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Bofta Yimam ANSWERS AND TRANSPARENCY leaves WTAE-TV Was 2016 Courier ‘Woman of Excellence’

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

RASHAD BYRDSONG, CEO of Community Empowerment Association, calls for more transparency from Pittsburgh Police officials pertaining to the death of Mark Daniels. Daniels was shot by unnamed officers in Homewood, Feb. 11. (Photo by J.L. Martello)

Byrdsong says story from police ‘does not go up the smell test’ in shooting death of Mark Daniels

by Rob Taylor Jr.

utes later), initial shots are fired at the of- on foot down Newman and onto Bennett ficers by a Black male in a dark blue jack- Street. (One minute later) The suspect is et who emerged from behind a building at relocated on Bennett Street and the same ACLU Pennsylvania legal director Wi- the corner of Bennett and Newman. One SEE DANIELS A5 told “Vic” Walczak walked to the podium officer returns fire. The officers pursue and said what everyone behind him was thinking.

“When government officials take a person’s life, the community has a right to demand answers.”

Answers and transparency, the two words of emphasis during a 30-minute press conference held at Community Empowerment Association, Feb. 16, addressing the shooting death of 39-year-old Mark Daniels by Pittsburgh police, in the early hours of Feb. 11, just a few blocks away in Homewood.

Officials with the city police department turned the investigation over to the county, which, on Feb. 12, reported from the investigation’s findings that Pittsburgh police officers on neighborhood foot patrol detail observed a man wearing a blue jacket and a black-rimmed hat leaving Bett’s Martket and walking south on Brushton Avenue. Next, “The individual observed the officers, and his subsequent behavior drew the officers’ attention to the man,” the report read. “The officers walked south on Newman, parallel to the man last seen ACLU PENNSYLVANIA LEGAL DIRECTOR WITOLD ‘VIC’ WALCZAK walking south on Brushton. (Eight minCourier Staff Writer

‘When government officials take a person’s life, the community has a right to demand answers.’

Duquesne University students learn writings of King, Malcolm X, Baldwin

by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer

It’s not uncommon for political scientists or sociology teachers to present the writings of James Baldwin, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. or Malcolm X in the context of the 1960s Civil Rights Movement, especially during Black History Month.

But Duquesne University Professor Dr. Kathy Glass is doing something a little different—she’s an English professor and she is teaching a course on all three

as writers. And in this case, the fact that it is offered during Black History Month is coincidental.

“It was not offered to coincide with Black History Month, but the course does emphasize a theme that Black History Month highlights—Blacks’ rich intellectual and cultural contributions to America,” said Dr. Glass in an exclusive interview with the New Pittsburgh Courier, Feb. 20.

“We cover approximately nine texts in the course, but they help illuminate a

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broader tradition of African American literature, activism, and culture.”

For example, in addition to essays, students are studying dramatic literature, autobiographies, and the “oral texts,” of jazz, spirituals and gospel music.

“Since allusions to these oral texts often appear in the literature, students have an opportunity to learn about the social value of written and oral traditions, as well as the cultural contexts that shape them,” she said.

Dr. Glass said though all three came from wildly distinct backSEE DUQUESNE A5

DR. KATHY GLASS

J. Pharoah Doss says

Bofta Yimam says those days of the alarm clock blaring at 1:45 a.m., while others are deep into their sleep, are over—at least for now.

“I will enjoy sleeping in a bit these days,” she said.

Yimam, the weekend morning anchor and investigative reporter at WTAE-TV (Channel 4), announced she has left the station and is returning to her home state, Maryland. Her last day on-air was Feb. 13.

“I will defiBOFTA YIMAM nitely miss hiking around Pittsburgh’s parks, exploring the restaurant scene with friends and working with the morning crew at WTAE,” Yimam told the New Pittsburgh Courier in an exclusive interview, Feb. 19.

“I received incredible opportunities as an SEE YIMAM A4

Black historian John Brewer dies at 74

by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer

John Brewer was bigger than life—that’s probably because he documented the lives of so many other Black Pittsburghers over the years. An author, raconteur, and collector of oral histories, Brewer died in his sleep, Feb. 13.

He was 74.

As noted in the biography of him the Pittsburgh Black Media Federation wrote, he could recite the history of the Pittsburgh Trolley System from memory.

He knew who owned a longgone meat market on an East JOHN BREWER End street that is there no longer—and who worked there, and who they married.

He knew the players and the pretenders, and that proved invaluable when the Carnegie Museum needed someone to help catalog the more than 70,000 photographs, prints and negatives taken by renowned photographer Charles “Teenie” Harris, who shot for the Pittsburgh Courier from the 1930s through the 1970s. He curated the collection and began an oral history companion exhibit.

Until recently, Brewer was the longtime owner of the Greater Pittsburgh Coliseum in Homewood, which, at various times, housed a bowling alley and bar and served as a meeting and event hall. Brewer, a proud Westinghouse High School graduSEE BREWER A5

Marvel’s ‘Black Panther:’ A marketing review Forum B6

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FEBRUARY 21-27, 2018

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

This Week In Black History

SOUTH AFRICA PREMIERE—Danai Gurira speaks as the cast of “Black Panther” arrives at the South Africa premiere on Friday, Feb. 16, in Johannesburg. (AP Photo/Cara Anna)

Tears, exuberance as ‘Black Panther’ opens across Africa

by Cara Anna Associated Press Writer

JOHANNESBURG (AP) —“Black Panther” has burst onto the screen in Africa, handing a powerful response to the unfortunate remarks about the continent by President Donald Trump.

As the red carpet in South Africa swirled with stunning outfits and exclamations in the local isiXhosa language used in the film’s Wakanda kingdom, cast member John Kani laughed at the U.S. president’s views, which several African nations have openly scorned. (Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o said simply: “No comment.“) The South African actor Kani, like many at Friday night’s Johannesburg premiere, expressed pride at seeing an Afrofuturistic society that celebrates traditional cultures and dreams of what the world’s second most populous continent can be.

“This time the sun now is shining on Africa,” he said. “This movie came at the right time. We’re struggling to find leaders that are exemplary and role models ... so when you see the Black Panther as a young boy and he takes off that mask you think, ‘Oh my God, he looks like me. He is African and I am African. Now we can look up to some person who is African.’”

Added actress Danai Gurira, who grew up mostly in Zimbabwe: “To bring this film home is everything.”

‘This is an opportunity to awaken people,’ the Oscar winner said at the film’s premiere Friday night in Johannesburg (Feb. 16) The film has opened in other top economic pow-

ers across Africa, where a growing middle class flocked to IMAX showings and shared vibrant opening-night images on social media.

“The African culture highlighted in the movie is so rich that it makes me feel proud of being Black.

I totally love it,” said Liz Muthoni after a screening in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi.

“I can watch it again and again.”

“Black Panther” screened a few days ago in Kenya’s western city of Kisumu, where Nyong’o’s father, Anyang, is the local governor.

“Sometimes we think that we have two choices to make in Africa,” he wrote this month in The Star newspaper. “Choice one: We maintain our traditions and cultures and stay backward forever.

Choice two: We modernize by becoming westernized and forgetting our cultural traditions which, by their very nature so we think, are stuck in the past. The experience of the Wakanda people teaches us otherwise.”

In Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, “Black Panther” has been selling out its five-times-a-day screenings at the only theater showing the film.

“Moviegoers are enjoying the African heritage part of the film. This is also unique for us because Ethiopia is often mentioned alongside the black power and black movements as the only nation not colonized by Western powers,” said Elias Abraha, the cinema’s operations chief.

“There are people who changed their flight plans just to watch the movie.”

Some Ethiopian fans quickly changed their Facebook profile pictures and expressed their ado-

ration.

“Tears stream down my face as I write this,” said one Facebook user who goes by LadyRock Maranatha. “Black Panther was basically an enormous . roller coaster of emotions, adventure and most of all the affirmation of what I had felt since I left my country for Cambridge and came back. I cried for my people and felt immense pride in being Ethiopian and most importantly AFRICAN. We are truly resilient and beautiful.”

As the audience poured out of the Johannesburg screening, spirits were high.

“Totally blown away. I got emotional,” said reality TV star Blue Mbombo, who admitted that going into the film she thought the expectations had been “hype.” But she praised its use of cultural touches like Basotho blankets and called the use of the isiXhosa language “very humbling.”

Others considered the American side of the story.

“An African-American coming back to Africa, it’s a nice reminder of their heritage as well,” said Ayanda Sidzatane. She called the film awesome. “We knew it would be cool but not like this.”

Some anticipated a flood of interest from African Americans, even cheekily.

“Now I know Black Panther makes Africa look cool …But please don’t come to Lagos…It’s overcrowded,” Nigerian artist Arinze Stanley tweeted of the continent’s most populous city.

As Ghanaian celebrity blogger Ameyaw Debrah put it on social media: “What will #BlackPanther make the world think of Africa now?”

(Associated Press writers Elias Meseret in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Tom Odula in Nairobi, Kenya and videographer Graham Walsh in Johannesburg contributed.)

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Week of February 21-27 February 21 1933—Song stylist and activist Nina Simone is born Eunice Waymon in Tryon, N.C. She was a child prodigy who was playing the piano by age 4. She had numerous songs to her credit but one of the most memorable was “Mississippi Goddam” which was composed as a protest against the terrorist bombing of a Black church in Birmingham, Ala., which resulted in the deaths of four little Black girls. Simone, often referred to as the High Priestess of Soul, died in France on April 21, 2003.

1965—The most prominent Black nationalist of the 20th century, Malcolm X, is assassinated on this day in Harlem, N.Y.’s Audubon Ballroom while giving a speech which was to issue a call for Black unity. Born Malcolm Little in Omaha, Neb., on May 19, 1925, he graduated at the top of his high school class but had his dream NINA SIMONE of becoming a lawyer crushed when a teacher told him that was “not realistic for a Nigger.” He gradually drifted into the underworlds of first Boston and then New York where he became a drug dealer and gangster known as “Detroit Red.” He was friends with comedian and upcoming star Redd Foxx who at the time was known as “Chicago Red.” Malcolm was arrested and jailed for robbery at age 20. While in prison he converted to the Nation of Islam and after his release in 1952, he became the leading force building the group into a major national organization. He was a brilliant orator and organizer as well as a fierce opponent of racism, imperialism and the non-violent approach to combating the nation’s evils. But disagreements with Nation of Islam founder Elijah Muhammad led to a split. He then formed the Organization for Afro-American Unity. However, 11 months after his split with the Nation of Islam he was assassinated. Many in the Black community felt the New York City police and the FBI played a role in his death. But three man MALCOLM X associated with the Nation of Islam were tried and convicted of his murder.

February 22 1950—Basketball legend Julius “Dr. J” Erving is born in Roosevelt, N.Y. He was the most dominant NBA player of his era. The former Philadelphia 76’er was 6’7”, 210 pounds.

February 23 1868—Dr. W.E.B. DuBois is born William Edward Burghardt DuBois in Great Barrington, Mass. DuBois can easily qualify as Black America’s leading scholar and intellectual of the late 1800s and early 1900s. He was also an educator and social activist fighting tirelessly against W.E.B. DuBOIS racial injustice and U.S. imperialism. He started the NAACP’s influential “Crisis” magazine. He organized what many consider the First Pan African Congress. (Actually, it was the second. The first took place in 1900.) However, in his later years DuBois became increasingly frustrated with American racism, injustice and hypocritical brand of democracy. He turned to socialism around 1927 and despaired of the NAACP’s legalistic approach to obtaining rights for Blacks. He nevertheless authored several influential books including “The Souls of Black Folks.” He coined the phrase ‘talented tenth” to describe what he believed would have to be a class of educated and skilled Blacks who would have to lead the race out of its oppression. DuBois finally went into self-imposed exile in the West African nation of Ghana saying, “In my own country for nearly a century I have been nothing but a Nigger.” He died in Ghana’s capital, Accra, on Aug. 27, 1963. He was 95.

February 24 1864—Rebecca Lee Crumbler becomes the first African-American woman to receive a medical degree. Born in 1833, she graduated from the New England Female Medical College. Prior to becoming a doctor, she had worked as a nurse in Massachusetts for more than six years.

1868—The U.S. House of Representatives voted 126 to 47 to impeach President Andrew Johnson. Johnson had run afoul of a group of pro-Black legislators known as the Radical Republicans because of his opposition to full citizenship rights for former slaves. He survived being ousted as president by one vote in the U.S. Senate. As far as historical speculation goes, it would have been much better for Black rights and the course of Black history if Johnson had been ousted. His opposition to full rights, including voting rights, for Blacks helped lay the foundation for the un-doing of Reconstruction and the many gains Blacks had made during that period.

1966—Kwame Nkrumah is ousted in a military coup as president of the West African nation of Ghana. This was KWAME NKRUMAH another event which changed the course of Black history for the worse. Nkrumah, educated at the predominantly Black Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, had been a major intellectual and pragmatic force for Pan-Africanism and worldwide Black unity. From the time he became the first president of Ghana in March 1957, he had worked tirelessly for international Black advance and world peace. His ouster left a void which after 40 years has not been filled by any other African leader.

Nkrumah died in 1972.

February 25 1851—The first Black Women’s Rights Convention is held in Akron, Ohio. The keynote speaker was anti-slavery activist Sojourner Truth.

1966—Constance Baker Motley becomes the first African-American woman appointed to a federal judgeship. She takes the bench in the Southern District of New York. Motley was a major civil rights hero helping win several important cases during the 1950s and ‘60s. Among the cases was the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case, which desegregated the nation’s schools. She worked for the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund and helped Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in several of his legal battles. Born in 1921 in New Haven, Conn., Motley died in 2006.

1980—Black Entertainment Television, the first Black owned company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, begins CONSTANCE BAKER broadcasting from its headquarters in Washington, D.C. While MOTLEY still Black programmed, BET is now owned by media conglomerate Viacom.

February 26 1920—Dr. Carter G. Woodson (1875-1950) founds the first nationally organized celebration of Black American history (then called Negro History Week), which was first celebrated on this day in 1926. Woodson scheduled the week to coincide with the birthdays of Civil War President Abraham Lincoln and Black abolitionist Frederick Douglass. However, in 1976, Negro History Week was expanded into the current day Black History Month. For his efforts in promoting knowledge of Black historical achievements Woodson became known as the “Father of Black History.” In explaining the need for the celebration, Woodson once said, “Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history.”

1964—Heavyweight boxing champion Cassius Clay changes his name to Muhammad Ali after rejecting Christianity and CARTER G. WOODSON joining the Elijah Muhammad-led Nation of Islam.

February 27 1748—This is the probable birth date of Prince Hall—the “Father of Black Masons.”

Hall was a veteran of America’s war of independence from England, founder of the first African-American Masonic lodges and one of the most prominent Black leaders of his era. The charter for the first Black Masonic lodge was granted on Sept. 29, 1784. It was known as African Lodge #459 of Boston.

1869—Congress adopts the 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution making it illegal for the U.S. government or any state to “deny or abridge” the right to vote “on account of race, color or previous condition of servitude.” This was one of the socalled “Reconstruction Amendments (13th, 14th & 15th)” which essentially ended slavery, made Blacks full U.S. citizens and guaranteed the right to vote.

1872—Charlotte E. Ray graduates from the Howard University Law School becoming the first Black female lawyer in the United States. It also appears that she was the third female lawyer of any race. She was admitted to the Washington, D.C., bar the same year she graduated.

But racism and sexism prevented her from making a living as a lawyer in the nation’s capital, so she moved to CHARLOTTE E. RAY New York and got a job with the Brooklyn school system.

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Black Press remembers freedom fighting journalist Lerone Bennett Jr.

by Stacy M. Brown

NNPA Newswire Contributor

Perhaps no other voice— or pen—captured the real life of Africans and African Americans like Lerone Bennett Jr., the former editor of EBONY and Jet magazines who died on Tuesday Feb. 13 at the age of 89.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported that, Bennett suffered from vascular dementia.

Among his many hard-hitting and compelling works was the exposé, Before the Mayflower: A History of Black America, in which Bennett traces Black history from its origins in western Africa, through the transatlantic journey and slavery, the Reconstruction period, the Jim Crow era, and the Civil Rights Movement.

The book was later re-issued five more times and ultimately included life in the 1990s.

Bennett would go on to pen at least 10 books, including the eye-opening, 2000 book titled “Forced into Glory: Abraham

Lincoln’s White Dream,” which, for some, shattered centuries-old myths about America’s 16th president’s involvement in the freedom of slaves.

A description of the book on Amazon.com said: “Beginning with the argument that the Emancipation Proclamation did not actually free African American slaves, this dissenting view of Lincoln’s greatness surveys the president’s policies, speeches, and private utterances and concludes that he had little real interest in abolition.”

Pointing to Lincoln’s support for the fugitive slave laws, his friendship with slave-owning Senator Henry Clay, and conversations in which he entertained the idea of deporting slaves in order to create an all-White nation, the book, concludes that the president was a racist at heart—and that the tragedies of Reconstruction and the Jim Crow era were the legacy of his shallow moral vision.

