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Pittsburgh Courier NEW
VOL. 107, NO. 45
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NOVEMBER 9-15, 2016
TRUMP WINS Bob Pitts passes
The New Pittsburgh Courier will once again celebrate some of the region’s most distinguished African American women at its Women of Excellence Luncheon to be held Friday, Jan. 6, 2017, at 12 p.m., at the Wyndham Grand Hotel, located at 600 Commonwealth Place, in downtown Pittsburgh. This honor recognizes African American women who are leaving lasting marks by making great strides in their professions and positively impacting their communities. These women who were selected from nominations sent in by the newspaper’s readership, have made significant contributions and achievements. “We are very pleased to recognize this year’s Women of Excellence honorees. We have a top-notch list of individuals from various professions and community organi-
BOB PITTS
Former Wilkinsburg mayor and long time NAACP activist Bob Pitts passed Nov. 2 in Cleveland. A memorial service will be held in Pittsburgh at Grace Memorial Church, in the Hill District, Nov. 18, at 11 a.m.
SEE EXCELLENCE A5
LIHEAP funds now available
by Christian Morrow
by Christian Morrow
Courier Staff Writer
Courier Staff Writer
When the forces of the mighty British Empire surrendered to upstart American revolutionaries at Yorktown in 1781, the band played the song “The World Turned Upside Down.” Democrats may want to learn that song now that political upstart Donald Trump has defeated Hillary Clinton in the race for the U.S. Presidency. He won Pennsylvania by more than 64,000 votes, which at the time put him at 264
As of Nov. 1, Pennsylvania families can apply for this year’s round of Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program funds to help get through the winter heating season. Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf announced Oct. 27 that the state has received SEE LIHEAP A5
2016 Women of Excellence list unveiled
Experts stunned in defeat of Clinton electoral votes, having already taken Florida and Ohio. When Wisconsin came in for him a short time later, it’s 10 electoral votes put him over the 270 threshold. In similar fashion, incumbent Republican Senator Pat Toomey defeated Katie McGinty by more than 90,000 votes to hold his seat. In the only other race for national office, U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle easily defeated newcomer Lenny McAllister. At the state level, Democrats swept the row office races with
Josh Shapiro collecting 51 percent of the votes for attorney general, Eugene Depasquale garnering 50 percent of the votes for auditor general, and Joe Torsella winning 51 percent of the vote for state treasurer. And though indicted state Rep. Marc Gergely won his reelection bid for the state house 35th district seat, challenger V Fawn Walker-Montgomery, who was forced to run as a Republican to oppose him, still managed to garner 38 percent of the vote in defeat.
Writer brings Rosedale Oral History Project to Homewood by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
On Aug. 30, 1923, Johnstown Police Officer Joseph Grachen was deputed to the home of Robert Young in the city’s Black Rosedale neighborhood following calls of a domestic disturbance and left after being assured all was well. SEE WRITER A4
Report outlines disproportionate effect of manufacturing loss on Blacks by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
An October report released by the Alliance for American Manufacturing argues that while the loss of manufacturing capacity
has—and continues to— hurt communities like Pittsburgh; Youngstown, Ohio; Chicago, Ill.; and Flint, Mich., it has hurt African Americans in those communities with disproportionate intensity.
Partly due to historical inequities in housing, educational and economic opportunities, the cascade of closing businesses and lost tax revenue that followed the demise of the steel industry in the 1980s, left Black fam-
ilies without the means to escape the steadily deteriorating industrial centers that had been their livelihood. “Fractured by urban decay, White flight, poverty, segregation, crime and mass in-
carceration, deindustrialized communities came to resemble war-torn battlefields rather than places of residence,” writes report author Gerald Taylor. “Indeed, for much of the past several decades, dein-
dustrialized communities like Baltimore, Detroit and Flint seem to have been some of the best places in the country for watching Black families struggle and die.” SEE REPORT A5
Pittsburgh says goodbye and thanks to outgoing Chief McLay by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
FOND FAREWELL—Pittsburgh Police Chief Cameron McLay gets a goodbye hug during a community event thanking him for his two years of service to the community and department. (Photos by J.L. Martello)
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With several holding back tears, about 75 residents joined Black community leaders and police personnel from across the city at the Kingsley Center, in East Liberty, to say goodbye and thank you to outgoing Pittsburgh police Chief Cameron McLay, who announced his resignation three days earlier. Brandi Fisher, president of the Alliance for Police Accountability, who hosted the event, said she had to speak slowly so she didn’t burst into tears. “I knew that if anything happened on his watch it would be taken care of, I knew we would not have to beg and plead to be treated like human beings,” she said. “His character is phenomenal. Thank you for being a phenomenal man and for being a SEE McLAY A4
MOMENTO—Dignity & Respect Inc. CEO Candi Castleberry Singleton snaps a selfie with departing Pittsburgh Police Chief Cameron McLay during a community farewell event at the Kingsley Center.
Ulish Carter asks
Are police servants of the people or masters? Opinion A6
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INTERNATIONAL
NOVEMBER 9-15, 2016 NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
African leaders launch initiative This Week In Black History to resolve Libyan crisis
IDRIS DEBY ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP)—Seven African leaders met at the African Union headquarter in Ethiopia Sept. 1 to launch a new initiative to solve the 5-year-old Libyan crisis. “Africa today is affected by the disastrous consequences of the Libyan crisis,” said Idris Deby, president of Chad and chairman of the African Union. “The situation in Libya is very complicated as there is a lack
of homogeneity between the two camps with each one having a multitude of political and military actors.” The African Union intends to bring together all the Libyan stakeholders as soon as possible “to enable them engage in a frank and direct dialogue,” said Deby. “There is no military solution to the Libyan crisis and this must be understood by all stakeholders,” he said. The leaders of Chad,
36 killed in Nigeria KANO, Nigeria (AP)—Nigerian officials say armed bandits have killed 36 gold miners in northwest Zamfara state. Survivor Isa Muhammad said many people are wounded and about 20 are missing. He said more than 50 gunmen invaded the informal mining site at Gidan Ardo and seized people’s belongings. Zamfara state Gov. Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar promised to hunt down the perpetrators of the “act of terrorism.” Nigeria is suffering an Islamic uprising in the northeast, militants attacking oil installations in the south, deadly conflict between nomadic herders and farmers in the center,
cattle rustling, kidnappings and banditry.
Congo, Ethiopia, Niger, South Africa, Sudan and Uganda will discuss how the African initiative can help resolve the Libyan crisis. The African Union panel on Libya is supported by the United Nations. African Union chairwoman, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, reminded the African leaders that 2.4 million Libyans are currently in need of humanitarian assistance, including 350,000 internally displaced people. “The economic situation in Libya is equally dire with destruction of infrastructure leading to a dangerously low oil production. This situation cannot continue,” she said.
Peacekeepers killed in Congo
GOMA, Congo (AP)—An explosion while a group of Indian peacekeepers were exercising in eastern Congo killed a young girl, injured 32 peacekeepers and sparked an angry demonstration that was dispersed by tear gas, U.N. officials and witnesses said. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters at U.N. headquarters in New York that five of the peacekeepers were seriously hurt but none were killed. Julien Paluku, governor of North Kivu province had
said earlier that one peacekeeper and an 8-year-old child were killed and three civilians were injured in the blast in the outskirts of Goma. Dujarric said that according to preliminary reports the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device that detonated while the peacekeepers were on a morning run. Earlier, officials said a grenade had detonated. Dujarric said all the injured peacekeepers and civilians were receiving medical treatment in Goma. The U.N. peacekeeping mission in Congo sent a quick reaction force and an investigation team including explosives experts to the scene, Dujarric said. “The staff is very busy gathering information about this incident,” said Sylvestre Kilolo, a spokesman for Congo’s U.N. mission. Various rebel groups are active in Congo’s northeast, though most recent violence has occurred in the Beni region north of Goma.
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Week of November 9-15, 2016 November 9 1731—Multi-talented scientist and inventor Benjamin Banneker is born in Ellicott Mills, Md. He is generally considered America’s first Black scientist. Banneker constructed the first clock made in America; completed the design and layout of Washington, D.C., after Pierre L’Enfant returned to France; published a farmer’s almanac for 10 years, while also studying astronomy; and predicted solar eclipses. 1868—The governor of Arkansas, Powell Clayton, calls out the state militia and declares martial law in 10 counties in a bid to put down a Ku Klux Klan-led insurrection. 1868—The Howard University Medical School—the first designed to train Black medical personnel—opens in WashingBENJAMIN BANNEKER ton, D.C. There were eight students in the first class. 1901—Fiery pioneer Black journalist William Monroe Trotter starts the Guardian newspaper in Boston, Mass. Trotter made headlines throughout the nation when in November 1914, he confronted President Woodrow Wilson in the White House for failing to do more to stop the lynching of Blacks. For daring to argue with the president, the New York Times denounced Trotter saying he had “superabundant untactful belligerency.” But W.E.B. DuBois called him “fearless.” 1922—Actress Dorothy Dandridge is born in Cleveland, Ohio. She is generally considered one of Hollywood’s first Black female sex symbols. She appeared opposite Harry Belafonte in “Carmen Jones” and was the first Black woman nominated for an Oscar. Dandridge died in 1965 at age 43. November 10 1898—George H. White introduces the first anti-lynching legislation in the U.S. Congress. The North Carolinian was one of the last Blacks in Congress before Jim Crow WILLIAM MONROE TROTTER laws and attitudes drove most Blacks from high elected offices. After leaving Congress, he founded a Black bank and established an all Black community called Whiteville near present day Trenton, N.J. 1891—Granville T. Woods patents an improvement to the electric railway. Woods was one of the most prolific Black engineers and inventors in U.S. history. His motto could have been “I didn’t invent the product, but I invented something that made it better.” Born in Columbus, Ohio, he invented and patented improvements to the electric railway, air brakes, telegraphs, telephones and numerous other products. 1957—Charlie Sifford wins the Long Beach Open, becoming the first Black person to win a major professional golf tournament. 1994—Famed Jazz singer Carmen McRae dies in Beverly Hills, Calif. She was born in New York City on April 8, 1920. November 11 1831—Anti-slavery rebel Nat Turner is hanged roughly two months after his capture for leading the bloodiest slave revolt in U.S. history. The minister and mystic told reporters God had called on him to lead the revolt, which left 55 Whites dead. November 12 1775—General George Washington, first president and “father of the country” issues an order barring free Blacks from serving in the army as the U.S. struggled for independence from England. Washington was also a slave owner. The slave owning aristocracy felt if free Blacks fought for America’s liberation they would demand freedom for their enslaved brothers and sisters. Despite Washington’s order, hundreds of Blacks did fight in the Revolutionary War. 1900—Henry Ossawa Tanner becomes an internationally acclaimed artist as he takes a silver medal for his art displayed at the Paris Exposition. Nearly 7,000 artists had entered their works. The Pittsburgh-born Tanner had numerous major works including his painting called “The Banjo Lesson.” 1922—Sigma Gamma Rho is founded by seven Black women in Indianapolis, Ind. The sorority grows to become one of the largest in the nation. 1977—Ernest “Dutch” Morial is elected the first NAT TURNER Black mayor of New Orleans, La. 1994—Track and field great and Olympics star Wilma Rudolph dies in Nashville, Tenn., at the age of 54. November 13 1839—The Liberty Party—the nation’s first anti-slavery political party—is formed in Warsaw, N.Y. Among the founders were legendary abolitionists Samuel Ringgold Ward and Henry Highland Garnet. At this point in history the two major political parties—the Whigs and the Democrats—were both pro-slavery. 1913—Pioneering Black surgeon Daniel Hale Williams becomes a member of the American College of Surgeons. Williams is generally credited with being the first American doctor to perform open heart surgery. The history-making event took place in Chicago on July 9, 1893. 1922—Many Black historians have selected this as the date which marks the beginning of the Harlem Renaissance—perhaps the greatest period of artistic achievement by African-Americans in U.S. history. From poetry to plays and from paintings to sculptures, Black art reached a pinnacle. In a broader sense, the Harlem Renaissance ran from the early 1920s to the mid 1930s. 1951—Ballerina Janet Collins becomes the first Black woman to dance with the Metropolitan Opera Co. in New York City. Prior to that achievement she performed with the world-renowned Black dance troupe directed by the legendary Katherine Dunham. 1955—Whoopi Goldberg, given name Caryn Johnson, is born in New York City. She graduates from a stand-up comedy routine to become a major Hollywood JANET COLLINS actress and is currently one of the principal hosts of the television talk show “The View.” 1956—The United States Supreme Court upholds a lower court ruling which banned segregation on public buses in Montgomery, Ala. The decision was forced in major measure by a year-long Black bus boycott sparked by the refusal of Rosa Parks to give up her seat to a White man. Leadership of the boycott also launched the civil rights career of Martin Luther King Jr. and his status as the national Black leader. 1967—Carl Stokes wins the race for mayor in Cleveland, Ohio. In doing so, he becomes the first Black mayor of a major American city. 1985—New York Met Dwight Gooden becomes the youngest pitcher ever to win the Cy Young award. November 14 1915—Booker T. Washington dies in Tuskegee, Ala. Washington was easily one of the top five most influential Black leaders in African-American history. Some considered him too accommodating to Whites, but his influence was still significant. Among the educator’s lasting accomplishments was the founding of Tuskegee Institute. He was only 59 when he died. 1934—William Levi Dawson’s Negro Folk Symphony (Symphony Number One) is performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra. This marked the first time a classical symphony composed by an African-American was performed by a major White orchestra. Dawson also gained renown as the choral director at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. He died in 1990 at the age of 91. November 15 1884—The Berlin Conference begins. This stands as one of the most significant events in all of African and Black history. Basically, seven European powers sat down and divided Africa for their benefit. They created countries which divided tribes and were often unworkable economically. The divisions and exploitations, resulting from the Berlin Conference, plague Africa to this day. The conference was completed in Berlin, Germany, in February 1885. 1897—John Mercer Langston dies. Today, Langston is an unsung hero, but in the 1800s he was one of the nation’s most dedicated fighters for Black freedom and betterment. Born to a White slave owner and an emancipated Black woman, Langston became an accomplished lawyer. He helped organize the National Black Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1848; organized Blacks to fight in the Civil War; worked in the Freedman’s Bureau; organized Howard University’s law department; became president of the Virginia Normal & Collegiate Institute; and became the first Black elected to Congress from Virginia. The town of Langston, Okla.—home of Langston UniverJOHN MERCER LANGSTON sity—is named after him.
