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Vol. 110 No. 47

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NOVEMBER 20-26, 2019

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‘A first-class brother, an example of Black manhood’

Noted Historian John L. Ford Sr. dies at age 73

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

RAMEIRE COLBERT, right, a high school senior at University Prep, speaks with industry professional Gordon Manker from the Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation. (Photo by Rob Taylor Jr.)

PPS seniors and industry professionals engage in ‘speed networking’

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

Oftentimes, it’s not what you know, but who you know.

“One hundred percent correct,” said Angela Mike, the director of Pittsburgh

Public Schools’ Career and Technical Education program.

She said it while in a room with dozens of PPS high school seniors who were having one-on-one networking sessions with local professionals repre-

senting everything from ALCOSAN, to PNC Bank, to the City of Pittsburgh, to the Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation.

And let’s not forget about John Putzier, who was there representing the lo-

cal Automobile Dealers Association.

Putzier was so impressed with one high school senior that he took the student’s resume for an automotive technician SEE PPS A11

Center. “He was a major collector of Africana and his manuscripts, coins, currency, books and other ephemera were second to none,” Black told the Courier. “He was very

Samuel W. Black, the director of African American programs at the Heinz History Center, called him “a first-class brother and an example of Black manhood.”

His daughter, Sonya, termed him “a great father and friend,” and that she “will forever be a Daddy’s Girl.”

John L. Ford Sr., a noted historian, collector and lecturer, died on Nov. 12 from complications of COPD (Chronic ObJOHN L. FORD SR. structive Pulmoknowledgeable about the nary Disease). He was 73.

His passion for Black his- African Diaspora and estory and tangible remnants pecially Black history in of its culture was unmis- Western Pennsylvania. I takable. After working in was happy to collaborate corporate management with John on exhibits, positions for more than 30 conference panels, church and public years, Ford immersed him- programs, self in the study of African events.”

Ford then became curahistory, examining areas of genetics and anthropology. tor and historian at SolWhen Black began his diers & Sailors Memorial tenure at the Heinz His- Hall & Museum, where tory Center in 2002, Ford he formed the 6th Regiwas the director of school SEE FORD B7 programs at the History

Acclaimed actor Leslie Odom Jr. wows Pittsburgh Promise students

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

Leslie Odom Jr., the Grammy winner, the Tony winner, had the many students who are part of the Pittsburgh Promise program in awe.

The acclaimed actor, singer and highly touted cast

member in the Broadway musical “Hamilton,” performed during the Pittsburgh Promise “A Night of Promise” Gala on Nov. 2 at the Wyndham Grand Hotel, Downtown.

But the Pittsburgh Public Schools students had even more to smile about, as the Promise announced

$4.8 million in new contributions to the scholarship fund.

“We are so grateful to the donors who made ‘A Night of Promise’ possible and who support Pittsburgh’s students as they pursue their dreams and prepare to contribute to our region’s workforce,” Saleem Ghu-

bril, executive director of The Pittsburgh Promise, said in a statement. “‘A Night of Promise’ is a celebration of our kids and their accomplishments, as well as a call to action to SEE ODOM A11

LESLIE ODOM JR., at the Pittsburgh Promise Gala, Nov. 2. (Photo by J.L. Martello)

Maisha Howze shows vulnerable side in new self-help book Book encourages African Americans to heal themselves

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

When times get tough, do you tend to hold it all inside?

If you do, you’re not alone. Pittsburgh native Maisha Howze has been working in the social services field for more than 20 years, and she knows that most people, especially in the African American community, do not want to show vulnerability or admit that they aren’t feeling right.

That’s why she’s written a self-help book designed to give people the strength to outwardly express their problems and then, begin the self-healing process.

The book is entitled, “W.A.S.H. (Withstand All Strife to Heal), Time To Do YOUR Laundry.” The official book release signing and party was held at Arnold’s Tea

on the North Side, Oct. 26.

“Whenever you show that you’re vulnerable, people think that you’re weak, and no one wants to be looked at that way,” Howze told the New Pittsburgh Courier in an exclusive interview. “A lot of things that happen to people that impacts them, they hold it in and they try to be strong,” such as physical abuse via a family member or significant other, or drug and alcohol abuse.

“There are things that happen in our community every day that we’re taught to be strong about and not talk about, but it’s time to move to a place of healing,” Howze said.

Howze, now 46 years old MAISHA HOWZE, a 1991 Perry High School graduate, with her new book, “W.A.S.H., with two children, said she Time To Do YOUR Laundry.” (Photo by Rob Taylor Jr.) wasn’t immune to certain

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J. Pharoah Doss asks

issues, which she openly discusses in the book. She talks about her thoughts of suicide, adverse experiences at the job and with co-workers, and the ups and downs of relationships with men.

The aptly titled book makes clever references to, say, the “dirty clothes” in one’s “hamper” (the mind, body and spirit); then sorting that dirty laundry (current trauma, mental health issues, drug/alcohol issues, familial discord, disappointments, grief, etc.); and onto the preparation stage (loading the washing machine, selecting the temperature and cycle); and ultimately, in chapter seven, SEE HOWZE B7

Will the Democrats remain on the losing side of history?

Forum B6 Forum B5

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NOVEMBER 20-26, 2019

INTERNATIONAL

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This Week In Black History

QUEEN CORA COLEMAN (Drummer for Prince and Beyoncé), Helen Giddings and Rema (19-year-old Nigerian Singer and Rapper, who won AFRIMMA’s Video of the Year Award). (Photo Credit: Earnestine Cole)

Helen Giddings receives AFRIMMA’s Leadership Award

by Earnestine Cole

its political miracle into a sustainably democratic, economic and social model Helen Giddings, a former for all of Africa to adopt; 26-year member of the leading legislation to lift Texas House of RepresenTexas Sanctions against tatives, received a TransSouth Africa; being a formational Leadership passionate advocate for Award, at the 6th Annual education by arranging the AFRIMMA Music Awards, collection and shipment of held at The Bomb Factory over 200,000 textbooks for in Dallas, Texas. Her recog- distribution to South Afnition at AFRIMMA, an all rican school children; and Africa Music Awards, was having an interest in the a culmination of her many arts; hosting a 92-member years of dedicated and all male choir from South insightful work in South Africa, for a month-long Africa. In June 2007, Ms. concert tour in America.

Giddings, was appointed as “I can’t think of a finer Honorary Counsel of South example of TransformaAfrica in Texas. tional Leadership, than She was fortunate to Ms. Helen Giddings, formeet and build a lastmer State Representative ing friendship with the for District 109, representlate South African Presing those on the south side ident Nelson Mandela for 13 terms,” said Regina and worked closely with Onyeibe, Africa Liaison for him and members of his the City of Dallas, in her cabinet, during her 26 introduction of Ms. Gidvisits to South Africa. A dings. “She is responsible video shown at the event, for my first trip as the City chronicled Giddings’ work of Dallas’ Africa Liaison to in South Africa, which inSouth Africa. Ms. Giddings cluded her leading a Texas is a leader. She stands up Delegation to the country for women and children’s that was approved by Gov- rights. This lady is so deernor George W. Bush. serving of this award.”

The video started out Before a packed venue of with these words: “While over 2,000, from various some are elected to lead, African countries, includa special breed become ing South Africa, Nigeria, leaders through actions, Ghana, Congo, Tanzania, that inspire others to do Liberia, Kenya, Cameroon, more and become more, Somalia, and Zambia, the Representative Helen Gid- applause was explosive as dings, a lifelong resident of Ms. Giddings walked from Dallas County is a leader her front row seat and extraordinaire. She has climbed the stairs to the a strong commitment to stage, to accept her prestibuilding meaningful and gious award. enduring relationships “In AFRIMMA, we love between the United States to support people on this and Africa.” side that recognizes that In the video, Ms. GidAfrica is a place that dings was heralded as needs their support”, said being vocal and active in Ifeoma Obiagwu, of Big the reaffirmation and revi- A Entertainment. “Ms. talization of Africa. AccoGiddings has done a lot for lades for her work in South Africa and we just want to Africa were numerous recognize and thank her including her: commitment for seeing something good. to actively work to help The children’s lives have South Africa transform been impacted. We appreFor New Pittsburgh Courier

ciate what she has done.”

In her eloquent acceptance speech, Giddings did not disappoint the crowd at the AFRIMMA Music Awards.

“Good Evening, brothers and sisters and welcome to Dallas,” she said. “We want to thank AFRIMMA for bringing Africa to Dallas.

It is so good to see you all here and to share the incredible music of Africa.

Africa is the birthplace of civilization. And so if it is the birthplace of civilization, then it’s the birthplace of art and music.

Thank you for bringing your incredible music here.

You and I share the same ancestors and nothing can ever change that. We are the descendants of kings and queens. And we carry that on through the music we make.”

Poison Ivy, the Music DJ for the Dallas Mavericks Games, was the Mistress of Ceremony for the Africa Music Awards.

A native of Kenya, Poison Ivy, won the award for the “Best African DJ, USA.” Comedian Basket Mouth, from Nigeria brought never-ending laughter. He is the Chris Rock of Africa and performs to sold-out crowds. Rema, a 19-yearold Rapper from Nigeria, won the “Video of the Year Award.” Rema was excited about meeting Ms. Giddings and talked to her about his desire to have his music played in America.

Beth Huddleston, Protocol Officer for the City of Dallas, witnessed the excitement and positive influence that the AFRIMMA Music Awards, had on the massive crowd gathered at The Bomb Factory.

“Thank you AFRIMMA for bringing such beauty, creativity, power, energy and healing forces to our great city,” said Ms. Huddleston in her Greeting. We are so grateful for you. What a fantastic venue and what a fantastic program for our great city.”

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Week of November 20-26 November 20 1867—Howard University is founded in Washington, D.C., as a result of a Congressional order. The school goes on to become an incubator of African Americans who play major roles in civil rights as well as Black intellectual and cultural development. It has approximately 12,000 students and is thus one of the largest predominantly Black universities in the nation.

1923—Prolific Black inventor Garrett T. Morgan is awarded a patent for his t-shaped traffic signal—the baGARRETT T. MORGAN sis of modern traffic lights. Morgan later sold the rights to the General Electric Corporation for $40,000. Shortly before his death in 1963, the U.S. government awarded Morgan a citation for his invention. He also invented the gas mask.

1939—The state of Maryland purchases Morgan State College in Baltimore. The predominantly Black educational institution was originally founded in 1867 by the Methodist Episcopal Church as the Centenary Bible Institute. It was renamed Morgan College in 1890. It currently has 6,000 students and is one of the leading Black universities in the nation.

1962—President John F. Kennedy issues an executive order barring racial discrimination in all federally financed housing. It was one of several acts which led to the Kennedy name being highly revered by many Black voters.

1976—Gold medal winning Olympic gymnast Dominique Dawes is born in Silver Spring, Md. 1977—Chicago Bear great Walter Payton sets an NFL record by running for 275 yards in one game.

November 21 1865—Shaw University is founded in Raleigh, N.C. While virtually all historically Black colleges and uniDOMINIQUE DAWES versities were established after the Civil War, Shaw can rightfully claim to be the first established in the South.

November 22 1865—The Mississippi legislature enacts the first “Black Codes” aimed at controlling the former slaves. These laws, many of which other Southern states adopted, were so restrictive that they amounted to the re-enslavement of Blacks. In line with the view that much of racism has an economic basis, Blacks were specifically banned from owning farmland. Some of the “Black Codes” were eliminated during Reconstruction, but many actually remained on the law books until the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.

1884—Militant Black journalist and rights advocate T. Thomas Fortune starts the New York Freeman, which later became the New York Age. He was born in Mariana, Fla., in 1856 and died in Philadelphia, Pa., in 1928. Fortune was easily one of the most driven and influential Black journalists in American history.

1884—The Philadelphia Tribune is founded by Christopher J. Perry.

1930—The Nation of Islam is founded in Detroit, Mich.

T. THOMAS FORTUNE A lot of controversy surrounds the founding. But the general view is that the NOI was founded by Wallace Fard Muhammad and Elijah Muhammad was his immediate successor. The Nation of Islam reached its height during the days of Min. Malcolm X advocating self-respect and economic development. It is currently headed by Min. Louis Farrakhan.

1963—The 35th president of the United States John F. Kennedy is assassinated in Dallas, Texas, sending shock waves throughout the nation and the world. Black Americans were especially hard hit because many had come to view Kennedy as the first modern anti-racist, pro-Black president. Conspiracy theories still abound which reject the official version of who killed him and why.

November 23 1897—Self-educated engineer Andrew J. Beard is awarded a patent (#594,059) for an automatic railroad car coupling device—the Jenny Coupler. Prior to this device rail cars were joined manually and hundreds of workers lost fingers, hands and arms.

Beard eventually sold rights to his invention for $50,000.

1980—More than 1,000 Blacks from 25 states gathered in Philadelphia, Pa., and formed the National Black Independent Political Party. However, the lack of funding and Black voter allegiance to the Democratic Party doomed the effort.

November 24 1865—Mississippi enacts another set of “Black Codes” designed to control and virtually re-enslave the recently freed slaves. The racist laws made it illegal for Blacks to be called for jury duty, testify against a White person in court, own guns, attend White schools, or own farmland. Several other Southern states immediately attempted to imitate the Mississippi laws. Reconstruction slowed the implementation of the “Black Codes.” But when Reconstruction ended around 1877, the codes were re-instituted.