“Smart man and great author. His book [about Lincoln] changed my life,”

Film showcases Historically Black Colleges and Universities

by Deepti Hajela

self-sufficiency for African Americans, focusing on Associated Press Writer acquiring industrial trades NEW YORK (AP)—Film- and skills and earning the maker Stanley Nelson respect of whites through knew he wanted to tell a labor and hard work. story about the nation’s But Du Bois, who attendHistorically Black Colleges ed another HBCU, Fisk and Universities—not just University, before going to about individual HBCUs, Harvard University, had a many of which have their different view for HBCUs own celebrated histories, and society at large. For but about what they collec- him, colleges and universitively have meant to Black ties were places to educate people.

African American leaders And in making the docand thinkers, to be in the umentary “Tell Them We forefront of political and Are Rising: The Story of civil rights efforts pursuing Black Colleges and Univer- equality. sities,” Nelson said, someAnother part of the docthing quickly became clear: umentary shows how one HBCUs never were just of the most fundamental about learning what was in aspects of the civil rights books. From their beginmovement, the case-bynings in the years after case legal dismantling of the Civil War, the nation’s the separate-but-equal HBCUs have been driving system of segregation, forces for African Americame from the efforts of can economic and political Thurgood Marshall and his advancement.”As we were mentor Charles Hamilton making the film, it became Houston, who taught him for us a look at American and other Black students history, and African-Amer- at Howard University’s ican history, through this School of Law, another lens of HBCUs. They were HBCU. involved in so many central Other efforts that were events,” said Nelson, who fundamental to the civil wrote, directed and prorights movement, like the duced the film, which made lunch counter sit-ins that its debut at the Sundance started in Greensboro, Film Festival last year and North Carolina, also were got its national broadcast connected to HBCUs—the debut through the PBS first four men who asked series “Independent Lens” for lunch service at a Woolon Monday. worth’s counter in FebruBefore the Civil War, ary 1960 were students at schooling for enslaved North Carolina AgriculBlack people was largely tural and Technical State outlawed in many SouthUniversity. ern states. After the war, Nelson, who’s Black, also newly freed Black people has made movies about the were allowed to learn but Black Panther Party and were far from welcome at the Freedom Summer. He institutions of higher eduattended an HBCU, Morris cation serving White peoBrown College, for a term, ple, leading to the creation and said it’s “no accident” of colleges and universities that so much civil rights to cater to them, predomieffort and energy came out nantly in the South. of HBCUs. According to the federal “It almost is not going to government, an HBCU come from anywhere else,” is an accredited learning he said. “These are safe institution started before Black intellectual spaces.”

1964 that had a primary The film closes with a mission of educating Black look at HBCUs today, their people, and there are about students and some of their 100 of them today. Though challenges, like the plight HBCUs were started for of Morris Brown, which lost Blacks, today they accept its accreditation in 2003 students of all races and but still has some students. their student populations It doesn’t delve deeply into are 78 percent Black. those challenges, which Nelson’s film explores Nelson described as a those HBCU origins “complicated question” that and how their campuses could be its own movie. became safe spaces for AfOverall, the film is meant rican-American intellectuto give people a grounding, alism to flourish and places said Nelson, whose parents where larger societal issues attended HBCUs. also were felt.

“I think that there are In part of the film, viewjust a few institutions that ers are introduced to how have sustained the African college educations became American community,” he a front in the ideological said. “Black colleges and conflict between two prom- universities are certainly inent African Americans, one of them.”

(Deepti Hajela covers issues of Booker T. Washington and race, ethnicity and immigration W.E.B Du Bois. for The Associated Press. Follow Washington, a graduate her on Twitter at http://www. of Hampton Universitwitter.com/dhajela. For more of ty, became president of another HBCU, Tuskeegee her work, search for her name at https://apnews.com) Institute, and emphasized

“The NNPA salutes the living legacy of Lerone Bennett Jr. with a commitment to pick up his pen and put it into the hands of today’s freedom fighting publishers, editors and journalists.”

Bennett worked for EBONY for nearly 50 years, after starting at Jet in 1951 and then moving LEGENDARY JOURNALIST—In this Dec. 10, 2009 photo, Lerone Bennett Jr. poses to the sister for a photo in Chicago. (Chicago Sun-Times via AP) publication in 1953. By 1958, he was the executive editor. said comedian Sinbad. “Be- world is richer, because of his work here on earth “Lerone worked side by fore the Mayflower’ educated me about the need to and we are grateful for his side with my father in many contributions.” establishing EBONY’s research our true history.”

Bennett counted as an el- voice,” EBONY CEO Linda Others too expressed their sadness and profound egant scholar and freedom Johnson Rice told the fighter who used the power Chicago Sun-Times. “He gratitude for Bennett. of his pen to awaken milwas the guiding light for “I am personally sadlions of people to the true the editorial vision of EBdened by the death of history of African people in ONY. Lerone was not just Lerone Bennett Jr. We America and throughout essential in the formation have lost another great journalist who will be sore- the world, said NNPA Pres- of EBONY’s historic trajectory, he was a pillar in the ly missed,” said Dorothy R. ident and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. Black community.”

Leavell, the chairman of “Bennett’s journalistic The Griot reported: “In the NNPA and editor and genius will be missed, but addition to being remempublisher of the Crusader his contributions to docubered as an editor for these newspapers in Chicago, menting the struggles and two magazines, Bennett, Illinois and Gary, Inditriumphs of Black men, a graduate of Morehouse ana. “We knew him as the women and children will College, is known for his conscience and voice of books, many of which EBONY and Jet magazines continue to be cherished by generations far into cover the Black experience and through the many the future,” Chavis said. in America and the civil books he published. The

rights movement.”

Bennett’s footprints are cemented at the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame in Atlanta and he once served on President Bill Clinton’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities. The veteran journalist and historian also served as an early adviser to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.

In a tweet, the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Jr., praised Bennett’s work.

“A classmate & biographer of Dr. King, during the turbulent 60’s, his was a pen that mattered. As historian, author of ‘Before the Mayflower’, editor of Ebony magazine, the most read voice of the freedom struggle, his impact will long be felt and remembered,” Jackson tweeted.

From its official Twitter account, the NMAAHC tweeted, “it is with great sadness and profound sense of loss that we share the news of the death of Lerone Bennett Jr., a gifted historian and journalist.”

On Twitter, Bernice A. King called Bennett a beloved and brilliant man.

“If you haven’t read his books, I encourage you to.

Even if you have, I encourage you to. Truly one of a kind historian & scholar,” King tweeted. “Grateful for what he’s meant to my family.”

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Bofta Yimam leaves WTAE-TV, returns home

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER Editor and Publisher Rod Doss presents Bofta Yimam with the Courier’s 2016 “Women of Excellence” Award, during a ceremony, held Jan. 6, 2017. (Photos by J.L. Martello)

Will visit Pittsburgh for motivational speaking engagements YIMAM FROM A1

investigative reporter and morning anchor at WTAE and I’m grateful for all of the support.”

Yimam arrived at WTAE in the summer of 2013, after stops in Memphis, Tenn., and Dalton, Ga., among other locations. Prior to moving to Pittsburgh, little did viewers know Yimam was coming with awards already in hand. In 2013, she won a Midsouth Regional Emmy for excellence in “Continuing Coverage.” Her report, while working in Memphis, led to Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam signing a state law to keep convicted aggra-

vated rapists in prison for their full sentence.

Yimam said she became the first Ethiopian-American newscaster to receive an Emmy.

And while reporting in Georgia, Yimam won the Edward R. Murrow award for Best Breaking News Coverage.

At WTAE, Yimam worked as an investigative reporter before being named weekend morning anchor in January 2016. “Bofta is a talented journalist who is passionate about the Pittsburgh community,” WTAE President and General Manager Charles W. Wolfertz III said at the time.

“She has been a strong asset to Action News Investigates and we look forward to her help in maintaining our dominance in the weekend mornings.”

Yimam was honored as a New Pittsburgh Courier “Woman of Excellence” during a ceremony held Jan. 6, 2017. She’s also attained honors from the organization Young, Gifted & Black, and has emceed numerous events in the area, including the NAACP Human Rights Dinner (20152017).

As a member of the Pittsburgh Black Media Federation, Yimam served on the organization’s board,

traveled to Cuba with other journalists, and helped raise funds for many non-profit organizations.

“I congratulate Bofta Yimam on her years of service as an active board member of the Pittsburgh Black Media Federation and on air at WTAE-TV,” Brian Cook, PBMF president, told the Courier in a statement. “It was a tremendous pleasure working with her and I wish her all the best!”

On her public Facebook page, Yimam, in making her announcement, said WTAE asked her to stay in her role as anchor/reporter, “but they understand the personal reasons behind my decision,” she said.

Yimam told the Courier she will still visit Pittsburgh to speak at events.

BOFTA YIMAM, with her 2016 “Women of Excellence” Award. The New Pittsburgh Courier honored over 40 local African American women for their professional and positive contributions to the City of Pittsburgh and its constituents.

“I will also continue public speaking coaching and providing inspirational talks around the country.”

As with many television personalities, moving from city to city is a normal occurrence. The University of Maryland graduate said her nearly-five years in Pittsburgh were the most she’s ever stayed in one place professionally. So, as for what’s next: “Right now, I don’t have all of the answers regarding what’s next,” Yimam told the Courier. But she encouraged people to follow her jour-

ney via her Facebook (Bofta Yimam On Air) and Instagram (BoftaYimam) pages.

“I still remember when I first started in Pittsburgh...

I accepted the job without knowing one person in the city (or how to get around without a GPS! LOL),” Yimam wrote on her Facebook page. “Since then, I’ve met lifelong friends and developed wonderful community relationships.”

In an interview with the Courier, Yimam added: “I feel fortunate to hold so many memories in Pittsburgh.”

Thanks for taking a tour of the Courier!

THANK YOU to Chay, Aubriee, Alese, Tyrell and Jordan for coming to the Courier and taking a tour of our digs! Sharon Gans, director of Child of the King and Children of the Kingdom Daycare locations, told the Courier the kids loved their trip to the historic Courier, as they learned how to make page layouts, and how advertisements get into the paper. For more information on Courier tours, call Rob Taylor Jr. at 412-481-8302, ext. 135.

In next week’s Feb. 28 edition…

MORE THAN $200 MILLION IN ITS FIRST FOUR DAYS! “Black Panther” is the talk of the nation! Courier photographers Dayna Delgado and Debbie Norrell were at local theaters for all the action this past weekend, and we’ll bring you all the pics in next week’s Feb. 28 edition!

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Daniels family demands answers in police shooting death DANIELS FROM A1

officer again engages the suspect with gunfire. The suspect flees west across Brushton Avenue into an adjacent lot. (Four minutes later) Officer(s) searching for the suspect observe a blood trail and, with the aid of a police canine, follow the blood trail.”

The alleged suspect, Daniels, is later found bleeding, medic units arrive, he’s transported to UPMC Presbyterian, where he was pronounced dead at 2 a.m.

Many at the news conference weren’t buying it.

“Many questions remain unanswered,” Walczak said.

“One, the report is that apparently a man just started shooting at a police officer.

Huh? Why? That in and of itself just doesn’t make any sense, especially from what we know about this man.”

Walczak questioned why Daniels’ family was blocked from seeing Daniels’ body. Also, “why are officers’ identities being kept secret? Are these names familiar to us from past incidents? Why are there no body cams? And how much other video has been located? It seems like there’s a lot of cameras there, and everybody’s hearing about all this video. Let’s see those videos. ‘Just trust us’ is not a governing principle when public employees kill a human being. The community is right to demand answers from government officials.”

Allegheny County police superintendent Coleman McDonough said officers recovered a 40-caliber Glock handgun from the scene. Daniels’ family says he didn’t own or carry a

gun.

At a meeting held the day before the Feb. 16 press conference between police and community members, police indicated that Daniels took an “aggressive stance.”

“How do you quantify what ‘aggressive stance’ is?” asked CEA president Rashad Byrdsong at the Feb. 16 press conference.

Byrdsong then told media members what he heard was said in the meeting the night before: “So, in this ‘aggressive stance,’ he walks down one side of the street, the police walk down another side of the street.

Now somewhere in between walking down the street together, the police took another exit and somehow met this young man on the corner, where he exchanged shots at their head.”

Byrdsong said that story “does not go up the smell test. We want to understand what happened, why did you even confront this young man?”

Denise Jones, who spoke for the Daniels family, called Daniels “a really good family man. He was the backbone of his entire family. He went all the way of changing his whole lifestyle…He doesn’t look suspicious. He’s a working man. Actually, he smiles all the time. All the time.”

Since the Feb. 16 press conference, of which over 25 community members, elected officials and other supporters stood in unity in front of television cameras, Pittsburgh police nor Allegheny County police have released a statement.

Later in the day, however, the Allegheny County Med-

JOYCE DANIELS, Mark Daniels’ mother, seated at left, is consoled by, among others, family friend Denise Jones, seated at middle. Seated at right is Sequaha Jeffries, Mark Daniels’ sister. A press conference was held, Feb. 16, as the family demands answers and transparency in the police-involved shooting death of Daniels, Feb. 11, in Homewood. (Photos by J.L. Martello) ical Examiner ruled that Daniels was shot by police in the left arm, and that the bullet struck an artery, leading to his death.

“What has to happen is that we work together— one, to be transparent, so that this family can honor their son. And the second one we gotta do…is talk (at a table) about how we become better with police and community,” state Rep. Ed Gainey said at the news conference. “I think a lot of people have made a lot of powerful and good steps; we don’t want this to take, we STATE REP. ED GAINEY said that “transparency has to be number one. And if we get that, it’ll be a step want this to empower. So, for the City of Pittsburgh.” in order to do that, transparency has to be number one. And if we get that, it’ll be a step for the City of Pittsburgh.”

DENISE JONES, who spoke for the Daniels family at the press conference, called Daniels a “family man, a working man,” and a “good guy.”

Duquesne Univ. students learn writings of King, Malcolm X DUQUESNE FROM A1

grounds, lived very different lives and had distinct voices, all showed an unwavering commitment to advancing the cause of social justice. As such, for today’s Black youth, they are still valuable teachers.

“All three figures offer useful methods for today’s activists,” she said. “Malcolm X’s incisive critique of racial injustice, James Baldwin’s rigorous analysis of structural inequality, and Dr. King’s faith-based, love-driven strategies provide models for young activists who continue the struggle for sociopolitical equality.”

Dr. Glass said the course

has been quite popular. This term marks the third time she has taught the course, and it is nearly full. She said she plans to offer it again soon.

The course seeks to foster a deeper appreciation of African American literary, cultural, and political traditions whose roots extend to the eighteenth century, she said. “In addition, as students read and write about these authors, I want them to hone their critical thinking and writing skills.”

And part of that critical thinking is applying the writers’ experiences, analyses and conclusions to today’s issues.

“While progress has been

made, young African Americans still face disparities in the criminal justice system, education, and employment,” said Dr. Glass. “I think recent protests show that today’s youth are politically engaged and committed to challenging these inequalities.”

Dr. Glass is an associate professor of English, specializing in nineteenth-century African American literature. She received her bachelor’s degree in English from UCLA, and her MA and PhD in literature from the University of California at San Diego. She has published on the topics of race, gender, spirituality, and nation.

John Brewer dies at 74 BREWER FROM A1

ate, would also hold ceremonies when alumni were voted onto the school’s Wall of Fame.

Former President Bill Clinton made a campaign

stop there for his wife’s 2016 presidential campaign.

Visitation for Brewer was held at St. Charles Lawanga Parish Mother of God Council on Bennett Street,

Feb. 18. He is survived by his wife Tina, and sons Jordon and John. The visitation service was private, but the family is planning a memorial service at an unspecified future date.

LIFESTYLES New Pittsburgh Courier

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Debbie Norrell

Lifestyles Report ‘Black Panther’— the fashions The movie “Black Panther” is now playing and the opening weekend was a box office smash. Over a four-day span I went to see the movie twice. What I enjoyed most were the screening events held by several local groups. We showed up and showed out in African attire and some even donned a Black Panther mask. While the fashion show took place in the theater, the fashions on the screen should spark a fashion trend for men and a resurgence of African looks for men and women everywhere. My favorite was the look that T’Challa wore at the very end of the movie.

OK, please tell me that you didn’t get up and leave when the credits started to roll? There is a United Nations-type meeting and T’Challa is wearing a black suit with a black shirt completely buttoned and a print scarf. The scarf is bold and tied just right.

Knotted over one shoulder and draped over the other.

Gentlemen, if you are going to try this look the suit must be a trim fit, and the shirt should fit well at the neck. The scarf has to be generous and the print masculine. The wearer will have to be confident that he can leave the house in something other than a suit and tie.

I love to see new looks for men. A male friend once commented to me that women have so many choices as far as clothing selections while men are limited. I agreed with him but it takes a man with fashion sense, a body that is in pretty good shape and once again the confidence to wear the non-traditional looks. Another look that I noticed in the move was knit wear for men. Did you notice the long knit sweaters that the men wore? How about the Nehru-styled embroidered jackets? They were regal and handsome. The key to pull this off will be a well-made garment.

Please, no cheap fabric.

