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DECEMBER 12-18, 2018

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Burgess, Lavelle announce ‘Stop the Violence Initiative’ Includes huge financial boost to city’s Group Violence Intervention

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

Though he was reading from a prepared statement, Rev. Ricky Burgess could barely put into words the number of homicides the City of Pittsburgh has experienced since he became a City Councilman.

As of Nov. 30, that number is 604, with more than 80 percent murdered with guns, more than 75 percent of the victims African Americans.

“I know some of those people, they’re not strangers to me,” Rev. Burgess told the New Pittsburgh Courier in an exclusive interview, Dec. 11. “Some of them have been my family members, my church members. They are gone but they’re not

forgotten. I remember them every day, so it’s not (just) a number. When I hear that big number, I think about all those kids and people that I know.”

Just moments before his comments to the Courier, Rev. Burgess and fellow Councilman R. Daniel Lavelle led a unified team—representing the mayor’s office, department of public safety, Pittsburgh police, department of public health—in announcing the “Stop the Violence Initiative.” Its two main components: a steering committee, comprised of senior city and county officials who will coordinate and support the city’s programming for violence reduction; and an advisory committee, comprised of community organizations that are involved in violence preven-

tion activities.

“Together these prevention programs will help save lives in the City of Pittsburgh and are the first part of a comprehensive strategy to elim- PITTSBURGH CITY COUNCILMAN REV. RICKY BURGESS announces the “Stop inate gun vio- the Violence Initiative” during a press conference Downtown, Dec. 11. lence in our city and hopefully across our country,” Lavelle ious groups that are coming together to told reporters during the press conference address the violence in Pittsburgh.

“Everybody is at the same table,” Rev. outside Council Chambers, Downtown.

Reverend Burgess said it’s important to SEE INITIATIVE A5 note the “coordinated effort” between var-

EQT’s doing ‘the right work, the right way, for the right reasons’

Named ‘Corporation of the Year’ for supplier diversity

by Diane I. Daniels For New Pittsburgh Courier

The last few months at EQT Corporation have been quite busy.

Their Supplier Diversity Initiative has been recognized for their accomplishments, it has separated into two publicly-traded companies and a new president and chief executive officer has been appointed.

When hearing EQT’s name called as the winner of the Corporation of the Year Award by the National Minority Supplier Development Council, Donald “Blue” Jenkins said, “I was humbled and honored to be part of EQT’s recognition for this very prestigious award. I was very pleased for EQT to be recognized at a national level for our ongoing dedication to supplier diversity in our operational footprint. We have EQT CORPORATION receives the Corporation of the Year Award from the National Minority Supbeen very committed for plier Development Council. Pictured are Lance Hyde, EQT’s diversity manager, and Donald “Blue” Jenkins, EQT’s executive vice president, commercial business development. (Photo by Diane I. Daniels) SEE EQT A5

Depression is a real issue during the holiday season Don’t be afraid to seek treatment, Familylinks says

by Christian Morrow

Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, which is a form of depression.”

Linked to the annual Along with the food, festivities, and family gather- lessening of daylight that ings that come with the hol- occurs in fall and winiday season, for a certain ter, SAD primarily affects those already number of peosuffering from ple something some form of else comes this depression and time of year— can be debilidepression. tating. HowevSometimes, er, those afflictsaid De’Netta ed, especially in Benjamin-Millthe Black comer, senior direcmunity, may tor of behavnot be aware ioral health for of the disorder Fa m i l y l i n k s , or methods of it may just be DE’NETTA treatment—not “holiday blues.”

BENJAMIN-MILLER all of which re“Depending quire medicaon severity, it might just be a tempo- tion.

In general, Benjarary low point from stress, spending money, or agita- min-Miller said, with more tion with relatives,” said young people succumbing Benjamin-Miller. “But if SEE DEPRESSION A4 it lasts longer, it might be Courier Staff Writer

A new Public Safety Center opens in Northview Heights

by Christian Morrow and J.L. Martello Courier Staff Writers

When officials and community members officially opened the new Public Safety Center in Northview Heights, instead of a routine ribbon-cutting ceremony, Pittsburgh Zone 1 police Cmdr. Chris Ragland said they decided to do something different—they cut police tape, as a “symbol of our efforts to break down barriers between police and the communities we serve.”

“We often respond to 911 calls that have less to do with criminal activity and more to do with an unmet social service need. We are PITTSBURGH MAYOR BILL PEDUTO helps with the unveiling of the new Public Safety Center in Northview Heights. (Photo by J.L. Marthe first responders to sit- tello) uations where we are ill-

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Louis ‘Hop’ Kendrick says

equipped to help a person make a difference or get to the root cause of an issue due to time training or expertise,” he said.

“Now front-line officers can connect residents with services they need and to move us from a reactive enforcement strategy to proactive public safety strategy.”

As those who attended the Dec. 4 opening stressed, though it will house a police mini-station, the Public Safety Center is far more than that. It is a resident-driven model for a return to community policing, and thanks to partnerships with the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh and the Buhl Foundation, SEE SAFETY A4

Three of ‘us’ vote Regina Holley out as school board president Forum B6

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DECEMBER 12-18, 2018

INTERNATIONAL

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

This Week In Black History

Week of December 12-18 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 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.”

JOSH GIBSON 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 indeACQUITTED—Diane Rwigara, 37, the country’s most prominent opposition figure, is hugged by a pendent from colonial rule. The first president is the charismatic wellwisher after being acquitted of charges related to her election challenge of President Paul Kagame, Jomo Kenyatta. Despite many of the same problems which beset at the high court in Kigali, Rwanda Thursday, Dec. 6. (AP Photo) 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 DIONNE WARWICK 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

by Ignatius SSuuna campaign to fight for the external actors to inappro- director of the Martin Luther King Jr. founded Southern Chrisrights of all Rwandans,” priately influence judicial tian Leadership Conference during the turbulent 1960s; and Associated Press Writer a surprised but happy processes in Rwanda.” played a key role in the founding of the “Black Power” oriented KIGALI, Rwanda (AP) Rwigara told reporters afThe three-judge panel Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. In addition, she — Rwanda’s high court on ter celebrating. “This is the said there was no proof was a mentor to Rosa Parks and helped to lead the Mississippi Thursday acquitted the beginning, because there’s that Rwandans had been voter registration drive. She frequently found herself as the ELLA BAKER country’s most prominent still a lot that needs to be incited against the state only woman in the usually all male leadership structure of civil opposition figure of all done in our country.” after Rwigara’s remarks rights organizations and often had to battle sexism. Even more than Rosa Parks, Baker charges related to her elecShe said she will move to the media, and that deserves to be called the “mother of the civil rights movement.” Baker, a teacher, mentor tion challenge of President ahead with her People Sal- intercepted WhatsApp and organizer, died in 1986 on her 83rd birthday.

Paul Kagame, as judges vation Movement, an activ- audio files of her mother 1913—Archie Moore is born Archibald Lee White in Benoit, said the prosecution failed did not incite insurrection Miss. He becomes light heavyweight champion in 1952. to provide proof of insurand instead were private 1981—Old-style Black comedian Dewey “Pigmeat” Markham “I will continue my conversations. rection and forgery. dies. His standup comedy routine was a major attraction at many Diane Rwigara’s case has Some Rwandans in the Black-oriented events and shows during the 1950s and 1960s. He campaign to fight capital, drawn global attention as Kigali, said they also achieved some national fame among Whites with his “here Kagame again faces presfor the rights of all were shocked by the court’s comes the judge” routine on the 1970s TV series “Laugh In.” sure to give more space decision. “I thought the govDecember 14 Rwandans. This is ernment was angered by to critics in this highly 1799—The first President of the United States George Washcontrolled East African Rwigara’s criticism and she ington dies. In his will the “founding father” stipulated that his the beginning, becountry. would be convicted,” said “PIGMEAT” slaves shall be freed upon the death of his wife Martha. Washingcause there’s still a Moses Hirwa, a mechanic. DEWEY Rwigara’s mother, Adeton was a wealthy Virginian who supported slavery but did not MARKHAM line, 59, also was acquitted Speaking to The Assowant to see it expanded. In this regard, he signed the notorious of inciting insurrection and lot that needs to be ciated Press ahead of her Fugitive Slave Act of 1793 but also signed legislation barring the expansion of slavery promoting sectarianism. done in our country.” court appearance, Rwigara into the Northwest Territories. Upon her death, Martha Washington also freed the Both women had denied remained defiant, saying slaves she owned. One Washington slave is known to have escaped and was never reDIANE RWIGARA no amount of pressure the charges. captured. His name was Ona Judge Staines.

The courtroom, packed will silence her. “I hope 1915—Jack Johnson, perhaps the most controversial Black boxer in American with diplomats and supist group launched shortly to be cleared of all these history, wins the heavy weight championship. He fought at least 114 matches winning porters, erupted in apbefore her arrest to encour- made-up charges but I am most of them. One biographer described Johnson as a man who “lived life his way.” But plause as Diane Rwigara age Rwandans to hold their ready for any outcome,” his outspokenness and affairs with White women ran him afoul of the racist authorities and her mother were over- government accountable. she said, calling the courts of the day. He was jailed for nearly a year in 1913 on trumped up charges. He fought his come with tears. Excited And she thanked everyone unpredictable and lacking last match in 1928. After boxing he became a sensation on Broadway in the play “Great independence.

White Hope.” Born in Galveston, Texas, Johnson (full name Arthur John Johnson) died Kagame is praised for in Raleigh, N.C., as a result of an automobile accident. For reasons which remain unleading Rwanda’s recovery clear, President Obama has delayed granting Johnson a pardon on his 1913 conviction from the 1994 genocide and even though the measure has little opposition. for advances in economic December 15 development and women’s 1864—One of the most decisive battles of the Civil War begins on rights, but critics say he this day with Black troops helping to crush one of the South’s finest does not tolerate criticism. armies at the Battle of Nashville. In a bid to stop the advances of His government rejects the Union Army under Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman, rebel Gen. such accusations.

John Bell Hood led the powerful Army of Tennessee to Nashville to The government in cut off Sherman’s supply lines. After two weeks of positioning and September pardoned waiting for a break in the cold weather, the Union side finally dethousands of prisoners, cided to hurl the 13th United States Colored Troops at the Army of including an opposition Tennessee. Although suffering massive casualties, the Black troops party leader and a politbroke through the Confederate lines in a matter of hours. The victoJACK JOHNSON ical activist, and several ry helped to seal the South’s fate and bring ALL SMILES—Diane Rwigara, left, smiles as she is accompanied analysts said Kagame was an end to the Civil War the very next year. by her mother, Adeline. Diane was acquitted of charges related to loosening the country’s 1934—Maggie Lena Walker dies on this day at age 69. She her election challenge of President Paul Kagame, Thursday, Dec. 6. political space. had become perhaps the most powerful Black female business(AP Photo) Rwigara last year acwoman and social activist in America. Born to former slaves knowledged the risks of who themselves became activists for Black betterment, Walker relatives who had prayed who pressured the govern- running against Kagame, at the tender age of 14 joined the Independent Grand United before the hearing for ment to free her. one of Africa’s longest-servOrder of St. Luke in Richmond, Va. She would help transform protection swarmed them U.S. senators in recent ing leaders. Soon after she the Order and led it to become a premier Black self-help group. with hugs. days urged Rwanda’s announced her intention to At its height, the Order had 50,000 members, 1500 local chapThe 37-year-old Rwigara, government to drop the run, nude photos purportters, and a multi-purpose financial complex. Under Walker, the who had denounced the charges against her, with edly of her that she said MAGGIE LENA WALKER Order started a newspaper–the St. Luke Herald and a bank— charges as politically moSen. Dick Durbin noting had been manipulated the St. Luke Penny Savings Bank. Indeed, the bank was the tivated, had faced 22 years “what appears to be highly were published on social only Black Richmond bank to survive the Great Depression bringing other banks under in prison if convicted. She questionable charges media in what her supits wing and becoming the Consolidated Bank and Trust Company. was arrested after trying to against Rwigara for seemporters called an effort to December 16 run in last year’s election, ingly running for office undermine her credibility.

1859—The last known slave ship, The Clotilde, lands in Mobile, Ala., with a cargo of and is the rare person to peacefully.”

Rwigara later was dis110 to 160 Africans. The importation of Africans as slaves had been illegal in America publicly criticize the govRwanda’s justice minister qualified from running, since 1808. But the law was poorly enforced. However, fearing possible arrest by federal ernment from inside the and attorney general in a with the government authorities, owners burned the Clotilde and attempted to scatter the slaves. But a country. statement said the govern- saying she lacked enough group managed to escape and succeeded in establishing a village near Mobile known as “I will continue my ment respects the verdict supporting signatures and “Africatown.” The last known survivor of this group was Cudjo Lewis and “will carefully study had forged some of them.

(African name Kossula). its implications.”

Kagame won a third term December 17 THE But it added: “We conwith more than 98 percent 1663—Queen Nzingha of Angola dies at the age of 82. Known as NEW PITTSBURGH demn all attempts by of the vote. the Warrior Princess of Matamba, Queen Nzingha gained legendary COURIER fame for her resistance to Portuguese attempts to colonize the interiPUBLISHING COMPANY or 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.

Publication No.: USPS 381940 1939—Eddie Kendricks is born in Union Springs, Ala. Kendricks 315 East Carson Street was the lead singer for the Temptations during the group’s heyday.

Pittsburgh, PA 15219 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 NOBLE SISSLE Phone: 412-481-8302 Blake). Sissle wrote the lyrics and sang the songs while Blake comFax: 412-481-1360 posed and played the music. Sissle died at his home in Tampa, Fla. He was 86.

December 18 The 1865—Congress passes the 13th Amendment to the ConNew Pittsburgh Courier stitution officially abolishing slavery in America. The actual ratification of the Amendment had been completed on Dec. is published weekly 6. Reconstruction began and legendary abolitionist Frederick Douglass considered retiring to a farm after urging the periodicals nation to insure Black voting rights. But a February 1866 paid at Pittsburgh, Pa. meeting with President Andrew Johnson shocked him out PRICE $1.00 of retirement. Johnson told the Douglass delegation that he intended to support the interests of Southern Whites and would oppose giving voting rights to the ex-slaves. Johnson’s (Payable in advance) racism led to a radicalized Congress passing pro-Black legis6 Months.....$25 OSSIE DAVIS and RUBY DEE lation over his vetoes.

1917—Performer Ossie Davis is born Raiford Chatman 1 Year....$45 Davis on this day in Cogdell, Ga. Davis was probably Black America’s best example of 2 Years...$85 a combination entertainer and political activist. In addition to his stage and movie careers, Davis and his wife, Ruby Dee, were deeply involved in the Civil Rights Movement.

9 Month School Rate $35 Davis was a key speaker at the funerals of both Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He died Feb. 4, 2005 of natural causes while in Miami Beach, Fla. POSTMASTER: Send 1971—National Black political leader Rev. Jesse Jackson founds Operation PUSH address changes to: (People United to Save Humanity) in Chicago. Breaking with some of the older civil rights organizations, Jackson declared that the modern problems facing Blacks “are New Pittsburgh Courier economic so the solution and goal must be economic.”

