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VOL. 107, NO. 52
Startable Pittsburgh program wins $150,000 grant Published Weekly
Two Sections
DECEMBER 28, 2016-JANUARY 3, 2017
by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
PERRY AND OLIVER ALUMNI (Photo courtesy of Pittsburgh Public Schools)
Pittsburgh Perry hosts first-ever alumni charity basketball game by Merecedes J. Howze For New Pittsburgh Courier
Hundreds packed Pittsburgh Perry’s gymnasium on Dec. 17 for the firstever Perry vs. Oliver Alumni Charity Basketball Game. Perry, led by captain Rod Rutherford, beat Oliver, 10583, in front of a sold out crowd. The weather was frightful and the streets were icy, but that did not stop
over 800 spectators from attending the game. From old to new, former and current students, staff, and community members picked a side and rooted for their team. Graduates and former basketball players from both schools, who at one time used to be intense rivals, united for a great cause. “This was an opportunity for us to unify the community and show cur-
rent Pittsburgh Perry students what it means to take pride in your community and school,” said Anthony Hall, alumni game organizer and host. “For this one day, former students from both Oliver and Perry were able to put on a show that integrated the whole North Side community for the first time in more than a decade.” SEE PERRY A5
SALT supports more than 600 at toy giveaway by J.L. Martello For New Pittsburgh Courier
More than 600 people, including more than 400 children, gathered at the Westin Convention Center Hotel for a fun-filled Christmas dinner hosted by Save Another Life Today (SALT) Pittsburgh. Mary Ellen Barbour Williams, the founder and director of SALT Pittsburgh, which started with her being very sick with multiple cancers and not being able to work any more. Williams said she wanted to do something for kids on the streets to get them off
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the streets. “We started a game room for kids in a church and there were 90 plus kids in that game room, three nights a week, and it grew from there (to) after school programs, feeding adult programs and the Christmas program,” she said. She stated that the Christmas program started with SALT trying to get previsions for 50 kids. Now, 11 years later, there are more than 400 kids that receive gifts from them. As a single mother, Williams knows how stressful Christmas is and said this event “is a healing for the parents, it’s not actually for the kids. It gives them time to spend with their kids because most of them are working so hard that they don’t get a chance to spend time with their kids.” The children, SALT TOY GIVEAWAY—Kids receiving gifts for Christmas. ranging from 0-18 Kids pictured, from left: Elijah Crawley, 7; Sayvon Smith, 14; and Alaijah Crawley. (Photo by J.L. Martello) SEE SALT A4
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From E-fabrics and clocks crafted from recycled materials to pet backscratchers and vegan soaps, local teen entrepreneurs are learning to build and brand unique businesses, and thanks to Startable Pittsburgh, they are accessing opportunities and expertise they might otherwise never have. “Our goal is to provide access to resources while encouraging more young people, especially those traditionally underrepresented in the field, to consider starting a business and/or pursuing a career in skilled trades,” said Program Coordinator Jackie Shimshoni. Now beginning its fourth year, Startable Pittsburgh is a free eight-week summer program developed by Innovation Works for teens aged 16-18 to learn en-
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trepreneurship and maker skills, in order to start their own businesses. The program mentors students to develop, design, prototype, build, brand, market and sell products of their own creation by partnering with local retailers. Students earn a program stipend and keep all profits from the sale of their products. While anyone is welcome to apply, it prioritizes minority and female applicants. And just in time for the Jan. 1 opening of its 2017 application season, Startable Pittsburgh has received a $150,000 grant from the BYN Mellon Foundation of Southwestern PA to sustain and grow its programming. In addition to Innovation Works, the program also partners with its hardwareSEE STARTABLE A5
Biker groups give toys to Homewood youth by J.L. Martello For New Pittsburgh Courier
Several biker groups united in Homewood to give toys to children from the community. Biker groups from Aftermath Social Club, Hurricane Biker Girls and Sin City Bikers, to name a few, participated in the event held at the Sin City biker social club in Homewood, last week. “What inspired me to do the toy drive was that there is a lot of unfortunate kids in our community, the Black community the most,” said Reginald Smith of Sin City. “Even though we got hard working parents and single parents that have two jobs, (they) still aren’t able to provide for their kids, so I thought it was a good idea to pull everyone together in the biker community to donate some toys.” Thyais “Konspiracy” Walker, from Aftermath Social Club, said there is always someone that is a little less fortunate than someone else and that while somebody may not be able to get their kids everything they want, “at least if they get something, that may help.” Brook “Big Body Benz” Harris from the Hurricane Biker Girls said, “We wanted to give back to the comKIDS AT BIKERS’ TOY GIVEAWAY (Photo by J.L. Martello) SEE BIKER A4
DARIETH CHISOLM Inspirational Speaker
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DECEMBER 28, 2016-JANUARY 3, 2017 NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Defiant Gambia leader says only Allah can deny him victory by Abdoulie John Associated Press
DAKAR, Senegal (AP)— Gambia’s longtime ruler Yahya Jammeh says only Allah can deny him victory, vowing to defend himself no matter the cost against growing international pressure for him to accept his election defeat. Jammeh initially conceded the loss following the Dec. 1 election, only to make a dramatic aboutface a week later, citing alleged voting irregularities. He now insists he will not hand over to President-elect Adama Barrow in January, and his party has appealed the election results in court. The case was postponed Dec. 21. In comments broadcast on state television late Dec. 20, Jammeh said he was prepared to die for what he believes in, and said he was prepared to defend himself and the tiny West African nation. “I will not be intimidated by any power in this world. I want to make sure that justice is done. I am a man of peace, but I cannot also be a coward,’’ he told a meeting of the African Bar Association that was aired on television. “Nobody can deprive me of that victory except the almighty Allah,’’ he vowed. Jammeh also criticized the regional bloc known as ECOWAS, accusing his fellow West African leaders of violating Gambia’s sovereignty. Several of the leaders met with him
REFUSING TO CONCEDE—In this Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016 file photo, Gambia’s president Yahya Jammeh shows his inked finger before voting in Banjul, Gambia. (Photo: Jerome Delay/AP) during a visit last week as the political crisis grew, and an ECOWAS summit over the weekend ended
“Who are they to tell me to leave my country?’’ The U.N. Security Council has again urged Jammeh to respect the election results and transfer power to Barrow by Jan. 19. The “I will not be council also called on Gamintimidated by any bian defense and security to “demonstrate power in this world. forces maximum restraint to I want to make sure maintain an atmosphere of calm’’ in the capital. that justice is done. I Jammeh seized power in coup more than 22 years am a man of peace, aago, and human rights but I cannot also be groups say his regime has violently suppressed the a coward.’’ opposition throughout his Yahya Jammeh rule. Tens of thousands have sought exile abroad, and Gambia is among the with all leaders saying countries with the most they’ll attend Barrow’s citizens trying to reach inauguration. Europe by perilous boat “This country has been journeys each year. independent since 1965. (Associated Press writer Krista And they want me to leave Larson in Dakar, Senegal conmy country?’’ Jammeh said. tributed to this report.)
Gambia U.S. ambassador recalled
after urging power handover by Abdoulie John
Omar Faye at the time wrote a letter saying JamAssociated Press Writer meh’s reversal put Gambia on a dangerous path. DAKAR, Senegal (AP)— In another letter on Dec. Gambia’s ambassador to 19, Faye again called on the United States says Jammeh to respect the will he is being recalled after of the people and urged urging President Yahya Gambians to rally behind Jammeh to respect election results and peacefully Barrow. Faye, a former military ofhand over power. ficer, also called on security Jammeh initially conforces to “do the right thing ceded defeat to opposition coalition candidate Adama by standing with the peoBarrow in the tiny West Af- ple of the Gambia, mainrican country’s Dec. 1 elec- tain peace and prevent any usurpation of power.’’ tion, but later denounced Barrow has said he is the results and called for a ready to take office in Jannew vote. uary. Jammeh, who seized Ambassador Sheikh
power in a bloodless 1994 military coup, has long been accused by human rights groups of overseeing a government that imprisons, tortures and sometimes kills its opponents. The crisis has drawn the attention of world and regional leaders. Presidents at a summit of the Economic Community of West African States, on Dec. 17, promised to “take all necessary actions’’ to enforce the results of Gambia’s election and announced they will attend Barrow’s Jan. 19 inauguration. The U.N. secretary-general commended the firm stance taken by ECOWAS and urged security forces “to uphold their neutrality and demonstrate restraint,’’ according to a statement by his spokesman. Jammeh’s party, the Alliance for Construction and Reorientation, has filed a petition challenging the results, though the Supreme Court has not sat for more than a year.
(Associated Press writer Carley Petesch in Dakar, Senegal contributed.)
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This Week In Black History
For the week of Dec. 28-Jan. 3 December 28 1816—The American Colonization Society is organized by Robert Finley with the aim of returning Blacks to Africa. Ironically, it received support from two groups with opposing interests. Some abolitionists and philanthropists who wanted to end slavery supported the ACS with the hope of giving slaves a chance to start new, free lives in Africa. Meanwhile, some slave owners supported the ACS because they saw it as a way of ridding the country of free Blacks who they saw as stirring up trouble among Blacks who were still enslaved. It is estimated that at this time, there were 2 million enslaved Blacks and 200,000 free Blacks in America. In 10 years, the ACS returned nearly 3,000 Blacks to Africa. They helped to form what are today the West African nations of Liberia and Sierra Leone. Indeed, the first president of LiEARL “FATHA” HINES beria was an American Black who had returned to Africa. 1905—Legendary Jazz great and pianist Earl “Fatha” Hines is born on this day in Duquesne, Pa., near Pittsburgh. He was in a class by himself and a major influence not only in Jazz but also upon the Swing and Bebop eras of American popular music. He collaborated with such greats as Louis Armstrong, Charlie Parker, Sarah Vaughn and Dizzy Gillespie. He died in 1983. Among his best known hits were “Stormy Monday Blues” and “Second Balcony Jump.” 1954—Movie star Denzel Washington is born on this day in Mt. Vernon, N.Y. December 29 1939—One of the most outstanding educators of the 20th century, Kelly Miller, dies in Washington, D.C. He was a champion of education for Blacks and was among that group of more radical Blacks who opposed the accommodating policies of Booker T. Washington. In 1887, Miller became the first African-American admitted to Johns Hopkins University. He became a long-time professor and dean at Howard University, while also being a prolific writer, essayist and newspaper columnist. December 30 1928—R&B music legend Bo Diddley is born Ellas Bates KELLY MILLER on this day in McComb, Miss. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and received Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation and a Grammy Award from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. He was known in particular for his technical innovations, including his trademark rectangular guitar. 1929—Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority is officially incorporated. The international Black sorority was actually organized Nov. 22, 1922, by seven teachers in Indianapolis, Ind. It is currently headquartered in Cary, N.C., with the theme: “Sisterhood, Scholarship and Service.” 1929—A Black boycott of unfair store hiring BO DIDDLEY practices begins during the Great Depression. The “Don’t Buy Where You Can’t Work” campaign began in Chicago with the picketing of a chain of stores. It soon spread to New York, Los Angeles, Cleveland and several other major cities. December 31 1862—This day has become known as “Watch Night”—the eve of the Emancipation Proclamation going into effect and nominally freeing slaves in the Confederacy. Thousands of free Blacks gathered in various locations throughout the nation to “watch” for midnight when the Emancipation of slaves became the law of the land. A focal point for celebration was the home of abolitionist Frederick Douglas in Rochester, N.Y. January 1 1804—Jean Jacques Dessalines proclaims the independence of Haiti from France. The island nation, after the United States, becomes the second independent republic in the Western Hemisphere. The chief slogan of his independence speech was “Live free or die.” The Haitian war of independence had actually begun in August of 1791. The leader and greatest hero of that war was a former slave who worked as a carriage driver—Toussaint L’Ouverture. As a general, L’Ouverture was comparable to, and in some respects superior to, America’s George Washington and France’s Napoleon T’OUSSAINT LOUVERTURE Bonaparte. However, under the ruse of discussing peace, L’Ouverture was tricked into traveling to France where he died in prison in April of 1803. The Haitians nevertheless prevailed over the French under the leadership of Dessalines and he was able to declare independence on this day in 1804. 1854—Lincoln University becomes one of the first institutions of higher learning for Blacks in America when it is incorporated as Ashmun Institute in Oxford, Pa., on this day in 1854. 1863—The Emancipation Proclamation becomes law. Like many of the proBlack measures taken by President Abraham Lincoln, the Emancipation, while welcomed by Blacks, reflected many contradictions. First of all, it only freed slaves in the South—an area of the country over which Lincoln at the time had no effective control. Further, it did not free slaves in the Border States. And even in the South, it exempted from nominal freedom slaves in 13 parishes in Louisiana, including New Orleans; 48 counties in West Virginia; and seven counties in Virginia, including Norfolk. 1997—Kofi Annan of Ghana becomes the first Black Secretary General of the United Nations. 1997—The notorious Robbens Island off the coast of South Africa, the prison that held legendary Black freedom fighter Nelson Mandela for 27 years, was converted into a museum. January 2 KOFI ANNAN 1831—William Lloyd Garrison (1805-1879), one of the great White heroes of Black history, begins publishing the anti-slavery newspaper, The Liberator, in Boston. Garrison was a fiery and strong-willed abolitionist who believed in the “immediate and complete” end of slavery. Thus, he ran afoul of not only the pro-slavery crowd but also those anti-slavery activists who favored a gradualist approach to the problem. He was so militant that he was imprisoned for libel because of his criticism of a merchant involved in the slave trade and at one point the state of Georgia offered a $5,000 reward for his arrest and conviction. According to Garrison, when it came to fighting slavery he was opposed to “timidity, injustice and absurdity.” His oft-repeated slogan as editor of The Liberator was, “I am in earnest; I will not equivocate; I will not retreat a single inch; and I will be heard.” 1837—The first National Negro Catholic Congress is held in Washington, D.C. 1898—Brilliant scholar Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander is born. She was the first Black woman to receive a doctorate in economics in America. She accomplished that feat in 1921 at the University of Pennsylvania at the age of 23. Later she earned a law degree and in 1927 became the first Black woman admitted to the Pennsylvania bar. She came from a distinguished family of educated and accomplished Blacks. She died in 1989. 1915—One of America’s most prominent historians, John Hope Franklin, is born. Perhaps his best known work on Black history is “From Slavery to Freedom.” 1954—Oprah Winfrey, talk show queen and Black America’s first recognized billionaire, is born in Kosciusko, Miss. (There is SADIE TANNER MOSSELL some debate. Winfrey may have been the second Black billionALEXANDER aire after Black Entertainment Television founder Bob Johnson.) Winfrey retired from the “Oprah Winfrey Show” in 2011 and started her own network named OWN. January 3 1621—The first Black child is born in America. He was named William Tucker and he was born on a plantation in Jamestown, Va. His parents were Anthony and Isabella, who were among the first group of Black indentured servants (later slaves) brought to the American colonies in 1619. Indentured servants could work off so-called contracts and become free. But after 1619, all Africans brought to America were classified as slaves OPRAH WINFREY and only Whites were treated as indentured servants. (There is some dispute over the year of William Tucker’s birth. But it appears he was born in 1621 and Baptized in 1624.) 1966—One of the most tragic and senseless events of the Civil Rights Movement occurs. Sammy Younge Jr. is shot and killed in Tuskegee, Ala., by White service station attendant Marvin Segrest for using the “Whites Only” restroom at the service station where Segrest worked. Younge was a 21-year-old Tuskegee Institute student and civil rights activist.