Ladies, this movie should give you the confidence to break away from the weaves and wigs. I realize wigs and weaves are now considered a fashion statement but I know many wear them because of their desire for long hair. We all have choices but I’ve always been a fan of very short hair.

Let’s talk about the Black Panther costume designer Ruth Carter. According to Time.com, her resume as a costume designer reads like a roll call of some of the most culturally significant films of the past three decades: “Malcolm X,” “Selma,” “Do the Right Thing,” “What’s Love Got to Do With It?,” “Mo’ Better Blues”...but her latest film, the revolutionary and deservedly much-hyped “Black Panther,” might be her most notable project yet. With over 1,000 costumes that she conceptualized and created for the fantastical world of Wakanda—drawing inspiration from Afropunk fashion and traditional African tribal garments—it seems fitting that Carter calls “Black Panther” the most challenging, but ultimately most fulfilling film she’s worked on yet. “I see Academy Awards in her future.”

(Email Debbie at debbienorrell@aol.com)

FRIENDS—Stanford White, Kim El and Monique Flowers

LISTENING TO THE TEENIE HARRIS STORY—Arielle Done- FRIENDS ENJOY EVERYDAY CAFÉ—Carissa Snedden, Grace Oxley lan, Sasha Iqwe and Dominique Luster

‘Teenie’ in Everyday Society

by Debbie Norrell Lifestyles Editor

On Feb. 5, at the Everyday Café on Homewood Avenue, there was a unique Black History Month kickoff. There was a full house at the newest business on Homewood Ave. and more than a half-dozen photographs by Charles “Teenie” Harris were unveiled. The photos are of a thriving Homewood concentrating on the business district. In the late ‘50s and early ‘60s there were businesses like Donahue’s, Vilsack Ray, Murphy’s Five and Ten and PNC Bank. This free to the public event featured storytelling by Charlene Foggie-Barnett, Teenie Harris Archive Specialist, Carnegie Museum of Art. Teenie Harris is a wellknown name in Pittsburgh.

Harris had documented African American life in and around Pittsburgh for over 40 years. Harris snapped over 100,000 shots and the Carnegie Museum is still viewing over 15,000 color images. SHARING HISTORY—Rev. John Wallace and Kilolo Luckett (Photos by Debbie Norrell)

The Pittsburgh Courier, the most renowned African American newspaper of the day, hired him in the mid 1930s to work as a freelance photographer.

He later became their staff photographer. Foggie-Barnett spoke of how Harris used a unique method to develop pictures when he had taken a photograph of groups of people with various skin tones. People in the audience also contributed their personal stories about Teenie Harris. Harris died in 1998.

The café is owned by the Bible Center Church of Homewood. Their pastor, Rev. Dr. John Wallace, said it is important to have a meeting place like the Everyday Cafe in the Homewood neighborhood. Wallace grew up a few doors from where the café is located. The photos will be on display for the next four to five months.

Pay a visit to the Everyday Café for a cup of coffee, a sandwich or a piece of pie.

They are located at 532 N. Homewood Ave.

A GREAT WAY TO SPEND A MONDAY—Natalie Hill and Evelyn Hawkins

CHARLENE FOGGIE BARNETT—Displays an artist rendition of a Teenie Harris Photograph

NEW TO THE CAFÉ—John Seiffer, Dee Seiffer, Nancy Stillson and Chris Brockmeyer

MAKING NEW FRIENDS—Jennifer Whiting and Amya Iam

ENTERTAINER

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The ‘architect’ of the film

WYNN THOMAS

Black Bottom Film Festival to honor Wynn Thomas

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

Many things you saw in the heralded movie “Hidden Figures” was because of Wynn Thomas.

Same with Spike Lee’s “She’s Gotta Gave It,” “School Daze,” “Do the Right Thing,” and “Mo’ Better Blues.”

Thomas is a production designer—in fact, he’s the first African American production designer in the history of movies. He’s also the first African American production designer to become a member of the Art Directors Guild in Los Angeles, and the first African American nominated for the Art Directors’ Guild award, for his design work on Tim Burton’s “Mars Attacks!”

Saturday, Feb. 24, during the weekend Black Bottom Film Festival at the August Wilson Center, Thomas

will be honored with the Black Bottom Film Festival Award from the African American Cultural Center.

He’ll receive the award at 4:30 p.m., preceded by photo opportunities with film festival participants.

Other special guests in attendance will be April Reign, prominent activist and creator of the #OscarsSoWhite hashtag and campaign; Khalil Kain, actor; Lisa Cortes, film producer; Michael Phillip Edwards, actor and director; Bobby Huntley II, director; and Tamika Lamison, actor, writer and film producer.

“I’m thrilled about getting this lifetime achievement award,” Thomas told the New Pittsburgh Courier in an exclusive interview, Feb. 20. “One of the things that excites me most is that it’s so rare for behind-the-scenes people to be recognized by

film festivals. We’re constantly making enormous contributions in movies, so I’m thrilled that the August Wilson Center Black Bottom Film Festival is recognizing the contributions.”

The second annual Black Bottom Film Festival is a series of screenings and discussion of African American-made and themed contemporary, classic and independent film.

“Everything that the camera sees, someone is making a choice—that person is me,” Thomas said. In “Hidden Figures,” “all of the offices you see in that film, all of the departments, all of their homes, I am the person making all those choices. I’m the ‘architect’ of the film, you could say.”

Thomas said that ultimately, his job as a production designer is to “turn the writer’s words into concrete images.”

‘Black Panther’—Best Marvel movie ever

by Merecedes J. Howze For New Pittsburgh Courier

Let’s get straight to the point: “Black Panther” is the best Marvel movie to date.

The cast, special effects, fight scenes, and storyline

Merecedes on…

Movies makes for an enjoyable cinematic experience.

An all-star, all-Black cast with a Black director is enough for me to go to the box office. The star-studded company includes Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Danai Gurira, Lupita N’yongo, Forest Whitaker, Angela Bassett, and Sterling K. Brown. You could have picked any two of those people and I would have still watched the movie, and probably loved it.

It’s just so much talent on the big screen. The cast’s performance is Black Lives

Matter, Black Girl Magic, and Black Boy Joy wrapped up in one enormous present.

Director Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan team up for their third theatrical release. “Fruitvale Station” (2013) was riveting. “Creed” (2015) was intense. And now, “Black Panther”…simply a perfect combination. A winning combination. After Marvel had some difficulty finding a director, the quality and success of this film should solidify Coogler’s directing ability.

I hope Marvel Studios recognizes the stardom power in the entire cast, especially Chadwick Boseman.

Now, after this film, his salary should be similar to the likes of Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), and any other leading Marvel actor.

Boseman possesses a timeless craft that is vivacious, influential, and skilled in “Black Panther.”

Already making Marvel history, “Black Panther” is everything I could have asked for this Black History Month and more. Despite its fictional storyline, “Black Panther” is the realest, most relevant film this year. So much of the movie’s fictitious tale can be familiar to so many African Americans.

“Black Panther” is the only time I’ll condone Black-onBlack violence. Watching Boseman and Jordan fight is worth the wait. In all seriousness, these same combat scenes are truly symbol-

ic because we are fighting people who look just like us. Whether it be family or friends, sometimes the fight is from within.

You can’t find Wakanda on a map, but its diplomatic affairs and preservation efforts are synonymous to countries with an actual geographical location. Even some Black businesses and communities in this country, including myself, are forced to hide essential resources and/or successes, just so someone won’t steal them.

There are so many lessons to be learned from watching “Black Panther.” If you have the opportunity, when you go to see “Black Panther,” please take a young person with you. The movie is a learning opportunity and conversational piece for all ages.

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SPOTLIGHTING OUR LOCAL VETERANS

MITCHELL ROSE

DAVID LANIER

by Leonard Hammonds II

by Leonard Hammonds II

For New Pittsburgh Courier

For New Pittsburgh Courier

“My biggest fear—I wouldn’t call a fear. I would call it a reality check. Why am I here? I’m fighting for a freedom here that I don’t even have at home.”

The above words are those of Mitchell Rose, who grew up in Braddock and was no stranger to racism. In the midst of the civil rights movement, many individuals were drafted to fight in Vietnam. However, the 18-year-old Rose enlisted into the service. Rose explained that as a young man he was a car thief and had the option of going to jail or the military. He chose the Marines and served in the 1st Marine Corp Division HQ Comm, getting deployed to Vietnam.

Imagine being an 18-yearold going to fight in a foreign land. When the question was asked about his biggest fear, Rose responded with the words that began this article. War was an experience unlike any other.

He spoke of his experience during Vietnam of living in fear; not because he was afraid to be there, but because he was afraid of what could happen each day. “Vietnam was filled with drugs. It was going on—ambushes, and patrols were high (smoking), because you (during the patrols) had to have a certain frame of mind to do the things you knew you had to do,” Rose said.

When asked what his

David Lanier, at the young age of 17, was sent off to Air Force boot camp in San Antonio, Texas with a parental signature. He was too young to sign for himself to enlist into the Air Force, but was man enough to endure everything that was to come.

Being assigned to Air Force Security, his job was that of a spy and to locate prisoners of war and those who were missing in action.

During his stint in the military, Lanier served in Pakistan for the Indian war, to Egypt and Israel for the Six-Day war, and also Vietnam. This was a huge culture shock for Lanier, who was born in the South in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Growing up in Jim Crow, he experienced racism throughout his life. He pondered if things would change now that he was an airman in the United States Air Force.

The answer was no. He would just deal with a separate form of prejudice and racism. Lanier had the task of leading his White counterparts throughout Vietnam, only to see them be promoted while he did twice as much work. They looked to Lanier to survive and yet, they were promoted. These airmen were promoted based on Lanier’s efforts and hard work.

The same men who listened to every word coming from Lanier’s mouth would return back to the

MITCHELL ROSE, who served in Vietnam, said that “staying alive” and “getting out with an honorable discharge” were his greatest achievements. (Photo by Leonard Hammonds II) greatest achievement in the Marines was, Rose responded: “Besides staying alive, getting out with an honorable discharge. They made it almost impossible for me.” Being that he was living in the era of hippies and the Black Panthers, he felt the influences of both and found himself to be a revolutionary. He was not afraid to share his point of view and beliefs with anyone. This is something that he brought home with him after Vietnam.

Upon returning home, Rose, along with many others of the time, felt like Black troops weren’t respected. They weren’t even recognized. It was like it didn’t even matter that they had served their country. Many had endured all

kinds of trauma and things unimaginable to anyone who hadn’t served.

When service members came home from Vietnam, they were put back on the streets with no jobs, no treatment for PTSD or their flashbacks. Many were left to deal with it on their own. Rose, being a man of action, was steadfast in seeking the employment in which he knew he deserved. He has been, to this day, a pillar in the community and helps veterans, children, and the community as a whole. Today, Rose continues to be active in the community and has recently served as the Acting Commander and current 1st Vice at The Richard L. Ferguson American Legion Post 527 in Rankin.

DAVID LANIER has served in Pakistan, Egypt, and Vietnam over his many years in the military. (Photo by Leonard Hammonds II) states and show their true colors. African Americans fighting in Vietnam tell the stories of how they felt like they were fighting two wars—Vietnam and racism.

Lanier tells the story about how he witnessed racism as an airman: “I’ve seen signs in people’s yards that read, ‘N___ers, Airmen, and Dogs Stay Off of Grass.’”

Lanier speaks about how he protested while he was stateside, and he wasn’t fearful of the consequences.

“They would just take the signs and tear them up,” he recalled.

This is the country in which he risked his life and fought for since the age of 17.

It didn’t help that service members returning home from Vietnam got the cold shoulder. Lanier spoke about PTSD, racism, and

other things that he kept bottled up from serving in Vietnam. “I dealt with it on my own. I thought it was something I could deal with by myself.”

He told a story about how one day he and his wife were standing in line at a casino in West Virginia, and a White gentleman walked up to him and simply said, “Thank you.”

Lanier said, “I just broke down and cried and all the feelings I had for whatever reason just seemed to disappear right there on the spot. I felt really good. Everything just left.”

This gesture of gratitude for his service was something that was long overdue, in his eyes.

Today, David Lanier continues to serve as a Post Commander, and current Adjutant of the Richard L. Ferguson American Legion Post 527 in Rankin.

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IN HIS OWN WORDS ‘The Lost Tapes: Malcolm X’ to premiere on Smithsonian Channel, Feb. 26

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

Black History Month isn’t complete without one’s knowledge of Malcolm X. Some loved him, others despised him. What’s non-debatable was the impact he had during the Civil Rights Era in America.

The Smithsonian Channel will be showing “The Lost Tapes: Malcolm X” on Feb. 26 at 8 p.m. locally. It’s presented entirely through Malcolm X’s speeches, television newscasts, and rarely seen archival footage.

Comcast, Smithsonian Channel and the Heinz History Center partnered to present an advance screening of the documentary, in front of about 150 spectators on Feb. 7.

Those who watch the upcoming premiere on the Smithsonian Channel, Feb.

26, will be taken on Malcolm X’s journey from just after his incarceration, through his gaining popularity within in the Nation of Islam, the escalating conflicts with NOI leader Elijah Muhammad, to the episodes leading up to his death. Malcolm X died on this day (Feb. 21), 53 years ago, in New York City.

After the film, author, educator and journalist Herb Boyd talked about his dealings with Malcolm X, whom he first met in the late 1950s in Detroit.

“Malcolm always taught us that if you really want to get into your history, that’s the best study you can have (an education),” Boyd told the audience.

“He knew...he said on more than one occasion that he was a walking dead man,” Boyd added, referencing the days after Malcolm

X’s home was firebombed on Feb. 14, 1965.

Boyd told the audience that Malcolm X’s life and legacy is all around him, even to this day.

“Where I live in Harlem right now, I can look out my back window and see where Malcolm lived when he was 19 in Harlem, on 147th Street,” Boyd said.

“Up the street from me is where Ossie Davis, there’s a church (Childs Memorial), where he delivered the eulogy there. Around the corner on St. Nicholas is where Jimmie’s Chicken Shack was, where Malcolm washed dishes with Redd Foxx.

“My personal contact with Malcolm,” Boyd added, “he was like a big brother to me, a mentor.”

MALCOLM X (Photo courtesy Smithsonian Channel)

HERB BOYD, a celebrated author, educator, and journalist, said Malcolm X “was like a big brother to me, a mentor.” Boyd spoke at the advance screening of “The Lost Tapes: Malcolm X,” at the Heinz History Center, Feb. 7. (Photo by J.L. Martello)

MALCOLM X, shown here speaking with reporters. (Photo courtesy Smithsonian Channel)

Celebrating African Americans in Conservation The City of Pittsburgh is celebrating “African Americans in Conservation” during Black History Month, with an exhibit that’s currently on display throughout the month of February at the City-County Building, Downtown.

The opening ceremony was held, Feb. 5, with remarks from Mayor Bill Peduto’s new chief of staff, Dan Gilman, along with Dr. Jamil Bey. Refreshments were provided by Legacy Café, and the enjoyable music was provided by the Afro American Music Institute.

Courier photographer J.L. Martello captured the event in pictures.

HONOREES MARY SAVAGE, AMIR RASHID AND RAQUEEB BEY, at the City of Pittsburgh’s exhibit celebrating African Americans in Conservation, Feb. 5. (Photos by J.L. Martello)

MARY SAVAGE receives honors from Mayor Peduto’s chief of staff Dan Gilman.

The Courier is the VOICE of Black Pittsburgh.

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Reading as the spark to igniting dreams of Africana children

by Nosakhere Griffin-EL, PhD For New Pittsburgh Courier

When I was an undergraduate student at Lincoln University, I had a dream of re-framing Black History Month. In that dream, each week would focus on a theme that celebrated the achievements of African people throughout the world. After spending three years in South Africa, my family and I returned to America. With my two sons getting older, I saw a pressing need for these two boys to understand who they are as people of African descent. Thus, I would revisit the idea from my college days.

In the current state of America, where the president verbally attacks the identity, culture, and homeland of people of African Descent, the aforementioned need became even more pressing. In this climate, teaching them about who they are, what they can potentially achieve, and how they can contribute to their community is extremely important. I wanted to teach my sons that they come from a people who were builders of strong families and societies, leaders who transformed unjust societies, innovators who made the world better, and

artists who made the world more beautiful. Instead of teaching my sons in isolation, I thought it would be great if other families would read similar books to their children. The Reading Renaissance Campaign was

and Culture; Heroes in Africana history; Creativity & Innovation; and Family & Community. Reading children books in these themes will provide children with a holistic study of people of African descent.

NOSAKHERE GRIFFIN-EL, PhD born out of this desire.

For Black History Month, we as parents, grandparents, relatives, community members and educators should engage the young people in our lives with the powerful tools of books.

We are asking adults to read five books a week to children. For each week in Black History Month we are asking adults to read books on the following themes: Africana History

The campaign also has four purposes that serve as the foundation for the literacy work we will engage in.

First, we seek to use Black History Month as a platform to encourage children to develop a love of reading.

The development of loving to read can begin by exposing children to books that are centered on their interests. This requires us to talk and listen to the children in our lives and provide them with the books that speak to the aforementioned. Providing children with interest-based books has the potential to spark their love of reading.

