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Vol. 108 No. 44

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NOVEMBER 1-7, 2017

BREAKING HER SILENCE

Dr. Hacker says crack epidemic ‘did not get same health focus’ as opioid crisis

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62 of 89 homicides Black lives

Seven October homicides in Allegheny County

by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer

In the 1990s when crack cocaine use—and the attendant violence perpetrated by rival dealers—skyrocketed in Pittsburgh’s Black communities, the official government response was new laws, more police and longer jail sentences for possession of crack than powder.

Similarly, heroin use in the Black community was always a law enforcement problem. Now that opioid use has exploded throughout the nation’s White population, it is a public health problem.

Though that change in attitude was largely glossed over during the recent two-day “The Face of the person with an Addiction” symposium at Duquesne University (Oct. 26-27), sponsored by the School of Nursing, it was not unnoticed.

“I agree,” said Dr. Sharon Hacker, director of the Allegheny County Health Department.

“I was around during the crack epidemic, I did long-term stud-

by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer

JANICE WATKINS recently set up a GoFundMe account to help pay for medical expenses after she was allegedly attacked by the mother of a student at Pittsburgh King PreK-8.

PPS teacher Janice Watkins recalls alleged attack by student’s mother

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

It was an ambush, a fight. One that, according to Pittsburgh Public Schools teacher Janice Watkins, “felt like…forever.”

Nearly two weeks after Watkins was allegedly attacked and assaulted by a mother of a fourth-grade student from Pittsburgh King PreK-8 school, Watkins spoke publicly for the first time, in an interview obtained exclusively by KDKA-TV,

SEE HACKER A5

Oct. 30.

The story is known all too well locally, and even nationally. How could a teacher, who confiscated a cell phone of a student in her classroom as per district policy, end up in a rush to the hospital with severe injuries—caused by, allegedly, the student’s mother?

“I’m not really afraid, I’m scared. There’s a difference,” Watkins admitted during the KDKA-TV interview with reporter Marty Griffin. “It’s beyond surreal.”

Pittsburgh Police said 29-yearold Daishonta Williams, of the North Side, originally came to Pittsburgh King on Oct. 18 and confronted Watkins over the cell phone, and allegations that Watkins choked her 10-year-old daughter. Later in the afternoon, Williams allegedly followed Watkins near the West End Bridge, threw a brick through the window, hitting Watkins in the face.

Rob White Jr. honored with Police Community Brady Keys, ex-Steeler, entrepreneur, dies in NY Service Award Brady Keys Jr., Austin native and former student at Anderson High School, passed away from complications from a stroke in New York, at the age of 80.

Keys and his mother relocated to Los Angeles, Calif. when he was 14.

He graduated from Polytechnic High School in L.A. distinguishing him-

by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer

In 1983, after Rob White Jr. had just lost only his fifth professional boxing match—against 15 wins—and was waiting to hear about his next fight, his father, a Pittsburgh fire chief, handed him the application for the police force—and he hasn’t looked back.

In the intervening 34 years, White rose through various patrol and plainclothes assignments in the investigative branch to the rank of Detective First Grade. And along the way made continual outreach efforts to the community, and to youth, using the skills and knowledge he acquired in his previous boxing career.

On Oct. 27, White was honored by his peers, past and present, for his years of service to the city at state Rep. Ed Gainey’s fifth annual Police Community Service Award ceremony. As more than one speaker attending said, he’s still the champ.

“This is important to me, because we often only hear the bad,” said Gainey. “We need to honor these officers who do great things in the community—and Bob is one of the best I know.

self as an outstanding athlete. Following high school, Brady attended a junior college in L.A. and Colorado State University on athletic scholarships.

Keys was an NFL all pro defensive back with the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1961 to 1969. He was recognized as an outstanding defensive

SEE WATKINS A4

halfback and received AllPro honors in 1967 as one of the best players in the NFL. In 1969, he became the first Black franchisee of Burger King and in 1970 he became the first Black franchisee of KFC. He operated as many as 75 restaurants in cities across the country, SEE KEYS A4

BRADY KEYS

In October, six people were murdered in Allegheny County, and another from West Virginia died in a local hospital after her fiancée set her on fire. That perpetrator is in custody, as are three others. But that leaves three cases with, as yet, no known culprit. In seven of October’s homicides, six of the victims were Black.

OCT. 4—Belinda Cox, a

48-year-old Black female from Beckley, WV., died at the West Penn Burn Center from injuries she received after her fiancée, 47-year-old Dwayne Lane, doused her with gasoline and set her on fire Sept. 17. He is awaiting trial in Raleigh County, WV. OCT. 8—Alina Sheykhet, a 20-year-old White female Pitt student, was allegedly beaten with a claw hammer and stabbed to death in her apartment by her ex-boyfriend Mathew Darby, a 21-year-old Black male against whom she had a Protection From Abuse order and who had been released on bond despite pending rape and criminal trespass charges. He was arrested trying to break into a house in Myrtle Beach, SC. He is scheduled to be extradited back to Pittsburgh Nov. 3.

OCT. 11—Lezra Rice, a 15-year-old Black male from Braddock, was found by police in a Duquesne alley shot multiple times. He died late at UPMC McKeesport. Police have charged Thomas McKissick, 16, SEE HOMICIDES B7

Displaced Homewood HUD tenants want answers

by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer

TODD GRIFFIN, with his daughter Makeela, are current Homewood residents, but they may be forced to move soon. (Photo by J.L. Martello)

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For the third time in less than two weeks, residents of, until recently, federally subsidized apartments in Homewood met to see what options they have after being told on Oct. 11 they have to move—in 60 days.

They all asked the same question: Why weren’t we told earlier?

“I had just finished painting my kitchen, I’d already painted the other rooms—they (the landlord) wouldn’t give me paint, so I did it myself—When I got the letter two Saturdays ago,” said Yvonne Johnson.

“The letter was from Texas, told us to go to the YMCA, and that’s when they told us we had

Abdul-Hakim Shabazz says

to be out in 60 days.”

Now, she says, she and the other tenants are getting the runaround. They’ve been given a $100 travel stipend to search for new housing and $200 for application fees—but that’s it.

Johnson and others who attended an Oct. 26 meeting at the Community Empowerment Association in Homewood said the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh has not provided property listings—but even if they had, these residents now have to reapply for U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Section 8 vouchers, and some may not qualify.

Dorothy Kolling, 78, has lived SEE DISPLACED A5

A few more facts about police-action shootings Forum B6

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INTERNATIONAL

NOVEMBER 1-7, 2017

Liberian president leaves mixed legacy with ‘fragile gains’

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

This Week In Black History

Week of November 1-7 November 1 (TriceEdneyWire.com/GIN)—Li1604—William Shakespeare’s great play “Othello” berian President Ellen Johnson was first performed at Whitehall Palace in London. It Sirleaf winds up her presidential is the earliest known European play with a Black lead career this month with a major character. record of achievements as Africa’s 1866—America’s first Civil Rights Act is passed first female head of state. over the veto of President Andrew Johnson. In part, it The economy is four times its was Johnson’s opposition to such pro-Black legislation size when she took office in 2005. that led a group called the “Radical Republicans” to The national debt has been wiped seek his impeachment. Johnson had become president out, schools are being built and after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and adoptenrollment is up. The country is ed a wide-range of anti-Black policies. no longer beset by hostilities or 1910—Scholar and political activist W.E.B. DuBois rampaging child soldiers trained published the first issue of the NAACP’s monthly magW.E.B. DUBOIS by mercenary warlords during azine “Crisis.” DuBois decades of civil war. would later break with the NAACP charging that its Informally known as “Ma Elapproach to ending discrimination against Black was len,” her administration built or too “gradualist.” renovated hundreds of markets 1945—The first issue of Ebony Magazine was across the country for thousands published in Chicago by founder John H. Johnson. of “market women”—the Liberian Johnson died in September 2005. The magazine and president’s largest voting constitits sister publication, Jet, are now facing financial uency. difficulties and may be purchased by a group of nonWith help from the Association Blacks. of Female Lawyers of Liberia, she 1991—Clarence Thomas takes his seat on the drafted legislation increasing the United States Supreme Court after a prolonged conpenalties for rape. And in 2011 troversy over his alleged sexual harassment of former she received the Nobel Peace Prize co-worker Anita Hill. Thomas would go on to disapwith Leymah Gbowee and Tawakpoint much of Black America by rendering votes on kul Karman for their non-violent major issues, which many leading African-American struggle for the safety of women felt were anti-Black.

JOHN H. JOHNSON and for women’s rights to full par1999—Chicago Bears running ticipation in peace-building work. back great Walter Payton dies of cancer at the age of 45.

At her final address to the U.N. His power and grace on the football field led to his nickname LIBERIAN PRESIDENT ELLEN JOHNSON SIRLEAF General Assembly last month “Sweetness.” she summed up her legacy: “LiNovember 2 berian Women’s Political Forum, inspiring beria has remained stable, peaceful and 1889—The last great African king is crowned. Menelik II beother women to enter politics, but how secured”. came “Negusa Nagast” (King of Kings) of Abyssinia (Ethiopia). many will get elected?

But to her critics, these achievements At that time Abyssinia included not only present day Ethiopia In this year’s high-stakes elections, only were fragile gains or worse, woefully but parts of Kenya, Somalia and the Sudan. European colonial163 out of 1,026 approved candidates for lo- ism would weaken and reduce the size of the kingdom. Menelik inadequate. A major dent to her legacy cal office are women, including one running could trace his heritage back to King Solomon and the Queen of came in 2012 with the defection of her for president in a field of over 20 men—a close ally, Ms. Gbowee, who accused the Sheba of the Christian Bible. mere 2 percent increase since 2005. president of nepotism by appointing her 1903—Maggie L. Walker opens the St. Luke Penny Savings Meanwhile, the 78-year-old Johnson Sir- Bank in Richmond, Va. Walker was one of the most accomsons to high positions and for not doing WALTER PAYTON leaf says she will lecture, farm and read enough to address poverty. plished business women in Black American history having in retirement. She is also considering an “In her first term she developed infrafounded a bank, a newspaper, other businesses and a political party known as the offer of a fellowship from Georgetown structure,” Gbowee said. “But what good Lily Black. Constant refrain in her speeches was “Let us put our money together…

University. is infrastructure if people don’t have and reap the benefits.”

Election observers are betting on two enough to eat? The gap between the rich 1930—Haile Selassie is crowned emperor of Ethiopia and poor is growing. You are either rich or as the top contenders—George Weah of after the death of Ethiopian Empress Zawditu. Tracing his the Congress for Democratic Change, and dirt poor, there’s no middle class.” lineage back to the Bible’s King Solomon and the Queen She may have “broken the glass ceiling”, Joseph Boakai, vice president since 2006. of Sheba, some Blacks (most notably the Jamaican RastaFinal results to be announced Oct. 25. says Ruth Caesar, coordinator of the Lifarians) consider him a god. Selassie’s name prior to being crowned emperor was Raz Tafari.

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

November 3 MAGGIE LENA WALKER 1868—John W. Menard is elected to the U.S. Congress (TriceEdneyWire.com/GIN)—Diane Shima and was among the first group of Blacks to take a seat in that body during the ReRwigara, who took on Rwandan President construction period, which followed the Civil War. He defeated a White candidate in Paul Kagame in recent national polls, has Louisiana’s 2nd District. been arrested and sits in jail, charged with 1983—National Black political leader Jesse Jackson announces the first of his “offenses against state security and forgery.” bids for president of the United States. His campaign, at the time, is credited with “These charges are false; and nobody registering the largest number of Black voters in modern history. in Rwanda believes the validity of these 1992—Carol Moseley Braun, D-Ill., becomes the first Black woman elected to the charges,” said Rwigara’s brother, Aristide United States Senate.

Rwigara, who lives in the United States, 1992—James Clyburn becomes the first Black person elected to U.S. Congress speaking with Voice of America. from South Carolina since Reconstruction. He is now one of the most power people “It’s punishment to my sister because in Congress. she was running for president,” he deNovember 4 clared. “You don’t do that in Rwanda. You 1922—The entrance to King Tutankhamen’s tomb is discovdon’t exercise your constitutional rights.” ered in Egypt. Controversy reigns to this day as to King Tut’s A police spokesman said Rwigara and color. Many Black authorities claim White historians and museher mother and sister face charges of tax ums continue a historic practice of using representations of Tut JAILED—In this photo taken Sunday, May 14, evasion. Diane Rwigara additionally is ac- that lighten his skin and downplay his African features.

1872—P.B.S. Pinchback was elected to the United States women’s rights activist and presidential candidate cused of using fake documents while she Congress from Louisiana. He was one of the most colorful Diane Shima Rwigara, 35, is photographed at her was gathering signatures for (her) presidential candidacy. He said Rwigara had Blacks who took seats in Congress after the Civil War. His full home in Kigali, Rwanda. (AP Photo/File) failed to respond to three summonses. name was Pinckey Benton Stewart Pinchback.

President Kagame’s par1872—Blacks actually take political power in Louisity has faced criticism from ana. C.C. Antoine is elected lieutenant governor; P.G. Deslonde human rights groups for become secretary of state; and W.B. Brown becomes superinP.B.S. PINCHBACK harassing opponents and tendent of public education. Virtually all Black political gains using intimidation to stifle would be taken away as Reconstruction gave way to the Jim Crow period. dissent. After announcing 1874—The Democratic Party sweeps the off-year elections. At this stage in her candidacy, nude photos history the Democrats are largely an anti-Black political party. Their taking control of Rwigara appeared onof the House of Representatives helps pave the way for the end of Reconstruction line, which she denounced and the beginning of the racist Jim Crow period. as fake. Later, she was 1982—Scholar and educator Rayford Logan dies. He was one of Black America’s disqualified from appearmost prominent educators and historians, and the author of ing on the ballot due to an numerous books. He was also the longtime chairman of Howard alleged lack of signatures.

University’s history department.

Kagame later won that 1988—Entertainer Bill Cosby and his wife, Camille, give election with 98 percent of Spelman College $20 million—the largest gift by a Black the vote to secure a third couple to a Black educational institution in U.S. history. term.

1999—Daisy Bates dies at 84. Her efforts and leadership helped integrate public school education in America. Bates was prominent in aiding the “Little Rock Nine” a group of Black stuTHE dents that integrated Central High School in Little Rock, Ark. NEW PITTSBURGH November 5 COURIER 1867—The first Reconstruction Constitutional ConvenPUBLISHING COMPANY tion takes place in Montgomery, Ala. In attendance were 90 Whites and 18 Blacks. Reconstruction would bring forth a RAYFORD LOGAN period of tremendous political and educational advancement for Publication No.: USPS 381940 ex-slaves after the Civil War. But Reconstruction was significantly undermined by 315 East Carson Street the Hayes-Tilden of 1877 and the beginning of the anti-Black Jim Crow period.

1902—Etta Moten (Barnett) is born in San Antonio, Texas. She would become Pittsburgh, PA 15219 one of the first major African-American Broadway stars. She starred in “Porgy and Phone: 412-481-8302 Bess” and had a successful Broadway career.

Fax: 412-481-1360 1926—Negro History Week is started by Black historian Carter G. Woodson. It would later grow into the current Black History Month which takes place each FebThe ruary in the United States. In England Black History Month takes place in October.

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

1956—The Nat King Cole Show—the first Black hosted network television is published weekly variety show—debuts. The show began with just 15 minutes and later expanded to half-an-hour, but was pulled in 1957 for lack of advertiser support. periodicals 1968—Brooklyn, N.Y.’s Shirley Chisholm becomes the first Black woman elected paid at Pittsburgh, Pa. to the U.S. Congress. She would later make an unsuccessful bid for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination.

PRICE $1.00 1974—Walter Washington becomes the first elected mayor of Washington, D.C., as the predominantly Black city gains limited voting rights. Washington had de(Payable in advance) clined an earlier appointment to be the city’s commissioner because the proposal did 6 Months.....$25 not give him control of several city agencies including the police department.

November 6 1 Year....$45 1746—Absalom Jones is born into slavery in Sussex, Del. He becomes the first 2 Years...$85 Black Episcopal Church priest. Along with African Methodist Episcopal Church founder Richard Allen, he also founds a Black self-help group called the Free African 9 Month School Rate $35 Society. Jones dies in 1818.

1858—Samuel E. Cornish dies. Along with John Russwurm, he established the POSTMASTER: Send first black-owned and operated newspaper in America—“Freedom’s Journal.” The address changes to: newspaper’s famous motto was “We wish to plead our cause.”

1860—Abraham Lincoln is elected the 16th president of the United States.

New Pittsburgh Courier His opposition to the expansion of slavery prompted slave-owning states to succeed from the union which brought about the Civil War. Lincoln’s opposition to slavery 315 East Carson Street was more pragmatic than moral signified by his famous phrase—“A nation cannot Pittsburgh, PA 15219 exist half-slave and half-free.”

Rwanda jails women’s rights activist after presidential bid

Elaine Effort

Pittsburgh Profiles with KQV’s Elaine Effort sponsored in part by the New Pittsburgh Courier

Pittsburgh Profiles with Elaine Effort heard exclusively on Pittsburgh’s all-news radio station for 30 years

KQV 1410 AM and at WWW.KQV.COM Friday, November 3 at 7:30 P.M. Saturday, November 4 at 7:00 A.M.

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Remembering Fats Domino, the ‘architect of Rock ‘n’ Roll’

by Stacy Brown

song he both produced and co-wrote. Billy Diamond, his road manager, referred NNPA—Fats Domino, the to him as “Fats” because rock pioneer who inspired the name was a symbol of Elvis Presley, the Beatles importance, according to and countless other super- Domino’s website. stars, died Oct. 25 at his In 1986, Domino received home in Harvey, Louisiana. the Grammy Lifetime He was 89.

Achievement Award and Mark Bone, chief inveswas later inducted into tigator for the Jefferson the Rock & Roll Hall of Parish coroner’s office, told Fame. On Nov. 5, 1998, at NPR that Domino died of the White House, he was natural causes. awarded the National Born Antoine Domino, the Medal of Arts from then “Architect of Rock ‘n’ Roll” President Bill Clinton. enjoyed a career spanning By their own admission, five decades that included Domino’s influence played more than 25 gold singles heavily in the careers of and 65 million records sold. Presley and the Beatles.

His massive vault of hits Domino reportedly was includes “Blueberry Hill,” held in such high esteem “I’m Walking,” “Ain’t That that Presley refused to a Shame” and “I’m Walking answer to his popular to New Orleans.” moniker, “The King of Rock His unique playing style ‘n’ Roll,” when Domino was and unmistakable voice present. helped Domino to produce As in a 2004 interview the first rock ‘n’ roll record with AXS, Domino recountto ever sell more than 1 ed the first time he met million copies with the Presley.

1949 hit “The Fat Man,” a “I was playing at the NNPA Newswire Contributor

Flamingo Hotel [in Las Vegas] and I went to his room and played for him.

He used to call me ‘Mr. Blueberry Hill,’” Domino said. “I remember him telling me, ‘You know, Fats, I’m opening up tomorrow but when I first came here I flopped.’ I guess the first time he didn’t do good at all, but after he got back there it was all good because I was working there too, and every night it was sold out.”

In 1969, Presley returned to live performances after joining the military and when a reporter referred to him as the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll” during a press conference, Presley pointed to Domino, who was in the room, noting that Domino was “one of my influences from way back.”

Domino’s influence on the Beatles was noted when Paul McCartney wrote “Blue Monday,” a 1958 hit in which he credited the New Orleans native.

Domino was married to Rosemary Hall for 60 years and the two had eight children.

“Fats Domino, another gift from New Orleans,” Rev. Jesse Jackson tweeted in tribute to Domino. “An entertainer and caring man, he gave us many thrills on the ride to freedom.”