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U.S. election voted top news story of 2016
NEW YORK (AP)—The turbulent U.S. election, featuring Donald Trump’s unexpected victory over Hillary Clinton in the presidential race, was the overwhelming pick for the top news story of 2016, according to The Associated Press’ annual poll of U.S. editors and news directors. The No. 2 story also was a dramatic upset—Britons’ vote to leave the European Union. Most of the other stories among the Top 10 reflected a year marked by political upheaval, terror attacks and racial divisions. Last year, developments related to the Islamic State group were voted as the top story—the far-flung attacks claimed by the group, and the intensifying global effort to crush it. The first AP top-stories poll was conducted in 1936, when editors chose the abdication of Britain’s King Edward VIII. Here are 2016’s top 10 stories, in order: 1. U.S. ELECTION: This year’s top story traces back to June 2015, when Donald Trump descended an escalator in Trump Tower, his bastion in New York City, to announce he would run for president. Widely viewed as a long shot, with an unconventional campaign featuring raucous rallies and pugnacious tweets, he outlasted 16 Republican rivals. Among the Democrats, Clinton beat back an unexpectedly strong challenge from Bernie Sanders, and won the popular vote over Trump. But he won key Rust Belt states to get the most electoral votes, and will enter the White House with Republicans maintaining control of both houses of Congress. 2. BREXIT: Confounding pollsters and oddsmakers, Britons voted in June to leave the European Union, triggering financial and political upheaval. David Cameron resigned as prime minister soon after the vote, leaving the task of negotiating an exit to a reshaped Conservative government led by Theresa May. Under a tentative timetable, final details of the withdrawal might not be known until the
BLACK LIVES MATTER—Protesters in Pittsburgh hold a Black Lives Matters sign and chant “What do we want? Justice. When do we want it? Now.” (Photo by J.L. Martello) spring of 2019. 3. BLACK MEN KILLED BY POLICE: One day apart, police in Baton Rouge, La., fatally shot Alton Sterling after pinning him to the ground, and a white police officer shot and killed Philando Castile during a traffic stop in a suburb of Minneapolis. Coming after several similar cases in recent years, the killings rekindled debate over policing practices and the Black Lives Matter movement. 4. PULSE NIGHTCLUB MASSACRE: The worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history unfolded on Latin Night at the Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando. The gunman, Omar Mateen, killed 49 people over the course of three hours before dying in a shootout with SWAT team members. During the standoff, he pledged allegiance to the Islamic State.
5. WORLDWIDE TERROR ATTACKS: Across the globe, extremist attacks flared at a relentless pace throughout the year. Among the many high-profile attacks were those that targeted airports in Brussels and Istanbul, a park teeming with families and children in Pakistan, and the seafront boulevard in Nice, France, where 86 people were killed when a truck plowed through a Bastille Day celebration. In Iraq alone, many hundreds of civilians were killed in repeated bombings. 6. ATTACKS ON POLICE: Ambushes and targeted attacks on police officers in the U.S. claimed at least 20 lives. The victims included five officers in Dallas working to keep the peace at a protest over the fatal police shootings of Black men in Minnesota and Louisiana. Ten
Oprah Winfrey’s loss is Weight Watchers’ gain
NEW YORK (AP)—Oprah Winfrey’s loss is Weight Watchers’ gain. The former talk show host, who bought a nearly 10 percent stake in the weight loss company last year, sent shares soaring
Dec. 22 after saying in a new ad that she’s lost more than 40 pounds on the plan, all while eating pasta and tacos. Shedding pounds is Winfrey’s financial gain as well as Weight Watchers’.
She spent about $43.2 million in October 2015 for 6.4 million shares. On Dec. 22, that stake was worth about $77 million. But even Winfrey has been unable to outpace enormous changes in the weight loss
market. Weight Watchers has been facing increasing competition from free apps and technology that tracks food intake and exercise. Weight Watchers stock is down about 50 percent so far this year.
days after that attack, a man killed three officers in Baton Rouge, La. In Iowa, two policemen were fatally shot in separate ambush-style attacks while sitting in their patrol cars. 7. DEMOCRATIC PARTY EMAIL LEAKS: Hacked emails, disclosed by WikiLeaks, revealed at-times embarrassing details from Democratic Party operatives in run-up to Election Day, leading to the resignation of Democratic National Committee chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz and other DNC officials. The CIA later concluded that Russia was behind the DNC hacking in a bid to boost Trump’s chances of beating Clinton. 8. SYRIA: Repeated cease-fire negotiations failed to halt relentless warfare among multiple factions. With Russia’s help, the government forces of President Bashar Assad finally seized rebel-held portions of the city of Aleppo, at a huge cost in terms of deaths and destruction. 9. SUPREME COURT: After Justice Antonin Scalia’s death in February, President Obama nominated Merrick Garland, chief judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, to fill the vacancy. However, majority Republicans in the Senate refused to consider the nomination, opting to leave the seat vacant so it could be filled by the winner of the presidential election. Trump has promised to appoint a conservative in the mold of Scalia. 10. CLINTON’S EMAILS: Amid the presidential campaign, the FBI conducted an investigation into Clinton’s use of a private computer server to handle emails she sent and received as secretary of state. FBI Director James Comey criticized Clinton for carelessness but said the bureau would not recommend criminal charges. Stories that did not make the top 10 included Europe’s migrant crisis, the death of longtime Cuban leader Fidel Castro, and the spread of the Zika virus across Latin America and the Caribbean.
OPRAH WINFREY (AP Photo/File)
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More than 600 support SALT toy giveaway CONTINUED FROM A1
years of age had a lot of entertainment set up for them with dancing on and off the stage, and had biblical trivia and won gifts as well as were given presents at the end of the event. The parents had some biblical trivia of their own and won gifts for them selves as well as for their kids, and had 50/50 raffles, parent give-
ENJOYING THEIR GIFTS—Dontrell Brock and Eijah Fleet holding their gifts standing with “Konspircy” Thyais Walker from Aftermath Social Club and “Big Body Benz” Brook Harris from the Hurrican Biker Girls.
aways. “Anything for the parents to give them peace of mind it cuts down on suicide around Christmas time, it provides something they can give their children and it makes the children happy cause they get to spend time with their parents,” Williams said. “We heal the parents, they
MARY ELLEN BARBOUR WILLIAMS founder of SALT
will heal the children and subsequently heal the communities,” Williams said was the mission of SALT. (To find out more about SALT Pittsburgh to get some help, volunteer or donate you can go to their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/S.A. L.T.PGH/ or Ms Williams facebook page https://www.face book.com/maryellenbarbour.williams ?pnref=story)
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munity to make sure everyone is enjoying the holidays and we didn’t want anybody to feel left out during the holiday season, So we wanted to take from the kindness of our hearts and give it to them”.
Sin City and other biker groups have events like this all-year round to help fire victims that may have lost everything in a fire, to feed the community and have been getting more recognition from the community and politicians for the posi-
tive things they are doing in the communities. (To donate for fire victims or toy drives or to find out what the bikers in Homewood are working on next you can reach out to Reginal Smith at reginal1972smith@gmail.com or call 412-668-6888. )
RECEIVING GIFTS—Toys to the kids Tontay Copeland, Kyrique Mitchell, Kamrem Mitchell, with police officers Antoine Davis and officer Sgt. Tim Novoseo.
ALL YOUTH GOT GIFTS (Photos by J.L. Martello)
THE POLICE—Pittsburgh police came out to volunteer and helped serve food and handing out gifts.
ALL THE GIFTS ON DISPLAY (Photos by J.L. Martello)
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Lawsuit challenging county jail’s practice City Council approves creation of placing pregnant women in solitary of $10M annual housing subsidy PITTSBURGH—The ACLU of Pennsylvania, the Abolitionist Law Center, the Pennsylvania Institutional Law Project (PILP), and Reed Smith LLP joined forces in filing claims in federal court challenging the way officials treat pregnant women held at the Allegheny County Jail. The lawsuit alleges that jail officials routinely place pregnant women in solitary confinement for extended periods of time without justification, knowing full well that this practice can harm the health of the women and their pregnancies. The lawsuit also seeks to end other restrictions and conditions placed on these women that are dangerous and extremely shortsighted. Pregnant inmates are regularly deprived of nutritional food; needed medications; lack of heat; and even the ability to shower or exercise. “The conditions of solitary confinement and inadequate nutrition faced by pregnant women at ACJ are causing severe psychological anguish, constant hunger, and putting them and their pregnancies at risk of permanent harm,” said Bret Grote, legal director of the Abolitionist Law Center. “The Constitution does not permit this.” Four of the five named plaintiffs in the lawsuit have spent time ranging from six to 22 days in solitary confinement while pregnant. Elizabeth Seitz, the lead plaintiff in the case, was placed in solitary confinement for ten days in November when she was seven months pregnant. She spent 24 hours per day in her cell and was permitted to leave her cell to shower only twice in ten days. Seitz had previously spent 21 days in solitary confinement in October. “Despite numerous requests for help, ACJ has ignored its duty to safeguard the pregnant women in its care,” said Alexandra Morgan-Kurtz, staff attorney at the Pennsylvania Institutional Law Project. “This blatant disregard for correctional standards cannot be tolerated.” Due to the serious risk of mental and physical harm, the U.S. Department of Justice opposes the use of solitary confinement for pregnant women except in very rare situations. Yet, Allegheny County regularly places pregnant women in solitary confinement for minor, non-violent rule violations. For
example, one of the plaintiffs, Ms. Hendricks, was placed in solitary confinement for nine days for violating rules by having a library book in her possession. “It is widely recognized that placing pregnant women in solitary confinement is extremely dangerous—for both mother and child,” said David Fawcett, an attorney at Reed Smith who is representing the plaintiffs pro bono. “The routine and thoughtless use of this practice is a real black mark on our county and must end now.” Many other groups, like the National Commission on Correctional Health Care, have documented the unhealthy effects of solitary confinement for pregnant women. According to the NCCHC, “(i)nternational standards established by the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-Custodial Measures for Women Offenders state that pregnant women should never be placed in solitary confinement as they are especially susceptible to its harmful psychological effects.” “The use of solitary confinement to discipline pregnant women for any offense, much less a minor, non-violent offense, is contrary to both national and international standards,” said Reggie Shuford, ACLU-PA executive director. “Pregnant women in Allegheny County should not be subject to this cruel and inhumane practice.” The case is Seitz v. Allegheny County, and the plaintiffs are represented by Sara Rose of the ACLU-PA, Grote, Morgan-Kurtz, and Fawcett. (More about the case, including a copy of the complaint, is available at: www.aclupa.org/seitz)
based startup accelerator AlphaLab Gear; TechShop Pittsburgh, which provides access to its 16,000 squarefoot workshop and prototyping studio, and City of Play, which invents new ways for play to impact people, communities, businesses, and classrooms. The 2017 program, which runs from June 26 through Aug. 18, has 36 slots available. During the first three
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At halftime, there were special performances by the Pittsburgh Perry Dance team and the North Side Steelers Cheer Squad. As an added bonus, former majorettes and dance team members from both schools jumped on the court to show the crowd they still had moves. The game, coordinated by the Pittsburgh Perry After-School Academy, and Family
weeks, students go through a daily “boot camp” where they undergo an intensive design thinking process to come up with a product, and learn the skill such as screen printing, welding woodworking, sewing and computer drafting needed to make a prototype. They also learn principles of entrepreneurship and business, and how to pitch their product to investors. During the final five weeks,
student actually build their businesses and products. “The program has seen great success,” said Shimshoni. “While the program currently takes place in the summer, alumni engage year-round, taking advantage of community markets and networking opportunities offered through the program.” Those interested can apply beginning Jan. 1 at startablepittsburgh.org.
Community Calendar Blood Drive THROUGH DEC. 31—The Red Cross urges eligible donors to give the lifesaving gift of a blood donation in December, a time when donations decline but the needs of patients remain steady. Donors of all blood types are needed this holiday season to help ensure a sufficient supply for hospital patients. For the nearest location, or to make an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-733-2767.
Violence Prevention Recruitment ONGOING—The Allegheny County Department of Health is recruiting 25 individuals to serve on its new Violence Prevention Community Advisory Board. The board will assist ACHD in developing public health approaches, data-driven strategies and collaborations to best serve the residents in the areas with the highest activity of gun violence. Members are being recruited from a wide range of backgrounds, including workforce development, government, media, social services as well as community residents who are committed to addressing the issue. To learn more, visit online at http://www.achd.net/commhea lth/advisoryboard.html.
Kwanzaa Celebration Dec. 30—The Community
Courier Staff Writer
In a 7-0 vote, Pittsburgh City Council approved adding a $10 million line item to the city budget specifically to pay for an affordable housing trust fund. But they have yet to identify a dedicated funding source to finance it. For that reason, Councilwoman Darlene Harris—who believes federal and state monies should fund the initiative—abstained. Theresa Kail-Smith, who was absent, said she also has questions about funding the trust. Beyond a controversial 1-percent increase in the realty transfer tax, backers of the fund have no concrete sources identified. “The hardest nut to crack will be how do we fund it,” said Councilman Daniel Lavelle. “Whether it’s a full 1 percent (realty tax increase) or we do something else, I think, is part of the question.” A referendum pushed by Pittsburgh United and other supporters was to have been on the November general election ballot. But as it called for the realty tax increase to be the only funding mechanism, it was pulled. At 4 percent, Pittsburgh’s transfer tax is already the highest in the county. Mayor Bill Peduto said he would support the tax increase. Lavelle, who initially introduced legislation to create the fund in July, said he favors using additional sources such as tax revenue from expiring tax increment financing programs, foundation donations, and state funding. These are the same sources recommended last summer by the Affordable
Housing Task Force, which Lavelle cochairs. The task force report also city faces a shortage of about 17,000 affordable rental units for those earning below 50 percent of the area median income, about $35,600 for a family of four. Council’s legislation sets the trust fund eligibility limit at $40,000. The trust fund would be administered by the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh, and would be available not just for low-income rental subsidies, but also for home repairs, renovation, down payment assistance and even housing construction. Supporters speaking prior to the vote said the fund would help low-income renters stay in their homes and neighborhoods, and increase the available rental units in the city. They also said it is “fair” to have property buyers pay for the fund. “We think the realty transfer tax is the fairest source because it impacts developers more than low- to moderate-income homeowners,” said Pittsburgh United Organizer Celeste Scott. The Realtors Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh disagrees. Not only is it not fair, said association Executive Director John Petrack, it is also self defeating because it would deter homebuyers—some of whom will rent. “When you have less buyers, you have more renters,” he said. “Unfortunately, that increases rental rates.” He also said his association estimates city and URA own more than 20,000 properties which could be sold and deed-restricted to remain affordable units. Lavelle said he expects to have more concrete funding proposals by February.
