Ed Gainey
ROASTED—Residents of various communities throughout the East End came out to pay tribute to the hardest working man in their community, state representative Ed Gainey on Oct. 15. The roast was a fundraiser for Sickle Cell to help raise awareness and find a cure for the disease. Above, Ed Gainey speaks to audience. SELENA CALLOWAY—Thanking everyone for coming.
RICH FITZGERALD—Allegheny County Executive roasting Gainey.
MELVIN HUBBARD EL—Roasting a friend
JAKE WHEATLEY—The state representative roasting a colleague.
MICHELLE GAINEY—Ed Gainey’s wife.
VERNARD ALEXANDER
SHAI MALLOY—Ed Gainey’s younger sister.
Lewis joins Pittsburgh’s fight against violence
ESTHER BUSH
JOHN LEWIS––The U.S. congressman and national civil rights leader joined forces with the Pittsburgh community to stop violence and show support for Hillary Clinton.
REV. DR. VINCENT K. CAMPBELL
PACKED HOUSE—A filled Ebenezer Baptist Church, in the Hill District. (Photos by J.L. Martello)
New Pittsburgh Courier
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Inside Conditions
BUSINESS NOVEMBER 2-8, 2016
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
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Community development financial institution salutes clients’ successes by Diane I. Daniels
less Boutique a Penn Hills women’s retail esFor New Pittsburgh Courier tablishment received an Entrepreneur Loan Businesses like Bridging the Gap from Bridgeway. Money Development, Dauntless Boutique, E from the working capiProperties and Development, Glenn’s tal loan was used to Cookies and KMJ Metalworks indipurchase equipment cate a healthy community and bring and inventory. Benton’s hope to the region reflecting a much goal is to provide prodbetter future than what has been poructs and services to trayed lately by political candidates communities in Pittsare the sentiments of the leadership of burgh that she views as the region’s Bridgeway Capital. underserved by the curDuring the 26th anniversary celerent retail environment. bration of Bridgeway Capital Mark Bridgeway’s first indiPeterson, president and CEO, said the vidual Impact awardee, entrepreneurs and leaders saluted Emeka Onwugbenu, represent hope that they can better CEO of E Properties their lives and the future of their famand Development reilies and the community around them. ceived financing assis“Their resilience and initiative are tance from Bridgeway our best answers and we are honored to transform an abanto tell their stories that represent doned school in the hope to Western Pennsylvania. Their Larimer community stories displaying character, opportuinto the new home for nity and perseverance have inspired the Urban Academy us to invest and we are very grateful Charter School. The refor the quality of our clients, their viconstruction and develsion and hard work,” said Peterson. Calculated as a very good year, Pe- CONNECTING OPPORTUNITY WITH CAPI- opment provides for terson reported that in 2016 they in- TAL—Bridgeway Capital President and growth, and offers a vested eighteen million dollars in 63 CEO Mark Peterson sharing his organiza- high-quality education small businesses inclusive of startups, tion’s success of promoting economic op- to 250 children. On23 nonprofit organizations and in 26 portunity and community revitalization wugbenu received the community development projects. during its 26th anniversary. (Photos by Impact award for his exemplary community With only a one percent loan loss for Diane I. Daniels) impact in 2016. The apthe year he views their investment as energizing the local economy and housing and a beautiful in and out proximate budget for apartment building. the 38,000 square-foot serving citizens. Joy Benton, the proprietor of Daunt- building was $3 million Established in 1990 as a housing and and provides social service lender under the jobs for a name of the Community Loan staff of 50. Fund of Southwestern PennKnown for sylvania, the name was his assort- COOKIES ANYONE—President and owner of Glenn’s Cookies offers homemade changed in 2008 to Bridgeway ment of cookies with gourmet taste. Capital. Its mission is to make homemade western Pennsylvania a thrivcookies, Glenn Williams the mand for his metal prod- Foundation, Bridgeway puring region for all by promoting owner of Glenn’s Cookies re- ucts and welding services chased 7800 Susquehanna economic opportunity and ceived an Urban En- increased, Patterson re- St., the former Westingcommunity revitalization. trepreneur Loan from quired working capital in house Electric facility built Bridgeway assists underBridgeway to grow his bak- which he utilized to partner in the 1920s and noted as served populations by providing business by pursuing ad- with local manufacturers to the tallest building in Homeing capital and education to ditional retail opportunities increase his production ca- wood in 2013. Representing ignite business and job around Pittsburgh. Since pabilities, to rent the a significant investment in a growth, develop communities, starting as a homebased TechShop studio time and chronically underinvested support entrepreneurs and business in 1996, Glenn’s to purchase supplies. area of the city, the goal of expand vital services that Cookies has developed a high Also, a lender to non-profit the project is to repurpose strengthen the region. demand for his baked goods. organizations, between an underutilized commercial Over the last 26 years the With the passion to make 2013 to present Bridgeway asset into a platform for ecogroup reports that they have his business successful and has invested $715,111 in nomic renewal within the made 1,093 loans totaling as he says “putting every- the Homewood and community. The aim also is over seven million dollars. thing he has into the busi- Larimer communities. Re- to create a stable economic African American enterprises ness,” Ramone Patterson, cipients include Diakonia core in Homewood to attract have received 305 loans and the owner of KMJ Metal- Ministries, Inc., the Home- additional investment and women owned establishworks received an Urban wood Children’s Village, encourage commercial activments totaled 409 loans. Entrepreneur Loan from Operation Better Block, ity. The building will house Bridging the Gap DevelopBridgeway. Primarily work- Shiloh Community Mis- artists, creative manufacturment, a diversified real estate ing out of TechShop, a sionary Baptist Church, the ers and job training prowealth management firm maker space in East Lib- Art House and the Bible grams. owned by Derrick Tillman reerty, KMJ Metalworks is Center Church, Inc. Bridgeway and Ma’at Conceived financial assistance Living up to its slogan, struction Group assembled a from Bridgeway to redevelop MAKING A DIFFERENCE—Impact Award recipient Emeka On- classified as a one of a kind wugbenu, CEO of E Property and Development aims to be a an abandoned elementary leader in development, construction and property management trailer hitch covers, decora- “connect opportunity with contract team with 85 per tive license plates and metal capital,” with the support of school in the Hill District into in the region. SEE FINANCIAL C2 artwork business. As the de- the Richard King Mellon residential units. The goal of revitalizing Miller School is to create much needed construction jobs, and provides new residential options in an area seeking to attract increased economic activity. Tillman is also developing a 36-unit area median income property across the street from Miller School. His plan is to demolish the current structure and build quality
Meet Kristen Brown: The beauty Behind Gold Label cosmetics by Roz Edward For New Pittsburgh Courier
KRISTEN BROWN—Source: Provided By Gold Label Cosmetics
At the youthful age of 29, Kristen Brown has a career in the beauty industry many only dream of. While starring on FYI’s makeover series, B.O.R.N To Style, Brown flexed her skills and showcased her ability to enhance women’s natural beauty with a pop of color. Presently, the San Angelo, Tex., native is busy growing her own endeavor, Gold Label Cosmetics. The lipsticks have been worn by the likes of Emmy Award winning actress Viola Davis, Oscar and Grammy award winning singer and actress Jennifer Hudson as well as Tony Award winning actress, Cynthia Erivo. Recently, Brown found her way onto TV again, this time it was when Gold Label Cosmetics was featured on The Wendy Williams Show in Wendy’s holiday gift guide. While Brown is proud of her company’s various successes within the last six years, she isn’t afraid to admit that there have been some missteps along the way. In a candid conversation with #TeamBeautiful, Brown shares her top 3 business tips for redefining success, knowing when to scale your business and the importance of saying ‘no’ to opportunities that only pay you in exposure. Tip #1: Every Opportunity Isn’t Always Beneficial For Your Business: Kristen Brown: One of the mistakes
I made early on was giving away too much free product. Everyday I get a new email requesting product and it gets exhausting because I can’t afford to give away large quantities. I don’t have sample sized lipstick or matte lip pens. There are a lot of beauty boxes out there and if I send them upwards of a thousand units, that’s a lot of money for me to be giving away. My packaging is through a manufacturer so say for example if a beauty box asks for 11,000 units, that costs me upwards of $16,000. And if I don’t get a return—at the very least, some usable data, then what was the purpose of that? I’ve made those types of mistakes where I wanted to be in everything and eventually you learn that some of the things that you thought would have value for your business, turns out not to be the case. I would advise other aspiring business owners to be frugal and picky about the partnerships that you participate in and the products that you give away. Even with some of the charities I’ve given product to, I don’t hear anything back from them once they get the product. They promise certain things then we have to hunt them down to fulfill their promise. So watch how much product you give away because half the time it doesn’t equate to a sell or the brand awareness that you expected. Also, I would advise against spend-