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NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
NOVEMBER 9-15, 2016
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Prosecution concludes case in fatal Cincinnati police shooting by Dan Dewell
Associated Press Writer
CINCINNATI (AP)—Prosecutors rested their case Nov. 7 and the defense began calling its witnesses, which the lead attorney has said will include the White fired police officer facing murder charges in the fatal shooting of an unarmed Black motorist after a traffic stop in Ohio. The trial of former University of Cincinnati Officer Ray Tensing, 26, began with the judge assuring jurors she wanted to protect their privacy, after allowing a worried alternate juror to leave the case. “I want you to feel safe,” Hamilton County Judge Megan Shanahan said. The trial was interrupted over jury concerns that 25-page questionnaires they filled out on a variety of topics could be made public due to news media public records requests. Shanahan said she has reversed her order that would have allowed partially redacted questionnaires released during the trial. The judge had ordered the jurors’ identities shielded before the trial began. As they wrapped up their case, prosecuHOP HOP HALL OF FAME BUILDING CONCEPT
Hip Hop Hall of Fame adds hotel, retail, performance venues to concept NEW YORK/PRNewswire/—After two decades of development, the Official Hip Hop Hall of Fame (“HHHOF”) is poised to become “the hip hop institution of record for the 21st century,” as reported in Billboard Magazine. The organization kicked off November 2016, Hip Hop History Month, by unveiling its long awaited state-of-theart Hip Hop Hall of Fame + Museum & Hotel Entertainment Complex design concept for its Manhattan location in New York City. The HHHOF was Established in 1992 by founder J.T. Thompson, who created and executive produced the first Hip Hop Hall of Fame Awards Induction Ceremony & Concert on the BET Cable Network in the 1990s to be the annual fundraising catalyst for the establishment of a Hip Hop Hall of Fame Museum in New York City; modeled after the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Museum which produced 20 years of awards shows before eventually opening their Museum in Cleveland. The Hip Hop Hall of Fame + Museum and Entertainment Complex vision of the design concept is to include the Hall of Fame, museum, a 5 star hotel, retail stores and gift shop, arcade, TV studios, sports bar, restaurant & concert lounge with a goal of serving up to 1,000,000 local, national, and international visitors annually including music fans, tourists, students, culture enthusiasts, and families on educational and entertainment excursion tours. The facility will produce permanent and part time jobs, provide valuable internships and community volunteer opportunities, with a goal to host up to 150+ live events, shows, concerts and educational programs annually for people of all ages. The project is expected to yield a significant socio-economic financial impact in NYC and the Tri-State areas annually. All of these elements increase the overall sustainability of the Museum project with multiple attractions, and investment partnerships on hotel, retail, and entertainment. The HHHOF is a non-profit culture museum and educational institution, and the museum seeks to also inspire over 20,000 NYC public school kids per year with its field trips, tours and live event assembly programs that feature the Official HHHOF mascot, DJ “B-Boy Scratch” doing PSA’s, passing out academic awards, and gift bags for kids k-12. Furthermore, the museum exhibits will offer important and unique documentation of hip hop’s development and its impact on social trends. The Museum will enshrine hip hop pioneers and legends in wax and through displays (memorabilia and collectibles are presently being gathered and catalogued). Exhibition
objects will derive from the HHHOF archives and from other distinguished collections of our Hip Hop Archive & Preservation Alliance partner members, that include The Grammy Museum, The Cornell U’s Hip Hop Collection, Harvard Hip Hop Archive, NYU Hip Hop Education Center, The Smithsonian Institute Museum, The NMAAH, LACMA, OMA, The 2Pac Center, University of Houston, NMAAM, The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and many more private collections. The goal of the visitor center is to broaden exposure, access, and education to the arts by sharing the diversity of authentic Hip Hop Music, Arts and Culture with children, families, fans and the general public whose limited access to hip hop culture is through viewing videos via social media and hearing music on the radio, not an accurate representation of the true elements of Hip Hop culture. These exhibits will also tour schools, both nationally and internationally, that have programs and curricula that demonstrate how Hip Hop culture has significant contributions and social, educational, and economic impacts on the global scene. As rock-n-roll was for baby boomers, Hip Hop is today’s dominant youth culture worldwide. Hip hop music and culture today is a thriving social and economic marketplace encompassing music, film, sports, television, fashion, education and advertising. The HHHOF serves a very unique, diverse, and loyal targeted global audience that consist of youth demographics ages 12-34, and their families 25-55 who spend and influence approximately $1 Trillion dollars per year, according to Russell Simmons advertising agency, on products, services, events, merchandise, and technology. Visitors will have the ability to tour the Hall of Fame + Museum, stay in a top Hotel, shop at the retail stores and gift shop, purchase official merchandise, enjoy fine dining cuisine and sporting events at the themed restaurant & sports bar. Guests can also take in some fun with the kids at the Arcade, and enjoy an evening out with a live top 40 performances at the concert lounge that is also filmed in our TV Broadcast Studio. The HHHOF has narrowed its site selection to two choices in Manhattan in proximity to transportation hub areas where an estimated 20+ million tourists and commuters pass by and travel annually. Tourism is expected to see a continual rise in New York City over the next 7-10 years, cited by a recent government report. The HHHOF seeks an experienced and professional development and investment strategic partner. The firm
will work with our development team, and seamlessly with New York City and state building & development agencies, hotel, retail, and our cultural institutional partners on this historical development coming to the Manhattan skyline. “We are pleased that the Hip Hop Hall of Fame Museum + Hotel Building project is moving forward and that it will have a major socio-economic impact on tourism, culture, education, live events, film & television production and broadcasting, and job creation in New York City,” stated Thompson. The HHHOF envisions a state of the art “Green Technology & Energy Conservation” Museum building project that will aggressively explore and utilize all of the available cost and energy saving technologies and mechanisms that are currently in the marketplace.
tors called a series of witnesses who collected or examined evidence after the fatal shooting of Sam DuBose, 43. Tensing, who was fired after the shooting, is charged with murder and voluntary manslaughter in the July 2015 slaying. Several prosecution witnesses said they didn’t find evidence to support Tensing’s claim that he feared being dragged to death when DuBose tried to drive away, while initial defense witnesses—police officers who arrived at the scene—described Tensing as looking shocked and scared. University of Cincinnati police officer Jeffrey Van Pelt testified Tensing appeared “white as a ghost.” A firearms expert testified for the prosecution that Tensing fired his .40-caliber Sig Sauer service revolver between one and two feet from DuBose’s head, and a deputy coroner said the gunshot severed DuBose’s brain stem, causing immediate fatal injury. Testimony for the day ended the afternoon of Nov. 7. The trial will continue Nov. 8, on Election Day. Both Judge Shanahan and lead Prosecutor Joe Deters are Republicans seeking re-election against Democratic challengers.
Voters heard urgent plea from pastors on final weekend by Jeff Karoub and Rachel Zoll Associated Press Writers
DETROIT (AP)—At church services, in rallies and on social media, Black pastors urged congregants to vote, hoping to inspire a late flood of African American turnout that could help propel Democrat Hillary Clinton to victory in critical swing states. On the final weekend of the presidential campaign, a pastor in Detroit spoke of voting and citizenship. In Philadelphia, the minister reminded congregants others had died for their chance to cast a ballot. Reverend Jesse Jackson spoke to a few hundred people in front of City Hall in Tallahassee, Fla., before they marched a block over to the county courthouse to vote early. Along with women and Hispanics, African Americans are seen as critical to Clinton’s chances against Republican Donald Trump. However, early voting data from key states indicate
turnout will not be as high this year as it was four years ago, when Barack Obama, the nation’s first African American president, was on the ballot. The efforts were aimed at minimizing that decline. Bishop T.D. Jakes, pastor of the Texas megachurch The Potter’s House, tweeted on a red, white and blue backdrop: “Make sure your voice is heard. Vote on Nov. 8.” “Preachers are trying to strike a moral nerve and somehow penetrate the fog of indifference and try to remind people what’s at stake this year,” said the Rev. James Forbes, retired pastor of The Riverside Church, in New York, which hosted a national get-out-the-vote telecast Sunday night called “The Revival: Time for a Moral Revolution in Values.” “These are very crucial times to a nation with so much anger, so much anxiety about the future,” Forbes said at the revival Sunday night. “We must be very careful not to fall prey to the siren call of those
who are peddlers of false hope, illusions and lies.” Forbes has been traveling the country to mobilize voters. He and other pastors have taken pains to emphasize they were not endorsing a candidate, but it was hard to mistake some remarks made that signaled a deep opposition to Trump. “There are some folk in this country who think that to make this country great again, we’ve got to exclude folks,” said the Rev. Mark Tyler, pastor of Mother Bethel AME Church, in Philadelphia, one of the first Black churches in the United States. “We’ve always been great because we’ve always been open to strangers. If it was not for the goodness of the first Americans, there would be no America today.” Trump has made his own efforts to build support among Black voters, saying their loyalty to the Democratic Party has not improved the safety of their neighborhoods nor the quality of their schools.
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Pittsburgh says goodbye and thanks Chief McLay CONTINUED FROM A1
law enforcement officer who is about dignity and respect.” Those sentiments were echoed by Black Political Empowerment Project founder Tim Stevens who said he never expected to get teary-eyed over a policeman. “I was profoundly sad when I heard he had resigned because I’ve been doing this four and half decades, and we finally got someone we can trust and he has to leave us,” said Stevens. “But as you leave, be assured you have left behind a legacy for the Pittsburgh police to follow. Thank you for your leadership and thank you for your bravery.” Vic Waczak, state director of the ACLU said he was stunned repeatedly by how different McLay was from other police chiefs, noting that at their first meeting he apologized for one of his officer’s wrongful arrest of teacher Dennis Henderson. But another incident that was stunning—and pissed me off came when a spontaneous protest of Michael Vick was organized outside Heinz Field,” he said. “I sent him an email saying, you know, we don’t have a permit. I hope your guys will let them protest. He said, ‘they don’t need a permit— they have the 1st amendment.’ Chief, thank you. You’ve made a difference.”
BRANDI FISHER
TIM STEVENS McLay too was a bit tearyeyed at the show of support. “This is overwhelming,” he said. “I was expecting thank you here you go, go away, but the amount of love and support is overwhelming, just fantastic. I’ll never forget this” He said it’s amazing that it shows how little it takes for us to develop real human relations. “All we have to do is listen
COMMUNITY SUPPORT—Many from the community poses with the chief for a photo in a show of support. to each other and be genuine and respectful. This community gets it, we don’t want to go back. My officers get it and they don’t want to go back either,” McLay continued. “This is what every police officer wants when they go to their community, to be loved. It’s not lost on them—they are trained observers and they’ll realize, yeah, we’re on the right course and this is where you get the payback.” When announcing his resignation at a Nov. 4 press conference in Mayor Bill Peduto’s office, McLay thanked the “angels” he said had supported his efforts since he arrived two years earlier. But he said he had now taken the job of rebuilding the bureau as far as he could, and it was time to move on. “It’s time for me to pass the torch,” he said. “I have taken this as far as I can and I think I’ve developed a team of leaders who will take it to the next level. This is a great city and it has been an honor to serve you all. I’m sure when I look back on my career years from now, this will be my proudest achievement.” When he came out of retirement to take the job at Peduto’s behest in 2014—becoming the first chief ever hired from outside the bureau—McLay had three main goals: to implement data-driven, community-oriented policing; to restore public trust through creating sound accountability systems; and to improve morale by restoring the integrity of police leadership systems. Peduto said he has done all three. “With the indictment and conviction of the former Chief, with community-police relations at risk, and morale among the rankand-file at an all-time low, it required someone from the outside to get us to the point where we are today. Cam McLay was exactly the person we needed,” Peduto said. “He was able to mend relations with the community, rebuild professionalism within the Bureau, and overhaul a command staff that is now promoted on merit rather than poli-
LITTLE TEENIE DIES—Charles “Little Teenie” Harris, the eldest child of legendary photographer Teenie Harris died recently at 89 in Silver Spring, Md. Funeral arrangements are not available yet. He leaves behind a wife, three children and four siblings. .
tics. The City is in debt to Cam for his contributions to the community, taking all the shots and criticisms that come with making changes, and putting the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police on a successful pathway that is a model for law enforcement agencies across the United States. We will continue on that pathway for years to come. We are so much closer together now because of this guy.” Some of the bureau’s ac-
complishments under McLay’s leadership include: •Being chosen to participate in the National Initiative for Building Community Trust and Justice, a three-year effort funded by the Department of Justice providing national expertise in community policing; •Instituting bureau-wide on procedural justice and implicit bias, and •Creating a Crime Analysis Unit that included civilian crime analysts, which
developed enhanced crime mapping and analysis products and made them available to zone commanders for improved resource deployment and problem analysis. McLay said the turmoil created by the Fraternal Order of Police “no confidence’ vote, and his appearance in uniform at the Democratic National Convention, had no bearing on his decision to step down. “I had a chance to put out critical issues facing policing and that elevating professionalism can be a positive,” he said of the DNC appearance. “I regret wearing the uniform because what followed confused and lost a vital message.” The only regret he had about his job here in Pittsburgh was his inability to diversify the force. “There’s still a lot to do— especially will building diversity,” he said. “A lot of efforts are on the right course, but not done.” Keeping things on the right tract will fall to 24year veteran Scott Schubert, 50, who will now serve as acting chief. “I want to thank Chief McLay,” he said. “He did what needed to be done to make us all better, and we’re not going to waver from that vision.”
Writer brings Rosedale Oral History Project
Community Calendar 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, 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
Expungement Day Workshop NOV. 14—Pennsylvania Women Work will host two criminal record expungement workshops, 1:30 to 3 p.m. and 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the main lobby of the CityCounty Building, 414 Grant St. in Pittsburgh. Partners from various legal, employment and government agencies will be available help those with criminal record determine their eligibility for expungement or having records sealed. The event and the advice are free. For more information call 412-552-7100.
Racial Justice Awards NOV. 16—The YWCA of greater Pittsburgh will host its 25th Annual Racial Justice Awards Dinner and Celebration, 6:30-9 p.m. in the grand ballroom at the Omni William Penn Hotel, 530 William Penn Place, Downtown. The Silver Celebration awards honor individuals who have shown a commitment to social justice in the arts, business, community service, education, faith, health, and public service & safety.
Coat Drive CONTINUED FROM A1
Young, who was said to have a volatile temper, subsequently went out drinking with a friend and also searching for his wife— with whom he’d been arguing earlier—who was allegedly out with another man. Along the way he wrecked his car, and when Grachen responded to the accident, Young shot him. He then fled to a nearby shed where he engaged in a pitched battle with police and county detectives. When the smoke cleared, Young and three officers were dead. While the incident itself is tragic, it is not especially shocking to today’s audience—but what followed likely is: Johnstown Mayor Joseph Cauffiel ordered all the city’s Black residents who had lived there less than seven years to leave. “I want every Negro who has lived here less than seven years to pack up his belongings and get out,” he told the Johnstown Democrat newspaper, adding. “For their own safety I am ordering all newly arrived Negro citizens of Johnstown to leave town.” And before the governor and the NAACP could intervene, they did, along with a number of even newer Mexican residents. According to Richard Sherman’s 1963 treatise on the incident, estimates run from 500 to 2,000. Now, writer Cody McDevitt, who published a series
on the incident and its aftermath in the Somerset Daily American beginning late last year, is searching for the descendants of those who were exiled from Rosedale 93 years ago. And on Dec. 17 he will bring that search, and several exhibits, to the Homewood branch of the Carnegie Library. “More than 2,000 people marched out of the city, penniless and scared. Most went west, according to my research. I’m trying to track down their descendants and the most obvious place to start would be Pittsburgh though they could have gone all over the country,” he told the New Pittsburgh Courier. “I have attained all the documentation I could—including police reports, NAACP telegrams, council minutes and ACLU papers—along with hundreds of microfilm and database articles. I’ve visited the Library of Congress and the state archives in Harrisburg. The research has been going on for a year now, and I’ve reached the most important part—the oral histories.” McDevitt plans to write a book, and donate the interviews to historical museums. He also plans to donate a portion of the book’s royalties to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. “I have a list of about 35 names of people who were forced out (See Box) that I compiled from official documents and newspaper ac-
counts of the time. And I’d like to get the word out about the story so people can contact me if they were affected,” he said. “But I’ve taken this as far as I can go without some help. If people are interested in becoming involved or want to share their ancestors’ story, they can come to the Homewood library, call me at 412-651-6882, or they can email me at codymcdevitt@gmail.com. McDevitt will be at the Homewood library at 1:30 p.m., Dec. 17. Names of African American and Mexican exiles from Johnstown in 1923: Nantia Acuilas, Felix Alcarex, Oliver Bates, William Battle Dave Benyan, or Dave Benyarn, or Dave Benyart, George Boyle, Katie Brooks, James Brown, Jim Brown, Samuel Cooper, Charles Cunningham, Thomas Ferguson, Clifford Garretson, Frank Green, Willie Hammond, David Harris, Thomas Horsey, Roy Jackson, T.L. Johnson, George Johnston, Robert Lee,James Mack, Louis Mariscalla, James Mossell, Cortelyou Nelson, Vance Nelson, Lewis Niceklow, Jesus Peros, Julian Ramos, Arthur Rodgers, James D. Rose, Joe Sanchez, Earl Smith, Jimmie Smith, Robert J. Smith,Floyd Tyson, Carl Williams, Louis Williams, Willie Williams, John Wilson.
NOV. 16 & 19—East End Cooperative Ministries will hold its annual coat drive distribution at 6140 Station Street 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 followed beginning at 6 p.m. at the Wyndham Grand, 600 Commonwealth Place, Downtown. For tickets and sponsorship information, visit www.ccac.edu.
Oral History Session DEC. 17—Writer Cody McDevitt, brings his search for descendants of the African Americans expelled from Johnstown’s Rosedale neighborhood by the mayor in 1923 to the Homewood Branch of the Carnegie Library at 1:30 p.m. McDevitt who is writing a book on the incident and its aftermath , hopes to interview descendants for the oral history portion of his project. He can be reached at at 412-6516882, or they can email me at codymcdevitt@gmail.com.