Second, we seek to expose children to history and achievements of people of African descent. These types of books provide children with the opportunity to learn about the achievements, innovations, and general experiences of people of African descent.

Learning about the aforementioned allows children to develop the belief that they, too, can make a contribution to the world.

Third, we seek to encourage children of African descent to see reading as an essential tool for them to develop their dreams.

In the history of Africana people, whether ancient or contemporary times, great women and men who pursued their dreams commit-

ted themselves to the reading. By reading, children have the potential to develop ideas that can assist in the development of a better world.

Fourth, I understand it is not enough for us to read to our children in isolation.

The campaign encourages parents, community members and educators to “Meet-Up and Read-Up.” These “Meet-Up Read-Up” events can be small gatherings hosted in someone’s home or large gatherings hosted in a public space like a library. However, the purpose of the gathering is to read to children and have them pose questions about the books, which hopefully will inspire the children to think new ideas.

I celebrate joining forces with individuals and organizations engaging in the work of enabling children to developing and advancing their dreams.

In conclusion, it is our vision for the campaign to spark a movement where families and communities engage in the beautiful act of reading. It is our vision that engaging in the act of

reading can inspire children to imagine possibilities both seen and unseen.

It is our vision for those children to develop dreams where they lived fulfilled lives while engaging in active citizenship to make their communities and world better.

(A Philadelphia native, Dr. Nosakhere Griffin-EL graduated from University of Pittsburgh’s School of Education with a PhD in Social and Comparative Analysis in Education. After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Griffin-EL worked as a leadership trainer for Pittsburgh Public Schools and academic at the University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business. He is currently the founder of The Young Dreamers Book Club, which provides parents with information that support in the holistic development of children. Out of this club, Dr. Griffin-EL developed The Reading Renaissance Campaign that seeks to inspire families of African descent to read books about various themes relating to Black History Month.)

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BUSINESS New Pittsburgh Courier

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Pashman commits to development for all

by Christian Morrow

Pashman will work to expand the conference’s workforce development initiatives to make sure Courier Staff Writer African Americans take part in the region’s growth sectors, such as energy, manufacturIn her address at the African American ing and IT. Chamber of Commerce PowerBreakfast When it comes to accountability, Pashman meeting, Feb. 16, new Allegheny Confersaid the conference and its partners will ence on Community Development CEO compile and publish the data that show Stefani Pashman said the conference is what firms are succeeding or failing in committed to increasing diversity in retheir diversity and inclusion efforts. gional business supply chains and on “We have to track employment, compocorporate boards. sition and supply chain inclusion,” she “Going forward, we will be guided by said. “We have to keep those numbers out three principles,” she said. “We will act there.” intentionally, partner strategically, and She also said the conference will be advodemand accountability.” cating for criminal justice reform in order She said the conference would to help eliminate barriers to employment actively push companies— and training opportunities faced by Black whether those it is working to youth. Rebuilding and strengthening attract to the region or those the Black middle class, and it hopes to help expand—to making sure African Ameriget more minority-owned cans are participating in the businesses into their supemerging regional indusply chain. And, as she did in her previous position STEFANI PASHMAN, Allegheny Conference on Community Devel- tries is critical, she said.

In Pittsburgh, she said, as CEO of Partners4Work, opment CEO, addresses attendees. (Photo by J.L. Martello)

AP Business Writers

The cost of borrowing for a home keeps going up, a potential obstacle to would-be buyers at a time when home prices are at all-time highs in more than half of major U.S. markets.

Average long-term mortgage rates have been rising steadily this year and are now at the highest level in almost four years.

That translates into higher mortgage payments and more money paid out over the life of the typical 30-year home loan.

Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday that the average rate on 30year, fixed-rate mortgages rose to 4.38 percent this week, up from 4.32 percent last week. That’s the highest rate since April 2014. At the start of the year, the average rate was just under 4 percent.

The rate on 15-year, fixed-rate loans rose to 3.84 percent from 3.77 percent last week.

The pickup in mortgage rates dims prospects for would-be homebuyers struggling to compete in a housing market where a thin inventory of homes for sale continues to drive up prices.

The median U.S. home price climbed 5.3 percent in the last quarter of 2017 to $235,400, according to the National Association of Realtors. The trade group said that prices for single-family homes hit record highs in 114 of 177 major metropolitan areas that it tracked.

The increases in home prices have been growing at a pace more than double the gains in average hourly earnings.

“We’ve seen 5 to 7 percent price gains since 2015, and we’re still seeing prices rise this year,” said Javier Vivas, director of economic research at Realtor.com.

“When you have that sort of growth with prices, and now with mortgage rate increases, that’s putting a dent especially in the entry level buyer.”

Recent wage gains and rising prices are stoking concerns about inflation picking up, which has caused investors to seek higher interest rates. Mortgage rates are closely aligned with the yield on 10-year U.S. Treasury notes, which has climbed above 2.90 percent from 2.43 percent at the end of last year.

SEE MORTGAGES B2

about the conference’s history—particularly in its role as the driver of the Civic Arena project in the late 1950s that razed the lower Hill District and displaced thousands of Black residents.

“This is sensitive—and we have to own that. Development has to be for all. We have to tell that story and listen to you, so we don’t make those kind of mistakes,” she said. “Now we are focusing on trying to help those who’ve been left behind, who aren’t even in the game.”

After thanking Pashman, Chamber President and CEO Doris Carson Williams welcomed new SEE PASHMAN B2

Ricardo Williams preparing for ‘How to do Business Series’

Mortgages get more expensive as rates hit near four-year peak

by Alex Veiga and Josh Boak

Blacks lag behind Whites in every economic category, and on average have two times lower income. Pittsburgh also lags behind all 23 comparable metro areas in racial diversity.

“There are no zip codes where African Americans have the dominant income,” she said. “There are substantial barriers not only to equity, but also to retention and promotion,” she said. It is vital to improve the African American workforce, and we think we can leverage our position, regionally, to improve those conditions.”

During the question-and answer period following her address, Robert Morris University President Christopher Howard asked

City’s equity manager wants to increase the vendor pipeline

by Diane I. Daniels For New Pittsburgh Courier

Excited about the March 8 City of Pittsburgh Women Business Enterprise (WBE) How to do Business Series, Ricardo J. Williams says if it is anything like the previous two, then he expects nothing but positive outcomes for participating entrepreneurs.

The Third Annual How to Do Business Series, according to Williams, Manager of the Equity and Inclusion Office of Mayor Bill Peduto, is designed to educate, inform and connect vendors to current and future contract opportunities within their respective agencies while reducing the barriers of entry for women-owned businesses. It will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Carlow University A.J. Palumbo Hall for Science and Technology, 3333 Fifth Avenue. Registration starts at 8 a.m.

Held in collaboration with Carlow University, Williams classifies the How to do Business Series as an oppor-

tunity-driven event that will include practitioner-led workshops from business lending professionals, as well as subject matter experts in government procurement. “The City of Pittsburgh’s Equal Opportunity Review Commission and our stakeholders ultimately want to increase the vendor pipeline by providing the necessary resources for businesses to compete for future contract opportunities across the country,” he said.

Along with the City of Pittsburgh, the EORC and Carlow University, participating organizations expected to conduct workshops include the Sports and Exhibition Authority, Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh, Housing Authority City of Pittsburgh, ALCOSAN, Callie and Associates, Huntington Bank, Chatham University Center for Entrepreneurship, The Mid-Atlantic Transportation Small Business Resource Center U.S. Department of Transportation, the Minority Business Development Agency Business Center U.S. Department of Commerce, Powerlink, and the DBE Supportive Services Center Cheyney University of Pennsylvania.

The overall concept of the How to Do Business Series was developed based on the feedback that women business owners shared with the EORC in 2015 during a special SEE WILLIAMS B2

IN HIS ELEMENT—Ricardo J. Williams, Manager of the Equity and Inclusion for the City of Pittsburgh, discusses the upcoming City of Pittsburgh WBE How to do Business Series. (Photo by Diane I. Daniels)

Black entrepreneur finds success with Minnesota tech firm ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP)— The founder of a thriving Twin Cities startup company is providing guidance to other Black tech entrepreneurs in overcoming a dysfunctional home life on the path to success.

Clarence Bethea founded Upsie, a technology company that sells warranties that undercut retailers’ prices. Founded in 2016, Upsie now has more than 14,000 users, Minnesota Public Radio reported.

Bethea grew up in a dysfunctional home. His father abused his mother, and he had to overcome homelessness and drug dealing.

“It was a lot of work, but I met the right people at the right time who changed the trajectory of my life,” said Bethea, 37.

“I received guidance and support from them along the way.”

He went to Bemidji State University in 2002 on a basketball scholarship but dropped out of college to pursue entrepreneurship.

Bethea said his acceptance into Techstars Retail, an international startup accelerator, played an important role in his success. The accelerator offerings funding and mentorship for a threemonth period. Upsie was one of 10 startups selected in 2017.

“It took away the black or white thing,” he said.

“It made people judge me on who I am, how I am as a founder, what our team is doing every day and the business.”

Entrepreneurs of color have a more difficult time

securing funding, said Sharon Kennedy Vickers, founder of the Twin Cities chapter of Blacks in Technology.

“The numbers are small for Black tech founders because they don’t have the access to resources and capital to take their ideas to market,” she said.

“There still exists a lot of preconceived ideas of what a tech founder looks like.”

Bethea recently raised $1.7 million in nine weeks for the business, which will be used to hire more employees this year.

“For that next African-American founder who is like, ‘Can I do this?’ and is at a crossroads... hopefully this says that they can because I’m not anything special,” Bethea said.

CLARENCE BETHEA

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BUSINESS

FEBRUARY 21-27, 2018

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Williams preparing for ‘How to do Business Series’ WILLIAMS FROM B1

roundtable discussion, according to Williams. Over 25 business owners from the construction and professional services industries participated in the focus group discussion. “As an immediate takeaway, we created a yearly event that educates, informs, and encourages networking between procurement officers and vendors.” The city’s interactive bid solicitation procurement product called Beacon was also launched when the mayor challenged staff, commissioners, and business owners to develop an outreach forum that would clearly explain the contract process and how to provide easier access for contract opportunities.

Williams pointed out that the EORC continues to expand their programmatic relationships and strategic alliances with community-based organizations, universities, city quasi-governmental authorities, county, state and federal government entities to create a variety of capacity-building resources for minorities, women and veterans who are interested in government contracting.

The EORC reviews and approves all applicable construction contracts for compliance with Chapter 161 of the Pittsburgh Code of Ordinances, as well as the contractor’s compliance with the City of Pittsburgh’s policies regarding minority and women business enterprise opportunities. It also develops policies regarding employment opportunities for minorities and women in contracting with the City of Pittsburgh and its authorities.

The Equity and Inclusion Office operates under the Bureau of Neighborhood Empowerment Department.

It’s responsible for the management of the EORC and staff to establish greater effectiveness in enhancing diversity in contracting opportunities and contract compliance for Minority, Women and Disadvantaged

Business Enterprises for the City and its authorities. As manager of the department, Williams is a liaison for the Mayor’s Office to civil rights organizations, equity and diversity initiatives and the City of Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations.

The BNE, existing since 2014, is purposed to build the city’s low- and moderate-income neighborhoods from the ground up by addressing issues surrounding affordable and mixed-income housing, education and youth development, immigrant, veteran, LGBT and challenged populations, nonprofit and faith-based community initiatives, small business development, economic opportunity and equity and inclusion in the city.

Currently reshaping the procurement process of the city’s local departments and authorities, Williams says his position requires a commitment to advancing and setting the goals of the organization by communicating the vision to external departments, committees, community organizations and the small business community.

Williams considers himself a visionary, results-driven, successful community leader with proven ability to collaborate, design and deliver programs that have meaningful results for all people. He is the former executive director of the YMCA Homewood Branch, a 2015 graduate of Leadership Pittsburgh, a 2012 New Pittsburgh Courier Man of Excellence and has been recognized by the Eastern Minority Supplier Diversity Council as Resource Partner of the Year.

“March 8, our ultimate goal is to increase the vendor pipeline by providing the necessary resources for women businesses to compete for future contract opportunities across the country,” said Williams.

The event is free, but registration is required.

Contact Emily Pontarelli at: emily.pontarelli@pittsburghpa.gov.

Pashman commits to development for all PASHMAN FROM B1

members—including contractor Emmett Miles— and reminded members that this year marks the chamber’s 20th anniversa-

ry, and also acknowledged member Greg Spencer for his receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at the BSA Whitney Young dinner a night earlier.

STEFANI PASHMAN, with African American Chamber President and CEO, Doris Carson Williams. (Photo by J.L. Martello)

BUSINESS CALENDAR Tax Workshop & Panel

TYRA METOYER, the external mobilization manager for the American Petroleum Institute. (Freddie Allen/AMG/NNPA)

Breaking into the oil and natural gas industry

by Freddie Allen For New Pittsburgh Courier

(NNPA)—As industry insiders tout the growing opportunities for Blacks and other minorities in the oil and natural gas sector, breaking into the industry can still present challenges.

From access to capital and understanding the industry jargon to knowing how and when to pursue business opportunities, the learning curve can be steep.

The industry’s impact on the U.S. labor force is undeniable.

The natural gas industry supported more than 4 million jobs across the U.S. in 2015, from production to end uses such as manufacturing, according to the State of American Energy 2018 report. That number is expected to rise to 6 million jobs by 2040.

When it comes to hourly wages, Black workers also fare better in the oil and natural gas (ONG) industry.

Blacks in non-ONG industries make $20.18 in hourly wages compared to Blacks that work in the ONG industry that earn $24.87 in hourly wages. Whites in non-ONG industries make about $27.77 in hourly wages compared to $32.58 in hourly wages inside the industry.

Blacks with STEM degrees earn about $17 more in hourly wages in the oil and natural gas industry, than they earn outside of the industry, according to a recent RAND report.

Whether you’re looking for a career or business opportunities, it pays to be prepared.

Do your research and learn the business.

Tyra Metoyer, the external mobilization manager for the American Petroleum Institute (API), said that it’s essential for business owners looking to break into the oil and natural gas industry, to learn as much as they can about the industry, before they start going after contracts.

Being knowledgeable about the supply chain, payment cycles and staying up-todate about industry-related innovation can really separate new business owners from their competition.

She said that companies also need to think about how they can supply ancillary services to the oil and natural gas industry like financial services, transportation, catering and custodial services.

Networking is important in the oil and natural gas industry.

Metoyer said that job seekers and small business owners have to network at conferences, at trade shows and online.

“Keep talking to people and asking questions,” said Metoyer. “You’ve got to find your champions in the industry.

Sometimes your champion isn’t necessarily the one that opens the door; your champion might be the one that explains something to you—that is the key to finding the right opportunity or connecting to the right person.”

Metoyer continued: “The relationships are critically important; so, network, network, network.”

Avoid the pitfalls.

One of the worse things that can happen is for a business to land a big contract, then fail to deliver the goods.

To avoid that mistake, Metoyer recommended that minority and women business owners partner with other companies to go after the more complex contracts.

Metoyer also warned against business owners focusing only on “Tier 1” direct-to-client business relationships, especially, when they can gain more experience and credibility as a subcontractor.

As the external mobilization manager for API, Metoyer said that she knows that the work she does every single day makes a difference as she connects women, African Americans, Hispanics, young professionals and other diverse communities to opportunities in the oil and natural gas industry whether that’s for a job or a business.

API plans to work with its member companies to develop an industry specific supplier diversity education program that will include an “oil and gas 101” that will help participants understand the supply chain better and learn additional steps of identifying goods and services that might fit within industry.

Partnering with community groups like the local urban league affiliate or the local chambers of commerce, officials with API said that they also want to establish relationships with community stakeholders to provide training about the ins-andouts of the oil and natural gas industry and to address some of the challenges that minority and women-owned businesses face.

“In addition to the work that we do every day, we spend millions of dollars on research, because we want to make energy cleaner and more efficient,” Metoyer said. “We’re also looking to be safer.”

Metoyer said that the ONG industry thrives on innovation.

“There are tremendous opportunities especially, when you can bring innovation to us. That’s the challenge,” said Metoyer. “If you can learn the business and bring innovation to the industry, you can find your place and really make a difference.”

Mortgages get more expensive MORTGAGES FROM B1

Just a few months ago, homebuyers had the benefit of average 30-year mortgages that were 3.78 percent in September. The low mortgage rates had eased some of the price pressures facing would-be homebuyers. Now they might find it harder to save for a down payment and purchase a home.

How much the latest rate increase affects the cost of a loan depends on whether one looks at the monthly cost, versus the cost over a 30-year span of a loan.

Using the median U.S. home price in December of $246,800, and assuming a 20 percent down payment, a 30-year mortgage at 4.38 percent would translate roughly to $986 a month, but to $157,653 paid in interest over the full term of the loan. The same home purchased in the first week of this year, when rates were just below 4 percent, would have saved the buyer about $45 a month, but that would add up to roughly $16,163 in interest payouts over the loan’s full term.

The rise in mortgage rates this year is already spurring would-be buyers to act now, rather than wait until the spring, traditionally the busiest period for home sales, noted Kim Wirtz, a broker at Century 21 Affiliated in Chicago.