Perry hosts alumni charity basketball game vs. Oliver
Startable Pittsburgh program wins $150,000 grant CONTINUED FROM A1
by Christian Morrow
Empowerment Association will hold its 22nd annual Kwanzaa celebration, from 5 to 9 p.m. at its 7120 street building in Homewood. This year’s theme is Nia, meaning purpose. The program will consist of dancing, drumming, singing, and a community feast–each incorporating youth and community members in a display of their gifts and talents for all present to experience and enjoy.
Holiday Cruises DEC. 30—The Gateway Clipper fleet will host two Princess Balls boarding at 12:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., inviting all “little princesses” to celebrate the New Year aboard a Pittsburgh riverboat. Call 412-355-7580 for more information and prices. Dec. 31—The Gateway Clipper fleet will host three New Year’s Eve events: a Dinner Cruise, A Dance Cruise, and an Hors D’ouevres & Dance Cruise. Call 412-355-7580 for more information and prices.
First Night Pittsburgh DEC. 31—Ring in the new year with the Afro-American Music Institute Jazz Lab, the Heritage Gospel Choir, the Nigel Hall Band, face painting, puppet shows and two fireworks displays. Visit firstnightpgh.trustarts.org/events for the full schedule of times and events.
KISS 2016 Goodbye
Bash & Cadillac Giveaway DEC. 31—The Rivers Casino will host a KISS 2016 Goodbye bash from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets are $50 and available at riverscasino.com. There will also be a drawing for a 2017 Cadillac Escalade. at 1:30 a.m.
Business Education Forum JAN. 7—The Community Empowerment Association will host an MBE forum, at 12 p.m., at 7120 Kelly St. In Homewood. The forum will be led by Ruth Byrd Smith, director of the Allegheny County Minority Women Disadvantage Business Enterprise Office. Byrd-Smith will provide an overview of the steps it takes to get your business registered as a MWDBE vendor. Call 412371-3689 Ext. 44 to register for this class.
Business & Community Training Course JAN. 12—Community Empowerment Association will begin a 12-week Business Leadership & Entrepreneurship course, 6 to 8p.m. each Thursday, at 7120 Kelly St. In Homewood. Classes will cover business formation, marketing, product development and more. Space is limited. Call 412-371-3689 Ext. 44 to register.
and Community Engagement program, raised money for the class of 2017. Game profits will be used for after-school enrichment, Black college tour scholarships and senior class activities. Also, a donation was made to the North Side Youth Athletic Association. Before the game, Hall and Mike “DJ Girl Quit Playin’” Brazil collected hundreds of toys during a drive to benefit North Side families. Attendees also brought donated toys to the game. Because of the game’s success, Hall plans to have the game annually. Hall, who hails from the North Side, is not only a Pittsburgh Perry 2002 graduate, but he currently serves as a counselor at Pittsburgh Clayton and assistant director at the AfterSchool Academy. He works closely with newly appointed principal, James Cooper. “Hopefully, the community will be able to rally behind Principal Cooper in hopes of bringing the pride back to a once prestigious name,” said Hall. In addition to restoring school pride at Pittsburgh Perry, Hall hopes the game “completes a vision of unity that could be felt and displayed under one roof.” The Perry Commodore
TEAM CAPTAINS FROM PERRY AND OLIVER (Photo courtesy of Pittsburgh Public Schools) alumni team, coached by Chuck Franklin, included Rod Rutherford, Darrell Goodwine, Wayne Copeland, Vaughn Rivers, Warren Pettus, Joe “Owey” Gales, Gary Nolan, Marcus Smith, Tony Houghton, John Gallagher, Brian Wilson, Devaughn “Penny” McClinton, Mike Mitchell and Mike Hawthorne. Led by Coach Ace Pip-
pens, the Oliver Bears alumni team included captain Gilmore “Ill Gil” Cummings, Kenny Wright, Jason Raiford, Earl Ward, Eric Garland, Steve Tarrant, Jim Kennedy, Qaardir Haymon, Harrison Hatcher, Dom Moriarty-Jones, Shahif Wellons, Keith Oaks, Darnell “Big Twoine” Rhinehart and Porsha Humphries.
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A6
RELIGION
DECEMBER 28, 2016-JANUARY 3, 2017 NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Praise & Worship ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH Crawford & Centre Ave. Pgh., PA 15219 412-281-3141 Mass Sunday 9:00 A.M. & 12:00 P.M. Sunday (Gospel Choir Mass) 12:00 P.M. www.stbtmchurch.org
METROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH 22 Sampsonia Street, Northside Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412-231-2554 FAX 412-231-6395 Rev. Lacy F. Richardson, Ph.D., Pastor Church School.................................9:30 A.M. Worship Service.................8:00 & 10:45 A.M. Bible Study/ Prayer Wednesday...................6:30/7:30 P.M. www.metropolitanbaptistchurch.com metropolitanbaptist2224@gmail.com
East Liberty Presbyterian Church Rev. Dr. Randy Bush, Senior Pastor 412-441-3800 116 S. Highland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206
www.cathedralofhope.com
Journey Worship........8:45 a.m. Sanctuary Worship........11 a.m.
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
Black pastors conference offers solutions to… FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, N.J.—Some 50 Black pastors from across the country gathered recently to bond, network and learn more about strategies to lead their congregations and communities to financial success during the 5th Annual Financial Freedom Conference hosted by Rev. Dr. DeForest “Buster” Soaries at the First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens, in New Jersey. The pastors came from as far away as South Africa and many states including Alabama, Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Virginia. After a day of activities, the conversation turned to the fear that many young people, particularly those of color, are expressing now that Donald Trump is president-elect. Reverend Dr. Lee A. Earl, a retired pastor, now in Maryland, told the group what he recently shared with a young family member: “This is not the first time. If you think this is bad, you should have been here when (Ronald) Reagan was elected.” Reverend Earl went on to say all would be fine because “God always operates best in strange political climates.” In the 1980s, the threat of “Reaganomics” encouraged local and then national Black pastors to form partnerships in ways that moved their focus from preaching and the internal workings of the church to community development, he said. At the time, Rev. Earl was a preacher in Detroit and crack cocaine was devastating neighborhoods. He and other preachers formed REACH (Reach Everyone, Administer Care and Help) to reclaim the neighborhoods and succeeded with unexpected new partnerships, including one with Black Muslims.
Trump, economics, education, health, employment, many other problems
REV. DR. DeFOREST SOARIES “The church has the only real response to the prevailing political climate,” he said. Before recalling how Bob Woodson introduced him to Soaries at a conference in D.C. he credited Rev. Soaries with coining the phrase “faithbased” initiatives and credited John McNight, a professor at Northwestern at the time, for teaching them to focus on answers, not problems, and to focus on the assets of poor communities–like families and theology. Eventually, Rev. Earl and others reduced crime in the area by 37 percent “without the use of a gun.” They used church assets to buy abandoned properties and trained neighbors and then employed them to renovate the properties. Reverend Soaries, also has had community development success in Franklin Township, ended the session by invit-
ing pastors on a tour to see the health clinic, the senior citizen, veteran and other housing projects and businesses that his community development corporation has created. “It’s all about community,” Rev. Earl said. “Every initiative of God’s is about bringing us back into harmony with the community God created in the first place.” Reverend Earl said one of the reasons he is so excited about the financial freedom movement is that it has the right theology. “We don’t manage money,” Rev. Soaries said. “We manage our lives, with the help of the Holy Spirit, and then we use money to help us achieve life goals.” Reverend Soaries created a session in 2005 to combat the American consumer culture that encourages people to become fixated on materialism instead of true meaning and purpose.
In particular, Rev. Soaries focuses on helping faithbased individuals, groups and organizations end the debilitating cycle of debt, delinquency and deficits and move to financial stability and freedom. Earlier in the session, the pastors confronted other difficult issues including dealing with stress. Reverend Dr. Therman E. Evans, senior pastor of Morning Star Community Christian Center in Linden, NJ, encouraged pastors to stay healthy so that they can better balance their sometimes all-consuming work. Reverend Soaries noted that health is one of the many emotional, spiritual, psychological and physiological factors that often lead people to debt. Calling Evans “a national resource” he said healthy living is an important part of expanding the scope of dfree.” It’s virtually meaningless to teach people about money if they are not healthy enough to use it,” Soaries said. Reverend Evans noted that Black communities in particular suffer more from preventable health diseases including diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiac arrest. He encouraged pastors to first ask what they can do about stress by facing what is under their control and acting. He then offered 10 more steps to fighting stress including: always be optimistic; learn and practice relaxation techniques; exercise; eat healthy, particularly cutting back on meat intake; learn to manage yourself/self-discipline; have a hobby; get sufficient sleep; never rely upon alcohol, cigarettes or any kind of drug; spend time with the
people you love and don’t be afraid to ask for help or seek therapy. “We are fearfully and wonderfully made,” Rev. Evans said when talking about how the body and how it copes with stress, “and yet we treat it like an ugly pair of socks given to us by an ugly in-law.” The “Say Yes to the Next Level” conference, was intended to motivate existing dfree participants to accomplish their goals and to attract new audiences. The conference encouraged participants to reevaluate personal values, habits, attitudes and relationships in order to prepare themselves to move toward financial wholeness. The conference also featured a power-packed lineup of speakers and performers, including: •Erica Campbell, the Grammy Award-winning recording artist and singer who formed gospel duo “Mary Mary.” •Michelle Duffie, the CEO of D3 Entertainment who promoted blockbusters such as “War Room” and “Risen.” •Kevin Johnson, Sacramento mayor and former NBA player. •Lynette Khalfani-Cox, the Money Coach. •Navarrow Wright, president of Maximum Leverage Solutions. •Hip-hop artist DEE-1 and AllHipHop.com Founder Chuck Creekmur. The Financial Freedom Movement is a practical yet holistic approach to financial security that exposes root causes of negative financial habits and provides financial literacy, faith-based methods and community support to help individuals achieve and maintain financial success. The informative, uplifting and celebratory financial freedom conference was held at FBCLG, 771 Somerset Street, in Somerset, N.J.
McAuley Ministries awards more than $480,000 in grants to nonprofits Grants support affordable housing,health and wellness, community development, education, and collaborative funding initiatives in the Hill District, Uptown, and West Oakland PITTSBURGH—In December, McAuley Ministries, Pittsburgh Mercy’s grant-making foundation, announced they awarded 12 grants totaling $480,440 to 11 Pittsburgh area nonprofit organizations. The grants will support affordable housing, after-school programs, health and wellness, community development, education, and collaborative funding initiatives in Pittsburgh’s Hill District, Uptown and West Oakland communities. The grantmaking foundation awards approximately $3 million in grants annually. Since 2008, McAuley Ministries has awarded 517 grants totaling more than $20.9 million to nonprofit organizations in support of their work in these communities, as well as ministries that serve in the tradition of the Sisters of Mercy. To view a list of grants awarded by year, visit www.mcauleyministries.org. Grouped by category, the recipients of the grant awards are: Affordable Housing Community at Holy Family Manor:
•$35,000 to Nazareth Housing to make vital home repairs for 7-10 low-income, elderly, or disabled homeowners. After-School Programs: •$42,000 to the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh to establish a sixth site for “The Labs @ CLP” at the Hill District branch. The Labs provide access to new technology, digital media, specialized equipment, and resources that spark, encourage, and support curiosity and interests among youth. Higher Achievement: •$50,000 to operate the Hill District Achievement Center, a college-preparatory, afterschool option for middle school students. The Achievement Center provides 3–4 years of uninterrupted focus on rigorous academics, enriching electives, and mentoring to prepare students for college preparatory courses in high school. •Orchestra on the Hill will receive $40,000 to expand an afterschool music program based at St. Benedict the Moor School in the Hill District and build the organization’s infrastructure. •$25,000 to United Way
of Southwestern PA for Allegheny Partners for Out-ofSchool Time, a partnership of funders, intermediary organizations, and out-ofschool time providers, dedicated to building quality after-school, weekend, and summer programs. •$50,000 to United Way of Southwestern PA for the Hill Youth Partnership for Enrichment. HYPE is a grassroots collaborative effort of Hill District youth service providers that focuses on engaging more youth from kindergarten through 12th grade in high quality after-school and summer programs. Health and Wellness: •$35,000 to 412 Food Rescue for volunteer outreach and food recovery initiatives to connect food that would otherwise go to waste to organizations that serve persons at risk for food insecurity. Community Development: •$25,000 to GTECH Strategies to collaborate with the Hill District Consensus Group and the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh to engage,
equip, and empower 8-10 residents from the Bedford Dwellings and Middle Hill neighborhoods of the Hill District to participate in a targeted education and training program. The program will culminate in residents reclaiming and improving vacant land in the Middle Hill District. •$36,240 to Hill Community Development Corporation to install an elevator in the MOKA Art Gallery on Centre Avenue in the Hill District. Education: •$10,000 to Center that C.A.R.E.S. to provide a transportation service for high school students who attend Pittsburgh Milliones K-12 University Preparato-
ry School but do not qualify for transportation from the Pittsburgh Public School District. The goals are to reduce student absenteeism and tardiness, and demonstrate the need for a modified transportation policy. Collaborative Funding Program to Aid Citizen Enterprise will receive $57,200 to provide executive coaching for a second cohort of 10 nonprofit leaders. •$75,000 to Pittsburgh Foundation, payable over three years, for the Jail Collaborative, a public/private partnership designed to improve prisoner re-entry to the community and, by doing so, reduce recidivism and strengthen families and communities.