1996—The Oakland, Calif., school board shocks the nation and angers much of the 315 East Carson Street educational establishment by recognizing “Ebonics” (Black English) as a separate Pittsburgh, PA 15219 language and not a dialect or slang.

Rwandan court drops all charges against opposition figure

NATIONAL

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

DECEMBER 12-18, 2018

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AARP Poll: Majority of caregivers with family suffering from dementia spend less time with friends

by Stacy M. Brown For New Pittsburgh Courier

NNPA—For family caregivers, the holidays can be a joyful time when spirits are lighter and it feels good to care for loved ones and enjoy time together, celebrating with family traditions.

But for most family caregivers, the holidays also bring stress, according to Amy Goyer, a family and caregiver expert at AARP, the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age.

“We’re already very busy with caregiving, and there’s even more to do during the holidays,” Goyer said.

A major concern is for those caring for sufferers of dementia.

A new AARP poll on dementia care has taken a closer look at the experiences of caregivers for family members with dementia and found more than half say their social life has suffered and nearly 45 percent say they feel alone.

In addition, they are more likely to grow further apart from the ones they care for and other family members because of their caregiving responsibilities. Social isolation and loneliness are linked to poorer physical and mental health outcomes, health experts said.

“Family caregivers take on big responsibilities that can be physically, emotionally and financially challenging. AARP’s new research shows that this can be particularly true for those caring for loved ones with dementia,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer.

“That’s why AARP has developed resources to help

CARING FOR SOMEONE WITH DEMENTIA is exceptionally demanding. family caregivers balance their own needs with the needs of their loved one.”

Not only are the millions of family caregivers for those with dementia less socially connected, they are significantly more likely to put off medical care—more than half (55 percent) have done so, compared to just 38 percent among the total caregiver population.

However, there were positive health behaviors identified in the poll as well—79 percent took steps to maintain or improve their brain health and 47 percent exercised more.

Still, when caring for those living with dementia, everyday stress is even higher, and holiday celebrations may be limited, Goyer said.

“Caregivers may feel particularly isolated or lonely—especially if their loved ones aren’t able to understand or take part in holiday traditions and if caregivers are unable to get out to be with friends or other family members,” she said.

“It’s important to acknowledge and validate dementia caregivers’ feelings and needs, and to connect them with resources that can help, especially during the holiday season.”

Many family caregivers feel alone in their situation, but there are others who understand as they are going through similar experiences, Goyer said.

“I recommend connecting with other caregivers in an in-person support group,

at a caregiving event, or online. The Alzheimer’s Association offers support for dementia caregivers, and AARP has teamed with them to offer the online Community Resource Finder, where caregivers can find local events and support groups,” she said.

AARP also offers a free online Caregiving Community where caregivers can post questions, comments and topics as well as get advice from Goyer and other caregiving experts.

Many caregivers also join closed social media groups, such as Facebook.

Other family members, friends or neighbors can help as well.

A previous AARP poll found that almost 8 in 10 family caregivers say it

would be helpful to have someone to talk with during the holidays.

“If you are long-distance, you can call those you know who are caring for someone and really take the time to listen to them,” Goyer said.

“For those nearby, offer to come by with a meal or a cup of hot cocoa and let them know they can confide in you, or offer to care for their loved one so they can enjoy some holiday activities.”

Also, on the AARP Family Caregiving Site, Goyer also offers these “10 Tips for Caregivers During the Holidays: Feeling Stressed?

Reset your Expectations.”

Meanwhile caregivers should be mindful of such things as prolonged social

isolation and feelings of loneliness which have serious health effects that make it important to monitor and take care of themselves before they suffer a health crisis, Goyer said.

“It can be difficult to evaluate the stress levels and vulnerability of ourselves or another person.

Isolation and stress can build up over time, so it’s important to make ongoing effort to prevent burnout,” she said.

The AARP Foundation has an assessment tool at Connect2Affect.org to help people better understand the signs of social isolation and offers solutions and ways to help others who are isolated.

“I advise people to watch for signs of burnout, like being short-tempered, changes in sleep patterns—sleeping too much or too little or waking up a lot, for example—crying a lot, severe mental, emotional or physical exhaustion, prolonged overwhelming sadness, loss of motivation—just not caring anymore, feeling hopeless and ineffective, letting paperwork pile up and bills go unpaid, allowing a vast change in our living environment or longing to run away,” Goyer said.

“These are red flags that tell us it’s time to put more effort into taking care of ourselves.

I view it like my car—it can’t run on empty and neither can I.” For the holidays, Goyer said caregivers should try to focus on the simple things like holiday music, movies, stories or food.

“Above all, fully experience the most meaningful things during the holidays and enjoy those treasured moments with your loved ones,” she said.

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METRO

DECEMBER 12-18, 2018

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

A new Public Safety Center opens in Northview Heights Steelers contribute with check to purchase Community Relations Trailer SAFETY FROM A1

it will also offer a first-floor safe space for the community to connect with services and training opportunities for residents provided by health, education, employment and housing partners.

The center’s goals are to strengthen the relationships between residents and police, so they can work collaboratively to address and reduce crime, increase public safety and return to neighborhood-focused policing where officers are empowered to work with the Northview Heights community to discover root causes of problems and jointly develop implementable solutions.

Police Sgt. Joe Lewis, who will staff the center along with six other officers, said all are committed to working with the community, in the community.

Northview Heights resident Olivia Bennett said that’s what she wanted to hear. She has been working toward this initiative since the Buhl Foundation began holding community forums and listening sessions on safety and quality of life issues on the North Side in 2013.

“I believe having police housed in the community will allow both residents

and police to recognize the humanity in each other and begin to reduce the us-vsthem mentality that seems to pervade our society,” she said.

Housing authority Executive Director Caster Binion thanked the police, Mayor Bill Peduto, Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich, and the residents of both the Northview Heights and Allegheny Dwellings housing communities for “getting mad at him” and getting this initiative started.

“This happened because of the residents,” he said.

“They got upset with me, and that was good.”

Amber Farr, director of the Buhl’s One Northside Initiative, said the Public Safety center can serve as a catalyst to address the areas of need One Northside works to address—employment, health, housing, education and human services.

“This is a place where officers and residents can come together to solve problems and build relationships,” she said. “It’s a place where officers and residents can be connected to the many resources needed to thrive, and most importantly an opportunity return to a community-driven model anchored in shared ownership.”

PITTSBURGH STEELERS PLAYER MAURKICE POUNCEY, center, with Housing Authority Executive Director Caster Binion and Pittsburgh police Chief Scott Schubert. (Photos by J.L. Martello) Mayor Peduto said though he would have liked to see such a partnership put together earlier, he’s glad to support it now.

“The ability to partner with foundations to get resources is fantastic,” he said. “But more than that it was an idea that cane from the people, the tenant councils, and the leadership in this community saying, ‘let’s get this done.’”

The center and its assigned officers will serve

REISDENT COUNCIL MEMBER OLIVIA BENNETT

LONGTIME NORTHVIEW HEIGHTS RESIDENTS—Winnie Evans and Rochell Preston.

both Northview Heights and the adjacent Allegheny Dwellings public housing communities. Ragland said, at least at first, the center will not be staffed 24 hours a day, as officers will vary their schedules based on crime statistics and crime trends.

“They will primarily work anywhere from noon to 2 in the morning,” he said.

“Those appear to be the more active times where we have a need for officers

engaging with the community and on patrol in the area.”

Following the ribbon cutting, Pittsburgh Steelers player Maurkice Pouncey presented police Chief Scott Schubert with a check to purchase a Community Relations Trailer that could attend community events, provide entertainment and education for residents, and even be used for recruitment purposes.

It is expected to cost $25,370 and to be outfitted with a propane grill, sound system, stereo system, video game systems, coolers, recliners, generator, storage space for games, handouts and food, flag pole holder, a 13-foot awning, TV mount and 55-inch TV screen, exterior lights, and a black aluminum exterior. The exterior will be wrapped with a banner featuring images of the Steelers and Pittsburgh police.

THE BUHL FOUNDATION’S AMBER FARR

AN INSIDE LOOK—The new Public Safety Center in Northview Heights.

Depression is a real issue during the holiday season Don’t be afraid to seek treatment, Familylinks says DEPRESSION FROM A1

to suicide, bullying—discussion of mental health issues within the Black community is growing, but there are longstanding cultural taboos about mental health as well as personal fears.

“People are afraid that if they reach out they’ll be

judged because of their race or low economic status. Only about one in four are even treated,” said Benjamin-Miller. “Sometimes it’s about faith— that we’re cheating on God or Jesus if we see a therapist. But Jesus said we are supposed to help each other—and some people are more skilled at this than others.”

With SADs, symptoms mimic other forms of depression; disinterest in favorite activities, lethargy, even wild spending.

“People say they don’t want to go to line dancing or bingo, they just want to stay in bed,” she said.

“They may overeat, especially carbohydrates, because that gives a temporary serotonin boost to the brain, but like caffeine or sugar, it’s replaced by a crash.”

Benjamin-Miller urges people to get a checkup, especially if they have a family history of depression. In the case of SADs, treatment might only involve taking more vitamin

D—which the body makes less of as sun exposure is reduced—and using a “light box.”

Therapeutic light boxes put out 10,000 lumens and very low ultraviolet light to mimic natural daylight.

Most clinicians recommend using it within an hour of waking, placed between 18 inches and two feet from the face, for an hour—if possible, but at least 30 minutes.

“I use a light therapy box, it’s in my office. It should be used every day for a

minimum of 30 minutes,” said Benjamin-Miller. “It is effective, especially when used in concert with talk therapy.”

Benjamin-Miller said being able to talk with a therapist can help reframe any thinking that might be irrational and provide tools to counteract them.

“Some people have concerns about cultural competency, but there are therapists of color out there who do this,” she said.

“Online directories like

Psychology Today have listings, and of course, you could also see us at FamilyLinks.”

Benjamin-Miller said she will continue to post information on mental wellness online and will urge clergy to communicate about therapy and educate about medication.

“You’re not crazy—we have to get rid of that stigma,” she said. “If you need medication, that doesn’t mean it’s a ‘life sentence’— it could be a whole new life.”

METRO

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

DECEMBER 12-18, 2018

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EQT’s doing ‘the right work, the right way, for the right reasons’ Named ‘Corporation of the Year’ for supplier diversity EQT FROM A1

several years to the diversity program, and to be recognized for our efforts is a wonderful honor for all the employees who support the program every day.”

Jenkins is Executive Vice President, Commercial Business Development, Information Technology and Safety.

The award was presented in October during NMSDC’s annual Conference and Business Opportunity Exchange in Austin, Texas.

Also humbled and honored by the recognition was Lance Hyde, EQT’s diversity manager. He said that “knowing our company’s commitment to supplier diversity and years of hard work have gained appreciation from the global leaders in diversity is truly gratifying and inspires us to be even better moving forward.”

EQT is the first Oil and Gas corporation and only corporation headquartered in Pittsburgh to win such an award.

One of the country’s leading corporate membership organizations, NMSDC advances business opportunities for certified minority business enterprises and connects them to corporate members. It provides increased procurement and business opportunities for minority businesses of all sizes.

Two weeks ago, in Philadelphia, EQT also received the National Corporation of the Year Award during the 2018 Choice Awards presented by the Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council. The award, considered prestigious by EMSDC, was presented to EQT for remaining steadfast in their commitment to diverse suppliers in their supply chain and for creating substantial business

opportunities for NMSDC-certified MBEs. Quoting from advice once given to him, Hyde, while accepting the award, said, “If you do the right thing, the right work, the right way, for the right reasons then you usually gain the right results.

At EQT we believe that we are doing the right thing, but we are not complacent and know there is so much more work that we need to do. We know that when women only make up 13 percent and minorities collectively as a whole make up less than 15 percent of all jobs in the oil and gas industry, we are aware that we need to do a better job at bridging that gap and supporting MBEs. If a small company with less than 1,000 employees in Pittsburgh can spend over a billion dollars this year alone with diverse firms, if we all work together as one team with one shared goal to advance business opportunities to help develop MBEs, think of the magnitude of the positive social economic impact it could make in this region.”

Hyde continued: “Just imagine how many jobs will be created for women and people of color for individuals within our communities that might have made a poor choice in life and rely on MBEs to provide them with a second chance, so they can feed their families. Think of how much economic wealth that we can help generate in solely underserved communities within our operational footprint. If we do this, I assure you that we will collectively make this entire region become diverse and more inclusive and as we all know, when communities become more diverse and inclusive it simply creates better communities for all of us to live in.”

PITTSBURGH IN THE HOUSE—Lance Hyde, third from left, EQT’s diversity manager, receives the National Corporation of the Year Award during the 2018 Choice Awards from John Bettis, President of Bettis Brothers Sand & Gravel, Valarie J. Cofield, President & CEO of EMSDCE, and Lester Jones, director of New Business and Workforce Development at Bettis Brothers. (Photo by Diane I. Daniels) The award was presented

by John Bettis and Lester Jones of Bettis Brothers Sand and Gravel. Pleased with the success of the evening, Valarie J. Cofield, President and CEO of EMSDC, shared with the sold-out audience that the Choice Awards is their opportunity to recognize and celebrate excellence and innovation in the Council by those who demonstrate a commitment and passion towards economic inclusion and minority businesses.

“Tonight, we celebrate the power of creating seats at the table for minority businesses and the power it has on our communities, our families, our businesses and our economy,” she said.

With 130 years of experience and a long-standing history of good corporate citizenship, EQT is the largest producer of natural gas in the U.S. and known as a leader in the use of advanced horizontal drilling technology. Considered a

Burgess, Lavelle announce ‘Stop the Violence Initiative’ Includes huge financial boost to city’s Group Violence Intervention INITIATIVE FROM A1

Burgess told the Courier.

Rev. Burgess called gun violence “a public health epidemic in our country and our city,” a statement echoed by Dr. Karen Hacker, director of the Allegheny County Health Department, whom also spoke at the news conference.

“This has been a long time coming,” she said about the Stop the Violence Initiative collaborative. “We really need to step forward and recognize the impact that these deaths and this violence has on our communities…

Certainly with the most recent situation with the (Squirrel Hill) massacre, that brought it to an attention that perhaps has not occurred with the everyday situation that we have been facing for years and years and years. It is time for us to be outraged by the fact that those things continue.”

Perhaps the biggest part of the announcement by Rev. Burgess was the huge financial boost to be given to the city’s Group Violence Intervention (GVI)—from $150,000 to $500,000 per year. Cornell Jones, coordinator of GVI, acts as a liaison between elected officials and those who are on the frontlines, helping to stop violence in local communities before it happens or spreads.

Though Jones said he has five paid outreach members and roughly 30 volunteers, the additional funds will

help with recruiting more people to the cause.

