Npcourier12 20 17o

Pittsburgh Courier www.newpittsburghcourier.com

NEW

Vol. 108 No. 51

Two Sections

Published Weekly

DECEMBER 20-26, 2017

City Council approves realty tax hike to fund affordable housing

ELDI will purchase troubled East End properties

by Christian Morrow

by Christian Morrow

Courier Staff Writer

Courier Staff Writer

The hot, packed Urban Redevelopment Authority boardroom discussion on approving a $500,000 loan to purchase the troubled Bethesda Properties portfolio got even more heated as Homewood residents sparred with East Liberty Development Inc. representatives. URA chairman Kevin Acklin hinted he’d vote against it unless the authority could recoup monies from the current owner. “ S o , this... s l u m lord… f r o m N e w Y o r k KEVIN ACKLIN b u y s these properties, makes money, does nothing to maintain them, HUD pulls its Section 8 subsidy, the tenants are being forced to relocate and now we’re being asked to pick up the pieces—and this person is going to walk away with money,” he said. “That upsets me. I’m not happy with that. People are walking away with money, and we’re left holding the bag.”

Board member Jim Ferlo said the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is also partially to blame for making deals with private property owners, without any input or guarantees to the city, that ultimately blow up.

“I think there should be some attempt to hold people accountable...I don’t think we should just let

$1.00

ADRIENNE YOUNG, who co-founded “Tree of Hope” 18 years ago, will lead the organization for at least two more years. Tree of Hope helps families who have lost loved ones to gun violence. (Photos by J.L. Martello)

Young will continue to lead ‘Tree of Hope’

Board convinced her to keep fighting

by Rob Taylor Jr. and J.L. Martello Courier Staff Writers

By the end of the evening of Dec. 15, it was all over for Adrienne Young as leader of Tree of Hope.

The organization she helped start with other mothers who had lost their sons to gun violence, the organization that helps Pittsburgh-area mothers and their families who have suffered deaths to loved ones—Young thought it really wasn’t making a difference.

“Yes, you do make a difference in the families that

SEE ELDI A4

SEE YOUNG A5

SANTA CLAUS delights two kids who received presents at the Tree of Hope annual Christmas dinner and toy drive, Dec. 15 at Eastminster Presbyterian Church.

After more than a year of wrangling, sniping, and meetings, Pittsburgh Council has voted to increase the city’s realty transfer tax to help finance its Housing Opportunity Fund, which would be used to maintain, build and rehabilitate housing stock for low-income residents.

The final 7-2 vote came after Councilwoman Teresa KailSmith, who was unable to attend due to illness, won concessions to have smaller increases, to have the taxes sunset in 10 years, to have regular review of the effects of higher taxes, and to include grass-cutting R. DANIEL LAVELLE help for qualifying residents, including seniors and veterans in need.

As amended, the tax will increase to 1.5 percent on Feb. 1, 2018 and to 2 percent on Jan. 1, 2020. The monies are expected to raise $10 million REV. RICKY BURGESS annually to assist in increasing the city’s stock of affordable housing, which the Affordable Housing Task Force reported is 17,000 units shy of what is needed. However, the smaller increase, a half percent less than originally opposed, is projected to only raise about $6 million initially. Realty transfer taxes are based on a property’s sale price. It’s paid at the time of purchase, and is usually split between the buyer and seller.

In addition to preserving and building housing units, the funds may also be used to help low-income homeowners deal with property tax increases caused by gentrification. It may also help with relocation expenses due to eviction.

Some money funds may help first-time homebuyers with closing costs—including the transfer tax. The amended bill also calls for a grant worth 2.5 percent of a SEE REALTY A4

West End youth show off their ‘business prowess’

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

Some of the trivia questions were so difficult, many of the adults in the room were stumped.

But who knew all the answers? Yep, the kids, full of intelligence and determination.

It was the Business Bee competition, held Nov. 16 at Sheraden Healthy Active Living Center, presented by H.O.P.E. for Tomorrow Inc. Teams of youth, in front of a live audience, played an interactive game in which they answered questions such as: A charge for a loan, or when the bank pays on money left in a bank account…the answer? Interest; Or, a social science that studies how people, individually and in groups, decide to use scarce resources to satisfy their wants…the answer? Economics.

Youth in grades 5-10 participated, with most of the youth from Sheraden and other parts of the West End. Keysha Gomez, the founder of H.O.P.E. for Tomorrow, said the Business Bee is the culmination of the organization’s Minding My Business entrepreneurial skills development project.

But H.O.P.E. for Tomorrow doesn’t stop there. The organization provides a number of services all aimed at supporting and uplifting today’s youth. “We have served over 200 students in the West End, and we currently have 35 students enrolled in the K.E.Y.S. to the Promise Program,” Gomez told the New Pittsburgh Courier in an exclusive interview. K.E.Y.S. to the Promise is an out-of-school, eight-year prevention curriculum beginning in the fifth grade, serving children in the West End. “Its goal is to increase the youth’s ability to graduate from high school eligible for Pittsburgh Promise scholarships by providing

Pittsburgh Courier NEW

To subscribe, call 412-481-8302 ext. 134

THE BUSINESS BEE competition was held Nov. 16 at Sheraden Healthy Active Living Center. (Photo

by Gail Manker) them with academic enrichment and life skills classes, and by emphasizing the critical importance of parental engagement,” Gomez said.

K.E.Y.S. to the Promise began in 2015, but Gomez founded the overall organiza-

Louis ‘Hop’ Kendrick says

tion in 2010. Initially, Gomez met with a small group of young people in her home for classes in character development and entrepreneurial skills. Later, as the numSEE WEST END A7

Thanks to all of you, and Merry Christmas Forum B6

A2

INTERNATIONAL

DECEMBER 20-26, 2017

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

This Week In Black History

NEW ANC PRESIDENT—The newly elected African National Congress (ANC) President, Cyril Ramaphosa, takes a selfie after it was announced that he had won the vote at the ANC’s elective conference in Johannesburg, Monday Dec. 18. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

Cyril Ramaphosa wins leadership of South Africa’s ANC party

by Krista Mahr

the party’s new leader, Ramaphosa will be seen Associated Press Writer as attempting to “revive prudent policy making in JOHANNESBURG (AP) —South Africa’s ruling Afri- South Africa” and “stabilize can National Congress has the creaky ship of South elected Cyril Ramaphosa as African economy.”

That is no small task. its new president, making South Africa’s economy the nation’s deputy presidipped into recession this dent likely to become the country’s next head of state. year, rebounding to 2.5 percent growth in the One of the nation’s second quarter. Unemploywealthiest citizens, the ment is rampant, hovering 65-year-old Ramaphosa has styled himself in recent close to 30 percent, and the country is rated one of the months as a reformer who most unequal societies in will steer South Africa the world, where the top 10 away from the corruption scandals that have hurt the percent of earners received economy and briefly sent it 66 percent of the national income, according to the into recession this year.

2018 World Inequality As the head of the ANC, Report.

Ramaphosa will be the Ramaphosa also inherparty’s candidate for presiits a party that has been dent in the 2019 elections, riven by corruption scanwhich he is widely expectdals, deeply damaging the ed to win. organization’s reputation “Clearly, Ramaphosa has among South African votbeen the darling of the ers and creating stark rifts business community,” said within the party.

Daniel Silke, an indepenOutgoing President Jacob dent political analyst. As

Zuma’s second and final term as the ANC’s leader has ended after a scandal-ridden tenure that has seen a plummet in the popularity of Nelson Mandela’s liberation movement.

Zuma’s term as South Africa’s head of state ends in 2019. It is not clear if Ramaphosa as the ANC’s new leader will call on Zuma to resign as the country’s president, which the party has the authority to do The ANC, which marked its 105th anniversary this year, fought to end apartheid and has dominated the political landscape since then. But it has been paralyzed by internal fighting and is losing support among voters who are frustrated that it has failed to deliver on the promise of a post-apartheid government. In recent local government elections, the ANC lost control of Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city, and Pretoria, the capital.

Though Ramaphosa has been part of Zuma’s administration, he has managed to steer clear of the corruption allegations that have dogged many of his colleagues and create enough distance from himself and the besmirched Zuma to not be perceived as part of the problem.

“This will be a confidence bounce, not just among markets, but among ordinary people,” says William Gumede, executive chairSAYING GOODBYE—Outgoing ANC president and South African man of Democracy Works President Jacob Zuma, raises his cap after it was announced that Foundation.

Ramaphosa is a veterCyril Ramaphosa had won the vote at the ANC’s elective conference an of the struggle to end in Johannesburg, Dec. 18. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) South Africa’s former apartheid system of white minority rule and he was a key negotiator who helped the country transition to democracy.

He turned his connections as a former union leader into business ventures that at times have proven controversial. Many South Africans remember that Ramaphosa was a board member of the Lonmin mining group at the time of the Marikana killings in 2012, when police shot dead 34 striking mine workers.

Elaine Effort

Pittsburgh Profiles with KQV’s Elaine Effort sponsored in part by the New Pittsburgh Courier

Pittsburgh Profiles with Elaine Effort heard exclusively on Pittsburgh’s all-news radio station for 30 years

KQV 1410 AM and at WWW.KQV.COM Friday, December 22 at 7:30 P.M. Saturday, December 23 at 7:00 A.M.

THE NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER PUBLISHING COMPANY

Publication No.: USPS 381940 315 East Carson Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Phone: 412-481-8302 Fax: 412-481-1360 The New Pittsburgh Courier is published weekly periodicals paid at Pittsburgh, Pa. PRICE $1.00 (Payable in advance) 6 Months.....$25 1 Year....$45 2 Years...$85 9 Month School Rate $35

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to:

New Pittsburgh Courier 315 East Carson Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219

For the Week of December 20-26 December 20 1860—Believing the November election of Abraham Lincoln would bring the end of slavery; on this day in 1860 South Carolina becomes the first Southern state to secede from the Union. Other states hold conventions and by the time Lincoln takes office on March 4, 1861, seven Southern states had seceded to form the Confederacy. The secessions lay the foundation for the start of the Civil War. In 1865, the victory of the North brings an end to slavery but not before over 600,000 people had been killed.

1988—Max Robinson, the first Black co-anchor of a MAX ROBINSON nightly network news program (ABC’s World News Tonight), dies in Washington, D.C., of complications due to AIDS. The 49-year-old Robinson was officially thought to be straight. It was never publicly explained how he contracted the deadly disease. Robinson’s given name was Maxie Cleveland Robinson Jr. December 21 1865—Following the example set by Mississippi, South Carolina on this day enacted a series of “Black Codes.” The codes displayed a White Southern obsession with three things after losing the Civil War. 1) They still desperately wanted to control Blacks. The primary method was forcing the now landless and money-less ex-slaves to sign “labor contracts” with White employers, which were so strict that they came close to re-instituting slavery. 2) They were obsessed with preventing sexual relations between Blacks and Whites.

This took the form of banning interracial marriages and relationships. 3) They wanted to retard Black economic progress with a series of measures designed to require that Blacks work for Whites and not establish their own businesses. The codes barred Blacks from even selling farm products without the permission of a White employer. Fortunately, many of the codes were never fully enforced because Northern troops occupied the South and voided many of the “Black Codes.”

1956—The Montgomery Bus Boycott ends. For more than ROSA PARKS a year, Montgomery, Ala., Blacks had boycotted city buses to demand an end to segregation and demeaning treatment of African-Americans. The boycott had been sparked by the dramatic refusal of Rosa Parks to give up her seat on the bus to a White man. The boycott ended when the United States Supreme Court ruled that public transportation segregation was unconstitutional. By the time the boycott ended, Parks and boycott leader Martin Luther King Jr. were national heroes (at least among Blacks).

1988—National Black political leader Jesse L. Jackson Sr. begins a campaign encouraging use of the designation “African-American” instead of “Black” to denote Americans of African ancestry.

December 22 1898—Historian and author Chancellor Williams is born on this day in Bennettsville, S.C. Williams authored the book “Destruction of Black Civilization: Great Issues of Race from 4500 B.C. to 2000 A.D.” The book is considered a must-read for any serious student of Black history. Williams died in 1992.

December 23 1815—Abolitionist Henry Highland Garnet is born in Kent County, Md. Perhaps second only to Frederick Douglass, Garnet was the leading Black abolitionist of the 1800s. He was known for his tremendous oratorical skills and being MADAME C.J. WALKER bold in expressing his opinions. After the Civil War, however, he became frustrated with the slow pace of Black progress in America and favored the establishment of an independent Black nation in Africa.

1867—Madame C.J. Walker is born Sarah Breedlove on a Delta Plantation in Louisiana. A high level of self-esteem and a near unmatchable level of energy enabled her to launch a hair care products business, which is believed to have made her the first Black millionaire in America. Her story is truly an amazing one. As an orphan at age 7, she quickly became an independent woman. She began working for another Black woman with a line of hair care products. But she soon launched her own—“Madame Walker’s Wonderful Hair Grower.” She traveled for a year and a half promoting her products throughout the South and Southwest. By 1910, she had settled in Indianapolis, Ind., where she built her factory. By 1913, she traveled through the Caribbean and Central America promoting her products. By 1916, she moved to New York in a Harlem townhouse that was as fabulous as anything on Fifth Avenue. In 1917, she was part of a delegation of prominent Blacks who visited the White House to protest against lynching. Once asked the secret to her success, she said, “I got myself a start by giving myself a start.” She died in 1919 as the wealthiest Black woman in America.

December 24 1881—The Edgefield Exodus begins. More than 5,000 Blacks, driven in part by a wave of White violence and economic exploitation, begin leaving Edgefield County, S.C., and resettled in Arkansas. The movement was also encouraged by people like Pap Singleton who believed Southern Blacks could enjoy a better life if they moved to the Midwest. It is also believed that some Whites also encouraged the exodus in a bid to reduce South Carolina’s Black population, which was a majority in the state in the 1870s and 1880s.

1881—With the Reconstruction period over and federal troops withdrawn from the former slave states, Whites began to reassert their authority with a host of segregationist and anti-Black laws. On this day, Tennessee led the way to modern segregation with a “Jim Crow” railroad car statute. Basically, “Jim Crow” meant segregation.

Virtually all the other Southern states soon did the same, passing laws designed to segregate or keep Blacks and White separated. How the name “Jim Crow” came to represent segregation is unclear. It is believed to have originated from a White minstrel show performer of the 1830s named Thomas “Daddy” Rice who stole the phrase from a slave who did a song and dance using the words “Jim Crow” as a criticism of his slave master. Regardless, many of the Jim Crow laws enacted in the 1880s remained in force until the successes of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.

December 25 1760—The first poem written by a Black person and published in America is published on Christmas day 1760. It was written by Jupiter Hammon—a slave in Long Island, N.Y., who was allowed to attend school. The poem was entitled “An Evening Thought: Salvation by Christ with Penitential Cries.” Hammon also wrote a poem to Phyllis Wheatley—anJUPITER HAMMON other early and great African-American poet. Hammon is thought to have lived until he was 95 (1711-1806). He was devoutly religious.

1838—At the Battle of Okeechobee on Christmas Day 1838, a force of Seminole Indians soundly defeated U.S. government troops who were trying to force them off their lands. The Seminoles were led by a Black chief named John Horse. The Seminoles were perhaps the most racially integrated of all the Indian tribes. During the early 1800s, Blacks escaping slavery in Florida and Georgia were frequently granted safe haven by the Seminoles. Significant intermarriage resulted. Their aid for escaped slaves was one of the reasons the government wanted so desperately to relocate the Seminoles from Florida to the Midwest. But the Seminoles put up a more fierce resistance than any of the other Indian tribes. However, in 1849, the government declared that the Black Seminoles were still slaves. Finally, in 1850, faced with overwhelming military force, large numbers of Seminoles, under the leadership of Horse and a full-blooded Seminole known as Wild Cat, left the U.S. for Mexico.

1951—Mr. and Mrs. Harry T. Moore are murdered when a bomb explodes under their home in Mims, Fla. Both were teachers and courageous civil rights activists. It is believed the bomb was JOHN HORSE planted by a White terrorist organization such as the Ku Klux Klan.

2006—James Brown dies. “Soul Brother #1”—one of the most influential figures in Soul or R&B music of the 20th Century dies at 73 while preparing for a performance. Born in Barnwell, S.C., Brown began his amazing career in 1953 and rose to fame to in the late 1950s. He remained highly popular through the 1960s and 1970s.

While less popular, he continued to perform until the day of his death. Brown was also known for his soulful dancing style. His full name was James Joseph Brown Jr. December 26 1848—In one of the most daring escapes from slavery in U.S. history, on this day in 1848, William and Ellen Craft began a 1,000-mile journey from a plantation in Macon, Ga., to freedom in Boston, Mass. The light-complexioned Ellen disguised herself as an infirmed White man and the dark-complexioned William pretended to be the faithful slave. The escape, though harrowing, was successful. But in 1850 when Congress passed the Fugitive Slave Act, the Crafts found themselves being hunted down by both slave catchers from Georgia and U.S. Marshals. Then members of Boston’s powerful abolitionist and Underground Railroad communities stepped in. They helped the Crafts flee to Canada and then to Liverpool, England, where the couple stayed until after the Civil War. 1966—The first Kwanzaa holiday celebrations take place. The alternative seven-day holiday period for African-Americans was originated by California Black nationalist Maulana Ron Karenga. Kwanzaa and its principles however, may be more widely respected then actually celebrated among American Blacks.