New release
LIFESTYLES New Pittsburgh Courier
A7
DECEMBER 28, 2016-JANUARY 3, 2017
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
Debbie Norrell
Lifestyles Report
The ugly Christmas sweater I have some questions about the “ugly Christmas sweater.” First, when did this trend start and second, why would I want to wear anything that falls into the category of being ugly? What defines ugly? According to Merriam-Webster, it is “offensive to the sight, offensive or unpleasant to any sense.” With that definition in mind would you want to wear anything that is considered ugly? Last week, there were ugly Christmas sweater parties everywhere. My nine to five crew incorporated one into a food fest and we even took a group photo. I wore my Christmas vest that I bought years ago at Walmart. I really like my vest and it is not ugly. It is fun and festive as were most of the sweaters that my co-workers wore. The Christmas sweater phenomenon has become so crazy that stores are now purposely making them and selling them. When the trend first started, the thrift stores were the hot spot for finding abandoned Christmas sweaters. The funniest thing that I have seen is men wearing sweaters that were made for ladies. What I don’t like is when someone takes a normal sweater and then embellishes it to become what they call an ugly Christmas sweater. I have seen people hang tinsel and ornaments on sweaters in an attempt to make their sweater ugly. That is not fair. If the sweater wasn’t ugly from the jump, then don’t try to make it such. So what makes a Christmas sweater ugly? According to the numerous sites on ugly Christmas sweaters, liberal use of red and green; large images of Santa, reindeer and snowmen; and I would like to add, that dang gone zipper closure takes the sweater to a new level of ugly. One site even brought up the name of Bill Cosby and called his sweaters ugly. I never thought his sweaters to be ugly; as a matter of fact I loved his sweaters. Looks like the “Cos” can’t get a break anywhere. There is even a book, “Ugly Christmas Sweater Party Book: The definitive Guide to Getting Your Ugly On.” It seems like the ugly sweater parties took off around 2001 and snowballed after that. Last week, I was riding past a vintage furniture store on Butler Street and saw two Christmas sweaters hanging outside. I’m sure they had some aluminum Christmas trees inside at a premium price as well. If you are looking for an ugly holiday sweater, now is the time to shop for it. Christmas is over and the sweaters should be marked down. I may have to break my temporary “not shopping trend” for a minute, if I can get a good deal on a sweater for next year. I have been wearing my vest for more than 10 years, but it still fits and I still love it. It is black with gold buttons and is embroidered with colorful Christmas lights. This year I added a matching necklace that lights and blinks; it was a hit. Happy ugly Christmas sweater shopping and to all a good night. (Email the columnist at debbienorrell@aol.com)
THE WARREN Hayes-Freeland
HISTORY—Lynne
A YOUTHFUL WELCOME—Noah Johnston
GREETING—Pastor Don Blinn Jr.
FINANCE CHAIRPERSON—Jacqueline Patterson
by Debbie Norrell Lifestyles Editor
On Nov. 13, Warren United Methodist Church celebrated 136 years with members of the congregation and scores of friends. The celebration was incorporated into its Sunday church service. Noah Johnston, a member of the Warren United Methodist Church Youth, provided words of welcome while Pastor Don Blinn Jr. greeted the congregation. L y n n e Hayes-Freeland, of KDKA TV, grew up in Warren and GUEST SPEAKER—Evangelist Gerald Mayhan Photos by Debbie Norrell) was chosen to share the Bay, Jamaica; and a jail in Alcohol Rehabilitation Program. Soon after that, his church’s and New Mexico. Evangelist Mayhan marriage was restored and recognize long time shared the story of an ear- he was called to preach the 80 YEAR MEMBER—Fred Kenderson m e m b e r s . ly life controlled by drugs Gospel. After a moving service A c c o r d i n g and addition that nearly to the history of Warren UMC, the first destroyed his life and his guests enjoyed a beautiful meal and fellowship with church meeting took place downtown in a marriage. In 1989, he entered the and seasoned members of small room near 27th and Penn Avenue. The first pastor was Henry White Warren, Teen Challenge Drug and Warren UMC. the second Samuel A. Vergel, followed by Rev. Joseph Williams in 1907. On this Sunday the message was delivered by Evangelist Gerald Mayhan. Evangelist Mayhan and his wife, Phyllis, are active members of First Assembly of God in Alexandria, Va., where he is the church evangelist. Currently, he serves on the executive board of directors for the Teen Challenge Ministry in Capitol Heights, Md. He formerly served as prison coordinator for a year with the Teen Challenge Ministry. Since 1993, Evangelist Mayhan has been involved in the Prison Ministry in the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area, in Alderson, W.Va.; two prisons in St. Lucia, West Indies; ENJOYING OUR CHURCH HOME—Laura Young of Ohio, Hosea Young, John Young, Darryl Reid and Michele Young Reid three jails in Montego of Cleveland.
ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE—In no order, Annabelle Powell, Gaylynn Adams, Rev. Leslie Y. Boone, Alecia Mahan, Mary H. Page, John Young, Jeanne Walker, Diane Walker and Stella Hopewell.
A8
DECEMBER 28, 2016-JANUARY 3, 2017
PEOPLE
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Keystone Teen Center newly renovated for Boys & Girls Club
FUN TOGETHER—Teens, pictured with Mayor Bill Peduto, take advantage of renovated facilities.
NEWLY RENOVATED (Photos by Jackie McDonald) “Let the games begin” was the implied order of the day given to the Pittsburgh Boys & Girls Club teens by Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto after the unveiling of the recently renovated Keystone Teen Center dedicated to them at the landmark Sarah Heinz House on Pittsburgh’s North Side. Aaron’s Inc., a lease-to-own retailer specializing in the sales and lease ownership of furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories, donated new flat screen televisions, computers, game play technology, and
furnishings to the study and lounge area in the multi-purpose space at the club. The improvements also included newly painted walls with unique colors chosen by the teens whose ages range from 1418. In 2015, the Aaron’s Foundation, Inc. announced a three-year, $5 million national partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Keystone Program in an effort to create an environment that encourages character and leadership skills ultimately enabling them to make a positive impact in our communities.
ALLEGHENY COUNTY HOSTS JOB FAIR—The Allegheny County Department of Human Services hosted a job fair to showcase current and potential career opportunities at the Human Services Building. They discussed open and frequently posted positions, employee benefits and internship opportunities. Top photo, pictured from left: Jason Brown, Pa. State Civil Service Commission; Roberta Cillo, CYF, speak with Felicia Longmire who was seeking caseworker information. Bottom photo, Michael Iannello and Juad Yusof anxiously wait to share internship information with job-seekers. (Photos by Jackie McDonald)
ENTERTAINER New Pittsburgh Courier
A9
DECEMBER 28, 2016-JANUARY 3, 2017
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
Cover To Cover
‘Courage To Soar’
by Terri Schlichenmeyer For New Pittsburgh Courier
It took a leap of faith. A new job, a big move, a new skill, a major purchase, a ring on your finger and “I Do.” Even if you knew you were on the right path and you could handle whatever came next, you still felt like you were stepping off into the unknown. It definitely took a leap of faith but, as in the new book “Courage to Soar” by Simone Biles (with Michelle Burford), sometimes, you just have to close your eyes and jump. It all began with a rainyday field trip to a Houston, Texas, gymnasium. Biles was 6 years old then, but she’d already endured more than many adults. She FOUNDERS & CAST—TV One executives with American Black Film Festival CEO and Founder Jeff Friday, and the cast and creative team of TV One’s “Bad Dad Rehab” at the and her siblings were born 2016 ABFF in Miami, Fla. (Photo Credit: Thaddaeus McAdams, Courtesy of TV One) in Ohio to a mother who was unable to care for them, so the children circled between foster homes, grandparents
TV One announces third Black film festival 2016’s winning screenplay “Tale of a Script,” written by N’zuri Za Austin, set to debut as a TV One Original Movie at Next Year’s Festival and premiere on-air in summer 2017
and their mother. Finally, it was decided that the younger two would be adopted by their grandparents and would stay in Texas, which turned out to be a fortuitous decision: there was a trampoline at their Texas home, and Biles almost couldn’t stay off it. Always an active child (and later diagnosed with ADHD), Biles was a tiny tornado on that first day in the gym. She flipped and ran and tumbled until she caught the eye of a trainer who invited her and her younger sister to classes. It turned out to be “the perfect outlet” for a “little bouncing bean” like Biles. In short order, she worked her way up the various levels of training with her eyes on winning more and bigger. She was a dork at school and sometimes a brat, but always a star on the mat and she knew she wanted to “go the farthest I can,” even if a dream of a gymnastics career meant giving up a dream of “normal” high school and being on a NCAA team. Her parents helped her find the best coaches. They even built a gymnasium for her and her team. And after achieving the goal of landing a spot on the junior national team, Biles then “quietly asked God to please help me do everything I could to be part of the 2016 Olympics team.” Out of my chair. That’s where I was last summer when author Simone Biles nailed that floor routine at Rio. But in my chair is where this book kept me this week because I really couldn’t put “Courage to Soar” down. Fans who notice that Biles is bubbly-but-focused will be happy to know that that’s how her biography reads, and it’s a delight. What’s also refreshing is that it’s not boastful athletic chest-thumping. There is some teenage-angst drama here, but mixed with the pressure of competition, it’s not a distraction. Instead, it and the pure joy inside both serve to enhance the appeal of this book. (“Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance” by Simone Biles with Michelle Burford, foreword by Mary Lou Retton, c.2016, Zondervan, $24.99/ $31 Canada, 251 pages.)
SILVER SPRING, Md.— TV One continues to encourage aspiring film writers with the announcement of its third annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) sponsorship and screenplay competition. Created to promote the production of creative, contemporary, engaging and relatable screenplays, the 2017 TV One Screenplay Competition, which opened Dec. 16, will highlight three new writers who will vie for a $5000 cash prize and a chance to have their screenplay produced into
all-expense paid trip to next year’s festival in Miami (June 14-18, 2017) and will observe a scene from their script being performed by professional actors at a Table Read. This grand prize winner will be announced at the ABFF Filmmaker Ceremony on Saturday, June 18. The competition opened on Dec. 16 and applicants have until Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017, to submit their screenplays for consideration. Official rules and submission information is available on TV One’s website and on
‘BAD DAD REHAB’ CAST—TV One President Brad Siegel, “Bad Dad Rehab” Director Carl Seaton and members of the cast at the film’s premiere during the 2016 American Black Film Festival. (Photo Credit: Thaddaeus McAdams, Courtesy of TV One) ABFF’s website. TV One’s 2016 ABFF Screenplay Competition winner N’zuri Za Austin will debut her original film “Tale of a Script” at next year’s festival tentatively set for Sunday, June 18. The film will then also premiere on TV One in summer 2017. In “Tale of a Script,” Brandon is a script reader who shares a collection of short stories he found in a pile of “unreads” that narrate the dangers of social networking. The stories, each telling of the dangers that await us behind the keystroke of our computer screens, are a puzzle piece that will lead us on a ‘BAD DAD REHAB’—TV One President Brad Siegel and “Bad Dad journey of deceit. Rehab” writer Keronda “Kiki” McKnight at the 2016 ABFF. (Photo TV One began its sponCredit: Thaddaeus McAdams, Courtesy of TV One) sorship of the ABFF TV
One Screenplay Competition in 2015 with the debut of “Runaway Island” (Lorraine Touissant, Aisha Hinds, Thomas Q. Jones, A. Russell Andrews, Erica Tazel), written by the 2014 winner Christopher Brandt. This year, the network premiered “Bad Dad Rehab,” an original film highlighting the ups and downs of parenthood by scriptwriter and 2015 winner Keronda “Kiki McKnight.” The film, which centers around four men in denial of their poor parenting skills features, featured a star-studded cast––Malik Yoba, Wesley Jonathan, Robert Ri’chard, Rob Riley, Rick Gonzalez and Kandi Burruss. “Bad Dad Rehab,
which was also directed by Carl Seaton, recently received a 2017 NAACP Image Awards nomination for Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture (Television). For more information about TV One’s participation at the 22nd American Black Film Festival, visit the network’s website at www.tvone.tv/tvoneatabff. Budding writers may also submit their screenplays for consideration by logging onto www.tvone.tv/screenplay-competition-abff/. TV One viewers are encouraged to join the conversation by connecting via social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (@ tvonetv) using the hash tag #TVOneAtABFF.
an original, made-for-TV movie, which will debut in 2018 on TV One and at the 22nd American Black Film Festival. “We’re thrilled to partner with the American Black Film Festival on our screenplay competition for the third year in-a-row,” said D’Angela Proctor, TV One’s SVP, Original Programming & Production. “Our ability to help spotlight upand-coming talent is vital to the growth of our industry. This year, we want to encourage contestants to offer fresh perspectives on their stories. Whether a comedy, drama, family adventure or heart-warming holiday tome, the film entries should find ways to both connect with and entertain the Black community.” The three 2017 TV One Screenplay Competition RUNAWAY ISLAND CAST—TV One President Brad Siegel, Runaway Island writer Christopher Brandt and the cast and director of Runfinalists will receive an away Island at the film’s premiere during the 2015 ABFF. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of TV One)
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DECEMBER 28, 2016-JANUARY 3, 2017
ARTS & CULTURE
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Will Smith at his best in ‘Collateral Beauty’
by Merecedes J. Howze For New Pittsburgh Courier
If you thought “Pursuit of Happiness” (2006) or “Seven Pounds” (2008) were the foundation of Will Smith’s serious acting career, then you must see “Collateral Beauty.” The film is a tear-jerking cinematic conglomerate of loss, love, and luminous hope. In “Collateral Beauty,” a marketing executive, Howard Inlet (Smith), becomes isolated and extremely
emotional after losing his young daughter. His tragedy and grief spills over into his professional life as he tries to find the meaning of life without his little one. Even with the opening weekend box office flop, whatever Smith was paid, was not enough. In “Collateral Beauty,” he fills the holiday season with warmth, love, and tears of joy and sorrow. Something that was once a questionable transition from rapper to actor has blossomed into
a seasoned career. I am never disappointed when Smith is in a movie. This film is just one of his better roles. Be prepared to cry. I’m talking about a hard cry, where snot might be involved. You know the Viola Davis cry, the one she does in almost every episode of “How to Get Away with Murder.” Tissue is highly recommended. “Collateral Beauty” hits home a little harder for parents. I have never experienced the death of a child. But, this movie gets you to thinking. How do you properly function after losing something that you created? The emotions run high in this film, especially for anyone who has dealt with losing a child or closed loved one. Helen Mirren continues to prove why she is the fiercest of them all. She has the fine age of Cicely Tyson and
the grace of Jackie K e n n e d y. It was such delight to see her alongside Smith and the amazing cast, including Kate Winslet, Keira Knightley, Edward Norton and Naomie Harris. In the movie’s defense, it went up against “Rogue One: A Star Wars WILL SMITH WITH SOME OF THE CAST Story” in the box office during open- came close to a “Star Wars” weekend will be the perfect ing weekend. What other movie? That box office opportunity for people to movie would have even fight was fixed. Christmas catch “Collateral Beauty.”