ing a lot of money on advertisement and social media, there are ways to make that less expensive. Instead of sending individual emails to influencers where you say, ‘I would like to send you my product, can you mention it on your social media and do a product review?’ I’ve had a beauty vlogger tell me the cost for her to do a YouTube video is $7,000, that’s a lot of money! There are companies that have brand ambassadors databases that you can access. You have to find these people that are willing to take $200 or even $50 and work from there. Tip #2: Don’t always equate the success of your business to your monetary sales, measure your success in your actions and accomplishments: Kristen Brown: I participated in my first trade show last year and I was very proud of myself because I made a commitment and I followed through. To me, that’s a big deal. I didn’t really know what I was doing in terms of displaying products by the booth but I had someone help me to articulate the products features and I got several inquiries about my product which was very exciting. I thought success was getting on the radar of bigger brands, getting whole sale orders and being in stores. I thought several major retailerswere interested in my company but then I realized they were interested in SEE MEET C2
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NOVEMBER 2-8, 2016
Charlene Crowell
Commentary
Credit reports for mortgage loans get an update by Sarah Skidmore Sell AP Personal Finance Writer
Racial gap in student loan debt grows as for-profit college enrollment climbs With 44 million consumers owing about $1.4 trillion in student loans, a new report by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau finds that student loan servicing and debt collection together will boost borrower costs even higher over the next two years. The Bureau’s recently-released Student Loan Ombudsman Report termed the nation’s current system as “flawed” and further calls for an “overhaul” to improve conditions for an approximate 8 million distressed and defaulted borrowers. Its findings and conclusions are based on 5,500 private student loan complaints and approximately 2,300 debt collection complaints filed between October 1, 2015 and May 31, 2016. Since February 2016, 3,900 student loan complaints made concerned loan servicing. “This report offers further evidence that industry practices and needless red tape can turn a student loan into an unbearable burden,” said CFPB Director Richard Cordray. “Policymakers should work to reform the programs that are failing those borrowers that need help most.” Complaints filed with CFPB during this reporting period cite: § Delays and dead ends when applying for incomedriven plans that include interest subsidies and loan forgiveness; § Problems with debt collectors verifying incomes and in turn assigning incorrect monthly payment amounts; § Loan servicers billing borrowers hundreds of dollars more per month than was arranged with the debt collector; and § Conflicting information as to where loan payments should be sent and how those payments would be applied to loan balances. A few days later, a Brookings’ Economic Studies report found severe racial debt disparities for both Black undergrads and those completing graduate college studies. “The moment they earn their bachelor’s degrees, Black college graduates owe $7,400 more on average than their White peers ($23,400 versus $16,000, including non-borrowers),” wrote Judith Scott-Clayton and Jing Li for Brookings. As an increasing number of Black students enroll at for-profit colleges for either undergraduate or graduate studies, those who borrow loans are also the most likely to incur heavier debt, carry it longer, and default more often. Not a favorable scenario when time and studies were meant to bring financial security and a higher quality of life. “While previous work has documented racial disparities in student borrowing, delinquencies and defaults, in this report we provide new evidence that racial gaps in total debt are far larger than even recent reports have recognized,” the authors continued, “far larger now than in the past, and correlated with troubling trends in the economy and in the for-profit sector.” Between 2004 and 2008, Brookings noted that Black enrollment at for-profit institutions increased dramatically. During much of these same years, for-profit colleges have faced regulatory scrutiny and quality of education challenges that led to large institutional closings such as Corinthian Colleges and more recently, ITT Technical College that also lost its accreditation. “[T]he for-profit sector is by far the fastest-growing sector and the only sector that has seen enrollments grow differentially by race,” states the Brookings report. Further, both undergrad and graduate students enrolled at for-profits are more likely to suffer from loan interest accumulating faster than loan payments received, also known as negative amortization. Earlier this year the Center for Responsible Lending joined with the National Consumer Law Center in calling for the Department of Justice to take actions to ensure racial justice in student loan lending. “For nearly a decade, the Department of Education has known that student debt impacts borrowers of color differently from white borrowers. Yet in that decade, the Department has failed to take sufficient steps to ameliorate the disproportionately negative impact on borrowers of color, or even to conduct further research to discover the causes or the extent of disparities,” wrote the advocates.” “We call on the Department to collect and release the data necessary to learn the true extent of the impact of student debt on communities of color,” the coalition continued, “and to work with borrower and consumer advocates to ensure that student loans are a tool for economic advancement and not economic devastation for borrowers of color.” Four years after graduating, nearly half of Black graduates—48 percent—owe more on their federal undergraduate loans than they did at graduation, says Brookings. By comparison, only 17 percent of White undergrads owed more debt. Federal law, however, provides some recourse. Borrowers who have defaulted on their student loans are federally guaranteed the right to be given a chance to get out of default and back on track. The process, includes making a series of income-based payments that take into account income and family size. Secondly, student loan borrowers who have encountered problems with their servicers or related debt collectors can and should bring their concerns to the attention of the CFPB. Complaints may be mailed, faxed or filed online, including all supporting documentation. An advantage to the online filing is that a complaint number will be assigned that enables consumers to check on the status of their complaint at any time. Beyond the portal to file a student loan complaint, CFPB accepts consumers’ questions weekdays from 8am until 8pm Eastern Time at its toll-free number: (855) 411-CFPB | (855) 411-2372. “Federal financial aid policy alone cannot solve these problems,” concludes the Brookings report, “but neither can it ignore the challenges facing students of color who disproportionately bear the burden of student debt.” (Charlene Crowell is the communications deputy director with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org.)
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BUSINESS
Applying for a home loan? You may want to consider paying off your credit card bill first. Thanks to a recent change by major credit rating agencies, mortgage lenders can now look at whether you pay off your bill every month or keep a balance. That means home buyers who pay off their credit cards may earn an advantage when looking for a mortgage. Historically lenders reviewed basic information such as your total debt and whether you were on-time with your payments when deciding whether to make a home loan. But they didn’t know whether you were paying off your credit card or other revolving debts in full or carrying a balance month-to-month. That changed in September, when two of the major credit rating agencies, Equifax and Transunion, began offering what’s known as “trending data.” Lenders now have access to a more comprehensive view of a borrower’s debt management habits, specifically how much someone paid off each month on those accounts over the past two years. And they may reward those who regularly pay more than the minimum on revolving debts or pay them off in full. The remaining credit reporting agency, Experian, is also expected to begin offering trending data soon. It is the first time in 30 years that the standard information provided to lenders on credit reports has been updated, according to Equifax. The change was driven by Fannie Mae, the mortgage giant that guarantees many of the loans in the U.S. It found that all other things being equal, borrowers who paid off
their credit card every month were 60 percent less likely to become delinquent than borrowers who make only the monthly minimum payment. As a result, Fannie Mae will now regularly review this information to help improve its risk assessment. The final decision on who gets the loan still remains with the bank or lender, who can decide whether or not they want to consider this factor. Experts say that while it’s still early in adoption, Fannie Mae’s influence over the
industry means they expect it to become part of the regular mortgage review process. Fannie Mae, credit bureaus and other industry experts say they intend to use the additional information to expand the number of loans available, not to penalize those who do carry a balance. “It’s going to benefit someone who is on the border today,” said Mindy Armstrong at Fannie Mae. Consider two people with otherwise equal credit profiles: Jack and Jill. Jack makes the minimum payments each month, while Jill pays her cards off in full. They may both have been “maybes” in the loan officer’s mind, but this factor could tip Jill into the approved pile.
