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Vol. 108 No. 14
Two Sections
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APRIL 5-11, 2017
D.A. pushes for mandatory minimum sentences by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
ZAPPALA
When the phrase “mandatory minimum” comes up, it often conjures up images of first-time offender 19-year-old “Raheem” getting five years behind bars because he had 5.1 grams of crack cocaine in his pocket, while habitual
criminal “Eddy” gets one year in prison because he possessed 5.0 grams, or even 40 grams of powder cocaine. This past Monday, April 3, representatives in the Pennsylvania State House were expected to approve a new mandatory minimum sentence law, and the conjuring has begun
again—because other than “for sentences for offenses committed on public transportation, sentences for offenses against elderly persons, sentences for offenses against infant persons, sentences for failure to comply with registration of sexual offenders and senSEE D.A. A4
FISHER
WETZEL
Chester Engineers merges with Hatch Agbede now vicechair of new entity
$1.00
19 of 26 homicides Black lives
Multiple witnesses silent on 2 shootings by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
Just as in February, Allegheny County’s youngest homicide victim in March was a 16-yearold Black male. The shooter is known in that case—but it may have been self-defense. The shooters in two other cases are known because they were murder-suicides.
by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
Robert Agbede says any budding minority-owned company should strive to build its business to the point where its skills, services and expertise are in such demand that a larger firm seeks to buy them to enhance its capabilities. That’s what he has done, with a slight detour. After founding his Advanced Technology Systems environmental engineering firm in 1987, he built it to the point where he acquired another firm, Chester Engineers in 2003. But he is not finished. On March 31, Agbede announced that Chester Engineers has merged with Canadian-based Hatch, a global leader in mining, energy and infrastructure engineering, creating Hatch Chester. The new entity will be based in Hatch’s offices on West Carson Street on the West End and serve as the company’s U.S. headquarters. Agbede is the new firm’s vice chair.“I’ve been here 42 years. I got my first con-
VISIONARY PARTNERS—Ted Lyons, left, and Robert Agbede in front of their new logo after announcing March 31 that Chester Engineers had merged with Hatch Limited. (Photo by J.L. Martello) tract at ATS from U.S. Steel,” Agbede said. “We grew, merged with Chester, and today, we are growing beyond our region with a company involved in aviation, transportation, smart cities and steel mills, doing business in 150 countries. “I am proud to announce this merger as we transition from a small minority firm, to Chester,
to a global company that can do more for our region and beyond,” he said. “It allows us to touch, in a deeper way, all that we have always been involved in. It shows that, given access to opportunity, the sky’s the limit.” He then introduced Ted Lyon, who will serve as Hatch Chester’s Chair, and who, despite being in the Middle East the week
before, and in China in February, has strong Pittsburgh links. He and his sons all attended Pitt, and his uncle, Fred Way, was a noted riverboat captain who lived in Sewickley. Lyon’s cousin is opera singer and WQED announcer and music programmer Anna Singer. SEE CHESTER A5
In two other cases, however, the shooter(s) of two other victims are known only to some of the patrons at a (now closed) Motorcycle club in Homewood— because none of them have spoken up. If no one talks, the killer walks—and the New Pittsburgh Courier will continue to document such instances, because if Black lives are to matter to the broader community, the lives of these victims must matter to the Black community more than the lives of the killers. This year, 19, of 26 homicide SEE HOMICIDES A5
Blacks on the job in Homewood housing construction by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
If you walk past the new houses going up along Susquehanna Street in Homewood, you might not see Joshmin Ray, even though he has worked, or will, on all 36 of them. That’s because he’s working inside as part of the all-Black crew from Entergy Electric. “I came through Rashad (Byrdsong’s) Ma’at Construction pro-
ship program. “We’re the first in and the last to leave—because we have to wait for the Plumbing and HVAC guys to get their stuff in. Then we’ll be back after the walls go up,” said Dunning. “After this, we’ll be working on houses Mistick and KBK are putting up in Larimer and on Kelly Street.” Like Ray, you probably won’t see Walt Porter on Susquehanna Street, or Tioga Street or Panky Way. That’s because he’s part of
“I finished Rashad’s program, and because of that, I got this job—and with my first couple of paychecks I was able to get my own apartment. I wouldn’t have any of that without Rashad.” SYRONN TERRY
gram. I like it. It’s good work,” he said. “I’d worked as an electrical assistant before, but that was a commercial job. I’m drilling holes, stapling, everything, basically, but pulling wire.” That, said foreman Terry Dunning, is something he or journeymen Sean Mitchell and Martel LEARNING THE ROPES—Joshmin Ray pushes a 220-volt line Palmer can do—but Ray could through a wall to be hooked up by the Local 5 electricians with do it if he continues and goes whom he has helped wire 36 houses in Homewood. through the IBEW apprentice-
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the Iron City Excavating crew, installing the plumbing mains from the street to all 36 units in the Susquehanna Homes development—and when he spoke to the New Pittsburgh Courier March 29, he was doing the last one. “From the main to the house— LIGHT IT UP—Journeyman electrician Martel Palmer all 36 of them,” he said. “I’ve from Entergy Electric drills a hole for wiring in one of the Susquehanna Homes duplexes going up in Homewood. SEE HOMEWOOD A4 (Photos by J.L. Martello)
Ulish Carter says
‘Vote School Board First’ a great idea Opinion B3
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INTERNATIONAL
APRIL 5-11, 2017
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
This Week In Black History
WOMEN OF COURAGE AWARDEE—First lady Melania Trump presents the 2017 Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage Award to Malebogo Molefhe, from Botswana, March 29, at the State Department in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
First Lady helps present courage awards to 13 women by Darlene Superville Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON (AP)— Melania Trump is helping present courage awards to 13 women from around the world. The first lady and top State Department official Thomas Shannon are presenting the awards in Washington.
Mrs. Trump says the women are “true heroes” and “extraordinary examples” of finding the courage needed to help change the world. The Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage Award recognizes women who have shown courage and leadership while advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equality and women’s
empowerment—often at personal risk. Wednesday’s honorees hail from Bangladesh, Botswana, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, Niger, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Sri Lanka, Syria, Turkey, Vietnam and Yemen. The State Department has honored more than 100 women from more than 60 countries since 2007.
Report: Blacks make up 1.2 percent of Mexico’s population
AFRO-MEXICAN BEAUTY—Samantha Leyva won third place in last year’s Miss Mexico pageant. An activist who supports Black Lives Matter, she plays an active part in challenging racism in Mexico. She is from Guerrero, home of the largest Black population in Mexico (Instagram Photo)
Elaine Effort
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, April 7 at 7:30 P.M. Saturday, April 8 at 7:30 A.M. Sunday, April 9 at 4:00 P.M.
MEXICO CITY (AP)—A Mexican census report said Monday that 1.38 million Mexicans identify themselves as having African ancestors, equal to about 1.2 percent of the country’s population. For years Afro-Mexicans had been largely ignored in comparison with the country’s indigenous communities. As measured by speaking an indigenous language, indigenous peoples make up about 6.5 percent of the population. Mexico’s national statistics institute said the study was based on a 2015 intermediate census in which respondents were asked to self-report their ethnicity and economic circumstances. The Afro-Mexican population was concentrated largely in three southern states: Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Veracruz. Afro-Mexicans also self-identified as indigenous at a higher rate than average Mexicans. Based on self-identification, about 65 percent of Afro-Mexican also identified as indigenous, as opposed to 21.5 percent of the general population.