1868—Scott Joplin is born in Texarkana, Texas. Joplin becomes skilled at the piano and with composing music. As a result of these skills and his energy, he becomes one of the leading founders of a music genre known as “Ragtime,” which was one of the most popular SCOTT JOPLIN types of music in America for at least 20 years. The most popular “Ragtime” tune was Joplin’s “Maple Leaf Rag” of 1897. Sadly, the talented Joplin died in a New York City asylum at the age of 49.

November 25 1841—The 35 survivors of the Amistad Mutiny return to Africa. On July 2, 1839, slaves, led by Joseph Cinque, killed the captain of the Cuban slave ship Amistad, took control and ordered the crew to sail back to Africa. The ship, however, was seized by a U.S. ship. The government wanted to try the slaves for murder. None other than former President John Quincy Adams decided to represent the rebel JOSEPH CINQUE Blacks. In a surprise decision for its time, a judge ruled that the slaves had been kidnapped and had a right to use violence to free themselves. On this day in 1841, the survivors were allowed to return to Africa.

1949—Luther “Bill” (Bojangles) Robinson dies in New York City. The famed dancer was born on May 25, 1878 in Richmond, Va. Initially, he gained fame on the nightclub circuit performing in musical comedies. Later, he became the toast of Broadway and then Hollywood appearing in 14 motion pictures. He is credited with taking an early style of Black dance called “buck dancing” and turning it into what we know today as tap dancing. Amazingly, the energetic Robinson died of a chronic heart condition.

1955—The Interstate Commerce Commission bans segregation on buses and in waiting rooms involved in interstate travel.

November 26 LUTHER “BILL” 1873—Macon B. Allen is BOJANGLES ROBINSON elected a judge in Charleston, S.C. Allen holds the distinction of being America’s first Black lawyer having been admitted to the bar in Massachusetts on March 5, 1845. During Reconstruction he decided to aid the former slaves in the South by moving to South Carolina and running for judge.

1883—Sojourner Truth dies at her home in Battle Creek, Mich. Truth was a major figure in the abolition movement fighting long and hard to bring an end to the dreaded institution. After slavery, she became a major voice for Black rights and women’s right to vote.

1895—The National Negro Medical AssoSOJOURNER TRUTH ciation is founded. It is now called the National Medical Association and has a membership including 25,000 doctors and health care providers.

1938—Grammy Award-winning singer Tina Turner is born Annie Mae Bullock in Nutbush, Tenn. She (along with her husband, Ike) reaches stardom among R&B music lovers. But after a divorce, she restyles herself and captures an even broader audience.

1970—Benjamin O. Davis Sr., the nation’s first Black general, dies at his home in Chicago.

1970—Charles Gordone receives the Pulitzer Prize TINA TURNER for his play “No Place To Be Somebody.”

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER NOVEMBER 20-26, 2019

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Ervin Dyer receives Pulitzer Center International Reporting Grant Stories to be featured in Courier The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that Pitt Magazine’s senior editor, Ervin Dyer, PhD, is the recipient of a 2019 Pulitzer Center International Reporting Grant.

The Center partners with individual journalists and news organizations to support in-depth, high-impact reporting on topics of global importance, including telling stories on problems that are often overlooked by mainstream U.S. media.

Dr. Dyer will use the grant to report from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on an emerging and innova-

ERVIN DYER, PhD

tive urban church and its pastor. He will chronicle how the church is helping to strengthen the congregation members and build programming to battle the forces of inequality and corruption. Many of Dr. Dyer’s stories will be featured in the Courier.

Dyer earned a doctorate in sociology from Pitt studying African immigrant settlement into urban America and is an award-winning former reporter with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

He is also the founder of a storytelling collective

that takes journalists, photographers and others to Haiti to share the voices of the ordinary men and women who fight back against oppression.

“We know that poverty is a huge challenge for many Haitian citizens. This Pulitzer Center grant is important because it allows me to tell one story of how oppressed Haitians are challenging and resisting poverty to make their lives better,” Dr. Dyer said. “There is a humanity in their resistance that we don’t hear much about.”

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The Tenth Annual Community Empowerment Association Coat Drive

ERIC HOWZE, an ambassador of No Hero Left Behind, donated hundreds of socks to children at the event.

CEA’S COAT DRIVE, held Nov. 16 in Homewood.

RASHAD BYRDSONG continues to support the families of Homewood and neighboring communities, as Saturday, Nov. 16, was the Community Empowerment Association’s Tenth Annual Coat Drive. He says he’s “committed to the movement of fighting against poverty and economic exclusion.”

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Leslie Odom Jr. wows Pittsburgh

FRANCO HARRIS, chairman of The Pittsburgh Promise.

TONY AND GRAMMY AWARD WINNER LESLIE ODOM JR., at the Wyndham Grand Hotel, Downtown, Nov. 2, for The Pittsburgh Promise Gala. (Photos by Courier photographer J.L. Martello)

PITTSBURGH PROMISE HIGH SCHOOLERS—Caio (University Prep), Andonetta (CAPA), Jazmine (Perry), Jasmine (Sci-Tech), Julie VONESSA THOMPSON, who received one of the first Promise (Brashear) and Sean (Allderdice). scholarships in 2008.

HANNA HABTEWOLD, GINA WINSTEAD, JASMINE HUFF

JOSHUA DEVIN, who received one of the first Promise scholarships in 2008.

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

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NOVEMBER 20-26, 2019

Promise students with performance

SALEEM GHUBRIL, Promise executive director.

TONY AND GRAMMY AWARD WINNER LESLIE ODOM JR., at the Wyndham Grand Hotel, Downtown, Nov. 2, for The Pittsburgh Promise Gala. (Photos by Courier photographer J.L. Martello)

BARBARA HOWARD, CANDI CASTLEBERRY SINGLETON, LOIS MARTIN

MELANIE HARRINGTON, YASMIN SHAHEED

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LIFESTYLES New Pittsburgh Courier

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NOVEMBER 20-26, 2019

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

Debbie Norrell

Lifestyles Report In My Travels Fall 2019 Visiting new places is something I really enjoy.

Last week The Eatery opened at The Meadows Casino and Hotel. Prior to opening day there was a tasting and I had a chance to visit with celebrity chef Fabio Viviani and taste a variety of the menu items. Here are the new restaurants that you will find at The Meadows and what they serve.

•Mercato (gourmet pizza and other specialty Italian eats) •The Classic (handcrafted burgers, crispy chicken and Po Boys) •Joe & Dough (cannoli, key lime tarts, Nutella cheesecake, crème brulee, fresh hot bambolini (Italian donuts) and more) •Zen Noodle (chicken satay, shrimp rolls and pho) I enjoyed everything that I tasted and especially enjoyed the new atmosphere of The Eatery. The setup is more of a food court with the 2ten Drafthouse in the center. The Drafthouse serves craft and draft beers and reportedly killer cocktails.

Chef Fabio is a chef, restaurateur, and writer of cookbooks who has appeared on reality television. He also sells a range of wines. In 2005 he moved from Florence, Italy to Southern California.

I was able to meet the chef and talk to him at length, he was quite pleasant and very handsome.

Casinos and eating are fun but you know I love to shop. How many of you have tried Facebook Marketplace? If you are wondering what I am talking about, look at Facebook and at the bottom of the square you will see an icon that looks like a store with an awning. Click on it and you will see tons of things for sale. So far I have sold three items and bought three items. There are tons of bargains, the key is knowing the value of an item. I wanted a new chair for my bedroom and I did not want to pay a lot for it. I lucked up on an acrylic chair for $50.

These chairs, also known as “ghost chairs,” normally sell for about $400.

This was a bargain to say the least. I made arrangements to meet the seller at the mall and it was a smooth transaction.

It is best to meet in a public place, find out what type of car they will be driving and it’s not a bad idea to take someone with you. I always let someone know where I am going and what I am doing if I am meeting someone to exchange merchandise. Don’t forget to check the person’s ratings. You can rate the person just like you do on eBay. Beware of the fake ads on Facebook, most recently there was one with a Costco coupon for $75.

Often I hear people say I wonder how scammers got my information. In many cases you gave it away trying to get something for nothing. Don’t do it. There is no free lunch, no free coupons and no free plane tickets.

Save your money and pay your own way.

Thanks to the ladies who told me that they enjoy reading my column.

You made my day.

(Email Debbie at debbienorrell@aol.com.)

IT WAS ALL ABOUT THE SOUL FOOD—Victor Chaneyfield, Kimberly Harriel-Allen and Olga George

HAPPY TRIO—Marcy Spidell, Jimmy Carter and Tal Collier

Rivers Club Soul Food & Jazz

A SCRUMPTIOUS NIGHT

by Debbie Norrell Lifestyles Editor

It has been said that what’s on the menu can make or break an event.

On October 5, at the Rivers Club in Oxford Center it was all about the jazz and the soul food for the Annual Rivers Club Soul Food

WELCOME TO THE RIVERS CLUB—Christian Wingate, Yolanda Wingate and Camisha Wingate

& Jazz Night. The menu was created by Chef Jimmy G and his amazing culinary team. More than 200 guests dined on fried chicken, cat fish, ribs, macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes, greens, corn bread, sweet potato pie, bananas foster, peach and cherry cobbler.

The music was just as scrumptious as the food with Tubby Daniels and Anita Levels in one room and vocalist Charelle Unique & Sugar in the main ballroom. After dinner DJ Nick Nice got everyone on the dance floor.

Pittsburghers look forward to this great evening and the event sells out quickly. This year former Pittsburghers enjoyed a great evening as well. Francine Outen who now resides in Atlanta was spotted as well as Paula Waters from the DMV.

TAKING A BREAK—Anita Levels (Photos by Debbie Norrell)

TABLEMATES—Gina Marie and Gary Ventrice

CARMA PALONIS, CYNTHIA MOORE, SANDAY HARVEY AND DORA HARVEY

JAMES LYLES, PAULA WATERS, JANET AND GLEYN WARD

JAZZ NIGHT REGULARS—Sandra Roberts and Kelly Thompson

FAMILY—Sister Christan Dukes, Angie Logan and Isabella Dukes

HAVING A GREAT NIGHT—ClarHANDSOME COUPLE—Kevin Jordan and Tania Hawkins ence Ford and Staci Flint

RELIGION

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER NOVEMBER 20-26, 2019

Legacy International

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Praise & Worship ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH Crawford & Centre Ave. Pgh., PA 15219 412-281-3141 Sunday Mass 10:30 A.M. www.stbtmchurch.org

East Liberty Presbyterian Church Rev. Dr. Randy Bush, Senior Pastor 412-441-3800 116 S. Highland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206

www.cathedralofhope.com

Worship on Sunday: Journey Worship...........8:45 a.m.

Sanctuary Worship...........11 a.m.

Taize -Wednesdays.........7 p.m.

Worship Center PASTOR MICHAEL AND FIRST LADY AMBER DAY skating during Legacy International Worship Center’s Family Fun Night Out, Nov. 17, at Neville Island Skating Rink. (Photos by Courier photographer J.L. Martello)

Curious about Quakerism?

BELLA FRANKLIN

Family Fun Night Out!

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

Pittsburgh Friends Meeting 4836 Ellsworth Avenue www.quaker.org/pghpamm/

Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community!

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ADAH M. LAVELLE

The Courier is THE VOICE of Black Pittsburgh.

JOHN L. FORD, SR.

John L. Ford, Sr., born April 29, 1946 in Pittsburgh, PA, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 12, 2019. Visitation will be held at 4-8 pm, Wednesday, Nov. 20 at Spriggs & Watson Funeral Home, 720 N. Lang Avenue, Pgh., PA 15208. Funeral services at 11 am, Thursday, Nov. 21 at Baptist Temple Church, 7241 Race Street, Pgh., PA 15208. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Education Dept., Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum.

Adah M. Lavelle age 99, resident of the Hill District of Pittsburgh passed away November 11, 2019. She will always be fondly remembered for her devotion to God; as a faithful wife, loving mother and adoring grandmother; for unselfish service to all; for sewing skills; and for extraordinary culinary skills.

Adah Jacquelyn Moore, daughter of John Crosby Moore and Elsie Jacquelyn Captain Moore was born August 9, 1920 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Adah grew up in the Beltzhoover neighborhood.

Adah graduated in 1938 from South Hills High School. She continued formal education at Duff’s Business School, graduating in 1940.

On July 25th, 1942 she married Robert R. Lavelle. They celebrated almost 68 years of marriage.

Adah was employed by the Pittsburgh Courier, in the accounting department. Years later, she and her husband founded and operated Lavelle Real Estate, Incorporated.

She worked there for over thirty year, retiring as the Corporate Secretary/Treasurer in 1985. She was an early, if not the first, female African American real estate Broker in the Pittsburgh region. When Adah’s husband agreed to have Dwelling House Building and Loan—a small German association in the Hill District that was about to close—move into their real estate office, she became the first volunteer serving as the first cashier/teller.