Currently, GVI reaches the East End (including the Hill District) and the North Side.

“If people are going to jail or if people are dying, then we’re not doing what we’re supposed to be doing,” Jones said.

He calls many of his outreach members “interrupters, people who go out there and interrupt the disease of violence from spreading

said.

“We’re investing in a program that has already been successful (in the Group Violence Initiative),” Rev. Burgess told the Courier.

“It’s worked in our city, so we’re going to expand it to more parts of our city so we can have some bigger impact.”

Jones, in describing the benefits of GVI, said that oftentimes, his outreach team diffuses situations at large events at, say, the

CORNELL JONES, left, coordinator of the city’s Group Violence Intervention. (Photo by Rob Taylor Jr.) to something else.” Many people involved with GVI are mothers who have lost loved ones to violence, pastors, coaches, and people who were once part of the violence who have pledged, “I don’t want to be a part of the problem, I want to be part of the solution,” Jones

City of Pittsburgh’s Fourth of July activities, before the police ever need to intervene.

“It takes a village to really change what’s going on,” Jones said to reporters. “It’s not just a law enforcement issue, it’s a community atlarge issue.”

strong supporter of having a supplier diversity program, Jenkins says EQT recognizes the value of diversity in their supplier relationships.

“We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse supplier base by consistently seeking out and using the commodities and services they provide.

We believe that diversity in our workforce is an immeasurable asset, and an integral part of any company’s

success.”

Last month, EQT announced that the spin-off of Equitrans Midstream Corporation, a company formed by EQT to hold EQT’s midstream business in the context of the separation of EQT’s upstream and midstream businesses, has been completed and that Robert J. McNally is the new President and Chief Executive Officer of EQT. “As we begin a new chapter in EQT’s 130-year

history, I am very excited about what the future holds for the company,” McNally said in a statement.

“EQT is in a great strategic position to renew our focus on the upstream business and develop the premier natural gas asset base in Appalachia. Our commitment to capital discipline and operational efficiencies will drive value for our shareholders, our employees and the communities where we operate.”

LIFESTYLES New Pittsburgh Courier

A6

DECEMBER 12-18, 2018

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

Debbie Norrell

Lifestyles Report What’s in the news and not

I’m sure someone is expecting me to write about the song, “Baby it’s cold outside.” I have to admit it was on my mind so I looked at the original lyrics. I don’t think these lyrics are anything to ban a song over. This might be the part that has people upset: “The neighbors might think, baby, it’s bad out there, say, what’s in this drink, no cabs to be had out there, I wish I knew how, your eyes are like starlight now, to break this spell, I’ll take your hat, your hair looks swell.”

Is it the part where she asks,“what’s in this drink?” I never paid attention to the song before but I don’t think a ban is necessary. There are so many songs that are 100 times worse but I think because they are heard on stations that we pay for the ban is not needed. What does not playing “Baby its cold outside” solve? When you find out, let me know.

In the meantime I was getting ready for work the other day and I happened to look at the label inside of the slacks that I was putting on. These were not brand new pants, they are at least a year old Gloria Vanderbilt’s and I noticed they were made in Kenya. I thought I was seeing things. When did they start making clothes like this in Kenya? So I looked it up and found that a sprawling industrial park south of Nairobi was supposed to be a centerpiece of a Clinton-era U.S.-Africa trade program designed to make “Made in Kenya” almost as familiar as clothing labels from China and Taiwan. Well-known American brands, including wrinkle-free Dockers, Gloria Vanderbilt jeans and Izod polo shirts were rolling off sewing assembly lines here before being shipped to Target, Sears and other U.S. retailers. Signed into law by President Clinton in 2000, AGOA waived U.S. duties for 39 qualifying sub-Saharan African countries, allowing them to sell African goods to U.S. customers for 15 percent to 30 percent less than rival exporters.

The U.S. program was designed to help free-market African economies diversify their manufacturing bases and create jobs. But critics say it has instead largely subsidized the export of oil to the U.S. by waiving duties for firms in a handful of petroleum-producing nations who hardly needed increased incentives.

This was almost 10 years ago. I guess I was not paying attention and never bought any of the brands made in Kenya until recently. So what is going on with the Africa trade program? Reportedly, combined imports from Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda under AGOA’s duty-free provisions amounted to $43 million in 2016—up from $33 million in 2015.

AGOA is a far more valuable instrument for Kenya, which exported $394 million worth of textiles and apparel to the U.S. in 2016. The Trump administration intends to rigorously enforce AGOA eligibility requirements. It is all so complicated as most of politics is to me. You’re not going to get this information from a tweet, you have to dig it out.

(Email Debbie at debbienor rell@aol.com.)

HONOREE—Michael Lee Gay

SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT HONOREE WITH DAUGHTERS—Vachelle Robinson, Grace Robinson and Danielle Howard

Fourth Annual Salute to Legal Excellence

by Debbie Norrell Lifestyles Editor

Yearly there are all types of banquets, awards presentations, galas and luncheons.

Many present scholarships to deserving students while others honor members of the community.

Four years ago, Ralph P. Watson, founder of Classic Events!, decided to honor members of the legal field.

“There are so many interactions that require expert service from an occupation that sometimes get painted with a broad brush, so I organized Salute to Legal Excellence” said Watson.

The Fourth Annual Salute to Legal Excellence was held on Oct. 27 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Monroeville. Penn Hills Democratic Committee Chairman Jerry Chiappinelli served as the evening’s em2018 HONOREES—Ryan Herbinko, Tracy McGants Lewis and Ernest S. Sharif Jr. cee.

The 2018 honorees included: Honorable Jay Costa, Phillip P. DiLucente, Leah Williams Duncan, Pittsburgh Police Officer Michael Lee Gay, Ryan M. Herbinko, Esq., Terra R. Lane (second-year law student, University of Pittsburgh School of Law), Tracey McCants Lewis Esq.,

Chief of County Detectives Dennis Logan, Alka A. Patel Esq. and Ernest S. Sharif Jr., Esq. Special acknowledgments were presented to: Daniel Friedson Esq., Pauline Calabrese Esq. and Grace Robinson, owner and operator of a State Farm insurance agency. Honorees were joined by friends,

THE EMCEE FOR THE EVENING —Jerry Chiappinelli (photos by Debbie Norrell) family and co-workers and enjoyed an uplifting evening.

Watson is the host of the award-winning PCTV21 business/public affairs show; Classic Events! Entrepreneur Network and is the winner of the 2018 SSB Series Excellence Award. The show airs on Comcast ch. 21 and Verizon ch.27. Watson also serves as a commissioner on the Wilkinsburg Planning Commission.

FOUNDER AND HONOREE—Ralph P. Watson and Dennis Logan

WELCOME—Gail Brown and Michelle Goodman Jones

HONOREE AND FOUNDER—Alka Patel, Neera Kopec and Brian Kopec with Ralph P. Watson

HONOREE AND FAMILY—Alfred and Wanda Foster, Terra Lane, Carmyn Taylor-Jones and Jillanna Kyle-Lane SHARING A LAUGH—Dewitt Walton and Ralph P. Watson

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

RELIGION

DECEMBER 12-18, 2018 A7

Christmas is in the air, at Church of the Holy Cross

Praise & Worship ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH Crawford & Centre Ave. Pgh., PA 15219 412-281-3141 Mass Sunday 10:00 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 Prayer Service (Wed.) 7 p.m.

Curious about Quakerism?

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

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

LYNNETTE JONES, with 4-year-old Kassie Hopwood, left, and 3-year-old Kali Hopwood, during the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony recently held at Church of the Holy Cross in Homewood. (Photos by Courier photographer J.L. Martello)

Seminary at the Tabernacle 43 Belvedere St., Crafton, PA 15205 Sept. 10, 2018-May 16, 2019 Sr. Pastor Tony Armstead, MDiv Christian Leadership School (CLS) a Four-year Program currently offering Four non-credited courses in four years.

Teaching includes Doctorate and Master of Divinity Teachers.

When: Fluctuates Mon. or Thurs., 6:308:30pm Cost: $75 per class, plus any required books Contact: Rev. Marjorie Davis, Ph.D. 412335-2832

New Destiny CME Church 114 North Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412-231-7882 Rev. Kornelus Neal, pastor The Rt. Rev. Marvin Thomas Sr., presiding bishop Sunday School....................................9 A.M. Morning Worship Service............11:00 A.M.

THE LADIES who helped provide hot cocoa to the kids…

SYLVIA WILSON

Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community!

For rate information, call 412481-8302, ext.

128.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEXT CHURCH EVENT!

THE BRISSETT FAMILY, chillin’ with Santa Claus…

\We want to place your event in our Church Circuit weekly calendar!

Send info to: New Pittsburgh Courier 315 E. Carson St. Pittsburgh PA 15219

THE TREE LIGHTING outside Church of the Holy Cross…

ELIJAH LANE, PARYZ DENNISON

Or Email us! religion@ newpittsburgh courier.com

A8

PEOPLE

DECEMBER 12-18, 2018

DUSTIN GIBSON

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

REV. SHANEA LEONARD

YWCA Greater Pittsburgh’s 27th Annual Racial Justice Awards

ALL THE HONOREES—Seated, from left, are the five solo honorees: Rev. Shanea Leonard, Dustin Gibson, Barbara Morello, Nia Simone Arrington, Melanie Harrington. Also seated and standing are members of the “Culture Jam,” sponsored by The Ellis School.

YWCA Greater Pittsburgh’s 27th Annual Racial Justice Awards Luncheon celebrated the individuals and groups that have made lasting contributions to eliminate racial inequity in the region. The Nov. 15 event was

held at the Wyndham Grand Hotel, Downtown, with awardees Nia Simone Arrington (Youth Achievement), Barbara Morello (Public Health, Service, and Safety), Rev. Shanea D. Leonard (Faith), The Elllis School’s

BARBARA MORELLO, left, receives her award.

REV. SHANEA LEONARD

NIA SIMONE ARRINGTON

“Culture Jam” (Education), Dustin Gibson (Community Engagement), and Melanie Harrington (Business/Professional). Courier photographer J.L. Martello captured the event in pictures.

THE ELLIS SCHOOL’S “CULTURE JAM”

MELANIE HARRINGTON

BARBARA MORELLO

DUSTIN GIBSON

PEOPLE

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

DECEMBER 12-18, 2018

A9

Lending a helping hand—the Pittsburgh Ques’ mission First it was the Turkey Giveaway— next up, the Christmas Toy Giveaway

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

For Anthony Ringgold, seeing the smiles on the faces of those who received a turkey—or for that matter, a complete Thanksgiving meal—never gets old.

“It’s very gratifying because I’m a spiritual person and that’s what I believe part of the premise the Bible is built on, giving back to those who can’t do for themselves,” Ringgold said.

Ringgold, a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Iota Phi Chapter (Pittsburgh graduate chapter), just finished his second year as chair of the organization’s annual Thanksgiving Basket Turkey Giveaway.

The event is a staple in Pittsburgh’s African American community—more than 30 years the Pittsburgh Ques have been holding this event. When the event began back then, Ringgold

recalled, the organization gave out 60 turkeys.

This year, they gave out 500.

Ringgold said the organization provided 326 full Thanksgiving meals to 29 local social service organizations and churches, many of which know those who are most in need. The remaining 174 turkeys were given out during the Nov. 17 event at their Fraternity Center, 123 Meadow St., in Larimer.

“Back then (when Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., was founded in 1911), things weren’t equally yoked in our society. So for us as African American males, our task was to go to school and get educated, then go back to your community to provide uplift,” Ringgold told the New Pittsburgh Courier.

On Dec. 15, the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Iota Phi Chapter will hold its annual Christmas Toy

Giveaway, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Fraternity Center on Meadow Street. Santa Claus will be there to provide free toys, books and snacks, along with kids taking pictures with the Big Fella. All children must be present and accompanied by a parent or guardian to receive toys. The toys will be given to children ages 1-11. No pre-registration is needed.

“Something we take for granted, like a turkey (or toys), it goes a long way for someone who doesn’t have one,” Ringgold said. “They can become depressed, or suicidal, so many things that go through people’s minds during the holidays.”

What the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Iota Phi Chapter provides with their social action programs, Ringgold said, can be summed up in one word: “Uplift.”

“I believe it goes a long way,” he said.

TURKEY GIVEAWAY—Plenty of people received a free turkey for the Thanksgiving holiday, thanks to the Thanksgiving Basket Turkey Giveaway, sponsored by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Iota Phi Chapter, Nov. 17, in Larimer. (Photos by Courier photographer Dayna Delgado)

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PEOPLE

DECEMBER 12-18, 2018

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Briana White’s Top 5 restaurants to take a date in Pittsburgh 2018 EDITION

The Courier’s food/restaurant critic explores everything from rib-eye steak to blueberry thyme martinis

by Briana L. White For New Pittsburgh Courier

“Cuffing Season” is upon us once again. What’s cuffing season? Well, according to the Urban Dictionary, it occurs during the fall and winter months and notes that people who would normally choose to be single find themselves desiring to be “cuffed” or “tied down” in a serious relationship.

With that being said, Netflix & Chill invitations are at an all-time high, but I urge you to decline most of the offers and instead insist on being taken out on a real date. I love date nights with my boyfriend, it’s a great way to reconnect.

I am here to give you my first-ever edition of what I believe are Pittsburgh’s best places for a date.

Whether you want to impress with a fancy restaurant, have a casual lunch or just sip some drinks, I got you covered. And make no mistake, this list is good for new couples, “friends with benefits” and married folk alike.

Oh, You Fancy Huh? How about being greeted at your seat with a glass of champagne? That’s what you get at Siempre Algo, located at 414 E. Ohio St. on the North Side. The intimate dining area sets the mood for romance. The menu is small, but the flavors are huge! During my date we shared the ceviche appetizer, it was fresh and flavorful, a great start to our meal. For my entrée, I decided on the rib-eye steak, served with roasted fingerling potatoes, wilted greens and chimichurri.

The steak was one of the best I’ve ever had. The seasoning on it was sent directly from heaven. It was tender, juicy, medium rare, in other words—PERFECTION! We also had one cocktail each and shared a dessert. The total with tax and tip was about $120.

Worth the Drive….

What better way to connect with your boo, then to take a nice drive to Washington, Pa.! A 40-minute drive from Pittsburgh will get you to Al’ an Rubens Bar & Grill, at 2390 Jefferson Ave., and it will be worth every second you spent on the road. This award-winning restaurant is my go-to for a great date and other celebratory events. They specialize in Italian comfort food but give a soulful twist to classic dishes. One of my favorite appetizers is the Mozzarella in Carozza, which is mozzarella inside of Italian bread that’s breaded and deep fried and topped with a Parmesan cream sauce.

“It’s like a grilled cheese on steroids,” says Owner and Head Chef, Alan Collins.

The restaurant always has daily specials and if you have a sweet tooth, check out the cheesecakes. They currently have over 170 varieties and offer a different one every day. In addition to the amazing menu, they have live entertainment a few days per month. A complete meal (appetizer, cocktails, entrees and dessert) for two will cost about $80.

