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Vol. 108 No. 13

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MARCH 29-APRIL 4, 2017

Frustrations boil over at forum

Resident challenges community to ‘step up’

by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer

Community leaders, along with city and county public safety, and health personnel, got more than they expected at a recent community violence panel discussion in Homewood when residents expressed frustration at the level of community violence and the apparent lack of urgency in solving homicides involving Black victims.

But it wasn’t a one-way street.

Frustration with the community’s level of cooperation and commitment to ending neighborhood violence also came out.

State Rep. Ed Gainey, D-East Liberty, said while the police have done a good job rebuilding relationships within the community, they can do more. The community though, he said, could do much more.

“Ain’t no one gonna protect our babies but us,” Gainey said at the March 21 event. “Yeah, we need cases closed quicker, but if we know something, we have to WYNONA HARPER say something. You can’t hide a killer and say bless a child—you gotta bless a child by talking “We cannot keep passing blame to ofabout what you know.”

However, Gainey said ficers, the mayor, to Ed—none of them when police get information from the community, they pulled that trigger. They didn’t tear down have to look at it, act on it and protect those who have Homewood—we did. I’m sick of all these come forward. excuses. Who killed her son? Who killed “If they can’t do that, then that’s a problem that we the one up on Blackmore? Someone here gotta address,” he said. knows. Until we correct that (the police) Pittsburgh Police Zone 1 commander and Chief of can’t do anything about it.”

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Mayor seeks to divert $700k for youth summer jobs program

by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer

Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto has asked city council to reallocate $700,000 in capital budget funds to cover a possible loss of federal Community Development Block Grant funds that had been slated to support the Learn and Earn summer jobs program.

President Trump’s preliminary budget calls for the elimination of the $3 billion CDBG program, which was created in 1975 to reassemble or demolish blighted properties, and provide loan funding for housing and renovating commercial buildings.

However, as the New Pittsburgh Courier previously reported, the block grants have been increasingly used by mayors to fund social or recreational programs, reward supporters, and buy city vehicles. It has even paid the salaries of the city employees tasked with overseeing funding distribution.

City council members also receive allocaSEE MAYOR A5

Deadline extended to apply for home ‘Vote School Board First’ campaign launched heating bill assistance CALLING FOR COOPERATION—State Rep. Ed Gainey urges residents to give police any information they have on homicides.

by Christian Morrow

SEE FRUSTRATIONS A4

Project, Lawrenceville United, and the Pittsburgh Association for the Education of Young People, A+ Schools announced the launch of its “Vote School Board First” campaign with a presentation at the Hill House on March 23.

“Whether you have children in the district’s schools or not, this issue affects you,” said A+ Board Chair Tracey Reed Armant. “It affects housing, economic development, property values and public safety. The district has a bigger budget than the city.”

Bush said voting for the school board is critical to the African American population.

“We have to take this seriously because education determines our future,” she said. “In these

Courier Staff Writer

Noting that the Pittsburgh Public Schools’ half-billion dollar budget is higher than the City of Pittsburgh’s operating budget, and that school board trustees determine how spending it affects more than 26,000 students and 3,000 employees, the education advocacy group A+ Schools wants voting for those trustees to be a priority. And they’ve launched a campaign to do just that because last year, while voter turnout was 43 percent, only 20 percent of voters cast ballots for school board.

Supported by leaders from the Urban League, including its President and CEO Esther Bush, the Black Political Empowerment Project, the Pittsburgh

WYNONA HARPER

SEE VOTE A4

Governor Tom Wolf has extended the deadline for Pennsylvanians struggling to pay home heating bills.

The deadline has now been set for Friday, April 7 to apply for financial help through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, also known as LIHEAP. The federally-funded program was slated to end this Friday, March 31, but the Wolf Administration decided that given the unpredictable weather this winter, Pennsylvania would extend the program, giving people extra time to apply for funding.

“Hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable were able to heat their homes this winter because of LIHEAP,” Wolf said in a release. “By keeping the program open longer, we hope to provide additional assistance to those who are struggling to keep their family warm.”

LIHEAP offers assistance in the form of a cash grant sent directly to the utility VOTE SCHOOL BOARD FIRST—B-PEP Chair Tim Stevens joins Urban company or a crisis grant for households League President and CEO Esther Bush, and others in supporting A+ SEE DEADLINE A5 Schools’ effort to increase voting in school board races.

Courier editor Carter retiring; Taylor new managing editor

by Christian Morrow Courier Staff writer

FOND FAREWELL—Ulish Carter, a sports, entertainment and news writer, and managing editor who started with the New Pittsburgh Courier in 1973, officially retires March 31. (Photos by J.L. Martello)

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When Ulish Carter first joined the New Pittsburgh Courier as a sports writer, Sly was Stone, not Stallone, and Tina was still with Ike. Now, 44 years later, Carter, who has served as managing editor on and off for more than 20 years, is calling it a day. His last official day on staff is March 31. Robert Taylor, a 15-year veteran of print and broadcast news, takes over as managing editor April 1.

“I have truly enjoyed it,” Carter said, who is retiring because of severe vision problems. “I am one SEE COURIER A5

NEW BLOOD—Radio and print news veteran Rob Taylor settles in as the Pittsburgh Courier’s new managing editor, taking over from Ulish Carter, who retires March 31.

Ulish Carter says

AHCA dead? Health care battle continues Opinion B3

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INTERNATIONAL

MARCH 29-APRIL 4, 2017

In the face of adversity, African migrants can be job creators (TriceEdneyWire.com/ GIN)—Two African migrant workers, escaping race riots in southern Italy, made a way out of no way when they turned adversity into a prospering business in a major Italian city.

Today their enterprise, called “Barikama” or “resistance” in the Bambara language, shows what can be done by migrants despite prejudice and low expectations in their new western homes.

Barikama, the brainchild of Suleiman Diara of Mali, produces organic yogurt and vegetables and delivers the products by bike. The agricultural co-operative is located near Rome. In 2008, Diara fled from Libya, the launch pad of thousands of Africans caught in the midst of wars, droughts, and oppressive regimes. His escape, aboard a leaky boat, carried him to Italy, where the young man found farmwork, picking fruit—a job held by many Africans without papers or funds.

“We slept in shacks made of cardboard and plastic tarps; we were like slaves,” Diara told the French news agency France24. When local residents turned against the migrants in 2010, the migrants were evacuated from the area.

Diara left for Rome where he and a Gambian friend improvised with a few liters of milk.

“We began by making yogurt, because it’s easy to make,” he recalled. “In Africa, all you have to do is let the milk sit for a few hours, so that it curdles, and you’ve got yogurt. In the beginning, we made our yogurt in the shelter we were living in. Progressively, people started to

MIGRANT WORKERS hear about us and buy our product.”

Diara continued: “In 2014, we started growing organic vegetables at the farm. We currently sell 200 kilos-worth each week. And now we’ve hired an Italian who manages our Facebook account and our website, and responds to emails.

“Beyond the money, this work has really helped us to learn Italian, to get to know Rome, and to meet a lot of people,” he continued.

“Additionally, it means we can give a positive image of migrants. That’s important, because they’re often demonized in Italy. We’d really like to get the following message out: what you really must not do is wait for someone to give you work!”

In the long term, Diara said he hopes to return to Africa to create jobs there, while also explaining to people that life in Europe isn’t so easy for Africans.

A video of Diara and his

co-workers can be seen online at observers.france24. com Meanwhile, in an unrelated report from France24, three jihadi groups active in Mali are merging forces.

The new movement will operate under the name the Group to Support Islam and Muslims, and will be led by Ansar Dine’s Iyag Ag Ghaly, according to ANI, the private news agency of Mauritania.

The ability of such key players in local terror groups to meet freely is notable. “It shows that it is impossible to monitor this huge region militarily and even with technical means,” said Wassim Nasr, France 24’s expert on jihadist movements.

GLOBAL INFORMATION NETWORK creates and distributes news and feature articles on current affairs in Africa to media outlets, scholars, students and activists in the U.S. and Canada.

Nigerian President’s long hospitalization abroad spurs a rumor deluge (TriceEdneyWire.com/ GIN)—There seems to be little agreement in Nigeria as to why President Muhammadu Buhari extended his stay in a British hospital reportedly for an ear infection—especially when Nigeria has welltrained doctors at specialized hospitals at home.

According to a presidential media aide speaking to Naij.com, the president

Elaine Effort

has an infected ear and a loss of hearing which followed treatment by a Nigerian doctor. Another source revealed that the President was prescribed a chest X-ray for his continual cough.

The independent Sahara Reporters news media mentions intestinal maladies that “have seen him lose weight progressively” and that he is unable to eat

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

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

KQV 1410 AM and at WWW.KQV.COM Friday, March 31 at 7:30 P.M. Saturday, April 1 at 7:30 A.M. Sunday, April 2 at 4:00 P.M.

well.

In an earlier report, SaharaReporters suggested that President Buhari had prostate flares in addition to intestinal maladies that have seen him lose weight progressively and unable to eat well.

A presidential jet—“Airforce 001”—flown to London was unable to bring him back to Nigeria prior to the closing for repairs of the major Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, which could require a 3 ? hour detour for the President to the next working airport in Kano state.

The latest statement issued by the government said there was “no cause for worry” about the president’s health although his medical leave was being extended. The President began treatment in the UK in January. It was his second visit to see British doctors since taking office.

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This Week In Black History

Week of March 29-April 4 March 29 1981—Dr. Eric Williams, prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago, dies in Port of Spain at the age of 79. Williams was a historian and his classic work was “Capitalism and Slavery.”

March 30 1870—The 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is ratified giving Blacks the right to vote.

Actually, it gave Black males the right to vote. It would take the Suffrage Movement and another 50 years before women (Black and White) had full voting rights. But even in the case of Black males, the “right” to vote only lasted briefly. With the end of Reconstruction, “Jim Crow” laws were passed throughout the South, which in effect took away the right of Blacks to vote despite the Constitutional DR. ERIC WILLIAMS guarantee. African Americans did not achieve full voting rights in this country until the mid-1960s.

March 31 1741—Black rebellion hysteria grips New York. A series of mysterious fires and reports of slaves plotting rebellion sweep New York. The hysteria lasts through April. Thirty-one alleged slave plotters and five White sympathizers were hanged.

1931—Cab Calloway recorded “Minnie the Moocher”—the first jazz album to sell more than one million copies.

1948—Labor leader A. Phillip Randolph isCAB CALLOWAY sues a threat before the Senate Armed Services Committee. He declares that unless more is done to end segregation and discrimination in the military, he would launch a campaign encouraging Black youth to employ civil disobedience to resist the draft. His threat helps to bring an end to a host of discriminatory practices in the U.S. armed forces.

1980—Olympic legend Jesse Owens dies at 66 in Tucson, Ariz. Owens won four track and field gold medals at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, Germany, embarrassing German leader Adolph Hitler and undermining his ideology of White Aryan superiority.

A. PHILIP RANDOLPH April 1 1868—Hampton University is founded during Reconstruction in Hampton, Va. The school is now one of the leading Black educational institutions in America.

1950—Surgeon Charles Drew dies at 45 in an automobile accident near Burlington, N.C. Drew developed the concept of a blood bank for storing large amounts of plasma. Anyone who has ever received a blood transfusion is indebted to Dr. Drew. He had dedicated his life to insuring that increased scientific knowledge actually led to the betterment of human life. One of his most frequently repeated quotes: “There must always be the continuing struggle to make the increasing knowledge of the world bear fruit in [the form of] increased understanding and the production of human happiness.”

1984—Washington, D.C., born R&B singer Marvin Gaye is shot and killed by his father during an argument. Gaye was 38—just one day short of his 39th birthday. The senior Gaye later died of pneumonia.

Gaye helped to shape the sound of Motown Records in the 1960s with a string of hits, including “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” and “I Heard It Through the Grapevine”, and duet recordings with Mary Wells and Tammi Terrell, later earning the titles “Prince of Motown” and “Prince of Soul.”

April 2 1855—John Mercer Langston becomes the first African-American elected to DR. CHARLES DREW public office when he wins the position of clerk of Brownhelm Township, in Ohio. Though not well known today, Langston was one of the foremost Black leaders of the 1800s. With the aid of his two brothers, he organized anti-slavery societies throughout Ohio. The Oberlin College graduate also became a lawyer and statesman for Black rights. After the Civil War, he organized the law department at Howard University in Washington, D.C. The town of Langston, Okla., is named in his honor. He died in 1897.

1932—World famous Black cowboy William “Bill” JOHN MERCER LANGSTON Picket dies on this day in Ponca, Okla., after being kicked in the head by a horse. He was 70. But during his heyday Picket was perhaps the best known and most celebrated cowboy in the world traveling with various “wild west” shows including the Millers Brothers’ Fabulous 101 Ranch. He invented the rodeo sport of bulldogging. Picket was of Black and Indian descent.

1939—Marvin Gaye is born on this day in Washington, D.C. He signs with Detroit’s Motown Records in 1962 and goes on to become one of the leading R&B male vocalists of the 1960s, 1970s and early 1980s, with hits ranging from the socially conscious “What’s Going On” to the sexy “Let’s Get It On.” Gaye was shot to death by his father during an argument in 1984.

April 3 1930—Ras Tafari is proclaimed Emperor of Ethiopia— WILLIAM “BILL” PICKETT one of the only African nations to successfully resist European colonization. He is renamed Haile Selassie. Blacks in many parts of the world view him as a god-like figure. Indeed, Jamaicans form a religion in his honor.

They call themselves Rastafarians. Selassie could trace his ancestry as far back as the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon of the Christian Bible.

1950—Carter G. Woodson, the father of Black History Month, dies at age 74 in Washington, D.C. 1961—Comedian-actor Eddie Murphy is born in Brooklyn, HAILE SELASSIE N.Y. 1968—Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivers his powerful and prophetic “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech in Memphis, Tenn. Many felt he used the speech to predict his own death. He was assassinated the very next day—at 6:01 p.m., April 4, 1968.

April 4 1915—Muddy Waters is born McKinley Morganfield in Rolling Fork, Miss. Walters would go on to become one of the primary shapers of that genre of music known as the blues.

Indeed, he was easily one of the most influential musicians of the first half of the 20th century.

1928—Poet Maya Angelou is born Marguerite Johnson in St. Louis, Mo. Angelou now ranks as one of the greatest poets in America. But her talents have also been expressed as a playwright, author, producer, historian and civil rights activist.

MUDDY WATERS 1967—Civil rights legend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. formally announces his opposition to America’s war in Vietnam during a speech before the Overseas Press Club in New York City. The speech brought King even greater opposition from the federal government, especially then-FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover.

It also alienated some Black leaders who felt it was a mistake to mix domestic civil rights issues with foreign policy issues. But King charged that “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

1968—Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is assassinated while standing on a hotel balcony in Memphis, Tenn., as he had embarked on a campaign to focus the Civil Rights Movement on economic and financial betterment issues for Blacks. Riots or urban rebellions broke out in over 100 U.S. cities.

At least 50 people are killed as more than 20,000 federal troops and 34,000 National Guardsmen are mobilized to put down the disturbances. The official finding was that a lone White gunman, James Earl Ray, was responsible for the assassination. However, suspicions remain until this day that the FBI, led by arch-conservative J. Edgar MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. SLAYING Hoover, was somehow involved in the killing.

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

A tale of two Black prosecutors

by Frederick H. Lowe For New Pittsburgh Courier

(TriceEdneyWire.com)— Two elected district attorneys who are Black, rarities in law enforcement, are facing significant challenges on their jobs, one for alleged corruption and the other for taking a principled stand.

Rufus Seth Williams, district attorney for the city and county of Philadelphia, the largest prosecutor’s office in Pennsylvania, was recently charged in a 23-count indictment involving bribery and fraud. His office serves 1.5 million residents.

Williams was elected to office twice and had planned to run for re-election a third time before his indictment on March 21. He pled not guilty to the charges.

He said he will remain on the job to complete his term,

although Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney has called for his resignation.

The 50-page indictment charged Williams, who was first elected to office in Nov. 3, 2009, and re-elected on Nov. 6, 2013, accepted bribes including a $7,000 check and gifts including a $502 dinner, a $300 iPad, a $205 Louis Vuitton tie and a vacation to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Williams is also charged with diverting for his own personal use $10,319 intended to pay for a relative’s care in a nursing home, according to the indictment.

Williams earned $170,000 a year. In the other case, Color of Change, the online civil rights organization, has launched an online petition drive blasting Florida Gov. Rick Scott for removing Aramis Ayala, the state’s first elected Black prosecu-

NATIONAL

SETH WILLIAMS tor, from a high-profile case because she has refused to seek the death penalty.

Ayala was elected the Orange-Osceola prosecutor in November after defeating the incumbent.

Scott removed her from a case involving Markeith Lloyd, 41, who is charged in the shooting deaths of Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton and his pregnant ex-girlfriend.

“Earlier today, I called on State’s Attorney Ayala to immediately recuse herself from this case,” Gov. Scott

said in a statement. “She informed me this afternoon that she refuses to do that.

She has made it clear that she will not fight for justice, and that is why I am using my executive authority to immediately reassign the case.”

Ayala said she will abide by the governor’s order.

Cops hailed Scott’s decision, but death penalty opponents supported Ayala’s stance.

Color of Change called on the governor to reverse his decision and put Ayala back

MARCH 29-APRIL 4, 2017

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ARAMIS AYALA on the case. Some 40,000 Color of Change members have signed a petition calling on Scott to reverse his decision. “Now, she’s facing a careless and disrespectful move from a governor who continues to trample on any real progress towards criminal justice reform— we must have her back to make sure other prosecutors follow in her footsteps,” said Color of Change. Florida’s Black elected officials charged that Scott made a hasty decision by replacing Ayala. They also charged

Scott usurped the will of voters who elected her.

There are more than 2,400 elected prosecutors in the United States, 4 percent are Black men and 1 percent are Black women, according to a 2015 study released by the Women’s Donors Network titled “Justice for All. ” In the last year, Color of Change has been campaigning to replace what it considers the nation’s worst prosecutors..

(Special to the Trice Edney News Wire from NorthStarNews Today.com)

FBI confirms Trump lied about Obama ‘wire tapping’ charge Republicans say Trump should apologize

by Hazel Trice Edney For New Pittsburgh Courier

(TriceEdneyWire)—FBI Director James B. Comey has essentially confirmed what Democrats, Republicans and much of the general public already knew. That is that President Donald B. Trump lied on former President Barack Obama when he claimed, in a March 4 tweet, that Obama ordered a wiretap of Trump Tower during Trump’s campaign for the presidency.

“With respect to the president’s tweets, I have no information that supports those tweets…We have looked carefully inside the FBI,” Comey testified during a House Intelligence Committee March 20.

Comey said the U. S. Department of Justice, headed

by Trump appointee Attorney General Jeff Sessions, asked him to state that the Justice Department also knows nothing of any such wiretaps.

In four consecutive tweets on March 4, Trump falsely accused former President Obama of the wiretapping: The first tweet at 6:35 am: “Terrible! Just found out that Obama had my “wires tapped” in Trump Tower just before the victory.

Nothing found. This is McCarthyism!”

The second tweet at 6:49 am: “Is it legal for a sitting President to be “wire tapping” a race for president prior to an election? Turned down by court earlier. A NEW LOW!”

The third tweet at 6:52 am: “I’d bet a good lawyer could make a great case out of the fact that President Obama was tapping my phones in October, just prior to Election!”

The third tweet at 7:02 am: “How low has President Obama gone to tapp my phones during the very sacred election process. This is Nixon/Watergate. Bad (or sick) guy!”