Holy Cross Episcopal Church was the Captain and Moore house of worship. As an adult, Adah joined Grace Memorial Presbyterian Church. At Grace Adah was an Ordained Deacon and very active member of the Deacon Board; Sunday school teacher; active member and treasurer of the Presbyterian Women; and Adult Usher Board member. With her husband and others she started Grace’s first Cub Scout Troup and served as Den Mother. Adah was active with Pittsburgh Presbyterian Women, serving as treasurer. She also served as one of the first tutors for Grace’s After School Tutorial and Enrichment Program (ASTEP).

Adah found time for social and civic activities: Debs About Town; Saturday Night Supper Club; Jack and Jill Club of America; Business and Professional Women; Pittsburgh Pioneers; Aurora Reading Club; Life member, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP); Friends of the Council of Federated Organizations (COFO); and the Pittsburgh Council for International Visitors (PCIV).

She is survived by two sons: Robert and John; their wives; two grandchildren and their spouses; two great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation was held on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019, from 5 - 8pm at the Grace Memorial Presbyterian Church 1000 Bryn Mawr Rd Pittsburgh, PA 15219 where Home Going Service was held on Monday Nov. 18, 2019, at 11am. Entombment Allegheny Cemetery In lieu of flowers, friends may make memorial gifts to the Schenley Heights Community Development Program (SHCDP, an after school tutorial program) or to Grace Memorial Presbyterian Church, Deacon Board Ministry.

Arrangements by Samuel J. Jones Funeral Home

TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEXT CHURCH EVENT! We want to place your event in our Church Circuit weekly calendar!

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NOVEMBER 20-26, 2019

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SUPPORTERS—Linda Jackson, Lolly Jackson and Anita Jackson–Lowe

HONORARY TEA POURER—Lisa Washington

Fairview Park announces capital campaign

by Debbie Norrell Lifestyles Editor

Fairview Park is the only Black-owned park this side of the Mississippi and was developed in 1945 by the Monongahela Valley Sunday School Association that consisted of a group of African American churches from Westmoreland and Allegheny counties. This was during a time when segregation restricted access to other public amusement parks.

At one point the park had a roller coaster, merry-goround, a skating rink and a swimming pool. Those amenities are no longer there but the desire to maintain the park is still strong.

On Oct. 26, at Obama High School, the Historic Fairview Park held a tea party to announce the park’s capital campaign and celebrate its upcom-

ing 75th anniversary in 2020. Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, KDKA–TV’s Lisa Washington and state Representative Ed Gainey served as honorary tea pourers. Board Member Chris Moore of KDKA radio, PCNC and Chris Moore Communications served as master of ceremonies.

Moore and board president Anita Jackson-Lowe spoke about the vision for the park and the need to retain Black ownership of the historic park.

Jackson-Lowe is the first female president in the history of the board.

Historic Fairview Park is located at Old William Penn Highway and Rock Springs Road, Greensburg. Mark your calendar for the Diamond Gala in May 2020 at the Rivers Club and the annual picnic on Aug. 15 at Fairview Park.

TEA POURERS—Sandra K. Lewis and Cookie Ransom

COMMITTEE MEMBERS—Clarisa Evans, Phyllis Brown and Alice Paylor-Dais (Photos by Debbie Norrell)

COMMITTEE MEMBERS—Darryl Lowe, Olga George and Paul Marks

BOARD PRESIDENT WITH PAST PRESIDENTS—Harvey Freeman, Bill Fisher and Anita Jackson-Lowe

HONORARY TEA POURER—Mayor Bill Peduto

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NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER NOVEMBER 20-26, 2019 A11

Manchester’s Jewell Parker Rhodes pens ‘Ghost Boys’

by C. Denise Johnson For New Pittsburgh Courier

Growing up in Manchester, Jewell Parker Rhodes would sit on the front stoop of her grandmother’s house, regaled with stories about family, slavery, love, death and life. Little did she know then those stories were part of the African American tradition of storytelling, a link running through her family for generations.

When Rhodes wasn’t on the stoop, she was at the library, consuming as many books as possible—illustrated versions of classics like “The Prince and the Pauper” and “Robinson Crusoe.” But in the 1960s, few, if any, books by people of color were on the library shelves. “We never saw White people unless we took the bus downtown,” she recalls. “I only saw them on the covers of my books.”

Rhodes wrote her first book when she was 8 years old, “The Last Scream.” “I illustrated it and bound it in yellow construction paper. My teacher coaxed me to read it aloud in from of the class.”

Something clicked that would serve her later along the way.

She auditioned for Carnegie Mellon University’s Theater Dance program.

Why dance? “My grandmother and I watched the weekday 4 o’clock movies.

Media had taught me that African Americans were mainly on television for sports or performing,” says Rhodes. “I think because of my imagination, I fell in love with performing. I took years of dance classes and remember fondly taking classes and doing productions at the Pittsburgh Playhouse Theater.”

Despite her obvious interest in literature, “No one ever said, ‘you can be a writer.’ In all my schooling, I was never assigned a book by a person of color.”

That all changed during her junior year at CMU. “I saw at the library entrance a shelf of ‘New Fiction.’

‘Corregidora’ by Gayl Jones attracted me immediately. It was the first time I’d seen a book by a Black writer,” Rhodes recalled. “Reading the book reminded me that my experiences as an African American woman were as relevant as anyone else’s.”

It was pure kismet.

“I changed my major to English and took writing

workshops. I was the only African American in workshop and my classmates often asked, ‘Why didn’t you tell me your characters are Black?’ And I’d answer: ‘Why didn’t you tell me your characters are White?’”

“Unfortunately, default White characters and White authors was what I had absorbed culturally.

Thankfully, my generation would be the generation that added women’s studies and multi-ethnic studies to academia.”

Indeed, Rhodes went on to earn a bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate in English (creative writing); all from CMU. Rhodes’ trajectory led her to become an author. Her favorite genre is historical fiction. “I’ve written many adult and youth historical novels. I like researching, uncovering past and recent history, responding and trying to imagine the emotional truth of past lives.

My books always have multi-ethnic characters and illuminate history and lives that are often overlooked.”

She has published five young adult books, three adult books and a trilogy, all steeped in history and culture; she has received almost a dozen awards for her writing. “My entire life has been a journey on the way to writing Ninth Ward.”

Rhodes elaborated: “I always wanted to write for youth. I wanted to honor how reading (even though the characters didn’t look

JEWELL PARKER RHODES like me) saved me—made me empathetic, sensitive to new horizons, and helped me think critically about my place in the world. In particular, I loved the hero/ heroines overcoming adversity. Those fictional examples gave me courage to overcome adversity in my life.

“I have always wanted to write for youth and give kids diverse heroines to inspire them. I wrote 10 books for adults trying to become good enough to write for kids. Writing for youth has always been (for me) the highest calling.

Youth stories can have significant lasting impact. I’m

proof of that.”

Rhodes’ most recent book, “Ghost Boys,” echoes headlines and history. Twelveyear old Jerome is shot by a police officer who mistakes his toy gun for a real one.

As a ghost he sees the aftermath of the tragedy. And also meets another ghost, Emmett Till.

Rhodes was the special guest at the Carnegie Library Lecture Hall, Oct. 6, to discuss “Ghost Boys” with an intimate audience.

“Ghost Boys,” released last year, has garnered four awards, the latest being the Walter Dean Myers Award for Outstanding Children’s Literature.

PPS seniors and industry professionals engage in ‘speed networking’ PPS FROM A1

and said he’ll pass it on to the many new car dealerships he communicates with in the region that are in need of automotive technicians—“desperately,” according to Putzier.

“We are really looking to hire as many people as we can,” he said.

It was the second consecutive year for “Hire Learning,” the professional development program for PPS seniors in the CTE program, held at the district’s Greenway Professional Learning Center. Out of the CTE program’s 140 seniors, roughly 75 were on hand on

this Nov. 14 mid-morning to showcase their communication and job-readiness skills to industry professionals. Similar to the “speed dating” concept, the students participated in “speed networking,” where they spent five minutes with a particular industry professional, then rotated to another industry professional.

The process lasted for roughly 40 minutes.

Jalen Smith, a senior at Brashear High School, told the Courier he was nervous at first to interact with the professionals, but found out it was “a good opportunity

to practice for an interview” and a “good process for getting motivated to find out what your career is, what the future holds for you.”

Rameire Colbert, a senior at University Prep, told the Courier that speaking with the professionals was confirmation as to the many opportunities available to him in the future. He wants a profession in the entertainment technology field.

Aaliyah Artis, a senior at Westinghouse, wants to become a pediatrician. She told the Courier that she was motivated by the professionals who told her the AALIYAH ARTIS, right, a Westinghouse High School senior, speaks with industry professional Kenisha salaries that pediatricians Morgan of Wink & Wax Esthetic Studio on E. Carson St., during a “speed networking” event for PPS seniors in the Career and Technical Education Program, Nov. 14. (Photos by Courier photographer Rob Taylor Jr.)

Acclaimed actor Leslie Odom Jr. wows Pittsburgh Promise students

(and nurses, another possible profession for Artis) generate.

“We’re introducing them to people right here in the City of Pittsburgh, so if ODOM FROM A1 million). things over which you have they went Downtown, if they went to East Liberty, make sure that thousands Odom is no stranger to complete control.” more can grow into the full- Pittsburgh, as he’s a gradOdom also told the gradu- they would see all of these ness of their promise.” uate of Carnegie Mellon ates that “we are speaking folks, live and in person,” The new funding amount University. He received his to the world around us all Mike said. The networkbrings the total fundraising bachelor’s degree from the the time. Speaking, even ing from the event could, for The Promise to $213.4 school’s fine arts program before we utter a sound. in the future, give the stumillion. Since 2008, The in 2003.

You’ve begun the quiet dents the upper hand in Pittsburgh Promise ScholOn May 19, Odom was the humble process already, being offered employment arship Fund has invested keynote speaker at CMU’s after all. Right here. You by that professional, or at more than $139 million in commencement. read, and invented, and least, the professional can scholarships to send more “I discovered that if there wrote, and dreamed of the “point them in the right than 9,300 youth on to a has been a guiding force world you will now endeav- direction for employment,” post-secondary education, in my life, beyond being or to build. You’ve prepared Mike said.

In 2018, the first year of according to a release by incredibly fortunate and and made your intentions The Promise. blessed, it has only been known. May it continue the event, Mike said the feedback was overwhelmThe $4.8 million raised intention,” Odom said to from here.” came from The Grable the graduates, provided to Odom, 38, won the 2016 ingly positive. And the Foundation ($2 million), the Courier in a release by Tony Award for Best Actor in number of students from The Buhl Foundation ($1.5 CMU. “When you’re start- a Musical as U.S. Vice Pres- 2018 to 2019 grew. “Last million), the Massey Chari- ing out especially—as all ident Aaron Burr in “Ham- year, students were amazed table Trust ($120,000), and of you are about to do—it ilton,” and won a Grammy once they got here,” she The Sentinels Society ($1.2 falls under the purview of Award as a principal soloist said. “They were a little on the original cast record- nervous about coming, but after they came, they said ing of “Hamilton.”

Currently, one can see their confidence had been Odom as William Still in built, they felt like they rethe movie, “Harriet,” a ally could sell themselves, film that depicts the life and they understood the of American icon Harriet power of networking. When Tubman. During an inter- I told them that over 70 view on “CBS This Morn- percent of people get their ing,” Odom said that it was jobs by networking, after long overdue for movies the event, they said they like “Harriet” to be shown understood why.”

In the CTE program, to the masses.

“I think for a long time there are a number of there was this data around sub-divisions a student can Hollywood that stories explore, such as early childabout Black life wouldn’t hood education, automotive make money, certain sto- technology, culinary arts, ries starring African Amer- finance technology, and cosican women wouldn’t make metology.

CTE’s cosmetology promoney nationally or internationally, and I think more gram is just what the docrecently we have data final- tor ordered for Kenisha ly that really proves that to Morgan. She was able to not be true,” Odom said. “So earn all the needed hours we’re seeing our stories be- for a cosmetology certifiing told on the large screen, cate while she was in high LESLIE ODOM JR. (Photo by Courier photographer J.L. Martello) school at Westinghouse which is amazing.”

some 10 years ago. She was one of the industry professionals speaking to the students at the networking event—as owner and lead cosmetologist of Wink & Wax Esthetic Studio on E. Carson St., South Side.

“I just wanted to show them (the students) that I was in their shoes, and seeing someone prosper from being where they were 10 years ago and owning my own (business), they can do it if I can do it,” Morgan said.

She said the key for the students as they head into jobs or post-secondary education is confidence. “Know that they got it. It’s not on them, it’s in them,” she said.

As for Putzier, he also is

on the local Skill Trades Advisory Council. And they’re always looking for carpenters and electricians.

He told the Courier that in addition to the resume he received from a high school senior interested in becoming an automotive technician, he would be taking with him some additional resumes he received from students who want to be in the trades.

“I didn’t think we’d be hiring people today, but there definitely are some kids here who are very hirable,” Putzier told the Courier.

“I’m very impressed with these kids; good eye contact, good communications skills. Whatever training they got, it’s working.”

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BUSINESS New Pittsburgh Courier

What the 2019 elections mean for 2020 Julianne Malveaux B5

PROPERTY IS POWER

NOVEMBER 20-26, 2019

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Pros and Cons of...

The power of credit When the economy is going strong, remember all good things must come to an end. Depending on who you are listening to at the moment we are on the cusp of a recession. But on the other hand, there are those who claim the economy is stronger than ever. If you are hedging your bet on whether to buy property or not based on a recession, it’s a good idea to consider your options and make-a-decision based on facts pertinent to your situation.