Rivera joins ESMDC team Brittany Rivera has joined the EMSDC tively engage with our MBE community to team as Business Certification and MBE ensure that we deliver the programs, serServices Manager. She stepped into the vices and relationship-building opportuniposition on Oct. 3 and hit the ground run- ties needed for the health and growth of ning. Brittany has traveled to Pittsburgh their businesses. to begin training with colHaving held previous posileague Jan Fleishner, Directions at Distinguished tor of Business CertificaCleaning, Inc.; Community tion; tag teamed with Jan to Eye Care Center; Primerica do site visits on the Financial Services; and LA Philadelphia side of the Fitness, Brittany’s customer state, began processing reservice/administrative certifications and reviewing background serves her well new certifications, and atin this customer-focused potended several outreach sition at the Council. events to promote the beneBrittany is a graduate of fits of NMSDC certification. Arcadia University in GlenIn addition to fulfilling her side, PA, and holds a Bacherole as the certification lor of Arts Degree in BusiBRITTANY RIVERA manager, Brittany will acness Administration.
Financial institution salutes successes CONTINUED FROM C1
cent minority contractor participation to conduct interior renovations. Ma’at Construction Group, a nonprofit affiliate of the Homewood based Community Empowerment Association was the general contractor for the interior modifications of the third and fourth floors of
the five story 150,000 square foot building. Over 400 of Bridgeway’s supporters attended the annual event, what they classified as more than a celebration. “It’s a time for our clients, partners, and investors to network and initiate collaborations which produce exciting new op-
portunities for future impact.” Peterson said it was exciting to hold this year’s event at the August Wilson Center, the region’s leading venue for the celebration of African-American culture. “It was a model setting for us to share our clients’ stories of opportunity and renewal.”
Meet Kristen Brown CONTINUED FROM C1
a lot of brands and eventually they’ll purchase from a select few. It was still a success for Gold Label Cosmetics to be recognized by a bigger retailer even though they didn’t place an order, they liked what they saw. I’m proud of the fact that Gold Label now has placement in Vivrant Beauty which is black owned boutique in Harlem where the owner carries a lot of multi-ethnic beauty brands. It’s my first brick and mortar location in New York and its great to be amongst the beauty brands of that caliber so that’s a win for me. Tip #3: Figure out necessary expenses versus optional expenses: Kristen Brown: I was really excited when I got a publicist because I thought it was the right thing to do. I was spending a lot of money but I didn’t really have a lot for them to promote. So a year later, I had to revisit that expense because I didn’t have the financial flow to afford it. I was working with a great company so when I’m in a financial position to hire a PR firm again, I want to work with them, they did a great job; however, it was premature and I wasn’t taking it as seriously as I should have. What was a necessary expense for me was packaging and formulation. Formulation [of the lipsticks and matte pens] took time. It wasn’t as expensive as I thought it was going to be but it did take time and time is money. I had product shoot with a photographer I loved but I wanted to see what else was out there so I did another shoot that was thousands of dollars more. It was great, it was worth the money, but as far as expenses are concerned, I probably wouldn’t work with that photographer again unless I was ready i.e. doing a larger campaign for a store. I wished that I had invested more into the product and less into what surrounds the
product because the photos were fine the first time around, the photos were fine every time I took them. So I wish I had stopped trying to upgrade before I was ready. Bonus Tip: It’s okay to be multi-passionate, use one business to invest in the next: Kristen Brown: At 25, I had already started Gold Label Cosmetics but I didn’t take it seriously, I wasn’t taking myself seriously because I thought there were other things that I needed to be doing. I thought I needed to be out at events and having all of these luxury experiences like traveling abroad even though I couldn’t afford it, that’s where my head was at. I had a longing for something that didn’t have as much value as starting my own business. Before I moved to New York, I started meditating on what I wanted. I wrote down that I wanted my cosmetics line to flourish and I started envisioning myself telling my friends that my brand is in Sephora. I began envisioning myself at a banquet getting an award for my cosmetics line. I’ve known since I was in my early 20s that I wanted to be in the beauty industry, I also want to own a karaoke bar amongst several other things. And now I know that I have more than enough time to do it all. When my cosmetics line starts to take care of itself, I can start the karaoke bar and while I’m doing that I can also start to expand my line to other continents. If have a bunch of goals on your list, you just have to be decisive about which one you’re going to do right now. You don’t have to have to limit yourself, just invest all your time and energy into one thing until that does well then move on to the next thing. When you’re ready to move on to the next goal, you’ll have money to fund your transition and everything will flow as it should. I believe in the law of attraction and if i want something, it’s inevitable that I’m going to have it. (Roz Edward is Michigan Chronicle Managing Editor)
BUSINESS BUSINESS CALENDAR CALENDAR
Training Event
NOV. 2—The Duquesne University Small Business Center presents Getting Publicity for your Business, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Rockwell Hall, Rm 108, 600 Forbes Ave. Topics covered include Message Development, Media Outreach Strategy and Media Relations. Cost is $49. For more information, call 412-396-6233.
Training Event NOV. 11—Duquesne University’s Small Business Center will host a Meet the Lenders event for Lawrence County business owners, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Lawrence County Economic Development Corporation, 100 E Reynolds St. New Castle, PA 16101. The event includes lunch and to opportunity to learn more about the programs offered by Bridgeway Capital, Lawrence County Economic Development Corporation, Northwest Commission, Catalyst Connection, and Liquid Capital. The event is free but attendees must register in advance at www.sbdc.duq.edu.
Black Economic Summit NOV. 13—Stop the Violence Pittsburgh will host a Black Economic Empowerment Summit, 5-8:30 p.m. at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater, 5941 Penn Ave. in East Liberty. The program will feature presentations by Boyce Watkins and Jay Morrison examining issues such as Starting a Business, Investing, Making money on the Internet, Marketing for Success, and Real Estate Investing. Tickets are $30, $40 for VIP package. For more information call 724-2059376 or visit stoptheviolencepittsburgh@yahoo.com
Training Event NOV. 16—The Duquesne University Small Business Center presents Business Startup Essentials, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Rockwell Hall, Rm 108, 600 Forbes Ave. Topics include: Business structure and Formation, Ficticious Name Registration, Insurance, Financing Options, Taxation Requirements, and more. Cost is $25. For more information, call 312-396-6233.
Business Luncheon NOV. 30—The African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania will host its Annual Business Luncheon, 12:00 p.m. in the Omni William Penn Hotel Grand Ballroom 17th Floor, 530 William Penn Place, Downtown. Speaker: Loretta J. Mester, President and CEO Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. Please R.S.V.P. by Wednesday, November 26, 2016 at 412-392-0610
Business Energy Efficiency Grants THROUGH APRIL 15—The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has to $1,000,000 of grant funding available in the 13th year of the Commonwealth’s Small Business Advantage Grant Program for small businesses that adopt or acquire equipment or processes that promote pollution prevention and/or energy efficiency projects. Applicants must be a for-profit corporation, limited liability corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship or other legal entity with 100 or fewer full-time employees. Businesses can apply for 50 percent matching funds of up to $9,500 to adopt or acquire energy-efficient or pollution-prevention equipment or procedures. Funding is eligible for those costs incurred between July 25, 2016 and June 30, 2017. For more information, contact the Small Business Ombudsman’s Office at 717772-5160.