The false statements are not unusual for Trump— especially when it comes to President Obama. For nearly his entire presidency, Trump falsely claimed he was not born in the U. S. Even after Obama presented his birth certificate proving he was born in Hawaii, Trump still persisted.

In other untruths, Trump also claimed to have seen thousands of Muslims celebrating the terrorist attacks on Sept. l1, 2001; and he claimed that millions of people voted illegally in the 2017 presidential election.

But the latest accusation against Obama was particularly egregious because Trump—with no clear reason—falsely accused his predecessor of a high crime.

It was also odd given that Obama and Trump appeared to have gotten along so well during the transition period with Trump calling Obama a “very good man.”

Obama immediately responded to the false accusation through a statement from his spokesman Kevin Lewis.”A cardinal rule of

the Obama Administration was that no White House official ever interfered with any independent investigation led by the Department of Justice,” Lewis said in a statement. “As part of that practice, neither President Obama nor any White House official ever ordered surveillance on any U.S. citizen…Any suggestion otherwise is simply false.”

Civil rights leaders have been oddly silent on the Trump accusation against Obama. It will likely be brought up as members of the Congressional Black Caucus meets with the president March 22. But Republicans, interviewed by CNN leading up to Comey’s statement, said Trump clearly owes Obama an apology.

“I would retract the words if I were in his shoes. I think he should retract those words. To me I would apologize. I think it would be appropriate to do so,” said Rep. Charlie Dent, R-Pa. “It never hurts to say you’re sorry. I think that goes for this situation,” says Rep. Bill Hurd, R-Texas.

“Unless you can produce some pretty compelling proof, then I think President Obama is owed an apology in that regard,” said Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla.

But the Obama administration says it will not apologize.White House press secretary Sean Spicer told reporters March 20 that the President will not apologize. He said, “This is still ongoing.”

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METRO

MARCH 29-APRIL 4, 2017

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Police, residents voice concerns at Public Safety meeting FRUSTRATIONS FROM A1

Investigations Lavonnie Bickerstaff responded by noting two homicides committed weeks earlier, and an even more recent homicide at a club on Brushton Ave. and Kelly St. Bickerstaff said there were eyewitnesses to all three murders, but so far, everyone has refused to talk.

“There were people that were there, we knew they were eyewitnesses, and when we asked them about it, they said, ‘we wouldn’t tell you even if we did see something,”’ she said.

“We’re not there most of the time when these homicides happen—but there are plenty of people who are, and all they have to do is pick up the phone.”

Panelist Wynona Harper also told the community they’d better step up.

“I lost my nephew, lost my son in Penn Hills—got shot in the head four times— CONFRONTATION—Brian Fisher from Homewood yelling at the mayor. (Photo by J. L. Martello) my niece got shot on Penn

A+ launches ‘Vote School Board First’ campaign VOTE FROM A1

times of uncertainty at the federal and state level, it is critical for African Americans to be informed about school board candidates.

Vote School Board First because the future of Black Pittsburgh is tied to the success of our schools.”

Tim Stevens, B-PEP president and CEO chanted “bottoms up” to remind people to look at the bottom of the ballot first because that is where school board races are typically placed.

Pittsburgh Project Executive Director Will Thompkins said school board directors are the first line of defense when it comes to

TRACEY REED ARMANT

providing quality education for the city’s children.

“If candidates (are) not committed to public education, they should not run,” he said. “They need to be progressive, knowledgeable, committed and focused. So, it’s important that the voter is educated as well to hold these candidates accountable. There’s work to be done.”

A+ Executive Director James Fogerty said the dismal 20 percent vote, coupled with the district consistently leaving students ill-prepared to take on the estimated 80,000 jobs going unfilled annually in the region, must be corrected.

So A+ has created a web-

site to help voters assess the candidates so they can vote school board first.

“It will be a one-stop shop for school board races,” he said. “Users can learn about candidates, register to vote if they haven’t already, even enter their address to find which voting districts they’re in and where to vote.”

The website, www.voteschoolboardfirst.org, also provides links to the most recent reports on each of the district’s schools. There is even information on canvassing and working polls on election day, Fogerty said.

“Don’t let not knowing about a candidate be an excuse not to vote.”

and Negley (avenues) so it’s difficult for me to trust you now when I don’t know what we are going to do to each other,” she said.

“We cannot keep passing blame to officers, the mayor, to Ed -- none of them pulled that trigger. They didn’t tear down Homewood—we did. I’m sick of all these excuses. Who killed her son?

Who killed the one up on Blackmore? Someone here knows. Until we correct that (the police) can’t do anything about it.”

The crowd applauded her remarks, as they did when Mayor Bill Peduto arrived to lend his support. But shortly thereafter, the frustration erupted. First, Asst.

Chief Linda Barone began talking about expanding the surveillance cameras, and the Shotspotter gunshot detection technology currently operating in Homewood.

“They don’t work,” shouted one resident. “If they did you’d have seen who shot that guy on Frankstown.”

“How can you have a camera down by the river when you found that young man, but you can’t keep them in Homewood,” shouted another.

Barone said the cameras are working in Homewood and citywide, but admitted that the cameras are not interfaced with the Shotspotter.

“That’s something we’re working on,” she said.

When Peduto said he would try to find money to intertwine the two, the meeting degenerated into shouts accusing the Mayor and City Councilman Rev. Ricky Burgess not pushing to add patrols and lighting—as the city has on the South Side during weekends.

“He needed to be put on front street in front of his

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HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR Document Imaging Software upport Configuration and Consulting Services RFP #200-13-17

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR WINDOW REPLACEMENT AT NORTHVIEW HEIGHTS FOR VARIOUS UNITS IFB# 300-09-17

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR PARTIAL COMPREHENSIVE MODERNIZATION AT NORTHVIEW HEIGHTS PAINTING VACANT UNITS IFB# 300-11-17

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR PARTIAL COMPREHENSIVE MODERNIZATION AT NORTHVIEW HEIGHTS REMOVAL OF ASBESTOS CONTAINING MATERIALS (ACM) IFB# 300-10-17

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby requests proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Document Imaging Software upport Configuration and Consulting Services RFP #200-13-17 The documents will be available no later than March 20, 2017 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 9:00 A.M., April 7, 2017 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/ 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 Business 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, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 March 30, 2017 9:00 A.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation.

HACP’s 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, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh

HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, 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.

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): WINDOW REPLACEMENT AT NORTHVIEW HEIGHTS FOR VARIOUS UNITS IFB# 300-09-17 The documents will be available no later than March 20, 2017 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 1:00 p.m. on April 7, 3017 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, at which time they will be opened and read aloud.

Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Solicitation from the Business Opportunities page of www.HACP. org.

Questions or inquiries should be directed to: Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116 Opt 1 A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Dept.

100 Ross Street 2nd. Fl. Ste. 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Thursday, March 30, 2017 1:00 P.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation.

HACP’s 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, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, 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.

COURIER CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS!

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): PARTIAL COMPREHENSIVE MODERNIZATION AT NORTHVIEW HEIGHTS PAINTING VACANT UNITS IFB# 300-11-17 The documents will be available no later than March 20, 2017 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 11:00 a.m. on April 7, 2017 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, at which time they will be opened and read aloud.

Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Solicitation from the Business Opportunities page of www.HACP. org.

Questions or inquiries should be directed to: Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116 Opt 1 A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Dept.

100 Ross Street 2nd. Fl. Ste. 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Thursday, March 30, 2017 11:00 A.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation.

HACP’s 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, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, 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.

COURIER CLASSIFIEDS

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): PARTIAL COMPREHENSIVE MODERNIZATION AT NORTHVIEW HEIGHTS REMOVAL OF ASBESTOS CONTAINING MATERIALS (ACM) IFB# 300-10-17 The documents will be available no later than March 20, 2017 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 10:00 a.m. on April 7, 2017 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, at which time they will be opened and read aloud.

Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Solicitation from the Business Opportunities page of www.HACP. org.

Questions or inquiries should be directed to: Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116 Opt 1 A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Dept.

100 Ross Street 2nd. Fl. Ste. 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Thursday, March 30, 2017 10:00 A.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation.

HACP’s 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, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, 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.

constituents about doing something positive for the community,” one resident said to thunderous applause.

Then, Brian Fisher walked up to the stage near Peduto and told him he needs to address the hundreds of people in the community that have just returned from prison who don’t have jobs.

“You think we can fix up our houses,” he said. “You think we can’t build parks for our babies—give me a job. You know how many applications I filled out? 65.

You know how many interviews I got? Zero. I want a job.”

17-year-old killed near Penn Hills middle school Just after 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, March 28, the Allegheny County Police Department’s homicide unit confirmed a 17-yearold male was shot and killed in a playground near Linton Middle School in Penn Hills. For much more on this story, visit newpittsburghcourier.com

Community Calendar HBCU Panel Discussion

MARCH 30 The Community College of Allegheny County will host “HBCU 101: Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Foerster Student Services Center auditorium lobby, 800 Ridge Ave. Panelists will include CCAC President Dr. Quintin Bullock, Pennsylvania State Representative Ed Gainey and several other local graduates from historically black colleges and universities. The event is open to the public and is presented in partnership with YouthPlaces.

URA’s Steel City Codefest

MARCH 31-APRIL 7 The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh has announced the fifth annual Steel City Codefest (Codefest) will be a week-long event, with optional evening work sessions during the City of Pittsburgh’s Inclusive Innovation Week. Codefest begins with a kickoff event from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, March 31, at Alloy 26, located at 100 South Commons, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. It concludes with an event celebrating inclusive tech advancements, guest speakers, and awards from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, April 7, at the Ace Hotel, 120 S. Whitfield St, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. For more information, contact Jennifer Wilhelm, Manager, Innovation and Entrepreneurship 412-255-6580 jwilhelm ura.org.

Free Homebuyer Workshop

APRIL 5 The Mon Valley Initiative and the Braddock Economic Development Corp. Will host “Buying Your Own Home: You Hold the Key” will be held at 6:30 p.m. April 5 at The Overlook, 416A Overlook Way in Braddock, on the old UPMC Braddock Hospital site between Braddock Avenue and Holland Avenue. Jonathan Weaver, a housing counselor with Mon Valley Initiative, will talk about the steps that first-time homebuyers should consider. Light refreshments will be served. To register, call 412-464-4000, extension 4008, or email jweaver monvalleyinitiative.com.

Chatham Journalism Lecture

APRIL 5 Chatham University presents “Journalism in the Era of Fake News,” a presentation

by Emmy award-winning journalist and producer Callie Crossley, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Eddy Theatre on the Shadyside campus. The event is free with registration. For more information, call Melody Harris at 412-365-1578.

B-PEP Jazz Fun-Raiser

APRIL 17 The Black Political Empowerment Project presents its annual B-PEP Ja Fun-Raiser, 5:30 to 11:30 p.m., at the Wyndham Pittsburgh University Center, 100 Lytton Ave., Oakland.

Featured performers include Roger Humphries & the RH Factor, the Tim Stevens Project and more than 70 guest musicians and vocalists. Donation is $35.

For tickets or more information, visit www.b-pepja .org.

METRO

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

MARCH 29-APRIL 4, 2017

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Courier editor Carter retiring; Taylor new managing editor COURIER FROM A1

of those people who was lucky enough to get the job I sought, that I wanted.

“I have met some great entertainers, athletes, politicians and activists, but the greatest people I’ve meet has been my co-employees and the many community activists who fight for the betterment of their communities at no charge.”

Carter leaves behind an

award-winning legacy of news, sports and editorial pieces that exemplified the Courier’s commitment to highlighting the dreams, struggles, successes and contributions of Pittsburgh’s Black community.

Originally from segregated, rural Tennessee, Carter moved to Champaign, Ill. in the 1960s. He graduated from Southern Illinois University in 1973

with a degree in journalism/and a passion for the Black press—he only applied for work at Black newspapers.

As he recalled in a 2011 piece for the Courier’s centennial, the Courier was the second publication to respond with an offer—for a sports reporter. Though he wanted to write news, he would do whatever was required to get his foot in

Mayor seeks to divert $700k for summer jobs MAYOR FROM A1

tions for their district. Last year, each received $75,000, with another $150,000 allocated for use citywide.

Peduto, who is running for reelection, fired a vitriolic volley aimed at President Trump in the press release announcing his reallocation request.

“Enough is enough,” he said. “We won’t allow the President’s reckless decisions hurt kids who depend upon these jobs. Learn and Earn is a pathway to careers for many of our youth, and we can’t let those opportunities go to waste.”

Thanks to a partnership arrangement with Allegheny County and the Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board, Learn and Earn served about 2,000 youths last year, far more than the city’s previous summer job programs.

Peduto said the reallocation was needed because, with recruitment almost ready to begin, the funding must be in place to secure contracts with private firms hiring these kids.

Peduto said he doubts Congress would vote to eliminate the CDBG program, and ideally, Learn and Earn would still be funded through CDBG, but he wanted to make sure there was a backup.

The city had originally earmarked $1.8 million of its $74 million 2017 capi-

tal budget for purchasing fire trucks and other heavy equipment. After the reallocation, about $1.1 million would remain in the equipment budget. The remaining $700,000 would be held back just in case the original allotted funds were cut.

Should Congress decide to keep the program, the capital budget funds would be returned to the equipment budget later this year.

Mayoral spokesman Tim McNulty said Peduto has no contingency plans to fund any other programs that would be affected by the loss of CDBG funding.

“At this point we’re just

covering Learn and Earn, due to the impact on youths citywide who depend on these jobs,” he said.

Learn and Earn is a sixweek summer job program for teens and young adults ages 14-21 in the Pittsburgh region that allows them to earn money, gain valuable work experience, and develop soft skills to help them become college and career ready.

Most youth will earn $7.25 per hour. Youth selected for the competitive Corporate Internship Program will earn $8.50 per hour. They can work a maximum of 25 hours per week.

DEADLINE FROM A1

used.

Income eligibility is set at 150 percent of the federal poverty income guidelines, which is $36,450 for a family of four.

Individuals can apply for a LIHEAP grant online at www.compass.state. pa.us or in person at their local county assistance office. In Allegheny County, the assistance office is located at Piatt Place, 301 Fifth Ave., suite 470. For more information, call 412565-2146.

Deadline extended to apply for home heating assistant in immediate danger of being without heat. Some households are eligible for both types of assistance. Cash grants are based on household income, family size, type of heating fuel and region.

In addition to proof of income and household size, applicants must provide a recent bill or a statement from their fuel dealer verifying their customer status and the type of fuel

the door.

“My first interview was with Muhammad Speaks, but I didn’t get hired because the general manager didn’t like me not wearing a suit—here’s a militant, national paper writing about the oppression of poor Blacks, and they didn’t hire me because I couldn’t afford a suit. So, I came here, to a city I had never seen, hundreds of miles from my family and friends to fulfill my dream,” he said.

“I didn’t make much money, but nobody I knew growing up did, so as long as I had a roof over my head, food on my table and clothes on my back I was fine. I worked days, nights, and weekends, and loved every minute of it.”

Carter first left the Courier in the early 80s—though he still submitted pieces from time to time—and worked as a store manager for Radio Shack. He returned in 1995, and other than a short time away because of health problems he has remained at the helm

of the editorial department ever since.

New Pittsburgh Courier Editor and Publisher Rod Doss said the continuity Carter’s presence provided was a rare luxury in today’s newspaper business.

“We thank Ulish Carter for his many years of dedicated service and commitment to the New Pittsburgh Courier and its readers, and we wish him the very best in his retirement,” said Doss.

“We begin a new chapter as we welcome Rob Taylor as the new managing editor. Rob brings additional skills to further complement our editorial team.”

Taylor is a 2003 graduate of Ohio State University where he founded and published “Black Horizons Magazine,” managing editorial content and a staff of 15. Though most of his recent work has been in radio—he still commutes to Cleveland, Ohio for his weekend sports anchor duties on 92.3 The Fan— Taylor worked as a sports

reporter for the Columbus Call and Post, and contributed news stories to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and the Dayton Daily News.

“It’s an honor to follow a man who has set the standard for journalism at the Courier for so many years,” Taylor said. “I know the history and impact the Courier has, and it’s my job to uphold the level of excellence the Courier has maintained.”

Carter said everyone he knows who has retired hasn’t regretted it, and he’s looking forward to it, but he will miss the Courier, and might get the itch from time to time to submit an opinion editorial, or a sports article.

“I’ll probably visit family in Champaign, and my sister in Atlanta; but mostly I’ll enjoy not working 50, 60 hours a week—I won’t miss that,” he said. “What I will miss are the great employees and the community people who allowed us to tell their stories. They are what it’s all about.”

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MARCH 29-APRIL 4, 2017

PEOPLE

GUESTS—From left: Judge Dwayne Woodruff, Magistrate Kim Hoots, Ralph P. Watson and Attorney Elliott Howsie.

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

HONOREES—From left: Lillian Barksdale, Ralph P. Watson, Yvonne Matthews and Henry “Hank” Barksdale.

Business pioneers honored by Classic Events!

by Jackie McDonald

The Bakers began their business in 1968, fulfilling a For New Pittsburgh Courier dream to be self- employed.

Several Pittsburgh Black Their five children, grandbusiness pioneers were re- children and other relatives cently honored during the play an active role in the Classic Events! 6th Annual continued success of their Black History Celebration business.

Dinner.

Barksdale owned and op“Each of you have collec- erated four establishments tively defined our heritage beginning in the late 1960s, and life within our commu- including Hank & Don’s nities,” said Ralph P. Wat- Bar in the Hill District, Don son, host of PCTV’s “Classic Chico’s and the first SquakEvents! Entrepreneur Net- er’s Club on the North Side. work” and primary sponsor Later, they opened a new of the event.

Squaker’s Club on Liberty The honorees included: Avenue, Downtown, when William and Pat Baker, the original club was deowners of Baker’s Dairy in stroyed by fire. He was also Homewood; Hank Barks- instrumental in organizdale, Bar/Tavern owner; ing the Black Bar Owners Arthur Burns, owner of Association in Pittsburgh.

Southern Platter restau- Barksdale, now retired, enrant (received by Gwen- joys time with his family dolyn Jackson); Eddie and wife of 65 years.

Butler, barber shop owner Burns was owner and chef (received by Jackie Webster of Southern Platter restauPinnix); and Robert Roselle rant in Homewood. Known Lavelle, Dwelling House for its Sunday buffets and Savings and Loan (received daily southern cuisine, the

by Robert Daniel Lavelle). family-style restaurant provided employment opportunities for many from the surrounding areas with its catering of banquets, receptions, meetings and other special events for over 35 years.

Burns, also known as “Art,” was also remembered for his singing, artistry and paintings displayed in the restaurant’s dining area. Burns died in 2009.

Butler embarked on his VENDOR—Howard Hannah Realtor Monica hair-cutting caAldrich. reer on Hemlock

Street on the North Side in the 1940s. Butler’s Barber Shop was known for frequently giving free haircuts to those in need and a booster supporter of school activities. Butler was a longtime member of Brown Chapel AME Church on the North Side. He died in 1998.

Robert Roselle Lavelle, a former employee of the Pittsburgh Courier, became a distinguished realtor, banker and owner of Dwelling House Savings and Loan, in the Hill District. The business was established in the late 1950s, primarily to empower low-income Black residents and help them obtain loans for homeownership.

Robert R. Lavelle was also known for providing a high HONOREES—From left: Melvin Hubbard El, Patricia and William Baker, and Ralph P. Watson standard of training and employment opportunities.

His establishment remains a landmark business at the corner of Herron and Centre Avenues as Lavelle Real Estate, and amplifies the theme, “Entrepreneurs who opened doors.” Robert R. Lavelle remained a community activist and in his elder duties at Grace Memorial Presbyterian Church until his passing in 2010.