Future hosts FreeWishes Winter Wishland
WILL SMITH
ATLANTA—On Dec. 18, in Atlanta, Ga., Billboard chart-topping recording artist Future hosted his 4th Annual FreeWishes Foundation Winter Wishland event. Partnered with his mother and president of the FreeWishes Foundation, Stephanie Jester, Future arrived hand-in-hand with 2-yearold son, Future Zahir Wilburn, and son, Jakobi Wilburn, in effort to give back to the community for the holidays. In the spirit of giving back, the Ford Motor Company presented an Atlanta tribute mural to Bessie Branham Park in celebration of the art, music, and magic that is birthed in the city and fostered in the Kirkwood community-based recreation center. The mural was created by Kashmir Thompson and brought to life with the colorful interpretations of over 500 Atlantans. Jester stated, “It means
so much to be able to give back to the community that raised Future, and for Ford to support our vision of keeping art and dreams alive with the installation of this art, speaks volumes as it relates to our overall goal.” Winter Wishland provides an experience filled with holiday spirit to youth between the ages 2-18 years, in the cities of Miami and Atlanta. The event included food, music, games and lots of amazing gifts. Each person had the opportunity to have their picture taken with Santa and leave with wonderful gifts. FreeWishes Foundation was founded by Award Winning hip-hop artist Future alongside his mother and sister, Tia Wilburn. FreeWishes Foundation’s mission is to deliver a mes- FAMILY—Future holding son, Future Zahir Wilburn, with mother, sage of hope, perseverance Stephanie Jester. (Photo courtesy of The Chamber Group) and resilience to Atlanta’s ty Giving and The Bessie community by lending sup- come alive. port and making dreams The FreeWishes Foun- Branham Park of Atlanta, dation’s Winter Wishland Ga. (Article courtesy of The Chamwas sponsored by Reebok, Hot 107.9, Ford Motor ber Group, www.thechamberCompany, Black Celebri- group.com.)
December-January Tropical New Year’s Eve
Ensure the Arts in 2017
Let Freedom Sing
2017––Building upon the recent successes of The Spitfire Grill and Floyd Collins, Front Porch’s uplifting 2017 season of musicals will present stories of journey and discovery, tall tales and relationships with “Violet,” running May 19-28, and “Big Fish,” running Aug. 18-27, both at Front Porch’s performance home—The New Hazlett Theater, 6 Allegheny Square, North Side. Season and single show tickets are now available through ShowClix at 1-888718-4253, online at frontporch. showclix.com or through the Front Porch website: www.frontporchpgh.com. Discounted tickets are available for students, groups and artists.
ONGOING—The Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council remains steadfast in our serious commitment to supporting artists, creative workers, and nonprofit cultural institutions. We know arts and culture are a critical factor to the lifeblood of this region because arts and culture deliver not just cultural richness and vitality, but jobs and economic development. The GPAC wants to keep carrying this message forward to those who need to hear it, speaking up for arts and culture and ensuring our seat at the table as we face potential and real challenges in the coming year. For this reason, they have crafted the region’s 2017 Arts & Culture Advocacy Agenda, Film Technician unrolling it with state and local ofCertificate ficials already in November. With JANUARY—The Community foundation agendas changing and College of Allegheny County will the political landscape, too, they offer a Film Technician Certificate are asking for donations before program at its South Campus, the end of the year so that they beginning in January 2017, that can robustly enact the 2017 Advowill train students for in-demand cacy Agenda and further support careers with family sustaining the arts in Southwestern Pennwages. Through a combination sylvania. Their sold out programs of core and specialty classes, this month make it clear that students will develop the skills GPAC brings value and makes to complete the certificate, gain a difference to artists, nonprofits on-set movie or TV experience and creative workers alike. Gifts, and qualify to work in the industry which can be donated online, give on film, television, concerts and a voice to artists. For more inforsporting events as crew. For more mation, call 412-391-2060 or visit information about the Film Techni- www.pittsburghartscouncil.org. cian Certificate program, contact George Jaber at gjaber@ccac. Front Porch Theatricals edu or 412-469-6219. Violet–Big Fish DEC. 31—Wallace’s TapRoom of Hotel Indigo, 123 Highland Ave., East Liberty, presents its Tropical New Year’s Eve celebration featuring The Flow Band, the reggae jam rock band from the island of Pittsburgh from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. Guests will 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 412-6650555.
JAN. 14-16—The 10th anniversary of the Let Freedom Sing Concerts are to be held at Ebenezer Baptist Church, in the Hill District, on Sat., Jan. 14, and at the Byham on Monday, Jan. 16, the national MLK holiday.This event is unique in the region as area high school students join gospel choirs for two inspirational evenings of choral music in tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King’s example of understanding, unity, and community. Admission is $1 plus, with all donation/ticket proceeds to support the Food Banks’ programs and needs. Details are now on the web site at: http:// www.letfreedomsing.net/
New Pittsburgh Courier
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Inside Conditions
BUSINESS DECEMBER 28, 2016-JANUARY 3, 2017
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
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Five money myths you probably believe Managing money can be complicated, and myths are often born from people’s struggles to make it simpler. But simplistic solutions can cost you instead of saving you money. If you believe any of these five money myths, it’s time to take a closer look at the financial realities. MYTH: EVERYONE NEEDS A FAT EMERGENCY FUND Certified financial planners typically recommend clients have enough savings to cover expenses for three to six months. If you’re living paycheck to paycheck, though, it can take you years to amass that much. A better course: Shoot for a starter emergency fund of $500, which would cover small car repairs or an insurance deductible. Once you’re on track with retirement and debt repayment, you can focus on building up your savings. Meanwhile, identify other sources of emergency money: items you can sell, nonretirement investments you can tap or low-cost ways to borrow, such as a home equity line of credit. MYTH: GETTING MARRIED MEANS HIGHER TAXES Many couples don’t pay a marriage penalty—and some get a marriage bonus, meaning their tax burden is lower because they married. That’s particularly true for couples with disparate incomes; together they pay less in tax than they would as singles. Congress tried to eliminate marriage penalties for most taxpayers by expanding the 10 percent and 15 percent LIZ WESTON federal income tax brackets, which are twice as wide for married couples as for singles. In addition, the standard deduction for married couples is twice that for singles. The couples most likely to pay a marriage penalty are those at the top and bottom of the income scale. The higher tax brackets aren’t twice as wide for married couples as for singles. At the lower-income end, couples that combine their incomes through marriage could lose some or all of the valuable Earned Income Tax Credit. Even if you do pay a tax penalty, the cost is likely outweighed by the many other financial and legal benefits marriage provides. MYTH: ROTH IRAS ARE A GREAT WAY TO SAVE FOR RETIREMENT Withdrawals from a Roth IRA are tax-free in retirement, and there are no required minimum distributions, which means you can pass unused money to your heirs, free of income tax. That makes Roths a pretty good deal for wealthier taxpayers and those who expect to be in a higher tax bracket when they withdraw the money than when they contributed it. Many people, though, will be in a lower tax bracket when they retire. They’d be better off taking a tax break now by making deductible contributions to 401(k)s and regular IRAs. Of course, no one knows what future tax rates may be. If you want to hedge your bets, you can stash some money in a Roth IRA or Roth 401(k) in addition to making contributions to tax-deductible plans. MYTH: YOU SHOULD ROLL YOUR 401(K) INTO AN IRA You definitely shouldn’t cash out a 401(k) when you leave a job, but rolling your account into an IRA may not be the best option, either. You may be better off leaving your money in the old plan if it’s a good one, or transferring it to a new employer’s plan if that’s an option. SEE FIVE C2
THE SECRET IS IN THE BOTTLE—Client Jasion Coleman, pictured left, appreciates using Monique Muhammad’s Heavenly Hair Oil product on his dreadlocks.
Beauty salon sets trends in Wilkinsburg by Diane I. Daniels
ber, she has dreamed of owning and operating her For New Pittsburgh Courier own beauty salon. In DeAs long as Monique Clark cember 2011, those dreams Muhammad can remem- came true and on Dec. 17,
she, along with her clients, family and close friends, celebrated the fifth-year anniversary of Heavenly Hair and Body Salon LLC.
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT—Monique Clark Muhammad, owner of Heavenly Hair and Body Salon, right, thanks longtime client Pam Farmer, seated, for her continuous patronage. (Photos by Diane I. Daniels)
Located in suite 3 at 810 Wood St., in Wilkinsburg, Muhammad describes the salon as offering a full range of hair and body services for women, men and children. “Heavenly Hair and Body Salon is more than a business—it’s a ministry of service, offering a life changing experience. It’s a place for the entire family. We do not just offer high quality and affordable prices. We offer an experience for each individual customer,” said Muhammad. “Monique is one of a few people I trust to do my hair,” said Pam Farmer, a long-time client. “I followed her here from JCPenney’s where I was a client. “I’m very proud of Monique. She is a hard worker and concerned about her clients. I have watched her grow in this business.” A graduate of Empire Beauty School in Monroeville, Muhammad, who loves to make people look and feel good, says she has been doing hair since she was 16 and a stylist since SEE SALON C2
Minority owned businesses and corporations honored at EMSDC Choice Awards
ROBERT AGBEDE, Chester Engineers, Inc., James Brown Award Recipient
PHILADELPHIA, Pa.—The Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council recognized minority owned businesses and corporations for their achievements in business growth and supplier development at the Choice Awards held recently in Philadelphia, Pa. Nearly 300 guests, including corporate executives and MBE business owners, filled the Hyatt at the Bellevue on Dec. 2 to celebrate the winners and continue to develop business relationships. Mistress of ceremonies Monique Braxton, an NBC10 News reporter, kept the program on schedule, while special guests had the honor of announcing the various, coveted awards: Paving the Way Award—Emmett T. Vaughn, Exelon Phoenix Award—Henkels & McCoy James Brown Award—Robert O. Agbede, Chester Engineers, Inc. MBE Advocate of the Year— Michael K. Pearson, Union Packaging, LLC Corporate Advocate of the Year—Vernice Lewis, PECO, An Exelon Company Corporate Advocate of the
MONIQUE BRAXTON, Reporter, NBC10 Philadelphia (Photo by: Frank Guardino/NBC) Year—Ronald B. Baldwin Jr., AmeriHealth Caritas Supplier of the Year Class I— Brownstone PR Supplier of the Year Class II— CenterPoint Group, LLC Supplier of the Year Class III— Neta Scientific, Inc. Supplier of the Year Class IV— QPS, LLC
Regional Corporation of the Year—AmeriHealth Caritas National Corporation of the Year—PECO, An Exelon Company Guests stayed long after the program to continue networking, dance to music of the King of Hearts band, and enjoy the comedy provided by KMACK. This would not have been possible without the support from the generous sponsors: Citizens Bank, DuPont, e&e Technical Consultants LLC, East Hill Media, Frontier Technologies, Impact Dimensions, Independence Blue Cross, Johnson & Johnson, Parmetech, PECO, Pepco, Pfizer, SHI, and Verizon. The Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is an affiliate of the National Minority Supplier Development Council. There are 23 regional councils across the country with more than 1,750 corporate members. The EMSDC certifies and connects minority-owned businesses (Asian, Black, Hispanic and Native American) throughout Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and Delaware with member corporations who are committed to suppliers.
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DECEMBER 28, 2016-JANUARY 3, 2017
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
BUSINESS
BUSINESS BUSINESS CALENDAR CALENDAR
Salon sets trends
State Trooper Applications
CONTINUED FROM C1
2007. Once gaining her Cosmetology and Master Teachers degree, she has worked in various salons throughout Wilkinsburg and at JCPenney’s. Viewing her five years as a salon owner as a continuous learning experience, Muhammad said she is very appreciative of her customers, family and friends. “They have provided me with the support, guidance and encouragement needed to continuously grow and develop.” She also acknowledged that her expert stylists and top of the line products assist in offering the clients nothing but the best and a great experience. To anyone with dreams of becoming an entrepreneur, Muhammad reccomends seeking help from the many organizations available to provide assistance. She identified Pittsburgh Gateways, the Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation and Kiva as entities of value during her journey. “Prior to opening, Pittsburgh Gateways helped me to develop a business plan. That process helped me think things out, and to stay organized and on point,” says Muhammad. She credits the Wilkinsburg CDC for their assistance in providing funding for signage. Last year, the business was named Salon of the Year in Wilkinsburg. “With the help of Kiva, I was able to implement new marketing strategies for the business as well as expand inventory to help offer my customers a better experience.” Also, indicating that every business should have a niche or something that makes them unique, especially in the hair care and beauty industry, Muhammad identifies the specialty of Heavenly Hair and Body Salon is that she provides her customers with a heavenly atmosphere that caters to their individual needs. Jasion Coleman, the owner of Lioness Community Care and a resident of Cranberry Township, verifies that the treatment he gets as a client has been one of a heavenly experience. “Monique cares for my dreadlocks at a satisfactory level. She’s consistent, ethical and I’ve witnessed her meet her client’s needs.” Coleman is also pleased with Monique’s Heavenly Hair Oil, a hair product she created. “Heavenly Hair Oil is made of Aragon and a mixture of oils that I find helps strengthen the hair. It’s high in vitamins and makes the hair shinny and soft,” she describes. Heavenly Hair and Body Salon also serves as a distributor for Mayvenn hair products. In addition to being an entrepreneur, Muhammad considers herself a community advocate. For 14 years, she worked in East Hills as a community organizer, a youth director for eight years, and served as the president of the East Hills Residents Preservation and Development Corporation for six years. A strong, family-oriented person, Muhammad, currently a Wilkinsburg resident and longtime East Hills resident, is the daughter of Adam and Claudia Wells and has nine siblings. She and her husband, Eric, a.k.a Malik Muhammad, have a blended family that includes 11 children, a mixture of biological, adopted and step-children. Continuously focused on ways to help others, Muhammad has hopes to one day open a beauty camp geared towards young people ages 8 to 13 to provide outreach to assist in building self-esteem, and to teach etiquette and style techniques. In the future, Muhammad said her goal is to keep a strong client base, be successful with her first salon, and open a few more Heavenly Hair and Body Salons within the Pittsburgh region as a way to pass something down to her children. “My goal is for our professional team of experts to provide quality hair and body services, excellent customer service, great prices, top of the line products, and an atmosphere righteously filled with peace and joy just like heaven.”
Five money myths you probably believe CONTINUED FROM C1
Financial services firms encourage rollovers because that means you’ll be investing in their retail investment options, which cost more than the institutional funds found in many 401(k)s. Your 401(k) account has other advantages: •You can withdraw money penalty-free if you leave the company at or after age 55, while IRAs typically make you wait until 59 1/2. •If you continue to work, you can put off withdrawals from your current employer’s 401(k), while IRA withdrawals must start after age 70 1/2. •You can’t borrow money from an IRA for more than 60 days without the withdrawal being taxed and penalized, but most 401(k)s offer loans that can last five years—and sometimes longer for a home purchase. •Workplace plans also are better protected against creditor claims than IRAs if you’re sued or go bankrupt. If any of these issues might affect you, consider leaving your money in a 401(k). MYTH: SCHOLARSHIPS WILL HELP REDUCE COLLEGE COSTS Scholarships can reduce the amount of financial aid students get, leaving families no better off. That’s because federal financial aid rules require colleges to ratchet back need-based aid when students win money from “outside” sources such as corporations, nonprofits and fraternal organizations. Colleges have some leeway in how they implement these rules. The most generous may reduce the amount students are expected to contribute from their own earnings or lower the amount they’ll have to borrow. Other schools that don’t fully meet a student’s financial need will allow scholarship money to fill the gap. Most, however, reduce grant aid dollar for dollar. Affluent families who don’t qualify for financial aid tend to be the ones who benefit most from scholarships. If you have financial need, though, you’d be smart to ask about a college’s “scholarship displacement” policy before you spend too much time applying for supposedly free money. (This column was provided to The Associated Press by the personal finance website NerdWallet. Liz Weston is a columnist at NerdWallet. Email: lweston@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @lizweston.)