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
2016 Women of Excellence list CONTINUED FROM A1
zations whom exude strength, leadership and courage, and have earned the merit,” said Rod Doss, editor and publisher of the New Pittsburgh Courier. “We congratulate them, and thank them for their talent and dedication to making this region a better place for all.” Erica Upshaw-Givner, founder of Vision Towards Peace LLC and a 2014 Women of Excellence honoree, said the award was special to her. “It was an honor to be among such great and accomplished women. (Receiving the award) meant that the work I’m doing in the community is meaningful, recognized and needed.” She went on to say that awards such as the Women of Excellence “provides motivation, encouragement and thanks.” Like Upshaw-Givner, Andrea Williams, a 2011 WOE honoree, said, for her, the honor was unexpected and meant a great deal because it showed that someone cared about the manner in which she impacts her family, work and community, not just the accomplishments she has made. Williams, a public health analyst for Newborn Screening and Family Engagement at the Health Resources and Services Administration, said, “The Women of Excellence is different from other awards because it speaks to the kind of woman you are, not just the title and type of work that you do. While receiving this award, I made lasting friendships and connections with my sister honorees––that’s priceless.” She went on to say, that this particular award is important because while “a lot of these women have or will receive honors in other venues, it’s fitting that we honor our own and reinforce their value in our community.” When asked what advice these past honorees have for this year’s class, Williams said, “Get to know your sister honorees and make it a point to connect with those sitting next to you; you’ll never know the friend or connection that you may need or need to be for each other in the future. We’re in this together and proud of one another’s accomplishments and excellence.” Upshaw-Givner said, “Being honored as a Women of Excellence implies sacrifice, commitment and fearlessness. Everyone may not understand your journey, but just know that following your heart will lead you to your destiny.” The 2016 Women of Excellence honorees are Diane Neely Bates, Multiplis-
NOVEMBER 9-15, 2016
METRO
tic Services; Tylan Battles, ACH Clear Pathways; Maria Lewis Bethel, City of Pittsburgh Mayor’s Office of Public Safety; Tammy Spencer Bey, PNC Bank; Dina “Free” Blackwell, Homewood Renaissance Association; Rev. Maureen F. Cross Bolden, St. James AME Church; Sonya R. Chambers, Allegheny Intermediate Unit 3; Erica Cochran Hameen, PhD, Carnegie Mellon University; Lorraine Cross, United States Postal Service; Diane I. Daniels, DID & Associates; Tammy L. Davis, Nexlevel Consulting Services LLC; Tenel Dorsey, Dreamz Hair Salon; Amy Lyn Elliot, University of Pittsburgh; Kathi R. Elliot, Gwen’s Girls, Inc.; Jacque Fielder, Nabhi Christian Ministries; Rhonda L. Fleming, Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh; Dr. Renee Galloway, Sweet Inspirations LLC; Carol Lynn Greer, Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium; Ronell Guy, Northside Coalition for Fair Housing; Nicola Henry-Taylor, Esq., Myers Law Group LLC; Kim Hoots, Magisterial District Judge; Linda J. Iverson, PhD, Wilkinsburg School District; Charmelle Jackson, The Pittsburgh Foundation; Dr. Lorie Johnson-Osho, Grove City College; Marcella L. Lee, retired, Verizon; Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi, the United Methodist Church; Rev. Nichelle Nelson, FAME; Tory N. Parrish, Pittsburgh Black Media Federation; Erin Perry, Legacy Arts Project; Dr. Tamare P. Piersaint, Serenity for Youth & Families; Erin E. Potter, Bank of New York Mellon; Darlene L. Powell, Crown Castle; Lucille Prater-Holliday, Black Women’s Empowerment Institute; Rev. Dr. Joan Prentice, The Ephesus Project; Theraine A. Ransome, City of Pittsburgh Bureau of EMS; Yolanda Roberts, City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police; Rena A. S. Robinson, University of Pittsburgh; Rev. April D. Roebuck, UPMC; Jessica Ruffin, Carlow University; Dr. Tamara Sanders-Woods, Pittsburgh Public Schools; Roxanne Norman Sewell, The LJS Group; Danielle M. Smith, American Urban Radio Networks; Dr. Mathilda Spencer, California University of Pennsylvania; Arzella Stewart-McCauley, Young, Gifted and Black Program; Christel N. Temple, PhD, University of Pittsburgh; Renee D. Thomas, A Child’s World Day Care Center; Te’Ona M. Williams, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System; and Bofta Yimam, WTAE-TV. (Tickets to the event are $75 and can be purchased by visiting, www.eventbrite.com.)
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Effect of manufacturing loss on Blacks CONTINUED FROM A1
The causes are myriad and interrelated, global trade agreements incentivizing outsourcing, hightech manufacturing techniques that require fewer, more highly trained workers, and dumping—selling products like steel well below market value—particularly by China after its entry into the World Trade Organization in 2001. And though the report’s recommendations include increased job training for Blacks in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math fields, it also notes that relying on high-tech manufacturing, by itself, will not be enough: “It should be noted that high-tech and high-skill jobs like those required to produce aircraft, spacecraft, optical equipment, pharmaceuticals and precision scientific instruments have come under fire because of the increasingly global nature of the economy. The
National Science Board estimates that over 200,000 high-tech manufacturing jobs were lost between 2008 and 2014.” The report recommends a three-pronged strategy to address the issues that have resulted from deindustrialization. First, it calls for rebuilding the nation’s infrastructure, lest more cities and towns face turn into Flint, Mich. In its most recent survey, the American Society of Civil Engineers gave the nation’s infrastructure a D+ (“Poor: At Risk”), meaning that overall, American infrastructure is “in poor to fair condition,” “mostly below standard,” and “exhibits significant deterioration.” The Unmade report agrees with their recommendation that Washington spend $200 billion over the next four years, which would bring the grade up to a B (Good). Not only would such an investment create thousands of high-paying
construction and manufacturing jobs in the short term, it would also yield long term benefits such as increased land value, economic growth, energy efficiency, and improved public health. There is a caveat however, to be truly beneficial, these projects must be instituted under “Buy America” guidelines, meaning all materials used must be American made. Secondly, workforce development must increase, but in meaningful and coordinated manner, lest an estimated 875,000 highskilled manufacturing jobs go unfilled in the next four years due to a massive skills gap. Lastly the report recommends that Washington begin advancing “workerfriendly” trade policies, beginning by addressing dumping and currency manipulation. (For more on the report visit www.americanmanufacturing.org.)
LIHEAP funds now available CONTINUED FROM A1
$185.5 million in federal funds for the program this year, which represents an increase of nearly $30 million over the 2015-2016 LIHEAP season. “Making sure all Pennsylvanians are safe and healthy is my top priority,” said Wolf. “It is essential that we ensure that every Pennsylvanian has a warm home and I encourage anyone who needs this assistance to apply through COMPASS or at their local county assistance offices.” The program is available to both renters and homeowners who meet the income eligibility criteria. And because the support comes in the form of a grant, individuals do not have to repay assistance. The funds go directly to their utility company or home eating fuel provider.
In addition to providing help with winter utility costs, LIHEAP’s crisis program is also now open. The crisis program focuses primarily on seniors, the disabled, or families with young children. In order to qualify for help from the federal government and/or state government funded LIHEAP crisis assistance program, some or all of the following must typically be met: •The applicant needs to be threatened with disconnection of their utility or heating service. They may have also received a shut-off or disconnection notice from their utility or gas provider. •The individual applying for financial aid must currently have their heating or utility service disconnected, or lack heat in their home or apartment. In these cases, they will need help in
reactivating their utility or heating service. •If someone is running out of fuel during the winter, whether heating oil, kerosene, propane, wood, or other sources, then the emergency assistance program may be able to help in those situations. Usually the individuals must have less than a 10-day supply of bulk fuel left. •The family or individuals must have either broken, inoperable or unsafe heating equipment in their primary residence. To qualify, households must have incomes no greater than 150 percent of federal poverty guidelines. For an individual, that equates to $17,820 per year. For a family of four, the limit is $36,450. Each additional person in the household adds $6,240 to the maximum income allowed for eligibility.
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OPINION
NOVEMBER 9-15, 2016
Commentary
We need less division and more unity in our politics and our country by Armstrong Williams NNPA Newswire Columnist)
(NNPA)—This presidential cycle has arguably brought out the very worst in our nation. Insults are hurled and people’s character is assassinated as we witness a cascade of name-calling, personal threats, intimidation, bullying, outright lying and sneering false sanctimony—and that was just during the latest presidential debate. It’s a sad commentary on the state of our union to observe the behavior of the two people who aspire to lead our country. How has it come to pass that these are the two options from which we must choose? The nominees for president are two of the most unpopular candidates in history. Many people who are voting are not inspired to support one candidate, but are casting ballots simply to prevent the other from winning. The question of who should hold the highest office in our nation—and instantly become the most powerful person in the world—has transformed from one of who deserves this honor and can handle this responsibility to deciding who would be most likely to do the least damage. Choosing from the lesser of two evils is not an ideal situation, to say the least. Distrust toward our government is at an all-time high, and the American people are badly polarized. As the election campaign wears on, the language is becoming more and more crass. The attacks the candidates are leveling upon one another are becoming more and more personal. Lines have been crossed time and again, as we are no longer surprised by anything that happens. Disgusted, perhaps, but not surprised. The mainstream media must bear responsibility for the role it continues to play in fomenting this political blood sport. The continuous pre-debate coverage and the speculation of how the candidates might attack each other proved to be a self-fulfilling prophecy and does our country no favors. The build-up and the outrage fomented by the press serves to further polarize our country. It is reminiscent of pre-fight hype before a boxing match. On the debate stage, as in the ring, the candidates circled each other. They swung hard and fought tooth and nail to achieve “victory.” But at what cost? The truth is that we all come out bruised and bloodied, and ultimately we all have lost. I pray that the presidential candidates and the American people raise ourselves from this muck and focus instead on what is truly important–the policies that will drive our nation forward, or mire us in stagnation. Instead of discussing who is more hateful and who can be nastier, let’s discuss how to boost the economy. Let’s hear serious discussions about healthcare, trade and foreign policy. Instead of beating each other down, let’s discuss how we can all play a role in keeping America at the top. The future of our country, and of the entire world, depends upon it. Ironically, the second presidential debate fell squarely in the middle of the High Holidays, the holiest time of the year for our Jewish brothers and sisters. During this period, between Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish new year) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement), the Jewish people embark on a process called teshuva, where they recognize their past mistakes and make amends for anything they have done wrong during the past year. Most importantly, they promise to try to be better in the future. We should all try to be better in the year ahead. Let’s elevate our rhetoric. Instead of concentrating on our differences, let’s focus instead on our commonalities. Believe it or not, we have some. Even Trump and Clinton agree on some issues. America is the greatest country in the world. We should not be rolling around in the gutter. We should not allow our rhetoric to devolve into foul language and rampant disrespect for fellow citizens. I continue to believe that the majority of the American people are honest, respectful and hardworking. They do not deserve to see the very people vying for the highest office in our land to be brawling and swearing and adopting a scorched earth approach to this election. A more dignified approach is in order and long overdue: one where the candidates share their thoughts and plans and philosophies. As Americans, we need to recognize the humanity in people who may share different thoughts about how to secure our future and ensure the best possible outcome for the generation to come. Our electoral decisions should not hinge upon name-calling or the leaking of scandals, but by whose policies we believe have the most merit. On Nov. 8, we will elect a new president. That person will lead our country for the next four years. And regardless of the outcome of the election, we will have a peaceful transfer of power. That’s what this democracy does; and America is a shining example for the world. Regardless of what happens at the polls, we will need to come together, find some common ground and restore some level of decorum to our politics. (Armstrong Williams is Manager / Sole Owner of Howard Stirk Holdings I & II Broadcast Television Stations and the 2016 Multicultural Media Broadcast Owner of the year.)
Founded 1910
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Ulish Carter
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John. H. Sengstacke
Editor & Publisher Emeritus (1912-1997)
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Are police servants of the people or masters? I think the resignation of Pittsburgh Police Chief Cameron McLay is more than it was made out to be. He said he has achieved three of the four initiatives he set out to accomplish, so he’s stepping down. What’s the big hurry? The fourth is the most important. The fourth was racial diversity within the police department. In 2016, we still are saying we can’t find qualified Blacks for these high paying, high benefit jobs. Nobody has said this, but I believe Chief McLay resigned because of the pressure being put on him by the FOP, not only in Pittsburgh, but across the country, as well as the powerful Right Wing of the Republican Party throughout this country. If he’s the chief of police and feels strongly about issues affecting the police, why shouldn’t he appear at the Democratic convention wearing his uniform, representing the Pittsburgh Police Department? I think it’s time for the FOP, and police throughout this country, to realize that taxpayers pay their salaries, which should give them the power to demand that police live in the city and that the police department should reflect the community. The FOP apparently gave Chief McLay a vote of no confidence; this is like the employees at our major corporations or non-profits giving their CEO or president a no confidence vote. Most would be fired. We have run stories on most of Chief McLay’s meetings with the various communities throughout Pittsburgh, White and Black. They have been very positive and very supportive of what he and mayor Bill Peduto are trying to accomplish. They are trying to create an atmosphere where the community respects the police and the police respect the communities they work in.
Ulish Carter
Just Sayin’ As a matter of fact, 80 percent of Pittsburgh residents, as recent as 2013, voted on a referendum that police officers should live within the city. I was one of those people. I feel that if you don’t feel Pittsburgh is good enough, or safe enough to live in, then it’s not good enough to work in, either. That should be true for other cities, too. If you live in a community or city, you are going to be more concerned about law enforcement, business, education or the overall condition of that city, over someone who gets up every morning, travels to somewhere in which he/she knows little to nothing about, and has little invested interest in, because it’s just a paycheck. The police departments throughout this country should be servants of the people. And they should have to answer to the people, through the mayor and city council, not the FOP. Recently, with the constant killings of unarmed Black men by police officers being video taped and the outrage it is causing throughout this country by the Black community and the support they are receiving from many Whites, instead of admitting that this is a problem that needs to be investigated and something done about it, many White officers, led by the FOP, have turned their head and provided a deaf ear to this concern. Instead, they have created an “us” against “them” conflict––either you are for us or against us. Many Blacks,
as a whole, are saying there are some racist cops out there, some poorly trained cops and some cops who feel that they can do anything they want behind the badge. Most Blacks aren’t against all cops, we are simply saying the untrained and bad ones need to be weeded out. We understand that our communities need the police, probably more so than the White communities, but we shouldn’t have to fear the police and the criminals. Just as the police serving our communities want us to understand them, they must understand that just because a person is Black doesn’t mean he or she is a criminal, or is supportive of the criminals. We have had two excellent police chiefs who have been totally frustrated over the fact that they have not been able to diversify the Pittsburgh police, despite recruiting nationally. My suggestion is that now is the time to get CCAC, Robert Morris, Pitt, Duquesne, Point Park, Slippery Rock, LaRoche, IUP, Carlow, Chatham and, yes, even Carnegie Mellon involved in the work of making sure our youngsters are qualified and fit the requirements it takes to be a police officer. And don’t stop there. In their career preparations, every high school in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area should be required to expose its Black students to what it means to be a police officer and what it takes. This should be the case in every metropolitan area of this country, because we need jobs that matter. And law enforcement does matter. It’s time for us to make Richard Pryor into a liar, when he says, when looking at the criminal justice system all we see is “Just Us” on the inside of the bars and wearing the handcuffs. We are not talking Rocket Science. (Ulish Carter is the managing editor of the New Pittsburgh Courier.)
Elections will put American character to the test Donald Trump’s campaign is in a free-fall. As his campaign lurches from one crisis to the next, America is watching a candidate who has the unique ability to not only step on his own message, but to attract controversy on any given day and on any particular topic. What America was attracted to earlier this year—the boldness, the directness and the fearless—has now turned into ignorance and intolerance. Democrats have always looked at the Trump candidacy with dismay and outright disbelief and now Republicans—both moderate and conservatives view their presidential hopeful with shock and awe. Shock that a candidate that looked so good on paper—brash, self-made and successful—could be so narcissistic, undisciplined and offensive. The awe part is that they cannot believe that this man rose to be their nominee. But how did we get here? How did we get to the moment where many Americans believe that they––as Hillary Clinton told the New York Times—are the “last thing standing between you and the apocalypse”? Does she have a point? Well, to be fair, that is a bit dramatic, as I do not think we’re standing at the end of the civilized world, but Clinton does have a point. We are on
Robert Traynham
Commentary the cusp of either electing someone who had the unique ability to make everything and everyone about him or someone who, despite her obvious flaws is the most qualified person to become president in our lifetime. It is true that we have a choice and it’s also true that this is the most important election in our lifetime. We have a choice to either elect a person with no political or policy experience, who has long history of controversy, or someone who has a deep set of policy experience and who has a long history of controversy. We also should be reminded that because the stakes are so high—and the consequences are so great—that temperament matters, policy matters and, yes, even character matters. To be clear, Trump is innocent until proven guilty and even though a host of women have come out to say that he was inappropriate in his behavior toward them, he still has the right to
be proven innocent. He deserves that as an American. But in the court of public opinion, what he said over the past six months about Mexican Americans, people of different faiths, in particular Muslims, persons with a disability and about women needs no trial or jury. It also needs no context. All of the comments are plain wrong and have no place for anyone, let alone running for office. This election is real because it’s not about being a conservative or Democrat, liberal or Republican. It’s about right and wrong and for generations, this is who we have been as Americans. We’ve always stood up to naked aggression and pessimism, and we’ve always risen to the challenge when our very principles and character have been questioned. This election has questioned our principles and our character—and in watching some of the Trump rallies over the past year, it has stoked many of our worst attributes. As Americans we always have, and I suspect come Election Day, we will continue to vote our conscious over party, our common sense over loyalty. For as Michelle Obama says, “When they go low, we go high.” This Election Day, I suspect Americans of all stripes will choose to go high. (Follow Robert Traynham on Twitter @ roberttraynham.)