His grandson, R. Daniel Lavelle, a city council member, was also honored with a proclamation by the office of state Rep. Michael Doyle.

Other dignitaries in attendance were state Rep. Ed Gainey and several Pittsburgh city judges.

The event began with the Negro National Anthem sung by Sheila R. Beasley, followed by performances HONOREES—Sheila R. Beasley, Jackie Webster Pinnix and Ralph P. Watson. from the likes of Marshall Anderson, choreographer Roland Ford and Billy C. Productions. Jacqueline Patterson-Wilson, PhD, served as the mistress of ceremonies.

VENDOR—Lady Danielle Darr, seated, vendor of Body & Hair products, with customer Ahsaki Hood.

ATTENDEE—Michelle Goodman-Jones and Ralph P. Watson

GUESTS—State Rep. Ed Gainey, councilman R. Daniel Lavelle and Ralph P. Watson

AUDIENCE DOING CHAIR THE DANCE (Photos by Jackie McDonald)

LIFESTYLES New Pittsburgh Courier

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MARCH 29-APRIL 4, 2017

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

Debbie Norrell

Lifestyles Report Finding love online Who doesn’t want to have love in their life?

If you ask most people, they will tell you that they would like to have a significant other in their world. Lately, I have been looking around online and I am appalled at the pictures that are posted. If you post your picture on an online dating site, I am assuming you are looking to meet someone.

Let me give you an example of what I have been seeing. First, there are a lot of pictures that have been taken in bathrooms. Sometimes you can tell it is a public restroom and they are taking the picture on the fly. I wonder if that is because their girlfriend or wife is somewhere in the club waiting for them. Other bathroom shots are taken in their homes. These are even worse. If you ladies or gents are smart, you will look closely at the background of these photos before you look at the person in the foreground. I used to see this one guy on line who looked like a mental patient. He had on a bathrobe and was in the midst of this messy room, but he had a phone with a camera and was looking for a friend online. I cracked up. Then, there was the guy with oxygen in his nose. Really? One man was lying in a hospital bed. Perhaps he was looking for someone to take care of him. The photos that really crack me up are the ones where there is another woman in the picture.

In some instances, you can tell that this other person is a daughter or maybe a granddaughter, but why confuse people by adding another woman in the photo?

In short, gentlemen, if you are really looking to meet someone, put your best foot forward, post a picture where you look your best. Instead of doing a selfie, have someone take the photo for you. If you are going to post more than one picture let the photos tell a story. There was one guy who posted a picture of his motorcycle and his dog. Those were the things that were important to him. If I see a man who has a house full of dogs, I would probably pass. The ones that I always pass on are the posts without a picture at all. Why would anyone pay to be online and not post a picture? Then they tell you if you would like to see a picture to please ask for one. No, I am not going to ask for one. Isn’t that how you become attracted to someone, you see their picture, read their profile, and then you flirt or they flirt with you. If no picture, you just move on.

What really makes me laugh is when I see someone online that I see from time to time, in person. Why do they flirt with me on the site, but seem to be afraid to talk in person? This online dating world is strange, but this is it in 2017.

(Email the columnist at debbienorrell@aol.com)

MEETING IN THE LADIES ROOM—Staycee Pearl Dance Project and the Community Dance Project

Premiere Dance Party

by Debbie Norrell Lifestyles Editor

When two great dance companies come together, there has to be a celebration. On March 16, a kickoff celebration, complete with a party and dance performance, was held at the August Wilson Center where hundreds enjoyed a private performance featuring the Dance Theatre of Harlem, the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra.

The audience enjoyed Black Swan Pas De Deux, Brahms Variations, Tonk and Take the A Train.

Terrence S. Orr, artistic director of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, and Virginia Johnson, artistic director of Dance Theatre of SUPPORTERS—Judy Davenport, Lois Wholey, Darrell Ford Williams and JoAnne Bates Harlem, said this program was nearly two years in the making, and In the week following the The performance was in collaborathat they were humbled and inspired to kick off performance, DTH tion with the Pittsburgh Dance Counbe performing in a theater dedicated to and PBT presented free cil and Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, August Wilson, a giant of American liter- education programs that al- and made possible with support from ature and drama. lowed audience members to Richard King Mellon Foundation, The participate in panel discusBenter Foundation and Richard E. sions on diversity in ballet, Rauh. actually meet the dancers and witness dance demonstrations.

STUNNING—Demeatria Boccella of Fashion Africana.

FABULOUS—Ayana Ledford, Kilolo Luckett and HANDSOME COUPLE—Eric A. ENJOYING THE CELEBRATION—Hal Hayes, Anna Glass, Dance Theatre of Harlem executive director, and dancer Davon Doane.

Smith and Ayisha Morgan Lee Melonie Nance

ENJOYING THE RECEPTION— Lois Mufuka Martin and Derek Martin ARTISTS ENJOYING ART—Mary Snuffer, Smoky Robinson, Frances Robinson and Nicole Maddox

APPRECIATING ART—Darlene Motley and Michele Barksdale

RELIGION

A8 MARCH 29-APRIL 4, 2017

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

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

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

www.cathedralofhope.com

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

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

New Destiny CME Church 1018 Bidwell St. 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.

To have your church included in the Praise & Worship section contact Ashley Johnson at 412-481-8302 ext. 128 for ad rates.

Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community For rate information, call 412481-8302, ext.

128.

We are looking to feature our positive youth in the church communities. You can e-mail, fax or mail their bios and photo to:

New Pittsburgh Courier 315 E. Carson St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Fax: 412-481-1360 email: newsroom@newpittsburghcourier.com

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Spelman Glee Club warms a cold Pittsburgh night

by Karen Harris Brooks For New Pittsburgh Courier

It was a frigid evening in the city of Pittsburgh on March 15. However, inside Rodman Street Missionary Baptist Church, there was a warmth that emanated throughout the congregation. The standing room only crowd was witness to “Undaunted,” the 2017 annual spring tour of the world renowned Spelman College Glee Club. The sanctuary overflowed with love, inspiration and a distinct spirit of pride. It was definitely a moment to relax, reflect and rejoice.

The prestigious college choir, comprised of beautiful young African American women, rendered a performance fit for a queen. From the classic black dress to the white pearls adorning their necks, the fashionable ladies delivered a myriad of harmonious octaves and varied genres. The awe-inspiring rhythm ranged from a blend of classical operatic to reminiscent soulful sounds, oftentimes combining an old beat with new age contemporary style. It was a night of poise and professionalism, achieved through undaunted perseverance.

From Stevie Wonder’s creation of “Love’s in Need of Love” to the chic and sassy version of senior Brooke Joynes’ Bohemian Rhapsody, it was a captivating two-hour production. The inspirational, thought provoking “A Choice to Change the World” left the crowd in awe at the dedication of the leaders of tomorrow.

Standing true to their own convictions, the message of the talented choral group resonated throughout the hallowed walls. If one’s “Soul Has Been Anchored in the Lord,” it becomes easy to “Steal Away,” all the while realizing that one “Can’t Give Up Now.” The foundation of strength on which they stand is based on awareness that they must “Depend on God,” understanding fully well that He will provide a “Bridge Over Troubled Water” if they only “Keep the Faith.”

At the end of the evening, a standing ovation was extended to the incomparable Spelman College Glee Club in exchange for an evening of inspiration.

Pittsburgh native Mikaela Brown, daughter of Mike and Sonya Brown of Hampton Township, joined the singing group in her freshman year at Spelman.

A graduate of The Ellis School, Mikaela Brown is currently a sophomore and student of philosophy. The pride of her parents is evident when discussing their daughter’s character, which includes her “love for

Church Circuit Lent Fish Fry

EVERY FRIDAY—First AME Church, 177 Mitchell Ave., Clairton, will host its Lent Fish Fry every Friday in March, and on April 7 and 14. Fish Dinners and Sandwiches/$8 and $6. Eat in or take out; fun and fellowship together. Call 412-233-5837 for information.

Trinity AME Fish Fry!

MARCH 31—Trinity AME Church, 2700 Wylie Ave., Hill District, will host its Fish Fry. For more information, call 412-621-9750. (Pre-orders are available.)

Spiritual Retreat

SPELMAN COLLEGE GLEE CLUB (Photos courtesy of Rodman Missionary Baptist Church) Christ, her individuality, and her deep concern for others.”

Her mother pointed out that “Every freshman must do community service hours at Spelman.” Now a sophomore, the young lady who grew up singing in the various Rodman choirs, “continues to volunteer at the same food bank which was once a requirement.”

Continuing, she speaks of the God-given gifts that are fully claimed by her daughter, emphasizing, “Mikaela has a heart to help those in need.”

The professionalism and discipline of the choral group is attributed to Spelman Associate Professor of Music and esteemed Director Kevin Johnson, D.M.A. Johnson’s extensive dossier is a composer’s dream. He is also known

throughout the country for his choral workshops, master classes, seminars, and retreats for music educators and churches. The gifted artist has also been commissioned to compose several notable works, including his powerful, “A Choice to Change the World” by Spelman College.

The accomplished musician is also the owner of Lion and Lamb Publishing.

Assistant Director and Accompanist Brittney Boykin received her Bachelor of Arts in music from Spelman in 2011. The former classical piano student continued her studies at Westminster Choir College of Rider University in Princeton, N.J., and currently serves as a faculty member in the Spelman College Music Department. Her recent composition of “We Sing as

One” was commissioned to celebrate Spelman’s 133rd anniversary in 2014. Boykin is also the owner of Klavia Press.

It was evident that the members of the Spelman Glee Club were gifted far more than extraordinary voices. In pursuit of a variety of studies ranging from music and drama to international studies and sciences, these confident ladies are determined to change the world, as they stand strong in their convictions and remain proud of their heritage. These young women will succeed, because, without a doubt, they are “Undaunted.”

The whirlwind spring tour continued to Washington, D.C., Maryland, New Jersey, Connecticut, Virginia and South Carolina before returning to Atlanta.

MARCH 31—The Mercy Parish Nurse and Health Ministry Program, part of Pittsburgh Mercy and Trinity Health, serving in the tradition of the Sisters of Mercy, will host a two-day, overnight, spiritual retreat called “Listening and Becoming Free,” starting at 4 p.m. at Kearns Spirituality Center, 9000 Babcock Blvd., in Allison Park, Pa. For more information, contact Amy B. Armanious at ParishNurse@pittsburghmercy.org or 412-232-7151.

International Prayer Breakfast

APRIL 1—Mercy Acts International will host its Second Annual Prayer Breakfast at 9 a.m. at the Double Tree Hotel, 101 Mall Blvd., Monroeville.

The guest preacher will be Rev. Glenn Grayson, Wesley Center AMEZ; Rev. Barbara Gunn, Mt. Caramel Baptist Church, will be the minister of ceremonies; and Brendan Williams of Kingdom Light Ministries International will be the psalmist. For more information, call 412-338-1447.

C.U.B.A. Praise

APRIL 1–The Geneva College at Center For Urban Biblical Ministry Senior Class presents C.U.B.A. Praise at 4 p.m. at Unity Baptist Church, 420 Fifth St., Braddock, Pa. Worship leader will be Darnell Drewery. For more information, call 412247-9010

Catholic/Lutheran Prayer Service

APRIL 4—Because of the heavy snow forecasted for March 14, the Catholic-Lutheran prayer service to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation will be held at 7 p.m. in St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Cathedral, Munhall.

Priscilla Shirer Simulcast

APRIL 8—The women of Bethany Baptist Church, 7745 Tioga St., Homewood, will host the Priscilla Shirer Simulcast from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Reservations are required. Call 412-241-0677, for more information.

(For church news or events please send one paragraph with who, what, when, where and why, 2 weeks in advance with a contact person and phone number to newsroom@newpittsburgh courier.com)

MUSICIANS

Highmark donates $50,000 to Holy Family Academy PITTSBURGH—Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield presented $50,000 to Holy Family Academy to support the Academy’s Internship Program. Neil Parham, director of Community Affairs at Highmark, presented the check at the monthly schoolwide assembly to Lisa Abel-Palmieri, PhD, head of School & chief learning officer at Holy Family Academy.

“We are pleased to support this outstanding program that is helping students build the skills they need to succeed in the future,” said Parham. “These kinds of programs are vital for improving quality of life and strengthening our communities.”

A key component of the Holy Family Academy academic model is the corporate Internship Program. The model is new to Pittsburgh, but is inspired by established programs in many other U.S. cities, such as Boston, Cleveland, Memphis, Philadelphia, New York and Los Angeles.

From freshman through

senior year, Holy Family Academy students intern one day each week at some of the Pittsburgh region’s premier employers, completing tasks and projects

typical of entry-level positions.

The professional setting provides the students with experiences that reinforce the soft skills in-

troduced in the classroom, including communicating effectively, delivering quality work, timeliness, collaboration and decision-making.

GIVING SUPPORT–– Holy Family Academy students and faculty receive funds from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Sheild. From left: Candace Baranski of Highmark, student Keith Harris, Neil Parham of Highmark, student Najjah Cobb, Holy Family Academy’s Lisa Abel-Palmieri, student Ieshia Irish and student Delilah Dennis. (Photo courtesy of Holy Academy)

The Academy and its staff have developed and implemented the Internship Program, partnering with more than 60 organizations which currently host all 120 Holy Family Academy students. In doing so, the school has created approaches that help its 21st century students build a holistic set of competencies needed to prepare for a complex, global society.

Highmark has supported Holy Family Academy’s corporate Internship Program since its inception, hosting three students the first year, four students last school year and four students again this school year.

The four students currently interning at Highmark are interning in the community affairs and claims departments and the fitness center.

Since 2011, Highmark has provided $450,000 in funding to support Holy Family Academy’s mission to help students build the skills necessary to succeed in college and the workplace.

ENTERTAINER New Pittsburgh Courier

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MARCH 29-April 4, 2017

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

Cover To Cover

‘Flying Lessons’

by Terri Schlichenmeyer For New Pittsburgh Courier

So, have you heard the one about…?

Of course you have. You’re all over social media. You know what’s going on; sometimes it feels like you’ve heard it all, and maybe you have. Now, in “Flying Lessons & Other Stories,” edited by Ellen Oh, you’ll hear it from a different side.

When your family gets together, what kinds of stories do they tell about you?

Are they embarrassing or funny? Do you remember them, or was this something that merely lives in family lore? And doesn’t everybody have stories like that?

Oh says, “…no matter what, our stories are unique, just like we are.”

And so she presents ten of them.

In “How to Transform an Everyday, Ordinary Hoop

Court…” a future pro basketballer will do anything to make it big. It’s his “way out,” even if it means spending an entire summer being ignored by men he wants to emulate. What can a Mexican boy do to get in the game?

It’s hard to ignore a story that starts like this: “When I was sold to the Li family, my mother let Mrs. Li take me only after she’d promised that I would be taught to read.” And there, “The Difficult Path,” begins a journey in which words save lives.

We all endure difficult times at some point. The difference between survival and failure is in the support you get, and in “The Beans and Rice Chronicles of Isaiah Dunn,” there are many in one young family’s existence, until help comes from beyond the grave.

Everyone, it seems, has that one favorite uncle who’s a total jokester. In “Choctaw Bigfoot, Midnight in the Mountains,” Uncle Kenneth is doing what he does best: telling a tall tale for the nieces and nephews, with a twist that only Turtle Kid knows.

And what does it feel like when you’re the only one of you around? In “Main Street,” it’s bittersweet, especially for those you leave behind in order to fit in.

Next time your extended family or neighborhood gathers, give a listen. No doubt, there are a lot of tales being told around the tables; some are funny, some are sad, some were just made up, and some are about you. That’s what you get in “Flying Lessons & Other Stories.”

From 10 different points of view, here are fictional tales of kids growing up with all sorts of issues that reflect a variety of cultures and communities.

It’s been done on purpose.

Oh is the co-founder of We Need Diverse Books, an organization that strives to offer books filled with characters that look like the kids who’ll read them. (“Flying Lessons & Other Stories,” edited by Ellen Oh, c.2017, Crown Books for Young Readers, $16.99 U.S., 227 pages.)

Popular ‘Mann & Wife’ comedy starts third season ATLANTA (PRNewswire)—David Mann, Tamela Mann and company bring a new assortment of hysterical family situations and laughs in the third season of their hit Bounce comedy series “Mann & Wife.”

The series will continue on Tuesday nights at 9 p.m. through the spring, beginning in April, on Bounce.

Real-life husband and wife team David and Tamela Mann star and serve as executive producers of “Mann & Wife.” The halfhour situation comedy follows their characters–newlyweds and second-chance sweethearts Daniel and Toni Mann–as they laugh and love their way through the ups and downs of life as a blended family, each with two children from previous marriages.

In addition to the show’s popular stars, Tony Rock is back as Daniel’s partner on the police force with Steven Walsh (Daniel, Jr.), Amir O’Neil (Darren), Lauren

FAMILY—David and Tamela Mann star in Popular Comedy. Shown here with TV family. (Photo provided by Bounce TV) Kennedy Hardy (Terri) and Jadah Marie (Tosha) playing the Mann children. Terri J. Vaughn joins the cast as Daniel’s new lieutenant and also directs an episode this season.

This season sees hilarious takes on visiting family, mistaken identity, school pressure, phony health scares, an embarrassing email leak and even a 1970s cop show spoof. Guest stars

include George Wallace, Antonio Fargas, Carl Payne, Victoria Rowell, Rod “Rod Man” Thompson, DC Youngfly, Blue Kimble, Vanessa Fraction and Brely Evans.

“Mann & Wife” co-creator

Roger Bobb (“House of Payne,” “The Rickey Smiley Show”) serves as executive producer and director of the series.

The series has been a smash success, setting network records for viewership in both seasons.

Bounce is the only emerging broadcast network producing original scripted series, which in addition to “Mann & Wife” includes the current mega-hit drama “Saints & Sinners” and the popular comedies “In The Cut” and “Family Time.”

Bounce (@BounceTV) airs on the broadcast signals of local television stations and corresponding cable carriage and features a programming mix of original and off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and more. Bounce has grown to be available in more than 94 million homes across the United States and 93 percent of all African American television homes, including all the top Black television markets.

‘The Lost Souls Café’ premieres on TV One SILVER SPRING, Md.— TV One presents the film adaptation of Director/ Producer Donald B. Welch’s popular inspirational stage play, “The Lost Souls Café” on Easter Sunday, April 16 at 6 p.m. Actors Loretta Devine (“The Carmichael Show”), Christian Keyes (“Saints & Sinners”), Kiki Haynes (“For Better or Worse”) and Ernest L. Thomas (“What’s Happening!!”) star in the musical drama.

In the film, former ‘70s songstress Geneva Branch (Devine) is the proprietor of a restaurant lounge specializing in live soul music for the upscale, affluent crowd. When Branch learns that her nephew Taylor’s (Keyes) gambling problem has put the restaurant in jeopardy, she is nearly undone. Determined to make things right, Taylor tries to find a way to save the business.

“This particular character of Geneva is attractive and desirable and doesn’t have to be a size 2 to be considered sexy,” said Welch.” Loretta knows that when I write something with her in mind it is going to be fun and challenging and something that she’s never played before. I see Loretta as a chameleon and there is not a role that she can’t play.”

Welch said he was inspired to write about entrepreneurship after watching so many entertainment industry colleagues succeed financially for a period of time, but later end up broke as a result of poor investment planning. He was also concerned about the lack of support for soul music in today’s society. “The Lost Souls Café” is about a savvy woman who decides to capitalize on the fame of her music days by owning a restaurant where she also showcases music that should be kept alive for future enjoyment. The production has toured the country, generating acclaim from critics and fans alike. In Los Angeles the legendary Stevie Wonder was so moved that he took to the stage for an impromptu musical performance, to the surprise of the audience and cast.

