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VOL. 107, NO. 51

Udin wins presidential pardon

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DECEMBER 21-27, 2016

Obama clears his record 44 years later

SALA UDIN

Though it never limited his decade-long political career as a Pittsburgh councilman, nor any of the professional positions he’s held since leaving office in 2005, Sala Udin still felt limited by a federal conviction dating from his Civil Rights days. In 1970, Udin was driving back to Pittsburgh from a Freedom Riders rally in Mississippi when

he was stopped for speeding. Police took an unloaded shotgun and a jug of moonshine from the trunk, and then took Udin to jail. Even though he felt the conviction was the bogus result of the vehement racism in the South in those days—he still served seven months in a federal prison—it eventually bothered him to the point where he sent a letter to

President Barack Obama in 2012, requesting a pardon. On Dec. 19, 44 years later, that pardon was granted. Obama pardoned Udin and 77 other activists, essentially erasing the crimes from the record of history. Udin, now 74, said he believes in second chances. Even before SEE UDIN A4

Robinson recovering from stroke

by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer

by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer

Former Hill District state Rep. Bill Robinson wants to assure everyone he is recovering nicely after suffering a stroke two weeks ago. The New Pittsburgh Courier spoke with him by phone, Dec. 20, after a friend in Florida alerted t h e paper to his condition. T h e stroke affected his left side, pri- BILL ROBINSON marily his hand and foot, but he is ambulatory and going through physical therapy at UPMC Montefiore. SEE ROBINSON A5

FRESH START—Community Kitchen Pittsburgh graduates joining the workforce are, from left: Cameron Tyree, Larry Blakey, Renee Benn, Angela Moye, Emily Geissinger and MarDaja Porter. (Photo by J.L. Martello)

Community Kitchen Pittsburgh graduates make fresh start by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer

Joined by family, friends and past graduates, six individuals previously burdened in job searches by barriers such criminal histories or substance abuse

recently celebrated their graduation from Community Kitchen Pittsburgh’s 16-week culinary program—and all already have job offers. Though she will take one of several job offers she already has, graduate MarDaja Porter is

thinking bigger—and she thanks the support she received at CKP for making it possible. “I want my own business. I want to start my own catering company and eventually spread

by Jackie McDonald For New Pittsburgh Courier

After Rev. Marco A. Tiner, of St. Paul Baptist Church, prayed a blessing over the food

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and everyone in attendance, Pennsylvania state Rep. Ed Gainey proceeded to give thanks and accolades to his Pittsburgh City Ward Chairs, the Mon Valley Peoples Action, Black elected political officials, his staff and those who privately contributed to his 4th Annual Holiday Party recently held at the Greater Pittsburgh Coliseum in Homewood. Everybody cheered and applauded as Gainey acknowledged local business owners who have promoted the concept of “one community” to SEE GAINEY A4

CANDI CASTLEBERRY SINGLETON

As the New Pittsburgh Courier prepares to honor its 2016 class of the Women of Excellence for their contributions to the community across a number of fields, Editor and Publisher Rod Doss said he is very pleased to have two women who embody the event’s spirit serving as host and k e y n o t e speaker: Candy Castleberry Singleton and D a r i e t h Chisolm. “They are both highly successful women who exemplify what Women of Excellence is all about,” said Doss. “It is fitting that they help us honor these new honorees, and we DARIETH CHISOLM are privileged to have them here.” Originally from California, Singleton

SEE COMMUNITY A5

Hundreds pack Gainey’s annual Christmas party

Celebrity Host

Chisolm, Singleton encourage Women of Excellence honorees CANDI CASTLEBERRY SINGLETON

SEE CHISOLM A5

Wilkinsburg seniors eligible for Pittsburgh Promise scholarships by Christian Morrow Courier staff writer

CARRYING ON THE TRADITION—Father and son, Magistrates Kevin Cooper Jr. and Kevin Cooper Sr. were honored by Rep. Ed Gainey, rear. (Photo by Jackie McDonald)

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After months of behind-the-scenes meetings, the Pittsburgh Promise Board of Directors has announced that Wilkinsburg students attending Pittsburgh Public Schools, and who meet the enrollment, GPA and attendance requirements—and who plan to pursue post-secondary education at an approved Pennsylvania institution—will be eligible for Promise scholarships beginning with the class of 2017. Promise Board Chair Franco Harris also SEE WILKINSBURG A4

DARIETH CHISOLM Inspirational Speaker

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INTERNATIONAL

DECEMBER 21-27, 2016 NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

This Week In Black History

LOCAL DELICACY—In this photo taken Friday, Nov. 25, Patrick Magezi cuts an onion into a saucepan frying edible grasshoppers, at a stall in the Kamwokya district of the capital Kampala, in Uganda. (AP Photo/Stephen Wandera) (The Associated Press)

Grasshoppers a tasty, nutritious holiday treat in Uganda by Rodney Muhumuza

wife has sent me to buy them for her,” said O.J. Associated Press Writer Gerald at a roadside seller KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) in the capital, Kampala. —Children scamper in the “She really loves them. You fry with some onion and bush, jumping here and there to catch grasshoppers a little bit of salt and it’s very tasty. Very crunchy in before they fly away. On a your mouth.” good day, many will walk The grasshoppers, when away with plastic bags filled with the insects to fry fried, turn from green to golden brown and give off and eat as a snack. an earthy aroma beloved Grasshoppers, known in by enthusiasts. the local Luganda lanGrasshopper hunting guage as “nsenene,” are a has become a commercial delicacy among many in activity in Uganda. Some this East African country rig bright lamps to attract who look forward to this time of year, when millions the insects, which then crash into strategically of the bugs hatch with placed sheets and slide the seasonal rains. People into barrels where they are say jokingly there will be damnation if the grasshop- trapped overnight. Hundreds of grasshopper per season comes and goes traps can be seen across without tasting the bugs. Kampala, often in violation “These nsenene, I’m of the city’s safety rules as buying them because my

the installations can lead to potentially dangerous short circuits. The insects are in season from November until January, when the country usually gets heavy rains, and again in April and May. Street vendors do brisk business, selling half-kilogram (1 pound) plastic mugs of ready-to-eat grasshoppers for about $2.75. To prepare them, the wings, legs and antennae are plucked off while the insects are still alive. Cooked grasshoppers have high amounts of protein and fat, as well as significant amounts of dietary fiber, said Geoffrey Ssepuuya, a Ugandan nutritionist researching grasshoppers as part of his doctorate studies at the University of Leuven in Belgium. “Grasshoppers are very nutritious,” he said. “They are actually richer in comparison to conventional sources of protein.” At a busy market stall in Kampala, Sylvia Namwanje fries the insects with oil, onions and garlic, creating a distinctive scent that can be smelled meters away. Motorists park their SUVs and wait to be served. Ugandans from abroad who crave grasshoppers ON DISPLAY—In this photo taken Friday, Nov. 25, edible grasshop- are among her clients. “The nsenene are so pers are displayed at a stall in the Kamwokya district of the capital Kampala, Uganda. (AP Photo/Stephen Wandera) (The Associated delicious,” Namwanje said. “They are only in season at Press) certain times of the year. People will eat them because they know that’s the only period they can eat the nsenene. It’s way more delicious than chicken, or any meat for that matter.” Namwanje said the seasonal trade in grasshoppers is an important part of her yearly income. “With my earnings I have managed to educate my children, take care of my mother and family,” she said proudly.

(Associated Press journalist Adelle Kalakouti contributed to this report.)

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For the week of Dec. 21-27 December 21 1865—Following the example set by Mississippi, South Carolina on this day enacted a series of “Black Codes.” The codes displayed a White Southern obsession with three things after losing the Civil War. 1) They still desperately wanted to control Blacks. The primary method was forcing the now landless and money-less ex-slaves to sign “labor contracts” with White employers, which were so strict that they came close to re-instituting slavery. 2) They were obsessed with preventing sexual relations between Blacks and Whites. This took the form of banning interracial marriages and relationships. 3) They wanted to retard Black economic progress with a series of measures designed to require that Blacks work for Whites and not establish their own businesses. The codes barred Blacks from even selling farm products without the permission of a White ROSA PARKS employer. Fortunately, many of the codes were never fully enforced because Northern troops occupied the South and voided many of the “Black Codes.” 1956—The Montgomery Bus Boycott ends. For more than a year, Montgomery, Ala., Blacks had boycotted city buses to demand an end to segregation and demeaning treatment of African-Americans. The boycott had been sparked by the dramatic refusal of Rosa Parks to give up her seat on the bus to a White man. The boycott ended when the United States Supreme Court ruled that public transportation segregation was unconstitutional. By the time the boycott ended, Parks and boycott leader Martin Luther King Jr. were national heroes (at least among Blacks). 1988—National Black political leader Jesse L. Jackson Sr. begins a campaign encouraging use of the designation “African-American” instead of “Black” to denote Americans of African ancestry. December 22 1898—Historian and author Chancellor Williams is born on this day in Bennettsville, S.C. Williams authored the book “Destruction of Black Civilization: Great Issues of Race from 4500 B.C. to 2000 A.D.” The book is considered a must-read for any serious student of Black history. Williams dieinS1992. December 23 1815—Abolitionist Henry Highland Garnet is born in Kent County, Md. Perhaps second only to Frederick Douglass, Garnet was the leading Black abolitionist of the 1800s. He was known for his tremendous oratorical skills and being bold in JESSE L. JACKSON SR. expressing his opinions. After the Civil War, however, he became frustrated with the slow pace of Black progress in America and favored the establishment of an independent Black nation in Africa. 1867—Madame C.J. Walker is born Sarah Breedlove on a Delta Plantation in Louisiana. A high level of self-esteem and a near unmatchable level of energy enabled her to launch a hair care products business, which is believed to have made her the first Black millionaire in America. Her story is truly an amazing one. As an orphan at age 7, she quickly became an independent woman. She began working for another Black woman with a line of hair care products. But she soon launched her own—“Madame Walker’s Wonderful Hair Grower.” She traveled for a year and a half promoting her products throughout the South and Southwest. By 1910, she had settled in Indianapolis, Ind., where she built her factory. By 1913, she traveled through the Caribbean and Central America promoting her products. By 1916, she moved to New York in a Harlem townhouse that was as fabulous as anything on Fifth Avenue. In 1917, she was part of a delegation of prominent Blacks who visited the MADAME C.J. WALKER White House to protest against lynching. Once asked the secret to her success, she said, “I got myself a start by giving myself a start.” She died in 1919 as the wealthiest Black woman in America. December 24 1881—The Edgefield Exodus begins. More than 5,000 Blacks, driven in part by a wave of White violence and economic exploitation, begin leaving Edgefield County, S.C., and resettled in Arkansas. The movement was also encouraged by people like Pap Singleton who believed Southern Blacks could enjoy a better life if they moved to the Midwest. It is also believed that some Whites also encouraged the exodus in a bid to reduce South Carolina’s Black population, which was a majority in the state in the 1870s and 1880s. 1881—With the Reconstruction period over and federal troops withdrawn from the former slave states, Whites began to reassert their authority with a host of segregationist and anti-Black laws. On this day, Tennessee led the way to modern segregation with a “Jim Crow” railroad car statute. Basically, “Jim Crow” meant segregation. Virtually all the other Southern states soon did the same, passing laws designed to segregate or keep Blacks and White separated. How the name “Jim Crow” came to represent segregation is unclear. It is believed to have originated from a White minstrel show performer of the 1830s named Thomas “Daddy” Rice who stole the phrase from a slave who did a song and dance using the words “Jim Crow” as a criticism of his slave master. Regardless, many of the Jim Crow laws enacted in the 1880s remained in force until the successes of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. December 25 1760—The first poem written by a Black person and published in America is published on Christmas day 1760. It was written by Jupiter Hammon—a slave in Long Island, N.Y., who was allowed to attend school. The poem was entitled “An Evening Thought: Salvation by Christ with Penitential Cries.” Hammon also wrote a poem to Phyllis Wheatley—another early and great African-American poet. Hammon is thought to have lived until he was 95 (1711-1806). He was devoutly religious. JUPITER HAMMON 1838—At the Battle of Okeechobee on Christmas Day 1838, a force of Seminole Indians soundly defeated U.S. government troops who were trying to force them off their lands. The Seminoles were led by a Black chief named John Horse. The Seminoles were perhaps the most racially integrated of all the Indian tribes. During the early 1800s, Blacks escaping slavery in Florida and Georgia were frequently granted safe haven by the Seminoles. Significant intermarriage resulted. Their aid for escaped slaves was one of the reasons the government wanted so desperately to relocate the Seminoles from Florida to the Midwest. But the Seminoles put up a more fierce resistance than any of the other Indian tribes. However in 1849, the government declared that the Black Seminoles were still slaves. Finally, in 1850, faced with overwhelming military force, large numbers of Seminoles, under the leadership of Horse and a full blooded Seminole known as Wild Cat, left the U.S. for Mexico. 1951—Mr. and Mrs. Harry T. Moore are murdered when a bomb explodes under their home in Mims, Fla. Both were teachers and courageous civil rights activists. It is believed the bomb was planted by a White terrorist organization such as the Ku Klux Klan. JOHN HORSE 2006—James Brown dies. “Soul Brother #1”—one of the most influential figures in Soul or R&B music of the 20th Century dies at 73 while preparing for a performance. Born in Barnwell, S.C., Brown began his amazing career in 1953 and rose to fame to in the late 1950s. He remained highly popular through the 1960s and 1970s. While less popular, he continued to perform until the day of his death. Brown was also known for his soulful dancing style. His full name was James Joseph Brown Jr. December 26 1848—In one of the most daring escapes from slavery in U.S. history, on this day in 1848, William and Ellen Craft began a 1,000mile journey from a plantation in Macon, Ga., to freedom in Boston, Mass. The light-complexioned Ellen disguised herself as an infirmed White man and the dark-complexioned William pretended to be the faithful slave. The escape, though harrowing, was successful. But in 1850 when Congress passed the Fugitive Slave Act, the Crafts found ELLEN and WILLIAM themselves being hunted down by both slave catchers from Georgia CRAFT and U.S. Marshals. Then members of Boston’s powerful abolitionist and Underground Railroad communities stepped in. They helped the Crafts flee to Canada and then to Liverpool, England, where the couple stayed until after the Civil War. 1966—The first Kwanzaa holiday celebrations take place. The alternative seven-day holiday period for African-Americans was originated by California Black nationalist Maulana Ron Karenga. Kwanzaa and its principles however, may be more widely respected than actually celebrated among American Blacks. December 27 1873—William A. Harper, one of the most gifted Black artists of the 20th century, is born in Cayuga, Canada. He was a student at the Henry O. Tanner Art Institute in Chicago. Unfortunately, his brilliance was cut short by tuberculosis. He died in Mexico at the age of 36 in 1910. 1956—Segregation is outlawed on public buses in Tallahassee, Fla. The decision followed a six-month long boycott by the city’s African-American population. The boycott was patterned after the Montgomery, Ala., bus boycott sparked by Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her seat to a White man.