The face of voter fraud I have always thought that all this talk of voter fraud was just a smoke screen set up by Republicans to use as an excuse to suppress the vote of minorities. I thought this because I thought that they had to know that by all objective measures there are something like approximately 31 incidents of real voter fraud out of every billion ballots cast. This voter fraud meme has been one of the linchpins of the Trump campaign, and he has been particularly vocal about “the Blacks” voting in places like Philadelphia. (And this guy is not a racist? Please!) Anyway, now that he is only down by one point in the polls (Thank you Mr. FBI man) maybe he will stop with all the cheating and rigged election talk. It just so happens that I was thinking about all this voter fraud talk when I read the following story: “A woman in Iowa was arrested this week on suspicion of voting twice in the general election, court and police records show. Terri Lynn Rote, a 55-year-old Des Moines resident, was booked on a first-degree charge of election misconduct, according to Polk County Jail records. The charge is considered a Class D felony under Iowa state law. Rote was released after posting $5,000 bond. A preliminary hearing
The Field Negro
Commentary was scheduled for Nov. 7. The Des Moines Register reported that Rote is a registered Republican who cast two ballots in the general election: an early-voting ballot at the Polk County Election Office and another at a county satellite voting location, according to police records. Rote hadn’t planned on voting twice, but said it was “a spur-of-themoment thing” when she walked by the satellite voting location, she told The Washington Post in a phone interview. “I don’t know what came over me,” Rote said. She added she has been a supporter of Donald Trump since early in his campaign, after Republican candidate Mike Huckabee dropped out of the primary race. Rote told Iowa Public Radio that she cast her first ballot for Trump, but feared it would be changed to a vote for Hillary Clinton.
“The polls are rigged,” Rote told the radio station. Leigh Munsil, an editor for the Blaze, noted on Twitter that Rote was the same woman who had caucused for Trump earlier this year.” Oh my! You mean a White woman in Iowa—who happens to be a Trump supporter—was actually caught committing voter fraud? Well color me shocked. *sarcasm off* Rote is a long ways from one of those urban areas Trump likes to talk about. Maybe Trump is on to something. We were probably just looking in the wrong place to find what he was talking about.
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FORUM
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
2016 Presidential Election exposed America’s racist and sexist patriarchy for the world to see (NNPA)—Just a few days before the corrosive 2016 election, it occurs to me that no matter what the outcome, our social fabric has been shredded by the ugliness of this campaign. Sure, there have been ugly campaigns before, but this one has revealed the extent to which racism and sexism are acceptable features of life in these United States. Women, including Hillary Clinton, have been routinely disparaged, not only in politics, but also in their roles as television talking heads and anchors. While I’m not weeping for Megyn Kelly (she’s a big girl, and she can take care of herself), her on-air collision with Newt Gingrich was classic, with a jowly male bully loudly talking over a television host and accusing her of being “obsessed” with sex. And the disparagement of women flowed down the ticket -- in Illinois, Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) had the nerve to disparage challenger Rep. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., because of her Thai heritage. Her dad traces his family’s military service back to the eighteenth century, while her Mom is from Thailand. When she cited her military background, Kirk nastily said he was unaware that her family had come all the way from Thailand to fight for the United States. Shame on Kirk for demonstrating his ignorance by criticizing the military service of a woman who lost both her legs in the Iraq war. All’s fair, they say, in love and war, and
Julianne Malveaux
Commentary many see politics as a special kind of war. And certainly, those women who play the politics game have to have thick skin and broad shoulders, because men are not likely to treat women with kid gloves because of their gender. However, gendered criticism (“she lacks stamina,” “look at that face”) is woven into the fabric of our nation’s racist patriarchy, and the “other” (women, people of color) is often put down using gendered or racialized code words. In some cases, as with Tammy Duckworth, people don’t even bother to use code words. The backlash from eight years of the Obama presidency means that plenty of racists have come out to play. I thought we’d seen the last of David Duke, the reported KKK member who is again running for the U.S. Senate from Louisiana. Instead, he seems to have slithered from under some rock, just in time to endorse Donald Trump, throw shade on Evan McMullin (the Utah native and former CIA operative who is running a long-shot campaign for President), and attack Jewish people. Most listeners recoiled from Duke’s hateful words, and the Trump campaign quickly distanced itself from the Duke endorsement. Shocking, though, that this level of racist hate is so openly articulated. And Mr. Trump’s racial rhetoric suggests that the Duke endorsement, if unwelcome, was at least somewhat consistent with that which Mr. Trump has been preaching. The use of terms like “law and order” or “stop and frisk” ignores the issues the Black Lives Matter Movement has raised, not the least of which are the police killings of young Black people. And the Black Lives Matter Movement has routinely been disparaged during this 2016 campaign. The disparagement of the Black Lives Matter Movement really disparages all Black people and reminds us that, despite progress, race still matters. If racism and sexism are woven into the fabric of our nation, how do we pull those threads out without ruining the fabric? Or has the fabric already been so fully shredded that we have the opportunity to “start over.” Actually, there will be no starting over. Our economic structure and the credo of predatory capitalism depend on the ability of capitalists to extract surplus value from the work of those that are “other.” Capitalists maximize profits by minimizing expenses. Thus enslavement, though an inhumane institution, was also an efficient one for those who were able to use free labor. We’ve come a long way from enslavement, but the exploitation of workers continues, which is why the “Fight for $15,” which will disproportionately benefit women and people of color, is so important. This 2016 election has put many of our national wounds, and much of our fractured history, on display. Is there healing after all of this divisiveness? Washington gridlock isn’t likely to stop just, because the election is over. Still, there must be leaders who are willing to talk solutions. When does our nation finally confront race and talk about reparatory justice? When do we, culturally, talk about sexism and the pay gap that remains, despite women’s progress? Or will we continue to limp along, wounds exposed, the fabric so frayed that it can’t be stitched back together? (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 booking, wholesale inquiries or for more info visit www.juliannemalveaux.com.)
I spent all day at the polls yesterday I have not been petent, coman active partic- Louis ‘Hop’ Kendrick mitted Black ipant in politics female is seekin recent elecing the legislations, but I have tive seat, which remained conis occupied by cerned. Every a person who election I hear is indicted and the phrase “are will go on trial they qualified” in December particularly if 2016. The canthe candidate is Black. There was didate’s name is Fawn Walker-Monta period of time in history that a gomery and I will, in conjunction large number of Black persons were with several others, be in the Mon not able to finish high school much Valley Election Day to work in her less attend college. However greater behalf. Fawn Walker-Montgomery numbers of Black persons now not is the first Black person in history only attend college but also graduate. to run for the legislative position Over the years in numerous political and we have the opportunity to campaigns I have been constantly make history. The other person we reminded of the saying, “the more intend to work for their election is things change the more they remain a competent, courageous, committhe same.” ted Black man, Lenny McAllister, There are two perfect examples of candidate for congress in the 14th Black candidates who have the over- congressional district. whelming positive qualifications The two candidates are what are needed to stabilize our communi- referred to as persons who have preties and they are almost ignored. pared themselves. They both are hisWe overwhelmingly fail to recog- tory makers. They are perfect examnize the importance of supporting ples of voting for the persons you see and electing local individuals and in the mirror, yourself. (Louis “Hop” Kendrick is a contributor to particularly Black candidates. In the Mon Valley a courageous, com- the New Pittsburgh Courier.)
To Tell The Truth
Does this presidential election make ‘The 2070 Prediction’ plausible? After the 1980 major revisionp r e s i d e n t i a l J. Pharoah Doss ist powers— election Gil Russia, China Scott-Heron reand Iran—see leased a song their chance to called “B” Movie achieve regional criticizing Rondominance and ald Reagan. The diminish, if not song said the expel, Amerinew adminiscan influence… tration’s slogan It took seven was, “Why wait for 1984? You can decades to build this open, free interpanic now … And avoid the rush.” national order. It could be brought The date was a reference to Or- down in a single presidential term.” well’s novel that popularized the In 2005, midway through the first phrase “Big Brother.”. Orwell foresaw decade of the new millennium, exa future where the government con- perts wondered what did happen trolled every aspect of daily life. In here. How did the United States contemporary politics the phrase is squander its most historical moment associated with the expansion of the between 11/9/89 (The Berlin Wall federal government, especially when came down, Cold War ends) and 9/11 the expansion infringes on individual as the lone superpower to the point of liberty. global Anti-Americanism? Obamacare was cited by some as Theoretical physicist Freeman Dys“Big Brother” in action because of the on gave a lecture that year and exPresident’s broken promise that the plained, “The United States has less new policy would not alter coverage of a century left as top nation. Since for those already insured. But after the modern nation state was inventtechnical difficulties setting up the ed around 1500 a succession of counAffordable Care Act’s website the tries have taken turns at being the Obama administration proved to be top nation. First Spain, then France, bothersome, but far from “Big Broth- Britain, and America. er”. Each turn lasted 150 years, AmeriIn Orwell’s novel “Big Brother” op- ca’s began in 1920 and it should end erated on its own, but here, it needed about 2070. The reason why each an experienced operator. top nation’s turn comes to an end is During the Great Depression Sin- because the top nation becomes overclair Lewis wrote a novel called: It extended militarily, economically, and Can’t Happen Here. This novel con- politically. Greater and greater efcentrated on the presidential cam- forts are required to maintain the top paign of a candidate that gained position; finally the overextension beblind support of the American people comes so extreme that the structure by instilling fear, promising drastic collapses. We already see in Amerieconomic change and social reform, ca’s posture today clear symptoms of and promoting a new patriotism into overextension. the “forgotten man”. Then after the Who will be the next top nation, election, the candidate took complete China is the obvious candidate, after control of the government and im- that it might be India or Brazil. You posed what Orwell depicted. should be asking yourself “not how to That campaign just happened here, live in an American dominated world, and in last weekend’s newspaper a but how to prepare for a world that is letter to the editor complained about not America dominated.” the state of America and asked “is That may be the most important 2016 the beginning of Orwell’s 1984?” topic for the next generation to disFiction is normally inaccurate be- cuss instead of defining American excause its purpose is to imagine what ceptionalism or debating whether or might happen instead of describing not America is the greatest country what will happen. So it’s not the be- in the world. ginning of 1984 but it might be the If the president elect has “Big beginning of “The 2070 Prediction”. Brother” ambitions, it will start the Also in last weekend’s newspaper over extension cycle, and the presia columnist wrote a prelude to this dent will exit the world stage not as prediction. “We are entering a peri- a former leader of the free world but od of unprecedented threat to the in- as the first director of “America” the ternational order that has prevailed B-movie. (J. Pharoah Doss is a contributor to the New under American leadership since 1945. After eight years of President Pittsburgh Courier. He blogs at jpharoahBarack Obama’s retreat, the three doss@blogspot.com)
Commentary
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James Clingman
Commentary
What you need to know about the NAACP’s war on charter schools
(NNPA)—The call for a moratorium on charter schools by the NAACP is a case of “Throwing the baby out with the bath water.” While most Black folks are concentrating on Hillary and Donald, the largest and oldest “Colored” organization approved an internal resolution calling for a halt to the “expansion of charter schools” until those schools meet criteria set forth by the NAACP. The NAACP lacks the power to enforce its resolution, but their call for this draconian measure does come with the familiar stench of other positions they have taken--and not taken--because of political and, of course, economic reasons, the latter of which seems to be the driving force behind this latest move. One of this country’s leading educators, Dr. Steve Perry, who has operated charter schools for years and recently took over the new charter school opened by Sean Combs, Capital Prep Harlem, in New York City, had this to say: “The NAACP national headquarters has received a significant amount of money from the teachers’ union. The only organizations to call for a moratorium on charter schools in particular, because they are non-union, are the teachers’ unions.” Perry went on to call the resolution, “absurd.” He further stated, “They couldn’t be more out of touch if they ran full speed in the other direction…the national [NAACP] is out of touch even with their own chapters.” Shavar Jeffries, Democrats for Education Reform, said, “Indiscriminately targeting all charter schools…while ignoring underperforming district schools undermines the quality and integrity of our entire education system. We should be fixing what’s broken and expanding what works, not pre-empting the choices of [Black] parents…” Calling for a moratorium is indicative of the NAACP’s disregard for existing charter schools established, funded, and operated by Black people. The use of scare tactics, such as “privatization,” under the guise of concern for students, is either disingenuous or ignorant. Charter schools are about creating better options for education--they provide a choice. I know and have spoken with several esteemed Black educators and operators of charter schools. Amefika Geuka, who founded and ran the Joseph Littles Nguzo Saba School in West Palm Beach, Florida for 16 years, was the largest Black employer of Black people in the county. He used his own funds to sustain the school and fought resistance by the district to keep his school opened despite the success of his graduates in college. One former student is now in law school and is the President of the Student Bar Association. Another long-time friend and charter school founder is Kwa David Whitaker, an attorney in Cleveland, Ohio, who has managed as many as twelve schools. He shared with me the following: “It is the traditional system that has destroyed our children and nation. Putting this intense focus on charter schools is only an attempt to keep the focus off of the continuing ineptitude of our nation’s traditional public school system.” Black parents spoke out against the NAACP’s decision by protesting during its convention. Roland Martin, News One Anchor, questioned NAACP Washington Bureau Chief Hillary Shelton on whether the NAACP had invited any of those parents to speak or if it had called upon Black charter school leaders to give their input before the resolution was passed. After asking three times without getting an answer, Martin answered it himself: “NO.” Music mogul, Mr. Kenny Gamble, who is now a leading force in economic development and owner of eleven charter schools in Philadelphia and Milwaukee, has invested millions into educating our youth. He shared his experience with me and cited two factors in charter school operations: Academics and economics. My question: Why aren’t more Blacks engaged in ownership and control when it comes to the education of our own children? The NAACP’s vote against charter schools is what Harold Cruse called “Non-Economic Liberalism.” Just as the NAACP will not allow its branches to purchase buildings for their offices and meeting space, via a clause in its original charter (no pun intended) written by Whites who founded the association, according to Dr. Khalid Al Mansour’s book, “Betrayal by any Other Name,” it now comes out against Blacks starting and controlling charter schools, which would add to our economic progress. I guess NAACP leaders realize that because Whites started the NAACP with their dollars, Whites can also end it by withholding their dollars. The Wall Street Journal noted, it’s a “disgrace” that the NAACP’s idea of “advancement” is now to advance the interests of the unionized public school monopoly over the interests of their supposed constituents—Black students and their parents. The NAACP must stop mimicking what it did in 1909 and support the new paradigm under which “Black” people operate. One charter school owner said, “The NAACP has outgrown its name; the only ‘Colored’ people left appear to be concentrated in the NAACP leadership. (James Clingman is the nation’s most prolific writer on economic empowerment for Black people. His latest book, “Black Dollars Matter! Teach Your Dollars How to Make More Sense,” is available on his website, Blackonomics. com.)
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NOVEMBER 9-15, 2016 NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
LIFESTYLES New Pittsburgh Courier
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Debbie Norrell
Lifestyles Report Is there a stylist in the house? Who dresses Hillary Clinton? Please don’t get me wrong, I am a Clinton supporter, but with no other female presidents to use as an example, I think she is confused as to what a strong presidential woman should look like. I have actually seen a few photos from her younger years where she looks great. Somewhere along the way she has become stiff. The pantsuits have to go. Try a dress or a skirt suit. Sometimes I think she is trying to camouflage the fact that she has put on a few pounds. Why didn’t she go on the same diet that Bill went on? Perhaps she is doing a lot of stress eating. If she would wear a higher heel from time to time she would look taller and slimmer. She would be surprised that a nice dress would make her look powerful. She seems to favor the smock look, that three quarter length jacket is her favorite. I did a search on who is her stylist and came up with her hair stylist, Isabelle Goetz. Reportedly, Goetz grew up in a village near Strasbourg, France, and owns the Izzy Salon in Georgetown. She has been Hillary Clinton’s stylist and cutter since 1997. Other than the occasional blowout from Santa Nikkels, who has a salon near Hillary Clinton’s Chappaqua house, Goetz is the main mane, the chief coiffeur. With a brush, a comb and a can of spray in her bag at all times, plus an extra blow dryer nearby just in case, Goetz travels everywhere with the candidate, taming every last flyaway. “This is just a hardworking gig,” says Goetz. “I never had a family because work goes first.” According to the Dailymail.com, most of Hillary Clinton’s fashions are by Nina McLemore. She doesn’t seek fashion editors’ attention with runway shows, offer free clothes to celebrities, or pursue the clients who court the bestdressed lists. Instead, McLemore puts her emphasis on practicality and durability. Most pieces, including the signature jackets, are available in a variety of fabrics including silk, twill and cotton, and are fabricated to be wrinkle-resistant. She is perhaps best known for her staple jackets, but other options include simple tops, tanks, shirts and straight slacks. McLemore grew up in Mississippi, making all her own clothes and then rose through the fashion ranks to found Liz Claiborne Accessories in 1980. It doesn’t say if McLemore designs dresses. Her designs work on sizes above 12, the cutoff for many designers, and her price points are lower than some better-known brands. A Nina McLemore jacket costs about $900, compared to $2,000 and up for Chanel and Akris. I would think while she is running around campaigning, pants would be more comfortable. If it was me I would need a jacket with pockets on the inside for my lipstick and mints. My suggestion, Hillary Clinton, once you move back into the White House find some dresses that work for you and some comfortable pumps. I hope you are going to be very busy for the next four years. (Email the columnist at debbienorrell@aol.com)
EVENT CO-CHAIR—Kathy Humphrey (Photos by Debbie Norrell)
SUPER STAFF MEMBERS—Latifa Miller, Jada Shirriel, Denise Delaney, Lea Thomas and Meagan Roppo
by Debbie Norrell
See the best in me
Lifestyles Editor
On Oct. 13, the Gwendolyn J. Elliott Institute and University of Pittsburgh presented The 2016 Equity Summit. This twoday event began with an awards dinner and silent auction at the University of Pittsburgh William Pitt Union. The theme of the two day event was “See The Best in Me: Equity Through The Lens of Resilience.” Kathi Elliot, PhD, executive director of Gwen’s Girls, said the goal of the two-day signature event isn’t just to raise funds to support our program, but to raise awareness around equity issues that impact the girls that we serve. This is a call to action to address the local and national systemic inequities that marginalize girls. Elliott also congratulated the 2016 awardees. She said their contributions to girls, families and communities have been a tremendous blessing, and Gwen’s Girls is proud to honor them. This year’s awardees were Carmen Anderson–Heinz Endowments; Mike Doyle–U.S. Congressman; Sandra Bobick, PhD–STEM Program Volunteer and St. Mary of the Mount Parish. Kimberlyn Leary, PhD, served as dinner keynote speaker. Leary is a fellow with New America’s International Security Program, an associate professor of psychology
PROUD TO CALL GWEN’S GIRLS HOME—Ayanna Brown and Kathi Elliott at the Harvard Medical School and also a faculty affiliate at the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School. Leary told the 200-plus crowd that women and girls need the same opportunity as young boys. Each honoree took the opportunity to praise the work of Gwen’s Girls and Kathi Elliot. They said the late Gwen Elliot would be very proud of her daughter, Kathi Elliott. The younger Elliot remind-
DEDICATED TO IMPROVING THE LIVES OF YOUNG WOMEN—Toni Silva, Kimberlyn Leary and Kathi Elliott
ed the audience that she is grateful for the hard work and commitment of the Gwen’s Girls staff and could not do the work without them. A resident of Gwen’s Girls, Ayanna Brown, spoke about her experience at Gwen’s Girl’s versus other group homes where she has lived and said she truly feels at home at Gwen’s Girls. Kathy Humphrey, PhD, and Toni Y. Silva served as event co-chairs. Humphrey serves as the University of Pittsburgh’s senior vice chancellor for Engagement, secretary of the board of trustees and Chancellor Patrick Gallagher’s chief of staff. Silva is the director of Supplier Relations for The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Lynne Hayes-Freeland, of KDKA-TV, served as Emcee.
