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DECEMBER 11-17, 2019

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THE URBAN LEAGUE RONALD H. BROWN LEADERSHIP AWARDS

Women of Excellence ‘Class of 2019’ Special Section

Reality show ‘Smokey Business’ to air on Pittsburgh’s CW, Dec. 15

ROBERT HILL, SHARON MCDANIEL AND BOB NELKIN were the honorees at the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh’s 2019 Ronald H. Brown Leadership Awards Gala, held Dec. 7, at the Westin Hotel, Downtown. Also pictured are: Alan Trivilino, left, and Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh CEO Esther Bush, right. (Photo by Courier photographer J.L. Martello)

Kai Roberts—Advocating against barriers to treat mental health

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

A customer comes into Q&M’s Fish, Chik and Ribs in Plum on a regular basis to get her chicken wings, and she notices the hustle and bustle, the craziness (in a good way) that happens inside a family-owned, Black business.

There’s nieces cooking, taking orders on the phone, dealing with the in-person customers…

There’s Uncle James and Aunt Linda trying to make sure the bills are paid on time and keeping the ribs, chicken and smoked brisket as tender and juicy as can be…

There’s the family disagreements, the arguments, the happiness, the joy…

Finally, the unnamed customer says to Aunt Linda, “y’all should be a reality show.”

Well, this Sunday, Dec. 15 at noon on Pittsburgh’s CW, the idea will become, reSEE SMOKEY BUSINESS B7

by Renee P. Aldrich PublicSource

Kai Roberts was 17 years old when he entered Carnegie Mellon University in 2010 on a full tuition grant. By his sophomore year, he began experiencing bizarre symptoms—heart palpitations, sleepless nights, intrusive thoughts and unexplained fears.

The next summer, his symptoms worsened. Just one month into his junior year, he was experiencing repeated panic attacks. As his fears escalated, he knew it was time to figure out what was going on and to do something about it.

In an urgent call to his mother, Kai told her everything.

“Get your things, you are coming home tonight,” she told him. He left school and stayed at his family’s home in Beltzhoover for the rest of the fall 2012 semester.

Kai’s mother, Yolanda Roberts, said getting that call from Kai at school trumped everything that was going on at the time.

She left her shift as a Pittsburgh police officer to get him from school.

Kai’s experience is shared by many students across the country. According KAI ROBERTS

SEE ROBERTS B7

MOTHERS OF MURDERED SONS

Group brings peace to families of men killed by gun violence

by Genea L. Webb For New Pittsburgh Courier

ANNETTE HALCOMB, ANITRA MEADE-LYLES AND TINA FORD remember and honor their loved ones who were killed by gun violence. (Photo by Genea L. Webb)

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Losing a child to gun violence is something a mother never gets over. But the newly created group, Mothers of Murdered Sons (MOMS), is available to help families cope with the devastating loss.

Tina Ford’s life changed forever when her son, 23-year-old Armani Ford, was shot to death earlier this year on April 26.

“I was in the hair salon and my uncle called and said Armani had got shot and did I hear anything,” recalled Ford, a lifelong Clairton resident. “Other calls began to come in and I got the call that my son was killed.”

Instead of paying for therapy, Ford went to her sisters in Clairton to help her navigate the

J. Pharoah Doss on

anger, hate and loneliness associated with losing a loved one to gun violence and started MOMS. “I started the group for my purposes,” Ford told the New Pittsburgh Courier in an exclusive interview in November. “What I did was I reached out to women in the community that were going through the same experience, but they had a little more experience in how to deal with certain things.

I really did it to understand where would I be once I get to where they are at. So I can understand if I wake up every morning and cry or if I’m angry or can’t go to work, I need to know how to shift that into something positive.”

Armani served as quarterback for the Clairton Bears and comSEE MOMS A2

The unusual criticism of Kamala ‘the prosecutor’ Harris Forum B6 Forum B6

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MOTHERS OF MURDERED SONS Group brings peace to families of men killed by gun violence we have this group.”

McKeesport and as far Anitra Meade-Lyles, away as Forest Hills. For whose brother, Voltaire more information on Moth“Volt” Meade, was gunned ers of Murdered Sons, condown in McKeesport in tact Ford at 412-219-7157.

2012, agreed with Halcomb.

“The last one we picked “Mothers of Murdered was loneliness and each Sons has allowed me to get more in tune with my emotions,” she said. “Before joining the group, I felt like I had to be strong for everyone else.

But this is a safe place.

We all relate to each other’s pain.

The group has made us a stronger family. This makes me feel that I am doing something on his behalf. The “Armani constantly smiled. He was mild-mannered group gave and he was a good leader. I always used to say, me clarity ‘How are you a good leader out in these streets, but on how I was you can’t take the garbage out?’” adjusting to TINA FORD, mother of Armani Ford my brother’s death. Now I’m all in. It lady went around and talkfeels good to have personal ed about what loneliness support and feels to them and how it afto be able to fects them,” Ford said. support peoSince starting Mothers of ple.”

Murdered Sons, Ford and M e a d e - her band of moms had a fish L y l e s fry at Clairton Park over the serves as summer, catching 1,000 piecs e c r e t a r y es of fish and selling countfor MOMS less dinners. MOMS also and origi- held a turkey drive, giving nally joined out 150 turkeys to Clairton the group in residents. She also held August to a MOMSologue event at support her Clairton High School in Nomother. vember where seven women “Volt” Me- told stories in dialogue form ade was the about where they were when owner of they received the shocking McKeesport- phone call of their loved based Me- one’s murder. ade Brothers “We put people in the Trucking Inc. place of our personal exHe was a perience of receiving that family man phone call or contact that and a prob- your loved one has been lem solver. shot or a victim of any vio“Mothers of Murdered Sons has allowed me to The Clairton lent crime,” explained Meget more in tune with my emotions. Before joining High School ade-Lyles. “We took you on the group, I felt like I had to be strong for everyone graduate en- that journey.”

The event was such a sucelse. But this is a safe place. We all relate to each joyed huntother’s pain. The group has made us a stronger ing, fishing cess, Ford said, that she’s family. This makes me feel that I am doing some- and spending in negotiations with Pittsthing on his behalf. The group gave me clarity on time with his burgh-area theaters to do chil- the MOMSologue inside how I was adjusting to my brother’s death. Now I’m three Pittsburgh city limits. all in. It feels good to have personal support and to dren.

The group The members of MOMS be able to support people.” meets every hope to attend the Circle ANITRA MEADE-LYLES, sister of Voltaire “Volt” Meade third Tues- of Mothers event in May day of the 2020. The organization was said Halcomb, who serves month from 6:30-8:30 p.m. created by Sybrina Fulton, as the Mothers of Murdered at First United Method- mother of Trayvon Martin, Sons co-founder. “I always ist Church, 500 Thompson as a weekend retreat for went to funerals when peo- Ave., Clairton. Newcomers mothers who have lost a ple have kids that are mur- are always welcome. Dif- child to gun violence. dered, and I whisper into ferent topics are discussed “I took on Armani’s faith their loved ones’ ear: ‘I’ve during each meeting and and I knew I had to get mybeen there’ and I walk away. each member talks about self together,” Ford said. “I I didn’t know how to start a what the topics mean to started a whole new life. Argroup but with Tina’s vision them. There are current- mani always told me to ‘tell ly 12 members in Mothers my story right’ and through THE of Murdered Sons and the Mons of Murdered Sons ladies hail from Clairton, that’s what I’m going to do.”

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MOMS FROM A1

pleted his high school career with 2,000 passing yards and helped the Bears win its fourth PIAA Class A Championship and its fifth consecutive WPIAL title in 2013. He also played for the school’s baseball and basketball teams. In addition to his sports endeavors, Armani enjoyed fishing with his dad, hanging out with friends and traveling. He took his first trip aboard to Mexico at age 2.

“Armani constantly smiled.

He was mild-mannered and he was a good leader,” said Tina Ford, of her son. “I used to always say, ‘How are you a good leader out in these streets, but you can’t take the garbage out?’”

Tina Ford looked to friend Annette Halcomb, whose son Kenneth Lamont Ward Jr. (also known to friends as “Big Skin”) was shot in McKeesport in 2004, to help create the group.

Ward was loving, nurturing and a father figure to his younger siblings. The 6-foot-tall gentle giant was a member of the Clairton Bears football team and was also 23 years old when he was shot and killed.

“It took the loss of Armani to start a moms group,”

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This Week In Black History

Week of November December 11-17 December 11 1917—Thirteen Black soldiers were hanged for their participation in the so-called Houston riot. The “riot” had occurred in August of 1917 when Whites objected to the presence of Black soldiers in the city. Racist insults and mistreatment began. Then a Black soldier intervenes in the arrest of a Black woman. A Black corporal inquires with the police about the arrest of the soldier. A fight breaks out between the corporal and the police.

A rumor spreads that a White mob was marching on the Black camp. Roughly 100 Black soldiers grabbed rifles and marched onto downtown Houston. Within two hours they had killed 15 Whites including four police officers. They returned to camp but military officials pressured seven soldiers to snitch on the others.

Their snitching resulted in the convictions and hangings of 13 Black soldiers.

JOE ‘KING’ OLIVER 1917—The Great Jazz Migration begins when noted musician Joe “King” Oliver leaves New Orleans, La., and settles in Chicago, Ill. He is soon joined by other early Jazz greats. Their presence in Chicago laid the foundation for the Southern Black music genre (with heavy sexual overtones) to become a national obsession. Actually, the “migration” may not have been quite so romantic.

Instead of being forced by the closing of the New Orleans Storyville district, Jazz greats probably left New Orleans for Chicago for the same reason other Blacks left the South—failing crops forced the disappearance of jobs while Northern factories recruited Blacks for work to produce arms and other goods for World War I. Nevertheless, many historians view Oliver’s relocation to Chicago as the start of New Orleans Jazz migrating to the rest of the nation.

December 12 1911—Josh Gibson, legend of the Negro Baseball League, is born in Buena Vista, Ga. Standing 6’2” and weighing between 205 and 215, Gibson was a near perfect physical specimen who became the league’s home run king. He is credited with up to 932 home runs and a lifetime batting average of more than .350. The only Negro League baseball player better known than Gibson was the great pitcher Satchel Paige. The tremendous talent of the JOSH GIBSON Negro League players was summed up by Washington Post sports writer Shirley Povich in a 1941 column, “The only thing keeping them out of the big leagues is the pigmentation of their skin.”

1941—Three-time Grammy winning singer Dionne Warwick is born on this day.

She is a woman of many accomplishments including leading Hollywood’s anti-AIDS campaign and having her own skin care line. Her career was tainted a bit by her latter day association with the so-called Psychic Friends Network.

1963—The east African nation of Kenya is proclaimed independent from colonial rule. The first president is the charismatic Jomo Kenyatta. Despite many of the same problems which beset most other African nations, Kenya has remained one of the most politically stable countries on the continent. This is despite its beginnings which saw the brutal British repression of the Mau Mau movement–a secret insurgency of Kikuyu tribesmen, which had risen up to, drive out the White settlers.

December 13 1903—Another one of the great unsung heroines of the Civil Rights Movement Ella Baker is born in Norfolk, Va. She directed the New York branch of the NAACP; became executive director of the Martin Luther King ELLA BAKER Jr. founded Southern Christian Leadership Conference during the turbulent 1960s; and played a key role in the founding of the “Black Power” oriented Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. In addition, she was a mentor to Rosa Parks and helped to lead the Mississippi voter registration drive. She frequently found herself as the only woman in the usually all male leadership structure of civil rights organizations and often had to battle sexism. Even more than Rosa Parks, Baker deserves to be called the “mother of the civil rights movement.” Baker, a teacher, mentor and organizer, died in 1986 on her 83rd birthday.

1913—Archie Moore is born Archibald Lee White in Benoit, Miss. He becomes light heavyweight champion in 1952.

1981—Old-style Black comedian Dewey “Pigmeat” Markham dies. His standup comedy routine was a major attraction at many Black-oriented events and shows during the 1950s and 1960s. He also achieved some national fame among Whites with his “here comes the judge” routine on the 1970s TV series “Laugh In.” December 14 1799—The first President of the United States George Washington dies. In his will the “founding father” stipulated that his slaves shall be freed upon the death of his wife Martha. Washington was a wealthy Virginian who supported slavery but did not want to see it expanded. In this regard, he signed the notorious Fugitive Slave Act of 1793 but also signed legislation barring the expansion of slavery into the Northwest Territories. Upon her death, Martha Washington also freed the slaves she owned. One Washington slave is known to have escaped and was never recaptured. His name was Ona Judge Staines.

1915—Jack Johnson, perhaps the most controversial Black boxer in American history, wins the heavy weight championship. He fought at least 114 matches winning most of them.

One biographer described Johnson as a man who “lived life his way.” But his outspokenness and affairs with White women ran him afoul of the racist authorities of the day. He was jailed for nearly a year in 1913 on trumped up charges. He fought JACK JOHNSON his last match in 1928. After boxing he became a sensation on Broadway in the play “Great White Hope.” Born in Galveston, Texas, Johnson (full name Arthur John Johnson) died in Raleigh, N.C., as a result of an automobile accident. For reasons which remain unclear, President Obama has delayed granting Johnson a pardon on his 1913 conviction even though the measure has little opposition.

December 15 1864—One of the most decisive battles of the Civil War begins on this day with Black troops helping to crush one of the South’s finest armies at the Battle of Nashville. In a bid to stop the advances of the Union Army under Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman, rebel Gen. John Bell Hood led the powerful Army of Tennessee to Nashville to cut off Sherman’s supply lines. After two weeks of positioning and waiting for a break in the cold weather, the Union side finally decided to hurl the 13th United States Colored Troops at the Army of Tennessee.

Although suffering massive casualties, the Black troops broke through the Confederate lines in a matter of hours.

The victory helped to seal the South’s fate and bring an end to the Civil War the very next year.

1934—Maggie Lena Walker dies on this day at age 69.

MAGGIE LENA WALKER She had become perhaps the most powerful Black female businesswoman and social activist in America. Born to former slaves who themselves became activists for Black betterment, Walker at the tender age of 14 joined the Independent Grand United Order of St. Luke in Richmond, Va. She would help transform the Order and led it to become a premier Black self-help group. At its height, the Order had 50,000 members, 1500 local chapters, and a multi-purpose financial complex.

Under Walker, the Order started a newspaper–the St. Luke Herald and a bank—the St. Luke Penny Savings Bank. Indeed, the bank was the only Black Richmond bank to survive the Great Depression bringing other banks under its wing and becoming the Consolidated Bank and Trust Company.

December 16 1859—The last known slave ship, The Clotilde, lands in Mobile, Ala., with a cargo of 110 to 160 Africans. The importation of Africans as slaves had been illegal in America since 1808. But the law was poorly enforced. However, fearing possible arrest by federal authorities, owners burned the Clotilde and attempted to scatter the slaves. But a group managed to escape and succeeded in establishing a village near Mobile known as “Africatown.” The last known survivor of this group was Cudjo Lewis (African name Kossula).

December 17 1663—Queen Nzingha of Angola dies at the age of 82.

Known as the Warrior Princess of Matamba, Queen Nzingha gained legendary fame for her resistance to Portuguese attempts to colonize the interior of Africa. She also battled the Dutch slave trade. Leading a tribal group known as the Jugas, she is generally credited with leading the stiffest resistance to early European colonialism and imperialism.

1939—Eddie Kendricks is born in Union Springs, Ala. Kendricks was the lead singer for the Temptations during the group’s heyday.

1975—Pioneer Jazz lyricist Noble Sissle dies on this day in 1975. He was one-half of the famous team of Sissle and Blake (Eubie Blake). Sissle wrote the lyrics and sang the NOBLE SISSLE songs while Blake composed and played the music. Sissle died at his home in Tampa, Fla. He was 86.

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Racial justice activist, author Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor receives 47th Thomas Merton Center Award

KEEANGA-YAMAHTTA TAYLOR, center, shown above with Briann Moye and M. Shernell Smith, is an assistant professor in the department of African American Studies at Princeton University. Her newest book is entitled, “Race for Profit: How Banks and the Real Estate Industry Undermined Black Homeownership.” Taylor was named one of the most influential African Americans in the U.S. by The Root in 2016, and was appointed as a Distinguished Lecturer for the Organization of American Historians for 2018-19. She received the 47th Thomas Merton Center Award during an event at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, Nov. 22. (Photos by Courier photographer J.L. Martello)

EMCEE, BRITTANI MURRAY

POET, CORRINE JASMIN

JORDAN MALLOW, GABRIEL MCMORLAND, director of the Thomas Merton Center, and Fatima Bunafor.

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Manifest your holiday cheer and burst your way out of the blues!

by Teresa Renee Hunt For New Pittsburgh Courier

It is time for holiday cheer because Christmas time, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah are here, right? In a perfect world, we would all be filled with glee and this season would be the most wonderful time of the year. However, if we survey our circle, world circumstances, and our surroundings with a sober perspective, we know the holidays aren’t always full of happiness for everyone, or even ourselves at times.

From the hustle, bustle, and sometimes even the struggle that comes with a commercialized Christmas, to the overwhelming grief families experience and the seasonal depression that is often hidden behind suits and comfy sweater dresses, the same holidays that harvest blessings for some, also

contribute to the holiday blues of others. Whether you find yourself experiencing the former or the latter, it is essential to your well-being to remember you can experience your personal “merry” and position yourself to be, and receive, a special blessing this holiday season.

Amplify your cheer intentionally with these two action steps: 1. Choose gratitude as your personal gift With must-have holiday items vying for the attention of all, it is easy to trade your contentment for a race for more cash in order to gain the shiny objects that have been set before your eyes. It is important to recognize that presents don’t equate the presence of peace in your life. This holiday season, I challenge you to unwrap your personal gift of gratitude, be satisfied with all

you have (life, health, family, friends), and free yourself from the pressures of a commercialized time of celebration.

2. Gift your time Gifts are great, but this year, try giving of yourself.

Spend quality time with a loved one. Invest time with your children, parents, or those who are elderly and often forgotten about, and create new memories with them. Volunteer your time with an initiative or organization of your choice.

Check in with your friends and family members who are seen as the “strong” ones and offer a word of encouragement. Doing so allows you to express your love and care. Additionally, giving takes the focus off of you and whatever you may be facing. The Bible says it’s better to give than receive.

Try it! As you bless others, you will be blessed in the process!

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Teresa’s Words of Inspiration

Shake your blues with these two holiday-boosters: 1. Allow yourself to receive the love extended to you As you may be the generous and life-giving friend or family member in your circle, I’m sure it’s not easy for you to relax and receive, but you must. When your loved ones make an attempt to assist you, give to you, spend time with you, check in on you, or extend a listening ear, embrace their expressions of care; it is good for your spirit and soul. If you are experiencing holiday or everyday blues silently, I encourage you to speak up.

Give yourself permission to voice your sentiments with a trusted person. There are loving people you know personally as well as professionals who can help you, but only if they know how you are feeling. Position yourself to receive TERESA RENEE HUNT

“If you are experiencing holiday or everyday blues silently, I encourage you to speak up. Give yourself permission to voice your sentiments with a trusted person. There are loving people you know personally as well as professionals who can help you, but only if they know how you are feeling.

Position yourself to receive support and love.” support and love.

2. Embrace the joy of memories, new moments, and momentum There are a variety of factors that contribute to holiday blues. Loss, discontentment, conflict and much more. At times you may experience moments of overwhelming emotion, hurt, anger or frustration, and that’s OK. Regardless of the trigger, you must believe that you can overcome and you can walk in joy, peace, and strength!

This holiday season, embrace the memories of who or what it is you cherish.

In the midst of your blues, challenge yourself to do something you love and enjoy new moments. Keep dreaming, praying, and

hoping. Don’t give up or give in. It is memories and new moments, paired with your determination to burst out of the blues that create momentum so you can experience the cheer you desire, not just for the holiday, but each and every day!

Extending you love and wishing you peace and blessings, Teresa (Teresa Renee Hunt is a Pittsburgh-based Life-Strategist, Motivational Speaker, and Book Coach who equips women to live with intention, walk in their power, and package their story and brilliance in a book so they can expand their influence and magnify their impact. Follow her on Facebook by searching “Teresa Renee Hunt” or at teresareneehunt.com.)

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The Urban League 2019 Ronald H. Brown Leadership Awards Gala

ROBERT HILL

SHARON MCDANIEL

BOB NELKIN

URBAN LEAGUE OF GREATER PITTSBURGH CEO ESTHER BUSH

ROBERT HILL, SHARON MCDANIEL AND BOB NELKIN, the honorees at the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh’s 2019 Ronald H. Brown Leadership Awards Gala, held Dec. 7, at the Westin Hotel, Downtown. (Photos by Courier photographer J.L. Martello)

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HEALTH

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

ESTHER BUSH

Maternal Mortality

This month, the “Take Charge of Your Health Today” page focuses on maternal mortality. Erricka Hager and Bee Schindler, community engagement coordinators, University of Pittsburgh Clinical and Translational Science Institute, and Esther L. Bush, president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, spoke about this topic.

EB: I am glad we will discuss a very important and heavy subject as we round out 2019’s “Take Charge of Your Health Today,” Erricka and Bee. The issue of maternal mortality is particularly critical in the black community. Pennsylvania’s Maternal Mortality Committee found 11.4 deaths per 100,000 live births between 2012 and 2016 for pregnancy-related deaths in the Commonwealth. For black women, that rate is more than double, at 27.2 pregnancy-related deaths per 100,000 live births.

The rates are on the rise. It is imperative that we interrupt this uptick and get to the root of this problem that is negatively affecting the black community.

EH: It’s a tragic time, Ms. Bush. Particularly because of, as Dr. Dara Mendez, associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh points out, the underlying issue of institutional racism that leads to health inequalities like high rates of preeclampsia and pregnancy-related hypertension disorders.

EB: Absolutely. The historical ways that lead to systemic inequities should drive us as a community to demand attention to and solution(s) for curbing the otherwise growing concern for maternal mortality.

Thankfully, the black maternal death crisis has received an increase in media coverage and support. Groups like the Black Mamas Matter Alliance and the National Birth Equity Collaborative are leading national efforts to raise awareness about this growing public health crisis.

BS: Yes, Ms. Bush. Interestingly Dr. Mendez’s work lists neighborhood contexts that influence pregnancy and how historical and present-day wrongdoings, like redlining, lead to health disparities that have dire effects. It takes recognition and action to begin to break down these barriers and address the growing problem.

EH: Right. Recently, a federal Preventing Maternal Deaths Act was enacted. Part of the act includes gathering data from a spectrum of sources to understand the circumstances surrounding maternal death, including factors like housing, food access and structural racism. Dr. Mendez serves on the Pennsylvania committee that came out of the national effort and says efforts like this act are a must in combating maternal death.

BS: That commitment will be critical in making a change. How do we move forward together to help mothers and babies?

EH: That’s a good question, Bee. I would encourage our readers to engage with their elected officials. Black maternal mortality rates have emerged as a major concern in the 2020 presidential campaign. At a local and national level, voting is more than pushing a button; it is holding people accountable. Do your research.

Do these issues show up in the platforms of local and national candidates? Without your voice, silence equals consent.

EB: Thanks for sharing your thoughts and the work of Dr. Mendez with our readers, Erricka and Bee. We thank our readers for encouraging us all to take charge of our health this year. As we approach a new decade, I look forward to starting the calendar year on the right foot as we talk about another important health issue—mindfulness.

CARISSA ASHBY, 32, of Swissvale, holds the memory box for her deceased son, Dayon. Ashby’s son was stillborn when she was 30 weeks pregnant in 2005. She now speaks openly about the importance of all women being advocates for their own health when talking to healthcare professionals.

(Photo by Kat Procyk/PublicSource/File)

Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Women in the United States face a far higher risk of dying from pregnancy and childbirth complications than in many other comparable countries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that Black women face higher risks of pregnancy and childbirth complications and are dying during childbirth three times the rate of their White counterparts. This growing racial disparity has attracted national attention. Serena Williams even shared the issues she faced during and after the birth of her daughter.

The CDC also found that about 3 out of 5 pregnancy and childbirth-related deaths are, in fact, preventable. Researchers list better health care, increased communication and access to transportation and housing as ways to prevent maternal deaths. Regardless of the research, health care providers are still failing Black women. Despite significant advances in modern medicine, the United States is missing opportunities to identify pregnancy-related risk factors and close gaps in care.

The federal government’s Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) recently linked institutionalized racism and unconscious bias as reasons why Black women and people giving birth are dying during childbirth. When they try to discuss health concerns, Black women’s voices and opinions are not being heard or believed. Interactions with medical professionals have left Black women feeling frustrated and less inclined to come in to be served. Dara Mendez, PhD, MPH, assistant professor of epidemiology at the University Of Pittsburgh Graduate School Of Public Health, focuses her research on addressing additional contributing factors to the racial inequalities in pregnancy, birth and women’s health.

Her work examines how the environment, policies and systems affect pregnancy outcomes. Historically and currently, neighborhoods of color have been systematically cut off from resources.

“Residential segregation and redlining has been one of the main ways in which

need to be at the forefront of research,” Dr. Mendez says, “We need to be working in tandem with them.”

People are working to find answers.

Collaborative efforts in Pittsburgh have emerged. Achieving health equity needs to be a systematic approach.

“There’s a local Infant mortality collaborative that has included Healthy Start and New Voices Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh scholars and folks within the maternal-and child-health space,” Dr. Mendez says. “We’ve been looking at things throughout the continuum, beyond just pregnancy and birth. Much of our work has focused on naming racism as the main element contributing to racial disparities in maternal health.”

We need to focus on the ways structural racism operates in the lives of birthing parents before, during and after childbirth.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has also linked racial bias within the health care system to growing Black mortality rates. Racial bias DARA MENDEZ, PhD, MPH plays a significant role in the high maternal death rates for Black women. Over the last I’ve measured forms of institutional racism few years, the Black maternal mortality crisis has received more media coverage, in my research in relation to health,” says attention, and support. Organizations Dr. Mendez. The term “redlining” was like the Black Mamas Matter Alliance coined by sociologist James McKnight in are raising awareness, organizing and the 1960s and derives from how lenders engaging cross-sector, grassroots action would literally draw a red line on a map around the neighborhoods they would not nationwide.