PIONEER—Fats Domino, the amiable rock ‘n’ roll pioneer whose steady, pounding piano and easy baritone helped change popular music, has died. (AP File Photo)

Award-winning actor Robert Guillaume dies at 89

by Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Contributor

Family members, friends and fans are grieving the loss of television and stage icon Robert Guillaume, who died Oct. 24 in Los Angeles.

Guillaume, 89, is survived by his second wife, Donna Brown, a son and three daughters.

“He was a pioneer and what he did with his role as [Benson DuBois] was give him integrity,” said actor, director and producer Shiek Mahmud-Bey, who wowed critics earlier this month at a New York Film Festival with his proposed new television series, ‘The Inner Circle.’ “What could have been just another servant or symbolically subservient minority, a butler role, he gave the world an extraordinary insight and exposed us to a human being. The invisible became viable and we all loved it.”

Anyone who watched “Soap” knew the brilliance of Guillaume, said Mariann Eperjesi-Simms, who hosts the Facebook page, “The Classic Movie Group.”

Born Robert Peter Williams in St. Louis in 1927, Guillaume began his acting career in the early 1970s when he made guest appearances on “Good Times,” “Sanford and Son,” and “The Jeffersons.”However, his recognition and place in popular culture was cemented when he portrayed Nathan Detroit in the first all-Black version of “Guys and Dolls,” which earned him a 1977 Tony Award nomination.

Later, Guillaume earned the distinction of becoming the first African American to sing the title role of “Phantom of the Opera,” doing so alongside a mostly, all-White cast.

Still, it was his role as Benson DuBois in the soap opera satire “Soap,” which also starred Billy Crystal, Roscoe Lee Browne, and Robert Urich, that made Guillaume a legend.

“The minute I saw the script, I knew I had a live one,” Guillaume said in a 2001 interview. “Every role

was written against type, especially Benson, who wasn’t subservient to anyone. To me, Benson was the revenge for all those stereotyped guys who looked like Benson in the 40s and 50s [movies] and had to keep their mouths shut.”

The character’s popularity grew so much that it led to a spinoff called, “Benson,” which lasted eight seasons and earned Guillaume an Emmy Award.“I always wanted kids of any background to understand the characters I’ve portrayed were…that the solutions they found were true and possible,” he said on his official website. “It has always been important to me to stress that there was no diminution of power or universality, just because my characters are African American.”

That resolve has always been appreciated by his peers and those who followed his career.

“I remember the ‘head [n**ger] in charge’ scene with Morgan Freeman, where he didn’t use his position to castrate another Black man on film,” Mahmud-Bey recalled of the 1989 hit movie, “Lean on Me,” that starred Guillaume and Freeman. “There was a disagreement and they got it out and agreed to disagree without division. That scene spoke volumes, because it makes you see how silly and easy you could lose someone important in your life over ego and small things.”

Mahmud-Bey continued: “As artists, we have a responsibility to be honest, not different, and that’s what Robert Guillaume gave us and we loved every bit of it.”

Guillaume, who won a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album for Children for his role as the voice of “Rafiki” in “The Lion King,” steered clear of Hollywood’s demeaning Black stereotypes and sought quality roles in which he could evoke his characters’ humanity, according to his obituary at Legacy.com.

Though today he’s remem-

ROBERT GUILLAUME

bered widely as a comedic actor, it was the musical theater that was Guillaume’s first love and gave him his entry into the acting world, the Legacy.com obituary said.

That entry took place in Cleveland, where, af-

ter completing his education in the music school at Washington University in St. Louis, he joined the Karamu Theatre and debuted in their production of “Carousel,” Legacy.com reported.

In the audience for one

of those “Carousel” performances was Oscar Hammerstein II, the critically acclaimed playwright, who penned the book and lyrics for the musical.

“It was an auspicious start, and Guillaume soon made his way to Broadway,

where he both toured and appeared on the Broadway stage.” Later, Guillaume would portray Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the movie “Prince Jack”; he also starred as Frederick Douglass on the TV miniseries “North and South.”

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NOVEMBER 1-7, 2017

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

PPS ‘deeply troubled by violent act’ against Watkins altercation.

Watkins spent days at Al“I told you I was going to get you, you dumb (ex- legheny General Hospital.

A criminal complaint pletive),” Watkins recalled Williams saying during the states that Williams, a few

WATKINS FROM A1

days later upon being arrested by officers, said: “I ain’t gonna lie. I did it.”

Williams is currently charged with multiple aggravated assault counts as well as stalking, making terroristic threats and recklessly endangering another person. She was denied $500,000 bond.

Vincent Beasley, who is Williams’ boyfriend, was also charged with aggravated assault and conspiracy by allegedly punching and kicking Watkins. Beasley denies those claims, stating he was trying to break up the altercation.

Since the Oct. 18 encounter, Pittsburgh Public Schools representatives have confirmed other incidents occurring at Pittsburgh King, without going into specifics. Other media reports stated a fifth grader had punched a teacher, and another student violently pushed a school security guard in the same week as

the attack on Watkins. In a statement released after the Watkins incident, the district said it was “deeply troubled by the violent

act against a teacher,” and that “violence of any kind against a PPS staff member or citizen is unacceptable, and the individuals responsible must be held accountable for such horrifying behavior.”

Last week, PPS superintendent Anthony Hamlet, PhD, visited Pittsburgh King, and told reporters, “We’re going to expedite some things here based

tional learning.”

Dr. Hamlet said “social and emotional issues,” and “trauma” that some students have undergone may be contributing factors to the events that transpired.

“Understanding that some outside environmental factors may affect students’ behavior,” he said.

“We really want the public to understand that we don’t condone this, it’s unfortu-

KEYS FROM A1

from God,” Keys said later.

Rooney never accepted repayment of the loan.

Brady received numerous honors for his business acumen and his contribution to the community. In 1973, Black Enterprise Magazine recognized his firm as the largest employer of Blacks.

In 2004, he was selected as the businessman of the Year in the state of Florida.

The Keys Group Company was ranked by Black Enterprise magazine as one of the nation’s top 100 owned Black businesses over several years. In 2005, he was featured in Time magazine for his work with schools.

Brady Keys Jr. is survived by many family members in Austin, Orlando, Albany, and the city of Los Angeles, Calif.

Two memorial services will honor Mr. Keys. This first is Saturday, Nov. 4 in Orlando, Fla. at Rejoice in the Lord Ministries (Apopka, Fla.). The second funeral service and burial will take place at Inglewood Park Cemetery Chapel, BRADY KEYS Inglewood, Calif. at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 9.

on the situations that occurred,” including moving to “hire individuals that’s going to seek out programming for social and emo-

“There’s so many awesome kids in that school, and half of them don’t know that they’re the awesome kids.”

JANICE WATKINS

nate, and we’ll support our teachers as much as possible,” Dr. Hamlet added.

During the Watkins interview on KDKA-TV, she said she took the student’s phone because there are rules that students must follow at school. “If she’s not taught rules, who cares if she can read and write if she can’t follow the rules.”

A GoFundMe account has been set up, named “The Watkins Family Fund,” to help with medical expenses. Over $3,000 has been donated in the week-plus that the account has been active.

Will Watkins return to Pittsburgh King? “I don’t know,” she said during the interview. But she did say that she holds her students in high regard.

“There’s so many awesome kids in that school,” Watkins said, “and half of them don’t know that they’re the awesome kids.”

Ex-Steeler Brady Keys dies at 80

including Harlem, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Detroit, Orlando, and many cities in Southwest Georgia to name a few. He also owned several other businesses including two radio stations in Albany, Ga. and Airport gift shops in Orlando Fla. In his biography, Football to Finance, Keys said 10 bankers turned him down for loans in the 60s, because they feared loaning money to a Black man. So Keys approached Steelers’ owner, Art Rooney Sr. who had been very supportive of his efforts both on and off the field.

Rooney loaned Keys the seed money to start ‘All Pro Fried Chicken’ on nothing but his word that he would repay the loan. “Rooney was sent

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NOVEMBER 1-7, 2017

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Rob White Jr. honored with Police Community Service Award WHITE FROM A1

Thank you.”

When Gainey created the award five years ago, he wanted it to be removed from politics. So, rather than his office choosing honorees, they are selected by the previous year’s winner. All the former winners were in attendance for White’s ceremony, as were co-workers, former

co-workers, family and admirers, including Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, state Rep. Jake Wheatley, D-Hill District, Pittsburgh police Chief Scott Schubert, Assistant Chief Lavonnie Bickerstaff, and former city police officials Maurita Bryant, assistant superintendent of the Allegheny County police, and Ophelia “Cookie” Coleman, Wilkins-

Two-Day event at Duquesne spotlights opioid epidemic HACKER FROM A1

ies on the children of addicted mothers—and no, it did not get the same health focus.

“That being said, there were nowhere near the numbers of deaths we are seeing now—there’s no denying this is an epidemic.

And while the increase in addiction has been driven largely by White males, we are now, in the last two years, seeing an uptick in Black and Hispanic populations.”

Dr. Hacker opened the seminar with a presentation on the extent of the opioid epidemic in Allegheny County, with state and national data. Perhaps the most telling statistics she provided concerned overdose fatalities—they have tripled in Allegheny County over the last few years from an average of just over 200 to 650 in 2016, and statewide overdose fatalities now outpace automobile accidents as the number one cause of death.

“The theory that the increase in deaths was driven by abuse of prescription drugs has been discounted,” she said. “This is being driven by heroin.”

Dr. Hacker also noted there are increases being seen in communities that are not historically impoverished and don’t have high violence of drug trafficking rates—Millvale and Penn Hills for example. She also noted that those at the highest risk for overdose are those who’ve recently been incarcerated.

“We found the highest overdose rates are for peo-

ple who been out of jail less than 30 days,” she said.

“The next highest rate was among those recently released from mental health or substance abuse treatment.”

In light of that, she reiterated her agency’s and the Human Services Department’s commitment to supporting MAT, Medication Assisted Treatment, because abstinence treatment alone is clearly not enough.

She praised Governor Tom Wolf ’s expenditures to get more naloxone— used to revive opioid overdose victims—into the hands of first responders. But even with that, things will likely get worse before they get better because of another drug—fentanyl.

“Even as cheap as heroin has become, fentanyl is cheaper and is 100 times stronger—and dealers in pressure to compete with others are adding it to their heroin more and more,” she said. “And now we are seeing another risk— carfentanil. It’s designed for used on elephants. It’s 100 times stronger than fentanyl and we’re seeing it cropping up in West Virginia.”

While government and policy directives are welcome—the fentanyl on the streets is manufactured on an industrial scale and brought into the country from China— Dr. Hacker said it’s not enough.

“A lot of what happens is going to be determined by what happens on the street—by community level work,” she said.

burg chief of police.

“When I first came on the job, you guided me, you mentored me, and I want to thank you for your 34 years of service,” said Chief Schubert. “You may have a hell of a punch—but you have a much bigger heart.

Thank you.”

White’s current supervisor in Narcotics and Vice, Sgt. Nathaniel Hawthorne, was one of many who said White was such a good detective because he was a good person who took the time to know people, what they did, where they shopped, played, ate, etc.

“When I want to know what’s going on, I ask Rob because he knows everybody,” said Hawthorne. “He got tips from everybody. We came on the job together back in ’83 and he always wrote everything down— so I made him do all the paperwork. But he always had my back and made sure we always got home.”

Bickerstaff said the same thing.

“I knew him before I came on the job from jogging in Highland Park—yeah, he knew everybody,” she said.

“He’s exceptional at community engagement. I remember working undercover with him one time, and I’m

DETECTIVE ROB WHITE JR., right, with state Rep. Ed Gainey, at the award ceremony. (Photo by J.L. Martello) looking around—and he’s out talking to everybody.”

Retired Allegheny County Homicide Detective Jimmy Cvetic, who has been using boxing as a means to reach at-risk kids for more than 20 years, said White was one of his biggest helpers and supporters.

“I’ve known him since he was 15 years old. He

climbed into that ring 70 times (as an amateur) and he was a champion,” said Cvetic. “I’m glad he climbed out. He made the right choice—and he’s still a champion.”

White thanked everyone for their kind words, and for their support and sympathy at the recent death of his father.

“Thank you, I never expected any of this,” White said. “You know, he got me into this. I didn’t think when he handed me that application, that was my last fight. I thought I would train while I was doing this job. Sometimes people can see things for you that you don’t. He did. He was my champ.”

Homewood HUD tenants want answers DISPLACED FROM A1

in her Kelly Street apartment for 17 years after being displaced from another housing community.

“I’m getting stressed out,” she told the Courier. “I can’t sleep. I don’t eat but half the time, and I still don’t know where I’m going to go.”

She isn’t alone. Several of the residents at the meeting had been moved to Homewood when East Liberty Gardens was torn down.

The reason these residents are in this position now is because HUD pulled the subsidies for their properties, affecting a total of about 100 families, because many of them were in squalid condition.

According to a press statement from Mayor Bill Peduto, on Sept. 14 HUD issued a final enforcement action against

Bethesda Apartments, which consists of 140 scattered-site units in Homewood, Larimer and Garfield. Bethesda is owned

by Homewood Residential LP of Long Island, N.Y., and managed locally by Aishel Real Estate of Wilkinsburg.

Aishel representative Chaim Davidson told media outlets two weeks ago that the company would work to keep people in their units until they find an alternative, and that he was not evicting anyone.

That is something, but single father Todd Griffin said people have known about this for some time, well before HUD issued its Sept. 14 determination.

“They could have told us in the summer and we could have had been in the process of moving before winter starts setting in,” he

said.

“I was getting ready to put my daughter Makeela in a new school but then I’d have to take her out. They should have been on point about this. I don’t even know if I qualify for a new place—I don’t even have a list of properties. I’m upset.”

According to HUD, it has hired Leumas Residential to act as the relocation contractor for the affected families. Luemas will work one on one with each household, HACP, and other resources to assist in this process. In addition to the $100 and $200 stipends, HUD will continue to hold meetings with residents to cover relocation services and timelines, and will also provide funding to cover security deposits—with leases presented—moving costs, funding for cost of

transferring utilities or for utility deposits if required, and preference for a Housing Choice Voucher if they qualify.

And the Housing Authority will assist residents with obtaining Tenant Protection Vouchers to help pay for new housing.

Mayor Peduto said he, state Rep. Ed Gainey, D-Larimer, and city Councilman Rev. Ricky Burgess and the housing authority are working together on other options to help the residents with relocation efforts. In the longer term, Peduto said his administration is also working with housing advocates and community organizations to obtain the properties, return them to suitable condition, and place them back into the affordable housing market.

(Courier photographer J.L. Martello contributed to this story.)

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NOVEMBER 1-7, 2017

HEALTH

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Take charge of your health today. Be informed. Be involved.

ESTHER BUSH

Precision Medicine This month, the “Take Charge of Your Health Today” page focuses on a new area of research—precision medicine. Jennifer R. Jones, MPH, CTSI community engagement senior coordinator, and Esther L. Bush, president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, discussed this topic.

JJ: Good morning, Ms. Bush.

Today we’re discussing an exciting new concept of health care called “precision medicine.” You and I have already had many conversations about this. I’m looking forward to sharing information with our Courier readers. I’m sure many people are wondering what we mean by “precision medicine.”

EB: You’re probably right, Jennifer. I know that at first, I didn’t uite understand precision medicine and its long-term goals. After many enlightening conversations and presentations, I boil it down to this—the medical community providing the best possible care for each person.

Care that is based on all the things that make us uni ue. Our genetics. Our family health history. Our daily behaviors. Our lifestyles. The medicine we take. What we put into our body. How we treat our body as we age.

JJ: Yes, Esther. Our bodies are complex. There’s still so much to learn. Our health is an overall expression of all the internal and external factors you have just outlined.

Some of the factors that influence our health we can change; unfortunately, some of them we cannot.

Dr. Massart really does a great job detailing the main points of precision medicine in the overview section below. Precision medicine is care that is tailored to you as an individual. It aims to have your care provider understand and treat you based on your genetics and your environment.

EB: This topic ties in with our topic last month—research and health e uity. We all want to know that when we go to the doctor, we’re getting the best care, no matter what we look like or what health conditions we have. I want to reiterate something. Health care is based on research. Health care and research are moving forward, whether we are a part of them or not. I choose to participate in research because I want to know that people like me are represented in the data when those health and treatment decisions are made.

JJ: I always appreciate your openness and honesty, Esther. You’re right. In the past, research has not always been inclusive, whether it is because of a lack of diversity based on age, race, gender, sexual orientation, or even where you live.

But things are changing. Former President Obama had a big vision when he announced the Precision Medicine Initiative in 2015. All across our country, the best physicians and researchers are focusing on learning more about all of us to improve health care. The research network is growing in our region, and it’s really exciting.

EB: I’m so glad that the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh can be a part of this through our partnership with CTSI. History is truly being made through this national initiative. I encourage everyone to learn more about precision medicine using the resource links provided on this page. We need to have informative and meaningful conversations in our families and communities about research. This is what the future of health care looks like for our children and grandchildren.

JJ: As always, thank you for your time and input, Esther. If anyone has uestions or would like more information about precision medicine, e-mail partners@hs.pitt.edu.

Our team is more than willing to come to your organizations, schools and churches to answer uestions and engage in meaningful conversations.

This year is winding down uickly Our December topic will examine cyberbullying. Unfortunately, this seems to be a growing problem, especially among our school-aged children and adolescents. We have experts here at Pitt who care deeply about this and are going to share research and current interventions.

VISIONARY MESSAGE—President Barack Obama delivers the State of the Union address in the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., Jan. 20, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Precision Medicine a new concept of individual healthcare

Doctors have always recognized that every reluctant to participate in research. Therefore, sometimes-long process of trying a medicapatient is unique, and doctors have always research has been done on limited patient tion, waiting to see if it works, moving on to tried to tailor their treatments as best they can populations. the next medication, waiting to see if it works to individuals. You can match a blood trans“For example, a lot of research on cholester- and so on. fusion to a blood type—that was an important ol medication has been done on middle-aged Because precision medicine involves the discovery. What if matching a cancer cure white men,” says Dr. Massart. “We wouldn’t use of personal information, people someto our genetic code was just as easy, just as know if that medication would have the same times have privacy concerns. Dr. Massart sta ar hat if fi uri out the ri ht ose of effect on, notes the Genetic Information Nondiscriminamedicine was as simple as taking our temsay, African tion Act (GINA) of 2008. It prohibits the use of perature?—Former President Obama, JanuAmerican genetic information in health insurance and ary 30, 2015, State of the Union Address women or employment. GINA provides some protection.

What former President Barack Obama is Latino men.

People from Southwestern Pennsylvania describing is precision medicine. With the So, we can’t have an opportunity to contribute to the precilaunch of the Precision Medicine Initiative in always base sion medicine momentum. Former president 2015, he helped bring to people of the United health care Obama, recognizing that we needed a much States a new concept of health care that is practices on broader and diverse research database, cretailored to the individual. the research ated the All of Us research program through Precision medicine means that doctors that has been the National Institutes of Health. PA Cares for will use patients’ medical histories, genetic done.”