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

NATIONAL

DECEMBER 20-26, 2017

A3

Black women seek rewards from Democrats after Alabama race

by Jesse J. Holland Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP)—Once again, Black women showed up for Democrats, with nearly all of them voting in Alabama for new Sen. Doug Jones, just as they did for Democratic candidates up and down the ballot in other states over the last few months.

The same women, having proven their loyalty by voting 98 percent for Jones, now wonder whether the Democratic Party will return the favor by sharing some of the party’s political power, handing over places at the negotiating table and pushing legislation that speaks to their unique issues.

“Black women showed up and showed out,” said Kimberlè Crenshaw, co-founder of the African American Policy Forum. In “any other context, people who get it 98 percent right, they’d be at the head of the class. It’s time for Black women to be at the head of the political class.”

Black turnout was also high, at around 30 percent, according to exit polls. That level of support mirrors what black women did in Virginia, where 91 percent of them voted for incoming Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, and in New Jersey, where 94 percent voted for incoming Gov. Phil Murphy.

Those women also swept other candidates into office, including Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, the first Black candidate to be elected statewide in Virginia since Gov. Doug Wilder in 1989.

“Let me be clear: We won in Alabama and Virginia because #BlackWomen led us to victory,” said Tom Perez, chairman of the Democratic National Committee. “Black women are the backbone of the Democratic Party, and we can’t take that for granted.

Period.”

In Montgomery, Ala., 70-year-old Annette Brown said she sometimes considers voting Republican, but there was no way she was going to vote for firebrand Roy Moore.

“I’ve been a Democrat all my life, and I’m sure not going to switch for this election.

Sometimes I feel like swinging, but not for

CAMPAIGN RALLY—Actress Uzo Aduba speaks during a rally for Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate Doug Jones, Dec. 11, in Birmingham, Ala. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) Moore,” she said.

Brown said allegations that Moore pursued teenage girls while in his 30s and his waving of a gun onstage to emphasize his views on the Second Amendment made her decision easy.

“I believe the ladies. And he’s just off kilter anyway. When he pulled out that gun on stage, that was it for me,” Brown said.

Black women have their own unique voting-mobilization strategy, said Barbara Arnwine, president of the Transformative Justice Coalition.

“That strategy is what I call ‘my momma,’” Arnwine said. “You see, Vera Arnwine, when she knows an election is coming up, she gets on the phone. She calls everybody she knows. And she says. ‘Are you voting?

Are you registered? ... You better get out there and do it.’ So this is what we do and it’s just so powerful.”

Tuesday’s election continued the trend of Black women over-performing for Democratic candidates.

In addition to voting, Black women are running for office, testing whether the Democratic Party will stand behind them in the 2018 elections and beyond. Stacey Abrams is running to be Georgia’s first Black governor. In Virginia, Vangie Williams hopes to become the state’s first Black congresswomen.

In 2017, Black women held only two statewide offices—GOP Lt. Gov. Jenean Hampton of Kentucky and Connecticut state Treasurer Denise Nappier, a Democrat. Black women are mayors of seven of the nation’s 100 largest cities and hold 271 state legislature seats, according to the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University’s Eagleton Institute of Politics.

Black women say they now need to be compensated for their devotion. Democrats also need to share some of their positions of power with Black women on the ballot and inside political party machines on local, state and national levels.

Sen. Kamala Harris of California, who is the only Black woman in the Senate and is already being mentioned as a 2020 presidential candidate, said Democrats and progressives need to go beyond just thanking Black women.

“Let’s address issues that disproportionately affect Black women—like pay disparity, housing and under-representation in elected office,” she said Thursday on Twitter.

Rep. Shelia Jackson Lee, a Texas Democrat, said she and other Black women Democrats plan to put together a package of legislation that will speak to Black women’s issues and present it to Democratic leadership with a message.

“You need to address those whose vote, not check, gave you an opportunity,” Jackson Lee said, describing an initiative that might include major points such as education, the economy, health care and the criminal justice system. “You’re bragging that you want us to be in the civic process.

Now do something for that.”

In the 2016 presidential race, 94 percent of Black women voted for Democrat Hillary Clinton while 53 percent of White women voted for Donald Trump. In 2008 and 2012, Black women voted at a higher rate than any racial or gender group, each time giving President Barack Obama 96 percent of their vote.

While Black men also turned out in high numbers for Democrats, Black women historically have been the backbone of the vote-mobilization efforts, but they rarely get the credit, said LaTosha Brown, a Selma, Ala., native and co-founder of the Black Voters Matter Fund. In Alabama, Black women were on the ground working without much fanfare, just as they’ve done all the way back to the civil rights movement, she said.

“Black women stand and have continuously been standing in the gap, and been providing an enormous amount of leadership because we don’t just bring our own issues. We bring our community with us,” (Associated Press Writer Bill Barrow in Montshe said. gomery, Alabama, contributed to this report.)

Omarosa’s departure highlights lack of White House diversity

by Jill Colvin Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP)—With Omarosa Manigault Newman’s departure, the White House has lost arguably its most prominent and visible African-American senior staffer, serving as a reminder of the lack of diversity at the upper echelons of the Trump administration.

Manigault Newman was one of just a handful of African-Americans to hold a senior position under Trump. Ben Carson, the

secretary of Housing and Urban Development, is the president’s only African-American Cabinet member. Jerome Adams, Trump’s surgeon general, is also Black.

In an interview Thursday with ABC’s “Nightline,” Manigault Newman said she often felt lonely as “the only African-American woman in this White House.”

“At times it was very difficult,” she said, recalling sitting in morning senior staff meetings, with 30 other assistants to the president, where nobody looked like her.

“There was a lack of diversity that I will

acknowledge,” she said in the interview.

“And at times it was very lonely. Because the majority of them were White men who had their own agendas. Many of them had never worked with minorities, didn’t know how to interact with them.”

White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders insisted to reporters Thursday that the White House staff was indeed diverse, despite evidence to the contrary.

“Look, we have a really diverse team across the board at the White House,” she said, adding, “We always want to continue to

grow the diversity here. We’re going to continue to do that and continue to work hard.”

The White House did not respond to requests Thursday for a list of how many African-Americans serve in leadership positions at the White House.

Manigault Newman, who was escorted off the White House grounds after resigning, had served as an assistant to the president and director of communications for the White House Office of Public Liaison, working on outreach to various constituency groups.

A4

METRO

DECEMBER 20-26, 2017

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

For Adrienne Young, the fight against gun violence will continue…

ADRIENNE YOUNG, left, with members of Pittsburgh police and kids who were presented with toys at the organization’s annual Christmas dinner and toy drive, Dec. 15. (Photos by J.L. Martello)

ELDI to purchase Bethesda properties ELDI FROM A1

HUD off the hook here,” he said.

In October, HUD announced it had pulled its subsidies on the Bethesda-Homewood properties because some were in deplorable condition. The low-income tenants were told with nearly any notice they could either stay without the rent subsidy or relocate. East Liberty Development would buy the properties with financial assistance from local foundations, rehab and repair the least problematic units, and keep as many residents as possible from being relocated.

Long-term, said ELDI Project Manager Kendall Pelling, they

would rehab all the properties they could to a safe standard, and demolish and rebuild the others.

The short-term goal is triage.

Homewood residents, however, said they were not happy with ELDI owning property in Homewood.

Carmen Moore said they be replacing one slumlord for another.

“We don’t want what happened in East Liberty, the gentrification, the poor residents being forced out,” she said.

Operation Better Block Executive Director Jerome Jackson and Building United of Southwestern Pennsylvania Executive Director Rev. Sam Ware said

Homewood organizations and residents should be part of any decision-making process on development in the community.

Pelling said the foundations that have agreed to fund the purchase would not deal with a consortium of groups. He also ELDI portfolio is more than 50 percent affordable housing, and that it has no intention of owning the property for a lengthy period of time.

Ultimately, the board approved the loan, making it conditional on the collaboration with Homewood groups, and on pursuing financial claims against the current absentee landlord.

DEAIRA JOHNSON, 8, AND DAVIER MORRISON, 5

City Council OKs tax hike REALTY FROM A1

home’s sale price to be available to eligible purchasers.

The monies raised for the housing initiative will go into the city’s general fund and then be reallocated to the housing fund.

Mayor Bill Peduto has repeatedly said he supports the tax increase and will sign the legislation.

Supporters of the bill, including members of Pittsburgh United and other housing advocates, applauded loudly as the final vote was read. Councilmen Danny Lavelle and

Rev. Ricky Burgess, who sponsored the legislation, thanked all those who supported them.

“I’ve always said to do affordable housing, you have to able to do it on a large scale,” said Burgess. “This legislation gives us the ability to do that.”

Councilwoman Natalia Rudiak, who along with Darlene Harris voted against the bill, said she couldn’t support the tax increase because it would increase the sales prices of homes—the opposite of making housing affordable.

METRO

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

DECEMBER 20-26, 2017

…‘Tree of Hope’ holds annual Christmas dinner and toy drive

KING JONES and Rashad Simmons, hanging out with Santa Claus, at Tree of Hope’s annual Christmas dinner and toy drive, Dec. 15.

NEVAEH COLLINS, 6, AND CARTEZ GASTON, 3

Young lost her son 23 years ago today, Dec. 20 YOUNG FROM A1

have lost loved ones, but what about stopping the losses in the first place?

That’s what I want to see, and I just couldn’t see where we were making a big difference,” Young told the New Pittsburgh Courier in an exclusive interview, Dec. 19.

Thus, the 362 kids that were provided dinner, the gifts that were presented, the annual Tree of Hope Christmas event held at Eastminster Presbyterian Church in East Liberty, Dec. 15, might have been the last event.

“I just felt it was time, there was just so much sadness,” Young said. Sadness about what Young said seems to be an increase of violence, with the victims getting younger. “We have so many unsolved murders it makes no sense,” Young said.

“The murderers continue to live among us because we won’t talk.”

But the Tree of Hope Board spoke up about someone of importance to them—Adrienne Young. On Dec. 16, the morning after the dinner and toy drive, they told her she couldn’t give up, she couldn’t give the organization up, it’s done too much good, it’s made too much of a positive impact, whether Young believes it or not.

The 10 members of the board that were present that morning urged her to stay at the helm. Two more years, at least.

Turns out, Young couldn’t walk away just yet. Two more years it is.

“At some point you say to yourself, when is this going to stop? And they don’t care who they shoot—grandmothers, grandfathers,” Young said.

Still, Young will march on as the leader of Tree of Hope, with the hope that the violence will cease. Her son, Javon Thompson, a

STANTON HEIGHTS residents Nehemiah, Khadijah, Marquease, and Jabril. (Photos by J.L. Martello) Carnegie Mellon University student, was killed exactly 23 years ago, Dec. 20, 1994, in Garfield.

“We keep searching for the answers, and we have the answers” to stopping the violence, Young told the Courier. “Number 1, God. Number 2, at home.

Number 3, the community coming together again, and Number 4, we need to start talking. This ‘no snitching’ stuff has to go, it’s absolutely ridiculous.”

ADRIENNE YOUNG

Happy Holidays from Wholey’s!

Fresh

KALE or COLLARD GREENS

99¢/Lb.

Amish Valley Hickory Smoked

SPIRAL-SLICED HALF HAMS

$2.98/Lb.

Case price $23.50

7-9 Lbs. Average SAVE 40¢/Lb.

Extra Large

Semi-Boneless Tender Colorado Beef

COOKED SHRIMP

$7.98/Lb.

Fresh-Frozen Ready to Serve Sold in a 2 Lb. Bag at $15.96 31-40 Count SAVE $2.00/Lb.

FREE PARKING While shopping at Wholey’s

M-Th 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Friday 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Saturday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

STANDING RIB ROAST USDA Fresh

$8.98/Lb. 4-20 Lb. Average

Wild Caught

Canadian-Cold Water

LOBSTER TAILS $5.98 Each Fresh-Frozen SAVE $1.00 Each 3-4 Oz. Avg

USDA Fresh Tender Trimmed Colorado Beef

FILET MIGNON

$12.98/Lb. 3-8 Lbs. Average

Custom Cut into Steaks FREE!

SAVE $3.00/Lb.

Free ice with any purchase

Call (412) 391-3737 SALE DATES 1-888-WHOLEYS December 20-27 1711 Penn Ave. www.wholeys.com In The Strip District

A5

LIFESTYLES New Pittsburgh Courier

A6

DECEMBER 20-26, 2017

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

Debbie Norrell

Lifestyles Report

Bye Felicia Earlier this year Omarosa was the subject matter of this column. Well, she is back and it’s not good.

You may remember that last time I spoke of “O” she had signed her name as “The Honorable Omarosa”—according to many sources you are never to address yourself as the honorable, others can address you as that but you do not sign your name as such. I don’t think she is going to have to worry about signing her name on White House stationary much longer. In case you missed it, Omarosa Manigault Newman is history. There seems to be some confusion as to how her exit went down but what we do know is that she is out.

During her appearance on “Good Morning America,” Manigault Newman denied she was fired and says she resigned. Somehow I don’t believe that is what happened. This White House gig is the first real job that she has had in a while. Her other sources of income were feature roles on reality television shows. Just so you know, those are acting jobs. There are actually agents that place people in reality television shows and “O” had become pretty good at getting cast on reality TV. So when the person who hosted her first reality show got his first real job he brought her along for the ride. I think her role was all for appearances and if she had played by the script I would be writing about something else, like cheese. Yes cheese, I have some things I want to share with you about cheese, but that will have to wait until next week.

Omarosa got to Pennsylvania Avenue and thought she really had a job to do. People are still wondering what did she really do short of a photo op here and there. Prior to getting married she appeared on “Say Yes to the Dress” and then after the wedding she took her wedding party to the White House grounds for photos. Reportedly she was allowed to take the pictures but only in one area, it has been reported she overstepped the boundaries.

And then O was put on a so-called “no-fly list” that Chief of Staff John Kelly is keeping of White House aides he deems unfit to attend serious meetings. Hers is the most prominent name on the list according to The New York Times report which describes her as a former “Apprentice” star with an ill-defined job in the White House.

The paper reported that Manigault Newman’s penchant for dropping into meetings to which she was not invited is what landed her on the no-fly list. I wonder why she had time to drop into meetings—perhaps, she had nothing to do. She did attend the opening of the museum in Mississippi along with U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson. I guess they were the most likely Blacks to attend.

Omarosa is now free to write a book or appear on another reality show. As for “The White House Reality TV Show...” Omarosa, you’re fired.

(Email Debbie at debbienorrell@aol.com)

EVENT CO-CHAIRS—Crystal McCormick and Kelly McCormick

HANDSOME COUPLE—Micah Wilkerson and Tyler Nicole Pannell (Photos by Debbie Norrell)

A Night in the Emerald City

by Debbie Norrell Lifestyles Editor

Ladies dressed in green from head to toe and some even wore green lipstick for the Fall Fantasy: A Night In the Emerald City on Nov. 4 at the St. John’s Cathedral Center in Munhall. The Fall Fantasy is an annual popular event sponsored by Alpha Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the Ivy Charitable Endowment. This year the Fall Fantasy was sold out. Event chairs Crystal McCormick and Kelly McCormick said more than MEMBERS OF FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE—Bren- 370 attended the cabada Hall, Erica Sharkey, Rachel Riley-Lavelle and MEMBERS OF FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE—Evelyn McMullen-Stephens, Tricia ret-style event and more Mayo and Carla Adams Alma Lucas than $10,000 was raised for programs that focus on education, family, health, environmental and global impact.

READY FOR THE EMERALD CITY—Angela Stubbs

FAMILY—Terri White, Tia Williams and Jackie Brooks

FashionAFRICANA Speaker Series presents Bethann Hardison

by Debbie Norrell Lifestyles Editor

FashionAFRICANA, best known for fabulous fashion events, presented their first FashionAFRICANA Speaker Series on Nov. 15, at The Frick Pittsburgh featuring a conversation with Bethann Hardison. The evening included introductory remarks from Karen Legato, co-founder of Emphatics, and Jim Rooney who spoke about “The Rooney Rule,” a National Football League policy that requires league teams to interview minority candidates for head coaching and senior football operation jobs.

FashionAFRICANA founder, Demeatria Boccella interviewed Hardison. Many know Hardison as MOTHER AND DAUGHTER ENJOY THE EXHIBIT—El- a fashion model, think the Battle of Versailles 1973, fashion agency owndana and Jenny Smith er and the mother of actor Kadeem Hardison.

However, during the conversation FASHIONAFRICANA COFOUNDERS WELCOME BETHANN HARDIthe audience SON—Darnell McLaurin, Bethann Hardison and Demeatria Boccella found out so tion many in the audience much more compared her initiative about Hardito the Rooney Rule. When son and her she was asked questions activism. about how to succeed in She is the modeling she replied that founder of most would have better the Diversity success in other fields of Coalition, work. Hardison currently an initiative represents Tyson Beckford. to increase The evening concluded diversity in with a reception and the fashion an opportunity to view industry and UNDRESSED—A History expose racial of Fashion in Underwear, prejudice.