Practitioners, researchers, community invest in based on demographics like race. members and organizers need to reAre professionals doing more to identify view the data and understand why Black and close gaps in maternal ill health and women are dying. From there, we must death?

The good news is that they are. A recent create solutions to address this public federal law, the Preventing Maternal Death health concern. The inclusion of community voices is one way to make pregnancy Act, supports the creation of Maternal Mortality Review Committees. Dr. Mendez and delivery experiences much safer for Black women. Dr. Mendez hopes to conwas recently appointed to Pennsylvania’s tinue to center the voices of community newly established committee. In a recent members and organizers by intentionally Health Affairs article, Dr. Mendez agrees collaborating with organizations who are that the work of this committee is crucial.

But she stresses the importance of includ- doing this work.

“Our partnerships are co-led by coming and partnering with women who are munity members and are grounded in most at risk.

“If we’re trying to center the experiences principles of equity as it relates to power and decision-making,” says Dr. Mendez. of the most marginalized, then they also

Understanding the Connections between Pregnancy and Cardiovascular Disease after Pregnancy

Women who have experienced problems during their pregnancies (like delivering a baby too early or developing high blood pressure) have a higher chance of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the years after delivery. The rates of these problems among Black women is higher than in other women. Despite what researchers know about the factors that put certain women at risk, they do not know why pregnancy complications are associated with increased risk of CVD in later life. Researchers at the Magee-Womens Research Institute and its “Go Red for Women” Research Center (funded by the American Heart Association) have been investigating how information from pregnancy can be used to identify the causes and beginnings of high blood pressure, heart disease or stroke in women.

The Go Red Pathways clinical research project is headed by Carl Hubel, PhD, associate professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at the University Of Pittsburgh School Of Medicine. Dr. Hubel has been studying the structure of tiny blood vessels (the microvasculature) both during and after pregnancy. This

CARL HUBEL, PhD research may reveal pathways of CVD in certain women in the years after delivery.

His research team uses several measurement devices. One device is a small video camera that can be gently placed under the tongue (similar to a tongue depressor). He is studying a possible connection between

CVD and damage to a delicate sugar- and protein-rich layer (the glycocalyx) that coats the inner surface of these tiny blood vessels.

“We think that this protective coating may be thinner or damaged in women who high blood pressure in pregnancy or related pregnancy problems,” says Dr. Hubel. “This damage may remain after pregnancy and contribute to CVD in some women. As glycocalyx damage is possibly preventable or fixable, we hope that our study can not only help define important clinical tests to identify women at highest risk for future CVD but also guide new interventions.”

The Pathways study seeks women who delivered a baby at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital fewer than six months ago. They may be eligible to participate in a one-visit study. The study will help researchers better understand the relationship between previous pregnancy and cardiovascular health.

Information about the Pathways study can be found here: pittplusme.org or by searching the Pitt+Me registry (pittplusme. org/studyarms/publicsearch) for the “Pathways study.”

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

METRO

MAKING ‘DREAMZ’ COME TRUE

Dreamz Hair Salon in Homestead holds Dreamz Disney Christmas Party

DREAMZ HAIR SALON’S TENEL DORSEY said holding the Dreamz Disney Christmas Party is part of her commitment to giving back to the community. (Photos via Facebook)

On Saturday, Dec. 7, girls who attended the Dreamz Disney Christmas Party were treated like princesses.

They got a chance to tell Santa their Christmas wishes, received a number of presents, and the organization Pretty Young Ladies was presented a $200 check for a trip to Cleveland. It’s Dreamz Hair Salon’s way of continuing its commitment to giving back to the African American community in Homestead and neighboring areas.

Tenel Dorsey, leader of Dreamz Hair Salon, thanked those who helped make everything possible, including, among others, Jada House (50 Toys), Malcolm (Balloon Art), Dr. Sheila Beasley (toys and water), Pretty Young Ladies (dancers), Kayla (412 Family Kitchen), Lisa Johns (The Chair Lady), Ebony Johnson (bike, other toys), and the staff of Dreamz.

DECEMBER 11-17, 2019

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LIFESTYLES New Pittsburgh Courier

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DECEMBER 11-17, 2019

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

Debbie Norrell

Lifestyles Report In your own backyard The Frick is a building that I used to pass almost every day depending on which way I went to work. I’m talking about the mansion at the corner of Homewood and Penn avenues. I have attended Fridays at the Frick in the summer and also several events at the Frick Art Museum but I never took a tour of Clayton.

After seeing a pop up on Facebook about holiday tours of Clayton I decided I would go.

I love to tour houses, old and new. The tour of Clayton is a docent-led tour and our docent has been working at the Frick for nearly 20 years. She is a former teacher and was very knowledgeable about the property. I started to take my camera but since I was not working I decided against it. I’m glad that I didn’t take it as photography is not permitted in Clayton.

The home you will tour was the home of the Henry Clay Frick family from 1882–1905. This meticulously restored 23-room mansion features an impressive array of fine and decorative art objects purchased by the Fricks.

The tours of the home provide an inside view of daily life at the turn of the 20th century and a better understanding of Pittsburgh during the Gilded Age. The first level of the house is decorated for Christmas and is absolutely beautiful. I don’t want you to think the decorations are over the top because they are not but stunning nonetheless.

Each room has a beautiful fireplace and the home is full of original items like china and silver service sets. There are two rooms with beautiful colors. Most things cannot be touched and you cannot sit on the furniture.

However there are laminated Christmas cards and newspaper articles to read. I really enjoyed myself.

All of this right at the edge of Homewood. When I was standing on the porch of Clayton I could look across the street and see a house where I used to get my hair done.

Also on the grounds is the children’s playhouse which I am told houses a bowling alley. There is a café, a greenhouse, the Frick Museum of Art and The Car and Carriage Museum. In the car museum you can see many of the vehicles that were owned by the Frick family. There is only one car that you can get in and take pictures. But the car is so small that you have to squeeze in it. If you are much larger than me you will be out of luck.

At the turn of the 20th century, the development of the automobile profoundly changed American life. In the Car and Carriage Museum, visitors can travel back to the time of carriages, see some of the first horseless carriages to have an impact on Pittsburgh, and learn about Pittsburgh’s role in the developing automobile industry.

The story of the Frick family is a very interesting one, you will learn a lot during the tour. Make sure you visit the gift shop. Reservations are strongly recommended, $13 for seniors.

CHAMPIONS OF GMS AWARDEE—Lisa Issac, Dr. Dawndra Jones and Christopher Allen, MD

CHAMPIONS OF GMS AWARDEE—Lisa Issac, Joan Mitchell and Christopher Allen, MD

Closing The Gap

by Debbie Norrell Lifestyles Editor

Closing The Gap, the theme of this year’s Gateway Medical Society 2019 Physician of the Year Scholarship Gala at the Pittsburgh Marriot City Center on Oct. 26, reflected

in health care services.

Each year GMS honors physicians making a difference. This year Dr. Tracey Conti and Dr. Jan Madison were honored as Physicians of the Year. Dr. Conti is an Assistant Professor and Vice Chair in the Department of

PROGRAM COMMITTEE MEMBER—Steven Evans, MD, with Pamela Jones the dreams of founders Earl B. Smith, MD, Oswald Nickens, MD, Charles Bookert, MD and Edward Hale, MD. The Gateway Medical Society was organized in 1963 and is a component society of the National Medical Association. The mission of the Gateway Medical Society is to enhance the quality of healthcare for minority and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations in Southwestern Pennsylvania by promoting public health and addressing ethnic and racial disparities

Family Medicine at the University Of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. She also serves as the Program Director of the UPMC McKeesport Family Medicine Residency. Dr. Madison is currently a Pulmonary/Critical Care physician who worked the past 27 years with Pittsburgh Pulmonary. She is currently employed by Allegheny Pulmonary of the Allegheny Health Network of Pittsburgh. Also Dr. Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew, MD, M.Ed., MPH was honored with a Lifetime

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDEE—Margaret D. Larkins-Pettigrew with Dr. Lisa Issac

Achievement Award for her lifetime of service and advocacy to the community.

GMS President, Lisa Issac, MD, said they are pleased to present Rising Star Awards to physicians and health care who are early to mid -point in their careers. This year’s awardees were Jewell Gaulding, MD, an attending physician with AGH Dermatology and Eloho Ufomata, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine at UPMC. Each year community champions are recognized as well for their support for GMS. This year two community nursing organizations were honored with the “Champions of Gateway Medical Society—Making a Difference Award.” The 2019 honorees were the Pittsburgh Black MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES AND GMS PRESIDENT—Lynne Hayes Freeland and Dr. Lisa Issac Nurses in Action and Kappa Chapter Inc., Chi Eta Phi Inc. The awards presentations wrapped up with scholarships being presented to Vivian Ifunanya Anyaeche, Amani Davis, Eric Nturibi and Ayanna Garland.

Dr. Issac thanked PresentGMS PHYSICIANS OF THE YEAR— Jan W. Madison and Tracey D. ing and Platinum Sponsors Highmark Blue Cross Blue Conti Shield and UPMC.

GMS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS—Eric Nturibi, Amani Davis, Vivian Ifunanya Anyaeche and Ayanna GMS RISING STARS—Jewell V. Gaulding and Eloho Ufomata Garland (Photos by Debbie Norrell)

RELIGION

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

DECEMBER 11-17, 2019 A9

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

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

www.cathedralofhope.com

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

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

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

Curious about Quakerism?

ARIELLE DENDY, 3, enjoying the festivities at Thanksgiving at Wesley Center AME Zion, Nov. 28. (Photos by Courier photographer J.L. Martello)

SYDNEY AYERS, 2, playing the piano.

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

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

Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community!

LAURA MITCHELL DENDY, the woman behind all the food, and who partnered with Wesley Center to provide meals in the name of her late husband.

SAMUEL MURDOCK AYERS III, ERIN AYERS

For rate information, call 412481-8302, ext.

128.

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

Send info to:

REV. GLENN GRAYSON, LAURA MITCHELL DENDY, STEVE MITCHELL

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

SERVING THE FOOD…

MONICA YOUNGER, REPRESENTIN’ THE ZETAS...

The Courier is THE VOICE of Black Pittsburgh.

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DECEMBER 11-17, 2019

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BUSINESS New Pittsburgh Courier

The Courier makes the perfect Christmas gift!

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

DECEMBER 11-17, 2019

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

PROPERTY IS POWER Buying property during the holiday season

by Anthony O. Kellum For New Pittsburgh Courier

It’s cold outside, the snow is past your kneecaps and the wind chill is -5 but you decided now is the time. You saved and you have checked the market and you are ready to take the plunge. But it’s December and you live in a cold climate area. The thought of wearing your winter jacket and UGGS trekking around looking at houses just doesn’t seem appealing. You start thinking springtime is right around the corner and maybe that will be a better time to make a purchase.

But not so fast. Although spring and summer are right around the corner and the prime season for housing inventory, ANTHONY O. KELLUM they may not be the best season to buy a home. Although there are more homes on the market there is also more competition between buyers and sellers are less willing to budge on their asking price.

If you are looking for a deal, buying a home in the winter could be the way to go. Often when owners put their house on the market during the off-season, they may want to sell quickly (possibly for relocation for a job) that requires them to sell as soon as possible. A sense of urgency coupled with a small group of buyers could mean a savings for you.

Typically, the best deals can be negotiated between Thanksgiving and Christmas. It may not be ideal but if you can afford to be flexible and a little less picky purchasing a home during the holidays may be the way to go.

Reasons why buying a home during the holiday might be the time to buy: Less competition: If you can wait for the off-peak months you will have less competition meaning there will not be as many offers on the market.

Sellers are more motivated: If a seller has their house on the market during the off-season, chances are they are very motivated to sell. If a seller needs to sell their home quickly buyers could be in a position to get a great deal.

If you don’t have children or you don’t mind moving your children during the school year: Buyers without school age SEE PROPERTY B2

Classifieds

B

Black entrepreneurs shine at East End Black Business Expo

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

Ernest Bey has been having a problem with a dry, flaky scalp.

So to remedy the problem, on Saturday, Dec. 7, he bought some moisturizers, not from a Walgreens or CVS, but from a local Black business.

Bey said it’s important to him—and should be important to all African Americans—to support local Black businesses such as Mirror Image Salon in Braddock Hills, which sold him the products from their JK Hair Care line during the first annual East End Restorative Black Business Expo at the Hosanna House in Wilkinsburg.

“I think it (the Black dollar) needs to stay in our community,” Bey told the New Pittsburgh Courier at the event. “I’m all on board any time I can, supporting the African American businesses.”

Though African Americans compose just 14 percent of the U.S. population, Blacks spend $1.2 trillion as consumers, according to a study released by Nielsen in 2018.

“When it comes to African American consumer spend, there are millions, sometimes billions of dollars in revenue at stake,” said Andrew McCaskill, senior vice president, global communications and multicultural marketing, Nielsen, in the report. “With 43 percent of the 75 million millennials in the U.S. identifying as African American, Hispanic or Asian, if a brand doesn’t have a multicultural strategy, it doesn’t have a growth strategy. The business case for multicultural outreach is clear. African American consumers, and all diverse consumers, want to see themselves authentically represented in marketing, and they want brands to recognize their value to the bottom line.”

Major companies have entire teams dedicated to attracting the African American consumer and their dollar, which greatly contributes to the Black dollar leaving the African American community. A report in the Austin (Texas) Weekly News from 2018 stated that just 2 percent, or $26 billion, of the $1.2 trillion

ERNEST BEY, left, purchased moisturizers from Mirror Image Salon’s JK Hair Care line at the East End Restorative Black Business Expo, Dec. 7, at the Hosanna House in Wilkinsburg. Also pictured are Mirror Image Salon’s Tamara Marshall, center, and Brittany Marshall. (Photos by Rob Taylor Jr.)

DESTINEE MCFADDEN, 20, has her own eyelashes line entitled “Q-Siren.”

in Black spending power is re-circulated into the Black community.

There is no data publicly available on the Black spending power in the Pittsburgh region, but Black businesses here want to make sure fellow African Americans are spending some of their money with them.

The 200 consumers who walked into the Hosanna House gymnasium were greeted with Black business owners like Howard Hanna Real Estate agent Fatinma Olaleye, Lisa Harris’ LL Creations (hand-crafted materials), Alexis Childress’ Lexx Do It All Party Planning Services, Deborah Clifford’s 5 Kays 2 Jays (hand-crafted Artisan jewelry), Destinee McFadden’s Q-Siren Eyelashes, and Ralyn Wright’s The Wright Way Company Events and Crafts.

Some other Black businesses at the event were AK Catering, Young Radiant Scholars Childcare Services, DJ Mightyman Productions, PURSE-n-als, and Bo’s Nachos.

For Ralyn Wright, she specializes in custom glassware…but “now I’m doing the whole entire package for your party,” she said. “The backdrop, cupcake and cake toppers, custom straws, invitations, different types of labels…”

Wright said in February 2020, she’ll begin booking for girls spa parties, ages 8 to 12. “Robes, activities such as making bath bombs and painting nails, pedi/manicures,” Wright said, as many parents like to throw parties for their young daughters.

SEE EXPO B2

Frequently Asked Questions on Census 2020

by Khalil Abdullah For New Pittsburgh Courier

(TriceEdneyWire.com) —Within the African American community, the conversation about the upcoming 2020 census ranges from ‘why bother’ to ‘we’re all in.’ Let’s speak to the ‘why bother’ question.

FAQ: Why should I bother with Census2020? I filled out the census form the last time and I didn’t see any improvements in my neighborhood or community.

Answer: Whether or not you saw the improvements you expected, many benefits of the census still touched your life, your community, and the people you love and care about— especially children.

If you have a sense of responsibility for the quality of life of children in your family or beyond, your participation in the census has a direct impact. Over 200 federal programs derive revenue from data gathered by the census. This list includes school lunch programs and the Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)

which provides direct monetary assistance for low income pregnant women and new mothers and their children. Other programs range from Section 8 Housing assistance to LIHEAP, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. LIHEAP helps families pay heating bills and assists with repairs to furnaces, insulation and weatherization costs.

Without these programs, the cost of living for everyone in a neighborhood, city, or county would be higher.

Take LIHEAP as an example. Without the financial subsidy to those in need, other ratepayers and customers like yourself, would likely face an increase in monthly utility bills.

Just consider the funding that assists with the cost of schools, teachers, and education. The lives of children are profoundly affected by your decision to participate in the census. This is one reason why those who represent African American communities, be they clergy, elected officials, or social justice advocates, see engagement with the census as a moral

imperative.

FAQ: That still doesn’t explain why I don’t see the improvements promised during the last census in 2010 or even during the 2000 census.

Answer: You know the

officials. The census has a direct bearing on our election processes of redistricting and reapportionment which help determine how your vote is counted and who gets elected. We will take these up as separate

saying, “all politics is local.” Almost nowhere does this apply more than when money is being allocated.

There are layers of responsibility for how money is spent, including federal and state formulas as well as decisions made at the local level, often by elected

FAQ topics.

The immediate question is: will you fill out the census form?

FAQ: What happens if I do not fill out the form? Is that a crime? If so, what’s the punishment?

Answer: Not answering the census or providing

false answers are each punishable by a fine of up to $5,000, but no one has been fined for failure to respond in recent censuses, according to the Census Bureau’s national spokesperson. But, as one census advocate said, it is a crime of sorts not to participate because is the children who suffer most without your full participation.

FAQ: Can someone find out my private census responses?

Answer: Your information is confidential and protected by Title 13 which brings heavy fines and possible imprisonment for anyone who divulges your personal information. The Census Bureau cannot, under penalty, share your information with the IRS, Homeland Security, immigration or law enforcement agencies or anyone else, including housing officials.

However, census information is made publicly available after 72 years.

FAQ: What if I participate in the census, but there are more people living in my home than I’m supposed to have according to my lease or rental

agreement?

Answer: The Census Bureau is trying to gather data. It is not seeking to determine whether you are violating your lease or local zoning codes, but you have raised an important point.

Families are often fluid -grandparents taking care of grandchildren while parents are at work or away from home. Should you claim a student away at school in another state as a member of your household?

There are many scenarios where family members should be reported, but African Americans were undercounted by 2.1 percent in the 2010 census and many of those missed were children. Why? In part because people were unsure whether they should report a child or whether that was someone else’s responsibility to do so. The best thing to do is ask the Census Bureau or one of the many organizations participating in partnership during Census2020.

(This article is a monthly column by Ethnic Media Services aimed to educate about the need to respond to the 2020 U. S. Census.)

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DECEMBER 11-17, 2019

BUSINESS

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Black entrepreneurs shine at Black Business Expo EXPO FROM B1

McFadden hasn’t even reached her 21st birthday, but she is beginning her journey as an entrepreneur with her own line of eyelashes (Q-Siren).

“A woman loves eyelashes just to enhance her beauty,” McFadden told the Courier.

“Women are already beautiful, but just to enhance beauty and make you feel beautiful and unique is what a woman needs.”

stuff in the home that’s affected by mental, emotional, spiritual, physical stress on the body,” Williams, who has a bachelor’s degree in social work from Pitt, told the Courier. “It tends to reflect into your home, so that tends to (reveal itself) in the (inability to) clean the house, not eating properly, bills getting piled up. We do cleaning, organizing the cluttering, meal prep services, and

ing to a person’s well-being through their home,” Williams added.

Self Care Housekeeping serves homes in Allegheny County, and just expanded into Greensburg, Westmoreland County.

Most of the Black businesses that spoke with the Courier at the Dec. 7 expo said the toughest part about operating a business was marketing to consumers on a large scale. Sure, there’s Facebook, Instagram, and business cards, but many businesses said in order to have billboards or radio and television commercials, there has to be a financial commitment that, ANTHONY BEY serves up his “Bo’s Nachos” to DJ Marty Mar at the East End Restorative Black Busias of now, can’t be met.

But events such as the ness Expo, Dec. 7, at the Hosanna House in Wilkinsburg. (Photos by Rob Taylor Jr.) East End Restorative Black Business Expo gave the Black businesses oneon-one exposure with potential customers. Anthony to view and save future also allows you to go paperBey, who formed Bo’s Na- by Tom Winschel COLA notices via the Mes- less by opting out of receivchos out of his home, said For New Pittsburgh Courier sage Center inside my So- ing agency notices by mail the event was beneficial because they could watch him that you can get online, Each year, we announce cial Security.

You can log in to or sign including annual cost-ofwork his magic. the annual cost-of-living “It’s nachos, but it’s not adjustment (COLA). By up for a my Social Securi- living adjustments and the a typical nacho, so people law, federal benefits in- ty account today at www. income-related monthly adlook at it and think it’s just crease when the cost of socialsecurity.gov/myac- justment amount increasa nacho, until they try it living rises, as measured count to get more informa- es. The Message Center is and they say, ‘that’s some- by the Department of La- tion about your new benefit a secure portal where you thing different,’” Bey said. bor’s Consumer Price In- amount. You can choose to can conveniently receive Bey places whatever you dex for Urban Wage Earn- receive an electronic noti- sensitive communications delight on the nachos— ers and Clerical Workers fication by email, text, or that we don’t send through chili, smoked sausage, tur- (CPI-W). Usually, there is both ways under “Message email or text. key sausage, ground meat, an increase in the benefit Center Preferences.” Our More information about cheese, veggies—with amount people will receive notification will let you the 2020 COLA is available different layers. “It’s just each month, starting the know that a new message at www.socialsecurity.gov/ is waiting for you. We will cola. different, it’s got a unique following January.

(Tom Winschel is Social Secutaste, it’s really healthy for Nearly 69 million Ameri- not send any personal inyou, too,” Bey told the Cou- cans will see a 1.6 percent formation in the notifica- rity District Manager in Pittsrier. increase in their Social tion. The Message Center burgh, Pa.) Wright sold some of her Security benefits and SSI custom glassware at the payments in 2020. event, as she also labeled Other changes that the event as beneficial. will happen in January “You have people here who 2020 reflect the increase are selling things, who are in the national average like-minded, who are hun- wage index. For example, gry and grinding and who the maximum amount of are creative,” she said, “and earnings subject to Social they’re coming together Security payroll tax will and they’re here to support increase to $137,700 from you.” $132,900. The earnings limit for workers who are younger than “full” retirement age (age 66 for people born in 1943 through 1954) will increase to $18,240.

(We deduct $1 from benefits for each $2 earned over $18,240.)

The earnings limit for people turning 66 in 2020 will increase to $48,600.

(We deduct $1 from benefits for each $3 earned over $48,600 until the month the worker turns age 66.)

In December 2019, we will post Social Security COLA notices online for CHAMBER TRADITION—Jerry MacCleary, Chairman and CEO of retirement, survivors, and Covestro, LLC, and keynote speaker at the African American Chamdisability beneficiaries who ber of Commerce Annual Business Luncheon, receives the Chamhave a my Social Security ber pin from Samuel Stephenson, Chairman of the Chamber Board account. You will be able of Directors.

Social Security benefits increase

RALYN WRIGHT specializes in custom-made glassware, among other crafts via her The Wright Way Events and Crafts company.

North Side native Shanon Williams just celebrated two years in business at her company, Self Care Housekeeping.

“We’re a home wellness service, so we deal with

we do home management,” which includes consolidating paperwork, making sure bills are paid on time, etc.

“We’re not tending to a person’s home, we’re tend-

Buying property during holiday season PROPERTY FROM B1

children can take advantage of the off-peak months to take advantage of a better deal.

Easier to negotiate: Less competition means more negotiation power for buyers.

Live in a cold season: Real estate is primarily seasonal especially in in colder

climates you may get an amazing deal on your purchase during the holiday season in a city like Detroit when it is likely to b cold and snowy.

Less picky or starter home: During the winter months there is less inventory to choose from so, the buyer may have less choice

and there fore may offer less since they are compromising.

Bad weather is your best friend: This is the perfect time to judge the quality of the house. It’s very easy to say how great and weatherproof the home is and how wonderful the insulation. But during the winter months the proof is in the pudding. Cold and snow exposes houses weaknesses. Any crack, sliver or flooding will be more obvious.

People are convinced by emotion: Just imagine driving through sleet and snow to visit a house on December 24th. You almost slip on ice walking from your car to the door. But when you enter your potential home you immediately feel the warmth hit your freezing face and it’s decorated in your favorite holiday colors not to mention the sweet aroma of holiday cheer. Chances are you will be affected on some emotional level.

The bottom line is if you find a home that meets some of your must-haves especially when inventory is minimal, don’t let the holidays deter you from making an offer.

“Coming home is one of the most beautiful thins.”

Andre Rieu

(Anthony O. Kellum is president of Kellum Mortgage, LLC. Reach him on Facebook at: www. facebook.com/propertyispower.)

OPINION

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

DECEMBER 11-17, 2019 B3

House Judiciary Impeachment Hearings

Guest Editorial

Kamala Harris was lacking in message, money Senator Kamala Harris, who was once considered a front-runner in the crowded Democratic field for president, told supporters on Dec. 3 that she was ending her bid for the White House in 2020.

Her announcement marked an abrupt end to a candidacy that held historic potential.

“I’ve taken stock and looked at this from every angle, and over the last few days have come to one of the hardest decisions of my life,” the California Democrat said. “My campaign for president simply doesn’t have the financial resources we need to continue.”

Harris reportedly made the decision last Monday after discussions with family and other top officials over the Thanksgiving holiday.

Her withdrawal marked a dramatic fall for a candidate many believed showed promise in her bid to become the first Black female president.

Harris had a good start. She launched her campaign in front of 20,000 people on Martin Luther King Jr. holiday last January in Oakland, California.

Her campaign had the potential to make history.

Harris, the first woman and first Black attorney general and U.S. senator in California’s history, was widely viewed as a candidate poised to excite the multiracial coalition of voters that sent Barack Obama to the White House.

Harris anchored her campaign in the powerful legacy of pioneering African Americans including a nod to Shirley Chisholm, the New York congresswoman who sought the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination 47 years ago.

One of her first stops as a candidate was to Howard University, the historically Black college that she attended as an undergraduate.

She spent much of her early campaign focusing on South Carolina, which hosts the first Southern primary and has a significant African-American population.