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Farrakhan sees a new opening for Black separatist message by Sophia Tareen and Rachel Zoll Associated Press Writers

CHICAGO (AP)—Minister Louis Farrakhan, head of the Nation of Islam, spoke from a podium draped in the red, black and green of the Pan-African flag, a symbol of Black pride. It was the week after Donald Trump won the presidency. The result had delighted a new generation of White supremacists, and Farrakhan was analyzing the political landscape. In a speech before the State of the Black World Conference in New Jersey, he warned, “The White man is going to push. He’s putting in place the very thing that will limit the freedom of others.” Then he pointed to the crowd, smiled and said, “That’s what you needed,” as motivation to finally separate from Whites. “My message to Mr. Trump: Push it real good,” Farrakhan said, building to a roar that drew applause and cheers. “Push it so good that Black people say, ‘I’m outta here. I can’t take it no more.’” After a presidential campaign that emboldened White identity politics, the Nation of Islam, a Black separatist religious movement, is positioning itself as newly relevant. Some watchdogs who monitor Farrakhan say his latest appeal is a desperate grasp at significance for a group far from its heyday. However, the Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks extremism, has found Black separatism growing alongside White supremacy, creating a more favorable environment for the Nation’s teachings. “Racial nationalism of all kinds is on the rise,” said Mark Potok of the Southern Poverty Law Center. Theresa X, an alcohol and drug counselor from Northern California, said after this “vicious” election, she hoped others, including her Mexican American relatives, would follow her into the Nation of Islam, which she joined in the 1980s. “I think they should,” she said in a phone interview. “They’re afraid.” The Nation has been largely closed off to outsiders, making it impossible even for those who follow the movement closely to gauge its strength. Neither Farrakhan nor the head minister of the movement’s Mosque Maryam in Chicago, Ishmael Muhammad, responded to interview requests. Still, Farrakhan and his message of Black empowerment clearly have an ongoing impact. The Million Man March he organized in 1995, drawing hundreds of thousands to Washington, remains a cultural touchstone, and hip-hop artists praise him in their music. The Nation has an extensive prison ministry, along with health and social service programs, and the movement’s militia, the Fruit of Islam, provides securi-

FIERY ORATOR—In this Oct. 10, 2015 file photo, Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan speaks during a rally to mark the 20th anniversary of the Million Man March, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) ty at public housing and elsewhere. That name recognition and high level of organization has left the Nation well situated to take advantage of the current political moment, including the emergence of Black Lives Matter protests over police shootings of Black men. “We have to turn to each other,” said Nation member Duane Muhammad, 63, a Chicago-area elected official who helps produce videos of Farrakhan. In Chicago, Nation members stood between police and marchers at a post-Thanksgiving protest last year over the killing of Black teenager Laquan McDonald by a White police officer. Marchers blocked traffic and store entrances along the Magnificent Mile shopping district, and Nation members “formed a line and made sure we were OK,” said Ja’Mal Green, a Chicago activist. Zain Abdullah, a Temple University professor who specializes in Islamic studies, noted the Nation first gained national prominence in 1957 following their stunningly disciplined Harlem protest after police beat Nation member Johnson Hinton. “Before that, the membership was a couple of hundred. After that, people were coming to the temple to listen and join,” Abdullah said. Online, the Nation’s presence has grown. Sunday services from Mosque Maryam are streamed live. Farrakhan’s public speeches and sermons are on YouTube. He has more than 637,000 followers on Face-

book and 462,000 on Twitter. Mikal Nash, a professor at Essex County College in Newark and author of “Muslims in Newark, New Jersey: A Social History,” said he has noticed increasing interest in “the voice of people like Minister Farrakhan much the same way there’s been an interest in the voice of Donald Trump.” During the campaign, Trump called Mexican immigrants rapists, advocated policies that put Muslims under general suspicion and drew an endorsement from the Ku Klux Klan. The president-elect has been criticized for being slow to condemn white supremacists. “I think people are attracted to those voices as a result of a racially polarized society,” Nash said. “This election, you could see the whole issue of race arose more than any election in my lifetime.” During the campaign, Farrakhan sent mixed signals about Trump, indicating the minister saw some reflection of his worldview in the candidate’s rhetoric, including the Republican’s talk of a “global power structure” that has rigged the economy. Farrakhan has long promoted conspiracy theories, blaming Israel and Jews for the Sept. 11 attacks, and accusing Jews of controlling the American government. In an extensive interview last January with Alex Jones of InfoWars, a conservative website that traffics in conspiracy theories, Farrakhan described Trump as a “businessman par excellence” and agreed

with Trump’s proposal to more strongly vet refugees from Muslim countries, pointing to the resentment generated by American policies in the Muslim world. “The hatred for America is in the streets now,” Farrakhan told Jones. “Now, if you let them in and you don’t vet them carefully, you might be letting in your own destruction.” During a February address on Saviours’ Day, an annual event commemorating the movement’s founder, Farrakhan praised Trump for confronting Republican establishment candidates like Jeb Bush. “Not that I’m for Trump, but I like what I’m looking at, because I know by Allah’s grace where it’s leading,” Farrakhan said. Then, he noted that Trump had previously told some Jewish leaders he didn’t need their donations for his campaign. A couple of months earlier, Trump had said to the Republican Jewish Coalition, “You’re not going to support me because I don’t want your money,” and “You want to control your own politician.” Farrakhan said in his sermon, “Anytime a man can say to those who control the politics of America, ‘I don’t want your money,’ that means if I don’t take your money, you can’t control me. And they cannot afford to give up control of the presidents of the United States.” For longtime Nation watchers, the praise held an echo of the 1960s, when then Nation leader Elijah Muhammad tried to make common cause with the American Nazi Party over their desire for Whites and Blacks to live separately. Abdullah said he’d be surprised if the Nation membership increased significantly in the age of Trump, mainly because the movement demands so much from its followers, including a strict diet, several daily prayers and extensive study of the movement’s beliefs. Still, Abdullah said conditions are ripe for spreading the minister’s views. While the Nation shares some practices of mainstream Islam, the movement, which started in 1930s Detroit, deviates from the orthodox faith in significant ways, including on race. Mainstream Islam teaches the unity of all believers no matter their ethnicity. “Because of the failure of integration, I think we’re finding that people are attracted to, out of their frustration, Farrakhan’s message. It often speaks to self-determination and Black uplift,” Abdullah said. “Middle class Blacks are finding they don’t have the kind of integration or gains they expected because of civil rights gains. Black college students are actually now realizing that education is not going to protect you from police brutality. Farrakhan becomes appealing to people because of this.”

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DECEMBER 21-27, 2016

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

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Pitt to open training program in Homewood by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer

Just days after Bridgeway Capital announced it had received a $1 million state grant to finish the custom build-out of space in the 150,000-square-foot former Westinghouse facility it owns in Homewood, it has announced a major new tenant—the University of Pittsburgh. Bridgeway CEO Mark Peterson made the announcement during an open house at the 7800 Susquehanna St. building, which allowed other Bridgeway clients and contractors to see the building and meet Community Empowerment Association CEO Rashad Byrdsong, whose Ma’at Construction firm did all the interior work on the finished space. “Homewood is a community in need of capital and it’s been isolated from the capital markets for too long,” he said. “That’s why we have made $2 million in loans and provided $10 million in financing here. So we are especially pleased to have just signed a lease with the Uni-

versity of Pittsburgh, which will be bringing its longstanding program to train machine operators here to Homewood and to the first floor. You’ll be hearing more about that in the next few weeks.” Peterson said, Pitt will be taking half of the first floor for its operation, about 15,000 square feet, into which Bridgeway will put another $2.5 million to get it ready. It will also be refitting the entire fifth floor which remains vacant, and will seek out tenants for that space in June when the work is finished. Byrdsong thanked Peterson for the opportunity to meet Bridgeway clients from other parts of the region and city, and for Bridgeway’s investment in Homewood and for hiring his firm. “This investment is not just about brick and mortar this is about human spiritual development,” said Byrdsong. “These black hands did the build-out here. We brought in multiple subcontractors and multiple residents from the commu-

nity—and we’ve show we can compete on the broader market. This shows what you can do with your own hands in your community— one block at a time, one neighborhood at a time, and one family at a time.” In addition to Homewood, Bridgeway is investing in minority neighborhoods across the city, including the Hill District, Larimer and the Hilltop communities. Between Pittsburgh and its offices in Erie and Uniontown, Bridgeway invested more than $18 million across the state last year. “These are deals banks can’t do, partly because of regulations and partly because of expense—we work with our borrowers a lot to enhance their business skills,” said Peterson. “This is our social mission. We want a western Pa. that thrives for for everyone and. our investors believe in that. If we put capital in, it will attract more capital, more projects will get done, more will be jobs created and more small businesses will be healthy.” (J.L. Martello contributed to this story.)

WORKING TOGETHER—Bridgeway capital’s Mark Peterson and Ma’at construction CEO Rashard Byrdsong speak to the audience. (Photos by J. L. Martello)

A SEA OF HOLIDAY CONSTITUENTS (Photos by Jackie McDonald)

Hundreds pack Gainey’s Christmas Party CONTINUED FROM A1

the region. During the fourhour event special recognition was given to dual Magistrates Kevin E. Cooper Sr. and Jr., Pittsburgh’s first father and son to serve in that elected office. The approximately 2000 attending was indicative of the impact of community’s favored state representative. One person in attendance responded, “When Gainey extends an invite to a party his constituents listen and respond with enthusiasm. He has consistently made himself accessible to his district and community leaders by supporting their programs and becoming a champion for their issues in our state government.” This annual Christmas gathering is his way of blessing the neighborhood and encouraging community participation. All enjoyed the bounty of food as the children twirled with excitement in front of the festive cupcakes prepared by Roxanne’s Catering and Take-out. The atmosphere enhanced by the jazzy sounds provided by “DJ” Louie Bates and antics of Douglas “Soulful Santa” Williams. There was a gently worn clothing give-away

YOUNGSTER FASCINATED BY THE CUPCAKES. by Charmaine “Cookie” McDonald as well. Gainey welcomed many city officials including Pittsburgh’s Mayor Bill Peduto who stopped by to share holiday greetings and thanks to those who responded during the recent death of his brother. Before

his departure Mayor Peduto posed for photos and interacted with the crowd extensively. The party ended with the children receiving new toys and the adults winning gift certificates and gift cards during the holiday drawing.

GETTING STARTED—Personnel from Bridgeway Capital and Ma’at Construction were in attendance.

CONTRIBUTOR Cherylie Blair-Fuller enjoying festivities

STACEY CHILDS Ready for her Holiday meal.

Wilkinsburg seniors eligible for Promise CONTINUED FROM A1

announced new funding for the expanded initiative. “Two anonymous donors have generously pledged $100,000 over five years to support the Wilkinsburg inclusion. We are so grateful for their support,” he said. “ “This decision aligns with our mission to see Pittsburgh Public Schools’ graduates to and through their postsecondary education, and will provide hard-working Wilkinsburg students with the same opportunity as their classmates.” Thanks to an agreement forged between Pittsburgh Public Schools and the financially strapped Wilkinsburg School District last year, about 200 former Wilkinsburg High School students began attending Pittsburgh Westinghouse 612 this fall. Promise Executive Director Saleem Ghubril said the unanimous board decision was modeled on similar cir-

cumstance, which makes students from Mt. Oliver eligible for the Promise even though they do not live in the city. “The City of Mount Oliver contracts with Pittsburgh Public Schools for the education of their students and it is their only available public school option. Our charter made them eligible to receive Promise scholarships and now Wilkinsburg students find themselves in a nearly identical position,” he said. “Not only do we feel that this is the right thing to do for Wilkinsburg students, but we have taken similar action in the past.” Pittsburgh Superintendent of Schools and Promise board member Anthony Hamlet said the district’s Wilkinsburg student now have the same opportunities as their fellows. “The Promise is now real for Wilkinsburg students,” he said.

“Our Wilkinsburg students can now know that they have the same opportunities as their classmates. As we build our fiveyear strategic plan, we are committed to developing the programs and initiatives that will ensure we reach our vision of all students graduating high school on course to be eligible for a Promise scholarship.”

Udin wins pardon CONTINUED FROM A1

getting his, he served on city council, co-founded the August Wilson Center and the New Horizons Theater, and served as the executive director of Coro Pittsburgh. One can only imagine what he might do with it.

Chisolm, Singleton encourage Women of Excellence honorees NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

METRO

CONTINUED FROM A1

made her mark building targeted, individualized diversity systems within the corporate structures of tech firms such as Motorola, Sun Microsystems and Xerox. In 2008, she joined UPMC, and expanded her efforts by creating and implementing her Integrated Inclusion Model, a systems integration model she developed to move companies from traditional “bolt-on” diversity processes led by human resources to an integrated process that shifts responsibility for achieving an inclusive culture to every employee. While there, she also began developing her Dignity & Respect Campaign, designed to encourage individuals, organizations, communities, schools, youth programs and sports teams to treat others with dignity and respect, and to “create environments for all to work, live, learn and play—with all of our differences.” Since Singleton left UPMC in 2015 to devote herself to building the campaign beyond the region, more than 100 organizations, schools and other entities have joined the campaign. She will serve as the celebrity host for the 2016 Women of Excellence Luncheon, Friday, Jan. 6, at 12 p.m., at the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh. Chisolm, who most remember from her days gracing the airwaves as an award-

winning reporter and anchor for WPXI and NBC, will serve as the luncheon’s inspirational speaker. In 2013, after 20 years in television news, she abruptly resigned to devote more time to her son—who was preparing to graduate high school––and to her expanding business as a life and business coach. And expand it has, to the point where she is one of the go-to visibility & media strategists working in the field today—working with business owners, entrepreneurs, marketers, authors, and even other coaches, to help them develop, secure and execute media strategies that builds brand, influence and income. Chisolm has collected some of her insights and philosophy into her book “Hustle: why now is the time to unleash your passions,” and is in high demand as a motivational speaker. She also conducts workshops, seminars and trainings, online webinars, and teleconferences. Her most recent endeavor has been the creation of Hustle & Heart TV, which offers a series of online and YouTube interviews with today’s most successful and influential entrepreneurs, trendsetters and moguls, which she said is designed to teach viewers how to “hustle with heart, stand out as a leader, leverage tools and resources, and create the lifestyle of your dreams.”

Community Kitchen grads make fresh start

JENNIFER FLANAGAN Executive Director/Founder CONTINUED FROM A1

out and open food trucks,” she said. “I really want a lot of people to try my food and expand my business. I’ve been through so much, with my personal barriers. But the support here has been excellent and I appreciate everyone here.” The program, ran through the CKP facility at 1323 Forbes Ave., is open to anyone who has a desire to work, but needs help in either gaining needed skills, a GED, or, like most of the students, overcoming a criminal record. The program is divided into two eight-week tiers. In the first, students learn the basics of food safety, sanitation, knife skills, and identifying equipment and product. In the second tier, they learn technique, ordering, inventory control, and how to execute orders in a fast-paced commercial kitchen. Executive Director Jennifer Flanagan said she started the program because she saw a need to help “completely outside the economy,” with lots of barriers who needed lots of help. On the other hand, she also saw a need to provide fresh healthy institu-

tional food. They put the two together. “The best part of this program is today—graduation day. We get to see the transformation,” she said. “People come in here they are very distrustful, they don’t quite believe in themselves. They’ve had a lot of trauma and lifetimes of people telling them they weren’t gong to make it. By graduation, they’ve done a 360. They see a future for themselves, they‘ve mapped out a plan for themselves. And they are ready to jump out into the community. It’s extremely gratifying.” Lead Chef Trainer Darryl Coaston, who handed out awards to students during the Dec. 9 ceremony, echoed that sentiment, saying they key to the program is having people who can relate to the students’ situations and still support them without defining them by what they’ve done. “It’s a very important program for the community. I was on the other side of this—coming from incarceration, homeless, not know what to do,” he said. “Our mission statement is that we change lives and strengthen communities— And I can speak directly to that. I came through the program and it changed my life. Now when I walk through my community, people see me and say, ‘if Darryl can do that I can do the same thing.’” One of those trying to do so, is graduate Emily Geissinger, who said without the support of everyone at CKP, it would not have been possible. “I’m 30 years old and the past 10 years haven’t been easy, it’s been pretty dark at times,” she said. “Today is different because I believe in myself, and believe that I am worth more. Being part of something positive and driven doesn’t compare to any-

DARRYL COASTON Chef Trainer thing I’ve imagined. CKP has improved my life my thinking and my future. What they do for everyone deserves a round of applause.”

Robinson recovering CONTINUED FROM A1

“It’s coming along well,” Robinson said. “I can see the improvement in my hand and foot. I can walk and talk, and move, and there are no problems with my heart.” He said he is scheduled to meet with therapists, doctors and social workers, Dec. 23, to map out a plan going forward. He is currently receiving therapy twice a day. “The personnel are treating me well and I’m getting some rest,” he said. “Yeah, I’m enjoying myself. There’s nothing like having a bunch of pretty young girls tend to you all day.” Robinson said he expects to stay in the hospital for another week, but he is taking it day by day.

READY FOR SECOND TIER—First tier students promoted to the second tier, from left: LaChanda Winstead, William Johnson, Robert Waters, Carol Barrack and James Porter. (Photos by J. L. Martello)

DECEMBER 21-27, 2016

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DECEMBER 21-27, 2016

Praise & Worship ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH Crawford & Centre Ave. Pgh., PA 15219 412-281-3141 Mass Sunday 9:00 A.M. & 12:00 P.M. Sunday (Gospel Choir Mass) 12:00 P.M. www.stbtmchurch.org

METROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH 22 Sampsonia Street, Northside Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412-231-2554 FAX 412-231-6395 Rev. Lacy F. Richardson, Ph.D., Pastor Church School.................................9:30 A.M. Worship Service.................8:00 & 10:45 A.M. Bible Study/ Prayer Wednesday...................6:30/7:30 P.M. www.metropolitanbaptistchurch.com metropolitanbaptist2224@gmail.com

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

www.cathedralofhope.com

Journey Worship........8:45 a.m. Sanctuary Worship........11 a.m.

To have your church included in the Praise & Worship section contact Ashley Johnson at 412-481-8302 ext. 128 for ad rates.

Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community For rate information, call 412481-8302, ext. 128.