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Week of April 5-11 April 5 1856—Booker T. Washington is born a slave in Hale’s Ford, Va. He would become one of the three or four most influential leaders in all of African-American history. He was one of the nation’s greatest educators, having founded the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. However, more progressive Black leaders became critical of him after he delivered the so-called “Atlanta Compromise” speech of 1895 in which he appeared to offer an acceptance and accommodation to American racism in exchange of greater vocational training of African-Americans. 1976—The infamous COINTELPRO documents are released. In response to an accidental discovery at a warehouse and a freedom of information lawsuit, the FBI is forced to release documents detailing an intensive and BOOKER T. WASHINGTON extensive campaign to disrupt and destroy civil rights and anti-war organizations and their leaders. Among the documents released was a letter dated August 25, 1967 which made clear that one of the campaign’s chief aims was “to expose, disrupt, misdirect, discredit or otherwise neutralize the activities of Black nationalists…” But the FBI’s definition of “Black nationalist” was so broad that even moderate civil rights organizations and their leaders were targeted to be neutralized. For example, the letter characterized the SCLC (Southern Christian Leadership Conference) as one of the organizations having “radical and violence prone leaders…” The leader of the SCLC was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 1990—Jazz great Sarah Vaughn dies. Vaughn was born in Newark, N.J., in 1924 and went on to become what many considered “the world’s greatest singing talent.” She was known as the “incomparable Sarah Vaughn.” April 6 1798—One of the nation’s most famous and accomplished SARAH VAUGHN early Black pioneers, James Beckwourth, is born. The product of a White slave owner and a Black slave mother, Beckwourth acquired his freedom and became a successful fur trader. He would later become a scout for the Rocky Mount Fur Company. However, in 1824, he joined the Crow Indian nation and married a Crow woman. He would later move west where he discovered an important passageway through the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. The passage was named “Beckwourth Pass,” after him. 1846—Dred Scott and his wife, Harriet, first file suit claiming their freedom. The case would eventually lead to Supreme Court Justice Roger B. Taney’s DRED SCOTT infamous “Dred Scott Decision” in 1857. Scott had basically argued that by being taken from the slave state of Missouri and living in free states or territories for seven years he was in effect a free man. The case finally reached the U.S. Supreme Court. In a 7 to 2 decision written by 80-year-old Chief Justice Taney, himself a former slaver owner, Scott’s argument was rejected. In one of the most racist Supreme Court decisions ever issued, Justice Taney ruled that neither Blacks nor their descendants could be U.S. citizens and thus had no right to sue for their freedom in U.S. courts. Taney capped off the ruling by saying, “A Negro had no rights a White man was bound [required] to respect.” April 7 1712—The New York City slave rebellion occurs. A group of 27 slaves began setting fires in the city and shooting Whites. At least a dozen Whites were killed before the state militia arrived to brutally put down the rebellion. Following the revolt, slave codes were toughened, 21 Blacks were executed and six committed suicide. 1915—Billie Holiday is BILLIE HOLIDAY born. She would go on to become the greatest blues and jazz singer of her era with songs like “The Man I Love” and “God Bless the Child Whose Got His Own.” She was born to a 13-year-old mother and began her working career as a small girl helping to clean up a Baltimore, Md., whorehouse—a house in which she was also raped. Holiday made money from her performances despite the fact that she never received any royalties from any of the 200 songs she recorded. Drug use was a factor in her premature death at 44. HANK AARON April 8 1974—Hammering Hank Aaron of the Atlanta Braves breaks the homerun record of the legendary Babe Ruth when he hit his 715th homer during a game at Atlanta Stadium. 1990—Scientist Percy Julian, who developed drugs to combat glaucoma and methods to mass produce cortisone, is admitted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. April 9 1865—Black regiments led an assault on and eventually captured a key Southern fort helping bring the Civil War to an end. The nine regiments led by Gen. John Hawkins smashed through Confederate defenses at Forth Blakely, Ala. The 68th Division of USCT (United States Colored Troops) had some of the highest casualties of the Civil War. 1898—Paul Bustill Robeson is born in Princeton, N.J. Robeson would go on to become the greatest combination of entertainer and social activist in American history. He was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Rutgers University while simultaneously being one of the school’s greatest football stars. After graduation he turned to entertainment—acting and singing on stage and in early movies. However, he was also an outspoken critic of American racism and imperialism while being a strong proponent of socialism. This made him the target of a government disruption and destruction campaign. The campaign did not truly produce results until the anti-communist hysteria of the 1950s. Concert halls were closed to Robeson, the media began to attack him unrelentingly, established Black leaders began to shun him and the government took his passport so he could PAUL ROBESON not perform and earn money abroad. Nevertheless, he remained a symbol that would later inspire activist entertainers such as Ossie Davis and Harry Belafonte. Robeson died in Philadelphia Jan. 23, 1976. 1939—Operatic star Marian Anderson performs for an estimated 65,000 people on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., after the Daughters of the American Revolution make a racist decision denying her the right to perform at Constitution Hall. April 10 1943—Tennis great Arthur Ashe is born in Richmond, Va. Ashe’s spectacular abilities on the tennis court enabled him to become the first Black member of the American Davis Cup team; the first Black to win the U.S. Open and the first Black to win the men’s single’s title at Wimbledon in England. Unfortunately, Ashe would die of AIDS after receiving a contaminated blood transfusion. April 11 1948—On this day Jackie Robinson signed a contract that would officially make him the first African-American to play in Major League Baseball. Robinson became MARIAN ANDERSON a symbol of pride for Blacks as well as a star player. However, the admitting of Blacks into Major League Baseball helped bring about the demise of the old Negro Baseball League whose teams had become major economic institutions in cities throughout the nation. 1967—The voters of Harlem, N.Y., defy Congress and re-elect the outspoken and often flamboyant Adam Clayton Powell Jr. His opponents in Congress had recently expelled him. The decision of the Harlem voters was rendered legally sound when the United States Supreme Court later ruled that the congressional expulsion was unconstitutional. Powell was returned to Congress, but without his JACKIE ROBINSON seniority. He died April 4, 1972 in Miami, Fla.
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NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
APRIL 5-11, 2017
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Largely White opioid epidemic highlights Black frustration by Kevin McKenzie The Commercial Appeal
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP)— The circle of patients gathered for group therapy at a doctor’s family practice in McKenzie could well represent the face of the state’s opioid epidemic. They were in a small city in a rural county, fertile ground for prescription drug addiction, though they traveled from as far as Nashville and Missouri. They were young or middle-aged and ranged from blue-collar workers to businesspeople. They said painkillers prescribed after accidents or injuries paved the way to their dependence on opioids. They also were all White. Of all deaths in 2015 from opioid and heroin overdoses in Tennessee and nationwide, about 90 percent of the people were White. Black people accounted for little more than 6 percent in Tennessee and 8 percent across the country, according to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. Among African-Americans critical of the modern drug war launched four decades ago by President Richard Nixon, the fact that the opioid epidemic is primarily striking the majority race helps explain why it is largely being called an epidemic and treated as a public health crisis, rather than a war. “Look at the inner city, it’s always been what we consider an epidemic,” said the Rev. Ralph White, pastor of Bloomfield Full Gospel Baptist Church in Memphis. “If this had been the case in other areas, the community would have been crying out long ago,” White said. “But now that it’s taking the lives of European Americans, we find that it’s at a time of crisis.” Michael Eric Dyson, a Georgetown University sociology professor as well as minister and author, offered a similar view after an appearance in February at the University of Memphis. “White brothers and sisters have been medicalized in terms of their trauma and addiction. Black and brown people have been criminalized for their trauma and addiction,” said Dyson, whose latest book is “Tears We Cannot Stop: A Sermon to White America.” Doctors and other health care professionals certainly are calling for a health care-led response to the opioid epidemic. Their strategies include curbing use of painkillers like oxycodone, making wider use of medications to treat opioid dependence as a chronic disease, and in-
creasing mental health services and therapy to attack root causes of addictions. “I would say the good news in Tennessee is that the number of narcotic units prescribed has gone down by almost half,” said Dr. Daniel Sumrok, the physician treating patients at his practice in McKenzie, a West Tennessee city with a population of more than 5,500 about 130 miles northeast of Memphis. “The bad news is that overdose deaths have gone up and oxycodone has gone up,” said Sumrok, also director of the Center for Addiction Science at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center based in Memphis. Ironically, physician under-treatment of pain for Black patients may have helped prevent higher opioid addiction among African-Americans, experts and studies suggest. Sumrok and other health care professionals are careful not to paint the current drug crisis in terms of rich or poor, urban or rural, Black or White. “My patients are district attorneys and teachers and nurses and doctors,” he said. “They’re not what you might think of as a TV bum; they’re people who have real lives, real jobs, real families, real values who found themselves opiate dependent and need some help.” Still, when it comes to race, clear differences emerge. The National Institutes of Health recently warned that yearly percent increases in deaths among White Americans ages 25 to 30 from 1999 to 2014 rose at rates comparable to the onset of the nation’s AIDS epidemic or in Russia following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Premature deaths for African-American, Hispanic and Asian and Pacific Islanders continued to decline. Drug overdoses, suicide and liver disease are stoking the alarming rise in premature accidental White deaths, as well as among American Indians and Alaskan natives, the study found. “In high-income countries you expect us to make progress over time, you expect the death rate to decrease, you expect life expectancy to increase,” said Meredith Shiels, a National Cancer Institute researcher and lead author of the study. “So when something comes in and reverses that, and suddenly the mortality rate is increasing in any given group, that’s an alarm that there is something very serious and epidemic going on,” Shiels said. Statewide statistics for the Tennessee Department
PRETRIAL HEARING—Bill Cosby arrives for a pretrial hearing in his sexual assault case at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown, Pa., April 3. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Cosby judge expects trial to last 2 weeks; jury sequestered NORRISTOWN, Pa. (AP) — The judge in Bill Cosby’s criminal case in Pennsylvania expects the sexual assault trial to last at least two weeks. The jurors will come from the Pittsburgh area and be sequestered throughout the trial nearly 300 miles away in suburban Philadelphia. Montgomery County Judge Steven O’Neill said at a hearing Monday that he hopes to pick jurors in late May. He says their names will not be made public.