But Harris struggled to chip away from the support of former Vice President Joe Biden’s deep advantage with African Americans, who are critical to winning the Democratic nomination.

Harris ultimately did not convey a message that resonated with enough voters, including African American voters who are currently behind Biden.

Harris’s record as prosecutor was met with skepticism by the party’s progressive voters. She was not seen as being as moderate as other candidates including Biden or South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg.

She had confusing policy positions, particularly on health care.

She initially suggested she would eliminate private insurance in favor of a fully government-run system. But she then shifted course and eventually rolled out a health care plan that preserves a role for private insurance.

Her message was also overshadowed by campaign aides sharing grievances with the news media.

Harris was also not able to secure the money to continue her run.

“I’m not a billionaire,” she said. “I can’t fund my own campaign.

And as the campaign has gone on, it’s become harder and harder to raise the money we need to compete.”

After raising an impressive $12 million in the first three months of her campaign and quickly locking down major endorsements, her fundraising remained flat as the field of candidates grew.

In her note to supporters, Harris expressed concerns about the role of money in politics. Without naming them, she took a shot at billionaires Tom Steyer and Michael Bloomberg, who are funding their own presidential bids.

Many of her supporters believe that despite some missteps Harris’s candidacy faced an uphill battle because of her race and gender. They believe that Harris could not find traction because America is not ready at this time for a Black female president. Supporters believed she faced unfair expectations for perfection from the start as a woman of color.

“She was an important voice in the race, out before others who raised less and were less electable. It’s a loss not to have her voice in the race,” said Aimee Allison, who leads She the People, a group that promotes women of color.

New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, one of two Black candidates still in the campaign, called Harris a “trailblazer.”

With Harris’s departure, 15 Democrats remain in the race for the nomination.

Her departure erodes the diversity of the Democratic field, which is dominated at the moment by a top tier that is White and mostly male.

Founded 1910

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

Rob Taylor Jr.

Jeff Marion

Office Manager

Managing Editor

Circulation Consultant

John. H. Sengstacke

Editor & Publisher Emeritus (1912-1997)

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—A few days ago brilliant constitutional law professors testified in Congress on the grounds for impeachment after hearing the facts coming from the Intelligence Committee under the direction of Chairman Adam Schiff. If anyone had told me before this hearing that Professor Jonathan Turley would have taken the positions he took, I would have argued against that possibility. He was such a disappointment after hearing him for years.

I expected the usual craziness from Representatives Jim Jordan, Mike Johnson, Doug Collins, Matt Gaetz and several others, but not from Mr. Turley for whom I’d held in high regard for years. I can’t imagine what his current and former law students are thinking about him after such a performance.

Several of the Republican Members of Congress must’ve had earplugs or been out of the room during the impeachment hearings when so many witnesses presented the facts as to why Donald Trump should not only be impeached, but also convicted. I would be willing to bet that any high school student who heard the facts and heard these constitutional experts discuss the laws of our country and what it takes to impeach a government official, that student would both impeach and convict the president.

I suppose many Republicans don’t understand the laws of our country and don’t understand high crimes

Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.

Commentary and misdemeanors. It’s scary to see the behavior of these mostly White men and few White women who are responsible for creating the laws for all of us to live by! If those of us who successfully went through law school are having trouble understanding these Republicans’ lack of understanding of the meaning of abuse of power by advancing personal interest, betrayal of the American people by enlisting the help of another nation to interfere in our elections for personal benefit, of obstruction of justice by thinking that he can do whatever he wants to do and that he can even shoot someone on 5th Avenue and nothing could be done to him-what is the average person thinking?

Thank God for Prof. Pamela S. Karlan, Prof. Noah Feldman and Prof. Michael Gerhardt who are giving both the Republicans and the American people an explanation of our laws.

They explained that even Trump is not above the law.

Democrats have voted with Republicans on far less offenses by a president. Where are the sensible Republi-

cans who know the current president has torn our country apart by refusing to acknowledge stacks of shameful impeachable behavior? If we can’t impeach this president with the repeated impeachable behavior that is so shameful and so clear, when can we stop any harmful behavior by any government official?

If our laws mean nothing for the person charged with executing our laws, why should any American be expected to follow them? There are people who’ve done far less harmful things than our current president and so many of his staff, his personal lawyers and friends yet they languish in prisons for very long periods of time. Why should our socalled leaders be above the law? Rep. Val Demings said, “The rule of law is the strength of our democracy.” Why should someone who’s violated so many of our laws get away without punishment?

Shame on Rep Ben Cline for belittling the constitutional scholars who’re so brilliantly helping us to understand the laws of our nation that people like him are charged with making our laws, but can’t stand to uphold them because it’s so obvious they’re little more than lapdogs for their party instead of protecting the laws of our nation. We must insist that we the people have the right to elect our leaders in 2020, not the Russians.

(Dr. E. Faye Williams is national president of the National Congress of Black Women.)

Racism and sexism helped end Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign

by Nsenga K. Burton (NNPA)—Yesterday, Senator Kamala Harris announced she was suspending her 2020 presidential campaign, because of low poll numbers and financial pressures. Unsurprisingly, this announcement came on the heels of a coordinated weekend media blitz of a leaked resignation letter by Kelly Mehlenbacher, a disgruntled staffer, who had unsurprisingly left Harris’ campaign to work with former New York City Mayor and billionaire, Michael Bloomberg on his newly announced candidacy.

Harris had announced in early November there would be widespread layoffs and an intense focus on Iowa so Ray Charles could see from the grave that the campaign was in trouble.

Pundits, news publications and political junkies treated Mehlenbacher’s letter like a smoking gun, which detailed how horrible of a work environment Harris created blaming Harris’ lack of leadership, focus and clear vision on how to win for the current state of affairs. Mehlenbacher laid Harris’ issues at the feet of the leadership (Campaign chairwoman Maya Harris and Campaign manager Juan Rodriguez), without detailing what role she may have played in the demise of the campaign as Director of State Operations.

Mehlenbacher’s job was to make sure the campaign was run efficiently by planning, executing, monitoring, evaluating, improving and correcting the systems and processes over time so the campaign could grow and scale as the candidate moved closer to the actual race. Only well-funded campaigns even have this position which is why Mehlenbacher may have cut her losses and bolted to Bloomberg’s campaign because that well-paid, position was about to be over.

Aside from the curious case of Mehlenbacher, what began as a promising U.S. presidential campaign ended with a whimper and the resignation letter was just the final nail in the campaign coffin of a Black woman constantly dogged by racism and sexism.

At a dinner party, I learned of the resignation letter and a friend asked me what my thoughts were. After reading it, I said I’m never surprised by a Black woman being undermined by a disgruntled White woman at work, especially when times get tough.

Yes, the campaign had problems, debate performances were uneven and voters needed more clarity on Harris’ health care plan, which she failed to communicate clearly. No, you cannot blame the ultimate failure of the campaign on the resignation letter. However, who wrote it, how it was received and used, played a significant role in the end of the campaign.

The willingness of people to immediately take the word of a disgruntled staffer over a campaign manager and chairwoman is telling.

Mehlenbacher didn’t say anything in the letter anyone who has spent time working on or covering a political campaign doesn’t already know.

When you run out of money, hard decisions must be made and when you fail to deliver i.e., raise enough

money or put efficient processes in place, then sometimes what you may have planned is no longer viable.

What she wrote isn’t a smoking gun, but simply status quo when it comes to political campaigns. The weight given that letter by the media was astonishing and the willingness to accept that Harris couldn’t lead a political staff let alone a presidential campaign was interesting.

Three of Senator Bernie Sanders’ top strategists left his 2020 campaign, citing creative differences the week after he launched his campaign in February and nada. No coordinated media blitz about how his campaign was over then or in October when the

78-year-old suffered a heart attack.

One disgruntled White woman essentially says, “I’m mad at Kamala because my job is harder than usual, life isn’t fair and the people in charge won’t do what I tell them to do,” and game over?

It wasn’t just the letter. It was also the idea that the letter was the final straw when folks have been coming for Harris over her racial identity and career as a prosecutor from the jump.

The continued pummeling of Harris

by Black folk around being mixedrace and somehow less trustworthy because of it, is laughable. The fact that people hate her because she was a prosecutor when 80 percent of all prosecutors are White men is ridiculous.

Coupled with the fact that many who don’t trust her because she was a prosecutor, are riding with the White men who actually authored, introduced and voted for the crime bill that led to mass incarceration is disgusting.

As for Harris being a prosecutor – we can’t all be defendants. Having all White judges, prosecutors, lawyers and jurors worked so well for Black folk before those in power started allowing us to hold these jobs.

To lay an entirely broken justice system at the feet of one Black woman, when Black women activists, scholars and filmmakers like Jill Nelson, Angela Davis, Michelle Alexander and Ava Duvernay have been doing the actual work of raising awareness, confronting mass incarceration and actively working to change racist laws is unconscionable.

If it sounds like I’m having a tantrum, I am.

I admit that I am sick of agents of the state like Mehlenbacher and Tulsi Gabbard, who do the bidding of White supremacy and patriarchy and benefit from it while pretending to critique it. Women can’t get free because some women won’t get free.

I am sick of Black folks failing to learn from previous mistakes. If cancel culture had been in place when then Senator Obama was running for president, he would have never made it past early critiques of his Blackness

and identity.

Until we realize the damage that is done when parroting the same reckless, White supremacist ideology, language and ideas around what makes someone Black, we will create unnecessary distractions from real issues that need our attention like Harris’ platform.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I’d rather see Senator Harris on the Supreme Court than in the White House—especially coming behind Mango Unchained—so I’m not mad that she didn’t get the nomination. I’m mad at how she was forced out while folks who have no business being in the race are still there. (See Independents Bernie Sanders and Michael Bloomberg for starters.)

I’m mad at the triple standard she has to face when it comes to her race and gender, putting food on the table and choosing a life partner. I’m mad that socalled allies are only allies when Black women are helping them to attain their goals and perfectly willing to throw us under the bus, once they’ve gotten there. I’m mad that the same folks who are now saying we need Harris at the impeachment hearings are unwilling and unable to see a Black woman in the highest office of the land.

I guess I wish that folks could see Black women the way they see infirmed White politicians on borrowed time and billionaires with little to no political experience.

I know that’s asking for too much in a country that is quite comfortable using the bodies and labor of Black women to literally become a global power while telling Black women to be happy singing in the background.

I’m mad that an entire political party needs Black women’s votes to win local, state and national office, but doesn’t care about the needs of Black women. I’m mad that Black people don’t realize that when we tear down our candidates over bullshit like parentage, it doesn’t take much more than a leaked resignation letter or bad press to finish her off.

Kamala Harris did not run a perfect campaign and no, she wasn’t for everyone. If you look at some of the candidates left in the race—one who talks in Blaxploitationese, one who just discovered racism exists, one who is so clueless about toxic masculinity that he sprays whipped cream into the mouths of adoring supporters and one who is boo’ed up with Trump and White Supremacy, Inc., then there is no reason why a candidate like Harris, despite her missteps, should be out of the race this early. Yeah, some of it is her fault, but it ain’t all her fault.

The relentless assault on Senator Harris will not be forgiven or forgotten at the polls or otherwise by a whole lot of women who look like me.

Black women are not here to push everyone else over the finish line while we finish last. Not today or any other day and certainly not anymore.

(Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D. is entertainment and culture editor for NNPA/Black Press USA.) Nsenga is also founder & editor-in-chief of the award-winning news blog The Burton Wire, which covers news of the African Diaspora. Follow her on Twitter @ Ntellectual.)

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DECEMBER 11-17, 2019

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

CO-TEACHER NEEDED

for Pastors at East Liberty Presbyterian Church. Serves the church by providing administrative and secretarial services to up to three pastors and their committees. Proven administrative and desktop publishing skills required.

TO APPLY: Contact Wil Forrest, Director of Church Operations, at wil@coh.net or 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. Preferred application date is before January 1 and preferred start date is February 1.

CLERK-SECRETARY

Wilkinsburg Borough is accepting applications through the close of business on December 23rd for the position of Clerk-Secretary.

Applications are available on the Borough web site and at Borough offices. Applicants must be residents of Wilkinsburg Borough. The current starting wage is $19.83 per hour. It includes medical coverage and pension. A full job description is available at the Borough web site, Wilkinsburgpa.gov. Wilkinsburg Borough is and Equal Opportunity Employer. Donn Henderson, Borough Manager

CONTRACT SPECIALIST – PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Port Authority is seeking a Contract Specialist – Professional Services to actively strategize and facilitate the development of Requests for Proposals (RFP). Provide end user department with services, guidance, coordination and consultation to identify procurement objectives and methodologies based upon policy and procedures to secure professional service agreements, and provide contract administration support for such agreements. To assist Port Authority in preparing for and responding to various State, Local, and Federal Audits. Provide support to the Manager of Contract Administration – Professional Services.

Essential Functions: •Oversees, implements, and prepares RFP solicitations according to procedures mandated by the State, Federal Transit Administration (FTA), or other agencies.

•Facilitates the receipt of proposals, and prepares contract award and execution documentation such as proposal evaluation sheets, procurement summary documents, single bid memorandum, cost and price analysis documentation, and pre and post-negotiation documents.

•Monitors and administers professional service agreements, amendments, work orders, and change orders, etc.

Coordinates the development, implementation and maintenance of policies and procedures related to professional service agreements consistent with proper contracting procedures and governmental requirements.

•Utilizes PeopleSoft (Procurement System) to enter purchase orders, agreements, change orders, and work orders; monitors the status of agreements, retrieves data and prepares reports relative to contracts.

•Provides administrative support to both internal staff and external firms related to RFP and competitive bid preparation, solicitation/award process, contract administration and closeout for engineering, procurement and professional services agreements.

Job requirements include: •Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related field from an accredited school. Contract Administration experience may be substituted for the education on a yearfor-year basis.

•Minimum of five (5) years’ contract administration experience procuring capital and non-capital contracts including preparing request for proposals, bid documents, negotiations, administering awards, contracts and preparing requisitions.

•Experience utilizing a Purchasing/ Inventory software system with regard to purchase orders and bid processes.

•Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills with the ability to work well in a team environment.

•Strong organizational, time management, multi-tasking capacities, detail oriented with accurate mathematical calculations, and the ability to work with minimum supervision.

•Demonstrated ability in the use of Microsoft Windows, Word and Excel. Superior ability to work with technology.

Preferred attributes: •BA/BS degree in contract management or procurement field from an accredited school.

•Electronic procurement experience in PeopleSoft / Oracle.

•Contract management or related certification.

•Valid PA driver’s license.

We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Interested candidates should forward a cover letter (with salary requirements) and resume to: Janet Brunner Port Authority of Allegheny County Employment Department 345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 jobs@portauthority.org EOE

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Grades K-5 Please send Resume and all three clearances to 437 Turrett Street Pittsburgh, PA 15206 No Phone Calls

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COMPUTER/IT: Compunetix, Inc. seeks Software Test Engineer to work in Monroeville, PA. Prfrm integration & regression testing for VoIP, voice, video & data collaboratn & conferencing applicatns.

Degree & commensurate exp. req’d. To apply, email resume to amiller@compunetix.com.

NEUROHOSPITALIST

University of Pittsburgh Physicians seeks a Neurohospitalist to work in New Castle, PA (Lawrence County).

Responsible for the management of all hospital (inpatient and outpatient) neurologic patients including those in the emergency department (ED), ward floors, and intensive care units, as well as providing consultation on those patients with neurologic injury across a range of services. Must have a Medical degree or equivalent; completion of a residency in Neurology; completion of a fellowship in Vascular Neurology; must be Board certified in Neurology; must have valid PA medical license or eligibility for licensure.

Apply by following these steps; visit http://careers.upmc.com and enter 190001DS in the “Search Keyword/Job ID” field and click Go. EOE/Disability/Veteran.

CARDIOTHORACIC SURGEON

University of Pittsburgh Physicians seeks a Cardiothoracic Surgeon to work in Pittsburgh (Allegheny County), PA. Specialize in the diagnosis, medical management, and surgical treatment of patients with diseases of the heart and lungs. Provide inpatient and outpatient medical and surgical care to cardiothoracic surgery patients. Provide on call coverage. Participate in resident teaching and research. Must have an M.D. or equivalent; completion of graduate medical training in General Surgery; completion of graduate medical training in Thoracic Surgery or Cardiothoracic Surgery; and license to practice medicine or eligibility for licensure in PA. Apply by following these steps; visit http://careers. upmc.com and enter 190001DU in the “Search Keyword/Job ID” field and click Go. EOE/Disability/ Veteran.

SOFTWARE ENGINEER (Multiple Openings)

Duolingo, Inc. has multiple openings for Software Engineers in Pittsburgh, PA to perform software engineering tasks on Duolingo’s language education software. Duties: (i) under supervision, research, design, and develop software in conjunction with language education product design; (ii) collaborate on full-stack software projects; (iii) analyze and plan implementation of specifications from design team to change/add features of mobile application; (iv) work within a team to determine deadlines and time frames; (v) apply principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis to analyze software application requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints; (vi) design test plans, scenarios, scripts, and/or procedures and run A/B testing on new/changed features of the application, and use statistical analysis/ techniques to analyze test data; (vii) identify, analyze, and document software application defects, changes, and implementations; (viii) write and present summaries of statistical analysis of features to team; (ix) submit code to be reviewed by superiors, and review coding of peers and contractors; and (x) submit finished projects to quality assurance team. Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field.

Must have knowledge of (i) Java or Python; (ii) full-stack engineering; and (iii) statistical modeling. Email resume to jobs@duolingo.com with Job No. 20199 and Job Title Software Engineer in subject line.

ANNOUNCEMENTS Public Notice

NOTICE

The Board of Directors of Tadiso Incorporated is announcing to the public that you can receive a list of Tadiso’s Board Members on our agency’s website.

COURIER CLASSIFIEDS… THE ONLY WAY TO GO!

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

LEGAL ADVERTISING

Meetings

Meetings

Legal Notices

CITIZEN POLICE REVIEW BOARD 2020 MEETING DATES AND HOST NEIGHBORHOODS

The following calendar maintains the tradition of meeting at 6:00 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of every calendar month except as noted. The several meetings proposed for Council Chambers attempt to respond to the public recommendation that meeting at a centralized location may encourage increased public attendance.

All Meetings Scheduled to Begin at 6:00 p.m.

Date Neighborhood Address January 28, 2020 Council Chambers 510 City-County Building

414 Grant Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15219

(412) 255-2142-office February 25, 2020 Council Chambers 510 City-County Building

Pittsburgh, PA 15219 March 24, 2020 TBD TBD

Pittsburgh, PA 15

(412) April 28, 2020 Council Chambers 510 City-County Building

Pittsburgh, PA 15219 May 26, 2020 Council Chambers 510 City-County Building

Pittsburgh, PA 15219 TBD TBD June 23, 2020

Pittsburgh, PA 15

(412) July 28, 2020 Council Chambers 510 City-County Building

Pittsburgh, PA 15219 August, 2020 -Combined with SeptemberSeptember 22, 2020 Council Chambers 510 City-County Building

Pittsburgh, PA 15219 October 27, 2020 TBD TBD

Pittsburgh, PA 15

(412) November, 2019 - Combined with December December 1, 2020 Council Chambers 510 City-County Building

Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (The public will be notified of any change of date or location through media publication.)

For Further Information: 412-765-8023 Confidential TipLine: 412-255-CPRB

MEETING NOTICE PITTSBURGH LAND BANK BOARD OF DIRECTORS

A meeting of the Pittsburgh Land Bank’s [PLB] Board of Directors will be held Friday, December 13, 2019 at 1:00pm in the City Council Chambers, 414 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Any person(s) having an interest in the above matter is advised to attend the scheduled meeting. Public comment will be taken at the beginning, and a second time at the end, of the meeting. Board meetings occur monthly and are televised and recorded. A full schedule of meetings for 2019 and 2020 can be found at the PLB website at: http:// pghlandbank.org. Questions or inquiries can be directed to Cheryl Mong at 412.255.6660.

LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices

MR. CHARLES URAM, Deceased, of 319 Thomas Street, Carnegie, PA 15106. Estate No. 02-18-5082 Ms. Kathleen Kelly, 110 Crestview Drive, Moon Township, PA 15108, Administratrix, c/o Max Feldman, Esquire and the Law Offices of Max C. Feldman, 1322 Fifth Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108.

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, PA, Orphans’ Court Division, Estate of Barbara Gecan, deceased, Case No. 6274 of 2019: Notice is hereby given that on October 9, 2019, a Petition was filed by Kimberly Holmes, to terminate the interests of the heirs and devisees of Barbara Gecan, deceased, in the real estate located at, 737 Shadyside Drive, West Mifflin, PA 15122, and determine that fee simple title is in Kimberly Holmes. If no exceptions to the Petition are filed within 30 days, Kimberly Holmes will seek an Order adjudging that Decedent’s title is in herself.

MR. CHESTER BARRON, Deceased, of 1320 Greentree Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15220.

Estate No. 02-19-07259 Ms. Anna Massucci, Executrix, c/o Max C. Feldman, Esquire and the Law Office of Max C. Feldman, 1322 Fifth Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108.

LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices

FICTITOUS NAME

NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to the provisions of the Fictitious Names Act of Pennsylvania that an application for registration of a fictitious name filed in the office of the Department of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, for the conduct of a business under the fictitious name of CHRIST SWAGGARD with its principal office or place of business at 3324 W RUN RD., MUNHALL PA 15120. The names and addresses, including street and number, if any, of all persons who are parties to the registration are: Priscilla Henderson, 3324 W Run Rd., Munhall Pa 15120.

LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION NONPROFIT CORPORATION

Jay Arthur Gilmer, Esq., 7246 Campania Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206.

Notice is hereby given that Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Department of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, on October 6, 2019, with respect to a nonprofit corporation, Altar of God Ministries, which has been incorporated under the Nonprofit Corporation Law of 1988.

LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The Allegheny County Department of Human Services recently issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Process and Outcome Evaluation of Hello Baby, a Tiered Intervention Program for New Parents and Their Babies.

Proposals are due by 3 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, January 24, 2020.

For more details and submission information, visit: www.alleghenycounty.us/ Human-Services/Resources/ Doing-Business/Solicitations(RFP/RFQ/RFI).aspx.

Marc Cherna Director Allegheny County Department of Human Services

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Call for Technical Assistance Providers for the Love My Neighbor!

Mini Grant Program Neighborhood Allies is issuing a Request for Proposals from organizations or consultants to provide technical assistance and training to people applying for a Love My Neighbor! grant. Love My Neighbor! is a grant program by Neighborhood Allies that invests in resident-led projects that aim to improve neighborhoods and engage neighbors.

Complete copies of the proposal requirements can be obtained by contacting: Tamara Cartwright, Program Manager for Social Impact Design, Neighborhood Allies, (412) 471.3727 ext 221, tamara@neigh borhoodallies.org or visiting the following website: http://neighbor hoodallies.com/resources/rfp/ Neighborhood Allies reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or to waive any informalities. One original and one copy must be received by 1p.m. on January 6, 20201. They can be hand delivered or mailed to the following address: Tamara Cartwright 429 Fourth Avenue, Suite 1900, Pittsburgh PA 15219. Neighborhood Allies procurement process for this RFP follows the City of Pittsburgh’s open and fair regulations for procurement.

CITY OF PITTSBURGH DEPARTMENT OF MOBILITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PA REQUEST FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES STATEMENTS OF INTEREST (SOI)

The Office of the Director of the DEPARTMENT OF MOBILITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH will receive Statements of Interest from experienced firms for professional design services until 4:00 p.m., on January 10, 2020, for the following: PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING, FINAL DESIGN, SERVICES DURING CONSTRUCTION AND MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES FOR UNFORESEEN WORK FOR THE 28TH STREET BRIDGE PROJECT CITY OF PITTSBURGH, ALLEGHENY COUNTY DOMI PROJECT NO. 18305 MPMS NO. 27144 The bridge carries 28th Street over two lanes of Sassafras Way, the Port Authority East Busway, and Norfolk Southern Railroad (NSRR) tracks and connects Liberty Avenue to Brereton Street (Polish Hill). Because the existing bridge is NHRP eligible, a Historic Bridge Rehabilitation Analysis will be required in addition to a Purpose and Needs statement to consider anticipated multimodal usage. Depending on the findings of the Historic Bridge Rehabilitation Analysis, the scope of work will proceed for a rehabilitation or a replacement project.

For a rehabilitation option, it is anticipated that the limits of work will extend from approach slab to approach slab (inclusive) with minor changes to the horizontal and vertical alignments, as needed.

For a replacement option, the scope of work will include a task for alignment investigation in order to provide alternatives for improving the approach geometry at the north end of the structure as well as reducing the structure span length and considering anticipated usage, including bicyclist and pedestrians. The alignment investigation should provide vertical alignment that provides the minimum vertical clearance requirement for a railroad crossing.

A full description of services and general requirements for submissions can be found on PennDOT’s ECMS web site: http://www.ecms.penndot.gov/ ECMS/ GO TO SOLICITATION – CONSULTANTS – ADVERTISEMENTS – 28TH STREET BRIDGE PROJECT OR L00017 All candidates must be a current registered Business Partner with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and must read and acknowledge “General Consultant Candidate Requirements and Information for City of Pittsburgh Sponsored Federally Funded Transportation Projects” before submitting a Statement of Interest. See web site: http://apps.pittsburghpa.gov/ finance/General-ConsultantRequirements-for-CICA.pdf Consultant teams must comply with Section 177A.02 Equal Employment Opportunity Practice and Goals of the City of Pittsburgh, Code of Ordinances.

The City will be using the modified consultant selection process for securing the professional services.

The anticipated Notice to Proceed is July 1, 2020.

All questions and answers are required to go through ECMS’s “Questions and Responses” Forum.

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

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Bids/Proposals

Bids/Proposals

LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT

Port Authority of Allegheny County REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL NO. 19-10

Port Authority of Allegheny County is requesting proposals for the performance of the following service (“Contract Services”): SECONDARY WIDE AREA NETWORK CONNECTIVITY SERVICES The work under the proposed Agreement consists of providing secondary and redundant Wide Area Network services to connect various critical locations and services areas within the Port Authority.