THE FOUNDERS OF TRUE PRODUCTS LAUNDRY DETERGENT
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 Dec. 31.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
Black-owned detergent maker meets consumer demands with new ‘fragrance free and dye free’ laundry detergent line
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.
Business Education Forum ATLANTA, Ga. (BlackNews.com)—Consumers suffering from allergies need a hypoallergenic detergent to keep them clean and comfortable, and Blackowned, Atlanta-based detergent manufacturer The True Products LLC fulfills that demand with its new fragrance- and dye-free laundry detergent scheduled to launch in January 2017. Formulated specifically for consumers with sensitive skin, The True Products’ free and clear laundry detergent carries the company’s signature 4X concentrated formula, which continues to pack a powerful punch against tough stains. Consumers also love that it’s safe for both standard and high-efficiency washing machines. In addition to its powerful stain fighting abilities, one of the best features of True Detergent is its low-suds formula. You see many people believe suds equal strong cleaning power. However, suds are nothing more than added chemicals that cause clothing to harden. To combat this, people typically use softeners, which can leave your clothes filled with even more harmful chemicals. “While consumers rave about the fresh scent of our traditional laundry detergent, many of our loyal fans have asked for a fragranceand dye-free option that they can use to launder clothes for their babies, children and even themselves,” says Ali Muhammad cofounders of The True Products.”
Because we value our customers’ feedback, we’re excited to announce that we’ve launched a KickStarter campaign to cover the costs associated with creating this new product line. We anticipate launching the free and clear detergent January 2017.” With over 250 five-star Amazon reviews and hundreds of happy U.S. customers, we’ve built a solid reputation as one of the country’s most popular liquid detergents known for keeping clothes fresh and clean without busting the budget. Backed by a 30-day, moneyback guarantee, consumers can trust this detergent maker’s promise to deliver quality in every bottle. “I was hanging out on Instagram when I discovered True Detergent over a year ago and I haven’t used any other detergent brands since. The fresh scent is incredible and its heavy-duty formula keeps my family’s clothes fresh and clean without breaking the bank,” says happy customer Pamela Booker. “Plus, I can place an order for more detergent on a Monday and have it sitting on my doorstep by Wednesday! Now, it really doesn’t get any better than that.” True Products is seeking funding of $100,000 to cover the costs of new materials, manpower, research and development, equipment and marketing collateral. (Those interested in supporting the cause can make a donation of any amount online at http://bit.ly/supportTrue.)
What to do with unwanted gift cards by Sarah Skidmore Sell AP Personal Finance Writer
Gift cards are a popular present at the holidays—the National Retail Federation says more than half of consumers plan to give one this year. But they aren’t always wanted—research organization CEB TowerGroup estimates that $1 billion of the $130 billion spent on gift cards last year went unused. It could be that the gift card is for a retailer or other business the recipient doesn’t like. Or they simply don’t have access to the restaurant or movie theater to spend it. So if you got a gift card that is going to sit untouched, what should you do? Here are a few options: REGIFT IT This may be your easiest solution. If you can’t use the card or just don’t want it, someone else might. So why not hand it over to a loved one who wants it? Gift cards are typically good for several years and there are no rules about changing hands. SELL IT There are various exchanges online, such as Cardpool.com, Raise.com and Cardcash.com, where you can buy and sell gift cards. You won’t get the full value of the card but you’ll recoup some of the value. Expect to get about 80 to 90 cents on the dollar of the value of the card at a reputable site, said Teri Llach, chief marketing officer for the Blackhawk Network, which owns Cardpool.
Llach strongly discourages consumers from going rogue and trying to sell or buy one for themselves online as there’s no way to tell if you are being conned. An established and reputable site will guarantee that you are getting the promised balance in the time frame you want. If you are more of an in-person sort, you can visit a CoinStar Exchange kiosk to get cash for your gift cards. Target will allow you to bring in gift cards for major brands
JAN. 7—The Community Empowerment Association will host an MBE forum, at 12 p.m., at 7120 Kelly St. In Homewood. The forum will be led by Ruth Byrd Smith, director of the Allegheny County Minority Women Disadvantage Business Enterprise Office. Byrd-Smith will provide an overview of the steps it takes to get your business registered as a MWDBE vendor. Call 412-371-3689 Ext. 44 to register for this class.
Open House JAN. 11—The Chatham Women’s Business Center will hold an open house, 5:30-7 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 & Community Training Course JAN. 12—Community Empowerment Association will begin a 12-week Business Leadership & Entrepreneurship course, 6 to 8p.m. each Thursday, at 7120 Kelly St. In Homewood. Classes will cover business formation, marketing, product development and more. Space is limited. Call 412-371-3689 Ext. 44 to register.
Business Breakfast Meeting JAN. 13—The Chatham Women’s Business Center will host its monthly Women’s Business Leaders Breakfast Series from 8-9 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/netw orking/breakfastseries/
Training Event
with remaining balances on them and exchange them for a Target gift card. You still won’t get the full value, but it’s a better deal than gathering dust. DONATE IT A feel-good, do-good option is to donate your unwanted gift card. You can do this by handing the card directly to a charity. Consider a church, food bank or school that might use it to buy supplies, or offer it to a needy family in your community. Cardpool and Compassion International co-founded CardFunder which lets consumers donate gift cards with available funds on them to a number of charitable efforts.
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.
PowerBreakfast Meeting 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, 7:30-9 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 nonmembers. For more information, call 412-392-0610.
OPINION
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
DECEMBER 28, 2016-JANUARY 3, 2017
B3
New year challenges
Guest Editorial
Obama gives gift of solid economy to Trump President Barack Obama inherited a shattered economy when he came into office that stemmed from the bursting of a housing bubble that led to a financial-sector meltdown. When the president took over in 2009, the country was in the midst of a deep financial crisis and recession with unemployment near 10 percent. Eight years later, Obama is giving a gift of a solid economy to President-elect Donald Trump. Despite problems of slow growth and an uneven recovery, there has been an economic turnaround under Obama. Unemployment has fallen dramatically to just 4.6 percent, a nine-year low. When Obama became president, nearly 800,000 Americans had lost their jobs. Compare that today when America has gained over 11 million new jobs since Obama took office. “The labor market is in better shape than at any point in the recovery,” said Jed Kolko, chief economist at the job site Indeed. In addition to a better economy, 20 million more Americans now have health insurance coverage. Today, only 8.9 percent of Americans now lack health insurance, a historic low, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Yet, Trump has criticized the Obama economy as terrible. He says unemployment is lower because many Americans gave up searching for jobs. Nearly two-thirds of voters described the economy as “not so good” or poor, according to polling after the November election. The new economic reality is that, for decades now, job options have been dwindling for workers with only high school diplomas. This trend was occurring before Obama took office. Workers in rural towns in which Trump won big never enjoyed the economic recovery that benefited major cities. Trump was able to capitalize on these economic trends fueled by globalization and technology to ride to victory in November. Still, the fact remains that Obama pulled the economy from the brink of collapse. Trump has promised to improve the economy through eliminating regulations, tax cuts and major spending on infrastructure. He has promised to return manufacturing and mining jobs that most economists believe are lost. He also plans to repeal and replace Obama’s signature health care law. Americans will learn over the next years if Trump’s plans are working. What is clear is that he has been left with a solid economy. (Reprinted from the Philadelphia Tribune)
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Rod Doss Editor & Publisher Stephan A. Broadus Assistant to the Publisher Allison Palm
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John. H. Sengstacke
Editor & Publisher Emeritus (1912-1997)
With the new year bringing in Donald Trump as president and Barack Obama leaving, a lot of us wondering what the future has in store for us ,as individuals, and the Black masses as a whole. It has been open season on Blacks, even with moderate and progressives in charge. We experienced how it was even though, politically, we had people who said they cared, so what does the future hold with conservatives in charge who have made it perfectly clear that they don’t give a damn about anyone, but themselves? Many of them blame Blacks and the poor for them not being able to find better paying jobs. Right now, the vast majority of the poor and low-income in this country are White; but just like during the Ronald Reagan administration, they don’t blame the rich corporate heads who care less about the workers and more about how much profits they can get. During the Reagan “Trickle Down” ideology, the rich got richer and the poor got poorer. It was to the point where the middle class took a huge hit, while Blacks continued to live from pay check-to-pay check, with the Black middle class almost being wiped out. It may be even worse under Trump, so far he has filled his cabinet with not millionaires, but billionaires, which could be good or bad. Under the Reagan administration, it was bad because nothing came down to the Black communities. But we must not just sit back and accept the crumbs, we must not only try to learn all we can about how these people are making money, but how we can use this knowledge to attain money to help our communities as well. One of the tragedies of the Reagan era, during the ‘80s, was that most Black Republicans didn’t use
Ulish Carter
Just Sayin’ their positions and newfound wealth to help others, they got caught up in self-greed. When we look at our Black communities, we see Black on Black violence in the streets and in the homes, fatherless homes, and far too many of our homes being ripped apart by drugs and alcohol. And as if this isn’t enough, our males are not only being snatched from our homes at an early age by the drugs and violence, but by the criminal justice system, which is purposely trying to attach everyone they can with a felony charge so that their vote, and any high paying job they seek, can be taken away from them, even after they’ve served their time in prison. I know I’ve been very pro-Democrat and anti-Republican, but that’s because the Dems have opened their doors and arms to Blacks while the GOP hasn’t. But I still say we must not get locked into one party. If we have to create our own party for the benefit of Black people, then we must do just that. We are in very bad shape under the leadership of the Democrats; we have to understand that neither party really cares about the Black community, but only about how Blacks can help them. We must take that same attitude. In all fairness, Blacks supported the Republicans when they were formed by the Abolitionist to abolish slavery in the South and prevent it from mov-
ing into the Western states during the 1800s. Blacks backed them when they fought for the rights of Blacks after slavery was finally abolished. But when the Republican Party turned its backs on Blacks during the 1930s and ‘40s, during World War II, the Pittsburgh Courier publisher led a campaign for Blacks to “turn Abraham Lincoln’s picture to the wall” in support of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Republicans had a second chance in the South during the Civil Rights era of the 1950s and ‘60s. The Democrats ruled the South and it’s Jim Crow system of slavery by another name. But, instead, after Presidents John Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson reluctantly backed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights marches, the southern Whites turned their backs on the Democratic Party, and, today, the South is almost 100 percent Republican. I say this to say, things aren’t looking good for us in 2016, but when has it? Maybe when Jimmy Carter defeated Gerald Ford and brought Blacks into the White House as something other than servants. Remember Andrew Young? Or when Bill Clinton beat the first George Bush. But, even then, we were so happy that we forgot neither party was there for us, and that we would only get what we demanded and worked for. Nothing was ever given. So, with this new regime entering the White House, we all need to roll up our sleeves and get to work because the party is over, and Trump will be more than happy to turn off the lights to every beneficial program for the poor and Black communities, if we are silent or just wait until 2020. The Black community is in need now and we need to take what we can from each party. (Ulish Carter is the managing editor of the New Pittsburgh Courier.)
Why is President Obama getting no credit as he leaves office? (NNPA)—In less than a month, Americans will be forced, and some will be ready, to drink President-elect Donald Trump’s Kool-Aid. There is a reverence for Trump and 62 million Americans’ voted for his platform, even though they really have no idea what he stands for and what he is going to implement. Many of Trumps supporters believe that the country does not belong to them, because White people no longer are in control, locally, nationally and internationally. For the last eight years, a Black man has been in control and made decisions that supported people of color. As a result of Obama’s genius and intelligence, White America’s only goal was to make him look bad and stop his progress. President Obama will leave the economy far stronger than what he started with and inherited. Unemployment is 4.6 percent, a nine-year low; the stock market is breaking all kind of records; and an additional 20 million Americans are with health insurance coverage. The country is no longer just dependent on oil and has shifted the nation on cleaner energy sources––natural gas, wind and solar. During the president’s tenure, he can boast about creating 15 million new jobs and 74 months of consecutive job growth. More minorities have been appointed to management positions in the history of the federal government. The first Hispanic woman has been appointed to the Supreme Court, and the first Black man and Black women have been
Roger Caldwell
Commentary appointed to the position of attorney general in America. As the president gets ready to leave office, his approval rating remains the highest it has been since the spring of 2009. But there has been a major backlash to his administration. During the president’s eight years in office, the Democrats have lost over 1,000 political seats in state legislatures, governor’s mansions and Congress. The defeats have destroyed a generation of young Democrats, leaving the party with limited power in statehouses and a thin bench to challenge Republicans on the federal level. It is easy to place the blame on President Obama, but the entire Democrat leadership team must also share in the blame. For the last six years, it appears that the Republican Party is quicker to the draw and they appear to work harder. When President Obama won the election in 2008, he tried to reach across the aisle and work with the Republicans. But the Republican leadership was working from a different playbook, and their plan was to suppress and obstruct every policy the president tried to implement.
The mid-term election of 2010 is where the Republicans began to take control of the federal government, state legislatures and governorships. “The refusal by many Democrats to accept help from Obama in the 2010 and 2014 midterms, was also a strategic mistake. Some Democrats blame Obama for an executive agenda that highlighted social issues, such as transgender rights and access to birth control—over the economic anxiety still felt by many voters,” says Lisa Lerer, an AP reporter. Even though President Obama won the presidential campaign in 2012, the Democrats were still losing political seats and in 2014, the Republicans controlled both Houses on the federal level. President Obama’s administration did not develop a job strategy for the middle states in America and the citizens felt they were no longer living in the country they grew up in. The final reason that President Obama is not getting any credit as he leaves office is the problem of the color line. America is changing because there are more people of color with positions of responsibility, influence and power. Systemic racism still exists and it is difficult to give a Black man credit for a job well done. President-elect Trump and the Republicans can blame President Obama for not accomplishing anything, it is easy to criticize when you are on the sidelines. But Jan. 20, 2017, starts a new administration, and President-elect Trump says he is ready to go.