The trial is set to begin June 5. The 79-year-old Cosby is accused of drugging and molesting a Temple University employee at his home in 2004. The defense wants the jury pool prescreened through a written questionnaire on their background, media habits and feelings about Cosby. But O’Neill prefers they get the standard 16-question form followed by individual questioning in court.
“White brothers and sisters have been medicalized in terms of their trauma and addiction. Black and brown people have been criminalized for their trauma and addiction.”
MICHAEL ERIC DYSON
of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services point to differences between the illegal drugs by race. For 2015, White Tennesseans made up 89.5 percent of 839 people treated primarily for heroin and 95 percent of 4,071 treated for prescription opioids, according to the department. Black Tennesseans made up 62 percent of 1,176 treated for cocaine or crack and 45 percent of 2,065 in treatment for marijuana use. The nation’s previous heroin crisis struck during the Vietnam War era, giving rise to the drug war and “just say no” responses to what was viewed a criminal behavior epidemic, said Dr. Altha Stewart, a psychiatrist and director of the Center for Health in Justice Involved Youth at UTHSC. “It was considered acceptable that drugs were within the purview of people who were already morally corrupt anyway and so these were things that they did to themselves and you could not rehabilitate them, you had to incarcerate them,” Stewart said. For today’s opioid crisis, policymakers are more likely to have experienced, children or grandchildren taking grandma’s pain medicine and then shift-
NOT SO GLAMOROUS—In this August 1971 file photo, American troops who are addicted to heroin sit together at a U.S. Army amnesty center in Long Binh, Vietnam. Heroin’s reputation in the 1970s was “a really hard-core, dangerous street drug, a killer drug, but there’s a whole generation who didn’t grow up with that kind of experience with heroin,” said New York City Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget Brennan, whose office was created in 1971 in response to heroin use and related crime. “It’s been glamorized, certainly much more than it was during the ‘70s.” (AP Photo/Neal Ulevich/File) ing to cheaper heroin on the street, said Stewart, who is slated to become the first African-American president of the American Psychiatric Association in mid-2018. “I think that the fact that the people who are experiencing are also the people who are responsible for shaping the policy, there is a natural inclination, I
the nation’s first Center of Excellence in Addiction Medicine last fall for its unusually broad efforts to combat addiction through research and use of basic science, treatment, community outreach and medical education across all specialties. Sumrok and Stewart highlighted the importance of trauma, measured by adverse childhood experiences research, as a game-changing route to treatment and prevention. “I personally see compulsive use disorders as a byproduct of trauma,” Sumrok said. “Trauma can take many forms; it can be physical, verbal, sexual, abuse. It can be divorce in a family, it can be incarceration in a family, it can be another family member that’s actively using drugs or a problematic drinker.” With enough trauma, to help survive a brain chemical called dopamine involved in triggering pleasure and reward takes over, he said. “Remember, what we’re talking about here is a hijacked normal human response that helps you survive,” he said. “Dopamine says to you, `Let’s do that again,’ and you can’t help it.” Stewart said adopting the science treatment, as well as identifying youths who may be at risk of incarceration, is a “no-brainer.” “There is the role for us; we can get out ahead of this,” Stewart said. Sumrok said that poverty and the decline of well-paying manufacturing jobs are trauma generators shared by Tennessee’s urban areas like Memphis and its rural areas like McKenzie. In Memphis, whether the opioid crisis leads to more treatment-oriented policies and an end to the drug war is an open question for White. “It might, if they use it to cover every drug addiction, not just opioid addiction or prescription medicines, if they look at that young guy on the street who is hooked on crack and include him in the process of healing,” White said. “That would be great.”
think, to see it differently and to respond to it differently,” she said. The opioid crisis also finds medicine and addiction science becoming better equipped to respond, with advances in brain imaging, genetics and epidemiology, Sumrok said. The UTHSC Center for (Information from: The ComAddiction Science provides mercial Appeal, http://www. an example. It was named commercialappeal.com)
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METRO
APRIL 5-11, 2017
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Black workers leading the way in Homewood redevelopment HOMEWOOD FROM A1
been cutting, laying pipe, moving gravel, running the skid loader—I don’t get to run that, though,” he said, nodding to a backhoe perched in front of a foundation. “I got on through Rashad. Hopefully, I’ll stick with Iron City. It’s a good job.” Barry Johnson doesn’t run a backhoe either, but he does drive a street sweeper to make sure there’s no construction debris in front of Pittsburgh Faison K-5 School when the kids get out. “I was one of the first guys from the community on this job. I’m with Mistick. I was here in November, when it was nothing but dirt and EMPLOYING THE LOCALS—Rashad Byrdsong talks with laborer Barry Johnson, as he sits on a MAKING MOVES—Ron Deron Lawrence, 34, of Penn Hills, carries a box to the house where other plumbers are working. cold. Now that it’s warmer sweeper, in Homewood.
WORKING HARD—Syronn Terry, 50, of Wilkinsburg, is a laborer for Mistick Construction, cleaning up the rubble.
it’s really picking up,” he said. “See those brothers over there on that stoop? I tell them every day they got to get on with Rashad. There’s a better way.” Syronn Terry, also a laborer for Mistick, said it’s definitely a better way. “I finished Rashad’s program, and because of that, I got on this job—and with my first couple of paychecks I was able to get my own apartment,” he said. “I wouldn’t have any of that without Rashad.” As part of the partnership arrangement that won the $11 million federal tax credit to finance the project, every contractor and subcontractor must hire Black men from the community—even if they are a Black-owned firm like Ma’at, the co-general contractor with Mistick, BUILDING—Sean Mitchell, 45, of the North Side, which is doing six of the is busy running wires into what will become houses all by itself. brand new homes for residents in Homewood. “You won’t see our guys (Photos by J.L. Martello) out here either—because
D.A. Zappala wants mandatory minimum sentences D.A. FROM A1
tences for offenses committed while impersonating a law enforcement officer,” found in HB 741, all the others are drug offenses. There are those on both sides of the aisle concerning mandatory minimum sentences. Prosecutors from across the state, including Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala, say they need the minimums to combat the exploding heroin epidemic. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2013 that any fact triggering a mandatory minimum—the use of a gun, the amount of drugs possessed—must be determined by a jury beyond a reasonable doubt. Because in Pennsylvania those determinations were made by judges after trial, the state Supreme court ruled the guidelines unconstitutional in 2015. Zappala said language in the new bill requires
prosecutors to announce before the trial whether a mandatory minimum sentence will be sought. He and supporters such as state Rep. Dom Costa, D-Morningside, a onetime Pittsburgh assistant chief of police, who helped write the bill, said without minimums, low-level drug offenders often face no jail time, so there is no leverage to help them gather information on the “kingpins” higher up the distribution chain. “We took a look at the most egregious of crimes— crimes against seniors, crimes against children— and naturally with the opioid problem now, we need a little stiffer push in the law,” Costa said. “It gives the district attorneys the ability to use that as an investigative and prosecutorial tool.” Opponents, however, note the detrimental effects of mandatory sentencing in drug cases—including an
arbitrary 100-1 ratio of possessing crack vs. powder cocaine—on the nation’s Black population have been substantial. They also note the minimums did nothing to curtail illegal drug use. In a recent editorial published in the New Pittsburgh Courier and other outlets, Pennsylvania Secretary of Detention John Wetzel and his statistics director Kristofer “Bret” Bucklen noted that, if reintroduced, mandatory minimums could add another 2,200 inmates to the system, costing the state an extra $85 million—and would do nothing to improve public safety. Brandi Fisher, Executive Director of the Alliance for Police Accountability said her organization is working with the ACLU to counter the reintroduction of mandatory minimums. “It throws out all (judicial)
discretion and any individualizing of cases and that’s not what people want. They want a public health approach taken—especially with respect to drug cases,” she said. “But some elected officials want to perpetuate systematic racism through the criminal justices system because at the end of the day those most affected by mandatory minimums are Black and Brown people.” A 2009 report issued by the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing found mandatory sentences failed to curtail recidivism, noting most drug dealers, violent offenders--and nearly half of all firearms offenders— committed the same crime within three years of being released. Though it’s expected to pass in the House, the bill faces far more foes in the state senate and is opposed by Gov. Tom Wolf.
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we haven’t started yet,” he said. The homes, some of which will be completed by the end of May, will rent to families with incomes under 50 percent of the area’s median income. The bulk of the homes will be ready for oc-
cupancy by summer’s end. Per the tax credit agreement, the homes will remain rental units for 15 years. After that they will be made available for sale—at well below market rate—with the occupants getting first crack.