The ensemble cast includes Todd Anthony (“Stock Option”), Crystal P. Bazemore (“Diary Of A Mad Black Woman”) and Malika Blessing (“The Perfect Man”). Additionally, the film features a special appearance by soul crooner MAJOR to perform his hit single, “This Is Why I Love You.” “The Lost Souls Café” is produced for TV One in partnership with Chuck

CREATOR—“The Lost Soul’s Café” Director/Producer Donald Welch (Photo credit: DiamondDust Photos)

DEVINE STARS—“The Lost Soul’s Café” actress, Loretta Devine, singing onstage. (Photo credit: DiamondDust Photos)

West for Octet Group. For TV One, Robyn Greene Arrington is vice president of original programming and production, and D’Angela Proctor is head of original programming and production.

For more information on TV One’s “The Lost Souls Café,” visit the network’s website at www.tvone.tv.

Viewers can also join the conversation by connecting via social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (@cxctvonetv) using the hashtag #LOSTSOULSCAFE.

Newly released film discourages high school dropouts Black Women for Positive Change (BWPC), a national civic organization, announced the release of the short-film, “DROP: A Story of Triumph.”

“DROP” is dedicated to discouraging high school students from dropping out of school. The film features actor Tray Chaney, formerly of HBO’s “The Wire,” actors Jordan Norris, Dominque Spencer and a crew of new actors.

In a joint statement, Virginia Delegate Daun S. Hester and Dr. Stephanie E. Myers, national co-chairs of BWPC said, “Our goal with ‘DROP’ is to discourage students from dropping out of school. We are shocked at statistics that show dropping out is a pathway to prison for young men and women. We want to be sure students understand the risks they are taking when they drop out and how this affects their futures and can lead them towards poverty and/or prison.”

Directed by Chaka Balamani, “DROP” highlights the struggles of a young man who is demoralized, confused and contemplating dropping out of school.

“This 39-minute film is a

DROPOUTS must see for students, parents and teachers,” said Karen Carrington, BWPC national co-chair of media and events.

A 2014 Brookings Institute Study reports a 70 percent chance that African American men without high school diplomas will be imprisoned by their mid30s. Statistics from the National Center for Education indicate Black girls drop

out of high school almost twice as often as White girls and, while high school graduation rates have improved in recent years, over 750,000 students still drop out of school per year in the United States.

BWPC and the Positive Change Foundation are executive producers of the film. Funding was provided by several sponsors including the United Steelwork-

ers Union, the National Black Nurses Association and Poise Foundation of Pittsburgh, just to name a few.

“DROP: A Story of Triumph” is available via live steam at https://urgentissueschannel.pivotshare. com/ A two-minute trailer is available on YouTube, and DVDs can be ordered at www.blackwomenforpositivechange.org.

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MARCH 29-APRIL 4, 2017

ARTS & CULTURE

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

March-April SUN DRIED TOMATOES

MARCH 3-APRIL 2—Presented by Dreams of Hope. Join Dreams of Hope at KST’s Alloy Studios for “Sun Dried Tomatoes,” a new play created and performed

KST’s ALLOY SCHOOL CLASSES

THROUGH MID APRIL—The Kelly Strayhorn Theater’s Alloy School is a weekly program offering the following classes: Pre-Ballet, Intro to Ballet, Hip Hop, Creative Movement, Contemporary Movement, West African Movement, Yoga, and Acting, all led by professional instructors. There are classes available for children and classes intended for all ages, where the whole family can participate.

There are only four weeks remaining this session. For more information, call 412-363-3000.

ATC FACE OFF

PITTSBURGH STUDENTS PERFORM—The most advanced girl choir ensembles—Concentio and Chamber Choir—of Pittsburgh School for the Choral Arts, was invited to sing at the service of Compline at Heinz Memorial Chapel Pittsburgh’s Oakland. Directed by Emily Swora, they sang Ola Gjeilo’s Ubi Caritas, Randall Stroope’s Psalm 23, and Hebrew Rounds for Peace arranged by Nancy Grundahl. Above the Pittsburgh School of Choral arts performing at Heinz Chapel. (Photo by J.L. Martello)

APRIL 1—Presented by Alumni Theater Company, ATC Face Off is Alumni Theater Company’s annual one night battle for the esteemed title of ATC Audience Favorite. The crew will put their talents on display and throw down in an intense competition of song, dance, scenes and spo-

ken word. The event will be held at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater at 7 p.m. For more information, call 412-945-0282.

CONTRABAND

APRIL 7—“Contraband,” an art show and fundraiser opens Friday, April 7, 6-10 p.m. at BOOM Concepts, 5139 Penn Avenue, Garfield. This event, part of Unblurred First Friday celebrations, will showcase works of dozens of artists, both inside and outside of prison. Speakers and performers will begin at 7 p.m. “Contraband” is derived from a series of intricate paintings on leaves featured in the show created by Todd “Hyung-Rae” Tarselli, incarcerated as a teen and currently serving his 25th year of a life sentence. Leaves are considered contraband, or forbidden possessions, in prisons across Pennsylvania. The show will also feature many works of art expressing elements of the lived realities of those serving life sentences. For more information, contact Julie Mallis at 267-421-2565.

Lights Out

APRIL 1–15—Writer by Steve Hallock and director by Cheryl El-Walker pre sent the “Lights Out” 2017 World Premiere. It’s about a power outage that stalls a Pittsburgh trolley in a tunnel beneath Mt. Washington on a late Friday night that leads to a set of encounters among a train of strangers that spark fear, accusations, confessions, guilt and love as the riders share thoughts of wisdom, philosophy, music and religion, mixed in with a few drinks and some jazz and blues riffs.

‘Hercules Didn’t Wade In The Water’

MAY 6–21—The World premier of ”Hercules Didn’t Wade in the Water,” written by Michael A. Jones and directed by Wali Jamal, will host its premier.

It’s about two men who cling for life on a rooftop, surrounded by murky water, festered with disease and the unknown.

Two women are hundred of miles away, striving to see their dreams of life, love and the pursuit of happiness come to fruition. All of this set against the threat of one of America’s greatest disasters.

BUSINESS New Pittsburgh Courier

Overtime B7

KAREN CARTER RICHARDS Publisher—Houston Forward Times

by Stacy M. Brown

Classifieds

Find what you need from jobs to cars to housing B5-B6

MARCH 29-APRIL 4, 2017

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

ELINOR TATUM Publisher—New York Amsterdam News

NATALIE COLE Publisher and CEO— Our Weekly Los Angeles

JOY BRAMBLE Publisher—The Baltimore Times

B

JANIS WARE Publisher—The Atlanta Voice

Black women publishers drive the Black Press

“[Women publishers] should always reCarter-Richards, publisher of the “Housmain true to themselves and never conton Forward Times” holds the position of For New Pittsburgh Courier form. There’s a lot of authenticity missfirst vice chair; Atlanta Voice publisher ing in the world of journalism and the (NNPA)—In 1827, with Janis Ware serves as treasurer; and Shanmedia industry as a whole,” Warthe publication of the “Free- non Williams, the president and general ren-Darby said. “I believe it’s slowly dom’s Journal,” John Russ- manager of the “Indianapolis Recorder” returning, but it will take the next wurm and Reverend Samu- works as the organization’s secretary. generation to maintain that authenel Cornish established the “For the Black Press, Women’s History ticity. I would also encourage them Black Press and boldly de- Month becomes more noteworthy because to know that their voices and ideas clared their mission: to be of the women of the NNPA and their matter, to never underestimate the voice the African-Amer- very important roles,” Chavis said. what they bring to the table, and ican community, standing Still, the pressure of operating a to never feel like it’s too late.” up for victims of injustice, newspaper isn’t lost on publishers Others have spelled out what and championing the un- like Richards of the 57-year-old Housthe Black Press has brought to sung. ton Forward Times. the table.

Dedicated, resilient and Richards took over after the death “The New York Times” notstrong Black women, who of her mother, Lenora “Doll” Carter, ed that, well before the Civil account for a significant whom she shadowed at the paper War, publications and, more number of the 211 Afri- for more than 30 years. recently, radio and television can-American owned news“The business isn’t for the stations owned and operated papers and media compa- faint of heart and being a feby African-Americans have nies, that are members of male publisher requires you provided an important counthe NNPA, stand at the to be even stronger,” Richards terweight to mainstream forefront of that mission, said. “Because of what my media, simultaneously celetoday mother taught me, Forward brating and shaping Black As Women’s History Times Publishing Compaculture—from politics and Month concludes, NNPA ny has grown to become a government to fashion and President and CEO Dr. multimedia company and music.

Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., said award-winning national It all starts with the Black that it’s important to recog- publication.”

Press and many of its talentnize publishers like RosetChida Warren-Darby, maned and savvy female publishta Perry of “The Tennessee aging editor and co-publishers.

Tribune,” Elinor Tatum er of the “Voice & Viewpoint” “The Black Press has been of the “New York Amster- in San Diego, said that being the heartbeat of Black Amerdam News,” Janis Ware of a female publisher has proven to ica since its inception,” “The Atlanta Voice,” Joy be an “amazing experience.”

DENISE ROLARK BARNES said Tatum, publisher Bramble of “The Baltimore Warren-Darby also offered Publisher—The Washington Informer and editor-in-chief of the Times,” Brenda Andrews of advice to the next generaChair—National Newspaper Publishers Association New York Amsterdam the “The New Journal and tion of women.

Guide” and the many Black women that own and operate media companies in the United States and around the world.

Chavis said that it’s also important to acknowledge the role that women play as leaders in the NNPA. “Four out of five members of the NNPA executive committee are women and, in 2017, that shows that NNPA, as a national trade organization, is out in front of all other organizations in putting women in the top positions,” said Chavis.

Denise Rolark Barnes, the SHANNON WILLIAMS BRENDA ANDREWS publisher of “The WashingCHIDA WARREN DARBY ROSETTA PERRY Publisher—The New Journal ton Informer,” serves as President and General Manager Co-Publisher—Voice & Viewpoint Indianapolis Recorder Publisher—The Tennessee Tribune and Guide chair of the NNPA; Karen

News, one of the most influential Black-owned and operated media businesses in the world, which ran its first edition in 1909. “From the abolition movement, to the Civil Rights movement to the Women’s Rights movement, the Black Press has been our voice, a voice not heralded anywhere else.”

Tatum continued: “A voice so true to itself that our community still heeds the call today. A voice in many cases owned by women, run by women and nurtured by women.”

About 190 miles south of New York, Bramble founded The Baltimore Times on the premise that they’d publish only positive stories about Black people.

After more than 30 years, Bramble said that The Baltimore Times paper, and its companion, “The Annapolis Times,” haven’t wavered.

“I am extremely proud to be a part of the long tradition of respected women publishers. My challenges as a publisher have not come from my gender, but rather my race,” Bramble said. “Black newspapers must jump through ridiculous hoops to receive or even be considered for advertising and promotional dollars.”

Women are changing the world and represent an important audience that should not be taken for granted, said Natalie Cole, publisher and CEO of “OurWeekly Los Angeles” which was formed in 2004 and boasts a readership of more than 200,000 weekly.

“As an African-American woman publisher, readers and investors and supporters should not get caught up on my ethnicity as the driving force to their deciSEE WOMEN B2

How to end construction union racism Start a Black union

by Harry C. Alford

It has been 45 years since my mentor, Dr. Arthur A. Fletcher, implemented the Philadelphia Plan. This was a federal program used to integrate unions. From the beginning the construction trades resisted with violence and Jim Crow style segregation. Take the pipe fitters’ union halls in Chicago, they have been successfully sued various times but still will not integrate their halls. It is this way across our nation. Therefore, the National Black Chamber of Commerce will not support pro–union Project Labor Agreements.

Then why do most civil rights organizations and local Black elected officials support such instruments of racism? That is simple. They take donations from the very construction locals who discriminate against us. Sometimes they will claim that they will start an Apprentice Training Program that will result in Black youth starting careers in productive union jobs. Many have gone through these programs; graduate and sign onto a union hall; and wait forever. There will be no jobs and there will be no career. It is a sham. This is a national disgrace. If they do it all the time in Washington, D.C., the Capital of our nation, it is happening everywhere. Forty-five years and there is

no progress. Construction unions were “skipped” during the Civil Rights Victories. Now the unions will allow general laborers and cement workers to integrate which provides cover for the higher paying trades.

Last week, at the request of the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce, I visited something I never envisioned. I was sitting in a meeting with a group who introduced themselves as an international construction union. The U S Department of Labor accepts them. Their members were Black and they have active apprentice training programs. The key to this is that they are “International” and are not affiliated with the Jim Crow unions. I said to myself, “Finally Lord, we have found the way.”

We were having this meeting at the historic Altgeld Gardens. This public housing neighborhood is under the management of the Chicago Housing Authority. I have been in hundreds of public housing facilities but this one was quite different. It was like a subdivision. Two story homes housing 3,400 residents. It is clean, quiet with all the residents speaking to one another.

Unique would be an understatement.

Section 3 of the HUD Act (24 CFR part 135) was enacted in 1968, right after the first Watts Riot in Los Angeles. It was updated after the Rodney King Riot in 1992.

Unlike the 95 percent of HUD facilities who ignore Section 3 Altgeld is compliant with Section 3. Section 3 provides on the job training for all projects that have “some” HUD funding. That HUD funding could be in a shopping center, hotel, football stadium, etc. Those projects are to contract 10% of that funding to Section 3 companies. A Section 3 company is one that hires at least 30 percent Section 3 workers (people that live in public housing or Section 8 rentals.) Altgeld should be a national model.

So here we are. A Black union running apprenticeship programs through Section 3 construction contracts and using Section 3 workers. Keep in mind that Altgeld is the largest public housing facility in greater Chicago. Their tenants’ association works hand in hand with this Black union. They have a working calendar which keeps everyone busy improving their lives. It is more like a happy town.

This progress was reminding me of a clas-

sic James Brown hit, “I don’t want nobody to give me nothing! Just open up the door and I’ll get it myself. Do you hear me?!!”

The union has big plans of spreading their “gold medal” process. They contract with a large public housing unit; complete the project and run apprentice programs at the same time utilizing Section 3. Keep in mind a journeyman drywall installer makes $80 per hour in the Chicago area.

Before long the residents of public housing will be saying “Bye, Bye” to poverty, drug trafficking and despair.

These guys knew about the Section 3 classes we were producing across the country 25 years ago, that is why they wanted to meet the NBCC. Their plan is to spread this model across the country city by city. Chicago is their second city.

They got their start in New York City.

Well, the NBCC will collaborate with them. They will make a formal presentation at our annual conference in July.

Our chapters located in urban areas can bring the prototype of this program back to their communities.

In conclusion, I will quote a more melodic singer: “God bless the child who has his own,” Billie Holiday.

(Harry Alford is the co-founder, president/CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce ®. Website: www.nationalbcc.org email: halford@nationalbcc.org)

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BUSINESS

MARCH 29-APRIL 4, 2017

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Blunt named president of Urban Movie Channel (TriceEdneyWire.com) Robert L. Johnson, Chairman of RLJ Entertainment has announced the appointment of Traci Otey Blunt as President of Urban Movie Channel. UMC is the first premium subscription-based streaming service created for African American and urban audiences featuring including feature films, original series, stand-up comedy, documentaries, and other exclusive titles.

“I am excited to announce Traci’s appointment as UMC President. Two years ago, Traci joined the RLJ Entertainment management team as Executive Vice President for Corporate Marketing and Corporate Affairs and was assigned to launch and develop the company’s proprietary streaming service Urban Movie Channel,”

said Johnson.

“Under Traci’s leadership and management, UMC has built a strong business foundation to grow its subscriber base and distribute compelling content to its target audience. UMC has attracted talented producers and writers from the African American creative community and has acquired films and other content featuring some of the most prominent Black actors and actresses. I am confident that Traci and her team will make UMC a successful and valuable digital channel for RLJ Entertainment,” Johnson concluded.

Miguel Penella, RLJ Entertainment CEO stated, “Traci has demonstrated an expertise of the digital entertainment industry in a short period of time. Her experience in creating suc-

TRACI OTEY BLUNT cessful campaigns to reach African American and urban audiences, coupled with her decisive results-oriented management style are an

Auto dealer enforcement holds industry accountable

by Charlene Crowell

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—When it comes to purchasing and financing a vehicle, Black and Latino consumers—more often than other racial or ethnic groups—are frequently targets of deceptive advertising and abusive financing practices.

In recent days, two law enforcement agencies have acted to curb yo-yo scams and other abusive and deceptive practices of auto dealer groups. The separate actions link a shared consumer abuse that occurs from Los Angeles to New York.

A settlement announced in mid-March between the Federal Trade Commission and Sage Automotive, which has dealers throughout the Los Angeles area, requires Sage to stop yo-yo scams and deceptive financing and advertising practices. Sage will also pay more than $3.6 million to be returned to consumers who were harmed by these illegal actions.

This enforcement action is the first-time that the FTC has taken action on yo-yo scams.

Yo-yo scam occurs when a car dealer sends a consumer home thinking that the financing is final, but then later tells the consumer that he or she as to agree to a new financing contract or return the car. Often, dealers tell the consumer that the down payment is non-refundable, the car traded-in has been sold, and/or threatens to have the consumer prosecuted for theft if the car is not returned.

According to FTC’s complaint, Sage frequently engaged in yo-yo scams, falsely told consumers that their money or tradeins would not be returned, and threatened consumers with criminal prosecution or repossession if they did not sign new, more expensive finance contracts than they were initially promised.

By targeting financially challenged consumers and consumers with limited English language skills with false promises of low prices, low down payments and low monthly payments, Sage also packed unauthorized add-on products into contracts. The end result for many customers was that they drove off with a more costly financing contract than originally understood.

The FTC stated, in filing the complaint, “The car-buying process is a two-way street. The FTC expects dealers to honor their contractual obligations, and will pursue those who use yo-yo financing tactics and pack unwanted costly add-ons onto consumers’ contracts.”

“These practices are not new, but the increased regulatory attention is new and is

very welcome,” noted Chris Kukla, an EVP with the Center for Responsible Lending.

“We urge the FTC to continue to use their authority to create a level playing field in the auto sales and lending market. This will ensure that legitimate dealers can fairly compete for business and that consumers will be treated fairly and honestly.”

On March 16, the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) announced charges against Queens-based Major World. Major World’s dealerships and its principals are charged with using deceptive and illegal practices to profit from low-income and non-English speaking consumers. These actions violate the city’s own Consumer Protection Law. “Our city’s working families, so many of whom are immigrants and often struggle to make ends meet, rely on their cars to go to work and school,” said DCA Commissioner Lorelei Salas. “Buying that car is usually one of the largest purchases a family makes and it sickens me that Major World, who claims to treat its customers like family, so deceptively traps hardworking New Yorkers into auto loans they can’t afford. Here in New York City, we are leveraging all the tools we have to curb this burgeoning national crisis.”

Major World’s deception includes: §Advertising Deceptively to Lure Vulnerable Consumers §Inflating the Price with Non-Existent Accessories §Falsifying the Consumer Credit Applications and §Failing to: Disclose and even conceal financing terms; Provide contracts in Spanish after negotiating in Spanish; and Sell roadworthy vehicles DCA is seeking revocation of Major World’s licenses to operate second-hand automobile dealerships in New York City and nearly $2 million in restitution and fines from Major World on behalf of 25 known consumers who were harmed by its deceptive and unlawful practices. Further, the agency believes that given Major World’s footprint in the area, the small number of consumers who may have been harmed may be a fraction of the number of people likely harmed by their predatory business practices.