Us is the local arm of the national program. information and relevant research to create a Precision The University of Pittsburgh was awarded a treatment plan designed for them. It will give medicine grant to recruit participants over the next five doctors the tools they need to best care for involves years. The goal is to recruit a truly diverse and treat their patients, says Mylynda B. Mas- getting as population—diverse in terms of geography, sart, MD, PhD, assistant professor of family much data as age, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, gender medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. She possible, from Mylynda B. Massart, MD, PhD identification, etc.—from Western Pennsylis also medical director at UPMC Matilda H. as diverse a vania. Participants will join a research netTheiss Health Center. patient population as possible. It allows docwork where they will provide access to their “If doctors know what diseases patients are tors to put research in context with a patient’s electronic health records, personal history, at risk for through genetic testing, we might personal information and create a treatment and bio samples (urine and blood for genetic be able to treat them in a way that would help specific to that person. Health care providers testing, weight, height, blood pressure, etc.). prevent those diseases,” says Dr. Massart. like Dr. Massart consider this a step forward in Participants will have opportunities over many “For example, people are at risk for cancer the practice of medicine. years to provide data about themselves that because they’re smokers. From research, Precision medicine also has the potential will help researchers learn more about how I know that smokers have a certain chance to positively affect the use of medications. individual differences in lifestyle, environment of getting lung cancer. But with precision Research is revealing more about how peoand biological make-up (such as genetic medicine, I might be able to tell patients that, ple’s genetic makeup affects their response background influence health and disease. based on their genetic information and family to certain medications the field of pharmaThis is expected to lead to new treatments history, whether they will get a disease like cogenomics). With this information and all tailored to individual patients. cancer. Having that data will allow health the data about personal history, doctors can Precision medicine is starting to be a part of care providers to talk specifically about their know right away which medicine will work best people’s health care. Dr. Massart says, “We’re patients’ health.” for an individual instead of going through the using genetic information to know patients’ Health care is based risk for having certain on research. Medicadiseases and how to tions are developed treat them (like testing a through research, under patient for a BRCA gene rigorous review and mutation, which can www.webmd.com/cancer/precision-medicine#1. indicate a higher risk for Are you interested in precision medicine and with people agreeing to Precision Medicine Initiative page in the White want to learn more? Check out the following participate in research cancer, if that patient has House archives, which includes testimonials and websites: studies. But, in the a consistent family hisstories about how this new area of research has PA Cares for Us Research Program explains the past, research did not tory of breast or ovarian helped individuals as they battle serious diseases local precision medicine initiative and how particialways include people cancers). We don’t have and cancer: from all racial and ethnic pants can help create a healthier future: global genomic informaobamawhitehouse.archives.gov/node/333101. https://pacaresforusresearch.org/. backgrounds. Also, tion being integrated into Questions about precision medicine can be Precision medicine experts have partnered with historically, people from many health systems e-mailed to partners@hs.pitt.edu. certain racial and ethnic WebMD to provide an overview of the topic at yet, but some are startbackgrounds have been ing that process.”

Learn More about Precision Medicine

Understanding the Ethics of Research

Did you know that there are many ethical principles that researchers must follow? This is to ensure that research is done in a way that minimi es risk and provides benefit to research participants. “Research” is a broad term for an organized way to gather information. The information is collected through the use of surveys, interviews, medical record reviews, tests or medical procedures. Research needs to provide valuable knowledge to benefit people. It also has the potential to improve the care or well-being of future generations.

The University of Pittsburgh takes research ethics seriously. Its Human Research Protection Office HRPO oversees all studies. The mission of this Institutional Review Board is “to protect and serve.” Each study is reviewed by multiple trained staff members to ensure that the study meets research ethics principles.

Recently, there have been national efforts to increase community engagement in research and demonstrate respect for cultural differ-

ences. When communities are involved in research and working with researchers, people can benefit from the shared knowledge.

Community involvement also gives people a voice in the direction of the research.

Judith Navratil, MA, CIP, is a faculty research liaison for the University of Pittsburgh Human Research Protection Office. Ms.

Navratil works with academic researchers to ensure that their research meets regulatory and ethical standards. She also gives presentations to community members, people working in academics and students on the importance of conducting ethical research.

She trains researchers and communities on how important it is for research to be e uitable. This means that the risks and benefits of scientific research are e ually distributed among all communities.

Ms. Navratil says, “Before joining the staff of HRPO, I worked for nearly 20 years as a research coordinator. I ran studies of children and teens with mental health issues. From this experience, I learned that research participants are the most important members of the research team. Without their willingness to share their experiences, advances in scientific knowledge would not be possible.”

If you would like to learn ore a out itt s visit www.irb.pitt.edu.

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

PEOPLE

Living long, and loving life

LORRAINE TURNER recently turned the big 8-0!

ARLENE POLK recently celebrated birthday number 90! And of course, family and friends were there for the momentous occasion.

Among those there for the celebration were comedian Brady Hill, son Patrick Polk, Arlene McDonald, Aubrae Martin, Deborah Moncrief, and so many more. The perfect way to celebrate Ms. Polk!

Courier photographer J.L. Martello was there to capture the event in pictures.

AUBRAE MARTIN, granddaughter of Arlene Polk, singing Polk’s favorite religious song.

THE BIRTHDAY GIRL, ARLENE POLK

Evelyn Horton shares the story of Lorraine Turner to the New Pittsburgh Courier; a Virginia native who found herself in Pittsburgh and has enjoyed it ever since.

Turner recently celebrated her 80th birthday with family and friends in Murrysville. Horton tells the Courier that Turner, as a teenager in the Hill District, was the subject of an outstanding photo taken by renowned photographer Teenie Harris. “The girl on roller skates,” which may be part of one of Harris’ exhibits at the Carnegie Museum. Later, Turner became an “extra” in movies, including “Wonder Boys” with Michael Douglas. Turner then became known as “Miss Extra-Ordinary.” Later she was in movies such as “One for the Money,” “We bought a Zoo” and “Don’t Back Down.”

Happy birthday, Lorraine Turner!

NOVEMBER 1-7, 2017

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ENTERTAINER New Pittsburgh Courier

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NOVEMBER 1-7, 2017

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

Roasting The #ConnectingKing

VERNARD ALEXANDER (Photos by J.L. Martello)

COMEDIAN DEIDRE LESESNE

The jokes and laughs were centered on Vernard Alexander, but it was all for a good cause. Proceeds from The Roast for Autism at The Spot in Penn Hills, Oct. 21, benefited the Autism Urban Connections Support Group, founded by Jamie Upshaw.

ED GAINEY

JAMIE UPSHAW of Autism Urban Connections Support Group

CHRIS “STEEL” EDMONDS

LATEENDA LEONARD SHERRILL, MARITA GARRETT

CHRIS HUGHES

SCOTT FLURRY

PEOPLE

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Hey… What’s a ‘Yowie?’

Fashion designer Kiya Tomlin teams with Ford to make popular Steelers fan accessory

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

Everyone’s asking, “What’s a Yowie?”

Simply put, it’s a multi-functional, unisex fashion accessory favored by sports fans, such as Pittsburgh Steelers fans.

One can wear it as a bandana, wristband, head wrap, scarf, sleeve, or anything else one can imagine.

But when it comes to designing one, leave it to the professionals—specifically, Kiya Tomlin.

Kiya, the wife of Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, is known for her “architectural, feminine clothing favored by women throughout the U.S.,” says a press release by Neighborhood Ford Store.

“When I was asked by Neighborhood Ford Store to consider designing the motif for this season’s Yowie, I knew there would be some strict logo-use guidelines because both the Steelers and Ford have strong brands,” Kiya Tomlin said in the release. “But I also thought the project would be interesting because strong guidelines really make you think more creatively about a design.”

Now, it’s a fan favorite,

KIYA TOMLIN, arriving to the Rock Steelers Style annual event, Oct. 20, in the Ford Expedition. as fans at Heinz Field get their own Yowie when they register to win the Official Truck of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

KIYA TOMLIN, speaking to the crowd at Rock Steelers Style, Oct. 20 at Stage AE. (Photo courtesy Pittsburgh Steelers)

(For more information about Neighborhood Ford Store and Kiya Tomlin, visit neighborhoodfordstore.com and uptownsweats.com.)

THE YOWIE!—This model rocks the “Yowie” as she cheers on her Steelers all season long. (Photo courtesy Neighborhood Ford Store)

NOVEMBER 1-7, 2017

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LIFESTYLES New Pittsburgh Courier

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NOVEMBER 1-7, 2017

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

Debbie Norrell

Lifestyles Report Who is Congresswoman Frederica Wilson?

A few weeks ago Congresswoman Frederica Wilson was at the top of every national news story. It all centered on the phone call made to the family of the late Sgt. La David Jonson. Wilson was very close with this family and happened to be with them when a call came from President Trump. There was a lot of inappropriate name calling, she was called “whacky” and an empty barrel. I was shocked at the childish banter. The whole incident made me want to know more about Wilson. I remember her HONOREES AND SUPPORTERS—Ted Jackson, Jacqueline Wilson, Bill Generett, Ja-Neen Jones, Ralph P. Watson, Frank Walker and Brian Catanzarite cameo appearance on The Real Housewives of Atlanta last year. She is never seen without a hat and she says she has more than 300 hats, the hats even have their own room. I would guess the St. John suits are somewhere nearby. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. She has spoken several times about her attire, specifically the hats. “It all started with my grandmother, whose Pauline M. Calabrese, Esq., name was Frederica also. by Debbie Norrell Brian Catanzrite, Esq., She wore hats and gloves. I Lifestyles Editor William Caye Esq., Daniel just wanted to be like her, so Friedson, Esq., Ken GormThe legal profession makes the world go I started wearing hats. I just like to dress up, I guess, and around. From magistrates to judges, at- ley, Esq., William Generett I got that from her,” Wilson torneys and paralegals, just about every Jr., Esq., Samir Sama, Esq., business is touched at some point in time the Honorable Edward told Roll Call in 2012.

Tibbs, Frank Walker II, After earning a Bachelor of by someone in the legal profession.

On Oct. 6, at the Marriott City Center, 10 Esq., Justice David Wecht Science degree in elementary education from Fisk Univer- individuals were honored for their exhibi- and the Honorable Dwayne sity and a Master of Science tion of service and professionalism to the D. Woodruff. With Pauline degree in elementary educa- community to both the legal profession M. Calabrese Esq. as mistion from the University of and the city of Pittsburgh. This year The tress of ceremonies guests Miami, Congresswoman Wil- Third Annual Salute to Legal Excellence enjoyed an evening of cockson worked as a teacher and presented by Classic Events! honored: tails, dining and the jazzy sounds of assistant educational coorvocalist Kea dinator for the Miami-Dade Michaels.

County Public Schools Head For those Start program. She quickly who had the rose to become principal of energy there Skyway Elementary School, was dancing which was recognized as one after dinner. of the best schools in AmerThe music ica in President George H. was providW. Bush’s “America 2000” ed by Billy C plan to upgrade national Productions. education standards. In adPattondition to participating in Mills is the two fact-finding missions Chair of the to Nigeria and passing two Allegheny resolutions, she has been a County Demleading voice in a daily, interocratic Comnational Twitter campaign mittee and HONOREE—Eddie Tibbs and Ralph P. Watson. (Photos by Debbie Norrell) to #BringBackOurGirls. The the author Florida lawmaker also creof “Hospiand The Business/Political ated “Wear Something Red tality Law” Forum.

Wednesdays,” a weekly photo ( P e a r s o n / The Honorable Ralph P. opportunity and press event Prentice Hall Watson has been an electwith congressional leaders Publishing). ed official serving as a and lawmakers. The initiaSalute to Wilkinsburg School Board tive helps to ensure the girls Legal ExcelMember, Councilman, are not forgotten by mainlence is one Democratic Committeeman taining media attention and of a series of and Commissioner. Curpressure on U.S. and Nigeevents prerently, he is vice-chairman rian officials to honor their sented annuof both the Wilkinsburg pledge to do all they can to ally by Ralph Democratic Committee and rescue them. A leading politP. Watson the Wilkinsburg Planning ical newspaper has dubbed and Classic Commission. He continues her relentless attention to Events!

The to serve on ad-hoc comthis human rights crisis schedule of mittees and economic de“Frederica Wilson’s War.” events invelopment boards that are She is founder of 5,000 cludes: Black driven towards community/ Role Models for Excellence, History Celebusiness development that which aims to keep young bration Dinexpands the plight of the African American boys ner, Ladies entrepreneur and hosts in high school and groom Who NetClassic Events! Entreprethem for success. I believe work, Youthneur Network on PCTV21, that Sgt. La David Johnson HONOREE—Dwayne Woodruff and Joy Woodruff p r e n e u r Comcast channel 21 and was a part of that program.

MISTRESS OF CEREMONY—Nancy Patton Mills W o r k s h o p Verizon channel 47.

Born in Miami, Congresswoman Wilson learned the value of public service and community activism from her parents. The late Beulah Finley Smith and the late Thirlee Smith Sr. were small business owners and civil rights activists. Her brother, the late Thirlee Smith Jr., was the first full-time African American reporter at the Miami Herald and a long-time educator for Miami-Dade County Public Schools, who was responsible for implementing African American history into the district’s curriculum. Congresswoman Wilson is widowed and the mother of three children: Nicole, LaKesha and Paul. She has five beautiful grandchildren.

Classic Events! Presents Salute to Legal Excellence

(Email Debbie at debbienorrell@aol.com)

HONOREE—Pauline M. Calabrese and Ralph P. Watson

HONOREE—William Caye

HONOREE—Samir Sama and Ralph P. Watson

RELIGION

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

NOVEMBER 1-7, 2017

Donnie McClurkin headlines Family and Friends Weekend

by Jackie McDonald For New Pittsburgh Courier

After listening to a riveting performance of inspirational singing from The Heritage Gospel Chorale of Pittsburgh, the expectant crowd began to applaud and cheer as internationally-known pastor and vocalist Donnie McClurkin took his rightful place at the Pentecostal Temple Church of God in Christ pulpit.

Pastor McClurkin, a prolific and profound minister of the Gospel, was invited by the Council of Christian Of Christian Men (CCM) to preach the initial sermon that began a Family and Friends Weekend, Oct. 20.

Pastor McClurkin’s unscripted message had no Biblical title or text, but the scripture quotes abounded as he impressed those gathered longing for authentic worship. He

stressed, “I have nothing I can offer you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified…I don’t want to just come to church, I want to be the church.”

Pastor McClurkin admonished everyone to forsake wickedness, repent and regain their passion for an honest relationship with God. He went on to ask a series of questions. “When did we forget that the title, Missionary, Evangelist, Elect-Lady, Trustee, Elder, Superintendent, Pastor... was not a promotion? But a demotion given by God to serve? When did we become so saved that we don’t bring our Bibles to church anymore? What happened to the zeal (fervor to praise God) and the brothers who danced before God? When did we lose the zeal to defend our faith and the teachings of holiness? We now play with the sacred

Praise & Worship ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH Crawford & Centre Ave. Pgh., PA 15219 412-281-3141

things as though it is some kind of Christian comedy.

We have become statesman (in church) waiting to be entertained.”

Upon invitation, many in the crowd quickly filled the large church altar to capacity to receive the prayer of repentance offered by Pastor McClurkin. And just when you thought his sermon had apexed, Pastor McClurkin transcended into his music ministry. A crescendo of traditional gospel lyrics was the segway into an impromptu concert that exploded into high praises to God. Host Pastor, Bishop Dr. Loran E. Mann and Evangelist Barbara Mann joined in the dance that lasted into the night.

Pastor McClurkin is founder and pastor of Perfecting Faith Church in Freeport, New York; a ministry that he started back in 2001 after PASTOR DONNIE MCCLURKIN, at Pentecostal Temple Church of serving as assistant to Bish- God in Christ in East Liberty, Oct. 20. (Photos by Jackie McDonald) op-Elect Marvin L. Winans at Perfecting Church in Detroit, Michigan. The ministry grew expeditiously from 200 members to more than 3,000 members and can be viewed regularly on the WORD broadcasting network.

Also during the Family and Friends Weekend, a healthy lunch was served during the free men’s health conference, Oct. 21, facilitated by Anthony Anderson, associate minister at the host church. Much

THE VIBRANT AUDIENCE at Pentecostal Temple Church of God in Christ, Oct. 20.

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dialog and literature was exchanged and many questions were answered as five Pittsburgh-area doctors shared health information in matters pertaining to men.

The Sunday morning (Oct. 22) worship service featured the men’s choir in song, and Apostle Larry C. Simmons, founder and pastor of New Generation Christian Fellowship Church in Champaign, Illinois, preached a sermon entitled, “Don’t Play the Fool.”

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...11:00 a.m.

Curious about Quakerism?

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

Pittsburgh Friends Meeting 4836 Ellsworth Avenue 412-683-2669

Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community!

For rate information, call 412481-8302, ext.

128.

THE HERITAGE GOSPEL CHORALE OF PITTSBURGH

TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEXT CHURCH EVENT! PASTOR DONNIE MCCLURKIN, left, with First Lady Barbara Mann, Bishop Dr. Loran E. Mann, and Dr. Jones.

We want to place your event in our

= MULBERRY PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY

NOVEMBER 4—Mulberry Community Church, 601 Wallace Ave., will celebrate the 2nd pastoral anniversary of Pastor Lawrence W. Smith and his family, at noon at the church. Guest speaker will be Bishop Jesse N. Gavin from Greater Calvary in Erie. For more information, call 412-583-6828.

MOUNT CARMEL ANNIVERSARY

NOVEMBER 5—Mount Carmel Baptist Church, 90

Church Circuit Port Perry Rd., North Versailles, continues its 93rd anniversary celebration with morning worship service at 10:45. Rev. Dr. Rahsaan Armand and his congregation, Mt. Zion Baptist in Clarksburg, West Virginia, will join Mount Carmel in worship. All are invited. For more information, call 412823-4049.

ST. JAMES COOKING FROM THE GARDEN

NOVEMBER 9—The Larimer Green Team will host Cooking From the Garden with Chef Art Inzin-

= ga, from 6 to 8 p.m. at St. James AME Church’s Sumpter Hall, 444 Lincoln Ave. Izinga is the culinary director at CCAC and member of the American Culinary Federation. Free admission, door prizes, and food samples. To reserve a spot, call 412-4411476.

Let us know about your next Church event! Send info to: religion@newpittsburgh courier.com, or send to New Pittsburgh Courier 315 E. Carson St. Pittsburgh PA 15219

Church Circuit weekly calendar!

Send info to: New Pittsburgh Courier 315 E. Carson St. Pittsburgh PA 15219 Or Email us! religion@ newpittsburgh courier.com

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NOVEMBER 1-7, 2017

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

BUSINESS New Pittsburgh Courier

It’s Allderdice vs.

Brashear for the title Sports B8

NOVEMBER 1-7, 2017

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

Classifieds

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

B

KENNETH I. CHENAULT

American Express CEO Chenault to retire

by Frederick H. Lowe For New Pittsburgh Courier

(TriceEdneyWire.com) —American Express Co. announced that Kenneth I. Chenault, chairman and CEO of the New York-based credit and charge card issuer, and one of the nation’s few top Black executives, will retire Feb. 1, 2018 after a challenging tenure that began in the very early days of his career in the company’s corner office.

Chenault’s first year in office was 2001, a difficult time for him, his senior management and the company because in September of that year, two passenger jets crashed into New York’s World Trade Center complex, where American Express is headquartered, instituting a new reality for the nation’s security and the business world that relied on the security. Some analysts believed that American Express was doomed but under Chenault, the company survived and later thrived.

The business on Wednesday reported a third-quarter net income of $1.4 billion on revenues of $8.4 billion. “We’re starting a new chapter from a position of strength and this is the right time to make the leadership transition to someone who’s played a central role in all that we have accomplished,” said Chenault, who will be succeeded by Stephen J. Squeri, who board members on Wednesday elected CEO and board chairman.

Squeri has been American Express’s vice chairman since 2015. Prior to that, he was Group President of the company’s Global Corporate Services Group.