In theory, when prices fall the question isn’t really how low will prices go? The question should be how much property can you buy before prices go back up? If you decide to buy a house during a recession, just as important as getting a good price is being able to ride and hold out through the recession.

Understandably, the possibility of losing your home, or watching your parents, friends or neighbors lose their homes may have you doubting whether or not to make a purchase during ANTHONY O. KELLUM a recession.

You should never let the fear of anything keep you from doing what you are capable of or from doing something you have prepared yourself for, good economy or not.

The key is being prepared. Make sure you have money saved, your credit is in order and you are ready to take the next step in your life.

We’ll explore the pros and cons of purchasing a home during a recession. Pros on Buying a Home During a Recession: •It’s often a Buyer’s Market: A down market is a buyer’s market. The urgency to sell changes the playing field for the seller. Houses that hit the market during a recession may mean the sellers can no longer pay their mortgages.

•Less Ability to Negotiate: It can be more difficult to obtain financing when economic times are hard. There may be stricter approval requirements from lenders. For example, higher credit score or larger down payments may be needed.

•Harder to Finance: It can be more difficult to obtain financing when economic times are hard. There may be stricter approval requirement from lenders. For example, higher credit score or larger down payments may be needed.

•Competing with Investors: When the market declines there are more investors who want to purchase homes as rental properties anticipating selling when the prices recover. It’s often hard to compete with these investors because SEE PROPERTY B2

Modular vs. Site-Built homes DIFFERENT METHOD—A completely different method of offsite homebuilding—modular construction—has also been around for many decades but has not gained much traction until recently. (Photo: iStockphoto/NNPA)

Improvements in Modular homes make them a competitive alternative to Site-Built homes

by Christopher G. Cox For New Pittsburgh Courier

(NNPA)—For many decades the preferred homebuilding method has been to assemble all the construction materials on site and build from the ground up, usually over a period of about six or more months. This is still the method used to construct some 90 percent of homes being built today.

A completely different method of offsite homebuilding­—modular construction— has also been around for many decades, but has not gained much traction until recently.

“Over the last 20 years,” said Maria

Coutts, president of The Coutts Group and a senior officer of the Pennsylvania Builders Association, “the customization of modular homes has a consistent record of matching site-built homes and meeting customer demand, largely due to the use of computer-aided design.

COMMENTARY “The use of overhead cranes also allows modular structures to be as wide and as high as desired,” Coutts adds.

In modern modular construction, modules are manufactured in a climate-con-

trolled factory environment. “This decreases the possibility of the materials being exposed to rain, snow and wind,” Coutts explains. “Prolonged exposure to these elements can lead to warping, mold and nail pops throughout the home. Also, squeaky floors and steps can be an issue if it is raining or snowing during a site build,” Coutts said.

Jeff Holdren, district sales manager, western territories, for North Carolina-based Holmes Building Systems, agrees with Coutts that quality control is greatly enhanced with modular building. “Actually, if you think about it,” Holdren said, “a modSEE HOMES B2

What’s at stake in Byron Allen’s Supreme Court showdown with Comcast

by Maurita Coley For New Pittsburgh Courier

(NNPA)—The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments today in a suit between Comcast and Byron Allen, a prominent African American programming executive. What began as a fairly routine television carriage dispute has turned into risky gambit that may give the court’s conservative majority an opportunity to roll back fundamental civil rights protections.

COMMENTARY The lawsuit arose out of Comcast’s decision several years ago not to carry several Allen-owned television channels, such as Pets.

TV and Recipe.TV. Comcast has argued its rejection of Allen’s channels was purely a business decision, reflecting what it viewed as the channels’ limited audience appeal. Allen then promptly filed a $20 billion lawsuit against Comcast, alleging that the company’s refusal to contract with Allen’s company was racially motivated, in violation of Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866.

RISK TO CIVIL RIGHTS—Given Allen’s huge success as an African American businessman, these channels cannot be so important to him that it’s worth placing all of our civil rights at risk. (Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA) District Court Judge Terry Hatter—a well-respected African American judge with an apparently strong record on civil rights —dismissed the case three times, finding that Allen had not established a plausible argument that Comcast would have contracted with his company “but for” Allen’s race.

Allen appealed to the 9th Circuit, which remanded Judge Hatter’s dismissal with a new guideline to the lower court that a plaintiff can state a viable claim under Section 1981 if discriminatory intent plays any role in a defendant’s decision not to contract, regardless of whether race discrimination was a “but for”

cause of that decision. Comcast petitioned the Supreme Court to review the 9th Circuit’s decision, and the Supreme Court agreed; oral argument is scheduled for Nov. 13, 2019.

Carriage disputes between cable operators like Comcast, and programming content providers like Byron Allen, are exceeding-

ly common. In my more than 30 years in the industry, I’ve represented both sides—networks seeking distribution and distributors seeking content—and in the early days of cable, I even represented minority-owned distributors such as Barden Cablevision of Detroit, and minority-owned programmers such as Black Entertainment Television.

In my experience, this Comcast-Allen case doesn’t fit the usual framework for a race discrimination case. As best I can surmise, Allen’s channels are not ethnically or culturally diverse; he claimed the alleged race discrimination was that, “but for” the fact that his channels are Black-owned, his channels would have been carried because Comcast was already carrying similar White-owned food and pet-themed channels. His suit rejected Comcast’s defense that its decision not to carry his channels was not racially motivated, saying that it had other non-racial reasons, such as better ratings, higher-quality programming, or other business considerations for not carrying the channels owned

by Allen.

In any event, the parties were SEE ALLEN B2

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What’s at stake in Allen’s showdown ALLEN FROM B1

not able to resolve their content carriage dispute, and now this case, which started as a private contract dispute, now puts at risk the civil rights enjoyed by all Americans, because a conservative Supreme Court majority hostile to civil rights has a chance to fundamentally re-examine Section 1981. The court will get to decide—not just for this case, but in a precedent that will impact all future discrimination cases—whether a plaintiff must prove that intentional race discrimination was the decisive factor in a decision (the “but for” standard of proof), or whether race just needs to be one factor in the decision (the 9th Circuit’s “mixed motive” standard, which civil rights leaders strongly support).

If the Supreme Court gets to decide this case, it seems very likely that—at a minimum—the court will choose the “but for” standard that is currently used in most jurisdictions outside the 9th Circuit. That would be a major setback to the civil rights community’s advocacy for establishing nationwide the 9th Circuit’s broader “motivating factor” standard.

It’s even conceivable that this conservative Supreme Court could go even farther, exploiting the facts of Mr. Allen’s private contract claim to justify an even more regressive outcome by applying the “but for” standard in EEO retaliation, fair housing, voting rights, or other claims.

Civil rights groups such as NAACP have jumped into this case, filing amicus briefs that seek to convince the court not to embrace the “but for” standard. What I suggest now is that the civil rights groups try to persuade both parties to help get us out of this precarious place in history. To do that, it’s essential that Allen withdraw his $20 billion lawsuit, and that Comcast withdraw its petition for certiorari to the U.S. Supreme Court—ideally before the Nov. 13, 2019, oral argument or soon after.

Given Allen’s huge success as an African American businessman, these channels cannot be so important to him that it’s worth placing all of our civil rights at risk. Likewise, Comcast, which ranks No. 2 on Fortune’s list of 100 best workplaces for diversity and has one of the strongest records of programming diversity in the industry, should demonstrate those values by withdrawing its petition for Supreme Court review if Allen also agrees to step back from the ledge.

Both parties should close their eyes, take a leap—and hold their noses if they mus—but do their part to take this case off the docket of a deeply conservative court.

Otherwise we might all find ourselves facing an uncertain future, stripped of key civil rights protections.

No contract or channel is worth the risk.

(The op-ed was first published in the Morning Consult on November 13, 2019.

(Maurita Coley, a veteran communications attorney and former executive at BET Networks, serves as president and CEO of the Multicultural Media, Telecom, and Internet Council.)

BUSINESS CALENDAR Annual Business Luncheon

DEC. 5—The African American Chamber of Commerce will hold its Annual Business Luncheon featuring Jerry MacCleary, Chairman and CEO, Covestro, LLC., at the OMNI William Penn Hotel, 530 Wm. Penn Place at 12 Noon. Tickets are $80.00 for members and $90.00 for Non-Members. Reply requested by Nov. 27, 2019. Call 412-3920610.

Two-Day QuickBooks Advanced Tutorial

DEC. 11 & DEC. 18—The Duquesne University Small Business Development Center will present QuickBooks Advanced for desktop software users, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., 108 Rockwell Hall, 600 Forbes Ave. Pittsburgh 15282. This workshop is tailored to QuickBooks Desktop users that are interested in learning in-depth topics like money management, expense billing, and reconcile bank statements. Day one topics include: Inventory; Time and Billing; Company file setup and preferences, and Adjustments and year-end procedures. Day two topics: Sales tax payable; Payroll set up, and Payroll processing. Cost: $49. Call 412-396-1633 for more information.

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Modifying your savings PROPERTY strategy as your life evolves IS POWER What did your life look like when you started saving for your goals? Since then, maybe you’ve gotten married, moved, or bought a car. All these events may change how you think about your savings.

Learn how you can modify your savings plan to fit your changing needs.

What can you save for?

Did you buy a home recently? Thinking about starting a family? This can change how you need to save. For instance, the cost of raising a child could be close to $13,000 a year, according to a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) report.

While that’s just an estimate, if you’re planning on having children, think about how you can save ahead of time.

According to a study by Magnify Money, nearly onethird of households have $1,000 or less in savings. Setting yourself up for the future begins with asking yourself what you should be saving for outside of monthly payments, and how much you can reasonably save with each paycheck.

Start with increases and automatic transfers Making the most of your savings strategy can be as simple as increasing the monthly amount you put toward your savings goal, as long as your adjusted budget allows for it.

There is a variety of ways you can make sure you’re doing this.

Try using monthly automatic transfers from your checking to your savings account. You can also set up a payroll allotment, which automatically takes money from your paycheck and drops it into a designated sav-

ings account. The idea behind using automatic transfers and payroll allotments is that what you don’t see, you’re not likely to miss. Plus, you can use the money you put in savings to cover emergencies, a home repair, school tuition, and even retirement. If you want to separate out your savings based on different needs, consider different account options.

Change your spending habits so you can save differently If you go through a change that impacts your finances, saving isn’t the only area to shift.

You can also think about your daily, monthly, and yearly expenses. Add up everything that you spend on: •Prepared foods •Meals out •Entertainment, such as movie tickets •Cable/TV/ streaming services •Gym memberships Identifying the ways that your money is being spent is a step towards determining the areas that you can save. Prioritize the things you spend money on that you value most. Try giving up those that you feel don’t contribute that much to your quality of life, and keep the ones that do. Having a savings strategy doesn’t mean you have to give up all fun.

Remember, saving isn’t just about having a spending plan— you need to follow through. The Hands on Banking® website offers great advice and templates for people who want to start using a spending plan to keep better track of their money.

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The power of credit

PROPERTY FROM B1

they buy in cash.

Strategies to Help You Make a Wise Decision and to Capitalize on Decreasing Prices: •Buying in a Down Market: Determine if it makes sense for you to make a purchase during a housing downturn.

•Check Out Over-Priced Homes: Often in depressed markets it’s not unusual for some sellers to price their homes too high. If this is the case, it may warrant a second look because the seller may be willing/eager to negotiate in order to sell.

•Do Your Homework: Typically, buyers have the advantage in a depressed market, but this does not mean you should make the purchase without doing your due diligence.

•Get Your Finances in Order: Although you may have the advantage over the seller, keep in mind you are not the only person looking a bargain. Do not prolong the buying process. If so, you may end up losing the deal.

•Keep Your Eyes Open for Eager Sellers: If a homeowner wants to sell in a hurry, you may have additional buying/negotiating power. Use it to your advantage.

•Know Why You are Buying: Ask yourself some hard questions about why you are buying the home. Be organized, prepared and rely on trained professionals throughout the process.

•Make Sure the Title Is Clear: When times are tight, many sellers may want to rid themselves of their homes because they are upside down meaning they owe more than the home is worth. In other words, they are in over their heads. In some instances, there may be a lien from a service provider, bank, contractor or other lending institution against the property.

Many believe that people who purchase property during a recession or economic downturn tend to do very well on their purchase prices and can ride the value of the property upwards as the economy shifts again.

(Anthony O. Kellum is President of Kellum Mortgage, LLC. Call 248-599-1624 or email Anthony@kellummortgage.com.)

Pros and Cons of Modular vs Site-Built homes HOMES FROM B1

ular home is a lot stronger structure. You have to be able to pick it up, put it on a transport and wind tunnel test it to 60 miles an hour.”

Both Coutts and Holdren point to the relative speed of construction of modular versus site-built homes.

“The time a site builder might be involved in the construction process,” said Coutts, “is tremendous and with modular this time is cut in half.”

Holdren concurs, noting, “A home can be finished within 120 days from the

time we start.

“Many of the homes featured on the television series ‘Extreme Home Makeover’ are modular homes because of the speed required by the production schedule,” Holdren adds.

Coutts and Holdren also agree that the public at large is not aware of the many advantages of modular construction.

“Modular homes are much better than when I started in 2002, 17 years ago,” Holdren said.

He attributes the lack of growth in part to the

failure of his industry to better educate the public.

“We do not do a great job of educating people. There is still a general perception that a modular home is inferior,” he notes.

Coutts is optimistic that this is changing. “Site-built construction has been the standard for so long that consumers don’t always research both sides, pro and con, of these two styles. As the concepts and practices of modular construction are becoming more popular with the general public, more consumers are becom-

ing very receptive to this building practice,” she said.

Perhaps as a sign of things to come, Coutts notes that modular construction has gained much more of a foothold in Europe than it has in the U.S. “Modular construction will eventually increase in use similar to the northern European countries of Denmark, Sweden and Germany,” said Coutts, “where it accounts for 20 to 85 percent of total annual builds.”

(Christopher G. Cox is publisher and managing editor, www. realesavvy.com.)

Burritt at Chamber’s PowerBreakfast mitment to the Mon Valley improvement, and helping to support the continued growth of small businesses in Southwest Pennsylvania.

He demonstrated a strong belief and feelings for the enhancement of diversity and inclusion. He also expressed the growth of diversity and inclusion both in the workforce of United States Steel Corporation as well as their various suppliers. The company is building its infrastructure to sustain the region and expects to generate hundreds of jobs in the Mon Valley.

Burritt is native of Morton, Illinois, and began his career at Caterpillar in Peoria, Illinois, where he was employed for 32 years.

He joined U.S. Steel in 2013 as the CFO and talked about how much he loves Pittsburgh.

Burritt was well received by over 60 members in attendance. As an added plus, the Chamber Orchestra of Pittsburgh performed prior to Mr. Burritt’s presentation.

Burritt, also a CPA, received his undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Bradley University, and his master’s GUEST SPEAKER—David Burritt, center, was the African American Chamber’s PowerBreakfast speak- degree from the University er. He is shown with Doris Carson Williams and Samuel Stephenson. of Illinois.

David Burritt, President and Chief Executive Officer of United States Steel Corporation, was the special

guest speaker at the African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pa. PowerBreakfast Meeting,

Nov. 5. Burritt engaged the audience with a brief history about United States Steel Corporation, his com-

OPINION

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Guest Editorial

Why does national media favor Buttigieg?

We were happy to see former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick enter the presidential race this week—if only to give Americans another strong Black leader to consider.

We were also pleased with the amount of national media attention his announcement got.

But we wonder if it will continue as his campaign continues.

Will he get as much attention as, say, a White mayor from a big town in Indiana?

Presidential contender Amy Klobuchar raised a related question last week on CNN’s “State of the Union.”

When asked if she thought Pete Buttigieg, the mayor of South Bend, Indiana (population: approximately 102,000) and a fellow presidential contender, was qualified, Klobuchar said yes.

But she also noted that Buttigieg is relatively inexperienced. He has not won state races. He has not worked in the Capitol.

“Of the women on the stage, and I’m focusing here on my fellow women senators, Sen. Warren, Sen. Harris and myself…Do I think we would be standing on that stage if we had the experience he had? No, I don’t,” Klobuchar said. “Maybe we’re held to a different standard.”

While we recognize that Buttigieg is unique in that he’s one of the youngest presidential candidates in U.S. history and the first openly gay candidate, we share Klobuchar’s questions about his credentials and double standards.

There are more women in the field than ever before and— with the exception of Marianne Williamson, who has at least written 13 books—they are all significantly more qualified than Buttigieg. And some of them are unique in their own right.

Tulsi Gabbard is the first Samoan American and first practicing Hindu elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where she has represented Hawaii since 2012. As a major in the Hawaii Army National Guard, she is also the first female combat veteran to seek the presidency.

Kamala Harris is the only Black woman in the U.S. Senate and the only Black woman in the presidential race. She has represented California since 2017.

Amy Klobuchar is the first woman in Minnesota to be elected to the U.S. Senate, where she has served since 2006.

Elizabeth Warren, a former law professor, has represented Massachusetts in the U.S. Senate since 2013.

Only Warren consistently gets the kind of attention Buttigieg gets.

And there are weeks when Harris is mentioned as often in national media as Buttigieg—sometimes more.

There are also more Black and Hispanic candidates in the field than ever before and they, too, are as qualified as Buttigieg—or more so.

Cory Booker is the first African-American in New Jersey to be elected to the U.S. Senate, where he has served since 2013. Before that, he was the beloved mayor of Newark, New Jersey (population: approximately 285,000).

Julián Castro became the youngest member of President Barack Obama’s Cabinet when he was named secretary of housing and urban development in 2014. Before that, he was the mayor of San Antonio, Texas (population: approximately 1.5 million).

Wayne Messam was the first Black man to be elected mayor of Miramar, Florida (population: approximately 140,300) in 2015. Before that, he served on the Miramar City Commission for several years.

He has the same number of years of experience leading a large town as Buttigieg does.

None of them gets the kind of attention Buttigieg gets.

Booker and Castro have publicly struggled to stay in the campaign.

On Sept. 21, Booker said he would have to end his campaign if he didn’t raise $1.7 million by the end of that month. He succeeded and appeared in the October debate. A few weeks later, on Oct. 21, Castro announced that he needed to raise $800,000 by the end of that month to stay in the campaign. As of Friday, he hadn’t met the Democratic National Committee’s requirements to appear in the next debate.

And Messam has never appeared on the debate stage.

In a Democratic field with more women and people of color than ever before, many of whom are also unique, why is Buttigieg getting so much attention? And the money and celebrity endorsements that go with it?

We believe a big part of it comes down to the national media.

Members of the national media talk about the candidates who interest them the most or who they think are most likely to win, which brings more awareness to those candidates’ campaigns, which helps those candidates raise more money, which gives members of the national media more reason to talk about them.

And members of the national media are mostly non-Hispanic White men.

Approximately 77 percent of all reporters, editors and photographers are non-Hispanic Whites, according to a 2018 report from the Pew Research Center. And approximately 61 percent of all reporters, editors and photographers are men.

These demographics make newsrooms less diverse than the entire American workforce, which is 65 percent non-Hispanic White and 53 percent male.

A significant portion of the newsroom employees at The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal are graduates of America’s elite universities, according to a 2018 study published in the Journal of Expertise. Approximately 44 percent of the Times’ newsroom employees and 50 percent of the Journal’s newsroom employees graduated from Ivy League schools. The study did not look at the newsrooms of The Washington Post or The Associated Press.

The demographics of these large newsrooms matter because many newspapers across the country rely on them to provide coverage of these national campaigns.

And who are these predominantly non-Hispanic, White male reporters going to be most interested in?

Another White man.

Would the national media give the same attention to a Black man with the same political experience in a town a little bigger than South Bend (a town most people only knew because of the local university’s football team)? We’ve already seen the answer to that with Messam.

Would the national media give the same attention to a White, Black or Samoan American woman who had never won a state race? We don’t know because there are none in the field. But we do know that it’s not giving the same attention to some White, Black and Samoan American women who already serve in Congress.

Will the national media give the same attention to a Black former governor? Only time will tell.

(Reprinted from the Philadelphia Tribune)

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)

NOVEMBER 20-26, 2019 B3

Black Americans are winning with President Trump (NNPA)—Actions speak louder than words, and the Trump Administration has bellowed its vision for Black America. For years, politicians have demonstrated reform and the advancement of our communities.

The results are far from what you hear in a stump speech. President Trump has fundamentally altered the ways of Washington for the better, and Black Americans are reaping some of the biggest rewards. As we approach the 2020 Election, we should embrace conservative policies that are working and reject big government politicians whose policies have failed us. The era of false promises is over. Let’s vote using evidence versus rhetoric.

President Trump is the only politician in recent memory who has a record of making sure Black Americans are a priority. His pro-growth policies have brought everyone to the table.

President Trump believes in equal rights, not extra rights. Rather than pander or treat any American as a special voting bloc, his view is that Americans are patriots and deserve a country that works on their behalf.

That’s why I endorsed then-candidate Donald Trump in March 2016, pledged to help him get elected and have served as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. I knew he would make Washington work for all Americans—including the Black community.

Chicago is America’s third most populous city and is where many Obama administration alumni began their careers. Chicago’s population is over one-third Black and Democratic party policies have done an incredible disservice for generations. The Cloverhill Bakery in Northwest Chicago was found guilty of employing over 800 illegal immigrants using false identification. After the investigation and action from ICE, the new employees were 90 percent Black and received a higher wage than the prior illegal immigrants. A harsh reality is that illegal immigration siphons wages, jobs, and housing from Black Americans. Yet, no pundit or political spinster will ever say that out loud.

Instead, they insist that putting America First is somehow against our patriotic interests.

Dr. Benjamin Carson

Commentary More than 9 million Black Americans live in poverty, yet Democrats continually put illegal immigrants first. Immigration is good when done legally and can be very advantageous when done in a thoughtful and compassionate way.

The Trump Administration is committed to reversing this trend by aggressively tackling some of the root issues causing generational poverty —access to education and reviving distressed communities. President Trump has given more money to Historically Black Colleges and Universities than any president ever elected and has waived an additional $322 million in HBCU federal debt. Moreover, $100 million for HBCU scholarships and research funding for landgrant institutions were allocated in the recent Farm Bill. This is a stark contrast to the previous administration, which drove a wedge between the government and HBCUs. However, rather than throwing more money at the same problem and expecting different results, President Trump is taking action to ensure that Black Americans have unparalleled opportunity in the American economy. A major piece of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 were Opportunity Zones. The administration identified over 8,700 economically distressed communities and packaged tax incentives for anyone willing to invest time, resources, and capital to these underserved corners of America.

Opportunity Zones have long been deemed as a bipartisan policy goal that could help tackle the desperate need for capital in otherwise ignored parts of our country. The Trump Administration is expecting $100 billion in these communities and private sector money is beginning to pour in. Opportunity Zones can reawaken

Detroit, Cleveland, Philadelphia, and cities long forgotten, but represented, by complacent and ineffective politicians. Rather than rely on the government for an answer, President Trump knows that American ingenuity, work ethic, and entrepreneurial spirit are how we improve our situations.

While the Trump Administration sets its eyes towards the future, we are also set on improving the lives of Black Americans today. Funding for public housing repairs is at the highest level in a decade since the onetime Recovery Act, thanks to President Trump. Last year, the city of Baltimore received billions of dollars in federal aid from this Administration, yet the troubled city remains in stagnant disrepair. The current funding bill in the senate, if signed by the President would provide a record level of homeless program funding from California to New York.

While Democrats—including a young Delaware Senator named Joe Biden—were the architects of the notorious “3 strikes rule” that the NAACP deems directly responsible for the disproportionate imprisonment of millions of minority men, President Trump has just passed the most comprehensive prison reform bill in over three decades—resulting in the immediate release of over 1200 non-violent minority offenders.

Under the Trump Administration, the African American poverty rate is at a record low and historic, bipartisan criminal justice reform was signed – giving non-violent offenders a second chance at life and the American Dream. We are not just getting people out of prison, we are concentrating on providing them with training, education and skills that will provide a great alternative to a life of crime. The results speak for themselves. President Trump has done more for Black Americans in his first two and a half years in office than Democrats have in decades.

That’s why the launch of Black Voices for Trump is so critical. This coalition will focus on highlighting those accomplishments and sharing stories of success. The status quo has been changed forever under President Trump, and Black America is better because of his leadership.

Impeachment Dems’ First Day (TriceEdneyWire.com)—Day 1 of the Impeachment hearing was worse than I’d thought. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian affairs at the U.S. Department of State, George Kent, and Acting Ambassador to Ukraine, William Taylor, got the impeachment hearing off to a great start for the Democrats and the American people. As my late friend, Dick Gregory, would have said, “They spoke so my grandmother could understand that President Donald Trump was calling the shots on attempting to bribe Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky when he sought help for his personal benefit.”

We should all know by now that soliciting the help of a foreign power to get dirt on a potential competitor in the U.S. Presidential election.

What follows the opening of the impeachment hearing can be nothing but “icing on the cake!” This is the third impeachment hearing I have witnessed in my lifetime. Whatever one thinks about the other two, this one is so egregious that’s it’s hard to believe any Republicans are in doubt about successfully impeaching Mr. Trump. He’s a major offender of decency, truth, respect, and of any positive behavior that comes to mind. How does one get to be who Mr. Trump is?

Taylor and Kent confirmed so much abuse of power on the part of Mr. Trump. No one should have as many passes in life as he has already gotten.

He’s tried to make life miserable for

Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.

Commentary

Trump, but here we are with so many Republicans siding with Trump and have chosen to support him and the communist guy! One cannot help but wonder what Trump is seeking from President Putin!

Democrats racked up facts in the opening of the hearing. It’s understandable why Ukraine’s president said he didn’t feel pressured by Trump’s efforts to extort him. His back was against the wall. Thousands had died in his country and thousands more stood to die if they didn’t get ways to protect them against Russia encroaching on Ukraine’s territory. Congress had already approved of the help and shaking down another country’s President before he can get what Congress had already approved.

Amb. Marie Yovanovich, Lt. Colonel Alexander Vindlman (former National Security Council Director for European Affairs), Kurt Volker (former Special Envoy to Ukraine) and Gordon Sondland (U.S. Amb. to the European Union), are still waiting to have their say—at which more Republicans are rethinking their process argument!

Republicans complained about the process used for getting information regarding why Trump will be impeached. After hearing the persuasive testimony of Taylor and Kent, I think they are wishing they’d left the process alone.

DACA young people. He’s already run so many of his staff off. He’s revived such hatred for all non-white people.

He’s shown no respect for women.

Many months ago, when it was found that he already had told over 10,000 lies, I could hardly believe it. I would imagine that number has risen significantly!

Evidence thus far shows the piling up of evidence in order for President Trump to abuse the power of the President. There is no doubt that Mr. Trump used the power of his office to withhold foreign aid to Ukraine for political dirt on VP Joe Biden and his son.

Trump knew the Ukrainian President’s back was up against the wall.

He took advantage of the fact that Trump’s good friend Russian President Vladimir Putin could have attacked Ukraine any minute, but he chose the interests of an enemy of our country (and obviously a friend of his) over Ukraine—a country that is a friend of the United States. There (Dr. E. Faye Williams is national president was a time many of us were unfairly labeled “communist” by people like of the National Congress of Black Women.)

CLASSIFIED New Pittsburgh Courier

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NOVEMBER 20-26, 2019

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

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UI ENGINEER

Jarus Technologies has Software Developer – JAVA/JavaScript position in Pittsburgh, PA and unanticipated locations throughout the U.S. position to develop applications using Java and Java/Script technologies. Send resumes to S. Vallinayagam at Foster Plaza 6, 681 Andersen Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15220.

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.’s Pittsburgh, PA, office seeks a UI Engineer to architect, design, engineer, and implement key front-end components of AEO’s platform, including the application tier and the browser. Send CV w/cover letter, references, & salary requirements to: American Eagle Outfitters, Inc., Attn: Sarah Lauterbach, Re: UI Engineer, 77 Hot Metal Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203.

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, ACTUARIAL SCIENCE

Robert Morris University has an opening in Moon Township, PA for an Assistant Professor, Actuarial Science. Prepares and delivers lectures to undergraduate and/or graduate students on topics such as Actuarial Science, Statistics, and Mathematics. Ph.D. or foreign equiv in Actuarial Science, Statistics, Mathematics or related field. Send resumes to Robert Morris University, Attn: Kristen Guy, 6001 University Boulevard, Moon Township, PA 15108. Must ref job title & code: APAS-QZ

TRANSIT ORIENTED COMMUNITIES PROJECT MANAGER

Port Authority is seeking a Transit Oriented Communities Project Manager to manage projects that maximize the value of Port Authority property, increase system ridership by improving access to transit, benefit service area communities, and generate new revenue and/or reduce agency costs. Provides urban planning, architecture, real estate development, and transportation expertise to advance joint development and other place-based opportunities.

Essential Functions: •Manages planning projects to advance transit-oriented development. Oversees planning, design, and construction phases of capital projects designed to improve the rider experience and attract real estate investment in transit-oriented development, including the Station Improvement Program. Carries out necessary coordination and collaboration with relevant Authority Divisions and Departments.

•Manages and advises planning projects to advance transit access.

Oversees planning, design, and construction phases of internal capital projects designed to improve the rider experience. Carries out necessary coordination and collaboration with relevant internal and external partners. Assists with planning, outreach, and advocacy to advance the implementation of other placebased projects in collaboration or partnership with external agencies. * Conducts activities to facilitate and execute joint development on Port-Authority-owned land, including planning, outreach, procurement, and project and relationship management. Coordinates with internal staff, other agencies, developers, and communities.

Job requirements include: •BA/BS in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Public Policy, Architecture, Real Estate, Business Administration, or directly related field from an accredited school. Directly related experience may be substituted for education on a year-foryear basis.

•Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in urban planning, architecture, transit-oriented development, community development, and/or real estate.

•Demonstrated ability in the use of Windows, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Understanding of outreach tools and methods.

•Must be willing to take on duties outside of regular business hours for purposes such as, but not limited to, attending internally- and externally-driven public meetings.

Preferred attributes: •Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Public Policy, Architecture, Real Estate, Business Administration, or directly related field.

•Knowledge of national best practices and local realities regarding land use policy.

•Knowledge of grant-writing, public and private grant sources, and various public incentive programs for development.

•Knowledge of real estate development, including an understanding of the development process, and the ability to evaluate and enhance the financial viability of projects.

Ability to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software.

We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Interested candidates should forward a cover letter (with salary requirements) and resume to: Danielle Jacobson Employment Department 345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 DJacobson@portauthority.org EOE

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THERAPIST – PA LICENSED

Auberle, a nationally recognized, award winning human service organization serving thousands of children & families each year.

Seeking a PA Licensed Therapist (LPC, LCSW, LMFT) for SchoolBased/Outpatient Mental Health in Bethel Park.

Valid PA driver’s license, vehicle & proof of ins. Criminal, child, FBI clearances & pre-employment drug screening required. Flexible schedule including evening availability.

Apply on the Auberle website, www.auberle.org. EOE.

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF SPANISH

The University of Pittsburgh seeks an Assistant Professor of Spanish to work in The Department of Hispanic Languages and Literatures at the University of Pittsburgh. Will teach/instruct Latin American theater & performance studies as well as queer studies & feminist theory.

Applicants should submit a cover letter, statement of teaching & research interests, curriculum vitae, writing sample, at least 3 letters of recommendation, sample course syllabi & teaching evaluations via the following Interfolio link: http:// apply.interfolio.com/69803. The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EEO/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled.

LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices

MS. VIRGINIA RUTH WICKLINE a/k/a VIRGINIA WICKLINE, Deceased, of 1108 Bonnie Brae Drive, Moon Township, A 15108.

Estate No. 02-19-06686 Ms. Jamie Kerwoski, Executrix, 168 School Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001, c/o Max C. Feldman, Esquire and the Law Offices of Max C. Feldman, 1322 Fifth Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108.

LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

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

Sealed proposals shall be deposited at the Administration Building, Bellefield Entrance Lobby, 341 South Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15213, on December 3, 2019, until 2:00 P.M., local prevailing time for: Pgh. Brookline PreK-8 Masonry Restoration General and Asbestos Abatement Primes Pgh. Greenfield PreK-8 – Rebid Replace Electrical Distribution General and Electrical Primes Pgh. Milliones 6-12 Masonry Restoration & Window Replacement General and Asbestos Abatement Primes Pgh. Spring Garden ECC Elevator Addition General, Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical and Asbestos Abatement Primes Pgh. Woolslair K-5 Waterproofing and Masonry Restoration, Phase 1 & 2 General and Plumbing Primes Pgh. Linden K-5, Manchester PreK-8, Roosevelt 2-5 Replace EM Generator Systems General and Electrical Primes Various Buildings Water Cooler Replacements, Phase 3 Plumbing and Electrical Primes Various Buildings Asbestos, Lead-based paint, Mold & Animal Excrement Remediation, Mitigation & Abatement Including Repair, Restoration & Re-insulation Work Environmental Abatement Contract Sealed proposals shall be deposited at the Administration Building, Bellefield Entrance Lobby, 341 South Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15213, on December 17, 2019, until 2:00 P.M., local prevailing time for: Pgh. Allegheny Boiler Room Upgrade General, Mechanical, Electrical, and Asbestos Abatement Primes Project Manual and Drawings will be available for purchase on November 4, 2019 at Modern Reproductions (412-488-7700), 127 McKean Street, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15219 between 9:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. The cost of the Project Manual Documents is non-refundable. Project details and dates are described in each project manual.

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NOTICE TO PROPOSERS

PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR ELEVATOR REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE AUTHORITY WIDE IFB#300-44-19

The Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County (“SEA”) will receive proposals for the below listed Request for Proposals (“RFP”). The contract for this work will be with the SEA. The RFP may be obtained after the date identified below from Bill Williams, email: bwilliams@pgh-sea.com, Telephone: (412) 325-3003.

This Advertisement applies to the following RFP: Project: Elevator and Escalator Consultant RFP Available: Nov. 11, 2019 Time/Date/Location of Non-Mandatory Pre-Proposal Meeting: 10:00 AM, Mon., Nov. 18, 2019 Conference Call as follows: 412325-6198 Code 6789 Time/Date/Location for Proposals: 2:00 PM, Tues., Dec. 3, 2019 Mailed Proposals to: SEA, 171 10th St, 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Hand delivered Proposal to: ASM Global, 1000 Ft Duquesne Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Electronic Copy Emailed to: bwilliams@pgh-sea.com

THE BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH

Sealed bids will be received in the Bellefield Avenue Lobby, Administration Building, 341 South Bellefield Avenue until 11:00 A.M. prevailing time December 3, 2019 and will be opened at the same hour for the purchase of the following equipment and supplies: Automotive EquipmentService Center 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: www.pgh schools.org Click on Our Community; Bid Opportunities; Purchasing - 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.

We are an equal rights and opportunity school district

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

Sealed proposals shall be deposited at the Administration Building, Bellefield Entrance Lobby, 341 South Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15213, on December 17, 2019, until 2:00 P.M., local prevailing time for: Pgh. Beechwood PreK-8 Floor Replacement General and Asbestos Abatement Primes Pgh. Langley K-8 Pneumatic Tubing Replacement Mechanical Prime Pgh. Sterrett 6-8 Exterior Door Replacement General and Asbestos Abatement Primes Pgh. Milliones 6-12 Unit Ventilator Replacement Mechanical Prime Project Manual and Drawings will be available for purchase on November 18, 2019 at Modern Reproductions (412-488-7700), 127 McKean Street, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15219 between 9:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. The cost of the Project Manual Documents is non-refundable.

Project details and dates are described in each project manual.

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

Proposals/bid submittals will be due 11:00 AM on December 17, 2019 and will be read at 11:15 AM., the same day, at Port Authority’s Heinz location (345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2527), for the following: Electronic Proposal - Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness. portauthority.org) B191076A Brake Drums - Coach B191077A Upholstery Fabric B191079A Reman/Exchange Fuel Injectors - Cummins Engines B191081A Printer Supplies Parts Maintenance & Repairs B191083A Refresh Kits for Engergy Storage B191084A Cleaning Solvent Service B191085A Coach Replacement Parts - Cooling B190322AR Asbestos Free Brake Blocks Assembled on Shoes B191183A Unleaded Gasoline No bidder may withdraw a submitted Proposal for a period of 75 days after the scheduled time for opening of the sealed bids.

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held on each of the above items at 10:00am December 4, 2019 at Port Authority’s Heinz location (345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, PA). Attendance at this meeting is not mandatory, but is strongly encouraged. Questions regarding any of the above bids will not be entertained by the Port Authority within five (5) business days of the scheduled bid opening.

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

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

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

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

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

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Elevator Repair and Maintenance Authority Wide The documents will be available no later than November 18, 2019 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 11:00 A.M. on December 20, 2019 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 inquires should be directed to: Mr. 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 15219 December 5, 2019 11:00 A.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation.

HACP’s has revised their website.

As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and login, in order to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation.

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

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

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County Orphans’ Court Division, Estate of Rose M. Gibbons, deceased, Case No. 021906562 of 2019: Notice is hereby given that on October 23, 2019 a Petition was filed

by Richard Gibbons to terminate the interests of the heirs and devisees of Rose M. Gibbons, deceased, in the real estate located at 2307 Eccles Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15210, and determine that fee simple title is in Richard Gibbons. If no exceptions to the Petition are filed within 30 days, Richard Gibbons will seek an Order adjudging that Rose M. Gibbons’ title is in Richard Gibbons.

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What the 2019 elections mean for 2020 (TriceEdneyWire.com)—If the 2019 elections are any indication, Republicans need to worry about their viability come 2020. In Virginia, Democrats have majorities in both its upper and lower houses. With a Democratic governor, Virginia has an unprecedented opportunity to shape public policy, especially around gun control, a key concern for many. In West Virginia, the candidate backed by 45 lost. Many will say it is because of the Republican governor, Matt Bevin, was extremely unpopular. If so why was 45 propping him up? He must have thought he had a prayer.

45 notwithstanding, Bevin’s Democratic opponent, Attorney General Andy Beshear, scored a very narrow victory, getting 49.2 percent of the vote, compared to Bevin’s 48.8. Just five thousand votes separate the two men, but a narrow win is still a victory, and 45 has egg on his face. Usually, when 45 shows up and takes it over the line, the base is supposed to get fired up. Not this time.

While Democrats scored some gains, the Mississippi governor’s mansion is still in Republican hands. Mississippi has the largest concentration of Black

Julianne Malveaux

Commentary people—39 percent—of any state, but African Americans remain underrepresented among elected officials in Mississippi. Is it voter turnout? An inability to forge a progressive coalition? Or, are race matters so hardwired in Mississippi that Republicans will always prevail?

Speaking of other race matters, the affirmative action ballot measure that appeared on the Washington state ballot failed, which is disappointing news for those who think that we have not yet met diversity goals. Washington state was one of the first to ban affirmative action in 1998 (California’s anti-affirmative action Proposition 209 also passed that year). After California and Washington, other states followed, including Florida, Michigan, Nebraska, Arizona, New Hampshire, and Oklahoma. Although the affirmative action measure —Referendum 88—lost very narrowly, it still failed. That means that state agencies can’t openly recruit diverse candidates, and contracting agencies can’t make special efforts to reach out to those who are underrepresented. And since the anti-affirmative action measure passed in 1998, the numbers of minority and women-owned businesses have dropped in the state. That’s a step backward!