AWARD PRESENTATION—Toni Silva, Carmen Anderson and Kathi Elliott
2016 HONOREES—Congressman Mike Doyle, Holly Mohr, Sandra Bobick and Andy Benchek
BOARD MEMBERS—Erroline Williams and Michelle Ritter Crawford
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RELIGION
NOVEMBER 9-15, 2016 NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Praise & Worship ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH Crawford & Centre Ave. Pgh., PA 15219 412-281-3141 Mass Sunday 9:00 A.M. & 12:00 P.M. Sunday (Gospel Choir Mass) 12:00 P.M. www.stbtmchurch.org
METROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH 22 Sampsonia Street, Northside Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412-231-2554 FAX 412-231-6395 Rev. Lacy F. Richardson, Ph.D., Pastor Church School.................................9:30 A.M. Worship Service.................8:00 & 10:45 A.M. Bible Study/ Prayer Wednesday...................6:30/7:30 P.M. www.metropolitanbaptistchurch.com metropolitanbaptist2224@gmail.com
East Liberty Presbyterian Church Rev. Dr. Randy Bush, Senior Pastor 412-441-3800 116 S. Highland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206
www.cathedralofhope.com
Journey Worship........8:45 a.m. Sanctuary Worship........11 a.m.
FAMILY AND FRIENDS—Seated, from left: Elder Curtis Lewis Sr., his wife, Billie, and Barbara Price. Standing is Minister Tony Anderson. (Photos by Jackie McDonald)
Gospel music icon Curtis Lewis honored by Jackie McDonald For New Pittsburgh Courier
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
Words of adoration and appreciation were of no shortage as family and friends gathered recently at Northside Institutional COGIC to pay tribute to gospel music icon Elder Curtis Lewis Sr. His small stature has never been a barrier or limitation to the giant impact he’s made in the gospel music industry in Pittsburgh, Beaver County and across the country. Minister of the gospel and music, Elder Lewis, known for his structured gospel
workshops and intense music ministry, has created a standard of excellence that many choir directors and instrumentalist have emulated and implemented in their church choirs for decades. For most, his musical anointing was discovered through the distinct sound and beat heard on the Sunday radio broadcast of the Church In The Round in Aliquippa where he continues to serve as senior music director for Bishop Melvin E. Clark. The preached Word of his pastor inspired his authoring many gospel songs, including “Tell Me Again,” “In My Father’s
House” and the renowned anthem, “May I Present Jesus To You.” With more than 50 years of teaching, he’s known to spontaneously invite all past choir members, from any decade, sitting in any audience, to join him on stage, understanding that a large percentage of anxious singers would instantly respond and “sing the house down” without rehearsal! Though his travel and music ministry has been sidelined by health challenges, his spirit and praises to God remain strong, and his legacy continues through many. REV. KIM LANKFORD Singing the tribute, “Jesus Will”
BISHOP DAVID ALAN BROCK Offering words of encouragement AN EMOTIONAL MOMENT—Elder Curtis Lewis and his wife, Billie, receiving an emotional embrace from their godson, Minister Tony Anderson.
Church Circuit Pastor Anniversary
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
HELP FROM HIS SON—Elder Curtis Lewis Sr. thanking everyone as his son, Minister Curtis Lewis Jr., assists with the microphone.
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
NOV. 20—Antioch Baptist Church, 332 Elizabeth St., Sewickley, will celebrate their annual Youth Day at 10:45 a.m. The
their bios and photo to:
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
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. (All announcements, events and press releases must be sent 2 weeks in advance with contact phone number and email address to newsroom@ newpittsburghcourier.com.)
Men’s Day Celebration
Theme: “Men Come Back to the Church”
New Pittsburgh Courier 315 E. Carson St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Fax: 412-481-1360
Sunday, November 13, 2016 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at New Destiny C.M.E. Church 1018 Bidwell Street Pittsburgh, PA 15233
email: ajohnson@newpittsburghcourier.com
SINGING LEWIS’ SONGS—Choir singing songs authored by Elder Curtis Lewis Sr.
Louis “Hop” Kendrick, Stewart Board Chairman Rev. Kornelius Neal, Pastor The Rt. Rev. Martin Thomas Sr., Presiding Bishop
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
CUISINE
Give Thanks for the Slow Cooker Want to spend more time with loved ones this Thanksgiving? Ditch the perfectly timed oven schedule and put your slow cooker to work. It’ll deliver the familiar flavors of your favorite holiday stuffing, sauces and desserts in a new, more convenient way. “Take advantage of the hassle-free slow cooker for sides and desserts and leave the oven free for your turkey,” said McCormick Kitchens Executive Chef Kevan Vetter. “Top a mixture of apples, brown sugar and cinnamon with seasoned oat crumbles for a warm Oatmeal Apple Cobbler—an ooey gooey dessert that will fill your kitchen with an irresistible, sweet and spicy aroma while it slow cooks.” For more time-saving tips and recipes for your Thanksgiving feast, check out McCormick.com and visit McCormick Spice on Facebook and Pinterest.
Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 3 hours, 45 minutes Servings: 8 1 package (12 ounces) fresh or frozen cranberries 2/3 cup sugar 1 seedless orange, peeled and sectioned 2 McCormick Bay leaves 1 McCormick Cinnamon Stick Place all ingredients in 4-quart slow cooker. Cover. Cook 3 hours on high, stirring every hour. Uncover. Stir well. Cook, uncovered, 30 to 45 minutes longer on high or until slightly thickened.
Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 1 hour, 25 minutes Servings: 12 (2/3-cup servings) 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter 2 cups chopped celery 1 cup chopped onion 1/2 pound mild (sweet) Italian sausage, casing removed 1 cup Kitchen Basics Original Chicken Stock 2 teaspoons McCormick Rubbed Sage 1 teaspoon McCormick Crushed Rosemary 10 cups cubed French bread (1-inch pieces) Melt butter in large skillet on medium heat. Add celery and onion; cook and stir until softened, about 5 minutes. Add sausage; cook and stir until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Spray inside of slow cooker with no stick cooking spray. Add stock and herbs; stir to blend. Stir in bread cubes and sausage-vegetable mixture. Cover. Cook 45 minutes on high. Uncover and stir. Cook, uncovered, 30 minutes longer.
Slow Cooker Oatmeal Apple Cobbler Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 3 hours Servings: 10 Apple Filling: 5 medium Gala apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1/4 cup all-purpose baking mix, such as Bisquick 1 teaspoon McCormick Ground Cinnamon Oatmeal Cobbler Topping: 1 cup all-purpose baking mix, such as Bisquick 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon McCormick Ground Cinnamon 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold butter, cut into pieces Spray inside of slow cooker with no stick cooking spray. For the Apple Filling, toss apple slices, brown sugar, baking mix and cinnamon in large bowl. Place in slow cooker. For the Cobbler Topping, mix all ingredients, except butter, in medium bowl. Cut in butter with fork until crumbly. Sprinkle over Apple Filling. Cover. Cook 3 hours on high.
Slow Cooker Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Sauce
Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 3 hours, 35 minutes Servings: 16 Pumpkin Cake: 1 package (2-layer size) yellow cake mix 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted 1/4 cup milk 2 eggs 2 teaspoons McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice 1 cup chocolate chips Caramel Sauce: 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter 1 teaspoon McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract 1/2 teaspoon McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice Spray inside of 6-quart slow cooker with no stick cooking spray. For the Cake, mix all ingredients in large bowl. Pour into greased slow cooker. Place towel over slow cooker and cover with lid. Cook 3 1/2 hours on low or until cake is almost set. Meanwhile, for the Caramel Sauce, cook and stir all ingredients in small saucepan on medium-high heat 5 minutes or until sauce is smooth. Carefully remove slow cooker insert and place on wire rack. Pour 1/2 of the Caramel Sauce over the cake. Let stand 10 to 15 minutes to cool slightly. Serve cake with remaining sauce and ice cream or whipped cream, if desired. Substitution: Use 1 cup chopped candy bars in place of the chocolate chips.
NOVEMBER 9-15, 2016
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Cover To Cover
‘Tales of the Talented Tenth’
by Terri Schlichenmeyer For New Pittsburgh Courier
It’s a great big world out there. So many things to see, so many places to visit. You can find pictures of those spots, but photos aren’t enough. You want more and aim to touch as much of the world as you can. It’s a common desire and, as in “Tales of the Talented Tenth: Bessie Stringfield,” by Joel Christian Gill, you might make history while you’re doing it. Bessie Stringfield didn’t remember much of her childhood. She did, however, recall how her father saved to bring Bessie and her mother to America. They boarded a big ship for the journey from Jamaica to Massachusetts and for the whole trip, Bessie’s mother was ill. Once they reached Bos- MARSHALL ALLEN, the current director of the Sun Ra Arkestra and a man of many talents, playing different kinds of horns. (Photos by J.L. Martello) ton, her mother died; overwhelmed, Bessie’s father abandoned his little girl. Taken to an orphanage, Bessie was cared for by kindly nuns, but she longed for a family of her own. She was still a young girl when patriots of sound sci- pianists and surrealists of things. I stayed in the band to say—in the ’50s and ’60s by Paige K. Mitchell ted ence,” said performance at- jazz. The musical genius was so long it just comes auto- we did a lot of things. With For New Pittsburgh Courier tendee Gregory Stone. replaced by Marshall Allen, matic. Now, I put some of this music, they’ll underThe icon and musical leader of the now 14-mem- my things in there too, but stand what I’m talking Sun Ra Arkestra graced Sonny ber band. Pittsburgh fans, in Septem- game-changer, it still sounds like Sun Ra. about in the 21st century. Besides Allen, some of the You’re always influenced by Now they do. It’s like anyber, with an outstanding Blount, better known as performance at the New Ha- music philosopher Sun Ra, members are John Gilmore, who taught you, see. thing else. For everybody zlett Theater. The night also passed away in 1993, but Pat Patrick, Ronnie Boy“All you got to do is listen, who’s a little ahead of time, included a highlighted art the Sun Ra Arkestra con- kins and Clifford Jarvis. At everybody finds something it takes time for the people expression by Charlotte Ka. tinues with incredible mu- 92, saxophonist Allen keeps in the music that they re- to catch up and to appreciate the Sun Ra Arkestra more ally like. But they also get and know what’s going on.” “The Arkestra moves sical momentum. (J.L. Martello contributed to The late Sun Ra was one comprehensive than most what they need too.” into the 21st century with strong leadership commit- of the great bandleaders, jazz bands. Allen added, “Sun Ra used this article.) “Some musicians found Sun Ra’s music difficult, because they’d play it straight she was adopted by a White and he wanted them to lady who gave her a good play crooked. He was such home and a fine education. a great composer. He was Bessie grew to be a proper good at knowing your peryoung lady, but she had one sonality and your potendesire that was unusual for tial,” Allen said. “He was girls then: she wanted a moone of those spirit people torcycle. She’d seen boys on who knew what to give you, bikes and she wanted to be what to write for you, and “free and happy” like them. how to get the best out of On her birthday one year, you. I’ve never been in anher mother had a surprise other band where there was for her… a leader like that.” Almost by instinct, BesSun Ra Arkestra released sie embraced the bike and their newest album Oct. rode it everywhere. As an 21. The album is entitled adult, she traveled across “Strange City” and is availthe United States eight able on CD and LP. times. She did “Penny “Everytime I thought I Tours” by dropping a coin knew something, I didn’t. on a map for her next desHe’d come up with sometination. Married six times, thing else,” Allen said. she was more in love with “Some people never get a the road than she was with person like that in their any man, but there was one life—great teacher, philosothing that baffled Bessie: pher and innovator. I had to the South. live and eat, and sleep with MENSAH WALI, artistic director of the Kenta Arts Alliance, speaking Unused to Jim Crow laws, GREETING THE FANS––Marshall Allen signing autographs for fans. it. I follow his way of doing to the audience. Bessie learned to take care of herself with speed and tricky maneuvers on her bike. Those fancy moves helped her get jobs with sideshows where she became The Motorcycle Queen of Miami; she entered races and got work with a courier service during World War II. And when that was over, she traveled around the world before settling down to teach. “Man,” says author Gill, “she was something!” And he’s right: “Tales of the Talented Tenth: Bessie Stringfield” is a pretty amazing story. Set at a time when women, Black women in particular, had few rights, this book tells the true tale of a pioneer on two wheels. What makes it so appealing is that it’s entirely illustrated and formatted like comic books of yore, which enhances the story and its teen-friendliness. Young readers get a great sense of Stringfield’s importance in history and if they want more information, at the end, Gill offers websites and further information.
Sun Ra Arkestra creates unique jazz
(“Tales of the Talented Tenth: Bessie Stringfield” by Joel Christian Gill, c.2016, Fulcrum Books, $23.95/$31.95 Canada, 122 pages.)
SUN RA ARKESTRA performing on stage at the Hazlett Theater.
ARTS & CULTURE
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
November For Jobs and Freedom Film
tinuing its popular “Live Music NOV. 9—The Senator John Thursdays” with a very diverse Heinz History Center and the schedule of musical offerings by Homewood Library presents the first class Pittsburgh musicians, “From Slavery to Freedom” film during November & December, series, featuring, “A. Philip Ran- according to Hotel General Mandolph: For Jobs and Freedom” a ager. Wallace’s TapRoom is locatdocumentary film that traces Ran- ed in Hotel Indigo® East Liberty, dolph’s early years as an activists 123 North Highland Ave., 412and founder of the magazine, 665-0555. Valet ($6) and street The Messenger, Wednesday, parking is available. “Live Music from 5:30 pm to 8 pm. Along with Thursdays” are from 6 to 8 p.m. Chandler Owen, Randolph found- and there is NO cover charge. ed the National Association for MCG Party the Promotion of Labor Unionism NOV. 18—Join MCG at the bigAmong Negroes. He is best known gest party on the biggest night as the founder of the Brotherhood of the year! beginning at 6 p.m. of Sleeping Car Porters. A veteran Pittsburgh’s 56th Annual Light Up of Civil Rights Randolph’s active Night EQT Plaza on Liberty Avlife spans form the WWI era to the enue (EQT Jazzmasters Stage) March on Washington. Members The Duquesne University Jazz of the A. Philip Randolph Institute Ensemble featuring vocalist Nawill join and moderate the post film talie Tomaro, Dane Vannatter with dialogue. the MCG Jazz Quintet featuring Black Poets Speak Out special guest Steve Rudolph and Nov. 9—Kelly Strayhorn Theater a featured performance by acco-presented with The Center for tress and singer, Gloria Reuben African American Poetry and Poet- 65th Season at Gala! ics at the University of Pittsburgh NOV. 19—Greensburg Civic TheStarting as a Tumblr hashtag vid- atre celebrates its 65th season of eo campaign, Black Poets Speak community theatre and live perforOut unities poets from across the mances with an Anniversary Gala country who refuse to accept the at Ferrante’s Lakeview (6153 UScontinuous murders of Black peo- 30, Greensburg) on from 6–10 p.m. ple. Video responses to these atro- Live entertainment, buffet-style cious events us the force of art to appetizers and desserts, bevertransform policy, redefining what ages, and basket raffles honor is normal. Hosted by organizing the non-profit volunteer-managed members of Black Poets Speak troupe. 65th Anniversary Gala Out Jericho Brown, Mahogany tickets are $40 and may be purL. Browne and Amanda Johnson chased online at www.gctheatre. will lead participants in an interac- org through Nov 17, or via check to tive poetry workshop at the Alloy Greensburg Civic Theatre, 951 Old Studios followed by readings and Salem Rd., Greensburg 15601. A #BlackPoetsSpeakOut videos. souvenir glass including four drink
Economic Empowerment Summit
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.