“These recent actions should send a signal to auto dealers that these deceptive and abusive practices need to end,” added Kukla. “Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies need to continue to use their authority to root out these practices once and for all.”

effective combination which will help UMC continue to expand. In addition to leading UMC, Traci will continue to serve as the EVP for Corporate Affairs leading RLJE’s corporate communications and public affairs.”

“I am pleased and excited to have the confidence of RLJE management and the opportunity to lead and grow UMC at this time,” said Blunt. “My immediate strategic goals for UMC are to grow our subscriber base by creating a destination for the UMC audience to find compelling and original content created by the most talented African American writers and producers. UMC will create a business model where the often under-employed African American creative community will find a place to showcase their work product and be compensated by subscribers who enjoy watching UMC entertainment. We also want to further expand UMC’s digital footprint by making UMC available on more platforms

and devices. Finally, I want to come up with an innovative way that digital content providers can be recognized and rewarded by the industry and their peers for the outstanding creative content they produce now and in the future,” she concluded.

The UMC team includes Angela Northington, SVP Content Acquisitions & General Manager; as well as Farah Noel, Manager, UMC Publicity and Corporate Affairs; and Lauren Spencer, UMC Digital Marketing Manager.

Created by Robert L. Johnson, Chairman of RLJ Entertainment and founder of Black Entertainment Television, Urban Movie Channel is the first subscription streaming service created for African American and urban audiences in North America that features quality urban content and showcases feature films, documentaries, original series, stand-up comedy, and other exclusive content.

Manage your finances beyond the grave

by Jaime Cowper

dren because you can use the will to name a guardian for them,” Cowper says.

A lifetime of hard work •Healthcare documents. may have rewarded you Like it or not, as you near with a nice home and hefty the end of your life you bank accounts, but what could reach a point where happens to all those assets you’re no longer capable of once you’re gone? making medical decisions Maybe you want every- for yourself. The right docthing to go to the kids. Per- uments can spell out your haps a charity or a cause wishes for health care and you champion should get a you can also name someone portion. And what happens to make the decisions for if, before you die, your men- you if it comes to that. Doctal capacity diminishes and uments you should consider you can no longer make de- include a living will, a power cisions for yourself? of attorney agreement and Just thinking about your a durable power of attorney final wishes—or mention- agreement for healthcare. ing them to a close friend •Financial documents. over coffee—isn’t enough.

Similar to the health situ“I believe too many people ation, you can also outline don’t do the proper planning your financial wishes and to make sure that any wealth appoint someone to make they’ve accumulated over the financial decisions for you years ends up where they if you become unable to want it to,” says Jaime Cowp- make decisions for yourself, er, president of Unity Finan- Cowper says. Documents to cial Advisors (www.unityfin- consider include joint ownancialadvisors.net). ership, durable power of at“Of course, that’s not go- torney, and living trusts. ing to cause any problems •Beneficiary forms. In for the deceased because some cases, when you name they’ll be gone. Those left a beneficiary for bank acbehind, though, could end counts and retirement plans, up feuding over property, they automatically become paying more taxes than “payable on death” to your necessary, or just becoming beneficiaries. In other cases, stressed as they try to put you must fill out a form to together the puzzle pieces make the accounts payable of your estate.” on death. Why is payable But you don’t have to leave on death such an importyour heirs guessing about ant distinction? The benefiyour intentions. Cowper ciaries can get their money suggests an estate-manage- without the potential delays ment checklist to make sure caused by probate. everything is in order.

Finally, make sure your And if you’re lacking with heirs know where to find all any item on the list, she of your important documents. says, a financial profession“When you’ve done all this al can help steer you in the planning, you don’t want to right direction. leave your heirs searching •A will. This is perhaps through closets, attics and the best known document dresser drawers in search for letting your final wish- of your important papers,” es be known, yet it’s not as Cowper says. “You won’t widely used as you might be there to guide them, so assume. Just 36 percent someone should know exof American adults have a actly where to look.” will, according to a Rocket (Jaime Cowper, president of Lawyer estate-planning Unity Financial Advisors (www. survey by Harris Poll. If unityfinancialadvisors.net), is you don’t have one, it’s time an Investment Advisor Represento remedy that. “It’s espe- tative under Alphastar Capital cially important to have a Management, an SEC Registered will if you have minor chil- Investment Advisory Firm.)

For New Pittsburgh Courier

Black women publishers CONTINUED FROM B1

sions as to do so would be to sell themselves short,” Cole said. “Therefore, the challenges that exist today are challenges to doing business successfully in our global marketplace.

Yes, racism and, in many cases institutional racism is evident…some will never buy what we are selling.”

Cole continued: “However, we must continue to educate our loyal readers as to major players or companies that support our communities as well as those that don’t support us with an emphasis on companies to which African-Americans are their core customers.”

With the diligence of the NNPA member papers, news, information and commentary have been delivered each week to more than 20 million readers.

Since, its founding, the NNPA has been lauded for consistently being the voice of the Black community, reporting news that makes history.

“Our papers are trusted, read from cover to cover and are a vital part of the community—190 years and still going strong,” Bramble said. “I am sure that we will still be around another 190 years, as we continue to be the standard bearer for all the good news that’s happening in our communities.”

BUSINESS CALENDAR Business Lenders Workshop

MARCH 29—Chatham’s Women’s Business Center with the support of Duquesne University SBDC and Allegheny County Economic Development is hosting a “Meet the Lenders” Workshop, 8:30 to 11 a.m., One Chatham Center, Suite 900, 112 Washington Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Local nonprofit lenders will be part of a panel discussion explaining their loan programs, interest rates or fees, how long it takes to get approved, eligibility requirements and what lenders look for in a business. The panel discussion will be followed by individual sessions with lending representatives to talk about specific financing needs. The event is free, but registration is required.

Call 412-365-1153 for more information.

Supplier Diversity Event

MARCH 30--SHARE 2017 is organized by a committee of supplier diversity representatives from UPMC, PNC, CONSOLEnergy, Highmark, Rivers Casino, EMSDC, Allegheny County MWDBE Department, the African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania and the Women’s Business Enterprise Council. It is a collaborative event to promote economic opportunities for minority-owned, woman-owned and other diverse businesses in the region. The Honorable Alexis Herman, former U.S. Secretary of Labor, will serve as the keynote speaker. The event is limited to pre-registered diverse suppliers.

Free Homebuyer Workshop

APRIL 5—The Mon Valley Initiative and the Braddock Economic Development Corp. Will host “Buying Your Own Home: You Hold the Key” will be held at 6:30 p.m. April 5 at The Overlook, 416A Overlook Way in Braddock, on the old UPMC Braddock Hospital site between Braddock Avenue and Holland Avenue. Jonathan Weaver, a housing counselor with Mon Valley Initiative, will talk about the steps that first-time homebuyers should consider. Light refreshments will be served. To register, call 412-464-4000, extension 4008, or email jweaver@monvalleyinitiative.com.

Training Event

APRIL 11—The Duquesne University Small Business Center presents Export Basics, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at How-Childs Gate House, Chatham University, Shadyside Campus, 5918 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232. Topics covered include: recognizing and identifying export opportunities; shipping and payment; legal and regulatory considerations; information and support resources, and cultural issues. Cost $49. For more information, call 412-396-1633.

Business Energy Efficiency Grants

THROUGH APRIL 15—The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has to $1,000,000 of grant funding available in the 13th year of the Commonwealth’s Small Business Advantage Grant Program for small businesses that adopt or acquire equipment or processes that promote pollution prevention and/or energy efficiency projects. Applicants must be a for-profit corporation, limited liability corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship or other legal entity with 100 or fewer full-time employees. Businesses can apply for 50 percent matching funds of up to $9,500 to adopt or acquire energy-efficient or pollution-prevention equipment or procedures. Funding is eligible for those costs incurred between July 25, 2016 and June 30, 2017. For more information, contact the Small Business Ombudsman’s Office at 717-7725160.

Training Event

APRIL 27—The Duquesne University Small Business Center presents Before You Sign: Effective Commercial Lease Agreements, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Rockwell Hall Room 108, 600 Forbes Avenue, Uptown. Topics include: How to review a commercial lease; How to determine a fair rental rate per square foot; What items are included in the lease as opposed to being the tenants responsibility; What is an Estoppel Agreement, and What is a Punch List. Cost: $25. For more information, call 412-396-1633.

OPINION

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

MARCH 29-APRIL 4, 2017

B3

AHCA dead? Health care battle continues

Guest Editorial

Philadelphia DA Seth Williams should step down This newspaper (The Philadelphia Tribune) has endorsed District Attorney Seth Williams twice for election.

We saw him as someone who would be a tough, but fair prosecutor––a reformer of a criminal justice system that badly needed reform especially for African Americans, Latinos and other minorities.

We believed that Williams would be a strong defender for the rights of law-abiding citizens.

He failed.

We now call for Williams to resign or take an unpaid leave of absence until charges against him are resolved in court.

Williams has already said that he will not run for a third term. Seven Democrats and a Republican are now running for his job.

He made the announcement not to seek re-election after he belatedly reported on ethics forms last year that he had accepted more than $160,000 in gifts or services from friends, including a new roof on his home, $21,000 in flights and a family stay in Key West, Fla., at the home of a city defense lawyer. The filings, which came after the FBI started investigating, cost him a record $62,000 in city fines.

Williams, who makes $175,000 a year in his job as the city’s top prosecutor, poorly managed personal finances became public and his love life made headlines when a girlfriend vandalized his city car outside his home.

When Williams announced last month that he would not run for a third term, he said he regretted “mistakes in my personal life and in my personal financial life.”

Williams admits he took more than $100,000 in luxury trips, gifts and cash while in office as he went through an expensive divorce.

However, his lawyer vowed they would fight charges that he promised any legal breaks in return, a quid pro quo that would render the gifts bribes.

But in light of the indictment announced last week, Williams’ decision not to seek re-election is no longer enough. He needs to step down immediately. He has disgraced his office enough.

Williams pleaded not guilty to federal bribery and extortion charges last Wednesday.

Williams should be presumed innocent until proven guilty. His defense lawyer Michael Diamondstein is right when he said there should not be a rush to judgment.

“Simply because the government makes explosive allegations in a complaint doesn’t mean they are going to prove it in a court of law,” Diamondstein said after the arraignment.

But we already know enough and he has already admitted to wrongdoing. There is enough evidence presented for Williams to step down.

He is accused of taking five-star Caribbean trips, free flights and $9,000 in cash from a businessman who sought help with a friend’s criminal case. The man, whose company sold prepaid phone cards, also sought his help bypassing enhanced airport security during frequent overseas trips, authorities said.

“I need the info ... case number, agent, anything so I can write a letter to the correct person of supervisory authority,” Williams texted the businessman, a foreign national born in the Middle East. “I want there to be a letter in your file from the D.A. of Philadelphia.”

Williams is also accused of helping a gift-giving bar owner and his brother seeking a liquor license despite the brother’s criminal conviction and spending $20,000 meant for his mother’s nursing home care.

We agree with Mayor Jim Kenney who called it “deeply shameful” that Williams “has been implicated in such a flagrant violation of the law.”

“At a time when our citizens’ trust in government is at an all-time low, it is disheartening to see yet another elected official give the public a reason not to trust us,” said Kenney, a fellow Democrat. “That this comes at the head of our justice system is even more troubling.”

Williams was released on a $50,000 bond after a brief hearing. He was fingerprinted by the FBI and surrendered his passport. No trial date was set. He cannot leave eastern Pennsylvania without permission.

Williams, 50, is the city’s first Black district attorney. He has deeply disappointed this African-American newspaper that supported him and the many African-American citizens who voted for him.

(Reprinted from the Philadelphia Tribune.)

African Americans are disproportionally the victims of crime and need an advocate who will protect them from harm — from violent street criminals to abusive police officers.

The disappointment over Williams is not because he has brought “shame on the race.” This antiquated idea is an unfair and unacceptable burden that must be totally rejected. The failure of a politician, celebrity or any other public figure is for them to bear alone. To suggest or accept the notion that the failure of an individual is a reflection of their ethnic group is an acceptance of bigotry and racism.

Williams failed citizens who sought and hungered for real change in the district attorney’s office and who deserved a fair-minded, competent and ethical district attorney.

Founded 1910

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

Ulish Carter

Jeff Marion

Office Manager

Managing Editor

Circulation Consultant

John. H. Sengstacke

Editor & Publisher Emeritus (1912-1997)

The American Health Care Act pushed by the GOP is dead. Or is it?

Some called it the Ryan Health Care Plan and others called it TrumpCare, but its official name was the American Health Care Act; it was created

by Paul Ryan, and recently supported and championed as great for the American people by President Trump.

It was first supposed to come up for a vote Thursday, March 23, but was delayed until Friday, March 24, then pulled completely because Ryan didn’t have enough votes in the House to pass it.

This law was supposed to replace the Affordable Care Act pushed through by President Obama. President Trump spent most last week boldly announcing that ACA, or Obamacare, was dead. But both Republicans and Democrats apparently thought this bill was even worse than ACA or not any better, which led them to indicate they were not going to vote for the GOP bill.

Why? Because even though there are many flaws in the ACA that need to be fixed, there are millions of people whose lives have been saved and are living much better than they would if they didn’t have it. The biggest criticism of the ACA is its large deductibles.

The deductibles are so high that most people can’t afford to have insurance, but because law requires it, they must find a way to get it or pay a large fine.

The cost of health care was zooming sky high before Obama took office, and millions of people were suffering and dying because they couldn’t afford health care, which dates back 30 to 40 years. That’s what led to Obama making it the number one issue in his campaign.

The masses of people still want and need an affordable health care plan for all, and we all deserve it, but the only way we will get one is to start holding politicians accountable. It must be made absolutely clear to politicians on both sides of the aisle that unless they come up with a livable and affordable plan, they will be voted out of office.

What should be done is that the

Ulish Carter

Just Sayin’ conservatives come up with a plan, the moderates come up with a plan, and the progressives come up with a plan. Then, these three plans would be introduced to the American people to get their input. Next, a committee would be set up to blend these three plans together. Not a Republican plan, not a Democratic plan, but a true American plan.

Why do I keep harping on health care? Because it is the most important issue we, Americans, especially Blacks, are facing. It’s more important than employment, education, world peace or anything else we can imagine. What good is money, a PhD, a great job or peace, if we are in constant pain, and our loved ones are dying around us or suffering?

We have a chance to make it right and do the right thing now, but if we don’t all continue to do whatever is necessary to get a livable and affordable health plan right now, we won’t get it.

Yes, health care is expensive, but isn’t everything? We must do whatever it takes to make sure everyone has access to affordable health care. I can’t say that enough times. No excuses.

We can fly men to the moon, spend billions to stop terror throughout the world, spend billions on sports franchises, businesses and other less important things…it’s time we make health care our number one priority.

Some say since the GOP can’t get the votes they will just let ACA die.

That means just letting millions of people who depend on this service either die or live in pain, or both. Why? I may be a little slow, but you can’t tell me that President Trump, Ryan, Nancy Pelosi, and the heads of the two parties in the Senate can’t pull

together the heads of the national medical groups, American Nurses Association, and other groups and individuals who have spent their lives in the health care field to help the politicians put together workable and affordable ways to save lives. Surely, there must be a way to stop the suffering health care plan. I would think that they would know far more about health care than the politicians.

I’m Just Sayin’.

Reaction from Pennsylvania Gov. Wolf Governor Tom Wolf reiterated his strong opposition to the bill in a letter to the Pennsylvania delegation, again, urging them to vote no and stressing that the amendments that remove essential health benefits will have devastating effects on millions of Pennsylvanians.

“It would roll back years of progress that drastically reduced Pennsylvania’s uninsured rate and expanded coverage options for seniors, the disabled and those seeking treatment for a substance use disorder,” the letter read.

Reaction from Pennsylvania Sen. Casey Senator Bob Casey’s statement on the American Health Care plan read, “TrumpCare wasn’t pulled down in the House of Representatives for lack of horse-trading among Congressional Republicans, but it failed today because Pennsylvanians and millions of Americans rallied and exposed this scheme for what it was: a massive tax cut for the wealthiest at the expense of middle class families, seniors and individuals with disabilities. It’s time for Congressional Republicans to get serious about health care, end this obsession with repealing the Affordable Care Act and work in a bipartisan way to keep what’s working in health care and fix what isn’t. If Congress comes together, then we can lower the costs of health care for middle class families, make prescription drugs more affordable and keep our promises to seniors and individuals with disabilities.”

(Ulish Carter is the managing editor of the New Pittsburgh Courier.)

Gorsuch has not met standard to earn our support

by Marc H. Morial (TriceEdneyWire.com)—“Overall, we conclude that there is an inadequate record to determine if Judge Gorsuch has a commitment to protecting and safeguarding civil rights and, therefore, we do not believe he satisfies the second prong of our requirement for endorsement. Based upon our review of Judge Gorsuch’s record, we have concerns that he has a narrow view of rights that are protected by the Constitution, as well as a skeptical view about the importance of protecting those rights in the courtroom. In short, Judge Gorsuch’s record does not allow us to support his nomination for the Supreme Court at this time.”—Lawyer’s Committee on Civil Rights, Report on the Nomination of Judge Neil M. Gorsuch as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court The importance of a Supreme Court Justice’s commitment to protecting civil rights cannot be overstated.

Much of the progress this nation has made on issues of equal opportunity are due to Supreme Court rulings such as Brown v. Board of Education, Loving v. Virginia, Obergefell v. Hodges and Texas Department of Housing

by Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq

and Community Affairs v. The Inclusive Communities Project, Inc. The Supreme Court has also regressed on civil rights, as with Shelby County v. Holder, which struck down a key provision of the Voting Rights Act and led to a proliferation of racially-motivated voter suppression laws throughout the nation.

More than most other communities, the future of African Americans’ rights and opportunities hang on the confirmation of a Supreme Court justice. That’s why the National Urban League cannot support the nomination of Judge Gorsuch.

Beyond the level of scholarship and judicial experience required of a Justice, which Judge Gorsuch does appear to meet, a Supreme Court Justice must have demonstrated what the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights called “a profound respect for the importance of protecting the civil rights afforded by the Constitution and the nation’s civil rights laws based on a large body of civil rights opinions or comparable information from statements and activities other than service on the bench.”

We see no such respect demonstrated by Judge Gorsuch.

As I have maintained since the announcement of his nomination, what

I find most troubling in the record of Judge Gorsuch is his apparent criticism of those who have sought advancement of individual rights through the courts.

He consistently has ruled against the rights of workers and consumers who were harmed by employers and corporations, and against disabled students pursuing their right to a meaningful education.

In fact, even as he sat before the Senate Judiciary Committee this week, the Supreme Court overwhelmingly rejected his opinion that a school district complies with the law so long as they provide educational benefits that “must merely be ‘more than de minimis.’” In other words, according to Judge Gorsuch, a school district can meet its obligation to disabled students with little more than nothing.

Of course, no serious discussion of Judge Gorsuch’s confirmation can ignore the fact that his nomination was the result of an egregious dereliction of duty by the Senate, who refused to give President Obama’s nominee, Merrick Garland, the hearing he was due. The Senate’s failure with regard to that nomination does not bode well for its ability to keep partisanship from tainting the process.

Trail of tears

of Memphis, Tennessee in 1819.