We are looking to feature our positive youth in the church communities. You can e-mail, fax or mail their bios and photo to: New Pittsburgh Courier 315 E. Carson St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Fax: 412-481-1360 email: ajohnson@newpittsburghcourier.com

RELIGION

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Gospel artist Malloy releases R&B album by Paige K. Mitchell For New Pittsburgh Courier

Popular local gospel artist Travis Malloy has been a singing sensation for 10 years. His remarkable voice has led the choir at one of Pittsburgh’s largest churches, Mount Ararat Baptist Church, in Larimer. Fans, church members, family and friends have witnessed his career catapult over the years. As a gospel artist, he has had the opportunity to work with big name artists such as Kirk Franklin and Fred Hammond as well as other local artists. Malloy has had an impeccable career as an artist that touches lives through spreading the love of music and to enhance his career even more, he has relocated to Atlanta. Now, the gospel artist has released his first R&B album entitled, “Love Languages,” which was released on his birthday, Nov. 21. “Took me 10 years to accept that I couldn’t please everybody at the same time,” Malloy said. “So what makes this birthday and this album so special is because, for the first time, I did what I wanted to do without being a slave to a million different opinions of what ‘they’ want me to do and be. This project is symbolic of being free today. I took every musical inspiration in my life, and put it in one album; R. Kelly, Tank, Tyrese, Eric Dawkins, The Underdogs, The Corna Boyz, Omarion, 112, Next, Jodeci, Jagged Edge, Blackstreet, Charlie Wilson, J. Moss and John P. Kee.” He decided to title the al-

bum “Love Languages” because he believes love is important in life and in every relationship. “During the creative process, I learned a lot about love languages and how valuable they are in every relationship. I really want everyone to support this project. This project is what real R&B is to me,” he said.

Malloy doesn’t want fans to disconnect from his music career due to his musical transition. He views himself as an overall music artist that will continue to sing about love and provide music that is good for the heart and soul. “To some, the lyrics may be too simple and to others, they’re too deep,” he said. “For some, it may have too

much auto tune and for others, not enough. To some, it’ll be too old school and for others, it may be right on time. And last, but not least, (they’ll say,) ‘I thought he was a gospel singer.’” Malloy, the singer, songwriter and producer, has had the opportunity to collaborate with famous R&B and pop artists such as Charlie Wilson, Kelly Price and

Stevie J. He has also been a Grammy Association honoree and ASCAP Award winner. Malloy, who is grateful for the support he’s received, said his album peaked at #33 on the iTunes R&B Chart. “And I was able to do that with no label or mass marketing budget. I’m so grateful. Thank you. This is just the beginning.”

EECM’s second annual ‘Let Peace Shine’ East End Cooperative Ministry hosted its second annual “Let Peace Shine” candlelight prayer vigil last month. Free and open to the public, this event brought people together as encouragement for embracing every faith. Last year, more than 500 community members participated. Each participant received a candle that represented a committment to peace. President/CEO Michael J. Mingrone once said, “If we teach and encourage people to have peace within ourselves, then that peace can be transferred to the entire community. Hand in hand, one prayer and one person at a time, we hope to find peace through community and reflection.” He went on to say, “We ask the community to come LIT CANDLES—Many people lined up along the sidewalk, from one corner to the next, with their candles lit. (Photos by J. L. Martello) together again for a candle-

PASTOR CHAD COLLINS, of Valley View Presbyterian Church, praying for peace for the city.

IMAM ADBU SEMIH TADESE, MICHAEL J. MINGRONE, from of the Islamic University Cen- PASTOR GEORGE TATE, of St. EECM, introduced everyone to ter, speaking on interpersonal James Baptist, praying for unity light vigil as we pray for peace. the silent prayer. in families and homes. peace in our community, in our world, and in ourselves.” East End Cooperative Ministry was founded in 1970 as a collective response of the leaders of 18 local faith communities who recognized problems that were too great for any one of them to successfully address alone. Starting with interracial breakfasts for Peabody High School students, EECM’s services have expanded in response to critical needs identified by the community. Three of their core programs provide life-altering support for children, parents and families, seniors, veterans, and those incapacitated by illness. Those programs are Chil-

PASTOR PAUL ROBERTS, of East Minster Presbyterian Church, praying for peace for the nation. dren & Youth Services, Community Nutrition Services and IMPACTS (Individuals Making Progress and Change through Self-Sufficiency). Through these programs EECM provides the necessities of life––a hot meal, a safe place to sleep and food for the family. For others, it is a place to regain strength after a hospital stay, find a support system to work toward recovery, or receive one-on-one help to change life for the better. For young people, EECM provides educational programs, drug and alcohol prevention programs, violence prevention programs, a Summer Day Camp, and a concerted effort to show our children a better future.

ENTERTAINER New Pittsburgh Courier

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DECEMBER 21-27, 2016

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

Tinor puts ‘Believing achievers in in Magic’ spotlight on ‘Pittsburgh Spot’ Cover To Cover

by Terri Schlichenmeyer For New Pittsburgh Courier

For richer or poorer. For better or for worse. If you’ve ever said those vows, you understand the solemnity and the promise they make; namely, that you’re in it for the long-haul, come what may, no matter what shakes. You promise to be there for good but, as in “Believing in Magic” by Cookie Johnson (with Denene Millner), it’s also in sickness and in health. Earleatha “Cookie” Kelly, now Cookie Johnson, “had no clue” who Earvin “Magic” Johnson was when she sent off her application to Michigan State University. Her then-boyfriend, who was the jealous sort, mentioned Magic, but she was undeterred. Seriously, how would a girl from Detroit meet up with a college basketball star like that? But that’s exactly what happened: like most MSU coeds, Cookie’s roommate had a crush on Magic. It was inevitable that while the roomie chased after a chance to be in the presence of the b-baller, Cookie would meet him and catch his eye. Thus started a dozen-year, on-again, off-again relationship in which Cookie often didn’t know where she stood. They both hated to be controlled, which led to arguments, splits and reconciliations. He asked her to marry him three times and then broke the first

by Paige K. Mitchell For New Pittsburgh Courier

You may have seen the face of Michelyn Hood Tinor throughout the city of Pittsburgh in several different advertisements for MedExpress, Comcast Spotlight, as the Mount Ararat Baptist Church spokesperson and more. But one of the things she’s most proud of is creating and hosting the show “Pittsburgh Spot.”” The show is a web-based interview show that highlights Pittsburgh’s business owners, entrepreneurs and innovative leaders. “For the past three years our mission has been to inspire and cultivate a sense of community and togetherness,” said Tinor. “Pittsburgh Spot” was awarded start-up funding through an Urban Innovation21 grant in late 2012. It has maintained their relationship with Urban Innovation21 as well as fostered new ones with other corporate and nonprofit sponsors. “The show recently partnered with Local Pittsburgh which is a popular human interest magazine that focuses on telling the untold stories of the people in Pittsburgh. Local Pittsburgh is a copy distributed to more than 30,000 readers and they also have an

online magazine where you can find ‘Pittsburgh Spot’ episodes,” Tinor said. She is no stranger to the media industry. She has been successful in media for 10 years. She is the 2009 reHOST AND CEO MICHELYN HOOD TINOR cipient of Whirl Magazine’s Pittsburgh’s 50 finest, a 2015 award recipient of Pittsburgh Magazine’s 40 under 40 and a 2016 recipient of the New Pittsburgh Courier’s Fab 40 award. Her work has reached national levels and received much recognition. “My awards and accolades belong to my husband, brother, mother, family, friends, Mount Ararat Baptist Church and all of the people who continue to support ‘Pittsburgh Spot,’” Tinor said. It also belongs to all of the amazing people that have been on the show and help to produce it. Most importantly, it belongs to God.” As the CEO of the show, she recently had the opportunity to meet First Lady Michelle Obama, Pittsburgh Steeler Head Coach Mike Tomlin’s wife, Kiya Tomlin, and Hollywood ac- MAKING IT HAPPEN—From left: Michelyn Hood Tinor, host/ CEO ‘Pittsburgh Spot’ ; Kiya Tomlin of tress Lynn Whitfield. Uptown Sweats; Josh Weis, creative professional/ ‘Pittsburgh Spot’ production team lead; and James Tinor concluded, “I enjoy Graner, ‘Pittsburgh Spot’ production assistant. (Photo supplied by Pittsburgh Spot) producing this on-line interview program that spotlights the people who make Pittsburgh great. We exist to put your light on the spot.”

Franklin inks big deal with 20th Century Fox two engagements; he tried to break the third, but she called his bluff, they were married quick in a beautiful wedding he insisted on having and she took his name. Less than two months after their nuptials, Magic called his new bride while on the road. She was pregnant with their first child; he told her they needed to talk. Her mind raced, but it couldn’t prepare her for the truth: Magic was HIV-positive. Back in 1991, Magic says, HIV was a “death sentence,” but he decided that he wouldn’t hide it; as a straight man, he wanted people to know that AIDS was not a “gay person’s disease.” The Johnsons feared for their unborn baby, endured rumors, shunned paparazzi and lost friends. Still, Cookie took her vows seriously and relied on her faith in God to keep her calm then, and in the days to come… As memoirs go, “Believing In Magic” is okay. Nor horrid. Not stellar. The book starts out with a bang and an announcement that no newlywed dreams of hearing. It then reverts to a long, looong story of a relationship that surely took enormous patience to endure, but it’s a tale that could have used a heavier editorial pen and fewer recreated conversations. Fortunately, it gets better: the winning part of this book is in its latter half. There, Cookie shares a bit about life with an HIV-positive spouse and his ongoing health issues, she writes about learning of their son’s sexuality and accepting their daughter’s search for her birth family.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (BlackNews.com)—Producer, preacher and New York Times Best-Selling author DeVon Franklin (“Miracles From Heaven,” “The Wait” and “Produced By Faith”) has signed an overall deal with 20th Century Fox. Under the multi-year pact, Franklin will produce and develop film content for the studio through his Franklin Entertainment banner. Franklin most recently developed and produced the hit faith-based film “Miracles From Heaven,” which starred Jennifer Garner and Queen Latifah. The film, which received a rare A+ CinemaScore, was

DeVON FRANKLIN

made for a modest $15 million and has earned over $73 million at the worldwide box office, making it one of most successful faith-based films to date. Additionally, Franklin has several projects in the works, including the upcoming Sony Pictures Animation film “The Star,” a story about the first Christmas told from the (“Believing in Magic” by Cook- nativity animals’ point of ie Johnson with Denene Millner, view, which is slated for a c.2016, Howard Books, $26/$35 November 2017 release, Canada, 272 pages.) and the high-profile re-

boot of “He-Man” and the “Masters of the Universe” franchise. Also in development for Franklin is the highly-anticipated remake of the 1975 classic film “Cooley High” at MGM, the inspirational biopic “44,” with Kevin James attached to star, and faith-based film “MJB Got Faith” with TriStar Pictures. “We’re excited to welcome Devon Franklin into the Fox family,” said Stacey Snider, Chairman and CEO of 20th Century Fox. “He has great taste and a real feel for inspirational stories. His films will provide a perfect complement to the great variety of films that Fox already produces.” Franklin said, “I am deeply committed to producing inspirational content of faith that reaches audiences all around the world. This is why I’m so excited to join Stacey Snider, Emma Watts and the Fox family. I am incredibly grateful for the support from such a legendary team for my vision of creating uplifting content for the masses.” Prior to launching Franklin Entertainment, Franklin served as a senior vice president of production at Columbia TriStar Pictures—making him one of the highest ranking African American executives in Hollywood’s studio system, as well as one of the youngest to reach that rank. During his 10-year tenure at Columbia, he achieved unprecedented success in helping shepherd inspirational and faith-based content working on such films as “The Karate Kid,” “The Pursuit of Happyness,” “Jumping the Broom,” and, most notably, the sleeper hit “Heaven is for real.”

Film producing t�io ready to ‘Make Noise’ about domestic violence

PRODUCERS—From left: The ladies of Noisemakers Entertainment are, from left: LaTrice Edwards, Natasha Parker and Adrienne Swan. The female filmmaking trio has made their intentions known to “shut up the silence” about domestic violence. (Photo provided by BlackNews.com) CHICAGO, Ill. (BlackNews.com)—A female filmmaking trio has made their intentions known to ‘shut up the silence’ about domestic violence. Noisemakers Entertainment launched an Indiegogo campaign to fund a film highlighting the fallout from abusive relationships on college campuses. “I am a writer, producer, director and survivor of domestic abuse. For so long, I was reluctant to share my ordeal and caved to the accepted societal norm of suffering in silence,” said Natasha Parker, award-winning writer/director and one of the founding partners of Noisemakers Entertainment. “This is my story. I’ve lived this, and now I can’t hold it in any longer.” The film, titled “Shut up Silence,” takes place in a university setting where the lead character finds herself in a relationship with her college sweetheart that seems impossible to walk away from. A rollercoaster of events, including ignored abuse, lead to a critical choice she must make between freedom and love.. “There are so many young women and girls who are in abusive relationships and either don’t realize it or need help confronting their circumstances,” said Parker. “This film will help them see that’s it time to get out or their life may depend on it.” Indiegogo is an online fundraising tool that allows filmmakers to develop a customized campaign designed to create buzz, build support and secure donations for film projects. The women are running the campaign through the end of the year with a set

fundraising goal of $250,000. Using all of their social platforms, Noisemakers is asking supporters to donate $5 or more and then challenge five friends to do the same. It is their hope that the concept of “Donate $5 and share with 5 people” will move multitudes to rally behind the cause. “Making a quality film takes money, and we thought Indiegogo was a great route to go,” said Adrienne Swan, fellow Noisemaker and accountant. “It’s my job to make sure the numbers are right and that we approach every project in a manner that is fiscally sound.” Noisemaker partner LaTrice Edwards couldn’t agree more. Edwards, a celebrity makeup artist and philanthropist, looks forward to the film “Shut Up Silence” becoming a reality and intends to add her creative touch. “Not only do we feel compelled to help Natasha tell her story, but we want to save lives too,” said Edwards. Pending the success of the Indiegogo campaign, filming is set to begin in the spring of 2017. “We are looking for donations of all sizes,” added Parker. “Every contribution gets us one step closer to shutting up the silence about domestic violence.” (To learn more about or contribute to the campaign, visit www.indiegogo.com/projects/shut-upsilence-love#/. For more information and updates about the film, visit Noisemakersentertainment. com and follow the Noisemakers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #ShutUpSilence. )

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ARTS & CULTURE

DECEMBER 21-27, 2016 NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

THE HOLD UP—From left: Vernard Alexander, Lee Davis, Joshua Pollard, Andre’ D. Samuel, Leon Ford, Chris Edmonds, Derrick Tillman, Greg Spencer and Rev. Cornell Jones. (Photo by Emmai Alaquiva)

‘The Hold Up’ extended to Jan. 1 at AWC by Emmai Alaquiva For New Pittsburgh Courier

“The Hold Up” was inspired by the courage of my fellow BMe Leader, Leon Ford who was shot five times by Pittsburgh Police and survived. Being a 2016 BMe leader and helping to create effective social change in Pittsburgh has been transformative in my life, but I wanted to do more. Once I had the concept for the photo locked in, I called upon my BMe leaders who dropped what they were doing to support

our brother Ford. I decided to shoot the photo in the middle of the street on Liberty Avenue with disruption in mind to display how we will not be moved. “The Hold Up” is the definition of how brothers from all walks of life––doctors, athletes, businessman, CEO’s and more––can come to together and hold each other up through it all. WE ARE POWERFUL. WE ARE STRONG. WE ARE KINGS. All in all, If we change the Optics that we download, we can upload a new voice

for the world to hear. “OpticVoices,” presented by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, is my first curated photography exhibit featured at the August Wilson Center. OpticVoices is a fully interactive photography exhibit where we provide the optics and you provide the voices through captioning. It is a launch pad for hard conversations about social change that need to happen in this country. Two interactive iPads are featured in the exhibition where people can go in and caption the photos. You can

2015 and 2016 BMe leaders, was unveiled. “The unveiling of ‘The Hold Up’ was held as a mixer to bring the community out to view this amazing photo and to bring individuals out to a town hall meeting held by Urban Innovation21,” Ford said. Many people from all over the city gathered under one roof in support of and the great men of BMe. Not only was the event meant to allow for networking, but it was also meant to encourage one another. “I wanted my network to come out to support me, but what I wanted even more was to connect them to my network and introduce them to business opportunities,” Ford explained. “It was special to see how I could be a bridge builder bringing many different networks together, some of which have similar missions, but have never

PITTSBURGH—As part of our mission to develop and showcase the works of loworked together. I’ve built cal playwrights, Pittsburgh meaningful relationships Playwrights Theatre Comwith very diverse groups pany is proud to present and whenever I put the call out, they show up. I am three world premiere plays by local playwrights in 2017. extremely grateful for my Pittsburgh Playwrights support system,” he said. continues to be a leader The Leon Ford and BMe in presenting world premovement continues. The miere productions by area event was such a success writers. “Specifically, this and relationships were season will introduce the built to the point that voices of playwrights Arthe exhibit housed at the lene Weiner, Steve Hallock August Wilson Center has and Michael A. Jones to been extended through our devoted audience,” said Jan. 1, 2017. Monteze Freeland, PPTC’s Ford said, “I think it’s artistic associate. “We are easy to network and there proud to offer our growing are many networking events happening everyday, list of patrons an accurate however, adding love to the depiction of cultural collaboration through the lens of equation makes networka Pittsburgh playwright.” ing worthwhile. Through PPTC’s Founder and all that I’ve been through, I’ve not only been positive, Producing Artist Director Mark Southers is also exbut I’ve learned to spread cited about the 2016/2017 love regardless of what I season. “With our historic was going through. Love production of August Wilwas present, relationships son’s ‘Seven Guitars’ we’re were built and the comoff to a great start. I’m lookmunity came together for ing forward to the balance something special.”

also go to www.opticvoices.org and add your own thoughts for dialogue between other commentators. The exhibit came about after I had taken photos at a Black Lives Matter rally downtown Pittsburgh. At the protest, there was a small 2-year-old boy named Da’Kari who tugged his mother to hold a sign. Although he could not read the sign, he understood the importance of standing in solidarity with it. The photo of him holding the sign stating, “I am a Hu-

man Being,” created by artist Bekezela Mguni, created the spark for the exhibit. The exhibit opened Sept. 23, with attendance in the thousands. Schools and organizations alike have been using “OpticVoices” as a powerful tool to begin to be comfortable having uncomfortable conversations about changing the narrative of our communities. Due to high demand, the exhibit is running until Jan. 1, 2017. (For more information on the exhibit, visit www.trustarts.org.)