ENGAGED IN THE CONVERSA- available through Jan. 7, PITTSBURGH FASHIONISTAS QUESTION HARDISON—Wadria Taylor, Allegra John- During the TION—Yvette Flaxman son and Bethann Hardison (Photos by Debbie Norrell) 2018. conversa-

METRO

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

DECEMBER 20-26, 2017

A7

‘This is my voice to combat the rising violence and drug invasion attacking our community.’ — Keysha Gomez

‘Business Bee’ youth competition held in Sheraden WEST END FROM A1

ber of youth grew, Gomez moved meetings to the Sheraden Library. In 2014, after-school classes taught

by Gomez moved into a space provided inside Pittsburgh Langley K-8 for three days each week throughout the school year.

“This is my voice to combat the rising violence and drug invasion attacking our community,” the determined Gomez said. “Any child enrolled in our program will receive quality services, love and care. Our programming is unique in that we implement the ‘It takes a village’ mindset by enrolling the youth at a young age and teaching them the same standards and principles expected to be exhibited by everyone in the program and in the long run, the

community. Our parent engagement component does the same with the parents through the monthly parent workshops.”

From fourth-grader Jordan Ralph, to sixth-grader Tatyana McClellan, to ninth-grader Jasmine Snead, the youth participants got a chance to exhibit the fruits of their learning. “The Bee provides a fun environment that applauds the students on their hard work and dedication to learning business terms,” Gomez said. “This information is going to be needed in their future, whether they choose to be entrepreneurs. study business or not.”

(For more information on H.O.P.E. for Tomorrow, or to enroll a child in the organization, call 724-313-4673 or www.hopefortomorrowinc.org.)

THE YOUTH—Frazier, ShiQuon, D.J., Jair and Dennis

A YOUTH MEMBER of H.O.P.E. for Tomorrow answers a question during the Business Bee competition, Nov. 16 at Sheraden Healthy Active Living Center. (Photos by Gail Manker)

MORE YOUTH—Amajah, Kaijha, and Kinverlyn

A8

DECEMBER 20-26, 2017

PEOPLE

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

2017 — A COURIER CHRISTMAS — 2017

Our Community…Celebrating the season

NOTHING BEATS THE PITTSBURGH CELEBRATE THE SEASONS HOLIDAY PARADE, and this year the annual parade was held Nov. 25 along Liberty Ave., Downtown. The floats, the smiles, the Christmas spirit, shining along with the sun on this festive day. In the left photo, the Flenory family from Natrona Heights says Happy Holidays, as Courier photographer J.L. Martello captured the parade in photos.

KIDS FROM NYOP—Neighborhood Youth Outreach Program for the creative and performing arts

FROM CRAFTON, THE NOVAS

KIZZY CONDON, DAUGHTER SKYE FROM THE NORTH SIDE

LEON FORD, with family, friends and supporters.

PEOPLE

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

DECEMBER 20-26, 2017

Christmas, the time for family movies

by Merecedes J. Howze For New Pittsburgh Courier

Whether you are sitting around the Christmas tree or reclined at the movie theater, the Christmas break is an opportune time for family movies. You can’t watch something inappropriate or racy with grandma in the room, or the kids playing at your feet. So, here are two movies that you can enjoy before the new year.

“Ferdinand,” starring John Cena, Kate McKinnon, Peyton Manning, and Anthony Anderson, is an unordinary tale about a bull (Cena) who refuses to fight despite the pressure to uphold family tradition.

This animated film, which made its debut on Dec. 15, is unlike any other. “Ferdinand” is fresh, colorful, and has some really bold statements. The main character, Ferdinand, remains the hero from beginning to end as he holds his ground as a different

JOHN CENA kind of bull.

Bulls are labeled aggressive and rough, but “Ferdinand” is polite and friendly. With the bullying epidemic in schools these days, “Ferdinand’ is so important for little ones. It is crucial for young, impressionable minds to know that labels are removable and being a good person is acceptable.

If you are looking for family laughter, another great holiday movie is “Daddy’s Home 2.” Released Nov. 10, this sequel brings two dads back together for an uncomfortable holiday season. The blended, overlapping families of Brad (Will Ferrell) and Dusty (Mark Wahlberg) are under one roof for Christmas, granting their children’s wish.

It’s not better than the original, but “Daddy’s Home 2” is still hilarious.

Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg work very well together, and they both have a good, warm message about co-parenting and family.

Ferrell is the best half of all the latest comedy duos (if that makes sense). He created a classic comedy alongside John C. Reilly in

To read more of Merecedes’ movie reviews...

Just visit our website! newpittsburgh courier.com

“Stepbrothers” (2008). In 2015, Kevin Hart was his partner and co-funny man in “Get Hard.” And the “Daddy’s Home” series isn’t the first time the former Saturday Night Live star has been on the big screen with Wahlberg. They both

played the goofiest detectives in 2010’s “The Other Guys.”

“Daddy’s Home 2” is delightfully overshadowed

by Ferrell’s comedy. His foolish and jovial behavior makes for some really great material. He’s the

reason why this film series will continue to make more films.

Both movies are “Movie Scene Queen certified” for a good time and great conversations with your loved ones during this festive winter break.

WILL FERRELL

A9

A10

PEOPLE

DECEMBER 20-26, 2017

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

2017 — A COURIER CHRISTMAS — 2017

The Pirates, The Kids, The Gifts The Pirates’ CARE-a-van tour gives presents to area youth

PIRATES STAR JOSH BELL, with kids from Destiny International Ministries in Lincoln-Lemington, as the Pirates purchase gifts for kids at Dick’s Sporting Goods in Monroeville, Dec. 8. (Photos by J.L. Martello)

THE PIRATE PARROT, with Kiona Snowden and Tasha Davis Ramsey.

INDIA SNOWDEN of Garfield, and Robert Ruffin, of Lincoln, with Pirate player Chris Bostick, and the Pirate Parrot

JAYQUEN CLARK, 10

ALONNA LITTLETON gets some assistance as she tries on her new ADULT ORGANIZER LASHAUN DAVIS, with her new friend…The shoes, at Dick’s Sporting Goods in the Monroeville Mall, Dec. 8.

Pirate Parrot!

To see more pics from this event, visit our Facebook page!

Just search, ‘New Pittsburgh Courier’

RELIGION

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

2017 — A COURIER CHRISTMAS — 2017

At Narrow Way Ministries, it’s all about the kids

DECEMBER 20-26, 2017

A11

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

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

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

THE CHRISTMAS PARTY at Narrow Way International Ministries COGIC had all the youth talkin’… the gifts were plentiful, and so were the smiles. The event, at 615 Taft Ave. in Mt. Oliver, was held Dec. 17.

Courier Photographer J.L. Martello captured the event in pictures. For more pictures, see Page B9.

www.cathedralofhope.com

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

Sanctuary Worship...11:00 a.m.

Curious about Quakerism?

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

Pittsburgh Friends Meeting 4836 Ellsworth Avenue 412-683-2669

New Destiny CME Church 114 North Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15233 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.

DANCERS FROM K-THEATRE DANCE COMPLEX

ASHLEY FORD, 10, loves all the gifts she received…To see more pics from this event, see Page B9.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF MY BELOVED DAUGHTER BERNADETTE TURNER

Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community!

For rate information, call 412481-8302, ext.

128.

We miss you dearly, from mother Gloria Legare, children Citara, Sean Jr. and husband Sean Sr.

IN MEMORIAM

This holiday season will be a painful reminder of the previous year. On December 21, 2016 Bill “Friday” Connor passed away in Las Vegas. We moved to Las Vegas from Pittsburgh in 2005. Bill’s death was 4 days before Christmas and a week before my birthday.

Bill was buried the day after my birthday and 2 months before our wedding anniversary.

For me and my family our lives will never be the same and I’m certain there are others who will think of Bill and remember what a special person he was. He had an amazing impact on so many people. Bill loved me, his children, his sisters, his brother all of his family fierce ly. He had the same type of love for his many friends.

The Connor and extended Connor families are so very grateful for Bill Connor; for all that he was and for all the wonderful folks that he brought into our lives.

Bill and Nadine Connor with Robert John Connor, Anita ConOur Children (Anita Connor Ross, Robert nor Ross and Julian Scott Connor John Connor and Julian Scott Connor) posted a video on Facebook that says “Don’t Cry for Me” and that is what Bill would have wished, but it is difficult not to cry for someone who has meant so much for such a long time. So we will cry a little less often and tell “Bill Connor’ stories while remembering a man who always told us “It Ain’t Easy”. Bill’s faith in God was strong and as in Pittsburgh he spent each and every day in Las Vegas helping others.

To ALL, please have a safe and blessed Holiday Season and I thank you for your love, your support and your friendship.

Bill and Nadine Connor enjoying the New Nadine Connor and Family Pittsburgh Courier.

December 2017

TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEXT CHURCH EVENT! 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 Or Email us! religion@ newpittsburgh courier.com

A12

PEOPLE

DECEMBER 20-26, 2017

Adapting to college life

Black students discuss adjusting to predominantly-White institutions

by Kori Johnson For New Pittsburgh Courier

Heading off to college is a monumental moment for a high schooler. It’s a change of pace, a real chance to test out the wings without the assured protection from mom and dad. The promise of that new experience bears its own weight, but coupled with an athletic scholarship at a predominantly-White institution, or PWI, therein lies a new set of challenges.

Adele Bradley, a freshman on the Duquesne University volleyball team, has spent the entirety of her first semester becoming more accustomed to said challenges. Bradley hails from South Carolina. She attended Blythewood, a lo-

cal predominantly-Black high school.

“It was a big transition coming to this school after high school,” Bradley said.

“It was just a culture shock really because I had never been around as many White students as I am here.”

Diversity matters, especially in PWIs, because it is an opportunity for everyone, Black or White, to become more aware of other cultures and, hopefully, more accepting of them. It goes without saying that Bradley has had moments that have called into question whether or not she made the right choice.

Jaryd Jones-Smith, a senior on the football team for the University of Pittsburgh, can easily relate to Bradley.

“The first thing I did was join an organization with other Black students, Athletes in Action,” Jones-Smith said. “It helped me to be more comfortable at the school being surrounded by a good amount of the Black population at the same time.”

Since then Jones-Smith has become more active at the university, becoming a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. this past spring.

“I haven’t met anyone here that is just an outright racist,” Bradley continued. “However, I can definitely tell that the majority of the (White) people I have met don’t know how to approach me. One girl, who didn’t know what to say when she first met me, promptly introduced her-

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

self and then asked what I was mixed with. I knew she was nice and meant well but it wasn’t conveyed that way.”

Luckily for Bradley, she had the opportunity to connect with others and develop strong relationships outside of students who were there solely for an education.

Bradley came to Duquesne to pursue a major in Environmental Science. She chose Duquesne because it was one of the few schools that offered her the opportunity to be active in her studies while playing the sport she loves at the highest level collegiately.

The Duquesne University women’s volleyball team currently has four African American players on the roster, two of which are freshmen, including Bradley. Bradley said she has developed strong relationships with not only the other Black girls on her team, but the White ones as well.

“My teammates are really like my sisters. I’ve grown to have a really close bond with some of them,” Bradley said. “They push me to be better.”

ADELE BRADLEY, a freshman at Duquesne, said coming to the university was a “culture shock” coming from her majority-Black high school.

Jones-Smith, a communications major from New Jersey, agrees.

“My teammates have pushed me to be a better leader overall. Now, in my senior year, I can see how that has translated to my ability to thrive in a large community of White students while being one of a small number of Blacks,” Jones-Smith said.

According to data from the website collegedata. com, the University of Pittsburgh, with 19,123 undergraduate students, is 6.9 percent African Amer-

many of her classes, she is only one of a few African Americans. But she said her professors are just as, if not more, sympathetic to her and her African American counterparts. “I can tell that they have a better understanding for minorities and because of this they try to make us feel extra comfortable and welcomed,” Bradley said.

A college education is nothing to sneeze at and neither is the opportunity to receive one at a university that is outside of one’s comfort levels, academical-

JARYD JONES-SMITH, a senior at Pitt, quickly joined organizations at the university to feel more comfortable in the transition from high school to college. ican, 71 percent White.

Duquesne, with 6,039 students, is 5.5 percent Black, 83.8 percent White. Penn State’s main campus is 4.7 percent Black, and Carnegie Mellon University is 5.5 percent Black (36.3 percent White, 36.1 percent Asian).

Point Park University has the highest percentage of Black students in the Pittsburgh area, besting Indiana University of Pennsylvania, 14.9 to 12.3 percent.

Bradley knows that in

ly, relationally, athletically, etc. Bradley has found her experience to be quite beneficial thus far.

“The most exciting part of my academic career has been the exposure to a more advanced curriculum because in the South it’s not as rigorous as it is here, so being exposed to that and having to adapt has been a challenge,” Bradley said.

“I’ve enjoyed it because I feel like I’m actually learning something.”

BUSINESS New Pittsburgh Courier

Pittsburgh’s Black community in the Christmas spirit People B9

DECEMBER 20-26, 2017

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

Classifieds

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

B

Ryan talks about pushing diversity at Chamber luncheon

by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer

“I started calling all our cli-

Tim Ryan, chair of ac- ents, and even our competitors counting giant PwC, tells a story about a conversation to get them to sign on to this he had with one of his Black CEO pledge. As of now, 370 of managers from New York, during which the man told the Fortune 500 have signed him he feels safe at work, when he’s wearing his busi- on. And in every meeting I have ness suit and looking like with CEOs, I ask about their dithe well-off executive he is.

But if he’s away from the versity and inclusion work— office, wearing sweats and what worked well; what did you carrying a baseball bat to the park, he does not feel miss.” safe.

TIM RYAN “In fact, he makes sure Chair of PwC he always has his business card when he’s driving,” said Ryan. “He does that so that if he’s pulled over by he’s driving.”

Ryan told that story during his keynote police, he can assure them that he can afford the car address at the Dec. 18 African American

Harry C. Alford

Beyond the Rhetoric

Get ready for serious Black economic empowerment Something was taken for granted with the Trump Transition Team. It was assumed that Omarosa Manigault was the point person for African Americans. Just about everyone thought that. As time went on it became apparent that she didn’t know it. I remember the first transition meeting of Black national organizations the Trump campaign held. I was invited and felt it safe my charge would be to provide advice on Black business development. It shocked me to see that the Black chamber created by President Obama’s administration, to oppose our National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), was also invited. This was the group that propped up Obama’s cabinet to be pro-Black when it came to capitalistic items even though the progressive left was no proponent of capitalism let alone, Black capitalism. It was funded by Hillary Clinton cronies. How could someone make that mistake?

I didn’t get insulted. It was clear to me that Ms. Manigault wasn’t clear about the whole deal of left versus right. Her agenda, in the minds of everyone else, was about African American Outreach. No one else had that title and there wasn’t a deliberate omission about it. She made snafus like arguing with the Congressional Black Caucus. Anyone knows that you aren’t going to win friends in this city with that strategy. As time went on she made other false steps. When word came out that the association of Historical and Black Colleges and Universities were upset with the treatment she was dishing out to them, it all came to a “head.”

SEE SERIOUS B2

Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania’s annual business luncheon at the Omni William Penn Hotel.

But that conversation might never have happened had Ryan not created the opportunity for it and countless others like it to take place. It started his first week as chair, the first week of July 2016— when Alton Sterling was fatally shot by two White police officers in Baton Rouge; a day later, Philando Castile by White officers during a St. Paul traffic stop, and a day after that, Black Army Reserve Afghan War veteran Micah Johnson ambushed

TIM RYAN

SEE RYAN B2

NACA Home Buyers and Realtors workshop seeks to impact Black communities

by Diane I. Daniels

or modify their predatory loan with far better terms than those provided in the prime market.

With the belief that we must rebuild our Known for no down payment, no closcommunities, Pittsburgh Councilman ing cost, no private mortgage insurance, Rev. Ricky Burgess earlier this month character lending, no perfect credit, and provided what he considers a tool to inibelow-market interest rates, NACA’s mistiate the process. “Just because our comsion is to make homeownership available munities may be poor doesn’t mean we with the best terms for its members who need to live poorly. We need to transform otherwise would be prevented from obour neighborhoods from neighborhoods of taining an affordable mortgage. Utilizconcentrated poverty to stable mixed ing a proprietary software system, they income neighborhoods in all parts developed “NACA-Lynx” —enabling the of the City of Pittsburgh,” he said. organization to administer a compre“We need our own stores, grocery hensive housing counseling program stores, drug stores, gas stations where their members are prepared and we need our own entreprefor homeownership and qualifies neurs. We need clean, decent to obtain mortgage financing. affordable housing for everyNACA-Lynx is described as a body despite income levels. paperless, web-based mortgage Everyone, if they want, counseling, processing and undeserves the opportuderwriting system to make the nity to own their own home-buying experience very home.” Rev. Burgess convenient and efficient. made these remarks NACA also creates a personduring a Neighborhood al web-file providing upAssistant Corporation dates for its members of America workshop. outlining their status Over 300 people atand next steps. Memtended the HELP Initiabers also receive comtive, NACA Home Buyers and prehensive one-onRealtors workshop at the one counseling which Kingsley Association. PROVIDING TOOLS—Pittsburgh District 9 City Councilman, Rev. Ricky Burgess, introduc- NACA officials consider The four-hour Home ing residents to programs for affordable homeownership. (Photo by Diane I. Daniels) the cornerstone of its Buyers training focused program.