SPORTS New Pittsburgh Courier
C3
NOVEMBER 2-8, 2016
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
by Bill Neal For New Pittsburgh Courier
YES . . . ANOTHER SPECIAL EDITION!!! As you take in another set of classic City League photos leading up to the 3rd Annual Pittsburgh City League High School AllSports Hall of Fame, let’s take a walk down memory lane. In no particular order, and just for the fun of it, I am gonna double your pleasure. Ref, put 20 seconds on the clock! :20—Steve Snyder Dunkin on a whole team in “Connie Hawk” down Pennly. :19—Westinghouse H.S. Pete Dimperio, 21 City League titles in 22 years. :18—Pittsburgh found out what “Bump Yes” meant
and they brought the P-Funk! :17—Ricky “Black Magic” Coleman, Robert “Jeep” Kelly, Nathan “Sonny” Lewis…need I say more. :16—Peabody H.S. City League track dominance and baseball superiority. :15—”Big Mo” Maurice Stokes is immortalized with a full scale Hollywood movie. :14—The one man press breaker Warner Macklin… the ultimate floor leader. :13—Cosmic Echoes, Rankin Gangsters, The Force, The Dons, Big’s Storm, Fire, Heatwave, Clairton’s Finest, Rico’s Boys, Running Rebels… pick your poison! :12—Nothin’ smoother than Rod Rutherford, Ahman Sheriff, Fred Marshall
Overtime
Death, Junkhead, Homin Johnson, better pack your lunch! :10—Ricky Coleman and Maurice Lucas bring home another state title. :09—City League football and basketball, the fun, the noise, the bands…nothin’ better. :08—The magic of Larry Richardson, the lightening quickness of June Bug of Howard, “The Rise” Sunny Lewis, the power of Moon Howard…gone, but not forgotten. :07—Ron Carter to the BILL NEAL Lakers, Jeff “Whitemouse” Hutcherson’s Cheyney passing the football. NCAA title, Maurice Lucas :11—Kirk Bruce, Cle Ed- NBA title, Sam Clancy’s 15 wards, Bobby Byrd, Dr. year NFL career…The Few,
The Proud, The City!!! :06—Chuck Franklin at Perry, George Webb at the House, Ron Wabbby at Brashear, “D” Blair and his Spartans, the Twins at Allderdice, Bazemore— World Karate champion— WHAT!! :05—Chuck Cooper - the first Black man to play in the NBA with the Boston Celtics. :04—Connie Hawk at Pennly, Jason White Choclate of the Miami Heat does battle with “The Greyhound” Jason Rivers. :03—The #2 national ranking of the State Champion 5th Ave. Basketball Team. :02—”The Best There Ever Was” Kenny Durrett and Petey Gibson, Marv Snowden, Montell Brund-
age…”Schenley 66.” :01—Bill Clarke dunks on “The Hawk” and The Hawk returns the favor Connie Hawkins League Homewood YMCA. I know you know better than I know the greatness that was, is and will forever be The City League. Be a part of the memory Sunday, November 6th at the 3rd Annual Pittsburgh City League Hall of Fame Inductions. We are quickly approaching another sellout. Only 500 seats available… down to a little more than 100. Call 412-628-4856 for info. And don’t forget the Savoy Family Reunion Party for the City League, Saturday, Nov. 5 until—No cover, cash bar, cash kitchen, 50/50 and the time of your life…it’s family!!!
City League Hall of Fame
1936 SOUTH HILLS
LARRY ANDERSON
LOVE VENSON
HOWARD DEMPS
by Aubrey Bruce For New Pittsburgh Courier
Is there a pattern of treating Black quarterbacks as well as scrambling quarterbacks differently than the standard “pocket backs” are treated in The NFL? Well, Last Sunday after the Carolina Panthers 30-20 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, the Panthers star QB Cam Newton seemed to think so and said that he is intending to talk to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell about hits that he constantly receives, most of the time without too much notice or justifiable penalties being assessed. At his postgame news conference, sporting a bright green hat, Newton was clear in regards to how he felt about the situation. “It’s really taking the
COACH RON WABBY
Inside Conditions…The curse of the Mandingo fun out of the game for me honestly because at times I don’t even feel safe. And enough is enough. I plan on talking to Commissioner Goodell about this. But it’s not fun. And I don’t know what I have to do. [That’s] The story of my life ever since I came in is, ‘Oh, oh well we missed that one, I’m sorry, we’ll try to get it.’ That’s bullcrap, that’s bullcrap. As players in this league, we do something stupid, we get fined. If we do something derogatory to somebody else, we get fined. I just can’t keep accepting, ‘Oh we missed that one’ or ‘I apologize for doing that’ or ‘I didn’t see it,’—that’s horsecrap. That’s horsecrap. And coming from a person that’s been fined before, coming from a person that everybody is expecting a lot from, and I’m still growing.
AUBREY BRUCE But yet when you constantly see the hits, constantly see flags being picked up, and you constantly see flags getting thrown, and to see other quarterbacks getting it, lesser hits, lesser physical hits, then it’s taking the fun for me out.
I’m just being honest with that.” Around the NFL writer Kevin Patra seemed to back Newton up and posted this on nfl.com. “In the season opener, Newton was the subject of controversial non-calls when he was hit in the helmet multiple times without penalties being called. Questions were also raised as to whether concussion protocol was implemented properly after he was allowed to play shortly after taking a lategame hit. In Week 5, Newton suffered a concussion on a legal hit while he was running in for a two-point conversion against the Atlanta Falcons. He missed the next game. The refereeing of Newton has drawn comparisons to Shaquille O’Neal’s heyday in the NBA. Newton’s size
and physicality often make it difficult for refs to see the illegal and borderline illegal shots he takes. Newton’s size, however, doesn’t excuse repeated missed calls. Newton is now standing up for himself after the latest blow.” It has been a perceived whether it is true or false that Black or scrambling quarterbacks from Willie Thrower, Fran Tarkenton, James Harris, Doug Williams, Randall Cunningham, Kordell (Slash) Stewart, (who by the way was never fully considered or accepted as a pure QB), Vince Young, the late Steve McNair, Ben Roethlisberger, Russell Wilson, Colin Kapernick on down just don’t attract the “sensitive eye” of the officials when it comes to unnecessary hits
while they were and are confined to the pocket. The officials should be filmed and penalized as well for missing unjustified hits on unsuspecting quarterbacks whether they are considered to be mobile or immobile. So whether a quarterback is White or Black, if he is allowed to be brutalized more often than not because he may appear in the eyes of certain individuals charged to police NFL competition to be bigger and stronger and therefore should be able to “absorb more punishment;” because of their physical stature, then all of them are victims of the “curse of the Mandingo.” (The source for this article was nfl.com) (Aubrey Bruce can be reached at: abruce@newpittsburghcourier.com or 412-583-6741. Follow him on Twitter@ultrascribe.)
CLASSIFIED New Pittsburgh Courier
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NOVEMBER 2-8, 2016
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
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Legal Notices
PORTFOLIO ANALYTICS & STRATEGY ANALYST SENIOR (MULTIPLE OPENINGS)
ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Pittsburgh, PA October 24, 2016
Finance
The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. has multiple openings for Portfolio Analytics & Strategy Analyst Senior in Pittsburgh, PA. Responsible for participating in the Decision Analytics team supporting strategy initiatives and execution. Specific duties include: (i) identify opportunities to improve strategies and processes through sound data- based analyses; (ii) design and implement initiatives utilizing segmentation strategies based on customer behavior and transactional profile analysis; (iii) provide analytics for transactional fraud authorization decisioning and optimization to mitigate fraud losses; (iv) conduct qualitative and quantitative analysis and deliver presentations with sound recommendations and insights to business partners and management team; and (v) establish and maintain effective fraud mitigation strategy development and performance tracking to ensure that strategies are performing as expected. Master’s degree in Economics/Applied Economics, Engineering, Statistics, Mathematics or Finance plus 1 year of experience conducting data analysis for the financial services industry is required. Experience must include: (i) handling, manipulation and analysis of datasets; (ii) credit risk or fraud risk analysis; (iii) statistical data analysis and statistical decision tree; (iv) utilizing data query tools including SQL and SAS to manipulate, analyze and interpret credit bureau and other financial databases; (v) writing and implementing SAS programs and macros for reporting, automation and data analysis for portfolio performance monitoring; and (vi) advanced database management (writing complex SQL queries), advanced tools and software including SQL, SAS Enterprise Miner, advanced Excel (pivot tables) and PowerPoint. 40 hours/week, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Interested individuals apply online at www.pnc.com using keyword 252548BR. PNC provides equal opportunity to qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or other categories protected by law. ANNOUNCEMENTS Public Notice
CITIZEN POLICE REVIEW BOARD NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CONTINUATION CPRB Case #223-15
Thursday, 11/10/16 @ 6:00 PM City Council Chambers City-County Building, 5th FL 414 Grant Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Questions may be directed to (412) 765-8023. LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices
Estate of ELEANOR J. MORAN deceased of Pittsburgh, No. 021605485 of 2016 Carol Ann Moran, Extr. or to c/o Philip J. Scolieri, Esquire, Scolieri Law Group, P.C., 1207 Fifth Avenue, Suite 200 Bldg., Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Estate of ESTHER WALDER KLIONSKY, a/k/a ESTHER MIRIAM WALDER KLIONSKY, deceased of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania No. 02-16-04160. Daniel Klionsky, Executor, 6625 Woodwell Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 or to Robert B. Wolf, Esquire, Tener, Van Kirk, Wolf & Moore, P.C., One Oxford Center, Suite 2100, 301 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Estate of CARMELLA G. MAGNELLI, deceased of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, No. 02-16-05365 Gerard Magnelli, Executor, 233 Park Avenue, Clairton, PA 15025 or to Rosemary L. Corsetti, Esquire, Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney, PC, One Oxford Centre, 20th Floor, 301 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