“Many sellers are listing their homes

earlier and many buyers are buying a lot earlier than in the past,” Wirtz said.

“Buyers are out there a little earlier than they normally would have been to try to lock in an interest rate before it’s too late.”

If mortgage rates keep rising at a quick pace, it could limit what people can afford to pay and cause demand for housing to fall.

So far, Wirtz hasn’t had any buyers lower their price range because higher rates have reduced their buying power.

“I have not yet had any buyers stop looking because of the rates,” she said.

“But I believe that might be on the horizon.”

Economists expect rates to move higher this year. Bankrate’s forecast calls for rates on the 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage to climb above 5 percent, then pull back to finish the year at 4.5 percent.

That’s still a bargain to anyone who bought a house decades ago.

“The first home I bought in the `80s was at double-digit interest rates,” said Mark Hamrick, senior economic analyst at Bankrate.com. “Were mindful that it was something that was historically unusual, but it didn’t dissuade us from buying homes and it didn’t kill the housing market.”

FEB. 22—The African American Chamber of Commerce presents The Implications of Tax Reform on Individuals and Small Business, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at its o fices in the Koppers Building, 635 Grant Street, Downtown. Panelist Joan Ellenbogen, Managing Partner of CrawfordEllenbogen Victor Dozzi, Partner and COO of CrawfordEllenbogen John Stillwaggon, President of Stillwaggon & McGill will discuss what the changes in the tax laws will mean for you and your firm. Cost or members, or non-members and includes a box lunch. For more information, call 412392-0610.

Self-Employment Training Event

FEB. 28—The Duquesne University Small Business Development Center and AARP Foundation will host a free Work for Yourself@50+ workshop, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Carnegie Library Homewood Branch, 7101 Hamilton Ave., Pittsburgh, PA. 15208. The workshop is designed to give low- and moderate-income adults age 50+ gain the knowledge, support, and resources they need to make informed decisions and take the right first steps to ard success ul self-employment. The workshop will walk participants through the Work for Yourself@50+ materials and connect them with local resources to help them reach their goals.

The event is free, but registration is required. Call 888-3395617 to do so, and to receive the free 72-page workbook and resource guide.

Entrepreneur’s Workshop

MARCH 6 through 9—The Duquesne University Small Business Development Center presents Transitioning Workers into Entrepreneurs, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 108 Rockwell Hall, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 16282.

The Free, 4-day workshop will teach participants how to register a business, write a business plan, craft marketing strategies, prepare projections, seek business financing, and more. For more information call 412-392-0610.

Regional Minority Contracting Conference

MARCH 8—The Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council will host its R.O.A.R Conference & Matchmaker in Pittsburgh at the Wyndham Grand, 600 Commonwealth Place, Pittsburgh, 15222. The event will include a full day of B2B matchmakers, corporate roundtables, industry-specific forums, dynamic speakers, targeted workshops, the “tech bar,” an awards luncheon and much more. For information on costs and registration, visit emsdc.org. or call 412-3914423

Financial Statements Workshop

MARCH 13--The Duquesne University Small Business Development Center presents “Get Behind the Numbers and Increase your Profits, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. 108 Rockwell Hall, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 16282. This hands-on workshop takes a step-by step approach to explaining t o important financial statements profit and loss statement and balance sheet.

A representative from Wilke & Associates will offer clear examples for using these statements to make informed decisions, identify potential problems within your business and set realistic financial goals. Cost . or more information, call 412-392-0610.

PowerBreakfast

MARCH 16—The African American Chamber of Commerce host’s its monthly PowerBreakfast with guest speaker Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, 7:30 a.m. at the Rivers Club, One Oxford Center, Downtown. The mayor is expected to discuss the city’s emergence from Act 47, the Amazon bid, and his vision for an inclusive economy going or ard. Cost or members, or non-members.

Call 412-392-0610 for more information.

OPINION

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

FEBRUARY 21-27, 2018

B3

We need educational equality in our schools

Guest Commentary

Diplomacy toward North Korea is an opening, not a surrender

by Jesse Jackson (TriceEdneyWire.com)—The picture of Vice President Mike Pence standing stiffly next to the trusted younger sister of North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Un at the Olympics in South Korea spoke a thousand words.

After weeks of escalating tensions, the North Korean dictator decided to use the Olympics to reach out to South Korea and to the world. He sent North Korean athletes to the games. The two Korean teams marched into the Olympic arena under a unified flag.

They fielded a joint women’s ice hockey team for the first time.

Kim’s sister not only attended the ceremonies, but also issued an invitation to the South Korean president to make an official visit to the North after the games. Vice President Pence came to the games to enforce the administration’s no-talk policy.

He stiffed Kim’s sister on the podium. He and his wife refused to join the crowd in standing when the Koreans marched in. “We will not allow North Korean propaganda to hijack the message and imagery of the Olympic Games,” he said, vowing to focus on North Korean provocations and human rights abuses, while promising new and harsher sanctions. But the “message and imagery” of the Olympic Games is that athletes of all nations put aside bitter conflicts to compete in contests.

The space for peaceful sports competition could create the opening for serious talks. When campaigning for the presidency, South Korean President Moon Jae-in promised an opening to North Korea. The jarring North Korean tests of nuclear bombs and ballistic missiles cast a pall on that. President Donald Trump responded with a characteristic combination of insult and bluster.

He infamously strutted that he had a “bigger (nuclear) button” than the North Korean president.

The administration ratcheted up sanctions, pushed China to get Kim under control, declared that North Korean possession of nuclear weapons was a dire national security threat and ramped up military exercises to the very borders of the North. For our South Korean allies, the escalating threats are bone chilling. There is no rational military “option” against North Korea. A pre-emptive attack would be an illegal act of aggression that would lead to massive casualties in both North and South Korea and make the U.S. a pariah among nations. Worse, the military threats only make the North Korean leadership less likely to negotiate away their nuclear weapons program.

The U.S. sees North Korean nuclear weapons as offensive, threatening the U.S. and our allies. North Korea clearly sees its nuclear weapons as defensive. For an isolated dictatorship that is denounced by the U.S., a nuclear weapons capacity may serve the same purpose the U.S. claims for its own nuclear arsenal —deterring any country from attacking. President Moon would clearly like to lessen tensions and move toward better relations.

He has no desire to distance himself from the U.S., but would like to bring the U.S. and North Korea to the negotiating table. What do Trump and his advisers want?

The no-talk, big-stick policy leads to a dead end. North Korea already has nuclear weapons. Severe sanctions have not slowed its development of intercontinental missiles. The Chinese suggest that talks could start if the U.S. suspends its regular joint military exercises with South Korea and North Korea responds by suspending nuclear and missile tests. Neither the U.S. nor North Korea has expressed support for that. Kim vows to “mass produce” nuclear weapons; Pence demands that North Korea begin “denuclearization,” the dismantling “permanently and irreversibly” of North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs before there are any negotiations or loosening of sanctions or suspension of military exercises.

A no-talk, all-swagger policy has produced nothing. If escalating military exercises and threats don’t produce a war by miscalculation, they end up advertising the impotence of U.S. policy.

Diplomacy isn’t a surrender; it is an opening. The only way North Korea will give up its nuclear weapons is if it can receive concrete guarantees against foreign attack. The only way we can live with North Korea having nuclear weapons is with dialogue and mutual steps to build trust and security.

North Korea is a ruthless dictatorship with a failed economy.

South Koreans are understandably fearful of war, but not exactly eager to bear the cost of rebuilding the North. Kim has made an opening gesture at the Olympic Games. Both South Korea and the U.S. have every reason to call his bluff, to seek discussions rather than to continue a no-talk policy that leads only to greater tension and frustration.

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(NNPA)—Frederick Douglass. Condoleezza Rice. Martin Luther King Jr. Clarence Thomas. Ida B. Wells. Shirley Chisholm.

All of these leaders will receive renewed national attention during this Black History Month. And all have something else in common: their emphasis on education.

None of these leaders would have been able to achieve the remarkable victories or overcome the incredible obstacles they faced without an education.

I share their passion for education equality. I’ve fought for it all my life.

My own battle started in 1961, when I joined 25 other Black students to integrate a segregated junior high school in Richmond, Virginia. And it hasn’t stopped since. I fervently believe all children—no matter their race, religion, income, age, or address—have an equal right to receive an excellent education.

That’s more than opinion. It’s the law of the land. In the landmark Brown v.

Board of Education ruling that ended school segregation, Chief Justice Earl Warren wrote, “It is doubtful that any child may reasonably be expected to succeed in life if he is denied the opportunity of an education. Such an opportunity, where the state has undertaken to provide it, is ‘a right which must be made available to all on equal terms.’”

Nearly 65 years later, however, it’s painfully obvious that education in America remains very unequal. Too many schools are failing their students. Schools that squash children’s

Kay Coles James

Commentary

of union dues, salaries and political contributions. And they view any attempt to change that system as a threat and anyone seeking to advance education equality as their enemy.

Just ask U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. Testifying before Congress, DeVos explained her goal is “ensuring that every student has an equal opportunity to receive a great education.” But rather than be hailed for seeking the equality promised decades ago, she’s being attacked by those who want things to stay just as they are.

If you are wealthy, connected, or elected, chances are your child goes to or graduated from a great school. But if you live in a poor urban neighborhood, your child is much more likely to go to a failing school, a school where more than half of all students can’t read or write well, have low math scores, face the daily threat of bullying and violence and won’t graduate.

Do these sound like “equal terms” to you?

I say—no more! The crisis of failing schools has afflicted too many Americans for too long, and it will never end so long as we continue to deny every child their equal right to an excellent education.

And so I call on all caring Americans to join me in this fight. It’s a part of our heritage as a people—and of our inalienable rights as citizens of this nation.

dreams, beat down their hopes, and diminish their expectations have created a crisis in the black community. Today, in many large U.S. cities, more than half of all African American students never graduate high school.

All children deserve to get the tools they need to make their dreams come true. But high school dropouts typically don’t have them. As a result, it’s much harder for them to get a job, much less earn what those who do graduate make. They’re also more likely to commit crimes and be victimized by crime. Far too often, the dreams they once had turn into nightmares.

I was fortunate. Even though I was kicked, punched, and stuck with pins during the integration battle, I was able to attend a better school. Too many kids today don’t have that chance. Instead, anti-reform forces block them from going to better-performing schools.

Who are the anti-reformers? A determined cartel of teacher unions, (Kay Coles James is president of The Herieducation bureaucrats and career politicians. They make a lot of money tage Foundation. You can follow Kay on Twitfrom the current system in the form ter @KayColesJames.)

Politicians—Do you love guns more than life?

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—We woke up the morning after the Douglas High School tragedy hearing that 95 percent of the American people support stronger background checks before one can buy guns. That sounds like a no brainer because only 4 percent of the people oppose these checks. That leads one to believe that most of the Senators and Representatives represent somebody other than the 95% who elected them!

As the day went by, Sen. Marco Rubio said, “We need to wait for all the facts to come in.” Seventeen innocent people have just been murdered by a 19-year-old White male terrorist with a gun that should’ve been regulated.

My best friend, the late Dick Gregory who was one of the smartest, most perceptive men I’ve ever known, said long ago, “This thing (meaning the destruction of our nation) may be too far gone to turn around.” These insane gun lovers seem to think they need all kinds of military style weapons to shoot rabbits and other poor little animals. I don’t get it. They yell Second Amendment rights—no matter what the cost is. They’re the same ones who call themselves right to lifers. They’re willing to cause the greatest risk to our children’s lives in order to own any gun, while innocent people continue to be mowed down all too frequently.

Imagine how many parents got up the morning after the Florida school

Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.

Commentary

These murderers get them from gun shows, the Internet and from crooks on the street with no background check. More of us need to be helping to get stronger laws passed.

Let’s expose the enablers who represent the 4% and vote them out of office. We know who those lawmakers are who are currently on a “tear down every safety measure path” and telling us now is not the time to discuss guns. Let’s assure these families that we’ll stand with them in every election. Let’s begin making sensible gun control an issue before giving up our vote in the next election.

But for the grace of God, these horrible murders could be someone we know and love. We have an obligation to send people like Charles Grassley, Marco Rubio and Paul Ryan home soon. They so easily blame all gun tragedies on mental health when they know perfectly well, they haves no intention of putting more funds into legitimate mental health issues.

Let’s elect more people like Senator Chris Murphy who said these tragedies are a consequence of our inaction. Let us not be the ones who are guilty of inaction. The National Rifle Association doesn’t stand a chance against the people united on this important issue.

massacre and how they felt sending their babies to school—to a place where no children are safe these days.

I wonder how parents explained why their children had to go to such a scary place. Did they say, “You have to go because 4%’s of the people have more rights than you have, so we can’t keep guns out of your school?”

Women have marched and resisted since they realized what a mistake they made in voting for #45. Isn’t it time we take unified action for our children?

Every time we hear of a tragedy like the one in Parkland, we get all riled up for a few days, and except for the parents who are directly affected, we move on to something else without resolving the last crisis. I see the mothers of Jordan Davis, Trayvon Martin, and the babies at Sandy Hook and others who are still grieving over the (Dr. E. Faye Williams is national president loss of their children; they spend every day of their lives trying to prevent of the National Congress of Black Women, people who shouldn’t have guns in the Inc. www.nationalcongressbw.org. 202/678first place from getting them so easily. 6788.)

‘Black Panther’ is the superhero— and heroines we deserve (TriceEdneyWire.com)—“The film serves as a breath of fresh intellectual air, especially amid today’s sociopolitical climate. It is the power of representation in its best form. It is empowerment on a higher level. It is inspiration to a different degree. It is Black excellence exemplified that will leave audiences yearning to inhabit Wakanda forever.”—Film critic Tonja Renee Stidhum As long as there have been movies, there have been movie heroes.

From Douglas Fairbanks’ swashbuckling heroes like Zorro and Robin Hood in the 1920s, to Luke Skywalker in the 1970s to Harry Potter in the 2000s, the movies have always provided inspiration and role models for young people and a source for fantasy and imagination.

Most of these figures, as one might expect, have been White and male.

That is why the blockbuster superhero film Black Panther, which opened this week, is such a significant milestone.

Few films have been more joyously anticipated, with advance ticket sales breaking records. The character, created for Marvel Comics by Stan Lee in 1966, already had generations of fans. Its A-list cast and crew include a number of Academy Award and Golden Globe winners and nominees. Setting aside its cultural impact, Black Panther has been hailed as one of the best-acted, best-directed, best-created superhero movies of all time.

But let us not set aside its cultural impact. Representation of women and

Marc H. Morial

To Be Equal

which determines “two ethnic minorities talk to each other for more than five minutes about something other than race,” and New York Times critic Manola Dargis devised a variation, the DuVernay test—named for African American film director Ava DuVernay—asks whether “African Americans and other minorities have fully realized lives rather than serve as scenery in White stories.”

Black Panther doesn’t just pass these tests, it shatters the very precepts on which they rest. The significance of a powerful, intelligent, wealthy and resourceful Black hero cannot be overstated. The women of Wakanda, Black Panther’s fictional African kingdom, are the true force behind the throne, and are as complex, varied and layered as white male characters usually are given the freedom to be.

When the first Black actress to win an Academy Award, Hattie McDaniel, faced criticism in the 1940s for accepting roles that reinforced negative stereotypes, she retorted, ““Why should I complain about making $700 a week playing a maid? If I didn’t, I’d be making $7 a week being one.” Thankfully, the world of Wakanda is light-years from the plantations where McDaniels’ “Mammy” character bowed and scraped to Scarlett O’Hara. I’m thankful that our children have the opportunity to see themselves on screen as kings and queens, warriors, scientists, artists and most importantly, the heroes of their own stories.

people of color in film also has been an issue as long as there have been films. Actor and playwright Dylan Marron a few years ago introduced a web series entitled “Every Single Word,” which highlights the shockingly small amount of dialogue spoken by actors of color in mainstream films. The entire Harry Potter series – more than 1,200 minutes of film – includes precisely 5 minutes and 40 seconds of what Marron calls “POC talk time.” In 2015 and 2016, we took the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to task for the woeful lack of diversity among Oscar nominees.

Too often, even when women and people of color do have significant roles in film, negative stereotypes are reinforced. The Bechdel Test, named for cartoonist Allison Bechdel who popularized it, determines whether a work of fiction features at least two women characters who speak to each other about something other than a man.

Only half of all films pass this test.

(Marc Morial is president and CEO of the Screenwriter and novelist Nikesh Shukla proposed the Shukla Test, National Urban League.)

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FEBRUARY 21-27, 2018

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

HOUSEKEEPING SUPERVISOR (Full-Time)

Requires an Associate’s degree and a minimum of three years related e perience or e uivalent combination of education and experience required. Hours are Monday-Friday; 2:00 pm – 10:00 pm; may include some weekends. Located at the South Campus. Excellent benefits. or more details and to apply, visit http apptrkr.com and apply to “Housekeeping Supervisor posting. Community College of Allegheny County. EOE.

RIDESHARING PROGRAM MANAGER

Development and promotion o transportation demand management strategies with a focus on ridesharing programs. Degree in Planning, Engineering, Public Administration or related field. inimum years supervisory e perience. Details at www.spcregion. org .