Additional organizations involved in on NACA’s free home-buying counseling The Homewood, East Hills, East Liberty, and community advocacy and homeown- planning the event included East Lib- Lincoln-Lemington-Belmar, and Larimer ership organization. The two-hour real- erty Neighbors, East Hills Consensus Protection Initiative is a comprehensive tors component was designed to prepare Group, Homewood Community Develop- resident-driven initiative designed to proreal estate agents how to participate in ment Collaborative, Larimer Consensus tect, strengthen, and rebuild the targetNACA. “Building partnerships and re- Group, Lincoln-Lemington Consensus ed communities. The HELP Initiative’s lationships with local agents is key for Group, the office of state Representative overall goals are to: protect, preserve whatever area we go into,” said NACA Ed Gainey and Bridgeway Capital. and increase affordable housing choices NACA, a non-profit organization estab- in Pittsburgh’s East End neighborhoods; mortgage trainer Sheila Wilson. “We have been working in Pittsburgh for a lished in 1998, is defined by its leadership support positive outcomes for families while and want realtors to be prepared as a community advocacy and homeown- who live within the communities; transto accommodate potential homebuyers.” ership organization with the primary goal form targeted communities of poverty With the large number of people attend- to build strong, healthy neighborhoods into viable, mixed-income communities; ing the Home Buyers Mortgage Work- in urban and rural areas nationwide ensure green infrastructure and sustainshop and over 40 people participating in through affordable homeownership. They able design principles are incorporated in the Realtors Certification Workshop, she report that they have made the dream of targeted communities planning processsaid both were very successful. Real Es- homeownership a reality for thousands es; and facilitate local business developtate agencies represented included Keller of working people by counseling them ment within the communities.

Williams, Coldwell Banker, ReMax and honestly and effectively, enabling even SEE NACA B2 those with poor credit to purchase a home Choice Homes.

For New Pittsburgh Courier

Anita Hill to chair Hollywood commission to end sexual abuse by thegrio For New Pittsburgh Courier

With the multitude of sexual harassment and assault claims that have rocked Hollywood, top executives in the industry have asked Anita Hill to chair the new Commission on Sexual Harassment and Advancing Equality in the Workplace.

The commission announced that Hill accepted the post on Friday after a meeting with Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy, Nike Foundation founder and cochair Maria Eitel, Nina Shaw, and venture capitalist Freada Kapor Klein.

“The Commission will not seek just one solution, but a comprehensive strategy to address the complex and inter-related causes of the problems of parity and power,” Kennedy said.

“The fact that so many industry leaders—across film, television , music , digital, unions, agencies, ATA, AMPAS, television academy and guilds—came together, in one room, to explore solutions speaks to a new era.”

Becoming a national figure In 1991, Hill came forward to accuse

ANITA HILL Clarence Thomas of sexual harassment during his Senate confirmation process for U.S. Supreme Court Justice.

Since then she’s been teaching law and policy at Brandeis University as

well as being part of legal and cultural developments around harassment, and both racial and gender equality.

Hill has also chaired the Human Rights Committee of the International Bar

Association and is a member of the Board of Directors of the National Women’s Law Center, as well as the Boston Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights.

“I’m proud to be leading this newly-formed Com-

mission on a long overdue journey to adopt best practices and to create institutional change that fosters a culture of respect and human dignity throughout the industry,” Hill said.

“We will be focusing on issues ranging from power disparity, equity and fairness, safety, sexual harassment guidelines, education and training, reporting and enforcement, ongoing research, and data collection,” she went on. “It is time to end the culture of silence. I’ve been at this work for 26 years. This moment presents us with an unprecedented opportunity to make real change.”

Hollywood’s sex scandal Hill’s meeting with the commission happened 10 weeks after Hollywood was rocked by the allegations of sexual assault and rape of Harvey Weinstein.

Women have also come forward to make allegations against Matt Lauer, Louis C.K., Russell Simmons, Brett Ratner, Kevin Spacey, Garrison Keilor and Al Franken among others.

The Commission on Sexual Harassment and Advancing Equality in the Workplace will meet again early next year to define its mission, priorities and scope.

B2

BUSINESS

DECEMBER 20-26, 2017

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Ryan talks about pushing diversity at Chamber luncheon RYAN FROM B1

a group of Dallas police officers, killing five and wounding nine others, as “payback.”

“I knew we had to do something, we had to find a way to talk about this, about race,” he said. “I got my team together sent out an email, and got thousands of responses thanking me for saying something—none of

our employees could talk about it.”

Then on July 21, Ryan set up meetings in every office across the country where employees could talk about race. It was uncomfortable, scary, awkward, but ultimately successful. Things progressed, the firm began requiring unconscious bias training for all new employees and interns, and

now requires it—and further training for anyone seeking a promotion.

It now also makes what it’s learned available to all its clients large and small, and that’s a lot. The accounting giant claims 96 percent of the Fortune 500 banking firms, 97 percent of automotive firms, and 100 percent of entertainment firms. Last year, PwC

had gross revenues of nearly $36 billion. But Ryan wasn’t through.

“CEOs can do a lot. They can merge and acquire businesses, but most of all they can get things done fast,” he said.

“So, I started calling all our clients, and even our competitors to get them to sign on to this CEO pledge.

As of now, 370 of the For-

tune 500 have signed on.

And in every meeting I have with CEOs, I ask about their diversity and inclusion work—what worked well; what did you miss.”

Ryan also has a website, www.ceoaction.com, that makes available all the firm’s best practices on implementing diversity and inclusion to anyone.

Workshop seeks to impact Black communities NACA FROM B1

HELP achieves its goals by creating and implementing community-specific strategies and solutions in the Homewood, East Hills, East Liberty, Lincoln-Lemington-Belmar, and Larimer neighborhoods by bringing together residents and community organizations, funders, government agencies, and developers to create affordable housing opportunities.

The guiding principles of the initiative are resident-driven development, comprehensive planning, mixed-income communities

and avoiding displacement.

Challenges have been identified as crime, neighborhood blight and Market-Rate Pressures.

When the initiative was kicked off last year, residents from the five neighborhoods signed a fivepoint pledge committing to support the plan to transform distressed low-income communities into stable mixed-income communities; to improve the health, safety, employment, and education of families; to demand living wage jobs, high performing schools, early childhood educa-

Get ready for serious economic empowerment

SERIOUS FROM B1

Boom! White House Chief of Staff Gen. John Kelly gave her the “boot.” Word has it she was escorted out of the White House by the Secret Service. The word spread like wildfire throughout DC like the fire flames in Southern California. Before I could figure it out, I received an email inviting the NBCC to a meeting at the White House concerning the Tax Reform legislation. The day after that Kay received an invite. We hadn’t received invites like that before in years. Something new was happening. Something new indeed—there was a change, a substantial change.

Dozens of Black conservative leaders received identical invites. The invites were sent out on Thursday and Friday for an urgent meeting to be held at the White House Monday afternoon. When we walked into the meeting we saw dozens of people of similar ilk. Black conservative business leaders such as Herman Cain filled the room.

We received presentations about the upcoming legislation from White House Economic Council Director Gary Cohen, Chief of Staff, General John Kelly, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, Senator Tim Scott and others. Stephen P. Munisteri, Deputy Assistant to the President, Principal Deputy Director of the Office of Public Liaison was the moderator.

It was one of the best White House meetings I have ever attended. We were all pumped up about the Tax Reform legislation being voted on and the prospects of making it historical in success and the future of our great nation. General

Kelly made it very clear to us that the act was critical to the economic future of our great nation and that this “rising tide” was going to lift all boats.

He stated that diversity was very important. That is the bottom line to this legislation. It is going to take America to new heights and give us an economy that is robust and inclusive of all segments. Already Black home ownership is reaching the greatest heights in the history of the nation. President Trump will not stop until all segments of the nation are at its highest economic achievement. They made it clear to us that this is not poetic. It is the real deal and they are extremely serious about making it happen.

As with President Kennedy and President Reagan during their administrations, tax reform will be a signature event of this administration. This time, Blacks will certainly be included at all segments. It is easy to see when the creators of it “throw it all down at the start and hold themselves accountable.”

The stock market is already recording unprecedented levels just at the prospect of this tax reform.

Corporations will be coming home to build new facilities and create new jobs by the millions. Our treasury is going to mushroom by the trillions and the thought of “recession” will fade away.

Our allies are excited as we and our enemies are starting to retreat or turn nice.

America is being made great again! This time we will be included.

Get ready America! A change is going to come.

SPREADING HOMEOWNERSHIP KNOWLEDGE—Mortgage Consultant, Sheila Wilson, trains over 300 people during Pittsburgh workshops. (Photo by Diane I. Daniels) tion, and accessible public transformation; to create parks, clean open spaces, green design, conservation and energy reduction and to support local entrepreneurship and the rebuild-

Burgess views NACA as an important step towards increasing homeownership in his district. “This is the most exciting thing happening in our city,” he said. “All these abandoned houses will be able to be purchased and rehabbed as if they are brand new inside providing affordable housing.”

Based in Boston, founded and headed by Bruce Marks, the organization has 46 offices, with the closest to Pittsburgh located in Cleveland. Reverend Burgess pointed out that his goal is to have a NACA office in Pittsburgh to provide direct acess to residents.

“The NACA Home Buyers Workshop was very well received by our neighborhood residents. The success of the workshops planted seeds on the journey to homeownership for our constituents’ future,” said Rev. Burgess.

ing of historic business districts.

With Pittsburgh’s’ cur(For more information on rent affordable housing crisis and fast approach- NACA and the HELP Initiative ing crisis creeping across contact Pam Collier at PCollier@ the United States, Rev. HelpPgh.Org.)

BUSINESS CALENDAR SBA Women-Owned Business Registration

DEC. 21—The Pittsburgh District office of the .S. Small usiness Administration will host its monthly hands on workshop for 8(a) one and Wom en owned certification programs, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its Pittsburgh offices, 11 Seventh Avenue Suite 1 0. Attendees can review the requirements and application process with the staff specialists.

The workshop is free, but regis tration is required. For more infor mation, call 1 3 0.

State Trooper Applications

ON O N through D C. 31 The Pennsylvania State Police are asking interested women and minorities to oin those applying for the next cadet class of state troopers. To be eligible for writ ten examinations scheduled for February 01 , interested parties must submit their applications by December 31, 01 .To view a complete list of prerequisites, to contact a recruiter, or to submit an application, visit www.PATrooper. com. Cadets earn 1 00 bi week ly during training. The starting sal ary for a new trooper is 8, per year along with excellent health care benefits.

Early Registration

D C. 31 Deadline for early registration for NP , the re gion s largest invention show case, N 13 1 at the David . awrence Convention Center.

Those registering by the deadline will be eligible to win up to three free nights at the Drury otel ad acent to the convention center during the expo. For more infor mation, contact achel ush lander at rrushlander inpex.com or call 888 3 ext. 1

Open House

AN. 11 The Chatham Wom en s usiness Center will hold an open house, 30 to p.m., at the ames aughlin usic all on the Chatham niversity Shadyside Campus. eet staff, facilitators, and past participants while learn ing about all of our services for women business owners and women in business. The Center eral law still offers protection. has programs for women in all “Let’s say you just leave your credit card stages of business development, out, and somebody takes it,” Wu says. from membership to business “That might be considered negligence. But development classes, small busi you’re still covered under credit card law.” ness workshops, women s lead FILE A DISPUTE ership breakfasts, and our online Promptly disputing fraudulent charges community for our members.

First time dealing with credit card fraud?

by Claire Tsosie NerdWallet

When Amanda Abella was 23, her wallet was stolen from her purse while she was at work. Before she realized it was missing, she began receiving texts from her bank about unusual account activity.

It was the first time she had experienced fraud on her debit and credit cards.

Resolving fraudulent transactions on her debit card proved difficult and time-consuming. But reversing the unauthorized credit card charges? That was easy.

“It was literally just picking up the phone and calling. ‘Hey, my wallet got stolen. I’m filing a police report. Shut down the account. Send me a new card.’ And that was it,” says Abella, of Miami. “They refunded me all the weird transactions.”

Now 29, Abella is the author of the book “Make Money Your Honey.”

If you’re dealing with sketchy charges on your credit card, chances are the process will be pretty straightforward for you, too.

Here’s what to do.

TAKE STOCK OF YOUR PROTECTIONS First, take a deep breath and remember: As long as you report unauthorized credit card charges to the issuer, you typically won’t have to pay for them. That’s thanks to protections under federal law and “zero liability” policies from credit card networks.

“For unauthorized use, your liability is limited to $50” under credit card law, says Chi Chi Wu, a staff attorney for the National Consumer Law Center. “So if your thief uses your card to run up a bunch of charges, you can only be liable for $50.

And if it’s used for an Internet purchase, they can’t even charge you for the $50, if the card isn’t present.” Many issuers also waive that $50 because of zero liability policies, she says.

Many debit cards offer zero liability protection, but cardholder liability under federal law can be greater on these accounts.

Zero liability policies can be voided in cases of cardholder carelessness—but fed-

is key. Call the issuer’s customer service or file a dispute online.

“Most of the time, it’s going to be relatively easy to resolve,” says Paul Stephens, director of policy and advocacy at the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, a nonprofit consumer advocacy group. “Ideally, you’re going to report it to your issuer, they’re going to do an investigation (and) you will not be expected to pay for the disputed transaction while they’re investigating it.”

Your liability for fraudulent charges is limited under the law, even if you take a long time to report them. But wait too long and you risk forfeiting eligibility for zero liability protection. In the meantime, fishy charges might keep piling up.

Ask for confirmation that you’ve filed a dispute. It might take more than one call to resolve.

SET UP THE NEW CARD If your credit card is affected by fraud, issuers usually close that account and send you a new card with a new number.

This typically won’t affect the age of the account or harm your credit scores. However, when you get a new card, you still have to activate it and update card information for recurring payments, which can be a hassle.

There’s no surefire way to protect your new card from fraudulent charges, but a few moves could help: Keep an eye on your wallet. Set up text or other alerts to help you track card activity. Designate a separate card for recurring payments. If your password is “password,” for the love of cybersecurity, change it. And monitor your accounts. Preventing credit card fraud isn’t always possible, but reporting it promptly helps you bounce back fast.

(This article originally appeared on the personal finance website NerdWallet. Claire Tsosie is a writer at NerdWallet.)

Century-old radio station KQV going off the air PITTSBURGH (AP)—A nearly century-old radio station that has served the Pittsburgh area will go off the air at the end of the year.

The station manager at KQV 1410 made the announcement to his 20-person staff Friday morning, Dec. 15, at their office in downtown Pittsburgh. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports the station has not made an on-air announcement, and doesn’t plan to make one until Dec. 31.

Strategic Planning Workshop

AN 1 The African American Chamber of Commerce of West ern Pa. will host a Strategic Plan ning Workshop, 11 30 a.m. to 1 30 p.m. in its th oor boardroom at the oppers uilding, 3 Sev enth Ave., Downtown. aymond . argo, director of the Niver sity of Pittsburgh Small usiness Development Center will present information about the vital com ponents that should be included in a strategic plan, what to include when applying for funding, tips for marketing, and how to use your plan to make decisions in your business. Cost 10 for members, 0 for nonmembers. For more information call 1 3 0 10.

Business Breakfast Meeting

AN 13 The Chatham Wom en s usiness Center will host its monthly Women s usiness eaders reakfast Series from 8 to p.m. at the ames aughlin usic all on the Chatham ni versity Shadyside Campus. The speaker will be ve Picker, small home developer, and head of the Small Change online real estate investment portal. Cost is . egister online at http www.cha tham.edu cwe networking break fastseries

Training Event

AN. 1 The Duquesne ni versity Small usiness Develop ment Center will host First Step usiness Start up ssentials, 30 a.m. to 1 30 p.m. at ock well all oom 108, 00 Forbes Ave., ptown. Topics include Structure and formation mploy ee issues insurance financing options, Taxing requirements and others. Cost is . For more in formation, call 1 3 33.

PowerBreakfast Meeting

AN. 0 The African American Chamber of Commerce of West ern Pa. will host it first Power reakfast meeting of the year with guest speaker County xecutive ich Fit gerald, 30 to a.m. at the ivers Club in One Oxford Center, Downtown. Fit gerald will address the health of our county and his vision and plans for 01 .

Cost 0 for members, 30 for (Information from: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, non members. For more informa tion, call 1 3 0 10. http://www.post-gazette.com.)

Robert Dickey Jr, whose family has owned or co-owned the all-news format station since 1982, says there is a possibility an investor or buyer could come along in the meantime, but he is not actively trying to sell the station.

Dickey says programing will continue until then, but he says “if you tune into us on Jan. 1, you probably won’t hear anything.”

OPINION

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

DECEMBER 20-26, 2017

B3

National Urban League mourns the loss of trailblazing journalist Simeon Booker

Guest Editorial

Simeon Booker—A significant reporter of the 1950-1980’s civil rights wars America lost one of the most courageous journalists ever to put pen to paper.

Simeon Booker died Dec. 10 at an assisted-living community in Solomons, Maryland. He was 99 years old.

Booker was part journalist, part historian, part philosopher – a gifted writer who covered the Civil Rights Movement, exposed racism, and served as the nation’s Black consciousness for five decades.