Chenault earned a law degree from Harvard and an undergraduate degree in SEE CHENAULT B2

DROGA5 TEAM—In this Oct. 24 photo, members of the Droga5 team behind the recent CoverGirl campaign talk about that campaign during a meeting at the advertising agency’s headquarters, in New York. Creative director Ray Smiling, upper left, listens along with other team members as Shannon Washington, also a creative director, seated at center, makes her point. Diversity in the advertising industry is becoming a higher priority for consumer product companies as they try to reach a new generation of customers with evolving sensibilities on ethnicity, age, gender and sexuality. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

Companies are looking for diverse ad teams to avoid blunders

by Alexandra Olson The Associated Press

NEW YORK—CoverGirl executive Ukonwa Ojo was struck when the team from an ad agency entered the room to pitch ideas for revamping the cosmetic company’s image. For the first time in Ojo’s more than 20-year career in business, she found herself working with an African-American creative director.

That meeting would ultimately result in a marketing campaign that challenges conventional ideas about beauty. It features celebrity women from a spectrum of races, ages and professions, including Issa Rae of HBO’s “Insecure,” motorcycle racer Shelina Moreda, celebrity chef Ayesha Curry and dietitian Maye Musk, 69.

“To have an African-American creative director walk in the room and present this to me, I thought, ‘Oh, my God, this is amazing,’” said Ojo, who is Nigerian-Ameri-

can. “I think we can see the power of the work because of that.”

Diversity in the advertising industry is becoming a higher priority for consumer product companies as they try to reach a new generation of customers with evolving sensibilities on ethnicity, age, gender and sexuality.

Many companies have come to believe that having people with a variety of backgrounds in the room can not only produce a smarter marketing campaign but also help avoid the kind of blunders Kellogg and Dove were recently accused of in today’s politically combustible environment.

Despite efforts by Madison Avenue to ramp up recruiting of minorities, just 7 percent of the 67,000 people working as advertising and promotion managers in the U.S. in 2016 were African-American, less than 5 percent were Hispanic, and about 1 percent were of Asian descent, according to the U.S. Labor De-

partment. Women accounted for about 56 percent of managers in the industry.

In the case of CoverGirl’s makeover, which replaced the company’s familiar “Easy, Breezy, Beautiful” tagline with “I Am What I Makeup,” the team from the ad agency Droga5 had two black creative directors, Shannon Washington and Ray Smiling.

“The team that worked on this idea and this campaign came from very different backgrounds—from a male and female point of view, different races, different ages,” Droga5 CEO Sarah Thompson said. “I think that more than before, what’s important is getting that narrative, that story, right and really pressure-testing. Is it authentic? Is there anything that is going to be misinterpreted?”

On Wednesday, Kellogg apologized after the artwork on its Corn Pops cereal boxes was attacked as racist. The box shows

cartoon Corn Pops hanging out in a mall. The only brown one depicted is a janitor scrubbing the floor.

Dove was similarly criticized earlier this month over a commercial for a body wash. A short version of the video on Facebook showed a black woman taking off her shirt to reveal a white woman, who then removed her top to reveal a woman with a brown complexion. Social media users accused Dove of suggesting black skin is dirty.

Dove pulled the video, while Kellogg said new artwork for the cereal box will soon reach stores.

Neither Unilever, the company that owns Dove, nor Kellogg has said who was behind the content.

Other brands, including Pepsi, Gap and Nivea, have faced similar controversies.

Ojo, who before joining CoverGirl was senior global director at SEE DIVERSE B2

Blacks often pay higher fees for car purchases than Whites It’s that time of year again when auto dealers try to make room in their showrooms and lots for next year’s models. The seasonal clearance sales that come right before the holidays are just as tempting as ever, beckoning consumers to get that proverbial ‘new car fever.’

But don’t let those shiny new cars blind you from the facts of a major consumer purchase. After mortgages and student loans, auto sales take a big bite out of your pocket and available credit.

A new analysis of car sales data reveals that many consumers are being charged triple-digit mark-ups on purchases that include a lot of questionable add-on products that cost consumers a bundle and reap major profits for dealers.

A new policy analysis by the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC), examined sales and financing practices widely used by car dealers. Aggressive sales of add-on products were frequently offered at inflated prices. Additionally, these same products and services are usually available for consumers to purchase more cheaply on their own. When these items are added to the financing of the vehicle, consumers end up padding the costs of finance, making the debt more costly than necessary.

After analyzing data on the sale of three million add-on products sold on 1.8 million vehicles from September 2009 through June 2015, these add-on costs were both unreasonably high and varied at the dis-

cretion of the dealerwill eventually pay ship as to the price Charlene Crowell far more than the levels that would be vehicle is actualcharged. ly worth. Not only “Our analysis that, the amount of demonstrates the mark-up that boosts negative consethe dealership’s quences of opaque profits would be far and inconsistent cheaper and affordpricing of auto addable if the consumer on products and the secured them indeurgent need to bring pendently. To make transparency and these products and consistency to this market,” said John W. services appear affordable, the length of Van Alst, the report’s primary author and the auto loan is often extended to 72 or 84 director of NCLC’s Working Cars for Work- months—or even longer. The longer the ing Families Project. auto loan, the more likely that the conHere’s how the unfair pricing and add- sumer is getting a bad deal. ons occur: NCLC also cites previous research by After a consumer settles on a price of a the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) vehicle, he or she is then told to see the fi- that determined car buyers who financed nance and insurance (F&I) representative vehicles at the dealership in 2009 paid to review terms and sign the purchase. $25.8 billion in interest rate mark-ups.

What few consumers know, is that many That same study also found that more dealers pay its F&I personnel on a com- than half of Black car purchasers—54 permission basis. Hence, the more costs add- cent—were also charged loan kickbacks, ed to the vehicle purchase, the more these compared to only 31 percent of Whites. employees earn. Other dealers, according In 2014, a CRL consumer survey also to NCLC, pay a higher percentage commis- found that Black and Latino car buyers sion as the F&I profits increase per vehi- purchased more add-on products than cle sold. Sometimes car sales representa- other consumers after being told that the tives receive a commission on the cars sold additional items were required to finalize and additionally, a portion of the add-ons, the deal. As a result, although consumers sometimes known as “back-end” products. of color reported trying more than othIf consumers accept all the options of- er consumers to negotiate a fair car deal, fered by F&I, the likelihood is that they they still wound up paying more for their

Commentary

purchases than similarly-situated white consumers.

Here are two of the most- costly add-on costs that NCLC found to be the most expensive for consumers: Window etching is marketed by dealers as a deterrent to theft or making it easier to identify and recover a stolen vehicle.

Usually, a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) already appears in multiple places on the vehicle coming out of manufacturing.

Similarly, Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) is almost a certain sign of having paid too much for the vehicle. Should a vehicle be stolen or wrecked, the consumer’s collision or comprehensive insurance coverage is usually limited to the market value of the car and not the amount still owed. Consumers, however, are still held liable for the vehicle’s negative equity. GAP products are sold to hold the consumer harmless between the differing amounts.

Unfortunately, few consumers ever receive what was promised with these products.

Some do not cover the deductible on the consumer’s collision or theft coverage.

Taken together, the combined average markup on GAP and etch products was 170 percent. By comparison and according to the National Automobile Dealers Association, new car sales in 2015 had an average markup of 3.4 percent.

“For many Americans, affordable car SEE FEES B2

B2

BUSINESS

NOVEMBER 1-7, 2017

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Companies are looking for diverse ad teams DIVERSE FROM B1

Unilever, said her former company “always had the best intentions,” but “as humans we always have the opportunities to make a mistake.” She added: “It can minimize the chances if you have the right people around the table.”

Related Articles •October 27, 2017 Theater review: “Smart People” at the Ricketson is funny, observant and biting •October 19, 2017 Philando Castile was shot by a police officer. An effort to pay kids’ lunch debt now carries his name.

•October 16, 2017 White men rule the business world. They still feel left out at work.

•October 15, 2017 “Take a knee” comes to Germany through Hertha solidarity •October 13, 2017 Hot off Disney’s “Frozen” and its $30 million impact, Denver Center’s president looks to future Having more diversity around the table is seen as a safeguard at a time when companies are under pressure to produce lots of video and other marketing content quickly and cheaply for Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat, often

DIVERSITY HIGH PRIORITY—In this Oct. 23, photo, pedestrians walk by advertising for the Armani Exchange store on New York’s Fifth Avenue. Diversity in the advertising industry is becoming a higher priority for consumer product companies as they try to reach a new generation of customers with evolving sensibilities on ethnicity, age, gender and sexuality. (Photo by Mark LennihanThe Associated Press) with no time to test every- that.”

Aside from trying to dithing out on focus groups.

“In the good old days, you versify their own ranks, would have the time to some marketers are turntake your TV ad or print campaign and do further testing. You would see how they are rating A and B ad,” said Gene Fischer, senior vice president of media innovation at Publicis Health Media. “The world of social media doesn’t allow for

ing for help to small agencies that cater to specific ethnic groups. Being Latino, a social media market-

ing company, has crafted ads for Bud Light, Snickers and Coca-Cola.

“My entire company, every employee comes from the culture that we are trying to appeal to,” said Being Latino founder Lance Rios.

“We know the do’s and the don’ts.”

Tiffany R. Warren, chief diversity officer at Omnicom, the parent of the some of the nation’s biggest advertising agencies, got her start in 1997 through an industry program to recruit top minority students out of college. Since then, however, she has often been the only black woman in the room.

“I know my presence in the room had led to a lot of meaningful conversations and led to creative products that were more culturally sensitive,” said Warren, who is also founder of the nonprofit group ADCOLOR, which promotes diversity in the creative fields.

Chenault to retire

CHENAULT FROM B1

history from Bowdoin College. But what he faced during the first year of his tenure as CEO wasn’t a case study he could refer to in text books at the time.

On Sept. 11, 2001, shortly after Chenault took over, two jets hijacked by Islamic militants crashed into New York’s World Trade Center, heavily damaging American Express’s world headquarters and killing 11 employees.

Chenault guided American Express after the 9/11 terrorist attacks that damaged American Express’s headquarters and killed employees. A plane can be seen flying toward a second tower. Chenault was working in Salt Lake City. He ordered his senior management to meet in his New York City apartment to determine a plan going forward.

“Spending on the travel business was in disarray and spending was dropping. Many people were writing us off. Still, the company had to lay off 15,000 workers. It tested us at the highest levels,” Chenault said. Since American Express could not use its headquarters building, the company’s employees were dispersed to three

separate locations in the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. All the employees met in Madison Square Garden where Chenault spoke to them. “I told my management team that it was our job to lead this organization,” Chenault said during a 2016 interview. Warren Buffet, chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, American Express’s largest shareholder, praised Chenault’s tenure.

“He led the company through 9/11, the financial crisis and the challenges of the last couple of years.

American Express always came out stronger. Ken never went for easy short-term answers, never let day-today challenges distract him from what was right for the moderate and long term.”

Chenault, 66, joined American Express in September 1981 as Director of Strategic Planning. In 1989, he was named president of the Consumer Card Group and 1993 he became president of Travel Related Services, which included all of Amex’s worldwide card and travel business in the United States. He was named president and chief operating office in February 1997.

Blacks pay higher fees FEES FROM B1

ownership is not a luxury, but a necessity,” noted Delvin Davis, a senior researcher with CRL. “People need reliable transportation for employment, personal business, health care and more. Making car more expensive with marked-up

add-ons deepens the debt incurred while increasing the likelihood that they really paid too much.”

(Charlene Crowell is the deputy communications director for the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending. org.)

REV. JESSE JACKSON SR., the founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition (at the podium), called for a “full-scale boycott of BMW,” during the 2017 Rainbow PUSH Coalition Global Automotive Summit in Detroit, Mich. (Freddie Allen/AMG/NNPA)

Rev. Jesse Jackson calls for ‘full-scale’ boycott of BMW

by Freddie Allen For New Pittsburgh Courier

(NNPA)—Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr., the founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, called for a “full-scale” boycott of BMW, the German automaker, for refusing to reply to the survey for the group’s annual diversity scorecard.

Not only did BMW refuse to complete the survey, the German automaker also refused to meet with the civil rights leader.

Jackson made the announcement, during a press conference at the 2017 Rainbow PUSH Coalition Global Automotive Summit.

“The diversity scorecard was developed in 2012 to provide a snapshot of each manufacturer’s success at building and sustaining ethnic diversity and inclusion, with a primary focus on people of color,” the survey’s report said.

Jackson said that he met with all of the automakers that participated in the survey.

The diversity scorecard participants included: Ford Motor Company; Toyota Motor North America; General Motors; Nissan North America; Hyundai Motor America; Fiat Chrysler Automobiles; Honda North America; Subaru of America; Kia Motors America; Mercedes-Benz USA and Volkswagen Group of America.

The automakers answered questions about employment, advertising, marketing procurement, minority dealership opportunities and philanthropy.

The auto companies that reflected best practices for ethnic diversity established by the Rainbow PUSH Automotive Project, an initiative of the Citizenship Education Fund, earned green scores.

Red marks indicated that diversity initiatives and investments were non-existent, not disclosed, or the company didn’t provide enough relevant information for scoring.

Ford and Toyota earned tops scores for employment, advertising, marketing, procurement and philanthropy. General Motors scored green in employment, marketing, procurement and philanthropy.

At the other end of the spectrum, Kia Motors America, Mercedes-Benz USA and Volkswagen earned failing grades in advertising, marketing and procurement and yellow scores, which indicate some progress in diversity, for employment, dealership diversity and philanthropy.

BMW earned red marks in all categories, because they refused to reply to the survey request.

According to Jackson, that refusal showed the company’s contempt and resentment towards the Black community.

“We are in a different stage of our civil rights struggle,” said Jackson. “The first stage of our struggle was to end legal slavery; the next phase was to end legal Jim Crow; the third stage was the right to vote.”

Now, that the Black community brings money, market share, talent and experience to the table, Black businesses should be seen as partners, Jackson said.

“We trade for with you, you trade with us,” said Jackson. “There is more to the car than the ride.”

The civil rights leader called for “a full-

scale boycott of BMW” until the company agrees to meet with the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and works out “a mutually beneficial trade relationship.”

Jackson said that Blacks account for more than 10 percent of purchases of the company’s luxury models.

According to a 2014 poll by Strategic Vision, a research and consultant firm based in San Diego, Calif., BMW was the brand that was most often cited as a future vehicle purchase for African Americans.

“If you have a BMW, we urge you to get another car. If you don’t have one, don’t plan on [buying one],” said Jackson. “We’re saying to the auto industry, ‘we’ve worked too hard and consumed too much, to be locked out.’”

Jackson said that the Black community wants equity, parity and mutually beneficial, reciprocal business relationships across all business sectors, a message that he plans to convey through a partnership with the National Newspaper Publishers Association, a trade group that represents more than 200 Black-owned media companies. NNPA media outlets reach more than 20 million readers in print and online every week.

Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., the president and CEO of the NNPA, recognized that some people will question why the Black community and its allies should support the BMW boycott.

“The real question is: Why did BMW decide to boycott the diversity report card?

It’s an insult!” Chavis exclaimed. “What is BMW hiding? Why isn’t BMW joining the rest of the auto sector in responding to the report card?”

Dorothy Leavell, the chairman of the NNPA and publisher of the Crusader Newspaper Group, said that the diversity scorecard is very important, because there are companies that say that they do business with the Black community, yet, the scorecard proves that they don’t.

Leavell said that when it comes to promoting ethnic diversity and inclusion and economic equity, obviously BMW doesn’t have anything to show.

“To insult an organization like [the Rainbow PUSH Coalition], to not even respond to very valid inquiries, means that BMW should be boycotted,” said Leavell. “Our people should know what kind of business BMW conducts.”

USA Today reported that Strategic Vision also found that Blacks said that a manufacturer’s reputation was “extremely important” 61 percent of the time; White consumers said that a manufacturer’s reputation was “extremely important” 50 percent of the time.

“Instead of investing in a company, like BMW, that doesn’t care about them, Black people should be doing business with automakers that do,” said Leavell.

Leavell noted that economic boycotts have been successful in the past in getting companies to change their business practices.

“It’s always been the pocketbook,” said Leavell. “I think that we forget that sometimes, so maybe this is a good time to remind them.”

BUSINESS CALENDAR Training Event

NOV. 6—The Duquesne University Small Business Development Center will host the AARP Foundation’s Work for Yourself@50+ program designed to help lowand moderate-income adults above age 50 gain the knowledge, support, and resources they need to take the right first steps toward successful self-employment, 5 to 7 p.m. at the Riverside Center for Innovation, 700 River Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. Topics covered include: A careful consideration of the potential and perils of working for yourself; Exercises to help develop the self-employment idea; A realistic overview of what it takes to pursue a self-employment opportunity, and more. Attendees will also receive 72-page workbook and resource guide.

Cost is $15. For more information, call 412-396-6233.

Sales Boot Camp

NOV. 8—Join Duquesne University’s Small Business Development Center for a one-day interactive workshop, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Rockwell Hall, Room 108, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219. The seminar will help jumpstart your sales and offer proven methods for finding new customers, capturing their attention and getting them to commit to the sale. Topics include: Cold calling, networking; getting the asking price; handling objections; post-sale and retention, and more. Cost $399. For more information call 412-3966233.

Digital Marketing Workshop

NOV. 8—The African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania will host a panel discussion and workshop on the impact and importance of digital marketing, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Koppers Building, 436 Seventh Avenue, lower level, conference room 4-H. Panelists will include Soul Pitt Media CEO Donna Baxter Porcher, Savvy Group Digital Strategy Director Damien Hassan and VIS Project Media President Tah Yogo. Cost $10 for members, $20 for non-members, includes a box lunch. For more information, call 412392-0610.

Training Event

NOV. 10—The Duquesne University Small Business Development Center presents First Step: Business Start-up Essentials, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Rockwell Hall, Room 108, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219. Topics covered include: Business structure; Fictitious name registration; Insurance; Taxation, and more.

Cost $25. For more information, call 412-396-6233.

Tech Workshop for Entrepreneurs

NOV. 14—The Chatham University Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship presents a 3D and Laser Printing Workshop for Entrepreneurs, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Entrepreneurship Hub on the Eastside campus, 6585 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, 15206. 3D printing enables produces complex (functional) shapes using less material than traditional manufacturing methods. Laser etching is the process of using a laser beam to permanently cut an image or pattern into a hard material, such as glass, wood or metal. Workshop attendees will learn how to apply these tools and processes to a product-based small business or startup idea. Cost $20. For more information, call Nazli Saka at 412-365-1384

Fiscal Reporting Workshop

NOV. 16—The African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania will present “How to Successfully Prepare for the Fiscal Year End,” 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Koppers Building, 436 Seventh Avenue, lower level, conference room 4-H. The presentation by John Stillwaggon CPA, president of Stillwaggon & McGill, LLC. will cover end-of-year accounting needs including: selecting a fiscal date, pro ecting finances, and year-end bonuses. Cost $10 for members, $20 for non-members, includes a box lunch. For more information, call 412-392-0610.

OPINION

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

NOVEMBER 1-7, 2017

B3

The opioid crisis vs. crack, heroin— why aren’t they treated equally?

Our View

Judge Dwayne Woodruff— the right choice for PA Supreme Court The New Pittsburgh Courier, everyone knows, is an African American publication. “America’s Best Weekly.” “The Voice of Black Pittsburgh.” The slogans go on and on.

So, like Antonio Brown catching a pass for the Steelers, some would say it’s a sure bet that the African American newspaper of record would endorse Judge Dwayne Woodruff, an African American Democrat seeking a seat on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

However, just like Barack Obama, American Express CEO Ken Chenault, and Oprah, there are worthy, meritorious candidates in the world of business and politics who, while African American, have credentials that any person would cherish.

The New Pittsburgh Courier is officially endorsing Judge Dwayne Woodruff for PA Supreme Court Justice in the upcoming Nov. 7 election. And it’s for many more reasons besides his skin color.