NOVEMBER 9-15, 2016
Grassroots Maxine Sullivan Jazz & Blues concert
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tickets for wine or beer will be available for $20, or alcoholic drink tickets may be purchased separately.
Allegheny County Parks Programs
THROUGH NOV. 27—The Allegheny County Parks Department announces its activities and events schedule. Newly added activities and events are highlighted in yellow. For additional information, visit the County Parks program website. Locate facilities and get directions on the County Parks Google Map page. Sign up for email updates CCAC host Open Stage Night and news about the County Parks. NOV. 14—The Community Col- Check out our Facebook events GRASSROOTS CONCERT—Top photo, Flo Wilson & the Old School Band performing on stage. Bottom photo, The Blues Orphans performing on stage. (Photos by J. L. Martello) lege of Allegheny County North page. Follow us on Twitter. Campus, 8701 Perry Highway, will Najee, Downing An evening of great local present an open stage night, hostNov. 30—At 8 p.m. join the Hill talent starring the fabulous ed by Greg Joseph of The Clarks, on Monday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. House Association for its annual Flo Wilson & the Old School on the Atrium stage. Talented in- year end fundraiser as the or- Band, as well as the highdividuals who are interested in ganization presents the Soulful ly talented Blues Orphans performing acoustic music, voice, Sounds of Christmas, featuring with a few special guests, poetry or comedy are urged to at- legendary musicians Will Down- was held Oct. 22 at the Pittstend. This event is free and open ing and Najee. The Hill House re- burgh Playwrights Theater. to the public. For additional infor- lies heavily on the generous sup- ANEW Community Instiport of the Pittsburgh community tute and Grassroots Maxine mation, call 412-369-3725. and attending Soulful Sounds of Sullivan Jazz & Blues Fes“Live Music Thursdays” Christmas is a fun and meaningful tival sponsored this event, Wallace’s TapRoom in Hotel way to give back. For more infor- and DC Productions manIndigo® East Liberty is con- mation call 412-456-6666. aged and directed the event.
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PEOPLE
NOVEMBER 9-15, 2016 NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
100 BLACK MEN MENTEES—Some of the 100 Black Men mentees who attended the gala. There have been hundreds of youth over the years who have benefited from the organization’s services. The full story, along with other photos, were published on the front page of the Nov. 2-8, 2016, edition. (Photo by J. L. Martello)
Carter to head Homeless Children’s Education Fund
CARLOS CARTER Carlos Carter has been selected as the executive director of the Homeless Children’s Education Fund. “Carter’s experience in the non-profit and financial sectors will serve HCEF well as we harness the potential of emerging professionals in furtherance of the HCEF mission and vision for social change in regards to advocating for equal access to quality education, programs and services for vulnerable, homeless children and unaccompanied youth,” says Joseph Lagana, HCEF founder. He added, “His passion and laser-like focus on strengthening the value proposition of HCEF; and, amplifying the voices of homeless youth in Allegheny County will take our work to the next level.” Upon accepting the position, Carter noted, “Continuing to expand HCEF programs, services, outreach and developing leadership from within will truly create a powerful force for social change. I am dedicated to making a positive impact through every interaction-leveraging my energy, enthusiasm, business savvy and passion for underserved children and families. I am also looking forward to building on the great HCEF foundation that has been developed over the past 17 years.” Carter received his M.B.A. from Robert Morris University and a B.S. in Business
Administration from the University of Pittsburgh. His professional experience includes director of Business Development & Operations Consultant, Holy Family Institute; senior vice president/commercial lender, Bank of America; vice president, Fifth Third Bank; vice president/ commercial lender, PNC; commercial lender, credit analyst III and portfolio administer, Citizens Bank; and a Leadership Pittsburgh-LDI XV graduate. Carter has also been recognized for his contributions to his profession and outstanding community service. Some are: •National Diversity Council, Multicultural Leadership Award (2013); •Pittsburgh Magazine, 40 Under 40 Award (2009); •New Pittsburgh Courier, Men of Excellence (2011); •Allegheny County Proclamation for Civic and Community Leadership (2009); and •Special Congressional Recognition, Former Senator Melissa Hart (2003) Carter succeeds William Wolfe, HCEF board member and retired executive director since 2002. A national search for the head position was performed by a HCEF search committee under the leadership of HCEF board members Danielle Boston and Rob DeOrio. (Story courtesy of HCEF.)
New Pittsburgh Courier
Theelectionimpact:How consumersarereacting C3
Inside Conditions
by Anne D’Innocenzio Associated Press Writer
NEW YORK (AP)— Americans have been anxious about the contentious presidential election, and when they get fretful, they tend to stop shopping. While government reports show overall spending has held up, some analysts say they’re seeing signs that shoppers are being cautious. A dip is normal before an election, but the question this year is whether the uncertainty could drag on after election day and cut into holiday buying. Retailers are hoping an improving job market and wage gains will get Americans in the mood to spend. “There’s going to be election noise,’’ Target’s CEO Brian Cornell has said. “We’ve all looked at it and talked about it. But we are entering a holiday season with a consumer who is feeling good about the state of play.’’ Here’s a look at where things stand and what could be ahead after Nov. 8: Q. What usually happens before a presidential election? A. Shoppers traditionally pull back ahead of the election as they become distracted. “Everywhere you turn— whether you’re picking up a newspaper or watching television—political advertisements are taking up ad space that retailers
typically use to get holiday shopping on the minds of consumers across the country,’’ said Matthew Shay, president and CEO of the National Retail Federation, the nation’s largest retail trade group. But buying usually bounces back afterward. In the 2012 and 2004 presidential elections, year-over-year sales growth slowed an average of 22 percent in September and October, from the January through August period, but rebounded an average of 16 percent in November and December, according to AlixPartners. The consulting group excluded the 2008 presidential election because the ballooning financial crisis that led to a precipitous drop in spending made it an outlier. Its figures exclude sales of cars and auto parts and from gas stations and restaurants and are based on an analysis of Commerce Department figures. Q. What about 2000, when the Al Gore-George W. Bush race wasn’t decided until Dec. 12? A. Sales didn’t recover as usual because of unprecedented uncertainty about the winner through most of the holiday season, says Noam Paransky, director of the retail practice at AlixPartners. Year-over-year sales growth slowed 10.2 percent in September and October of that year, from SEE ELECTION C2
BUSINESS NOVEMBER 9-15, 2016
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4 ways technology can help jump-start your morning by Roz Edward For New Pittsburgh Courier
Mornings are rough enough, especially if you pulled an all-nighter to cram for a huge final or prep for a big presentation at work the next day. But thankfully technology is around to make things more efficient. Here are four ways technology can help jump-start your morning: Listening To Music Music is the soundtrack to your life. Whether you want to dance around to “Hotline
Bling” as you brush your teeth, or bump Jay Z as you prep for an important meeting at work, there’s a playlist for that. You can be even more resourceful by just setting your alarm clock to your favorite playlist and vibing out until you get to work. Reading The News What’s a newspaper? While some people still enjoy grabbing the paper and flipping through it (normally to get to the sports section), technology puts current events right at your fingertips. Whether you
want to just read horoscopes or finance, everything’s available at the touch of a button. The best part is, you don’t even have to get out of bed to get your daily dose of the news. Alarm Clock Nowadays, most people use their phones as alarm clocks, which makes waking up a lot less annoying. Instead of having to choose from the generic, mindnumbing options on oldschool alarm clocks, you can wake up to whatever you want. Whether it’s birds chirping lightly or a blaring
screech that forces you to hop out of bed, new alarms can be customized to your needs. Workout Workout apps are the easiest way to stay on top of making progress. Not only can these apps record all of your runs, they can also recommend new workouts to keep things fresh. Some apps even encompass how to achieve an entirely healthy lifestyle and offer tips, tricks, and food diaries. (Roz Edward is Michigan Chronicle managing editor)
Insider Q&A: Thasunda Duckett Chase’s new consumer bank CEO by Ken Sweet Associated Press Writer
THASUNDA DUCKETT
NEW YORK (AP)— Thasunda Duckett became the CEO of JPMorgan Chase’s consumer banking division in late September, becoming the first African American to hold that job at the nation’s largest bank by assets. Duckett, a mother of four, spoke to
The Associated Press about how she started her career and what role she tries to fill as a mentor and how she tries to balance work and personal life in her new job. Q: How’d you get your start in banking? I got into banking through a program called Inroads. It’s a program that prepares minorities for corporate and community leadership. Honestly, when I think about where I am today, I would say that being a part of Inroads was and still is one of the most impactful
professional moments in my life. If you talk to successful minorities, specifically African-Americans, you’ll be surprised how many are Inroads alums. It really is a special program. My career started at Fannie Mae, which Inroads helped me get. I grew up in the company and really believed in the mission of making home ownership affordable and accessible but I wanted to be closer to the customer. I joined JPMorgan in 2004 doing a lot of work around affordable
lending and minority home ownership programs. Q: As an African American woman, what advice would you give to young women, particularly young African American women, who are just starting their careers? For me, I understand that I am on the shoulders of giants. To whom much is given, much is required. It is humbling to be in the position I’m in. But I go back to things that my parents inSEE INSIDER C2
CFPB, New York AG join forces to fight Illegal national debt collection scheme A new federal lawsuit alleges that since at least 2009, two major players in the debt collection industry have illegally operated, harassed, threatened and deceived millions of consumers across the country—often for debts that were either inflated or not even owed. The scheme based in Buffalo, New York, also netted tens of millions of dollars in revenue each year. The case seeks to shut down the illegal scheme, secure compensation for victims and assess civil penalties against the companies and its partners. On Nov. 2, New York’s Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and Richard Cordray, Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, filed charges against the scheme’s two principals, Douglas MacKinnon and Mark Gray. “[W]e are taking action against the ringleaders of this operation,” noted Director Cordray, “so they can no longer prey upon vulnerable consumers.” “Living with debt is difficult enough, without the added stress of being harassed and threatened
by debt collectors,” Attorney General Schneiderman said. Charlene Crowell “These collection shops inflated debts, threatened victims and deceived them out of millions. This suit sends the message that debt collectors that employ abusive tactics will be held accountable.” In recent years, debt collection abuses have emerged as erated and oversaw the illegal opa growing consumer finance eration. Among the actions cited as illeissue for communities of color. Both research and investigative gal violations included: § Falsely threatening legal acnews have found that consumers of color, along with low tion; § Impersonating law enforceand middle-income communities are frequently targets of ment officials, government agencollection lawsuits that today cies and court officers; and § Inflating consumer debts and represent a still-growing $13 misrepresentations of amounts billion industry. According to the lawsuit, MacK- consumers owed. These kinds of actions violate innon and Gray operate a network of at least 60 fly-by-night collec- both the Fair Debt Collection tion shops to collect on large debt Practices Act and the Dodd-Frank portfolios purchased by three in- Wall Street Reform and Consumer terrelated firms: Northern Resolu- Protection Act. Enacted in 1978, the Fair Debt tion Group, Enhanced Acquisitions and Delray Capital, all Collection Practices Act protects based in Buffalo, New York. consumers from abusive or decepMacKinnon and Gray created, op- tive fraud in debt collection prac-
Commentary
tices. It applies only to the collection of debt incurred by a consumer primarily for personal, family, or household purposes. Two of its most important provisions are that a debt collector cannot phone a consumer’s residence before 8:00am or after 9:00pm; nor attempt to contact a consumer at their place of employment. Similarly, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act specifically bans unfair and deceptive acts or practices in the consumer financial marketplace in a variety of lending areas that include mortgages, student loans, debt collection and others. Last year, CFPB returned $360 million to consumers wronged by unlawful debt collection practices and collected over $79 million in fines. In addition, the Federal Trade Commission separately received approximately 900,000 consumer complaints on debt collection. In recent comments to the CFPB, the Center for Responsible
Lending advised, “CRL strongly supports the concept that a debt collector must possess a reasonable basis for making a claim that an individual owes a debt . . . . The burden rightfully should be on debt collectors to establish that they have the legal right to collect the debts and are collecting from the right people, for the right amount of money.” For Lisa Stifler, CRL’s deputy director of state policy, the joint action taken by New York’s Attorney General and CFPB is representative of what should happen more often to better protect all consumers. “Consumers need the protection of both state officials and CFPB to rid the marketplace of bad actors and illegal debt collection practices. It’s an encouraging sign that one of our most populous states is working in concert with CFPB to end financial abuse. It’s an example worth emulating by other states.” (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
Insider Q&A: Thasunda Duckett CONTINUED FROM C1
stilled in me when I was younger: I knew there is no challenge I can’t overcome. I want everyone to be proud of themselves. I think it’s beautiful to be me, to be a woman, to be Black, to be born in New York and raised in Texas because that is who I am. I tell women or other minorities to be confident in who you are and know that you do belong. I also tell a lot of the people I speak to: don’t own someone else’s bias and negativity. Don’t subscribe to that. That’s not who you are. Q: What does your typical day look like? There is no typical day, but I would say one of my constants is I work hard to make sure I see my kids before I leave in the morning. One of my special mommy moments, if you will, is my daughter Madison will make my coffee and she will write me a little note on my coffee for me to read on my way to work on the train. That is really special to me. At work, my days are like any other executive. But I try to talk to as many employees as possible to know the business from all levels. When I was made CEO of Auto, one of the first things I did was meet with the guys in the mailroom. I don’t think they’ve ever had a CEO in the mailroom. The reason why I did that is, one, to say thank you and help them understand the role that they play in delivering customer experience. If a customer puts the wrong address on an envelope and it doesn’t post on time that creates a bad customer experience. I wanted them to know how important their job was. I do also spend a lot of time mentoring people. People that want to see how great of a company this is and what type of career mobility there is here. Q: You recently created a charity. Can you tell us about it? It’s called the Otis and Rosie Brown Foundation, named after my parents. What we do is we give scholarships based on character and often seed local organizations or individuals that are making an impact. Think about those unsung heroes in our community and to be able to shine that light on them and say “thank you.’’ The website is extraordinaryis.org.
Ask Brianna: How can I save money on my car? by Brianna McGurran NerdWallet
“Ask Brianna” is a Q&A column from NerdWallet for 20somethings or anyone else starting out. I’m here to help you manage your money, find a job and pay off student loans— all the real-world stuff no one taught us how to do in college. Send your questions about postgrad life to askbrianna(at)nerdwallet.com. Q: I need a car to get around, but I’m trying to save money. How can I keep my driving costs in check? A: We millennials have been accused of taking on too much debt, not properly valuing home ownership, eschewing marriage and waiting too long to have kids. Add to that list car manufacturers’ fears that we don’t want cars, either, thanks to Uber, public transportation and the lingering effects of the recession. The truth is, we need cars just like the generations before us did, and recession-era grads are, in fact, showing up at the car dealership. Auto sales reached an all-time high in 2015, according to the Automotive News Data Center. Of customers who bought or leased new cars, the share who were ages 21 to 38 rose from 17 percent in 2010, to 28 percent in 2015, according to data from the Power Information Network at J.D. Power. In places where public transportation and ride-hailing are available, combining the two can be enough to get you around town, along with the occasional rental car for adventures. But many of us can’t get to work without a car or find ourselves renting one nearly every weekend. If you need your own set of wheels, these tips can keep you from getting mired in debt. BUY USED Straight from Captain Obvious herself comes this piece of advice: Buy a used car. That doesn’t mean giving your neighbors a few hundred bucks for a rusty 1970s clunker like my sis-
ter did when she was in her 20s. Instead, go for a 2, 3 or 4-yearold model. You’ll save almost $8,000 when you buy a 3-yearold midsized sedan instead of the latest model, according to data from car-advice website Edmunds. Buying a used car protects you from the immediate depreciation hit of a new car, which loses almost a third of its value in the first year, according to Consumer Reports . And a used car
is likely to last a long while. The average age of a passenger car on the road in 2015 hit a record 11.5 years, research firm IHS Automotive reported last year, due in part to cars’ increasing reliability. Try one of the growing number of trusted websites and apps to search used cars in your area. Ask the dealership, or the private seller if you’re buying from someone else, for a Carfax vehicle history report for the car you’re interested in. Make sure the car has had as few owners as possible, that it hasn’t been in any major accidents, and that the owner has kept up with scheduled maintenance. Consumer Reports publishes lists of the best used cars for various budgets, starting at less than $10,000. COMPARE MORE THAN STICKER PRICES Before you buy, compare cars based on how much they’ll cost you over time using the fiveyear cost calculators on the Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book websites. When you look up the total cost of owning a car, you’ll see how much you can expect to pay in interest on your car loan, gas and maintenance. “You’ll find some cars are more expensive to maintain, and you
don’t realize that until you’ve already bought the car in some cases,” says David Bennett, manager of automotive programs at AAA. If you need to finance your car, a higher credit score will save you money. In most cases, good credit will get you a lower interest rate, potentially as much as several percentage points lower, a lower monthly payment and a shorter loan term. Keep your credit score in top shape by paying your bills on time, maintaining low credit card balances, and avoiding applying for additional lines of credit in the months before you get a car loan. Most importantly, get preapproved for a loan before you enter a dealership. Shop around with your bank, credit union or a trusted online lender to get a quote. If your bank offers you an interest rate of 3.9 percent, for instance, the dealer will likely try to offer you a lower rate, Bennett says. MINIMIZE ONGOING COSTS Your new wheels will come with extra expenses beyond the cost of the car itself, like insurance. Compare auto insurance rates and look for discounts, including going to traffic school to remove points from your license, which lead to higher monthly premiums. Check insurance rates before you buy your car, too, because some models might cost more to insure. There are even ways to save on gas. Use an app like GasBuddy to compare gas prices on your route, and consider using a credit card that gets you cash back on gas purchases. But take that step only if you’re prepared to pay the balance in full every month. Rewards are a lot juicier when interest charges don’t eat away at them. (This column was provided to The Associated Press by the personal finance website NerdWallet. Brianna McGurran is a staff writer at NerdWallet. Email: bmcgurran(at)nerdwallet.com. Twitter: (at)briannamcscribe.)