A copy of the Request for Proposal (RFP) will be available on or after December 5, 2019, and can be obtained by registering at the Port Authority ebusiness website: https://www.portauthority.org/ business-center/procurement/ bidder-registration/ and following the directions listed on the website.

Please note that Proposers must register under the ebusiness category of PSITS – Pro Information Technology for this RFP. Proposers may also register in other categories for any future RFPs issued by Port Authority. If you have specific questions regarding this RFP, please contact Catherine Terrill at (412) 566-5188.

An Information Meeting for interested parties will be held at 09:30 a.m., prevailing time, December 18, 2019 in the Fifth Floor Board Room of Port Authority of Allegheny County’s downtown offices, 345 Sixth Avenue to answer any questions regarding this RFP. A call-in number has been set up for the Information Meeting.

The dial-in information is as follows: •Toll Free Number: 1-866-602-6731 •Conference ID #: 3648880# Hard copy proposals must be both delivered to, and time stamped by a representative of the Purchasing and Materials Management Department at or before 2:00 p.m., prevailing time, January 7, 2020, at the Purchasing and Materials Management Department, Port Authority of Allegheny County, 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222-2527. Proposals received or time stamped in the Purchasing and Materials Management Department after the advertised time for the submission of proposals shall be non-responsive and therefore ineligible for award. Each Proposer shall be solely responsible for assuring that its proposal is timely received and time stamped in accordance with the requirements herein.

This Contract Services may be funded, in part, by, and subject to certain requirements of, the County of Allegheny and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The proposal process and the performance of the requested services will be in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

Port Authority of Allegheny County, in compliance with 74 Pa.C.S. § 303, as may be amended, require that certified Diverse Businesses (“DBs”) have the maximum opportunity to compete for, and perform contracts and subcontracts for, the Contract Services. In this regard, all Proposers, and the Contractor, shall make good faith efforts in accordance with 74 Pa.C.S. § 303, to ensure that DBs have the maximum opportunity to compete for, and perform contracts and subcontracts for, the Contract Services.

Further, proposers and the Contractor shall also not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, disability, national origin, sex, sexual origin, gender identity or status as a parent in the award and performance of contracts or subcontracts for these Contract Services.

Port Authority of Allegheny County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.

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DECEMBER 11-17, 2019

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Sealed bid proposals are hereby solicited for the Community College of Allegheny County, 800 Allegheny Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15233 (412.237.3020) on the following items: Bid Proposal No. 1059-2 – Furnish and Install Flooring at North Campus Due date: 2:00 P.M. Prevailing Time on Friday, December 20, 2019 The CCAC Purchasing Department publishes all bids and RFPs via the CCAC website at https://www.ccac. edu/Bid-RFP_Opportunities.aspx It will be each vendor’s responsibility to monitor the bid activity within the given website (“Bid and RFP Opportunities”) and ensure compliance with all applicable bid documents inclusive of any issued addenda. Failure to incorporate any applicable addenda in the final submittal may result in the rejection of your bid.

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

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

LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT Port Authority of Allegheny County REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR BOND UNDERWRITING SERVICES

Port Authority of Allegheny County (Authority) is requesting proposals from qualified investment banking firms to provide bond underwriting services for the Authority.

Interested firms may obtain an electronic copy of the Request for Proposals (RFP) via e-mailing the following points of contact for the Authority’s designated Financial Consultant, PFM Financial Advisors, LLC: Geoffrey W. Stewart, Managing Director stewartg@pfm.com With a copy of the request to: Matthew Magarity, Senior Analyst magaritym@pfm.com A hard copy of the RFP may be requested via calling Mr. Stewart at (215)567-6100. The requesting firm may be invoiced for copying and mailing costs.

The deadline for submission of all questions related to this RFP shall be 5 p.m. Eastern time on December 13, 2019. The Authority plans to provide a written response to any questions received by no later than December 20, 2019. Questions should be e-mailed to Mr. Stewart, with a copy to Mr. Magarity, at the above-noted e-mail addresses.

Proposals will only be accepted in PDF file format via e-mail to Mr. Stewart, with a copy to Mr. Magarity, at the above-referenced e-mail addresses. The electronic delivery of proposals must be received by the Authority’s designated Financial Consultant by no later than 2:00 p.m. Eastern time on January 6, 2020. E-mail your proposal, with both delivery and read receipt confirmations requested, to Mr. Stewart, with a copy to Mr. Magarity, at the above-noted e-mail addresses.

The proposal process for this RFP and the performance of the requested bond underwriting services will be in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including all civil rights laws and regulations.

The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, in its sole discretion.

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B6

FORUM

DECEMBER 11-17, 2019 NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Mike Bloomberg’s apology—sorry doesn’t always make it right (TriceEdneyWire.com)—Billionaire Mike Bloomberg entered the already-crowded Democratic presidential primary with a splash. His ad buy of about $35 million represents more than half of what the other dozen or so candidates have spent on the campaign so far. His $54.6 billion net worth (according to Forbes) means he has deep pockets and virtually unlimited funds to spend on a campaign.

Some think that he can beat Trump in an election since Bloomberg is far wealthier than him. In addition to his wealth, he’s White and male. Facetiously speaking, what’s not to like?

Except. In his 12-year tenure as Mayor of New York City, Bloomberg was an ardent proponent of “stop and frisk,” the policing policy that allows officers to stop virtually anyone without a warrant if they seemed “suspicious”.

At its peak, more than 650,000 were detained in a single year. Nearly six million New Yorkers were “stopped and frisked” between 2003 and 2015.

The overwhelming majority of those who were stopped—90 percent—were African American or Latino. In about 85 percent of the cases, there were no fines or convictions.

Civil rights organizations and many others vehemently opposed “stop and frisk.” Hundreds thronged to Bloomberg’s Upper East Side home to protest the policy. But the then-Mayor was adamant that “stop and frisk”

Julianne Malveaux

Commentary was justified, and explained that more Black and Brown people were being stopped because more of them were committing crimes. But the era of “stop and frisk” was an era where any Black or Brown person, regardless of their appearance or status could be stopped.

A few of those who should not have been stopped sued. Many protested. Some considered ‘stop and frisk’ the byproduct of racism and racial profiling and chose not to take the legal route. The era of stop and frisk exacerbated tensions between “law enforcement” officers and the Black community. And until recently, Mayor Bloomberg stood by his stop and frisk policy.

Then a week before his entry into the contest for President, Bloomberg “apologized” for the stop and frisk policy, speaking at an African American megachurch in Brooklyn, New York. His very cynical use of the Black church, along with the timing of the socalled apology, is highly suspect. And the decade-too late apology, offered with no remedy, is meaningless.

The very wealthy Mr. Bloomberg could accompany his apology with a sizeable donation to criminal justice reform. He could break off a few million and donate it to the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, the LatinoJustice PRLDEF, the American Civil Liberty Union, or any of the other organizations fighting for criminal justice reform. An apology, without an offer to redress the wrong, is meaningless. A simple apology, especially after all the harm that was done, is as sorry as the words “I’m sorry.” Sorry doesn’t always make it right.

The apology seems to have been made to aid the Bloomberg presidential campaign, but most people won’t be fooled. Despite his money, Bloomberg is a late entry into the race. His wealth is the only thing that makes him stand out, but not by much, since there is another wealthy White man—Tom Steyer—in the race. Some say it takes a big person to acknowledge their wrong, but Bloomberg left office in 2013. He’s had at least six years to apologize.

In the years since Bloomberg left office, tensions between Black and Brown citizens and police officers have risen. Trigger-happy cops have killed too many Black and Brown folks.

Do the names Tamir Rice, Philando Castille, or Michael Brown mean anything? If Mayor Bloomberg were sorry, he could talk about the flaws in our criminal justice system. Instead, he has offered a half-baked apology without acknowledging or attempting to remedy, the impact his unjust policies had on Black and Brown lives.

The current President is proof positive that money, integrity, and sagacity are not positively correlated. Bloomberg’s tepid apology may be further evidence that the wealthy don’t think the rules apply them.

Mike Bloomberg clearly has money to burn, but it would be great if he burned it for criminal justice reform than for an ill-fated, vane, presidential campaign.

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

Black communities are making a difference in the fight against AIDS (TriceEdneymen with newly W i r e . c o m ) — Marc H. Morial diagnosed HIV, “The fact that and 58 percent there’s a conwith previously versation that diagnosed HIV, occurs on an were linked to annual basis HIV medical on World AIDS care within 90 Day is signifidays of the dicant. The fact agnosis, when that the Presithe virus is easdent of the United States, on an an- ier to suppress. nual basis, now, comments and disFurther compounding the problem cusses AIDS, keeps it on the agenda. is the higher poverty rate among I think a very, very concrete outcome Black Americans. of that discussion is that President Limited access to high-quality Bush put forward billions of dollars health care, housing, and HIV pretoward the AIDS prevention and ed- vention education increase the risk ucation effort for the United Nations. for infection and make worse outI don’t think that would’ve happened comes more likely. had it not been for World AIDS Day Through PACT, the Urban League ...”—Jim Block, co-founder of World Movement—along with groups like AIDS Day the National Black Justice CoaliThe theme of World AIDS Day tion, and the Black Men’s Xchange 2019, which took place on Sunday, is —is raising awareness about test“Communities make the difference.” ing, prevention, and retention in As part of the Centers for Disease care among African Americans.

Control’s Partnering and CommuUNAIDS and the World Health nicating Together to Act Against Organization, the international AIDS (PACT), the Urban League agencies charged with confronting community is making the difference with the AIDS epidemic, have set a for nearly 300,000 people annually target for 2020 known as 90-90-90. through outreach awareness, test- By the end of next year, 90 percent of ing and education. all those infected will know they are Worldwide, there are 37.9 people infected; 90 percent of those infected living with HIV, 1.1 million of whom will be receiving antiretroviral therare in the United States. A shocking apy, and 90 percent of those receiv42 percent of those—468,800—are ing therapy will have had the virus Black. effectively suppressed.

Sadly, Black Americans remain the In the United States, the Departracial group most affected by HIV in ment of Health and Human Services the United States, accounting for 42 has set a goal of reducing the numpercent of new diagnoses last year. ber of new HIV infections by 75 perThe rate of new diagnoses for Afri- cent within five years, and then by can Americans was eight times the at least 90 percent within 10 years, rate for whites and twice the rate of for an estimated 250,000 total HIV Latinos. infections averted. This initiative is According to the CDC, one in sev- known as Ending the HIV Epidemic: en African Americans living with A Plan for America.

HIV don’t even know they have it, By raising awareness, and connectand therefore can’t take advantage ing high-risk populations to testing of HIV care and treatments and are and health care, the Urban League more likely to pass HIV to others Movement is helping to move Afriunknowingly. can Americans toward both the 90Even after diagnosis, only about 90-90 goal and the HHS Plan for two-thirds of Black gay and bisexual America.

To Be Equal

The unusual criticism of Kamala ‘the prosecutor’ Harris Democratic presidential p r e s i d e n t i a l J. Pharoah Doss candidates concandidate Katinued; Harris mala Harris reserved as Calcently dropped ifornia’s attorout of the race ney general and for financial reaas San Francissons. There’s no co’s district atshame in that, torney. but there were Now, in the two criticisms of second presHarris that were unusually shameful. idential debate, Harris criticized Vox Magazine’s guide to the 2020 former Vice President Joe Biden for presidential candidates stated Sen- working with segregationist lawator Harris has made history in ev- makers, but Biden said something ery elected office she’s held. Harris unusual in his defense. Biden said, was the first Black woman and the “I do not praise racists…If we want first Asian American to serve as a to have this campaign on who supCalifornia senator… ports civil rights, whether I did or Let’s stop right there. not, I’m happy to do that. I was a Notice, Harris is described as public defender. I didn’t become a Black and Asian. Her father is from prosecutor …”

Jamaica and her mother is from Let’s stop right there.

India. This description is textbook Months before the debate Inter“identity politics,” which generates cept Magazine asked: Can a prosesupport around ethnic, racial, and cutor become president in the age gender solidarity. of Black Lives Matter? The article That’s fine. stated, “Kamala Harris has a prosBut a group called ADOS (Ameri- ecutorial problem. She’s running for can Descendants of Slavery) deliber- president as a progressive, but as ately pointed out the background of attorney general of California, she Harris’ parents. ADOS emphasized criminalized truancy...overlooked that Harris may be a woman of col- the misconduct of her prosecutors… or and may identify with the Black defended California’s choice to deny American experience, but she does reassignment surgery to a transgennot descend from slavery. In text- der inmate…and appealed a fedbook “identity politics” this distinc- eral judge’s holding that the death tion is insignificant, but ADOS has penalty was unconstitutional…The rejected “identity politics” for what problem isn’t that Harris was an especially bad prosecutor. She made they called “agenda politics.”

ADOS’ political goal is obtaining positive contributions as well, encouraging education and re-entry reparations for slavery.

Now, under Jim Crow, any person programs for ex-offenders, for inwith a single ancestor from sub-Sa- stance. The problem, more precisehara Africa was classified as Black. ly, is that she was ever a prosecutor This was known as the “one drop of at all. To become a prosecutor is to Black blood” rule. This rule was a align oneself with a powerful and White supremist justification to dis- fundamentally biased system.”

The implication was that Harris enfranchise. ADOS has incorporated this “one drop rule” to qualify and became an enemy of Black peodisqualify for reparations. In ADOS’ ple (and every other marginalized version of the “one drop rule,” Ka- group) by becoming a prosecutor. mala Harris is not Black and can- And when Biden said he didn’t benot represent the Black community. come a prosecutor like Harris, he Division is expected in politics, but was reinforcing this false “prosecudividing Blacks with the “one drop torial problem.”

This was unusual and shameful. rule” over eligibility for reparations (J. Pharoah Doss is a contributor to the is shameful.

Vox Magazine’s guide to the 2020 New Pittsburgh Courier.)

Check It Out

Letters to the editor for publication The New Pittsburgh Courier welcomes all responsible viewpoints for publication.

All letters should be typewritten and contain writer’s address and phone number for verification. All letters will be edited for clarity and length. Address all letters to: Letters to the Editor, New Pittsburgh Courier 315 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15219 You may fax your letter to 412-481-1360, or via e-mail to letters@newpittsburghcourier.com.

Raynard Jackson

Commentary 2020 Democrat Primary: Off to the racists As grandma used to say, “Boy, the more I talk to you, the dumber I get.”

I am reminded of this every time I read about the 2020 Democrat presidential primary race. The more I read, the dumber I get!

For many, many years the base of the Democrat Party screamed that their presidential primaries lacked diversity of candidates; meaning, racial diversity.

Of course, liberals are never satisfied and no solution is ever good enough for them. So, they forced the issue of diversity to now include, gender, sexual preference, transsexual, geographic, height, weight, skin color, favorite cartoons, hair color, etc., etc., etc.

The last few I am being somewhat facetious about, though not totally.

I have never supported diversity simply for the sake of diversity. I don’t think many would argue against racial diversity on your police force, in the military, and within your foreign service; but there is absolutely no place for sexual preferences, transsexual and other foolish criteria being included in their definition of diversity.

Political campaigns, whether for local, state, or federal offices, are the ultimate in free market expression. There is one man, one vote. Michael Bloomberg has the same number of votes as Pookie or LaQueesha in the hood.

Isn’t that the ultimate form of equality? In a Democracy, markets don’t lie. If the public likes your food, then they will patronize your restaurant. If the public likes your music, they will buy your CD. If the public likes your campaign platform, they will vote for you.

IF they don’t support any of the above endeavors, then the people have spoken. Even if they don’t support you based on your race. That is their right and that is their choice.

When Democrats claim, with no evidence, that not having a Black in the Democrat primary is racist; do they not realize that they are saying that their own party is racist? I thought only Republicans could be racist.

At least that’s what radical liberals like Roland Martin, Joy Reid, Joe Madison, Richard Princess and Whoopie Goldberg would argue.

Remember, when liberals talk about diversity; they don’t mean it in terms of equal opportunity, they mean it in terms of equal outcome.

When New Jersey Senator Corey Booker or California Senator Kamala Harris entered the presidential race, according to this perverted logic; they MUST win because if they don’t the reason MUST be because of their race or gender. It couldn’t possibly be that the American people simply where not buying what they were selling.

WTF? Wait a minute, I thought ONLY Republicans and the Republican Party and Trump supporters could be racists? Hmmmmm.

If South Bend Indiana mayor, Pete Buttigieg, doesn’t win it must be because Democrat voters are homophobic. Again, I thought ONLY Republicans and the Republican Party and Trump supporters could be homophobic?

How many times must I say to Democrats, NEVER blame your customers, i.e., voters.

Booker and Harris had absolutely no relationship with the Black community until they caught the presidential bug. Name me one piece of legislation either ever championed that was to the direct benefit of the Black community.

They spent all of their time pushing legislation on issues promoting homosexuality and amnesty for illegals rather than anything of relevance to the Black community.

The voters are speaking with their votes and money and they are saying they don’t like what either is offering.

Former Secretary of HUD, Julian Castro, had this insightful statement regarding this issue of diversity, “What we’re staring at is a DNC debate stage in a few days with no people of color on it, that does not reflect the diversity of our party or our country.” Yes, it does!!!!!

The Democrat Party voters are saying that the candidates offered up does NOT reflect the type of diversity they want, duhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!

And Sen. Booker had this deep thought to add to the conversation, “There are more billionaires than Black people who’ve made the December debate stage— that’s a problem.” And his point is what?

Is he proposing voting until he gets the result he wants?

Dr. King fought for equal opportunity, NOT equal outcome. The Civil Rights movement was about making sure that any and everyone who met the criteria to seek public office was not denied the opportunity to do so. Nowhere in the movement was a condition that every Black who ran must be guaranteed victory.

According to this perverted liberal logic, hockey, cricket, and soccer are racist sports simply because most teams have no Blacks. Or could it be that most Blacks have shown little to no interest in these sports?

Or can we use the inverse of this logic?

Can we say that Hip-Hop and rap music are racist since there are few to any Whites involved?

This push for diversity was indeed needed and justified back in the day because Whites were unwilling to give Blacks what the U.S Constitution had already guaranteed us—full citizenship, with all the rights and privileges thereof.

But as usual, liberals keep expanding the definition of diversity to the point that it has because unrecognizable and silly. That is why there is such a backlash to the 21st century incarnation of “diversity.” It has little to do with race. For example, there is a push to have one’s choice of hair style “protected” under the Civil Rights statute. I am not joking.

Again, diversity for the sake of diversity is bad. Everything and everyone cannot be legally codified as a protected class. There is absolutely no need for any new discrimination laws to be added to the books. If we simply enforced existing laws, new laws are not necessary.

But it is nice to finally see the Democrats publicly admit to what we have known all along; that they indeed are the party of racists.

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

METRO

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

DECEMBER 11-17, 2019

B7

DECEMBER 15 IS THE BIG DAY—Reality Show “Smokey Business” will air on Pittsburgh’s CW at noon, featuring the members of the family-owned restaurant, Q&M’s Fish, Chik and Ribs in Plum. Pictured are Aunt Linda, Niece Ashia, Nephew T.J., Niece Tiera, Niece Tamika, and Uncle James. (Photos by Courier photographer J.L. Martello)

Reality show ‘Smokey Business’ to air on Pittsburgh’s CW, Dec. 15 SMOKEY BUSINESS FROM A1

ality.

“Smokey Business” is the name of the show that takes viewers behind the scenes into the lives of the family members of Q&M’s Fish, Chik and Ribs.

Uncle James and Aunt Linda are the co-owners of the restaurant, located at 100 Boyce Park Dr. The nieces in the show are Tamika, Tiera and Ashia. Ashia, by the way, told the New Pittsburgh Courier that she’s “a spoiled rotten brat.

It’s my way or the highway, literally.”

And then there’s T.J., the nephew, who has only been in Pittsburgh a year, coming here from California.

The pilot episode was produced by Terri Michele Entertainment. Pittsburgh’s CW enjoyed the pilot episode and agreed to air it on Dec. 15. Michele told the Courier it’s a possibility an additional episode could air the following week.

Two episodes have been filmed so far by Michele’s company.

“It’s great because a lot of people don’t have the opportunity to get out there and show the insides of a business and show the insides of a family working together,” Uncle James told the Courier.

He said the success of Q&M’s has been the mastering of the food and the quality of the service. “We just try to keep that home

feeling,” Uncle James said.

“When you walk in there, you feel like you’re coming into grandma’s house.

That’s the whole key to it.

When you treat people with respect and give them a good product, they’re going to keep coming back, coming back, coming back, and that’s what I’m all about.”

Q&M’s has been open in Plum for seven years—prior to their location in Plum, there was a location in Penn Hills for nearly three years. Uncle James said Q&M’s recently opened a location in Duquesne.

Aunt Linda said a family restaurant business is “tough. It’s very hard. Financial challenges, just the personality challenges.”

Niece Ashia agreed.

“Working with family can be just as happy as it is stressful.”

To celebrate the reality show, the family held a premiere party at the Double Tree Hotel in Monroeville on Nov. 30. About 125 patrons watched a trailer of the show, while enjoying complimentary food and other refreshments.

From the trailer, it was evident that Niece Ashia’s personality is outgoing— some might say boisterous—which makes for good reality TV. “My personality literally is, like, the same in reality,” Niece Ashia told the Courier. “They think they’re the boss. But I’m the boss.”

UNCLE JAMES

NIECE ASHIA

NEPHEW T.J., NIECE TIERA

AUNT LINDA, TERRI MICHELE

Kai Roberts—Advocating against barriers to treat mental health ROBERTS FROM A1

to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in five young adults will experience a mental health condition in college. Like Kai, many do not seek help.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental illness in the country, affecting about 40 million adults. While the association notes that the disorders are treatable, only about a third of impacted people receive treatment.

According to NAMI, social stigma can be a particular barrier to individuals seeking mental health care in the Black community. The alliance specifically notes that Black men may be wary of seeking help out of concern that they’d be perceived as weak.

For Kai, the revelation that he was suffering from an unspecified and undiagnosed “mental illness” was a shock for him and his family.

“My family didn’t know anything about mental health,” Kai, now 27, said.

“It was not a part of my education where I was from.”

At first, he said his parents were opposed to him seeking treatment. “I was afraid to mention it to my family, just because of what they would say,” Kai said.

“They didn’t want to accept that it was a mental health disorder, and they didn’t

want me to go to therapy.”

Kai’s family worried that seeking help would haunt him for life and be a barrier in the future during school and his professional life.

Despite these worries, Kai said his mother continued to be supportive while he was at home.

Before Kai realized he needed to leave school, Kai’s boss from his job as a resident assistant noticed a change in him. This was the first time someone suggested to him that he may be suffering from anxiety and that seeking help from a campus therapist may be a good idea. But Kai felt that seeking therapy while being in school was overwhelming and difficult to balance. During his leave of absence, he found another therapist.

Because he was able to focus on his healing only, he said he found it to be very helpful.

Kai now sees how his experiences accumulated into a crisis. He entered college as an engineering major.

He wasn’t happy, and he struggled to balance the intense workload and trying to fit in along with his passion for pursuing music outside of school.

“It was somewhat of a rocky transition to college,” Kai said. “I wasn’t doing badly in school, but I wasn’t doing good as a person.”

No sleep. No confidence.

Kai was eating poorly and not exercising at all.

In his view, the lack of education and information about mental health was a significant hindrance to his healing. He said if he knew about mental health issues earlier and hadn’t been afraid to admit he was struggling, he would have gotten help before his anxiety became so extreme.

His lack of knowledge at the time when he needed it most motivated Kai to speak out against stigma and raise awareness about mental health.

Kai felt well enough to return to his classes in January 2013.

Not only did he return healthier, but he also carried a renewed commitment to creating a dialogue around mental health. As part of his treatment, Kai saw his therapist, learned to meditate and began a fitness program that included running for at least 2 miles every day. He also created an album with songs addressing what he described as sights, sounds and nuances of mental illness.

In the summer of 2013, Kai produced an album with money he earned at a summer job. That November, he invited college administrators to a listening party in hopes that they’d help support the album’s distribution.

With guidance from administrators, a CMU student organization paid roughly $1,200 to purchase 1,000 copies of the album to

give to students. Kai began hosting Carnegie Cafe Conversations in dormitories, where he played his music and told his story.

“I facilitated conversations with the students about what they knew about mental health,” he said. “I shared my story to try to de-stigmatize mental illness.”

But Kai wanted a larger platform.

He started searching online for organizations that addressed mental health on college campuses. He found Active Minds, a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting mental health awareness and education for students.

He didn’t hear back after emailing several times. Finally, he said he shared information about his music project and Carnegie Conversations, and the organization responded by asking if he would conduct a workshop in November 2014 at the organization’s regional conference in Maryland.

Kai created an interactive presentation called, “Rapping the Movement.” He shared his story and music and encouraged attendees to participate by creating a song, rap, poem or other creative expression of their personal experience.

It was the beginning of a relationship that has since sent him across the country speaking to students, sharing his music and increasing awareness. He is now

part of the Active Minds speaker bureau.

Four years after graduation, Kai serves as assistant director for pre-college enrollment management at CMU. Becky Fein, director of engagement and training with Active Minds, called Kai a “powerful force.”

“Kai shares his person-

al story in an empowering and vulnerable way, letting others know that they are not alone when they are struggling and that their feelings are valid,” she wrote in an email. “His message to young adults, and young men, in particular, is that it’s OK to not be OK and seeking support shows strength.”

Since our next breath comes from not mother or father, but a unseen source we all need truth and a narrative that isn’t false-we also need real humility and balance. Consider the following as books and Google are concerned.

‘The Price for their Pound of Flesh’–A book that deals with the value of the enslaved, from the womb to grave, in the building of a nation. A beacon book by author Ms. Diana Ramey Berry.

Also, ‘What the Eyes Don’t See’– By Dr. Mona Hannah Attisha, that deals with environmental damage to minorities.

Also, before 1492, people of color ruled the world since the Garden of Eden-see ‘The Story of Moors in Spain’, by Stanley Lane Poole.

Google-East African diaspora in the Indian Ocean and then ask where else in the world people of color ruled with longevity and dignity.