Pittsburgh Playwrights presents Leon Ford discusses his future, plays by locals in 2017 thanks BMe for their support by Paige K. Mitchell For New Pittsburgh Courier

Leon Ford continues to speak and take the nation by storm by spreading knowledge and awareness. A survivor of police brutality, activist, motivational speaker and soon to be published author, Ford, along with BMe leaders, held a networking mixer late last month at the August Wilson Center, located in Downtown Pittsburgh. “The overall turn out of the event was amazing. It showed me how diverse my support system is. To see folks from the governor’s office, professional athletes, college professors, high school teachers, students and everyday working citizens come out together for a good cause was amazing,” Ford said. During the networking event, a special piece of the “OpticVoice” exhibit,“The Hold Up,” which features

of our season.” Some of the plays to be showcased in 2017 are: •“Findings” by Arlene Weiner and directed by Lisa Ann Goldsmith, opens the season with its March 4-19, 2017, run. Jennifer prides herself on being able to see every crisis as an opportunity. Can she keep on “bright-siding” when her doted-on daughter runs away, her sister’s behavior threatens the family with ruin, and a secret from the past may burst into the open? •“Lights Out” by Steven Hallock and directed by Cheryl El-Walker, a power outage that stalls a Pittsburgh trolley in a tunnel beneath Mount Washington on a late Friday night leads to a set of encounters among a train of strangers that spark fear, accusations, confessions, guilt, and love as the riders share thoughts of wisdom, philosophy, music and religion, mixed in with a few drinks, and some jazz and blues riffs. Performances are April 1-16, 2017.

December MCG Jazz Night

DEC. 23—Get ready to celebrate the holidays and welcome in the new year with MCG Jazz Night at Rivers Casino Drum Bar, from 9:00 p.m. to midnight. The Holiday Jazz Party will be celebrated by Thomas Wendt Quartet featuring Don Aliquo, Jr., and will be the last event until next February!

MCG for the Holidays

There are now four ways to shop for the holidays at MCG: 1) Visit mcgjazz.org to enjoy 30% off the 30th anniversary merchandise collection and MCG Jazz music. Help us continue celebrating by purchasing items such as a limited edition “Jazz is Life” t-shirt or laser cut wood lamp. Enter promo code MCGJAZZ30 while selecting your merchandise to receive your discount. This offer will be valid until Christmas Day (Dec. 25). For more upcoming holiday promotions, like our Facebook page. 2) Beat the line at the concerts by ordering and reserving your poinsettias ahead of time online at mcgjazz.org or by calling the box office at 412-322-0800. Your poinsettia will be waiting for you when you arrive for the show! 3) Call or visit the MCG Jazz box office during any weekday to purchase MCG Jazz concert tickets, albums and merchandise! Call 412-322-0800 for hours of operation.

Tropical New Year’s Eve

DEC. 31—Wallace’s TapRoom & Hotel Indigo, 123 Highland Ave., East Liberty, presents a **NO COVER CHARGE** Tropical New Year’s Eve celebration featuring The Flow Band’s Reggae Jam Rock from the island of Pittsburgh from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. Feast on complimentary Caribbean-style passed finger food, a complimentary Champagne Toast and party favors at midnight. The Flow band will be rocking the house from 9-12:30 a.m. The restaurant will be open for those that want to come for dinner prior to the evening event. For more information or reservations, call 412-665-0555.

PEOPLE

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Rep. Gainey honors officer McClain State Rep. Ed Gainey held his 4th Annual Community Police Service Award at the Hill House Association. The purpose was to recognize the exceptional and dedicated service of an officer from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police––officer Richard E. McClain. Invited guests were from Zone 2, Pittsburgh’s public

safety director and staff, the chief of police, Rep. Jake Wheatley, councilman Daniel Lavelle, and the honoree’s family and friends. McClain, who has been servicing the Pittsburgh community for 27 years, is a graduate of Westinghouse High School and Tuskegee Institute, and grew up in

Homewood. He is a notable figure in the community because of his outreach to the people he serves, especially the youth. Gainey said he was pleased to take this opportunity to recognize and honor McClain for his exemplary service to the community.

HONORED FOR A GREAT JOB—State Rep. Ed Gainey and honoree Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Officer Richard E. McClain. (Photos by J. L. Martello)

FAMILY SUPPORT—Honoree Richard E. McClain, center, with sons, Richard E. McClain III, left, and Raymar McClain, right.

F.O.P. HEAD—Fraternal Order of Police President Robert Swartzwelder speaking highly of the honoree, officer Richard E. McClain

INTERIM CHIEF SCOTT SCHUBERT speaking about officer Richard E. McClain’s dedication.

SUPPORTING THEIR OWN—Honoree Richard McClain, center and holding the proclamation presented to him, surrounded by fellow police officers and state Rep. Ed Gainey, seated on the end.

DECEMBER 21-27, 2016

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NATIONAL

DECEMBER 21-27, 2016 NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Black Santa Claus who went viral hails from Arkansas by Brandon Mulder

Gulf War in the early 1990s, and The Associated Press in Kuwait and NASHVILLE, Ark. (AP)— Afghanistan from The man who came to be 2012-13, Jefferson known around the nation played Santa or as Black Santa after servorganized holiday ing this month as the Mall parties for every of America’s first Black unit he was in, he Santa Claus got his Old said. Saint Nicholas start in his In Dallas, where native state of Arkansas. he lives now, he Never previously in the has continued his 24-year history of AmeriSanta service for ca’s largest mall, in Bloomchildren in his ington, Minnesota, had a community. Black man donned the red Jefferson’s latest suit. But Larry Jefferson Santa fame began did for several days of in July when people’s picture-taking and he attended a Christmas wishing, accordweeklong Santa ing to the Northwest ArClaus convenkansas Democrat-Gazette tion in Branson, (http://bit.ly/2gMeByN ). along with about His appearance went 1,000 other Santa viral online, and he had his Clauses, Mrs. story picked up by media Clauses and Sanoutlets worldwide, ranging ta’s helpers. Redfrom National Public Radio ST. NICK—In this Thursday, Dec. 1, photo, Larry Jefferson, playing the role of Santa, poses for a photo with suit vendors set and CBS News to the Brit- Kingston Strong, of Minneapolis, at the Santa Experience at Mall of America in Bloomington, Minn. (Leila Navidi/ up their booths, Star Tribune via AP) ish Broadcasting Corp. Santa trainers Jefferson’s Santa days bewere on hand, and sity in Arkadelphia and and it became a tradition gan decades ago in Nashwere great people with a mall photographers from joined the Army, retiring that has stuck with him. ville, in Howard County, great spirit who were just across the nation set out to from the Army Reserve “It was a great little where he grew up with working hard to try and recruit prospective Santas. after serving 30 years. town, a small town, with 10 siblings, he said. At 11 put their kids through “It’s not the beard. It’s During his service, which years old, he was recruited about 3,500 people. I was school.” not the body. It’s not the by his father to take on the in a class of about 120,” Jefferson graduated from included tours in Saudi red suit. It’s what’s in your Arabia during the Persian Jefferson recalled. “There Santa role for his family, Henderson State Univerheart when you’re taking these children day in, day out,” said Tim “Santa Tim” Connaghan, the convention’s organizer and director of the School4Santas. “You’ve got to really take in that persona and have the twinkle and have that joy, and you have to continue that magic and the legend.” Himself a 47-year Santa veteran, Connaghan has trained more than 3,300 Santas and Mrs. Clauses, and authored the book Behind the Red Suit—The Business of Santa Claus. Like Jefferson, Connaghan also played Santa in the military. When he was serving in Vietnam, he applied a shaving-cream beard to distribute gifts to his comrades, he said. Lately, he said, pressure has been put on the mall Santa industry to hire a diverse crew of Santas to better reflect the communities they serve. The challenge is finding members

of ethnic groups who are willing to play Santas. “We’re not discriminating. If we can find them, we’ll hire them,” he said. “Santa is magic, so when he visits the Williams family, he might be Black. When he visits the O’Malley family, he might be White. When he visits the Korean family down the street, he might be Korean,” Connaghan said. “He can change, because he’s magic.” For Landon Luther, who co-owns the Santa photo studio at Mall of America, the convention was a Where’s Waldo in finding an ethnic Santa. Jefferson was the only Black Santa at the convention, he said, and before long Luther had booked Jefferson for a few days of photo shoots in December. For each of those days, Jefferson said, he was booked solid. People traveled from as far away as Arizona and Kentucky for photo shoots with him. “I had a child who said, ‘Santa, you’re brown.’ And I said, ‘yes I am, and Santa comes in many different colors,”’ Jefferson said. “I’ve had that happen about two or three times. Kids are kids, and they just see Santa as Santa.” Jefferson also saw some tears from elderly women “who just wanted to come and get their pictures with me. They were like, ‘It’s about time,”’ he said. Jefferson still has ties with his home state. He makes periodic trips to visit family and to serve on Henderson State University’s alumni board and on his fraternity’s board. “I always try to leave one day open so I can run to my hometown, visit Nashville, Texarkana and Hope, and then zip back to Dallas,” he said. “If Little Rock were to set something up for me to come there, I would do that also. If not this year, then next year,” he said.

(Information from: Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, http://www.nwaonline.com)

Black GOP father-daughter duo to cast Michigan votes by Jeff Karoub Associated Press Writer

DETROIT (AP)—Growing up Black and Republican outside the heavily Democratic city of Flint, Michigan, Kelly Mitchell learned from her parents the importance of sticking to her beliefs and working hard to achieve goals. On Monday, she marked a personal and professional milestone: Casting her vote as a member of Michigan’s Electoral College along with her father and fellow elector, Henry Hatter.”I really wanted this for me and my dad,” said Mitchell, a sales account manager from Grand Rapids, state party official and member of President-elect Donald Trump’s energy-focused transition team. “My dad is probably my biggest cheerleader. I was raised ... by two loving parents and have been an activist in Michigan politics for over 30 years.” Mitchell and Hatter are among the nation’s few Black Republican electors, and a rare father-daughter duo. They recognize their unusual position, considering exit polls that show 8 percent of Blacks nationally voted for Trump and 88 percent for Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. “I don’t really worry about what other people who say to me about race or how I should vote,” Mitchell told The Associated Press. “It’s been what’s right for and worked for me. I make no apologies.” Mitchell said she “grew up shadowing” Hatter, a retired automotive engineer who has served the GOP on the county, district and state levels and was an elector for President Gerald Ford in 1976. “Even when others attempted to discourage her, she held the course,” said Hatter, 80.

The state required the 16 members of the Electoral College to convene Monday at the statehouse to vote according to the results of Michigan’s presidential election; Trump won by .2 percentage points. Most state electors were interviewed by The Associated Press, and they expressed personal support for him regardless. Mitchell, Hatter and other electors said they had been deluged with missives urging them to vote for Clinton or a different Republican. Those emails, phone calls, postcards— even some Christmas cards, Hatter said—did not swayed them. Neither did critics, who accuse Trump of being a racist and sexist for, among other things, being slow to denounce White supremacists and a decade-old recording of him making vulgar comments about women. Mitchell and Hatter both have met Trump. She said “despite his imperfections (people) will find his policies will benefit the majority of Americans.” Her dad spoke in a language Michigan residents might best understand: “People are always listening for a knock in the engine instead of how smoothly the engine runs.” Although he didn’t vote for President Barack Obama, who twice won Michigan, Hatter said “he did a great job in reassuring the country that it would remain a stable and secure country for all Americans.” As they jointly cast votes in the statehouse, Mitchell said she was thinking of her father as well as her mother, who died in 2013, right before Mitchell was elected vice chair of the Michigan Republicans. “I just picked up the torch, and carried it for this generation,” she said.

LIFESTYLES New Pittsburgh Courier

Inside Conditions Road warriors B7

DECEMBER 21-27, 2016

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Classifieds Find what you need from jobs to cars to housing B6

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Debbie Norrell

Lifestyles Report

Reality show presidency Ok, everyone who has watched an entire season of “The Apprentice” raise your hand. I began watching “The Apprentice” when ordinary people came on the show. I believe they even had to stay in the building or on the set; they did not seem to go home. During the first season, Omarosa was one of the contestants. For those who have never watched the show, each week the contestants are given a task, a project manager is selected for each team and then the two teams compete against each other. The team that raises the most money for that week wins and a slacker from the opposing team is voted off or “fired.” When they get down to two contestants, some of the other players that were fired are brought back to “help” the finalists with the final task. Are you seeing where I am going with this? While they were competing, they were saying nasty things about each other and saying they should have been fired. Now, those that have lost the contest have to come back and be flunkies for the very person they competed against. Gee, doesn’t that sound like Donald Trump and some of the people he is asking to be a part of his cabinet? He has selected Ben Carson to be the head of Housing and Urban Development. Carson seemed eager to snap up the appointment after standing on the same stage with his opponent. I would suspect that Carson has never watched “The Apprentice.” I wouldn’t be surprised that some of these appointees may end up being fired if they cross “The Donald.” We are in for four years that will equate to a reality show. His speeches will be full of one word answers: Disaster! Amazing! And America will be made great again. I am still trying to figure out when did America stop being great. Why do you think so many people from foreign countries are so anxious to get here? Because the country is great and from their vantage point it looks “real great.” Even the worst of America looks great to them and once they get here, they don’t want to leave. So good luck D.T. on getting those seeking greatness to leave. Maybe you can fire them and then have a black limo waiting for them to take them to the airport. That seemed to work well on “The Apprentice.” This is going to be one of the craziest reality shows that we have ever seen and the funny thing about it is, it’s really real. I know that each time I hear about one of Trump’s tweets, his outrage about “Saturday Night Live” or his displeasure over a Vanity Fair Magazine article, I am going wonder when is this going to be over? When are the credits going to roll? I’m tired of hearing people say, “you should give him a chance.” No, I don’t want to give this person a chance. I want him to disappear into his tower and never come back out. This is a reality show that needs to be cancelled. (Email the columnist at debbienorrell@aol.com)

WE LOVE THE VENUE—Valerie McDonald Roberts, chief urban affairs officer for the City of Pittsburgh, and Nate Boe, chief development officer of the Pittsburgh Housing Authority.

DESIGN TEAM MEMBER—Sean Gray

A GREAT EVENING IN PITTSBURGH—Austin Davis and Brendan Schuberg (Photos by Debbie Norrell)

by Debbie Norrell Lifestyles Editor

If the mayor of a city was to throw a party, it should be a party that features the best of that city––the best food, the best music and a great venue. On Dec. 14, at Nova Place, Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto hosted the Ninth Annual Holiday Party & 2017 Campaign Kickoff. Hundreds of guests filled the space that had once been Allegheny Center Mall. The mall opened in the ‘60s and, at one time, housed dozens of retail stores. Allegheny Center Mall is now Nova Place and is reported to be right in the center of Pittsburgh’s next destination neighborhood. Party guests––some in costume most, were not–– THE ANNOUNCEMENT—Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto with niece, Emily Peduto.

enjoyed a taste of much of what Pittsburgh has to offer. There was dirty grits and shrimp, ribs and black eyes peas, pretzels from the South Side, specialty drinks, and delicious desserts. Sean Gray and Richard Parsakian created a fabulous holiday party space complete with a display of costumes from Eons of Shadyside that were fit for a snow queen. At 9 p.m. sharp, Peduto took center stage with his late brother’s daughter, Emily Peduto, and spoke about a Pittsburgh where the city and the county work together, a Pittsburgh for all people and a focus on how we keep Pittsburgh “Pittsburgh.” As Peduto formally announced his run for re-election, he touched on the importance of affordable housing, rebuilding the city neighborhood by neighborhood, and making Pittsburgh a center for a new economy and a destination for young people the age of his niece. He concluded by inviting guests to enjoy the great music and multiple visits to the Pittsburgh Dessert Table. Spotted: Stephanie Turman, R.B. Edmunds, Charlotte Ka, B.J. Sampson, Corey Buckner, Kevin Carter and Bob Agbede, just to name a few.