The Office of the Director of the DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY will receive Letters of Interest with current SF 330 for professional services until 4:00 p.m. on November 18, 2016 for the following assignment: COUNTY PROJECT NO. ZBHD-CCRN CLACK BUILDING NO. 1 RENOVATION COUNTY PROJECT NO. ZBCH-TR02 ALLEGHENY COUNTY COURTHOUSE TOWER RENOVATIONS COUNTY PROJECT NO. ZBCH-RF08 ALLEGHENY COUNTY COURTHOUSE ROOF REPLACEMENT The Allegheny County Department of Public Works is seeking Construction Management and Inspection Services for the adaptive reuse of Clack Building No. 1 as well as the Allegheny County Courthouse Tower Renovations and Roof Replacement projects. A description of work for these projects is available upon request. If your firm is interested in providing the aforementioned services, please submit five (5) copies of your Letter of Interest and current SF 330 to: Stephen G. Shanley, P.E., Director Allegheny County Department of Public Works County Office Building, Room 501 542 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Place five (5) copies of your Letter of Interest with required SF 330 forms in a sealed, opaque envelope with your firm’s name and the words: “Letters of Interest for Construction Management and Inspection of Clack Building No. 1 Renovation & Courthouse Towers/Roof Replacement, Project No. ZBHD-CCRN/ ZBCH-TR02/ZBCH-RF08,” written on the front. If you mail the Letter of Interest insert the sealed, opaque envelope containing the Letter of Interest and SF 330 form inside a separate mailing envelope. The Director will receive Letters of Interest with accompanying SF 330 until the day and hour stated in this Public Advertisement. The Director will not consider any Letter of Interest received after the set day and hour and will return it to the addressee unopened. The firm is responsible for ensuring that the Director receives the Letter of Interest by the set day and hour. The County will use only SF 330 of firms responding with Letters of Interest to prequalify firms for consideration for these services. The County encourages responses from small firms, minority and women owned firms and firms that have not previously worked for the County. The County will preselect or short-list three firms for consideration for this Project assignment on the following evaluation criteria: Experience, Record, Size, Workload, and Related Work. By a Request for Proposal the Department of Public Works will notify the top three short-listed firms to submit proposals. The County will invite each of these firms to attend a Preproposal Scoping and Presentation Meeting. The County will base final selection of a firm for this assignment on the following evaluation criteria: Project Proposal, Organization, Design Ability, Experience, and Special Criteria such as the team proposed understanding of the scope of work. The County’s minority business enterprise and women’s business enterprise goals for this Project will be 13% of the total price for MBE participation and 2% of the total price for WBE participation. Certification of MBEs and WBEs by the County is mandatory on or before proposal due date. Firms submitting a Letter of Interest must have their MBE/WBE participants in place and noted in their letter and/or SF 330 form information in order to be considered for this project. The Director may reject any Letters of Interest/Proposals and may waive any irregularity in the Submission of Letters of Interest/Proposals. For further information, contact Michael J. Dillon, PE at 412-350-5469. Stephen G. Shanley, P.E., Director Allegheny County Department of Public Works
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HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR Multiple Insurance Lines RFP# 700-46-16
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR NEW RHVAC UNIT FOR 201 KIRKPATRICK STREET IFB# 300-49-16
October 28, 2016
LEGAL AD REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL Request for Proposals
The Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) recently issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Case Consultation for Child Welfare-Involved Families Experiencing Family Violence and Intimate Partner Violence. Proposals are due by: December 9, 2016. For more details and submission information, visit: www.alleghenycounty.us/Human-Services/Resources/Doing-Business/Solicitations-(RFP/ RFQ/RFI).aspx. Marc Cherna Director Allegheny County Department of Human Services
ALLIES & ROSS MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR LOW INCOME HOUSING TAX CREDIT INVESTOR AND/OR CONSTRUCTION AND/OR PERMANENT LENDER RFP #2016-15
Allies & Ross Management and Development Corporation (ARMDC), the nonprofit real estate development instrumentality of The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP), hereby request responses from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Low Income Housing Tax Credit Investor and/or Construction and/or Permanent Lender RFP #2016-15 The documents will be available no later than October 31, 2016 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 10:00 A.M., December 5, 2016 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Parties or individuals interested may obtain information from: Mr. Kim Detrick – Procurement Director/Contracting Officer Procurement Department Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116, Option 1 or by visiting the Business Opportunities section of www.hacp.org A pre proposal meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 200 Ross Street, 9th Fl. Board Room Pittsburgh, PA 15219 November 14, 2016 11:00 A.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACP has revised its 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 President & CEO, Allies & Ross Management and Development Corporation
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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The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby requests proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Multiple Insurance Lines RFP# 700-46-16 The documents will be available no later than October 31, 2016 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 10:00 A.M., November 21, 2016 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Parties or individuals interested may obtain information from: Mr. Kim Detrick – Procurement Director/Contracting Officer Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 2nd Floor, Suite 200 100 Ross Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116, Option 1 or by visiting the Business Opportunities section of www.hacp.org A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 November 10, 2016 10:00 A.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACP’s has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation. Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh
HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.
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Sealed bid proposals are hereby solicited for the Community College of Allegheny County, 800 Allegheny Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15233 (412.237.3020) on the following items: Bid Proposal No. 984 Printing of CCAC Community Education Schedules Proposals will be received at the Purchasing Department until 2:00 P.M. Prevailing Time on Tuesday, November 15, 2016 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 https:// www.ccac.edu/Bid-RFP_Oppor tunities.aspx It will be each vendor’s responsibility to monitor the bid activity within the given website (“Bid and RFP Opportunities”) and ensure compliance with all applicable bid documents inclusive of any issued addenda. Failure to incorporate any applicable addenda in the final submittal may result in the rejection of your bid. 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 Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): NEW RHVAC UNIT FOR 201 KIRKPATRICK STREET IFB# 300-49-16 The documents will be available no later than October 31, 2016 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 1:00 p.m. on November 21, 2016 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, at which time they will be opened and read aloud. Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Solicitation from the Business Opportunities page of www.HACP. org. Questions or inquiries should be directed to: Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116 Opt 1 A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Dept. 100 Ross Street 2nd. Fl. Ste. 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Thursday, November 10, 2016 1:00 P.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACP’s has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation. Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh
HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.
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HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR INSTALLATION OF ROLLIN OR WALK-IN SHOWERS AUTHORITY WIDE IFB# 300-47-16
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): INSTALLATION OF ROLL-IN OR WALK-IN SHOWERS AUTHORITY WIDE IFB# 300-47-16 The documents will be available no later than October 24, 2016 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 10:00 a.m. on November 10, 2016 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, at which time they will be opened and read aloud. Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Solicitation from the Business Opportunities page of www.HACP. org. Questions or inquiries should be directed to: Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116 Opt 1 A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Dept. 100 Ross Street 2nd. Fl. Ste. 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Thursday, November 3, 2016 10:00 A.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACP’s has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation. Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh
HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.