First things first. You’re not going to find too many people who could play professional football…and practice law at the same time. He did this with the Meyer Darragh firm from 1988-1990, while of course playing for the Steelers.

Some players have trouble staying out of trouble with the law, let alone practice the law.

This feat already shows Judge Woodruff’s passion, and ability to execute at a high level on many fronts. He later became a founding partner of a firm, and won a seat on Allegheny County’s Common Pleas Court in 2005. Since then, he’s worked in the juvenile division of its Family Court. Additionally, Judge Woodruff co-chairs the National Campaign to Stop Violence’s “Do the Write Thing Challenge”—described via his website as a unique initiative which gives middle school students the opportunity to communicate their thoughts on the impact of violence in their lives and to make personal commitments to reduce violence.

He was one of four PA Judges appointed by the PA Supreme Court to the Interbranch Commission on Juvenile Justice. There, he made recommendations to the state following the Luzerne County “kids for cash” scandal nine years ago.

Those who may vote for Judge Woodruff’s opponent, Justice Sallie Mundy (a Republican), cite her expansive career in the field, including public defender, plaintiff’s attorney, member of the state Superior Court—not to mention she was appointed to the state Supreme Court in 2016 to replace the ousted Justice Michael Eakin. Judge Woodruff, they say, lacks experience at the appellate level, but sometimes there’s a newfound strength in electing a different voice, a different perspective to the table.

We don’t just believe—we know firsthand that Judge Woodruff is caring, understanding, a listener and a thinker.

There have been countless events that we’ve seen Judge Woodruff in action, not campaigning, but being a valued addition to our community.

For the record, there’s only been one Black person elected to the PA Supreme Court—Robert C. Nix Jr. in 1972.

Two other African Americans were appointed—Justice Cynthia Baldwin, McKeesport’s own, retired in 2008. There are 19 states in these “United” States that have yet to elect an African American to their state Supreme Court. That’s a shame, but not all the way surprising.

Don’t let this Nov. 7 come and go because an African American is not running for U.S. President. There is a vote that you must cast, and it’s for Judge Dwayne Woodruff. Be in his corner, because we know he’s sure to be in yours.

Founded 1910

Rod Doss Editor & Publisher Stephan A. Broadus Assistant to the Publisher Allison Palm

Rob Taylor Jr.

Jeff Marion

Office Manager

Managing Editor

Circulation Consultant

John. H. Sengstacke

Editor & Publisher Emeritus (1912-1997)

On Thursday, Oct. 26, the president declared opioid abuse a national public health emergency—a move that allows the federal government to move more quickly while allowing states more flexibility in expanding the use of telemedicine treatment.

He did it with full support by the Democrats, Republicans, and governors throughout the country.

This brings about the questions. “Are the thousands of people arrested and jailed for use or sell of cocaine, heroin, or crack-cocaine going to be released now that drug addiction is a disease?”

Yes, that is what it is being called—a disease—now that White middle-income Americans are dying.

Many states, including Pennsylvania, have already started addressing opioid addiction as a disease, which means…users are supposed to be treated as patients with a disease instead of criminals to be jailed? Maybe? No clarity has been made yet.

“Addressing it will require all of our effort, and it will require us to confront the crisis in all of its real complexity,” President Trump said.

“As Americans, we cannot allow this to continue. It is time to liberate our communities from the scourge.”

Some numbers by the CDC show that 64,000 people died from overdoses last year, which averaged out to be about 100 per day.

Looking at our history there has always been a drug crisis in this country of one kind or another, but not to this degree with deaths being so high, especially White middle-income deaths. Before it was mostly Blacks, Latinos and low-income Whites.

It got so bad that in 1971 President Richard Nixon declared the first War on Drugs which led to millions, mostly users, being jailed for use or selling drugs. But it did little to easing the demand and sale of drugs to the point that in 1995 President Clinton and the Congress, both Democrats

do just about anything to get rid of the pain. So sometimes the continued use of the drugs is not because they are addicted but because nothing else relieves the pain.

Americans consume more illegal drugs than any other country, yet they have a record number of people in jails and prisons on drug-related charges and nothing is changing. So, it’s time to look at the entire drug and Republicans, the House and Sen- problem in this country, not just the ate passed even more laws which led opioid crisis. to packed jails, yet the demand and Yes, I know there is a record numuse of drugs continued to climb. ber of White middle-income AmeriLooking at the history of drug crisis cans dying but there’s an extremely in America—the first crisis came high number of Blacks and Latinos after the Civil War when painkillers dying from drug-related reasons, inwere in short supply, soldiers and cluding gunshot wounds from selling others became addicted to morphine it on the streets. after using it to take away the pain Why is there such a demand in this from wounds of war. country? I understand the need for In the late 1900s heroin was creatrelieving pain but that is not the only ed to cure the morphine addictions. reason, unless we include the pain In the late 1800s and early 1900s of a life of poverty with no way out, cocaine was used for various cures and stop blaming outside countries including morphine addiction. It led like Mexico, we are not going to put a to President William Taft calling it dent in the drug problem. the worst drug crisis this country has The best way to solve the problem ever known in 1910. is to legalize drugs—that way the Most drug epidemics over the government has more control of them past two centuries were sparked both as they are manufactured as by pharmaceutical companies and well as distributed. physicians pushing products that Everyone in jail for use of an illegal gradually proved to be addictive and drug should be released immediatedangerous, said the CDC in an Asso- ly, and the laws reviewed as to how ciated Press story by Mike Stobbe. In much time sellers receive, if any. the 1800s the drug was often opium, However, if they are legalized, which usually sold as a liquid in products most were at one time, there would like laudanum, and given to patients be far less violence on the streets for pain or trouble sleeping. because these drugs would be sold at Heroin faded in the late 1960s and Rite Aid, CVS, Giant Eagle, Target, early 1970s with crack replacing it as Walmart and other drug stores. the drug of choice. Now the drug of Why should an adult 21 and up be choice has moved back to heroin. told he/she can’t use drugs if he/she The history of drug addiction apchooses it to relieve pain, or for the pears to be linked to pain relief. But pleasure of the HIGH it’s going to is it really an addiction or disease? give them. As long as the risks are Having suffered through serious pain explained to them like cigarettes.

(Ulish Carter is the former managing editor myself and knowing people who are living with it now, most people would of the New Pittsburgh Courier.)

Ulish Carter

Just Sayin’

#45 Hates Women (TriceEdneyWire.com)—#45 hates women! It probably was not necessary for me to say that, but if you didn’t already know it, we now know that #45 hates women—and he’s off the chart in his hatred of women of color. Never mind that Black women have been acknowledged as the best educated in our nation—something we’ve known all along, while one of #45’s professors said he was the dumbest student he ever had. We don’t brag about our education. We just continue using our education to serve our people in need.

We, women of color, had #45’s number during the 2016 Presidential campaign. We saw clearly who he said he was when he bragged about his sense of entitlement when it comes to his groping women, and we believed him. We believed him to be the kind of person he was recorded saying he was. That’s why a majority of all women of color voted against him. Unfortunately, a majority of our White sisters voted for #45 despite what they knew about him.

Now, he’s wrecking the world for them as well as for us. #45 has no problem being a big bad bully, being racist, homophobic, narcistic, untruthful and being openly disrespectful toward anybody who disagrees with him. The immature name calling has exceeded all sense of decency and is so far below standards we should see from the President of the United States.

What more does it take for the 53

Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.

Commentary percent of our White sisters who betrayed us and voted for #45 to see the light? Whatever fault one may find with Hillary, she ran circles around him during the campaign.

He couldn’t touch her life of public service or her caring for the least of God’s people. To cover up his own shortcomings, #45 continues to taunt her by describing her as “Crooked Hillary.”

Numerous women have come forward about his sexually harassing them; but more recently, in the midst of a massive crisis in Puerto Rico, while she was working her heart out on behalf of her people, #45 chose to denigrate and disrespect another woman, calling her a liar. Mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz’s only sin was that she was a woman begging for help to save her people. As an American citizen, she had a right to seek help from the American President.

Again, #45 has chosen to disrespect the Honorable Congresswoman Fredericka Wilson by calling her “wacky,” and having his Chief of Staff further publicly denigrate her

with false information. While disrespecting the Congresswoman, he further disrespected Sgt. La David Johnson and his family by keeping up the nonsense on Congresswoman Wilson and choosing to play golf while Sgt. Johnson’s funeral was being held. He tweeted silly comments for many days.

Because of #45’s horrible behavior toward women, I find there is no wonder the First Lady looks as though she would rather be anywhere in the world other than with him when they’re walking or she’s standing beside him. It appears that she just “stands by her man” out of a sense of duty or is it out of a sense of fear of him if she doesn’t?

While I want to feel sorry for her, she does have choices that many of the women her husband has, and continues to mistreat, do not have. I pray that she remembers the women #45 has hurt and continues to hurt with his policies.

Let me be clear. I stand in support of all the women who’ve been demeaned, hurt, abused and disrespected by FLOTUS’ husband.

Doesn’t FLOTUS have an obligation to at least make a statement about sexual harassment, bullying, verbal abuse of women, silly antics, and unjust treatment of other marginalized people?

(Dr. E. Faye Williams is president and CEO of the National Congress of Black Women. www.nationalcongressbw.org.

202/6786788.)

Open Letter To The Community

Clarification of my remarks regarding Leon Ford •There should be NO question as to who was being supported, by the Black Political Empowerment Project (B-PEP) and Tim Stevens at the Monday, Oct. 14, press conference, and that was LEON FORD! We have been supportive of Mr. Ford early on, and that support has NOT changed.

•I was attempting to present an objective picture of the need to bring this unfortunate situation to a positive end, and one that would strongly benefit Leon Ford.

•My comments of “...None of us my ever really know what fully happened on that November day. There may have been bad decisions on all sides” was based on my reading of the September 25, 2017 edition of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, by Torseten Ove, which stated that “...Mr Ford did not recall how the car came to be in motion, although under cross-examination he admitted the only way it could have moved is that if he’d released the brake, shifted into gear and hit the gas. He said he also didn’t realize that Officer Derbish was in his car when it sped off.” I took those

comments to be from the recent trial.

•I sent an email to the Mayor, safety director and police chief on Wednesday, Oct. 11 suggesting that a settlement would be more likely to succeed in resolving this issue. A similar message was sent the next day, Oct. 12, on B-PEP letterhead to the same individuals.

•The irony of me being in difficulty with some people at this time, with regard to some of my words, is that I was NOT planning to host a news conference at all until I spoke with one of Leon’s attorneys, on the same day that our letter had already been sent out to city officials. The attorney thanked me, in an email, for the letter of support. He expressed, however, some degree of upset that there did not appear to be any public support for Leon. It was only after that conversation that I decided to host a press conference to place more attention on the Leon Ford case and to again push for a resolution of this matter on his behalf. I asked for and received permission from that attorney to host the press conference.

I asked for NAACP President Rich-

ard A. Stewart Jr. and Brandi Fisher, APA president, to participate in the press conference of Monday, Oct. 14. Obviously, the LAST thing that I wanted was for ANYONE to consider any of my remarks to NOT be supportive of Leon Ford. It is clear to me who, in the encounter of Nov. 11, 2012 has had an impact that will last a lifetime.

•I personally apologize to Leon Ford and to ANYONE if I, in any way, possibly used language that was not clearly supportive of Leon Ford. That was clearly NOT my intention.

•Lastly, I would hope that my civil rights history in this city, since 1968, as one who has fought police brutality, probably as much as anyone living person in Pittsburgh since 1968, including fighting for justice for Jonny E. Gammage, Jerry Jackson, Charles Dixon, Bruce Kelley Jr., Jordan Miles, as well as Leon Ford, gives me a little room to possibly stumble a bit in my wording.

Our main focus is to see JUSTICE FOR LEON FORD, JR. Tim Stevens B-PEP Chairman and CEO

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PHOTOGRAPHER/ VIDEOGRAPHER

TRANSPORTATION TECHNICIAN

WPXI-TV is hiring a Photographer/ Videographer in Pittsburgh! Capture moments of time that become the building blocks of visual storytelling. Apply online at jobs.cox mediagroup.com today.

SOUTH FAYETTE TWP. SCHOOL DISTRICT

Substitute Teacher Positions Substitute Nurse Positions Substitute Paraeducator Positions Positions available for all grade levels and areas of content We encourage upcoming graduates and retirees (on emergency basis) to apply Complete job descriptions are available at: www.southfayette.org South Fayette Twp. School District 3680 Old Oakdale Road McDonald, PA 15057 EOE

MANAGEMENT TECHNICIAN - ADMISSIONS

California University of Pennsylvania seeks to hire a Management Technician in the Admissions Department. This position is responsible for complex report processes using Excel spreadsheets and admissions-specific software including COGNOS and BRM data reports. The starting salary is $37,000. For a detailed job description, position requirements and instructions for application, visit www.calu.edu; click on Employment, then Staff Positions. All applicants must apply online.

Integrity, Civility and Responsibility are the official core values of California University of Pennsylvania.

Cal U is M/F/V/D/AA/EEO.

BUSINESS ANALYTICS MANAGER

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. seeks a Business Analytics Manager in Pittsburgh, PA to be part of the Enterprise Data Management’s Model Data Support group which manages data for advanced financial credit and operational risk modeling initiatives.

Responsibilities include: (i) team lead for designing and developing data quality and integrity testing functions, i.e., validation, rationalization, linking and matching data that leverages enterprise data standards, processes and technology; (ii) working closely with the Analytics & Portfolio Management team and the Lines of Business for delivering data compliant with regulatory requirements including but not limited to Basel III, CCAR & CECL; (iii) identifying any modeling data anomalies, champion data quality issue resolution for missing or deficient data through change management, service requests, testing and liaising with technology support; (iv) executing the risk management programs affecting strategic MDS initiatives in order to increase operational efficiency through process re-engineering; (v) leading the design and development of specific risk management program components including the creation, implementation and continuous improvement of an effective internal control framework; (vi) acting as lead or subject-matter expert on development, implementation and support of enterprise data integration projects; and (vii) building, developing and growing relationships with other stakeholders within the company. Very limited travel (5-10%) is required.

Master’s degree in Economics, Finance, Business or Business Administration plus 3 years of experience in a business analytics position for a financial services organization is required. Experience must include: (i) 24 months of process re-engineering and implementation of effective controls framework using Six Sigma and Business Object tools - Visio, Excel, Access; (ii) 24 months of developing business intelligence real time using data visualization and analytical tools to produce reports that drive strategic and tactical decisions; (iii) 12 months of SAS, BO, MS Excel experience; (iv) 12 months of diagnostic problem-solving to research and determine the root cause of issues discovered in the sources of data; (v) 12 months of communicating technical and descriptive requirement specifications to IT support team (vi) 12 months of fashioning communications of findings, conclusions and data assessments presented to functional partners and executive management in support of implementing strategic initiatives; and (vii) 24 months of managing cross functional projects for Assets side of Balance Sheet which deal with systems/platform upgradation and data capture, storage and accuracy while adhering to prevailing regulatory/compliance requirements.

40 hours/week, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.. Interested individuals apply online at www.pnc.com using keyword 278520BR. PNC provides e ual opportunity to ualified persons regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or other categories protected by law.

SONNY BOY

Plan and conduct traffic data collection. Maintain databases, work with maps. General computer skills. Mainly outdoor data collection in Southwestern PA counties.

Details @ www.spcregion.org.

Letter of interest, resume and salary history to hr@spcregion.org EEO/AA/M/F/Vet/Disability Employer

DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS

California University of Pennsylvania seeks to hire a Director of Alumni Relations. The Director of Alumni Relations is responsible for engaging and cultivating relationships with alumni and students.

The director is expected to expand the online alumni community, work closely with University Development and Alumni Relations staff to identify and cultivate potential donors, and encourage alumni contributions. A bachelor’s degree is required. A minimum of three years of experience in alumni relations in higher education or in a non-profit fundraising environment, with additional experience in development, marketing and sales is required.

For a detailed job description, position requirements and instructions for application, visit www.calu.edu; click on Employment, then Staff Positions. All applicants must apply online.

Integrity, Civility and Responsibility are the official core values of California University of Pennsylvania.

Cal U is M/F/V/D/AA/EEO. ANNOUNCEMENTS Public Notice

APPRENTICESHIP

The Joint Apprenticeship Committee of the Heat & Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local #2, Pittsburgh, PA is accepting applications for consideration towards apprenticeship in the Insulator and Asbestos Worker Trade. Applications are accepted without regard to Race, Religion, National Origin, Sex, Age, or Disability. Applicants must be a minimum of 18 years of age at the time of application; have a high school diploma at the time of application or G.E.D.; have a dependable form of transportation; and must be physically fit to perform the work of the trade.

Applications must be obtained in person Monday through Saturday: October 30, through November 4, 2017 and Monday through Thursday: November 6 through November 9, 2017 between the hours of 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM at the Insulators Training Center, 109 Pleasant Drive Suite B, Aliquippa, PA 15001. Photo identification is re uired and there is a $25.00 (non-refundable) application-processing fee, to be paid by certified check or money order.

LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices

Estate of NORMA E. CARLETTI, Deceased of Bridgeville Borough, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania No. 02-17-05814. Linda R. Stenzel and Christine L. Collavo, Co-Executrices, 674 Orchard Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017 or Robin L. Rarie, Esquire, BRENLOVE & FULLER, LLC, 401 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017.

Estate of SIMON LOUIS BROWER, Deceased Pttsburgh, PA No. 04753 of 2017.

Marlene Washington, Executrix, 116 Kennedy Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15214 or to Thelma C. Spells, Esquire Atty., 1533 Bidwell Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15233.

MR. JAMES B. CLAYTOR, Deceased of 118 First Street, Neville Island, PA 15225. Estate No. 02-17-6063. Mr. Mark E. Claytor of 811 Jeanne Street, Coraopolis, PA 15108, Administrator, c/o Max C. Feldman, Attorney At Law, 1322 Fifth Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108.

Estate of BAILA F. KAUFMAN, Deceased of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania No. 02-17-05671.

Paul C. Kaufman, Executor, c/o Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC, U.S. Steel Tower, 600 Grant Street, 44th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 or to Nancy L. Rackoff, Esquire, Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC, U.S. Steel Tower, 600 Grant Street, 44th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Letters Testamentary on the Estate of ANN SNIZIK, Court Term No. 021705989, late of Clairton, Allegheny County, deceased, having been granted to the undersigned by the director of Dept. of Court Records, Wills/Orphans Court Division of Allegheny County, notice is hereby given to all persons indebted to said estate to make immediate payment, and to those having claims against the same to present them to the undersigned, duly authenticated for settlement. Marsha Tylak, Executrix, 1604 Green View Ct., Pittsburgh, PA 15237 or to Cathy L. Brannigan, Esq., 15 Duff Rd., Suite 6C, Pittsburgh, PA 15235 Letters Testamentary on the Estate of THOMAS S. MCQUADE, Court Term No. 021706124, late of Penn Hills, Allegheny County, deceased, having been granted to the undersigned by the director of Dept. of Court Records, Wills/Orphans Court Division of Allegheny County, notice is hereby given to all persons indebted to said estate to make immediate payment, and to those having claims against the same to present them to the undersigned, duly authenticated for settlement.

Mary Susan Rapp, Executrix, 65 Brams Point Rd., Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 or to Cathy L. Brannigan, Esq., 15 Duff Rd., Suite 6C, Pittsburgh, PA 15235

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Bids/Proposals

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HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR HVAC SUPPORT AUTHORITY WIDE IFB# 300-46-17

THE BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH Sealed bids will be received in the Office Of The Chief Operations Officer, Room 2 1, Administration uilding, 1 South ellefield Avenue until 11:00 A.M. prevailing time November 14, 2017 and will be opened at the same hour for the purchase of the following equipment and supplies: Interscholastic Athletic Supplies Refuse Container Service General Information regarding bids may be obtained at the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Service Center, 1305 Muriel Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. The bid documents are available on the School District’s Purchasing web site at: http://www. pghboe.net/pps/site/default.asp Click on Bid Opportunities under Quick Links.