Trump staffers target EPA and State Department (NNPA)—There have been several disturbing developments over the last several weeks that give us a clue to the approach of the incoming administration. Trump’s transition team asked the Environmental Protection Agency for the names of staffers involved in global climate negotiations. It did not appear that they were getting ready to offer them awards. On Dec. 21, 2016, The Washington Post reported that the transition team was asking the State Department about grants it provides to global environmental groups. With former Texas Gov. Rick Perry as the nominee for secretary of energy and Scott Pruitt the nominee to head up EPA, it is as clear as day that the incoming Trump Administration seeks to take the country, if not the world, back about 50 years when it comes to addressing climate change and other environmental catastrophes currently unfolding. The disingenuousness of Trump and his allies when it comes to climate change is outstanding. Trump would like to play agnostic on whether climate change is unfolding
Bill Fletcher Jr.
Commentary and suggests that there is actually a debate in scientific circles regarding this matter. I hate to break it to the president-elect, but there is no more debate in scientific circles about the validity of climate change (and the human role in it) than there was about the connection between smoking and lung cancer. It is worth noting that the long delay in getting recognition of the connection of smoking to lung cancer was directly related to the obstruction emanating from the tobacco industry. Much the same is the case when it comes to climate change. The fossil fuel industry fronts supposed scientists to confuse the debate, despite the fact that they KNOW of the human connection to climate change.
The Trump Administration appears to be prepared to throw science to the wind and reject facts, as Trump-the-candidate did throughout his presidential campaign. But what is worse is that it appears that they want to take action against those who have rung the bell about the danger of human-induced climate change. This would be the equivalent of the tobacco industry taking over what is now the Department of Health and Human Services at the height of the debate on the connection between smoking and lung cancer. Key elements of the Republican Party have made it clear that they wish to overturn the 20th century. In other words, they seek to reverse the myriad gains won throughout the last century and return us to the reality of the late 19th century, with all that that involved. We simply cannot let that happen. The fights we are about to engage with the new administration will decide everything.
(Bill Fletcher Jr. is the former president of TransAfrica Forum, a talk show host, writer & activist. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and at www.billfletcherjr.com.)
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DECEMBER 28, 2016-JANUARY 3, 2017 NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
The real reason we should celebrate Kwanzaa this year (NNPA)—For 50 years, Black people in the United States have celebrated the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Established by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966, Kwanzaa is an African American and Pan-African holiday celebrated by millions throughout the world African community. Kwanzaa brings a cultural message, which speaks to the best of what it means to be African and human in the fullest sense. Our obvious support and celebration of this occasion suggests our commitment, not only to the principles of the Nguzo Saba, but also to their fruition. Thus, we ask you: What Kwanzaa success will you celebrate this year? What have you done during the year that qualifies as a celebratory event during Kwanzaa? Have you achieved Umoja (Unity) among Black folks in your locale? Are you unified to the point that you love one another more and support one another more? Do you have proof that you have unified around some pertinent issue or cause? If so, then let the celebration begin. If not, let the lamentation begin. How about Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)? What have you done in your city to demonstrate your commitment to determining the future of your children? Are others still controlling your destiny? Or have you
James Clingman
Commentary taken it upon yourself to build and support your own institutions, open and grow new business, and create your own jobs? Can you celebrate an accomplishment during 2016 vis-à-vis collective work and responsibility toward one another? Are you celebrating Ujima this year, or are you lamenting about what we have not done? If you have worked collectively on community projects such as neighborhood clean-up, elderly assistance, or tutoring, then your Kwanzaa celebration is in order. Now, here’s my favorite: Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics). Have you done anything cooperatively this year to increase the economic viability and stability of your community? Have you pooled any of your money to finance a project or to form an investment group to assist micro businesses? Have you purchased Black manufactured products on a consistent basis? What have you done to build and develop your community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness? In other words, what is your Nia (Purpose) and have you actualized that purpose? If you have, then you definitely have something to celebrate. Have you created anything lately? What has been the level of your Kuumba (Creativity) this past year? Is there anything, not necessarily something material, that you created to benefit your community? Maybe, it was a new financial institution, a volunteer food service program for those in need, or maybe it was a new resolve and commitment to do better than you did the previous year. Creativity covers a multitude of endeavors. Finally, how much Imani (Faith), do you have in the things you are celebrating? How much faith do you have in yourself? How much faith do you have in your brothers and sisters? How much faith do you have in the Creator’s ability to carry you through in times of struggle? Are you one of “little faith,” or is your faith sufficient to support you in your quest to fulfill the other six principles of Kwanzaa? Aren’t you tired of mere spoken words? Aren’t you just a little weary of empty rhetoric, events based on words followed by little or no subsequent action? Wouldn’t you like to see us, after fifty years of celebrating Kwanzaa, be able to point to something we built and sustained because of our celebration of values we hold so dear? On Dec. 26 of every year, after fifty years of celebrating, we should be able to look back and revel in the things we have accomplished through our celebration of Kwanzaa. What will you see when you look back this year? If nothing is there except a mere celebration of principles rather than progress, then you have some work to do. Use this year’s Kwanzaa to act upon the seven principles so that this time next year you will have some tangible accomplishment to celebrate. Again, my favorite principle is Ujamaa, so I’d like to offer something you can do to celebrate it. Go to www.iamoneofthemillion. com and purchase a few bags of Sweet Unity Coffee for yourself and for Kwanzaa gifts for a few friends. Then celebrate by toasting “sweet unity” among our people. The founder of Kwanzaa, Maulana Karenga, did more than just come up with some nice words and principles for us to recognize and follow during this season. He has shared many words with us on how we must conduct ourselves at all times—not just during Kwanzaa. One thing he warned against was Black folks getting stuck in a place where most of what we do is lament “litanies of lost battles.” Kwanzaa must be a true celebration of production and progress, not just another lamentation of having lost. (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.)
Blacks must determine Black leadership
Those in the White communi- Louis ‘Hop’ ty overwhelmingly, for centuries, have chosen who would be portrayed as Black leaders, spokespersons and political leaders. They have even wrapped their arms around certain preachers, thereby, anointing them, and, in too many instances, these preachers have a tendency to forget the Bible very clearly states, “You can’t serve two masters.” History is replete with situations, such as the slave masters would appoint those who would be the house ni--ers. In modern terminology, the house ni--er is now referred to as the H.N.I.C. In political campaigns, too many Blacks, for whatever reasons, fail to participate on Election Day, thereby, allowing the political party to determine who the candidates will be, the majority definitely don’t make the decision. The current Pittsburgh School Board President Dr. Regina Holley is the most qualified person to occupy that position and there are those with limited credentials who constantly seek to find fault with the board’s actions. Attorney Byrd R. Brown, now deceased, ran for mayor of Pittsburgh and was the most overqual-
ified person to do so; meanwhile, all of the local newspapers endorsed his opponent. There are those of you who have benefited from the old system, but your time is not long. I’m convinced that 2017 will be the beginning for Blacks to become the captains of their own destiny. As we begin to develop our own Black leadership, it must not be based on age or gender. If you have been involved for a number of years and you still believe you have some of the answers, don’t go away. If you are young and believe you have some of the answers, then you must raise your level of involvement. It is my personal conviction that we in the Black communities must reject those “colored” politicians who fail to understand and work toward building a Black power base. We, as Black people, can’t become an integral part of the system as long as those who are suppose to represent their Black constituents lack the political strength to cease asking, but be able to demand.
Commentary
Kendrick
To Tell The Truth
(Louis “Hop” Kendrick is a contributor to the New Pittsburgh Courier.)
Donald Trump: A perspective from a Harlem Renaissance man In 1923 Cane by Jean Toomer J. Pharoah was published. It is considered the masterpiece of the Harlem Renaissance, but Toomer ran into difficulty publishing after Cane. Publishers wanted Toomer to write about “Black subjects” only. Toomer refused. Good writing enables readers to see beyond the limits of their own observations, but great writing provides insight into the human condition that transcends its time period and has more impact generations later. For Toomer, Cane was just good, but he dared to be great. Unfortunately, he was unable to get the majority of his post-Cane material published during his lifetime. Decades after Toomer’s death, Scholars had a renewed interest in Toomer’s post-Cane publications and compiled them in books. One book contained an essay called Letter from America. This essay was originally published in a French Journal. Its subject was the presidential election of 1928. That race was between Republican Herbert Hoover and Democrat Al Smith. Hoover won. Now I’m going to reproduce portions of Toomer’s letter, but I’m going to replace the names of the 1928 candidates with the candidates of 2016. So now I present Donald Trump: A perspective from a Harlem Renaissance man. “It is interesting to note that before the election everyone knew Donald Trump, an experienced businessman, would be elected; and Hillary Clinton, a proven politician, would be defeated. Trump is the very symbol of business. He represents a pragmatic type, competent yet stripped of sensitivity and imagination. He confirms that we have definitely abandoned the era of social idealism, and that we are ready to get to work. Trump promises us a continuation of prosperity. Woodrow Wilson proposed to make the world safe for democracy; Donald Trump convinces us that the world is the domain for business. For Hillary Clinton, the old idealism, the ancient courtesy of paying attention to feelings, still lingered. She spoke to us of a better and more beautiful society. She was less prohibitive, more liberal, and had other interests besides business. She was a source of uneasiness. We did not
Armstrong Williams
want her, she was behind the times. Thomas Edison once said, “The government of the United States is the largest commercial enterprise in the world.” In sum, Donald Trump was the Businessman needed. His election galvanized the prevailing commercial interests and gave stimulus and assurance to all who participated in the business sphere of life, more that ever we are going to make money. In my opinion, this trend is wrong-headed. I support my opinion with the testimony of those whose professions support this new direction. In their daily lives and in their sincere personal feelings these people reject the philosophy of capitalism. That is, they are businessmen who love profit as if it were sport, but feel it is a vile game. They want to accumulate a small fortune and then retire. This is not the attitude of someone who loves his profession. This is the attitude of someone who hates it. This election signifies as well that business is going to extend its domination to other institutions of American life. The arts, sciences, and professions will have to adopt the rhythms and techniques of commerce, of industry, of finance, and of advertising. Bernard Shaw once said that business is an excellent thing when confined to its own sphere. But when it is the exclusive aim of government, as in America today, it becomes an agent of destruction of the individual—as far as its management goes. And so we are at strong risk of seeing business not just direct but become the government. Soon we will say America is Business. Education, science, religion, philosophy, in short, all the liberal professions and forms of culture will become no more than extensions of Big Business. We do not see or perceive the important and fundamental issues. And the fault lies with our leaders who are incompetent.” Toomer wrote Letter from America in 1929 and it was published in France. That same year in America, the stock market crashed and The Great Depression began.
Doss
Commentary
(J. Pharoah Doss is a contributor to the New Pittsburgh Courier. He blogs at jpharoahdoss@blogspot.com)
2016: The year in review (NNPA)—Is it still 2016? This really seems like the year that never ends. So much has happened of historical import that 2016 will no doubt go down as one of the richest historical periods in American history. It is almost unbelievable to witness some of the sea changes we have experienced on a national and global scale. In January, President Barack Obama delivered his last State of The Union address as the nation’s first Black President. The historic rise of Obama, almost 50 years after Dr. King’s assassination, signaled both the pinnacle and the decline of the Civil Rights Movement. In one of his last speeches in front of a nationally-televised, prime time audience, Obama invoked King’s language about the arc of progress and the necessity of change. He signaled that a change was upon us, but that we must face both the perils and opportunities with confidence and clarity—for despite all the noise it bends towards justice. In February, the Flint, Michigan, water crisis forced us to confront the reality that much of our national infrastructure had reached critical points of decline. It begged us to consider what happens when partisanship in government supersedes the public good. The problems in Flint mirrored a hamstrung national legislature in congress that has kicked the ball down the road when it comes to addressing critical matters of trade, infrastructure, debt and industry. We decried the politics of gridlock and short-termism that led to this state of affairs, and prayed for a break in the impasse. The inimitable Supreme Court giant Antonin Scalia died in February. Although the esteemed jurist was known for his controversial comments in oral argument, those who knew him well understood that he was not being merely acerbic towards litigants or his fellow jurists; rather he was genuinely perturbed by the potential dangers of imprecision—especially because reasoning by analogy was necessary in some cases to fit the words of the law over a novel set of facts. He will be missed. In March, Dr. Ben Carson ended his historic campaign for president of the United States. Carson ran a remarkably dignified and honorable campaign, and was a dark horse favorite early in the primaries. Carson went on to be the first of the candidates to honor his pledge to support the eventual nominee and is now on the verge of being confirmed as the Housing and Urban Development secretary. Many who doubted Carson, now see the wisdom of his decision to stay the course and work for the public good rather than for party or personal ego. He is a shining example of what faith and perseverance can do. Also in March, the Super Tuesday races revealed a surprise that no one saw coming––the inevitable rise of Donald Trump. It was a sobering wake-up call for those who assumed that Trump would fizzle out in the primaries, perhaps a surprise, even to Trump, who had whispered to Gov. Chris Christie early on in the primaries that he didn’t think he’d make it past October. But that was not to be the case, and the prognosticators would continue to be proven wrong up until election night when Trump surprised the nation and was elected president. It remains to be seen whether the president-elect will deliver on his bold promise to “Make American Great Again.” What is perhaps even more surprising than the Trump upset, is the epic failure of the Hillary Clinton candidacy. Clinton was by far the more skilled politician and should have benefited from the afterglow of President Obama, who continues to enjoy high ratings. Clinton apparently did not benefit from the tailwind created by a popular two-term Democrat incumbent, and some of her critical flaws—a perception of corruption and inability to level truthfully with the American people—created a likability problem that ultimately proved to be her downfall. June brought us Brexit, with the British public voting to break away from the European Union in a surprise shift that has been reflected in the U.S. election and elections in France and Italy. Then-candidate Trump spoke presciently about the event from his golf course in Scotland, stating “Basically, they took back their country… it is essentially the same thing in the United States.” Police shootings dominated the news in July, with the recorded incidents of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile. The issue brought Black Lives Matter (BLM) to the fore once again, and the question of whether police use of force against Blacks was unjustified and unfair. In the aftermath, there were protests all around the nation to speak out against the perceived injustices. At one of those protests, a lone gunman killed five police officers, who were protecting protesters, sparking a controversy over whether BLM had gone beyond championing justice and created an environment of reprisal against police officers. The issue would take on national significance at the Democratic and Republican Conventions, with Republicans celebrating the lives of fallen officers and honoring their families amidst calls for an increase in law and order. Democrats, on the other hand, featured the families of those who were killed by police and called for a renewed emphasis on justice and equality. In many ways, the election became a referendum on these two competing aims. The nation and the world have witnessed incredible change in 2016. The new administration seems a stark departure if not an outright repudiation of the outgoing president’s policies. And the drama and noise has continued unabated even after election night. It’s hard to believe with all that happened that 2016 is still not officially over. (Armstrong Williams is manager/sole owner of Howard Stirk Holdings I & II Broadcast Television Stations and the 2016 Multicultural Media Broadcast Owner of the year. Follow Armstrong on Twitter @arightside.)