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Pick up your Courier at these locations WESTERN AREA: CRAFTON BEVERAGE CRAFTON/INGRAM SHOPPING CENTER GIANT EAGLE CRAFTON/INGRAM SHOPPING CENTER SHEETZ #353 5400 CAMPBELL’S RUN RD SHOP N’ SAVE #1686 2103 NOBLESTOWN RD SAFRANS SUPER MKT 429 WALNUT ST GIANT EAGLE #74 PARKWAY CENTER MALL SOUTHERN AREA: KEN’S 216 BELTZHOOVER AVE NELSON’S 92 SYLVANIA AVE GIANT EAGLE #61 2021 WHARTON AVE COGO’S 2400 EAST CARSON ST COGO’S 925 EAST CARSON ST DAILY MART 1125 ARLINGTON AVE SHOP N’ SAVE CARRICK SOUTH EASTERN AREA: SUPER STOP 403 KENMAWR AVE CARL’S CAFE 337 FIFTH AVE COMET NEWS 540 BRADDOCK AVE PUFFS DISCOUNT TOBACCO 1722 GREENSBUR AVE A-PLUS SUNOCO 7403 WASHINGTON ST COGO’S 1050 BRINTON RD COGO’S 2003 S BRADDOCK AVE EDGEWOOD EXPRESS 253 EDGEWOOD AVE BRAD EXPRESS 1101 S BRADDOCK AVE GIANT EAGLE #619 1705 S. BRADDOCK AVE CVS 7406 CHURCH ST HANINI MARKET 1105 SWISSVALE AVE DUKE’S SUNOCO 825 DUQUESNE BLVD 7-11 818 N. DUQUESNE BLVD GIANT EAGLE #6379 420 EAST WATERFRONT DR GIANT EAGLE—MCKEESPORT 3812 O’NEILL BLVD J & S FOOD MART 625 W GRANT AVE RITE AID PHARMACY 100 WILLIAM MARKS DR GIANT EAGLE 1356 HOFFMAN BLVD BP GAS STATION LYSLE & WALNUT DS FOODMART 929 UNION ST RITE AID PHARMACY 725 LYSLE BLVD CHARLIE’S CORNER STORE 500 LOCUST ST NEIGHBORHOOD DOLLAR 333 5TH AVE GIANT EAGLE #38 1901 MURRAY AVE JACK’S E 8TH AVE EASTERN AREA:
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Duquesne Law School, Housing Authority win expungement grant CONTINUED FROM A1
ment representation for people up to 24 years of age who are at risk for being evicted from public housing because of their juvenile record or who cannot get into public housing because they have a juvenile record, which excludes them from being eligible,” said Sizemore-Thompson. “If we come across someone with an adult record, we will refer them to the law school’s Civil Rights Clinic, which works with adult expungements.”
Contrary to popular belief, said Sizemore-Thompson, juvenile court records are not automatically sealed. “Some juvenile records are open to the public. Specifically, those who are over 14 and adjudicated delinquent of a felony have a public juvenile record. Moreover, once any portion of the juvenile record becomes public, then the entire record is public,” she said. “That includes any nonfelony portions of the
record. Also, 12- and 13year-olds who have been adjudicated of certain very serious felony offenses have a public juvenile record.” And though applicants are not always required to acknowledge juvenile records on employment applications, SizemoreThompson said that is not the case for public housing applications. They must be acknowledged and can lead to disqualification. So the grant is specifically tailored to fit a real need.
“This grant will help young people who have paid their debt to society to get back on the right track, to find stable housing and secure sustainable employment,” added Roberts. Unlike adult expungement proceedings, which require a ruling from the state pardon board, those seeking expungement of juvenile records file motions and have hearings before the Court of Common pleas in the county from which their adjudica-
tion arises. And unlike the adult process, which can take years to resolve, juvenile record expungement is much faster. “The law requires 30day notice to the Commonwealth. So, once the motion is filed it generally takes about a month to get a hearing before a judge,” said SizemoreThompson. “Once the order is signed—which is usually on the same day as the hearing—the expungement takes legal ef-
fect. But, there is usually a period of time before all of the relevant agencies and institutions update their computers to purge the records.” In addition to providing no-cost juvenile expungement representation, the Juvenile Defender Clinic offers holistic representation to its clients in order to address as many needs (i.e. social work, mental health) as possible. Sizemore-Thompson said she hopes to begin the HACP site visits this month.
66 of 83 homicides Black lives…Hopefully a new president will make a difference CONTINUED FROM A1
McKeesport shot multiple times. Police have charged Derrick “Snowmann” Means with homicide. He was arrested Oct. 12 and awaits trial in the Allegheny County Jail. Oct. 7—Michael West, a 27-year-old Black male, was discovered mortally wounded by police responding to reports of shots fired in the 400 block of South Avenue in Wilkinsburg. He died about an hour later at the hospital. Investigators said a thin Black man wearing dark clothing was seen fleeing from the area, police said. The investigation is ongoing. Oct. 21—Jabree Hines, an 18-year-old Black male, was found shot multiple times in a vacant lot in the 400 block of Russellwood Street in Stowe Township. Police have not yet identified a suspect in the case. The investigation is ongoing. Oct. 21—John Davern, a 19-year-old Black male from Beltzhoover, was found shot multiple times in a vacant lot in the 7100 Block of Upland Street in Homewood. Police have not yet identified a suspect. The investigation is ongoing. Oct. 27—Michael Mongeluzzo, a 27-year-old White male, was shot multiple times as he and his girlfriend drove along Pressley Street on Pittsburgh’s North Side. He pulled into the Giant Eagle parking lot on Cedar Avenue and died after medics transported him to Allegheny General Hospital. The investigation is ongoing. Oct. 29—Thomas Watt, a 28-year-old White male, was shot twice in the head while walking with his girlfriend in the 1300 block of Woodland Avenue on Pittsburgh’s North Side. She was also wounded in the attack. Police stopped a vehicle matching the description of the one used by the shooter near the intersection of East and Venture streets and took 34year-old Abdul Rasheed into custody. He was charged with homicide and aggravated assault, and is in the Allegheny County Jail. September Homicides (4) Sept. 9—Domenek Cabbagestalk, a 25-year-old Black male, died from gunshot wounds he received during a fight in Crafton Heights on Aug. 31. Police found Cabbagestalk on a porch on Steuben Street, bleeding from wounds to the chest and leg. They believe he ran there after an altercation on Woodlow Street. No arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing. Sept. 9—Wade Howard, a 20-yearold Black male, died from gunshot wounds at UPMC Mercy after being driven there from De Raud Street in Oakland, where police say he was shot. No arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing. Sept. 12—Delon Williams, a 17year-old Black male, was gunned down shortly after being dropped off from a Community Intensive Supervision Program van. Police found him in a grassy area along Mossfield Street, in Garfield. No arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing. Sept. 17—Daija McCall, a 17-yearold Black female, died in a hail of gunfire at the intersection of Belmar and Mount Vernon Streets, in Homewood. Police said ShotSpotter detected at least 11 shots. SIxteen-year-old Steven Cansler was arrested OCt. 26 and has been charged with homicide in this case. He awaits trail in the Allegheny County Jail August Homicides (10) Aug. 1—Christopher Rodriguez, a
20-year-old Hispanic male, was shot multiple times in his Allentown Apartment by his friend, Kenneth Murphy, a 20-year-old Black male who came there to purchase a gun. Murphy told police he accidentally shot Rodriguez while examining one of the guns. Murphy remains in the Allegheny County Jail. Aug. 12—Jesse Poole, a 47year-old Black male, was found by a neighbor lying on the stoop of a home on Rose Street in Pittsburgh’s Hill District. He had been shot in the chest and was pronounced dead at the scene. No arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing. Aug. 13—Raekwon Epps, a 20year-old Black male, was shot multiple times as he sat on a chair outside a Brushton Avenue building in Pittsburgh’s Homewood neighborhood. No arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing. Aug. 15—Gordon Johnson, a 33year-old Black male, was found in a grassy area off Donson Way in Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood next to a burning car he had recently purchased. He had been shot in the chest. No arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing. Aug. 19—Rico Smith, a 27-yearold Black male, was shot multiple times as he worked on a home in Wilmerding. County police said witnesses saw a Black male fleeing the scene. No arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing. Aug. 19—Chazz Bush, a 21-yearold Black male, was found in Clairton. He died later at Jefferson Hospital. But before he died, he identified 21-year-old Dyran Davenport, a Black male also of Clairton, as the shooter. Davenport is now being held without bail in the Allegheny County Jail. Aug. 22—Antonio Troutman, a 19year-old Black male, was shot near the parking lot of Wendy’s restaurant during an altercation between two groups. He ran a short distance across Peebles Street before he died. James Davis, a 29-year-old Black male from Braddock has been charged with the shooting. Aug. 22—Paris Wheatley, a 31year-old Black male, died at UPMC Presbyterian after being driven there by two females. Wheatley was shot after the women picked up an unknown Black male in Homewood. No arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing. Aug. 