Community Calendar URA’s Steel City Codefest
THROUGH APRIL 7— The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh has announced the fifth annual Steel City Codefest. It is a week-long event, with optional evening work sessions during the City of Pittsburgh’s Inclusive Innovation Week. Codefest began with a kickoff event from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, March 31, at Alloy 26, located at 100 South Commons, Pittsburgh. 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., East iberty. For more information, contact Jennifer Wilhelm, Manager, Innovation and Entrepreneurship at 412-2556580.
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” at 6:30 p.m. at The Overlook, 416 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.
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 Jazz 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-pepjazz.org.
Art and Music Open House
APRIL 27—The Community College of Allegheny County will host an Art and Music Open House, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at West Hall, directly across form the Foerster Student Services Center, 800 Ridge Avenue. Attendees can explore the Art, Music and Theatre departments, as well as the state-of-theart equipment housed in CCAC’s newly renovated and historic West Hall. The open house will be followed by a show of student artwork in the gallery, as well as vocal, instrumental and theatrical performances by Allegheny Campus students.
Scholarship Application Opportunity
THROUGH APRIL 28— The National Black Farmers Association Scholarship Program is now accepting applications for the 2017-18 academic year. In its third year, the NBFA Scholarship Program will award scholarships of up to $5,000 to African American farmers or dependents of African American farmers who plan to enroll or who are enrolled in agriculture-related study at an accredited two-year or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school. For more information, visit http://media.fcanorthamerica.com.
Benefit Golf Outing
MAY 1—Lighthouse Cathedral and A For The People Institute will host a Golf Outing and Scholarship Fundraiser to benefit the children of the Wilkinsburg Massacre victims, starting at 9 a.m. with a banquet to follow at 4 p.m., at Green Oak Country Club, 5701 Third Street, Verona. Event includes a hole-in-one contest, lunch and dinner. For information on packages, sponsorships and donations, call 412535-0040.
METRO
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
APRIL 5-11, 2017
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Chester engineers merges with Hatch CHESTER FROM A1
“We expect to bring global experience to opportunities right here,” Lyon said. “We have 9,000 employees in 150 countries, and are a preeminent provider of infrastructure and design services, and we expect to become a major player in the United States.” Agbede said Hatch is an employee-owned firm that
shares his entrepreneurial spirit, and that he and all his Chester employees are now vested in the new firm’s growth. And to those who say that Hatch’s acquisition of Chester means the demise of a major Blackowned company, Agbede said that’s not the case. “Frankly, we’ve grown beyond disadvantaged status for some time now—maybe
MERGE—Hatch and Chester employees, along with board and City Council members, announce the merging of the two companies to form Hatch Chester. (Photos by J.L. Martello) by definition, but not by substance,” he said. “People don’t hire us because of our minority status, they hire us for our technical competence. Hatch didn’t seek us out for our MBE (Minority-owned Business Enterprise) status. We have an alignment of values.” Asked whether the merger puts Hatch Chester in a MOVING FORWARD—Friday’s announcement of the Hatch and better position to win some Chester companies merging brings forth an enhanced company, of the billions in contract and a new logo. dollars ALCOSAN (Allegh-
eny County Sanitary Authority) will be awarding to refurbish its rainwater and sewer systems, Agbede said he hopes so. “We can only do so much, but with Hatch, this is a case where one plus one equals at least three,” he said. “They have design infrastructure and tunneling expertise, for example— and of course with our environmental expertise, we are asking them to take a VICE-CHAIR—Robert O. Agbede is now vice-chairman of the newly-formed company, Hatch Chester. look at our capabilities.”
19 of 26 homicides Black lives…Multiple witnesses silent on 2 shootings HOMICIDES FROM A1
victims have been Black, 73 percent. In March, five of seven were Black: MARCH 6—Bhim Rai, a 26-year-old Asian male, was found by police dead in his apartment on Brownsville Avenue in Carrick after they received a call of a stabbing during a bar fight. Police have not named a suspect. The investigation continues. MARCH 7—Anthony Bailey, a 27-year-old Black male from Penn Hills was found dead in a Pitcairn apartment from gunshot wounds received in what county police said was an apparent robbery. Witnesses said they saw two Black males—one with a distinct limp—fleeing the area. No arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing. MARCH 7—Sarah Villarreal, a 34-year-old White female, was fatally shot by Daniel Connelly, a 43-year-old White Male who then shot himself, in an apartment they shared in the 100 block of Watson Drive in Turtle Creek. Police have called it a murder-suicide. Villarreal’s 4-year-old daughter was in the home at the time but was unharmed. MARCH 12—Christopher Dancy, a 46-year-old Black male from Ambridge, was killed after 47-yearold Joseph Goldsmith, also Black, came to his former girlfriend’s home and shot both her and Dancy twice before shooting himself in the head. The 37-year-old female, who police did not identify, survived her injuries. Her 9-year-old son, who hid in the basement, was unharmed. MARCH 18—Michael Leonard, a 33-year-old Black male, was fatally shot while sitting in his car with his girlfriend in the 1000 block of Blackadore Street after an earlier argument with a man inside the New Brotherhood Motorcycle Club in Homewood. He had apparently been followed from the club, but police have not named a suspect. The investigation is ongoing. MARCH 19—Sean Lyons, a 20-year-old Black male, was fatally shot in the neck and chest following an argument, again, inside the New Brotherhood Motorcycle Club at the intersection of Kelly Street and Brushton Avenue in Homewood. Despite a bar full of patrons, police have no suspects. The investigation is ongoing. MARCH 28—Deven Holloway, a 16-year-old Black male, was fatally shot multiple times outside Linton Middle School in Penn Hills. A 22-year-old male from Plum, who claimed he shot Holloway in self-defense, was questioned and released by police. His name will only be released
if he is charged. The inves- 24-year-old Black male from Pittstigation is ongoing. burgh’s Fineview neighborhood February Homicides FEB. 1—Andrew McGee, a 28-year-old White male, was found fatally shot in a home in Versailles. John Robert Sethman, 29, was arrested in Ohio within hours and extradited to face homicide charges. He is now in the Allegheny County Jail. FEB. 6—Robert Detorre III, an 18-year-old White male, and Anthony Hoots, a 19-year-old Black male, were killed in a shootout at an apartment complex on Smokeywood Drive, in Swissvale, that also sent two others to local hospitals. Charges have not yet been filed. The investigation continues. FEB. 8–Savon Martin, a 23-year-old Black male, was found on the porch of a house on Inglenook Place, in Homewood, by police responding to a ShotSpotter alert. He had suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his head torso and extremities and was pronounced dead at the scene. Police have released no information on possible suspects. The investigation continues. FEB. 17—Ronald Peless, a 51-year-old White male, was discovered bound in a blanket with an electrical cord in the basement of his McKees Rocks apartment building after relatives had asked police to do a welfare check. He had been stabbed multiple times. Three people; Jeffrey Tyniac, 51, Sheila Wagner, 45, and Robert Davies, 60, have been charged in connection with the killing. FEB. 19–Derrick Brown, a 16-year-old Black male from Arnold, Westmoreland County, was found by police in the courtyard of the Northview Heights public housing community on Pittsburgh’s North Side. He had been fatally shot in the head. No arrests have been made. The investigation continues. FEB. 21–Jihad Cromer, a 17-year-old Black male, was shot in the head in the bedroom of a residence on Robb Avenue in McKees Rocks. William Huston, 19, of the West End, has been charged in the case. He is now in the Allegheny County Jail. FEB. 24–Ramadhan Mohamed, a 31-year-old Black male, died at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital from injuries sustained in a beating and robbery three days earlier—which included blows to his head from a hammer. Mohamed, a Somali immigrant cab driver was found about 5 a.m., Feb. 21, facedown and unresponsive on Climax Street in Pittsburgh’s Beltzhoover neighborhood. Police said King Edwards and Hosea Moore, both 20, from Beltzhoover, called the cab with the intent of robbing the driver. Christen Glenn, 18, and Daniel Russell, 1 , who had fled the area, were both arrested on Feb. 26 in Youngstown, Ohio. All four are in the Allegheny County Jail. FEB. 25—Dominick BrownHill, a 26-year-old Black male, who had been missing since 2012, was identified from skeletal remains discovered in a small, wooded area behind the 900 block of Washington Street in McKeesport. He died from a gunshot wound to the head. Police have yet to name a suspect in the shooting. FEB. 26—Raghib Dolphin, a