Jackson’s ascendency to the Presiden(TriceEdneyWire.com)—Although cy marked the beginning of the “spoils it’s no simple task and difficult to do, system,” a derivation from a quotation most who are keenly observant of or attributed to N.Y. Sen. William Marlisten closely to Donald Trump will cy—“To the victor belongs the spoils.” recognize that he is a fan of President Under Jackson, political patronage Andrew Jackson. If “fan” is over-zeal- that rewarded relatives, friends and ous, it can be said that Jackson is in- supporters with government jobs and spirational to his current successor positions flourished. Without considerin “The Office.” After all, Trump is the ation for merit, these jobs were used as first president since Ronald Reagan incentives to inspire continued loyalty to honor Jackson with a speech on his and support.

(Jackson’s 250th) birthday. Trump Trump’s positioning of his family also boasts about his portrait of Jack- (sons, Donald Jr. and Eric, daughson hung in The Oval Office. ter, Ivanka and son-in-law, Jared), Before someone becomes senti- friends (Carl Icahn and Steve Banmental about Trump honoring Jack- non), financial contributors (Betsy son with his 2017 “birthday” visit to DeVos, Linda McMahon and Steve Nashville, Tenn., we need to refresh Mnuchin), and political supporters our collective memory about Jackson. (Jeff Sessions, Reince Prebus and othJackson, known as a frontiersman ers) reflect Trump’s affinity for Jackwho sprang to prominence from hum- sonian politics. Although reforms ble beginnings, is arguably a polar op- against this type of cronyism began posite from Trump in background and in 1883, Trump has used every legal upbringing. I, and others, would ar- consideration available to deflect the gue that Jackson and Trump are “cut scrutiny from his more questionable from the same cloth” and are more appointments. similar in background and character If one were to accurately characterthan commonly acknowledged. ize Jackson, the label “INHUMANE” With fame as a soldier, few, except is easily applied. Other than the “It historians, know that Jackson, like was the nature of the times!” defense, Trump, earned much of his wealth which is no defense at all, there is from the purchase and sale of prop- no excuse for Jackson’s ownership erty. In a partnership with two oth- of slaves and active participation in er investors, Jackson acquired lands slave trade. In addition, Jackson’s that had been reserved by treaty from most infamous crime against huthe Cherokee and Chickasaw nations. manity was his orchestration of InKnown as the “Jackson Purchase” dian Removal policies. Commonly (1818), a portion of those lands was lumped under the title Trail of Tears, used by the investors to found the city Jackson’s policies of forcibly relocat-

ing native nations from traditional settlements included the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Seminole and Muscogee nations.

Contrary to the stereotypical “savage” image constructed to explain away and justify the brutal treatment of Native people, the Cherokee and affiliated nations were just as, if not more, civilized as the Anglo-European oppressors. They had an organized system of government, written language (and a printed newspaper), schools and institutions comparable to their invaders. In violation of ratified treaties, Jackson orchestrated the removal and forced march of nations from their lands, some as far east as the Carolinas, to the Oklahoma territory. Their journey was notably brutal. They suffered from starvation, exposure and disease. Thousands died.

Although Trump has not yet initiated acts of comparable brutality, his personal anti-Muslim, anti-immigrant and anti-Hispanic xenophobia have infected the national psyche.

Travel bans, TRUMPCARE—the elimination of healthcare for 24 million Americans, subliminal appeals to WE against THEM violence, the normalization of intolerance are all hallmarks of the new America by Trump.

Only through our active resistance can we assure that future generations will not read about a 21st Century Trail of Tears.

(Dr. E. Faye Williams is National President of the National Congress of Black Women, Inc. 202/678-6788. www.nationalcongressbw.org)

B4

FORUM

MARCH 29-APRIL 4, 2017

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Did Black public intellectuals jack their Jesse Jackson Sr. Secret Service and the Trumps— success formula from ‘gangsta’ rappers? Commentary hypocrisy and hubris J. Pharoah Doss (TriceEdneyWire.com)—The “budget lite” that our 45th President submitted is described as a “budget blueprint to make America Great Again”. Submitted in the third week of March, it trumpets draconian cuts in many federal programs, eliminating some that provide important services, including the African Development Foundation, the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Inter-American Foundation, the US Trade and Development Agency, the Legal Services Corporation, the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, and many others. The cuts are so unfathomable, and so extremely severe, that even some of 45’s allies are biting back.

Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, whose daughter Sarah Huckabee Sanders is Deputy White House Press Secretary, has written an op-ed in the Washington Post that argues that the National Endowment for the Arts, which he describes as “just 0.004 percent of the federal budget”, is important. He says that students who participate in the arts have higher grade point averages and standardized test scores. He reminds us that NEA grants went to about 16,000 communities, and that some young people only have access to music and the arts because NEA is in their communities. He also highlights NEA as an “economic driver” because the arts create jobs. Says Huckabee, “the arts are a $730 billion indusJulianne Malveaux try, representing 4.2 percent of our gross d o m e s tic product which e q u a l s more than transportation, tourism, or agriculture.” Huckabee, ever the conservative, says he doesn’t want his tax money to fund things that don’t work, but he notes that the $147.9 million allocated to NEA in 2016 is not wasted money.

It seems strange that just 60 days into the game, 45’s head of the Office of Management and Budget, former Congressman Mike Mulvaey, R-S.C., has deemed many programs “ineffective”, “inefficient”, or ‘lacking evidence that it is being effectively implemented.” What evaluation has been done? Who has made the determination of inefficiency? Based on these blanket assertions, some Republicans have indicated that the OMB determination is not right.

Former Senator Bob Dole, R-Kan., a Republican Party stalwart, says it is short-sighted that 45 would eliminate the McGovern-Dole International Fund for Education program, a program that provides school meals for children in 40 of the world’s most impoverished nations. Dole told the Washington Post that eliminating the program would “have a disastrous effect on the planet’s most vulnerable children”. He called the program, which he developed with across the aisle Sen. George McGovern, D-S.D., as “one of the proudest achievements of his lifetime”.

Our 45th President is so eager to provide $54 billion in extra money for the Department of Defense that he is willing to throw a party stalwart’s legacy under the bus.

Meanwhile, the Secret Service has asked for $60 million more this year to protect 45 and his family. 45 was a frequent critic of President Obama’s golfing, a pastime that he engages in frequently himself. And he can’t seem to find any golf courses in the D.C. area so he’s back to Mar-a-Largo, where taxpayers spend $3 million every time the President goes to his private resort. Mr. Trump is not trying to tighten the belt he wears; he is only trying to tighten the nation’s.

Because Melania Trump likes to keep distance between herself and her husband, taxpayers are paying about $150,000 a day to protect her and their son, Baron, in New York. The same man who said that the Obamas should consider living in the White House “a privilege” has not convinced his wife of the privilege that has been bestowed upon her. Instead, we taxpayers will spend $4.5 million a month protecting Melania and Baron in New York. New Yorkers will spend even more, and they have not been reimbursed for the cost paid when New York police officers are diverted to deal with the Trump family baby-sitting project.

The most egregious part of the scam that allows 45’s family to be protected is the fact that his wildcat sons, traveling the world to generate profit for the Trump brand, are protected by Secret Service with our tax dollars. When they go to Dubai to celebrate a new Trump golf course, which is a profit generating opportunity for the Trump empire, taxpayers cover the cost of their “protection.” If the Trump empire gained a profit from that trip, shouldn’t it reimburse United States taxpayers for the expense of protecting these entrepreneurs?

Then there is Ivanka Trump, who says she will “voluntarily” comply with ethics rules. Balderdash! This woman has a West Wing office and security clearance; she has avoided nepotism laws; she not only has her father’s ear, but she has been allowed to interact with some of the most powerful people in the world. What will she do with this portfolio when 45’s sun sets, either through impeachment or resignation? Is she being set up as another Trump profit center?

The Trump family is playing our country as if we are their personal piggy bank. They get security that they ordinarily wouldn’t get. They are maximizing profits that they ordinarily wouldn’t receive. They are playing the capitalist game as it has never been played, merging economics and politics for their benefit. And too many of us are silently accepting this egregious exploitation.

Commentary

(Julianne Malveaux is an economist, author, and Founder of Economic Education. For more info visit www. juliannemalveaux.com)

The New York Times has a forum called Room for Debate.

A while back the debate topic was: Do Black academics have a special obligation to address social and racial issues beyond the campus?

The respondents were Black professors and the majority of them answered no.

An associate professor at Columbia, wrote, “The strange proposition that Black intellectuals—regardless of their training—are ‘race experts’ mainly because they are Black is naïve and potentially dangerous.”

Another professor from Princeton, stated what stands in for the Black intellectual these days is the fast talking “Black PH.D. pundit” who strives to be on CNN, Fox, or MSNBC… “This same pundit has found new career opportunities within universities and colleges by thinking about Black people in ways that conform to the current liberal consensus about racial matters.”

This same “Black PH.D. pundit” was born decades ago after the advent of 24-hour cable news. This same pundit produced offspring in various fields, but this same fast talking “Black PH.D. pundit” also has illegitimate children that have inherited the title “Black public intellectual” but did not inherit what Harold Cruse called the academic appetite to master various disciplines necessary to advocate for real and effective societal change.

These “Black public intellectuals” are with and without advanced degrees.

They write books, memoirs, or they write for popular magazines or websites, or post videos from lecture tours in various Black neighborhoods. Their thoughts range from progressive politics to Pan-Africanism.

These “Black public intellectuals” came of age as hip hop became the dominate influence in American popular culture. These individuals credit hip hop’s “conscious rappers” for teaching them how to critically think and for revealing truths never mentioned in their public or private schools.

But it is my contention that these “Black public intellectuals” were also influenced by the success of the “conscious rapper’s” counterpart the “gangsta” rapper.

Now, one of the best critiques of the

“gangsta” rap subgenre was delivered by Jeru the Damaja in a song called Scientifical Madness.

Jeru said: Do you need to ask me who the devil is/some may call it showbiz/ I just call them hypocrites/ cause they don’t teach the children sh!t positive/ like how a man should live/ they only focus on the negative/ so they’re stuck in the ghetto/ while you drive a car and got a condo/ it’s all for the dolo/ it’s killing your own people…

Now, “gangsta” rappers overdosed the listener with criminality and nihilism, but they were also known as “studio gangstas” because they didn’t live the lifestyles they over exaggerated on their records. It was all done because it sold, like Martin Scorsese films, and primarily to a White audience. It was a successful formula that the illegitimate children of the fast talking “Black PH.D. pundit” copied.

Unlike the respondents to the New York Times who rejected the notion of being “race experts” these “Black public intellectuals” specialize in being victims of racism, oppression, and White supremacy, but like the studio “gangsta” who wasn’t as advertised, neither are these individuals because they’re not victims. The oppression they depict in their work is over exaggerated.

They do it because it’s a proven formula for success.

The potential danger here is these “Black public intellectuals” are going to indoctrinate the next generation with an oppressive twentieth century version of America that is not a reality in the twenty first century and that indoctrination will cripple the next generation more than under funded schools.

America has a legacy of slavery and a legacy of liberty. Both are taught, but the question is which one should be reinforced?

So far the answer from these “Black public intellectuals” is the legacy of slavery, and if that’s the case Jeru the Damaja’s verse also applies to them.

Rewind: They don’t teach the children sh!t positive/ like how a man should live/ they only focus on the negative/ so they’re stuck in the ghetto/ while you drive a car and got a condo.

Commentary

(J. Pharoah Doss is a contributor to the New Pittsburgh Courier. He blogs at jpharoahdoss@ blogspot.com)

On public safety, the earth is flat in Pennsylvania

by Bret Bucklen and John E. Wetzel Most Pennsylvanians would agree that ensuring public safety is what they want most from the criminal justice system. When it comes to law and order we are all willing to pay to be safe, and we recognize that decisions about public safety must never be made based simply on balancing budgets. At the same time, many Pennsylvanians are uninformed about a current policy discussion underway in our criminal justice system, which is mostly going unnoticed and hides under the false guise of improving public safety. The debate is over mandatory minimum sentencing.

Several mandatory minimum sentencing laws were found to be unconstitutional by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in 2015. Legislation to reinstate these laws are right now being considered by the General Assembly, which might be fine if there was any evidence that mandatory minimum sentences enhanced public safety. But the record is clear that they don’t.

Statewide crime numbers are only available through 2015, but show that the violent crime rate in Pennsylvania remained the same in 2015, while both property and drug crime rates declined. Local statistics from Philadelphia and Harrisburg reveal that crime rates for major crime types dropped in these cities during 2016.

Crime in Pennsylvania is lower now than it was in 1970, before mandatory minimums existed. If mandatory minimums are supposed to enhance public safety, this is not reflected in Pennsylvania’s crime rates, which have continued to drop without them.

Mandatory minimum sentencing laws require courts to treat all defendants the same, regardless of the facts of the case or the person’s circumstances. This one-size-fits-all approach does not work when it comes to healthcare or education policy, so why should we think it works in criminal justice?

Some prosecutors argue that mandatory minimums are needed because some judges are too lenient. The fact is that judicial discretion is already structured in Pennsylvania under

sentencing guidelines. Judges in Pennsylvania sentence within the recommended guidelines 90 percent of the time, and the seven percent of cases where judges depart below the guidelines is mostly due to a recommendation by the prosecutor. Sentencing guidelines render mandatory minimum sentences unnecessarily rigid.

There is no good evidence that mandatory minimums do anything to make the public safer. Take one purpose of sentencing, to deter future criminal behavior. The science on deterrence is now clear that it is the swiftness and certainty of punishment that deters, not the severity.

Mandatory minimums target the severity of punishment by unnecessarily ratcheting up sentence lengths.

For criminals who tend to be impulsive, inconsistently delivered and arbitrarily long sentences do nothing to deter future crime. A study by the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing found that the imposition of a mandatory minimum sentence was not a predictor of criminal re-offending.

Mandatory minimum sentencing wastes taxpayer dollars and diverts limited resources away from pursuing more serious offenders and supporting law enforcement. Estimates are that if Pennsylvania’s legislature reinstates mandatory minimums it could cost taxpayers as much as $85.5 million per year.

For all of these reasons, a bi-partisan consensus has built around the country that mandatory minimums are ineffective and should be scaled back or eliminated. More than 30 states have now reconsidered mandatory minimum sentencing laws. Conservative groups like Koch Industries, the American Legislative Exchange Council, and the Commonwealth Foundation here in Pennsylvania, have all expressed opposition to mandatory minimums. Yet many in our legislature are ignoring these realities and moving forward to quietly reinstate mandatory minimums. This puts Pennsylvania out of touch with the facts.

(Dr. Kristofer “Bret” Bucklen is the director of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections’ Office of Planning, Research & Statistics.

John E. Wetzel is the secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections.)

Trump’s ‘March Massacre’ budget is ruthless

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—While much of the country tunes into March Madness, the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, the White House has unleashed a March Massacre, its “skinny budget” plan for 2018. Budgets often seem impenetrable, packed with a blizzard of numbers too big to comprehend. But budgets are value statements. They tell us what we value and what we discount.

President Donald Trump’s budget reveals who counts and who does not.

Trump believes in walls. This budget includes a $2 billion-plus down payment —paid by U.S. taxpayers, not the Mexicans—for his famous wall on the border.

It also builds a wall around the wealthy and around the military-industrial complex. They are protected and rewarded; the rest of us are at risk.

The first priority for Trump is a “massive” tax cut for the wealthy and the corporations. A first installment came with his health care plan that cuts the top-end taxes used to subsidize health care under Obamacare and pays for that tax cut by depriving millions of health insurance (14 million in the first year, according to the Congressional Budget Office estimate). Older, lower-wage workers and those living in rural areas —ironically, a source of many Trump votes—get hurt the most.

Trump’s “skinny budget” doesn’t contain his tax cut plan. That is promised in May. But the budget is disciplined by that plan, so increases in military spending are “paid for” by cuts in domestic programs. We don’t know yet how Trump will finance his tax cuts.

This budget excludes any reporting on mandatory programs like Social Security and Medicare. What’s clear is that Trump will either violate his promise to protect those programs or violate his pledge to balance the budget in a decade. The March Massacre is likely to be followed by a May Monstrosity.

Trump will add 10 percent, or $54 billion, to the Pentagon’s budget over its baseline (3 percent and $18 billion over Obama’s plan). The Pentagon already spends more than the countries with next eight largest military budgets combined. Its books are so messed up that they cannot be audited. Cost overruns, sole-source contract rip-offs and massive waste are routine. What we need are not smarter missiles but wiser policies. But wisdom is not protected behind the wall: Trump would cut funding for diplomacy by nearly 30 percent. Even military generals and admirals have protested against this folly.

Trump lays waste to the domestic programs beyond his walls. The most vulnerable take the biggest hit. His budget would devastate rural areas, cutting regional development authorities, support for rural radio stations and rural airports, support for clean water projects and more. Combined with his health care plan, Trump is betraying his biggest supporters. Rep. Harold Rogers of Kentucky denounced the reductions as “draconian, careless and counterproductive.” And he’s a Republican.

Trump abandons his pledge to rebuild our inner cities. His budget cuts funds for virtually every program for impacted communities—community development block grants, preschool and after-school programs, summer enrichment programs, help for students to prepare for college, college work-study and grant programs, infant nutrition for impoverished mothers with children, and housing and rent subsidy programs. If passed, this budget will produce more unemployment, more poverty, more despair and more shattered dreams.

Trump deals with this by calling for a return to aggressive police tactics, giving police the impossible task of sustaining order amid despair.

Trump tramples his promise to working people. This budget contains no hint of a program to rebuild America. It decimates Labor Department funding to enforce worker health and safety in factories and mines, to protect against wage theft, to ensure that minimum wage and fair-hours laws are respected.

Much more is left on the cutting room floor. Programs to deal with climate change are gutted. The Republican fixation on Planned Parenthood and rolling back support for women’s health care continues. The budget makes a bizarre assault on science and research, cutting even the medical research at the National Institutes of Health.

Congressional Republicans have called Trump’s budget dead on arrival. They can’t raise military spending without gaining Democratic votes, and Democrats will block the deepest and more perverse cuts. But the thrust of Trump’s budget reflects the values that govern the Republican congressional majorities. They won’t get everything they want, but what they get will leave America more unequal, more vulnerable, with greater poverty and despair from Chicago’s inner cities to Appalachia’s rural hollows.

CLASSIFIED New Pittsburgh Courier

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www.newpittsburghcourier.com

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

DISPLAY ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVE

PITTSBURGH BALLET THEATRE MANAGER OF SCHOOL MARKETING AND PR

The New Pittsburgh Courier is looking for a display advertising sales representative. Experience in media sales or related area preferred but will train the right individual. This full-time staff position offers salary + commission with full benefits after 90 days, paid vacation after 6 months. Must be a self-starter with leadership skills, reliable transportation, and strong computer, written and verbal communication skills. All resumes will be considered. Must be able to work under deadlines, do comprehensive sales-related research and make sales presentations. Send resumes to jobs@ newpittsburghcourier.com.

CODE ENFORCEMENT POSITION

The Borough of Wilkinsburg is accepting applications for Code Enforcement Officer. Applications and details can be obtained at wilkinsburgpa.gov/jobs, Salary range is $35,000.00 to 41,000.00 depending on experience and training.

Please contact the Borough of Wilkinsburg at 412-244-2900 for additional assistance or stop by our offices at 605 Ross Ave. Wilkinsburg, PA 15221. Deadline for applications is 4/7/17.

LIBRARY POSITION

The Wilkinsburg Public Library is accepting applications for Adult Assistant Services. This is a full-time, 40-hour per week, union position offering $13.48/hr. plus benefits.

Wilkinsburg residency is required.