It must be said what we once did, we will no doubt do again on behalf of all humanity.

One Creation—One Human Family—According to all Holy Books correct.

A prodical son, Kenneth Owens El AKA Ismail El Amin Pittsburgh, PA

B8

SPORTS

DECEMBER 11-17, 2019

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

If Pittsburgh radio legend Ki Ki Brown is reading the Courier, then… (you should, too!)

109 years and counting…

The Courier is THE VOICE of

Black Pittsburgh.

LISTEN TO KI KI BROWN EACH WEEKDAY FROM 10 A.M. TO 3 P.M. ON PITTSBURGH’S NEW RADIO STATION FOR OLD SCHOOL AND TODAY’S R&B, 107.3 THE BEAT!

Mike Tomlin should be the 2019 NFL Coach of the Year! :10—Might as well start things off talking about the NFL Coach of the Year.

Yep, that should be one, Mike Tomlin. And let’s be honest here; many of you wanted to write him off along with this year’s Steeler team, and understandably so. But that horse is back in the barn!

Coach Tomlin has rallied the troops and has this band of injured, concussed and defected players to the potential Promised Land.

If not, Super Bowl promise at least playoff promise.

And, how will they get there you might ask? Read on. :09—Quack…Quack, Quack…Quack! That’s right, boys and girls, and the Good Book said…“He will rise from the sidelines where he was nearly cast aside forever more…and a

duck shall lead his people through the parted sea and the desert sands…” OK, OK, you get it. Sorry about that, but I had the ghost of Charlton Heston over my shoulder. Point being since last we spoke, there’s a new sheriff in town and his name is Devlin “Duck” Hodges. And he’s an old school, care-free Clint Eastwood gunslinger for sure. After beating the Cardinals this past Sunday, the Steelers are now 8-5 and rollin’! :08—Just a sidebar here and trust me, I am not trying to start any trouble here. You all know I am a James Conner and JuJu fan. But tell the truth. Has anybody missed them?

There’s an old football saying—“You can’t play football in the whirlpool.” I am just sayin’!

Overtime

Bill Neal :07—Speaking of people not being missed. Has anybody seen Sidney Crosby?

And does anybody really care? Look, don’t hate me for saying what you’re thinking. But your Pittsburgh Penguins are doing just fine without him.

(Alright that’s a little bit of a stretch. But remember, I know nothing about hockey!) But can you say Malkin or Guentzel?

:06—BTW, the Steelers returned a kickoff for a touchdown in the game against the Cardinals. The first time since Antonio Brown did it in 2015. This one returned 85 yards by Diontae Johnson. Please go back a few weeks to your Pittsburgh Courier when I respectfully asked why is Switzer returning kickoffs?

Thank you…Thank you very much…Neal has left

the building!!! :05—I don’t mind telling you that I buy one and take one when I double up at the movies. For two reasons. #1. We’re overcharged to begin with. #2.

“They” won’t find me, they don’t know what theatre I am at. Ha Ha! But here’s your double down review. “Knives,” out with Jamie Lee Curtis, is funny and good. It gets three basketballs. And if you need to be reminded how you’re exploited every day, please, please, please see “Dark Waters.” It’ll make you want to stop drinking water right away. And it’s a true story. It gets four basketballs cause its real, mmmaaannn. :04—Pitt women’s volleyball team suffered a stunning second-round loss in the NCAA Tournament

to Cincinnati ending their outstanding season. Hail to Pitt for a great run. :03—Oh yea, the Pittsburgh Pirates have a new head coach. Derek Shelton becomes the 41st manager in franchise history and promise changes. I’ll get back to you in April. :02—Speaking of stuff you need to know. The best show on TV is Chicago PD on NBC every Wednesday at 10 p.m. Trust me, you will thank me. :01—This just in…Carol, I am waiting for results of your survey. The people don’t know…but you know who you are!?!? :00—Do you want to be part of the solution and not part of the problem? Then you must vote. We all know that Trump Must Go!!

GAME OVER.

Performance over pedigree— That’s the ‘Duck’ Hodges story Rewind back to Oct. 7. The Pittsburgh Steelers were sporting a 1-4 record and the couch potato sound bytes in regards to their reaching the 2019 postseason were gaining in volume. The sparks were flying from the blacksmith’s forge sharpening the

blade of the guillotine that most of the Black and Gold fans and local “scribes” (the most “positive” description of local writers that I could find) have been anxiously waiting from Day 1 to drop to sever Mike Tomlin from his position as head coach of

the Steelers.

They finally had him where they wanted him.

Tomlin was backed into a corner and on the ropes with no possible way out.

Or so they thought.

The Steelers were about to face the Chargers, Dol-

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Inside Conditions

Aubrey Bruce phins, Colts, Rams and Browns. Except for the hapless and hopeless Dolphins, the Steelers were projected to lose four of those five games. So with the sideline “prophets” and the grim reaper prognosticators looking and sounding like buzzards on a fence, the Steelers were staring at a possible 2-8 record square in the eyeballs. Why? Well, with Ben Roethlisberger out with season-ending elbow surgery, and second-string quarterback Mason Rudolph knocked out in the game against the Ravens on Oct. 6, the Steelers were down to a rookie from Samford University.

Yes, I said Samford, not Stanford.

His name? Devlin “Duck” Hodges. Was that “Duck” as in the waterfowl that we love on the grill, or was that “Duck” as in, you better watch out and get out the way…?

No one knew, not even Tomlin, that a gun-slinging, duck-hunting rookie was about to roll in from the Cypress Swamp of Alabama with guns blazing, ready to take on and defeat anyone, anytime, anywhere. Hodges had no detectable fear to be found. Tomlin was forced to find out the hard way that until Hodges entered the scene, Tomlin’s first choice, Rudolph, was performing more like an assassin discharging friendly fire, shooting his own team in the foot.

Let’s do a comparison.

In his rookie season, Roethlisberger threw for 187 yards per game as a firstround draft choice with then-future Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis at running back, “fast” Willie Parker also in the backfield, and Hines Ward at the ready at receiver.

On the other hand, “Duck” Hodges has been forced to perform his rookie season with, basically, practice squad players or players with little-to-no experience. Hodges is a “thrilla,” not a “killa.”

Hodges may have his offdays but I can almost guarantee you that he won’t throw four picks in a game, like Rudolph did at Cleveland before Myles Garrett did his infamous helmet swing on Rudolph.

The reason that Hodges won’t perform that poorly is because he has put to bed the old wives tale that pedigree will almost always be better than performance.

Pedigree will get your name up in lights, but performance will shine your light on others so that they will be better.

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DECEMBER 11-17, 2019 WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE 2019

Message from The Editor and Publisher

Awards Luncheon Thursday, December 12, 2019 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh 600 Commonwealth Place Pittsburgh, Pa. 15222

Founded 1910

Rod Doss

Editor and Publisher Stephan A. Broadus Assistant to the Publisher Rob Taylor Jr. Managing Editor

Allison Palm Office Manager

pleased with the It is with great extensive list pleasure that we of submissions present the New that serve as a Pittsburgh Coutestament to the rier’s Women of outstanding array Excellence “Class of luminous and of 2019!” gifted personalOne cannot speak of the ities throughout greatness of our area. The our city without “Women of including the Excellence” now distinctive contriappear on the ROD DOSS following pages of butions of African this special tribute publication.

American women—who they Each woman is a living examare, and the impact each has had on Pittsburgh and the ple of how hard work, integrity region this past year. and determination leads to They join the list of previous success. We hope they inspire honorees that have left their others to pursue excellence in indelible mark of accomplishtheir field of endeavor.

We thank our sponsors and ment, sacrifice and service on advertisers for their generthe community. The “Class of 2019” members are resplenous support in helping make this publication and awards dent in deed, and unselfish luncheon possible. This pubin valor, commitment and dedicated purpose. Their indi- lication serves as a record of vidual acts have lifted this city accomplishment, a historical and its people to new heights. landmark and an indelible Such are the women we honor mark in the fabric of our comtoday. munity. We encourage you to To assist us in the selection share it with both the young process, our readers submitand the old.

Congratulations to the Courted nominations of women ier’s “Women of Excellence, who met the established Class of 2019!” criteria. We continue to be

Ashley Johnson

Advertising Coordinator

Debbie Roach

Graphic Designer

Kathleen Yocum Graphic Designer

Juan Sifuentes

Graphic Designer

Brenda Hill

Circulation Coordinator

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Circulation Consultant

VALERIE McDONALD ROBERTS Legacy Honoree

MICHELYN HOOD Celebrity Host

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Class of 2019 Honorees VALERIE McDONALD ROBERTS (LEGACY HONOREE) DONNA ALLEN-ROSEMOND SONITA BELL JOANNE BOYD SIMQUITA BRIDGES REV. TALEETA CANADY AURELIA CARTER ELAINE COLE INEZ COLON DR. RANDI CONGLETON BETH CRAWFORD BETHANY CRISWELL SUSAN DOPICO DR. WILLA DOSWELL LISA EPPS KATHRYN FITZGERALD KIMBERLY FRANCETTE DR. TRISHA GADSON DR. TYRA GOOD DR. ALICIA B. HARVEY-SMITH DR. SHARON HIGGINBOTHAN MAISHA HOWZE PHYLLISS JOHNSON LATOYA JOHNSON-RAINEY DR. DAWNDRA JONES JACQUELINE JONES-MITCHELL FRANCES JORDAN CARLEEN KING, MBA DENA LAMAR NICOLE NARVAEZ MANNS SHARON MCINTOSH JUDITH WOODSON MCNEIL ANGELA MIKE TERRI MINOR-SPENCER TONI MURPHY AMANDA NEATROUR EVELYN NEWSOME DR. JOYLETTE PORTLOCK DR. RUTHIE REA CAMILA RIVERA-TINSLEY TIMIRA RUSH TRICIA SHELTON AMBER SLOAN CHARLISE SMITH LISA SYLVESTER FLO TAYLOR JUEL THOMAS-SMITH TAMMY THOMPSON NATALIE S. TYLER RAMONA RUTH WILKES JUDY WRIGHT

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE 2019

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Michelyn Hood to honorees: ‘Allow it to propel you to even greater heights’ Courier’s 2019 ‘Women of Excellence’ Celebrity Host

by Ashley Johnson Courier Staff Writer

The New Pittsburgh Courier is proud to welcome Michelyn Hood, a host on the KDKA-TV (Channel 2) lifestyle morning show, “Pittsburgh Today Live,” as the Celebrity Host of the Courier’s 2019 Women of Excellence Awards.

“This is one of the best honors I’ve ever had,” Hood, a 2016 recipient of the Courier’s “Fab 40” honor, said about hosting. “Primarily because of the caliber of women who are being recognized for their great work. I am just excited to help shine a greater light on them.”

Hood, a graduate of Allderdice High School and the University of Pittsburgh, is the lifestyle and enter-

tainment host on “Pittsburgh Today Live,” which airs weekdays at 9 a.m. She joined the show in March and calls the position a “dream come true.”

Besides working with an extremely talented t e a m of wonderful people, Hood said she enjoys her work because the stories she tells changes people’s lives.

“Also, the people that I

MICHELYN HOOD

meet and the adventures that I get to take part in, probably, would not otherwise happen,” she added. “So, it’s a blessing and joy to come to work, every day, to something new and exciting.”

Some of her greatest experiences are flying a plane and driving a tractor.

Prior to joining “Pittsburgh Today Live,” Hood founded PGHSpot. com, an online program that brings attention to Pittsburghers who are doing positive things in the community. The idea flourished from her experience of growing up in the Lincoln-Lemington and

Homewood neighborhoods.

In addition to working with both shows, Hood also produces “NeighborHOOD Conversations,” live community conversations that focus on neighborhood heroes from Homewood and the Hill District.

Along with receiving the Courier’s “Fab 40” Award in 2016, Hood has been a recipient of Pittsburgh Magazine’s “40 Under 40” and Whirl Magazine’s “50 Finest” Awards. She has served as moderator for a Pittsburgh mayoral debate and gives back as a member of the Pittsburgh Black Media Federation.

In her spare time, which seems to be rare, Hood said she enjoys hiking and spending time with friends and family.

Hood said the advice she’d offer to the Courier’s “Women of Excellence, Class of 2019” honorees is to “enjoy the honor and relish in the accolade, but also allow it to propel you to even greater heights.”

Hood added: “Remember celebrations like these for when things get tough. It is a reminder that your community believes in you.”

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DECEMBER 11-17, 2019

WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE 2019

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Valerie McDonald Roberts — A True Trailblazer Courier’s 2019 ‘Women of Excellence’ Legacy Honoree

Think of all the “firsts” one could attribute to Valerie McDonald Roberts.

The first African American woman elected to Pittsburgh City Council in its history.

The first African American elected to a Row Office in the history of Allegheny County as County Recorder of Deeds.

And to think, those positions don’t even come close to summarizing her illustrious professional career.

Roberts originally worked 17 years in the private sector as a senior chemist and microscopist, medical technologist, and math and chemistry instructor.

ANOTHER FIRST—Valerie McDonald Roberts is sworn in as Recorder of Deeds, the first African American to hold an elected Allegheny County position. Judge Cheryl Allen officiates as Valerie’s husband, Theodore Roberts Jr., holds the Bible.

But in 1989, Roberts’ life took a sharp turn. Due to racial bias she discovered in her daughter’s reading curriculum with no power to make needed changes, she strategically forayed into politics and was elected to the Pittsburgh School Board. After serving five years, including one as president, she was elected in 1994 to Pittsburgh City Council, becoming the first African American woman elected to Council in the history of the City of Pittsburgh. During her tenure, she established an Anti-Predatory Lending Initiative, led City Council in necessary police reform, and worked to secure the Home Depot store that jump-started a now-thriving East Liberty/ Larimer area.

In 2001, she was elected as Allegheny County Recorder of Deeds, becoming the first African American elected to a Row Office in the history of Allegheny County.

In 2008 she was meritoriously appointed manager of the newly named Department of Real Estate. There she managed 60 union and non-union staff to re-engineer the office in efficiency, customer service, best of breed computer and digital technology, cost-saving green initiatives and fiscal prudence. She also was unanimously elected President of the state’s Pennsylvania Recorders of Deeds Association, the first African American to do so, hosting and organizing two statewide conventions.

In 2014, she was appointed by Mayor Bill Peduto to serve as Chief Urban Affairs Officer of the Bureau of Neighborhood Empowerment. In the Mayor’s Office, she oversaw managers’ and policy analysts’ initiatives in the areas of early childhood education, equity, inclusion and diversity, minority/women/ disadvantaged business

VALERIE MCDONALD ROBERTS inclusion, neighborhood revitalization, workforce development, and city government engagement of immigrants, veterans, the disability community, seniors, women, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations.

Roberts continues to serve as Chairman of the Board of the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh in policy decisions affecting development of the largest sector of affordable housing in the city, as well as a wide range of self-sufficiency, workforce development, education, and homeownership programming for over 20,000 residents.

She also serves as board member of Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation, Youth Services Investment Fund of the Pittsburgh Foundation, and Advisory Committee member of the Midwife Center.

Roberts has actively served on over 27

non-profit boards and has received more than 35 awards for public service. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology and Master of Science degree in Forensic Chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh, both Summa cum Laude. Politically, she has served in Democratic Party and Democratic candidate endeavors for 30 years, on local, state and national levels, including appointments to the Electoral College in 2008 for President Barack Obama, and in 1996 for President Bill Clinton.

Roberts has been a children’s Christian educator for more than 40 years, and is a Trustee and Youth Ministry member at St. Paul Baptist Church. She is married to Theodore Roberts Jr., has four adult children, a daughter-in-law, son-in-law and 16 grandchildren.

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WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE 2019

DECEMBER 11-17, 2019

LAW

ENTREPRENEUR

DONNA ALLEN-ROSEMOND

SONITA BELL

After earning her Bachelor of Science in Criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and her Juris Doctorate at Duquesne University School of Law, Donna Allen-Rosemond worked two years as a Reginald Heber Smith Public Interest Attorney. Thereafter, she has been a Senior Attorney for NLSA for 38 years and an Adjunct Professor at Duquesne University Law School’s Paralegal Program for 19 years.

Most of her career has been devoted to helping victims of violence become survivors and representing custody clients defend their children’s best interest.

Along with being a member of both the Pennsylvania and Allegheny County Bar Associations, Allen-Rosemond serves as an active member of the Pittsburgh legal community. She is an active member of the Matrimonial Inns of Court Relations, Children’s Issues Committee, Domestic Violence Task Force, and past Co-Chairs of both the Mentoring Committee and The Professionalism Committee. She has also served as a clinical instructor at both Duquesne and Pitt law schools.

Allen-Rosemond has been awarded the Edward G. O’Connor Fellows Award for her commitment to public service. She has not only been a past board member of the Crisis Center North, but she has volunteered for both Crisis Center North and Women’s Center and Shelter’s Hotline.

In addition, she mentors Pro Bono Attorneys, law students, served as a panelist on the City High School project presentations, and is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Inc. Outside of work, Allen-Rosemond has been proudly married for 35 years to her husband, Harold Rosemond, and together, they have raised three successful children—Dominique, Taylor and Harold Rosemond. Donna Allen-Rosemond is the daughter of the late Alphonse Allen Sr. and Carrie Allen. She also has three siblings— Rev. Dr. Alphonse Allen Jr., Kelly Allen, and Kirsten Allen.

Sonita Bell is the wife of Mr. Stanley and mother of Timothy Bell. She was born and raised in Pittsburgh to Sharon McIntosh and William McIntosh. She is a successful, award-winning Wardrobe Stylist, Boutique Owner and Entrepreneur. Bell is CEO and Lead Wardrobe Stylist for Sonita’s Designs, LLC, one of Pittsburgh’s top fashion empires. She owns a brick-and-mortar showroom in the Monroeville area since December 2016. Sonita’s Designs started as an online boutique in 2005. She began to expand her business after receiving so many wardrobe styling requests from her customers. Her sisters Konica McIntosh (Lead Hair Stylist) and Bilita McIntosh (Lead Makeup Artist) are also a part of the team, serving as directors at Sonita’s Designs.

Bell is also an employee at Chatham University in which she uses the financial and creative skills she developed while attending Point Park University for Business Management. She enjoys volunteering at various organizations. She currently serves as a Client Suiting Consultant for Dress for Success Pittsburgh and Events Coordinator at The Lord’s Church (TLC) where Rev. Niecy Dennis White is Pastor. In addition, she also raised funds for the Center for Victims bringing awareness to domestic violence.

Some of the highlights of Bell’s career were being nominated Stylist of the Year by Style Week Pittsburgh in 2016 and Boutique of the Year in 2017. Bell won Boutique Owner of the Year

by Style & Glam, LLC, in 2018 and 2019. Sonita’s Designs, LLC, was also nominated for a Pittsburgh Business Choice Award in 2019.

Bell also recently created her own fragrance line, Jewell by Sonita’s Designs.

Bell attended her mentor, Celebrity Stylist J. Bolin’s Bootcamp in 2017. She learned new styling techniques and narratives to stay current in the ever-changing world of fashion and design.

Family Law Attorney Neighborhood Legal Services

Owner Sonita’s Designs, LLC

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DECEMBER 11-17, 2019 WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE 2019

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE 2019

HEALTH CARE

LAW

JOANNE BOYD

SIMQUITA R. BRIDGES

Clinical Research Coordinator UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Joanne Boyd has 38 years of nursing experience. In her current role as a Clinical Research Coordinator, she coordinates and conducts research activities for patients involved in clinical trials. As a community health activist, Boyd works on initiatives to increase awareness for people of color regarding the value of their involvement in research. Prior to joining the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Boyd worked as an Authorization Nurse at UPMC, in which she was responsible for obtaining insurance authorizations for inpatient hospital admissions and continuation of care hospital stays. She also held the role of Care Manager, responsible for facilitating the development and implementation of discharge plans relevant to the patient’s clinical course and continuation of care needs.

Other experiences include: educational planner for the implementation of a system-wide electronic health record, legal nurse consulting, risk manag-

DECEMBER 11-17, 2019

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Assistant Chief Deputy Attorney General Commonwealth of Pennsylvania er and staff nurse in critical care, intermediate cardiac telemetry, and post-surgical short stay.

Boyd is a recipient of the UPMC ACE and UPMC Inclusion Champion Awards. She is a member of the American Case Management Association, the accrediting body for her ACM certification, a lifetime member of the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA), and serves as the chairperson of the Health Policy Committee for their local chapter, Pittsburgh Black Nurses in Action. Her patient advocacy work includes regular attendance at NBNA’s Capitol Hill Day in Washington, D.C., where she meets with legislators regarding issues affecting patient populations, communities and the nursing profession.

She is an active volunteer in community events and serves as a Certified Facilitator for the Strong African American Families’ seven-week educational workshop for parents and youth.

Boyd is a proud mom to her daughter, Brittany, and stepdaughter, Jessica.

She loves to spend time with her family including her fur babies: cat Rudy and dog Sophie, listen to jazz and travel.

Simquita R. Bridges is employed with the Office of Attorney General and currently serves as the Assistant Chief Deputy Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In this position, she is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day functions of the criminal division. She supervises attorneys that prosecute criminal matters related to homicides, sexual assaults and presentments that are returned by the Investigating Grand Jury.

Prior to working at the Office of Attorney General, Bridges worked at the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office for 16 years. During her tenure there, she worked in the Child Abuse Unit and Domestic Violence Unit. She also prosecuted multiple homicide cases. Bridges is an advocate for victims of physical and sexual abuse. She has vigorously prosecuted numerous crimes against children and victims of domestic abuse.

In every case, she has shown compassion and empathy for the most vulnerable people in this community.

Bridges was appointed by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to serve on the Pennsylvania

Criminal Rules Committee. In this capacity, she was responsible for assisting the court in prescribing general rules governing criminal practice and procedure throughout Pennsylvania. Bridges served on the Allegheny County Bar Association Judiciary Committee wherein she was responsible for evaluating and making recommendations for candidates for judicial offices in Allegheny County. She has also served as faculty for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute.

Bridges graduated from Duquesne University School of Law in 1996. She also received a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Central Missouri and a Bachelor’s Degree from Austin Peay State University.

Bridges resides in the Borough of Sewickley with her husband, Reginald, and their two children, Ashley and Michael. She is an active member of Triumph Church where she serves on the Board of Trustees. Bridges is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and an associate member of Jack and Jill of America Inc.

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DECEMBER 11-17, 2019

Class of 2018 Honorees CECILE M. SPRINGER (LEGACY HONOREE) TIA BAKER SALOAM BEY BETTY BRAXTER LAKEISHA “KI KI” BROWN BRITTEE CLAY LORI CRISWELL LARAE CULLENS LATIKA DAVIS-JONES, PHD, MPH, MSW DEBRA DENNISON MALESIA DUNN CHRISTIN DURHAM MAMAR GELAYE VICTORIA A. GARNER MARITA GARRETT JUDITH K. GINYARD ARAINA GRAHAM MARSHA GRAYSON LASHAUNDRA HAMMONDS SHERDINA HARPER ALETA HEARD REV. CARMEN D. HOLT NIKKIA INGRAM MINIKA JENKINS DIANE JOHNSON CHERYL JOHNSON SHEILA L. JOHNSON, PHD, DMIN. NICHOLE KINDRED VALERIE KINLOCH CLAUDIA M. KREGG-BYERS, PHD REV. SHANEA D. LEONARD JANET K. MANUEL NICKEIA MASON GRACE WANKIIRI ORSATTI, ESQ. DIANE POWELL SIMONE QUINERLY ALETA RICHARDS BONITA L. RICHARDSON DIONNA ROJAS YASMIN SHAHEED M. SHERNELL SMITH SHAWNA SOLOMON KARLA STALLWORTH DEVON TALIAFERRO IRIS TOWNSEND RUTH WALKER FAWN WALKER-MONTGOMERY LENORE WILLIAMS LINDA WILLIAMS-MOORE ROWINEA WOOTEN

WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE 2019

RELIGION

Class of 2016 Honorees

REVEREND TALEETA L. CANADY Minister of Congregational Care Rodman Street Missionary Baptist Church

Reverend Taleeta L. Canady is a native of Los Angeles, California. She received a B.A. Degree in Liberal Studies with a concentration in African American Studies from the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Fla., and a Master of Education Degree from East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C., where she was inducted into Chi Sigma Iota, Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society. She later received a Master of Divinity Degree from the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh.

Reverend Taleeta accepted the call to the Christian ministry in 2005. She was later licensed and ordained to preach the Gospel.

Prior to moving to Pittsburgh in June 2010, she worked as a communication skills and social studies teacher and later as a high school counselor for 13 years in Wilson, N.C. Reverend Taleeta now serves as the Minister of Congregational Care at Rodman Street Missionary Baptist Church in East Liberty, where she assists the Pastor with hospital visitations and coordinates the Bereavement Ministry. She also directs over 50 lay ministers, facilitates new member intake through the Shepherd’s Care Ministry, and leads the Women of Power & Purpose Ministry. Reverend Taleeta has developed a passion for teaching the Word of God and uses her counseling skills to assist parishioners in moving toward spiritual fulfillment.

Reverend Taleeta is Co-Founder of the LIFE Male Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math Academy. The school’s

mission is to prepare all male scholars for college success and career-readiness while serving as a catalyst to increase the presence of African American males in the STEM pipeline.

Reverend Taleeta is married to Dr. Darryl T. Canady, Senior Pastor of Rodman Street Missionary Baptist Church and they have two children, Major Alexander and Essence Cary.

SOCIAL SERVICE

AURELIA CARTER

Family Support Supervisor Allegheny County Department of Human Services Aurelia Carter is the Family Support Supervisor for the Allegheny County Office of Behavioral Health. As the Family Support Specialist, Carter provides leadership by example and works

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

to empower families with children from infancy to adolescence as advocates for themselves and their communities. She also encourages parent/professional partnerships across service systems. However, Carter’s primary role is a parent of four children; one of which has a disability.

In addition to being a parent and working for the Office of Behavioral Health, Carter has over 20 years experience as an advocate on disability issues and has worked and volunteered in the areas of early intervention, special and regular education, intellectual disabilities, disability health policy, family support and mental health. She has done presentations regarding the aforementioned areas over the years at local, state and international conferences.