FORMER ALLEGHENY COUNTY COMMISIONER—Larry Dunn, left, with Brian Konick.

PASTOR DERYCK TINES—Leading the Lemington Gospel Chorale

HOLIDAY PARTY READY—– Paula Lysy

ENJOYING A GREAT PARTY—Rev. Glenn Grayson and Howard Slaughter, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh.

WHERE IS THE DESSERT TABLE?—Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, State Representative Ed Gainey and Congressman Mike Doyle

DESIGN TEAM MEMBER— Richard Parsakian

THE MUSIC MAN—DJ Stephan

New Pittsburgh Courier

BUSINESS

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DECEMBER 21-27, 2016

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Tips for buying your next car Automakers sold more than 17 million cars in the United States in 2015, which means that at any given time throughout the year many Americans are getting ready to head out to a dealership. How can you drive away with the best deal? The Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants offers some savvy advice. Research your options It’s important to decide up front which models will best suit your needs, a process you can begin by doing research online or asking friends about their experiences with different brands. When doing your comparisons, factors to consider include insurance rates, safety ratings, fuel economy, and ratings from consumer organizations that assess product quality. See for yourself While research is valuable, visiting the dealerships and taking test drives are equally important. Bring along the people who may be driving or riding in the vehicle to make sure that everyone is comfortable. If you have young children, bring their car seats or other necessities to make sure they’re easy to load and fit in the available space. Getting a low price doesn’t mean getting a good value if the car doesn’t suit your needs. Call ahead to make an appointment, and avoid going on a busy weekend or evening. Test drive the cars not just around the block, but also on highways and any other types of roads you’ll likely use. Even if the salesperson insists he or she can offer a great deal, feel free to delay your decision if more time is needed to think things through. Get preapproved There are two great reasons to get bank preapproval for an auto loan before you go shopping. First, the loan amount you can get from a bank or credit union can help you determine how much you can afford to pay for a vehicle. Second, it can give you a good idea of the interest rate that’s available for someone with your credit rating. Even if you decide that a loan obtained through the dealership is a better offer, with a commitment from a bank in hand you may be able to negotiate a better deal on the car or get a reduction on the dealer’s interest rate. Do your homework on price Check online sites that report invoice prices and average sale prices for different vehicles. With those ballpark numbers in hand, contact several dealers and ask their total price for the car that interests you. Confirm that the price they quote includes all taxes, fees, and any add-ons or options. If you’re interested in an extended warranty, prepaid maintenance plan, or other additional service, ask what they’ll cost beforehand so you have time to decide if they’re worth taking. Be aware that you may be able to find some of these services from other sources as well. Use the pricing information you’ve gathered to choose the dealer with the best offer or to negotiate a better price from another dealer. Also consider contacting the dealership beforehand to save time. While many dealers will evade discussions of price and insist you come in, there are some who will provide a ballpark estimate of your monthly payment based on your credit score and other factors. This proves especially valuable if you use a budget. Don’t overlook discounts Some automakers or dealerships may have special discounts for members of the SEE TIPS B3

BUYING FOR THE HOLIDAY—Diamonte Z. Walker, Hill CDC Program Associate shares a moment with Edina Greene of Edina Styles during the recent Hill District Holiday Mixer. (Photos by Diane I. Daniels)

Hill, Homewood communities provide unique holiday shopping experiences by Diane I. Daniels For New Pittsburgh Courier

Time is quickly running out for the opportunity to participate in the Hill District and Homewood’s unique holiday shopping experiences. Friday Dec. 23 is the final day for the Hill District Holiday on the Ave located on the first floor of the Hill Community Development Corporation offices; 2015–2017 Centre Avenue. Friday Dec. 30 the Homewood Holiday Market located at the corners of Frankstown

Avenue and Oakwood Street will end with a week of Kwanzaa themed activities. The second year for the Holiday on the Ave, the pop up storefront featuring a variety of retailers in one location kicked off Nov. 26 during Small Business Saturday. In addition, this year to the Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. shopping times, Dec. 15 a Hill District Holiday Mixer was held at the Energy Innovation Center on Bedford Avenue. “Activities like the pop up store front and Holiday Mixer at the EIC allows us the

A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY—Co-sponsor of the Homewood Holiday Market, Vernard Alexander stands outside one of four repurposed shipping containers owned by NSide Out Spaces partners Christian Hughes and Dana Lance.

opportunity to provide local entrepreneurs a venue where they can conduct business at a prime spot during the busiest shopping cycle of the year,” said Diamonte Z. Walker, Hill CDC Program Associate. Other sponsors of the Holiday Mixer that included food, festivities and the vendors were the Hill District Consensus Group, the Hill Credit Union, the Hill House Association, the Hill YMCA and Urban Innovation21. The Homewood Holiday Market, hosted by NSide Out Spaces and the Minority Networking Exchange kicked off Dec. 3. Operating Thursdays through Saturdays activities take place inside four repurposed shipping containers. Like Walker, Vernard Alexander of the MNE is looking to provide local entrepreneurs an opportunity to sell their products and services. “My goal is to have vendor opportunities available and affordable to everyone. People can vend one day, three days or every day.” Along with an array of products Alexander explained that there is a daily theme, free hot chocolate and a late afternoon Networking Social on Thursdays, “Fridays Night Live” with a D.J. playing holiday and family oriented music on Fridays and “Saturdays with Santa” where families can take pictures with a Soulful Santa. Groups like Urban Innovation21 have been present providing business development advice, and the Black Media Federation, Black MBAs and Urban League Young Professionals have or will host mixers. The Passport to Homewood Holiday Edition has also been sold at the Holiday Market. Sponsored by the Homewood-Brushton SEE HOLIDAY B3

My interview with Black billionaire Bob Johnson (NNPA)—One of the post-election highlights for me was the meeting between Donald Trump and Bob Johnson. Billionaire to billionaire, Democrat to Republican, Black to White, businessman-to-businessman, capitalist-to-capitalist, meeting on a relatively even playing field to discuss some of the “what now” issues was intriguing to say the least. After the meeting, Mr. Johnson wrote a press release and did several interviews to disclose the particulars of that meeting. While the press summed up Mr. Johnson’s comments in one sentence (“Let’s give Trump a shot.”) there was much more to the meeting than that. How do I know that? Because I interviewed Johnson after his meeting with Trump. During our nearly one-hour conversation, he spoke openly about his political position vis-à-vis the election of Donald Trump, and his thoughts, recommendations, and reflections on a Black strategy moving forward. One of the main things Johnson discussed is our penchant to vote as a bloc for one party, in this case the Democrats, without reciprocity. His words brought to mind similar words by Carter G. Woodson and Malcolm X on that same point. Mr. Johnson recommended that Black folks should be independent and bloc-vote only for candidates who support our interests, locally and nationally, regardless of their party affiliation. Let the church say, “Amen!”

Bob Johnson, based start-ups and micro upon what he called a James Clingman businesses, and why “seismic shift” in our we don’t have such a politics, said we must fund now. He agreed follow what former that we should have U.S. Representative a fund, but on why William “Bill” Clay we don’t have one, he Sr. told us: “Your posimply said, “That’s a litical philosophy head, problem, Jim.” must be selfish and In other words, the pragmatic. You must only thing stopping start with the premise that you have no us from doing that is our lack of consciouspermanent friends, no permanent eneness and willingness to sacrifice for and mies, just permanent interests.” My folsupport one another. Again, that’s much of low-up question was, “Then would you rec- what I have written and spoken about for ommend that Black voters register as ‘Non 20 years: psychological enslavement. Party Affiliated’ at their local Boards of By that time in our interview, I was on Elections?” His answer: “Absolutely, yes.” cloud nine because Robert L. Johnson, Bingo! owner of numerous businesses and donor Remember when Donald Trump was of millions of dollars to political camasking Black folks, “What do you have to paigns, was confirming the work and philose?” My immediate answer to his queslosophy of The One Million Conscious and tion was another question: “What do we Conscientious Black Contributors and Vothave to gain?” Without my leading Mr. ers (OMCCBCV). I never mentioned our Johnson in any way, during their convermovement to him during our conversation, sation Johnson shared his message to but his answers to my inquiries definitely Trump on that question by saying, “You substantiated the direction The One Milshould be telling Black people what they lion is taking to move Black people from have to gain by voting for you.” our current status to our highest potenMr. Johnson cited some very basic busitial. ness principles, which he has put into play There was so much we discussed, and via his conglomerate of ventures, for inMr. Johnson’s responses, insights, and distance, an equity fund to assist mid-level rections are just what we need to do NOW. businesses. I asked if he thought Blacks We cannot afford to wait, to analyze, to should form a similar collective fund for meet, to hold a convention, or continue to

Blackonomics

theorize the future and lament the past. We can shape our future; we can determine our destiny simply by doing what not only Bob Johnson said, but what many of our elders have said over the years. We simply need to act. My entire Q and A with Mr. Johnson will be published soon, but I wanted to let my readers know about it now, so that we can start moving immediately to leverage our dollars and our votes against the two systems that run this nation and the world: economics and politics. The OMCCBCV has already planned to kick-off one part of that strategy in February 2017. Stay tuned. Please watch for my entire interview with Mr. Johnson and start planning for major changes in the way we play politics and the way we use our economic clout to build a strong foundation for our children and grandchildren. What Mr. Johnson shared with me is not esoteric or proprietary, and it’s certainly not new. However, sometimes with our people, the same message can come from different sources and, depending on the messenger, our people will follow it. I am grateful that Mr. Johnson chose to speak out on these issues. More to come. (James Clingman is the nation’s most prolific writer on economic empowerment for Black people. His latest book, “Black Dollars Matter! Teach Your Dollars How to Make More Sense,” is available on his website, Blackonomics.com.)

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

BUSINESS BUSINESS CALENDAR CALENDAR

SBA Women-Owned Business Registration DEC. 21—The Pittsburgh District office of the U.S. Small Business Administration will host its monthly hands-on workshop for 8(a) HUBZone and Womenowned certification programs, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at its Pittsburgh offices, 411 Seventh Avenue Suite 1450. Attendees can review the requirements and application process with the staff specialists. The workshop is free, but registration is required. For more information, call 412-395-6560.

State Trooper Applications ONGOING through DEC. 31— The Pennsylvania State Police are asking interested women and minorities to join those applying for the next cadet class of state troopers. To be eligible for written examinations scheduled for February 2017, interested parties must submit their applications by December 31, 2016.To view a complete list of prerequisites, to contact a recruiter, or to submit an application, visit www.PATrooper.com. Cadets earn $1200 bi-weekly during training. The starting salary for a new trooper is $58,962 per year along with excellent health care benefits.

Early Registration DEC. 31—Deadline for early registration for INPEX, the region’s largest invention showcase, JUNE 13-15 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Those registering by the deadline will be eligible to win up to three free nights at the Drury Hotel adjacent to the convention center during the expo. For more information, contact Rachel Rushlander at rrushlander@inpex.com or call 888-544-6739 ext. 4124

Open House JAN. 11—The Chatham Women’s Business Center will hold an open house, 5:30 to 7 p.m., at the James Laughlin Music Hall on the Chatham University Shadyside Campus. Meet staff, facilitators, and past participants while learning about all of our services for women business owners and women in business. The Center has programs for women in all stages of business development, from membership to business development classes, small business workshops, women’s leadership breakfasts, and our online community for our members.

Strategic Planning Workshop JAN 12—The African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pa. will host a Strategic Planning Workshop, 11:30 a.m. to 1 :30 p.m. in its 9th floor boardroom at the Koppers Building, 436 Seventh Ave., Downtown. Raymond L. Vargo, director of the UNiversity of Pittsburgh Small Business Development Center will present information about the vital components that should be included in a strategic plan, what to include when applying for funding, tips for marketing, and how to use your plan to make decisions in your business. Cost: $10 for members, $20 for nonmembers. For more information call 412-392-0610.

Business Breakfast Meeting

by Roz Edward For New Pittsburgh Courier

The Impact Network, the only independent African American-owned and operated Christian television network in the United States, will now be available in even more homes, thanks to an expanded distribution agreement with Comcast’s Xfinity TV platform. The Impact Network features programming on urban ministries, gospel music, lifestyle and entertainment. “We’re excited about the commitment Comcast has made to continue to increase diversity in all communities and to the African American community by expanding distribution of The Impact Network,” said Bishop Wayne T. Jackson, the co-founder and CEO of the Impact Network. The Impact Network’s mission is to provide Christian and educational programming designed to “empower the spiritual, physical, financial and emotional needs of the community and viewers.” The network line-up includes television ministries by The Impact Network’s co-founder Bishop Jackson, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Dr. Creflo Dollar, Pastor Paula White, Pastor Rod Parsley, Bishop I.V. Hilliard, Bishop Charles Blake, Bishop Stanly Williams, Bishop Paul Morton, Bishop Henry Fernandez, Pastor Joel Olsteen and more. It also offers original programming such as Dr. Beverly Jackson’s “Living Free,” “The Jewel Tankard Show,” and “Impact Better Health/Diet Free Life” with Dr. Robert Ferguson. The Impact Network was founded in 2010 by Bishop Wayne T. Jackson and Dr. Beverly Jackson in Detroit, Mich., and is the fastest growing African Americanowned and operated independent, Christian television network in the U.S. Expanding on Comcast’s Xfinity TV, The Impact Network will now reach over 75 million households in the U.S., Africa, The Bahamas, and Virgin Islands on various distributors. Before

JAN. 20—The African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pa. will host it first PowerBreakfast meeting of the year with guest speaker County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, 7:30 to 9 a.m. at the Rivers Club in One Oxford Center, Downtown. Fitzgerald will address the health of our county and his vision and plans for 2017. Cost: $20 for members, $30 for non-members. For more information, call 412-392-0610.

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military, students, or other groups. You can find out more by looking online or asking dealers about what they offer. Consult your local CPA Every day, local CPAs offer clients expert advice on a wide variety of financial concerns, including making a major purchase or obtaining a loan. Whatever your financial questions, your CPA can help you find the answers. To find a CPA in your area or for more financial tips, visit www.picpa.org/moneyandlife.

Jackson purchased the station in 2010, there wasn’t a single African American Christian-owned television network in the country or the world. B l a c k preachers were at t h e mercy o f

Holiday shopping experiences CO-FOUNDERS—Dr. Beverly Jackson, left, and Bishop Wayne T. Jackson, are the co-founders of The Impact Network, the fastest growing African American-owned and operated independent Christian television network in the U.S. (The Impact Network) mainstream networks, that were prone to pull the plug on their Sunday morning shows for reasons as simple as personal disagreements and as complex as racial and religious oppression. “Anytime we wanted to [air] broadcasts, we always had to go to other people to get our ministries shown to television audiences,” said Bishop Jackson. With the assistance of broadcast programming veteran Terry Arnold, former president and CEO of Bell Broadcasting Company (WCHB and WJZZ), Jackson was able to form an unprecedented alliance with AT&T’s DIRECTV and on November 30, 2015, the bishop was able to extend The Impact Network family of programs with a launch on the multi-channel platform. This was not the first partnership of its kind for the fledgling network. “In 2011, we were able to partner with Dish Network, which gave us a much broader national audience covering the continental United States. Then we got with Comcast which gave us Michigan, Arkansas, Kentucky and Indiana,” said Bishop Jackson. Impact Network would go on to strike similar deals with The Bahamas and several African nations, placing faith-based programs in 950 million households worldwide, a real coup d’état for African American Christian television. The addition of DIRECTV access adds 20 million more viewing households to Impact Network’s viewing audience. Minority- and women-owned broadcasts currently represent only five percent of all broadcasts currently airing in the United

States. Bishop Jackson admitted there was some initial discussion about basing the network’s headquarters in the suburbs, but decided to keep the network based in Detroit. “We are helping to power the revitalization of Detroit. While we have Dan Gilbert, Roger Penske and Mike Illitch who are doing great things in our city, there are African Americans doing great things in Detroit, and we are going to tell those stories,” he said. Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., the president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), said that the partnership between Comcast and The Impact Network is good news for Black America. “We congratulate both Comcast and The Impact Network for working together to significantly enhance television broadcast opportunities for Black America,” said Chavis. “The NNPA and Comcast are also business partners in the marketplace across the nation and we support Blackowned businesses like The Impact Network.” The Impact Network is now broadcasting 24-hours a day, seven days a week and can be viewed on DIRECTV’s channel 380 or on channel 268, DISH Network Channel 268 and Comcast’s Xfinity TV channel 400. Check local listings in your area for more information. (The Michigan Chronicle is a member publication of the National Newspaper Publishers Association. Learn more about becoming a member at www.nnpa.org.)