A Bachelor’s or other secondary education degree and/or certificate is required. Further information is available at wilkinsburgpa.gov or at Borough offices. Applications must be submitted by: Monday, April 10, 2017

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Local Government Academy (LGA), a non-profit organi ation that develops excellence in local government through education, is seeking an Executive Director to lead the organi ation’s long-term strategic direction, oversee program development and implementation, drive fund development efforts, shape communications, and manage daily operations. Key Qualifications: 5 years of non-profit, management-level experience including leading fundraising efforts; 5+ years of local government management operations administration; B.S. in Business, Public Administration, Planning or similar area of study. Please email resume to: drea@localgovernmentacademy.org

CONTRACT SPECIALIST – BUS & RAIL

Port Authority is seeking a Contract Specialist – Bus & Rail to be responsible for procurement contract administration on assigned Request for Bid (RFB) and Request for Quote (RFQ). To facilitate the Request for Bid (RFB) solicitation process for securing agreements; prepare and oversee the Request for Quote (RFQ) process provide contract administration for assigned contracts; and to facilitate the processing of contract material requiring laboratory and field tests. To provide support to the Manager of Contract Administration.

Job requirements include: High School Diploma or GED. Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related field from an accredited school. Contract Administration and/or Buyer experience within a contracting environment may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis.

Minimum of five (5) years contract administration experience and/or buyer experience within a contracting environment procuring capital or non-capital contracts and supplies including preparing bid documents, administering awards, contracts and preparing requisitions.

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

•Professional and effective communication skills.

Strong organi ational and people skills, multi-tasking capabilities, detail oriented with good math skills, and the ability to work with minimum supervision.

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

•Electronic procurement experience in PeopleSoft / Oracle.

•Contract management or related certification.

Valid PA driver’s license.

•PeopleSoft experience.

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

SONNY BOY

Serves as project manager for all PBT School marketing projects and is responsible for the day-to-day coordination of all marketing communications that support School activities and the School brand.

Functions include promotions, data analytics, research, public relations, social media, event planning and coordination. Full description and to apply: tinyurl.com/lb8mham

LEAD CASEWORKER

Three Rivers Adoption Council is looking for a Lead Caseworker to manage the day to day operations of the Agency’s Foster Care & Adoption program by providing supervision, home visit and case management services. The applicant must have reliable transportation, Act 33/34 and FBI Clearances.

Position requires a Master’s degree in Social Work or a related field and at least 3 - 5 years’ experience in the child welfare system with experience in adoption and or foster care preferred. Less than 1 year supervisory experience preferred.

Please submit a letter of inquiry and resume to jwilson@3rivers adopt.org or mail to 307 Fourth Ave, Suite 310, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

REPORTER

Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting Corporation (PCBC) dba 90.5 WESA / dba 91.3 WYEP has an opening for a Reporter, Transportation and Development. This reporter provides regular, in-depth coverage of how the people of the Pittsburgh region build their community and move about it in their daily lives. This reporter is comfortable reporting stories in multiple media: audio, text, video, information graphics and social media, and is adept at covering the beat through a mixture of timely spot reporting and in-depth reports.

The position requires familiarity with trends and theories in housing, transportation, architecture, urban planning and sustainable development, and a willingness to continually hone and deepen that knowledge. It also requires skill in translating that expertise into compelling and accessible story-telling. It requires a willingness to connect with audiences via social media and in-person engagement.

This full-time exempt position reports to the News Director. For the complete job description and to apply, go to: http://wesa.fm/topic/905-wesa-employment-opportunities Please, no phone calls.

EOE

MANAGER, COMMUNITY IMPACT FINANCE AND OPERATIONS United Way of Southwestern PA

United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania leads and mobili es the caring power of individuals, the business community, civic leaders and non-profit organi ations to help local neighbors in need measurably improve their lives. Our Community Impact Team is powered by innovative, passionate, fun-loving and caring individuals who pioneer programs and partnerships to: prepare kids to succeed in life and in school; help low-income working families thrive; support seniors and those who care for them; increase independence for people with disabilities; provide essential services for veterans, active military and their families; and connect people with needed resources through PA 2-1-1 Southwest.

We are seeking a Manager, Community Impact Finance and Operations to provide high-level support for the Community Impact department’s grant making, performance assessment and reporting processes and to assist with the preparation of grant proposals.

Visit our website at https://uwswpa. org/careers to view job description and apply for this position. Submissions will only be accepted electronically.

United Way of Southwestern PA is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity.

LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices

Estate of EILEEN R. KANEL, deceased of Churchill, Pennsylvania, No. 02-17-00616 Keith T. Kanel, Executor. c/o Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC, U.S. Steel Tower, 44th Floor, 600 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 or to Nancy L. Rackoff, Esquire, c/o Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC, U.S. Steel Tower, 44th Floor, 600 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Estate of WILLIAM D. MORGAN, deceased of Bridgeville, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, No. 02-17-00899, Pamela Sue Morgan, Executor, 400 Bowman Road, Bridgeville, Pennsylvania 15017 or to: ROBIN L. RARIE, Atty BRENLOVE & FULLER, LLC, 401 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETINGS

NOTICE is hereby given that the Board of Public Education of the School District of Pittsburgh shall conduct the following public meetings during the month of April 2017, in the Administration Building, 341 S. Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, where copies of this Notice has been prominently posted. Meeting times will be as stated below: Committee Meeting, April 3, 2017, 5:30 p.m.

Conference Room A Special Legislative Session, for the purpose of General Business April 4, 2017 5:30 p.m.

Conference Room A Education Meeting, April 4, 2017, Immediately Following Special Legislative Session Conference Room A Policy Workshop, April 17, 2017, 5:30 p.m.

Conference Room A Agenda Review Meeting, April 19, 2017, 6:30 p.m.

Conference Room A Public Hearing, April 24, 2017, 6:00 p.m.

Conference Room A Legislative Session, April 26, 2017, 7:00 p.m.

Board Room Dr. Anthony Hamlet SECRETARY LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices

Estate of JAN JAY EGER, deceased of McCandless, No. 00721, of 2017 Thecla M. Spiker Eger, 1803 South Villa Dr., Gibsonia, PA 15044 or to Michael J. Saldamarco, Esq., Ste. 100, 908 Perry HWY, Pittsburgh, PA 15229 Estate of CARRIE E. UNDERWOOD, deceased of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, No. 01476 of 2017. Garland W. Walker, Jr. Executor, 515 N. Mathilda Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15224 or to Thelma C. Spells, Esquire, Attorney, 1533 Bidwell Street, Pittsurgh, PA 15233

LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY PUBLIC NOTICE

The Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (ALCOSAN) is accepting Letters of Interest and Statements of Qualifications from Professional Firms who wish to be considered for the following: INTERNAL EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PORTAL DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE Project No. 120-7457 Interested firms shall submit eight 8 bound paper copies and one electronic copy (CD) in accordance with the format specified in the instructions in a sealed envelope plainly marked: tate ent of ualifications for nternal plo ee enefit ortal Development and Maintenance Project No. 120-7457 Allegheny County Sanitary Authority 3300 Preble Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15233 Attention: Suzanne Thomas All submittals must be received no later than 2:00 PM on, April 17, 2017 at the Contract offices of ALCOSAN. Late submittals will not be considered and will be returned unopened. Additional information and instructions may be obtained by visiting http://www.alcosan. org/BusinessOpportunities/ RFQsRFPs/tabid/182/Default. aspx. All questions must be submitted in writing to su anne.thomas alcosan.org. Responses to all written questions will be posted on the ALCOSAN portal or will be an addendum to the RFQ. Arletta Scott Williams Executive Director

CORRECTION TO PREVIOUS PUBLISHED NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS (FONSI/RROF) ISSUED ON JULY 10, 2016 IN THE PITTSBURGH POST GAZETTE AND JULY 13, 2016 IN THE NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

March 29, 2017 City of Pittsburgh-Dept. of City Planning 200 Ross Street, 2nd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-255-2211 EXPLANATION OF CORRECTIONS TO PREVIOUS PUBLISHED NOTICES This publication is intended to provide corrections and updates to the project activity described in previously published notices as further described herein.

July 10, 2016 – Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (PPG) and July 13, 2016 – New Pittsburgh Courier (NPC) CORRECTIONS AND UPDATES: This correction identifies other resources that will fund the redevelopment of Allegheny Dwellings Phase I constituting the HOME Investment Partnership Act funds (HOME), Community Development Block Grant funds (CDBG), Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement funds (PHARE), HACP Program Income funds, Project Based Housing Choice Vouchers to 45 housing units (of the 65 housing units comprising of Allegheny Dwellings Phase I efforts), other State funds appropriation and private funds in addition to the previously identified funds constituting (a) HACP Moving to Work (“MTW”) Funds under the 1937 Act as modified by the 1996 and 1999 Consolidated Appropriations Act and (b) Low Income Housing Tax Credits under IRS Code Section 42. The revised total development cost is $25,549,122.00. The following contents of this notice reflect the corrections and updates noted above.

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS On or about April 14, 2017 the City of Pittsburgh (“City”) will authori e the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (“HACP”) to submit a request to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) for the release of the following federal funds to undertake projects known as Allegheny Dwellings Demolitions, Disposition and Implementation of Redevelopment Plan: (a) HACP Moving to Work (“MTW”) funds under the 1937 Act as modified by the 1996 and 1999 Consolidated Appropriations Act, (b) Low Income Housing Tax Credits under IRS Code Section 42, (c) HOME Investment Partnership Act funds (HOME), (d) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds (e) Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement funds (PHARE) (f) HACP Program Income funds and (g) Project Based Housing Choice Vouchers to 45 housing units (of the 65 housing units comprising of Allegheny Dwellings Phase I efforts) (h) Other State funds appropriation and (h) Private funds. The release of the aforementioned funds is to undertake Allegheny Dwellings Demolitions, Disposition and Implementation of Redevelopment Plan for the purposes of new construction of about 65 mixed-income rental dwelling units for Phase I (and up to 235 units for Phase II and Phase III, for a total of up to 300 total units). Allegheny Dwellings Demolitions, Disposition and Implementation of Redevelopment Plan will be developed on Allegheny Dwellings site and other adjacent sites in the Fineview/Central Northside neighborhoods, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. As part of this notice, the project requires a set of predevelopment activities including HACP’s acquisition of public and private properties, disposition of HACP-owned properties, and demolition of structures. The developer is Allies & Ross Management and Development Corporation along with a co-developer, TREK Development Group. The revised total development cost is $25,549,122.00 for Phase I. FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT The City of Pittsburgh has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment. This FONSI is based upon compliance with mitigation measures which have been identified as necessary to reduce the environmental impacts of the proposed action to a point or level where they are determined to no longer be significant.

Based on compliance with mitigations measures which reduce the environmental impact to no longer be considered significant, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (“NEPA”) is not required. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at City of Pittsburgh 200 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 and may be examined or copied weekdays from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. PUBLIC COMMENTS Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to: Michael Petrucci City of Pittsburgh, 200 Ross Street, 2nd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-255-2211 All comments received by April 13, 2017, will be considered by the City of Pittsburgh prior to authori ing submission of a request for release of funds.

Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION The City of Pittsburgh certifies to HUD that William Peduto in his capacity as Mayor, City of Pittsburgh, consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the City, HACP and URA to use funding sources (a) through (f) identified under Request for Release of Funds above.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS HUD will accept objections to its release of fund and the City of Pittsburgh’s certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the City of Pittsburgh (b) the City of Pittsburgh has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 58 (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authori ed by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Planning and Development Division The Moorhead Federal Building 1000 Liberty Ave.-10th floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

WILLIAM PEDUTO Mayor City of Pittsburgh

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

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MARCH 29-APRIL 4, 2017

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SONNY BOY

CITY OF PITTSBURGH DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS BUREAU OF TRANSPORTATION AND ENGINEERING ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PA REQUEST FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES STATEMENTS OF INTEREST (SOI)

The Office of the Director of the DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH will receive Statements of Interest from experienced firms for preliminary engineering services until 4:00 p.m., on April 14, 2017, for the following: PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING, FINAL DESIGN, AND SERVICES DURING CONSTRUCTION FOR SOUTH SIDE SIGNALS PROJECT CITY OF PITTSBURGH, ALLEGHENY COUNTY BTE PROJECT NO.12502 MPMS NO. 105603 The project involves replacement of traffic signals at 5 intersections and installation of new traffic signals at 1 intersection, in the South Side Neighborhood. The signals to be replaced are located at the following intersections: 18th and Sarah Street, 18th and Jane Street, 18th and Mission Street, 18th and Arlington Avenue, and Brownsville and Bausman. A new signal is to be installed at the intersection of 18th Street and Josephine Street. New signals would add radios to the intersection controllers which would allow for favorable progression and communication from the shop to the field. Intersection improvements would also add ADA compliant ramps for pedestrians. The scope for Preliminary Engineering will include the installation of: New traffic signals, including new poles, controllers, and street lights, Overhead signals with backplates, Count down pedestrian signals, Audible pedestrian signals, Signal communication hardware, Signal detection using radar, Accessible sidewalk ramps, and Curb extensions and curb modifications. The scope will also include intersection modifications including new curb, new ADA ramps and new sidewalk at select locations, and new pavement markings and signage. All work is anticipated to be standard, except for the foundations which may require special designs. All the proposed work will be within the City’s existing Right-of-Way. If needed, the City will build into the roadway/cartway. Anticipated services include, but are not limited to: project schedule, field surveys, research background drawings/information, research of required permits, coordination of public involvement/coordination with stakeholders/business owners, Public meeting/public officials meeting, environmental documentation, right-of-way investigation, potential for assistance in temporary construction easement acquisition, utility coordination, SUE, incorporation of bike lanes, milling/paving, preliminary traffic signal design, preliminary drainage design, preliminary maintenance and protection of traffic plan, coordination with Port Authority for bus detours, pedestrian traffic, preliminary geotechnical investigation and required submissions, and preliminary signing and pavement marking plan.

A full description of services and general requirements for submissions can be found on PennDOT’s ECMS web site: http://www.dot14.state.pa.us/ECMS/ GO TO SOLICITATIONS – CONSULTANTS – ADVERTISEMENTS – SOUTH SIDE SIGNALS OR L00127 All candidates must be a current registered Business Partner with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and must read and acknowledge “General Consultant Candidate Requirements and Information for City of Pittsburgh Sponsored Federally Funded Transportation Projects” before submitting a Statement of Interest. See web site: http://apps.pittsburghpa.gov/finance/General-ConsultantRequirements-for-CICA.pdf Consultant teams must comply with Section 177A.02 Equal Employment Opportunity Practice and Goals of the City of Pittsburgh, Code of Ordinances.

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

The anticipated Notice to Proceed is September 1, 2017.

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

FICTITIOUS NAME

Crivella West Systems, Inc. Notice is hereby given pursuant to the provisions of the Fictitious Names Act of Pennsylvania that an application for registration of a fictitious name was filed with the Department of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, for the conduct of a business under the fictitious name of Crivella West Systems, Inc., with its principal office or place of business at 712 Washington Rd., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15228. The names and addresses of all persons who are parties to the registration are: ASE Edge, Inc., 712 Washington Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15228.

LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR Payroll and HR Management Software RFP# 650-04-17

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby requests proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Payroll and HR Management Software RFP# 650-04-17 The documents will be available no later than March 20, 2017 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 2:00 P.M., April 7, 2017 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/ 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 Business 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, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 March 30, 2017 2:00 P.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation.

HACP’s 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.

Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, 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.

FICTITIOUS NAME

Crivella West Decision Analytics, Inc. Notice is hereby given pursuant to the provisions of the Fictitious Names Act of Pennsylvania that an application for registration of a fictitious name was filed with the Department of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, for the conduct of a business under the fictitious name of Crivella West Decision Analytics, Inc., with its principal office or place of business at 712 Washington Rd., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15228. The names and addresses of all persons who are parties to the registration are: Knowledge Kiosk Solutions Limited, 712 Washington Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15228.

LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY

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

Proposals/bid submittals will be due 11:00 AM on April 12, 2017 and will be read at 11:15 AM., the same day, at Port Authority’s Heinz location (345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 152222527), for the following: Electronic Proposal - Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.portauthority.org) B160431AR Aerosol Spray Coatings B161092AR Air Brake Compressors-Coach B161097AER Underground Traction Power Cable No bidder may withdraw a submitted Proposal for a period of 75 days after the scheduled time for opening of the sealed bids.

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held on each of the above items at 10:00am on March 28, 2017 in Port Authority’s Public Meeting Room (345 Sixth Avenue, Fifth Floor, Pittsburgh, PA). Attendance at this meeting is not mandatory, but is strongly encouraged. Questions regarding any of the above bids will not be entertained by the Port Authority within 48 hours of the scheduled bid opening.

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

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

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

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

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

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

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Bids/Proposals

Legal Notices

Legal Notices

INVITATION FOR BIDS

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR BEDFORD HOPE CENTER IMPROVEMENTS AT BEDFORD DWELLINGS, COMMUNITY PA-1-02 IFB #600-01-17 – H Rebid

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

Sealed proposals shall be deposited at the Administration Building, Room 251, 341 South Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15213, on April 4, 2017, until 2:00 P.M., local prevailing time for the following: Pittsburgh Colfax K-8 Restroom Renovations Asbestos Abatement Prime Contract Project Manual and Drawings are available for purchase 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.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

The Sports & Exhibition Authority will receive sealed bids for Tribute to Children Monument Waterproofing Repairs at the North Shore Riverfront Park as identified below. The design engineer is Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. Inquiries regarding the bidding should be made to Taylor Blice tblice@pgh-sea.com, Telephone: 412-325-3003. Bid Packages may be obtained after the date identified below through Accu-Copy at (724) 935-7055.

Project: North Shore Riverfront Park Bid Package Name: Tribute to Children Waterproofing Repairs Bid Package Available: March 22, 2017 Approximate Value: $350,000 Time/Date/Location for MADATORY Pre-Bid Meeting: 9:00 AM, Wednesday, March 29, 2017, Tribute to Children, North Shore Riverfront Park Time/Date/Location for Bid: 2:00 PM, Wednesday, April 12, 2017, Sports & Exhibition Authority, 171 10th Street, 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

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Sealed bid proposals are hereby solicited for the Community College of Allegheny County, 800 Allegheny Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15233 (412.237.3020) on the following items: Bid Proposal 989 Liebert Uninterruptable Power Supply Bid Proposal 990 Cummins Emergency Generator Proposals will be received at the Purchasing Department until 2:00 P.M. Prevailing Time on Tuesday, April 4, 2017.

The CCAC Purchasing Department is now publishing all bids via the CCAC website at https://www.ccac. edu/Bid-RFP_Opportunities.aspx.

It will be each vendor’s responsibility to monitor the bid activity within the given website (“Bid and RFP Opportunities”) and ensure compliance with all applicable bid documents inclusive of any issued addenda. Failure to incorporate any applicable addenda in the final submittal may result in the rejection of your bid.

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

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

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COURIER CLASSIFIEDS… THE ONLY WAY TO GO!

The URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY of Pittsburgh will receive bids from qualified contractors for grading, installation of storm drainage appurtenances, pavement and base, street lights, sidewalks, curbs, ADA accessible ramps, landscaping, and all work incidental thereto required to complete Pittsburgh Technology Center Site Preparation Contract No. 14 – Technology Drive (East Access) Improvements until 11:00 a.m. prevailing time on Wednesday, April 26, 2017, at its office, 11th floor, 200 Ross Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219, at which time all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud in the Conference Room on the 11th floor.