27—Deven Clark, a 32-yearold Black male, is identified using DNA as the victim found in the trunk of a burning car in Penn Hills, May 27. The cause and manner of death have yet to be determined. The investigation is ongoing. Aug. 27—William Wilson, a 51year-old Black male, was found on the sidewalk by police with a gunshot wound to the head on Kincaid Street in Garfield. A home was also hit by gunfire. No arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing. July Homicides (9) July 3—Reginald Shelton, a 56year-old Black male, drove himself to Allegheny General Hospital on Pittsburgh’s North Side after being shot in the chest. He died about three hours later. Police are still uncertain where he was shot. The investigation continues. July 4—James Swanson, a 28year-old Black male, was found fatally shot in the courtyard of a Fineview housing complex. The investigation is ongoing. July 4—Kennir Parr, a 14-year-old Black male, was fatally shot in the head when someone fired into a crowd setting off fireworks at Rankin’s Hawkins Village housing complex. No suspects have yet been identified. The investigation continues. July 8—Kai Thomas, a 19-year-old Black male, was fatally shot in broad daylight when multiple shooters approached his car and opened fire as he sat parked next to the Atmore Street playground on the North Side. A passenger was also shot but survived. The investigation is ongoing. July 10—Cheyenne Allen, a 22year-old Black male, was found fatally shot in the head and neck, laying in the middle of McMasters Street in Turtle Creek. Allegheny County police are investigating. Anyone with information is asked to call 412-3501300. July 17—Isis Allen, a 6-year-old Black female, was shot in the head as she walked past a home on Zara Street in Knoxville where 19-year-old Kamau Thomas tried to shoot someone on the porch, but “lost control” of the gun. He remains in the Allegheny County Jail. July 23—Machi Brown, a 27-yearold Black male, was fatally stabbed by
his 30-year-old sister Monica after allegedly attacking her during a party at her Carrick home. Monica Brown is in the Allegheny County Jail. July 28—Robert Ray, a 22-yearold Black male, was fatally shot near his Russellwood Avenue home in Stowe Township. Allegheny County police issued an arrest warrant for 27-year-old Charles Dixson, a Black male known to frequent Stowe and McKees Rocks. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call 911. Mark Kleist, a 49-year-old White male, from West Mifflin died in January, his death was classified a homicide in July. The investigation is ongoing. June Homicides (10) June 1—Benito Nicoletti, a 73year-old White male, was found beaten to death in his McKees Rocks home. Branden Frazier, a 25-year-old Black male has been charged in the murder. He is in the Allegheny County Jail awaiting trial. June 3—Carlton Watson, a 24-yearold Black male, was shot to death while driving on Route 65 near the McKees Rocks Bridge on Pittsburgh’s North Side. Police did not release a description of the shooter. The investigation is ongoing. June 3—Richard West-Gray, a 26year-old Black male, was shot to death while driving on Route 65 near the McKees Rocks Bridge on Pittsburgh’s North Side. Police did not release a description of the shooter. The investigation is ongoing. June 3—John Connors, an 83year-old White male, was found fatally beaten and burned by police responding to a 911 call of “a man on fire.” Jawwaad Ali, a 24-year-old Black male, has been charged with Connors’ homicide. June 7—Keith Coleman, a 31-yearold Black Male, was found lying on Kennedy Street on Pittsburgh’s North Side, shot multiple times. Police believe he was driving when shot; his car hit four others before coming to a rest. Coleman was pronounced dead a short time later at Allegheny General Hospital. The investigation is ongoing. June 9—Isaiah Thomas, a 31-yearold Black male, was found in a wooded area near Lawndale Road in Penn Hills by a man looking for scrap metal. He had been shot, and his body burned. Detectives said Thomas’ death may be related to another Penn Hills homicide from two weeks earlier where the victim was found shot and burned in a car trunk. The investigation is ongoing. June 23—Brenda Johnson, a 58year-old Black female, was found stuffed in multiple trash bags in her East Pittsburgh apartment. Police say her daughter Catherine Grier, 19, stabbed her to death during an argument about a week earlier. Grier’s boyfriend, 23-year-old Keith Blackman, was also arrested for dismembering the body. Both are in the Allegheny County Jail. June 23—Jonmarquis Stepich, 8year-old Black male from Braddock, died after his mother’s fiancé 38-yearold Orlando Williams slammed him to the ground for not cleaning his room. Williams has been charged with homicide and is in Allegheny County Jail. June 26—Brandon Turowski, a 27year-old White male, was fatally shot in his Oakmont house during a home invasion carried out by two unidentified White males. The investigation continues. June 28—Anthony Belland, a 51year-old Black male, was found shot multiple times at the Marion Circle housing complex in Clairton. He died a short time later at Jefferson Hospital. County police said Belland may have been playing dice prior to his death. The investigation continues. May homicides (8) May 1—Gerald Harris, a 19-yearold Black male, was shot multiple times in a vacant house on Divinity Street in Pittsburgh’s North Side. No arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing. May 1—Isha Tyree, a 20-year-old Black female, was shot multiple times as she sat in her car outside a vacant house on Divinity Street in Pittsburgh’s North Side. No arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing. May 15—Darshele Johnson, a 41year-old Black male, was found shot multiple times outside a home on Graham Boulevard extension in Penn Hills. Police said he had just exited his car when someone in a white Cadillac drove up and shot him. Johnson had previously been charged in the shooting death of Christopher Moss in 2014. The investigation continues. May 25—Thomas Cheeks, a 40-
year-old Black male, was fatally shot during a home invasion at his Crafton Heights home. His wife and son were home at the time but were not harmed. The two gunmen also killed the family dog. No arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing. May 26—Tamar Taylor, a 26-yearold Black male, was shot multiple times as he sat in his car on Bellanca Avenue. Police have charged 29-yearold Daevon Plowden with the homicide. He is currently in the Allegheny County Jail. May 27—Dehnad Taiedi, a 78year-old Iranian, was shot once in the head at the front desk of the motel he owned on Rte. 51 in Jefferson Hills, in what police said was an apparent robbery. No arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing. May 27—Mark Lopata, a 35-yearold White male, was found beaten and fatally shot in his Elliot apartment. Police have charged his roommate, 28-year-old Robert Hunter in the death. Hunter is in the Allegheny County jail. May 28—Delores Alviani, a 70year-old White female, was found by police fatally shot in a bedroom of her Bloomfield home along with her 79year-old husband Louis, also deceased, in what police said was a murder-suicide. April Homicides (6) April 1—Dontae Thompson, a 27year-old Black male was shot multiple times after another vehicle pulled along side him while driving on Henderson Street in Pittsburgh’s Fineview neighborhood. Police discovered him after his car had crashed trough a fence and flipped onto its roof. He was taken to Allegheny General Hospital where he died a few hours later. On April 20, Police arrested Andre Branch-Samuels for the killing after tracking him and his vehicle on surveillance video through several neighborhoods. He is in the Allegheny County Jail awaiting a preliminary hearing scheduled for May 4. April 6—Brandon Nguyen, a 29year-old Asian male, was sitting in his car in front of his home on Shadeland Avenue on Pittsburgh’s North Side when another car pulled up and a tall, thin Black male got out and shot Nguyen multiple times before speeding away. Nguyen was pronounced dead at the scene. No arrest has been made. The investigation is ongoing. April 14—Terence Jackson, a 27year-old Black male, was shot multiple times inside Red’s Bar on E. Warrington Avenue in Pittsburgh’s Beltzhoover neighborhood. He was taken to UPMC Mercy in critical condition and died about two hours later. Another man who was wounded in the leg during the incident said the shooting started after a scuffle. As yet, police have released no description of the shooter. The investigation is ongoing. April 15—Derek Schindler, a 30year-old White male, was fatally shot by Joshua Huber following marijuana and alcohol-fueled argument in Huber’s Etna apartment. Huber’s upstairs neighbor heard the shots and held him at gunpoint with his shotgun until police arrived. Huber is being held in the Allegheny County Jail pending a preliminary hearing. April 15—Melissa Zuk, a 22year-old White female, was fatally shot by Joshua Huber following marijuana and alcohol-fueled argument in Huber’s Etna apartment. Huber’s upstairs neighbor heard the shots and held him at gunpoint with his shotgun until police arrived. Huber is being held in the Allegheny County Jail pending a preliminary hearing. April 26—Aaron Govostes, a 42year-old Black male, was shot three times in the doorway of his South Oakland home after opening his front door to intruders. His mother and two children were unharmed. Police found marijuana and cash in the house but did not reveal a motive. Govostes was pronounced dead at the scene. His mother described the intruders only as three Black males. As yet, police have no suspects. The investigation is ongoing. March Homicides (10) March 1—Tyrell Jones, a 20-yrold Black man, was discovered by police shot multiple times near a Homestead playground. No arrest has been made. The investigation is ongoing. March 5—Michael Watson, a 52year-old Black Male, was discovered by police fatally wounded in the 600 block of Chataqua Street on Pittsburgh’s North Side. He was taken to Allegheny General Hospital where he died shortly afterward. No suspects have been arrested. The investigation is ongoing. March 9—Tina Shelton, 37, Shada