“From an early age, I knew I wanted to be a writer,” Booker told The Vindicator newspaper of Youngstown in 2013. “Teaching and preaching were the best advances for Blacks at the time. But I wanted to write.”

Booker was born on Aug. 27, 1918, in Baltimore, Md. After his family moved to Youngstown, Ohio, according to The History Makers, Booker became interested in journalism through a family friend, Carl Murphy, the then owner of Baltimore’s The AFRO-American Newspapers. In 1942, after receiving his B.A. degree in English from Virginia Union University in Richmond, Booker was hired

by Murphy as a reporter for The Afro American Newspapers.

In 1945, Booker moved back to Ohio to work for the Cleveland Call and Post. Five years later, Booker was the recipient of a Nieman Fellowship from Harvard University to study journalism and develop his talent as a reporter, according to The History Makers.

After leaving Harvard in 1951, Booker became the first full-time Black reporter at The Washington Post. In 1954, Booker was hired by the Johnson Publishing Company to report on current events in its weekly digest, Jet. In 1955, according to The History Makers, Booker helped to redefine the role of Jet and the entire Civil Rights Movement with his famous coverage of the Emmett Till murder and trial.

Booker wrote a popular column for Jet called Ticker Tape U.S.A. reporting on the civil rights struggle from an African American perspective.

“I stayed on the road, covering civil rights day and night,” Booker once said. “The names, the places, and the events became history.”

Booker often put his life on the line while covering stories. For his safety, he would sometimes pose as a minister and he once escaped a racist mob by hiding in the back of a hearse.

He was one of the few Black reporters assigned in Washington, D.C.; he covered 10 U.S. presidents and traveled to Southeast Asia to report on the Vietnam War. He was a powerful voice for Black America and he left a lasting legacy for Black journalists to follow.

(AFRO Editorial, Commentary Cartoon – Kofi Tyrus)

Founded 1910

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

Rob Taylor Jr.

Jeff Marion

Office Manager

Managing Editor

Circulation Consultant

John. H. Sengstacke

Editor & Publisher Emeritus (1912-1997)

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—Glaring down at us from the truck were five white men, armed to the teeth with shotguns...All five sprang from the truck and surrounded the car. ‘Get out,’ the huskiest one snapped. ‘Who are you n*****s and where are you going?’ I couldn’t think of anything but the truth so I told them, ‘We’re reporters down here to cover the [Emmett Till] murder trial. We took the wrong road and got lost.’ ‘You n*****s have no business around here,’ he sneered. ‘You’re just stirring up trouble.’ Directing us to keep our hands above our heads, they frisked both of us then searched the car… After what seemed like a lifetime, the ‘hunters’ were satisfied with having scared the hell out of us and having ended their search ordered us to ‘get the hell out” of there.’—Simeon Booker, Shocking the Conscience, A Reporter’s Account of the Civil Rights Movement For many decades, including during my years as Mayor of New Orleans, Jet magazine ran a column of happenings from around the country, called Ticker Tape. I was honored that my work often attracted the notice of the columnist, Washington Bureau Chief Simeon Booker.

Memorably, it was through Booker’s column that my engagement to my wife, Michelle Miller, was announced to the nation.

Booker, by then, was a civil rights legend, having chronicled far more momentous events. We join the nation in mourning his passing this week at the age of 99.

In person, Simeon Booker appeared the epitome of a bookish wordsmith, with his heavy eyeglass frames and natty bowtie. But his mild-mannered looks belied his ferocity as a journalist and a civil rights warrior.

He gained fame as “the man from Jet” during his coverage of Emmett Till’s murder, funeral and his murderers’ trial. His description of Em-

Marc H. Morial

To Be Equal mett’s mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, at the funeral became instantly iconic: “Her face wet with tears, she leaned over the body, just removed from a rubber bag in a Chicago funeral home, and cried out, ‘Darling, you have not died in vain. Your life has been sacrificed for something.’”

Perhaps more than any other journalist of his time, Booker most comprehensively chronicled the impact of the Urban League Movement on civil rights and racial equality in the nation. He covered President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s historic 1958 meeting with the “Big Four” civil rights leaders, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, A. Phillip Randolph of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, Roy Wilkins of the NAACP, and my predecessor as head of the National Urban League, Lester Granger. He rode a bus with the Freedom Riders in 1961. He covered not only President John F. Kennedy’s 1962 summit with the “Big Six”—having expanded to include the leaders of the Congress of Racial Equality and the National Council of Negro Women—but also the frustration that followed and led to the 1963 March on Washington.

To create a realistic picture of the economic status of Blacks in 1960 for the 5th anniversary edition of Jet’s sister publication, Ebony, Booker relied on the National Urban League’s research “to tell black audiences what they already suspected: that

the masses of Negro citizens were actually farther removed, relatively speaking, from the mainstream of American life than they were twenty years earlier.”

Before he found his own office space in Washington, Booker often worked out of the Greater Washington Urban League—and even hired away a staffer, E. Fannie Granton, as his first employee when he opened Jet’s Washington Bureau.

In his autobiography, Shocking the Conscience, A Reporter’s Account of the Civil Rights Movement, Brooker wrote about the tragic death of National Urban League Executive Director Whitney M. Young, who drowned in Nigeria in 1971. A friend, Brigadier General Daniel “Chappie” James, then the highest ranking Black officer in the Air Force, tearfully confirmed the news.

“He’s my hero,” he choked. “He’s my kind of guy because he gets in there and proves what a black cat can do – with his head instead of a brick.” Chappie could probably write a list as long as both of his massive arms of the people who might not be where they were in their careers if it weren’t for the work of the Urban League, whose focus was jobs, jobs, jobs. While other civil rights organizations hammered away at school desegregation, voting rights and public accommodations—all of which were important—the Urban League had its own niche—and it was economics —the economics of having a job, and after that a better job, until a lback man or woman reached his or her fullest potential.

We are grateful now, as then, for Booker’s clear-eyed and fearless reporting. At a time when reckless accusations of “fake news” threaten to undermine the vital role of the Fourth Estate, we should honor his legacy by defending freedom of the press.

Black women making us proud (TriceEdneyWire.com)—We’re not so far from a time when Black people were denied the right to vote. These dismal times perpetuated slave-era subjugation of our community and foretold of a future without opportunity. I’m not sure whether those who conspired to deny the vote to Black people, Black women particularly, understood how we’d use our vote, but they couldn’t have been happy guessing we’d vote in our own interests.

This couldn’t be truer for Black women. Recently, including 2008 and 2012, Black women have participated in increasing numbers and solidarity against persons/policies that erode social gains made in the last half-century and reverse racial/ gender equality and justice.

In the recent high-profile Alabama Senate race, despite efforts to elect alleged pedophile, Roy Moore, Black women, casting 98 percent vote for Doug Jones, led to victory and a 96% Black repudiation of Moore. Combined with other recent elections, we understand the significance and power in our vote, especially that of Black women.

Let’s look beyond elections under national scrutiny. My home state, Louisiana, is a case-in-point. When I ran for Congress, few women ran for office, but, look at Louisiana now! A long list of cities, towns and villages now have Black female mayors. They don’t just serve in smaller jurisdictions. The state’s 3 largest cities— New Orleans, Shreveport and Baton Rouge—have Black women mayors.

Having run for office in Louisiana and knowing the dangers and challenges of doing so, I’m naturally ec-

Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.

Commentary static about this progress.

It’s not hyperbole to state that no women have ever had to endure what this nation’s Black women have had to endure. Yet, despite the rigors of our circumstance, we enthusiastically strive for the betterment of ourselves, our children, families, and our nation.

Like all women, Black women have faced sexism, sexual harassment/ abuse, domestic abuse and even rape.

We’ve also faced the struggles and violence of racism and classism, but we still rose to the challenge of strengthening our communities.

When Sojourner Truth spoke of her trials and asked, “Ain’t I A Woman?” her question was relatable to nearly every Black woman. When Rosa Parks refused to rise on that Alabama bus, uncertain about the consequences, she shared the uncertainty and concerns of every other Black woman. When Fannie Lou Hamer was chastised by her plantation owner for her audacity to register to vote, she demonstrated the courage of millions of Black women as she replied, “I didn’t register for you; I did it for myself.” We honor these women and the long list of famous and not-so-famous Black women who endured to

make our lives better.

As we look to the future, let’s not forget our past. On Saturday, Dec.16,, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the National Congress of Black Women, Inc., Baton Rouge, Louisiana Chapter said “Thank You” to the late Dessie Lee Patterson, Louisiana’s first Black woman mayor. Mayor Patterson is the wind beneath the wings of current Black women mayors of Louisiana. I celebrate this new generation of mayors and pledge continuing support.

They are: Mayor/President Sharon Weston Broome (Baton Rouge), Mayor-Elect LaToya Cantrell (New Orleans), Mayor Ollie Tyler (Shreveport), Mayor Lori Bell (Clinton), Mayor April Foulard (Jeanerette), Mayor Irma Gordon (Kentwood), Mayor Rose Humphrey (Natchez), Mayor Shaterral Johnson (Grand Couteau), Mayor Donna Lewis Lancelin, (Baldwin), Mayor Erana Mayes (Melville), Mayor Wanda McCoy (Rosalind), Mayor Alma Moore (Boyce), Mayor Trashier Keysha Robinson (Village of Tangipahoa), Mayor Dorothy Satcher (Saline), Mayor Johnnie Taylor (Powhatan), Mayor Josephine Taylor-Washington (Clayton), Mayor Erana Mayes (Melville), Mayor Jennifer Vidrine (Ville Platte), and Mayor Demi Vorise, (Maringouin).

They’re all to be commended. The rising tide of their success floats the boats of us all. Their stories and ours tell the importance of our achievements and steel us against future challenges.

(Dr. E. Faye Williams, president of the National Congress of Black Women, Inc. 202/6786788, www.nationalcongressbw.org).

We must ask Black students, ‘Are you on the honor roll?’

How often do we ask Black school students this question? “Are you on the honor roll?” The Black community does not ask this question enough.

A lot of Black people and organizations do very good work supporting Black education. This should be applauded. But we can and must do much more. We must do the groundwork to facilitate our many programs and projects.

When you see Black students in public ask them, “Are you on the honor roll?” Whenever they say, “Yes, I am,” congratulate and encourage them. When they say, “No, I am not,” ask them why not and encourage them to strive to excel.

This conversation must go on in the home, the streets, the church, mosques, at parties, grocery shopping, on public transit, everywhere.

We must make Black youth know that the Black community demands that they must excel in school. We must put Black students, their parents, the school district, and our-

Fred Logan

Commentary selves on notice and on the spot.

Like any popular campaign it must evolve overtime. It must, however, be a community effort. It does not require everyone’s participation to succeed. But it must be a collective community effort. Get your family, friends and associates to join in. And

remember this conversation must also take place among adults and among youth. We must this a major topic of Black conversation.

And the Black community must, without any apology, take the credit for initiating the campaign and not let the school district, city hall, the news media, and liberal or conservative White people dictate what the campaign is or should do. Black people must control what we say to each other.

When was the last time Black people told White people what to say to other White people? When was the first time? That’s the time White folks can define and dictate this campaign to us.

Letters to the editor for publication

The New Pittsburgh Courier welcomes all responsible viewpoints for publication. All letters should be typewritten and contain writer’s address and phone number for verification.

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

CLASSIFIED New Pittsburgh Courier

B4

DECEMBER 20-26, 2017

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

APPLICATION DEVELOPER

SENIOR ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN

HM Health Solutions Inc. seeks Application Developer to work in Pittsburgh, PA, be responsible for analyzing, designing, coding, testing, & implementing app. enhancements w/no supervision.

Must have any exp. w or knowledge of Java; J2EE; JPA; Spring Frameworks; Web Services (SOAP & REST); & Oracle. Apply at www. highmarkhealth.org, keyword J110322.

APPLICATION DEVELOPER

HM Health Solutions Inc. seeks Application Developer to work in Pittsburgh, PA & to be responsible for analyzing, designing, coding, testing, & implementing app. enhancements w/limited supervision. Must have any exp. w/or knowledge of CO O S C DB2 & VSAM databases; CICS; & EASYTRIEVE. Apply at www. highmarkhealth.org, keyword J110950.

APPLICATION DEVELOPER

HM Health Solutions Inc. seeks Application Developer to work in Pittsburgh, PA & to be responsible for analyzing, designing, coding, testing, & implementing app. enhancements w/no supervision.

Must have any exp. w or knowledge of PEGA; Core Java; JavaScript; Oracle; IBM Web Sphere 6.x; & J2EE. Apply at www.highmarkhealth. org, keyword J110324.

APPLICATION DEVELOPER

HM Health Solutions Inc. seeks Application Developer to work in Pittsburgh, PA & to be responsible for analyzing, designing, coding, testing, & implementing app. enhancements w/no supervision.

Exp. must incl. 1 yr in healthcare w/membership, billing, & accounts receivable. Must have any exp. w/ or knowledge of , PA, SF, DB2, Oracle & Teradata Databases, MQ [JMS], WAS8.5, EJB 3.0, Advanced MS Excel; Software Development Lifecycle (Waterfall, Agile, or Rationale); Data Mapping; technology platforms that integrate w/Mainframe, People Soft, Java web services & COBOL sys.; Enrollment Communication System, Individual & Group Billing Sys.; integration architecture associated w/membership & billing (individual & group) for Healthcare Products that ensures member is processed from enrollment through invoicing & payment remittance. Apply at www.highmarkhealth.org, keyword J110653.

LICENSED OUTPATIENT D & A THERAPIST

POWER is seeking a Licensed Outpatient D & A Therapist. Conducts comprehensive assessments, and other initial diagnostic interviews and strategies; drives strength-based treatment planning that re ect client s goals and objectives. Reviews and updates Treatment Plans as required. Provides individual and group therapy.

LPC or LCSW licensure required.

Commercial insurance credentials preferred. esumes info@ power-recovery.com EOE, Best Place to Work

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR, AMERICAS

Duolingo, Inc. seeks Business Development Director, Americas in Pittsburgh, PA to develop, grow and expand the Duolingo English Test (DET) to serve markets within the Americas -- principally within the United States and Latin America. Duties include (i) leading and overseeing all aspects of DET throughout the Americas, including sales, marketing, and operations; (ii) managing all business development activities within the Americas to implement and execute new business models, generate new revenue sources, and increase DET’s market share; (iii) launching new products, trade and marketing plans in multiple countries simultaneously; (iv) acquiring contacts and developing business opportunities with current and potential partners; (v) collaborating with team members on product development, including research elements of DET; and (vi) expand DET adoption to under-developed markets principally within Latin America. Travel domestically and internationally, approximately 1520 times per year, totaling approximately 1 weeks. equirements Bachelor’s degree in Business, ngineering, or related field. Five (5) years of experience in sales and business development, including one year of sales and business development experience in Latin America. ilingual uency (written and spoken) in Spanish and English. Must have the ability to travel domestically and internationally, approximately 15-20 times per year, totaling approximately 15 weeks. Email resume to jobs@ duolingo.com and specify Job #20181 in the subject line.

COURIER CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS!

Port Authority is seeking an Senior Engineering Technician to provide engineering technical support for civil, electrical, mechanical and facilities engineers and/or Architects and others as directed by the managing engineer in areas of engineering and architectural design, PAAC Systems, plan preparation, design review, specification development, construction inspection and monitoring contract progress for the Operations Division.

Job requirements include: •Associate Degree in Engineering Technology, Architectural Technology, Construction Technology or related degree from an accredited school. inimum of five ( ) years of experience as a facility or infrastructure inspector, and/or experience in the preparation of plans and or specifications.

•Effective and professional written and communication skills.

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

•Valid PA driver’s license.

Preferred attributes: •Experience in the use of computers for the purposes of developing and reviewing technical documents.

•Experience in inspecting and overseeing construction work.

•Experience in surveying and/or field measurements •Experience assisting engineers and/or architects with the preparation of plans and or specifications for facility and/or infrastructure projects.

•Experience in drafting and/or the use of CADD.

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

DEAN, SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES AND RESEARCH

California University of Pennsylvania seeks to hire a Dean, School of Graduate Studies and Research.

The position serves as an academic dean responsible for the administration of the university’s graduate and other programs. Responsibilities include supervision and administration of programs such as post-baccalaureate degree, certificate, certification programs, master’s degree programs, doctoral degree programs, Global Online programs, the Global Online office and staff, and the Office of nstitutional Research and Planning.

An earned doctorate and previous higher education administrative experience displaying increasing responsibility over time is required.

For a detailed job description, position requirements and instructions for application, visit www.calu.edu; click on Employment, then Staff Positions. All applicants must apply online.

Integrity, Civility and Responsibility are the official core values of California University of Pennsylvania.

Cal U is M/F/V/D/AA/EEO.

APPLICATION ANALYST II

The U.S. Steel Corporation is seeking an Application Analyst II to work in Pittsburgh, PA & be resp. for the design & dvlpmnt of OBIEE 11g physical & logical data models; dvlpmnt of Tableau workbooks; setting up security & maintaining Tableau server; the dvlpmnt of Informatica ETL; the mngmnt of DAC execution plans; & creation of dashboards & reports for out of the box & custom subject areas in OBIEE. Additional duties incl. the customization of subject areas & reports while adhering to standard, out of the box, methodologies; supporting & expanding OBIEE, & reporting implementation for internal corporate customers; ensuring that customer data is timely & accurately avail. in order to avoid business operation disruption; & translating functional reqs into physical designs & then implementing physical & logical data models, ETL design, reports & dashboards to support user needs.