Carter has been an active member of several local, state, and national advocacy organizations, including; Pittsburgh Public Schools Right to Education Taskforce, City/ County Taskforce on Disabilities, Pittsburgh Parent POWER, Multi-Cultural Disability Leadership Center, Pennsylvania TASH, and the University of Maryland Center for School Mental Health.

Prior to joining the Office of Behavioral Health, Carter held both supervisory and direct service positions working with families throughout the disability community in Allegheny County.

Carter considers being an advocate not merely a passion, but a true gift. Whether working or volunteering, Carter’s commitment is to help and empower people to have a voice on issues that impact their lives.

DIANE NEELY BATES TYIAN BATTLE MARIA LEWIS BETHEL TAMMY SPENCER BEY DINA ‘FREE’ BLACKWELL REV. MAUREEN F. CROSS BOLDEN SONYA R. CHAMBERS LORRAINE CROSS DIANE I. DANIELS TAMMY L. DAVIS TENEL DORSEY AMY LYN ELLIOTT KATHI R. ELLIOTT JACQUE FIELDER RHONDA L. FLEMING RENEE GALLOWAY, PhD CAROL LYNN GREER RONELL GUY ERICA COCHRAN HAMEEN, PhD NICOLA HENRY-TAYLOR, ESQ. KIM HOOTS LINDA J. IVERSON, PhD CHARMELLE JACKSON LORIE JOHNSON-OSHO, EdD MARCELLA L. LEE BISHOP CYNTHIA MOORE-KOIKOI REV. NICHELLE NELSON TORY N. PARRISH ERIN PERRY TAMARE P. PIERSAINT, PhD ERIN E. POTTER DARLENE L. POWELL LUCILLE PRATER-HOLLIDAY REV. DR. JOAN PRENTICE THERAINE A. RANSOME YOLANDA ROBERTS RENA A.S. ROBINSON REV. APRIL D. ROEBUCK JESSICA RUFFIN TAMARA SANDERS-WOODS, EdD ROXANNE NORMAN SEWELL DANIELLE M. SMITH MATHILDA SPENCER, PhD ARZELLA STEWART-MCCAULEY, PhD CHRISTEL N. TEMPLE, PhD RENEE D. THOMAS TE’ONA M. WILLIAMS BOFTA YIMAM

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE 2019

DECEMBER 11-17, 2019

SOCIAL SERVICE

PUBLIC SERVICE

ELAINE COLE

INEZ COLON, SPHR, SHRM-SCP

Elaine M. Cole is the Public Affairs Specialist for the Social Security Administration with responsibility reaching throughout Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. She has worked with the agency for 17 years. In this position, she manages over 400 events per year including educational and instructional seminars for West Virginia University, Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh. Prior to joining Social Security, Cole worked for US Airways as an International Reservations and General Ticketing Supervisor.

Working in this position, she was responsible for more than 600 reservation representatives in the Pittsburgh area. In addition, she was the corporate Director of Diversity Management Communications and developed various programs that were designed to improve employee performance. At Sixth Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, she is an active member in the ministry and community. She proudly serves as one of the Deacons and chairs the Missionary Ministry for the church. She believes, “If you can help somebody, then your living will not be in vain.”

Cole is a cancer “overcomer” and spreads the message of early detection. Although the experience was a challenge, the event resulted in a deeper connection with God, family and her faith. It is important that women in the African American community have mammograms and follow through with medical treat-

Chief Human Resources Officer Inez Colon is responsible for the strategic development and management of the Authority’s human resources core functions, including benefits, compensation, talent acquisition, talent development, employee and labor/union relations, alcohol and drug compliance, civil rights/diversity and fostering a positive and productive culture. Since joining the Port Authority in 2001, Colon has taken a leadership role in developing Port Authority into a recognized employer of choice.

Prior to working at the Port Authority, Colon was a senior recruiter for US Airways as well as the vice president for Organizational Design Consultants.

Colon received her bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration from Bernard Baruch College, City University of New York, her Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh, and has completed all coursework toward her doctoral program, also at Pitt. She holds both a Senior Certified Professional certification from the Society for Human Resource

Public Affairs Specialist Social Security Administration

Chief Human Resources Officer Port Authority of Allegheny County

ments.

Cole received a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resource Management from Robert Morris University and her Master’s in Executive Leadership from Champlain College. A native of Homestead, Cole married retired State Trooper Major Harvey Cole Jr. over 35 years ago. She is the proud mother of two sons and one daughter-in-law, Harvey III (Jazzlyn) and John.

EDUCATION

DR. RANDI CONGLETON

Assistant Dean of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Chatham University Dr. Randi Congleton is the Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Chatham University. A Native of Philadelphia, Dr. Congleton has spent the past 14 years advocating for inclusive excellence in higher education. As the inaugural diversity officer, she has and continues to lead strategies that support and enhance campus climate such as supporting the growth of the Intergroup Dialogue Program, inclusion training for student leaders, and supporting equitable hiring practices, among others.

Prior to coming to Chatham, Dr. Congleton was the Director of Multicultural Programs in the College of Agricultural Sciences at Penn State University.

Dr. Congleton is an advisory board member to the Black Girl Equity Alliance, the research arm of Gwen’s Girls, a 20-year member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., and is an active member of Mt. Ararat Baptist Church. She is a proud parent of a fashion design student and is a very proud alumna of Penn State University, Michigan State University, and the University of Illinois at Urba-

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na-Champaign. When she is not enacting strategies for campus inclusion or teaching, Dr. Congleton can be found watching a great movie, cooking, relaxing with friends, or traveling.

Management and a Senior Professional in Human Resources certification from the Human Relations Certification Institute.

Colon also teaches graduate and undergraduate classes in human resources at various universities.

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DECEMBER 11-17, 2019

Class of 2014 Honorees ALMA SPEED FOX (LEGACY HONOREE) KATIE EVERETTE JOHNSON (LEGACY HONOREE) MURIEL FOX ALIM ANGELA ALLIE CARMEN ANDERSON TERRI L. BALTIMORE CHARLENE FOGGIE BARNETT RASHALL M. BRACKNEY ANDREA D. BROWN TERRY L. BURDEN LASHAWN BURTON-FAULK BRIDGETTE N. COFIELD, JD, SPHR KAREN COLBERT ALIYA D. DURHAM MAXINE ENGRAM SHARON FLAKE LISA B. FREELAND MINISTER DEBRA GERMANY VALIDIA M. GIDDENS AMERA GILCHRIST MICHELE GOODMAN-JONES DEANNE HAMILTON VERA HEFFLIN-EDWARDS BIBIANA HILL REGINA B. HOLLEY, PHD FRANCES TAGGERT HOLLY ELIZABETH L. HUGHES, ESQ. ERIN ISSAC, DMD KIMBERLY M. JACKSON NATALIE D. JACKSON DIANA JAMES LORETTA JETER PAMELA JOHNSON REV. MARIE KELLY CHARLESE MCKINNEY VELVET V. MICKENS SHAUNDA MILES MARIMBA MILLIONES CAROL W. MOHAMED REV. DR. JUDITH C. MOORE CHRISTINA PRESTON SHEILA L. RAWLINGS LA DAWN ROBINSON CHERYL RUFFIN, MDIV CARYL J. SHEFFIELD DIANNE BILLIE SWAN SONYA M. TOLER ERICA L. UPSHAW-GIVNER LISA STROTHER UPSHER, MS TISHEKIA E. WILLIAMS

WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE 2019

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Class of 2013 Honorees

BETH CRAWFORD

Founder/CEO, You Are Covered Project Talent Acquisition & Retention Coordinator, Pressley Ridge The 2018 Cornerstone Television Network Woman of Valor Award recipient, Beth Crawford has been recognized for making an impact within her family, workplace, community and church.

Crawford is the co-founder and CEO of “The You Are Covered Project.” It’s a mobile faith-based non-profit organization providing services, meals, clothing and supplies to those in need right

at the point of contact. The project has assisted several families with transitioning from homelessness, to sustainable housing across Allegheny County. Phase II of YACP was launched in January 2018, with the opening of the Free Store in the lower level of Crossroads Church-East Liberty Campus, where Crawford serves as one of the pastors. The project is sustained by volunteers committed to providing people with the hope for a better tomorrow.

Crawford is currently employed as the Talent Acquisition & Retention Coordinator at Pressley Ridge. With over 20 years of workforce development service, she has operated programs for youth aging out of the foster care system and disadvantage families. Crawford received several industry service awards from her former employers, ResCare, Arbor Career Center and UPMC. Crawford is a Robert Morris University graduate with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Studies. She serves on the Board of Directors at Family & Friends Initiative/Choir and is a member of the North Side Homeless Alliance.

Crawford is the mother of a recent Penn State graduate, Taneisha Crawford. Taneisha is also the co-founder of “You Are Covered Project” and the director of a children’s ministry.

As a cancer survivor, Beth Crawford has seen the power of prayer move in her life. She graced the cover of the 2012 -2013 UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital Annual Report, due to her faith and optimism during her time in active treatment.

ENTREPRENEUR

BETHANY CRISWELL Co-Owner/Operator Coston Funeral Homes

Bethany J. Criswell joined her husband, Roland J. Coston-Criswell, as a full-time owner and operator of Coston Funeral Homes in Pittsburgh. She serves as the organization’s Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

In 2017, Bethany became a Licensed Funeral Director and a Licensed Insurance Agent. With three locations, the firm continues to grow and expand, serving more than 300 families a year and employing more than 20 team members.

Bethany has established numerous community outreach initiatives including “The Coston Show.” As a co-host of the show, she enjoys sharing a different perspective on healthy living, the importance of pre-planning and uplifting the community.

Her passion for helping families has also led to the creation of The Coston Community Education Program.

Coston Funeral Homes was awarded the Best of the Best award from the National Funeral Directors Association in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011. This award is bestowed upon the top two percent of funeral homes in the country. Bethany’s work was acknowledged in the area of marketing and exceptional funeral service practices.

Prior to working in the funeral profession, Bethany served as the Director of Communications at Mount Ararat Baptist Church where she was the creator and Editor-in-Chief of the Christian magazine, The Mount.

Prior to Mount Ararat, she was the Director of Public Relations in the Athletic Department at Carnegie Mellon University.

Bethany holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism from Hampton University, as well as a M.Ed. in Sports Administration

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

from Temple University. She is a 2016 graduate of the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science.

She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., The Links Inc., Pittsburgh Chapter of Jack and Jill of America Inc. and Mt. Ararat Baptist Church. In 2017, she co-founded the professional group Lotus Inc. In 2019, Criswell founded the African American Parents Association at Shady Side Academy and serves on the board of the Mt. Ararat Community Activity Center. Bethany was recently honored as the 2019 Hampton University 40 Under 40 Society Mentor of the Year.

Criswell enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, writing and playing tennis. She resides in Fox Chapel with her husband and their two sons, Roland Jr. and Brandon.

BEV SMITH (LEGACY HONOREE) CAROL L. ADAMS MARLA D. BRADFORD CHARLOTTE BROWN, PhD VICTORIA E. BRYANT FRANCINE B. CAMERON MESSENGER ANNETTE CARSWELL RENEE SMITH CLARK, PhD TRACY L. CLARK LUTITIA A. CLIPPER PhD MARY L. COFFEY PAMELA COLLIER DR. ESA MATIUS DAVIS MPH STEPHANIE DURRETT MONICA EARLY KIM EL ROBYN E. FRANCIS OLGA T. GEORGE RONITA S. GILES ROBYN GREER TERINA JETT HICKS IMOGENE MILES HINES RUTH J. HOWZE SHANICKA L. KENNEDY, ESQ. MONICA D. LAMAR DESIREE S. LEE KILOLO LUCKETT A. KELLY MCCORMICK MONIQUE MCINTOSH, MEd DONNA MICHEAUX, PhD CYNTHIA MOORE TRACEY NASH CAROL AWKARD NEYLAND CONSTANCE PARKER STAYCEE R. PEARL EBONY RENEE PUGH MINETTE SEATE DEBRA VALENTINE-GRAY ALLEGRA WAKEFIELD ANITA B. WALKER CAROL A. WASHINGTON CHRISTINE B. WHITE-TAYLOR EdD GAIL L. WHITEHEAD TAMARA L. WHITING LISA A. WILDS ARLETTA SCOTT WILLIAMS DETECTIVE CHRISTINE WILLIAMS DENISE L. WILLIAMS ERROLINE WILLIAMS EdD GAYLE M. YOUNG

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE 2019

HEALTH CARE/ENTREPRENEUR

SUSAN DOPICO

Owner/CEO Hands-2-Help Senior Services Inc. Susan Dopico was born into a family of caregivers.

Early in life she was taught to respect and care for the elders in her family. Those values, instilled early in her life, became a motivating factor for her to become an advocate for senior citizens. Dopico volunteered at nursing homes and senior centers—anywhere she could help seniors who may not have the support that her grandparents and elderly family members had. After volunteering for several months at Jefferson Hospital, Dopico accepted a position at the hospital in the admissions department. During the five years that she worked at Jefferson Hospital, she took classes at CCAC, learning more about Geriatric Care and Social Work. After hearing many seniors being discharged say “there is no one that can help me at home,” she knew she had to do something.

Hands-2-Help Senior Services was founded in 2009. Dopico is President/CEO. The mission statement is, “Helping seniors remain safe, in their own homes.”

Hands-2-Help continues to service seniors in the West Mifflin and surrounding communities. Hands2-Help has grown over the past 10 years and currently employees 16 health care workers. Dopico remains dedicated to helping seniors remain in their communities. Dopico currently works with LifeSpan, Allegheny Area on Aging and Community Health Choices to provide quality care to seniors in need. Hands-2-Help was previously voted as a best Home Care Agency in the South Hills. Dopico has been a board member for

the Mon Yough Chamber of Commerce.

A mother and grandmother, Dopico’s hobbies include fishing, fitness and listening to ‘70s music.

EDUCATION

WILLA DOSWELL

Tenured Associate Professor, School of Nursing University of Pittsburgh An innovator in research and community service programs, Willa Doswell, PhD, RN, FAAN, has dedicated her career to enhancing cultural pride and self-esteem among African American girls.

Dr. Doswell, an associate professor in the Department of Health Promotion and Development at the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, established an after-school group for African American girls in the Hill District, known as the NIA Girls’ Self-Development Group, seeks to support the fifth principle of Kwanzaa..

During Dr. Doswell’s 25 years at the University of Pittsburgh, she has mentored more than 60 students, providing them with valuable hands-on research experience. Students have been instrumental in many of her community projects to benefit African American mothers and youth. Her work has been recognized in local, state, and national media for its positive impact on young women and their communities. In 2006, the Pennsylvania Commission for Women selected Dr. Doswell as one of its 50 Influential Women of Color and featured her in the book “Voices: African American and Latina Women in Pennsylvania Share Their Stories of Success.”

Dr. Doswell’s area of research is

adolescent pubertal development and deterring early sexual behavior, among African American girls. She is coordinator for Community Engagement at the School of Nursing. Dr. Doswell’s service activities include membership on the Pitt Advisory Committee for the Homewood and the Hill District Community Engagement Centers. She also founded and served as a Girls’ Ministry Leader at the Ethnan Temple Seventh Day Advent Church program for girls ages 12 to 17.

She is currently the Adventist Youth Society Leader at the church.

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DECEMBER 11-17, 2019

Class of 2012 Honorees JEAN BRYANT (LEGACY HONOREE) DARA WARE ALLEN, PhD JERRY ANN ALLEN ELAYNE ARRINGTON, PhD JARENE BARNES TiANDA BLOUNT NANCY TRAVIS BOLDEN JEANNE V. CRICHLOW JUDITH M. DAVENPORT, DMD LYNETTE DRAWN-WILLIAMSON BARBARA EVANS, EdD CHERYL SQUIRE FLINT KAREN FLORENCE LISA M. FORD, MSW, LSW LOVETTA FORD, MSW LISA MICHELLE GARLAND, MBA CHERYL HALL-RUSSELL ELAINE HARRIS-FULTON GINA R. HICKMAN DIANE R. HUGHLEY MICHELLE JACKSON SHIRLEY A. JOHNSON OLIVIA JONES TONI S. KENDRICK MARGARET L. LANIER LISA M. MCBRIDE, PhD ROBIN M. MUNGO DENISE L. NORRIS ROCHELLE OAKS, PhD CASSANDRA ODEN JOELYNN H. PARHAM GEORGETTE D. POWELL CHARLEEDA REDMAN, RN, MSN, ACM MELISSA RICE MICHELE RICE FELICIA LANE SAVAGE MARY L. SHIELDS MARCIA M. STURDIVANT, PhD SARAH L. SUMPTER LYNNETTE TAYLOR-CRIEGO LENALL THOMAS, PhD, MSW DR. CATHERINE UDEKWU CHLOE VELASQUEZ DEBORAH L. WALKER LARA WASHINGTON GWENDOLYN L. WATKINS REV. LAURAN B. WEBB BRENDA B. WELLS REV. ELEANOR WILLIAMS LATASHA WILSON-BATCH

WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE 2019

PUBLIC SERVICE

Class of 2011 Honorees

LISA EPPS

Fire Inspector/Fire Prevention Officer Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire Lisa Caron Epps is the Fire Inspector/Fire Prevention Officer for the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire. With a total of 29 years on the Bureau of Fire, seven served in her current role, Inspector Epps is the Fire Marshal for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pitt Panthers at Heinz Field. She also oversees all the fireworks or pyrotechnics/ permits/inspection/escorts for all concerts/plays and special events in the City of Pittsburgh. She also serves as a Fusion Liaison Officer and Community Emergency Response Team Instructor.

With a passion for Fire Prevention and Community Risk Reduction, Inspector Epps can often be found attending community events, educating youth in private/ public schools, and certifying daycares as well as Senior Facilities in Fire Safety. Always willing to go above and beyond, Inspector Epps also is a member of several boards including: Safe Kids of Allegheny County, City of Pittsburgh Special Events, Minority Emergency Preparedness Task Force, and the City Of Pittsburgh Addressing Committee.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

KATHRYN FITZGERALD Administrator Petra International Ministries

Kathryn Fitzgerald has been the Executive Administrator of Petra International Ministries for 19 years. Through Petra, Fitzgerald has been blessed with the opportunity to serve others in the congregation and the community. Her responsibilities as Executive Administrator consist of administrative and accounting duties for the various ministries of the church.

Fitzgerald is a graduate of Syracuse University, with a B.S. in Consumer Studies. She is a co-owner of ALDC Pittsburgh, the newest dance and fitness company in Penn Hills, and is a member of the Western Pennsylvania African American Chamber of Commerce.

Fitzgerald is passionate about serving others and remaining physically active. Her involvement with Athletic Trauma Unit (#ATU) helps her to simultaneously fulfill each of those desires. After the first year of attending and volunteering for the various #ATU community service projects, she saw the need to assist the organization in preparing for growth and expansion. As a result, Fitzgerald took on the leadership role and responsibility for the planning, executing and marketing of all #ATU community service projects and events. Fitzgerald is currently #ATU’s Director of Operations.

In 2013, Fitzgerald was acknowledged for her community service by Addison Behavioral Care.

Fitzgerald volunteers weekly with Blessings in a Backpack, which serves elementary school children.

Fitzgerald is the parent of three young adult sons.

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Currently, as the only African American female firefighter on the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire out of 763 firefighters, Inspector Epps consistently seeks to bridge that gap of diversity by teaching young ladies that they, too, can do anything and will often participate in recruiting advertisements/ events for the city’s department of human resources. Inspector Epps’ work has been paramount in the community: she alone has trained thousands of individuals in the city in fire prevention.

Inspector Epps has been recognized by several organizations, including the Red Cross Hero Award for outstanding community Leadership, City of Pittsburgh Living Legend Award, City of Pittsburgh First Responder Award Dedication, and was a nominee for the National Fire Association Educator of the Year.

Next year, Inspector Epps will host the first-ever Girls Day Camp Fire Academy, to help expose girls to the fire service, with the hope that one day she would be able to hand that torch to another African American woman.

PATRICIA PRATTIS JENNINGS (LEGACY HONOREE) ATIYA ABDELMALIK-JOHNSON, RN, BSN RENEE P. ALDRICH MARIA D. ANDERSON THE HON. CYNTHIA A. BALDWIN ROBIN D. BECKHAM JACKIE BLAKEY-TATE CYNTHIA BRADLEY-KING, PhD TAMMY MILES BROWN, PhD CARLOTTA K. BURGESS KARLA THREADGILL BYRD PAULA B. CASTLEBERRY VALIRE CARR COPELAND, PhD, MPH MAGALI CURIEL SHARON DANIELS KAREN EADY-LOCKETT GLADYS E. EDMUNDS REV. BRENDA J. GREGG LINDA CAWTHON GRIFFIN MELANIE HARRINGTON LYNNE HAYES-FREELAND ANNA E. HOLLIS LAVERNE BAKER HOTEP KIM L. JEFFERSON CECELIA JENKINS RHONDA JONES-FITCH KIM LAMPKINS CARMEN J. LEE DEBRA L. MASON SHARON L. MCDANIEL, PhD COLLEEN MCMULLEN LISA E. MINOR KIMBERLY MOSES, ESQ. DARLENE GAMBILL MOTLEY, PhD MAELENE J. MYERS CHARLENE NEWKIRK, JD CONNIE PORTIS GRACE ROBINSON, LUTC, MBA LATONYA SALLEY-SHARIF MARY HAITH SAVAGE JENNIFER BRUCE SCOTT, RN, BSN ROBIN HORSTON SPENCER,MHS,MS,MBA EVANGELIST LOLA M. THORPE SHELLEY FANT UKU CRYSTAL McCORMICK WARE CHRISTINA L. WILDS, PhD ANDREA M. WILLIAMS JACQUELINE WILSON SYLVIA WILSON KIMBERLY L. WOOD

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE 2019

ENTREPRENEUR

SOCIAL SERVICE

KIMBERLY FRANCETTE

TRISHA GADSON, Ph.D.

Owner/CEO, Francette Insurance Group Broker, New York Life A native of Pittsburgh, Kimberly Lynne Francette is a wife, mother and proud grandmother. At a young age, she attended the Pittsburgh Beauty Academy where she earned high honors leading to a free scholarship to their teacher’s program. After passing her state boards, Francette became a cosmetologist and a cosmetology teacher. She helped inspire many cosmetologists through her apprenticeship program.

She and her husband, Allan, have owned and operated a successful barber/salon in Swissvale since 1999.

After 21 years as a hair stylist, in 2015, Francette decided to pursue a new career with New York Life Insurance and Financial Services Company and became their financial advocate. In a very short time, she has been the recipient of the Career Success Award, the Career Producer Award, the Centurion Award and Centurion Premier Award. She also reached the status of Executive Council and Executive Premier Council. In 2016, 2018 and 2019, Francette received the companywide New York Life African American Ambassador Award and the Case Paid Leader

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CEO Macedonia Family and Community Enrichment Center Inc. (FACE) Award. She is most proud of these awards. She has added great value to New York Life’s African American market $50 Billion Community Empowerment Plan by helping more community families than anyone else out of NYL Pittsburgh’s office. Her mission is to help as many families as she can, create financial legacies, financial stability and offer economic opportunities to create multi-generational wealth.

In 2019, Francette entered into a broker contract with New York Life and started the Francette Insurance Group, LLC. She also created her own program, “Life After High School” and has begun teaching financial literacy to high school students.

Francette sits on the Board of Directors for Greater Valley Community Services and Hammonds Initiative. Francette has devoted her time, experiences and finances to helping them make a better community. Her vision and mission are to lift as she climbs, and to empower the community and those who aspire to reach their true greatness.

EDUCATION

DR. TYRA GOOD

Professor of Education, Chatham University Founder, Good Knowledge Connections, LLC Dr. Good is an Assistant Professor of Education at Chatham University in the Teacher Preparation program. In addition, she served as the university’s liaison for the Pittsburgh Urban Teaching Corps that was designed as a culturally responsive approach to diversify the teaching pipeline. She now serves as the Liaison for Equitable School District and Community Partnerships that focuses on creating university partnerships through academic engagement. Dr. Good is the founder of GOOD Knowledge Connections, LLC, and the Black Educators Network of Greater Pittsburgh, which is a collective voice of K-12, Higher Education, and community educators strategically working across school district and community lines to support each other while ensuring the academic and personal success of African American youth from underserved communities.

Dr. Good has received a myriad of award recognitions for her dedication and service to developing and strengthening school, family, and community partnerships for culturally and linguistically diverse students and their families. She

DECEMBER 11-17, 2019

was recently named as a National Deeper Learning Equity Fellow, which aims to develop and strengthen exceptional leaders who will influence the policies and practices that expand equitable practices in public education around the country. She considers her career passion to be soul work and knows that God uses her to advocate for the most vulnerable populations to have access to an equitable education. Dr. Good is a social justice educator that is dedicated to mission work in her local community and abroad. She serves on the education mission team with Functional Literacy Ministry to support Haitian teachers in strengthening their pedagogical practices and has taught over 200 Haitian teachers and administrators during her mission trips to Haiti.

Dr. Good serves on the board of Manchester Academic Charter School and is member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. She graduated with a Bachelor degree in Business Management from Howard University, a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Chatham University and a Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership and Evaluation from Duquesne University.

Dr. Trisha Gadson is the Chief Executive Officer of Macedonia Family and Community Enrichment Center (FACE), a community-based organization that specializes in engaging and partnering with families and communities. Macedonia FACE, the social service outreach created by Macedonia Church of Pittsburgh, has a service array that includes programming for families with children, services for youth, case management for people living with HIV and support for senior citizens. Dr. Gadson’s mission-driven strategic skill set has placed Macedonia FACE on target to serve nearly 3,000 people.

Dr. Gadson earned a Ph.D. from Point Park University; a Master’s of Science in professional leadership from Carlow University and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Syracuse University. She also holds a national certification as a Bullying Prevention Program Trainer and Consultant from the Institute on Family and Neighborhood Life at Clemson University and a Leadership Credential for Strength Based Family Workers from Temple University. In addition, Dr. Gadson is a recognized diversity and inclusion facilitator where she obtained training from the National Multicultural Institute.