Surf & Turf Coast & Main Seafood + Chop House, 705 Mall Circle Dr. in Monroeville, is taking Surf & Turf to new levels, with their wide range of meat, poultry and seafood. Their vast menu offerings will allow each of you to find something you will enjoy. I started by ordering one of their signature cocktails, the blueberry thyme martini, and loved it. For dinner I ordered a

MOZZARELLA IN CAROZZA FROM AL’ AN RUBENS signature seafood dish, the jumbo stuffed shrimp.

The shrimp is stuffed with Dungeness crab filling and is coated with lemon butter.

My boyfriend ordered the salmon and we shared a massive twice baked potato. All their seafood is flown in fresh daily! Not only did I enjoy my meal, the bread service was equally delicious. They came to the table with a basket filled with three different freshly baked breads; a pretzel bun, Italian, and a cranberry & date. I literally tried to consume the entire basket!

Our meal with tax/tip was $130.

Dine on a Dime Perhaps for a first date, you just wanna do a casual lunch. You are tired of the mundane fast food choices and are looking for something to get your MCM (Man Crush Monday) or WCW (Women Crush Wednesday) taste buds jumping. Head to Cilantro & Ajo at 901 E. Carson St. on the South Side for authentic, Venezuelan street fare. The inside of the restaurant boasts vibrant colors and lively music. I

JUMBO STUFFED SHRIMP FROM COAST & MAIN

have been drawn to the daily lunch specials—each special has been served with their delicious rice, black beans, sweet plantains and a protein. They also have a variation of menu items such as arepas, empanadas and tostadas.

These affordable options will cost no more than $20 for the two of you, so you’ll leave with a full belly and wallet.

Drinks on Me Going out for drinks can take the pressure off a first date or can be a great idea for long-term couples to

RIB-EYE STEAK FROM SIEMPRE ALGO

relax after a long day. One of the coolest, or should I say hottest places in Pittsburgh to grab a drink is at Mixtape, 4907 Penn Ave. This cocktail lounge mixes up great drinks and plays dope music, the vibe is chill and hip (hop) at the same time. During the night, you’ll probably hear Tupac, Biggie, Run DMC and other legendary artists. Plus, they have board games, so you can see how competitive your boo is. Get comfy on a couch, enjoy the complimentary popcorn and prepare to have a great

evening. The cocktails range from about $9-13.

So, a couple drinks per person will only set you back 50 bucks or less and taxes and gratuities are already included in the price. If you still insist on leaving a tip, it will be donated to a local charity.

With these suggestions, you’ll be cuddled up in no time, and who knows, you may not need to recruit for next season. For the longtime love birds, dating should still be a part of your life—it’s always important to keep the spark alive.

STEWED BEEF AND POTATOES FROM CILANTRO & AJO

The Top 5 restaurants to take a date in the ‘Burgh According to Briana L. White

Siempre Algo—414 E. Ohio St., North Side Al’ an Rubens Bar & Grill—2390 Jefferson Ave., Washington, Pa. Coast & Main Seafood + Chop House—705 Mall Circle Dr., Monroeville Cilantro & Ajo—901 E. Carson St., South Side Mixtape—4907 Penn Ave., East End

COOKIES AND CREAM CHEESECAKE FROM AL’ AN RUBENS

PURPLE RAIN FROM MIXTAPE

BUSINESS New Pittsburgh Courier

Tomlin shouldn’t be on the hot seat, says Aubrey Bruce Sports B8

DECEMBER 12-18, 2018

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

Smart ways to rein in holiday spending

by Liz Weston For New Pittsburgh Courier

The holidays are a huge deal in the Weston household—and every year, the expenses threatened to gallop out of control.

Keeping the holiday joyous and less stressful means keeping a firm rein on our spending. Here’s what we do, as well as smart frugal tips from others: BUDGET FOR EVERY EXPENSE By early November, I set up a spreadsheet with budgeted amounts for: •Gifts, with names and how much we expect to spend on each person.

•Holiday tips, again with names and amounts.

•Travel expenses, including gas, hotel and meals.

•The tree, lights and other decorations.

•Food, drinks and treats for holiday gatherings.

•Holiday cards, postage and wrapping supplies.

Spreadsheets aren’t exactly warm, fuzzy and cinnamon-scented. But they allow us to see our total expected holiday spending and to make adjustments as necessary.

(Adjustments are always necessary.)

We’ve used various ideas over the years to curb expenses, as our fortunes and the size SEE SPENDING B2

KEYNOTE SPEAKER—African American Chamber Board Chair Samuel Stephenson and President and CEO Doris Carson Williams present luncheon speaker Leroy Ball, center, with a commemorative glass key. (Photos by J.L. Martello)

Leroy Ball talks corporate commitment to diversify at Chamber luncheon

by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer

African American Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Doris Carson Williams wanted an event that celebrated the chamber’s 20th year of serving Pittsburgh’s Black business community—and she certainly got it with her 20th annual business luncheon, Dec. 6, at the Omni William Penn Hotel.

More than 300 of the chamber’s friends, supporters and members crowded the ballroom to hear about the new partnerships like those with Gateway Capital and the Junior Chamber of Commerce initiative CORPORATE COMMITMENT—Koppers Inc. President and CEO Leroy Ball with the Community Col- pushes plans to create a pipeline of diverse business talent at the African American Chamber of Commerce Annual Luncheon, Dec. 6. lege of Allegheny County.

But they also heard something else, an entertaining and thoughtful keynote address by a young man who grew up in Monaca. He was the first in his family to graduate from high school, which is no longer there.

He went to Florida International University in Miami, Fla., on a baseball scholarship, with visions of the big leagues, but he blew out his arm. Luckily, he’d listen to people who said to have a backup plan—his was in accounting, which led him to finance and executive positions at Dravo and then Calgon Carbon.

Now, 30 years later, he is in the big leagues—he’s Leroy Ball, the President and SEE BALL B2

Classifieds

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

B

Charlene Crowell

Commentary

Don’t let small dollar loans ruin your holidays In this wonderful time of the year when family and friends gather in good cheer to celebrate the holidays, nearly everyone has a number of lists. From greeting cards to shopping for gifts, decorations and more, lists are made and reviewed to keep pace with the barrage of seasonal activities.

But if holiday lists seem bigger than budgets, turning to a high-interest, “small dollar” loan can turn joy and merriment into a financial quagmire. The good news is that holiday financial hangovers that predatory lenders give do not need to be a part of your celebrations.

Just keep walking or drive past the brightly-colored signs advertising high-interest, small dollar loans. Both payday and car title loans can provide quick cash; but the harms these loans create will likely linger well past the win-

ter’s cold. In truth, these predatory loans often lead to consumers paying more in interest and fees than for the money borrowed.

Research by the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) has found that predatory payday loans drain $4.1 billion in fees from consumers annually—borrowers who typically are unable to fully repay the original loan, usually in two weeks’ time. With average annual interest rates averaging 391 percent, 75 percent of all payday loans go to borrowers with more than 10 loans a year.

Like payday loans, car title loans are often marketed as an easy way to get cash without a credit check—but with interest rates that tend to be 20-30 times higher than that of credit cards. The average car title loan of about $1,000 can only be secured by signing a personally-owned car as collateral. Further, the loan may only be a fraction of the marketable value of the vehicle. While the lender holds on to a car title, the borrower is faced with triple-digit interest and, in one of five cases, a whopping 20 percent, the loss of personal transportation.

As harmful as payday and car title loans are, other seemingly harmful small dollar transactions can also cause financial havoc.

If you believe pre-paid cards will always avoid financial rip-offs, think again.

Before paying cash for this convenient form of plastic, read all of the fine print that explains the terms and fees that come with its usage. Terms and options can and do vary significantly. Many include a range SEE LOANS B2

They couldn’t find beauty tutorials for Black skin, so they made their own

by Sandra E. Garcia For New Pittsburgh Courier

(Black Press USA)—Women are not born knowing how to do a flawless cat eye or a shadowy, smoky eye, so they often turn to makeup tutorials on YouTube. A search for “smoky eye” pulls up endless videos showing how to perfectly blend eye shadows to achieve the look.

Simple.

But what if you had dark skin and most of the videos showed lighter-skinned women applying hues that would make you look as if you had a black eye? What if you couldn’t relate to these women, because you couldn’t see yourself in them?

The answer to that is also simple: You make your own YouTube channel.

That is what Jackie Aina, 31, Monica Veloz, 26, and Nyma Tang, 27, did. The three women collectively have nearly four million YouTube subscribers, with Ms. Aina alone having over two million.

The women, all self-taught, turn on their cameras at home, and show us how to put on foundation, apply lashes and highlight our cheekbones, step by step. They teach us what tools to use and which hair products work.

“I think everyone looks for someone that

looks like them,” Ms. Tang said. “I was definitely looking for that, especially on YouTube, and it was hard to find tutorials on products for women with deeper skin.”

The beauty bloggers provide darker-skinned women with something they may not have a tutorial for: the confidence to wear bold colors, to stand up to haters, and, more important, to choose how they present themselves.

They try different makeup brands to show that they do work on dark skin or, of course, that they don’t. They teach women not to be afraid of color, like red lipstick, bright yellow eye shadow or holographic highlights.

Their videos and social media posts are finding an audience of Black women who are ready to spend money on beauty products, studies show, but have few choices to pick from.

“Most beauty launches never worked for me,” Ms. Tang said.

“A lot of times they don’t want to take the time to make the product,” Ms. Veloz said, adding that beauty companies often treat women with darker skin as “an afterBEAUTY BLOGGERS—The beauty industry often shuts out women with darker complexions, but thought.”

Nyma Tang, Monica Veloz and Jackie Aina are video bloggers working to change that. From left: (This article originally appeared in the Chicago Nyma Tang; Juan Veloz; Angela Marklew Crusader.)

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BUSINESS

DECEMBER 12-18, 2018

Smart ways to rein in holiday spending SPENDING FROM B1

of family gatherings change.

One year the adults drew names for gifts. We’ve also asked friends and more distant relatives to exchange cards instead of presents.

We set an overall budget for our daughter’s presents, then have her prioritize her wish list. Learning to prioritize is an important life skill, so this exercise does double parenting duty.

CHECK THE ‘CUSHIONS’ Remember the days when you ransacked the couch cushions for loose change?

There are better places to hunt for forgotten money.

Some places to look: YOUR GIFT CARD STASH. Pass them along, use them to buy presents or cash them in at sites such as Gift Card Granny or Raise.

CREDIT CARD REWARDS. Rewards points can be used to buy gift cards and merchandise. We typically use our rewards for travel, but I sometimes turn points from little-used or orphaned accounts into gift cards.

THE COIN JAR. Some banks and credit unions will count change for free, or you can use the CoinStar machines found at many grocery and drugstores. We avoid CoinStar’s exchange fee by opting for electronic gift cards from Amazon, Starbucks and other retailers.

THE GIFT STASH. Surely I’m not the only person to tuck away the perfect gift for someone, only to find it years later. Now I keep a bin in the closet to stash presents year-round. The bin also includes some all-purpose gifts (candles, scented soaps, fancy corkscrews) that can be used to thank a hostess or give to the friend who ignored the “no gifts this year” agreement.

THE HEIRLOOMS. Consider passing along a treasured object while you’re still around to enjoy the recipients’ pleasure.

It could be something you inherited or that the other

person admired: a piece of artwork or jewelry, a beloved toy, a musical instrument, a grandparent’s toolbox or baking supplies.

TAKE A HATCHET TO OTHER EXPENSES Our holiday spending surge requires cutting other expenses to keep our budget in balance. Ahead of the holidays, we: •Eat out less and plan meals that mostly use items from our pantry.

•Scour our recurring bills for possible savings, such as pausing subscriptions or canceling an unused gym membership.

•Look for cheap entertainment, such as free community concerts or baking cookies with friends.

We’re also changing how we make charitable donations, since the 2017 tax overhaul likely means we’ll no longer get a tax deduction. Instead of rushing to make big year-end contributions, we’ve set up monthly payments to our favorite charities. That provides them with a steady source of income and avoids another big December dent in our budget.

KEEP THE BUDGET UPDATED A budget should be a living document, regularly updated and adjusted. I log our spending every week or so and use apps such as Santa’s Bag or Christmas List that I can update on my phone.

This approach does more than keep us honest about our spending. At the end of the season, I have a realistic idea of how much to save for next year. I divide that total by 12, and set up a monthly transfer to an online savings account labeled “Christmas.” Having the money to pay for the holidays in cash every year may be the best gift of all.

(This column was provided to The Associated Press by the personal finance website NerdWallet . Liz Weston is a columnist at NerdWallet, a certified financial planner and author of “Your Credit Score.”)

Don’t let small dollar Loans ruin your holidays LOANS FROM B1

of fees from activation, to learning your current balances, reloading monies and in some cases fees for inactivity. By the time all applicable fees are assessed, the amount of money actually available on that prepaid card can shrink and shortchange how far it can help on purchases.

Similarly, the convenience of debit cards can easily trigger overdraft charges for consumers with slim or no checking account cushions. CRL research has shown that although overdraft fees vary by institution, the average $35 overdraft fee on a debit card is double the amount of the

overdraft itself. Banks engage in a range of unfair and deceptive tactics to maximize these fees, which can amount to hundreds of dollars over the course of just a day or two--talk about a holiday damper.

Too many overdrafts can lead to involuntary account closures.

This holiday season try adding a full measure of practical sense to help your dollars preserve the spirit and joy of the season -- it only comes once a year!

(Charlene Crowell is the Communications Deputy Director with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at: Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org.)

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

See the big picture before jumping into business

by Stephenetta (isis) Harmon For New Pittsburgh Courier

There’s no denying that small business ownership is on the rise amongst African Americans. In Minnesota alone, people of color have become the fastest growing demographic in the state, according to a 2017 survey by the Aspen Institute in Washington, D.C. Black business ownership, along with its benefits—financial freedom, legacy, self-empowerment—is not a new conversation.

How people are approaching it is.

“The landscape has definitely changed,” said Nerita Hughes, dean of business, technology, career, and workforce development at North Hennepin Community College.

Just a generation ago, she said, the thinking was to go to school, get a degree, and “position yourself for a corporate job or a job that’s going to see you above and beyond ‘let’s just pay the bills,’” she explained.

Now she’s hearing, “‘I don’t want to have to work for somebody else and build somebody else’s empire. I want to be able to build my own. I want to be able to utilize my skills and take it to the next level.’”

It is also easier to start a business now than ever before, said Uzoma Abasi, Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce (MBCC) president, about the boom in ownership. “You don’t need to pay a lawyer thousands of dollars to set up your LLC. You can go to a website, for instance the State of Minnesota [website], and set it up yourself,” said Abasi.

“A lot of the barriers to starting a business have gone down, and that’s allowing us to not feel like it’s not for us. When you see someone that looks like you doing something, it makes it okay for you to do it.”