The election impact: How consumers are reacting
CONTINUED FROM C1
the January through August period. And for November and December, it was 30.4 percent slower growth. However, retail sales were still growing through the period. Q. What’s been the trend this year? A. Consumer confidence has slipped a bit, but spending generally held up through September as income gains and an improving job market offset some of the uncertainty, according to the most current government reports. Year-over-year growth in retail sales slowed 19.8 percent in September
compared with the year so far, according to an analysis by AlixPartners. The government hasn’t released sales yet for October. But a report from the Conference Board said consumer confidence pulled back in October, after reaching a 20-month high in September. That dip was in line with the University of Michigan survey. A survey by the National Retail Federation points to cautious consumers because of the election uncertainty. Some shoppers surveyed by the research group The Retail Economist and Goldman Sachs showed the election
was a factor. And shoppers remain selective, shifting their spending more toward items like cars and appliances, says Ken Perkins, president of research firm Retail Metrics LLC. A clearer picture will emerge when retailers report their third-quarter results in November. “The election is weighing on consumer psyche, and retailers will use it as an excuse,’’ Perkins said. Q. Will there be a postelection bounce this year? A. With the rare exception of the Bush-Gore contest, most elections bring certainty and the country moved forward. This year
may be different. Republican Donald Trump, who has railed about a “rigged’’ political system, said in the final presidential debate that he won’t decide until the election ends whether he will accept its results. If Democrat Hillary Clinton wins, she may take office amid questions now that the FBI is looking further at her emails. “The potential concerns of legitimacy of either candidate can carry over and dampen spending,’’ said Perkins. Q. Given the prevalence of political ads in some areas, what are stores doing?
A. Both Wal-Mart and Target say they’ve adjusted their advertising. Wal-Mart hasn’t given many specifics, while Target says it’s leaning more toward TV channels like the Food Network, HGTV and the Cinema channel. For social media, it’s focusing on Pinterest. The company says it wants to be smart about where to focus. “We don’t want to come across as tone-deaf to the conversations that are going on,’’ said Rick Gomez, Target’s senior vice president of marketing. (Follow Anne D’Innocenzio http://twitter.com/ADInnocenzio)
Unlocking the potential of minority-owned business by William Scott For New Pittsburgh Courier
African-American-owned businesses are the backbone of their communities, major contributors to our growing economy, and sources of innovation and thought leadership—not just in their industries but throughout our society. They also provide economic opportunity and stability to struggling minority communities. The problem is there are simply not enough of them. The number of minorityowned businesses has increased by 50 percent in the past decade but is still discouragingly low compared to White-owned businesses. While minorities now make up 38 percent of the U.S. population, they are a mere 15 percent of business owners. African Americans make up about 13 percent of the U.S. population but an abysmal seven percent of business owners. As one of those African American business owners, I know minority-owned companies have great potential to contribute more
to our economy. But I also know first-hand the challenges we face. As much progress as our country has made on equal rights, it’s still as our parents told us growing up: To be successful, you have to work twice —or three times—as hard as a White person. Many of us are willing to do just that, but we still need access to the tried-and-true business resources, that typical White families can take for granted. These include wealth, an established support network and even key contacts at agencies that provide capital. To bring us closer and increase our numbers, here are a few commonsense recommendations: •Realize that for many African Americans, especially women, starting a business may currently be their best, or only, economic opportunity, given the stubbornly high unemployment rate. Women already make up the fastestgrowing segment of the African American business sector. As a business consultant, I see many people of color succeed as entrepreneurs through networking, secur-
ing investment and other proven strategies—even though they face obstacles that White-owned businesses do not. •Work to convince your elected officials to evaluate entrepreneurs’ needs accurately. For example, every growing business needs access to capital, but Small Business Administration data indicates that minority businesses owners were nearly three times as likely to be denied a loan, and twice as likely to be discouraged from applying for one, as non-minority business owners. Organizations like the American Sustainable Business Council can help get the word to policy makers. For example, they arranged for me to testify in Washington at a congressional hearing looking at how overregulation might harm minority entrepreneurs.” My message was emphatic: Regulations are not the problem. On the contrary, regulations help. As I told the subcommittee, “Regulations play an important role in meeting the needs of our businesses
and in protecting our community. Business owners understand that with investments in their business come responsibilities, contracts and regulations to ensure protections. Responsibilities aren’t the problem. Getting a fair shot at investments is.” When every willing-and-able entrepreneur has a real chance to succeed, all taxpayers benefit. •Understand that the big challenge facing minority business owners isn’t the heavy hand of government •it is the continuing, compounding inequities in access to capital, business development resources, education, family wealth, and fair business practices. •Encourage your elected officials to adopt procurement policies that let minority-owned firms harness the purchasing power of businesses, governments and other large institutions. Better goals and criteria beyond the current minimal set-asides for minority- and women-owned businesses would begin to address the full range of compounded challenges.
•Seek out professional business guidance wherever you can—and offer it if you have know-how to share. Because it’s my area of expertise, I know that all businesses benefit from professional consulting. That’s why I also told the committee in Washington, “If you want to really help them, provide more resources for professional business consultation to minority-owned businesses.” Paths to success have increased for African-Americans with big ideas in recent decades, but we’re just getting started. Reality-based government regulations, investments, opportunities, and responsible business practices are not just good for African American-owned businesses. They are good for all businesses—and the economy we all share. While we work to improve fair access to capital and other business resources, let’s capitalize on our own strengths, experiences and stamina: A legacy that built so much of America can surely build us a future. (William Scott is CEO of Tristatz, LLC, in Selma, Ala.)
BUSINESS BUSINESS CALENDAR CALENDAR
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 724-205-9376 or visit stoptheviolencepittsburgh@yahoo.com
Training Event NOV. 16—The Duquesne University Small Business Center presents Business Start-up 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 312396-6233.
MyBusiness Growth Workshop NOV. 16—The Chatham Womens’ Business Center presents a business growth workshop, 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Braun Hall, Woodland Rd. On its Shadyside campus. Learn what you need to prepare, including credit scores and repair, personal finances, financial spreadsheets and business plans, purpose of the funds, facilitated by Judith Herron, CPA, of Markowitz, Dugan & Associates. Also learn about the loan application process: what to expect, review process, requirements, red flags, and SBA loan programs, facilitated by Aaron Aldrich of Bridgeway Capital. Register for the free event online at www.chatham.edu/cwe/ events.
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 717-772-5160.
SPORTS New Pittsburgh Courier
C3
NOVEMBER 9-15, 2016
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
Bulls fall a point away from a 3-peat by Smokin’ Jim Frazier For New Pittsburgh Courier
The two-time defending champion Bulls started 1-3, and USO lost its first four games, but both teams seemed to be peaking at the right time. The Bulls, were trying to be the first team since Perry (2000-05) to win three straight City titles and U-Prep countered with an outstanding defense that allowed only 19 points and recorded three shutouts during a five-game winning streak. But for 3 quarters it was Brashear’s defense that was bullish. After a scoreless first quarter University Prep got on the board first when Sabastian Conway-Phillips DARIUS LANGSTON gives USO Head Coach Lou Berry a Gatorade shower after the Wildcats won a nailed a 33-yard field goal. 15-14 thriller over Brashear. Richard Stone, 5’10-170, returned the second half line and the two90-yards for a touchdown point conversion and a Dom Molinaro kick failed and the gave the Bulls a 7-3 lead. When sophomore Bryant DARIOUS SHIELDS of USO scores the winning touchdown with Bulls held onto a Johnson, 5’10-170, caught 56 seconds left in the game in the Wildcats 15-14 comeback win slim 14-9 lead. Donte’ Massie, a 51-yard touchdown from over Brashear in the City League championship game, Shields had 6 catches for 99 yards and was named MVP of the game. (Photos 6’2-270, junior Sha’rron Steave, you could by William McBride) made his presence hear the 3-PEAT chants known early and coming from often along the dethe Brashear fensive line in the fans. 4th quarter. After a MoU-Prep got the linaro PAT, ball back with a the Bulls little over 1 minute lead 14-3 and left in the game the 11point and on third down advantage junior quarterback seemed insurTawan Wesley, mountable. 5’10-170, threw a UPrep got touchdown pass to the spark Darious Shields. they were “It was a delooking for signed fake when Dorian screen,” Shields Jackson resaid. “I faked then covered a slipped behind the Brashear cornerback and fumble at the turned around, 15 with less cleared everything than 8 minout of my head and utes remainfocused on making ing in the the catch and God game. gave me the blessJackson, ing to make it the 5’10-180, scored from DORIAN JACKSON of USO scored a 4th quarter touchdown in the Wildcats 15-14 rest of the way.” To clear things the 8-yard comeback win over Brashear. up let’s hear it TAWAN WESLEY USO quarterback threw the winning touchdown pass to from a coaching Darious Shields with 56 seconds left in the game and the Wildcats won a 15-14 thriller over Brashear. point of view. “That was ‘throw They have combined for it up to Darious Shields and had to make them miss.” Pitt, WVU, Duquesne, the past four City League he’ll make magic happen.’ That’s what that play call Robert Morris and Mar- championships, with both Not 10 feet, 10 inches. by Aubrey Bruce was.” University Prep coach shall University can use a winning two. However, I refuse to hang For New Pittsburgh Courier University Prep (6-4) the entire albatross of fail- Lou Berry said. “When playmaker like Shields. “I don’t think I’m getting wins its third City title, Last Sunday afternoon, ure around the neck of the you’re in crunch-time situathe Pittsburgh Steelers lost Steelers kicker because the tions like that, you have to recruited very hard. I feel and stopped Brashear (4-6) like I’m getting overlooked,” from winning a third cona hard fought 21-14 game Pittsburgh offense did not lean on your best player.” Maybe the player can said Shields. “I think I’ll secutive. to the Baltimore Ravens in score until there was less what can only be described than 9 minutes left in the clear things up for the nov- probably sign with Cal U. The season is over for I like the school, and the Brashear and U-Prep will as the “thriller by the bay.” game. All of this tripping ice fans. “I could feel them coming team is top 10 in the coun- travel to Erie Veterans Chesapeake Bay that is. and boasting about this Stadium to face Erie CaHowever Pittsburgh perhigh powered offense might at me and I could see the try and they are on TV.” Brashear and U-Prep are thedral Prep in the PIAA formed as if they were the just turn out to be hot air. dude coming in front of opening act for the late No matter how many weap- me,” Shields said. “I just developing quite a rivalry. playoffs. Otis Redding, performing ons that an offense has, if as backup for him while those weapons aren’t utihe performed his signature lized, you might as well be hi, “Sitting on the Dock of trying to peddle a truckload AUBREY BRUCE the Bay,” from somewhere of “Super Soaker” water other than the land of the guns at an AK-47 convenMorant flew in from Atlanliving because for most of Steelers placekicker Chris tion. by Bill Neal ta. Thank you men. the game at times they Boswell. There was tension Dropped passes, missed For New Pittsburgh Courier :04—The 1976 Fifth Avappeared to just be going in the air, the Steelers and throws. There is no sense enue state championship the Ravens had all hands of having a firearm if you through the motions. The last Special Edition team. You showed up and The Steelers hemmed and on deck, all good hands miss the target. As to what for a long time I promise… in a blaze of glory. Thank hawed until 8:38 remained from both teams that is, in took the Steelers so long Maybe? you for coming. Thank you in the 4th quarter before anticipation of the slippery, to get in sync, Steelers QB :10—First of all, a huge, for your energy and thanks they cracked the goose egg greased pigskin kickoff Ben Roethlisberger had enormous, gigantic thank for the memory. on the scoreboard. The last that was surely to follow. this to say. “We just started you to The Pittsburgh City :03—To the families of the play of the game by the The teams lined up. The throwing the ball, picked League family. You outdid deceased inductees. Thank Steelers was an ill-fated Ravens called a timeout up the tempo, no huddle, yourselves this time, but you, thank you, thank you. onside kick. After covering after they got a glimpse of started clicking a little bit.” once again and as always, :02—The H.O.F. Committhe Steelers and the NFL the Steelers pre-kick forH’mm, maybe the Steel- you showed up. Thank you! tee, the Achieving Greatfor more than three de- mation. After the timeout ers offense with all of their :09—Major apologies to ness staff and all our volcades, this was the strang- Pittsburgh’s special team- “feared weaponry” should our very special guests unteers, thank you and est attempt at an onside ers lined up again ready start off the game running and awardees, Mr. Bryant God Bless you for a job well kick that I have ever wit- and willing to put it all on their no-huddle offense to Salter, Mr. Ray Zellers, Mr. done. nessed. The following is the line with just under a put instant pressure on op- Mike Barnes and Mr. Keith BILL NEAL :01—KDKA super star from the NFL Rulebook in minute left in the game. posing defenses. Something Key. Plain and simple, we Bob Allen, thank you for regards to executing and What sure to follow was go- has got to give if the Steel- were short-handed by the recovering a successful on- ing to be a series of violent ers are going to compete massive crowd, but as a retirement. You did not in your patience and please collisions, not a meeting of for ring number 7 because player and a coach, I nev- any way speak out against excuse me for stepping on side kick. your toes all night. “A kickoff is illegal un- the minds but a tangled right now the Pittsburgh er accepted excuses and I it. :00—Last, but certainly less it travels 10 yards OR mass of bodies, writhing, Steelers are standing near make none here. My fault, :07—Savoy…you outdid is touched by the receiv- and twisting above and be- a cliff without a safety net my bad, my responsibility. yourself. Great food, plen- not least, a much appreing team. Once the ball is low the pile trying to gain waiting below. They can’t Lesson learned and we will ty of food, delivery way on ciated thank you to our touched by the receiving possession of the football afford to wait until their make it better. I did not time and out of 698 people, sponsors, A Second Chance, Highmark, Judge Dwayne team or has gone 10 yards, and the game. quarterback and his offense present you well given your not one complaint. When the fireworks were to heat up because by the status and accomplishit is a free ball. Receivers :06—“16” high school stu- Woodruff, UPMC, Pittsmay recover and advance. lit, instead of the Boswell’s time that they get warm. ments and I hope you can dents from our City League burgh Board of Education, Kicking team may recover kick off traveling the re- They are getting beat up give us another chance to schools were honored. All Mayor’s office, City Council but NOT advance UNLESS quired 10 yards to begin the and that ain’t good. The do a better job. great athletes and 4.0 members Dan Gilman, Darreceiver had possession mayhem that was setting Steelers missed recovering :08—Apologies as well to grade average students lene Harris and Daniel Laof the mass of fireworks an onside kick that trav- Coach Kirk Bruce. I mis- were honored by the great Valle, Chief Executive Rich and lost the ball.” Just before that game that would surely follow, it eled ten inches. It might as spoke in my comments con- Mike Logan and represent- Fitzgerald, and District Attorney’s office Stephen ending kick, Steelers QB fizzled like a soaking wet well have been 10 miles. cerning what you said to ed our school system well. Ben Roethlisberger had dud traveling less than 9 (Aubrey Bruce can be reached me about Sam Clancy. The :05—The legend Orin Zappala. And a very special scrambled and ran for a 4 yards or 5 yards or 3 yards at: abruce@newpittsburghcouri- correction is you told me Richberg flew in from New thank you to Triangle Tech yard score with just 0:48 or even one yard, the ball er.com or 412-583-6741. Follow to not worry about speak- Mexico, Ron Carter flew in and the John Heinz History left in regulation. Enter traveled approx. 10 inches! him on Twitter@ultrascribe.) ing out about his uniform from Chicago and Lenny Center.