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

M. Jordan Purchasing Agent We are an equal rights and opportunity school district

Estate of MS. ALANA D. COPE, deceased of 1324 Fifth Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108.

Estate no. 02-17-6094. Ms. Alyssa Hart, 9219 Lakeside Drive, Perrinton, MI 48871, Administratrix, c/o Max C. Feldman, Attorney At Law, 1322 Fifth Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108.

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NOTICE PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW THE DRAFT MASTER PLAN UPDATE AND INVITATION TO PUBLIC WORKSHOPS

The Allegheny County Airport Authority (ACAA) has completed a Draft Master Plan Update for Pittsburgh International Airport that includes the Terminal Modernization Program. The Draft Master Plan Update will be available for public review and comment for a period of 30 days beginning November 1, 2017 and continuing through November 30, 2017. An electronic version of the Draft Master Plan Update will be available during this time at www.PITTransformed.com.

Paper copies of the document will be available for review during this time at the following locations during their normal business hours: Pittsburgh International Airport Allegheny County Airport A h i ffi Landside Terminal, 4th Floor Mezzanine Level Pittsburgh, PA 15231-0370 Contact: 412.472.5692 Findlay Township Municipal Building 1271 Route 30 Clinton, PA 15026 Contact: 724.695.0500 Moon Township Municipal Building 1000 Beaver Grade Road Moon Township, PA 15108 Contact: 412.262.1700 Persons with disabilities that need special assistance to review the document or if English is you second language, please contact Eric Buncher at 412.472.5692.

PUBLIC WORKSHOPS: The public is invited to attend Public Workshops for the Draft Master Plan Update, including the Terminal Modernization Program that will be held on the following dates at the locations listed: Date: Monday, November 13, 2017 Time: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Location: Airport Marriott, 777 Aten Road, Coraopolis, PA 15108 Date: Tuesday, November 14, 2017 Time: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM Location: August Wilson Center – Second Floor, 980 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Comments on the Draft Master Plan Update, including the Terminal Modernization Program, can be submitted via www.PITTransformed. com; in writing at one of the Public Workshops; or by mailing written comments to: Planning Department Pittsburgh International Airport Landside Terminal, 4th Floor Mezzanine PO Box 12370 Pittsburgh, PA 15231-0370 All comments must be received

by November 30, 2017.

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from ualified irms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): HVAC SUPPORT AUTHORITY WIDE IFB# 300-46-17 The documents will be available no later than October 30, 2017 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 10:00 a.m. on November 20, 2017 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 9, 2017 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.

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

Sealed proposals shall be deposited at the Administration Building, Room 2 1, 1 South ellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15213, on November 28, 2017, until 2:00 P.M., local prevailing time for a Service Contract for the following: Asbestos, Lead, Mold Abatement Services Project Manual and Drawings will be available for purchase on October 30, 2017 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.

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

SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH 341 SOUTH BELLEFIELD AVENUE PITTSBURGH, PA 15213-3516 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS PROOF OF CONCEPT EVALUATION OF YEAR ONE OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS MODEL

The Office of the oard of Directors is requesting proposals from experienced and ualified individuals/ companies to provide evaluation services for year one of implementation of the Community Schools model.

The Request for Proposals may be obtained from the District’s web page at: http://www.pps.k12.pa.us/ domain/239 Proposals shall be prepared and submitted to the School District in such form as is set forth in the RFP by 12:00 p.m. on Monday, November 6, 2017.

The District reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

LoAnn Ross Coordinator, Community Schools (412) 529-3083

America’s Best Weekly 315 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Classifieds 412-481-8302 Ext. 140 E-mail: ads@newpittsburghcourier.com

Deadline/Closing/ Cancellation Schedule for copy, corrections, and cancellations: Friday noon preceding Wednesday publication

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TERMINAL MODERNIZATION PROGRAM PROGRAM DIRECTOR/OWNER’S REPRESENTATIVE SERVICES

Background The Allegheny County Airport Authority (ACAA) is seeking a program director/owner’s representative (PD/OR) to perform oversight tasks, on behalf of the ACAA, related to the design and construction of the Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) Terminal Modernization Program (TMP).

The TMP will relocate the Landside Terminal functions and related ground-side functions to a new terminal complex that will be constructed adjacent to the existing Airside Terminal. After the new terminal complex is constructed and fully operational, the existing Landside Terminal may be demolished or adapted for re-use.

The TMP includes: •A two-level, 632,000-square-foot terminal facility consisting of the following: - Ground level: Includes airline and Airport support, such as baggage operations, explosive baggage detection systems, and building utilities; - Concourse level: Includes consolidated airline operations and all passenger and public spaces such as ticketing, baggage claim, security checkpoint and concessions; •A six-story garage with 3,000 spaces that will include a consolidated rental car facility, a ground transportation center, and a public parking lot; •Quick turn-around facilities for rental cars, a commercial vehicle lot and a cell phone lot; •New roadway system to support the new terminal complex.

The ACAA is currently finali ing Program Definition Documents for the TMP in preparation for soliciting and awarding design services. The TMP timeline for design and construction is expected to be six years, during which time the services of the PD/OR is desired.

This position is on a contract basis the successful Proposer will not be a salaried employee. While an individual PD/OR is re uired, a firm may apply with the expectation that one key individual serves as the PD/OR. The ACAA is only interested in a direct relationship with firms and/or individuals and is not looking for a broker to arrange these services with third parties.

A firm employing the successful Proposer will be eligible to provide services for the Program Management Office, which is described further on in this R P however it will not be eligible to perform TMP-related design or construction services as a consultant or contractor for the ACAA during the term of this contract and any extension thereof, unless a written waiver is sought by the firm. urthermore, the ACAA would have to determine, under its sole discretion, that the re uesting firm possesses uni ue expertise and/or institutional knowledge not possessed by any other firm on the team and that the possession of that uni ue expertise or knowledge will result in a benefit to the ACAA in the implementation of subse uent TMP pro ects undertaken by the ACAA. Responsibilities The PD/OR will report to the ACAA’s Senior ice President of acilities, Engineering and Maintenance, and will, among other responsibilities: Oversee the design process to ensure compliance to the TMP program definition documents •Closely monitor, manage and communicate any scope and/or cost changes throughout the program process; •Review program schedules and provide input; Set up, maintain and utili e a financial planning and control system that is integrated with the schedule and planning system to control: a documents b schedules and c budgets •Manage the overall program budget (including non-design/construction related costs); •Provide support during the bidding/procurement process; •Assist with jurisdictional reviews and program related mitigation issues; •Administer construction related activities, including pay applications; acilitate program close-out and occupancy •Support move management and relocation.

The PD/OR will develop the Program Management Plan PMP , which will define delivery methods, establish pro ect controls and identify the organi ation and staffing of the on-site TMP Program Management Office PMO that will support the PD/OR with executing his/her responsibilities. The PD/OR will assist the ACAA with assembling the PMO, who will work under supervision of the PD/OR with the following duties: Program Support Refine and maintain master schedule •Assist with establishing project controls and procedures; •Assist with maintaining budget; •Monitor actual costs versus budgeted costs for each element of the TMP; •Manage scope and cost changes; •Assist with selection of construction Delivery Method; •Assist with preparation of bid documents and solicitations; acilitate pre bid conferences •Review bids, recommend and assist ACAA to prepare Award Documents •Assist with negotiations and contracts; •And other duties as assigned by ACAA; Design Support •Assist with design reviews; •Assist with design cost reviews; •Assist with constructability reviews; •Assist with value engineering studies; •Assist with obtaining building permits; Implement a program-specific A/ C program to ensure all designs meet the highest level of technical uality and constructability Review/recommend AE payment re uests and contract modifications/change orders Construction Phase Support •Project Administration (to the extent duties are not contractually the responsibility of the Architect/Engineer) - Review and monitor construction schedule and budget; - Set up document control system; - Coordinate and attend project meetings; - Track submittals; - Maintain project records; - Prepare monthly reports; - Prepare a program-specific Daily ield Report D R process to ensure all contractors are using the same D R template and providing the specific information needed for consistent documentation and review of daily construction activities and as may be needed for auditing or risk management - Review contractor payment requests; - Administer compliance with labor standards; - Provide testing administration, as determined by the PMP; •Change Management: - Assist with identification and communication of appropriate changes in scope - Assist with validating impact of changes; - Manage documentation of changes; - Monitor Contractor’s delivery of as built drawings - Provide dispute resolution; - Monitor contractor compliance with safety plan; * Commissioning and Project Close-Out - Moving and Start-up Assistance; - Project Close-Out; - Warranty Services. alifi a i n •Bachelor’s degree in construction, architecture or engineering; Current and valid professional registration in design-, engineering- or construction- related field is preferred 1 years full-time experience performing duties that include difficult and complex civil/structural/architectural engineering pro ects with at least 10 years’ experience working on airport pro ects •15 years of management experience with direct supervisorial responsibilities for complex civil/structural/architectural engineering for public works projects; •Experience managing a major program, within the last 15 years, with a construction value of at least $500 million and involving multiple facilities at an airport; •Able to dedicate 100% of time to executing his/her responsibilities under the TMP Proposal Content Responses shall be organized in the following manner: 1. Table of Contents.

2. Legal Structure and the name and address of the legal entity that will contract with the ACAA if awarded the Agreement for the Services.

3. Name, address, email address and telephone/fax numbers of one individual to whom all future correspondence and/or communications will be directed. . ualifications/Relevant Experience: Identify at least one large, multi-faceted, multi-disciplined expansion program or programs of similar size and complexity as the TMP at other medium- or large-hub airports completed, or substantially completed, in the last 15 years with a cumulative construction value in excess of $500 Million on which the Proposer acted in the capacity as the prime PD/OR. Identify two additional projects where the Proposer has managed one or more parts (design, construction or closeout) of an airport capital program similar in size and complexity to the TMP. Provide the following information for each program: - The name of the program, the owner, and the program location; - A description of the program; - Key metrics and Key Performance Indicators for the program that demonstrate positive performance; - or each program, the original program management contract amount and the actual sum paid. Explain the reason for any significant differences - A reference list for each program, including contact names, positions, addresses and telephone numbers. These reference contacts should be the owner’s staff representatives who oversaw the project for the owner.

5. Project Understanding Describe the Proposer’s level of commitment, understanding of the ACAA’s goals and objectives, and understanding of potential problems.

6. Program Delivery Approach What is the Proposer’s approach to managing and delivering large-scale capital programs such as the TMP Assuming a design-bid-build procurement for the TMP--with possibilities for multiple design and construction packages--describe how the Proposer will oversee, manage and organize major work elements to deliver the TMP on time and within budget.

7. Approach to Program Control Systems Describe how the Proposer would set up, maintain and utilize systems to control: (a) documents; (b) schedules; and (c) budgets. . Program Management Office Describe the Proposer’s approach to building a cohesive program management team.

Costs Submit in a separate and sealed envelope the Proposer’s proposed fully burdened hourly rate to be inclusive of direct wages, overhead costs, fringe benefits costs and profit based on 1,9 0 billable annual labor hours. Submitted annual hourly rates may not be adjusted by more than three percent annually for the term of the contract resulting from this procurement.

Schedule for Selection The anticipated schedule below represents the ACAA’s best estimate of the schedule that will be followed in selecting the PD/OR. The length of the contract term for the PD/OR’s work on the TMP is anticipated to be December 15, 2017 through June 2023.

ACAA Issues R P: 10/2 /201 Proposals Due to ACAA: 11/9/201 at :00 p.m. EST • Proposal Evaluation Completed: 11/15/2017 Interviews / Testing: 11/29/201 and 11/ 0/201 • Selection: 12/01/2017 • Contract Start: 12/15/2017 • Contract Completion: 06/30/2023* * Schedule is subject to change.

Each Proposer shall provide 10 paper copies and one electronic pdf of their Proposal not exceeding 0, x11 pages.

All paper Proposals should be submitted to: Paul L. Hoback, Jr. Senior Vice President, Facilities, Engineering and Maintenance Allegheny County Airport Authority Pittsburgh International Airport Landside Terminal, 4th Floor Mezzanine PO Box 12370 Pittsburgh, PA 15231-0370 l ni i n h l mi h a i h m i n h l i Pa l a ia mail nl a h a i h m m 2

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Vote for the ‘man in the mirror’— Abdul-Hakim Shabazz A victory for Judge Dwayne Woodruff on Nov. 7 Commentary the financial Louis ‘Hop’ Kendrick industry—a loss A few more facts about To Tell for consumers (TriceEdneyWire.com)—In the dead of night on Oct. 24, Vice President Mike Pence struck a blow against consumers, further empowering the banks and financial institutions that he is beholden to.

He is, no doubt, following the direction of 45, who never met an Obama initiative that he didn’t want to overturn, or an Obama program that he didn’t want to abolish. What happened?

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau proposed a rule that would allow individuals to sue banks, credit card companies, and other financial institutions.

It gave people the right to sue in class action lawsuits, and effectively overturned the fine print you find in your credit card bill, fine print that says that if you use that particular card, you can’t sue, but instead must submit to mandatory arbitration. Theoretically, arbitration saves court costs, but it also protects those bank and credit card companies that exploit.

Those who opposed the new CPFB rule said that the costs of litigation would impose a burden on financial institutions. What about the burden that is imposed on the people who have been regularly ripped off by some of our

Julianne Malveaux

Commentary nation’s largest financial institutions?

Some background—many Republicans abhor the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the legislation, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (2010) that created it.

They have been jockeying to amend Dodd-Frank to give banks and financial institutions “some relief”, and if they had their way they’d likely eliminate CFPB. The Department of Treasury, which houses the CFPB (though it is an independent agency and is funded by the Federal Reserve Bank), has accused the agency of “regulatory overreach.”

CPFB’s first director, Richard Cordray, was appointed to a five-year term

by President Obama in 2013; his term expires in 2018. Then 45 will have the opportunity to appoint his own director, someone who will likely be far less zealous in protecting consumers than Cordray has been. Only two Republican senators, Lindsey Graham (S.C.) and John Kennedy (La.) voted with Democrats to preserve the individual and class right to bring lawsuits against predatory banks. But the Republicans who have been railing against 45, Flake (Ariz.) and Corker (Tenn.) voted with the status quo.

And, disappointingly, the maverick Arizona Sen. John McCain, voted to curtail consumer rights. Still, the 50-50 vote required the vice president to break the tie. And we certainly wouldn’t expect him to stand up to his boss and cast a vote for consumers!

According to its website, the CFPB’s job is “to make consumer financial markets work for consumers, responsible providers, and the economy as a whole.

We protect consumers from unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices and take action against companies that break the law. We arm people with the information, steps, and tools that they need to make smart financial decisions.”

The CPFB’s purpose seems solid and necessary, especially as its director, Richard Cordray, says the Bureau’s priority is mortgages, credit cards and student loans, all areas where transparency and consumer protection are important. But Corday is likely to leave his office early, some say to run for governor of Ohio. When he walks out the door, so will consumer protections, as 45’s pattern is to appoint people to lead agencies although they disagree with the agency purpose.

He will probably find a disgraced bank President, perhaps even one who is behind bars, to lead CPFB! The vote to force arbitration and prevent lawsuits was the Senate’s way of declaring war on consumers. The Republican focus on “free” markets only reminds us that markets are not free when one party has significantly more power than another. One consumer hardly has the wherewithal to stand up to a large bank or credit card company, but a class of consumers can collectively flex power in the fight for fairness.

Forty-five and his team have not only declared war on consumers, but also war on the collective, as we see with their hostility to organized labor, a hostility likely to be reflected in upcoming Supreme Court decisions. This represents another victory for predatory capitalism and for exploitative financial institutions, and another loss for consumers!

(Julianne Malveaux is an author and economist.)

On Nov. 7, there is an election being held. You don’t have to own property, be gainfully employed, a college graduate, live in an affluent community or be a member of a certain race. However, you must be registered and have a commitment to exercise your obligation to vote.

There was a time when Blacks could not vote, could not even register to vote. However, there were some of our forefathers who put their lives on the line to change the deplorable conditions. Time moves on as Blacks begin to register and vote in astronomical numbers, and we were able to elect Blacks to every political position, from committee persons to the president of the United States. Regretfully, we as Black citizens have ceased going to the polls in record numbers across this nation.

However, my primary concern is about the low percentage of the Black turnout where we live, primarily Allegheny County.

I will always remember when I first took an active interest in local politics; the situation that I encountered was almost as deplorable as the political situation in the deep South, Mississippi and Alabama.

Eventually, Pittsburgh became known as being UPSOUTH. As I became involved in conjunction with a small number of others, all are now deceased, we were determined to improve the political situation. It was extremely difficult, because an unbelievable number of coloreds (not Black yet) truly believed that White was right.

The first political victory in my life was the election of a Black man being elected

The Truth

to the position of Democrat Committeeman in the Third Ward, Ninth District (Lower Hill). Some persons may ask, “How was that election so important?”

The White Committeeman whom the Black man defeated was recognized by the Allegheny County Democratic Party as the number one vote-getter in the entire Democratic Party.

The same Black man had run in the previous elections, and the district was overwhelmingly Black (85 percent) and the White candidate had beaten him decisively, both elections. The third election, there were those of us who were registered and active Republicans, who took an integral role in the Black Democrat’s campaign and we were victorious.

How did we win, what did we do different the third campaign? We ran a campaign all summer and it was a campaign that completely focused on SELF PRIDE. We had an untold number of small mirrors made and they were inscribed with, “On Election Day vote for the person that looks like the one you see in the mirror.”

We were VICTORIOUS. In that period of time we were forced to use color of skin, but next month’s election, we can go the extra mile. There is a Black man campaigning for a judgeship on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. His name is Judge Dwayne Woodruff. We must vote for him, he is capable, concerned, committed.

Be sure you cast your votes for the man in the mirror.

(Louis “Hop” Kendrick is a contributor to the New Pittsburgh Courier.)

Police body camera experiments In 2012 a police scientific stretch to body camera experpromote the “civiJ. Pharoah Doss iment took place in lizing effect” of body Rialto, California. cameras. It’s also imPolice officers were portant to point out randomly assigned that the seven police body cameras based departments used in on their shifts over a this experiment were 12 month period. in the United States As it turned out, the and the United Kingshifts assigned camerdom. (When racial as had half as many use-of-force incidents studies want to inflate disparities they as shifts without body cameras, and the combined Black and Latino, same princinumber of complaints filed by civilians ple here.) And, going back to the Rialto against police officers declined by 90 perexperiment, the 90 percent decline in cent when compared to the previous year. complaints resulted from a study of only The results suggested police body 54 police officers. cameras modified police behavior, or, as Was the Rialto sample large enough one reporter stated, the technology had a to assume body cameras would modify “civilizing effect.” police behavior?

In 2013 the “civilizing effect” of the Recently, the New York Times reported Rialto results encouraged a federal judge on a new 18-month-long study of over to order the New York City Police Depart- 2,000 police officers in Washington D.C. ment to conduct a pilot program using and found body cameras had little effect. body cameras. There were 927 New York Police officers equipped with body campolice officers assigned body cameras and eras used force and prompted civilian their performance was compared to police complaints at about the same rate as officers without them. These results are their colleagues without cameras. Washdue in the spring of 2018. ington’s police chief was surprised. He In 2016 a Huffington Post headline said: thought the body cameras would have “Body cameras benefit police, too, study made a difference in police and civilian shows.” The headline implied that this behavior. study, published in the journal of CrimiThe authors of the study said the results nal Justice and Behavior, discovered an show we have to “recalibrate” our expecadditional benefit to police departments tations for body cameras to have “largethat wasn’t detected by previous studies. scale” behavioral change in policing.