Must have Bachs degree in Engineering, Comp. Sci. or IT + 5 yrs of exp. in OBIEE position. Must have 2 yrs of exp. w/ Tableau. Must have any exp. w the following Oracle BI App. Stack and Informatica; 1 or more of the following subject areas Procure and Spend, Accounts Receivable, Maintenance, Supply Chain, &/or Order Management; customizing subject areas & reports while adhering to standard, out of the box methodologies; reqs gathering for various stakeholders; & transfer into BI (Business Intelligence) designs. Must have knowledge of EBS Data model & integration between EBS & BI. Apply at http://www.ussteel.com/uss/ portal/home/careers/jobopportu nities#8649BR

SONNY BOY

0

9

1

4

3

8

7

2

5

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

LEGAL ADVERTISING

LEGAL ADVERTISING

Help Wanted

Legal Notices

Legal Notices

NOTICE

ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PA PITTSBURGH, PA November 30, 2017

FIRE DEPARTMENT CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATION ANNOUNCEMENT

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE POSITION OF FIREFIGHTER FOR THE ALTOONA FIRE DEPARTMENT Applications for Firefighter for the City of Altoona can be obtained from the uman esources Office in City Hall, 1301 – 12th Street, Suite 301, Altoona, PA, between 8 30 A. . and 30 P. ., onday through Friday, beginning Monday, December 18, 2017. COMPLETED APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED IN THE HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICE NO LATER THAN NOON ON WEDNESDAY, January 17, 2018.

All previous applications and eligibility lists are void. Individuals on the previous eligibility list must reapply to be considered for employment.

REQUIREMENTS: Must pass a Physical Agility Test to be held in Altoona on Saturday and Sunday, January 27th and 28th, 018 at 8 00 A. .

Must pass a written Civil Service Test to be held in Altoona on Saturday, February 3rd, 018, at 00 A.M., with a score of 70% or better.

Must become a resident of the City of Altoona within six (6) months of date of employment and must remain a resident of the City during the tenure of employment.

•Must be at least 18 years of age at time of application.

•Must have a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license.

•Must be a high school graduate or possess a GED equivalent.

•Must be of high moral character and free of any felony or misdemeanor convictions.

Applications must be accompanied by a $25.00 check or money order made payable to “The City of Altoona” and must include a legible copy of valid driver’s license; birth certificate or other appropriate proof of age; proof of U.S. citizenship or naturalization; high school diploma or D certificate and DD 1 showing proof of honorable discharge if veteran’s preference is requested. Veteran’s preference will be given if a passing score of 70% or better is achieved on the Civil Service Test.

The City of Altoona is an Equal Opportunity Employer ANNOUNCEMENTS Meetings

MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY

A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the College will be held on January 11, 2018 4:00 PM CCAC Allegheny CampusByers Hall 808 Ridge Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212

The Allegheny County District Attorney s Office gives notice that forfeiture actions have commenced against the following seizures of United States Currency made pursuant to Title 42, Chapter 58 (Forfeiture of Assets) of Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, and other laws of the Commonwealth; $2,140.52 on April 15, 2012, from Rashawn Austin at Route 60 Sunoco gas station; $131.00 on April 23, 2014, from Damien Delts at Woodmere Street and Route 60; $349.00 on September 3, 2015, from Darius Freeman at 4900 Steubenville Pike; $1,047.00 on December 13, 2015, from John Soltesz at 4270 Steubenville Pike; $988.00 on September 10, 2012, from Kameren Johnson at Steubenville Pike at Tidball Road, all above seized by the Robinson Township Police Department; $300.00 on June 18, 2002, from Stewart Thomas Walker, Jr. at 1411 Pine Hollow Road; $587.00 on March 18, 2005, from Clarence Poellnitz at Brownsville Road (Happy Days Br, Mt. Oliver); $1,439.00 on October 29, 2000, from Darnell Jackson at 4800 Steubenville Pike, all above seized by the Kennedy Township Police Department; $271.00 on August 23, 2012, from Grayan Dixon at 129 Conestoga Road, seized by the Penn Hills Police Department; $150.00 on August 30, 2009, from Dontae Gordon at West Carson Street and Stanhope Street; $788.00 on December 13, 2009, from Christopher Eggleton at 501 Chartiers Avenue; $250.00 on August 30, 2009, from Ely Coleman at West Carson Street at Stanhope Street; $182.00 on March 27, 2010, from Darnell Craig at Raymond Street; $112.00 on December 24, 2010, from Alonzo Ebsworth at 300 block of Island Avenue; $290.00 on February 24, 2009, from Jaheed Aziz at McKees Rocks Bridge, all above seized by the McKees Rocks Police Department; $125.00 on November 17, 2004, from Garrett Thomas at 205 South Millvale Street, Pittsburgh; $360.00 on February 19, 2009, from Bernard Jackson at 900 block of Clay Street, Shaler; $417.00 on July 30, 2011, from Kevin Borden at 11015 Perry Highway, Wexford, all above seized by the Indiana Township Police Department; $9,850.00 on May 3, 2015, from Alejandro Hernandez at Perry Highway, seized by the West View Police Department.

Any claimants to the property are hereby notified to file a claim with the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, and serve a copy of the claim on the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, Asset Forfeiture nit, at 303 Courthouse, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219, no later than January 12, 018. f no claim is filed on or before January 12, 2018, the property shall be summarily forfeited to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in the custody of the Allegheny County District Attorney.

LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices

ANNOUNCEMENTS Public Notice

ATTENTION:

If you worked at Westinghouse Electric Corp., East Pittsburgh, PA, between 1956-1984 or Westinghouse Waltz Mill, Madison, PA In the 1980’s or 1990’s. Please contact Asbestos Investigator Sherry Day at (734) 878-5236 or email Sherry @ SLDinvestigation.com LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices

Estate of William J. Parker a/k/a William J. Parker, Jr., Deceased of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania No 02-17-06428.

William D. Parker, Administrator, 1128 Centennial Drive, Canonsburgh, PA 15317-9538 or to Jacqueline R. Parker, Administrator, 2006 Brownsville Road, Apt. 7, Pittsburgh, PA 15210 or to ROBIN L. RARIE, Atty; BRENLOVE & FULLER, LLC, 401 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017

Estate of HAROLD C. CUFF, JR., Deceased of Pittsburgh, PA No 06422 OF 2017. Fred P. Kenderson, Executor, 1911 Fairlawn Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15221 or to Thelma C. Spells, Esquire, 1533 Bidwell Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15233.

Estate of PLUTO, SADIE C. aka PLUTO SADIE M. Deceased of ROSS TOWNSHIP No. 06558 of 2017. CHARLOTTE CELO, 602 GREENSPRING DR., GIBSONIA, PA 15044 or to MICHAEL J. SALDAMARCO, ESQ., STE. 100, 908 PERRY HWY., PITTSBURGH, PA 15229.

Letters Testamentary on the Estate of Samuel J. Cartledge, Court Term No. 021706944, late of Wilkins Twp., Allegheny County, deceased, having been granted to the undersigned by the Director of Dept. of Court Records, Wills/Orphans Court Division of Allegheny County, notice is hereby given to all persons indebted to said estate to make immediate payment, and to those having claims aganist the same to present them to the undersigned, duly authenticated for settlemet. Lawrence G. Paladin, Jr., Executor, 15 Duff Rd., Suite 6C, Pittsburgh, PA 15235 or to Cathy L. Brannigan, Esq., 15 Duff Rd., Suite 6C, Pittsburgh, PA 15235.

COURIER CLASSIFIEDS

The Office of the Director of the D PARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY will receive Letters of Interest with current Standard Form 330, Architect-Engineer ualifications until 3 00 p.m. on January 12, 2018 for the following assignments.

ALLEGHENY COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Open End for Design Services of County Funded Projects County Project No. AA18-DSCF The work and services which may be required under this Agreement encompass a wide range of environmental studies and engineering efforts with the possibility of several different types of projects with short completion schedules being assigned concurrently. The anticipated types of projects include, but are not limited to bridge replacements, bridge rehabilitation or bridge preservation with minor approach work, review of bridge overload permit applications, bridge emergency inspection, design of emergency repair work, construction consultation, and minor capital improvement projects (bridges), road repairs and rehabilitation of County owned roads, lateral support and retaining walls for County owned infrastructure, and structural design and analysis for repairs of County owned buildings.

Submit five ( ) copies of your etter of Interest and current Standard Form 330 to Stephen G. Shanley, P.E., Director Allegheny County Department of Public Works Room 1 County ffice Building 542 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15219-2904 To view the complete advertisement search the Allegheny County Website [www.alleghenycounty. us] click Government; Public Works and Facilities Management; Public Works; Bids and Proposals. Any inquiries or questions on this advertisement are to be referred to Mr. Dheeraj Katyal, Project Manager, at 412-350-5792.

The Director may reject any or all Letters of Interest or Proposals and may waive any irregularity in the submission of Letters of Interest or Proposals.

Stephen G. Shanley, P.E., Director Allegheny County Department of Public Works LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

ADVERTISEMENT

Sealed bid proposals are hereby solicited for the Community College of Allegheny County, 800 Allegheny Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15233 (412.237.3020) on the following items RFP 3100—Internet Router Upgrade Turnkey Project: Internet Router, Hardware, Software, and Implementation Proposals will be received at the Purchasing Department until 2:00 P.M. Prevailing Time on Tuesday, January 23, 2018.

The CCAC Purchasing Department publishes all bids and RFPs via the CCAC website at https:// www.ccac.edu/Bid-RFP_Oppor tunities.aspx It will be each vendor’s responsibility to monitor the bid activity within the given website (“Bid and RFP Opportunities”) and ensure compliance with all applicable bid documents inclusive of any issued addenda. Failure to incorporate any applicable addenda in the final submittal may result in the rejection of your bid.

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

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

COURIER CLASSIFIEDS… THE ONLY WAY TO GO!

CLASSIFIEDS

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

LEGAL ADVERTISING

LEGAL ADVERTISING

Legal Notices

Legal Notices

An Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (“NEPA”) is not required. Additional project information is contained in the nvironmental eview ecord ( ) on file at City of Pittsburgh 200 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 and may be examined or copied weekdays from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. PUBLIC COMMENTS Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to: Michael Petrucci City of Pittsburgh, 200 Ross Street, 2nd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-255-2211 All comments received by January 5, 2018, will be considered by the City of Pittsburgh prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION The City of Pittsburgh certifies to D that William Peduto in his capacity as Mayor, City of Pittsburgh, consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied.

D s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows HACP to use funding sources (a) through (c) identified under equest for elease of Funds above.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS HUD will accept objections to its release of fund and the City of Pittsburgh’s certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the City of Pittsburgh (b) the City of Pittsburgh has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by D regulations at 24 CFR part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 0 CF Part 1 0 has submitted a written finding that the pro ect is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Planning and Development Division The Moorhead Federal Building 1000 iberty Ave. 10th oor Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

WILLIAM PEDUTO Mayor City of Pittsburgh

CITATION BY PUBLICATION THE STATE OF TEXAS

TO: DWAYNE GREEN aka DUANE GREEN To unknown heirs of EVERLYN REESE, Deceased Cause No. C-1-PB-16-002005, in Probate Court Number 1, Travis County, Texas. JULIUS IVORY filed an Amended Application for Probate of Will as Muniment of Title more than Four Years after Decedent’s Death in in the above-numbered and entitled estate on October 24, 2016, Applicant prays that citation be issued as required by law to all persons interested in this estate, that the Will be admitted to probate as a Muniment of Title more than four years after decedent’s death and without administration thereon, that the Court waive the requirement of filing an affidavit pursuant to Section .103 of the Texas Estate Code, and that the Court enter all other orders as it may deem proper.

All unknown heirs and any other persons interested in this estate are cited to appear before this Court by tiling a written contest or answer to this application if they want to do so.

The Court may act on this application at any time at the Travis County Courthouse, 1000 Guadalupe St., Room 217, Austin, Texas 78701, on or after 10 00 a.m. on the first Monday after the expiration often days from the publication date of this citation. Therefore, to ensure consideration, any contest, answer, or other response must be filed with the Travis County Clerk in cause number C-1-PB-16-002005, styled EVERLYN REESE on or before the above-noted date and time.

If this citation is not served within 90 days after it is issued, it must be returned unserved.

Given under my hand and seal on November 30, 2017, Dana DeBeauvoir County Clerk, Travis County, Texas P.O. Box 149325, Austin, Texas 78714-9325

By Deputy: O. RUIZ

COURIER CLASSIFIEDS… THE ONLY WAY TO GO!

LEGAL ADVERTISING

LEGAL ADVERTISING

LEGAL ADVERTISING

Bids/Proposals

Bids/Proposals

Bids/Proposals

PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY ADVERTISEMENT

Separate sealed Bids for the Work as listed hereinafter will be received at the Purchasing and Materials Management Department of Port Authority of Allegheny County (Authority) Heinz 57 Center, 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222-2527 until 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 and will be publicly opened and read immediately thereafter at the same address. Each Bidder shall be solely responsible for assuring that its Bid is both received and time stamped by a representative of the Purchasing and Materials Management Department at or before the advertised time for submission of Bids. Bids received or time stamped in the Purchasing and Materials Management Department after the advertised time for the submission of Bids shall be non-responsive and therefore ineligible for Award SOUTH HILLS JUNCTION ROOF PRESERVATION BUILDINGS 2, 4 and 5 CONTRACT NO. SHJ-18-02 The Work of this Project includes, but is not limited to, the furnishing of all labor, materials for roof preservation coating, replacement of ashings gutters and downspouts, and installation of metal fabricated ladders and walkways at South Hills Junction (Buildings #2, #4 and #5) Bid Documents will be available for public inspection and may be obtained on or after onday, December 18, 01 at Authority s offices at the following address: Port Authority of Allegheny County Purchasing and Materials Management Department Heinz 57 Center 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2527 Bid Documents are available for purchase as follows: Bid Documents are available in an electronic form on compact disk upon payment of $15.00 per CD. Payment shall be by check or money order (NO CASH), payable to “Port Authority of Allegheny County.” No refunds of payment will be made.

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

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

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

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

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

The Bidder’s attention is directed to the following contacts for Bidder’s questions: Procedural Questions Regarding Bidding: Cindy Denner – Authority cdenner@portauthority.org (412) 566-5117 All other questions relating to the Bid Documents must be submitted by mail or email to: Port Authority of Allegheny County Heinz 57 Center 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 Attn: Cindy Denner Email: CDenner@PortAuthority.org In addition, the Bidder’s attention is directed to the following schedule of activities for preparation of its Bid: 9:00 A.M. January 4, 2018

Soul Readers HELP IS HERE

If you have problms in: LOVE, MONEY, MARRIAGE, SEX, DIVORCE, CROSS CONDITIONS or anything else, the man to call is “John”. He can and will help you at once. The man that has never failed to help in all problems in life.

(303) 630-0780 John

DISCLAIMER

Pre-Bid Conference Port Authority of Allegheny County Heinz 57 Center Neal H. Holmes Board Room 345 Sixth Avenue, Fifth Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 (Attendance is not mandatory, but strongly recommended) Pre-Bid Site Tour (Immediately following the Pre-Bid Conference) Participants shall wear a safety vest and appropriate footwear Transportation will not be provided

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 January 23, 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) B170639AR Detroit Diesel Engine Parts B170642AR Cummins Engine Replacement B171180A Rail Flash Butt Welding B171181A Non-Destructive Testing of Rail for Internal FLaws B171182A LRV Axle Replacement Parts B171183 Desktop Devices B171284 Portable Radios B171285 Nimble Hardware nad Support Services B171286 Telehandler 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 January 10, 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 48 hours of the scheduled bid opening.

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

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

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

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

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

1:30 P.M. January 17, 2018

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

COURIER CLASSIFIEDS… THE ONLY WAY TO GO!

The New Pittsburgh Courier is not responsible for any advice given by Soul Reader advertisers.

TO PLACE AN AD IN SOUL READERS Call 412-481-8302, Ext. 140 The deadline for all ads to be placed is Monday at 4 p.m.

All ads must be paid for in advance. We accept Money Orders, Credit Cards and Western Union “Quick Collect” payments.

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

B5

SONNY BOY

COMBINED NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS (“FONSI/RROF”)

This Notice is published pursuant to Federal Regulations promulgated by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”)’s Environmental Assessment set forth at 24 CFR Part 58, Section 58.36.

December 20, 2017 City of Pittsburgh-Dept. of City Planning 200 Ross Street, 2nd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-255-2211 These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh and the City of Pittsburgh under HUD’s Mixed-Finance Program.