was found fatally shot outside Zangaroos bar on Brighton Road. According to police, Dolphin and two others were denied entry because it was after “last call.” After returning to their car, Dolphin got out to talk to someone he knew. Shots were fired and he returned to the car with multiple wounds to his chest and abdomen. They drove him to Allegheny General Hospital, when he later died. No arrests have been made. The investigation continues. January Homicides (9) JAN. 3—Gregory McLeod, a 28-year-old Black male and father of three, became Allegheny County’s first homicide victim of 2017 when he was shot multiple times near the intersection of Frankstown Avenue and Neuman Way, in Homewood, just after 5 a.m. No arrests have been made. The investigation continues. Anyone with information is urged to call Pittsburgh’s Violent Crime Unit at 412-323-7800. JAN. 4—Chaz Robinson, a 35-year-old Black male, was fatally shot near the intersection of Lasalle and Broadway Avenues in Dormont after allegedly stealing a bag of marijuana and running off during a drug deal. He was found in his back yard on Espy Street the next morning. Timothy Bevan, 23, of Mount Oliver, has been charged with the shooting. JAN. 11—Jesi Jefferson, a 21-year-old Black male, was discovered fatally shot by Garbage men on their morning rounds in the 1300 Block of Hilty Alley in McKeesport. Allegheny County Lt. Andrew Schurman said he believes the victim was shot the night before. Anyone with information is asked to call county homicide at 412-473-1300. JAN. 14–India Stewart, a 29-year-old Black female, of Pitcairn, was found dead by police in a garage near Yew Way and Maple Alley in Braddock. She had been shot in the neck, according to the Allegheny County edical Examiner’s Office. Her uncle, 48-year-old Kalvin Stewart, is charged with homicide, abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence and arson in relation to the killing. JAN. 14—Ahmad Foreman, an 18-year-old Black male, was found by police lying along the street in the 500 block of Fannel Street in arfield. He had been shot multiple times. Police have not released information about a suspect. The investigation continues. Anyone with information is asked to call Pittsburgh’s Violent Crime Unit at 412-323-7800. JAN. 22–Christopher Tompkins, a 57-year-old Black male, was fatally shot by police responding to a home invasion call. When they arrived, Thompkins was coming down the stairs firing in their direction. They fired back, killing him. Police suspect he was actually firing to scare off Juan Brian Jeter-Clark who had allegedly broken in before the officers arrived. eter-Clerk has been charged with criminal trespass. JAN. 25–Alfred Diggs, a 21-year-old Black male, died of multiple gunshot wounds at Allegheny General after being transported by paramedics from the shooting scene in Pittsburgh’s
Westwood neighborhood. Police have not yet identified a suspect. Anyone with information is asked to call Pittsburgh’s Violent Crime Unit at 412-323-7800. JAN. 25—John Miller, a 40-year-old White male from Franklin County, was found on a set of city steps in the 1000 block
of Vinial Street in Spring Garden. He had been shot multiple times. Police are reviewing surveillance footage but have not named a suspect. Anyone with information is asked to call city homicide at 412-323-7161 JAN. 27–Kyle Stauber, an 18-year-old White male, was fa-
tally shot following a home invasion robbery in Avalon. Stauber reportedly chased one attacker off with a baseball bat before one of the robbers shot him. County police have charged John Pignanelli, 25, Greg Scholze and Kayla Naper, both 19, in the case.
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PEOPLE
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
REMEMBERANCE—Ameerah Sledge, left, and Aleece Brazil, light candles to remember their cousin, Penn Hills High School sophomore Deven Holloway, at the location where he died, March 28.
Gone too
soon
TOKENS—Zakiyyah Marshman, left, Cynthia Marshman, center, and Malik Mohammad bring a teddy bear and balloons to remember 16-year-old Deven Holloway. (Photos by J.L. Martello)
PRAYER—Shanaia Wilson, left, and Marc Wilson pray for Deven Holloway and his family.
SUPPORT—Former Pittsburgh Steeler Mike Logan was on hand at the vigil, along with 7-monthold son Reign Israel.
MOURNING—Two girls console each other during the public vigil for Deven Holloway.
LIFESTYLES New Pittsburgh Courier
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APRIL 5-11, 2017
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
Debbie Norrell
Lifestyles Report Four more years
Never in my adult years have I spent so much time following the actions of a president. I’m watching CNN all the time and reading all these real, not fake, news stories about what is going on in the White House. I think, as Americans, we should be informed. Before Trump, I never thought anything that happened in the White House would trickle down to me. But after the last eight years, I see how things can affect me. Fortunately, the things that did directly affect me were positive, and, recently, a friend of mine, Debra, shared her experience with the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). “Three years ago, after working for Port Authority for 25 years and 42 days, I was blessed to be able to retire with a decent pension at age 52. The catch was, no medical benefits. I chose to look at the Affordable Care Act website for coverage. I went in expecting to incur all of the problems I had been hearing about. The phone call wait time was long, but the person was so helpful. I applied online, the navigation was so simple and I actually found a plan with a specialist in the history and traditions of communities of the African Diaspora that was affordable for me, and it included dental; and best of all I was able to keep my PCP (primary care physician) and dentist.” Debra continued, “I recently had a hip replacement with home therapy. It was covered under my plan with minimal copay. Now, they have locations to get assistance applying. The key is to take your time and find the plan that works for you. To all who doubt this plan (Republicans) all I can say is stop hating and learn to help. Thank you, President Obama.” I was happy to hear this story. I spoke to another person who is using ACA and they are happy to have this health insurance as well. I hope it will be around for a while and that President Trump does not dismantle it out of spite. I feel President Trump is trying to ruin every good thing that President Obama accomplished. The other night, I was watching “Say Yes to the Dress” and there was a promo about an upcoming episode featuring Omarosa. If anyone has been following her story, she is getting married in July to a man that she says is a Democrat. Omarosa has been in numerous reality shows, “The Apprentice” was the first one and there were many more after that. In my opinion, her White House job is just another reality show, another way for her to keep her name in lights. The show is scheduled for this Saturday, April 8, at 8 p.m. I won’t miss it. I want to see every juicy minute. And what in the world happened to Diamond and Silk, the two Black women Youtube stars that backed President Trump? They have dropped off the Trump trail. I thought they were going to get their own talk show. (Email the columnist at debbienorrell@aol.com)
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS—Marce Nixon-Washington, Zainab Adisa and Candace Burgess
MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES— THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT—Chairperson Karen R. Price, coMichele Goodman-Jones chair Milona Wall and Judy A. Clark, president.
by Debbie Norrell Lifestyles Editor
The first quarter of 2017 was a busy one for the ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. In January, they held their popular card party and luncheon and on March 18, at the Doubletree Hotel in Monroeville more than 300 ladies, and some very loyal gents, enjoyed “Swing Into Spring,” a Sisterhood serving in style Arts Scholarship Luncheon and Fashion Show. This event benefits the Dr. Vernell A. Lillie Arts Scholarship Fund. The afternoon was hosted by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Pittsburgh Alumnae Chapter’s Arts and Letters Committee. With Michele Goodman-Jones as mistress of ceremonies, guests enjoyed the talents of the Hill Dance Academy Theatre, the Barack Obama International Studies Academy Steel Drum Band, a great fashion show and the beautiful voice of Theresa Hawthorne. The centerpiece of the luncheon was the scholarship presentation to three deserving students in pursuit of careers in the arts. This year’s recipients were Zainab Adisa, Creative and Performing Arts School; Candace Burgess, Duquesne University; and Marce Nixon– Washington, Barack Obama Academy of International Studies. Delta Sigma Theta would like to thank Allure Fashion Boutique, A Woman’s
ROYALTY READY TO RIP THE RUNWAY Touch Fashions, Chico’s, Christopher & Banks, Michelangelo’s Tailoring and Tuxedos, That’s Sharp Boutique, the Ujamaa Collective and all the models who made the show a stylish success.
BARACK OBAMA INTERNATIONAL STUDIES ACADEMY STEEL DRUM BAND
THE BRIDAL SCENE (Photos by Debbie Norrell)
MOTHER AND SON
FABULOUS IN HATS—Delta Dear Models
HERE COMES THE NIGHT
PURPLE LACE
RELIGION
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From Battered To Blessed
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.
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Rev. Cheryl Jones-Ross founded Greater Hope Restoration Ministries after finding God by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer
She is the founder of a thriving church, an author and an editor of a gospel magazine. But before that, she was a drug addict. A battered wife. A single parent with three kids living in shelters. “I’ve had a very colorful life,” said Rev. Cheryl JonesRoss, founder and pastor of Greater Hope Restoration Ministries in the South Hills. The ministry was launched with five members in October 2014 in a space inside Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1700 Bower Hill Rd. Now, there are hundreds of members, and roughly 100 active weekly members, Rev. Jones-Ross said.
“We do a lot of outreach, we feed 100 families per month, and we have a ministry at the Boys & Girls Club in Carnegie where we play games, hold bible study, play basketball, mentor and teach (the youth) career goals.” And some of the youth that have been mentored “have become members of the church,” Rev. JonesRoss said. She also said Greater Hope Restoration Ministries is a house of worship that is judgment-free. “We built this church on community outreach. The people that come to our church literally came from the streets; they were not saved, they found a place where they can be accepted.”