This study consisted of seven police Other researchers questioned whether departments. Researchers tracked police departments should even use the number of complaints filed against body-cameras given their high cost. (The roughly 2,000 police officers in the year federal government gave police departbefore they were issued body cameras, ments $40 million for body cameras and then compared them to the number of state and local governments authorized complaints filed the year after the body millions more.) cameras were worn. As it turned out, But the most interesting comment came complaints dropped for all seven departfrom a University of South Carolina law ments. The year before the body cameras professor. He said, “Police departments were issued there were 1,539 complaints, have been rushing to use body cameras and the year after the cameras were used without sufficiently deciding what the the complaints dropped to 113. goal is. When no one is sure what it is The study also stated researchers suppose to do, no one knows if it is workrecorded a decrease in complaints filed ing.” against police officers in the same departBut the only thing that needs to work ment that weren’t wearing body cameras is the camera, not for “civilizing effect” or at all. The researchers called this addi“contagious accountability”, but to capture tional benefit to the police “contagious footage and provide an unbiased witness accountability.” for the defense and the prosecution.

(J. Pharoah Doss is a contributor to the New Now, researchers often make names Pittsburgh Courier. He blogs at jpharoahdoss@ for themselves by coining phrases, but blogspot.com) “contagious accountability” sounds like a

Check It Out

police-action shootings

My good friend Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill has come under fire for a recent op-ed he wrote regarding the NFL players who have taken a knee during the national anthem at NFL games to protest police-action shootings and social injustice.

Hill said while he respects the players’ right to take a knee, he also thinks they should step up and protest “Black-onBlack” violence, the victims of which far outnumber Blacks killed by police. Hill has been catching a lot of flack for his statement, which does not surprise me, because he is correct.

Looking at the data, I am more likely to be killed by a 22-year-old Black male than a police officer with 22 years on the force.

So in all the chatter about police-action shootings—which, by the way, Indianapolis has only had one this year as of this summer—I decided to take a look at the data from across the country.

With what we’ve seen in the news so far this year, you would think it was open season on unarmed Black men by law enforcement. However, the information I found looking at the Washington Post’s database tended to paint a different picture.

Here’s what I found: Overall …

•There have been nearly 800 police-action shootings that resulted in fatalities, 14 of which occurred in the state of Indiana.

•Mental illness played a role in 25 percent of the incidents.

•173 of the fatalities were fleeing the scene.

•758 of the fatalities were male.

•23 percent (184) were African-American; only 13 were unarmed.

•In 659 instances, a weapon (gun, knife, car) was involved.

•There were no body cams in 715 cases.

When it comes to Indiana specifically, here’s a breakdown of those police-action shootings that resulted in fatalities: •All 14 fatalities were male.

•Nine were white, four were African-American and one was Hispanic.

•Four were ages 18–29, five were 30–44, five were older than 45.

•Three had mental illness issues.

•Eight used a gun as a weapon, four used a vehicle, one was unarmed and one had a weapon that was labeled unknown.

•Out of the nine that fled the scene, seven used a car.

•There were no body cams in any of the incidents.

•Only one of the police-action shootings occurred in Indianapolis.

I also did a check of shootings in the last couple of years. There were 963 nationwide in 2016; Indiana had 14.

There were 991 nationwide in 2015, 19 of which occurred in Indiana. And once again, anyone looking for open season on African Americans will be disappointed.

In 2015, 26 percent of the fatalities were Black nationwide. That number dropped down to 24 percent in 2016.

And as far as being Black and unarmed goes, there were only 38 shootings of unarmed Black men reported in 2015 and 17 shootings of unarmed Black men in 2016. And just seven were fleeing the scene.

And in Indiana, there were 14 police-action shootings in 2016 that resulted in fatalities—four were African American, and only one was unarmed.

In 2015, there were 19 police-action shootings that resulted in death. Six of them were African-American, and none were reported unarmed.

Now take all that data and juxtapose it to what we’ve been seeing in Indianapolis so far this year. By my last count, we were at 117 criminal homicides, which puts us on track to tie last year’s record numbers. And Blacks, which tend to make up about 27 percent of the city’s population, continue to be between 70 and 80 percent of the murder victims, and nine out 10 times it was another person of color who sent them on to the next world.

What’s especially disturbing about these numbers is that, in the past, 70 to 80 percent of the victims and suspects had prior criminal records, so I could use my “self-cleaning oven” line and say most of this was just a bad guy shooting a bad guy. Not so much this year.

This year, those numbers range from 50 to 60 percent, which means there is something even more profound going on. And the fact that you have parents telling their kids not to cooperate with law enforcement after these murders are taking place probably doesn’t help much either.

So what’s the moral of the story? One Black guy shot by police in Indy and everyone gets worked up; 93 Blacks killed by other Blacks, and not a knee to be found in sight.

(Abdul-Hakim Shabazz is an attorney, political commentator and publisher of IndyPolitics. org. You can email comments to him at abdul@ indypolitics.org.)

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62 of 89 homicides Black lives...Seven homicides in Allegheny County HOMICIDES FROM A1

of Duquesne with killing Rice during an alleged drug deal. McKissick, police said, shot another teen who had met him to buy Marijuana one night earlier—the same gun was used in both shootings. McKissick is in custody pending a Nov. 17 preliminary hearing.

OCT. 14—Wyatt Gaza, a 28-year-old Black male, was killed in a daylight shootout with 28-year-old Damien Ashley on Jenny Lind Street in McKeesport.

Ashley, who was also shot in the exchange, drove himself to UPMC McKeesport for treatment. He has been charged with homicide.

OCT. 20—Jerry Alston, a 39-year-old Black male, was found fatally shot by Penn Hills police in his home on Schley Street.

Police have no motive and have not identified a suspect. The investigation is ongoing.

OCT. 23—Paul Dale Hinton, a 43-year-old Black male, was found under a car on Race Street in Homewood with a fatal gunshot wound to the chest. Police have not yet identified a suspect. The investigation is ongoing.

OCT. 23—Jason Estes, a 20-year-old Black male from Shadyside, was found by police with a fatal gunshot wound to the head on Brushton Avenue in Homewood. He was taken to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital where he died about three hours later. Police have not yet identified a suspect. The investigation is ongoing.

September Homicides (5) SEPT. 1–Melodie Robb, a 52-year-old White female, and her sister, 55-year-old Kimberly Lesko, were fatally shot as they sat in Robb’s house by 19-year-olds Miras Kelly II and Kylee Lankford, who burst into the home in a failed burglary attempt. Kelly surrendered to police Sept. 7 after a witness identified both attackers.

Allegheny County police arrested Lankford—who Kelly and the witness said killed the sisters and critically wounded a friend staying at the house—Sept. 19 at the Walmart in North Versailles. Both are in the Allegheny County Jail.

SEPT. 2—Andre Williams, a 26-year-old Black male, was found shot in the head by Penn Hills police near the intersection of Lincoln and Vine streets. He died later at the hospital. Allegheny County police have issued a warrant for 20-year-old Steven Sparrow in the shooting and say he should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information should call 412-4733000.

SEPT.14–Omar Berry, a 43-year-old Black male, was fatally shot by Louis Dickerson, 42, after an evening of drinking and card-playing in Dickerson’s Mission Street apartment on Pittsburgh’s South Side Slopes. Dickerson initially blamed unknown intruders, then a fictitious shooter named “G” before confessing to Pittsburgh police. He is being held in the Allegheny County Jail.

SEPT. 17—Devon Allen Trowell, a 21-year-old Black male from Wilkinsburg, was found by city firefighters lying in Hamilton Avenue in Homewood with multiple gunshot wounds. Medics rushed him to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, but he was pronounced dead about 30 minutes later. Police have not yet identified a suspect.

The investigation is ongoing.

SEPT. 18—Michael Freeman, a 30-year-old Black male, was shot multiple times as he sat in his car outside a Brighton Heights sub shop. The shop owner said Freeman had just ordered a sandwich, and his girlfriend was still inside completing the order, when someone ran up to the car and fired five shots. He was rushed to the hospital but did not survive.

Pittsburgh police have not yet identified a suspect. The investigation is ongoing.

August Homicides (10) AUG 3—Maurice Youngblood, a 38-year-old Black male, was found shot multiple times in the 7300 Block of Kelly Street in Homewood. He died about an hour later at UPMC Presbyterian. Police have not identified a suspect. The investigation is ongoing.

AUG. 4—Craig Summers, a 47-year-old Black male, was found fatally shot on the porch of an abandoned building in the 2500 block of Maple Avenue on Pittsburgh’s North Side.

AUG. 5—Timothy Maxon, a 50-year-old White male, was fatal-

ly shot by his 23-year-old co-worker Deon Wells, after the two began arguing with each other.

Wells, who claims self-defense, has been charged with homicide.

AUG. 6—Kevin Trowery, a 54-year-old Black male, was fatally shot by three men who attacked him on his porch, then robbed his house in the 200 Block of Conestoga Road in Penn Hills. The shooting was captured on the victim’s home surveillance system.

Police took 31-year-old Donald King into custody as he tried to flee the scene. He is charged with Trowery’s death. Dustin Taylor, 25, was apprehended four days later and also charged.

AUG. 6—Nicole Dailey, a 26-year-old Black female, was fatally shot near her car on Pittsburgh’s North Side while holding her 7-month-old daughter. City police said she tried to run but only made it a few feet before collapsing in a grassy area at the intersection of N. Charles and Strauss Streets. A good Samaritan picked up her, Nia, who was unharmed.

AUG. 8—Calvin Turner, a 20-year-old Black male, was fatally shot in the entranceway to a house in the 500 Block of Oak Hill Drive in the Upper Hill District.

Pittsburgh police took into custody after he fled from the scene, but as yet, no charges have been filed.

AUG. 13—Ryan Carosi, a 33-year-old White male was fatally stabbed by 25-year-old Ashley Henchell after the two got into an argument in a bar on Bailey Avenue in Mt. Washington. She remains in the Allegheny County Jail.

AUG. 13—Melissa Manhart, a 42-year-old White female was found shot in the head on the rear porch of her home at the intersection of Brainard Street and Larimer Avenue in Larimer. She had moved into just the house two days earlier. Police have not identified a suspect. The investigation continues.

AUG. 17—Jeremy Edwards, a 19-year-old Black Male was found

by Pittsburgh police fatally shot in the face on Shemp Way in the Middle Hill. Police have not yet identified a suspect. The investigation is ongoing.

AUG 29—Brian Pinkney, a 29-year-old Black male was found shot in the face outside a residence in the Allegheny Dwellings housing development. Police arrested 26-year-old Davon Jones after identifying him on surveillance video of the shooting. He is being held without bail in the Allegheny County Jail.

July Homicides (11) JULY 1—Romeke Freeman, a 22-year-old Black male, was found

by Pittsburgh police with a fatal gunshot wound to the head outside a home in the 400 Block of S. Aiken Avenue in Garfield. He was taken to UPMC Presbyterian where he died about three hours later. Police have not identified a suspect. The investigation is ongoing.

JULY 2—Jeremiah Jones, a 19-year-old Black male, was found fatally shot around 3 a.m. in a remote wooded area off Lougeay Road in Wilkins Township. Allegheny County police Chief Andrew Sherman said it appeared he had driven there to meet someone. No suspect has been identified as of yet. The investigation continues.

JULY 4—Erric Jackson, a 28-year-old Black male, died as a result of a gunshot wound to the head he received in 2010. In 2015, Melvin “We-eye” Smalls, who was in jail at the time, was charged with the shooting that had left Jackson in a permanent vegetative state.

JULY 9—Mia White, a 30-year-old Black female, was killed when the car she sat in on Liverpool Street in Pittsburgh’s Manchester neighborhood was riddled with at least 10 shots.

A 27-year-old female she was sitting with was wounded in the leg. Police have not yet identified a suspect. The investigation continues.

JULY 16—Robert Harper Jr., a 28-year-old Black male, died from multiple gunshot wounds in the hallway of an apartment building in the 1700 block of Belleau Street in Fineview’s Allegheny Dwellings public housing complex. Police have not identified a suspect. The investigation is ongoing.

JULY 16—Monte Whitley, a 30-year-old Black male, was found lying between two houses on Lombard Street in the Hill District. He had been shot multiple times. Police have not identified a suspect. The investigation is ongoing.

JULY 16—Samantha Klavora, a 23-year-old White female, was killed while sitting on the steps in the 1000 block of Fifth Avenue in McKeesport, when Daniel “Boog” Bizelle, 25, accused the 38-year-

old male she was sitting with of killing a friend a month earlier.

Witnesses said he fired at the man as he ran up the steps, wounding him, then turned to Klavora, who was screaming, and said, “Shut up,” before shooting her six times.

As of this writing, Bizzelle is still at large. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to call 412-473-1300.

JULY 18—Jaymerie Washington, an 18-year-old Black male, and Terrell Wright, a 41-year-old Black male, were both fatally shot in broad daylight outside an apartment building in the 6200 block of Auburn Street in Larimer. Pittsburgh police are investigating to see if the shootings were related to drug arrests made in the are the night before. No suspects have yet been identified.

JULY 23—John Roberts, a 21-year-old White male, was fatally shot in the chest as he and his friend Jakeub Nace, also 21, played with a gun in the basement of another friend’s home on Lougean Avenue in Lincoln Place.

Though police said the shooting was accidental, after consulting with the district attorney’s office Nace was charged with homicide.

JULY 27—Robert Minor, a 41-year-old Black male, died due to complications from a gunshot wound to the back he received in 1995. At the time, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that Minor, then 19, and then 23-year-old Grady Thomas, were both shot in Westgate Village in the city’s Fairywood neighborhood. Thomas was wounded in the leg. Police had no motive or suspects at the time. The current status of the investigation is unclear.

JULY 29—Stephon Jeffrey, a 22–year-old Black male, was found Fatally shot between two buildings in the Uansa Village housing complex in McKees Rocks. Witnesses told Allegheny County police they saw a Black male running from the scene toward Sproul Street immediately after the shooting. The investigation is ongoing.

June Homicides (6 ) JUNE 2—Dedric Ellis, a 48-year-old Black male, was found in his wrecked SUV, which had flipped over on McClure Avenue.

He had been shot multiple times.

Five days later, Pittsburgh Police arrested Melvin Russaw of Perry South for the crime. He remains in the Allegheny County Jail awaiting trial on homicide charges.

JUNE 2—Makebia Morgan, a 34-year-old Black female, was found stabbed to death in the basement of a home on Francis Court in the Hill District. Quincy Fuqua, 31, was arrested at the scene. He remains in the Allegheny County jail pending trial.

JUNE 4–Shayne Abrams, a 23-year-old Black male, was found shot in his vehicle after it had crashed into a house in the 1500 block of Manhattan Street in Manchester. Police have not yet named a suspect. The investigation continues.

JUNE 19–Diaz Petty, a 24-yearold Black male, was found fatally shot on the sidewalk in the 900 block of Lysle Boulevard in McKeesport. County homicide detective have not yet identified a suspect. The investigation continues.

JUNE 23–Donald Taymer, a 17-year-old Black male, was fatally shot at the intersection of Paulson Avenue and Dean Street in Lincoln-Lemington. After a standoff a few hours later at a nearby house—which police said was “related to” the shooting—four individuals were taken into custody along with a cache of drugs. However, charges have yet to be filed in Taymer’s death.

JUNE 24–Kelly Gunn, a 24-year-old Black male from Penn Hills, was found fatally shot at the intersection of Maple and Hunter streets in Wilkinsburg.

Police said witnesses described the shots coming from a silver sedan, possibly a Chevrolet Impala, which fled the scene. The investigation is ongoing.

May Homicides (10) MAY 1—Bhim Rai, a 26-yearold Asian, was found stabbed to death in his Carrick apartment.

His live-in girlfriend, 23-year-old Urmila Gurung, was arrested and charged with the homicide later that day. She awaits trial in the Allegheny County Jail.

MAY 3—Juwan Jordan, an 18-year-old Black male, was found by police at the intersection of Allendale and Adon Streets in Sheraden with a fatal bullet wound to the head. Another shooting earlier that night left bullet holes in cars, and a dozen shell casings littering the street.

Pittsburgh police did not say if they believe there is a connection.

The investigation is ongoing.

MAY 6—Anthony Nicassio, a 69-year-old White male, was stabbed to death by his 27-year-

old Daughter in his Plum home.

According to police, Nicassio and his wife had been trying to convince their distraught daughter to go to Forbes Regional Hospital, when she grabbed a kitchen knife and stabbed him. She was arrested at the scene.

MAY 15—Angela Ceccarelli, and 80-year-old White female, was found in her McCandless Township home fatally shot in the head along with her 83-year-old husband Julius, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot to the head.

The deaths have been ruled a murder-suicide.

MAY 18—Robert Ford III, a 34-year-old Black male, was discovered by police in a bedroom of an East Hills home with a fatal gunshot wound to the chest. The investigation is ongoing.

MAY 18—Vallen Davies-Mack, a 17-year-old Black male, was found fatally shot in a public park playground in Swissvale some five hours after neighbors reported hearing multiple gunshots around 2 a.m. Allegheny County Police have not yet identified a suspect. The investigation is ongoing.

MAY 21—Dahrique Smith, a 25-year-old Black male, was found on a South Side sidewalk after a passer-by told police of shots inside the Rowdy Buck saloon on East Carson Street.

He was transported to UPMC Mercy where he dies about 40 minutes later. Pittsburgh police have released video from inside the bar of people they would like identified. It can be viewed here: http://apps.pittsburghpa.gov/dps/ Rowdy_Buck.mp4. Anyone with information can call anonymously at 412-323-7800.

MAY 22—Richard Williams, a 35-year-old White male, was fatally shot in his car on Kelly Street in Homewood during an apparent drug deal. Police have charged 26-year-old Lavasha Johnson with homicide and tampering with evidence, and are searching for a male suspect, seen on surveillance footage, bailing out of the car immediately after the shooting apparently holding a gun.

MAY 23—Kala Thomas, a 25-year-old Black female and single mother of two sets of twins, was found dumped over a hillside in Garfield after being shot in the head. Police have not yet identified a suspect. The investigation is ongoing.

MAY 28—Antonio Wallace, a 31-year-old Black male, was found by police in the 1800 block of Wesley Street in McKeesport having suffered multiple fatal gun shots to the torso. Police have not ¥et identified a suspect. The investigation is ongoing.

April Homicides (4) APRIL 6—Elijah Paris, a 21-year-old Black male was shot multiple times in the 200 block of Shady Avenue in Pittsburgh’s Shadyside neighborhood. Police have not said why Paris, originally from Washington state and living in Beechview, was in Shadyside.

No arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing.

APRIL 20—Raffel Green, a 49-year-old Black male, was found by police with a fatal gunshot wound to the neck, in a car outside building number 39 in the Crawford Village public housing community in McKeesport. Police say neither Green, nor his companion, Jessica Taylor, who was also killed, lived in the complex.

No arrest has been made. The investigation is ongoing.

APRIL 20—Jessica Taylor, a 32-year-old White female, was found by police with a fatal gunshot wound to the head in a car outside building number 39 in the Crawford Village public housing community in McKeesport. Police say neither Taylor, nor her companion, Raffel Green, who was also killed, lived in the complex.

No arrest has been made. The investigation is ongoing.

APRIL 25—William Chaffin, a 14-year-old Black male, was killed by a gunshot wound to the chest inside a home on Ridge Avenue in McKeesport after police said a 19-year-old he showed it to tried to get him to put it down, then tried to take it from him. Chaffin had reportedly brought the gun to the house. Allegheny County Police said they have identified everyone involved and given all the information to the District Attorney’s office.