She has supported several schools throughout Pennsylvania in the implementation of violence prevention and diversity services. Her research focus and continued advocacy centers on the impact of community engaged racialized conversations on educational outcomes for African American students. She has authored human service articles and published a novel.

Dr. Gadson serves on advisory councils for the Bayer Center for NonProfit Management at Robert Morris University, the Hill District Community Engagement Center of the University of Pittsburgh and the Department of Community Engagement at Point Park University. She is also a member of the Women’s Leadership Council of the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Dr. Gadson and her husband, Corey, have a son, William, and a daughter and son-in-law, Ryah and Steven Wooten.

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DECEMBER 11-17, 2019

Class of 2010 Honorees MIYOSHI ANDERSON GAYLE LIGHTFOOT BALL KIMBERLY WADDELL BARR LINDA IMANI BARRETT SHEILA BEASLEY DR. WILMA SMITH BEAUFORD JEANETTE BLACKSTON, EdD GLORIA MCGHEE BROWN PATRICE KING BROWN JOANNE COBB BURLEY, PhD OPHELIA COLEMAN TENE CROOM AMARGIE DAVIS DR. CAROLYN GEE DAVIS ELIZABETH NIECY DENNIS ORLANA DARKINS-DREWERY JOYCE ELLIS ALMA SPEED FOX ALBERTHA GRAHAM-ELLISON, PhD REV. BARBARA GUNN HOLLY HATCHER-FRAZIER PASTOR CHARLAYNE HENRY MARLENE GARY HOGAN DEBORAH HOLLAND LISA HALEY HUFF MARGUERITA V. JOHNSON PATRICE WADE JOHNSON AMELIA MICHELE JOINER, ESQ. GERALDINE M. JONES, PROVOST MARSHA ELLIS JONES LINDA S. LANE, EdD ALLISON LEE-MANN DR. EMMA LUCAS-DARBY DARCEL MADKINS TARA MARKS LA’TASHA D. MAYES LAUREL RAGLAND DR. BEVERLY ROBERTS-ATWATER FLORENCE ROUZIER CECILE SHELLMAN JOY STARZL BRENDA TATE EMMA THORNTON KATHY MAYLE TOWNS CHATON T. TURNER, ESQ. MARGARET SMITH WASHINGTON SHEILA A. WASHINGTON REV. B. De NEICE WELCH VALERIE WHEATLEY ELISE ROBY YANDERS

WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE 2019

EDUCATION

ALICIA B. HARVEY-SMITH, Ph.D. President/CEO Pittsburgh Technical College

Alicia B. Harvey-Smith, Ph.D., is a senior level executive and learning-centered leader in higher education with 30 years of successful experience. Her experience in higher education is diverse, expansive and comprehensive.

A scholar-practitioner, Dr. Harvey-Smith is committed to leadership excellence, institutional performance and student success and has positively influenced the lives of countless students, faculty and administrators. She has held a variety of positions in higher education.

Dr. Harvey-Smith is currently the President/CEO of Pittsburgh Technical College, the first Black female to hold the post of this private non-profit college in Oakdale. Opened in 1946 as a single-discipline career training school, PTC has expanded to nine schools with 30 programs, in Trades and Technology, Hospitality and Culinary Arts, Building Technology, Business, Nursing, Criminal Justice, Design, Healthcare, Energy and Electronics Technology, and Information Technology.

Dr. Harvey-Smith was previously Executive Vice Chancellor at Lone Star College, in Texas, serving more than 95,000 students annually. There she led strategic planning and assessment, as well as the institution’s academic, student services and accreditation efforts.

Dr. Harvey-Smith earned a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland-College Park, M.S. from The Johns Hopkins University, B.S. from Morgan State University and was competitively selected and completed Harvard Graduate School of Education: Institutes of Higher Education for College/University Presidents.

With a strong belief in the transformational power of education, through systems thinking, and intentionality Dr. Harvey-Smith connects educational systems in this pursuit. She is committed to building strong and meaningful collaborations and partnerships

as foundational principles for organizational success.

Dr. Harvey-Smith is an active mentor and loves to inspire people to reach beyond what they imagine. She has been married for 35 years to Major Donald Wayne Smith, who is retired from the U.S. Army and U.S. Capitol Police.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

SHARON R. H. HIGGINBOTHAN, Ph.D. Chief Operating Officer Bethlehem Haven

Dr. Sharon Higginbothan has worked in service to others through the professions of health care and education for over 30 years. She is currently the Chief Operating Officer at Bethlehem Haven, an organization whose mission positively impacts the lives of women by taking them from homelessness to housing.

She has served at Bethlehem Haven for 10 years. Higginbothan’s career has afforded her the opportunity to gain experience as a trained therapist, specializing in Chemical Dependency and Family Therapy. She served in this capacity for 17 years at St. Francis Hospital in Pittsburgh, and the Cleveland Clinic, in Ohio.

A champion for those who are often marginalized from society, Higginbothan served as the Coordinator for the Office of Applied Religion at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. In this capacity, she and her team worked in the area of Global HIV-AIDS research, and health disparities in African American communities. Higginbothan credits her time at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary as life-changing, and as the catalyst for reconnecting in new ways her voice to her passion and life’s work of dismantling the injustices of racial and gender inequities.

It was during her tenure at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, that Higginbothan began teaching in the Metro Urban Institute.

Through this work she began to develop a strong interest in Community Engaged Teaching and Research. She has continued to nurture this work by serving at Duquesne University as an advisor to the Department of Theology’s Pathway Initiative. Higginbothan worked collaboratively ensure that the curriculum was informed by the diversity and inclusion of African American scholars, particularly women, and other racially diverse scholars. Higginbothan is unapologetically passionate about advancing the lives of

women, and particularly the lives of African American woman.

In addition, Higginbothan is intimately involved in the work of spirituality and social change through the Bridge Collective, LLC. Higginbothan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wilberforce University, a master’s degree in Information and Library Science from the University of Pittsburgh, a Master of Divinity degree from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, and earned her Ph.D. in Health Care Ethics from Duquesne University.

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Class of 2009 Honorees CLAUDIA L. ALLEN TIMYKA ARTIST MARILYN BARNETT JO-ANNE BATES DEMEATRIA GIBSON BOCCELLA YVONNE BURNS KATHY BYNUM SHEILA CARTER-JONES DINA CLARK MICHELE RONE-COOPER PHYLLIS COMER ETTA COX ROSEMARY C. CRAWFORD DARIA CRAWLEY LUCILLE DABNEY HELEN DAVIS TOI DERRICOTTE VALERIE DIXON TRACY L. EDMUNDS GAIL D. EDWARDS YVONNE ENGLISH-ROEBUCK KIVA FISHER-GREEN DARRYL FORD-WILLIAMS MONA GENERETT KAREN HALL MARVA H. HARRIS GERRI HOLDEN KARRIS JACKSON OLA R. JACKSON DENISE JONES RHONDA CARSON LEACH CLAUDETTE R. LEWIS EVANGELIST BARBARA MANN LYZONA MARSHALL MARCIA A. MARTIN INEZ K. MILES ARLINDA MORIARTY AUDREY J. MURRELL JANE PRESSLEY NICHOLSON CARMELLE NICKENS PHILLIPS GREER REED-JONES DIANE RICHARD ELISA SANDERS CHARENA SWANN DAWN R. WEBB TURNER CURTISTINE WALKER OLGA WELCH KAREN FARMER WHITE CAMEIL D. WILLIAMS MARY A. WINSTON

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE 2019 DECEMBER 11-17, 2019

COMMUNITY SERVICE

COMMUNITY SERVICE

MAISHA HOWZE

PHYLLISS JOHNSON

At a young age, Maisha Howze was groomed to be aware of, and empathetic to, the plight of her community and those closely related. Coming from a big family rich in community service and activism, Howze’s upbringing exposed her to a positive building of her marginalized community. This awareness raised a sincere dedication and commitment to the field of social services. Howze has worked in the social services field for more than 20 years and is currently the Administrator for the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, Office of Behavioral Health, Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Services (BDAS). BDAS is responsible for the planning, implementation, evaluation and technical assistance of contracted drug and alcohol providers in Allegheny County. Through this position, she strives to provide quality care to individuals and families in Allegheny County.

Howze has a Bachelor

Phylliss Johnson is a community champion, particularly for those members who may be underrepresented, underserved or overlooked. In her early years, she was a high school basketball standout who continued her involvement through a community athletic league.

Tired of seeing male coaches dominate a sport she loved, she challenged and changed the leadership landscape by becoming one of the few female head coaches and the first woman of color in the league. She coached youth basketball through the White Oak Athletic Association for many years and led her team to a championship victory. She carried her passion for basketball and affinity for helping youth throughout her adult life.

Johnson has spent more than two decades as an integral part of the growth and evolution of Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank’s programs and services to the community. She has overseen and provided

Administrator, Allegheny County Dept. of Human Services Bureau of Drug & Alcohol Services Owner, In Touch Consulting, LLC of Arts in History from the University of Pittsburgh, and a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Carlow University.

In October, Howze launched In Touch Consulting, LLC. In Touch Consulting supports and guides individuals and/or companies in establishing personal and professional growth and development.

Howze also released her inaugural book, “W.A.S.H.: Time To Do YOUR Laundry,” a therapeutic tool to add to your self-help tool kit.

Howze is passionate about volunteering. As a member of Macedonia Church of Pittsburgh, she supports her community through various church initiatives. She also volunteers in several capacities including: 412 Food Rescue as a Food Rescue Hero, Pennsylvania Organization for Women in Early Recovery (POWER) for special events and as a mentor to young women with similar life experiences.

Howze is a native of Pittsburgh, where she lives with her twins Nia and Hassan, and her granddaughter, Assata.

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Youth Connection Coordinator Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank support and training to food pantry distribution sites in public housing communities, local community organizations and schools. She assists and advises agencies and staff by utilizing her experience in other Food Bank positions. During her tenure at Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, Johnson has held several supervisory positions, which includes work with volunteers, pantries and other programmatic teams.

Johnson has developed key community partnerships that are fundamental to the development and maintenance of the Food Bank member agency network. That network most recently includes new partnerships with several local schools to deliver programs that address childhood hunger, an issue for which she is quite passionate.

Johnson has an Associate Degree in Systems Analysis from the Computer Systems Institute.

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DECEMBER 11-17, 2019

WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE 2019

HEALTH CARE

Class of 2008 Honorees CHERYL ALLEN DONNA BAXTER TINA WILLIAMS BREWER MARILYN BROOKS JEAN BRYANT ESTHER BUSH RUTH BYRD-SMITH CANDI CASTLEBERRY SINGLETON DARIETH CHISOLM KIM BERKELY CLARK YVONNE COOK VERNA CRICHLOW PAULA DAVIS JACKIE DIXON ELAINE EFFORT HELEN FAISON LILLIA MICHELLE FERGUSON SYLVIA HILL FIELDS KAREN GARLAND JUDITH GRIGGS ERNESTINE HARRIS PEGGY HARRIS ELSIE HENDERSON KATHY HUMPHREY RHONDA MOORE JOHNSON PHYLLIS JONES MARGARET LARKINS-PETTIGREW VERNELL LILLIE LOIS MUFUKA MARTIN JOYCE MEGGERSON-MOORE VELMA MONTEIRO-TRIBBLE M. GAYLE MOSS SHIRLEY MUHAMMAD MARY SMITH PETERS VALERIE MCDONALD ROBERTS ALICE SCALES TONI Y. SILVA BEV SMITH JEANNETTE SOUTH-PAUL CECILE SPRINGER CELESTE TAYLOR WINIFRED TORBERT NANCY WASHINGTON BRENDA WATERS DORIS CARSON WILLIAMS LEAH WILLIAMS-DUNCAN JANIS BURLEY WILSON JOY MAXBERRY WOODRUFF JULIE ZEIGLER

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

DR. DAWNDRA JONES

Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Patient Care Services UPMC McKeesport and UPMC East hospitals

ENTREPRENEUR

LATOYA JOHNSON-RAINEY Owner A Hair Boutique

LaToya Johnson-Rainey opened A Hair Boutique Shadyside—a premium experience wig salon and boutique that caters to those who have experienced hair loss as well as wigs for theatre and arts—after working with her family’s beauty supply company Sisters for more than 10 years.

She has a personal testimony of temporary hair loss, after her own hair was burned in a tragic car accident that took the life of her mother—who instilled Johnson-Rainey’s passion for helping women to feel bold and beautiful through her career as a hair stylist at a prominent Shadyside salon. Johnson-Rainey loved watching her mother transform clients and help to build up their confidence through her work.

Johnson-Rainey has always had a spirit for small business, studying business and finance along with participating in entrepreneurial programs while still in high school. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Business Communication from the University of Phoenix, and then her M.B.A. in Business Innovation & Administration from Carlow University. She continues learning via webinars and entrepreneurship programs. In 2018 she graduated from the University of Pittsburgh’s Community Power to Prosper program.

Johnson-Rainey has tried many business ideas since the age of 8 but she opened her first official business in 2005—ASM Services (a notary, loan closing, and business executive company). She opened A Hair Boutique Shadyside in 2013, which continues to scale and grow rooted in its mission to “Just beYOUtiful —Restoring Confidence & Empowering Women.”

She released her first published book in 2014, “The Hair Commandments (The Shall Nots of Weaves, Wigs, and Naturals).” She has been featured in a variety of media outlets such as the Pittsburgh Business Times, Whirl Magazine, Shady Ave. Magazine, The Lynne Hayes Freeland Show, The New Pittsburgh Courier, Carlow Alumni Spotlight, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, on the cover of The Women’s Yellow Pages, and more.

She has facilitated Life Skills & Sex Education to youth at Shuman Detention Center. She is a mentor via The Center For Women, which helps women through life transitions. Johnson-Rainey is also a peer-to-peer business mentoring facilitator with Mansmann Foundation and serves on Mansmann’s Board of Directors.

Johnson-Rainey was recognized a leading woman in business on the House floor at the State Capitol in 2018. She was awarded by The Leaders of Women in Entrepreneurship, received a proclamation from The City of Pittsburgh for the volunteer work she did with the HOPE for Tomorrow program, is the Vice President of the Homewood Brushton-Business Association, and wrote Youth Entrepreneurship 101, a curriculum taught locally with youth entrepreneurs.

As a Pittsburgh native, Johnson-Rainey has a deep-rooted admiration for small business and helping the community. She lives by a quote from Arthur Ashe: “Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can.”

Dawndra Jones DNP, RN, NEA-BC, has been with UPMC for more than 29 years working in multiple positions spanning from staff nurse to various nursing leadership and executive positions. She is currently the Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer of UPMC McKeesport and UPMC East hospitals. In 2018, Dr. Jones was responsible for opening Allegheny County’s first hospital-based inpatient addiction medicine detox/rehabilitation unit at UPMC McKeesport. Her expertise is in leadership development, performance management, workforce planning and development, and population health. She is a national conference speaker on various topics including Nurse Manager Scope and Span of Control, Diversity & Inclusion, and various professional development and advancement strategies.

Dr. Jones received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from Carlow University and a Doctor of Nursing Practice in nursing administration with a minor in nursing informatics from the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing. Dr. Jones holds a Nurse Executive Advance certification from the American Nurse Credentialing Center. Currently she serves on the FDA Peripheral and Central Nervous System Advisory Committee, Pennsylvania’s Action

Coalition’s Nursing Diversity Council and is a member of the UPMC Board of Inclusion & Diversity Committee, American Organization of Nurse Leaders, and American Nurses Association. She also serves on several Board of Directors for various organizations and is president of the Pittsburgh Black Nurses in Action (PBNIA), the local chapter of the National Black Nurses Association. She is one of the founders and program director of the PBNIA Future Nurses Academy, a mentorship program for diverse nursing students attending nursing programs within the Greater Pittsburgh area. Dr. Jones has received numerous awards including recipient of the Pennsylvania Nightingale Award in the CNO/Executive category. She was ranked 23rd by Talk Magazine’s 100 Most Influential African American Pennsylvanians.

SOCIAL SERVICE

JACQUELINE JONES-MITCHELL Supervised Independent Living Supervisor Ward Home Inc. Jacqueline Jones-Mitchell was born and raised in Duquesne, and completed her education at California University of Pa., where she pledged Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. Throughout her life she understood the importance of helping others and developed her occupation in the field of social services.

Jones-Mitchell began her professional career with Ward Home Inc., 21 years ago, supporting and preparing foster youth to live independently. Jones-Mitchell found a family there and has spent her years working in different capacities for the agency.

She remains loyal, currently serving as the supervisor of the Ward Home Inc., Supervised Independent Living Program (SIL) for girls and teen moms. Jones-Mitchell also continues to mentor former clients that have grown into adulthood and still may need a little guidance or just a listening ear.

Ward Home Inc., is a non-profit organization that helps foster youth ages 16-21 develop the skills necessary to become successful in life.

Over the years Jones-Mitchell has seen many changes in her agency and in the field of social services. Change is never easy but at times necessary and helping

those young people weather the changes in their lives and seeing them do so successfully helps her to weather the changes in the profession.

She credits her parents and sisters for teaching her the importance of work ethic, family, respect, relationship building and having a sense of humor.

Jones-Mitchell expresses deep appreciation to her husband and two sons for being supportive and understanding of her time away, supporting her staff and the young people striving for successful independence.

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE 2019

COMMUNITY SERVICE

ENTREPRENEUR

FRANCES JORDAN

CARLEEN KING, MBA

Executive Director Homewood Community Ministries As Executive Director for the ministerium, Frances Jordan is responsible for the overall leadership of member churches’ community outreach programs and events. The Pastors are committed to spiritually strengthen and contribute significantly to the lives and well-being of residents and the community of Homewood.

In this role, Jordan has led efforts in the following areas: •In 2018, received the Red Cross “Community Hero

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Proprietor Carmi Soul Food Restaurant Award for Southwestern Pa.” by installing more than 400 free smoke alarms in the homes of Homewood residents •Board Member of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh •Board Member of the Homewood Community Development Collaborative •Has increased the number of ministerium members •Organizes voter registration and education, including rides to the polls •Has worked with the Superintendent of Pittsburgh Public Schools and principals in Homewood to improve school performance •Organizes for member churches’ their outreach programs and ‘Working Outside the Walls’ of the church initiatives •Works closely with the Pittsburgh Police Zone 5 Commander regarding public safety, creating a healing culture within each church and being a safe haven for Homewood residents •Has focused on the areas of early childhood literacy, wrap-around services for seniors and public safety Additionally, she has extensive experience working at the executive level, largely for Fortune 100 companies.

She also has the following degrees: M.S., Public Policy, Carnegie-Mellon University; M.Ed., Counseling, University or Pittsburgh; and B.S., Education, University of Pittsburgh.

Born on the North Side of Pittsburgh, Carleen Elaine King is the owner of the award-winning Carmi Soul Food Restaurant and MiCar Industries. As a single mom, King committed to her education and earned her Associate in Science Degree from CCAC, bachelor’s in Social Work from Carlow University, and master’s in Business from Point Park University, along with numerous additional certifications in project management, human resources, and workforce development.

A philanthropist, mentor, mother, educator, wife and entrepreneur, King has repeatedly shown her skills on cooking segments on both local and national television. She’s also been featured in a national NFL campaign educating women on mammography.

If asked the key to success, King would tell you: “Plan B, then C, then D, then F, but never give up.”

CORPORATE ENTREPRENEUR

DENA LAMAR

Regional Vice President—Great Lakes Region Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Dena LaMar is the Regional Vice President for the Great Lakes Region at Advance Auto Parts Inc., the largest automotive after-market parts provider in North America, for professional and do-it-yourself customers. With more than 20 years of sales, operations, retail, customer experience, and financial services/banking experience, Lamar is responsible for leading the strategy to drive the customer experience, operational excellence, talent development, and sales and profits for stores located in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, New York, and Maryland.

DECEMBER 11-17, 2019

Lamar joined Advance from GetGo Cafe & Market, a division of Giant Eagle Corporation, where she was the Vice President of Operations. She was responsible for the operational success for all locations, focused on growing the convenience, quick serve restaurant, and fuel business while establishing the overarching strategy to drive customer experience, process execution, people leadership, and P&L performance.

Lamar was with Walmart Corporation where she was the Regional General Manager for Pennsylvania. There, she was responsible for the operational success of multiple markets, increasing market share and topline sales, customer experience, people leadership, and P&L. Her footprint consisted of all stores west of Philadelphia with over $10 billion in yearly sales and 35,000 Walmart associates. Prior to joining Walmart, Lamar was with Bank of America Corporation as a Senior Vice President and Market Executive for Metropolitan Atlanta.

Lamar is a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, Northern Virginia University, and is Green Belt and Black Belt Certified in Project Management/ Six Sigma. Lamar currently serves on the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation Board, Pittsburgh Ballet Theater Board, Pittsburgh Opera Board, Robert Morris University President Council, The Pittsburgh Promise Foundation, and Leadership Pittsburgh XXXV. Lamar, her husband Marty, and their daughter, Kennedy, reside in suburban Pittsburgh.

NICOLE NARVAEZ MANNS Founder/Owner Nikki’s Magic Wand

While working a 9-to-5 as a Vice President/Manager in Human Resources at a large global financial institution, Manns is also the Founder/Owner of Nikki’s Magic Wand, a cosmetic company focused on providing efficient solutions to beauty frustrations.

She invented the cosmetic tool known as Nikki’s Magic Wand, which was designed to retrieve all vestiges of leftover product from small tubes and containers. The “Wand” is carried in multiple retail and online stores and Manns has appeared on QVC multiple times to sell her product. Nikki’s Magic Wand also offers lip products as well.

In 2015, Manns released her first book focused on career success, entitled, “Here’s Your Script—Keep Your Foot Out of Your Mouth and Your Butt Employed.” Manns is a proud member of Phi Beta Kappa, as well as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Nicole is a busy mother of two and grandmother of one.

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DECEMBER 11-17, 2019

WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE 2019

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

COMMUNITY SERVICE

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

SHARON MCINTOSH

JUDITH WOODSON MCNEIL

Youth Summit Coordinator Greater Pittsburgh Coalition Against Violence Sharon McIntosh’s interest in education led her to Indiana University of Pennsylvania where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Education Degree and graduated Magna Cum Laude. She continued her pursuit in education and earned a Master’s Degree in Adult and Continuing Education, yet this was not enough. McIntosh went on to earn her Pennsylvania Certification in K-12 School Administration.

Still not satisfied and understanding that she was a representation of her family and creating her personal history, she enrolled in the Admin-

istrative Leadership Doctoral Program at IUP. McIntosh had been taught throughout her life to always acknowledge God in everything; this meant an in-depth study in the history of religion and theology. It was instilled that she had a responsibility to serve others with all she had been blessed to achieve. She believes no knowledge or education is worth anything if it is not shared—it is to be shared so others can reach their full potential and destiny. McIntosh’s destiny was in education, teaching science and social studies, and then moving into school administration. After many years serving in the urban educational system, McIntosh retired; however, retirement was not the end.

McIntosh sought ways to empower individuals through education, whether Biblically or secular.

Being the director of programs for one of the world’s largest human rights organizations (YWCA, Marietta, Ga.) immersed her into women’s rights issues around the world. This helped McIntosh understand how important it is and was to serve and address the challenges and inequities in human and civil rights on all levels.

McIntosh currently is an independent contractor, working with The Greater Pittsburgh Coalition Against Violence. Her responsibilities include planning and implementation of anti-violence summits for schools and organizations throughout the Allegheny County area.“The call is greater that you. Serve a cause greater than yourself.”

Director of the Diversity Business Resource Center Riverside Center for Innovation Judith Woodson McNeil serves as Director of the Diversity Business Resource Center (DBRC) for Riverside Center for Innovation. She oversees programming, trainings and events to assist small businesses, focusing on women, minority, veteran and disadvantaged companies and entrepreneurs in their efforts to start up, grow, maintain and sustain. McNeil advocates on important issues impacting over 2,000 small and diverse businesses, guiding them through the complex landscape of local, state and national programs covering a 10-county area. Under McNeil’s leadership, the DBRC has grown into a very successful resource center, helping entrepreneurs gain access and referrals to a multitude of service providers, business development information, financial assistance and contracting opportunities. She spearheaded and coordinated the very first Pittsburgh BEP (Bonding Education Program) with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

McNeil has 20-plus years of experience working in non-profits for the betterment of communities, with a diversified background in business and workforce development, community organizing and lending. She is a member of the American Contract Compliance Association and Mon Valley NAACP. She diligently serves on the Allegheny County MWDBE Governmental Committee and the Corporate Equity & Inclusion Roundtable. In the past, she also volunteered for several youth programs, community events and faith-based organizations. McNeil attended Gannon

EDUCATION

COMMUNITY SERVICE

ANGELA MIKE

TERRI MINOR-SPENCER

Executive Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pittsburgh Public Schools Angela E. Mike is the Executive Director of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Division of the Pittsburgh Public School District. Mike oversees 21 CTE programs located in six of the high schools and is responsible for multiple career exploration elective courses at the high school/middle school level. A district employee for more than 24 years, Mike has also served as a CTE Curriculum Development Project Manager, Cosmetology Instructor, Career Development Instructor, and Graduation Project Instructor. Mike currently serves on the Superintendent’s Academic Cabinet.

Mike earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and graduated summa cum laude. She is a certified vocational instructor as well as a certified Cooperative Education Coordinator. After teaching for several years, she returned to school to earn advanced certifications in education administration. She completed coursework to earn both her Supervisor and Director of Vocational Education certifications at IUP, and then furthered her education by earning her Principal Certification at The University of Pittsburgh.

Mike has served on the YouthWorks Inc., Board, TRWIB Youth Policy Council, TRALC, and the PACTA Executive Board. She has presented at regional and statewide conferences on dual enrollment, CTE pathways, developing industry partnerships, and assessment success tools.

Under Mike’s leadership, there is an outstanding in-

University, majoring in Communications, and has attained professional certifications in Economic Development Finance, Contract Compliance and Workforce Development Facilitation.