Alternative financing companies provide lending solution for minority business owners Nationwide (BlackNews.com)—Minority business owners continue to face challenges when applying for loans from traditional banks and lenders, but entrepreneurs should consider alternative financing as a primary lending source. This is a much easier way to secure funds with-

similar businesses. While the participants presented similar credentials, the study found that Black and Hispanic business owners were given less information on lending terms, offered less application help and were asked more personal financing questions.

out facing race-based discrimination and/or application denials. Research on minority business lending A recent study conducted by researchers at Brigham Young University, Utah State University and Rutgers University revealed that treatment of minority business owners seeking small business loans varied greatly from that of White business owners. The researchers used nine “mystery shoppers”, three Black, three White and three Hispanic small business owners who wore the same professional clothes, had similar backgrounds and sought $60,000 loans for

Additionally, a 2016 report by The Kauffman Foundation on access to capital by race found that minorities are disproportionately impacted by lack of access to capital and cost of capital. The report also found that profitably of Black entrepreneurs was negatively impacted at three times the rate of White entrepreneurs due to lack of access to capital. Alternative financing options Alternative financing companies (such as Timestar Lenders) offer minority business owners more options to secure business funds and ulti(For more details, mately increase profitability. Loans are available for a wide range of busi- www.timestarlenders.com)

Training Event

PowerBreakfast Meeting

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Buying your next car tips

The Impact Network expands is reach through Comcast Xfinity

JAN 13—The Chatham Women’s Business Center will host its monthly Women’s Business Leaders Breakfast Series from 8 to 9 p.m. at the James Laughlin Music Hall on the Chatham University Shadyside Campus. The speaker will be Eve Picker, small home developer, and head of the Small Change online real estate investment portal. Cost is $25. Register online at http://www.chatham.edu/cwe/net working/breakfastseries/ JAN. 19—The Duquesne University Small Business Development Center will host First Step: Business Start-up Essentials, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Rockwell Hall Room 108, 600 Forbes Ave., Uptown. Topics include: Structure and formation; Employee issues; insurance; financing options, Taxing requirements and others. Cost is $25. For more information, call 412-396-6233.

DECEMBER 21-27, 2016

BUSINESS

ness needs including technology improvements, emergency repairs, remodeling or general cash flow. This financing option is appealing to many small and minority business owners because the threshold to receive funding is lower and funds are dispersed within days. For example, in order to receive a loan with Timestar Lenders, business owners must meet four criteria: Be in business for at least six months, have at least a 500 credit score, generate a minimum of $8,000 each month in revenues and not have any open bankruptcies although p r i o r bankruptcies are largely accepted. While the numbers of minority business owners continue to grow, these entrepreneurs still face large hurdles when seeking loans from traditional lending institutions. Alternative financing companies provide a muchneeded funding solution for minorityowned businesses. Entrepreneurs and business owners that are having challenges accessing the business financing they need should call (888) 405-7949 to learn more about Timestar Lenders alternative lending solutions today. visit

CONTINUED FROM C1

Business Association, the Passport features 23 businesses that offer consumers a discount on purchases. “It’s a win for the consumers and win for small businesses,” said Alexander. “The consumer receives the discount and the businesses gain customers.” The Homewood Holiday Market is open Thursdays and Fridays from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays Noon to 6 p.m. NSide Out Spaces is operated by Christian Hughes and Dana Lance. Lance explained that they have repurposed the steel fire and waterproof shipping containers into reusable spaces. “Reuse can consist of office space, outdoor entertainment studios and actual affordable housing units,” she explained mentioning that Los Vegas has a mall and Miami has a pop up theatre using the containers. Containers are 8 feet wide and range between 10 to 40 feet long. Hughes, the CEO of NSide Out Spaces is a Detroit native and aspiring architect. He is the founder and coordinator of Drafting Dreams an Educational Consulting Service that teaches architecture to students in Kindergarten through 12 grade through creative design exercises and design curricula in an effort to inspire the next generation of architects; and to increase women and minority interest and participation in design professions. Lance, a Homewood native is the owner of Carter and Associates an interior fit out construction business. She is the winner of last year’s Urban Innovation21 Homewood Business Competition. Items found in the Hill District and Homewood markets include handmade and custom jewelry, original art work, organic and holistic skin and body care products, clothing, fresh baked goods and an array of foods. Strong supporters and advocates of entrepreneurship and strengthening small businesses within the community Walker and Alexander know the importance of providing existing and aspiring entrepreneurs with an opportunity to take full advantage of the busiest retail season of the year. “It’s important for people to buy from within their own community, and we want to make sure a variety of options exists for residents and all shoppers,” said Walker.

B4

OPINION

DECEMBER 21-27, 2016 NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Keeping Hamlet was a good move

Guest Editorial

Taking a diversity mirror to the Trump Cabinet As President-elect Donald Trump fills out his Cabinet, a clear pattern has emerged: the most influential positions are dominated by White males. If confirmed, the four most influential departments will be led entirely by White males for the first time since George H.W. Bush’s first Cabinet was approved in 1989. The top Cabinet nominees are Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson to lead foreign affairs as secretary of state, retired Marine Gen. James Mattisas to lead the military as secretary of defense, U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions to lead the Justice Department as attorney general and former Goldman Sachs banker Steve Mnuchin to lead the nation’s finances as secretary of the treasury. By comparison, President Barack Obama’s first-round Cabinet members included Eric Holder, an African American who served as attorney general, and Hillary Clinton, a White female who served as secretary of state. In the administration of George W. Bush, Colin Powell, then a retired four-star general, was tapped as the first African American to head the State Department. National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice succeeded Powell in 2005, becoming the first African American woman and the 66th person to hold the title of secretary of state. Unlike his recent predecessors, Trump’s top four Cabinet picks do not reflect the diversity of the U.S. population. In addition to the four most influential Cabinet posts, Trump’s top White House jobs—chief of staff, national security adviser and senior adviser—are all White men. White men will also run the departments of Commerce, Energy, Homeland Security and Health and Human Services as well as the Environmental Protection Agency. Should Trump be unable to complete his term as president, the top eight people in the line of succession are white men from the Cabinet and Congress. The president-elect has selected a few women and minorities for lower-profile posts including retired neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson to head the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Including the vice president, the Cabinet comprises 15 people who head the following executive departments: Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Labor, State, Transportation, Treasury, and Veterans Affairs as well as the Attorney General. Even if Trump filled the remaining Cabinet positions with women and minorities, it would still lack the diversity of recent administrations. President Bill Clinton picked 10 women and minorities for Cabinet-level jobs during his first term. President George W. Bush had nine in his first term, and President Barack Obama had a record high of 13, according to a data analysis by Anne Joseph O’Connell, a law professor at the University of California at Berkeley. Trump’s Cabinet team is troubling not only because it represents a narrow view of America, but also because of the rocky relationship he had with women and minorities during his 2016 presidential campaign. Trump’s victory over Clinton hinged almost entirely on white voters. According to exit polls conducted by Edison Research for the Associated Press and television networks, about 2 percent of Trump voters were African American and about 7 percent were Hispanic. Nearly nine in 10 of Trump’s voters were White. (Reprinted from the Philadelphia Tribune)

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Ulish Carter

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It appears that the Pittsburgh Public School Board’s decision to keep Anthony Hamlet as superintendent was a very good move and the re-election of Regina Holley as president was another smart move. It’s still early, but so far so good. Hamlet was voted in as the new Pittsburgh Public Schools superintendent during the summer, but after a newspaper found some discrepancies on his resume, many called for the school board to dump him and start the search all over, which would have set the district way behind in its fight to educate our kids. So, behind the leadership of Holley, the board voted 7-2 to keep him. Well, he has impressed everyone who has talked to him, including myself, and everyone who has read about his accomplishments, so far. He recently finished selecting his cabinet members who have very impressive credentials; he was able to find some non-White intelligent educators, with four of the five members being people of color, from all over the country. I hope that the charter and private schools that are taking our tax dollars are doing the same. The five members are Angela Allie, Seema Ramji, Anthony Anderson, David May-Stein and Milton Walters. Walters is the new chief of human resources. He held a similar position in Youngstown, Ohio, where he oversaw 1,000, compared to 4,000 in Pittsburgh. Hamlet said he’ll search from coast to coast for the best candidates and his goal is not to just bring these people to Pittsburgh, but to keep them in Pittsburgh. He is openly seeking teachers and other employees of color, which will be a win-win for the students. He will also be looking for substitute teach-

Ulish Carter

Just Sayin’ ers, which should open up a lot more doors to Blacks in the Pittsburgh Public Schools, and allow the Black students to see more Blacks in leadership positions at every level. Hamlet has experience in the corporate world, K-12, as well as higher education, which makes him the perfect person for the position because students and employees need people around them with knowledge of all; that way they can better understand what type of education is needed. If the people at the top have a clue of what is needed at the higher education and corporate or employment levels, then they can better relay that to the students and express why it’s so important to know certain things during the K-12 years. Looking at all his credentials, no one can say Hamlet is not qualified. In fact, he may be over qualified. He has a doctorate in Business Administration from Argosy University and is currently working on his second doctorate in Educational Leadership from Morehead State University. He also has experience working as an adjunct professor in North Carolina and Maryland, teaching legal compliance, human resource, diversity and leadership for non-profit and for-profit entities in New York City. Now onto the board’s second best decision. The board has elected new officers for the 2017 year, with Holley

being re-elected as president for another year. With her at the helm, the board should be a functioning group, working together for the betterment of our children, not a group of people using it as a stepping-stone to higher political offices. Of course, nothing has been done yet, as far as student achievements, we will have to wait until the end of the school year. It may even take them two to three years to really make a difference in K-12 education. *** Who should investigate police shootings? Well, one thing is for sure, it shouldn’t be the police, but in most cities that is the case. In Allegheny County, it is district attorney Stephen A. Zappala, who recently stated that he will be, and has been, fair in his investigations of shootings involving the police. While he may believe that, there are many activists who believe he’s biased toward the police, especially Brandi Fisher, executive director of the Alliance for Police Accountability. She says he’s biased because he and the police have to work together––the police collect the evidence and testify in cases, which helps the prosecutor determine who is prosecuted or not, as well as if he/ she can win the case. In other words, it would be a bad move for the prosecutor to go against the police. What would be the best way to handle it? There is no easy answer. Some counties use the state police to investigate, but aren’t all law enforcement personnel considered to be brothers? So, maybe an independent board or agency could be put together just for this? It would be more fair to the victims, and probably the police officers, too. (Ulish Carter is the managing editor of the New Pittsburgh Courier.)

Foreign influence and the integrity of America’s democracy (NNPA)—“Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence (I conjure you to believe me, fellow-citizens) the jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake, since history and experience prove that foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of republican government…The great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations is…to have with them as little political connection as possible.”—President George Washington, Farewell Address, Sept. 17, 1796 In 1840, President Martin Van Buren was fighting for re-election. He ultimately lost his presidential bid to a war hero, William Henry Harrison, who easily won over the widely unpopular Van Buren, nicknamed, “Van Ruin,” for presiding over the nation during an economic depression. The presidential campaign of 1840 was heavy on image and light on substance, painting Van Buren as an elitist and Harrison as an everyday man. Harrison—accused of being helped by British bankers during his campaign—won the Electoral College vote and an extremely close popular vote. In 1888, Grover Cleveland was favored to win his presidential re-election campaign, but ultimately lost the presidency because he appeared partial and subservient to British interests. The voters turned against him and his perceived British sympathies. While he managed to win the popular vote, he lost the Electoral College vote, and, hence, the presidency. If the past is prologue, history suggests that Americans resent the interference of foreign governments and interests in our presidential elections. As evidence of Russian tampering via cyber-attacks and hacking continues to mount, and

Marc H. Morial

To Be Equal President-elect Donald Trump has tapped Rex Tillerson as his secretary of state—who Trump described as doing “massive deals in Russia” and was awarded the “Order of Friendship” by Vladimir Putin—it is the duty and obligation of our Congress to thoroughly investigate whether or not Russia has interfered with our election process to tip the scale for a Trump win and, in the process, undermine and sow distrust in our democracy and its institutions. President Obama has ordered a full intelligence review of the alleged Russian hack into the Democratic and Republican National Committees to be completed before inauguration day. In a break with Trump, the top two Republicans in Congress have lent their support to a bipartisan congressional effort to investigate the alleged Russian cyber-attacks. Calling any breach of American cyber-security measures “disturbing,” Senator Mitch McConnell added that, “the Russians do not wish us well…It defies belief that somehow Republicans in the Senate are reluctant to either review Russian hacking, or ignore them.” As of my writing, it has been reported that more than 50 Democratic voters in the Electoral College are asking for an intelligence briefing from the director of National Intelligence into

possible foreign intervention in the presidential election before the college meets to cast its vote for our next president and vice president. Trump and his associates have dismissed the allegations of Russian interference, painting them as “ridiculous,” and “another excuse.” Trump has—quite characteristically--explained away the legitimate concerns of our institutions, political leaders, the press and the people by blaming the Democrats for disseminating conspiracy theories because “they suffered one of the greatest defeats in the history of politics in this country,” to conceding that if there was any interference or hacking, “they have no idea if it’s Russia, or China, or somebody. It could be somebody sitting in a bed someplace,” he said in a televised interview. Trump, and I’m sure many of his supporters, see the investigation into possible Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election as an attempt to--yet again--delegitimize his recent win. But the president-elect would do better to understand that to not thoroughly investigate these allegations would leave a permanent stain on his administration, his tenure and his motives. To not look into these allegations seriously would further erode public trust in the already embattled mechanics of our democracy. If domestic voter suppression sits on one side of the coin, the unwanted influence of a foreign power in American elections sits on the other. Rather than enrich us, and our system of representative government, both serve to undermine true democracy. (Marc Morial is the President and CEO of the National Urban League. Follow Marc on Twitter at @marcmorial.)

Why are so many of us hiding behind smartphones? (NNPA)—It hit me the other day that there is a new protocol involved in walking down the street. I never really thought of it before, but I suddenly realized that people who text while walking expect that those of us not texting while walking will simply get out of their way. Forgive my naiveté, but I grew up with the strong instruction that when you walk, you look where you are going. When you cross the street you look both ways to ensure that you are not run over. You know, little things like that. But something has happened and these rules are being thrown up in the air. There are two related, though different, examples of this new protocol. One involves texting and the other involves, well I am not sure what else to call it but being oblivious. In the case of texting I have actually tested out my theory. Individuals will be walking towards me texting, completely ignoring their surroundings or that they are approaching me. I will then say, fairly loudly, “Watch yourself!” The response that I have received is intriguing. The individual tends to look completely discombobulated and act as if it was somehow

Bill Fletcher Jr.

Commentary inappropriate for me to notify them that they were on a collision course. This absent-minded, unconsciousness seems to be very widespread. People walking down the street are either talking on their cellphones, texting on their cellphones or listening to music with their ear buds, completely out of touch with their surroundings. Such individuals cross the street in the face of on-coming traffic, apparently making the assumption that the traffic will avoid them. While they may get out of the way of oncoming pedestrian traffic, they also seem to take their time walking, ignoring that there might be a line of people behind them a half block in length. What are we to make of this? The easy part is that it is a form of

self-centeredness. Individuals are acting as if the world exists to serve them and, frankly, the hell with the rest of us. Yet, the deeper problem seems to reflect the way that increasing numbers of us are retreating into various self-generated bubbles. These are the same bubbles that lead us to narrow what we read to only things with which we agree; to believe that our “friends” on Facebook and Twitter are an actual sampling of global opinion; these bubbles lead us to not wanting to be bothered with social interaction with many others, including our ACTUAL friends; and, for some, to live in guarded and gated communities cut off from much of the rest of the world. Yes, texting while walking and thinking that the rest of us will get out of the way is rude; and being oblivious to your surroundings while walking is stupid, but the problem is deeper and seems to reflect the retreat of so many of us from the reality of a thriving global village. (Bill Fletcher Jr. is a talk show host, writer and activist. Follow him on Twitter @BillFletcherJr, Facebook and at www.billfletcherjr.com.)