TRANSFORMATION—Rev. Cheryl Jones-Ross turned her life around and founded Greater Hope Restoration Ministries in the South Hills.
Perhaps one reason why Rev. Jones-Ross’ church accepts all is because the woman who began the church was not always picture perfect. Reverend Jones-Ross, a Greene County native, said her problems began early, when her parents passed away. “My worst years were the ‘80s,” she said. “I was a drug addict (crack cocaine), came out of an abusive marriage and lived in a shelter for battered women with three kids.” Reverend Jones-Ross said the transformation process did not happen overnight. But, “I made myself stay in the process, went to church, continued to go to bible study,” she said. So how did Rev. JonesRoss turn the tide? “I had a pastor that loved SUNDAY SERVICE—Rev. Cheryl Jones-Ross at Greater Hope Res- me, not just in word, but he toration Ministries, 1700 Bower Hill Rd. (Photos courtesy of Greathelped me through some of er Hope Restoration Ministries) the worst parts of my life.
Taught the Word, made us be accountable to the Word, and because of his teachings that gave me the spiritual foundation that I needed to get through the rough times and be able to grow,” she said. Then, Rev. Jones-Ross’ sister died from cancer of the appendix. “That was it, I had never been without my sister. It was the point that totally changed my life.” And so it was time to get to work. Reverend Jones-Ross had been performing a variety of ministerial duties at a church in Washington County, but made the decision to begin her own ministry. Greater Hope Restoration Ministries, a non-denominational church, is rooted in bringing people to the church who may have never attended church regularly before, and might be experiencing suffering. “We don’t encourage peo-
46 Years And Still Going Strong Rev. Donald P. Turner celebrates 46 years as pastor of Second Baptist Church in Homestead by J.L. Martello For New Pittsburgh Courier
ple to stay in their situation, we encourage people to come out of their situation,” Rev. Jones-Ross said. “We literally take their hands and walk them out.” “We have everyday life issues just like you,” said Theresa Baker, the church’s administrator. “We have families, jobs and we go through some of the same problems everyone else does. It makes people comfortable; they can voice something that they are going through and they won’t be condemned.” Baker, one of the original members of the church, also said that “none of us, from the pastor down, give off an aura or even believe that we are perfect. We are real people, and people can relate whenever you’re real.” Greater Hope Restoration Ministries holds services Sundays at 12:45 p.m., with a breakfast Sundays at 11:30 a.m. The church has bible study Wednesdays at 7 p.m., men’s ministry every other Friday, women’s groups every Tuesday and youth ministry every other Thursday. The church will hold its annual Women’s Conference this weekend (April 7-8). The title is “Healing, Encouragement, Love and Soundness for the total woman (HEELS).” The theme is “Rise, take up thy bed and walk!” Messenger Annette Caswell will speak April 7 at 7 p.m., and on April 8, events begin at 9 a.m. with a panel discussion themed, “Stepping into your next level.” All events are free except the luncheon on Saturday afternoon (April 8). Some of the same teachings and principles that gave Rev. Jones-Ross the inspiration to pen the book, “Fire of God,” and start HEELS Gospel Magazine can be learned by other women at the conference. “To really find out who they are, that’s the purpose of the conference,” Rev. Jones-Ross said. As women, “We need to learn how to renew our minds and get our thought process up to where they need to be. If you change your mind, you change your life.”
Second Baptist Church in Homestead held a weeklong celebration last month to celebrate Rev. Donald P. Turner’s 46-year anniversary as pastor at the church. “Truly, it is an honor as well as a privilege to be back home y’all, I’m amongst family and it feels (For more information about good,” Turner proclaimed. Greater Hope Restoration MinisA church-shaking music tries or to register for the conferselection by the Mt. Olence, call 216-200-6347.) ive Baptist Church choir led into the Word by guest preacher, Rev. Michael Pe- ANNIVERSARY—First Lady Jean Turner and Rev. Donald P. Turner (Photos by J.L. Martello) terson, pastor, Mt. Olive Baptist, Coraopolis. Other pastors in atten- mapped out everything, to Reflecting on Rev. Turner, dance included Rev. Barba- me it was tremendous.” Rev. Peterson said, “On how ra Gunn, pastor, Mt. CarmReverend Turner gave CHRIST SOUL SAVING much he has meant to me… el Baptist Church; Bishop words of advice: “Try to be WOMEN’S CONFERENCE not only to me, but to my Jonathan Stewart, pastor, as near to what you feel He APRIL 7-9—Christ Soul wife, that is the only pastor New Covenant Communi- (God) is telling you to do. Saving Baptist Church presshe has ever known.” ty Church; and Rev. James We don’t know everything, ents a women’s conference Reverend Peterson said Burwell, pastor, Clark Me- He is telling us what to do. titled, “The Benefits of ServRev. Turner is the only pasmorial Baptist Church. The My God is a good God and ing Well Scripture—Cotor his daughter has ever theme for the celebration He blesses me beyond mea- lossians 3:23, 24” at the known as well. was, “Dressed for the Bat- sure. church, 1013 Kennedy Ave., “We thank you both for all tle,” Ephesians 6:11. “I never wanted to pastor,” Duquesne. Friday, April 7, that you meant not only to Reverend Turner was pas- Rev. Turner said. “I guess features Pastor Dr. Taunya us, to second Baptist, but tor at Mount Olive Baptist because of that the Lord is Queen Melendez (7:30 p.m.). not only to Second Baptist Church for five years to going to show me what He A seminar and luncheon will but to this entire communistart his pastoral career, is going to get out of me re- be held Saturday, April 8, bety,” church First Lady Jean and now it’s year 46 at Sec- gardless of what I think me ginning at 10 a.m., afternoon GUEST PASTOR REV. MICHAEL Turner said. “We are lookond Baptist. “In 1988, I was wants.” service at 2 p.m. Then SunPETERSON OF ing forward to the next 46 MT. OLIVE BAPTIST CHURCH in a wreck and an 18-wheelSecond Baptist Church is day, April 9, will feature an years.” er ran over me, broke my leg located at 108 West 12th 11 a.m. worship service with in a hundred places, broke Ave., Homestead. For more Apostle Audrey Newell. Regseven ribs and broke my information and worship istration is $30-$35. For more arm in three places. Just times, call 412-461-8235 or information and to register, to see how God worked and visit www.secnbapt.com. call 412-773-2061.
Church Circuit
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.
BETHEL AME LAY WITNESS SUNDAY
A FESTIVE ATMOSPHERE DURING THE CELEBRATION FOR REV. DONALD P. TURNER
We are looking to feature our positive youth in the church communities. You can e-mail, fax or mail their bios and photo to:
THE CHOIR SINGING A SELECTION DURING THE CELEBRATION FOR REV. DONALD P. TURNER
The New Pittsburgh Courier welcomes your church news, events, and announcements. Please send information at least 2 weeks in advance, to:
New Pittsburgh Courier 315 E. Carson St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Fax: 412-481-1360 email: religion@newpittsburghcourier.com
Church Circuit New Pittsburgh Courier 315 East Carson St. Pittsburgh PA 15219 ONE FAMILY— Rev. Donald P. Turner, bottom, and First Lady Jean Turner, far left, joined by Rev. Michael Peterson, top right, and wife Stacey Peterson, middle.
You may also fax to: 412-481-1360. You may also email us: religion@newpittsburghcourier.com
APRIL 23—Bethel AME Church, 2720 Webster Ave., Hill District, will hold its annual Lay Witness Sunday, beginning at 11 a.m. The guest speaker will be Mr. Julius L. Redd, retired school administrator for the Pittsburgh Public Schools. For more information, call 412683-2160.
MOUNT CARMEL SPRING REVIVAL
MAY 13—Mount Carmel Baptist Church, 90 Port Perry Rd., North Versailles, invites you to their Spring Revival, at 7 p.m. nightly. The guest preacher will be Rev. Dr Alyn E Waller, of Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church in Philadelphia. For more information, call 412-8232841.
ENTERTAINER New Pittsburgh Courier
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www.newpittsburghcourier.com
Cover To Cover
‘The President’s Kitchen Cabinet’
by Terri Schlichenmeyer For New Pittsburgh Courier
Eight courses. You seriously doubted if the food was ever going to stop coming, though you hoped it wouldn’t: you’d tasted all your favorite dishes, and then some. It was a meal fit for a King or Queen. Or maybe a president, and in “The President’s Kitchen Cabinet” by Adrian Miller, you’ll read about First Family feasts. Last year, while they were on the campaign trail, you might’ve noticed that presidential candidates often enjoyed small-town American cuisine. Their willingness to sample, says Miller, proves that politicians are just like us, a likeness that stops at the White House doors. Presidents, as you know, have staff and many Presidential families have dined on the efforts of African Americans in the White House kitchen.