Hughes said that access to information is the biggest paradigm shift. She reports seeing an increase in Black students, especially women, seeking advice for launching businesses post-graduation. “They are not necessarily wanting to pursue and confer their degree to get this bigger and better, greater job. It’s more so to [get] collateral and credentials to validate [their] business.

“They know that once they get out there and they start trying to brand themselves, the first thing people are gonna jump to is credentials: What validates you to do what you’re doing? That is not the conversation that we were having, I would say 10, 15 years ago.”

Black women account for nearly 60 percent of all Black business ownership

and, according to a 2015 report by American Express, have seen a 322 percent increase in ownership between 1997 and 2015.

“The growth is empowering,” said Abasi. “Everyone talks about how quickly the Black dollar gets circulated outside of the community. But, being able to see that Black face when you walk into Golden Thyme or wherever it may be that you visit and you spend your dollars, it’s empowering to know that you took a step in the right direction at cor-

businesses lacking access to a funding network.

“When it comes to startups, [the biggest challenge] is having that capital,” said Abasi. “So, we end up with businesses that take little capital to start and get stuck in the same industries.”

Many small businesses also report a lack of knowledge of educational services and resources.

“There are a lot of organizations where people like us don’t know they exist,” said Lili Hall, CEO, and president of Knock Creative

recting those headlines.”

Just celebrating the creation of a new business, however, doesn’t fund it or keep it going. “The idea of me having my own, I think we take that idea and run with it,” said Hughes. “But there’s also the other factors that come with it.

“That is definitely a shift of people realizing ‘I need to be looking at everything,’” This includes the greater picture of ownership, feasibility and market analyses.

“Who else is doing what you’re trying to do?” Hughes asked a student who was exploring business options.

“What’s going to make you stand out? What’s your value proposition? What’s your brand? It was almost like the light bulb went off.

“The average business we know is going to fold or flourish in five years; but for us [African Americans], it’s less than five years, because we’re already somewhat starting off [with] a deficit.”

The rates of survival are skewed. Some research shows that just 20 percent of new businesses survive past their first year of operation. The Small Business Administration (SBA) says it’s 50 percent, with close to 66 percent of those who remain? making it through their second year. That’s easy to track for a restaurant or other brick-andmortar enterprises, but what about pop-up shop vendors and freelancers?

Despite an increase in ownership, Black-owned businesses account for less than seven percent of all businesses, although Blacks make up 13 percent of the population. That is due in part, said Abasi, to Black

Agency, who is a client of the Metropolitan Economic Development Association (Meda). She told MSR contributor Judith Hence she learned of the organization while working with another Meda client.

“When you start a business, your head is in the sand and you’re just trying to survive,” said Hall. “You don’t know what you need.”

Meda’s services include a Mini-MBA program, along with other services designed to help create growth strategies, navigate paperwork, and avoid common stumbling blocks.

Abasi said the MBCC is

a viable resource, as well.

“We provide business education, we have a loan fund, and we provide business and sponsorship opportunities for all members,” as well as advocating policies for businesses.

He said the chamber is also in the midst of finalizing a plan to provide more service and marketing opportunities, including revamping its business directory. “We want to create a model for the nation.”

Hughes frequently refers students to resources via the Northside Economic Opportunity Network (NEON), where she sits on the board.

NEON provides entrepreneurship training to help build and support businesses owned by lower-income Northside residents.

“They have what’s called TAB [Thinking About Business] workshops and give you some idea if [business ownership] is the route that you want to go. And they can speak more from a holistic perspective…and you actually will have a business advisor [and talk through] how are you designing your business. What are some of the things that you need to know? So if you don’t have a clue or if you’re not even thinking about that, then how are you going to start something?”

Hughes also refers prospective entrepreneurs to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, which has resources to promote business recruitment, expansion, and retention.

“I try to give them as much information that they can have up front as they’re thinking about it, versus ‘I’m going to jump in with both feet and sink or swim.’”

BUSINESS CALENDAR Women Business Leaders Breakfast

JAN 11—The Chatham Women’s Business Center’s breakfast series presents Effective Advertising For Your Business, 7:30 to 9 a.m. at the James Laughlin Music Center on the Shadyside Campus. Hear from a panel of experts in newspaper, magazine, radio, and cable about their demographics and their efforts to reach consumers with effective advertisements to understand how to best leverage their networks for your business. Cost: $25, $12 for students and veterans. For more information or to register, call 412-365-1448.

Financing Webinar

JAN. 23—The Chatham Women’s Business Center will host The State of Small Business Lending-Funding Options to Grow your Business webinar, 12 to 1 p.m. Honeycomb Credit Founder George Cook will discuss trends in traditional bank lending and offer an analysis of the increasingly complicated network of alternative lenders while highlighting the pros and cons of various funding options. This online session is free, but registration is required.

Call 412-365-1448 for more information.

Exit Planning Training Event

JAN. 25—The Duquesne University Small Business Development Center will offer a full day training session on Exit Planning For Your Business, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 108 Rockwell Hall, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh 15282. The in-depth session will cover methods for preserving a company’s value, finding a business appraiser, lessening taxes, the pros and cons of different ways to sell a business, and a host of other topics. Cost: $599, includes breakfast and lunch. For more information, call 412-396-6233

Ball talks corporate commitment BALL FROM B1

CEO of Koppers Inc.—and he can still pitch.

“Coming from low economic status, I’ve really been very lucky and had a lot of help getting to reach beyond where I thought I’d be,” he said. “Now it’s my turn to help others reach beyond their dreams.”

When he says others, he specifically means African Americans, women and other minorities who have not joined in Pittsburgh’s transformation. And he has started by diversifying Koppers.

He implemented the Rooney Rule and hired an outside search firm to handle filling new executive and board openings with diverse candidates. That has recently yielded three new diverse board members, he said. He apologized to Carson Williams for one of them missing the luncheon.

“I’m sorry Dave Motley (founder and managing partner of Blue Tree Venture Fund) couldn’t be here,” he said. “He normal-

ly would, but he’s going through board training right now.”

But building a diverse workforce takes a bit more time, he said.

“We have to be more intentional about hiring women. So we’ve established (employee resource groups), and we’re looking to re-hire women who’ve

taken a career break for family,” he said. “Diversity doesn’t just happen, so we have to support building the pipeline that creates a diverse pool of potential employees and executives.”

That’s why Koppers supports the Pittsburgh Promise and schools like Nazareth Prep, which has an internship program that

places students in a variety of corporate settings; law firms, health insurers, or even the leading manufacturer of commercial sealants in the world— Koppers.

“We have about a dozen interns right now, and it’s great. They get to learn, and we get an audition,” he said.

UPSCALE UPGRADE—Koppers Inc. President and CEO Leroy Ball receives a gift of cufflinks from Chamber President and CEO Doris Carson Williams. (Photo by J.L. Martello)

OPINION

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Guest Editorial

George H.W. Bush’s mixed legacy on race Should former President George H.W. Bush be remembered as an ally of Black Americans and an advocate for civil rights?

Let’s review the record of Bush, who died last week at the age of 94 and had a political career that spanned decades.

Bush was a “vastly under-appreciated friend” of historically Black colleges and universities, longtime Hampton University President William Harvey said in an interview with Philadelphia Tribune staff writer John N. Mitchell.

HBCUs received $776 million in federal funds in 1989 and $894 million in 1990, an increase of $118 million in just two years, said Harvey, who served on the President’s Advisory Panel on HBCUs. He said Bush encouraged the development of the 15-member HBCU consortium, which had been awarded $4.3 million to increase the number of African-Americans scientists, engineers and other professionals in the growing fields of environmental restoration and waste management.

As president, Bush appointed Blacks to high-ranking positions. He appointed Gen. Colin Powell as the first Black chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Dr. Louis Sullivan, founding president of the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, as secretary of health and human services.

However, as Associated Press reporter Errin Haines Whack pointed out in an article last week, the nation’s 41st president has a conflicted legacy on race issues.

“Lionized upon his death as a man of decency and civility, Bush has a mixed and complicated legacy which it comes to race,” said Whack.

“Intellectually and emotionally, he was somebody who was civil-rights minded,” said Rice University historian Douglas Brinkley in the report by Whack. “Bush wanted to see himself as being a man devoid of racism. But the reality is that Bush often had to do dog whistles and appeal to less enlightened Americans on race.”

Bush got elected president after a campaign marked by the infamous Willie Horton ad, about a Black murderer who raped a White woman while on a weekend furlough from prison.

The TV spot about the Massachusetts inmate was produced by Bush supporters during his 1988 presidential campaign against Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis. It was widely condemned as racist and is regarded three decades later as one of the most extreme attack ads in modern political history.

The Bush campaign disavowed the ad at the time, but Bush’s chief strategist, Lee Atwater, successfully exploited its message to paint Dukakis as soft on crime.

Bush replaced civil rights hero Thurgood Marshall on the Supreme Court with Clarence Thomas, a Black conservative whose views are at odds with those of much of Black America.

Thomas has ruled against affirmative action and voted to end key protections in the Voting Rights Act. Throughout his long political career, Bush was inconsistent on civil rights issues. His father, Prescott Bush, however, showed remarkable political courage and consistency.

Prescott Bush was a moderate Republican senator from Connecticut who championed desegregation of schools and expanding civil rights.

As a student at Yale University, George H.W. Bush started a chapter of the United Negro College Fund and helped to raise money for the scholarship program benefiting African-American students.

Yet during his first, losing bid for Congress in Texas in 1964, he criticized his opponent’s support for the Civil Rights Act, legislation many in his home state opposed.

“The new Civil Rights Act was passed to protect 14 percent of the people. I’m also worried about the other 86 percent,” Bush said after the measure became law.

He won election to Congress two years later and went on to support the Fair Housing Act of 1968, signed into law

by President Lyndon Johnson a week after the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination.

In 1990, Bush vetoed a civil rights bill. Advocates of the measure argued it would help combat employment discrimination. The White House contended it would have incentivized “hiring and promotion quotas.”

The following year, Bush signed a scaled-back version of the legislation.

Harvard University historian Leah Wright Rigueur is right in saying said that, ultimately, Bush is hard to pin down on race.

“Bush helped pave the way for the modern Republican Party we see now,” she said. “He gives us Clarence Thomas, but he also gives us Colin Powell. That’s his signature, that he plays both sides of the game.”

(Reprinted from the Philadelphia Tribune)

Founded 1910

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

Rob Taylor Jr.

Jeff Marion

Office Manager

Managing Editor

Circulation Consultant

John. H. Sengstacke

Editor & Publisher Emeritus (1912-1997)

DECEMBER 12-18, 2018

B3

Incoming house majority’s agenda must include the Main Street Marshall Plan (TriceEdneyWire.com)—“America is already a great country: our challenge is to make its greatness apply fairly and equitably to all of its people. As the only Member of elected Leadership from a red state and largely rural district, I will work tirelessly to be a voice for the millions of Americans who feel left out and communities that are too often left behind.”—Newly-elected House Majority Whip Rep. James Clyburn The pending Democratic takeover of the U.S. House of Representatives marks a major turning point, perhaps far more significant than most Americans realize. For the last two years, the current Administration has careened, unchecked, through a series of misguided policy mishaps, from family separations at the border to emboldening White nationalists and neo-Nazis, and mangling the response to Hurricane Maria.

The Administration’s signature achievement, a massive tax shift to benefit corporations and the wealthiest Americans, serves only to worsen income inequality and explode the federal deficit.

The clear mission of the incoming Congress is not only to put a halt to the Administration’s misguided agenda but to advance an agenda aimed at reducing inequality, expanding opportunity and enforcing civil rights and racial justice.

An encouraging sign that the Democratic majority does intend to advance such an agenda was the unveiling of a legislative package—known as H.B. 1, to emphasize its importance—reforming the nation’s political processes.

Marc H. Morial

To Be Equal The bill includes new donor disclosure requirements for political organizations, public financing for political campaigns, a mandatory Supreme Court ethical code, expansion of access to the polls and a reduction of partisan gerrymandering.

We believe H.B. 1 is a good start.

Among the other issues the incoming House majority must address on Day 1 are: increasing the federal minimum wage and indexing it to inflation, strengthening and restoring the Affordable Care Act, a comprehensive and targeted infrastructure bill and protection for “Dreamers” – young immigrants covered by Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

The most significant and impactful initiatives the new House majority could adopt, which includes much of the above, can be found in the National Urban League’s Main Street Marshall Plan, a comprehensive blueprint addressing lack of opportunity and economic inequality in America’s urban communities.

Elements of the Main Street Marshall Plan were introduced as part of a major legislative proposal introduced by members of the Congressional Black Caucus earlier this year.

The Congressional Black Caucus’ Jobs and Justice Act includes Main Street Marshall Plan proposals addressing investment in public schools and infrastructure, a living wage for all Americans, restorative justice for ex-offenders, and tax incentives for hiring young people, veterans, and the unemployed.

It’s significant that the incoming Congress is the most racially and culturally diverse in history, including first Native American congresswomen and the first Muslim congresswomen. The practical effect of such diversity is that Congress can more truly represent the interests of all its citizens—not just the wealthy, White men who still make up its largest contingent.

In an open letter to her colleagues, incoming Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi wrote, “It is my hope that as we deliver on our For The People agenda—lower health costs, higher wages by rebuilding America and restoring integrity in government—we do so in a way that will address economic disparity in this Country. This Freshman Class has also made integrity in government its priority, supporting H.R. 1, in our Better Deal for Our Democracy. As Justice Brandeis said, ‘We may have democracy, or we may have wealth concentrated in the hands of a few, but we can’t have both.’”

We look forward to working with Rep. Pelosi and her colleagues on both sides of the aisle to restore integrity to government and create economic, educational and social opportunity for all Americans.

Countdown to hope and change again!

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—Do you remember how much we looked forward to hope and change when President Barack Obama was running for office? As I talk with people daily, they long for those days and wish Barack Obama and Michelle Obama could return to the White House. Some even wish they could return with Michelle being President! I must confess that I’m among the dreamers!

Let’s be real because I doubt that the Obamas would want to return after all they had to endure. They’ve given us as much hope and change as we should expect of them. We loved what they did and we’re most grateful for their service.

Now, we must find our hope and change some place else. In an email conversation with my good friend Frank Watkins, he was clear in showing us where we might find a bit of hope and change, but it won’t be in the White House soon. That’s not before January when the Democratic Party takes over the House and will be able to stop some of the craziness we’re having to endure.

Some of the things Frank said are: “Republicans want policies and programs that they argue will stimulate the economy from the top down—supply side economics—and by spending lavishly on the military to provide national security. They want to give tax cuts to the rich and corporations. 82 percent of their… tax cuts in the 115th Congress went to the top 1 percent and 63 percent went to the top .01 percent—with

ocrats (should) want investment in the present and the future based on everyone and all businesses and financial institutions paying their fair share of taxes so the nation can make investments in jobs and job training, education, infrastructure, health care, housing, inner city public transportation, modernization of all forms of rail transportation, modernization of airports the idea that jobs and income will and air travel, a significant raise in trickle down to the middle class, the minimum wage ($15 per hour working Americans and the poor. and indexed to future inflation), Republicans want to reduce spend- voting rights, voter education and ing (except for the military, which voter participation, investments they always want to be high) and in the environment in the form of government (except when it comes clean ups and renewable energy, to controlling a woman’s body and investments in science, technology, choice) at all levels, and/or destroy space exploration and more. The (e.g., Steve Bannon) the “Adresult would be economic stimuministrative Accounts (MSA) for lation and more balanced growth health care; vouchers for private that created good paying jobs both and parochial schools; gradually now and in the future and would eliminating all public and subsiresult in added tax revenues so dized housing and privatizing it, we can increase investments in beginning with Section 8 housing; popular government programs privatizing retirement accounts (e.g., Social Security and Medicare) through Wall Street investments; and services , all of which would contractors—i.e., there were more reduce dependency on many govprivate contractors in Iraq and ernment “welfare” programs (e.g., Afghanistan than U.S. military unemployment compensation, Food personnel. These priorities have Stamps) and a faster reduction in always resulted in increased budthe nation’s budget deficits and get deficits and an expansion of the national debt.” national debt.”

If the Democrats do the above, On the other hand, we look forwith the help of a few others, we’ll ward to the hope and change the get back a measure of the hope and Democrats can and should bring change we knew before November 6, to us. “That should include policies 2016. and programs that stimulate the (Dr. E. Faye Williams, national president economy from the bottom up. Dem- of the National Congress of Black Women.)

Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.

Commentary

Don’t let police keep secrets in their shooting of a Black man at Alabama mall (TriceEdneyWire.com)—This week, I attended the funeral service for a 21-year-old young man, Emantic “EJ” Bradford, Jr. He was shot three times in the back by police in a Birmingham, Alabama, shopping mall on Thanksgiving night.

The police were responding to a fight and shots that injured two people.

Witnesses have said EJ was trying to help people escape from danger. The police claimed he was brandishing a gun (for which he had a permit) and shot him without warning. “That boy didn’t shoot at nobody,” said an onlooker as the police crowded over Bradford bleeding to death in the mall.

“They just killed that Black boy for no reason.” Bradford, the youngest son of a military family—his father was a Marine—was working full-time, helping to support his family. The family has asked for the release of any information on the shooting, including video from body cameras. The police department has refused, saying that the shooting is under investigation. Once more, there is justifiable fear that the police are closing ranks, using secrecy and false statements to subvert justice and protect their own.

EJ Bradford’s death is an unspeakable horror, yet one that we witness far too often. He is one of more than 850 people who have been shot and killed by the police in the United

Jesse Jackson Sr.

Commentary States this year, and the most recent victim of racial violence at the hands of the police. The NRA keeps saying that a “good man with a gun” can help prevent mass shootings. Clearly, not if that good man is an African American.

Even with a permit to carry and an intent to help the innocent get away, young African American men become, without warning, the targets and the victims of police.

We have been here before, too many times. Trayvon Martin was shot and killed walking home in Florida. Michael Brown was shot, and his body left to rot in the middle of a Ferguson, Missouri street. In Chicago, there were “16 shots and a 400-day cover-up” of the murder of Laquan McDonald.

The list of victims of what, sadly, is a violence fueled by racism and protected by political indifference is much too long. Who will force accountability and reform? In one of

his first and last efforts in office, former Attorney General Jeff Beauregard Sessions III gutted the Justice Department initiative, ramped up under the Obama administration, to use court-ordered consent decrees to force reform of police practices. Who will police the police? The current Justice Department has chosen to perversely shirk its responsibility.

EJ Bradford deserves justice. His family deserves a full and thorough and public investigation. They deserve to see what information is known about the killing of their child.

The officer involved should be investigated and prosecuted under the law. I share the pain and anger about the violent death of EJ. If the Justice Department will not act, and the police investigation is secreted away, the people must act to ensure that justice is done. I say to those who would protest, please do so in a non-violent and disciplined way.

His mother, overcome with grief, said: “My son was a loving, very loving young man. He would give any of you the shirt off his back. And that’s true. He loved people, period. He was not a killer.” We should honor his spirit, even as we demand justice.

We ask of the police only that you do your job. Serve and protect. And release the tapes.

CLASSIFIED New Pittsburgh Courier

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DECEMBER 12-18, 2018

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

AUBERLE Healing Children & Families

MANAGER - WAY

Since 1952, Auberle has been dedicated to transforming the lives of children, youth & families. Auberle is a nationally recognized human service agency serving 4,000+ children & families each year.

Currently hiring for: •Case Manager – FT Housing Case Aide/Driver - PT SNAP Case Aide/Driver – PT •412 Youth Zone Coach – FT •412 Mobile Outreach Youth Coach - FT outh Care Workers –FT/PT Night Monitors - FT f you are highly motivated, passionate about youth & interested in making a difference, visit www. auberle.org to apply. EOE

COST ESTIMATOR

MB nstalled Services, nc. (Pittsburgh, PA) to be respnsbl for cost estmtns for projects by anlzng proposals, blueprints rqrmnts. ob duties: prep. downloading work/ labor/material/ cmptng costs to be estimated by gathering and analyzing blueprints, specs & related docs; rslvng discrepancies by cllctng anlzng info submitting RF ’s presenting prepared estimate by assmblng & displng numerical & descriptive info; prep. reports by collecting, anlzng & summrzng info & trends; mntng cost data base; prfrmng dtld drawing & specs review prfrmng dtld quantity takeoff & unit price estmtng; logistics studies for gnrl cndtns pricing; bldng the bid day closing sheet & bid recap scope sheets accounting; creating bid slctns & instrctns to bidders; prfrmng constructability review.

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Construction Management, Civil Engineering or a related discipline.

Must know (through academic training or work experience) estimating cost of projects. f interested, please e-mail michael@mbiinstalled services.com.

DBE/DB PROGRAM MANAGER

Port Authority is seeking a DBE/ DB Program Manager to ensure compliance and manage the activities associated with Port Authority’s Diverse Business, Small Business and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program(s) and all routine related matters. Directs all functions related to federal and state compliance and shall insure compliance with all applicable USDOT, PennDOT, Section 303 of Title 74 and Act 89 requirements and regulations. Represents Authority on all DB matters, acts as the agency’s liaison to State and Federal agencies, processes DB complaints and recommends resolutions to management. Performs limited EEO assignments, as needed.

Essential Functions: •Develops implements and advises management through the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity on policies and programs that ensure the organization continually seeks to maintain and/or achieve its Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Diverse Business (DB) related goals.

•Maintains the DBE Directory of all certified DBEs. Evaluates all disadvantaged business certification applications and business disclosure forms. Reviews, analyzes and signs off on all certifications and re-certifications of proposed DBE firms. Manages the update and maintenance of DBE certification database. Signs off on DBE utilization reports.

•Manage, monitor and ensure compliance with respect to the Commonwealth Diverse Business Program, FTA Small Business program and FTA DBE Program.

Job requirements include: BA Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration or related field from an accredited school.

Minimum of five (5) years related experience.

•Knowledge of diverse business community, public procurement and business management.

Working knowledge of federal and state laws, government regulations pertaining to contracts, procurement and DB/DBE Programs.

•Demonstrated ability in the use of Windows.

Professional and effective communication skills.

Management skills to organize, coordinate, supervise special initiatives and projects.

•Established community contacts and networks. alid PA driver’s license.

Preferred attributes: Master’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration or related field from an accredited school.

•Contraction administration.

Port Authority is seeking a Manager - Way to manage all activities and employees within the Way Department. Responsible for administrative activities, outside contracts, and capital project activities, as related to Authority right-of ways, structures and support equipment. nvestigate maintenance problems and initiate corrective action. Oversees, develops, and administers standardized programs designed to comply with applicable organizational policies and procedures.

Essential Functions: •Directs and supervises the assistant managers and supervisors of the Way Department.

Manages all phases of the Way Department including maintenance and repair of all Way Department equipment, equipment maintenance and repair which include track, maintains tunnels, sidewalks, busways, bridges, parking lots, hillsides, retaining walls, and other structures.

•Manages all activities associated with the daily scheduling of preventive maintenance and repair activities along the rail system, busways, operating locations, office buildings, and other Port Authority maintained areas.

•Maintains all operational structures at a high status of readiness and supplies immediate repair support under any emergency conditions.

Job requirements include: High School Diploma or GED. BA/BS degree in Engineering or Business Administration or directly related field from an accredited school. Experience may be substituted for the education on a yearfor-year basis.

Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in rail/track maintenance and/ or roadway maintenance and construction.

•Minimum of three (3) years supervisory/managerial experience in rail/roadway maintenance.

•Effective and professional communication skills.

•A team player with a participative management style.

•Demonstrated ability in the use of Windows and Microsoft Word.

•Demonstrated ability to read and understand drawings, blueprints and specifications.

•Ability to respond on a 24-hour basis.

•Customer focused, well organized and results oriented.

•This a Safety-Sensitive position subject to all testing provisions under the Drug and Alcohol Policy, including random drug and alcohol testing. The person selected for this position may be required to be tested prior to being awarded the job.

Preferred attributes: Project Management Experience.

Experience in track installation and maintenance.

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

ALLEGHENY COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES DRUG & ALCOHOL PLANNING COUNCIL 2019 MEETING SCHEDULE

The Drug Alcohol Planning Council Meetings for calendar year 2019 will be held on the second Wednesday of every other month, from 4:30 to 6 p.m., at the Human Services Building, One Smithfield Street, Homestead Grays Conference Room, Lower Level, unless otherwise noted. Check the DHS website for changes and updates.

The D A Planning Council Meetings for 2019 are scheduled as follows: January 9 March 13 May 14 (Second Tuesday, joint meeting with MH/ID Advisory Board) July 10 September 11 (joint meeting with MH/ID Advisory Board) November 13 Marc Cherna Director Allegheny County Department of Human Services RENTAL SERVICE Unfurnished Apartments

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

SENIORS 62 AND OLDER! The Commons at North Aiken Now accepting applications Call or stop by 412-661-1075 5330 N Aiken Ct, Pgh, 15224 Equal Housing Opportunity

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GOVERNMENT & COMMUNITY LIAISON

ALLEGHENY COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES ADVISORY BOARD 2019 MEETING SCHEDULE

OFFICIAL COURT REPORTER

Port Authority is seeking a Government Community Liaison to serve as a liaison with elected officials and community organizations for local municipalities. Works to advance Port Authority’s local municipal priorities and to improve community relations.

Essential Functions: Represents Port Authority’s interest before the local municipalities as well as other government agencies, school districts, community and transit groups. Serves as liaison between the Authority and elected officials and their staff for constituent issues relative to Port Authority and public transportation, engaging other Port Authority divisions and departments as necessary.

•Analyzes local proposals and community concerns for impact on the Authority and prepares summaries for review. Researches and monitors policies, actions and regulations affecting public agencies, school districts, transit operators, transportation planning and development activities. Flags potential issues related to transportation; recommends follow-up activities.

Job requirements include: BA/BS degree in Political Science, Communication, Urban Planning, Political Science or directly related field from an accredited school.

Minimum of five (5) years of experience in federal, state or county legislative activities and policy development, or transit management experience.

Experience working with community outreach efforts and activities.

Experience working with governmental officials, community leaders and businesses.

•Effective and professional communication skills. alid PA driver’s license.

•Ability to coordinate various complex work assignments on short notice.

•Demonstrated ability in the use of Windows and Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Must be willing to take on duties outside of regular business hours.

Preferred attributes: Public transit experience.

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

ALLEGHENY COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES MENTAL HEALTH/ INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY ADVISORY BOARD 2019 MEETING SCHEDULE

The Mental Health/ ntellectual Disability (MH/ D) Advisory Board Meetings for calendar year 2019 will be held on the second Tuesday of every other month, from 4:30 to 6 p.m., at the Human Services Building, One Smithfield Street, Homestead Grays Conference Room, Lower Level, unless otherwise noted. Check the DHS website for changes and updates The MH/ D Advisory Board Meetings for 2019 are scheduled as follows: January 8 March 12 May 14 (Joint meeting with Drug and Alcohol Planning Council) July 9 September 11 (Second Wednesday, joint meeting with Drug and Alcohol Planning Council) November 12 Marc Cherna Director Allegheny County Department of Human Services

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The Children, Youth and Families (CYF) Advisory Board Meetings for calendar year 2019 will be held the first Wednesday of every other month, from 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., at the Human Services Building, One Smithfield Street, Pirates Conference Room, First Floor, unless otherwise noted. Check the DHS website for changes and updates The CYF Advisory Board 2019 meeting schedule is: January 9 (Rachel Carson) March 6 May 1 July 10 September 4 November 6 Marc Cherna Director Allegheny County Department of Human Services ANNOUNCEMENTS Public Notice

NOTICE

PO SE Foundation announces the availability of applications for the 2018 and 2019 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for District 9 of the City of Pittsburgh beginning, Friday, December 14, 2018. Councilman Ricky Burgess has engaged PO SE Foundation to manage the assessment and selection of CDBG grant recipients for District 9.

For more information about CDBG for District 9 and to access the online application, please visit www.poise foundation.org. Completed applications must be submitted by using the online form by 5:00 PM on Friday, February 15, 2019 to be considered for funding.

NOTICE TO PUBLIC (UPDATE)

Pursuant to 55 PA Code 5100.12 and 5100.81, Allegheny County Department of Human Services Administrator of Mental Health Services hereby provides public notice of the approved and designated facilities that are available to provide involuntary emergency examinations, involuntary treatment or voluntary treatment funded in whole or in part by MH/O D funds. The following are the facilities in Allegheny County to which a person may be taken pursuant to Section 302 of the Mental Health Procedures Act: Allegheny Valley/ Alle-Kiski Hospital Forbes Regional Hospital Heritage Valley-Sewickley Hospital Jefferson Hospital Ohio Valley Hospital St. Clair Memorial Hospital UPMC McKeesport C ontefiore UPMC Presbyterian UPMC Shadyside UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital VA Pittsburgh Health System-University Drive Campus (Veterans only) Limited Designated Facilities (authorized and designated for involuntary examination and treatment) LifeCare Hospital Southwood Psychiatric Hospital Marc Cherna Director Allegheny County Department of Human Services LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices

NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION

Notice is hereby given that BROTHERHOOD INVESTMENT GROUP INC. a Pennsylvania professional corporation, has filed Articles of Dissolution with the Department of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and has been dissolved in accordance with the Business Corporation Law of 1988, and all persons having a claim against the corporation must present such claims in accordance with the following procedures: 1. All claims must be presented in writing and must contain sufficient information reasonably to inform [the corporation] of the identity of the claimant and the substance of the claim.

2. Claims must be sent to the following address: P.O. Box 17035, Pittsburgh, PA 15235 3. Claims must be received by [the corporation no later than December 31, 2018.

4. A claim will be barred if not received by such date.

5. The Corporation may make distribution to other claimants and the shareholders of the corporation or persons interested as having been such without further notice to a claimant.

The United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania is seeking one or more qualified individuals for the full-time position of Official Court Reporter-Certified Realtime for the Pittsburgh, PA and ohnstown, PA duty stations.

The reporter may be required to perform official duties from time to time in Pittsburgh, ohnstown and/ or Erie, PA in addition to the official duty station assigned. Official Court Reporters are responsible for recording court proceedings in court and in chambers for all judges and magistrate judges. The reporter produces transcripts requested by a judge or the parties and files copies as required with the Clerk of Court.

The position has an annual starting salary range of 86,073 - 96,324 which is dependent upon official duty station, certifications and federal experience. The United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania is one of three federal judicial districts in Pennsylvania and comprises 25 of the 67 counties in Pennsylvania. For a detailed position description, including representative duties, qualifications and requirements, and instructions on how to apply, visit the court’s website at http://www.pawd.uscourts. gov/employment The Court is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices

Estate of ANAND SESHADRI, Deceased of Moon Twp., PA No. 06878 of 2018. Ramya Sundararajan, Admrx., 216 Beagle Dr., Coraopolis, PA 15108 or to David M. Tkacik, Esq., Tkacik Law Office, P.C., 9500 Brooktree Rd., Suite 205, Wexford, PA 15090 Estate of JULIA K. WILLIAMS, Deceased of Pittsburgh, No. 021806976, of 2018.

Clarence Williams, or to c/o acqueline H. Brangard, Esquire, Scolieri Law Group, P.C., 1207 Fifth Avenue, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Estate of HAROLD B. GREENBERGER, Deceased of 5523 eenan Dr., efferson Hills, PA 15236, No. 7208 of 2018. ay .

Greenberger, Adm., 1381 Royal Park Blvd., South Park, PA 15129 or to Howard M. Louik Esquire, 754 Pinoak Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15243

LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

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

Sealed proposals shall be deposited at the Administration Building, Room 251, 341 South Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15213, on anuary 8, 2019, until 2:00 P.M., local prevailing time for: Pgh. Brashear High School Bridge and Driveway Repairs General Prime Pgh. Grandview PreK-5 Finish Floor Replacements General and Asbestos Primes Pgh. Perry High School Concrete and Retaining Wall Repairs General Prime Pgh. Pioneer Education Center Vertical Transportation Modernization General and Electrical Primes Pgh. Phillips K-5 Air Conditioning Offices Mechanical Prime Pittsburgh South Annex (Online Academy) Vertical Transportation Modernization General and Electrical Primes Project Manual and Drawings will be available for purchase on December 3, 2018 at Modern Reproductions (412-488-7700), 127 Mc ean Street, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15219 between 9:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. The cost of the Project Manual Documents is non-refundable. Project details and dates are described in each project manual.

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Bids/Proposals

Bids/Proposals

INVITATION TO BIDDERS THE PITTSBURGH WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY ADVERTISEMENT

NOTICE TO BIDDERS ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

SEPARATE and SEALED BIDS for the following solicitation, will be received by the Office of Procurement, Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, 1200 Penn Ave., Second Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, until 2:00 PM Prevailing Time January 8, 2019.

INVITATIONS FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR THE 2019 LEAD SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT CONTRACT PWSA PROJECT NO. WSI9-325-100-1 Work of the Contract includes the replacement of public and private water service connections of the PWSA public water system.

All bids must be submitted in accordance with the solicitation that can be obtained by sending an e-mail to procurement@pgh2o.com.

There will be no charge for the solicitation, as it will be sent via e-mail.

All questions relating to the solicitation itself shall be to Nicole Dickun, Procurement Manager, via e-mail: ndickun@pgh2o.com, no later than January 2, 2019. All questions should be submitted electronically via email. No questions will be answered by phone.

All Bidders interested in submitting a bid in response to this solicitation are required to attend a MANDATORY Pre-Bid Meeting to be held on December 18, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. Prevailing Time in the Authority’s conference room located at 1200 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA. The purpose of this meeting is to give an overview of the contract requirements and to allow Bidders to ask questions. The individual responsible for overseeing the successful completion of the Project, such as the Bidder’s project executive or project manager for the Owner’s Project must be in attendance at the mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting.

Bids must be accompanied by a Bid Bond in the amount of Ten Percent (10%) of the bid for the project under construction. Said Bond shall be duly and legally executed with a Surety or Trust Company which has complied with City Ordinances/Resolutions relating thereto. A Performance Bond and Labor and Material Bond in the amount of 100% of the contract value for each awarded project will be required after award.

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

The bidders will be required to submit the package of certifications included with the contract documents relating to Equal Employment Opportunity.

This project is being federally funded by EPA financial assistance dollars and therefore requires all contractors to demonstrate compliance with federal Executive Orders 11625, 12138, and 12432 and EPA Regulations at 40 CFR Part 33, through the detailed documentation of solicitation of Disadvantage Business Enterprises (DBEs).

Contractors must demonstrate the Six Good Faith Efforts to identify and solicit DBE firms that are potential sources for any procurement action in the areas of project construction, equipment, services, and supplies by including state qualified small businesses, and minority and women owned business enterprises in the bidding process.

The Authority reserves the right to withhold the award of the Contract for a period of 90 days after the opening of the bids.

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

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

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The Westmoreland County Housing Authority (WCHA) and it’s Non-Profit – Westmoreland Non Profit Housing Corporation is requesting bids for: VACANT UNIT PREPARATION MAINTENANCE & CONSTRUCTION RELATED SERVICES Located At WCHA & WNPHC VARIOUS RENTAL HOUSING SITES - WESTMORELAND COUNTY Sealed bids will be received by Michael L. Washowich, Executive Director, until December 28, 2018, at 10:00 A.M. (Eastern Standard Time) at the administration office of the Westmoreland County Housing Authority, 167 South Greengate Road, Greensburg PA 15601, at which time they will be opened publicly.

For additional bid requirements and required bid documents visit https://www.wchaonline.com/ current-solicitations/. Bid documents can be examined at no cost, said documents are available at the administrative office of the WCHA. A Pre-Bid Meeting (non-mandatory attendance) will be conducted at the WCHA Administration Office on Monday – December 17, 2018 at 1:30 pm.

Michael L. Washowich Executive Director Westmoreland County Housing Authority

DECEMBER 12-18, 2018

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PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY

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

Proposals/bid submittals will be due 11:00 AM on December 18, 2018 and will be read at 11:15 AM., the same day, at Port Authority’s Heinz location (345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2527), for the following: Electronic Proposal - Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness. portauthority.org)

Bid Number Bid Name B180422AR Substation Equipment - DC Breakers B180957 Hi Rail Crane B181061 Bus Simulator B181062A Bus Batteries - Wet Type B181064A Connect Tix Smart Fare Media B181068A Rail Brake Replacement Parts B181069A Air, Oil, Fuel Filters

No bidder may withdraw a submitted Proposal for a period of 75 days after the scheduled time for opening of the sealed bids.

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held on each of the above items at 10:00am December 5, 2018 at Port Authority’s Heinz location (345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, PA). Attendance at this meeting is not mandatory, but is strongly encouraged. Questions regarding any of the above bids will not be entertained by the Port Authority within five (5) business days of the scheduled bid opening.

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

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

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

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

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

America’s Best Weekly 315 East CarsonStreet, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

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DECEMBER 12-18, 2018

Democrats 2020— Not the person but the program (TriceEdneyWire.com)—Now that the midterm elections are over, and Democrats are savoring their victory, more than a dozen Democrats say they are considering running for President in 2020. The Democratic Party needs to get its act together if any of them has even a prayer of beating the clown that White conservatives love to love. The fact that Republicans stole an election from Stacey Abrams in Georgia suggests that our electoral infrastructure isn’t what it ought to be. The fact that Republicans in Michigan, Wisconsin, and North Carolina are attempting to change electoral rules suggests that the Party and civil society organizations need to spend some money ensuring fair elections. From where I sit, the focus on personalities is poorly placed. We ought, instead, think both about our election mechanics and an economic agenda to empower the majority of our citizens who live in an economically precarious situation.

Too many of us struggle to survive on the minimum wage, and too many unions have seen their influence erode in the face of hostile legislation.

Too many do not have access to health care. Too many cities and states are willing to offer exorbitant tax breaks to attract a few jobs. Meanwhile, our infrastructure is crumbling, our environment is decomposing, and civility is a thing of the past. There’s a lot of rhetoric, but Democrats have to explain what they stand for more clearly.

Democrats have been so reactive, so anti-45, that they’ve not spun out

Julianne Malveaux

Commentary a positive agenda. Oh, they say they stand for a living wage, for criminal justice reform, for access to health care and education, for racial economic justice (actually, they didn’t say that I did), and more. But too often, Democrats have gone with the status quo instead of looking at the changing needs of our nation. And the party is expert at grabbing defeat from the jaws of victory, failing to support progressive candidates who sometimes upset the status quo.

Now, former Vice President Joe Biden says he is the most qualified person to be President. Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren took a blood test to prove that she is 1/1024 Native American, falling for 45’s BS. New Jersey Sen. Corey Booker, also known as Spartacus, is considering the race, as is the incandescently intelligent California Sen. Kamala Harris. Bernie Sanders, the 2016 independent candidate, keeps threatening to run again.

That’s a non-starter for me! There are another couple of dozen potential candidates, from the very well known to the lesser known. Democrats run the risk of having a Republican-style circus during the primaries unless the field narrows. Already, two who were considering the race have dropped out.

Nobody will miss Michael Avenatti since many of us did not know why he was in the race in the first place, but former Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick, who has just announced that he will not run, might have brought gravitas to the primaries. Patrick told Obama advisor David Axelrod that “It’s hard to see how you even get noticed in such a big, broad field without being shrill, sensational or a celebrity, and I’m none of those things.”

Our current President is shrill, sensational and a celebrity in his own mind. Democrats should not attempt to replicate that level of insanity that 45 brings to the table. The issue, also, should not be one of who is the most sensational, but who has the most focused program, and the basis of the Democratic program must be economic justice for working Americans. Back in the day, we used to say, “It’s not the man, it’s the plan.” In gender-neutral terms, it’s not the person, it’s the program. For Democrats to build on the momentum of the midterm election, they must drill down on communicating dynamic economic programs.

I’m encouraged by folks like LaTosha Brown and Black Voters Matter. They are doing ground up, not top down, organizing, going into communities and focusing on the races they deem essential, which are not always national or statewide races. When people come out for a key local, they will also vote in the “big” races. But too often the Democratic Party focuses only on the biggest elections, with an agenda people can’t necessarily identify with. Democratic Party leaders need to sit down with Black Voters Matter as soon as they can and learn how to connect with the voters who can make a difference in 2020. Or, they can continue with business as usual and experience the consequences.

(Julianne Malveaux is an author and economist.)

FORUM

Some colored folks still serve Old Massa!

History states that large and small, have slavery was ended in elected Black mayors, but Louis ‘Hop’ Kendrick the year 1864. However, definitely not Pittsburgh. there have been some A number of years ago a ongoing negative effects Black attorney, Byrd R. that have transcended Brown, ran for the pothe centuries including sition of Mayor of Pittsthe present. One of the burgh, and was the most most tragic residues of overqualified person to slavery is that there are ever seek the position. those persons who are A number of lifelong indisciples of SELF-HATE. These persons fluential colored persons, who were active in have proven to be extremely detrimental the Democratic Party, led the fight to defeat to the growth of Black communities. For Byrd, another blatant example of self-hate. example, there are those persons who apply They used the weak, flawed argument that for positions with credentials and also an he was married to a White woman, but his emphasis on being a minority, but upon opponent was White and married to a White being hired assumed the role of being the man. house n___er. They look down on other Yes, once again, these merchants of selfBlacks in lesser positions until their job is hate prevailed, and we know all of them. in jeopardy, and then they cry out, “I am Two weeks ago Pittsburgh was subjecta brother (or sister), help me.” Then there ed to one of the most blatant examples have been those persons who change their of self-hate in the history of this city, the names to so-called “free names” or simply reorganizing of the Pittsburgh Public School use X. Board. There were those of us who were How many Blacks have ever been endorsed immensely proud that for the first time in

by Blacks for the positions of state Senate or history the majority of the Pittsburgh Public Congress in Western Pa.? Colored politicians, School Board consisted of five Black perwho were colored proponents of self-hate, sons. However, in the last Pittsburgh Public soundly defeated the few Blacks who had School Board election, Regina Holley, the the courage to run. I will always remember most qualified, committed, concerned and a courageous Black man, Paul Green, who dedicated person ever elected to position ran in a district that was 85 percent colored of School Board President, was defeated. and 15 percent White. The White man was How could that happen with FIVE BLACKS re-elected by a 7 to 1 margin and an elderly VOTING? Three of them became colored Black woman smacked the Black man for and voted against Dr. Holley. I should have daring to run. A definite example of SELFtitled this column, “SELF-HATE.” (Louis “Hop” Kendrick is a contributor to the New HATE. Across this nation a great number of cities, Pittsburgh Courier.)

To Tell The Truth

Mythologizing ‘by any means necessary’ is unnecessary Last week I covered like. This is what hapTemple University pens when you silence J. Pharaoh Doss professor, Marc Lampeople for so long, they ont Hill’s controversial are going to attack the speech at the UN’s things you hold dear. international day of How does the Michael solidarity with the Brown police shooting, Palestinian people that in Ferguson lead to this got him fired from CNN. rhetoric about revoCritics claimed the lution and attacking 39-year-old Hill called things held dear? This is for the destruction of blatant posturing, but it the state of Israel. Of course, Hill denied stems from their belief that the Civil Rights the charges, but what’s undeniable is parts Movement was unsuccessful. (Four years ago, of Hill’s speech promoted a counterproduc- on MLK’s birthday an article was published tive mythology that Black activists and called: The Civil Rights Movement was a writers under 40 have embraced since the Failure.)

2014 Ferguson Riots.

Hill continued the mythologizing of “by any Activist Brittany Ferrell and writer Mychal means necessary.”

Denzel Smith participated in a panel discusHill said: As a Black American my unsion about race and equality after the riots. derstanding of solidarity action is rooted During the question-and-answer period a in our own tradition of struggle. Contrary young lady asked the panelist what could she to western mythology Black resistance to do to fight peacefully for justice?

American apartheid did not come purely Ferrell answered: I don’t know what the through Gandhi and nonviolence. Rather goal would be to fight peacefully. I don’t see slave revolts and self-defense and tactics us getting far or achieving anything by being otherwise divergent from Dr. King…were peaceful. I believe if it hadn’t been for those equally important to attaining freedom. buildings burning in Ferguson, we wouldn’t We must prioritize peace, but not romantibe having these conversations about race in cize it.”

Then Hill told his own Ferguson story.