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS On or about January 5, 2018 the City of Pittsburgh (“City”) will authorize the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (“HACP”) and the City to submit a request to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) for the release of the following federal funds to undertake projects known as Northview Midrise: (a) Section 8 Housing Assistance Payments Contract; (b) HACP Moving to Work (“MTW”) Funds under the 1 3 Act as modified by the 1 and 1 Consolidated Appropriations Act; and (c) Low Income Housing Tax Credits under IRS Code Section 42. The release of the aforementioned funds is to undertake Northview Midrise for the purposes of new construction of about eighty-seven (87) mixed-income rental dwelling units. Northview Midrise will be constructed on 3.98 acres of vacant land owned by HACP in the Northview Heights neighborhood, Pittsburgh, PA 15214. As part of this notice, the project requires a set of predevelopment activities that will include HACP’s disposition of HACP-owned property. The developer will be Allies & Ross Management and Development Corporation or its designated subsidiary. The total projected cost of the development is approximately $25,000,000.00 FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT The City of Pittsburgh has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment. Therefore, an nvironmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required. Additional project information is contained in the nvironmental eview ecord ( ) on file at the address listed above and may be examined or copied weekdays 8 A.M to 5 P.M.

DECEMBER 20-26, 2017

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

Classifieds 412-481-8302 Ext. 140

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

B6

FORUM

DECEMBER 20-26, 2017

Time to hook Black women up (TriceEdneyWire.com)—Senator Elect Doug Jones, D-Ala.), did not have to win his battle against accused sexual molester and Republican candidate Roy Moore in the epic battle in Alabama on Dec. 12.

He won because young people, some Ehite women (most of them voted for Moore), and an amazing effort from Alabama’s African-Americans put him over the top. Some white folks crossed party lines for the first time, voting for Jones because Moore repulsed them.

Some analysts have especially noted that White moms were more likely than other white women to vote for Jones. But Black folks showed up and showed out—a larger percentage of African American voters participated in this election than in the 2012 election of President Barack Obama. And 98 percent of African-American women voted for Doug Jones (along with 94 percent of Black men). Among whites, 27 percent of White men voted for Doug Jones, along with 35 percent of White women.

In cyberspace, people are thanking Black women for their support of Doug Jones, on Twitter, and Facebook, and Instagram. A friend told me that a woman she had not seen in a decade called her to thank Black women for saving the Senate from the likes of Roy Moore.

Everyone likes to be thanked, but Black women deserve more than thanks. We deserve the “hook up”, the connection, organizational, institutional and financial support for

Julianne Malveaux

Commentary our efforts.

Black women’s organizations in Alabama should get immediate contributions from the Democratic Party. Indeed, some of the sisters who led the effort to get the vote out, like Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D), need to be consulted on how to effectively support Black women in Alabama. The Democratic Party ought to cultivate Black women leaders in Alabama, so that they are poised to run for other offices. And since Doug Jones has a short term, and will be up for reelection in 2020, Black women need to be deputized to begin, immediately, working on his reelection campaign.

The focus should not just be on Black women in Alabama, but also Black women nationally. The white women around the country who cheered Black women on now need to open their doors and embrace the Sojourner Truth observation that “Ain’t I A Woman.” Too many women’s organizations are white women’s organizations. Don’t these women think they can learn a thing or two from the amazing way Black women organize, mobilize, and step up?

White women are often in the unique position to hook Black women up, in politics and in the workplace, but they don’t offer the hook up as often as they should because it is challenging for them to step outside their comfort zone and embrace diversity. But when folk step out of their comfort zone, look at the results! Thanks to Black women, among others, Doug Jones is the unlikely winner of this Senate contest.

I’m cognizant of the fact that Black women weren’t the sole reason for the Jones victory. It is especially exciting to see young people reject Roy Moore. Millennials are far less partisan than their elders are. You can’t say they cross party lines because many of them have no party affiliation. But like Black women, young people in Alabama thronged to the polls to elect Jones. Their participation makes a strong case for generational inclusion when political strategies are being developed.

In any case, it is heartening to see Black women being thanked for doing what we always do—the work. I don’t just want thanks, I also want the hookup. Those white folks who are thanking Black women might also send a contribution to Higher Heights (http://www.higherheightsforamerica.org), a Black women’s PAC named after Dr. Dorothy Irene Height. Or, folks can send contributions to the Black Women’s Roundtable (https://ncbcp.org/programs/bwr/ policy), which is part of the National Coalition for Black Civic Participation. It is great to express gratitude, but it is even better to put your money where your mouth is.

Black women have always had to assert our place in the mainstream, and we have too often been ignored by our natural allies. And we still come through in a crunch. Those who are thanking us ought also to support us. They need to hook Black women up!

(Julianne Malveaux is an author and economist.)

Thanks to all of you, and Merry Christmas I want to thank will be on the a multitude of Louis ‘Hop’ Kendrick front page of the persons in this Pittsburgh Couweek’s column, rier.” beginning with My personal those of you who comments once buy and read again focused the New Pittson the imporburgh Courier. tance of telling I would also like the truth by to thank those reminding the of you who were responsible for my audience about love for and the imreceiving the Legacy Award at the portance of family. My comments 2017 Men of Excellence Awards, Dec. were not new to persons who have 13 at the Fairmont Pittsburgh hotel. known me over the course of my life, It was truly a blessing. It was an un- they hear it every day. I spoke about believable feeling to be in a room of daddy and the strength that we as wall-to-wall positive Black men. Yes, Black men must demonstrate when it was a repudiation of those negative it comes to the families. The fathers portrayals of Black men that we are of my generation did not have subsubjected to daily. sidized rent, payment of utility bills, Chris Moore, Pittsburgh’s most affirmative action benefits, none of abled commentator, was a dynamic the opportunities that we are afmaster of ceremony for the event… forded today. However, those strong and he was in rare form. As I stood in Black men of yesteryear had love for front of the microphone, I could hear their God, families, neighbors and ofMal Goode’s voice saying, “When a ten they had little, but expanded it Black person is accused of committing to help a lot of persons; that’s what a negative action, the daily media will love can do. have you on the front page.” However, Yes, this week’s column is brief, but “When Black persons are recognized it’s full of love. MERRY CHRISTMAS for performing of positive actions they TO ALL.

To Tell The Truth

Conyers is gone—will ‘H.R. 40’ Bill be gone, too?

In 1989 U.S. That’s a legitJ. Pharoah Doss Representative imate concern John Conyers Jr., that proponents D-Mich., introfor reparations duced H.R. 40: have failed to The Commission address beyond to Study and moral grandDevelop Reparastanding. tions Proposals And for anothfor African Amerer decade Rep. icans Act. H.R. John Conyers 40 wasn’t legislation to redress any reintroduced H.R. 40 to congress and grievance. The bill requested approthe legislation was never enacted. priations for a study so its findings But in 2014 the topic of “reparations could start a national dialogue. for slavery” was reintroduced to During the decade of the 90’s the public by Ta-Nehisi Coates in a H.R. 40 wasn’t mentioned by maincelebrated article called, The Case for stream Black leaders, but in 2000 Reparations: Two hundred fifty years “reparations for slavery” became a of slavery. Ninety years of Jim Crow. controversial topic due to Randall Sixty years of separate but equal.

Robinson’s new book, The Debt: What Thirty-five years of racist housing America Owes to Blacks. (Notice: The policy. Until we reckon with our controversy was over the concept of compounding moral debts America “reparations for slavery” not H.R. 40.) will never be whole.

Robinson wrote, “Our society must Coates and Robinson are from diffirst be brought to a consensus that it ferent generations but the questions wants to close the socioeconomic gap from Whites concerning payment and between the races. It must accept principle are the same. that the gap derives from the social Earlier in 2017 Coates address depredations of slavery. Once and an audience at Harvard Universifor all, America must…accept full ty. Coates stated during his many responsibility for the hardships it has speaking engagements there’s always occasioned for so many.” a White person in the crowd that Now, many Whites wanted to know says he or she has roots in the South why they had to pay for an injustice and their great, great, great, so and they didn’t inflict. Robinson stated so didn’t own any slaves, and these it was moral justice. This response Whites wanted to know why they seemed based on the assumption should be held responsible. Coates that the question was motivated by stated he repeats time and time unconscious racism, but what if it again to these Whites that it may be was a serious inquiry concerning true that their great, great, great so jurisprudence? and so didn’t own any slaves but they First of all, no citizen of a modwanted to. ern state is opposed to reparations.

Once again a legitimate concern is The idea that the perpetrator of an not addressed, and if the questions injustice should pay the victim for were asked in good faith Coates lost damages is a well established legal the opportunity to make a serious principle dating back to ancient case for reparations. And to make times. But “reparations for slavery” matters worse, recently Rep. John is a different proposition. It redefines Conyers announced his resignation the traditional principle. It extents from office because of allegations of guilt to and demands payment from sexual harassment. the descendents of perpetrators, who Representative Conyers reintrocommitted no crime, to compensate duced H.R. 40 to every Congress from the descendents of the victims, who 1989 to 2017. So after 2017 will a were never enslaved. colleague of Conyers continue to reinNow, Whites weren’t asking because troduce H.R. 40 to congress, and if so they didn’t grasp the morality of the who will take it seriously?

(J. Pharoah Doss is a contributor to the New issue. (Moral support doesn’t cost.)

Pittsburgh Courier. He blogs at jpharoahThey asked because they needed the doss@blogspot.com) redefining of reparations explained.

Check It Out

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Marian Wright Edelman

Child Watch

Republican tax bill robs the poor to feed the rich

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act recently passed on a nearly straight party line Republican vote in the U.S. Senate is, like the House-passed bill, a moral abomination. Their enactment would be the death of America’s dream for tens of millions of children. The House and Senate bills favor the wealthiest Americans and most powerful corporations over poor and moderate-income children and families—billionaires over poor babies and powerful corporations over poor children. They are evil.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. warned that “America is going to hell if we can’t use her vast resources to end poverty and make it possible for all of God’s children to have the basic necessities of life.” With both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives now having passed extremely unjust tax bills, I must ask— how can 278 political leaders, 51 Senators and 227 House members, act against the best interests of so many in their states and across our nation to line the overstuffed pockets of powerful special interests with government money?

What religious texts do these Members of Congress and those who lobby them read? How did they miss the clear warnings of the prophets and gospels and tenets of every great faith to care for the poor, the sick, the lame and the orphan? Where did they learn that acting as Robin Hood in reverse by denying the poor and powerless child the basic survival needs of food and shelter to give to the wealthy and powerful is acceptable?

There are 565 billionaires in the United States—the 400 richest of whom have a combined net worth of $2.7 trillion. More than 13.2 million children—1 in 5—live in poverty in America. Their families of four make less than $24,563 a year. More than six million children live in deep poverty, at less than half the poverty level.

A majority of both houses of Congress and the Trump Administration seek policies to reward millionaires and billionaires and non-needy corporations and add nearly $1.5 trillion—around $150 billion a year for the next 10 years—to our national deficit to do so. And to pay for it, they will deny poor and moderate-income children and families healthcare, food, housing, child care and other survival assistance or help parents get needed jobs at livable wages to support their families.

Consider some of the facts about these tax cut bills: Both the Senate and House bills lavishly benefit the wealthiest households and individuals. The Senate bill doubles the estate tax threshold, enabling individuals to inherit tax free up to $11 million and couples up to $22 million. The House bill would eliminate the estate tax entirely.

More than 60 percent of the Senate bill’s individual tax cuts in 2027 go to the richest one percent of households making $1 million or more; 48 percent of current tax-paying households would face tax increases according to the Tax Policy Center. The Senate bill ends individual tax benefits after ten years while making permanent tax cuts for corporations.

The House bill continues both individual and corporate tax cuts.

The Senate’s $1,000 Child Tax Credit increase to benefit families with children and make up for elimination of the personal exemption for dependents provides little or no assistance to poor and middle-income working families. Yet, both the Senate and House bills enable higher income families to qualify for the credit for the first time. Neither Senate nor House bills make the credit fully refundable to help working families with the lowest incomes. Both bills would end eligibility of children in low-income working immigrant families for the credit without Social Security Numbers. Tax paying immigrant families are required currently to have only an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to qualify for the Child Tax Credit.

The Senate’s permanent corporate tax cuts are partially paid for by repealing the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate and tax penalty. This will leave 13 million fewer people insured in ten years, raise health insurance premiums for many more and destabilize the health insurance marketplace.

The $1.5 trillion ten-year deficit the House and Senate bills create will cause deep cuts in Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), child care, education, Pell Grants, housing and other critical child services.

No funds will be left over for the next decade to end child poverty for the more than 13.2 million children struggling to grow up healthy and educated.

Imagine spending $1.5 trillion or even one-tenth of that each year on children’s needs? Two years ago CDF commissioned the Urban Institute to assess steps to end child poverty right now. We identified modest improvements to nine programs we knew helped reduce child poverty: increasing the value of SNAP’s food benefits, providing housing subsidies for poor and near-poor families with children, making the Child Tax Credit fully refundable, increasing the Earned Income Tax Credit for the lowest income families, creating a subsidized jobs program, increasing the minimum wage, expanding the federal child care subsidy program, making the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit fully refundable, and helping more families get child support payments. Implementing all these improvements together would lift 60 percent of all poor children and 72 percent of poor children of color from poverty for a year, at a $77.2 billion federal and state government cost—less than half of one year of the $1.5 trillion deficit increase. A $1.5 trillion investment could lift these children from poverty to adulthood.

We must tell Congress to reject this morally indefensible tax boondoggle and instead invest in protecting children and maintaining any semblance of fairness.

Not one new dime in tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires as long as more than 13.2 million children are poor, and millions of children are hungry, uneducated, homeless and without health coverage. Stand up and fight. A nation that does not stand up for its children does not stand for anything and will not stand tall in the future.

(Marian Wright Edelman is the president of the Children’s Defense Fund.)

COURIER STEELERS CENTRAL New Pittsburgh Courier

B7

DECEMBER 20-26, 2017

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

ROBBED

DARRIUS HEYWARD-BEY cannot believe that Jesse James’ touchdown was reversed, in what the of- AFTER A WILD FINISH, head coaches Mike Tomlin and Bill Belichick shake hands. Tomlin’s Steelers ficials said was indeed the correct call of not “surviving the catch” in the end zone. (Photos by Courier were this close to pulling out the win, only to see Ben Roethlisberger throw an interception on the photographer Brian Cook) game’s second-to-last play. The pass was intended for Eli Rogers. The Patriots won, 27-24, Dec. 17.

Refs reverse touchdown by Jesse James, then ill-advised pass intercepted by Patriots spells doomsday for Steelers “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” (George Santayana, philosopher, essayist, poet and novelist.)

The Pittsburgh Steelers lost—no, not lost, but gave away a victory to the New England Patriots, 2724, Dec. 17 at Heinz Field.

Christmas came one day plus one week earlier for the rebels from “Beantown.”

Pittsburgh lost when New England intercepted an ill-thought-out and ill-advised pass from Ben Roethlisberger in the end zone, with five seconds left in the game, killing the Steelers’ chance for victory—or at least a tie to go to overtime—once again leaving the Pittsburgh squad lying on the side of the road, like all roadkill victims.

Bad decisions, mad de- is coming and it’s better to cisions, and sad decisions. give than receive, right?

There are those of us that at Wrong…especially when it comes to professional football.

I have always been taught that giveaways are a baaaaad thing, or so I thought. “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

On Feb. 1, 2015, the New AUBREY BRUCE England Patriots defeatCOURIER STEELERS CENTRAL ed the Seattle Seahawks, 28–24, in Super Bowl XLIX times make all of the afore- to earn their fourth Super mentioned and prefer to Bowl title. The victory was stand up and take the heat sealed when Seahawks as opposed to “dilly, dilly quarterback Russell Wildallying” around attempt- son was intercepted in the ing to focus our microscope end zone from the 1-yard of incompetence on other line. That should’ve been a folks as well as extraneous red flag to Roethlisberger; and fantasy-laced “visions I don’t care what play that of sugarplums” dancing in the Steelers coaches were our heads. Yeah, Christmas yelling about and trying to

send in from the sidelines.

Ben had the ability and the independence to attempt the pass only if the Patriots’ defensive alignment permitted such a play.

Both Wilson and Roethlisberger, I would suspect, had the autonomy to scrap pre-called plays if the successful execution of those plays were called into question. The Steelers offense or their coaches weren’t confused, and the Patriots defense was certainly not confused.

Roethlisberger appeared to be the only one confused. You have to learn from the mistakes of others, boys and girls, so as not to repeat them.

I have viewed the assessments given to the Steelers defense, offense, and special teams, and the de-

fense was given the lowest grade. How in the heck are such blatantly biased assessments even viable? The Patriots offense gained 77 rushing yards on 19 carries. The Steelers offense gained 143 rushing yards on 31 carries; advantage Steelers defense. Patriots QB Tom Brady was 22-of35 for 298 yards. Big Ben was 22-of-30 for 281 yards; advantage Brady by a measly 17 yards.

The Steelers passed for 17 yards less than the Patriots but outrushed them by 66 yards. Who was the better defense? Certainly not the Patriots’ “D.” The game was lost for Pittsburgh when Roethlisberger was intercepted in the end zone. People were grumbling about stu-

pid stuff like, “Why wasn’t Le’Veon Bell available in the locker room for a nice toasty post-game chat with us media types?” Well, maybe some things are better left unsaid because there is still a lot of football left.

The Steelers can still be the number 1 seed in the AFC if the Buffalo Bills can travel to Foxborough and beat the Patriots this Sunday, Dec. 24. The Bills (8-6) are fighting for their playoff lives so the Pats will not be on the porch drinking mint juleps. The Steelers still have to take care of business when they meet the Houston Texans (4-10) in Houston on Christmas night.