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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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Letters Testamentary on the estate of GEORGE DALEY, Court Term No. 021606703, late of Verona, Allegheny County, deceased, having been granted to the undersigned by the Director of Dept. of Court Records, Wills/Orphans Court Division of Allegheny County, notice is hereby given to all persons indebted to said estate to make immediate payment, and to those having claims against the same to present them to the undersigned, duly authenticated for settlement. Elaine Daley, Executrix, 7930 Orlan Pl, Verona, PA 15147 Estate of ROBERT B. WOLF, a/k/a Robert Benson Wolf, deceased of Sewickley, Pennsylvania, No. 02-16-06521, Mary Ellen Wolf, Executrix, c/o Tener, Van Kirk, Wolf & Moore, PC, One Oxford Centre, Suite 2100, 301 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 or to Nancy L. Rackoff, Esquire, Tener, Van Kirk, Wolf & Moore, P.C., One Oxford Centre, Suite 2100, 301 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Estate and Trust Estate of GAIL RYAVE, a/k/a Gail Perlut Ryave, deceased of Pittsburgh, PA. No. 02-16-06600 Sharon K. Brody, Executrix of the Estate of Gail Ryave, a/k/a Gail Perlut Ryave and Trustee under Irrevocable Trust, Agreement of Gail Ryave dated April 2, 2004, c/o Tener, Van Kirk, Wolf & More, PC, One Oxford Centre, Suite 2100, 301 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 or to Nancy L. Rackoff, Esquire, Tener, Van Kirk, Wolf & Moore, P.C., One Oxford Centre, Suite 2100, 301 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Estate of BARBARA C. TOMSIC, deceased of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, No. 02-16-06516, Paul J. Tomsic, Executor, 1 West Superior, Apt. 3712, Chicago, IL 60654 or to Todd T. Jordan, Esquire, Tener, Van Kirk, Wolf & Moore, P.C., One Oxford Centre, Suite 2100, 301 Gran Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
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PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY
ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY CONTRACT NO. 1672 REPAIR OF ROLL-UP GARAGE DOORS LEGAL NOTICE
Electronic Proposals will be received online at the Port Authority of Allegheny County’s Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.port authority.org). Proposals/bid submittals will be due 11:00 AM on January 25, 2017 and will be read at 11:15 AM., the same day, at Port Authority, 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2527, for the following: Electronic Proposal - Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.portauthority.org) Bid Number Bid Name B161097 Underground Teraction Power Cable B1611102 Bucket Trucks B1611103 LED Fixtures for Steel Plaza and Wood Street Stations Paper Proposal – Documents are available for the following item at Port Authority’s Main Offices 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania 15222-2527 B160761AR Copier Management Services No bidder may withdraw a submitted Proposal for a period of 75 days after the scheduled time for opening of the sealed bids. A Pre-Bid Conference will be held on each of the above items at 10:00am on January 10, 2017 at Port Authority, 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 152222527. Attendance at this meeting is not mandatory, but is strongly encouraged. Questions regarding any of the above bids will not be entertained by the Port Authority within 48 hours of the scheduled bid opening. These contracts may be subject to a financial assistance contract between Port Authority of Allegheny County and the United States Department of Transportation. The Contractor will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity laws and regulations. Contractor is responsible for expenses related to acquiring a performance bond and insurance where applicable. All items are to be FOB delivered unless otherwise specified. Costs for delivery, bond, and insurance shall be included in bidder’s proposal pricing. Port Authority of Allegheny County hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively insure that in regard to any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprise will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award. The Board of Port Authority reserves the right to reject any or all bids.
COURIER CLASSIFIEDS… THE ONLY WAY TO GO!
The Allegheny County Sanitary Authority is soliciting Bids for CONTRACT NO. 1672, REPAIR OF ROLL-UP GARAGE DOORS, for which Proposals will be received until 11:00 A.M., Prevailing Time, Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at the office of the Authority. ALCOSAN encourages businesses owned and operated by minorities and women to submit bids on Authority Proposals or to participate as subcontractors or suppliers to the successful bidder. Successful Bidders are to use minority or women’s businesses to the fullest extent possible. The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals, to waive any informality in any Proposal and to accept any Proposal should it be deemed in the interest of the Authority to do so. Bid Security in the Amount of$ 200.00 is required. Documents pertaining to the submission of Bids are available at the office of the Authority, 3300 Preble Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15233. Any questions regarding this contract document should be directed to Benjamin J. Heilman, Contract Supervisor at 412-734-6204. ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY Benjamin J. Heilman Contract Supervisor
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SONNY BOY
SPORTS New Pittsburgh Courier
B6
DECEMBER 28, 2016-JANUARY 3, 2017
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
CELEBRATION—Beaver Falls players, cheerleaders and fans celebrate the school’s first PIAA football trophy. (Photos by Timothy Cox)
Beaver Falls captures first-ever PIAA state football crown by Timothy Cox For New Pittsburgh Courier
HERSHEY, Pa.—In the first game of the 2016 season, Beaver Falls High School football team were blown-out by their longtime nemesis, Aliquippa High School, 44-13. That was Sept. 2. Three months later, the Tigers not only avoided future defeat, on Dec. 10, they overcame adversity by winning their 13th consecutive game and copping their first-ever PIAA Class 3A football state title over Middletown High School, 30-13. Eleven-year head coach Ryan Matsook, recently reflected on reasons why he thought his boys were able to run the proverbial table, after losing their first game. “I really didn’t have to say much after that first game. The seniors gathered the players amongst themselves and basically had an internal meeting, and told themselves they were the better team (over the Quips) and they vowed not to lose anymore this year. “They had their own meeting...they owned up that we needed to improve. That loss brought us together—and their united strength was apparent throughout the season. I admit, this is a special group of very mature young men—we had 21 seniors.” The coach said the team was talent-rich enough a year ago to have probably accomplished this year’s feat, but a number of signficant injuries to vital players, were too much to overcome. “Last year we were young, but still very good,” said the coach, who follows his father Dan Matsook and uncle, Eugene Matsook—as PIAA head coaching champs. His relatives won state titles at Rochester High School, also in Beaver County. “If not for some major injuries last year, we felt we had the stuff then,” continued the younger Matsook.
by Aubrey Bruce For New Pittsburgh Courier
Benjamin Franklin once said that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Although many use the quote when referring to health, Franklin actually was addressing fire safety. Franklin wrote this (courtesy of ushistory.org) The Pittsburgh Steelers are the 2016 National Football League, AFC North Champions. The Steelers defeated the Baltimore Ravens by the score of 31-27. Whew! That was a mouthful, especially considering the circumstances that the squad from the Steel City were forced to overcome (especially the defense), in regards to a few senseless and illogical decisions that their “future hall-of-fame quarterback “Big” Ben Roethlisberger made at cru-
COMMUNITY SUPPORT—Though clearly outnumbered, Beaver Falls faithful fans fully supported their champions. “All these guys started as sophomores, so a year ago we had a real chance at success to win big. I think what did not happen last year motivated this year’s team. They knew what could’ve been, and didn’t want that to occur again.” Last year’s team was 9-2, he said. Matsook also revealed that his current team were champions in area youth football leagues as pre-teens. “They’ve been together quite awhile,” he said. “Our motto this year was: “No Excuses,” said the coach. Matsook said he’s quite certain the Beaver Falls community realizes and appreciates the significance of the city’s first football crown. The storied high school owns four PIAA state basketball titles, but had never competed for a state football trophy. While the Hershey Park Stadium was filled with at least 3,000 Middletown H.S. fans, hundreds of orange and black-clad Beaver Falls faithful also braved the sub-20-degree elements and extreme wind chills, in making the five-hour trip east on the Pa. Turnpike. Though the Tigers’ fan base was significantly less than the blue and gold Raiders’
throng, the winning team provided their supporters with plenty of reasons to cheer loudly for their hometown boys. Coach Matsook, 39, and a Rochester native, says he’s appreciative of the Beaver Falls community’s patience with him and his staff. He said he was well aware of many residents’ urging to perhaps change coaching leadership throughout his tenure, but he said he was confident that his consistency as a winning coach would someday payoff at the state’s pinnacle. “Sometimes, I compare us to the Steelers, and Aliquippa, to the Patriots. The Quips have a rich tradition—we have a storied tradition—the difference, they’ve got all those consecutive championships, but we’ve got the storied history, with Joe Namath, Karlin “Butch” Ryan, George “Tookie” James, Larry Bruno and people like that. Our tradition is notable. I’m just proud that my guys were able to put the icing on the cake and bring something back to Beaver County that hadn’t occurred since Darrelle Revis’ Aliquippa team won a state title in 2003. That’s great company,” he said. Several members of the
Beaver Falls alumni made the trip to Hershey from various parts of the nation, in addition to members of the school’s legendary 1984
WPIAL football championship team. Another feather in the Falls’ cap this year occurred on Nov. 18, when the Tigers up-ended the Quips 35-22 at Heinz Field— avenging their opening-day loss, while earning the super-competitive and often elusive, WPIAL title. Senior offensive linemen, Donovan Jeter played a very active game on both defense and offense in the state title game. He recently signed to play defensive end at the University of Michigan. During a brief interview in the stands, his dad, Carliss Jeter, said the quick move to college will help his son solidify his academic career, though he’ll forgo his senior year on the Tigers’ basketball team. Donovan Jeter’s older brother, Sheldon Jeter, is currently a two-year starter
on the University of Pittsburgh basketball team. He was a member of the 2012 Tigers squad that lost in an overtime PIAA Class 2A state basketball title game to eventual champion Imhotep Charter Academy of Philadelphia. Other players who showed well in the recent PIAA football game were running backs Neshaud Akins and Derrell Carter, in addition to all-purpose player and returning junior, Malik Shepherd. Senior quarterback Austin French also played a steady game. The Beaver Falls High School Fighting Tiger Band, and the school’s cheerleading squad should likewise be commended for braving the cold weather, while proudly representing their school in a very dignified and respectful manner.
Steelers in the playoffs
by Ulish Carter Courier Staff Writer
After three quarters of the walking dead, the Pittsburgh Steelers finally came alive in the fourth quarter against arch rivals the Baltimore Ravens, scoring three touchdowns for a 31-27 victory that clinched the AFC North title with a 10-5 record. This weekend they will wrap-up the regular season against the winless, no, sorry they won one, Cleveland Browns (1-14) who upset the San Diego Chargers last week 20-17 for their first win of the season. Even though the Browns have played most teams tough they still had not been able to attain the “W” until last week. Right now, the New England Patriots (132), AFC East champs, are the first seed; the Oakland Raiders (12-3), AFC West champs, are second; the Pittsburgh Steelers are third; and the Houston Texans (9-6), AFC South champs, are fourth. The wildcards are the Kansas City Chiefs (11-4) and the Miami Dolphins (10-5), with one game left. Who will be at quarterback for the Browns is not clear. If Robert Griffin III is cleared by the doctors to play, he will start, but if not, rookie Cody Kessler will start with Josh McCown probably backing him up. No one has sparkled at QB for them this season. The same can be said about all the
other positions on the Cleveland team. At running back: Isaiah Crowell, 179 carries for 800 yards, and Duke Johnson, 72 carries for 354 yards. Receivers are Terrelle Pryor, 70 receptions for 913 yards; Duke Johnson, 53 receptions for 514 yards; and Gary Bamidge, 50 receptions for 572 yards. Against the Ravens, the Steelers drove the ball down the field on their first possession, then just died trying to run the ball instead of running everything through Ben Roethlisberger. They came back to life in the fourth quarter, scoring 21 points. For the season, with one game left, Roethlisberger is 328 of 509 for a 64.4 percent, 3819 yards, 29 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Antonio Brown has 106 catches for 1284 yards and 12 touchdowns. All are among the league leaders. Le’Veon Bell has 1268 yards on 261 carries, and 7 touchdowns on the ground. Through the air he has 75 receptions for 616 yards and 3 touchdowns to put him among the NFL leaders in rushing and total yards for a running back. The defense behind the play of everyone has developed into one of the best in the NFL, and is getting better. Look for the starters to play the first half and the subs, especially quarterback to finish out the game.
Inside Conditions…An ounce of prevention cial times during the game. It cannot or should not be excused or taken lightly, (except maybe if you are first or second year quarterback) to throw not one, but two interceptions on your team’s side of the fifty yard line when you are playing and trying to win a division title. Many writers are romanticizing another great Roethlisberger “engineered” comeback but if the train engineer falls asleep at the controls and wakes up to find his train mere feet from plunging down into an abyss, he had better find a way to derail or stop the locomotive, by hook or by crook before it plunges off into eternity. Yes, Roethlisberger directed three touchdown drives in the fourth quarter to “seal” the win, but the great comeback was dictated by an inept performance
AUBREY BRUCE by Roethlisberger through the second and third quarters of the contest. Roethlisberger is a surefire future NFL hall-of-fame quarterback. I do not even remotely doubt that fact but his overall performance in the 2016 AFC North Championship game reminded me of, (and I mean this fig-
uratively, not literally) of an arsonist impersonating a volunteer fireman, that has just purchased a brand new fire truck for his neighborhood fire department. He then sets a few fires allowing him to respond and in the process, use his new state-of-the art equipment and in the process will possibly be hailed as a hero when it is all said and done. There is no reason to expect your defense to rescue you, from blunder after blunder. There is also no for explanation for play calls such as throwing a seam route down the middle on a third and two when you have running back Le’Veon Bell chomping at the bit to keep the chains moving and making first downs on the journey toward the end zone. Was that ill-fated play call sent in from the sidelines or was it an
audible by a quarterback who happened to read or, in this particular instance, misread the defensive coverage? To date, Roethlisberger has thrown 29 touchdown passes with 13 interceptions. Two rookie quarterbacks, Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys has thrown 20 TDs with 4 interceptions and the other QB, Carson Wentz of the Philadelphia Eagles has thrown 26 TDs along with just 9 picks. Is it a coincidence or just reality that the Steelers have been defeated by both teams, led by 1st year signal callers? Both these rookies have already learned and are practicing the concept that if the play is not open, throw the ball away, punt and live to see another day. Ben Roethlisberger almost single handedly gift wrapped the division title for the Balti-
more Ravens on Christmas Day 2016. For much of his career, many people have regarded Big Ben as the proverbial “gift horse” for the Pittsburgh Steelers team and their offense. We have been warned in the past, as well as being warned in the present and will probably be admonished in the future to never: “look a gift horse in the mouth.” However, there are times that “free does not mean flawless” and a gift horse must be examined thoroughly to insure that the owner is not holding onto or overpricing outdated or possibly damaged goods.
(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.)