As a proud native of the Mid-Mon Valley, born and raised in Monessen, McNeil is very passionate about family, strongly believes in helping others and making a difference. She is the mother of Ryan McNeil, daughter of Louis and Barbara Woodson, a fourth-generation member of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Monessen, and currently resides in Pleasant Hills. Friends and colleagues of McNeil will attest to her dedication, gift of gab, positive energy and engaging personality.

President West End P.O.W.E.R.

Teresa “Terri” Minor-Spencer is the Founder and President of non-profit West End P.O.W.E.R.—whose mission is providing opportunities with effective resources by giving back by doing works of service with employment support, educational civics and awareness, eidetic empowerment and social/home needs.

She is also the Outreach Coordinator of The Community of Change Center—a safe community space for community members, unity-building, returning citizens and guests to have unity fun, job-readiness, adult GED six-month schooling, and home economics, Spanish and entrepreneur-readiness classes. Minor-Spencer serves on the committee of 412FAMM, The Pittsburgh Project. She has received a proclamation from the City of Pittsburgh making October 7 “Terri Minor-Spencer Day” for her Advocacy and Community Outreach Volunteerism. Minor-Spencrease in student work-based learning opportunities, cer is a graduate of the Emerge America Cohort, industry certifications, increased partnerships and the which teaches women how to run for office. She also opening of new CTE programs and electives courses. co-hosted The 2019 Juneteenth Black Tie Affair.

She has successfully secured grant awards from PDE, Minor-Spencer has been featured in PublicSource, Partner4Work, and the AFT/PFT. She also worked with was a candidate for The Jefferson Awards, and did a The Pittsburgh Promise on the pilot initiative to allow radio segment with 90.5 WESA on “The People Who CTE students early access to Promise scholarship Make The Place They Live A Better Place.” funds for use in dual enrollment programs.

She has been featured in NOBLE Magazine (National Mike is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha So- Organization of Black Legal Executives). She has sporority Inc., and Iota Lamda Sigma. ken at the viewing of “The Sentence,” the documentary As a graduate of PPS’ Cosmetology program (at of a woman’s 15-year sentence under the mandatoryWestinghouse), Mike is evidence of the positive im- minimum. pact of CTE. Minor-Spencer is also the 12th District 20th Ward

Democratic Committeewoman.

She has worked and continues to work selflessly and relentlessly in her fight for change of the old time machine that condones to decriminalization and incarceration of our communities.

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE 2019

CORPORATE

GENDER EQUITY

TONI MURPHY

AMANDA NEATROUR

Vice President of Sales & Marketing Comcast’s Keystone Region Toni Murphy is an accomplished leader with over 10 years of experience in the cable and telecommunications industry and serves as co-chair of the Allegheny Conference’s Our Next 75 initiative. She joined Comcast in 2008 as Manager, Financial and Strategic Planning, where she supported key mergers and acquisitions activity and developed long-range plans for the Business Services division. She subsequently held positions in the Chicago and California regions in Business Support & Analytics and Business Development, respectively, before joining Comcast’s Keystone Region as Vice President of its Project Management Organization. In 2016 she was promoted to Regional Vice President for Comcast Business, serving 100,000 business customers in four states and in 2019 she took on the role of Vice President, Sales & Marketing, for Comcast’s Keystone Region.

Prior to joining Comcast, Murphy gained valuable transaction experience working in private equity at The Gores Group and in investment banking at UBS Investment Bank. Murphy’s honors include being named as one of Cablefax Magazine’s Most Influential Minorities in 2018 and 2019, one of National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communication’s Next Generation Leaders, the 2018 Greater Pittsburgh ATHENA Young Professional Award, Pittsburgh Magazine’s 40 Under 40 Award, The Incline’s Who’s Next

PUBLIC SERVICE

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Interim Director of Women’s Leadership & Mentorship Program Robert Morris University Amanda Neatrour is the Interim Director of the Women’s Leadership and Mentorship Program at Robert Morris University, a four-year cohort program for high achieving women college students which fosters inclusive leadership, gender equity, and the advancement of women through leadership, personal, and academic development.

Neatrour also serves as the 1st Vice Chair of the Gender Equity Commission for the City of Pittsburgh and for the past five years has trained and consulted organizations in creating more equitable workplace culture and policies.

Neatrour has previously in Technology and a 2019 Women of Influence award served on the winner by the Pittsburgh Business Times.

Learning and She holds a B.A. from Princeton University and is an Leadership active leader in professional and social organizations Committee including Women in Cable & Telecom, Big Brothers/ for the Greater Big Sisters and Strong Women Strong Girls.

Pittsburgh Arts Council to identify ways to achieve greater racial eq-

EVELYN NEWSOME

Associate Employee Relations Representative Port Authority of Allegheny County Evelyn Newsome is Associate Employee Relations Representative in Port Authority’s Employee Relations Department. She provides labor analysis and technical support to the department, and assists in interpreting company policies and procedures. Newsome was Office of Equal Opportunity Assistant from February 2001 until December 2011. She worked with the Director of Equal Employment Opportunity by coordinating both internal and external activities, and performing fact-finding to help bring fair and equitable resolutions to issues. She was instrumental in designing EEO-related training exercises. Newsome represented the Port Authority by serving on the Advisory Board of Pennsylvania Women Work, and the Pittsburgh Job Corps Community Relations Council.

From January 2012 until April 2018, Newsome was employed at Pittsburgh Public Schools in the Superintendent’s office, then as Program Assistant in Student Support Services. Newsome worked closely with staff, parents and representatives of various organizations to ensure students received the best services needed for them to be successful. She formerly served as spiritual advisor/mentor of incarcerated individuals through Foundation of HOPE at the Allegheny County Jail.

Newsome is a member of the Spirit of King Planning Committee—instrumental in organizing annual events that honor the memory of very deserving, prominent community members who fought for civil rights. She is a member of the Conference of Minority Transit Officials (COMTO) Pittsburgh Chapter, which she helped to re-establish. In 2017, Newsome, along with her siblings, launched a charitable faith-based organiza-

DECEMBER 11-17, 2019

tion, The Stanford R. Pratt, Sr. Love Foundation, which became incorporated in April 2019. The organization’s mission is to reach the economically underprivileged and those facing unforeseen circumstances, while sharing God’s love.

Evelyn attended Elizabeth-Forward High School, and is a first-generation college graduate. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources Management from Robert Morris College (University) in 2001. She is married to Nathaniel Newsome, and mother of Ryan, Jasmine (Andrew), Karina and Nathaniel. She is the daughter of Mrs. Julia Pratt and the late Elder Stanford R. Pratt Sr. She is a member of Kingdom Come Ministries and serves as Greeter and New Members Class teacher.

uity in arts funding, and has, in her own work and performance as an opera singer under the name Amanda Van Story Lewis, aims to highlight the contributions of African Americans, women, and other underrepresented communities in the performing arts. This summer, Neatrour co-produced her first show, bringing the thought-provoking, dramatic work “For Black Trans Girls” by Lady Dane Edidi to the August Wilson Center for African American Culture. Neatrour received a fellowship through the August Wilson Center in 2010 to support her opera and vocal training.

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WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE 2019

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

PUBLIC SERVICE

ENVIRONMENT/EDUCATION

DR. JOYLETTE PORTLOCK

CAMILA RIVERA-TINSLEY

Executive Director Sustainable Pittsburgh

Dr. Joylette Portlock is the Executive Director of Sustainable Pittsburgh, a nonprofit working to advance sustainability policies and practices in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Sustainable Pittsburgh regularly works with hundreds of partners in the region—including local governments, non-profits, and the business community—to ensure our economy is built to last and that our people and our planet thrive.

Prior to her role at Sustainable Pittsburgh, Dr. Portlock served as Associate Director of Science and Research at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and as Executive Director of Communitopia, a non-profit based in Pittsburgh that focuses on climate change communication. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in anthropology from MIT and a Ph.D. in genetics from Stanford University. Her work focuses on building community around sustainability topics, with a particular interest in making important scientific, technical or complex information accessible and useful.

Director of Education & Frick Environmental Center Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy

Dr. Portlock has worked on environmental issues at the local, state, and federal level, and also currently serves on the Allegheny County Board of Health. She was an advisor to Project Drawdown, and serves in many other roles in the community, including as an advisory board member of the Black Environmental Collective.

Dr. Portlock has lived and worked in the Pittsburgh region since 2007.

EDUCATION

DR. RUTHIE REA Principal, Arsenal PreK-5 Pittsburgh Public Schools

Dr. Ruthie Rea is currently the Principal at Arsenal PreK-5 within Pittsburgh Public Schools. An educator for 19 years, Dr. Rea has served children as an elementary teacher, reading coach, and technical assistant with Pennsylvania’s Department of Education.

Dr. Rea received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Education from the University of Pittsburgh. In 2018, Dr. Rea earned a Doctorate in Education from the University of Pittsburgh.

Serving others is important to Dr. Rea and as an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., she has the honor to work within the Pittsburgh community to be of service to all mankind. Professionally, she hopes to continue working with children in urban environments while helping educators become more culturally responsive, competent, and restorative. She believes that skill matters and the will to serve changes lives forever.

This combination helps educators to be highly effective and transformational.

Dr. Rea lives in Churchill with her husband, Korey, and their two children.

Camila Rivera-Tinsley is the director of education for the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. She leads the conservancy’s growing slate of all-ages, environmental education programming and helms the Frick Environmental Center, the first publicly-owned Living Building in the United States. Before serving in her current role, she attended The Pennsylvania State University and subsequently secured a position at The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, where she worked for 14 years, stewarding programming and mentoring hundreds of students and early career professionals. It was at the Schuylkill Center that she began to realize that urban environmental education, and ensuring the diversity of the field, was her true life’s passion. She helped to start a small environmental non-profit focused on people of color and continues to use her voice to highlight the concerns of underserved populations. With an extensive background in environmental education, horticulture, permaculture, and urban agriculture, Rivera-Tinsley serves on the Environmental Education Advisory Council for the state of Pa. Camila’s 16-year history of serving her community through her profession, volunteer work, and as an adviser to environmental organizations of color, have formed and cemented her passion for providing opportunities to connect all people to green spaces in their community. Her true motivation lies in creating a more verdant and inclusive future for her 14-year-old daughter.

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE 2019

MEDIA

EDUCATION

TIMIRA RUSH

TRICIA SHELTON

Talk Show Producer KDKA Radio/Entercom Timira Rush, a native Pittsburgher and self-avowed “news junkie,” has always followed her passion. This Penn Hills native graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a major in Journalism. Immediately following graduation, she began what developed into a successful career at KDKA Radio (1020 AM).

Over the next 20-plus years, Rush would expand her responsibilities from booking guests for the overnight show with Bob Logue until reaching the top spot in production at the radio station, producing the number one show in the Pittsburgh market at the time, “The John Cigna Morning Show.”

Rush’s drive and tenacity has made her one of the most competitive producers in the market. In addition to working with Logue and Cigna, Rush has produced for Larry Richert and John Shumway, the late Mike Pintek, Marty Griffin, and is currently producing for Lynne Hayes-Freeland.

Rush is known for “snagging” those exclusive interviews for all of the shows she has produced, including Vice President Al Gore, Broadcaster Tom Brokaw, Gen. Colin Powell, Gov. Tom Ridge, and Actor Lamman Rucker of the hit TV Show “Greenleaf” just to name a few.

There is no doubt Rush has suc-

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Professor Indiana University of Pennsylvania ceeded in the world of majority-Caucasian talk radio.

It’s a world where very few African American women survive, which is why she spends much of her personal time mentoring young women interested in the field of radio broadcasting and production.

While her professional successes speak for themselves—Rush considers her greatest accomplishments her children and her marriage—daughter, Jasmine, is following in her footsteps as an award-winning morning show TV reporter for WKYCTV in Cleveland; her son, Keith, a senior at Penn State University majoring in engineering; and her youngest daughter, Kayla, a junior at Penn Hills High School with a 4.1 GPA. Rush is married to Alvin Cox.

COMMUNITY ACTIVIST

AMBER SLOAN Executive Director #Madeit

Amber Sloan was born in Pittsburgh, attended Pittsburgh Public Schools and graduated from Westinghouse High School in 1992.

As a youth, Sloan was a standout athlete and demonstrated her talents and abilities on the basketball court.

However, growing up under challenging circumstances and without proper guidance, Sloan made some choices that led her away from college and into a life of crime.

In 1997, she was sentenced to 15 years and eight months in federal prison and finished serving her time

DECEMBER 11-17, 2019

on February 17, 2012.

While incarcerated, she had a vision to start a program to keep teenagers from going down the same path of destruction that she followed. That vision helped Sloan turn her life around. Today, Sloan is the Executive director of M.A.D.E.I.T (Making Alternative Decisions Effectively Impacting Teens), which she created and leads.

Knowing firsthand how the streets can change the trajectory of one’s life, Sloan has become a positive voice in the community for youth and adults, providing insight, understanding and alternative decisions to impact and influence their life’s path.

Her most recent endeavor got her a seat as an Allegheny County Committeewoman in May 2018.

Sloan awakens every day with the passionate goal of spreading her story to help others make the best decisions for their life so that they can successfully look back and say to themselves that they “made it” regardless of their environment and the odds stacked against them.

Dr. Tricia Shelton has a 20-year career in education, first as an early childhood educator, and later as a grade-level coach. She also earned a Pennsylvania Administrator K-12 certificate and worked as a K-4 building principal.

Currently, Dr. Shelton is an assistant professor in the Professional Studies in Education department at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. In this role, she teaches undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate courses to prepare future early childhood teachers and administrative school leaders.

An advocate for school choice, Dr. Shelton currently serves as the school board chair of the Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship. Additionally, she is a parent volunteer in several local charter schools and serves as the Sunday School Superintendent at Monroeville United

Methodist Church.

Dr. Shelton has research interests centered in culturally inclusive practices. With the support of the Working For Kids: Building Skills Foundation, she has developed curricula to teach complex problem-solving skills to adolescents in a variety of school settings.

A significant component of the program design is its integration of decision-making skill practice in traditional academic content.

Further, Dr. Shelton has authored several publications on various other strands of the inclusion topic, including a recent book with Gryphon House, “Practical Strategies for Supporting Young Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorders” (2016), which was honored with a 2018 Preschool Teachers Choice Award. She also has presented at state, regional, and national conferences.

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DECEMBER 11-17, 2019

WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE 2019

ENTREPRENEUR

MEDIA

CHARLISE SMITH

LISA SYLVESTER

Founder/Executive Director, Willissae’s Agency for Vision and Empowerment (W.A.V.E.) Founder and CEO, CWisdom Management, LLC Founder and CEO of C Wisdom Management Real Estate Firm, Charlise Smith has always been hard working, motivated and active in service towards her community. In 1996, she received an associate degree in Computer Science from ICM School of business. Smith has worked with several non-profit organizations in Pittsburgh, such as Addison Terrace Learning Center, in the position of Information Sys-

tems Specialist from 1997 through 2002.

In 2002 she started her journey in real estate as a Property Manager and received her Real Estate License from the state of Pennsylvania. She is dedicated to helping those in low-income housing communities. In 2014 she became a Broker of Record in Real Estate.

During her real estate career, she continued her education by becoming certified as a Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS) Designation, Certified Tax Credit Compliance Professional (C3P) Designation and Public Housing Management Certification. She also founded Willissae’s Agency for Vision and Empowerment (WAVE), which is a PHFA & HUD Certified Housing Counseling Agency. This organization was created in memory of her mother, Willissae Christian, who was a victim of violence. This agency is designed to support families living in low-income housing. This organization helps individuals with life skills and financial action plans to prevent them from becoming homeless and/or supporting them in purchasing a home. The organization’s mission is to provide quality social services and housing for men and women living in subsidized housing, especially those who have been impacted by trauma.

Smith also conducts speaking engagements at several housing communities.

News Anchor WPXI-TV

Lisa Sylvester is a veteran network news journalist and communications specialist. She is a natural team leader and connector. Her on-air experience includes working as a main anchor in local news and as a network correspondent for CNN and ABC News.

She has an expertise in developing high-impact content for television, radio and digital platforms, finding creative solutions under deadline, connecting to internal and external audiences and use of social media to elevate brand awareness.

She currently anchors the 6 p.m., 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. news for WPXI-TV, the NBC station in Pittsburgh.

Previously, she worked as a CNN Correspondent for The Situation Room with Wolf Bltizer and the Lou Dobbs Tonight Show. She also worked as a Financial Correspondent for the CNN Financial Network.

She began her career in local news at KTVI-TV in St. Louis and WKRN-TV in Nashville, Tennessee.

Sylvester has won numerous awards, including the 2018 Mid-Atlantic Region Emmy Winner Spot News-Anchor; 2018 Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters, Excellence in Broadcasting, Breaking News; 2017 Mid-Atlantic Region Emmy Winner Best Evening Newscast-Anchor; 2017 Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters, Excellence in Broadcasting, Breaking News and the 2015 Robert Vann Award of Excellence for Sports Reporting; She has also received several national awards including; a Business Emmy for CNN’s “Exporting

COMMUNITY SERVICE

EDUCATION

FLO TAYLOR

JUEL THOMAS-SMITH

Local Community Activist For more than 20 years, Flo Taylor has found her passion in working with children, especially teenagers. As a Community Activist, she makes it her mission to meet kids where they are and mentor, teach and inspire them.

A resident of Pittsburgh—on and off—for approximately 50 years...in her earlier years, Taylor received some of her education in the Pittsburgh Public School System, attending Madison Elementary School and Fifth Avenue High School, for some years. She later moved to Houston, Texas, where she remained as a young adult, until she relocated back to Pittsburgh.

Over the years, Taylor has been dedicated to working with youth; she enjoys the challenge of connecting with them and learns just as much from them as she teaches.

Taylor has served on the Shuman Detention Center’s Advisory Board for approximately 15 years. She began her service there as a volunteer,

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America” series, and a Peabody Award for her role in ABC’s coverage of the Sept. 11th terrorist attacks.

Sylvester has a degree in International Economics from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and a Master’s Degree from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.

Interim Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Community College of Allegheny County-Boyce Campus speaking with various groups of teens. What started as once-a-week visits quickly turned into three to five days a week. She said she was compelled and drawn to the kids’ stories, and found it enriching.

Along with working with Shuman, Taylor has volunteered with Pittsburgh Community Television (Channel 21), as a host of various television shows for more than 20 years. She also started organizations, such as Mothers March for Peace, Youth Partners and The Pittsburgh Round Up. Taylor is currently working on several youth projects and looks forward to taking them to heights and making a great impact.

Having intergenerational relationships with young people has always been and will continue to be Taylor’s goal. She would even like to see more seniors in the community connect with the kids. She says: “I don’t look at them (young people) as bad, I look at them as young people who need that ‘village vibe.’”

Juel Thomas-Smith is an educator, mentor, community advocate and ordained minister who works as the Interim Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Professor of Natural Sciences at CCAC Boyce Campus.

Holding a bachelor’s and master’s in Biology, she is also currently pursuing a doctorate from Duquesne University in Instructional Technology and Leadership.

For more than 20 years, Rev. Smith has actively promoted STEM education for minorities throughout the Pittsburgh region and beyond through various initiatives including CampBioE, a bioengineering and regenerative medicine summer camp sponsored by The University of Pittsburgh’s Swanson School of Bioengineering.

As the Co-Director and Education & Mentoring Specialist, she has helped to educate over 1,000 junior and senior high school students through CampBioE to the wonders of science and has also mentored over 50 undergraduate and graduate students from CCAC, Pitt and various other institutions through their academic and professional careers.

She’s a recipient of several awards including a double recipient of the Chuck Cooper Scholarship, a graduate of the CCAC Leadership Development Institute, an annual recipient of the Students Choice Award for Extraordinary Faculty and was a nominee for the 2017 CCAC NISOD Excellence in Teach-

ing Award. Smith was also recently a recipient of the “Change Maker” award for the 2019 YWCA Racial Justice Awards.

In addition, Rev. Smith also serves as an Assistant Pastor at the Union Baptist Church in Swissvale where she has served in various leadership capacities. Reverend Smith is as passionate about her work in education as she is about her ministry; as she believes that both afford her the opportunity to make a significant impact in the lives of others.

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WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE 2019

SOCIAL SERVICE

HEALTH CARE

TAMMY T. THOMPSON

NATALIE S. TYLER

Executive Director Circles Greater Pittsburgh

Tammy T. Thompson uses her past experiences living in and surviving poverty to relate to families who are working to escape poverty and reach self-sufficiency. She is a certified Housing Counselor and has

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Director of Pharmacy Operations & Strategy ConnectiveRx been teaching financial education, developing workshops, speaking and educating families for 20 years.

She has fused her real estate experience with her passion for families and communities as she works to help build wealth through debt reduction and homeownership in low-income communities.

As the owner and operator of T3 Consulting Inc., she facilitates and develops homeownership programs for local non-profit organizations in Pittsburgh. She has a passion for educating people about how poverty impacts people psychologically and emotionally using a curriculum that she developed called “Understanding The Psychology of Poverty.” She speaks nationally and internationally on this topic and has been recognized as a poverty expert.

Thompson started T3 Media, a social justice media company, and has added the title of Executive Producer to her list of accomplishments. In 2017 she produced a documentary entitled “We Wear The Mask: The Hidden Face of Women In Poverty.”

Thompson is the Executive Director of Circles Greater Pittsburgh and looks forward to growing and expanding the Circles community.

Natalie S. Tyler is the Director of Pharmacy Operations and Strategy for ConnectiveRx where she provides executive leadership, direction and decision-making for all pharmacy operations and services in alignment with the corporate organizational strategy. With the continued growth of FDA-approved specialty medications and greater shift of health care costs to patients, insurance payers are imposing a more complex access and reimbursement environment for patients and providers. A strong believer in improving the patient’s journey to health, and that no patient should have to worry about accessing treatment, Tyler partners with senior leadership, executives, and various business unit leaders to design patient support programs for some of the top biopharmaceutical companies. Not only do these programs consist of end-to-end solutions to help create a seamless prescription process for providers and remove patient financial and insurance-related barriers, they help patients realize better outcomes and aid biopharmaceutical manufacturers in their commercialization strategy.

After nearly two decades of successful practice in various sectors of the pharmaceutical industry, she leverages her diverse insight into the patient and provider perspective to ensure that the pharmacy operations, systems development, standard operating procedures and staff development position the pharmacy to optimize performance in quality, value, service and technology, all while ensuring compliance to federal

COMMUNITY SERVICE

HEALTH CARE

RAMONA RUTH WILKES

JUDY WRIGHT

and state regulations.

Some of her community service endeavors occur through her long-standing membership with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Academy of Managed Care Pharmacists, and mentorship with local African American pharmacy school graduates as they work to navigate an industry disparate in African American pharmacist representation in the Pittsburgh region.

Tyler holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy from Duquesne University and will complete her M.B.A. from Waynesburg University next spring. She is a proud wife and mother of one daughter and two bonus daughters.

Point of Care Coordinator UPMC Mercy

Service Coordinator Pittsburgh Mercy

Ramona Ruth Wilkes was born in Manhattan, New York City. Her parents are Ruth and Martin, who are both deceased. She was brought to nearby Duquesne to be raised by her aunt and uncle (Rosezella and Ernest) when she was about 6 months old.

Wilkes graduated from Duquesne High School in 1979. She attended Median School of Allied Health Careers in 1979 and then took a break to have her family. Afterwards she graduated from Carlow University with a BSW in May 2006 and then was grandfathered in at the University of Pittsburgh where she finished her master’s in December 2007.

Currently, Wilkes is still seeking to finish her Ph.D. online at Grand Canyon University.

Wilkes has been employed at Pittsburgh Mercy since May 2006. She initiated the relationship between Pittsburgh Mercy and Kennywood by writing the first Kennywood Cares Foundation Grant in which Pittsburgh Mercy and Kennywood have maintained a prolific rela-

DECEMBER 11-17, 2019

tionship for the past 10 years. Wilkes has facilitated the Annual Holiday Event, which provides resources to at least 100 clients yearly. Wilkes has maintained the relationship between the Tickets for Kids organization and Pittsburgh Mercy for the past 11 years which has made it possible for hundreds of Pittsburgh Mercy clients to attend community events.

Wilkes now has four children (Russell, Rossano, Ricardo, and Phylicia, and one stepson, Brandon Short), nine grandchildren and one great-grandson. Her oldest son, Russell Stuvaints, was a part of the Pittsburgh Steelers and participated in the Super Bowl XL in Detroit.

Wilkes especially wants to thank Diane Johnson, the first person she met at Pittsburgh Mercy, and Tracey Ramage, her supervisor who always encourages her. She also thanks her granddaughter, Karli, along with others who helped make her become a New Pittsburgh Courier Woman of Excellence.

Judy M. Wright was born and raised in Ohio. She’s the daughter of the late Howard and Marion Martin, married to the late Harold Wright.

Wright graduated from Buckeye North High School in Ohio and received a Board of Regents scholarship to attend West Liberty State College, West Liberty, W.Va. She graduated from West Liberty with a Bachelor of Science Degree and completed a one-year course of instruction in Medical Technology at Mt. Sinai Hospital, Cleveland. Wright passed the exam to become Registered Medical Technologist given by the American Society of Clinical Pathology.

Wright has worked at UPMC Mercy for 42 years.

Being a Medical Technologist has been exciting and rewarding, she said. The laboratory is the unseen but vitally important part of the patient care. The doctors depend on the results from the Medical Technologist’s laboratory tests for information to the diagnosis and treatment of patients.

Wright is the prime operator of laboratory analyzers which included intensive training on instrumentation along with performing precision, accuracy and linearity studies. She is responsible for the training of the other laboratory staff to operator instrumentation.

Wright is the Point of Care Coordinator—she maintains all of the small instruments and testing systems used hospital-wide pertaining to yielding laboratory results used in the treatment of patients at the bedside.

She ensures all staff are properly trained and competent to do testing.

Wright received the Laboratorian of the Year award in 2002.

She is a member of Laketon Heights United Methodist Church currently and is involved with Road Warriors Ministries serving God thru community outreach. She loves to spend time with family and friends doing new adventures. And she’s an avid football fan—she’s always bled Black and Gold!

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DECEMBER 11-17, 2019 WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE 2019

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER