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Vol. 110 No. 45

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NOVEMBER 6-12, 2019

Study: More Kenneth L. Huston named NAACP Black teens Pennsylvania state president attempting Will remain suicide president of

by Stacy M. Brown For New Pittsburgh Courier

African American teenagers in the United States historically have had lower suicide rates than their White counterparts—until now.

A new study analyzing suicide among American teens by a team led by researchers at the McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research at New York University have uncovered several troubling trends from 1991 to 2017, among Black high school students in particular.

Researchers discovered that between 1991 and 2017, there has been an increase in the number of African American teens who said they had attempted suicide in the past year.

Suicide rates for teenagers of other races and ethnicities either remained the same or decreased over that period.

The researchers did not cite a reason for the trend.

Bill Prasad, a licensed professional counselor with Contemporary Medicine Associates in Bellaire, Texas, cited what he believed are some reasons.

“Lack of accessibility to mental health care, the inability to pay for medications and healthcare coverage, the lack of acceptance

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66 of 82 homicides Black lives

Allegheny East branch

All six October victims were African Americans

by Rob Taylor Jr.

Courier Staff Writer

by Rob Taylor Jr.

Courier Staff Writer

The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that Kenneth L. Huston, the current president of the NAACP Allegheny East Branch, has been elected president of the NAACP Pennsylvania State Conference. It is the highest ranking position in the NAACP in the state.

The announcement was made on Oct. 19. Huston, who replaced Joan Duvall-Flynn, also plans to remain president of NAACP Allegheny East, headquartered in Monroeville.

“I ran for state president because I felt that the NAACP in the state of Pennsylvania needed to be more at the forefront that impacts our communities,” Huston told the Courier in an exclusive interview, Nov. 1. “There was a sense of being a socialite organization as opposed to taking on front-and-center the issues our organization has been fighting for over 100 years. This was extremely alarming to me and I felt as a state we were not aggressive enough about the issues that impact us. The SEE HUSTON A11

SEE SUICIDE A11

The New Pittsburgh Courier strongly condemns the unnerving number of homicides that are plaguing our African American community. Last month, October, there were six homicides in Allegheny County—all Black males between the ages of 22 and 35. And the suspects that police have been able to identify have been Black. We must, some-

how, someway, rally together and get our young people to see that there are other ways to handle adverse situations than with a gun.

OCT. 2—Keith A. Lewis Jr., a 35-year-old Black male from Penn Hills, was found shot to death inside a vehicle in the 7700 block of Frankstown Ave. in Homewood. Police are still looking to apprehend a suspect.

OCT. 2—Aaron Shane Touchstone, a 26-year-old Black male KENNETH L. HUSTON has been elected president of the NAACP Pennsylvania State Conference.

SEE HOMICIDES A4

Jonas Chaney, a man of many talents TV anchor, reporter, producer—and actor—retires from WPXI-TV

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

A fellow broadcast journalist, after spending three years in the Pittsburgh television market, told—warned—Jonas Chaney not to go to Pittsburgh. “You’ll never make it work,” Chaney recalled the guy saying to him, as it was “hard for African Americans” to make progress on TV in Pittsburgh.

It’s a good thing Chaney let the advice go in one ear and out the other.

In 1985, Chaney decided to take the leap from television news in Indianapolis, where he had been the talk of the town by providing his station with exclusive stories and interviews, to television sports in Pittsburgh on WPXI-TV (Channel 11).

Thirty-four years later, it’s safe to say that Chaney made it in Pittsburgh.

“I don’t know where the time has gone,” Chaney told the New Pittsburgh Courier on Oct. 30, during a retirement party held for the veteran anchor at the WPXI offices. “It seems like just yesterday that I was hired as a full-time sports reporter for ‘PXI. I came here in 1985 and I thought I’d stay a couple years…who knew?”

Chaney, 68, was on the air a few hours before his retirement party, hosting his final “Impact” show segment which aired following the noon newscast. That was the

JONAS CHANEY, middle, with WPXI-TV anchors David Johnson and Peggy Finnegan. Chaney, who began at WPXI in 1985, retired on Oct. 30. (Photo by J.L. Martello)

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last time Chaney will be seen in an official capacity working for WPXI. After the show, Chaney moved from the studio to the break room, where he was met by more than 75 friends, family and WPXI staff that showered him with compliments, a video tribute, a custom-made cake, and plenty of reminiscing.

Legendary WPXI news and sports anchor Dee Thompson told the Courier that Chaney had the perfect ingredients to succeed in Pittsburgh. “I think it’s the fact that he’s credible, he’s honest, people trust him, and that’s what’s important, people have to trust you,” Thompson said. “They have a lot of doubts about people in the media and what they’re like, but Chaney’s a trustworthy person, always lives up to what he’s done.”

Chaney may be known to the masses as a television anchor/reporter, but he has another professional love: acting. Chaney has starred in many plays thanks to his affiliation with award-winning playwright Mark Clayton Southers, who also founded Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company. Chaney has also written and produced numerous mini-documentaries for various nonprofits in the area.

“I’m grateful that I was able to do all those things while working here (at SEE CHANEY A11

Remembering Congressman Elijah Cummings Forum B6 Opinion B3

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NOVEMBER 6-12, 2019

INTERNATIONAL

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

This Week In Black History

Week of November 6-12 November 6 1746—Absalom Jones is born into slavery in Sussex, Del. He becomes the first Black Episcopal Church priest.

Along with African Methodist Episcopal Church founder Richard Allen, he also founds a Black self-help group called the Free African Society. Jones dies in 1818.

1858—Samuel E. Cornish dies. Along with John Russwurm, he established the first Black-owned and operated newspaper in America—“Freedom’s Journal.”

The newspaper’s famous motto was “We wish to plead our cause.”

SAMUEL E. CORNISH 1860—Abraham Lincoln is elected the 16th president of the United States. His opposition to the expansion of slavery prompted slave-owning states to succeed from the union which brought about the Civil War. Lincoln’s opposition to slavery was more pragmatic than moral signified by his famous phrase—“A nation cannot exist half-slave and half-free.”

1900—James Weldon Johnson composes “Lift Ev’ry Voice And Sing.” The song becomes the “Black National Anthem.” In 1920, Johnson becomes the first Black head of the NAACP. 1928—Oscar DePriest (1871-1951) is elected to the 71st U.S. Congress from the first Congressional District of Illinois. He was the first Black congressDECISION CRITICIZED—CBC leaders said Trump’s actions would negatively affect the U.S. economy. man from the North and the first to take a seat in (Photo: iStockphoto/NNPA) Congress since Jim Crow laws and attitudes drove the last Black from Congress in 1901.

1973—Coleman Young and Thomas Bradley are elected mayors of Detroit, Mich., and Los Angeles, Calif., respectively. They thus become the first Black mayors of cities with populations of one million or more.

OSCAR DePRIEST 1990—Sharon Pratt Dixon (later Kelly) is elected the first Black female mayor of Washington, D.C. November 7 1837—Elijah P. Lovejoy, one of the White heroes of Black history, is killed by a pro-slavery mob while defending his anti-slavery newspaper in Alton, Ohio.

1841—The “Slave Revolt On The Creole” occurs when 125 Black slaves overpower the crew of the slave ship Creole and sail it to the Bahamas, where they were granted freedom and political asylum.

1876—The disputed presidential election which changed the course of Black history strengthened diplomatic suspending flights

by Stacy M. Brown said occurs. The dispute led to the Hayes-Tilden Compromise. In order to be declared ties. from the United States to For New Pittsburgh Courier president, Republican Rutherford B. Hayes reached an agreement with southern “The American people all destinations outside Democrats, which had the effect of ending much of Reconstruction and the protection should be able to exercise The Congressional Black of Havana is yet another their fundamental right to of Black rights. The Jim Crow era began with “Black codes” and other measures which cruel and counterproducCaucus (CBC) has heavseverely limited Black rights. Many of these rights were not restored until the 1960s. tive policy put forth by the travel without political inily criticized President 1934—The first Black Democrat is elected to the United States Congress. His name terference from the federal Donald Trump’s decision to Trump administration. was Arthur L. Mitchell. Up until this point in history, most Blacks were Republicans “Over 20 years ago, mem- government,” Lee added. limit further the ability of because of the roles of Abraham Lincoln and a group, known as the “Radical Republi“Abandoning our progAmerican citizens to travel bers of the Congressional cans,” played in ending slavery. Mitchell defeated Oscar ress makes no sense and Black Caucus created a to Cuba.

DePriest for the congressional seat from Chicago. achieves nothing. This is program to recruit young CBC leaders said November 8 a completely unnecessary African American and Trump’s actions would 1898—The Wilmington Massacre occurs. A mob of step backward for AmeriLatino students to attend negatively affect the U.S. Whites launches a terror campaign against Blacks in can families and businessmedical school in Cuba at economy.

Wilmington, N.C. They destroy a Black newspaper plant, es, the Cuban people, and no cost,” Bass stated.

They also called the U.S. global leadership,” she seize control of city government and officially leave nine “Over the years, hundecision another personal to 11 Blacks dead. However, the unofficial death toll was stated. dreds of students have attack by the president said to be closer to 100. The Black press building was NNPA President and been trained with the against the policies of burned.

CEO Dr. Benjamin F. commitment to return former President Barack 1933—Actress Esther Rolle is born in Pompano Beach, Chavis said the trade to the United States and Obama. work in underserved com- association that represents Fla. She is best remembered for her role in the 1970s The White House antelevision series “Good Times.” the newspaper and media nounced that the president munities.

ESTHER ROLLE 1966—Edward W. Brooke is elected the first Black companies that comprise “These young doctors has banned all flights to the Black Press of America U.S. senator since Reconstruction. He was a Republican from Massachusetts. The Cuba with the exception of provide health care to the 90-year-old Brooke is scheduled to receive a Congressional supports the CBC’s posiHavana. The action, which most vulnerable among award next month for his service. tion against the new travel us. This new policy from comes four months after November 9 the Administration banned the Trump administration restrictions to Cuba.

1731—Multi-talented scientist and inventor Benjamin Ban“The NNPA forthrightly can impact these students’ cruises to Cuba, will take neker is born in Ellicott Mills, Md. He is generally considered supports and joins with the ability to return home for effect on Dec. 10.

America’s first Black scientist. Banneker constructed the first CBC in expressing our opexams freely and to visit “In line with the Presclock made in America; completed the design and layout of position to the imposition their families,” she said. ident’s foreign policy Washington, D.C., after Pierre L’Enfant returned to France; Congresswoman Barbara of new travel restrictions toward Cuba, this action published a farmer’s almanac for 10 years, while also studying Lee (D-Calif.) said the ban on citizens of the United prevents revenue from astronomy; and predicted solar eclipses.

States to travel to the reaching the Cuban regime isn’t good for anyone— 1868—The governor of Arkansas, Powell Clayton, calls out Republic of Cuba,” Chavis Americans or Cubans. that has been used to the state militia and declares martial law in 10 counties in a stated.

“Instead of considering finance its ongoing represbid to put down a Ku Klux Klan-led insurrection.

“African Americans, in the best interests of the sion of the Cuban people 1868—The Howard University Medical School—the first particular, have an anand its support for Nicolás American and Cuban BENJAMIN BANNEKER designed to train Black medical personnel—opens in Washingthropological, cultural, people, the president has Maduro in Venezuela,” ton, D.C. There were eight students in the first class. and African ancestry State Department officials made a political decision 1901—Fiery pioneer Black journalist William Monroe Trotter starts the Guardian direct connection with the to squander jobs, severely said in a news release. people of Cuba. The Trump newspaper in Boston, Mass. Trotter made headlines throughout the nation when in restrict travel, and under“This action will prevent Administration should not November 1914, he confronted President Woodrow mine our international the Castro regime from Wilson in the White House for failing to do more suspend flights from the standing,” Lee stated. profiting from U.S. air to stop the lynching of Blacks. For daring to argue United States to all desti“Since President Obama travel and using the revewith the president, the New York Times denounced nues to repress the Cuban transformed U.S. relations nations outside of HavaTrotter saying he had “superabundant untactful belna,” Chavis added. with Cuba in 2014, Amerpeople,” Secretary of State ligerency.” But W.E.B. DuBois called him “fearless.”

“This new policy is a icans and Cubans alike Mike Pompeo wrote on 1922—Actress Dorothy Dandridge is born in have reaped the benefits of counterproductive and Twitter.

Cleveland, Ohio. She is generally considered one serious violation of huexpanded trade, loosened Rep. Karen Bass (D-Caof Hollywood’s first Black female sex symbols. She man rights of all who live travel restrictions, and lif.), the chair of the CBC, appeared opposite Harry Belafonte in “Porgy and in Cuba and the United Bess” and was the first Black woman nominated for States. We called for the SIDNEY PORTIER and DOROTHY an Oscar. Dandridge died in 1965 at age 43. immediate restoration of DANDRIDGE in ‘PORGY AND BESS’ November 10 U.S. travel to all airports 1898—George H. White introduces the first anti-lynching in Cuba without discrimiIn the Oct. 30 Courier edition, Derrick Coleman Jr.’s legislation in the U.S. Congress. The North Carolinian was one nation or restrictions,” he biological mother was incorrectly identified. Tamela of the last Blacks in Congress before Jim Crow laws and attisaid.

Brown is the biological mother of Derrick Coleman Jr. tudes drove most Blacks from high elected offices. After leaving Bass added that the Congress, he founded a Black bank and established an all-Black policy would make it community called Whiteville near present day Trenton, N.J. harder for Americans to do 1891—Granville T. Woods patents an improvement to the business with and travel to electric railway. Woods was one of the most prolific Black engiCuba. neers and inventors in U.S. history. His motto could have been “I didn’t invent the product, but I invented something that made THE it better.” Born in Columbus, Ohio, he invented and patented NEW PITTSBURGH GEORGE H. WHITE improvements to the electric railway, air brakes, telegraphs, COURIER telephones and numerous other products.

PUBLISHING COMPANY 1957—Charlie Sifford wins the Long Beach Open, becoming the first Black person to win a major profesPublication No.: USPS 381940 sional golf tournament.

1994—Famed Jazz singer Carmen McRae dies in 315 East Carson Street Beverly Hills, Calif. She was born in New York City on Pittsburgh, PA 15219 April 8, 1920.

November 11 Phone: 412-481-8302 1831—Anti-slavery rebel Nat Turner is hanged Fax: 412-481-1360 roughly two months after his capture for leading the bloodiest slave revolt in U.S. history. The minister and The mystic told reporters God had called on him to lead the New Pittsburgh Courier revolt, which left 55 Whites dead.

November 12 NAT TURNER is published weekly 1775—General George Washington, first president and “father of the country” issues an order barring free Blacks from serving in Periodicals the army as the U.S. struggled for independence from paid at Pittsburgh, Pa. England. Washington was also a slave owner. The slave owning aristocracy felt if free Blacks fought for AmerPRICE $1.00 ica’s liberation they would demand freedom for their enslaved brothers and sisters. Despite Washington’s (Payable in advance) order, hundreds of Blacks did fight in the Revolution6 Months—$25 ary War. 1900—Henry Ossawa Tanner becomes an interna1 Year—$45 tionally acclaimed artist as he takes a silver medal for 2 Years—$85 his art displayed at the Paris Exposition. Nearly 7,000 artists had entered their works. The Pittsburgh-born 9-Month School Rate $35 Tanner had numerous major works including his painting called “The Banjo Lesson.”

POSTMASTER: Send 1922—Sigma Gamma Rho is founded by seven address changes to: Black women in Indianapolis, Ind. The sorority grows to become one of the largest in the nation.

New Pittsburgh Courier 1977—Ernest “Dutch” Morial is elected the first Black mayor of New Orleans, La. 315 East Carson Street HENRY OSSAWA TANNER’S 1994—Track and field great and Olympics star WilPittsburgh, PA 15219 “THE BANJO LESSON” ma Rudolph dies in Nashville, Tenn., at the age of 54.

Black Press joins Congressional Black Caucus in denouncing new Cuba travel ban

CORRECTION

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

METRO

NOVEMBER 6-12, 2019

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Congratulations, Duquesne Light Retirees!

THIS GROUP OF DUQUESNE LIGHT RETIREES always has time to get together in Forest Hills for a bite to eat, and lots of reminiscing.

They still meet monthly to reminisce on the good times

by Jacquelyn McDonald For New Pittsburgh Courier

The ties that bind friends and co-workers can sometimes be as meaningful as personal family ties as this group of Duquesne Light Company retirees would tell you.

The photo above equals 825 years of service (an average of 33 years for each person) amongst this group. Because of the nature of their individual jobs, many claim that the time spent working together competed with the actual time they spent with their own families.

I am also a Duquesne Light retiree—42 years I worked for the company.

We meet monthly at Drew’s Restaurant

in Forest Hills just to experience the camaraderie and keep in touch. Some months there are 14 in attendance, other times it’s more, and the dialogue is reflective. Looking back, we’ll tell you that the influx of Black employees at the Duquesne Light Company back in the early ‘70s created a work dynamic that both White and Black employees had to navigate through. One of the retirees described it as “sensitive” and the interaction as “defensive.”

“I’ll always remember a co-worker from North Hills being shocked to see and learn that my dark makeup was purchased at Kaufmann’s department store,” one of the retirees said.

Today, we all shake their heads in amazement at how we came through the

daily struggle.

Our group conversation isn’t work-related as much now. Our concerns fluctuate between grandchildren, travel opportunities and health issues. We smile when we remind each other about senior discounts.

We meet up on the fourth Thursday of each month. In September, when the above photo was taken, we shared our memories of a comrade who recently passed away.

We all chuckled because he would attend our breakfast in a three-piece suit. He was the second of the group to pass away this year. Us Baby Boomers, we always pray and give thanks to God when we come together. It’s obvious that we’ve matured in life together and endeavor to keep the love and concern flowing.

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METRO

NOVEMBER 6-12, 2019

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

66 of 82 homicides Black lives…All six October victims were Black HOMICIDES FROM A1

from Manchester, was shot to death on the porch of a vacant apartment in the Uansa Village public housing complex in McKees Rocks. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Police are still searching for the shooter.

OCT. 9—Aaron Evans, a 35-year-old Black male, was killed during a home invasion in the 7200 block of Lawton Street in Penn Hills. Two men from Swissvale were charged with Evans’ murder.

OCT. 17—Dwayne Fuller, a 24-year-old Black male, was shot and killed inside a Family Dollar store in McKeesport. Police are still searching for the suspects, who were caught on surveillance video inside the store.

OCT. 21—Mager Rainey, a 22-year-old Black male from Homewood, was shot and killed inside a vehicle in the area of Jeannette Street and Rebecca Avenue in Wilkinsburg.

Two women were also shot but had non-life-threatening injuries.

OCT. 27—Richard Nathaniel Littlejohn Jr., a 32-year-old Black male, was shot in a vehicle while driving along Route 30 in North Versailles. Littlejohn was coach of the Hill District Rebels football team. Two men have been charged in Littlejohn’s death.

Septeber Homicides (9) SEPT. 3—Margaret Sumney, a 67-year-old White female, was found beaten to death in her South Fayette Township home. Her son David, 30, was arrested and charged with her death, Sept. 28. He is awaiting trial in the Allegheny County Jail.

SEPT. 7—Delores Burdick, an 80-year-old White female, was killed by her 42-year-old son Kenneth, who beat her, kicked her and threw her down the basement steps and left her to die in her Shady Lane home in West Mifflin.

He called police and confessed a day later. He is being held without bail in the county jail.

SEPT. 7—Emery Brice Heard-Ellis, a 21-year-old Black male, was killed during a shootout at a home on Gas Street in Rankin. Police said Heard-Ellis and his companion, Marcus Carter, 29, drove to the house and opened fire on people who were sitting on the porch. One of them, who had a valid carry permit, returned fire, striking Heard-Ellis. Police arrived in time to see Heard-Ellis fall. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Carter faces several charges including aggravated assault and conspiracy.

SEPT. 9—Alexander Alman, a 16-year-old White male, was fatally shot while he and another teen were playing with a gun in his home on Fingal Street in Duquesne Heights.

He died the next day at UPMC Mercy Hospital. The other teen, Michael Hardwick has been charged in Alman’s death.

SEPT. 10—Ted Evans, a 39-yearold Black male, was found by police shot to death between two homes on Danbury Street on the North Side. After a SWAT team was called to help search for the shooter, police charged 47-year-old Todd Griffin with receiving stolen property and illegal gun possession.

SEPT. 12—Tameka Dallas, a 43-year-old Black female, was found in McKeesport’s Renzie Park. She had been strangled to death. Surveillance video captured her silver Chevrolet Impala arriving at the park entrance nearest to where her body was dumped. Clyde Cox, 27, of Pittsburgh, and Daron Parks, 26, of Bridgeville, were detained when they were found in possession of the car was in West-

moreland County. A third man wanted for questioning after fleeing the scene, Ramonta Yancy, 26, was arrested the following day.

SEPT 13—Sam Gantt, a 72-yearold Black male, was found shot to death in his Hill District home in the 3100 block of Centre Avenue by police who had been called to do a welfare check on him. Police initially thought he had died of natural causes, but the medical examiner determined he had been shot multiple times in the chest.

Police have not identified a suspect.

Anyone with information is asked to call Pittsburgh homicide detectives at 412-323-7800.

SEPT. 19—Shawn Stevens, a 49-year-old Black male, was fatally shot by officers who were trying to arrest him for a string of bank robberies.

A task force of FBI agents and police from Pittsburgh and Wilkinsburg were tipped that he was hiding in an apartment building on Center Street. While speaking to a woman in one apartment, Stevens came from behind her and tried to slam the door, but an officer’s leg was in the way. When the officers went in, they said, Stevens threatened two women with a kitchen knife. When he lunged at one a second time, an FBI agent and a Pittsburgh detective both fired. The shooting is being investigated by Allegheny County police and the FBI. SEPT. 24—Dai’Shawn Akeem Grace, a 27-year-old Black male, was shot multiple times at the intersection of Maple Street and Ridge Way in Munhall as he walked home from work. He died a short time later at the hospital. Allegheny County detectives said the motive was unclear and they have not yet identified a suspect. Anyone with information is asked to call 1-833-255-8477.

August Homicides (6) AUG. 1—Gregory Eason, a 33-year-old Black male, was shot multiple times in the head after getting into a fight outside a bar in the 400 block of St. Clair Avenue in Clairton. A second man was shot in the foot. Police, as yet, have not identified a suspect. Anyone with information is urged to call the Allegheny County police Tip Line at 1-833-255-8477.

AUG. 6—Donald Babbit, a 49-yearold White male, was fatally shot by police outside his home on Spencer Grove Lane in Glenshaw. Officers from multiple jurisdictions surrounded the house after receiving a domestic disturbance call from Babbit’s wife saying he was acting erratically. A neighbor said he emerged from the house wearing only underwear and a towel on his head. Police said he refused to put down a gun and get on the ground. When he pointed a gun at the officers, three officers opened fire. County police are investigating and will turn their findings over to the district attorney.

AUG. 8—Janice Purdue-Dance, a 61-year-old Black female from Erie, was fatally stabbed at the bus stop at Sixth Avenue and Smithfield Street in Downtown Pittsburgh in front of a police officer. The officer saw the victim lying at the bus stop; he went to render aid, and as he did, James Wyatt, 23 of McKeesport, reached over him to stab her. He turned and stabbed another nearby woman before the officer subdued him. The second woman was treated and released. Wyatt is in the county jail awaiting trial on homicide and assault charges.

AUG. 12—Curtiss Eugene Meeks Jr., a 48-year-old Black male, was found by police responding to a ShotSpotter alert in the 1200 of Blackadore Street in Penn Hills. He had been shot multiple times and was pronounced dead at the scene. Allegheny County detectives said Meeks was a member of a motorcycle club and may have been targeted by a rival club.

Anyone with information is urged to call the Allegheny County police Tip Line at 1-833-255-8477.

AUG. 15—Terrance Jerome Jones Jr., a 21-year-old Black male, was found lying in a ground floor hallway at the Bedford Dwellings housing complex in the 2500 block of Chauncey Dr. in the Hill District with multiple gunshot wounds to the chest. He was transported to Mercy Hospital where he died a short time later. Police have yet to identify a suspect. Anyone with information is urged to call Pittsburgh

homicide detectives at 412-323-7161.

AUG. 30—Susan E. Jeffries, a 54-year-old White male, was fatally stabbed in her Tarentum apartment.

Police said Juan H. Hayden, 55, admitted to stabbing Jeffries. He was charged with homicide and tampering with evidence.

July Homicides (11) JULY 1—Ricky Deon Moultrie, a 20-year-old Black male, was discovered in a car in East Hills. He had been shot in the head and was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call Pittsburgh homicide detectives at 412-323-7161.

JULY 11—Christopher Lamont Lowman Jr., an 18-year-old Black male, was found in the 100 block of Millbridge Street in Allentown with multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call Pittsburgh homicide detectives at 412-323-7161.

JULY 11—Dauminique Ross, a 20-year-old Black male, was shot multiple times when he answered a knock at the door of his parents’ house on 16th Avenue in Homestead. He was rushed to the hospital but did not survive. Police arrested 24-year-old Rahim Thomas after finding him hiding in a home on 8th Avenue the next day.

JULY 13—Delquay Lamont James, a 21-year-old Black male, was found shot multiple times near a vacant home on Beacon Street near Hazel Way in McKeesport. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Allegheny County detectives have not yet identified a suspect. Anyone with information is asked to call the Tip Line at 1-833-255-8477.

JULY 14—Joshua A. Makhanda-Lopez, a 30-year-old Black male, was found by police in his car with a gunshot wound to the head in an apartment parking lot in Penn Hills.

Witnesses told police two men fled the scene to a nearby house. Three people came out of the house, but police said Onaje Dickinson, a 20-year-old Black male, hid in the basement and fired at an officer when discovered.

The officer returned fire, killing Dickinson. Allegheny County detectives have charged 15-year-old Myzle Ford as an adult in connection with the Makhanda-Lopez killing.

JULY 17—Calvin Hall, a 36-yearold Black male, died in the hospital three days after being shot in the back multiple times on Monticello Street in Homewood. The off-duty Pittsburgh police officer was walking away after trying to defuse an argument between neighbors and his cousin’s wife when he was shot. Christian Bey, 30, has been charged with Hall’s murder.

JULY 22—Matthew Khoury, a 37-year-old White male, was fatally shot at a Garfield building he owned when an argument with one of his tenants over back rent escalated. The tenant, 49-year-old Michael Wolf, has been charged in the case.

JULY 23—Omari Ali Thompson, a 31-year-old Black male, was killed in a shootout with undercover officers from the state attorney general’s office during a drug buy/bust in the Big Lots parking lot on McKnight Road in Ross Township. One of the officers was wounded in the exchange but is expected to recover. The district attorney’s office is investigating.

JULY 27—Tareef DelTae McClellan, a 22-year-old Black male, was found fatally shot in the head inside the garage of a home in the 1500 block of Versailles Avenue in McKeesport.

County police have not yet identified a suspect and are asking anyone with information to call the Tip Line at 1-833255-8477.

JULY 27—Rev. Sheldon Stoudemire, a 57-year-old Black male, was fatally shot at the Northside Common Ministries shelter on Brighton Road on the North Side after he refused entrance to 19-year-old Gerald Adams because it was after admittance hours. Pittsburgh police said there is surveillance video showing Adams firing through a window at the side of the door. He was arrested after a brief foot chase and is now in the Allegheny County Jail.

JULY 29—Darius Savaughn Freeman a 26-year-old Black male, was found by police responding to a ShotSpotter alert in the 1200 Block of Faulkner Street in Sheraden. He had been shot multiple times and was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call Pittsburgh homicide detectives at 412-323-7161.

June Homicides (13) JUNE 1—Jordan Emanuel Lewis, a 22-year-old Black male, was shot multiple times on the porch of a home in the 7500 block of Ellesmere Avenue in Swissvale. According to Allegheny County Police, Charlton Mitchell, 21, admitted to shooting the victim who, during a party earlier in the evening, had taken Mitchell’s gun from him and threatened to shoot him if he didn’t leave. Mitchell said he retrieved a semi-automatic rifle he’d placed in the bushes behind a nearby business, returned and shot Lewis. A 19-year-old female and a 24-year-old male were also injured by bullet fragments during the shooting. Mitchell is in the Allegheny County Jail.

JUNE 2—Ciquann Dudley Jr., a 17-year-old Black male was found in the 1300 block of Tube Works Alley in McKeesport with multiple gunshot wounds and pronounced dead at the scene. Allegheny County Police said in a press release they do not know yet why the victim was in such a remote location, nor do they have a motive. The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call the Tipline at 1-833-255-8477.

JUNE 3—David Herbin, a 49-yearold Black male was inside a home on Laketon Road in Wilkinsburg with a gunshot wound to the head. He died later at the hospital. Police have issued an arrest warrant for Tariq Price, 39, who was recently released from jail. Price faces robbery and homicide charges.

JUNE 11—Marion White, a 49-year-old Black male, was fatally shot after an argument escalated and Alonzo Terrel Glen, 27, shot him four times. Glen turned himself in to police a week later. He is now in the county jail.

JUNE 12—Tyrese Smith, a 20-year-old Black male, and Alexus N. Chester, a 17-year-old Black female who was celebrating her birthday, were both killed when an as yet unidentified person opened fire at a house rented for the party on McNeil Place in Pittsburgh’s Upper Hill neighborhood. Anyone with information is asked to call Pittsburgh Homicide detectives at 412-323-7161.

JUNE 17—Whiney Maleeca Lyn Boyer, a 25-yer-old Black female, was discovered in the basement of a Maple Street house in East Pittsburgh, after 28-year-old Delrico McClinton confessed the crime to a counsellor at the Cambria County Prison.

JUNE 20—James Rust, a 49-yearold White male, was fatally shot following an argument with his neighbor at a duplex on Horning Road in Bethel Park. The neighbor has not been identified because no charges have yet been filed.

JUNE 21—Gerald Dwain Walker, a 41-year-old Black male, was discovered bleeding from multiple stab wounds at a home in the 2100 block of Perrysville Avenue in Pittsburgh’s Perry, he dies later at the hospital. Maneca Pressley, 29, was arrested less than a day later and charged in his death. According to the criminal complaint, the couple had been arguing all day. Pressley told police Walker had assaulted her multiple times. The last time he lunged at her, she stabbed him then called 911. She is currently in the county jail.

JUNE 22—Kaine Williams, a 34-year-old Black male, was killed in the 1800 block of Sumac Street in McKeesport when Marcus Acie-Griffin, 26, got out of his white Acura with a shotgun and fired at Williams.

Acie-Griffin was taken into custody after leading police on a chase through several communities before crashing over a hill in West Mifflin. He is now in the county jail.

JUNE 25—Corey Laguardia, a 22-year-old White male, was shot multiple times by a homeowner after he forced his way into a house in the 1000 block of Starr Road in Crescent Township. No charges have been filed.

JUNE 26—Christian St. John Jenkins, a 27-year-old Black male was found with multiple gunshot wounds lying in Truax Way in Pittsburgh’s Troy Hill neighborhood. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Within minutes, police also responded to a second shooting a block away on Lowrie Street. That victim was last reported in critical but stable condition at a local hospital. Police have not said if the shootings are related, nor have they identified a suspect. Anyone with information is asked to call Pittsburgh Homicide detectives at 412-323-7161.

JUNE 29—Octavia Stone, a 22-year-old Black Female, was found with multiple stab wound on Bessemer Way in East Pittsburgh. She was taken to UPMC Presbyterian hospital. Though a suspect has not been named state police said Stone knew her killer. Anyone with information is urged to call the state police at 412299-1607 May Homicides (16) MAY 1—Jakeem Booker, a 19-year-old Black male, was fatally shot while trying to force his way into a Franklin Avenue home in Wilkinsburg over a dispute with one of the occupants. Police found him on the porch with a gunshot wound to the head.

Allegheny County detectives said a 17-year-old in the house feared for his family and fired one shot though the partially open door. No charges have yet been filed.

MAY 8—Bryan Jackson, a 31-yearold Black male, was found fatally shot in a home at 127 McKinne Ave. in Stowe Township after giving 25-yearold Terrence Murphy a tattoo. County police found and arrested Murphy at a house in Ambridge later that day. He is currently in the Allegheny County Jail awaiting trial.

MAY 8—Irvin Green, a 48-year-old Black male was fatally stabbed during an altercation in the 1200 block of Evans Avenue in McKeesport. Police have not identified a suspect. Anyone with information is asked to call the Tipline at 833-255-8477.

MAY 9—James Dent Jr., an 85-year-old Black male, who was shot in the back in October inside a store next to a daycare on Jones Avenue in North Braddock, died of his injuries.

Courde Daye, 20, was arrested for the shooting in December and will now face homicide charges.

MAY 9—Tre Valorie, a 26-year-old White male, was fatally shot in the head when his girlfriend’s obsessed ex, Matthew Lambert, allegedly carried out his threat to “kill anyone she was with” as the couple left Rumerz bar on Pittsburgh Northside. He is awaiting trial in the county jail.

MAY 11—Mary Kornick, a 62-yearold White female, died at Allegheny General Hospital after being shot on Route 365 in Buffalo Township in what police said was a murder-suicide.

Her alleged killer Nicholas Domek, 72, killed himself at Calvary Catholic

Cemetery in Greenfield shortly thereafter.

MAY 12—Luke Connolly, a 51-year-old White male, was found fatally stabbed multiple times in an apartment on Third Avenue in Carnegie.

A woman who was in the apartment was also stabbed before fleeing to get help. She remains hospitalized. Police arrested 58-year-old Richard Mickens at a home on Spikenard Street in Scott, where he allegedly assault someone else with a knife, May 15. He is charged with homicide, attempted homicide, aggravated assault, rape, and several other charges. He is in the county jail awaiting trial.

MAY 15—Ivan Walls, a 45-year-old Black male from Philadelphia, was discovered by police shot multiple times behind a house on Karl Avenue in Duquesne. He died later at the hospital. County detectives say the victim and another man had just arrived at the house when shots were fired. Police are searching for the second man and have not yet identified a suspect.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Tipline at 833-255-8477.

MAY 19—Aris Payto Barclay Vann, a 22-year-old Black male, was found with multiple gunshot wounds on a porch of a home in the 2200 block of Woodstock Avenue in Swissvale. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Allegheny County Homicide Inspector Andrew Schurman said the victim was there to visit friends and may have been the target of a robbery attempt.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Tipline at 833-255-8417.

MAY 24—Morgan Dunston, a 17-year-old Black female, was fatally shot in the parking lot of the Hot Metal Bridge Faith Community Church on Pittsburgh’s South Side. Police do not believe she was the intended target.

Anyone with information is asked to call Pittsburgh homicide detectives at 412323-7161.

MAY 24—Michael McDonald, a 51-year-old White male, was killed when he barged into the Robinson Township home of a man he allegedly owed money to. The homeowner fired his shotgun, hitting McDonald in the chest. As yet no charges have been filed.

MAY 26—Ernest Dixson, a 31-year-old Black Male, was fatally shot inside Shooters bar on Island Avenue in Stowe Township after getting into an argument with another patron.

Police (have issued a warrant/arrested Omar Harris, 36.)

MAY 27—Isaac Harrison, a 34-year-old Black male, was fatally shot on Chauncy Drive in Pittsburgh’s Hill District after an argument escalated into gunfire. A 15-year-old girl was also wounded in the foot in the incident. Pittsburgh police have not yet identified a suspect. Anyone with information is asked to call Pittsburgh homicide detectives at 412-323-7161.

MAY 28—William Mosby, a 62-year-old Black male, was found with fatal gunshot wounds in a parking lot in the 1800 block of Homeville Road in West Mifflin. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call the Tipline at 833-2558417.

MAY 28—James Donovan Goodwine, a 29-year-old Black male, was found by police fatally shot in the head near the intersection of Forest Way and Collier Street in Homewood.

Police have not identified a suspect.

Anyone with information is asked to call Pittsburgh homicide detectives at 412-323-7161.

MAY 28—Richard Lee Greene, a 35-year-old Black male, was found by city police lying in Chartiers Avenue in Sheraden. He had been shot multiple times and died at the scene. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call Pittsburgh homicide detectives at 412-323-7161.

April Homicides (6) APRIL 3—Vernon Lee Owens III, a 33-year-old Black male, was fatally shot by a 72-year-old jitney driver during a failed armed robbery in Duquesne. According to police, shortly after the driver picked up Owens and another passenger, he struck the driver with his gun and demanded money. When they both got out of the car, the driver shot Owens with his own gun. The other passenger fled. Police have determined that the driver legally owned the gun used in the shooting and had a valid concealed-carry permit. No charges will be filed.

APRIL 7—Alison Fritzius, a 55-year-old White female, was found fatally stabbed on the porch of a home in the 800 block of Broadway Boulevard in Pitcairn. Police charged her boyfriend Derrick Avant in her death.

He is awaiting trial in the Allegheny County Jail.

APRIL 8—Mark Jackson, a 39-year-old Black male, was found shot in the face in a house in the 600 block of Winfield Street in Larimer. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police have charged Robert Harper in the shooting. Harper was already in the county jail on unrelated criminal charges.

APRIL 10—Brad Lee Lucier, a 23-year-old White male, was found by first responders shot multiple times at a house in the 1000 block of Dohrman Street in Stowe Township. He died at the hospital. On April 15, 18- year-old Tomichael Sherrell turned himself in after police issued a warrant charging Sherrell had shot Lucier during a robbery. Sherrell is now in the county Jail.

APRIL 13—Ameer Coleman, a 19-year-old Black male, was found fatally shot inside a house in the 200 block of Fern Street in Garfield. Police have not yet identified a suspect. The investigation continues. Anyone with information is asked to call Pittsburgh

homicide detectives at 412-323-7161.

APRIL 26—Armani Ford, a 23-year-old Black male was found by police fatally shot in a house in the 800 block of Vankirk Street in Clairton.

County detectives have not yet identified a suspect and are asking anyone with information to call the Tipline at 1-833-255-8477.

March Homicides (5) MARCH 15—Leslie Robertson, a 72-year-old Black male, was killed when he was struck by a car driven by Kakiia Williams, 33, outside the Harrison Village housing complex in McKeesport. Williams allegedly told police she was trying to run down someone else and hit the wrong person. She is now in the Allegheny County Jail.

MARCH 18—Daniel Carpenter, a 42-year-old Black male died in the hospital one day after being shot while sitting in his car on Shetland Street in Larimer in the middle of the afternoon.

Despite eye-witnesses and possible surveillance footage, Pittsburgh police have not yet identified a suspect.

Anyone with information is urged to call 412-323-7161.

MARCH 28—Calvin Walker, a 39-year-old Black male, was fatally shot when he and another man got into an argument over a parking space with Neil Chandler, 42, on West Oak Street in Homestead. Police said Chandler shot both men during the altercation.

Walker died late at the hospital the other man was treated and released.

Chandler is in the Allegheny County Jail.

MARCH 30—Kenneth Baptiste Jr., a 27-year-old Black male, was found

by Pittsburgh police and emergency responders with a gunshot wound to the chest in the 800 block of Murtland Avenue in Homewood. He was transported to UPMC Presbyterian but died from his wounds. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call Pittsburgh Homicide at 412-323-7161.

MARCH 30—Andre Jordan, a 41-year-old Black male, was found

by Pittsburgh police and emergency responders with multiple gunshot wounds in a hallway of an apartment in the 3000 block of Cordell Place in Arlington. He was taken to UPMC Mercy where he died from his injuries.

Police are asking anyone with information to call 412-323-7161.

February Homicides (4) FEB. 2—Tre-Quan Embry, a 22-year-old Black male, was shot multiple times in the head on East 17th Street in Homestead. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Allegheny County detectives have not yet identified a suspect and ask anyone with information to call the Tipline at 1-833-255-8477.

FEB. 4—Aaron Wade, an 18-yearold Black male from Munhall, was found lying in the front yard of a home on Plymouth Street in Duquesne Heights with multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Pittsburgh homicide detectives have not yet identified a suspect.

Anyone with information is asked to call 412-323-7800.

FEB. 18—Norman Clarence Manuel, a 37-year-old Black male, was discovered by medics lying in the street in the 400 block of Enright Court in East Liberty with a gunshot wound to the chest. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Anyone with information is asked to call Pittsburgh homicide detectives at 412-323-7800.

FEB. 25—Wilbert Barber, a 58-year-old Black male, was fatally shot when answering the doorbell of a home in the 300 block of Fifth Avenue in Rankin. County police said the killers fired through the door, hitting him twice. They have not yet identified any suspects. Anyone with information is asked to call the Tipline at 1-833-2558477.

January Homicides (5) JAN. 9—Jonathan Freeman, a 16-year-old Black male, was fatally shot when bullets tore through the wall of a friend’s house in the 7300 block of Susquehanna Street in Homewood where he’d gone to play video games. Pittsburgh police have not yet identified a suspect. Anyone with information is asked to call 412323-7800.

JAN. 11––Josiah Battle-Davis, a 26-year-old Black male, was found fatally shot in an SUV parked in the 200 block of Glenwood Avenue in Hazelwood. Pittsburgh police have not identified a suspect. Anyone with information is asked to call 412-3237800.

JAN. 14—Tremaine Solomon, a 30-year-old Black male, was found

by Wilkinsburg police shot multiple times lying in the street in the 1500 block of Marlboro Avenue. He died at the hospital three hours later. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call the Allegheny County police tipline at 1-833255-8477.

JAN. 23––Heather Short, a 46-yearold White female, was allegedly strangled to death with an extension cord and dumped in a wooded area near Sutersville in Westmoreland County in November. Allegheny county police arrested Dale Cooper, 36, of West Mifflin after her remains were found. Police said he admitted killing her because he feared she would tell a drug dealer he had robbed of $700 and an ounce of crack that it was him. Cooper is in the county jail awaiting trial.

JAN. 26—Paul McMillan, a 48-year-old Black male, was shot multiple times in the parking lot of The Lounge on Verona in Penn Hills after getting into a fight with another man inside the bar, according to Allegheny County police. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to the tipline at 1-833-255-8477.

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

METRO

NOVEMBER 6-12, 2019

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A Community Celebration for Janera Solomon

SUPPORTERS OF JANERA SOLOMON AND THE KELLY STRAYHORN THEATER met for a conversation and celebration for Solomon, Oct. 17, at the East Liberty theater. Solomon is leaving her post as executive director on Oct. 31. (Photos by Courier photographer J.L. Martello)

JANERA SOLOMON, ORLANA DARKINS DREWERY TRACY EDMUNDS, JANERA SOLOMON, TERRI BELL

JANERA SOLOMON, center, with photographers at the Oct. 17 event.

JANERA SOLOMON, outside the Kelly Strayhorn Theater.

As Dec. 31 approaches, the love and outpouring of support for Janera Solomon steadily continues.

Solomon, the executive director of the Kelly Strayhorn Theater in East Liberty for the past 11 years, will relinquish her position at year’s end.

During her tenure, Solomon forged a number of alliances and partnerships within the region’s arts and foundation community, and as a consultant to entities such as the Museum of the African Diaspora in San Francisco, the August Wilson Center, Brooklyn Museum of Art, and several others with Toronto-based, cultural planning firm Lord Culture, she extended KST’s footprint nationally and internationally as an arts destination in Pittsburgh.

Kelly Strayhorn Theater Board Chair Yvonne Campos said that Solomon “put the Kelly Strayhorn Theater on the map. We are very thankful for her dedication these past 11 years…it’s our job to carry her legacy forward.”

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NOVEMBER 6-12, 2019

HEALTH

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

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

Lifestyle change is key reducing diabetes risk ESTHER BUSH

Diabetes and Physical Activity

This month, the “Take Charge of Your Health Today” page focuses on the relationship between diabetes and physical activity. Erricka Hager and Bee Schindler, community engagement coordinators, University of Pittsburgh’s Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI), and Esther L. Bush, president and CEO, Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, spoke about this topic.

EH: Good morning, Ms. Bush. It’s such a pleasure to sit down with you again to revisit two important health topics—diabetes and physical activity. I am grateful that we have the chance to discuss the importance of managing your diabetes and getting active and the relationship between the two.

EB: Yes, Erricka. It is important to continue to have these conversations to educate and empower our readers—especially because research shows that participating in physical activity programs is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of developing diabetes. I like that Dr. Elizabeth M. Venditti and the Diabetes Prevention Support Center of the University of Pittsburgh are assisting older adults in determining different ways to get active.

This will help reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

BS: I agree, Ms. Bush. The results of the 2002 Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) study stating that diet and physical activity are key ways to reduce your risk of developing diabetes was very important. I am pleased that Dr. Venditti took it a step further. Dr. Venditti understood that engaging patients prior to the diabetes diagnosis was more helpful than after. We should also mention that lifestyle changes are beneficial to all groups of people.

However, research shows that African Americans are at a greater risk of developing diabetes.

EB: Wow! Dr. Venditti suggests that adding physical fitness to our daily routine is a great way for our readers— especially those who are at a greater risk of developing diabetes—to take charge of their health today. I am so proud of this partnership. I’m thrilled that we are continuing to provide ways for our readers to take charge of their health. Providing the community with current research findings on important health topics is fundamental to our mission of working to enable African Americans to achieve self-reliance.

EH: Yes, Ms. Bush. This page provides our readers with a range of ways they can get up and get moving. I would also encourage our readers to visit the Pitt + Me website at www.pittplusme.org. Pitt+Me is the CTSI research registry. There are currently multiple diabetes-related research studies being done at the University. Not only are there research opportunities for adults, but there are also opportunities for children as well.

EB: I love the Pitt + Me website. It is a great way for the community to opt-in to research studies in which they are interested. It is another way for our community to become a “research-informed community.” I am proud to say that the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh supports research and research participation. I am glad that we are empowering our community members to improve their health through research.

BS: Thank you so much for having this conversation with us, Ms. Bush. I hope you and our readers have a great Thanksgiving. I can’t believe that next month’s topic of maternal mortality will be our final topic of 2019.

If anyone has any topics they would like us to discuss, email ctsi7@pitt.edu.

MEN NEEDED TO SIGN UP—Tyrone Harvey talks with his doctor Gail Nunlee-Bland, M.D., about his diabetes. Despite gains in research diversity, men, particularly men of color, are still not signing up for research in the way that women engage. (AP/Jacquelyn Martin/File) (AP/Jacquelyn Martin/File) In 2002, the New England Journal of Medicine pubthey can access. The goal is to be healthy but real. If lished findings about a diabetes prevention program they cannot join a gym, can they walk around the neighthat looked at key ways to reduce the risk of developing borhood? Can folks in the study do light chores around diabetes in people who were getting close to developing the house and yard about every 60 minutes and sit less? the disease. These ways included lifestyle changes and Are folks willing to think about 400-600 calories that they the use of prescription drugs like Metformin. Compared could cut out each day, and what would that look like? to a control group, researchers found diet On the phone, the study team talks to and physical activity to be the best way to people about barriers: What is getting in reduce diabetes risk. Since that time, prothe way of healthy eating and exercise for grams and studies have taken the lead on you and your family? getting people at-risk for diabetes to take The behavior-change approach takes charge of their own health. the 2002 study and brings it to everyday The 2002 study looked at all groups, life where gaps and high risk are present. says Elizabeth Venditti, PhD, associate In particular, Dr. Venditti says people who professor of psychiatry, School of Mediare 60 and older are often at a point where cine, and associate professor of epidemithey want to focus on their own health and ology, Graduate School of Public Health, want to keep their independence. People University of Pittsburgh, who worked on 60 years old and older want to look good the study 17 years ago. but also want to feel good. Their goals are “The lifestyle change worked in all not perfection but to take off some weight groups,” Dr. Venditti says. “All racial and and change their cardiometabolic outethnic groups, young and old—they were come, which refers to your chances of havable to lower their glucose values, either ing diabetes, heart disease or stroke, Dr. by taking Metformin or by being in a lifeVenditti says. When a couple of pounds ELIZABETH VENDITTI, PhD style program.” come off, people have an easier time with In the Pittsburgh region, Dr. Venditti knew that finding everyday tasks, like getting up from the floor when playing groups of people who are at risk of getting diabetes and with grandkids and carrying groceries. They have more starting interventions earlier, rather than later, would energy, and their knees do not hurt as much. result in better health for people in the future.

Dr. Venditti said a lot has changed in research studies Being at risk for diabetes includes people who have out of the University of Pittsburgh, in general. The bigan HbA1c (a common blood test used to diagnose type gest difference is the diversity. Studies (like hers) used 1 and type 2 diabetes) between 5.7 and 6.4 percent— to be made up of mostly white women, but now particsometimes called “prediabetes.” People with an HbA1c ipant groups include a broad range of identities thanks higher than 6.4 percent are diagnosed with diabetes. Dr. to community-engaged research. The idea of communiVenditti notes that African American communities have ty-engaged research is for researchers and communities high risk for both. The good news is that making small to collaborate for the whole research timeline—from changes in what you eat, being active and losing some thinking about the questions to ask to getting the word weight can reduce this risk a lot. out on the results.

She is working to better meet folks where they are and Despite gains in research diversity, Dr. Venditti notes to help them learn what is getting in the way of making that men are still not signing up for research that she is healthy changes. Dr. Venditti’s Sustain-DPP (Diabetes conducting in the way that women engage. In the past Prevention Program) Research Study invites eligible when studies were made up of mostly women, men may older adults to improve health, physical functioning and have felt hesitant about showing up, Dr. Venditti says. well-being in hopes of finding better ways to deliver She hopes more men—particularly men of color—sign programs to people who are at high risk of developing up to share their experiences. Venditti says the phone health problems. component of her study, which allows people to particPeople who are 60 years old and older, overweight or ipate without focusing on in-person, or group activities, obese and people whose doctors have told them they could be the answer. might have prediabetes are eligible to participate in the Groups are meeting all around the city—from the Vin24-month Sustain-DPP (Diabetes Prevention Program) tage Center for Active Adults in East Liberty, to the Penn Research Study with Dr. Venditti’s team. The first five Hills Senior Center, to the Jewish Community Center in weeks are in-person visits. The next 22 months are visits the South Hills. via telephone. She hopes that this format will make it Venditti lists a handful of other locations, too, emphaeasier for folks to join and to stay in the study. sizing the dedication to “taking what works into the real The study’s lifestyle coaches work with people to talk world and recruiting from the community in many, many about the foods that they can prepare and exercise that different types of neighborhoods.”

Diabetes Prevention Support Center

The Diabetes Prevention Support Center (DPSC) of the University of Pittsburgh is a non-profit organization that was established in 2006 with the primary goal of preventing diabetes and improving cardiovascular health. The Diabetes Prevention Support Center is one of the first in the country specifically developed to address the diabetes epidemic through evidence–based prevention intervention programs.

The Center was developed with funding from the Department of Defense. More information about programs and resources can be found at https://www.diabetesprevention.pitt.edu/

‘A TOUCH OF SUGAR’—“I’m one of 84 million American adults living with prediabetes and I’m sharing my story for the first time in an effort to inspire others to take action against the type 2 diabetes epidemic,” Viola Davis said recently in a statement after joining forces with the pharmaceutical company Merck to narrate “A Touch of Sugar,” a documentary about the type 2 diabetes epidemic in America.“Growing up, we just said they had ‘the sugar’ which didn’t sound that concerning. But, when you look at the facts, there’s nothing harmless about diabetes—it’s a chronic disease that needs to be taken seriously if we’re going to get it under control,” said Davis. (Photo: violadavis.net)

LIFESTYLES New Pittsburgh Courier

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NOVEMBER 6-12, 2019

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

Debbie Norrell

Lifestyles Report

Color Him Father I’ve been writing for the New Pittsburgh Courier for over 18 years and believe it or not there are some days I just don’t want to leave the house.

Last Wednesday was one of those days. A good friend had asked that I attend a book signing at the August Wilson Center. I put it on my calendar but as it got closer to the date I decided I didn’t want to go. After speaking with another friend and finding out additional details, I decided to get my behind in gear and leave the house on a rainy evening. Before the actual signing there was a panel discussion moderated by Victoria Christopher Murray, author of “Sins of the Mother,” “Ex Files,” “The Deal, the Dance and The Devil” and so many more. I was introduced to this author many years ago and if you go to the back of “The Deal, the Dance, and The Devil,” you will find my endorsement.

I was excited to see her again in person and she was the hook that got me out of the house.

But the evening was not about Murray. The panel included Vernard Alexander, Lovell Thornton and author Dr. Larry Drake II. According to the back cover, “Color Him Father” is about a brotherhood no man wants to join—the group of men who share the pain of losing a child.

Whether that child is an infant, teenager, young or full-grown adult, grieving the loss of a child is a heartache that can break the strongest of men. Seven men who hold a membership in this fraternity of fatherhood came together with the help of Dr. Drake to share their sorrow of their suffering. In their own unique voices, these men tackle perspectives of being a Black father that are rarely discussed.

About midway through the discussion something hit me; my father was a member of this fraternity. Before I was born my parents lost a son. Jimmie Norrell was 2 years of age when he passed of pneumonia. I think I was about 9 when I found out, too young to understand grief or loss and what it looks like.

Watching these men share their stories brought back a flood of memories that surrounded the death of my late brother, and then I realized why I was there. Everything happens for a reason. I have not started the book but I know that this is going to be a must-read for anyone who has suffered the loss of a child or who knows someone who has lost a child.

Dr. Drake explained that men deal with things in a much different way than women. “Color Him Father” will encourage all fathers to renew their promises to their children, while motivating young Black men to become even more committed to the brotherhood of fatherhood.

Dr. Drake is a Pittsburgh native and a graduate of Westinghouse High School (1972).

Correction: in the Semper Fidelis (10-16-19) story Joy Webb should have been Joy Simmons and M. Jean Simmons is M. Jeanne Dix.

GWEN’S GIRLS CEO AND EMCEE—Dr. Kathi Elliott and Heather Hopson

BEST IN ME AWARDEE—Dr. Kathi Elliott and Jamilia Blake

Fourth Annual Equity Summit and Awards Reception

by Debbie Norrell Lifestyles Editor

The late Pittsburgh Police Commander Gwendolyn Elliott founded Gwen’s Girls in 2002 during her tenure on the police force. She witnessed the struggles of young women and girls who came to the attention of law enforcement and was determined to do something to address their needs and improve their quality of life. Today, Gwen’s Girls offers holistic, gender-specific programs and education for Allegheny County’s at-risk girls and young women. In 2016, under the leadership

of Gwen’s daughter, Dr. Kathi Elliott, the Black Girls Equity Alliance was formed to advance equity and justice for Black girls.

On Sept. 26, at the Wyndam Pittsburgh University Center, multiple women were honored for their outstanding leadership and for supporting the agency’s mission of empowering girls and young women.

With Heather Hopson of Motor Mouth Multimedia as emcee and UPMC and UPMC Health Plan as title sponsor, the Best In Me Awards were presented to: Marcia Bandes, Pittsburgh for CEDAW;

BEST IN ME AWARDEE—Dr. Kathi Elliott and Kim B. Clark

BEST IN ME AWARDEE—Marcia Bandes

BEST IN ME AWARDEE—Dr. Kathi Elliott with Lynne Hayes-Freeland Kim B. Clark, Allegheny County President Judge; Lynne Hayes- Freeland, KDKA-TV & KDKA Radio; Hefren Tillotson; James; Racial Equity Consultant; Dr. Elizabeth Miller, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh; Mary Phan-Gruber, Jefferson Regional Foundation and Dr. Jamilia Blake, Plenary session speaker. Dr. Blake teaches graduate courses at Texas A&M University in child assessment, child therapy and factors that contribute to racial/ethnic educational disparities.

Guests enjoyed the rest of the evening celebrating the awardees and listening to great music by the Tubby Daniels Band featuring Anita Levels. Day two of

the summit featured speak- included: Juvenile Justice; ers from across the country Health and Wellness; Child concentrating on topics that Welfare; and Education.

BEST IN ME AWARDEE—Mary Phan-Gruber

BEST IN ME AWARDEE—Elizabeth Miller (Photos by Debbie Norrell)

ACCEPTING ON BEHALF OF HEFREN-TILLOTSON—Maggie Kanaan

A FEW BOARD MEMBERS STOP FOR A PICTURE—Kenya Matthews, Michelle Crawford, Renee DeMichici-Farrow and Marcia Butler

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METRO

NOVEMBER 6-12, 2019

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

The Black and White Ball BENEFITING BRADDOCK AND RANKIN FAMILY CENTERS Have you heard about UPMC Children’s Family Care Connection Centers?

The centers provide both general and specialized social services for all members of the family, particularly children, adolescents and mothers. Services include nurse home visiting, mental health services, substance abuse prevention and treatment, child development and school readiness, parenting education, and community building.

There are five Family Care Connection Centers; Lawrenceville (5235 Butler St., 412-784-8683), Turtle Creek (208 Penn Ave. Floor 2, 412-823-2060), Mt. Oliver (1630 Arlington Ave., 412-432-1635), Braddock (849 Braddock Ave., 412-273-4610) and Rankin (230 Third St., 412-271-3408).

The Family Care Connection Centers of Braddock and Rankin combine to hold a Black and White Ball as its primary fundraiser. This year’s Black and White Ball was held on Oct. 18 at the Hosanna House in Wilkinsburg.

EVERYONE HAD FUN at the annual Black and White Ball, Oct. 18, at the Hosanna House in Wilkinsburg. (Photos by Courier photographer J.L. Martello)

THE MUTUNGAS

EVERYONE’S DANCIN’…

CHERRY AND DAVID WEST, from McKeesport.

VICTORIA ANDERSON, STEPHANIE ANDERSON, EDNA STRICKLIN

TAREN AND ROBERT SYRUS, from Homestead.

TINA POWELL AND TERRI HUGHES

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The Black and White Ball BENEFITING BRADDOCK AND RANKIN FAMILY CENTERS

CAROL FISHER AND BILL FORD, dancing to the music at the annual Black and White Ball, held Oct. 18 at the Hosanna House in Wilkinsburg. (Photos by Courier photographer J.L. Martello)

ARDANA JEFFERSON AND STEPHEN VANDIVER

EVERYONE’S DANCIN’…!

KATIE AND ANDREW SCARBROUGH

JACKIE AND SPENCER SIMON, from Penn Hills. They’ve been married for 54 years!

LINDA MURPHY AND KAREN GARRETT

ADRIEL BIRE AND POPPA BANKS

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NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

It’s more than a civic duty to be a Black juror

by Merecedes J. Wiliams

another jury. This time though, I was three years For New Pittsburgh Courier older, wiser, and had followed what I thought to be In the past three years, the trial of Black Pittsthe Fifth Judicial District burgh just five months of Pennsylvania Court of prior—the Michael Rosfeld Common Pleas of Alleghmurder trial in the shooteny County has called me ing death of a Black teen, to serve as juror twice. In Antwon Rose II. When both instances, I was selected and asked to perform 12 jurors, three of them Black, found the former a civic duty to decide if a East Pittsburgh police person was guilty or not guilty on numerous counts. officer Rosfeld not guilty for the murder of Rose, I In 2016, I was four was convinced the judicial months pregnant and I system, specifically the just knew that would be foundation of jury trials, my golden ticket back to was flawed. normal life. Nope, the Even with all of its flaws, prosecutor said “congratulations” and gladly selected Lady Justice was calling my name and I felt comme as an alternate juror.

As Juror #13, I never made pelled to reply. Besides, it to deliberations but I did those notices in the mail are pretty scary. I do not sit in on a two-day trial want to keep getting jury where a man was accused summons because I dodged of sexually abusing his the first one. daughter.

So, there I was, Juror #6 It was an eye-opening on this trial. But also, there experience to court proI was, sitting there, certain ceedings and our judicial that the judicial system system. has enough holes to sink But, this time around the Titanic. was different. In August, Everything about the I was called to serve on

Don’t waste an opportunity to be on a jury

She later apologized, but the damage was done.

While all of us 12 jurors took the same oath, endured the same trial, and were issued the same task, it is life experiences, enviMerecedes J. Williams ronments and circumstances that kick in when it is time to decide a person’s fate. A complete stranger was looking down the barrel of four serious charges, and I was one-twelfth of the decision.

And for that reason alone, video, it was no easy task I believe it is important for jury selection process to be the only African African Americans to serve makes you irritable and on every jury. I believe anxious. For hours, you are American juror. During a two-day deliberation, I every jury should consist of waiting in a room where found myself on the brink a diverse representation of you cannot leave, sitting the entire population. through dozens of jury pool of throwing blows with a For weeks, I wrestled with interviews, and lingering to middle age White woman. Her “Make America whether this op-ed was see if your name is called even necessary, whether it to serve. Then, much to my Great Again” attitude was deafening as she tried to would fall on blind eyes, or surprise, after enduring convince me that the defen- whether these words would that tedious process, we dant was guilty, although reach the right people. But, started the trial the same the law did not support the importance of Black day. I wanted to call a her claim. After hours of jurors weighed on me like recess. verbal jabs and tattle-tella cheetah on the back of its Between puppy dog eyes ing to the court’s tip staff, prey. from the defendant, disI had to hit her with the On Facebook, I’ve seen tracting conduct from the “Miley-Cyrus-What’s-Good” an increase of jury duty judge, and unscrupulous portion of deliberations. summons posts, and amounts of surveillance

Commentary

clearly, the Fifth Judicial District of Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County is busy. If you are a potential Black juror, I urge you not to discard your summons, yet report. Serving on a jury, for an African American citizen, is more than a civic duty. It is a daunting task that requires you to use your best judgment, examine the evidence, and render a verdict that could affect the rest of someone’s life.

It is also a position of power that historically was not granted to people of color. (Strauder v. West Virginia, Virginia v. Rives, Plessy v. Ferguson, Norris v. Alabama, Batson v.

Kentucky) Admittedly, I once took that civic duty of serving on a jury for granted. But now, I realize that “a jury of your peers” could very well be a pool of people who don’t look anything like you. It is of utter importance for African Americans to serve on a jury.

The Pittsburgh Black Media Federation

THE PITTSBURGH BLACK MEDIA FEDERATION held its annual Soul Café at Roland’s Seafood Grill in the Strip District, Sept. 27. There were musical, dance and spoken-word performances, a silent auction and an After-Glow Mixer. Pictured are Brian Cook Sr., Olga George, Erin Clarke, Chris Lovingood, Briana L. White, and Sheila Beasley.

BRIAN COOK SR., SHEILA BEASLEY, CHRIS MOORE, OLGA GEORGE BRIAN COOK SR., DR. ERVIN DYER

DJ HENRY BRICKZ…

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Jonas Chaney, a man of many talents

TV anchor, reporter, producer—and actor—retires from WPXI-TV

JONAS CHANEY, right, with Dee Thompson, who was the sports director at WPXI-TV in 1985 when Chaney joined the television station from Indianapolis. (Photos by Courier photographer J.L. Martello)

JONAS CHANEY shows a video reel of himself decades ago on WPXI Television.

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WPXI) instead of being stifled in just one particular subject,” Chaney said. “I was really able to spread my wings.”

Chaney spent many years as public affairs director for WPXI, a position that is not always found at television stations these days. He received two national AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) American Scene awards for best documentary; “Biking Through Black History” in 2007; and “Here’s To Life,” in 2008. “Here’s To Life” was an African American History History Special which examined the new wellness philosophy of inner-city students by focusing on their immediate

goals for long-range success.

More recently, you may have associated Chaney with his two community affairs shows on WPXI, “Talking Pittsburgh” and “Impact.” “Impact” focuses on organizations and leaders in minority communities, while “Talking Pittsburgh” showcases the work of local nonprofits.

Chaney told the Courier that one of his most memorable community-based efforts was “The Healthy Black Family Project,” where, about 10 years ago, Chaney led the way in getting local Black barber shops to push Black men to get prostate exams.

And it worked.

“There was a phobia about it,” Chaney said of

Black men going to the doctor for an exam, or even discussing prostate cancer.

But the push by Chaney and others on television “changed the attitude of a lot of people.”

Chaney’s connection to the Pittsburgh community is palpable—from the countless local African Americans who’ve appeared on his WPXI shows, to his emceeing of local events, to his appearances in plays. He calls the Pittsburgh people, “down to earth.” The people here remind him of the people from his hometown, Chicago. “People are genuine and they’re very sincere about their causes,” he said. “Overall, I’d say it’s been a win-win situation from a professional stand-

point, from a spiritual standpoint, from an emotional standpoint. I love this city.”

But Chaney may have never had the chance to fall in love with Pittsburgh if he would have followed the “advice” of that person who told—warned—him back in 1985 not to take a job in Pittsburgh.

“I can understand why it didn’t work for him,” Chaney said of the unnamed journalist, who, after three years, returned to work in Indianapolis.

“But my personality was completely different (than his)—laid back, personable, willing to listen, ask questions, and show empathy. Utilizing those principles helped me to survive here.”

Kenneth L. Huston named NAACP Pennsylvania state president HUSTON FROM A1

NAACP should always be front-and-center on issues of civil and human rights and never should be ‘Johnny come lately’ to stand for the rights of our people— never.”

Huston is one of two officers representing Western Pennsylvania on the NAACP Pennsylvania state level. Phyllis Waller is serving as third vice president from the Washington Coun-

ty Branch. Huston told the Courier his election to the presidency marks the first time in roughly 20 years an NAACP Pennsylvania president has come from Western Pa. As president, Huston will oversee the 44 branches in the state and the more than 17,000 state-wide members. “I must travel throughout the Commonwealth, meet with the governor and state officials

as well as have a clear message as to what is impacting our communities,” he said. “I am responsible to ensure that the Pennsylvania state NAACP is strong. And I intend to do just that with our great presidents and state leadership.”

On a national level, the NAACP has six “Game Changers” that are the primary focus of the 110-year-old organization

in today’s climate: Economic Sustainability (a chance to live the American Dream for all); Education (a free, high-quality public education for all); Health (health equality for all Americans including a healthy life and high-quality health care); Public Safety and Criminal Justice (equitable dispensation of justice for all); Voting Rights and Political Representation (protect

and enhance voting rights and fair representation); and Expanding Youth and Young Adult Engagement.

Huston said that from his perspective, the primary role of the NAACP on a state level is “to fight for justice with more effective outcomes. People are asking, ‘well, what does the NAACP do?’ And that is extremely troubling to me, because we do a whole lot and the work we do should

be understood with clarity.

I believe we are about to experience one of the most hateful and fear-torn elections in over 50 years or more and the NAACP has to be armed to fight for the rights of our people, and that is on several fronts— economically, education, all the issues that we know are still very much an issue. We must be prepared with clear outcomes to our work.”

Study: More Black teens attempting suicide SUICIDE FROM A1

of mental illness among some members of the Black community, and the availability of firearms,” Prasad stated.

Prasad was not among the researchers involved in the study.

Frank King, the so-called “Mental Health Comedian,” called the problem a “cultural phenomenon.”

“Young people in these groups are less likely to share their issues surrounding depression and thoughts of suicide with friends and family than youth in other racial and ethnic groups,” King stated.

Among the answers is starting the conversation on depression and suicide in high-risk groups,” he said.

“A partial answer is giving young people permission to give voice to their experiences and feelings, without recrimination, such as ‘If you were stronger in Christ this wouldn’t be happening,’ or ‘What do you have to be depressed about, we’ve given you everything. Your father and I started our life with nothing,’ and so forth,” King stated.

Researchers in the NYU study noted that suicide is the second-leading cause of death for teens from all demographics. They found that only accidents kill more young people than suicide.

The study also revealed that, in 2017, approximately 2,200 teens between the ages of 15 and 19 died by suicide.

Researchers gathered information provided by the

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from 198,540 high school students from 1991 to 2017.

Among high school students of all demographics, 1 in 5 said they were thinking about suicide, and 1 in 10 said they had made a plan to end their lives.

CNN Health reported that the study is in line with earlier research that has shown African American boys, especially younger boys between the ages of 5 and 11, have experienced an increase in the rate of suicide deaths.

In Black children ages 5 to 12, the suicide rate was found to be two times higher compared with white children, according to CNN Health.

The study authors found “an increased risk in reported suicide attempts among African American teens between 1991 and 2017, and boys saw an increase in injuries related to those attempts. That might mean that Black teens were using more lethal means when attempting suicide.”

They found a decline in attempts overall among teens who identified as White, Hispanic, Asian American, or Pacific Islander.

“As an African American woman, suicide is prominent in our community for two reasons: we often do not know how to handle it amongst our families, and the pressures on our culture are rising,” said Sabriya Dobbins of Project Passport LLC, a company that encourages getaway retreats centered around

three mental wellness areas: reflection, community and personal.

“Oftentimes when a Black family member says they want to take their life, the family may resort to church, belittle their response and tell them to stop overreacting, or simply assume it is not a big deal,” Dobbins stated.

“African American families are taught to be tough and to hold it together because it is already ‘us against the world.’ We are taught to put our heads down and work hard to get those degrees and move up in our careers.

“This causes expectations to be too high, then depression and anxiety are heightened. Not only are Black youth trying to sat-

isfy their families and be strong, but they are trying to fight their way through a world that is not always accepting. A world where they are dying in alarming numbers in senseless crimes. It is a double edge sword.”

Parents should be on the lookout for risk factors, such as a recent or severe loss like death or divorce, said Dr. Fran Walfish, a Beverly Hills family and relationship psychotherapist, author of The Self-Aware Parent.

Dr. Walfish also counts as a regular expert child psychologist on CBS Television’s “The Doctors,” and she co-stars on WE TV’s, “Sexbox.”

“Parents should take heed when they observe

specific warning signs like changes in behavior, including difficulty concentrating, difficulty focusing on school or following routine activities, researching ways to kill oneself on the internet, increasing the use of alcohol or other drugs, and acting recklessly,” Walfish stated.

Included among other signs are changes in personality, appearing withdrawn, isolating to their room, irritability, extreme mood changes that are more than typical moodiness, exhibiting rage or talking about seeking revenge, Walfish added.

Other alarms include changes in sleep patterns, insomnia, oversleeping, nightmares, talking about dying, going away, or differ-

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ent types of self-harm, she said.

“Teaching problem-solving and conflict resolution skills, building a strong connection to family, friends, and community support are ways to help,” Walfish stated.

“Restrict access to highly lethal means of suicide, such as firearms, and provide access to effective mental health care, including substance use treatment.

Talk to your child. Many people are fearful that talking to their children about suicide will increase their risk of suicide. This is a myth,” Walfish said.

(How to get help: In the U.S., call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, or 1-800-432-8366. You can also visit http://teenlineonline.org.)

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PRESLEY GILLESPIE, far left, with Denise Edwards, top left, Neighborhood Allies’ Ally of the Year, and other 2019 Healthy Neighborhood award winners. (Photos by Diane I. Daniels)

Celebrating healthy neighborhoods in our community

by Diane I. Daniels For New Pittsburgh Courier

Described as the epitome of a neighborhood ally, Denise Edwards says she is humbled. On Oct. 24 she was recognized

by Neighborhood Allies as its Ally of the Year.

“I feel proud of my organization and am excited for what this means for the Lincoln-Lemington organization and the community. This recognition makes me feel special to be viewed as a changemaker,” she said.

The Ally of the Year award is presented to an organization or individual who acts as a genuine and active ally to the communities where they live and serve considering the unique conditions and needs of Pittsburgh communities.

Other Healthy Neighborhood Awardees inclusive of people and organizations that uplift and work hard to build healthy neighborhoods across Pittsburgh included ACH Clear Pathways; Quality of Life, Amber Sloan, Community Ownership, The Pittsburgh Garbage Olympics, Neighborhood Image, McKees Rocks CDC/Roxian Theatre, and Market Confidence. Circles Greater Pittsburgh received the Equitable Development award.

Founded and directed by Tyian Battle, ACH Clear Pathways is dedicated to providing enriching and new experiences to underserved youth and families through visual and performing arts in the Hill District.

Through her organization #Madeit, Sloan is known for her passion in helping people in her home neighborhood of Homewood. In an authentic and genuine approach, meeting people where they are and ensuring their voice is heard, she speaks to teens to equip them with knowledge, helps families get their basic needs met, and advocates for political change to improve the lives of the most vulnerable.

COMMUNITY LEADERS­—Healthy Neighbors winners Tyian Battle, Denise Edwards and Amber Sloan.

The Pittsburgh Garbage Olympics is beautifying neighborhoods while engaging residents and neighbors to be active players in cleaning up their communities. The annual event makes litter clean-up fun by creating a friendly competition to see which neighborhood can collect the most trash.

The recently redeveloped Roxian Theatre embraces the spirit of the McKees Rocks community while standing out with preserved and polished architectural features. The theatre now makes McKees Rocks a destination where the performing arts are a key ingredient in the process of

helping generate economic activity, sparking new businesses and attracting visitors to the neighborhood.

Under the leadership of Tammy Thompson, Circles Greater Pittsburgh works to move people and families out of poverty by helping individuals expand their social capital and meet their financial goals– bringing them closer to self-sufficiency. Their unique and effective approach breaks down economic and social barriers, connecting low-income individuals with middle- or upper-class volunteers to create an additional layer of support as they

work toward their goals together—holding each other accountable, walking with one another through challenges and celebrating successes.

Neighborhood Allies President Presley Gillespie classified the audience of the organization’s annual Healthy Neighborhoods Celebration and Awards Ceremony as the biggest yet. Over 200 attendees ranged from residents, to nonprofit professionals, to artists and executives. The purpose of the event was to gather as allies to share and honor examples of exemplary local work being done to create positive social impact in low-income communities.

The Healthy Neighborhoods Celebration was inspired by Neighborhood Allies’ Healthy Neighborhoods Framework, a set of principles which continuously guides their work and helps to implement their groundwork in neighborhoods and prioritize neighborhood change efforts. Focusing on both people and places, they develop tailored neighborhood-level strategies that target ways to create the change they want to see in neighborhoods and aids in creating thriving, resilient communities that are livable for all.

The fall 2019 Real Estate Co-Powerment series graduation ceremony was also a part of the ceremony. Co-created by Neighborhood Allies and Omicelo, a mission-driven real estate investment and advisory firm, the organization offers a six-week real estate course. Through in-class instruction, coaching and mentorship, their goal is to demonstrate how community members, organizations, and small business owners can participate and benefit from their own neighborhood revitalization. Omicelo Cares is a nonprofit organization that believes neighborhoods can create promise for all community members. Their mission is to grow community members’ incomes SEE ORGANIZATION B2

Rory Gamble named first African American UAW President

by Patreice A. Massey

Although the UAW represents a large number of African American employees this is the first time in its history that there has been an African American President.

Rev. Horace Sheffield, Pastor of New Destiny Christian Fellowship, recalls: “In October 1959, at the UAW Constitutional Convention, held in Atlantic City, New Jersey, my father rose to nominate Willoughby Abner for the Vice Presidency of the UAW, and thereby,

The Michigan Chronicle

Over the weekend, the United Auto Workers Union announced a huge change in leadership.

Rory Gamble, who has been credited with playing an integral role in helping to end the UAW-Ford strike, was named acting president.

This announcement comes just days after FBI agents conducted a series of raids including those at the home of former UAW Presidents Gary Jones and Dennis Williams; a St. Louis UAW hall; and a home Jones had in St. Louis, where he worked before Detroit.

Officials have said that the raids are connected to the same scandal that landed former FCA VP Norwood Jewell in jail.

The UAW released the following statement in response: “UAW President Gary Jones has asked for a leave of absence, following a vote of the Executive Board. It will be effective Sunday, Nov. 3rd. Vice President Rory Gamble, who recently negotiated the Ford agreement, will serve as acting president and assume full responsibility for the president’s office.”

“The UAW is fighting tooth and nail to ensure our members have a brighter future. I do not want anything to distract from the mission. I want to do what’s best

became the first African American Vice President of the UAW. I bring all this back to our attention because as we celebrate this historic event, Rory Gamble becoming the UAW’s first African American President, it’s important for us to note the road that was paved and the shoulders he has had to stand upon for this to come to fruition.

“So today I salute the UAW for its vision to place Rory Gamble in this leadership position, pray for him and for the restoration of

HISTORY IN THE MAKING

RORY GAMBLE for the members of this great union,” Jones said via statement.

Gamble who made history by being the first African American to hold this position, is focusing on the work ahead, saying: “Together throughout

the last few months, we’ve achieved substantial victories for UAW members and we know that we have more work to do. We want better health care coverage, better salaries and respect for our work. That will not change.”

if he won, making Abner the first African American to serve on the UAW Board. In his nominating of Abner my father declared, ‘Here it is that I go all over the south representing this union in the civil rights movement, bailing civil rights workers out of jail, and marching to eliminate Jim Crow and alas right here in my own union a Black cannot even serve on the board of the UAW. Therefore, I rise today to place into nomination the name of Willoughby Abner for Vice President of the UAW’.

“It wasn’t until three years later that an African American, Nelson Jack Edwards, was elected to the UAW Board, and 13 years later, that the same person

the integrity of the UAW, and I trust that through his leadership that the workers and members of the UAW will move forward in solidarity for ‘the union makes us strong.’”

Gamble, a welder fixture repairman, joined the UAW in 1974 when he was hired at the Ford Motor Co. Dearborn (Mich.)

Frame Plant. He immediately became active in UAW Local 600 and has since served in numerous elected and appointed positions.

He was elected a vice president of the UAW in June 2018, at the union’s 37th Constitutional Convention in Detroit. Gamble previously served three terms as director of UAW Region 1A.

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Larry Ivory is new National Black Chamber of Commerce chairman

by The Chicago Crusader For New Pittsburgh Courier

(BlackPressUSA)—The National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) recently announced the appointment of Larry Ivory as the new Chairman for the term of 2019-2121. Courtney Reynolds is ending her term and will head the new “Empower Women Initiative.”

Ivory is a founding member of the NBCC (in 1993) and has been dedicated to its growth and effectiveness since the very beginning. “Larry shows his organizational and leadership skills on a daily basis via his management of the Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce (ISBCC), which he and Janice Ivory evolved from the Peoria Black Chamber of Commerce in the early 1990s,” says NBCC president/CEO Harry C. Alford.

“It’s no secret that there’s always been a special relationship between the Illinois State Black Chamber and the NBCC, with the highest of respect and reverence

LARRY IVORY duly shared. It was an honor to take the mantle when President Alford called upon me. I’m proud to serve, what I consider, the greatest national Black chamber in the land—always at the forefront of the national stage promoting Black business equity and empowerment. I look forward to strengthening the brand and supporting the issues that impact our corporate partners,” said Ivory.

With the ILBCC being one of the premier chambers in the national federation, President Ivory’s reprisal as the chair of the National Black Chamber is a clear move towards unifying the national and global brand.

Growth and investment (fundraising) will be Larry’s focus during his upcoming tenure. He will also lead the charge on a new program, Project Rebound. This initiative informs the small business community about prison employment programming to increase their willingness to hire and place former offenders into meaningful jobs thereby improving their circumstances and expanding their opportunity for success. The goal is to change their lives and make society a better place.

Outgoing Chairwoman Courtney Reynolds states, “It has been a pleasure to be chairwoman of the NBCC. I have learned so much that I am a better businesswoman and leader of the “Empower Women Initiative” alongside Kay DeBow, NBCC co-founder. Larry will continue doing an awesome job for the organization and take it to higher levels as chairman.”

(This article originally appeared in The Chicago Crusader.)

Credit Application Denied?

Here’s what to do next (StatePoint)—It’s no fun being denied anything, especially credit. Usually when someone is trying to get a line of credit, it’s for a big reason or major life milestone and having a credit application denied can feel like a real setback.

But this rejection isn’t something to take personally. It’s more common than people realize and doesn’t spell doom for your financial future. In fact, credit denials can be a good opportunity to take proactive steps to improve your credit health long-term.

How will I know I’ve been denied credit?

If a lender denies your credit application, they will send you a letter called an “adverse action notice.” Don’t worry – it sounds more menacing than it really is. This letter will explain why the lender denied your application and give you information about the credit reporting agency where thy got your information. With the notice, you are entitled to get a free credit report from that agency within 60 days. While the credit reporting agency provides your information, the lender ultimately names the decision on whether to grant credit or not. If you need more information specifically about your denial, it’s usually best to contact the lender directly.

Why was I denied credit?

There are many reasons a credit application could be denied and the reasons vary by lender, the types of credit requested and your personal credit history. The adverse action letter will list the reason or reasons why you were denied. Common causes include having a

limited credit history, too many recent inquiries and a high balance on current credit accounts. But every situation is different. If you are still unsure about the reason for the denial after reading the adverse action letter, you can call the lender to find out more.

What should I do if I am denied credit?

If you are denied credit, you don’t technically have to do anything. But that’s probably not your best option.

It’s natural to feel bummed about being rejected, but you can use the denial as a motivator to make strides to improve your credit health. Your credit report acts like your financial resume, showing your history of what you’ve done with credit. Read it carefully to see if there are any areas where you could do better. Are your balances too high?

Create a financial plan that includes paying them off as quickly as possible.

Did you miss a payment recently? Set up automatic payment options on your monthly bills so you’re always on top of it. Don’t forget to check your report for inaccuracies, as they can occasionally play a role in a denial.

If you’ve been denied credit, learn more and take that first, important step by getting your Transunion credit report at Transunion.com/deniedcredit.

No financial plan is completed without setbacks, but don’t allow those setbacks to keep you from taking action.

Whatever the cause of a credit application denial, there’s a solution. With perseverance and patience you can achieve your financial goals.

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

BUSINESS CALENDAR Women Business Leaders Breakfast Series

NOV. 8—The Chatham University Women’s Business Center will host URA Deputy Director Diamonte Walker, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., at the James Laughlin Music Center on the Chatham Shadyside Campus. Walker will discuss the power of entrepreneurship in 21st-century organizations, and about her approach to accelerating business and career growth by building a dynamic personal brand and enhancing the brand of the employer.

Cost: $25, $12 for non-Chatham students and veterans. call 412-365-2779 for more information.

Sales Training Event

NOV. 15—The Duquesne University Small Business Development Center will host Sales Boot Camp, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., 108 Rockwell Hall, 600 Forbes Ave. Pittsburgh 15282.

Learn proven techniques to create predictable, consistent sales results that lead to long-term customers who are willing to give references. Topics include: cold calling; presentations skills; handling objections; getting the asking price, and more. Cost: $399 and includes breakfast and lunch.

Call 412-396-1633 for more information.

Website Workshop

NOV. 19—The Duquesne University Small Business Development Center will present Boost Your Website’s Visibility: SEO 101, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., 108 Rockwell Hall, 600 Forbes Ave. Pittsburgh 15282. Many small businesses struggle with ranking their website highly on search engine results pages. This workshop will present key techniques to increase website visibility such as: optimizing content; how Google Search works; organic results/paid ads; Google SEO tools, and more. Cost: $35. Call 412-396-1633 for more information.

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.

Organization celebrates neighborhoods ORGANIZATION FROM B1

in low-to-moderate income neighborhoods through specialized real estate education and deep supports for small businesses. The group was founded by Joshua Pollard. Jason Flowers is the executive director.

Finding funding for renovations, how to renovate property, appraisals and sharing ideas and connecting with people from different backgrounds is what Jerome Bey, a participant in the Real Estate Co-Powerment program, described as an asset for his future.

Currently preparing to take his real estate test, READY FOR BUSINESS—Real Estate Co-Powerment graduate Je- Bey said, “I appreciate the experience, the opportunity rome Bey shares his experiences. (Photos by Diane I. Daniels) to work with Josh and Jason and now I am looking forward to working with everyone to develop in the real estate business.”

Neighborhood Allies’ mission is to support the people, organizations and partnerships committed to creating and maintaining healthy neighborhoods. Their vision is for a Pittsburgh with healthy neighborhoods that are thriving, resilient and livable for all. The view of Gillespie and representa-

tives of Neighborhood Allies is that a healthy neighborhood is a place where it makes economic and emotional sense for people to invest their time, energy and resources where neighbors can manage day to day issues and where residents feel excited and confident about their future.

Neighborhoods of focus include the Hilltop, Homewood, Larimer, Millvale, Wilkinsburg and the Hill District. The philosophy is that since every neighborhood is unique, they have developed tailored Neighborhood Level Strategies that outline goals which will move toward achieving healthy neighborhoods in each of the six priority geographies. The neighborhood-specific strategies and action plans have been, and will continue to be, informed by conversations with partners, current neighborhood plans, research, data and their organizational capacity.

“The strategies are solid yet fluid, as conversations with community organizations, residents and experts will continue to inform them,” Gillespie said.

A HAPPY LEADER—Neighborhood Allies President Presley Gillespie thanks the awardees for their community work and commitment.

OPINION

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

NOVEMBER 6-12, 2019 B3

Remembering Congressman Elijah Cummings and the journey still ahead

Guest Editorial

Human and economic impact of gun violence Philadelphia City Controller Rebecca Rhynhart has offered an unconventional approach to the city’s gun violence problem.

Rhynhart released a report last week that measures the economic impact of gun violence in Philadelphia.

Specifically, the report shows that gun violence costs the city millions of dollars in tax revenue, lost to property values that go down in the vicinity of homicides.

The controller’s office analyzed residential property sales and homicides that occurred across the city between 2006 and 2018, looking at sales made 60 days before and 60 days after a homicide.

The report found that killings in a neighborhood have a sizable effect on nearby residential sale prices, with a single murder lowering sale prices in the immediate neighborhood by an average 2.3 percent. A drop in sale price was seen in properties located within three-quarters of a mile of a killing, with stronger impact within one-tenth of a mile.

Using that figure, Rhynhart extrapolated the revenue from a 10 percent reduction in homicides would be $114 million over five years.

While the human cost of gun violence is incalculable, the report shows the broader impact of violence beyond the immediate victims and their families.

Rhynhart says she realizes the human impact on gun violence is much more important but she hopes that, by demonstrating that ending violent crime is not only the moral imperative but financially sound, she can rally support for spending on it among those who might not be directly affected.

The reality is that showing that reducing gun violence is not only a moral imperative but has economic benefits could help increase the sense of urgency among political and business leaders and city residents who are not directly impacted by gun violence.

The controller’s report comes after a 2-year-old girl was shot and killed in her home in Kensington and an 11-month-old boy was shot four times in Hunting Park when someone fired at the car he was in. At the current rate of over 280 homicides, the city could match or pass last year’s total of 353 homicides for the year.

Fortunately, the controller’s report does not only point out the problem but also offers solutions that have been successful in New Orleans and other cities.

The evidence-based strategies offered in the controller’s report are: Group Violence Intervention, which targets the individuals most likely responsible for shootings with both potential punishment and access to support services.

Cure Violence, a public health approach to violence that uses community-oriented street outreach independent of law enforcement to intervene in street disputes.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, a preventive strategy that seeks to improve decision-making among high-risk individuals.

The city, through investing in these programs, could reduce homicides by 35 percent over five years from the 2018 total, the report says. “Additionally, the report details that the potential tax revenue generated by reducing homicides would surpass the program costs by year two and at the end of five years, the City would see a cumulative gain of $71 million after the cost of funding these programs is taken into account.”

Mayor Jim Kenney and District Attorney Larry Krasner should include the controller’s recommendations as part of their own plans to reduce gun violence in the city.

(Reprinted from the Philadelphia Tribune)

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Commentary stands how serious this problem is.”

In the aftermath of the 2015 Freddie Gray homicide, Rep. Cummings walked the streets of Baltimore using a bull horn to call for peace. Speaking to the spate of violence surrounding Gray’s death, Congressman Cummings said, “The American people have had enough, and so have I.” At Gray’s funeral services the Congressman spoke again adding, “I’ve often said, our children are the living messages we send to a future we will

EJIJAH CUMMINGS never see,” he said. “But now our children are sending us to a future they will never see.

The following year, 2016, he teamed with Senator Elizabeth Warren to call for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to increase its oversight of nonbank mortgage lenders whose market share of mortgage originations was growing but were not federally regulated as banks, credit unions and other lenders were. Among the concerns cited in a joint letter to then CFPB Director Richard Cordray were consumer risks in a still-volatile mortgage market, as well as the role of mortgage servicers.

In ensuing years and despite deteriorating health, Congressman Cummings remained diligent in his pursuit of justice in other policy areas as well.

This March he joined Oregon Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici to co-sponsor the SAFE Lending Act (Stopping Abuse and Fraud in Elec-

tronic Lending), a measure designed to address many of the worst abuses of predatory online payday lenders.

“In recent years, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has turned its back on consumers being targeted by payday predators,” said Cummings this spring. “Our constituents, and consumers everywhere, deserve protection from payday lenders and rogue internet-based lenders who prey on hardworking Americans struggling to make ends meet.”

He also returned to voting rights this year. As Chair of the House Oversight Committee, his fierce opposition to voter suppression led to an investigation into allegations of voter suppression in states where voters reported difficulties in the 2018 midterm elections. Voting restrictions resulting from a June 2013 U.S. Supreme Court decision known as Shelby County, Alabama v. Holder, Attorney General, Et Al gave nine states- Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia -- the freedom to change their election laws without federal approval.

This decision also applied to cities and counties in even more states.

“He worked until his last breath because he believed our democracy was the highest and best expression of our collective humanity and that our nation’s diversity was our promise, not our problem,” noted his widow, Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings.

The challenges that confront all of America, but particularly people of color, must now be taken up by others—those who worked with him, and others whom the Congressman inspired. In one of his last comments in the House Oversight Committee, he left us a prophetic challenge.

“When we’re dancing with the angels, the question we’ll be asked: In 2019, what did we do to make sure we kept our democracy intact? Did we stand on the sidelines and say nothing?”

His beloved and departed soul is now resting. Here’s hoping people of purpose and goodwill will complete the journey towards justice for all.

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

Trump is not alone among Americans in failing to understand what a real lynching is (TriceEdneyWire.com)—Donald Trump’s use of the term “lynching” to describe the ongoing impeachment inquiry in the House naturally sparked bipartisan outrage. The president and his shameless apologist, South Carolina’s Sen. Lindsey Graham, defended the use of the word, with Graham calling the investigation a “lynching in every sense.”

Surely Graham, who comes from a state that, the Equal Justice Initiative reports, lynched 187 Black people between 1877 and 1950, should know better. He was a member of the Senate when it voted unanimously in December 2018 to make lynching a federal crime, calling it “the ultimate expression of racism in the U.S.,” and classifying it as a hate crime.

Trump’s casual use of the word is an indication of the sad reality that America has largely failed to address the role of racial terror and violence in our history, and its legacy in distorting our criminal justice system.

The myths of Black criminality that were used to justify racial terror have never been adequately confronted and are reflected in the unprecedented—and still racially skewed—mass incarceration in America. To this day, no Congress has passed, and no president has signed into law, a bill to outlaw lynching as a federal hate crime.

Trump defended himself, saying that lynching is a “word that many Democrats have used.”

That’s true, but that only reinforces the need to confront the truth of the past. Lynching—and racial terror— was used purposefully after the Civil War in the former states of the Confederacy to reimpose racial subordination and segregation. In its compelling report, “Lynching in America: Confronting the Legacy of Racial Terror,” the Equal Justice Initiative com-

Jesse Jackson Sr.

Commentary piled records of 4,075 “racial terror lynchings” of African Americans in 12 states of the South from the post-Civil War Reconstruction era to World War II. The report shows that “terror lynchings in the American South were not isolated hate crimes committed by rogue vigilantes. Lynching was targeted racial violence at the core of a systematic campaign of terror perpetrated in furtherance of an unjust social order.”

Whatever complaints Republicans may have about an impeachment hearing convened in Congress under its constitutional authority, it surely is not a lynching. Lynching in the South was not done by fringes of the society taking the law in their own hands. It was often organized by the community’s most prominent people and condoned by officials. Lynchings were often gruesome public spectacles, with victims tortured and murdered in front of picnicking spectators. Their intent was not simply to terrorize Blacks, but to reinforce among Whites the myth that Blacks were sub-human. They were not about controlling crime, but about racial control. Their perpetrators were celebrated, not prosecuted.

The Equal Justice Initiative reports that only 1 percent of those committing lynchings were convicted of a criminal offense after 1900. Racial terror in the South succeeded in

re-establishing White rule and Black subordination after the Civil War. With Whites in control of the criminal justice system, lynching became less prevalent, with mass incarceration and capital punishment taking its place. Bryan Stevenson of the Equal Justice Initiative has led the effort to create a process for remembering and confronting this shameful past and understanding its legacies in our present. He notes that communities across the South have memorials to the leaders of the Confederacy and of the Klan, but have failed to memorialize the innocent victims of racial terror. The contrast with countries like Germany and even South Africa that have sought to learn from the horrors of their history is dramatic.

For 100 years, the NAACP campaigned to make lynching a federal crime, initially in the hope that federal intervention would bring the perpetrators to justice, and finally as an expression of truth-telling. The efforts were always blocked by filibusters organized by Southern senators. In 2005, the Senate passed a resolution apologizing to the victims of lynching for their failure to pass anti-lynching legislation. In 2018, the Senate finally unanimously passed anti-lynching legislation for the first time.

In June of this year, the House Judiciary Committee put forth HR 35, the Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act, for a vote before the House. Trump’s egregious comment provides the occasion for truth-telling. The House and the Senate should finally act together to put the anti-lynching bill on the president’s desk for his signature, and join in a national teach-in, perhaps a joint session of the Congress, to educate Americans about the reality of lynching and the lies it spread that still need to be dispelled.

Letters to the editor for publication

Stephan A. Broadus Assistant to the Publisher

Editor & Publisher Emeritus (1912-1997)

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—The nationally televised Oc. 25 funeral services for the late Congressman Elijah E. Cummings, paused partisan debates and revealed how a son of Baltimore worked tirelessly for his constituents and for this nation.

In the days since his home-going, I have marveled at how his life’s work somehow brought together officials who held firm to their stark political divides but united to honor a man who believed that everyone deserved a fair chance at all America had to offer.

Even in death he broke yet another barrier by becoming the first Black Member of Congress to lie in state at the Capitol Rotunda. This singular and posthumous honor was true testament to his 12 years as a Member of Congress, and the preceding 14 years he served in Maryland’s House of Delegates, where he became the first Black in the state’s history to be named Speaker Pro Tempore.

To all who worshiped or wept at his passing, perhaps now is the time to remember how he lived, valiantly fighting for the promises of America and the belief that as a country, we could and should rise to right the wrongs for this and future generations. From civil rights to housing, consumer protections, gun violence, and more, Elijah Cummings used his powerful voice and influence to forge progressive changes across life’s many dimensions, notably by his early and strong advocacy for consumer financial rights.

“For consumers, he was the voice who championed reforms to protect families from abusive payday lenders, predatory for-profit colleges, and housing discrimination,” noted Nikitra Bailey an EVP with the Center for Responsible Lending. “His legacy is a shining example of what public service ought to be—a fighter for truth, justice, and fairness.”

In 2011 during the nation’s foreclosure crisis, Congressman Cummings called for the House Oversight Committee to use its subpoena powers to secure answers from mortgage lenders on practices that affected civilians and service members alike.

At the time as Ranking Member of this key committee, Cummings told POLITICO, “The thing that disturbs me is that not all of Congress under-

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REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY PUBLIC NOTICE

Persad Center seeks a Foster Care Specialist to work in Pittsburgh, PA. Requirements: Four (4) year degree in Social Work from an accredited institution of higher learning, and at least two (2) years of experience working in Foster Care or Children Youth and Families (CYF) service system. Appropriate FBI, PA Act 33/34 fingerprint clearances. Proficiency with Microsoft Office. Reliable transportation, valid PA Driver’s License. To apply submit a cover letter, resume and three references to ctorres@ persadcenter.org.

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Persad Center seeks a Therapist for its IOP to work in Pittsburgh, PA. Requirements: Master’s degree from an accredited college with a major in chemical dependency, psychology, social work, counseling, nursing (with a specialty in human services field), or other related field. Licensed/Credentialed in PA; LPC, LMFT or LCSW. Appropriate FBI, PA Act 33/34 fingerprint clearances. Prior experience in drug and alcohol setting. To apply submit a cover letter, resume and three references to aweinberg@ persadcenter.org.

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University of Pittsburgh Physicians seeks a Pediatric Interventional Radiologist to work in Pittsburgh (Allegheny County), PA. Perform minimally invasive procedures to assess disease and deliver targeted treatment guided by imaging tools such as sound waves (Ultrasound), fluoroscopy (X-rays), computerized tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and use the pictures received from these imaging tools to reach certain parts of the body that can’t be seen from the outside and as a road map to guide instruments through the body to those hard-to-reach areas; treat diseases which once required surgical treatment with nonsurgical procedures that involve fewer risks, less pain, and a quicker recovery time compared to open surgeries, such as vascular malformations, blood clots, and kidney or liver abnormalities; responsible for performing are biopsies, placing shunts or feeding and drainage tubes, and peripherally inserting central catheters (PICCs). Serve at the level of Radiology Director of the Pediatric Vascular Anomalies Program and work collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team. Directly manage and oversee one pediatric interventional advanced practice providers, such as physician assistants and certified registered nurse practitioners. Must have a M.D. or equivalent; completion of residency program in Radiology; completion of fellowship in Pediatric Interventional Radiology; must be Board certified or Board eligible for certification in Radiology; must have valid PA medical license or eligibility for licensure. Apply by following these steps; visit http://careers. upmc.com and enter 19000183 in the “Search Keyword/Job ID” field and click Go. EOE/Disability/Veteran.

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YWCA Greater Pittsburgh announces its Annual Meeting on Wednesday, December 4 from 10:30 AM, at 305 Wood St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. For info email choward@ywcapgh.org.

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The Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (ALCOSAN) is accepting Letters of Interest and Statements of Qualifications from Professional Companies who wish to be considered for the following: CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES LABORATORY/ INDUSTRIAL WASTE FACILITY AND PARKING GARAGE PROJECT S464 Interested Parties shall submit eight (8) bound paper copies and one electronic copy on a CD or flash drive in a sealed envelope plainly marked: Statement of Qualifications Construction Management/New Laboratory/Industrial Waste Facility and Parking Garage Allegheny County Sanitary Authority 3300 Preble Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15233-1092 Attn: Suzanne Thomas, Procurement Officer All questions should be submitted, in writing, to Suzanne Thomas at Suzanne.thomas@alcosan.org.

An informational meeting will be held November 19. 2019 at 10:00 am in the ALCOSAN Auditorium at 3300 Preble Ave., Pittsburgh. PA 15233 to clarify the goals and purpose of this Request for Qualifications.

ALCOSAN intends to award the services to one firm to perform all of the services. All submittals must be received no later than 2:00 PM December 13, 2019 at the ALCOSAN Contracts Department. Please allow time to process through security. If the documents are sent via courier, it is Consultant’s responsibility to ensure the documents have been received. Late submittals will not be considered and will be returned unopened. Additional information and instructions may be obtained by visiting: http:www.alcosan.org/ BusinessOpportunities/RFQs RFPs/tabid/182/Default.aspx ALCOSAN encourages businesses owned and operated by minorities, disadvantaged and women’s business enterprises to submit qualification statements or to participate as subcontractors or suppliers to the selected Consultant/Firm. The Party selected shall be required to utilize minority, disadvantaged, and women’s business enterprises to the fullest extent possible. The goals of the ALCOSAN’s Minority and Women Business Policy are listed on the ALCOSAN website at www.alcosan.org.

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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.

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Estate of MR. VAUGHN W. FINNEY, Deceased of 210 Fayette Avenue, Oakdale, PA 15071. Estate No. 02-19-06163 Ms. Nancy L. Finney, 142 Delmore Drive, Moon Township, PA 15108, Administratrix, c/o Max C. Feldman, Esquire and the Law Offices of Max C. Feldman, 1322 Fifth Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108.

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Letters Testamentary on the Estate of Mary L. McCaffrey Court Term No. 021906217, late of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, deceased, having been granted to the undersigned by the Director of Dept. of Court Records, Wills/Orphans Court Division of Allegheny County, notice is hereby given to all persons indebted to said estate to make immediate payment, and to those having claims against the same to present them to the undersigned, duly authenticated for settlement. Debra L. Moran, Executrix, 9151 Pine St., Pittsburgh, PA 15239, or to Cathy L. Brannigan, Esq., 15 Duff Rd., Suite 6C, Pittsburgh, PA 15235.

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Letters Testamentary on the Estate of Shirley E. Coleman, Court Term No. 021906218, late of Penn Hills, Allegheny County, deceased, having been granted to the undersigned by the Director of Dept. of Court Records, Wills/Orphans Court Division of Allegheny County, notice is hereby given to all persons indebted to said estate to make immediate payment, and to those having claims against the same to present them to the undersigned, duly authenticated for settlement. Lawrence E. Coleman, Executor, 3009 Hebron Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15235, or to Cathy L. Brannigan, Esq., 15 Duff Rd., Suite 6C, Pittsburgh, PA 15235.

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PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY ADVERTISEMENT

Separate sealed Bids for the Work as listed hereinafter will be received at the Purchasing and Materials Management Department of Port Authority of Allegheny County (Authority) Heinz 57 Center, 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222-2527 until 1:30 p.m. on December 6, 2019 and will be publicly opened and read immediately thereafter at the same address. Each Bidder shall be solely responsible for assuring that its Bid is both received and time stamped by a representative of the Purchasing and Materials Management Department at or before the advertised time for submission of Bids. Bids received or time stamped in the Purchasing and Materials Management Department after the advertised time for the submission of Bids shall be non-responsive and therefore ineligible for Award.

ROOFING AND MECHANICAL UPGRADES AT MANCHESTER, EAST LIBERTY, AND WEST MIFFLIN GARAGES CONTRACT NO. SYS-19-09 A-G REBID CONTRACT NO. SYS-19-09 B-G REBID CONTRACT NO. SYS-19-09 A&B-G REBID CONTRACT NO. SYS-19-09 H REBID CONTRACT NO. SYS-19-09 E REBID The General Construction Work of this Project includes, but is not limited to, the furnishing of all labor, materials, equipment, tools, supervision, and incidental items necessary to perform Roof Replacements at the Port Authority’s Manchester and West Mifflin Garages. Additional Work includes MPT, metal fabrication and painting.

To maximize the opportunity for bidders to be able to participate in the Roof Replacement Projects, Port Authority is structuring the Project Bid Documents to allow bidders to submit for one or more of the following General Construction scenarios: 1) The SYS-19-09 A-G REBID Work consisting primarily of the Roof Replacement at the Manchester Garage.

2) The SYS-19-09 B-G REBID Work, consisting primarily of the Roof Replacement at the West Mifflin Garage.

3) The SYS-19-09 A&B-G REBID Work (the combined work of both the SYS-19-09 A-G REBID and SYS-19-09 B-G REBID Work.)

The basis for award of the General Contract or Contracts, if any, for the Work will be to the lowest responsible Bidder or Bidders for the SYS-19-09 A-G REBID Work, and/or the SYS-19-09 B-G REBID Work or the combination of the contracts SYS-19-09 A&B-G REBID Work, as selected by Authority, whose Bid or Bids was/were responsive and responsible to the requirements of the Bid Documents.

The HVAC Construction Work of the HVAC Project (Contract No. SYS-1909 H REBID), consists primarily of HVAC rooftop unit replacement(s) at the East Liberty Garage and West Mifflin Garage. The Work includes, but is not limited to the furnishing of all labor, materials, equipment, tools, supervision, and incidental items necessary to perform the Work.

The Electrical Construction Work of the Electrical Project (Contract No. SYS-19-09 E REBID), consists primarily of providing power system modifications to support HVAC equipment installation at the West Mifflin Garage.

The Work includes, but is not limited to the furnishing of all labor, materials, equipment, tools, supervision, and incidental items necessary to perform the Work.

Bid Documents will be available for public inspection and may be obtained on or after November 6, 2019 at Authority’s offices at the following address: Port Authority of Allegheny County Purchasing and Materials Management Department Heinz 57 Center 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2527 Bid Documents are available for purchase as follows: Bid Documents are available in an electronic form on compact disk upon payment of ($15.00) per CD. Payment shall be by check or money order (NO CASH), payable to “Port Authority of Allegheny County.” No refunds of payment will be made.

Upon request, Bid Documents can be mailed upon receipt of payment in full.

Should the purchaser wish to have the Bid Documents delivered via special delivery, such as UPS or Federal Express, the purchaser shall provide its appropriate account numbers for such special delivery methods.

This Project may be funded, in part, by, and subject to certain requirements of, the County of Allegheny and/or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Authority, in compliance with 74 Pa.C.S. § 303, as may be amended, require that certified Diverse Businesses (“DBs”) have the maximum opportunity to participate in the performance of contracts and subcontracts for this Project.

In this regard, all Bidders shall make good faith efforts in accordance with 74 Pa.C.S. § 303, to ensure that DBs have the maximum opportunity to compete for and perform contracts. Bidders shall also not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, disability, national origin, sexual origin, gender identity or status as a parent in the award and performance of contracts for this Project. If aid is required to involve DBs in the Work, Bidders are to contact Authority’s Director of Employee Relations and OEO at (412) 566-5262.

The Bidder’s attention is directed to the following contacts for Bidder’s questions: Procedural Questions Regarding Bidding: Cindy Denner – Authority cdenner@portauthority.org (412) 566-5117 All other questions relating to the Bid Documents must be submitted by mail or email to: Port Authority of Allegheny County Heinz 57 Center 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 Attn: Cindy Denner Email: cdenner@portauthority.org In addition, the Bidder’s attention is directed to the following schedule of activities for preparation of its Bid: 9:00 a.m.

Pre-Bid Conference November 19, 2019 Port Authority of Allegheny County

Heinz 57 Center

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345 Sixth Avenue, Fifth Floor

Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527

(Attendance is not mandatory,

but strongly recommended) Pre-Bid Site Tour

(Immediately following the Pre-Bid Conference)

Participants shall wear a safety vest and appropriate footwear.

Transportation will be provided.

1:30 p.m.

Bids Due December 6, 2019 Purchasing and Materials Management Department Authority reserves the right to reject any or all Bids

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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 November 12, 2019 and will be opened at the same hour for the purchase of the following equipment and supplies: REFUSE CONTAINER SERVICE General Information regarding bids may be obtained at the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Service Center, 1305 Muriel Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. The bid documents are available on the School District’s Purchasing web site at: www.pghschools. 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

DOCUMENT 00030-AA ADVERTISEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT ALLEGHENY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Separate and sealed Proposals will be received at the Allegheny County Airport Authority, Pittsburgh International Airport, Landside Terminal, 4th Floor Mezz, P.O. Box 12370, Pittsburgh, PA 15231-0370 until 1:00 P.M. prevailing local time, DECEMBER 4, 2019, and bids will be publicly opened and read by the Airport Authority in Conference Room C, Pittsburgh International Airport, Landside Terminal, 4th Floor Mezz, P.O. Box 12370, Pittsburgh, PA 15231-0370, one half hour later, for the following: ALLEGHENY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY PROJECT NUMBER 21G1-17 EAST GATE AT TOWER ROAD EAST / CARGO GATE ACCESS UPGRADE AT PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT A pre-bid conference will be held in the Conference Room A, Fourth Floor, in the Landside Building, Pittsburgh International Airport, at 10:00 a.m., on NOVEMBER 8, 2019. Plans, specifications and bid documents for the above referenced project will be available for purchase NOVEMBER 8, 2019, at Pittsburgh International Airport.

Attention is called to the fact that not less than the minimum salaries and wages, as determined by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, must be paid on these projects.

Proposals must be made on the Authority’s form and in accordance with the Plans and Specifications and the “Instructions to Bidders”’.

The non-refundable charge for the Bid Documents and a Disk containing the Plans and Specifications is $150.00; mailing can be arranged for an additional $75.00 charge.

This project has DBE participation goals; DBE firms must be certified with the Pennsylvania Unified Certification Program) (PA UCP). Firms must be certified prior to award of contract. A searchable database of DBE firms can be found on the PA UCP web site: https://www.dots be.pa.gov/PAUCPWeb/paucp/ viewHome.do The Airport Authority reserves the right to reject any and all bids or waive any informalities in the bidding.

No bidder may withdraw his bid for a period of sixty [60] days after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids.

To view a complete advertisement, which is also included in the bidding documents visit www.flypittsburgh. com under doing business with us – business opportunities or call 412-472-3667, 412-472-3779 or 412-472-3543.

Christina A. Cassotis Chief Executive Officer

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INVITATION TO BIDDERS THE PITTSBURGH WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY ADVERTISEMENT

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

SEPARATE and SEALED BIDS for the following solicitation, will be received by the Office of Procurement, Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, 1200 Penn Ave., Second Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, until 4:00 PM Prevailing Time November 26, 2019.

Request For Proposals (RFP) for 2019 Large Diameter Water Main Improvements - Rising Mains 3 and 4 PWSA Project No. 2019-325-103-0 Work under this contract includes design engineering services from preliminary through final design, as well as design services during the construction phase for holistically assessing the structural condition of the pipelines and provides a plan of replacement/rehabilitation for the continued reliable use of Highland Rising Mains 3 and 4.

All bids must be submitted in accordance with the solicitation that can be obtained by sending an e-mail to procurement@pgh2o.com. There will be no charge for the solicitation, as it will be sent via e-mail. All questions relating to the solicitation itself shall be to Nicole Dickun, Procurement Manager, via e-mail: ndickun@pgh2o. com, no later than November 19, 2019.

A Mandatory Pre-Proposal Meeting will be held on November 7, 2019, 10:00 a.m. prevailing Time in the Authority’s conference room located at 1200 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA. The purpose of this meeting is to give an overview of the contract requirements and to allow Bidders to ask questions.

The bidder must assure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of their race, color, religion, sexual preference, sex, or national origin.

The bidders will be required to submit the package of certifications included with the contract documents relating to the Supplier Diversity Program.

The Authority reserves the right to withhold the award of the Contract for a period of 60 days after the opening of the bids.

The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, and to waive any informality or minor irregularity in any bid or bids. The Authority also retains the right to investigate the qualifications of bidders prior to any award and to award contracts only to contractors who, in the sole judgment of the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, are qualified and equipped to properly execute the specified work.

ROBERT A. WEIMAR, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR THE PITTSBURGH WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY

ALLIES & ROSS MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR Professional Market Study Analysis Services for the Manchester Neighborhood ARMDC RFP #2019-29-REBID

The Allies & Ross Management and Development Corporation (ARMDC) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Professional Market Study Analysis Services for the Manchester Neighborhood The documents will be available no later than October 28, 2019 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 11:00 a.m., November 21, 2019 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Parties or individuals interested may obtain information from: Mr. Kim Detrick – Procurement Director/ Chief Contracting Officer Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 2nd Floor, Suite 200 100 Ross Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116, Option 1 or by visiting the Business Opportunities section of www.hacp.org A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Conference Room Pittsburgh, PA 15219 November 7, 2019 11:00 A.M. The Allies & Ross Management and Development Corporation strongly encourage certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation.

ARMDC has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation.

Caster D. Binion, President & CEO Allies & Ross Management and Development Corporation

NOVEMBER 6-12, 2019

Sealed proposals shall be deposited at the Administration Building, Bellefield Entrance Lobby, 341 South Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15213, on November 5, 2019, until 2:00 P.M., local prevailing time for: Pgh. Obama 6-12 Gym A/C and Lighting Upgrades Mechanical, Electrical, and Asbestos Abatement Primes Project Manual and Drawings will be available for purchase on October 7, 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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Sealed bid proposals are hereby solicited for the Community College of Allegheny County, 800 Allegheny Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15233 (412.237.3020) on the following items: Bid Proposal No. 1058 – Emergency Generator Replacement – Office of College Services A mandatory pre-bid meeting and site-visitation for the generator project will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 12, 2019.

The assembly point will be the OCS Lobby, 800 Allegheny Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15233. Park in the lot directly across from Wendy’s (buzz in at the gate).

Bid Proposal No. 1059 – Furnish and Install Flooring at North Campus A mandatory pre-bid meeting and site-visitation for the flooring project will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 13, 2019. The assembly point will be the North Campus lobby, 8701 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 Due date: 2:00 P.M. Prevailing Time on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 The CCAC Purchasing Department publishes all bids and RFPs via the CCAC website at https://www.ccac. edu/Bid-RFP_Opportunities.aspx It will be each vendor’s responsibility to monitor the bid activity within the given website (“Bid and RFP Opportunities”) and ensure compliance with all applicable bid documents inclusive of any issued addenda.

Failure to incorporate any applicable addenda in the final submittal may result in the rejection of your bid.

The Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

The Community College of Allegheny County is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and encourages bids from Minority/Disadvantaged owned businesses.

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

ARMDC & HACP conduct 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.

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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HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR EMPLOYMENT VERIFICATION SERVICES RFP #400-41-19

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

The Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County (“SEA”) will receive sealed bids for Ballroom Carpet Installation as identified below for the David L. Lawrence Convention Center (“DLCC”).

The contract for this work will be with the SEA. Inquiries regarding the bidding should be made to the SEA 171 10th Street, 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, Attention: Ryan Buries- E-mail: rburies@pittsburghcc.com, Telephone: 412-325-6179.

Bid Packages may be obtained after the date identified below through Accu-Copy at (724) 935-7055. Additional information on the project can also be found of Accu-Copy’s website at https://accu-copy.com/ plan-room This Advertisement applies to the following Bid Package: Project: DLCC Bid Package Name: Ballroom Carpet Installation Bid Package Available: Oct. 31, 2019 Approximate Value: $175,000 \Time/Date/Location for Pre-Bid Meeting: 10:00am, Mon., Nov. 4, 2019 Time/Date/Location for Bid: 1:30pm, Fri., Nov. 22, 2019, DLCC, 1000 Ft. Duquesne Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

INVITATION FOR BIDS

The Washington County Housing Authority will receive sealed bids for elevator maintenance contracts for nine elderly buildings throughout Washington County.

Bids will be received no later than 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 10, 2019 at the Washington County Housing Authority, 100 Crumrine Tower, Franklin Street, Washington, PA 15301, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.

Proposed forms of contract document, including technical specifications, are on file at the Authority Office, Inquiries should be made to the attention of Denise Galuppo (724-228-6060 Ext. 107 or 121).

(TDD NUMBER: 724-228-6083) Bid packages may be obtained without charge.

A cashier’s check or bank draft, payable to the Washington County Housing Authority or a satisfactory Bid Bond executed by the bidder and acceptable sureties, in an amount of Fifteen Percent (15%), shall be submitted with the bid packet. At the contract award stage, the Authority requires contractor to provide a performance bond equal to 100% of the first two years bid price.

The Washington County Housing Authority reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any informality in the bidding.

Bids may be held by the Housing Authority for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days from the date of the opening of the bids for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the qualifications of bidders, prior to awarding the contract.

In no event will Washington County Housing Authority consider a bidder as eligible if he cannot meet the specification criteria. This paragraph is inserted herein for the benefit of the Housing Authority only.

In accordance to the laws---Title VII of the Civil Rights Act., Executive Order 11246, Section 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, subject to the Requirements of Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968, as amended, --the Washington County Housing Authority does not discriminate in job employment, federal contracts of subcontracts, or housing programs due to race, color, religion, sex, handicap/disable, national origin, or age.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER WASHINGTON COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY STEPHEN K. HALL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Sealed bid proposals are hereby solicited for the Community College of Allegheny County, 800 Allegheny Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15233 (412.237.3020) on the following items: Bid Proposal No. 1060—Adobe Software Subscription Renewal Due date: 2:00 P.M. Prevailing Time on Tuesday, November 19, 2019 The CCAC Purchasing Department publishes all bids and RFPs via the CCAC website at https://www.ccac. edu/Bid-RFP_Opportunities.aspx.

It will be each vendor’s responsibility to monitor the bid activity within the given website (“Bid and RFP Opportunities”) and ensure compliance with all applicable bid documents inclusive of any issued addenda.

Failure to incorporate any applicable addenda in the final submittal may result in the rejection of your bid.

The Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

The Community College of Allegheny County is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and encourages bids from Minority/Disadvantaged owned businesses.

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR MULTIPLE INSURANCE LINES RFP #700-29-19

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Multiple Insurance Lines The documents will be available on or about November 4, 2019 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 10:00 A.M., November 22, 2019 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Parties or individuals interested may obtain information from: Mr. Kim Detrick – Procurement Director/ Chief Contracting Officer Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 2nd Floor, Suite 200 100 Ross Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116, Option 1 or by visiting the Business Opportunities section of www.hacp.org A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor Conference Room Pittsburgh, PA 15219 November 14, 2019 10:00 A.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation.

HACP’s has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation.

Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh

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

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

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Employment Verification Services The documents will be available no later than October 28, 2019 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 10:00 A.M., November 19, 2019 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Parties or individuals interested may obtain information from: Mr. Kim Detrick – Procurement Director/ Chief Contracting Officer Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 2nd Floor, Suite 200 100 Ross Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116, Option 1 or by visiting the Business Opportunities section of www.hacp.org A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor Conference Room Pittsburgh, PA 15219 November 7, 2019 10:00 A.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation.

HACP’s has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation.

Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh

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

Support the publication that is ALWAYS focused on Pittsburgh’s African American community.

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The homelessness Loss of Cummings and Conyers crisis—we are highlights importance of CBC better than this Marc H. Morial

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—I was returning from an errand when the skies opened up. The punishing rain came down with such vigor that despite an umbrella, the bottom inches of my pants were soaked. With my wash and wear hair, and just half a block more to walk, I shrugged the rain off, until I saw a woman sheltering herself from the rain in a narrow but covered side entrance to a church. The opening could not have been more than four feet wide, and sister was easily five feet tall. She had wedged herself, somehow, into the space and was lying horizontally with a newspaper over her head. From across the street, I could see her beautiful dark chocolate skin, but also her disheveled clothing, and no layers to shelter her from the rain. Watching her reminded me that we are going into the season of high risk for those who have no shelter.

Many can make it during the warmer months sleeping comfortably outside, but as temperatures drop and precipitation increases, thousands are vulnerable because they have no shelter.

When we elect a clown, expect a circus.

Too many urgent national concerns are being swallowed by this man who lacks the gravitas to behave as President. The man who calls his colleagues “scum,” who attacks Black people, espe-

Julianne Malveaux

Commentary

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—“The three of us—Stokes, Chisholm and I— came to Washington determined to seize the moment, to fight for justice, to raise issues too long ignored and too little debated. We were described by the media as militant, aggressive new leaders determined to make changes in the way black members of Congress had been viewed in the past.”—U.S. Rep. William Lacy Clay Sr., Co-Founder of the Congressional Black Caucus In recent days America lost two influential African Americans who served as high-ranking members of the Congressional Black Caucus, John Conyers and Elijah Cunningham. Their loss has served to reaffirm the importance of the CBC and the election of dedicated public servants who will John Conyers, who represented the Detroit area in Congress for more than 50 years, was one of the founding members of the CBC. Conyers was part of a wave of civil rights activists who arrived in Congress in the 1960s, determined to change the status quo. In 1968, Rep. Charles Diggs of Michigan convened an informal group called the Democracy Select Committee.

“The sooner we get organized for group action, the more effective we can become,” Diggs said.

By 1971, the number of the number of Black members of Congress had risen from nine to 13, and the Committee members decided to formalize their organization, and the Congressional Black Caucus was formed.

The group immediately butted heads with then-President Richard Nixon, who refused to meet with the members.

The interpreted his refusal as a broader rejection of the interests of all Black Americans, and responded by boycotting Nixon’s State of the Union Address.

“We now refuse to be part of your audience,” Rep. William Lacy Clay Sr., wrote in a letter to the President.

The CBC was responsible for the anti-apartheid Free South Africa Movement that brought worldwide attention to the human rights abuses of the racist South African state. The longest civil disobedience movement in U.S. history, it led to the enactment of the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986, which imposed sanctions against South Africa and set preconditions for lifting the sanctions that would apartheid. President Ronald Reagan’s veto

To Be Equal

of the legislation was overridden, the first foreign policy veto override in the 20th Century.

The National Urban League has maintained a long and productive partnership with the CBC since its inception. As noted in the official House of Representatives history: The legislative agendas of African American Members in the post-1970 era reflected the diversity of their committee assignments and the range of interests within the general membership of Congress. Most sought to advance a broad progressive legislative agenda supported by advocacy groups such as the National Urban League and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)—extending voting rights protections, improving educational and economic opportunities, fostering urban renewal, and providing access to better health care.

While the CBC has enjoyed much closer and better relationships with Presidents since landing on Nixon’s infamous “Enemies List” in the 1970s, the group has clashed with the current occupant of the Oval Office.

A few months after his inauguration, members delivered a 130-page rebuke of his policies on criminal justice, voting rights, education, health care and other issues.

Many CBC members boycotted President Trump’s 2018 State of the Union Address following his disparaging comments about African and Caribbean nations. Those who attended wore kente cloth to show solidarity with Africa.

Today, CBC membership stands at 54 after the loss of Elijah Cummings, the largest number in history. Four of the House of Representatives’ Standing Committees are chaired by CBC member: Bobby Scott, Education and Labor; Maxine Waters, Financial Services; Bennie Thompson, Homeland Security; and Eddie Bernice Johnson, Science, Space and Technology. CBC Member Jim Clyburn holds the position of House Majority Whip, the number-two-ranking office in the chamber.

As the current administration continues working to dismantle civil rights protections and deny the vote to people of color, the work of the CBC is more important than ever. In honor of the legacy of Elijah Cummings and John Conyers, we must continue to support the CBC’s mission and recognize its leadership.

cially Black women, with impunity, who dodges the Constitution every chance he gets, who might spark a major crisis by stomping over oversight, and who might cause a government shutdown later this year if he doesn’t get his way.

And then there are the human needs that are being ignored. According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, during a “point in time” survey on a night in January 2018, more than half a million homeless people were counted. (https://files. hudexchange.info/resources/documents/2018-AHAR-Part-1.pdf). While there are flaws in this methodology, it is as close as we can get to a scientific measurement of the homeless. There are half a million people, mostly men, mostly White, but way too many African Americans. African Americans are 13 percent of the population and 40 percent of the homeless. The homeless are primarily concentrated in California, New York, Florida, and Texas, but you can find them in almost any community. Two-thirds of the homeless are shelIn 1983, a report trialized nations in tered on a given night, but a third are was published J. Pharoah Doss mathematics and sleeping on the streets, on park benchcalled: A Nation in the bottom half es, in alleys, under awnings. To quote in science. Our stuAt Risk. The rethe late great Congressman Elijah dents are fleeing the port revealed SAT Cummings, “we are better than this.” very disciplines that scores dropped Nearly 40,000 of these homeless are are the foundation of significantly beveterans. Nearly 40,000 are youth. the knowledge econtween 1963 and Their homelessness flies in the face of omy.”

1980. Even worse, our values as a country. Those who have In other words, American stuserved our country should not have to the nation was still dents were sesleep on the streets. Those who have verely outperformed by students from at risk. not have had a chance at life should not In 2017, the Brookings Institute pubother industrialized nations. find their chances on a park bench. This lished a report called: Race gaps in SAT It was a national embarrassment. is not just about homelessness. It is The report launched an avalanche of scores highlight inequality and hinder about an economic crisis that has made educational reform. Educators on the upward mobility. The mean score on affordable housing difficult to obtain, right stressed the need to remedy the the math section for all test-takers was with jobs and economic security even international disparities by improving 511 out of 800, the average scores for more difficult to obtain. While 45 crows performance across the board, while Blacks (428) and Latinos (457) were about our healthy economy, the Fed has their counterparts prioritized eliminat- significantly below Whites (534) and lowered interest rates because it is coning internal disparities which required Asians (598). cerned about the health of the economy. reducing racism.

Back in the 1990s when there were no And low unemployment rates belie In 1990, an editor of The American signs of improvement, Sowell stated the edthe absolute angst that millions of our School Board Journal stated, the effects of ucators on the left responded in three ways. fellow citizens are experiencing.

1). Blame past racism continuing in society’s racism are spilling over into the The homeless data are daunting schools. The editor, along with the educa- the present. enough, but there is also hidden home2). Blame institutional racism. tional establishment, promoted the neceslessness. Too many—4.4 million—are 3). Blame the conservative mood of sity of adding multicultural programs to living in other people’s houses because public school curriculums. It was believed the times. they have no homes of their own. While In 2017, a fourth response was intromulticultural programs would reduce inthere is nothing wrong with “doubling tergroup conflict by making groups aware duced—blame the subject. Professor up” families when it is voluntary, inof, and sensitive to, racial, ethnic, and cul- Rochelle Gutierrez argued, “Mathematvoluntary doubling up is a prescription tural differences and make groups more ics—itself—operates as Whiteness.” for disaster. Compound this with the accepting of those differences. During the Gutierrez is encouraging aspiring math number of young people who are “couch last decade of the 20th century, it was be- teachers to develop a sense of “political surfing” because they have no place to lieved public schools were society’s best knowledge for teaching” to combat this go. I’ve met young people who are livproblem. hope of battling racism. ing in storage units because they have But what kind of political knowledge Meanwhile, the nation was still at risk. no homes, managing their sanitation In 1993, Economist Thomas Sowell is needed to teach mathematics? needs in gyms and hotel bathrooms.

A recent headline said: Seattle public stated, as race relations have worsened Some of these folks have full-time jobs in the wake of policies designed to make schools will start teaching that math is that pay so little that they can’t afford them better, there has been no rethink- oppressive. Seattle’s school district has housing. We are better than this. ing of the original assumption on which proposed a new “social justice infused” The specter of homelessness is incomthese policies were based, and the real curriculum that enables teachers to inpatible with the rhetoric of economic question is whether multiculturalism troduce ethnic studies into the classroom progress and economic expansion. From delivers on that promise—or whether it, through mathematics. (The curriculum is San Francisco, where people with tents not mandatory.) The curriculum outlines in fact, makes racism worse. live underneath freeways, to WashingSowell was ignored. How could multi- discussions teachers should incorporate ton, D.C., where homeless people sleep into their math classes. Teachers should culturalism make racism worse? on streets that appear to be prosperous, In 2008, educators across the country re- explore math’s roots in the ancient histoto New York City, where some of the leased a joint statement on the 25th anni- ries of people and empires of color, teachhomeless have mental health issues, and versary of “A Nation At Risk.” They said, ers should explain how math and science nowhere to go. Our compassion compass “Our schools now serve children with a was used to oppress and marginalize is off because we are so focused on shemore challenging array of needs than ever people of color, and teachers should ennanigans that we have ignored people. before. Yet virtually every group of those courage students to recognize the mathStill, about 552,000 people were shelchildren—White, Black, Latino, Asian, ematical practices and contributions of ter-challenged when HUD executed their poor, rich—is achieving at higher levels in their own communities and look at how “point in time” survey. It’s a flawed methmost subjects at most grade levels than math has been used to free people from odology, but one that challenges the nathey were 25 years ago. In some cases, the oppression. Gutierrez said, “We haven’t ture of predatory capitalism in our society achievement gaps which have plagued focused enough on identity or systems and in our economy. No one should have this country throughout our history are of power. Students should be able to see to sleep in the street, wedge herself into beginning to narrow…But while we are themselves in the curriculum, recognize an awning, or stand in line for temporary doing better, it’s still not good enough. The math as a tool for making their lives betshelter. We are so much better than this. rest of the world is outpacing us. Despite ter, and question what math is, and the (Julianne Malveaux is an author and econoour gains, U.S. high school students now purpose of math.” mist.)

Meanwhile, the nation is still at risk. rank in the bottom quarter among indus-

Racist math, progressive problemsolving, and a nation at risk Check It Out

Katrina Pierson

Commentary President Trump proudly presents his policies on criminal justice reform (BlackPressUSA)—When President Trump delivered the keynote address on criminal justice at Benedict College last week in South Carolina, he did an excellent presentation to the audience at that Historically Black College and University (HBCU). President Trump displayed a substantive and compassionate style of leadership that contracted a common misconception about his leadership style.

An extraordinary amount of energy goes towards painting a picture of President Trump as a leader under siege, willing to speak only to steadfast supporters. In reality, Donald Trump has always been able to go before any audience to deliver his message—and unlike some career politicians, his message is always the same no matter where he speaks.

As President, that message naturally begins with his record of policy successes and promises kept. It’s a record he’s justifiably proud of, and that pride is evident whether he’s before a packed stadium of supporters or at a historically black college for a forum that also featured six of his would-be Democrat opponents.

When it comes to criminal justice reform, President Trump’s record is misunderstood as often as his style of public interaction. That’s why when the President delivered remarks detailing “The Conservative Case for Criminal Justice Reform” at Benedict College, he profiled the landmark FIRST STEP Act. The foremost purpose of the criminal justice system is to protect citizens by punishing and rehabilitating criminals. To that end, the federal government significantly enhanced criminal penalties throughout the 1980s and 1990s, increasing the length of minimum sentences for a variety of crimes and making the conditions of confinement harsher.

Some aspects of that “get tough” strategy were effective, and crime rates began to plummet from the all-time highs reached in the early 1990s because the worst offenders were receiving prison sentences rather than slaps on the wrist.

But some lawmakers took the strategy too far.

It culminated in the 1994 omnibus crime bill— written by Joe Biden—that, among other things, created federal “three strikes” laws and restricted prisoners’ ability to get an education behind bars.

A growing number of non-violent felons began to see longer sentences, too, especially for drug-related crimes. Even after being released, former inmates found it extraordinarily difficult to get jobs afterwards.

Worst of all, the burden of these policies fell disproportionately on the Black community, with a huge percentage of young Black men becoming tied up in the criminal justice system.

President Trump determined that these inequities should be corrected without sacrificing the progress we’ve made in combating violent crime.

He was right, and he naturally wants all Americans to know it.

Last December, the President signed the FIRST STEP Act, which addressed many of the most glaring issues that made criminal justice unfair for African Americans. The law makes it easier for inmates to earn early-release credits for good behavior, for instance, giving prisoners, especially low-level drug offenders, greater opportunities to rebuild their lives as productive members of society. It also provides the job-training and skills-building they need to succeed when they get out, reducing the likelihood that they’ll return to a life of crime.

In addition, the reforms also included new, fairer sentencing guidelines for crack cocaine possession, bringing the penalties in line with those for powder cocaine. Significantly, this change was applied retroactively, benefiting thousands of unfairly-sentenced prisoners.

President Trump takes great pride in those accomplishments, which explains why he agreed to participate in a forum that any conventional politician would have avoided. With no real competition for the Republican nomination in 2020, the President could have stayed on the sidelines and allowed the Democrat candidates to attack each other. Instead, he chose to present the conservative perspective on criminal justice reform to an audience that would otherwise hear only liberal viewpoints, even though his participation was characteristically met with unjustified attacks by his would-be challengers.

The FIRST STEP Act upholds one end of the criminal justice bargain to the Black community: 90 percent of the prisoners who have been released thus far thanks to the new law are African Americans.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration has been upholding the other end of that bargain by empowering law enforcement to more effectively combat violent crime, which also disproportionately affects the Black community. The rate of both violent crime and property crime in the United States has fallen dramatically under this President.

President Trump looks forward to building on these successes. He has outlined a plan to help provide non-violent offenders with “second chance hiring” by reducing restrictions on federal hiring and incentivizing companies to hire employees with criminal backgrounds.

That’s the message that he took to Benedict College and to Black America. The Democrats went to that same forum with future proposals and plans, while President Trump went with “promises kept” in the form of concrete results improving the lives of all Americans and their families and communities, and in particular for African Americans and their families and communities.

To the inevitable dismay of the Democrat candidates who spoke on the same topic after him, this President has a record that he’ll gladly defend anywhere, any time, and in front of any audience.

(Katrina Pierson is a senior adviser for Donald J. Trump for President Inc.)

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NOVEMBER 6-12, 2019

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The Steelers now have legitimate hope in the season’s second half Tomlin deserves credit for the turnaround

It’s funny how one missed field goal from the most clutch kicker of all-time can make a difference between hope and lamentation.

If Adam Vinatieri had made that 43-yard field goal on Sunday, Nov. 3, the Steelers would be kicking themselves for failing to capitalize on countless opportunities to beat a quality opponent playing the majority of the game with backup quarterback Brian Hoyer. Pittsburgh would be sitting at 3-5 and we would be hearing questions about Coach Mike Tomlin’s future for the next two months. Instead, the Steelers are 4-4, one game back in the AFC Wild Card race, and have a favorable schedule in the second half of the season.

Mike Tomlin should be appreciated more by the City of Pittsburgh for the way he

has righted the ship of this team without his future Hall of Fame quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. He has maintained the “Standard is the Standard” mantra that he has instilled in his team for the past 13 seasons. Tomlin has heard rumors about his coaching the Washington Redskins, or the Atlanta Falcons, in 2020. These rumors are ridiculous and over the past month, Tomlin proved that he is a Hall of Fame-caliber coach. Tomlin has proven on a yearly basis that he can get the most out of his players by not only motivating his team but also player development. Roethlisberger goes down for the season, in steps Mason Rudolph.

When Rudolph goes down, Devlin “Duck” Hodges leads the Steelers on the road to a victory over a Los Ange-

Commentary

Brandon Walker les Chargers team that may have more talent overall.

As for Sunday’s game, the Indianapolis Colts played a sloppy game and they were without their best offensive weapon, T.Y. Hilton. However, the Steelers showed me that what has been missing from this team for the past few seasons is fortitude. In the Killer B’s era, it was an arrogant, front-running culture that

allowed the team to play up and down to their competition at will and hope that their high-end talent would pull them out of the fire.

The Steelers had a habit of finger-pointing, drama, and the dreaded “me first” mentality that often prevents talented teams from reaching their ultimate goal, a Super Bowl.

As for Mason Rudolph, he has also shown toughness

over the past two games after coming back from the concussion he suffered last month against the Baltimore Ravens. He struggled with two early turnovers against the Dolphins last Monday night, but responded by going 11-of-15 for 112 yards and a touchdown in the second half. On Sunday, Rudolph threw an interception on the first drive of the game, and took a safety in the third quarter, but he kept battling and made key plays when the Steelers needed it. One such play was the 40-yard completion to his college teammate James Washington on the go-ahead scoring drive.

The Steelers defense deserves credit for the team turnaround as well. The defense made two timely sacks on Hoyer in the Colts’ fourth-quarter drive that

forced a punt. Bud Dupree recorded a sack, strip, fumble on Hoyer as the Colts were marching down the field for points before halftime. Minkah Fitzpatrick had a timely 96-yard pick six that kept the Steelers in the game and potentially saved their season. The Steelers are playing complementary football and coming together as a true team because they do not have the high-end talent to bail them out like in years past.

This Sunday, Nov. 10, the Steelers will face the defending NFC Champion Los Angeles Rams coming off their bye week. Jared Goff and his deep receiving corps will provide a stiff test to the Steelers’ improved secondary. A win here will provide fans with serious January ambitions.

Black quarterbacks are changing the game in the NFL Cam Newton, Patrick Mahomes, Jacoby Brissett, DeShaun Watson, Lamar Jackson, Russell Wilson, Teddy Bridgewater, Kyler Murray. What do all of these names have in common? First and foremost, many are current firststring NFL quarterbacks that are changing the old, sodded, outdated definition of the standard skill set required to become and remain starting QBs. There has been and continued to be a myth that Black QBs are less than intellectual than their counterparts at the position. On Jan. 31, 1988, in San Diego, that myth should have been laid to rest because Doug Williams of the Washington Redskins became the first African American quarterback to start in and

win a Super Bowl.

Williams led his team to an upset 42-10 victory over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXII. Williams and the Redskins obliterated the Denver defense, scoring 35 points in the second quarter, the most points ever for a single postseason quarter in National Football League (NFL) history. Williams threw four touchdowns in the first half, tying a then-Super Bowl record for most touchdowns thrown in an entire game.

At that point in pro football history, African American QBs were not and are still not considered by many pundits to not be smart enough to grasp and implement complex NFL offenses. It has been per-

Inside Conditions

Aubrey Bruce petrated for decades that Black quarterbacks have been forced to use their legs in order to compensate for the lack of understanding simple concepts such as reading all of their progressions and being able to check in and out of plays effectively, etc, etc.

By the way, they also are deficient at reading and deciphering mind-boggling

NFL defenses. What? In these days and times of 4.7 and 4.8 40’s being posted by modern-day linebackers and defensive ends, a quarterback better be able to use his legs. The era of the “statue-back” is over. OGs, get used to it.

Within the past quarter of a century the Pittsburgh Steelers had Kordell Stewart, Dennis Dixon and

the aforementioned Josh Dobbs on their roster and except for Stewart none of them have had a legitimate shot to compete for a starting position. They also recently traded their supposedly third-tier QB Dobbs to the Jacksonville Jaguars prior to Ben Roethlisberger’s “disclosed injury.”

That left the Steelers with Mason Rudolph as their No. 1, rookie Devlin Hodges as their No. 2 and their No. 3 guy on the depth chart, Paxton Lynch.

Lynch was drafted in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. For all intents and purposes, up until this point I won’t label Mr. Lynch as a complete bust, but let’s just say that so far his career as been less

than stellar.

Rudolph must make up for his lack of mobility by getting rid of the ball quickly or the Steelers will have no more than a snowball’s chance in Hades to make the playoffs.

It is not the job of the Steelers defense to rescue Rudolph from himself because he gets paid to do his job. All he has to do is show up, step up and do it.

As far as running quarterbacks go, ask the New England Patriots who were recently dismantled and humbled by the running of the supposedly less than intellectual Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson by the score of 37-20.

Ask the Patriots who they would rather face? Lamar Jackson or Mason Rudolph?

Can the Steelers continue this mini-roll?

Steelers are 4-4, have won three in a row :10—Now that your Pittsburgh Steelers have leveled off with a 4-4 record with the help of one of the NFL’s all-time greatest place kickers, Adam Vinatieri, let’s take a close look as we move forward to our rightful place in the playoffs regarding those things you think you know…but you really don’t! And don’t thank me, that’s what I am here for. My purpose in life is to help you and my good friend “Carol” really understand the game. :09—Special teams: Part 1, the kicking game—given that he pretty much defeated the Indy Colts by himself, let’s get a true understanding about Chris Boswell. He’s back to glory and meeting expectations.

In my humble opinion, last year’s misery was not a mental problem, but rather a physical one. I contend that he was hurt, and the very smart management kept it under-wraps. (Get

it…hurt, under-wraps). To that point, his 51-yarder and his booming into the end zone on kickoffs clearly says he’s back. And when there is a run-back on a kickoff, we’ve covered well. :08—Special Teams: Part T, the receiving game—well, it’s Ryan Switzer catching the ball. Clearly all the coach wants is someone that won’t fumble it. Never mind if he can run 20 yards with it. I’m just saying! :07—The Quarterback: Please tell me you didn’t think that Mason Rudolph was going to be the second coming of “Big Ben” Roethlisberger? What…Ben Roethlisberger hasn’t been the second coming of Ben Roethlisberger or are you forgetting his less-than-admirable end of last season and bowing down he was forced into by the once unbeatable Tom Brady. Ben is out, Devlin “Duck” Hodges won’t play unless Mason Rudolph gets knocked cold

Overtime

Bill Neal again, no matter what you wish for. And you have no idea who Paxton Lynch is… oh he is the last QB for the Steelers. :06—Running Backs: A little bit by committee, no matter what James Conner does, some of you just aren’t going to be happy even when he runs up 150 yards, but when he’s not hurt, he’s your man. Yep, I wish he would stop getting hurt, too. But tell you wannabe’s something…you suit up and get back to me. The game is more brutal then you can ever imagine. Also,

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Jaylen Samuels proved to be a better receiving back than running, but as you know, you take what you can get. Benny Snell Jr. thus far has been reputation and possibility. When you add that to hurt???

Trey Edmunds, a decent showing against the Colts tells me he wants to be the man when the next man is up. And Roosevelt Nix is the bull that leads the stable and is irreplaceable. :05—The “O-Line:” As Cedric the Entertainer would say, “Hey Bro, I don’t know what to tell ya!” By most accounts, the best offensive line in football has become half that. Still a very good pass-blocking group, but they couldn’t open a bag of chips, let alone a hole to run

through! Mike Munchak, the former O-Line coach for the Steelers and nine-time Pro Bowler for the Houston Oilers, is clearly the difference. If I am the Rooneys, I open the vault and bring him back. No. 1., everyone has a price, and No. 2, everything starts up front. :04—The Receivers: You heard it all before, but let’s play true and false. JuJu Smith-Schuster is number one but must step it up?

True. Diontae Johnson is a start just waiting to happen? True. James Washington is the possible glue that can bring this receiving corps together? True. Ryan Switzer, I already told ya.

And last, the Steelers truly miss and need Antonio Brown? Who??? :03—The Defense, Mannnn!: The “D” is back in a bit way. Cam Heyward and the D-Line is holding steady, but they’ve got a few notches to go before we can call them a good line. Right now, truth be told, they’re OK. The linebackers…T.J. Watt, about to be D-Player of the year; Vince Williams, strong and steady; Anthony Chickillo, better be careful and watch his back…I

am just sayin’). Oh please, you were thinking it, too!

And, Devin Bush, without question, is a man on a mission and Defensive Rookie of the Year is in his sights. The strongest part of the Steelers defense are without question the D-Backs—Joe Haden— veteran, smart, and strong; Minkah Fitzpatrick—heaven sent, the second-coming of Troy Polamalu; Mike Hilton—the real deal, physical and lightning quick. Steven Nelson—as steady as they come. :02—Last, but not least, The Coaching Staff: For all you haters out there, Mike Tomlin is not going anywhere and if he gets this team to 8–8 or 9-7, he might be Coach of the Year for this comeback. Randy Fichtner—offensive coordinator, I swear I drew up better plays in the dirt growing up on Banfield Street with my boys in Penn Hills. Keith Butler—defensive coordinator—found the magic water and now he’s getting it done! :01—Vote Him Out, Vote Him Out, Vote Him Out. You know who!!! :00—GAME OVER.

RELIGION

B8 NOVEMBER 6-12, 2019

Praise & Worship ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

PIIN’s 2019 Public Action Meeting At Ebenezer Baptist 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

Oct. 29, 2019

www.cathedralofhope.com

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

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

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

Curious about Quakerism?

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!

MEMBERS OF THE PENNSYLVANIA INTERFAITH IMPACT NETWORK CHOIR, at Ebenezer Baptist Church, Oct. 29. (Photos by Courier photographer J.L. Martello)

PIIN, or the Pennsylvania Interfaith Impact Network, is an organization of more than 40 congregations and organizations in Southwestern Pennsylvania committed to drawing together people of faith to act powerfully on local, regional, and national issues of justice and fairness. Through the processes of community-building, working with politicians and policymakers, direct action, and negotiation, PIIN strives to transform communities.

At the Public Action Meeting held Oct. 29 at Ebenezer Baptist Church in the Hill District, PIIN advocated for criminal justice reform, a countywide citizen police review board, and protection of immigrant families.

DEBORAH PARKER

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JAMAAL CRAIG, executive director of PIIN.

REV. JUSTIN EDINGER

Church Circuit ASPINWALL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH FALL BAZAAR

NOVEMBER 9—Aspinwall Presbyterian Church, 299 Center Ave., is holding its annual Fall Bazaar from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the church. There will be attic treasures, home goods, seasonal decorations, toys, furniture, a hot lunch and bake sale.

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