No charges have been filed.

March Homicides (7) MARCH 6—Bhim Rai, a 26-year-old Asian male, was found by police dead in his apartment on Brownsville Avenue in Carrick after they received a call of a stabbing during a bar fight.

Police have not named a suspect.

The investigation continues.

MARCH 7—Anthony Bailey, a 27-year-old Black male from Penn Hills was found dead in a Pitcairn apartment from gunshot

wounds received in what county police said was an apparent robbery. Witnesses said they saw two Black males—one with a distinct limp—fleeing the area.

No arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing.

MARCH 7—Sarah Villarreal, a 34-year-old White female, was fatally shot by Daniel Connelly, a 43-year-old White Male who then shot himself, in an apartment they shared in the 100 block of Watson Drive in Turtle Creek. Police have called it a murder-suicide. Villarreal’s 4-year-old daughter was in the home at the time but was unharmed.

MARCH 12—Christopher Dancy, a 46-year-old Black male from Ambridge, was killed after 47-year-old Joseph Goldsmith, also Black, came to his former girlfriend’s home and shot both her and Dancy twice before shooting himself in the head. The 37-year-old female, who police did not identify, survived her injuries. Her 9-year-old son, who hid in the basement, was unharmed.

MARCH 18—Michael Leonard, a 33-year-old Black male, was fatally shot while sitting in his car with his girlfriend in the 1000 block of Blackadore Street after an earlier argument with a man inside the New Brotherhood Motorcycle Club in Homewood.

He had apparently been followed from the club, but police have not named a suspect. The investigation is ongoing.

MARCH 19—Sean Lyons, a 20-year-old Black male, was fatally shot in the neck and chest following an argument, again, inside the New Brotherhood Motorcycle Club at the intersection of Kelly Street and Brushton Avenue in Homewood. Despite a bar full of patrons, police have no suspects.

The investigation is ongoing.

MARCH 28—Deven Holloway, a 16-year-old Black male, was fatally shot multiple times outside Linton Middle School in Penn Hills.

A 22-year-old male from Plum, who claimed he shot Holloway in self-defense, was questioned and released by police. His name will only be released if he is charged.

The investigation is ongoing.

February Homicides (9) FEB. 1—Andrew McGee, a 28-year-old White male, was found fatally shot in a home in Versailles. John Robert Sethman, 29, was arrested in Ohio within hours and extradited to face homicide charges. He is now in the Allegheny County Jail.

FEB. 6—Robert Detorre III, an 18-year-old White male, and Anthony Hoots, a 19-year-old Black male, were killed in a shootout at an apartment complex on Smokeywood Drive, in Swissvale, that also sent two others to local hospitals. Charges have not yet been filed. The investigation continues.

FEB. 8–Savon Martin, a 23-year-old Black male, was found on the porch of a house on Inglenook Place, in Homewood, by police responding to a ShotSpotter alert. He had suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his head torso and extremities and was pronounced dead at the scene. Police have released no information on possible suspects.

The investigation continues.

FEB. 17—Ronald Peless, a 51-year-old White male, was discovered bound in a blanket with an electrical cord in the basement of his McKees Rocks apartment building after relatives had asked police to do a welfare check. He had been stabbed multiple times.

Three people; Jeffrey Tyniac, 51, Sheila Wagner, 45, and Robert Davies, 60, have been charged in connection with the killing.

FEB. 19–Derrick Brown, a 16-year-old Black male from Arnold, Westmoreland County, was found by police in the courtyard of the Northview Heights public housing community on Pittsburgh’s North Side. He had been fatally shot in the head. No arrests have been made. The investigation continues.

FEB. 21–Jihad Cromer, a 17-year-old Black male, was shot in the head in the bedroom of a residence on Robb Avenue in McKees Rocks. William Huston, 19, of the West End, has been charged in the case. He is now in the Allegheny County Jail.

FEB. 24–Ramadhan Mohamed, a 31-year-old Black male, died at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital from injuries sustained in a beating and robbery three days earlier—which included blows to his head from a hammer. Mohamed, a Somali immigrant cab driver was found about 5 a.m., Feb. 21, facedown and unresponsive on Climax Street in Pittsburgh’s Beltzhoover neighborhood. Police said King Edwards and Hosea Moore, both 20, from Beltzhoover, called the cab with the intent of robbing the driver.

Christen Glenn, 18, and Daniel Russell, 19, who had fled the area, were both arrested on Feb. 26 in Youngstown, Ohio. All four are in the Allegheny County Jail.

FEB. 25—Dominick BrownHill, a 26-year-old Black male, who had been missing since 2012, was identified from skeletal remains discovered in a small, wooded area behind the 900 block of Washington Street in McKeesport. He died from a gunshot wound to the head. Police have yet to name a suspect in the shooting.

FEB. 26—Raghib Dolphin, a 24-year-old Black male from Pittsburgh’s Fineview neighborhood was found fatally shot outside Zangaroos bar on Brighton Road.

According to police, Dolphin and two others were denied entry because it was after “last call.” After returning to their car, Dolphin got out to talk to someone he knew.

Shots were fired and he returned to the car with multiple wounds to his chest and abdomen. They drove him to Allegheny General Hospital, when he later died. No arrests have been made. The investigation continues.

January Homicides (9) JAN. 3—Gregory McLeod, a 28-year-old Black male and father of three, became Allegheny County’s first homicide victim of 2017 when he was shot multiple times near the intersection of Frankstown Avenue and Neuman Way, in Homewood, just after 5 a.m. No arrests have been made.

The investigation continues. Anyone with information is urged to call Pittsburgh’s Violent Crime Unit at 412-323-7800.

JAN. 4—Chaz Robinson, a 35-year-old Black male, was fatally shot near the intersection of Lasalle and Broadway Avenues in Dormont after allegedly stealing a bag of marijuana and running off during a drug deal. He was found in his back yard on Espy Street the next morning. Timothy Bevan, 23, of Mount Oliver, has been charged with the shooting.

JAN. 11—Jesi Jefferson, a 21-year-old Black male, was discovered fatally shot by Garbage men on their morning rounds in the 1300 Block of Hilty Alley in McKeesport. Allegheny County Lt. Andrew Schurman said he believes the victim was shot the night before. Anyone with information is asked to call county homicide at 412-473-1300.

JAN. 14–India Stewart, a 29-year-old Black female, of Pitcairn, was found dead by police in a garage near Yew Way and Maple Alley in Braddock. She had been shot in the neck, according to the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office. Her uncle, 48-year-old Kalvin Stewart, is charged with homicide, abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence and arson in relation to the killing.

JAN. 14—Ahmad Foreman, an 18-year-old Black male, was found by police lying along the street in the 500 block of Fannel Street in Garfield. He had been shot multiple times. Police have not released information about a suspect. The investigation continues. Anyone with information is asked to call Pittsburgh’s Violent Crime Unit at 412-323-7800.

JAN. 22–Christopher Tompkins, a 57-year-old Black male, was fatally shot by police responding to a home invasion call.

When they arrived, Thompkins was coming down the stairs firing in their direction. They fired back, killing him. Police suspect he was actually firing to scare off Juan Brian Jeter-Clark who had allegedly broken in before the officers arrived. Jeter-Clerk has been charged with criminal trespass.

JAN. 25–Alfred Diggs, a 21-year-old Black male, died of multiple gunshot wounds at Allegheny General after being transported by paramedics from the shooting scene in Pittsburgh’s Westwood neighborhood. Police have not yet identified a suspect.

Anyone with information is asked to call Pittsburgh’s Violent Crime Unit at 412-323-7800.

JAN. 25—John Miller, a 40-year-old White male from Franklin County, was found on a set of city steps in the 1000 block of Vinial Street in Spring Garden.

He had been shot multiple times.

Police are reviewing surveillance footage but have not named a suspect. Anyone with information is asked to call city homicide at 412-323-7161 JAN. 27–Kyle Stauber, an 18-year-old White male, was fatally shot following a home invasion robbery in Avalon. Stauber reportedly chased one attacker off with a bat before one of the robbers shot him. County police have charged John Pignanelli, 25, Greg Scholze and Kayla Naper, both 19, in the case.

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www.newpittsburghcourier.com

City League Football—only 2 teams remain

Top seed Allderdice battles Brashear for the title, Nov. 4 at 2:15 p.m.

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

One school has won the Pittsburgh City League High School football title two of the last three years.

The other hasn’t won since the first-ever Super Bowl—in 1967.

But don’t think it’s David vs. Goliath. Though the Brashear Bulls have tasted the title as recently as 2014 and 2015, it’s the Allderdice Dragons who are the City League’s top seed with a 4-1 regular season conference mark and a 6-4 overall record.

The two teams will battle for the coveted City League championship, Saturday, Nov. 4 at 2:15 p.m. at Cupples Stadium, South Side.

“The first game of the year we were down 14-0 right off the bat against

Altoona,” Allderdice coach Jerry Haslett told the New Pittsburgh Courier after his team’s comeback win over Westinghouse, Oct. 27.

“Before this game I said to my team, ‘don’t let anything bother you, no matter what happens. We could go down two scores right off the bat and we can’t let anything bother us,’ and that’s what happened.”

Westinghouse had the two-touchdown lead, only to see Allderdice battle back and win, 21-14, when the City League semi-final game ended. “There was no bickering or complaining, and they (the team) picked it up with each other. The kids stuck together and it just shows what they’re made of,” Haslett said.

Brashear edged the USO Eagles, 9-8, in the first semi-final game, Oct. 26 at

Cupples. “We had a couple guys go down,” Brashear head coach Rick Murphy told the Courier. “Everybody just kept pushing through, they stuck it out and in the end, we overcame some things, and it showed that they really bought into what we’ve been trying to teach them.”

Now, the teams look ahead to Nov. 4. A chance for a title, a chance for bragging rights, a chance to be the last team standing on the Cupples Stadium field.

“We’re looking forward to a tough contest,” Allderdice coach Haslett said. “You don’t expect to lose. We’re coming in expecting to win the game.”

As for the Bulls of Brashear, “We’ll give it our all,” Bulls’ coach Murphy said. “We’ve been there before, we’ll figure it out.”

RAQUAN CALDWELL, fighting through Westinghouse tacklers as his Allderdice Dragons won, 21-14, Oct. 27. (Photos by Will McBride)

KESHAWN TOWSOND of Brashear, a prime-time player for the Bulls as they face Allderdice, Nov. 4, for JAYON BLAIR of Brashear, right, fighting through a USO tackler. Brashear defeated USO, 9-8, Oct. 26. the City League championship.

ALLDERDICE CELEBRATES their win over Westinghouse, Oct. 27. Now, it’s a matchup with Brashear, Nov. 4.

BRASHEAR EDGES USO, 9-8, on Oct. 26. Now, it’s a tussle with Allderdice, Nov. 4.

Why does Tiger Woods need drugs and alcohol?

He still has a zillion dollars, and the ‘little black book’

by Bill Neal For New Pittsburgh Courier

:10—Once again I have to get many of you. Not all of you, but many of you to wake up and smell the touchdowns. Did Martavis Bryant do the right thing when he went all social media with his complaining? Clearly he only needed to pay attention to how that doesn’t help Trump to know that’s not a great move. But here’s the real deal. Ask yourself how many days are you going to practice and how many games are you gonna run up and down that field and not get the ball thrown your way? Look, I’m 6’5” I weigh 210 lbs. Throw me the damn ball no matter how many people are on

me. I’ll win that battle 8 out of 10 times. I’m just sayin’!!! :09—This just in. Your Pittsburgh Penquins are currently 7-5 and in second place in the metro division. Oh, didn’t know I knew what I know huh?

Now run tell that. :08—I don’t know. Maybe it’s me, but what the hell does Tiger Woods have to feel so bad about that he needs drugs and alcohol.

I mean, really. You’ve got a zillion dollars. You’ll go down as arguably the best ever, second at worst, and I know you still got the “little black book.” C’mon, man! :07—A couple things about the Dallas Cowboys. #1–And a lot of people don’t know this, but they’re

my go-to just askin!! team when :06—It’s the Steelers really getgo down. ting to be Yeah, I said a little riit! #2–I’m diculous. a little surThe New prised they York Knicks let someone stink, as do wear Mithe Pacers, chael “The Orlando, Playmaker” Washington Irvin’s jerand most of sey number. the east. Is N u m b e r it that we “88” should will only albe retired. ways have I know it’s Cleveland Dez Bryant, vs. whoever but even until LeBBILL NEAL still. #3–Did ron retires?

Ezekiel Elliott commit a C’mon, NBA, start fixin’ crime against a woman or the lottery like you used to. not? Dude hasn’t missed a :05—Of course I am at game and it started out as my spot. The Steelers go a six-game suspension. I’m on the road. I go on the

Overtime

road. I told ya two games ago they turned the corner and they’ll keep it movin’.

Your Pittsurgh Steelers burn rubber in MoTown.

31-14 was my prediction, and 20-15 was the final… close enough! :04—In case you were asleep at the wheel, not one new lie released in the JFK files (like that was going to happen). And yeah, some chump will get indicted this week to take the hit for Trump and his Russian pals and that will be it. Take it to the bank! :03—Ya’ll know I’m not allowed to say this stuff cause Mr. Doss and good brothers Stephan Broadus and Rob Taylor have rules, but you also know Judge Dwayne Woodruff is my partner…now as he would

say, “Do the right thing on November 7!” Ssshhh! :02—Look, this is it, especially those of you that have a keen fashion sense.

The Sensation Models will present their fabulous Fall Fashion Fantasy to raise money for “Toys for Tots,” Saturday, November 18, noon to 3 p.m., upstairs at the Savoy. The show will also feature vocal superstars Flo Wilson and Savannah Wiggins.

Hors d’oeuvres spread, D.J. Shock, cash bar, free parking, Dress to Impress, 50/50 and vendors.

Call Achieving Greatness at 412-628-4856 for info.

Limited only 100 seats. :01—Where is O.J. Simpson and what have you done with him? :00—GAME OVER.

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NOVEMBER 1-7, 2017

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Steelers victorious, Lions down and out

COURIER PHOTOGRAPHER BRIAN COOK captures Artie Burns and Mike Hilton celebrating after recovering a Lions fumble. It was that kind of day for Detroit, as the Steelers’ defense brought home the 20-15 win, Oct. 29.

Steelers close first half of season at 6-2, with on-and-off Ben and smothering defense Halfway through the 2017 quest for Lombardi number seven, the Steelers find themselves with a 6-2 record and a bye week on the horizon.

I fully expected the Steelers to be boasting a 6-2 record after eight games but the manner in which they’ve achieved that record isn’t how I thought it would go.

Offensively, the team has struggled, in particular; Ben Roethlisbeger hasn’t been as sharp as expected. He’s thrown nine picks, albeit five of those were against Jacksonville. He hasn’t seemed like himself.

He’s not as elusive, not as accurate and not as hard for defenders to read. That said, I think he’ll bounce back and have a strong second half.

Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell have been exactly who I thought they would be, however Bell took longer to get there than I expected. The running game hasn’t been without its surprises for me, though. I fully expected James Conner to be a far more integral part of the rushing attack than he has been. He only has 18 total carries through the first eight weeks. I expected him to have around 50 carries for about 200 yards by now.

Martavis Bryant has also been a surprise for me.

I thought he’d be a huge part of this offense, down the field (some of that may be on Ben) and in the red zone. He really hasn’t produced much of anything, other than drama specific to social media shots at fellow receiver and rookie JuJu Smith-Schuster.

Smith-Schuster has been a pleasant surprise for sure.

He has clearly ascended to the number two option and will in all likelihood hold that spot the remainder of the season and beyond.

Bryant has talked (and typed) his way out of favor and most likely out of town beyond 2017.

The defense has been the biggest surprise of all. I expected growth out of Artie Burns and Sean Davis. I expected Mike Mitchell to be what he’s been, and I certainly had no inclination that Joe Haden would be the second corner. The surprise though, has been how good the defense has

MIKE PELAIA COURIER STEELERS CENTRAL been against the pass this season. I did not expect a number one ranking at any point in the season. I must admit, I think that will fall a bit and average out around 10th or 11th when the season finishes.

Part of the reason for the improved pass defense statistics is the improvement to the rush. The Steelers have 26 sacks so far this season, and the biggest surprise out of that number? James Harrison only has one of those. He isn’t playing much at all, which I am still shocked by. Sure, T.J. Watt is a big reason why and has played well through the first half of his rookie campaign, but I still never would have suspected Harrison would be a relative non-factor.

Ryan Shazier, Cam Heyward and Stephon Tuitt have all been key factors on defense, as expected. I’ve been surprised by Vince Williams as I felt like he’d have more tackles to this point, but I expect a bigger second half from him.

Through the first half, the team has had a few ups and downs and I don’t think anybody suspected the offense would be the weaker unit on the team, but they have still managed to find their way to 6-2; atop both the AFC North and the AFC in general. They have a slightly tougher second half to go, specifically a showdown with the New England Patriots at Heinz Field on Dec. 17, but I expect this team to improve to a 12-4 record and first round bye when the regular season ends.

Juju comes to the rescue in Steelers’ 20-15 win

by Aubrey Bruce Courier Steelers Central

The Steelers defeated the Detroit Lions, 20-15, in the Motor City, Oct. 29, despite woeful red zone performances by both teams.

Pittsburgh and Detroit figuratively wore out several pairs of cleats traveling to the red zone but seemed to change to “Keds” sneakers when it came to getting into the end zone. The stats on both Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and Lions quarterback Matt Stafford were sorta, kinda misleading.

There was a photo on msn.com with the caption: “Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, right, celebrates his third-quarter ‘touchdown pass’ against the Lions with Steelers teammates in Detroit.” Touchdown pass, huh? The box score from Sunday night’s game has Roethlisberger “officially” completing 1731 passes for 317 yards with 1 TD and 1 pick. The so-called 97-yard touchdown pass was caught at about the 26 or 27 yard line and advanced by Steelers receiver Juju Smith-Schuster approximately 73 yards for a Steelers touchdown.

The play should have been recorded as a 26-yard pass to Smith-Schuster followed by a 73 YAC (yards after catch) run for a Pittsburgh score. Doesn’t that make more sense? Isn’t that more fair to the quarterback and the receiver?

Meanwhile, Detroit’s Stafford completed 27-45 passes for 423 yards and… no touchdowns? Stafford

marched his troops up and down surrounding hills over and over but never got to the top of the mountain. The Steelers’ big nasty “D” was efficient as far as declawing the Lions goes, but the game should not have been that close. Big Ben again misfired on several crucial situations and there were a few critical drops by his receivers that would have kept the chains moving and would have also kept the Lions off the field and the scoreboard, while leaving Pittsburgh’s defense on the sideline.

During their upcoming bye week the Steelers would be wise to allow many of their “alternates,” (I don’t really like the term second-stringers) to be

worked into the game plan as they prepare to face the Indianapolis Colts in Indianapolis (Nov. 12) after their week off. This would be the perfect time to see what a combination of Smith-Schuster, Martavis Bryant (remember him?), and Eli Rogers on offense could contribute as well as allowing a few youngsters on the defensive side of the ball like linebacker Anthony Chickillo and a few of his “bench buddies” to get a few snaps. After the game, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin might have said it best. “Anytime that you get an opportunity to come from behind in a hostile environment and you get it done, you’re happy and ex-

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The game against the Colts may just well represent a growth opportunity as well.

Martavis, Martavis, where art thou? Why, he’s standing on the sideline with a big bright smile and a furrowed brow. Don’t become too haughty, Steeler nation. I have a sneaking suspicion that the Black and Gold are going to need the services of Monsieur Bryant before their 2017 season concludes. Bryant would be better served just to play and excel in any role that he is given and make sure that there will not be any negative breaking news concerning any of his actions.

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