Inside Conditions…Game of inches
Overtime
CLASSIFIED New Pittsburgh Courier
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NOVEMBER 9-15, 2016
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JOB OPPORTUNITIES
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CORRECTIONAL OFFICER PART-TIME ALLEGHENY COUNTY JAIL
MANAGER OF CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING ALLEGHENY COUNTY
Allegheny County is accepting applications for Correctional Officers, Part-Time at the Jail. For application requirements and job description check our website at http://www. alleghenycounty.us/careers or visit us at our Human Resources office at 102 County Office Building, 542 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15219.
QA TESTERS (MULTIPLE OPENINGS)
SDLC Management, Inc. (Greater Pittsburgh, PA area) currently seeking QA Testers to be responsible for analysis, testing, & implmntn of clients’ proprietary sftwr systems & apps. Specific job duties incl: (i) carrying out all aspects of sftwr dvlpmnt lifecycle; (ii) executing manual & automated test cases using enterprise-grade quality tool suites; (iii) dvlpng test plans, test scenarios, & test cases based upon analysis of business req’s; (iv) creating test data by applying advanced techniques to complex client environments; (v) writing & executing SQL queries to conduct tests; (vi) applying test automation techniques to improve test coverage and reduce cycle time; (vii) carrying out structured analysis, dsgn, & dvlpmnt of clients’ proprietary IT systems; (viii) analyzing clients’ project mngmnt methodologies & integrating SDLC quality assurance processes & technologies; (ix) devising & implmntng quality improvement programs customized to fit client technologies, processes, & culture. Must hold Master’s degree in IS, Comp Sci, Bus Admin or rel’d discipline. Submit resume by mail: Terri Nicholls, SHR Specialist, SDLC Management, Inc., 2790 Mosside Blvd., Ste. 705, Monroeville, PA 15146 and refer to “QA Tester”.
SENECA VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT SUPERVISOR OF ANALYTICS AND FEDERAL PROGRAMS
Perm. 12-month position. Salary regionally competitive. Master’s Degree Required; At least five years of teaching experience; Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction Certification or Letter of Eligibility Certification Preferred; Requires leadership and coordination in establishing an aligned and articulated instructional assessment program. Ability to compile, analyze, and interpret standardized and norm referenced test data and provide evaluative findings. Experience with Federal Programs preferred. Submit required information to https://senecavalley.cloud. talentedk12.com/hire/index.aspx. Applications accepted until position is filled. Seneca Valley is committed to diversity in the workplace. E.O.E.
FLEET MAINTENANCE COORDINATOR
Port Authority is seeking a Fleet Maintenance Coordinator to coordinate all support level maintenance and overall maintenance management for Port Authority’s revenue vehicle bus fleet under the general directions of the Manager of Bus Maintenance Support. Job requirements include: •High School Diploma or GED. •Two-year Technical Degree or Associate Degree in Business or related field from an accredited school. Related experience may be substituted for the education on a yearfor-year basis. •Minimum of three (3) years of maintenance experience with bus fleets and/or heavy automotive vehicles. •Valid Commercial Driver’s License, Class B with Passenger Endorsement and Air Brake Restriction removed or must possess a valid driver’s license and acquire a Commercial Driver’s License as described above within 90 days of appointment to the position. •Demonstrated ability in the use of Windows. •Effective and professional communication skills. •Customer-focused, well organized and results-oriented. •This is a Safety-Sensitive position subject to all testing provisions under the Drug and Alcohol Policy, including random drug and alcohol testing. The person selected for this position may be required to be tested prior to being awarded the job. Preferred attributes: •BA/BS Degree in Business or directly related field from an accredited school. •Experience in managing maintenance of bus fleets or other fleets of heavy automotive vehicles and equipment.
We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Interested candidates should forward a cover letter (with salary requirements) and resume to: Port Authority of Allegheny County Attn: Janet Brunner 345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 Jobs@portauthority.org EOE
SONNY BOY
Allegheny County is accepting applications for a Manager of Construction Engineering position for the Department of Public Works. For application requirements and job description check our website at http://alleghenycounty.us/careers or visit us at our Human Resources office at 102 County Office Building, 542 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15219.
JUNIOR JAVA DEVELOPERS (MULTIPLE OPENINGS)
SDLC Management, Inc. (Greater Pittsburgh, PA area) currently seeking Junior Java Developers to be responsible for analysis, dsgn, dvlpmnt & implmntn of clients’ proprietary systems. Specific duties incl: (i) working w/ wide array of business & IT mngmnt to analyze, dsgn & dvlp system architecture using Java Enterprise Edition & MVC frameworks; (ii) dvlp’g Java web apps using JSP, JavaServer faces (JSF), or Servlets; (iii) designing & implmnt’g user interfaces w/ HTML & JavaScript; & (iv) integrating user interface w/ apps using web services, Ajax, &/or JSON. Must hold Bach’s degree in Comp Sci or directly rel’d discipline. Submit resume by mail: Terri Nicholls, SHR Specialist, SDLC Management, Inc., 2790 Mosside Blvd., Ste. 705, Monroeville, PA 15146 & refer to “Junior Java Developer”. LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices
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 Estate of CLIFFORD LAUGHLIN FAIR, a/k/a CLIFFORD L. FAIR, deceased of Verona, Pennsylvania, No. 02-16-05712. Mary Margaret Fair, Executrix, c/o Tener, Van Kirk, Wolf & Moore, P.C, One Oxford Center, Suite 2100, 301 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 or to Nanacy L. Rackoff, Esquire, Tener, Van Kirk, Wolf & Moore, P.C., One Oxford Centre, Suite 2100, 301 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Estate of MARTHA V. ZAJAC, deceased of 125 S. 19th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. No. 02-16-06038. Alfredo Shaheen of 147 S. 19th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 Administrator or to American Wills & Estates, Lloyd A. Welling, Esquire, Birmingham Towers, Suite 302, 2100 Wharton Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203
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NOTICE TO PROPOSERS REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR RISK MANAGEMENT SERVICES
The Sports & Exhibition Authority and Stadium Authority will receive proposals for risk management services as identified below. The Request for Proposals may be obtained after the date identified below from Jhason Dixon - E-mail: jdixon@pgh-sea.com. Project: Risk Management Services RFP Available: November 8, 2016 Date/Location for Proposals: 4:30 PM, Monday, November 21, 2016, Sports & Exhibition Authority, Attn: Jhason Dixon, 171 10th Street, 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
OFFICIAL ADVERTISEMENT THE BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION of the SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH
Sealed proposals shall be deposited at the Administration Building, Room 251, 341 South Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15213, on December 6, 2016, until 2:00 P.M., local prevailing time for the following: Pittsburgh Dilworth PreK-5 New Electric Service / Auditorium Lighting Electrical Prime Various Schools and Properties Planned Maintenance and Service for Chillers and Refrigeration Systems Mechanical Prime Project Manual and Drawings will be available for purchase on November 7, 2016 at Modern Reproductions (412-488-7700), 127 McKean Street, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15219 between 9:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. The cost of the Project Manual Documents is non-refundable. Project details and dates are described in each project manual.
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OFFICIAL ADVERTISEMENT THE BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION of the SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH
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 REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) FOR GENERAL CONTRACTORS FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION RFQ #2016-16
Sealed proposals shall be deposited at the Administration Building, Room 251, 341 South Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15213, on December 6, 2016, until 2:00 P.M., local prevailing time for the following: PPS – Central Operations 8 S. 13th Street, Pgh., PA Replacement of Steam Kettles General, Mechanical and Electrical Primes Project Manual and Drawings will be available for purchase on November 8, 2016 at Modern Reproductions (412-488-7700), 127 McKean Street, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15219 between 9:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. The cost of the Project Manual Documents is non-refundable. Project details and dates are described in each project manual.
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR WINDOW REPLACEMENT AT NORTHVIEW HEIGHTS FOR UNITS: 372 PENFORT STREET; 1309 CHICAGO STREET; 806 MT. PLEASANT ROAD; 856 MT. PLEASANT ROAD; 600 MT. PLEASANT ROAD; 868 MT. PLEASANT ROAD IFB# 300-48-16
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): WINDOW REPLACEMENT AT NORTHVIEW HEIGHTS FOR UNITS: 372 PENFORT STREET; 1309 CHICAGO STREET; 806 MT. PLEASANT ROAD; 856 MT. PLEASANT ROAD; 600 MT. PLEASANT ROAD; 868 MT. PLEASANT ROAD IFB# 300-48-16 The documents will be available no later than November 7, 2016 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 11:00 a.m. on November 28, 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 17, 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’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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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.
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): General Contractors for New Construction RFQ #2016-16 The documents will be available no later than November 7, 2016 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 10:00 A.M., November 29, 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 200 Ross Street, 9th Fl. Board Room Pittsburgh, PA 15219 November 18, 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 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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Bids/Proposals
Bids/Proposals
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR NEW RHVAC UNIT FOR 201 KIRKPATRICK STREET IFB# 300-49-16
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR Development of New HACP Website, Website Hosting & Maintenance Services RFP# 800-50-16 The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby requests proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Development of New HACP Website, Website Hosting & Maintenance Services RFP# 800-50-16 The documents will be available no later than November 7, 2016 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 10:00 A.M., December 2, 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 18, 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
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.
INVITATION TO BID
THE RIDC REGIONAL GROWTH FUND is soliciting proposals from qualified companies to perform certain construction services at the RIDC, Westmoreland Technology Center site, located in Mt. Pleasant, East Huntington Township, Westmoreland County, PA. The successful bidder will perform all work described in the bid documents, including all selective demolition, general trades and all other work necessary to complete the RIDCW, Suite 1181 Tenant Expansion project. The successful bidder will be required to enter into a written agreement with The RIDC Regional Growth Fund. Bids will be received at the offices of RIDC, at 210 Sixth Avenue, Suite 3620, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 until 2:00 pm, Tuesday, November 22, 2016. Bids are to be in sealed envelopes, the outside clearly indicating that it is a sealed bid, with the name of the bidder, the due date and time, and the following project title: “RIDCW, Suite 1181 Tenant Expansion project”. Bids will be privately opened. Bid Documents may be obtained via email by request after Tuesday, November 8, 2016. Forward requests to: mmccann@ridc.org Each proposal shall be made upon forms provided. RIDC reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids or waive any informality in the bidding for any reason whatsoever. Bids may be held by RIDC for a period not to exceed one hundred twenty (120) days from the date of opening of bids for the purpose of reviewing the bids prior to awarding the contract. A mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting will be held at the project site at 8:00 am, Friday, November 11, 2016. The address is shown below. RIDC Westmoreland Technology Center Door #1 1001 Technology Drive Mt. Pleasant, PA 15666 Bidders are advised that RIDC has obtained funding for this project from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and, as a result thereof, the successful bidder must adhere to certain requirements mandated by the Commonwealth, including, but not solely, the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act. All of such requirements are detailed in the bid documents. All questions must be forwarded via email to Mark S. McCann, RIDC Construction Project Manager at mmccann@ridc.org.
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HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR Multiple Insurance Lines RFP# 700-46-16
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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NOVEMBER 9-15, 2016
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LEGAL ADVERTISING
LEGAL ADVERTISING
Bids/Proposals
Bids/Proposals
PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY ADVERTISEMENT
Separate sealed Bids for the Work as listed hereinafter will be received at the Purchasing and Materials Management Department of Port Authority of Allegheny County (Authority) Heinz 57 Center, 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222-2527 until 1:30 p.m. on December 7, 2016 and will be publicly opened and read immediately thereafter at the same address. Each Bidder shall be solely responsible for assuring that its Bid is both received and time stamped by a representative of the Purchasing and Materials Management Department at or before the advertised time for submission of Bids. Bids received or time stamped in the Purchasing and Materials Management Department after the advertised time for the submission of Bids shall be non-responsive and therefore ineligible for Award. ANCILLARY SERVICES ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT NO. SYS-16-16E The Work of this Contract includes, but is not limited to, the furnishing of all labor, materials, and equipment necessary to perform assignments as identified by Authority pursuant to written Work Orders issued by Authority. The nature of the Work to be assigned may include, but is not limited to: Electrical Construction - transformer replacement, circuit breakers and panelboards, conduit / raceway installation, wiring, lighting installation, substation bus duct replacement; fire alarm systems, UPS systems and other electrical improvements; or performing other construction activities at other Authority facilities and/or work as requested. As part of Electrical Construction Contract No. SYS-16-16E, the Work and the Bid shall include Work Order #1 for Collier Bus Garage Body Shop Paint Booth Electrical Items. Bid Documents will be available for public inspection and may be obtained on or after November 7, 2016 at Authority’s offices at the following address: Port Authority of Allegheny County Purchasing and Materials Management Department Heinz 57 Center 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2527 Bid Documents are available for purchase as follows: Bid Documents are available in an electronic form on compact disk upon payment of $15.00 per CD. Payment shall be by check or money order (NO CASH), payable to “Port Authority of Allegheny County.” No refunds of payment will be made. Upon request, Bid Documents can be mailed upon receipt of payment in full. Should the purchaser wish to have the Bid Documents delivered via special delivery, such as UPS or Federal Express, the purchaser shall provide its appropriate account numbers for such special delivery methods. This Project may be funded, in part, by, and subject to certain requirements of, the County of Allegheny and/or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Authority, in compliance with 74 Pa.C.S. § 303, as may be amended, require that certified Diverse Businesses (“DBs”) have the maximum opportunity to participate in the performance of contracts and subcontracts for this Project. In this regard, all Bidders shall make good faith efforts in accordance with 74 Pa.C.S. § 303, to ensure that DBs have the maximum opportunity to compete for and perform contracts. Bidders shall also not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, disability, national origin, sexual origin, gender identity or status as a parent in the award and performance of contracts for this Project. If aid is required to involve DBs in the Work, Bidders are to contact Authority’s Director of Employee Relations and OEO at (412) 566-5262. The Bidder’s attention is directed to the following contacts for Bidder’s questions: Procedural Questions Regarding Bidding: Cynthia Denner – Authority cdenner@portauthority.org (412) 566-5117 All other questions relating to the Bid Documents must be submitted by mail or e-mail to: Port Authority of Allegheny County Heinz 57 Center 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 Attn: Cynthia Denner cdenner@portauthority.org In addition, the Bidder’s attention is directed to the following schedule of activities for preparation of its Bid: 9:00 a.m. Pre-Bid Conference November 16, 2016 Port Authority of Allegheny County Heinz 57 Center, 5th Floor Neal H. Holmes Board Room 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 (Attendance is not mandatory, but strongly recommended) Pre-Bid Site Tour Immediately following the Pre-Bid Conference, Contractor to Provide Own Transportation to Collier Bus Garage 1:30 p.m. Bids Due December 7, 2016 Purchasing and Materials Management Department Authority reserves the right to reject any or all Bids
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NOVEMBER 9-15, 2016 NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
NAACP’s get out to vote rally
CONNIE PARKER, Pittsburgh NAACP president, was one of the key people to pull the evening together with a mixture of community leaders and residents. (Photos by Jackie McDonald)
DIANE POWELL, of Women for Positive Change, said, “It is probably the most critical election we have experienced; do not walk to the polls. Run.”
VICTOR MUHAMMAD, said, “We’re living in a time when politics is not consistent with God’s plan...we have to become a more astute political people, we have to know what our interests are. Democrats nor Republicans have not done 100 percent by us, so you shouldn’t go and just pull one lever, you should know who you’re voting for and why.
BRANDON FLOOD, executive director at the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, said, “Don’t put too much stock in polls...voter intimidation is against the law.”
SADIK ROBERTS, president of the Duquesne University NAACP Chapter, said, “We can only achieve great change when bold people make bold moves. Allow your social media to explode with passion and determination, advocating for your own personal truths.”
JAAMAL CRAIG, of the Coalition of Black Trade Union, said, “Don’t forget a fellow by the name of George Wallace , who said some of the same things we’re hearing today.”
CRAIG DAWSON, of Soul Pitt Magazine, said, “In the United States anything is possible.. if you don’t do this (vote), we have no one to blame, but ourselves.”
REV. DR. RANDALL K. BUSH, of East Liberty Presbyterian Church, said, “The very foundations of our nation are under quest...when we step away from the things we value.. we become pawns to someone else’s business plan.”
The Pittsburgh Branch of the NAACP, along with the Coalition of Black Trade Unions, hosted a Get Out To Vote Rally, late last month, at Petra International Ministries, located at 235 East Gate Dr., in Penn Hills. Community leaders, activists, elected officials, clergy and youth were all invited to step to the podium to ignite a fire to inspire the Black vote in Pittsburgh.
Whether the reminders of the blessings of living in America or the emphasis of the ultimate sacrifice of our forefathers to grant Blacks the privilege, the question, “why should we vote?” was answered, either pointedly or in an animated fashion, by each speaker. Everyone in attendance was asked to motivate and assist others to get to the voting polls.