(Aubrey Bruce can be reached at abruce@newpittsburghcourier.com.)

Is there such thing as a moral victory? I say yes There are no moral victories, or so the saying goes in professional sports. Ben Roethlisberger said as much in the immediate aftermath of the roller coaster ride that was the Patriots’ win over the Steelers, Dec. 17.

“I’m not into moral victories right now. We just lost a game. It doesn’t sit well.”

Normally, I’d agree. I don’t think moral victories typically exist, but in this rare circumstance, I think it does. The Steelers were riding an eight-game winning streak; it’s hard to keep an extended streak like that going in the NFL, almost impossible, especially when you’re playing the defending champions who are coming off a very poor loss the week prior.

The Steelers rarely, if ever, beat the New England Patriots. The odds were stacked against them coming into the game.

Compound that with the fact that Antonio Brown was lost for the game to injury and the weight of defeating the Patriots got that much heavier.

But the Steelers DID beat the Patriots, they just didn’t beat the refs. The touchdown to Jesse James should not have been overruled, in my opinion. If the zebras don’t overturn the call, the Steelers win the

game, period.

The touchdown was overruled, the Steelers lost, they will move on. But this time, I think they can move on with a moral victory. This

MIKE PELAIA COURIER STEELERS CENTRAL game was theirs for the taking. It didn’t happen on this night, but it can happen toward the end of January and it doesn’t matter what field they play on. The Patriots are beatable, especially if Brown is on the field (his calf injury should not keep him out for the playoffs).

The Steelers want this game again, they want the rematch, they want to prove they are the better team. They basically did that in all facets of this game, with the exception of the score. “We’ll see them again and the outcome will be different,” said Eli Rogers. Roethlisberger said he wants the rematch “because that means we made it far.” He’s not wrong— that’s what it will mean and if it does happen again, it will in all likelihood be in

New England.

“I like a shot at everyone we lose to,” said Cameron Heyward.

Tom Brady wasn’t as eager to discuss a rematch.

“We have to take care of a lot of business ourselves.

That’s a long time down the road.”

The bigger part for Pittsburgh now, though, may be readying themselves to travel to Houston on Christmas Day. The game, on paper, looks like a win.

There isn’t any reason the Steelers should lose; the unfortunate part now though is the Jacksonville Jaguars sit just one game back of the Black and Gold and hold the tiebreaker over them. Should the Steelers drop a game in the next two weeks and the Jags were to win out, this loss to New England would essentially drop them from a potential number one seed down to the number three seed. There’s a big difference in playing three games to get to the Super Bowl and playing two.

The Steelers will need to approach this next game in Houston with their head held high. They know they’re a good football team, they proved they can play with New England and, with a full squad and a removal of a quirky play, they can beat the Patriots

MARTAVIS BRYANT makes a valiant one-handed catch for a touchdown in the second quarter. But the Steelers lost in the end, 27-24, to the Patriots, Dec. 17. (Photo by Courier photographer Brian Cook) anytime, anywhere.

I expect the Steelers to go to Houston and shred the Texans. I expect them to come out of this loss angry, motivated and ready to win the rest of their games, including a run to their seventh Lombardi trophy.

The Steelers will be heavy favorites in their remaining two games, they should earn a first-round bye and hold a home game in the di-

visional round. From there, they’ll have to play a quality opponent, but they’ll be favored and I believe they’ll win (though they aren’t going to want to see the Ravens a third time). After that, they will in all likelihood get this game again, albeit in New England in the AFC championship game for the right to go to the Super Bowl.

They will earn their shot

at redemption and that may be a good thing. Beating New England twice in the same year is as tall an order as can be in the NFL. Just ask anyone in the AFC East about that. Equally as challenging, this year, is beating the Steelers twice. I’m not sure either is possible and the good news is, the Patriots won their game. In a month, it’ll be time for the Steelers to win theirs.

B8

PEOPLE

DECEMBER 20-26, 2017

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Just one week left in Courier FREE subscription promotion, and Thank You, readers!

Time has flown by!

We look up, and it’s already Christmas. Just yesterday was Halloween, just last week was the Fourth of July, it seems. But alas, Santa and Bambi are back, as is the famous Eat ‘N Park TV commercial of that lovable Christmas tree givin’ that precious star a helping hand.

Christmas, such a hectic time, I’m not even certain you have enough time to read this column! It’s also

been hectic here at the New Pittsburgh Courier, but there is always, always time for us to pause for a great cause, and that cause is you, our wonderful readers.

I’ve been at this “managing editor thing” here at the Courier for eight months now, and it’s remarkable to interact with you on so many fronts—writing stories, delivering papers in Homewood, East Liberty, the Hill, Penn Hills, etc., pro-

motional winners who come to our office, and just the general chattin-it-up at Giant Eagle, McDonald’s, the August Wilson Center, The local YMCAs, Carnegie Libraries, and local churches.

We at the Courier are committed to reaching as many people as possible with our niche product, as we improve the product every single day. You may have heard about our free Christmas promotion...it’s our way of keeping more

LEGAL ADVERTISING

LEGAL ADVERTISING

Bids/Proposals

Bids/Proposals

INVITATION TO BID WASHINGTON COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY

INVITATION TO BIDDERS/ OFFERORS THE PITTSBURGH WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY ADVERTISEMENT

SEPARATE and SEALED PROPOSALS for the following solicitation, will be received by the Office of Procurement, Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, 1200 Penn Avenue, Second Floor, until 4:00 P.M. Prevailing Time, January 8, 2018. Proposals must be received in the hands of and clocked in by a PWSA Procurement Officer in sufficient time prior to the opening in order for a bid to be considered. All late and/or electronically submitted Proposals will be rejected and not considered for award.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR REGULATORY LEGAL SERVICES PWSA PROJECT NO. PWSA91 The PWSA was established on February 14, 1984 in accordance with the Municipality Authorities Act of 1945. House Bill 1490, which was passed by the House on November 20, 2017 and the Senate on December 11, 2017, will place the PWSA under oversight of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC). Through the issuance of this Request for Proposals (RFP), the PWSA is soliciting proposals (Proposals) from firms that are financially and technically qualified to provide regulatory legal services on an as-needed basis (Offeror/Consultant).

All proposals must be submitted in accordance with the solicitation that can be obtained by sending an e-mail to cjuratovic@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 directed to Autumn Barna, Contract Specialist, via e-mail: abarna@pgh2o.com no later than December 29, 2017.

A Pre-Proposal Meeting will be held on December 27, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. in the Authority’s Conference Room, 1200 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15222. The purpose of this meeting is to give an overview of the contract requirements and to allow Offerors to ask questions.

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

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

The Authority reserves the right to withhold the award of the Contract for a period of 60 days after the proposal due date.

The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, and to waive any informality or minor irregularity in any proposal(s). The Authority also retains the right to investigate the qualifications of Offerors prior to any award and to award contracts only to Consultants 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, INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR THE PITTSBURGH WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY

COURIER CLASSIFIEDS…THE ONLY WAY TO GO!

The Washington County Housing Authority will receive separate, sealed bids for single prime contracts with the Authority for each of the following projects: PROJECT #1 FLOORING REPLACEMENT CALIFORNIA MANOR CALIFORNIA, PA PROJECT #2 ROOF REPLACEMENT JOLLICK MANOR BUILDING G WASHINGTON, PA A certified check or bank draft payable to the Washington County Housing Authority, a US Government Bond or satisfactory Bid Bond executed by the Bidder and acceptable sureties in the amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the bid shall be submitted with each bid.

Bids will be received no later than 1:30PM/EST ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2018 at the Washington County Housing Authority, 100 Crumrine Tower, Franklin Street, Washington, PA 15301 at which time the bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. Bids will be held by the Housing Authority for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days prior to contract award.

The FLOORING Pre-Bid Meeting will be held at 1:30PM/EST, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018.

Interested parties are to meet at the Project Site, 243 Second Street, California, PA. The ROOFING Pre-Bid Meeting will be held at 3:00PM/EST, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018. Interested parties are to meet at the Project Site, 100 South Franklin Street, Washington, PA. Plans, specifications and contract documents may be examined at the following location: The Builders Exchange 1813 North Franklin Street Pittsburgh, PA 15233 or obtained through the office of the Architect, Shaeffer & Madama, Inc., 57 Fourteenth Street, Wheeling, WV 26003 upon receipt of deposit. Any unsuccessful Bidder returning hardcopy documents within ten (10) consecutive calendar days following the bid opening in good, reusable condition will be refunded their $100 deposit less postage.

Non-bidders will not receive a refund. A CD containing Plans, Specifications and Contract Documents may be obtained from the Architect for a $25.00 non-refundable payment.

The work to be performed under this contract is a Section 3 Project under provisions of the Housing & Urban Development Act of 1968, as amended, and must, to the greatest extent feasible, provide opportunities for training and employment for lower-income residents of the project and contracts for work in connection with the project be awarded to business concerns which are located in, or owned by, Washington County residents. Particular attention is directed to requirements of Executive Order 11246, 11625 and 12138, as well as Section 3 requirements, as set forth in the Specifications The Washington County Housing Authority reserves the right to reject any or all bids or waive any informality in the bidding.

STEPHEN K. HALL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

people in our community informed about the news affecting us. From now until Dec. 29, 2017, you’re able to purchase a 6-month ($25) or 1-year ($45) subscription for a friend, family member, or co-worker.... and then, we will give you the same exact subscription, for yourself, FREE! Yep, it’s a buy-one-get-one.

It’s the least we can do to show our appreciation for all the support you’ve given us over the years. Call 412-481-8302, ext. 134 to participate in our Christmas promotion. Remember, the promotion ends Dec. 29, 2017, so I invite you to give our Brenda Hill a call, ASAP! 412-481-8302, ext.

134 and get someone the perfect Christmas gift...the New Pittsburgh Courier right in their mailbox.

Additionally, over this past year I’ve been afforded the opportunity to work with some outstanding Courier staff members and contributors. It’s wholly apparent that they look at their occupation as more than “just a job.” This...is...the...Courier! Over 100 years of publication, over 100 years of history, a legendary brand that is entrenched in American historical significance.

Those I’ve encountered are working tirelessly to keep the focus on African Americans in Pittsburgh, and the many positive facets that occur in our community.

So, without further ado, thank you to our Courier leaders, Rod Doss (editor and publisher) and Stephan Broadus (Assistant to the Publisher), our Steel Valley Ironmen fanatic, office manager Allison Palm; staff writer Christian Morrow; Brenda Hill in circulation; advertising coordinator Ashley Johnson; Arlene Walker, super big Penguins fan, graphic designer Kathy Yocum; the life of the party, Debbie Norrell; classified’s own Camille Robinson; our newspaper distributors, Jeff Marion, Mr. Alfred Brown, and the new guy, Kevin Brown; photographers Ricco J.L. Martello, Gail Manker, Brian Cook (he does top-notch videos, too), John Ford, Xavier A. Thomas, Tationna Smalley, Will McBride, Thomas Sabol, and Brotha Ashley Woodson; and our contributing writers Genea L. Webb, Diane I. Daniels, C. Denise Johnson, Jackie McDonald, Renee P. Aldrich, Paige K. Mitchell, movie scene queen Mere-

ROB TAYLOR JR. cedes J. Howze, Karen Harris Brooks, Tene Croom, Smokin’ Jim Frazier, Aubrey Bruce, Bill Neal, Mike Pelaia, Kori Johnson, Atiya Irvin-Mitchell, Emmai Alaquiva, Timothy Cox, Briana L. White, Teresa Renee Hunt, J. Pharoah Doss, Louis “Hop” Kendrick, and former managing editor Ulish Carter, who welcomed me with open arms.

OK, OK...I know...you’ve got some last-minute presents to buy, so time is short...in closing...

Merry Christmas! From all of us at the New Pittsburgh Courier.

Rob Taylor Jr. rtaylor@newpittsburgh courier.com 412-481-8302, ext. 135

The worst call of the year, possibly the worst call in Steeler history!

by Bill Neal For New Pittsburgh Courier

:10—Coming to you live, “Fast and Furious” moments after the worst call of the year and quite possibly the worst call in Steeler history, and I’ve seen a lot of football since 1968. So let’s get after it. The truth.

The whole truth and nothing but the truth so help you Roger Goodell! :09—Look, I know we have to talk about the call and we will and it is the #1 issue, but the #2 thing is this…

YOU – MUST – STOP – GRONKOWSKI! Somehow you have to put this terminator in check. Now you truly see and feel the loss of Ryan Shazier. No defense can allow one man to shred them the way Gronkowski did. (Unless of course it’s Antonio Brown…I’m just saying.) All I can tell ya is go get Jack Lambert, dust him off and put the nasty on Gronk! By the way, why wasn’t Gronkowski flagged for taunting after his touchdown catch? He clearly stood over the defender and pointed at him in an unsportsmanlike motion. :08—Now back to the call. By now you’ve heard that you don’t have to go looking for the refs, they were just applying the rule.

The problem is, the rule is wrong. Remember, “The smartest guy in the room is not always the smartest guy in the room!” It’s a terrible rule. No logic and not consistent and kind of sidesteps common sense. #1–The ball was caught. #2 –He had control. #3–He turned and made a football move. #4–The ball crossed

the goal line. #5–After that, game over. C’mon man. :07—Great showing and continued blessings to the championship spirit presented by Ryan Shazier.

That could not have been easy for him. Truly, his presence in the suite at Heinz Field was remarkable. :06—At the end of the

Overtime

BILL NEAL day, in spite of the “one man wrecking crew…rock!”

(Rocky Three for those of you not paying attention.)

The defense played well, except for those two minutes and 80 yards, and I like the man-to-man. It shows heart and confidence. They still need Cam Heyward and the boys to apply a little more pressure next time around. And there will be a next time…that you can take to the bank! Two sacks on Brady counts big time.

Don’t get me wrong, but we’ve got to “start building some hurting bombs…good ole fashion blunt force trauma!” (Rocky Six. Gotcha

again.) :05—I have to take a moment and put a longtime family friend and big time “Overtime” reader “In the Locker Room.” Little John – the master contractor… assume the position. You’re now in. :04—Here’s a couple things that weren’t in and not in any order. #1–Why didn’t they go to Martavis on the last play? Good Lord, the man’s 6’5”, 210 and just made a Randy Moss catch earlier in the game. #2–More plays to “JuJu” . . . duh! #3—Spike the ball in that situation.

Give yourself some options, one of which is a field goal and overtime. :03—I may be the only cat that thinks this way, but if it’s me, I keep giving the ball to Bell on the outside runs. They work time and time again, and time and time again they go away from it. I’m just saying. :02—You all missed it because of the interception, but there should have been a flag thrown for interference against Eli Rogers.

Clearly over the back. :01—Of course, of course, yeah man…the biggest hurt of the night was the loss of Antonio Brown. Yes, we have other weapons and they proved to be true, but you can’t replace the threat he presents and the double team he commands. :00—But I stand by my opening call day one, the Steelers go to the Super Bowl and win. They will let this loss fuel their “must do” and get it done. Right here…Right now…Today…

The Steeler way!!! ~ GAME OVER ~

PATRIOTS QB TOM BRADY engineered his 51st game-winning drive in the fourth quarter or overtime, in New England’s 27-24 win over the Steelers, Dec. 17. (Photo by Courier photographer Brian Cook)

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

PEOPLE

DECEMBER 20-26, 2017

2017 — A COURIER CHRISTMAS — 2017

A surprise that’s right on time In the Wilkinsburg School District, all employees are equally valued.

Thus, it was no surprise that the Nutrition Group, who employs district food service employees, wanted to show their gratitude. But it sure was a surprise to the employees themselves, as each employee received a $100 cash award for their exemplary work and dedication. Nancy Kohl, president of TNG’s school division, also surprised the employees with flowers and cake. The big surprise occurred the morning of Dec. 13.

Narrow Way Ministries annual Christmas Party (From Religion A11)

KELLY ELEMENTARY food service employees Debra Diggs, Toyann Spruiel, and Joanne Luster, with their big bonus just in time for the holidays. (Photos courtesy the Nutrition Group)

PASTOR GARY BROCK

GEORGETTA HYATT and Ileeda White, food service employees at Turner Elementary, with a cool surprise just in time for Christmas. Other employees who received gifts were Heather Houston, Skip, Mary Williams and Margo Williams.

ASHLEY TAYLOR, KONTARA MORPHIS, LYTIA BROCK

B9

B10

DECEMBER 20-26, 2017

PEOPLE

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

2017 — A COURIER CHRISTMAS — 2017

There’s no better feeling than giving back…

SANTA CLAUS, aka Douglas Williams, with adult Patrick Blankenship and his relatives.

ED GAINEY’S 5TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY Homewood Coliseum — Dec. 14, 2017 Photos by Courier photographer Tationna Smalley

COUNCILMAN Corey O’Connor, Third Ward Democratic Chairman Fred Wilburn, state Rep. Ed Gainey, and James “Fife” Myers.

KICKIN’ IT—Urshala Banner, top left, Britney Kenney, top middle, and Lashae Kenney, top right, with little ones Taj, Za’Kele, and Minx.

PARTYIN’—Adults Marie Clarke and Ashley Clarke, with little ones Le-Juan, Grayson, Amari and Alonna.

MERRY CHRISTMAS! From all of us at the New Pittsburgh Courier.