EEO/AA/M/F/Vet/ Disability Employer

TEAM MANAGER, IT

HM Health Solutions Inc. seeks Team Manager, IT to work in Pittsburgh, P to manage activities o various I personnel. esponsible or oversight o daily operations.

Control e penses in operating unit & responsible for meeting budget goals. Involved in coordination, implementation, problem solving, communication, & training of new technologies & processes, as they are developed moved into environment. pply at www.high markhealth.org, using search term J115150.

PITTSBURGH COMMUNITY BROADCASTING CORPORATION

We are seeking an Bookkeeper and dministrative Coordinator to help maintain accurate financial records as well as assistant our ecutive anagement eam ith general o fice administration unctions as requested from time-totime. his individual ill have an appreciation for the mission and value o non-commercial, nonpartisan media, and a desire to play a role in delivering its value to the ull diversity o the Pittsburgh community. Please see the full job description and how to apply at http:// wesa.fm/post/pcbc-seeks-bookkeeper-and-administrative-coordinator#stream/0

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE POSITION OF POLICE OFFICER - ALTOONA POLICE DEPARTMENT

pplications or Police O ficer or the City of Altoona may be obtained from the Human Resources Department at City Hall, 1301 – 12th Street, Suite 301, Altoona, PA, weekdays between 8:30 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. Applicants or their designees must file completed, NOTARIZED applications with accompanying documentation NO LATER THAN NOON ON WEDNESDAY, March 7, 2018. Return IN PERSON OR

BY MAIL to: Human Resources Department Altoona City Hall 1301 - 12th Street, Suite 301 Altoona, PA 16601-3491 A $25.00 processing fee (check or money order) must be paid at the time the application is filed. pplications that are incomplete for any reason will not be accepted, and will be returned to the applicant. alsification, concealment or misrepresentation of material fact on the application form may result in dis ualification. ll previous applicants will be required to reapply and repeat the entire application process in order to be considered for employment.

REQUIREMENTS: •Must pass a physical agility test scheduled for Saturday, March 17, 2018, at 8:00 A.M., in Altoona.

• ust pass a ritten Civil Service est to be administered on Saturday, March 24, 2018, at 8:30 A.M., in Altoona. ust have success ully completed a Pennsylvania ct basic training program.

•Must be 21 years of age on or before the date of employment.

•Must be a United States citizen. ust have graduated rom an accredited high school or have a raduate uivalency Diploma (G.E.D.) acceptable to the Commission.

•Must be licensed to operate a motor vehicle in the Common ealth o Pennsylvania.

•Must be of high moral character and free of felony or misdemeanor convictions. ust be physically and mentally fit or the ull duties o a Police O ficer.

•Must submit to a Computerized Voice Stress Analysis (CVSA).

•Must agree to psychological and physical examinations if offered employment.

Starting salary: $43,073.43 The City of Altoona is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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INFRASTRUCTURE REP

HM Health Solutions Inc. seeks Infrastructure Rep to work in Pittsburgh, P , provide technical consultative services to clients using microcomputer sys. & clinical apps in clinical environments. pply at www.highmarkhealth.org, using search term J108809.

APPLICATION DEVELOPER

HM Health Solutions Inc. seeks Application Developer to ork in Pittsburgh, PA & to be responsible for analyzing, designing, coding, testing, & implementing app enhancements no supervision. pply at www.highmarkhealth.org, using search term J115254.

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APPLICATION DEVELOPER

HM Health Solutions Inc. seeks Application Developer to ork in Pittsburgh, PA & to be responsible for analyzing, designing, coding, testing, & implementing app enhancements no supervision. pply at www.highmarkhealth.org, using search term J115128.

9-1-1 TELECOMMUNICATIONS OFFICER, FULL-TIME ALLEGHENY COUNTY

Allegheny County is accepting applications for 9-1-1 Telecommunications O ficer, ull- ime in the Department o mergency Services.

Applications will be accepted until Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at 12:00 PM. For application requirements and job description check our website at http://alleghenycounty.us/ careers or call 412-350-6830.

ANNOUNCEMENTS Meetings

MEETING

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh’s Board of Commissioners will hold its monthly meeting for February on Thursday, February 22, 2018. The board meeting will be held at 10:30 A.M. @ 200 Ross Street, 13th Floor, Wherrett Room, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 ANNOUNCEMENTS Public Notice

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY FOR PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT AND PUBLIC HEARING HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH SMALL AREA FAIR MARKET RENTS

In compliance with the United States Department of Housing and rban Development’s D inal Rule Establishing a More Effective air arket ent System using Small Area Fair Market Rents (SAFMR) in the Housing Choice Voucher Program, HACP is proposing modifications to the ousing Choice Voucher Program Voucher Payment Standards schedule.

According to the Final Rule, 24 metropolitan areas, including the City of Pittsburgh, are required to implement a ne voucher payment schedule that are based upon Fair Market Rents determined by zipcode instead of Metropolitan Statistical Area. The intent of SAFMRs is to provide voucher payment standards that are better aligned with neighborhood-scale rental markets.

The HACP’s proposed SAFMR (zip code-based) Housing Choice Voucher Program Voucher Payment Standard ill be available or revie rom ebruary to arch 17, 2018, at the HACP Housing Choice oucher O fice, oss Street, 7th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219; and on the HACP Web Site www.hacp.org.. Copies of the proposed SAFMR standard may also be obtained by contacting the Housing Choice Voucher Department at 412-456-5090.

Written comments on the proposed Small Area Fair Market Rent Voucher Payment Standards should be addressed to SAFMR Comments at the address above and must be received by close o business p.m.) on March 17, 2018.

Public hearings to receive comments on the proposed Housing Choice Voucher Payment Standards will be held on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, at 12:00 p.m. and at 5:30 p.m. at 200 Ross St., 9th oor, CP oard oom.

Persons with disabilities requiring assistance or alternative ormats, or wishing to submit comments in alternative ormats, can contact the CP D Coordinator at 412-456-5020, ext. 2504; TTY 412201-5384.

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

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

LEGAL ADVERTISING

LEGAL ADVERTISING

Public Notice

Legal Notices

Bids/Proposals

NOTICE

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

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY FOR PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT AND PUBLIC HEARING HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH AMENDMENT TO THE 2017 MOVING TO WORK ANNUAL PLAN

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) is a participant in the ederal oving to Work Demonstration Program (MTW).

The 2017 MTW Annual Plan takes the place of the Capital Fund Annual Statement, ive ear Plan and the PHA Annual Plan normally required under the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act (QHWRA). n amendment to the oving to Work nnual Plan ill be available or revie rom ebruary to March 17, 2018, at the HACP ecutive O fice, oss Street, 9th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219; the HACP Web Site www.hacp.org; and at CP anagement O fices. Copies of the draft annual plan and plan amendment may also be obtained by contacting the HACP ecutive O fice at .

CP is seeking public revie and comments on a proposed amendment to the FY 2017 MTW Annual Plan concerning HACP’s plans to implement alternative site and neighborhood selection standards for future Project Based Voucher P developments.

The proposed amendment is incorporated into the FY 2017 MTW Annual Plan through additional language citing the alternative standards.

Written comments for the Amendment to the 2017 Annual Plan must be addressed to MTW Annual Plan Comments at the address above and must be received by close o business (5:00 p.m.) on March 17, 2018.

Public hearings to receive comments will be held on Friday, March 9, 2018, at 12:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. at oss St., th oor HACP Board Room.

Persons with disabilities requiring assistance or alternative ormats, or wishing to submit comments in alternative ormats, can contact the CP D Coordinator at 412-456-5020, ext. 2504; TTY 412201-5384.

LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices

Estate of FREDERICK V. PORCO a/k/a FREDERICK PORCO, Deceased of Pittsburgh, llegheny County, Pennsylvania o.

02-18-00653 Linda Barnet-Porco, Executor, 1160 Hodgkiss Street, Pittsburgh PA 15212 or to ROBIN L. RARIE, Atty; BRENLOVE & , C, Washington venue, ridgeville, P .

Estate of MR. RUSSELL V. MUSTA, Deceased o Key arden Drive, oon Township. PA 15108. Estate No. 02-1800570. Mr. Russell B. Musta of 409 Quarter Horse Lane, Clinton, PA 15026 and Amy B. Curry, of 3717 Bakerstown Road, Gibsonia, P , Co- ecutors, c o a C. eldman, ttorney t a , i th venue, Coropolis, PA 15108.

LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Orphans’ Court Division, state o ancy . orris, deceased, 021605920 of 2018: otice is hereby given that on anuary , , a Petition as filed

by Monet Williams, to terminate the interests o the heirs and devisees ith the e ception o the undivided th interest o elson orris r. of Nancy J. Norris, deceased, in the real estate located at 206 Crest Street, Clairton, PA 15025, with county tax parcel number 0763-P00071-0000-00, and determine that fee simple title is in Monet Williams.

If no exceptions to the Petition are filed ithin Days, onet Williams will seek an Order adjudging that th o ancy . orris’ title is in Monet Williams.

Applications are now being accepted by the Allegheny County Health Department for the Master and Journeyman Plumber licensing examinations to be held on Wednesday, April 25, 2018. pplications are to be received in the Plumbing O fice, Clack ealth Center, Penn venue, uilding #5, Pittsburgh PA 15224-1318,

by Wednesday, March 21, 2018 Applicants possessing the required ualifications ill be notified by mail of the scheduled date, time, and place for the examinations.

Applications for or information about these licensing examinations may be obtained from the Plumbing O fice by calling between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

ALLIES & ROSS MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR Special Inspections for the Northview Midrise ARMDC RFQ #2018-24

The Allies & Ross Management and Development Corporation DC) hereby request proposals from ualified irms or Individuals capable o providing the ollo ing service s Special Inspections for the Northview Midrise ARMDC RFQ #2018-24 he documents ill be available no later than February 19, 2018 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 10:00 a.m., March 9, 2018 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Parties or individuals interested may obtain information from: Mr. Kim Detrick – Procurement Director/ Chief Contracting Officer Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 2nd Floor, Suite 200 100 Ross Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116, Option 1 or by visiting the usiness Opportunities section of www.hacp.org A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Conference Room Pittsburgh, PA 15219 March 1, 2018 10:00 A.M. The Allies & Ross Management and Development Corporation strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation.

ARMDC has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation.

Caster D. Binion President & CEO Allies & Ross Management and Development Corporation ARMDC & HACP conduct business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights la s, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.

Sealed proposals shall be deposited at the Administration Building, oom , South ellefield venue, Pittsburgh, Pa., , on March 6, 2018, until 2:00 P.M., local prevailing time or a Service Contract for the following: Extraordinary Electrical Maintenance Various Locations Electrical Prime Project Manual and Drawings will be available or purchase on ebruary 14, 2018 at Modern Reproductions (412-488-7700), 127 McKean Street, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15219 between 9:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. The cost of the Project Manual Documents is non-refundable. Project details and dates are described in each project manual.

INVITATION FOR BIDS

Sealed bids for the Fairview Borough Community Center ADA Parking and Access Project will be received in the o fice o en amin Holland, BUTLER COUNTY CONTROLLER, FLOOR 5, COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER, 124 WEST DIAMOND STREET, whose mailing address is P.O. BOX 1208, BUTLER, PA 16003, on or before 2:00pm, March 12, 2018. All Bids must be plainly marked Bid – Fairview Borough Community Center Project on the outside of the envelope.

All bids will be publicly opened and read at the Public Agenda Setting Meeting of the Butler County Board of Commissioners on March 13, 2018 at 10:00am, in the Commissioner Public Meeting Room located on loor o the County overnment Center, Butler, PA 16003.

Bids will be received for the following: airvie orough Community Center removal o architectural barriers according to the specifications in the bid package.

Plans, specifications and bid documents are available via a free download from the Widmer Engineering Inc. web site at: widmerengineering.com under bids. Contact Widmer Engineering Inc. with questions at 724-8471696. Paper Documents can be picked up at Widmer Engineering Inc. incoln Place eaver alls PA 15010 for a nonrefundable fee of $32.97 add $10 for postage payable by check or exact cash.

Each proposal shall be accompanied by a bidder’s bond, or certified check or cashier’s check, in avor o the County of Butler, in the amount of not less than ten percent. The County o utler reserves the right to aive any in ormality in and to accept or reject any and all bids or any part of any bid. No bid may be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days.

Prevailing ages established under the Davis- acon ct ill apply to this contract. The contract documents contain requirements addressing prevailing labor age rates, labor standards, nondiscrimination in hiring practices, goal for minority and female participation, MBE and WBE participation, participation by Section 3 residents and businesses and related matters.

BOARD OF BUTLER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Leslie Osche, Chairman Kim Geyer Kevin Boozel Attest: Scott J. Andrejchak Director of Administration/ Chief Clerk

COURIER CLASSIFIEDS

America’s Best Weekly 315 East Carson Street, 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

CLASSIFIEDS

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

FORM OF ADVERTISEMENT PUBLICATION DATE: February 16, 2018

1. The Public Parking Authority of Pittsburgh (“Authority”) shall accept sealed bids for the performance of the work described below (the Work at its o fice at oulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, , until 3:00 p.m. local time on Friday, March 9, 2018. . D SC IP IO O WO K he Project entails injectable waterproofing and selective drainage pipe replacement of an existing elevator shaft at the Mellon Square Parking Garage as more fully described in the project documents. . he Instructions to idders, including the orm o id, and eneral Conditions, may be obtained after 3:00 p.m. local time on Friday, February 16, 2018 at the Authority’s o fice at oulevard o the Allies, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, or on the uthority’s ebsite at www.pittsburghparking.

4. A Mandatory pre-bid conference will be held at the Authority’s office at oulevard o the llies, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at 10:00 a.m. local time on Thursday, February 22, 2018. The purpose of the pre-bid conference is to provide additional detail regarding the Work. The information provided at the pre-bid conference will be essential in preparing a bid to perform the Work. Persons or entities that intend to submit bids to perform the Work are required to send to the pre-bid conference at least one representative who will understand the information presented at the pre-bid conference in a manner that allows such information to be incorporated in the preparation of the bid to perform the Work. It is expected that the representative who attends the pre-bid conference will be experienced in construction matters and employed by the bidder in a supervisory capacity. Prebid attendance is mandatory.

5. Sealed bids received prior to the deadline will be publicly opened and read at 3:00 p.m. local time on Friday, March 9, 2018.

6. The Authority reserves the right to in its sole discretion, (i) change, at any time prior to the bid deadline at 3:00 p.m. local time on Friday, March 9, 2018 the Contract Documents; (ii) waive any defect, irregularities, or informality in any or all submitted bids; and (iii) reject any or all submitted bids.

David G. Onorato Executive Director

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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.

America’s Best Weekly 315 East Carson Street 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

FEBRUARY 21-27, 2018

SONNY BOY

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

Pick up your Courier at these locations…

GIANT EAGLE (16 Pittsburgh Locations) 6320 Shakespeare St., East Liberty (EAST, near BUSWAY) 4004 Monroeville Blvd., Monroeville (MONROEVILLE MALL) 230 Rodi Rd., Penn Hills (EAST inside Penn Hills Shopping Center) 9001 Frankstown Road. (EAST, corner of Frankstown and Verona Rd.) 550 Centre Ave., Shadyside (EAST, Market District) 3812 O’Neill Blvd., McKeesport (SOUTHEAST) 1356 Hoffman Blvd., West Mifflin (NEAR KENNYWOOD) 1901 Murray Ave., Squirrel Hill (EAST) 1005 Freeport Road, Waterworks Mall (NEAR FOX CHAPEL) 4250 Murray Ave., Greenfield (EAST) 254 Yost Blvd., Forest Hills/Braddock Hills (SOUTH EAST) 1705 S. Braddock Ave., Edgewood Towne Center (EAST) 420 East Waterfront Dr., Homestead (SOUTHEAST) 2021 Wharton Ave. (SOUTH SIDE FLATS) 318 Cedar Ave., North Side (NORTH near E. OHIO ST.) Crafton/Ingram Shopping Center, 51 Walsh Road (WEST END) NORTH SIDE LOCATIONS NORTH SIDE BEER AND BEVERAGE 1304 Federal St. 7-11 1001 Western Ave. RICHEY’S BARBER SHOP 1207 N. Franklin St. NORTH SIDE VALERO 820 Pennsylvania Ave. RITE AID 802 Pennsylvania Ave. MARSHALL SHELL 1500 Spring Garden Ave. SWINKO’S MARKET 2535 Perrysville Ave. MERCY STREET EXPRESS 6 Mercy St. HARV’S EXXON 2501 Brighton Rd. QUICK SCHWARTZ 3235 Brighton Rd. HANINI MARKET 3245 Brighton Rd. SOUTH SIDE LOCATIONS KEN’S MARKET 216 Beltzhoover Ave. Daily Mart 1125 Arlington Ave. SHOP N’ SAVE Brownsville Rd., Carrick WEST END LOCATIONS CRAFTON BEVERAGE 15 Foster Ave., Crafton/Ingram Shopping Center SHEETZ 5400 Campbells Run Rd. SHOP N SAVE 2103 Noblestown Rd. HILL DISTRICT LOCATIONS SHOP N’ SAVE 1850 Centre Ave. WONG’S MARKET 2170 Centre Ave. ANN’S MARKET 2316 Webster Ave. A-PLUS MINI MARKET 2350 Centre Ave. UJAMMA BOUTIQUE 1901 Centre Ave. K LEROY IRVIS TOWERS 715 Mercer St. ABE’S MARKET 1860 Centre Ave. WYLIE TOBACCO 2152 Wylie Ave. POPULAR EAST END LOCATIONS GETGO 4924 Baum Blvd.