America.

He said when they were tear-gassed, they The moderator challenged Ferrell. He said: received text messages from Palestinian C’mon, you believe in the value of peace supporters telling them how to wipe the because you’re not out there setting fire to tear gas out of their eyes. Hill’s rhetoric and buildings, but Ferrell bragged I was there, I posture is a replica of the previous example was in front of those buildings on fire shoutand it was unnecessary. Slave revolts, which ing F**K The Police. no sane person would condemn, didn’t lead to Smith jumped in and said: When people say peaceful, what they mean is nonviolent the abolishment of slavery—they led to more restrictions on the Black population. I agree, means of enacting change. We can idealize nonviolence should not be romanticized, but (nonviolence) and romanticize it, but revoslave revolts and revolutions shouldn’t be lutions have happened throughout history mythologized either. through violence. But the destruction of (J. Pharaoh Doss is a contributor to the New Pittsproperty I would not categorize as violence. burgh Courier.)

I would say this is what revolution looks

Check It Out

Is criticism of Israel forbidden?

(NNPA)—It may seem like a strange question, Bill Fletcher Jr. but after CNN’s termination of Marc Lamont Hill, I have to ask that question. Let me go further: If criticism of Israel is not forbidden, is there a booklet somewhere with appropriate guidelines on what can be criticized and how criticism is supposed to be offered?

And, while I am at it, is there any preface to these guidelines that explains why this only applies to Israel?

I was outraged by the termination of Marc Lamont Hill. Coinciding with the bogus charges of anti-Semitism against Women’s March leader Linda Sarsour, one gets the growing feeling that allegations of anti-Semitism are primarily being used against anyone who supports Palestinians’ rights.

Hill offered a presentation to the United Nations in which he was calling for the respecting of Palestinian rights by the Israeli government. He made reference to a phrase “from the river to the sea” which some pundits have suggested refers to an alleged support for eliminating Jews from Israel.

How anyone can draw that conclusion is far from clear, particularly when one looks at the larger context of Hill’s speech.

Hill spoke out in favor of Palestinian rights and also called for non-violence. His position was very clear. He was also calling for the respect of Palestinian rights in the total territory controlled by Israel, whether it was the

Commentary

Occupied Territories— which go to the Jordan River—or the state of Israel—which goes to the Mediterranean Sea. There is nothing surprising in these comments particularly in light of the apartheid conditions that Palestinians face in both Israel and the Occupied Territories.

The attack on Hill and on Women’s March leader Linda Sarsour are an attempt to divert attention away from the real sources of contemporary anti-Semitism, i.e., the emerging right-wing populist movement in the USA. Rather than focusing on the right-wing populists, including the neofascists, who regularly call for marginalizing or exterminating Jews, pro-Israeli hawks are using the term as a way of stifling criticism of the barbaric treatment of Palestinians by the Israeli government and their supporters.

The suggestion that criticisms of Israel are anti-Semitic is as ridiculous as suggesting that a criticism of the Russian government is anti-Slavic or an attack on Morocco for occupying the Western Sahara is anti-Arab or anti-Muslim. Israel’s internal and external policies should be as subject to criticism as those of ANY other country on this planet.

If they are not, then I, for one, want to know why.

(Bill Fletcher Jr. is the former president of TransAfrica Forum.)

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Roger Caldwell

Commentary Is the migrant caravan real or a fabricated masquerade?

(NNPA)—“Over the past decade, there’s been a rise in the number of unaccompanied children and families crossing the U.S.-Mexico border.

Increasingly, they are people fleeing violence and insecurity, coming from the Northern Triangle of Central America—Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador,” says writer Dara Lind of the VOX. The caravan is not new, but in 2018 with pictures of thousands of Central Americans getting ready to attack the US border, it justifies to many Americans a need for a border wall. There are many questions as to why this started around Oct. 12, just before the election, but it is real.

There is a human rights crisis happening within the Northern Triangle of Central America, and the majority in the caravan are from Honduras. This began where the countries are extremely poor, and there are violent gangs in all the countries that will kill women and children, and many of the administrators are corrupt. The majority of the people who have jobs make $5.00 a day, and many are looking for a better life.

“Pueblo Sin Fronteras” (People Without Borders), formed in the early 2000s, is an immigration rights group known for organizing several high-profile migrant caravans in Mexico and Central America. Activists affiliated with the group are present in the United States, where the organization actively raises funds and organizes protest actions against U.S. immigration policy,” says Wikipedia.

The caravan is referred to in Spanish as Via Crucis Migrantes, or Migrants’ Way of the Cross. These caravans were started 15 years ago, and in 2018 the situation has reached human rights conditions, because with the election of President Juan Orlando Hernandez in Honduras, there is a military enforced curfew, and 30 activists have been killed after his election.

Juan Antonio Hernandez, brother of the president has been arrested in the U.S last month, for selling and dealing cocaine, guns, and laundering money from Honduras banks. The Organization of American States called for an election do-over after finding “irregularities and deficiencies” in the Honduran election process. The U. S. recognized the election’s outcome without challenging the results or getting the United Nations involved.

During President Obama’s administration in 2014, there was a large influx of women and children from Central America, and an emergency shelter and family detention was set up in Texas. “President Donald Trump shut down the Central America Minors Program, which was set up by the administration to provide a way for Central American families, children, and later young adults rejected for refugee status, to get a temporary stay in the U.S.,” says Nicole Acevedo of NBC News.

There is a humanitarian crisis on the U.S.-Mexican border and authorizing American troops to use force is no way to solve the Central American problem. As the caravan increases in size, funding is coming from a united front of organization called CARA. Armies of trucks and vehicles moving food, medicine, water and equipment are being funded by billionaire George Soros and other groups.

There is no simple answer to the corruption and poverty in Central America, but the humanitarian crisis is real, and building a wall is not going to stop organizations who believe in Borders without Walls.

To get to the U.S. border it takes weeks to travel through Mexico, and sometimes without food, and water.

Still many migrants from Central America are enduring this dangerous trip, and the October caravan was one of the largest, possibly 4,000 refugees. These refugees are forced to wait in Mexico, as the United States and Mexico try to send them back to their home country.

These people need asylum, and America has a moral responsibility to support people who are being persecuted politically, economically, and socially.

“The United Nations must send observers to report on state-sanctioned violence and human rights abuses at the border. Documenting President Trump administration’s human rights violations will help build momentum to stop this from happening and shine a bright light on President Trump’s tyranny and hate,” says Nicole Regaldo—Campaign Manager of CREDO.

PEOPLE

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Manchester Bidwell Corporation

DECEMBER 12-18, 2018

B7

Celebrates 50 Years

MANCHESTER BIDWELL CORPORATION—Valerie Njie, Bill Strickland, Rev. James Robinson, Kevin Jenkins (Photos by Courier photographer J.L. Martello) November 15 was an extraordinary evening at 1815 Metropolitan St., the site of the legendary Manchester Bidwell Corporation. A celebration of 50 years of an organization dedicated to creating an environment that fosters people on their path to success. Manchester Bidwell Corporation’s philosophy is simply, “Environment shapes people’s lives.”

So, how did it all begin?

According to the Manchester Bidwell Corporation website, “Our philosophy originated when

founder Bill Strickland met Pittsburgh Public High School art teacher Frank Ross. Ross mentored Strickland through his teen years, impressing upon him the powers of art, education and community, and helping him obtain entrance to the University of Pittsburgh.

“While still in college in 1968, Strickland founded Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild to bring arts education and mentorship to inner city youth in his neighborhood. The MCG Youth & Arts program,

as it is now called, serves public school students by offering courses in our ceramics, design, digital and photography studios.

“In 1972, Strickland assumed leadership of a struggling building trade school located near Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild.

Over the years, Bidwell Training Center evolved to offer programs in fields ranging from horticulture to medical. Currently, we are a nationally accredited and state licensed adult career training institution.”

ROGER HUMPHRIES, DINA CLARK, DR. HARRY CLARK

RICHENA BROCKINSON, a teaching artist in photography, shows off the history of the Manchester Bidwell Corporation, along with works done by MBC students.

BILL STRICKLAND shows featured jazz singer Dee Dee Bridgewater an unfinished special plate he will make for her.

SHARIF BEY, BILL STRICKLAND

MOTHER AND SON—Marline Ramseur and Xavier Ramseur, enjoying the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Manchester Bidwell Corporation.

VALERIE TUITE, CURTIS TERRY

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SPORTS

DECEMBER 12-18, 2018

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Big Red Machine and Quips bring home the Gold!

by Bill Neal For New Pittsburgh Courier

Of course we kick off with a salute to my Penn Hills Indians winning anotherfootball state championship…HOF Class of 1970 here at your service!

A big-time congratulations to Coach Jon LeDonne and the Big Red Machine.

Ironically, LeDonne is a 2001 graduate/player from

Overtime

BILL NEAL Aliquippa and played linebacker at Robert Morris (2001–2004). The Indians outlasted Manheim Central, 36–31 to bring home the PIAA Class 5A title to complement a 16–0 season.

It’s their second title following their 1995 championship.

Each Thursday I host the “Champions Live” Sports Talk Show live from the

from this special All-American mill town. And, just for effect, you could start that list with the greatest hands in basketball, “Pistol Pete’ Maravich.

But the future is now and to say this is not Aliquippa football’s first rodeo would be an understatement. But, for the first time since 2003 the Quipss bring home the Class 3A PIAA State football title.

A 198-yard rushing explosion from Avante McKenzie helps make the road to gold an easier task but when your defense pitches their seventh shutout of the season for a 35–0 victory it gives you reason to believe there’s still Steel in that Valley.

Following a little of this and that, first-year Coach Mike Warfield and his legendary and talented crew proved true to their word about bringing Aliquippa football back to national prominence. When Coach Warfield appeared on the sports talk show “Champions Live—Soul Take” COURIER SPORTS COLUMNIST BILL NEAL, second from right, with some Penn Hills Hall of Fame legends, among others, at Savoy. with co-hosts Bill Neal and Kevin Cameron…a Savoy Restaurant. The Sa- League Hall of Famer Bob- track star Reggie Jackson, both win but right now proud Aliquippa native… voy is currently owned by by Franklin, Penn Hills football and track Hall of let’s go back to the future Coach Warfield made it Chuck Sanders, Penn Hills HOF Track star Dave Cze- Famer Bill Neal and bas- and count ‘em—30 confer- very clear that he came Hall of Famer, Slippery gan, Hubie Bryant Football ketball star Warren Wilson. ence titles and seven state back for the history that Rock University All-Ameri- and Track superstar…con*** titles…Dorsett, Ditka, Re- is Aliquippa football, the can and Former Pittsburgh sidered by many one of the Well after a great deal of vis, Baldwin, Campbell, community that has hisSteeler. greatest overall athletes in sportsmanship back and Gilbert, Law! And when I torically stood the test of Seated left to right in Penn Hills history, Azeeza forth, it looks like Kevin tell you the list goes and on time and most important, the photo above: “Sensa- Reed, President of Pitts- “Aliquippa” Cameron and I mean it goes on and on. for the young men playtion Model” Kathy Speaks, burgh based World Finan- Bill ”Penn Hills” Neal will Given the time and space ing the game today! Job Point Park All-Ameri- cial Group and TV show be taking each other to I could give you another well done Coach…Job well can and Connie Hawkins co-sponsor Hall of Fame the Savoy for wings…they 20 names of football greats done.

To some people, Mike Tomlin will never be good enough Steelers head coach’s decisions against Raiders shouldn’t be scrutinized

by Aubrey Bruce For New Pittsburgh Courier

Prior to the Steelers/Raiders game last Sunday, the scenario for the Steelers’ entrance into the postseason was a bit “cloudy” to say the least, but by kickoff in the “black hole” two nemesis of the Steelers, the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens, had been defeated, leaving Pittsburgh as masters of their own fate.

The Patriots were slightly ahead of the Steelers as both teams were posturing for a bye week in the upcoming postseason and the Ravens were trailing the Steelers in the AFC North standings by one-half game. However, in light of all the help that the Steelers received they ended up losing to the Oakland Raiders, 24-21. The Steelers’

Inside Conditions

AUBREY BRUCE hit-or-miss field goal kicker, Chris Boswell, slipped and fell as he attempted to kick a game-tying field goal that would have sent the game into overtime—but it should not even have come down to that.

First and foremost, here we go again, the noose of failure is again being placed around Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin’s neck. Ben Roethlisberger had exited the game in the first half after “allegedly” receiving a rib injury.

Coach Tomlin preferring to err on the side of caution held Roethlisberger from re-entering the game in the beginning of the third quarter. Tomlin confirmed after the game with reporters that Big Ben had actually been medically cleared to play when he first returned to the sidelines with eight minutes remaining in the third. However, an article posted by Simon Chester on behindthesteelcurtain. com went on to question the sanity of Tomlin’s decision, saying: “With an admission that makes you question the sanity of the

STEELERS HEAD COACH MIKE TOMLIN (Photo by Courier photographer Brian Cook) decision, Mike Tomlin revealed to reporters after the game that his future Hall of Fame quarterback could actually have come back into the game much sooner.

Acknowledging that he had been medically cleared to play when he had first returned to the sidelines earlier in the third quarter, the explanation for still opting to hold him out was strange to say the least.”

Well, well, well, if Tomlin had reinserted Roethlisberger prematurely, all of the “talking heads” would have used that incident to remove his head from the chopping block and instead would have placed his neck in the guillotine had “Big Ben” re-aggravated the “injury.” What did the X-rays and MRIs reveal about the extent of the Roethlisberg-

er’s injury? During the past few games, Roethlisberger has trotted off and on the field after being so-called “injured” but miraculously recovered after being on the sidelines for a few plays. There is venom in the chicken soup…there are a few “coach whisperers” with breath stinking of garlic and hatred that are again calling for the termination of the employment of Mike Tomlin, but they are serious now. Why? Well it is time to put on your listening ears. Mike McCarthy, the recently terminated headmaster of the Green Bay Packers, was sent packing and now tops the head coaching wish list of a few of the Black and Gold faithful and a few media types as well.

Listen up, all of you Mike Tomlin haters and Mike

McCarthy lovers. Fellow “yinzer” Mike McCarthy won Super Bowl XLV on Feb. 6, 2011 in Dallas beating the Pittsburgh Steelers, 31-25. The victory was aided by the two picks thrown

by Roethlisberger (one was a pick six). McCarthy would have sported a 0-1 Super Bowl record if the Packers were not aided by Ben Roethlisberger and Mike Tomlin would be 2-0.

Oh, but McCarthy remains an “unemployed genius” and Mike Tomlin is just the byproduct of affirmative action.

If the Steelers fail to make it to and win another Lombardi Trophy, ending the 2018 season a knight on a white horse may be to blame…or will it be a mule that our knight in shining armor mistook for a stallion?

TIP-TOE—The Steelers’ JuJu Smith-Schuster catches a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders, Dec. 9. But the Raiders won the game, 24-21. (AP PHOTO)