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No, Americans are not exceptional, we’re just average (NNPA)—We in these United States love to bask in the glory of our “exceptionalism.” We are great; we are wonderful; we dominate the world. Scholars who study “us” say that our exceptionalism is rooted in the fact that we have offered leadership in international affairs. We have committed more resources than other countries to the United Nations, to NATO, and to other organizations committed to international peace. But we do this with a sense of paternal largesse, as if we are the greatest, the most wonderful, the benefactor. But we have allowed our electoral system to be thrown into chaos, because Vladimir Putin has a grudge against former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and he used his minions to actualize his grudge. He’s had a bromance with Donald Trump, who asked that Russia hack Hillary’s emails, and obeying Trump’s bidding, the Russians did. This whole electoral drama is a nightmare. Hillary Clinton got nearly three million more votes than Trump, but he has an Electoral College victory. Maybe. Is this American exceptionalism? A hacked democracy vulnerable to the intrusion of foreign powers? If the Russians are hacking now, imagine what they will do in the future. A recent study from the National Center for Educational Statistics shows that 15 year olds in the United States lag behind others in an international context. We talk as if we are

Julianne Malveaux

Commentary number one or number two in achievement, but the fact is that we are number 14 or 15 by many measures. We aren’t exceptional— we’re just average, ranking below a dozen countries, hitting the median mark. When science literacy is measured, 24 countries rank higher than the United States. The OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) average score on science literacy is 493, and the U.S. was close to the average at 496. Singapore, Japan, Finland, Canada, Vietnam, Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Ireland and Portugal were among those with higher scores. Really? These folks will be among those hacking us in a decade if we don’t make better investments in education! We’re kind of average with reading literacy, as well. The OECD average is 493, and the U.S. average is 497. Singapore, Canada, Finland, Ireland, Japan, Norway, Germany, Poland and the Netherlands outscore us. We’re in the band with France, the United Kingdom, and Spain. What are Singapore, Canada and Ireland doing that we aren’t? In a global economy, how do we compete with them? Our math comparisons with other countries are especially alarming. The OECD average for math literacy is 490, but the US score is 470. At least 30 countries, including Singapore, Japan, Switzerland, Estonia, Canada, Denmark, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Iceland, Norway, Austria, Italy, Scotland, and the Russian Federation have higher scores than the U.S. Why? The federal Department of Education should deal with the matter of standards. Common Core, while not popular among some educational leaders, is a way of ensuring that those who graduate from our nation’s high schools have a common foundation of knowledge. Implementing Common Core may be challenging, especially when some high schools, especially inner city high schools, lack the resources to offer the broadest curriculum. While many schools offer advanced courses, including advanced placement (AP) and international baccalaureate (IB), some do not. Every student needs to have an opportunity to access advanced learning. More importantly, those who do educational policy must look at the ways our students are lagging in the international environment. Are we content to be 14th, 22nd, 34th in international measures, while, at the same time, preaching exceptionalism. We aren’t especially exceptional when it comes to learning, we are merely average, and often below average when we review international measures. There are those who will quibble with the ways that the Program for International Student Assessment measures learning outcomes. I think, though, that when students from 73 educational systems tackle the same tests, objections can be pushed aside. Even with a flawed measure, even with adjustments, we must conclude that the United States is not exceptional, just average. If we want to be exceptional, we need to do more than sell wolf tickets and crow over our competitors. Here’s the bottom line— the Russians were smart enough to hack us and mess with our elections. Are we as smart as they are, or are we average? Mr. Trump says he will create jobs. He needs to make resources available to the Department of Education. If he wants to “Make America Great Again,” he needs to make America smart again by investing in education. (Julianne Malveaux is an author, economist and Founder of Economic Education. Her latest book “Are We Better Off? Race, Obama and Public Policy” is available to order at www.juliannemalveaux.com. Follow her on Twitter @drjlastword.)

Merry Christmas to all It is that time of the children would year that too many Louis ‘Hop’ Kendrick not except the toys, of us, particularly and explained it by the youths, truly saying “that’s not believe in Santa Santa Claus, Santa Claus. It has been is not colored.” a many year, but I There had been vaguely remember several of us, who having trouble had raised the going to sleep on money to buy the Christmas eve betoys and I was the cause Santa was coming. In our home youngest. All of them were much older Christmas primarily meant the birth of than me and they had lived through Christ and secondly the receiving and those years of death dealing racism giving of gifts. My brothers, sister and and understood much better than I at myself were active participants in the that period of time in my life the devchurch Christmas programs; it was the astating effects of slavery. I went home rule of the Kendrick household. puzzled, angry and confused asking the I will never forget in 1960 on a question what is wrong with us? Will vacant lot in the 3rd ward an old man we ever wake up and stand up, speak named Mr. Johnny Jones co-sponsored out? Pay our own way? Church-goers a Christmas affair which included who refuse to except that God says, the giving of gifts for the children in “prayer alone is not sufficient there the community. The most surprising must be and effort.” aspect was that Santa Claus was a We must ask ourselves does ChristBlack man. It was the first time that mas really have a genuine meaning? the overwhelming majority of children I was at a funeral the other day and ever saw a Black Santa Claus and the an acquaintance of mine told me withfirst for most of the adults. There were out realizing it, how important Christthose of us who clapped and cheered mas was to him. He stated the light Mr. Jones for introducing to the combill, gas bill, rent and everything was munity a Santa Claus who looked like being juggled until after Christmas. daddy. However there were some other If Santa Claus has been invited to negative reactions that I still vividly your home then the requirement must remembered that occurred that evebe that he look like the person who ning over 50 years ago. A number of extended him an invitation. (Louis “Hop” Kendrick is a contributor to the “colored” [not Black yet] adults were New Pittsburgh Courier.) hysterical with laughter and many of

To Tell The Truth

Dominic Ongwen, war criminal or enslaved for war? Recently, Domchildren. J. Pharoah Doss inic Ongwen, The LRA kidcommander in napped Ongwen Joseph Kony’s while he was on Lord Resistance his way to school. Army in Uganda, He was 10-yearswas charged by old. He’s now in the International his early forties. Criminal Court He’s the first forwith war crimes. mer child soldier to Ongwen pled not be charged by the guilty. ICC for war crimes and crimes against Ongwen told the court he didn’t humanity. Ongwen committed every understand the charges. He said, “The act. He even committed atrocities too charges are against the LRA. The LRA gruesome to mention. is Joseph Kony, the leader. But I am But the crucial question for the court not the LRA.” is whether Ongwen is a perpetrator of So who is Joseph Kony? war crimes or is he the victim of the In 1986 rebel leader Yoweri MusevLord’s Resistance Army. eni overthrew the government. Once A woman ICC prosecutor called in control Museveni’s forces sought Ongwen a murderer and a rapist. The revenge on ethnic groups that didn’t prosecutor explained that the girls support their military campaign. were held for years in domestic slavery Joseph Kony formed the LRA, but the and subjected to repeated rape. The LRA wasn’t just an anti-Museveni defendant benefited the most from group. Their mission was to seize contheir misery. The prosecutor feels, trol of the country and govern it under “Ongwen’s own experience is not a jusbiblical commandments and tribal tification to victimize others.” His own tradition. experience cannot begin to amount to a Kony was considered a prophet. defense or a reason not to charge him Kony and the LRA launched their for the choice that he made. insurgency in 1987, but Kony didn’t There seems to be some gender bias target government installations, he tar- here. geted the civilians he wanted to govern. The prosecutor appears solely disKony raided villages for supplies and turbed by what happened to the abforced children to carry the goods into ducted girls. She called their circumthe bush. stances domestic slavery, but it must be In 1991, President Museveni anpointed out that the ICC has charged nounced a massive military campaign Ongwen with “conscription of children to seek and destroy the LRA but it under fifteen.” failed. Over the years the LRA grew The language used by the prosecutor and increased its methods of brutaliand the court suggests that when the ty. Any civilian that was suspected of LRA abducted children the girls are supporting Museveni’s government or considered enslaved, but the boys are forming a self-defense force had their viewed as drafted into an army. ears, lips, and noses cut off. If that’s the case, it’s easy to unAccording to the United Nations, the derstand the prosecutor’s comments LRA killed more than 100,000 people because, as an adult, a soldier has and displaced more than 2.5 million a duty to disobey an immoral order. civilians in four African countries from That’s why she rejects the child soldier 1987-2012. defense concerning rape. ut what if In a 2002 public radio address Joseph the language was changed and he was Kony admitted to abducting children. viewed as a child enslaved for war? Kony said, “That’s the way we recruit, Would the prosecutor have the same the same way Museveni was doing it.” sympathy for him that she shows for The LRA has abducted between 60,000 the girls? That won’t change Ongwen’s to 100,000 children. The girls are sex guilt, but it could change how these slaves, but the boys were drugged and matters are adjudicated in the future. trained to become killers. One account It’s said the LRA forces these boys to explained how boys were forced to bite do things so they can’t return to society. and beat friends and family members But it’s never said they’re forced to to death, and sometimes drink their do these things because society won’t blood. These sadistic initiations are accept them back. (J. Pharoah Doss is a contributor to the New done so the boys can never be reintePittsburgh Courier. He blogs at jpharoahdoss@ grated back into society. blogspot.com) Dominic Ongwen was one of those

Commentary

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DECEMBER 21-27, 2016

B5

Raynard Jackson

Commentary

Does the CBC really care about Black people? (NNPA)--In last week’s column, I discussed the hypocrisy running rampant within the Democratic Party when it comes to the hiring of Black staffers. I must have struck a serious nerve, because I received an anonymous email from someone with seemingly high-level Democratic credentials that was most surprising. I have no idea who this person is, or what his/her agenda may be, but I was able to verify the details of the email I received. I called several friends who work for Democratic elected officials in the United States Congress and the Democratic National Committee. While not wanting to comment on specific members of the Democratic caucus, they agreed that the essence of the content of this anonymous email was very accurate. This email contained such detailed information on each Democratic member of Congress that it had to come from someone with intimate access to this type of sensitive data. What was sent to me was a listing of every Democratic member of Congress and who their fundraisers were. What’s ironic is that only one member of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) has retained a Black fundraiser. The rest have either a White, Asian, or Hispanic person doing their fundraising. Yet, these same members of the CBC have the gall to criticize the U.S. Senate for their lack of diversity when it comes to hiring Black staffers. Mind you, that most CBC members themselves have very few Blacks in positions of power on their personal staffs or committees. Maybe, Black Democrats should simply “self-identify” as illegal, transgendered or radical Muslim extremist refugees, because they seem to get all the benefits that only American citizens are supposed to get, but I digress. Last year, members of the CBC traveled to Silicon Valley to lecture executives from Apple, Google, Intel, SAP, and Pandora about the lack of Blacks in their workforce. Their then chairman, U.S. Rep. G.K. Butterfield of North Carolina said, “All of them are deficient. None of them have African Americans on their boards of directors, and that is very disappointing because African Americans are part of the customer base of all five of these companies.” Maybe, just maybe, members of the CBC should have a visit to their own member’s offices and determine why most of them have no Black chiefs of staffs and no Black fundraisers. In the immortal words of Michael Jackson, maybe members of the CBC should take a look at that man in the mirror, and ask him to change his ways. If they want to make the world more diverse, take a look at themselves and make that change. So, before Black folks continue to complain about what “Whites” are not doing for us, maybe we should look at what we’re not doing for ourselves. Why should others do for us what the Black members of Congress are not willing to do for us? Why do they refuse to hire capable Black Democrats with fundraising experience? The CBC, like Africa in the United Nations, is the largest voting bloc in the U.S. Congress. So, they can stop any piece of legislation presented in the House, thus they have supreme leverage and never use it to push forward any policy that they claim to care about. Blacks are the largest voting bloc, but have no Blacks in leadership positions in the House. Why did they turn their backs on esteemed Congressman Jim Clyburn when he got ousted from leadership so that Steny Hoyer could assume a leadership post? So, let’s get this straight, the CBC goes around the country lecturing Silicon Valley about their lack of diversity, though they are guilty of the same thing. They complain about the lack of diversity on corporate boards, but at least Corporate America takes care of their own—Whites. But the CBC won’t even hire their own when it comes to fundraising jobs. So, if Whites hire those that look like themselves, why won’t the CBC do the same? Diversity is not an “either,” “or” proposition, it’s a “both,” “and.” CBC members criticize Silicon Valley for having few Black staffers, they criticize the U.S. Senate for having few Black staffers, but they’re silent when it comes to their own conscious decisions not to hire Black fundraisers for their own campaigns. So, if Silicon Valley and the U.S. Senate can be labeled “racist” for their lack of Black staffers, shouldn’t the CBC have to wear the same label? (Raynard Jackson is founder and chairman of Black Americans for a Better Future, a federally registered 527 Super PAC established to get more Blacks involved in the Republican Party. BAFBF focuses on the Black entrepreneur. For more information about BAFBF, visit www.bafbf.org. You can follow Raynard on Twitter @Raynard1223.)

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The Midwife Center for Birth and Women’s Health in Pittsburgh, PA seeks a Behavioral Health and Wellness Specialist to join The Center’s team of midwives and nurses in providing person-centered, holistic care to clients. Soon be the nation’s largest free-standing Birth Center, The Midwife Center is committed to the midwifery model of care and providing care to a diverse population. Minimum qualifications include Pennsylvania Licensure as a Master’s level clinician (LPC, LCSW, LMFT) and at least 3 years post-graduate experience. For complete job description please go to: https://midwifecenter.org/about-2/ jobs/. Please send cover letter and resume to Ann McCarthy, CNM, MSN, Clinical Director a.mccarthy@ midwifecenter.org.

DUOLINGO, INC. SEEKS FOLLOWING IN PITTSBURGH, PA:

Director of Business Development: (i) managing & facilitating resources & people to expand company’s technology business principally in the Americas; (ii) developing new business models & revenue sources; (iii) finding, contacting & developing business opportunities in & for the Americas; (iv) managing all sale systems; (v) liaising & negotiating, principally in the Americas, w/ business & technical contacts, merchandisers, major mobile partners & service providers. Extensive U.S. & int’l travel req (approx 15-20x/yr totaling approx 15 wks). Job #20162 Native Programmatic Designer: (i) internalize & apply Duolingo’s visual design style & user experience philosophy to advertising; (ii) manage & implement visual design & user experience of Duolingo’s proprietary native programmatic advertising formats; (iii) design all programmatic marketing materials (including media kits & RFP decks) for use by Sales & work w/ VP of Business Dev to target prospects in North America & Europe; (iv) oversee all end-to-end campaign processes, analyze marketing data & clearly communicate insights to senior mgmt & internal stakeholders; (v) lead media planning, execution & negotiation of deal terms for all programmatic campaigns across N. America & Europe; (vi) work w/ 3rd party data vendors (e.g. Google, Nielsen) to supply & segment audience data & perform detailed cohort analysis on existing audiences; (v) track metrics of implemented designs & explore solutions to improve designs. Extensive U.S. & int’l travel req (up to 2x/month or 50% per year) to supervise sales meetings & deliver proposals. Job #20167 Software Engineer, Ph.D. (multiple openings): (i) generate ideas for product changes that improve key metrics; (ii) work w/ our worldclass design team to prototype these ideas; (iii) write code to turn prototypes into high-volume production applications; (iv) work on the Incubator, Duolingo’s platform for crowdsourcing the creation of language courses. U.S. & int’l travel req approx 3x/yr, 2-3 days/trip, to job fairs & conventions/conferences. Job #20161 Software Engineer, Ph.D. (multiple openings): (i) generate ideas for product changes that improve key metrics; (ii) work w/ our world-class design team to prototype these ideas; (iii) write code to turn prototypes into high-volume production applications; (iv) work in Growth team to increase daily active users. Job #20164 Senior Software Engineer (multiple openings): (i) generate ideas for product changes that improve key metrics; (ii) work w/ our world-class design team to prototype these ideas; (iii) write code to turn prototypes into high-volume production applications; (iv) work on Duolingo for Schools, Duolingo’s platform for educators. Travel req 1-2x/yr, 2-3 days/trip, for job fairs/int’l conferences. Job #20166 Product Manager 1 (multiple openings): establish a strategy for growth in specific markets of interest, incl. China, India, Japan, Russia, Mexico. Guide design, implementation & analysis of innovative products. Collaborate w/ designers on mocks, usability studies & product tradeoffs. Maximize efficiency of engineering team while maintaining flexibility in planning & process. Analyze product metrics to help determine best course of action, short & long term. Manage cross org collaboration w/ marketing & business development & manage external expectations. Job #20165 Email resume to jobs@duolingo. com. Refer to Job# in subject line.