BP GAS STATION 11835 Frankstown Rd., Penn Hills PUFF’S DISCOUNT TOBACCO

10991 Frankstown Rd., Penn Hills SHOP N’ SAVE 3335 William Penn Hwy, near Monroeville Mall GETGO 10525 Frankstown Rd., Penn Hills CVS PHARMACY 10600 Frankstown Rd., Penn Hills SHELL GAS STATION 7619 Baum Blvd., Shadyside STANTON NEGLEY DRUG 804 N. Negley Ave., Highland Park UNIMART 5724 Ellsworth Ave., Shadyside SHELL GAS STATION 6701 Frankstown Rd., East Hills SQUIRREL HILL NEWS 5804 Forbes Ave., Squirrel Hill MURRAY AVE. NEWS 2024 Murray Ave., Squirrel Hill PUFF’S DISCOUNT TOBACCO 234 Yost Blvd., Braddock Hills DORSEY’S RECORDS 7614 Frankstown Ave., Homewood HOMEWOOD MARKET 7201 Frankstown Ave., Homewood SHEETZ 3457 William Penn Hwy., Monroeville WILLIAM PENN SMOKE SHOP 132 North Highland Ave., East Liberty DOWNTOWN LOCATIONS PENN AVENUE 7-11 (Sixth and Penn) Koppers Building (Ninth and Penn) NEWS-NUMBERS 136 Penn Avenue SMITHFIELD NEWS 115 Smithfield St. 7-11 SMITHFIELD 420 Smithfield St. FABER COE & GREGG 500 Grant St. FABER COE & GREGG 600 Grant St. NIELSEN’S STORES One Oxford Centre, Grant St. WOOD STREET 7-11 429 Wood St. NEWSTAND Sixth and Wood ONE STOP 300 Sixth & Wood OTHER DOWNTOWN LOCATIONS INCLUDE...

KWIK-E-MART 212 Tenth St. 7-11 643 Liberty Ave. ESTER’S SNAX Federal Building, Second Floor FABER COE & GREGG Fifth Ave. Place, First Floor EXTRA EXTRA NEWS 413 Seventh Ave. UTSAV NEWS 400 Cherry Way C&C NEWS 2 PPG Place EDDIE’S SNACKS 262 Fifth Ave. BIG DADDY 465 Forbes Ave.

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FEBRUARY 21-27, 2018

A statue for Marion Barry, and for us

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—Marion Barry Jr. was the longest-serving mayor of Washington, D.C. The people and the pundits of DC gave him the moniker “Mayor for Life” because, after holding the Mayor’s office from 1979 through 1992, he left politics because of his personal challenges. Then he made an amazing comeback, to regain the mayoralty in 1995. Then, after another break from politics, he was elected to the Ward 8 City Council, serving from 2005 until his death in 2014. Marion Barry served on the DC City Council for a total of 16 years, including his early years on the council from 1974-1978.

Dr. Maya Angelou best described Marion Barry’s road with a comment that is carved into his tombstone. “Marion changed America with his unmitigated gall to stand up in the ashes of where he had fallen and came back to win.” That is an extremely elegant way of saying, “We fall down but we get up.”

Marion Barry will rise again, metaphorically speaking. A eight-foot bronze statue of the “Mayor for Life” will be dedicated on Saturday, March 3, 2018, in the courtyard outside the John A. Wilson Building in Washington, D.C. He will be standing, as he always has, for the “least and the left out”, words he often used when describing at least part of his motivation for participating in polities.

While Marion Barry is responsible for transforming Washington, DC from a sleepy, Southern, semi-segregated town to a place some now describe as the “#1 City in the World to live, work, and visit”. Not only did he provide significant incentives to entrepreneurs to invest in and develop areas of the district that had been ignored, but

Julianne Malveaux

Commentary he also insisted that developers share contracting opportunities with those minority entrepreneurs who had been sidelined from participating in government contracting. In his first term as Mayor he created the Minority Business Opportunity Commission (MBOC), and developed a law that required 25 percent certified minority participation in District government contracts. Through the MBOC and other efforts to include Black entrepreneurs, contractors, and supplies in the business (including the bond business) of Washington, DC, Barry both expanded the Black middle class and created dozens of Black millionaires. Indeed, billionaire Bob Johnson got his start when Barry not only granted him the contract for wiring District Cable, but also selling him the land for the BET building for just one dollar!

Barry inspired other mayors in his passion for minority economic development, including Detroit’s Mayor Coleman Young, Chicago’s Mayor Harold Washington, and the mayors of Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Atlanta and San Francisco. Atlanta’s Mayor Maynard Jackson will be remembered for his admonition to majority businesses -- “subcontract or no contract”.

Marion Barry was equally firm that minority entrepreneurs should be given a “leg up” in the contracting process.

An entire generation of young Washingtonians benefitted from Mayor Barry’s Summer Youth Leadership Institute. Barry said that any young person who wanted a summer job in the District could have one, and more than 100,000 were hired from every part of the city, from every socioeconomic background. Prince George’s County Executive, Rushern Baker, got his first job from Barry’s program, which now continues as the Mayor Marion S. Barry Jr. Summer Youth Employment Program.

One column is not enough to disuss the background and many contributions of Marion Barry, but one cannot consider his life without mentioning his civil rights leadership as the first Chairman of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), his work in rural Mississippi to register Black people to vote, and his leadership in the Free DC movement. And, it is important to mention a little-known fact about Marion Barry— he completed the coursework for a doctorate in chemistry at the University of Tennessee, dropping out to move to D.C. to lead the SNCC office here. Barry was a civil rights leader, and champion for seniors, women, the GBLTQ community, and others.

Washington, D.C. has built a bronze commemorative statue of Mayor for Life Marion Barry, but it is really a statue for all of us, especially since African Americans are so underrepresented in the nation’s statuary. It is a tribute to an amazing man whose life of service transformed a city and uplifted a people. In his autobiography, Barry says, “Most people don’t know me…They don’t know about all of the fighting I’ve done to manage a government that was progressive and more oriented to uplift the people rather than suppress them. That’s what I want my legacy to be. I was a freedom fighter and a fighter for the economic livelihood of not only Black people but all people.”

When I was privileged to attend a preview showing of the Barry statue, I was amazed at how like Marion it was. His hand is raised, waving at people. You can almost see him swagger. All I could say was, “that’s him,” meaning not just the person, but also everything he stood for—struggles, challenges, and opportunities. Young folks and old, regardless of race, can look at the Barry statue and be inspired.

(Julianne Malveaux is an author and economist.)

FORUM

NFL season marred by controversy (NNPA)-This season, Bill Fletcher Jr. however, I took a complete break from watching the NFL and, as a result, missed the game entirely.

While the coup de grace was the exiling of quarterback Colin Kaepernick by the NFL owners, I have to confess that this break has been coming for a while. In 2013, when it was announced that Heisman Trophy winner and former Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos player Tony Dorsett had been diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (a brain disease afflicting many former football players) I took it very personally. Dorsett and I are the same age and there were ways that I felt as if we were old friends, despite never having met.

Watching him on television, year after year, it almost felt as if we had grown up together.

Dorsett’s diagnosis brought home the catastrophic side of football, a side that I had both acknowledged and denied for years.

But when it afflicted someone with whom I identified, it became very real. It led me to question my choices, including, had I had a son, would I have supported or opposed their playing college and/ or professional football?

Of course, the 2017 NFL season confronted an additional crisis with the apparent blacklisting of Colin Kaepernick as a response to his protests against police brutality and injustice in the Black community. This blacklist-

ing touched a raw nerve for much of Black America. My mother, who can outdo about anyone when it comes to being a football fan, refused to watch any football this season. I was stunned, to be honest, though I knew that she was a staunch supporter of Kaepernick. As far as she was concerned, enough was enough.

I get the feeling that the NFL is standing on the edge of a major crisis. The combination of the injuries—and how the NFL has addressed them—and the protests, into which Donald Trump has intervened, have raised questions about the future of professional football. Are football players to be our so-called gladiators, used up and spit out by a system flowing in money?

Are football players—and other athletes—supposed to be mindless performers who are not entitled to express their views, even when such an expression does not infringe on the rights of others? These seem to me to be the questions confronting the owners; the National Football League Players Association (the union that represents the players); and the fans. And it is the fans who, unfortunately, regularly tune out on any of the truly burning issues confronting the players on any given Sunday.

Commentary

(Bill Fletcher, Jr. is a talk show host, writer and activist. Follow him on Twitter @BillFletcherJr, Facebook and at www.billfletcherjr.com.)

Marvel’s ‘Black Panther:’ A marketing review Before the business exmovie “Black J. Pharoah Doss pert and Panther” depromoter of buted in theproducts that aters a peteach wealth tition hash building, intagged “Break vesting, and Bread Marvel” entrepreneurlaunched on ship to the Change.org.

Black comThe petimunity, got a tioner wrote, “Through a clever, lot of backlash because of marketwell-manufactured marketing ing strategies made public by his campaign Marvel studios and business partner, Charles Wu. their parent company Walt Disney During a presentation Wu said have targeted the Black commu- his niche was the African Amerinity with advertisements for the can market and he explained how upcoming ‘Black Panther’ film.” he sold educational software, softThe petitioner pointed out Mar- ware Wu admitted was basic and vel was capitalizing off the Black not special. Wu stated he pushed community during Black History the product as part of a moveMonth, with Gil Scott-Heron’s “The ment for change. It’s packaged as Revolution will not be televised” a secular faith and Wu gave an playing in the film’s initial trailer. example of an advertising camThen the petitioner wrote, “As paign used by Dr. Boyce Watkins marginalized groups have become that announced: Black Economic more vocal, corporations and their Power needs to become a second savvy public relations depart- religion. In other words, the “marments have turned to catering to ginalized” aren’t born in sin, they those groups—to turn a profit— are born in White supremacy, and and this film by Marvel Studios is they can purchase Dr. Watkins’ no different.” business products for deliverance.

So when did this savvy catering Now, the petitioner is most likely to “the marginalized” start? aware of the Tarantino model and In December 2012 an interview- the Watkins/Wu model, but the peer asked director Quentin Taran- titioner only found a problem with tino about ideas he once “toyed the multi-million dollar Marvel/ with” but abandoned. Tarantino Disney model, and, of course, is said he once wanted to make a petitioning for the “Black commusuperhero film. “After ‘Reservoir nity” to receive 25 percent of the Dogs’ I had considered doing a profits. (But the petitioner doesn’t Luke Cage hero-for-hire movie … find a problem with organizing Then I ended up writing ‘Pulp Fic- a “marginalized mafia” to shake tion.’ My feeling is if I wanted to down the non-Black creators of do something like that, I’d create the entire enterprise.) a superhero myself.”

The marketing isn’t the problem, A week later Tarantino’s film it’s the self-concept of the target “Django Unchained” opened on audience.

Christmas day.

It seems the “marginalized” only One movie reviewer said, “In see the malevolence of “White suDjango, you have a film about a premacy” from the Alt-right and superslave who kills White slave they are blind to the benevolent masters, slave trade profiteers, racism of progressives. The proand house Negroes by the hand- gressives might reject the hierarful.” Civil rights era icon Dick chy of “White supremacy” but they Gregory said “Django Unchained” do believe in being benefactors to was better than the mini-series “the poor,” “the oppressed,” “the Roots, and tons of Black moviego- marginalized,” and the “culturally ers described the film as “liberat- deprived” who want to purchase ing” and “empowering.” “empowerment” or feel “liberated.”

At this point savvy marketers If these self-concepts didn’t exist, realized there was an untapped neither would these marketing “marginalized” market within the strategies. general “Black market” and the The marketer’s motto is: The tarTarantino model (release super- get audience and their money will hero creation on holiday) was just soon be departed, especially if it’s target audience practice. The only a “marginalized group” waiting for question that remained was, did superman, or in this case, “Black strategies for “marginalized mar- Panther.”

(J. Pharoah Doss is a contributor to the keting” already exist?

Recently, Dr. Boyce Watkins, New Pittsburgh Courier.)

Check It Out

Letters to the editor for publication The New Pittsburgh Courier welcomes all responsible viewpoints for publication. All letters should be typewritten and contain writer’s address and phone number for verification. All letters will be edited for clarity and length. Address all letters to: Letters to the Editor, New Pittsburgh Courier 315 East Carson Street Pittsburgh, Pa. 15219

You may fax your letter to 412-481-1360 or via email to letters@newpittsburghcourier.com

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Michael Coard

Commentary

America, NRA, and Congress guilty in mass shootings After the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre in Connecticut in 2012, when 20 first graders and six adults were mowed down with a military assault weapon, over 400 boys, girls, men, and women have been shot in more than 200 attacks in schools across the country. And not a damn thing has been done about it- except for the irritatingly repetitious and stupidly meaningless statements by U.S. Congresspersons that “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families.”

Ask one of those physically dead first graders whether “thoughts and prayers” helped him or her.

Ask the same thing of his or her emotionally dead mommy and daddy. And then tell Congress as well as America and the National Rifle Association (NRA) to stop “thinking and praying” and start “working and changing.”

This past Wednesday, February 14, a 19-year-old walked into his former Florida high school and used a legally purchased AK-47 military assault weapon-given to him by America, the NRA, and Congress-- to murder 17 innocent human beings.

I refuse to mention his name because he’s irrelevant. In fact, he’s totally meaningless because he could not have done what he did without American ideology, the NRA, and Congress handing him the murder weapon.

After committing one of the deadliest school shootings in modern American history, he simply exited the school while blending in with the traumatized students, walked to Walmart, stopped by a Subway, then went to a McDonald’s. He was arrested shortly thereafter while walking down a neighborhood street.

And not only was he “arrested without incident” as the police report indicated, meaning he wasn’t shot by the cops, wasn’t beaten by the cops, wasn’t roughed up by the cops, and wasn’t even yelled at by the cops. In fact, one police officer stated, “He looked like a typical high school student, and for a quick moment I thought, ‘Could this be the person who I need to stop?’” Hell yeah it could--and was!

Oh, by the way, he was White. But you already knew that, didn’t you? After all, the clues were pretty obvious: he left the crime scene without being stopped, went shopping without being confronted, took a stroll without being chased, was arrested without being brutalized, and was presumed innocent when arrested. Can you imagine what would have happened to him if he had been a young Black male (or any Black person)?

Speaking of being Black, did you know there’s a way to get anti-assault weapon legislation passed immediately? It’s very simple. Just get Black folks to start buying up and legally carrying guns. Not only would Congress pass laws restricting all gun ownership but the NRA would support what it would otherwise yell and scream about as a blatant attack on citizens’ inviolate Second Amendment rights. You don’t believe me? Check out what happened in California when Black people exercised their rights to bear arms.

On May 2, 1967, thirty legally armed Black Panther Party (BPP) members and supporters marched to the State Capitol in Sacramento where co-founder Bobby Seale read a prepared statement opposing an anti-gun bill proposed by Republican Assemblyman Don Mulford, a supposedly diehard pro-gun politician. That bill, which was later signed into law by Republican Governor (and then President) Ronald Reagan, another supposedly diehard pro-gun politician, criminalized the carrying of loaded firearms in public-- and did so only because BPP members had finally decided to assertively exercise their constitutional rights in the form of lawful self-defense and lawful community defense, just like Whites had always done. But for the first time in its existence, the NRA supported an anti-gun bill. Hmm…I wonder why.

Let’s get back to the recent mass murder at the Florida school and why I say America, the NRA, and Congress are guilty as conspirators.

Let’s start with America. In 1835, Samuel Colt invented the first assembly line, multi-shot, revolving firearm. This country’s history books will tell you that this gun was popularized by America’s brave frontiersmen. But they were really nothing more than cowardly White genocidal psychopaths who used Colt revolvers to slaughter Red people and steal their land for White people. By the way, in connection with America’s sick love affair with all kinds of firearms, it’s interesting to note that this country has been at war 93 percent of its existence, meaning 222 of 239 years since 1776.

The NRA, founded in 1871, began lobbying Congress in 1934 to oppose that year’s National Firearms Act. It later fought the Gun Control Act of 1968. In 1975, it formed the Institute for Legislative Action, which was designed to create and implement Congressional policy. Two years afterward, it put its big pro-gun money where its big pro-gun mouth was by creating a Political Action Committee. It now spends a quarter of a billion dollars each year in local, state, and especially federal elections. That, along with its more than five million members, makes it one of the most powerful lobbyist groups in U.S. history.

During the 2016 election cycle, the three top recipients of NRA funding were the Republican National Committee, the National Republican Senatorial Committee, and the National Republican Congressional Committee. Almost all of those contributions went to victorious Congressional candidates. In terms of career contributions from the NRA in the Senate, John McCain of Arizona leads the pack with $7,740,521. In the House, it’s French Hill of Arkansas with $1,089,477.