Contract documents will be available on Thursday, March 30, 2017, in the Engineering and Construction Department, 11th Floor, 200 Ross Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219, upon a non-refundable payment of Eighty-Five Dollars ($85.00) made payable to the URA of Pittsburgh. CHECK OR MONEY ORDER ONLY. Contract documents will not be mailed.

A certified check or bank draft payable to the order of the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh, negotiable U.S. Government Bonds (at par value), or a satisfactory bid bond, executed by the Bidder and an acceptable surety in a dollar amount equal to 5% of the total bid, shall be submitted. Each bid submittal must include the Bid, Non-collusion Affidavit of Prime Bidder, Bid Bond, Statement of Bidders Qualifications, and Certification of Minority and Women’s Participation with Exhibits.

Wages paid on this project shall not be less than the minimum wages determined by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry as set forth in the contract documents.

The Contractor will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity requirements. The Contractor must assure that applicants and employees are not discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, ancestry, national origin, age or sexual preference, gender identity, gender expression, political and/or union affiliation.

The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh requires that all bidders complete and submit Certification of Minority and Women’s Participation with Exhibits.

The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any informality in the bidding.

Bids may be held by the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh for a period not to exceed ninety (90) days from the date of opening of bids for the purpose of reviewing the bids prior to awarding the Contract.

URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF PITTSBURGH Robert Rubinstein Executive Director March 29, 2017

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Sealed bid proposals are hereby solicited for the Community College of Allegheny County, 800 Allegheny Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15233 (412.237.3020) on the following items: Bid Proposal No. 991 Upgrade Emergency Generator/UPS at Boyce Campus A MANDATORY pre-bid meeting and site visitation will be held onsite beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 5, 2017. The assembly point will be the Boyce Campus receiving dock, around left side of the complex to the far back end, 595 Beatty Road, Monroeville, PA 15146.

Proposals will be received at the Purchasing Department until 2:00 P.M. Prevailing Time on Thursday, April 13, 2017.

The CCAC Purchasing Department is now publishing all bids via the CCAC website at https://www.ccac. edu/Bid-RFP_Opportunities.aspx.

It will be each vendor’s responsibility to monitor the bid activity within the given website (“Bid and RFP Opportunities”) and ensure compliance with all applicable bid documents inclusive of any issued addenda. Failure to incorporate any applicable addenda in the final submittal may result in the rejection of your bid.

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

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

COURIER CLASSIFIEDS

THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH will receive sealed bids for the Bedford Hope Center Improvements at Bedford Dwellings Family Community (PA-1-02). The estimate of construction cost range is listed below: HVAC Construction - $176,000.00$257,000.00 The construction work is estimated to begin in June 2017.

Bid Documents will be available on or about Tuesday, March 28, 2017 for a non-refundable fee of $25.00 in the form of a CERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER ONLY. Bid Documents, including bid forms, project manual, and drawings can be picked up in person, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Kim Detrick, Director of Procurement A Pre-Bid Conference and Site Visit will be held on Thursday, April 6, 2017 at 10:00 a.m.: Bedford Hope Center 2305 Bedford Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15219 A site visit will be conducted thereafter. Bidders shall come prepared to review all aspects of the construction site necessary to prepare a bid.

Bids will be received at: HACP Procurement Department 100 Ross Street, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Attn: Kim Detrick, Director of Procurement until 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 17, 2017 at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.

THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH reserves the right to waive any informality in, or reject any and all bids.

No bid shall be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days subsequent to the opening of bids without the consent of the HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH. The Contractor will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity requirements for Federally Assisted Construction Contracts. The Contractor must ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sexual preference, handicap or national origin.

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

THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH STRONGLY ENCOURAGES CERTIFIED MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES AND WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES TO RESPOND TO THE SOLICITATION. Additional information may be obtained by contacting Kim Detrick, Director of Procurement at (412) 456-5116 Opt 1.

Caster D. Binion, Executive Director

HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, 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.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) recently issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Behavioral Health and Criminal Justice Cross-System Evaluation. Proposals are due by: Due Date: 3 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, April 17, 2017.

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

Marc Cherna Director Allegheny County Department of Human Services

COURIER CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS!

SPORTS New Pittsburgh Courier

B7

MARCH 29-APRIL 4, 2017

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

by Aubrey Bruce

Inside Conditions…‘History Whisperer’

For New Pittsburgh Courier

Miriam-Webster defines the word whisperer as: 1: One that whispers. 2: A person who excels at calming or training hard-to-manage animals using non-coercive methods based especially on an understanding of the animals’ natural instincts.

In the world of print journalism those of us that ply our craft on a regular basis must generally possess primal-like tendencies not only to survive but merely just to remain competitive. Oftentimes the person charged with regulating and tempering those tendencies is the managing editor.

He or she must more often than not be part animal trainer, part circus owner and part veterinarian. Ulish Carter, longtime managing editor of the New Pittsburgh Courier, is such a person. Mr. Carter, who has spent more than 30 years with the newspaper, is retiring March 31.

Carter was born in Huntington, Tenn. but he spent his adolescent years in Champaign, Ill. He migrated to Pittsburgh in 1973 after graduating from Southern Illinois University with a double major in journalism and radio/television and a minor in Black history.

“It was always my dream to work for a Black newspaper,” he proudly recalled.

“My top three choices coming out of college were The Pittsburgh Courier, Muhammad Speaks, (Chicago) and the Afro American, (Washington, D.C.). I got hired by the Courier and I had studied the Courier. In addition to that, Bill Nunn Jr. and Wendall Smith were two of my heroes

along with Sam Lacy preserve a piece of from the Afro Amerthe fruit from one of ican. I was a sportsthe historical trees writer and to me that sprouted from those guys were the the seeds that Cargreatest sportswritter planted in the ers out there. I didn’t Pittsburgh Courier’s know that his (Bill’s) “grove of history.” father (Bill Nunn Sr.) In May 2014, as was as big as he was I was preparing but I knew about Bill to write an article Nunn Jr.” about Bill Nunn Jr. Carter and the prior to his memoriPittsburgh Courier is al services, I asked so well respected in Mr. Carter how the Black sports history Black College Allthat in 2008 when I Star awards came was in Atlanta covto be. “After I was in ering the Black ColPittsburgh for sevlege All-Star awards, eral months, I had the morning before covered the Steelers the ceremony, I moand the Pirates. Jim seyed downstairs to Lewis, the general eat brunch and lo manager of the paand behold, former per and also the guy ULISH CARTER LEAVING NFL star quarterwho hired me, came BILL NUNNS FUNERAL back Doug Williams to me and said, ‘Ulwas seated at the table. Williams, of the ish, we need you to help Bill Nunn put Washington Redskins, became the first together the Black College All-American African American quarterback to start in team.’” Carter said he was floored. “You a Super Bowl, throwing four touchdowns mean Bill Nunn? I get to work with Bill in Washington’s 42-10 upset victory over Nunn? That was something because comthe Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXII. ing from a small town to Pittsburgh was I had never met Williams, but the min- a big deal. The initial meeting to form the ute he saw my New Pittsburgh Courier Black College All-Star team was held at credential it was like we were old friends. the home of Jim Lewis. Prior to my ar“How is everybody doing at the paper?” rival, both of them had a few drinks. Mr. he asked in his semi-southern drawl. Nunn could sense that I was nervous. He “Bill Nunn Jr. and the Pittsburgh Couri- said, ‘Calm down, as long as you do what er is one of the reasons that we’re here.” I tell you to do, it will be alright.’”

I snapped a quick photo so that I could As far as his writers were concerned,

Carter would always give you the freedom to communicate but if you were not careful, you could be ex-communicated.

Carter would provide the rope serving as a lifeline for you to save a floundering or drowning career. However, that same piece of rope could also serve as a noose tightened around your neck as you stood on the gallows of incompetence after you failed to complete an assignment. There have been times that I sat and listened to him in a quiet voice, peel back the complex layers of history as he recalled the journey of African Americans as well as African American athletes. Carter has always upheld and maintained the “Pittsburgh Courier Standard” because he is the “Pittsburgh Courier Standard.”

When he was asked what impact that he hopes that he’s had on writers (including me) that have passed through the halls of the New Pittsburgh Courier, he said, “I hope that I have helped writers become journalists.

“In the media world today, (oftentimes) personalities are profiled more than journalism. I hope that I have helped journalists understand that it is more important to tell the story than to be the story. It has been important for me to tell the story and get publicity for others,” Carter said.

Mr. Ulish Carter has been an extraordinary griot, whispering in a voice, with a tone filled with dignity and grace, while teaching us about one another. My world, our world and the world of journalism is better because of him.

(Aubrey Bruce can be reached at: abruce@newpittsburghcourier.com or 412-583-6741. Follow him on Twitter@ultrascribe.)

Final Four features North Carolina… 3 newcomers

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

This Monday night, (April 3), one team will be showered with confetti, flooded with emotion, and cutting down nets as the NCAA awards them the Division 1 Men’s College Basketball Championship trophy.

But which team will get the chance to reign supreme?

The 2017 Final Four is set, as North Carolina, Oregon, Gonzaga and South Carolina have arrived in Phoenix, awaiting the prime-time matchups to take place Saturday evening in nearby Glendale, Ariz. Gonzaga plays South Carolina at 6:09 p.m., followed by Oregon and North Carolina at 8:49 p.m.

While the top-seeded Tar Heels are almost a fixture in the Final Four (20th

SOUTH CAROLINA

NORTH CAROLINA—Justin Jackson (44), Luke Maye (32), Theo Pinson (1) and Nate Britt (0) played key roles in North Carolina’s 20th trip to the NCAA Final Four, to be held Saturday. (AP Photos) appearance, most overall), it’s No. 3 seed Oregon’s first trip since 1939 when they won college basketball’s first NCAA Tournament championship. And for top-seeded Gonzaga and No. 7 seed South Carolina, it’s their first trip ever.

“Personally, I didn’t know where this program could go, but I know that when (coach) Frank Martin stepped foot on campus, you just got this vibe that, the ball is rolling,” said Gamecocks guard P.J. Dozier during a press conference this past Saturday. “Just a sense that coach didn’t promise us anything, but he did promise us that if we had faith in him...that we would be successful here, and it shows.”

“Coming in here, I was hoping that this would happen, but did I think that (it

by Bill Neal For New Pittsburgh Courier

:10—So you think you know basketball… well let’s talk about it. Let’s begin the conversation with a walk down memory lane. For those of you who were fortunate enough to see the legend that was “Pistol Pete” Maravich, you can verify for those who didn’t that the greatness I speak of is true. First, they made a movie about him.

Second, he graduated in 1970 and is still the all-time leading scorer in NCAA history with 3,667 points. He also holds the record for the most 60-point games with four.

He was a basketball wizard good enough to play with the Harlem Globetrotters and get this…he averaged 44.3 points a game at LSU…BEFORE the 3-point shot! :09—I am going to give you two teams here. You call me or text me and tell me who wins. Team No. 1: Magic Johnson at the point; Michael Jordan at the twoguard; LeBron James at the three; Tim Duncan at the four and Kareem at the five. Team No. 2: Allen Iverson at the point; Kobe Bryant at the two-guard; Scottie Pippen at the three; Hakeem Olajuwon at the four and “Shaq Daddy” at the five…If you try to tell me that team No. 2

would happen), definitely not,” teammate Maik Kotsar revealed. “Just feels amazing.”

South Carolina’s improbable journey to the Final Four culminated with a 77-70 win over No. 4 Florida. The Gonzaga Bulldogs,

GONZAGA

in position to reach the title game now.

“I’m really happy for this team, and the work that they put in, the toughness that they’ve shown, and they’re just wonderful kids,” Tar Heels coach Roy Williams said.

No local teams were selected to this year’s NCAA Tournament. Pitt finished its season at 16-17, and 4-14 in the ACC in Kevin Stallings’ first year as coach. Duquesne was 1022, and 3-15 in the A-10 conference. The Dukes recently fired its head coach, Jim Ferry, and leading scorer Mike Lewis II requested to leave the program. The Panthers have seen Damon Wilson, Crisshawn Clark and Corey Manigault leave the program since the season ended.

whose program has been prominent for over a decade, beat No. 11 Xavier, 83-59 to finally get over the hump.

“We had a plan for ourselves,” Bulldogs guard Nigel Williams-Goss said.

“We believed from day one when we all stepped foot on this campus that we could go to Phoenix, we didn’t shy away from setting that goal, and we bought in. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but we knew if we put in the work and bought into the system here, and listened to coach (Mark Few)…that we could do it.”

“It’s a crazy feeling to be able to go to the Final Four,” added Gonzaga guard Jordan Mathews.

The Oregon Ducks defeated No. 1 seed Kansas, 74-60, to advance to the Final Four. Awaiting them is OREGON junior forward Dillon Brooks (right) celebrates his team’s No. 1 North Carolina, who 74-60 win over top-seeded Kansas to advance to the NCAA Final edged No. 2 Kentucky, 75- Four.

Overtime

wins that game, I will immediately know you “Don’t know Bo” about basketball.

Text me what you think at 412-628-4856. :08—Ask around. Don’t just believe it because you read it here. Just about everyone in the know will tell you Kenny Durrett is the greatest player in Western PA history. Yes, there were other greats to consider; Ricky Coleman, Jeep Kelly, B.B. Flenory, Simmie Hill, Sam Clancy, Norm Van Lier, and Dick Devenzio, just to name a few. But K.D. gets the vote. He was a City League and state champion at Schenley, three-time scoring champion in the Big Five while at LaSalle, and was voted the greatest player in Big Five history. He also was a first-round NBA selection. :07—Speaking of Sam Clancy, and I was, I’m still telling you and I’ll never stop saying it, Clancy’s uniform should be retired and hanging at the Petersen Events Center. The most physically-dominant player in Pitt history, All-American, Pan-American gold medal winner and a ton of records and stats still stand to this day. Add to that a 15-year pro football career…c’mon man! :06—Hey how about this, the 1967-70 graduating class. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar,

73, on a last-second shot by sophomore Luke Maye.

“I just shot it, and luckily it went in, and it was a great feeling,” Maye said after the arena-shaking jumper. “Just very blessed to have this opportunity.”

“I love these guys,” said Justin Jackson, the Tar Heels’ leading scorer during the season. “I wouldn’t trade this coaching staff, these knuckleheads of brothers that I got, I wouldn’t trade them for anything.”

North Carolina reached the title game last year, but lost in dramatic fashion to Villanova, 77-74.

Kris Jenkins hit the championship-winning three point shot for the Wildcats then, and Maye’s South Region-winning shot a few days ago has the Tar Heels

Calvin Murphy, Pete Maravich, Elvin Hayes, Earl Monroe, Wes Unseld, Cazzie Russell and Dan Issel. Best class in NCAA history. (See…how much you don’t know. Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place, Google ain’t got nuttin on me!) :05—So here’s what Myron Brown said!

Myron said, if a quality boys high school basketball team, say Sam Clancy, Bill Clarke, Puffy Kennedy, Edwin People, and Warner played the current Connecticut women’s record-breaking national championship team, the boys win by 60. Now that’s what Myron said. I think more like 40 and the Pitt basketball legend says more like 20, but there will be a game.

What say you. Text me at 412-628-4856.

(No disrespect. Just let the difference speak for itself.) :04—Here are the Top 10 players in Western Pa. just in case you couldn’t figure it out on your own as voted by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Kenny Durrett, No. 1; Simmie Hill, No. 2; Billy Knight, No. 3; Maurice Stokes; No. 4; Dick Groat, No. 5; Jack Twyman, No. 6; Ricky Coleman, No. 7; Jack Marin, No. 8; Armon Gilliam, No. 9; Maurice Lucas and DeJuan Blair, No. 10-tie. :03—I predicted a Final Four of Gonzaga, Oregon, South Carolina and Kentucky.

Three out of four ain’t bad. North Carolina beat the Wildcats on a last-second shot…they tip it off Saturday in Phoenix.

Gonzaga vs. South Carolina at 6 p.m., followed by Oregon and the Tar Heels. :02—For the record, I attended a great awards banquet hosted by the Pittsburgh Urban Official Chapter this past Saturday.

A good time had by all. Here are your highlights. They remembered the legends, like Mr. Taylor, the Elder Statesman, and Tim Jenkins, who said in no uncertain terms, “Don’t tell me how to ref. I don’t tell you how to play, although someone should.”

Big John Kinsez, who threw me out of my own league…not out the game, not off the bench, he threw me out the park! Ray Morton, the architect; Smitty and his famous CCCCCAAAALLLLLLL; and Rich Allsberry giving you that stare that makes you question why you’re questioning him… and if I had a dollar for every time someone said, “Isn’t that Jennifer Bruce officiating?” I’d have $500. Job well done Urban Official! Inclusion, not exclusion! :01—Farewell to the legend that makes legends. Happy trails (New Pittsburgh Courier managing editor) Ulish Carter… could not have done it without ya! ~ GAME OVER ~

B8

MARCH 29-APRIL 4, 2017

PEOPLE

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

WHO YOU REALLY ARE—From left: Zire Mitchell, Quinn Myers, Demetri Bos, and Jelani Seals listening to Tamar Reed explain the mask exhibit that demonstrates how society perceives you on the outside versus how you actually are in the inside.

SHARING INFORMATION—The students listen to some information from David Wingerson, a community educator from Center for Victims.

HELPING YOUTH UNDERSTAND—Top and bottom photos are Diane Powell speaking to the youth.

Area youth learn how to deal with dating violence

by J.L. Martello

For New Pittsburgh Courier

Violence in domestic relationships, at times, goes unheard; partly because those being abused may not know the steps to deal with the violence. Educating, Empowering and Eliminating Dating Violence, also known as 3E NOW, recently organized a teen forum on dating violence at Neighborhood Academy, located at 709 N. Aiken Ave., in Stanton Heights, where students could learn what to do if they, or their friends, are in a violent relationship.

The organization 3E NOW offers students, parents and faculty educational programs centered on eliminating teen dating violence and gender inequality. Under the student-programming umbrella, programs offered include Prevention Education Empowerment Training, Mentors In Violence Prevention and Coaching Boys Into Men. Other community organizations, such as Black Women for Positive Change, YWCA, Center For Victims, and the Pittsburgh Action Against Rape, were invited to participate in the session on how to recognize the signs of partner violence.

Once recognized, the teens learned how to get help.

“Dating violence doesn’t discriminate,” said Diane Powell, from Black Women for Positive Change. “It crosses ethnic and racial lines, it happens regardless of your income level, your ethnicity, your race, your gender.

“A lot of it is hidden, so I think it’s real important to educate young people on defining acceptable limits for themselves so they have a better understanding of what healthy dating is really like,” Powell said.

Aujah Johnson, 14, was among the many students who attended the educational session where they learned valuable lessons from the speakers.

And Anthony Ducket, 15, said teen dating violence is real. “I have seen my fair share of dating violence and I never really knew the best way to go about it, so today I learned more safety measures to go about it now,” he said.

Ducket said he had a friend whose parent was a victim of domestic violence.

“I wanted to help. I talked to her about it and asked if she wanted to leave (the relationship), but we didn’t know where to go to get professional help for her; now I do know places to go to get help.”

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports that nearly 21 percent of female high school students and just over 13 percent of male high school students said they were physically or sexually abused by their partner.

Nearly 1.5 million high school students in the U.S. are physically abused by dating partners every year.

(To have 3E NOW come to your school or business, call 412-7195630 or visit www.3enow.org. If you are suffering from domestic abuse and/or dating violence and are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.)

WHAT HANDS ARE GOOD FOR—Victoria Johnson, Aujah Johnson and Diamini Boyd at an interactive workshop where they wrotepositive words on hand cut outs to show the good uses of hands.

(Photos by J.L. Martello)