Mahone, 26, Chanetta Powell, 25, Brittany Powell, 27, all Black females, Baby Boy Powell, 8 months, and Jerry Shelton, a 35-year-old Black male were all executed by a pair of gunmen at a during a cookout in Wilkinsburg. Despite District Attorney Steven A Zappala saying police had good leads on the shooters, no arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing. March 12—Derek Price, a 26-yearold Black male, was shot multiple times at the Monview Heights housing complex in West Mifflin and later died at the hospital. Hours later police arrested 22-year-old Zyaire James of Clairton and charged him with homicide. He is in the Allegheny County Jail awaiting trial. March 13—Taevon Harris, a 15year-old Black male, was fatally shot by 19-yea-old Ryzel Barret after the two argued outside Mr. Barrett’s house in Homestead. Police said Barrett then went into the house, argued with his father, shot and wounded him shooting himself. March 14—Walli Hardy, a 23-yearold Black male, was found shot to death in a neighbor’s kitchen in Homewood. No suspects have been arrested. The investigation is ongoing. March 23—Linda Katilius, a 63year-old White female, was strangled to death by her 60-year-old husband Richard, who confessed to the crime. He is in the Allegheny County Jail awaiting trial. March 24—Saevon Ponder, a 21year-old Black male, was fatally shot and dumped in Beltzhoover after being kidnapped over what police said was a drug debt. Mitchell Coles has been arrested and charged with the shooting, kidnapping and other charges. He is in the Allegheny County Jail awaiting trial. March 25—Tarvus Gainer, a 28year-old Black male, was found fatally shot on Montier Street in Wilkinsburg. No arrests have been made. The investigation continues. March 27—Glenn Fischer, a 49year-old White male, was discovered strangled after a disturbance in a neighbor’s home. No charges have yet been filed. February Homicides (4) FEB. 3—Reginald Franklin, a 27year-old Black male from Homewood, was fatally shot while exiting a store in the 7200 block of Frankstown Avenue in Homewood. He was taken to UPMC Presbyterian where he later died. No one has been charged; the investigation is ongoing. On the listing provided by the Allegheny County Office of the Medical Examiner, Franklin is identified as Reginald Frankin. Feb. 15—Calvin Turner, 56, Gerald Johnson, 68, and Darlyn Vance, 73, all Black males, died of smoke inhalation and burns after the North Lang Street house where they lived in Homewood was set on fire. Latoya Lyerly, 42, who also lived there confessed to the arson. She is in the Allegheny County Jail. FEB. 15—Keith Woodard, a 19year-old Black male from North Side, was found with multiple gunshot wounds in the 100 block of Waldorf Street in the North Side. He was taken to Allegheny General Hospital where he later died. No one has been charged; the investigation is ongoing. FEB. 15—Amelia Roman, a 96year-old White female from North Braddock, was found dead in her North Braddock home, in the 700 block of Jones Avenue, by individuals conducting a welfare check. It has been reported that she had a heart attack during a home invasion in which she was left bound and gagged. No one has been charged; the investigation is ongoing. FEB. 17—Madeline Bernard, a 65year-old Black female from Brighton Heights, was found stabbed to death in her home on Verner Court in Brighton Heights. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Madeline Bernard was reportedly stabbed during a domestic altercation with her daughter, Sommer Bernard, who has been charged with criminal homicide. January Homicides JAN. 10—Damion Graham, a 39year-old Black male from the North Side, was fatally shot during a domestic altercation at a home on Forest Avenue in Bellevue. He was pronounced dead at the scene. No one has been charged; the investigation is ongoing. JAN. 10—Chauncey Howard, a 25year-old Black male from the North Side, was found fatally shot inside of a vehicle that had crashed into a pole in the 3100 block of Universal Street in Sheraden. He was found by officers who were responding to a call of shots fired in the 3200 block. Howard
was pronounced dead at the scene. Tremond Allston and Charles Williams have been charged with criminal homicide, criminal conspiracy, carrying a firearm without a license and more. JAN. 15—Martell BentonBridgett, an 18-year-old Black male from McKees Rocks, was found at the Holiday Inn Express, in the 800 block of Greentree Road, in Greentree, with multiple gunshot wounds. He was taken to a local hospital where he later died. It has been reported that he had been at a party at the hotel when he was shot. No one had been charged; the investigation is ongoing. JAN. 19—Shawn Cavender, a 39year-old Black male from Pittsburgh, was found with multiple gunshot wounds to his lower extremities in a home in the 100 block of Southern Avenue in Mt. Washington. He was taken to UPMC Mercy Hospital where he later died. Reportedly, he had gotten into an argument with another male who fled the scene. No one has been charged; the investigation is ongoing. JAN. 19—Raymond O’Neal, a 17year-old Black male from Penn Hills, was shot and killed at a home in the 8900 block of Upland Terrace in Penn Hills. It is believed that there was a confrontation and O’Neal was shot. No one has been charged; the investigation is ongoing. JAN. 20—Dante Dawkins, a 29year-old Black male from Clairton, was shot to death in the 400 block of Windgap Avenue, in Windgap Industrial Park, which is in the Windgap/Esplen area. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Divine Barrett was also found dead at the scene; one was found in a nearby vehicle and the other was lying in the street. No one has been charged; the investigation is ongoing. (The Office of the Medical Examiner of Allegheny County has Dawkins’ age listed as 39, but other reports and an obituary list him as 29.) JAN. 20—Divine Barrett, a 24year-old Black male from New Jersey, was shot to death in the 400 block of Windgap Avenue, in Windgap Industrial Park, which is in the Windgap/Esplen area. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Dante Dawkins was also found dead at the scene; one was found in a nearby vehicle and the other was lying in the street. No one has been charged; the investigation is ongoing. JAN. 21—Bronson Waite, a 23year-old White male from Brighton Heights, was found shot to death in the torso at a residence in the 3900 block of Vinceton Street in Perry North. He was pronounced dead at the scene. It has been reported that a robbery and the shooting may have taken place the previous day. Daron Clark has been charged with criminal homicide, burglary, robbery, criminal conspiracy, receiving stolen property and possession of a firearm with an altered manufacture number. JAN. 22—Janese Jackson Talton, a 29-year-old Black female from Penn Hills, was found fatally shot outside of Cliff’s Bar, located at North Lang Avenue in Homewood, by officers who were responding to a ShotSpotter notification. She was pronounced dead at the scene. According to reports, Talton was allegedly shot by Charles McKinney after rejecting his advances. McKinney is charged with criminal homicide, aggravated assault, carrying a firearm without a license, fleeing or attempting to elude police, possession with intent to deliver, recklessly endangering another person and reckless driving. JAN. 30—Eric Johnson, a 24-yearold Black male from McKeesport, was fatally shot in the area of Fern Alley, in McKeesport, while sitting in a vehicle with another male. Johnson died at the scene; the other male was taken to a local hospital. No one has been charged; the investigation is ongoing. JAN. 31—Bruce Kelley Jr., a 37year-old Black male from Pittsburgh, was shot and killed by Port Authority Police after an altercation. According to reports, Kelley and his father were found drinking alcohol at a Wilkinsburg shelter near the East Busway when officers initially encountered them. An altercation broke out and the two got away. After finding the two again and Kelley allegedly refusing orders to put down a knife, officers Tased him. When that did not work, they released their K-9, Aren, and Kelley stabbed him. Officers then shot and killed Kelley. He died of multiple gunshot wounds to the trunk and extremities. Aren also died. The investigation is ongoing.