Early accounts of the first Executive Mansion kitchen indicate the enormity of cooking for the President, even then: it was the size of a small house at 43 feet long, 26 feet wide, with fireplaces at either end. Slaves who toiled there lived in the White House basement or attic and were fed the same food the Presidential family received. George Washington, says Miller, hired white women to cook for him at the beginning of his presidency but later “summoned Hercules,” his Mount Vernon slave, to Philadelphia, making Hercules the first enslaved White House cook. Thomas Jefferson made sure his enslaved cook, James Hemings, was trained in French cuisine. John Smeades, an accomplished baker who “ran the kitchen” for William Taft, repeatedly ruined the president’s diet with pie; according to long-time White House maid, Lillian Rogers Parks, the Tafts irritated staff by bringing “any number of guests home… without advance warning.” Eisenhower’s chief usher, Howell Crim struggled once with a request because he didn’t “know what yoghurt was.” When his wife was away, Abraham Lincoln’s staff had to remind the president to eat. Franklin Roosevelt’s cooks were tasked with a special diet for his dog, Fala. William T. Crump, who served as steward in the Garfield White House became the de facto press secretary when the President was shot. And Teddy Roosevelt avoided a sticky situation with help from his steward, Henry Pinckney… They, of course, weren’t the only African Americans to work in the White House kitchen. Though author Adrian Miller found 150 people by name, he says there were many who toiled unnamed. In “The President’s Kitchen Cabinet,” he explains. While this may seem like a dry subject, Miller makes it lively through quick, interesting, and sometimes humorous vignettes that dash back and forth through history. (“The President’s Kitchen Cabinet” by Adrian Miller, c.2017, The University of North Carolina Press, $30/261 pages.)
Jay-Z’s foundation seeks candidates for college scholarships (BlackNews.com)—The Shawn Carter Foundation Scholarship provides financial support to high school students as well as undergraduate students entering college for the first time. The purpose of the scholarship is to help under-served students who may not be eligible for other scholarships. Students who have either graduated from high school or earned their G.E.D. may apply. Minimum grade point average is 2.0. Students must have a strong desire to go to college and earn their degree. Students must also have a desire to give back to their communities. The scholarship fund was established by Gloria Car-
ter and her son Shawn Carter (better known as rapper/ business mogul Jay-Z) to offer a unique opportunity to students who have been incarcerated or faced particular life challenges but still want to pursue higher education. The program gives them a chance that most other programs do not offer. The Carter Foundation is a firm believer in helping young people not only reach their career goals but also establish a secure future. Students up to age 25 may apply. The scholarship can be used for tuition, room and board, books, fees and other college-related expenses. All high school seniors, undergraduate students at two-year or
four-year institutions and vocational or trade school students are eligible. All applications must be submitted by April 30, 2017. Incomplete and late applications will not be accepted. For more details and/or to apply for the Shawn Carter Foundation scholarship, visit: w w w. J a y Z scholarship. com
JAY-Z (AP Photo)
Lamar Odom regrets More arrests made in shooting affairs, says cocaine involving Fetty Wap helped end career LOS ANGELES (AP)— Lamar Odom says he’s “a walking miracle” after being found unconscious with cocaine in his system in a Nevada brothel in 2015. Odom tells US Weekly he hid his cocaine use from ex-wife Khloe Kardashian for a while, but she found out about two years before their 2013 split. He also says that he regrets “having multiple affairs with different women” while married to Kardashian.
Kardashian filed for divorce in 2013 but delayed it after the incident at the brothel. He says Kardashian helped him regain his memory following the episode. Their divorce was finalized in December. Odom blames cocaine for helping end his NBA career. He says “drugs killed my drive to want to train and be in shape.” Odom says he’s sober now after finishing a rehab stint in January.
FETTY WAP (AP Photo)
LAMAR ODOM AND KHLOE KARDASHIAN (AP Photo)
Stephen Hill resigns as BET president of programming LOS ANGELES (AP)— Executive changes are afoot at BET Networks. The cable channel said Wednesday that its programming president, Stephen Hill, is stepping down. BET also announced that executive vice president Zola Mashariki is leaving. Connie Orlando, a BET senior vice president, will serve as interim programming chief after Hill’s departure Friday. Last month, Viacom’s CEO identified BET Net-
works as one of the brands the media conglomerate intends to focus on. Others cited by Viacom chief Bob Bakish included Comedy Central and Paramount Network, the rebranded Spike TV. The changes come a month before BET Networks presents its upcoming schedules to advertisers. BET’s recent programs included “The New Edition Story,” a miniseries about the R&B group that was a ratings success.
PATERSON, N.J. (AP)— Two more arrests have been made in connection with a shooting involving hip-hop star Fetty Wap in his hometown. Raheem Thomas, a hip-hop promoter who initially was arrested on aggravated assault and weapons charges after the shooting occurred in Paterson early Sunday, will now also face an armed robbery charge, the Passaic County prosecutor’s office said Wednesday. Thomas had a handgun and hollow-point bullets when he was arrested on the armed robbery charge, authorities said, so he’s also facing weapons charges and a count of receiving stolen property. The Paterson resident is CEO and owner of Muscle Team Entertainment, a company that promotes hip-hop. Prosecutors did not immediately specify who was
robbed, what was taken or why Thomas was charged with receiving stolen property. Thomas did not enter a plea during his brief court appearance Wednesday. His lawyer, Greyson Hannigan, said he will enter his plea during a pretrial detention hearing scheduled for next week. Another Paterson man, Sylvester Huffin, has been charged with two counts of attempted murder and three weapons charges, prosecutors announced later Wednesday. He faces several decades in prison if convicted on all counts. He was in custody and couldn’t be reached for comment, and it was unclear if he had a lawyer who could speak on his behalf. A date for his initial court appearance has not been scheduled, prosecutors said. The shooting happened
early Sunday on a street outside a Paterson deli. Police said Fetty Wap, whose real name is Willie Maxwell, and several friends had become involved in a heated altercation with another group inside the deli. Three people were wounded, but Fetty Wap wasn’t injured. A photo posted this weekend to Thomas’ Instagram account showed a masked man wearing what appears to be Fetty Wap’s signature “1738” pendant. “Just to set the record straight, I personally didn’t take (Fetty Wap’s) chain,” Thomas posted. Fetty Wap’s crew in New Jersey is known as the Remy Boyz 1738, named for the Remy Martin 1738 brand of cognac. Thomas in January also posted a rap song and video on YouTube that was disrespectful of Fetty Wap.
Who has Talent in the ‘Burgh? The New Pittsburgh Courier wants to spotlight local individuals who are talented in the arts, culture and entertainment scene. This includes vocalists, rap artists, dancers, actors, musicians, authors, playwrights, and more! Tell our new managing editor, Rob Taylor Jr., all about them! E-mail: rtaylor@newpittsburghcourier.com Phone: 412-481-8302 ext. 135
STEPHEN HILL (AP Photo)
ROB TAYLOR JR. Managing editor New Pittsburgh Courier
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Generation NEXT: Jordan Scott sets the stage for a future leadership role by Renee P. Aldrich For New Pittsburgh Courier
“Why do you think you are a dreamer? “How have you overcome failure?” “How will you measure your success?” Writing three mini essays on those topics is what helped Steel Valley High School senior Jordan Scott to be selected out of the close to 20,000 applicants, from around the country, as one of the 100 winners of this year’s 2017 Steve Harvey/Disney World Dreamers Academy. The West Mifflin resident was actually one of two students from the Pittsburgh area to receive such an honor. The Disney Dreamers Academy was a four-day, star-studded week in Orlando, Fla., where students and their parents were engaged in empowerment sessions and presentations held by speakers such as Mickie Taylor, editor and chief of Essence Magazine; Lisa Nichols, noted motivational speaker; and comedian Steve Harvey. Entertainment included gospel singer Yolanda Adams and Grammy Award-winner Patti LaBelle. Along with receiving a full-ride scholarship from Penn State University to study electrical engineering, the young man has a bevy of accomplishments under his belt, including membership in the National Achievers Society (Urban League) and National Honor Society; receiving the Active Scholar Award for students who played sports and still kept over a 3.8 GPA; and winning the NEED Sylvester Pace Scholarship. “He is conscientious, principled and smart,” shares Mark Chapman, an elder at Macedonia Church of Pittsburgh. “His hard work has enabled him to excel academically, garnering national awards and accolades, and just recently, being chosen
for Penn State University’s Millennium Scholars Program. Yet, he remains grounded, self-sacrificing and considerate, extending himself to reach and teach fellow teens to help empower them toward making wise choices and pursuing healthy lifestyles.” The Millennium Scholars Program is designed for high-achieving science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) students who will become leaders in their chosen fields and are committed to increasing the diversity of professionals in STEM-related disciplines. As a Millennium Scholar, Scott will spend seven to eight weeks team building and taking classes on the main campus in State College, Pa. this summer. Once again, he was among 40 of about 500 applicants who were selected for this program. Scott has a strong affinity for math and sciences. His interest in electrical engineering was fueled by his participation in a college-prep program at the University of Pittsburgh, Investing Now. “I was interested in most of the programming they offered, but while interning at Pitt, I developed a deeper interest in electrical engineering,” he says. Scott already has a vision
be even greater.” Scott exhibits a distinct air of humility yet clear confidence. “I definitely see myself as a leader, I don’t demand to be followed, but when I’m around others, I feel naturally drawn toward leadership,” Scott says. “My hope is to develop the natural leaning I have along with my intellect to really refine my leadership.” His mother, Regina Scott, a district director for the Southeast District Office, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, says she was intentional about keeping Scott busy. “It proved to be the right tactic, as a single mom of a son,” she says. “I knew that a busy schedule with positive activities was going to be the key to keeping him on track.” Giving back is important to Scott. Through a program at his school, his community service is tutoring on Mondays and Wednesdays at the middle school. “While I am only required by the program to go twice a month, I go as often as I can,” Scott says. “If people did not help me when I went to programs where I received help, I may not have gotten where I am.”