One of the reasons Referendum 88 failed was because a group of Chinese immigrants was among those who campaigned to defeat the affirmative action measure. Former governor Gary Locke, an Asian American man who describes himself as a product of affirmative action, fought for the referendum.

But the majority of voters rejected the measure. So much for the “people of color” coalition.

Still, it is interesting that a recent Gallup poll showed that a majority of White people in this country narrowly favor affirmative action, with 65 percent advocating affirmative action for women and 61 percent supporting affirmative action for minorities. These levels of support are the highest since Gallup began polling on this issue. Perhaps the recent focus on the wealth gap has sensitized some people to inequality. In any case, as positive as the poll was, it didn’t translate to the vote.

The affirmative action loss is bad news because it may signal other states to avoid pro-affirmative action referenda. Further, the loss confirms that many are satisfied with the lack of diversity that is commonplace in politics, the workplace, and elsewhere.

And, given the composition of this Supreme Court, challenges to affirmative action that come before them are likely to weaken efforts to encourage diversity in employment, contracting, and education. Several of the justices have already openly opined that race should matter less. Their overturning of Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act is evidence of their race myopia. It is as if these judges are oblivious to the persistence of racism. It is as if they ignore the headlines about the police shootings of Black men. It is as if the wealth gap means nothing to them.

So, what do we learn from the last elections? Democrats have a chance to defeat some Republicans and may yet prevail in the 2020 elections. But race remains a divisive factor in our country. And unfortunately, we have a President who will use race divisiveness to his advantage. Count on the 2020 election to be as contentious as the 2016 election was, but hopefully with different results.

(Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an economist, author, media contributor and educator.)

Being a Black veteran isn’t always happy (Part 1 of a series) back his hatch and America is in love Harry C. Alford & Kay DeBow jumping out of his with its veterans. plane with a smile.

That’s the way it We cry with pride should be. Veterevery time we see ans who served that footage. in our military to Charles DeBow provide security continued with and a safe future his service serving for our citizens. over central ItaVeterans who were ly and then helpand are willing to ing to knock out sacrifice their own lives to protect the German radar stations in preparation lives of American citizens. These are of our D-Day invasion of Normandy our heroes and we should respect and France. With all that heroic activity appreciate the sacrifices they make for he and his comrades did not receive us. However, the love and bravery they the appreciation they deserved. Even show is not always appreciated. though they were bona fide heroes, the The first American to die in defense Tuskegee Airmen (all military officers) of our nation was a Black man named were forced to dine in the enlisted dinCrispus Attucks. From that day on ing hall. Even German prisoners who Blacks have been on the front line of were officers could eat in the Officers defense for our great nation and that Dining Hall. They would laugh and will continue if we are a nation. Many tease the Tuskegee Officers who were of us have loved ones who have devoted forced to take subordinate dining faciltheir lives to the defense of our nation. ities behind them. It was racism at its All American families have contributed worse. to the manpower needed for the defense Charles would continue his service and the preservation of this land called after World War II through his service America. in the Air Force reserves. He would obOne of our favorite veterans is Charles tain the rank of Lt. Colonel at the time DeBow Jr. That is Kay’s father. His of his retirement. However, our nation father was a Buffalo Soldier who also would not recognize his actual rank and served in World War I. Charles was for his retirement his rank was immefond of aviation. So, when World War II diately reduced to Captain. This had began, and he heard of the organizing immense negative financial ramificaof Black air squadron being formed in tions in terms of his retirement pay. He Tuskegee, Alabama he jumped at the had no choice but to fight it through our opportunity. He already knew how to court system. You can google “Charles fly so he aced the initial training and DeBow vs. the United States Governbecame the head of the first class of ment”. In the end and after much of his Black aviators. financial savings he won his case.

One of his greatest opportunity was to The above seems strange but many participate in the North Africa Theatre. Black officers have been faced with The Tuskegee Airmen provided air sup- this insult and betrayal. Harry’s cousport for General George Patton’s tank in, Robert Alford, served in the Korean corps. Many hear about the Tuskegee and Vietnam wars as an Army officer.

Airmen flying support for our bombing He achieved the rank of Colonel at the missions but few talk about their exper- time of his retirement. However, just tise in Dive Bombing. Officer DeBow like what happened to Charles DeBow lead the way for dive bombing. When they decided to reduce his retirement General Patton began the invasion of rank to Major. He too would have to Sicily our troops were being “clobbered” spend time in court and pay much of

by German artillery. They were stuck his savings to get his earned rank back on the beaches unable to move forward. on the record. It seems that this is no General Eisenhower ordered the Tus- coincidence. kegee Airmen based in North Africa to The above is just shameful. How can a fly over to the mountains overlooking nation treat its loyal and devoted veterSicily and knock out the German artil- ans in such a hostile manner? It wasn’t lery. Charles DeBow led the way in this easy for Lt. Colonel DeBow and Colonel battle. They were victorious and saved Alford to endure this betrayal, but the the invasion of Sicily. One of Patton’s fact is they were not alone. In future generals publicly thanked the Tuskegee parts of this article let’s look at how our dive bombers: “Tell those colored pilots Black veterans have been treated by a thanks for us. They saved the mission.” nation that should be forever grateful.

(Harry Alford is the co-founder, president/ The History Channel has footage of Airman Charles DeBow returning to CEO of the National Black Chamber of Combase from that battle. It shows him merce®. Kay DeBow is the co-founder, executive stopping on the landing strip, pulling vice president of the Chamber.)

Beyond the Rhetoric

Will the Democrats remain on the losing side of history?

At a recent Demsought re-election, ocratic fundraiser, J. Pharoah Doss 15 won and five former president have lost. Each Barack Obama loser had a unique issued a warning circumstance that to the Democratic contributed to presidential canditheir defeat. dates. Obama After Theodore told them not to Roosevelt won move too far to the the presidency in left because the 1904, he anaverage Amerinounced he would can citizen doesn’t think the system not seek re-election in 1908. (He previneeds to be torn down and remade. ously served three and a half years as During Obama’s presidency, when he president due to President McKinley’s disagreed with his political opponents, assassination in 1901.) In 1908 TheObama immediately accused them of odore Roosevelt handpicked William “being on the wrong side of history.” I Taft as his successor and Taft ascenddoubt Obama was making the same ed to the presidency. Roosevelt regretaccusation against the Democratic ted announcing he would not seek candidates, but he might think the re-election in 1908. Roosevelt kept Democratic Party is on the losing side his word, but he ran as a third-party candidate in 1912. Roosevelt split the of history concerning three major Republican vote, Taft lost his re-elecissues. tion bid, and Democrat Woodrow 1). Moving too far to the left Wilson became the 28th president of “Moving too far left” is often referred the United States. to by Democratic strategists as “McThe other incumbent defeats can be Governism.” The term comes from the summarized in a few words.

1972 presidential campaign of South Herbert Hoover lost in 1932 to Dakota Senator George McGovern.

McGovern was more left-of-center than FDR because of the 1929 stock marhis Democratic primary opponents, but ket crash and the great depression.

Gerald Ford lost to Jimmy Carter in after he secured the nomination for 1976 because he was in the shadow of president, his opponents on the right Nixon. Jimmy Carter lost to Ronald exaggerated his positions and accused Reagan in 1980 because of gas shortMcGovern of supporting legalized marijuana, amnesty for Vietnam draft ages and the Iranian Hostage Crisis. evaders, and abortion on demand. (Mc- Finally, George H.W. Bush lost to Bill Govern actually believed abortion was Clinton in 1992 because independent candidate Ross Perot captured 19 pera matter best left to the states which cent of the vote. is the modern-day pro-life position.)

President Trump doesn’t have any The incumbent Richard Nixon defeatof these problems as he mounts his ed George McGovern in the second re-election campaign. The only problem biggest landslide in American history. he has is the next issue.

McGovern won Washington, D.C. and 3). Impeaching the President one other state. The Electoral College There have only been two presidents, totals were 520 to 17. Some progresAndrew Johnson and Bill Clinton, sives believe fear of “McGovernism” that have been impeached. Neither is misplaced. They insist McGovern Johnson nor Clinton was convicted by didn’t lose because he was too far left, the Senate, therefore, no president has McGovern lost because he was facing ever been removed from office due to a popular president presiding over a impeachment. booming economy. (That argument Now, history doesn’t predict the doesn’t help going into 2020. Imagine future, but with these odds, would you President Trump’s popularity if he’s bet on the past repeating or the Demoimpeached, then acquitted by the crats being victorious?

Senate.)

(J. Pharoah Doss is a contributor to the New 2). Defeating an incumbent Pittsburgh Courier.)

Since 1900, 20 presidents have

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NOVEMBER 20-26, 2019

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Raynard Jackson

Commentary Republicans have eyes but cannot see, and ears but cannot hear In the Bible, Job 3:25 states, “For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.”

How appropriate after last week’s Republican loss in the Louisiana gubernatorial race.

Republicans have lost two of the three governor’s races this year; Mississippi being the only race that we won. The other governor’s race we lost was in Kentucky.

In Kentucky, the incumbent Republican lost to a Democrat; in Mississippi, the incumbent Republican governor will be succeeded with another Republican; and the Louisiana incumbent Democrat beat a Republican.

So, Republicans had a net loss of one seat meaning in January Republicans will control 26 state houses and Democrats will control 24.

Needless to say, my party is heading in the wrong direction!

In last week’s column, I wrote about the precipitous decline of the Republican Party of Virginia.

Similarly, I predicted we would lose the Louisiana governor’s race because the Republican candidate made a conscious decision to write off the Black community.

Blacks are 32 percent of the state’s population and 31 percent of the voting age population. Republicans begin their campaigns by writing off nearly a third of the state’s voters or 450, 243 potential voters; therefore, they need to get a significant percentage of the white vote just to be competitive; and there are not enough of them to secure victory.

Before the election, I talked with friends of mine in Louisiana who are political operatives in both parties. The one common theme I heard throughout the state, from both sides, was that early voting turnout among Blacks were at historic levels.

Blacks accounted for 31 percent of the early voting last week for the runoff versus 25 percent during the primary voting, a 6-point increase.

This means there was approximately 30,000 additional votes cast by Blacks for the Democrats.

The Republican candidate lost by only 40,341 votes. You do the math.

The Republican candidate only got 7 percent of the Black vote in last week’s election. Just think if our candidate would have spent time and money to get somewhere between 10-15 percent of the Black vote; he would be governor right now.

Because our Republican candidate had no Black operatives around him, they were totally unprepared and unqualified to respond to the Democrats race-baiting radio spots that ran on Black radio.

One Black group ran a series of ads comparing the Republican candidate to notorious racist and KKK member David Duke.

The ad stated, “What is the difference between David Duke, Eddie Rispone (the Republican candidate), and Donald Trump? The only difference is that Rispone will be governor if you don’t stop him.”

Any Black operative worth his salt would have been prepared for this tried and true Democrat trick and would have prepared the candidate to anticipate this.

Democrats have no positive policy proposals for the Black community, so they always revert back to the only thing they know—playing the race card!

Trump carried Louisiana by 20 points in 2016 and all the statewide offices are controlled by Republicans other than governor; there is only one Democrat in Louisiana’s congressional delegation.

There is absolutely no reason why a Republican can’t get double digit support from the Black community. Sooner or later they will have to face the fact that Whites are increasingly becoming a smaller percentage of the electorate; therefore, Republicans must be able to cobble together a coalition from various ethnic groups in order to remain a viable party.

Like Job in the Bible, “For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.”

This continued Republican strategy of focusing only on White turnout is the thing I am most fearful of; and election after election they make my fears a reality.

My readers know that I have written frequently on the need for Republicans to cultivate substantive relationships with the Black community.

I am reminded of the fifth chapter of Daniel in the Bible. King Belshazzar, the son of Nebuchadnezzar, threw an elaborate party for himself and out of nowhere mysterious handwriting appeared on the wall. The king brought in all of his wisemen to interpret the handwriting, but they couldn’t do it.

His wife knew about Daniel, who was a Godly man; she summoned him and he interpreted the writing and basically told the king that he would be overthrown from his kingdom. He was overthrown that very night.

Being Black in this Republican Party makes me feel a lot like Daniel. I have seen the handwriting on the wall for years when it comes to the party engaging with the Black community.

I talk to any and everyone in the party who will listen to me about the value of engaging with the Black community, the handwriting is on the wall.

But, like Belshazzar, maybe we need to suffer a few more loses to see the light.

I pray that God will open the eyes and ears of this party and let those with eyes to see and ears hear; see and hear the handwriting on the wall!

(Raynard Jackson is a Pulitzer Award nominated columnist and founder and chairman of Black Americans for a Better Future (BAFBF).

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Oops Upside Your Head…Oops Upside Your Head!

(Seriously, that was a cowardly move by the Browns’ Myles Garrett) :10—“I don’t believe you want to get up and dance…

Go oops upside your head!”