Since the beginning of this year alone, there have been 18 high school shootings in the U.S. There have been 290 during the past five years. Although America has only five percent of the world’s population, it has more than 31 percent of the world’s mass shootings. Let’s send out our “thoughts and prayers” to finally end this carnage.

On second thought, let’s not. Just organize Black folks to legally carry guns. That will put an immediate end to the lawful purchase and possession of all types of guns to all Americans.

(Michael Coard, Esquire can be followed on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.)

PEOPLE

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

FEBRUARY 21-27, 2018

B7

WQED to air ‘A Beacon For Change: The Pittsburgh Courier Story’ Documentary will air Thursday, Feb. 22 and Monday, Feb. 26

Groundbreaking, influential, transformative. From its beginnings in 1907, the Pittsburgh Courier has been a leader among the nation’s African American newspapers—sparking historic change on issues ranging from education, housing and employment to discrimination in the military.

The history and impact of the Pittsburgh Courier is explored in “A Beacon For Change: The Pittsburgh Courier Story,” on Thursday, February 22 at 8 p.m. on WQED-TV. The documentary will rebroadcast on Monday, February 26 at 7:30 p.m.

Producer Iris Samson and Associate Producer Harold Hayes tell the story of this legendary newspaper with rare archival images and compelling interviews. “A Beacon For Change: The Pittsburgh Courier Story” explores the Courier’s impact on civil rights, social justice, culture and sports. The paper also provided historians with an invaluable chronicle of everyday life in the Black community.

“A Beacon For Change: The Pittsburgh Courier Story” is made possible by the University of Pittsburgh with additional funding from the members of WQED, The Pittsburgh Foundation and the Allegheny Regional Asset District.

- WQED News Release

OUR

COMMUNITY

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The New Pittsburgh Courier

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RELIGION

FEBRUARY 21-27, 2018

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

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

90 YEARS YOUNG Bidwell St. United Presbyterian Church honors members over the age of 90 during Feb. 17 ceremony

ESTHER WEST, 94, ANNIE SUMMERS, 91, MILDRED DAVIS, 91 (Photos by J.L. Martello)

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.

Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community!

For rate information, call 412481-8302, ext.

128.

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

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

THELMA QUARLES, 90, ELDER VIRGINIA BARNES, 92, SULVYLYTY TAYLOR, 90

KAREN LEE HURTT JONES

On Tuesday February 6, 2018, Edward Nichols and Goldie D. Hurtt’s oldest child, Karen Lee Hurtt Jones age 67 passed onto glory. Karen, the wife of Theodore E. Jones lost a valiant battle to a long term illness.

Karen graduated from Westinghouse High School with a business diploma in typing and shorthand. As an honor student, she went on to earn other educational achievements: An Associates Degree in Business Management from Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), and Opticians certificate at the Opticians Institute. Prior to becoming ill, she attended Chatham University to Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Creative Writing and Robert Morris (College) University’s Business Administration Degree program. Using her business skills, Karen had a long career in the administrative field. During her last position as a Clerk-Stenographer II in the Planning & Research Section, Karen typed “Burn Permits” for the Allegheny County Health Department’s Air Pollution Control Unit.

Karen began writing every day from inspiration as a child in order to escape rural poverty in Virginia. In 1978, she had her first short children’s story published by the Kuntu Writer’s Workshop at the University of Pittsburgh’s Africana Studies Department. Also, she wrote about love and spirituality in her poems and had short stories that were featured in Black romance magazines.

Karen put her clerical skills to work producing a children’s story telling program called, “Imagination Way,” at the Pittsburgh Community Television (PCTV)-Channel 21. Imagination Way has been appearing on this station for over twenty years, and is broadcast at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday mornings. It is a children’s educational program geared towards promoting literacy for young children and their parents. Karen’s use of colorful costumes, large stuffed animals and her superb writing skills created a legacy that continues today.

In 1996, Imagination Way received an EXCEL award for the Best Children’s Programming from Shane’s Corner Productions and PCTV-Channel 21. In addition, Imagination Way has appeared in two articles by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Newspaper, which features Karen as an author and what inspired her to write children’s stories. She wrote three books entitled, “Stories from the Television Show Imagination Way”, “Giggle With Friends From ‘Imagination Way,””, “A Rainbow Collection of Poetry.” And had book signings at Barnes and Noble Booksellers. It was published by Red Lead Press, a self-publishing book company.

Over the years, Karen became a keynote speaker for the Texas Association for Family Child Care. In the 1990’s, her proposal entitled, “Let’s Be Friends,” was approved by the Pittsburgh Public Schools. Always seeking to make a difference in the lives of children, she donated her books, videos from television show, “Imagination Way,” and hand-made dolls to the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and others in the United States. She cemented her achievements by earning first place in a poetry contest in the United Kingdom, Reader’s Digest, and has been published in several anthologies. Karen’s literary work is featured in Andreas-Punnoose Publishing Company.

Karen is survived by her husband of 44 years Theodore E. Jones, Also her son Christopher L. Jones, daughters Latara J. Jones, Belinda Narvaez; grandchildren Paul, Yusuf, Kameron, Camille, Pam, Brenda, Amy and Veronica; great-grandchildren Alec and Vanessa; Sister Leslie Lemon, and Brother David Nichols. She also has Uncles-Carl (Collen) Black, Crosby “Bosco” (GiGI) Dawson. Aunts-Priscilla Hill, Geraldine (Eddie) Robinson, Agnes McDougal, and Mary Hill who are still alive, and a host of nephews, nieces, family, friends and love ones. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother James F. Hurtt, Jr., and sister Catherine Hairston.

Karen’s funeral service will be provided by White Memorial Chapel, 800 center Street, Wilkinsburg, PA 15221.

Phone(412)-241-7998. The viewing will be Friday, February 23, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. and the funeral service begins at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 24, 2018.

CARRIE THOMAS, standing, is 90, and sitting from left: Addie Trent, 91, and Inez Crenshaw, 91

THE 90 YEARS YOUNG CREW, at Bidwell St. United Presbyterian Church.

PASTOR B. DE NEICE WELCH, of Bidwell St. United Presbyterian Church on Liverpool Street.

SPORTS New Pittsburgh Courier

B9

FEBRUARY 21-27, 2018

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

SUPER SOPHOMORES

Lady Dragons win City League title in comeback fashion

by Smokin’ Jim Frazier For New Pittsburgh Courier

ALLDERDICE SOPHOMORE BROOKLYN JONES was a big contributor in the 49-42 victory over Westinghouse, Feb. 17. (Photos by Courier photographer Will McBride)

ALLDERDICE GIRLS, 2018 CITY LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

Allderdice (15-9) scored only 16 points in the first half and trailed by three. But the Lady Dragons came on strong in the second half and slipped past Westinghouse (13-7), 49-42, to win the City League championship Saturday, Feb. 17, at the Petersen Events Center.

“We shot poorly and we are going to work on shooting, shooting and shooting,” Allderdice Coach Ellen Guillard said. “I’m happy that we won and it’s only my second year. I’m just proud of everybody.”

The Lady Dragons have won eight of their past nine games overall and improved to 3-0 against Westinghouse this season.

Emma Waite, Sophia North and Brooklyn Jones are talented guards and they’re Taylor Allderdice’s super sophomores.

Two sophomores starting together on one basketball team is pretty ordinary, but three sophomores playing for a championship team at one time? Comprising 60 percent of a team’s starting lineup? That is extremely rare.

North led Allderdice with 15 points, Waite added 14.

Waite, a 4-foot-11 sophomore guard, hit 8 of 9 free throw attempts and scored 12 fourth-quarter points for the Dragons.

Waite may be small in size, but mighty otherwise.

In the semi-final game against Carrick, Waite scored 22 points and had five 3-poiinters.

Small female players have had big impacts for years at Western Pennsylvania schools, including UNLV star and WPIAL Hall of Fame coach, Karen Hall, who was a legendary player at Mount Alvernia High School.

Justin Timberlake for the Super Bowl halftime show? He’s no Prince!

by Bill Neal For New Pittsburgh Courier

:10—Please…Do me a favor and for that matter do yourself a favor and stop lying. You did not have the “Philly Dogs” winning the Super Bowl. Yea, you may have wanted them to win, but you, me and 75 percent of the country had “Tom Terrific” and “Super Bill” Belichick taking home Lombardi. Admit it and life will be better for you, I promise. :09—However, I must confess it did give me a bit of trifecta. No. 1, the Pats didn’t tie the Steelers for most Super Bowls. No. 2, James Harrison got to go to the dance and dance he did.

No. 3, “Ding dong the witch is dead. The wicked witch is dead!” :08—OK, so let’s have that conversation, and I hope my on-air colleague Kevin Cameron is reading this. Somebody, anybody, please tell me how James

Overtime

BILL NEAL Harrison played the entire Super Bowl. And well, we know this because Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth talked about him all night. Look, there’s three things that are hard for a man to do. No. 1, watch a pretty woman turn and walk away. No. 2, lose all your money at the tables. And No. 3, admit that

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE’S HALFTIME PERFORMANCE...

YAY OR NAY?

I am right. Kevy–Kev, can you hear me? The Steelers made a mistake and they did him wrong. :07—Let’s give credit where credit is due. The Philadelphia Eagles truly didn’t live in their fears and played the game to win, and not to not lose.

Coach Peterson and quarterback Nick Foles stepped into the spotlight and never got blinded by the light. :06—I’m truly glad that Brady and Belichick didn’t get their sixth Super Bowl win to tie the Steelers for the most in NFL history,

but I am a little confused as to why it took them an entire half to find Gronkowski. The difference was clear when they did. :05—Justin Timberlake as the halftime show? Well, let’s put it this way, he may have thrown a tribute for “Prince,” but trust me, he’s no Prince. Tribute or not, halftime was weak. Man, where’s Bruno Mars when you need him? :04—Anybody paying a million dollars to show those commercials last night need to be slapped a million times with a two

dollar bill. Other than the innocent babies and the now openly-open Manning and Beckham commercial, there were no big winners.

(Listen Madison Avenue, take it from me. Stick with dogs, Budweiser and Clydesdales if you want a winner.) :03—As well as he played at the Bowl, will Nick Foles be the Eagles starting QB next year? No. If his leg is good, Carson Wentz will get his job back and you can take that to the bank. :02—The Western PA Pittsburgh Basketball Club

Hall of Fame Inductions was a slam dunk. Check out the Courier’s paper edition from Feb. 7, or search for it at newpittsburghcourier.com. :01—It’s now official. You can tune in every week for the latest and greatest sports information on Urban Media Today Sports on the Urban Media Today Network. It’s “Soul Take– Champions Live” Sports Talk Show with your hosts Kevin Cameron and Bill Neal. Tune in at urbanmedia.com. :00—GAME OVER.

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SPORTS

FEBRUARY 21-27, 2018

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

ONE FOR THE THUMB

Allderdice boys squad wins fifth straight City League basketball title

by Smokin’ Jim Frazier For New Pittsburgh Courier

Allderdice defeated Westinghouse, 66-46, at the Petersen Events Center for a fifth consecutive City League boys title, Feb. 17. That accomplishment hasn’t been done since Westinghouse ran off a title run spanning 1950-1954.

It was the third time this season that the Dragons (22-2) had defeated the Bulldogs (16-6). Obviously, this time around, the Bulldogs were hoping the third

time would be a charm for them, in front of hundreds of spectators on the court where the college men usually play. But it wasn’t to be.

Jackson Blaufeld knocked down a trio of 3-pointers and finished with a gamehigh 21 points for Allderdice. Bobby Clifford was right behind with two 3s and 18 points total.

“We focus on sharing the ball. We focus on making sure the right people get the right shot. Whoever has the hot hand is the player that gets the ball,” said All-

WESTINGHOUSE’S BIG MAN, JAMES ELLIS, grabs a rebound over Allderdice’s Bobby Clifford. The Bulldogs fell to the Dragons of Allderdice, 66-46. (Photos by Will McBride)

(Photo by Courier photographer Will McBride) derdice coach Buddy Valinsky. “Shawn Morris doesn’t get the ball very often, but he sets the best screen possible and at 6’4” and 220 pounds, he rebounds for these guys. Rob Jones is only a sophomore but has played well. Tyler Williams and Tavonne Davis are our senior leaders. We have six to eight very good players on this team.”

The Westinghouse Bulldogs center, 6-foot-11, 235-pound senior “King” James Ellis had a double-double of 12 points and 14 rebounds, but sophomore Troy Lanier was their leading scorer was 13 points.

Point guard play has been more important than anything else for Allderdice during its five-year reign as City League champions.

Ramon Creighton and Jahi Ogbonna were the ALLDERDICE’S TYLER WILLIAMS drives to the rim on Westinghouse’s Troy Lanier. last two standouts, and Williams is the latest star point guard for Coach Valinsky, who himself played the position in high school and in college.

Williams is a 5’10” senior who is in his first year as a starter. He’s averaging 14 points, six assists and four rebounds per game.

From sixth through eighth grades, Williams was on teams at Sterrett Classical Academy that won championships, and he won four City League championships at Allderdice.

Blaufeld was voted the game MVP and won the Steel City Sports World MVP Trophy.

Two years ago, the Allderdice Dragons’ motto was “Fear Nobody.” This year’s motto was “Strive for Five.”

Next year the Dragons will return Clifford, Blaufeld, Jones, and Terrell Childs. So, expect the ‘Dice ALLDERDICE’S BOBBY CLIFFORD, guarded by Cameron Gloster of Westinghouse. to be in the “Mix-for-Six.”

All that glitters is not ‘Gold’ Do Black Olympic athletes get thrown under the bus?

by Aubrey Bruce For New Pittsburgh Courier

As I sat and observed the winter 2018 Olympic Games in PyeongChang, South Korea on television over the weekend, a plethora of emotions (like sugarplums) ran through my head. Like everyone gushing over athletes with an African origin, competing in traditionally European sports like speed skating and bobsledding, and the several sneaky and unjust ways that the use of doping laws are loosely applied when it comes to the Soviet Union, Russia, the Soviet Bloc or whatever name that the people and leaders from that part of the world choose to define themselves.

Jerry Brewer posted this on the Washington Post’s website on Feb. 13: “The remarkable and turbulent athletic career of Shani Davis had to die like this.

It was going to be slow and lonely and with one last Olympic-size fracas. After a lifetime of fighting—and

winning—there was no chance the aging pioneer would exit with a rocking chair tour. For all the complexity we’ve sifted through during Davis’ five Olympics, this may be the most intricate and confounding Shani-ism of all: the man obsessed with standing alone—the barrier-breaking first Black athlete to win an individual Winter Games gold medal—needed to be appreciated, for once.

The remarkable and turbulent athletic career of Shani Davis had to die like this.”

In my opinion, why would an athlete of any color or gender be ostracized, criticized or even socially circumcised just because he wanted to be the flag bearer for his country? And why would such a request kill his or her career?

Why does it always have to be: “the barrier-breaking first Black athlete to win an individual Winter Games gold medal,” or anything else?

Why can’t they just compete?

There was less hoopla about Olympic Gold medal-winning snowboarder

Shawn White dragging the flag than it was for Shani Davis’ desire to carry the flag with dignity and honor.

The decision as to the person that was honored to carry the U.S. flag was decided by a freakin’ “flip of a coin.” That, boys and girls, was jive as hell, but such is the process.

Now, onto doping. On July 24, 2016, The Guardian posted this on their website: “The International Olympic Committee faces an unprecedented backlash from anti-doping groups and athletes after it decided not to impose a blanket ban on the Russian team competing in next month’s Rio Games.”

However, none of the banned athletes from the Rio games to my knowledge faced any jail time. Let’s rewind back to the Marion Jones PED scandal. On January 11, 2008, CNN. com posted this: “Olympic track star Marion Jones was sentenced in a federal court Friday to six months in prison, two years of probation and community service for lying to federal prosecutors investigating the use of performance-enhancing substances. Jones had pleaded guilty in October to charges of lying to a

AMERICAN SPEEDSKATER SHANI DAVIS (AP PHOTO) federal agent in 2003 about her use of steroids, and was sentenced on two counts— getting six months in prison on the first count and two months on the second, to be served concurrently.”

Before the sentencing, Jones broke down as she asked Karas not to send her to prison. The article continues, quoting Jones: “I plead with you to alleviate the situation by not separating me from my boys, even for a short period of time,” she said. But in the

article, Karas noted that “athletes in society...serve as role models to children around the world. When there is a widespread level of cheating, it sends all the wrong messages. People live with their choices.”

An Olympic Athlete from Russia (OAR) in the sport of “curling” has preliminarily tested positive for a PED in these 2018 winter games. C’mon! Until recently, watching the sport of curling was relative to watching paint dry, twice. If

the Russians will cheat in curling, they are cheating in every other sport as well and when they are caught, they are not taken from their children and jailed because cheating is not only practiced in the Russian “Bloc” it is encouraged.

Why? Because it is only a fair fight if the Russians win, even when it comes to the elections of other countries.

Just had to throw that in.

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