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The Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (“ALCOSAN”) is soliciting Letters of Interest and Statements of Qualifications (collectively, “Qualifications Submittals”) from Engineering/Consulting firms interested in providing On-Call Professional Engineering Services for the Authority’s Energy Recovery Facility Improvements. The On-Call Services consist of engineering/design services to provide for repairs or modifications to the Energy Recovery Facility (ERF). The selected firm(s) will be required to provide all services necessary to prepare analyses to assess cause & solution of problems, prepare plans & specifications to effect the solution/repair, prepare cost estimates, provide bid phase support, and construction phase support, as required by the Owner on an as-needed basis. The term of the services is two (2) years. The services are typically related to upgrade or replacement of various components to the existing fluidized bed incineration system and energy recovering pressurized steam system. The various components include the boiler feed pumping system, the demineralized water make-up system to the boilers, the make-up and pre-heated air system, tube bundle economizer equipment, turbine generator equipment and air pollution control equipment. Other potential services include performing emissions control and testing, system performance evaluations and existing conditions assessments. Eight (8) hard copies of sealed Qualifications Submittals and one electronic copy (CD) are required. Qualifications submittals must be received by ALCOSAN no later than 2:00p.m. on January 18, 2017. A non-mandatory informational meeting shall be held at the offices of the Authority at 2:00p.m. on January 9, 2017. Submittal requirements and more information on this request for qualifications can be seen on the Authority’s website at www.alcosan.org. (RFQ information is under “Business Opportunities.”) The requirements include using SF330 forms and submission of cost information. Hard copies of Qualifications Submittals and the electronic copy on a disc should be addressed as follows: Statement of Qualifications for On- call Engineering Services for Energy Recovery Facility Improvements. Capital Account S-442 Allegheny County Sanitary Authority 3300 Preble Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15233 Attention: Suzanne Thomas Procurement Officer Late and/or noncompliant Qualifications Submittals will not be accepted for any reason. To enable ALCOSAN to efficiently evaluate the Qualifications Submittals, Proposers must strictly follow the required format in preparing their Qualifications Submittals. Questions and requests for clarification regarding this Request for Qualifications (“RFQ”) must be directed, in writing, to: Suzanne Thomas Allegheny County Sanitary Authority 3300 Preble Avenue Pittsburgh PA 15233 Email: suzanne.thomas@alcosan.org Responses to all general questions and requests for clarification will be posted on ALCOSAN’s website. ALCOSAN will provide, in writing, any clarifications, changes and/or other information deemed to be necessary as addenda to this RFQ. All questions must be submitted by January 10, 2017 by 4:30p.m. ALCOSAN encourages third party certified businesses owned and operated by minorities, disadvantaged, women and service-disabled veteran small business enterprises to submit qualification statements or to participate as subcontractors or suppliers to the selected Firm(s). The On- Call Professional Services Firm(s) selected shall be required to utilize minority, disadvantaged, women, and service-disabled veteran-owned small business enterprises to the fullest extent possible. The goals of the ALCOSAN’s Supplier Diversity Policy are MBE/ WBE participation goals are 10-25% and SDV goals are 3% of the total value of the On- Call Professional Services Firm’s services. A copy of ALCOSAN’s Minority and Women Business Policy Statement is available upon request. ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY David W. Borneman, P.E. Director, Engineering and Construction

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JOB OPPORTUNITIES

LEGAL ADVERTISING

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Help Wanted

Bids/Proposals

Bids/Proposals

FIREFIGHTER

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR Legislative & Regulatory Monitoring and Consulting Services RFP# 125-52-16

ALLIES & ROSS MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) FOR GENERAL CONTRACTOR FOR OCCUPIED REHABILITATION RFQ #2016-17

The Allegheny County Airport Authority Airport has a position opening for a Firefighter at the Pittsburgh International Airport. Complete information about this position is available at http://www.flypittsburgh. com/ACAA_employment The advertisement period ends on December 26 2016. The Allegheny County Airport Authority offers a competitive compensation package. EOE / M / F / D / V.

MANAGER, CONTRACTS & INSURANCE

The Allegheny County Airport Authority Airport has a position opening for a Manager, Contracts & Insurance at the Pittsburgh International Airport. Complete information about this position is available at http:// www.flypittsburgh.com/ACAA_ employment The advertisement period ends on December 26 2016. The Allegheny County Airport Authority offers a competitive compensation package. EOE / M / F / D / V. LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices

Estate of MS. STELLA TULENKO, deceased, of 2734 Volta Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. Estate No. 02-12-05934. Mr. Ronald Tulenko, 450 Elizabeth Street, McKees Rocks, PA 15136, Co-Executor, and Mr. William Tulenko, 2734 Volta Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, c/o Max Feldman, Attorney At Law, 1322 Fifth Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108.

LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

INVITATION FOR BIDS: LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT: INVITATION FOR BIDS CONTRACT #ACHA-1501

INTERIOR RESTORATION OF VACANT DWELLING UNITS AT PARK SHELDON The Allegheny County Housing Authority (ACHA) is requesting bids from qualified firms for INTERIOR RESTORATION OF VACANT DWELLING UNITS AT PARK SHELDON. Bid Documents will be on file and may be obtained after Tuesday 27/December/2016 at the Allegheny County Housing Authority, 625 Stanwix Street, 12th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA, 15222, or by contacting the ACHA at 412-4022464. A Pre-Bid Conference will be held on Thursday 29/December/ 2016, at 10:00AM at Allegheny County Housing Authority Central Office, 625 Stanwix Street, 12th Floor, PA 15222. Bids are due by 2:00 PM. local time on Tuesday, 10/January/2017 at the Allegheny County Housing Authority, at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. The ACHA encourages responses from small, minority, and women owned firms, as well as firms that have not previously performed work for the ACHA. Frank Aggazio, Executive Director

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The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby requests proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Legislative & Regulatory Monitoring and Consulting Services RFP# 125-52-16 The documents will be available no later than December 12, 2016 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 1:00 P.M., January 5, 2017 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Parties or individuals interested may obtain information from: Mr. Kim Detrick – Procurement Director/Contracting Officer Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 2nd Floor, Suite 200 100 Ross Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116, Option 1 or by visiting the Business Opportunities section of www.hacp.org A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 December 28, 2016 1:00 P.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACP’s has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation. Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh

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

LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

SALE OF SURPLUS EQUIPMENT COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY

The following surplus equipment will be offered for sale to the highest bidder(s): REQUEST FOR QUOTATION 170106 - SALE OF SURPLUS Personal Computers, AV Equipment, Rider Scrubber, Ford F350 Bids are due in to the CCAC Purchasing Department no later than 2:00 PM on Friday, January 6, 2017. For more information, contact Mike Cvetic at mcvetic@ccac.edu. Community College of Allegheny County Purchasing Department 800 Allegheny Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15233

SONNY BOY

Allies & Ross Management and Development Corporation (ARMDC), the nonprofit real estate development instrumentality of The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP), hereby request responses from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): General Contractor for Occupied Rehabilitation RFP #2016-17 The documents will be available no later than December 12, 2016 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 10:00 A.M., January 19, 2017 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Parties or individuals interested may obtain information from: Mr. Kim Detrick – Procurement Director/Contracting Officer Procurement Department Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116, Option 1 or by visiting the Business Opportunities section of www.hacp.org A pre proposal meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 200 Ross Street, 9th Fl. Board Room Pittsburgh, PA 15219 January 5, 2017 11:00 A.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACP’s has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation. Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh President & CEO, Allies & Ross Management and Development Corporatioin

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.

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

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DECEMBER 21-27, 2016 NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

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SPORTS New Pittsburgh Courier

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DECEMBER 21-27, 2016

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

by Aubrey Bruce For New Pittsburgh Courier

There are a few things that the Steelers nation should be concerned about regarding the upcoming Pittsburgh Steelers vs the Baltimore Ravens AFC North championship game, scheduled to be played on Christmas day at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. Even though the Steelers “came from behind” to defeat the Cincy “Bungles” 24-20, the game should not have even been that close. On a cold, windy and blustery day, the Steelers had to roll the dice and offer up a multitude of prayers to the “field goal” Gods and rely on the steady foot of placekicker Chris Boswell to come through in a “tundra-like” environment in order to make next Sunday’s game against the Ravens, a do or die scenario for the “dirty birds.” Boswell seemed to have been of the mindset that

Inside Conditions…Road warriors he was kicking on an early autumn Sunday afternoon with temperatures in the mid-70s with clear skies. Had Boswell not been successful, there is a distinct possibility that the Pittsburgh Steelers would have been couch bound come playoff time. Why? Well the quarterback situation first and foremost. Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger is currently ranked #14 in the NFL. Roethlisberger 304 pass completions out of 476 attempts, a 63.9 completion rate; he has passed for 3,540 yards, 7.44 yards per completion. On the other hand, Ravens QB Joe Flacco is ranked #5 in the league with 374 completions out of 579 attempts, a 64.6 completion rate for 3,788 yards with 6.54 per yards completion. When the QB play is that close, The Steelers are not going to be able to defeat the Ravens if Pittsburgh makes seven trips near or

AUBREY BRUCE into the red zone and only scores a single touchdown. It simply won’t happen. However, Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger didn’t appear to be overly concerned with the underperformance of Steelers offense against the “retarded” and talented Bengals defense. Roethlisberger said he got; “a lot of satisfaction, an AFC North road win against a good football team. A tale

of two half’s. Couldn’t do everything that we wanted to on offense.” Correction, Pittsburgh moved the ball but penalties, misfires and just plain ineptness seemed to be the albatross around the neck of the Steelers offense during the first half of the game. However when it comes to Sunday’s matchup, the pass defense of the Ravens is ranked #10 and the pass defense of the Steelers is five rungs lower on the ladder at #15. When it comes to defending the run, Baltimore is ranked #2 and the Steelers are ranked #5. Those aforementioned statistics may void any “home field advantage” that the Steelers may theoretically have. This game is almost dead even. Even if the Steelers make to the red zone three or more times, Pittsburgh had more often than not be lining up to kick the extra points as opposed to 3 pointers. And

another thing, I know that Pittsburgh running back LeVeon Bell has a patient wait until the hole opens running style, a slashing and dashing methodical approach, but he might be a bit better suited when it comes to this particular opponent just to see the hole, “hit it and quit it” as the late James Brown might say, because the holes are going to close a bit sooner when it comes to running against the bloodthirsty, headhunting, run stopping Ravens front seven. As far as the passing game goes five-seven step drops by Ben Roethlisberger coupled with getting rid of the ball in no more than 1.5-2.0 seconds, will almost function as a “alternate” running game, eating up the clock and certainly aiding Pittsburgh’s offense as far as time of possession goes, especially considering possible yards after the catch, while in the process

keeping the chains moving. With the speed of the Ravens front seven and Baltimore’s more than capable secondary the Steelers should leave all of the trickery, experiments and chicanery at home in the laboratory because not only every series, every down will count. If Pittsburgh tries to get cute, it won’t be pretty because if the Ravens beat the Steelers and advance to the postseason, Dr. Frankenstein along with his partner-in-crime one of the Ravens secret aliases, Edgar Allan Poe might be sitting in a cheap sports bar, right outside of the Cheasepeake Bay area, watching the playoffs with the Steelers and the Steeler nation.

(Aubrey Bruce is the Senior Sports Columnist for the New Pittsburgh Courier, he can be reached at: abruce@newpittsburghcourier.com or 412-5836741. Follow him on Twitter@ ultrascribe.)

Steelers playoff fate still in their hands Le’Veon Bell was held to 93 yards on 23 carries. Even though the offense wasn’t impressive, having to depend on field goals by Chris Boswell to win the game, the defense continued to demonstrate why they are the fourth best in the league in points allowed, and the young players including the two defensive backs, Sean Davis and Artie Barns, are beginning to mature at the right time.

The Steelers offense is still searching for a third receiver to help out Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell. Sammie Coats, Eli Rogers are two promising young players but Tight End Ladarius Green appears to be that third receiver. The Ravens have one of the best defenses in the league but their offense is weak even with Joe Flacco leading them with three impressive receivers. Their

problem is they haven’t had an effective running game since they released Ray Rice. It will be tough to beat the Steelers with a one-dimensional offense. They must be able to run the ball. If Ben Roethlisberger can get his game back to becoming the consistent QB of old, then the Steelers can beat anyone once they get into the playoffs. And that includes New England.

LADARIUS GREEN (AP Photos)

by Ulish Carter

the Bengals offense. The Baltimore Ravens almost did the same as In the first half of the they just got past the Cincinnati Bengals game it Philadelphia Eagles 27appeared that the Steelers 26. The two will face off had blown a perfect chance this Christmas at 4:30 to make the playoffs as p.m. for what should be they trailed 20-9. But the AFC North championanother team came out in ship. the second half and man The Steelers at 9-5 are in handled the Bengals for a the driver s seat with Bal24-20 victory. timore right behind at 8-6. The Steelers defense If the Steelers win they behind the leadership of have to face the winless veteran James Harrison, Cleveland Browns in the Ryan Shazier and Lawfinal game of the season at rence Timmons shot down Heinz Field. The Ravens Courier Staff Writer

by Bill Neal For New Pittsburgh Courier

:10—I am not quite sure what “you people”…yeah, I said it…what “you people” need to get ready for the NFL playoffs. I told you a few games back to relax. It’s a long season. Now five games straight. the best running back in the game, a two time Super Bowl champion quarterback who has taken complete leadership of his team and yes Little Jimmy, the “D” is back. Not the good “D,” but that shut down “D” that wins games. Yes, we will beat the Ravens and we’ll beat them soundly. Cleveland will be a sit your starters game, but a win none the less. And that boys and girls, you can take to the bank! :09—If you’re a Pitt football fan and think you’ll get your Pinstripe Bowl ticket whenever, guess what? Pitt Bowl tickets are sold out, but don’t worry, a new order has been put in so you can still get a ticket. But

don’t sleep it this time. :08—Have any of you so called casual Pens hockey fans thought about and/or realized how lucky you are. I mean, what are the chances of having the greatest player of all time in Mario Lemieux (sorry Wayne Gretzky) and then back that up with the greatest player in the world in today’s game in Sidney Crosby!?!? :07—So my man Myron Brown…you know Myron, Slippery Rock University Hall of Fame super star and former NBA Timberwolf…Oh, you can’t remember. How bout this, ya remember when he dunked on about 27 people at one time from half court down at the Connie Hawkins at Pennley Park…aka Champions Park…Oh, now you remember cause you were one of the 27. Anyway, Myron says Ben Roethlisberger is a good quarterback, but overrated and there are at least eight other QB’s in the league he would take over Big Ben to which he

will face the Bengals who will be looking to make sure the Ravens go home. If the Steelers win out they will be 11-5, the same as last season and will probably be seated third behind the New England Patriots, and the winner of the red hot AFC West, which is a three way battle between the Oakland Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs and the Denver Broncos. After a record-setting game against the Buffalo Bills in which he gained 236 yards on 38 carries,

ROOKIE STARTERS SEAN DAVIS (28) AND ARTIE BURNS (25)

Overtime

BILL NEAL offered Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Cam Newton and Drew Breeze to name a few. I and others at the table put him at a solid top five. What say you? Text me at 412-628-4856 so we can silence “The Great Leaper.” :06—Who were the others you ask? Well, I’ll tell ya, but if you tell anybody else, I’ll have to kill you. This was “Boy’s Night Out 2016” and its top secret stuff. I mean if this got

out, it could cause some cats severe body damage and/or a considerable hit to the wallet. The boys in question put it down at The Savoy this year and the roll call went like this… Chuck Sanders, Dwayne Woodruff, Myron Brown, Dom Gambino, Dwight Law, and new to the crew, Mike “The Train” Hardy, another Slippery Rock legend. and some dude from Phill. Micah Sims I know, but we had to let him in. He had hoop game and he came with Woodruff. The important thing to know is we only discussed politics and religion. And we never went upstairs (you know!!!) and we were all home by eight. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it! :05—Ok, you’ve been waiting for it, so here it is. We did the top ten running backs and quarterbacks of all time. Now it’s time for best receivers ever. Here’s the pretty boys, the show time cats: #1 Jerry Rice, #2 John Stallworth, #3 Randy Moss, #4 Lynn Swann, #5

Michael “The Playmaker” Irvin, #6 Terrell Owens, #7 Steve Largent, #8 James Lofton, #9 Marvin Harrison, and #10 Tim Brown. Now put up or shut up. You know the drill. Text your list to 412-628-4856. :04—Clear to me the Pitt men’s basketball team is putting it together slowly, but surely. But they haven’t gone to the shed yet. Sit tight nephew. The ACC is coming. :03—What can I tell ya. That Santa dude is a “Bad Man.” He got it down again and right on time. The Big Fella joined with Achieving Greatness and East Liberty McDonald’s to p r e s e n t the 42nd Annual “Toys for Champions Christmas Party and Toy Giveaway.” More than 500 deserving disadvantaged boys and girls were treated to the toys of their dreams and McDonald goodies. A big holiday thanks to “Brother Ish” and George at McDonald’s, as well as their amazing staff, all volunteers, Santa helpers, and the joyful spon-

sors…Highmark, Judge Dwayne Woodruff, James McDonald, Jack Goodrich, UPMC, District Attorney’s Office, Bill Goodrich, Chief Executive Office Allegheny County, Dom Gambino, and Ole Santa himself, aka Will Anderson! :02—It’s closer than you think. The 2nd Annual Cyril Wecht Western PA Humanitarian Awards, honoring the region’s elite givers… “Heal the World, Make it a Better Place,” h o n o r ing Marty Griffin, Master Joe Owens, Arthur Moats, Darieth Chisolm, Shirley Douglas, Steven Kovak, Fred Lucas, Attorney Laura Elmsworth, Tunch Ilkin, Jamie Holmes and others to be named. Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017, 12 p.m. luncheon at The Walnut Grill in Fox Chapel. Tickets are $50 and are extremely limited. First one…first in! Call Achieving Greatness at 412-628-4856 for information. :01—MERRY CHRISTMAS…I’m Just Sayin’!!! :00—GAME OVER