If you’re still reading it, means you’re old, because by now you know that’s the Par-Tay song by the Gap Band from 1979. Not a more fitting fight song for what happened to Steelers quarterback, Mason Rudolph, when Cleveland defensive end extraordinaire, Myles Garrett, lowered the bomb! (Of course he shouldn’t have done such a reckless thing, totally uncalled for, totally wrong in all aspects.) :09—For Garrett’s unbelievable un-sportsmanship, he was suspended for at least the rest of the season (and for the record that should be enough. No one got sent to the morgue).

Of course, he’ll have to do all the follow-up and el-

bow-kissing. Needless to say, no play…no pay! And to his professional credit, he did publicly apologize. :08—As if the Steeler headaches aren’t already enough, Center Maurkice Pouncey got hit for three games, Browns D-Tackle Larry Ogunjobi has one game to sit and both teams were fined $250,000. :07—This just in about Helmetgate. Anybody on any level that suggests that Mason Rudolph should be fined because he allegedly started this “Dancin’ with the Stars,” should be hit over the head with the same helmet… oops!!! :06—Final note on this debacle. I have no problem with Pouncey coming to the defense of his teammate, we all would do it. But that doesn’t give him a pass

Overtime

Bill Neal for kicking Garrett. Two wrongs, as you know, don’t make a right. A few punches to get everybody’s attention…old school style is OK, but the kicking is not the message to send to young people watching the game.

Lord knows they’re violent enough already. :05—By the way, lost in the heat of the moment is the fact that your Pittsburgh Steelers got their

Black and Gold butts kicked around at Cleveland. That’s what we used to do to the bad guys. :04—Another tip of the hat to the Pitt women’s volleyball team. Now ACC regular season champs going for national Gold. :03—Speaking of Pitt, and I just was—try to hold on Little Johnny for a little longer. The men’s basketball team is getting

there—dribble by dribble. Of course, they lost to Nicholls State recently because they were still riding high off the Florida State upset win they had to start the season, and they beat Robert Morris, rightfully so. On Monday, Nov. 18, they defeated Monmouth, 63-50 to move to 2-2. If they continue to win the ones their supposed to and stay in the fight with the Coach Capel No Quit Policy, they’ll be OK. But the change will come when a bona fide big man comes to town. :02—Big…Huge…Enormous.

Congratulations to Margo “Hall of Fame” Hinton for the release of her second children’s book.

Couldn’t happen to a better, nicer, more complete and talented person. :01—Do yourself a favor;

don’t do it for me. But pull out the classic of all classics…”Still Waters Run Deep” by the Four Tops and the incredible Levi Stubbs.

Put it on, roll the windows up tight, low heat, little cherry car freshener and take a cruise to the airport.

Just for the sound of it.

C’mon Man!!! :00—Colin Kaepernick, I hope you know what you’re doing. I’m in your corner with the move you made this weekend. Leaves me wondering if you want to be a quarterback in the NFL again or you want to be a martyr for your people. I’m going to hold off one more week and see what happens. :00:00—GAME OVER for this article. And should be over for Trump. If you don’t want him out now you got a hole in your soul!

My faith in Mason Rudolph is waning He’s not yet attuned to the speed of today’s NFL

Last Thursday night, the Cleveland Browns discombobulated the Pittsburgh Steelers by the score of 217. However, the game itself was to become a footnote compared to the madness occurred near the conclusion of the game. Everyone worth their salt in regards to NFL football sorta, kinda knew that the Steelers, even with one of the NFL’s top defenses, did not have a snowball’s chance in hell in defeating the “Brownies” at the “mistake by the lake.”

Why? Well, first and foremost, on Sept. 29, the Browns thumped the Baltimore Ravens by the score of 40-25. During that game the Browns kept Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson in check and used a diverse offense featuring Browns QB Baker Mayfield’s passing and Nick Chubb’s bloodbath-style running, to rip the Ravens for 530 yards.

On Nov. 3, the unbeaten New England Patriots

traveled to M&T Bank stadium to face the Ravens. The oddsmakers may have taken a beating because the anointed, sometimes-cheating Patriots left Baltimore disappointed by a 37-20 a__ kicking that administered to them from a chocolate city by a few descendants of Edgar Allen Poe. These same Ravens only beat the Steelers by the score of 26-23 on Oct. 6. Go figure!

These are the same Patriots that beat the Pittsburgh Steelers like they stole something by the score of 33-3 on Sept. 8, the season-opener at Foxboro.

Ben Roethlisberger was 24 for 47 for 276 yards and a pick. Roethlisberger also had 1 rushing attempt for 7 yards.

How did Baltimore spank New England? It’s simple.

They had more DBs in coverage than New England had receivers and they refused to allow Tom Brady to pick apart the ghost pass

Inside Conditions

Aubrey Bruce defense known as “prevent,” as well as having more defensive schemes than Houdini had rabbits. Although the Browns had been going through few growing pains that were obvious during the start of the 2019 season, they still were able to shut down Lamar “David Copperfield” Jackson, who quite possibly will be holding a Lombardi trophy over his head at the end of the 2019 NFL season.

It is also quite apparent that the Steelers’ firststring QB Landry Jones— oops, I meant Mason Ru-

dolph—is not ready at any time, especially prime time, to sit under center as the Pittsburgh Steelers QB or any other NFL team’s starting QB. He is not quick mentally or physically attuned to the speed of the NFL. In today’s NFL to be successful as a quarterback you must pass the ball quickly or exit the pocket quickly. With the NFL’s torpedo-like defensive lineman and linebackers having you in their crosshairs, once the ball is snapped you don’t have time to sip on mint

julep and munch on English scones. The common denominators that define the majority of today’s NFL quarterbacks are mobility, flexibility, and ability. The Steelers had a mobile QB by the name of Joshua Dobbs that for reasons unknown to me was shipped to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Near the conclusion of the Browns/ Steelers fiasco (it was a fiasco at least for the Steelers) Mason Rudolph was roughed up by Cleveland Browns defensive star Myles Garrett, which resulted with Garret being suspended indefinitely along with the Steelers’ All-Pro center Maurkice Pouncey, who during the scuffle justifiably came to the aid of his QB by mistaking the head of Myles Garrett for a vat of grapes that needed to be stomped for the next batch of zinfandel. Pouncey was suspended for three games.

The performance of Mason Rudolph was horrible in

the Steelers/Browns game.

In all of his previous lackluster performances the Steelers defense rescued him; however, sometimes the first responders run out of life jackets or don’t have a ladder that is tall enough.

Almost everyone can or should realize that Mason Rudolph, like his predecessor, Landry Jones, is more suited for clipboard duty than performing as an NFL quarterback. There have been and will be times that even the talent of some top-tier college QBs won’t transfer to success at the NFL level. Vince Young won the Heisman in 2005. Tim Tebow won in 2007. Johnny Manziel snagged one in 2012. None of them are currently on NFL rosters. Get the hand warmers and the clipboard ready because the Steelers, barring a major miracle, won’t have confetti showering down upon them in Miami when this season ends, long as Mason Rudolph is their starting QB.

The New Pittsburgh Courier presents…

The Promotion That’s Too Good To Be True!

(But it is…)

Call the Courier at 412-481-8302, ext. 134, and purchase a 6-month subscription for $25,

and we’ll give you the next 6 months…for free!

It sounds like it’s too good to be true…but..IT IS TRUE! Tell your friends! Tell your in-laws! Tell your enemies! This promotion is Too Good To Be True! (but it is) Hurry! Promotion ends Nov. 26, 2019!

The Courier is THE VOICE of Pittsburgh’s African American Community, and we thank you for your support!

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Maisha Howze shows vulnerable side in new self-help book Book encourages African Americans to heal themselves HOWZE FROM A1

the “spin cycle” (removing the trauma and problems from your mind, body and spirit to create a better, more complete person).

Howze, who grew up in the Hill District and graduated from Perry High School in 1991, told the Courier there are so many of her peers who, through

no fault of their own, are going through certain issues and trauma. Just living in Pittsburgh, for example, brings what Howze calls “Community Trauma” (poverty, inequality, racism, discrimination).

Howze said many African American women and men are also going through situations with their chil-

“Whenever you show that you’re vulnerable, people think that you’re weak, and no one wants to be looked at that way. A lot of things that happen to people that impacts them, they hold it in and they try to be strong…We’re taught to be strong about and not talk about it, but it’s time to move to a place of healing.”

MAISHA HOWZE

dren, and it may be bringing the parent (or parents) down.

Erika Littlejohn, who’s known Howze for nearly 20 years, purchased a copy of the book and said that Howze was the perfect person to pen a self-help book for African Americans in Pittsburgh. “She’s been through some things, and she can give some good advice. It’s a good book to pick up, so that you can get through some obstacles that you might be going through.”

Littlejohn calls Black women in Pittsburgh “the odd woman out,” because they’re dealing with so much. “Relationships, the work world,” she said, and just living in a city such as Pittsburgh, where Black women face higher rates of maternal mortality and poverty along with lower rates of employment and college readiness, according to a recent gender equity report released by the city which was led by University of Pittsburgh researchers.

Howze, who earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Pitt and a master’s in counseling psychology from Carlow University, said she always thought about writing a book, going back to the early 2000s. But it wasn’t until February 2019 that she became serious

MAISHA HOWZE, center, with children Hassan, left, and Nia. (Photo by Rob Taylor Jr.) about it.

“This is it, this is when it’s going to get done,” she said.

So during the day, Howze was busy as administrator for the Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Services at the Allegheny County Department of Human Services.

At night (besides being

a mother, grandmother, friend and support to others), she was busy writing her first book, knowing that her experiences were similar to others in Pittsburgh—but she had found the recipe for dealing with those negative experiences and becoming the best version of Maisha Howze that

she could.

“I’ve always wanted to see people grow and be better,” Howze told the Courier. “I’ve never wanted to be a writer, I’ve always just wanted to be able to tell a story that would hopefully help someone else. That’s my desire, to help people become whole.”

‘A first-class brother, an example of Black manhood’

Noted Historian John L. Ford Sr. dies at age 73 FORD FROM A1

ment United States Colored Troops (USCT) Drum Corps for local Black male youth. Ford’s mission behind the drum corps was to educate young African Americans about the pride, glory and challenges faced by USCT soldiers in the Civil War. It’s open to Black youth between the ages of 12-17.

“This group of young men...paraded around Western Pennsylvania and participated in the USCT parade in Harrisburg in 2010 to commemorate the 1865 parade that welcomed Black soldiers,” Black told the Courier. “John taught these young men, that included my son Akhu, military snare drumming and parade march, the history of the United States Colored Troops during the Civil War and particularly the 6th USCT that comprised of a number of Pittsburghers.”

One of Ford’s last speeches came at Carnegie Mellon University’s Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship in late September. He told the students how he remembered Homewood Avenue, working three jobs as a teenager at different locations. “Homewood Avenue was like current-day Lawrenceville, so you could always get a job,” Ford said.

He also discussed entrepreneurship in general, while referencing a recent Gender Equity Report that the City of Pittsburgh released a few weeks prior, which said that Pittsburgh is one of the toughest cities in America for African Americans to achieve economic prosperity.

“If you’re a Black in Pittsburgh, it has always been difficult,” Ford said to the students. “But you couldn’t tell me that.

That’s why I became the first Black to work at Harbison-Walker refractories.

They had a job posting for vice-president or assistant vice-president. And I thought I could do it. I went down and applied… and they put me in the mailroom. But I was the first Black to work there after 100 years. That was

in 1965. The Civil War was over in 1865. It took 100 years to hire a Black man in Gateway Center, Downtown Pittsburgh. So a lot of Blacks, in order to make it, you went into business for yourself.”

Ford, a person who always wanted to see others succeed, shared with the students his five “F’s” to have as an entrepreneur—Be “fast,” “fair,” “factual,” “focused,” and have “fun.”

“There are times at night, I’ll get up at 2 or 3 in the morning, and if I have an autograph by Frederick Douglass, I’m happy. I like reading it,” Ford told the students.

Ford was believed to have one of the largest collections of African American history in the nation.

In the corporate world, Ford held prestigious positions at Mellon Bank National Association, Parke-Davis and Company and 3M Corporation.

At Mellon Bank NA, he completed bank management curriculums with the American Institute of Banking.

According to a bio from Carnegie Mellon, Ford was the recipient of many local and national awards including those from Community College of Allegheny County, Pittsburgh Public Schools Gifted Center, United States Housing and Urban Development, United States Postal Service, United States Army Corps of Engineers, NATO (International History and Education Division), National Education Association, Henry Highland Garnet Society, African American History and Genealogical Society and the Pennsylvania State Education Association.

He also taught African American History at local universities and was given a proclamation by Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto declaring Feb. 5, 2019 “John L. Ford Day” in Pittsburgh.

“Personally, he was a friend and we often had personal conversations about being Black men in America,” Black told the Courier of Ford. “John

JOHN L. FORD SR., center, with family during a proclamation ceremony for Ford at the City-County Building. February 5, 2019 was “John L. Ford Day” in the City of Pittsburgh. (Photo by Courier photographer J.L. Martello)

helped me settle in Pittsburgh. He attended my son’s naming ceremony and gifted him a collec-

tion of rare coins. He was a first-class brother.”

Ford’s wake will be held today, Nov. 20, from 4 to

8 p.m. at Spriggs & Watson Funeral Home, 720 N. Lang Ave., Homewood.

Ford’s funeral service will

be held Thursday, Nov. 21, at 11 a.m. at Baptist Temple Church, 7241 Race St., Homewood.

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