AS A SENIOR at Steel Valley High School, Jordan Scott has already begun to climb the stairway to success. (Photo by Jacquelyn McDonald) for using his degree to find ways to develop and design technology that is renewable—such as computers and things that run on solar energy for Third World countries. “Many times, they cannot afford the technology that they need,” he says. “If I can help design something that they can use that does not require them to be wealthy, this would be a very good use of my skills. English and social studies are okay, but they are mostly memorization. But math is a sure thing. If you use the equation correctly, you get the right answer every time.” Reverend Shirley Lyle, teen pastor at Macedonia Church in the Hill District, who has known Scott over years, says she’s enjoyed watching his transformation. “He is a mature, respectable young man who has overcome academic obstacles and has demonstrated consistency and follow-through. Along with this, he is very service-oriented and gives of his time in the various volunteer opportunities at Macedonia. By these things, he exemplifies leadership and, because of his personal progression over the years, his leadership abilities will
Each month in New Pittsburgh Courier, McAuley Ministries will sponsor an article highlighting the positive contributions of an African-American youth—male or female. We welcome community members to suggest a young person to feature in this monthly column. Criteria include: •Youth and young adults, ages 12-23 •Documented evidence of leadership or achievement in community service/ volunteerism; leadership or achievement in their classroom/school; creativity as an artist, musician, dancer or filmmaker; success as an entrepreneur; leadership in advocating for social justice and equity; and/or achievement in corporate or nonprofit arenas •A resident of Allegheny County. Readers who would like to suggest a youth for this feature should email GENNEXT@pittsburghmercy.org.
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Your tax return: What could go wrong? According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), more than 140 million tax returns were filed in 2016. Many of the people filing those returns undoubtedly had a little anxiety, worrying about errors they might have made or audits they might face. The good news, according to the Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs (PICPA), is that there are remedies available for some of the potential problems that might keep you up at night as the tax deadline looms. What if you make a mistake? You’ve filed your return. But then, to your horror, you find income or a credit that you failed to include. When you’ve made a mistake or omission on your taxes, you can fix the problem by filing an amended return. In some cases, no amendment may be necessary, such as when you make a math error or if you didn’t send in a form related to information that is included on your return. The IRS will normally correct math errors and mail you a request for missing forms. If you realize that you owe more tax than you reported because of an error or omission, you should pay the extra amount as soon as possible to avoid being charged penalties or interest. If you had expected a refund but now believe you qualify for a larger one because of your error or omission, the IRS advises that you wait to receive your initial refund before filing an amended return. An amended return claiming a refund must generally be filed within three years of the date you filed your original return. If you forgot to make all your contributions to a tax-advantaged Individual Retirement Account (IRA) by year’s end, don’t worry. In most cases, you’re eligible to make a contribution right up until tax filing day. What if you file your return late? If you miss this year’s April 18 deadline, or you’ve failed to file in the past, your critical first step is to get your return in as soon as possible, SEE TAX B2
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How to claim tax deductible charitable donations by Constant W. Watson III For New Pittsburgh Courier
Are you buying a house or lottery ticket?
by Liz Weston
For New Pittsburgh Courier
The same week legendary investor Warren Buffett put his California vacation house on the market, a friend told me her widowed mother had sold the family home in Cleveland. Buffett bought his Laguna Beach place in 1971 for $150,000 and is asking $11 million. My friend’s parents bought their home for $24,500 in 1965 and just sold it for $104,000. Put another way: If Buffett gets his asking price, his house will have appreciated at an annual rate of 9.79 percent. The Cleveland house eked out a 2.82 percent annual return. Neither buyer could have predicted what their homes would be worth now. One could score a healthy return, while the other didn’t even keep up with inflation. (If she had, her home would have been worth about $190,000.) Homes are a big part of most Americans’ net worth. But whether a home purchase pays off huge, or pays off at all, is largely a function of geography. It’s a kind of wealth inequality that doesn’t get much attention but can have big consequences for your finances. It means some people hit the real estate lottery, blessed with gobs of equity they can tap for spending or bailing themselves out in retirement even if they haven’t saved enough. Others can do everything right
Homes are a big part of most Americans’ net worth. But whether a home purchase pays off huge, or pays off at all, is largely a function of geography. —buying homes they can afford and diligently paying down their mortgages—but have far less to show for their efforts. The solution isn’t necessarily to buy into hot markets, since predicting which markets will outperform in the long run is pretty much impossible, says David Blitzer, managing director at S&P Dow Jones Indices, which publishes the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Home Price Indices. A better course is to invest in stocks, which historically deliver better returns than other investments and which help you build wealth regardless of where you live. People often believe homes are a better investment than they actually are. On average, home prices nationally have barely kept up with inflation since 1900, Blitzer says. Most of the nation’s housing wealth is concentrated in just a few states, notably California, New York, Florida and Texas, according to an analysis by the Urban Institute. Homes can offer tax breaks for mortgage interest, property taxes and capital gains, since the first $250,000 of home sale profit per owner typically is exempt from taxes. But homes also come with considerable costs that can’t be deducted, including insurance, maintenance, repairs and upgrades (though improvements can reduce the possible tax bill if you sell at a big profit). Stocks, by contrast, never need a new roof and outpace inflation over time by a fat margin. Theoretically, my friend’s mother would be more than half a million dollars
richer today if she and her husband had invested their $5,000 down payment in the Standard & Poor’s 500 stocks instead. Or consider what Buffett could have earned. A $150,000 investment in the S&P 500 in 1971 could have turned into almost $14.5 million—even more than the asking price on his six-bedroom, ocean-view house. (Of course, a $150,000 investment in Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc. would have done even better. That purchase would be worth over $800 million today. But no one could know in 1971 how wildly the company would grow in coming decades.) Without a crystal ball, people need to hedge their bets. Buying a home and paying down a mortgage can be a kind of forced savings that results in at least some equity, regardless of market conditions. But most people should be wary of advice that encourages them to “stretch” to buy a house or view their home as an investment. “Buy your house for what you need for your family,” says certified financial planner Tim Obendorf of Chicago. “Don’t count on your home appreciating 5 percent a year and being your retirement savings.” (This column was provided to The Associated Press by the personal finance website NerdWallet.) (Liz Weston is a certified financial planner and columnist at NerdWallet. Email: lweston@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @lizweston.)
If taxpayers gave money or goods to a charity in 2016, they may be able to claim a deduction on their federal tax return. Here are some important IRS facts about charitable donations: 1. Qualified charities. Taxpayers must donate to a qualified charity. Gifts to individuals, political organizations of candidates are not deductible. To check the status of a charity, use the IRS Select Check tool. 2. Itemize deductions. To deduct charitable contributions, taxpayers must file Form 1040 and itemize deductions. File Schedule A, Itemized Deductions, with a federal tax return. 3. Benefit in return. If taxpayers get something in return for their donation, they may have to reduce their deduction. Taxpayers can deduct only the amount that exceeds the fair-market value of the benefit received. Examples of benefits include merchandise, meals, tickets to events or other goods and services. 4. Type of donation. If taxpayers give property instead of cash, their deduction amount is normally limited to the item’s fair-market value. Fair-market value is generally the price they would get if the property sold on the open market. If they donate used clothing and household items, those items generally must be in good condition or better. Special rules apply to cars, boats and other types of property donations. 5. Noncash Charitable Contributions. File Form 8283, Noncash Charitable Contributions, for all noncash gifts totaling more than $500 for the year. Complete section-A for noncash property contributions worth $5,000 or less. Complete section-B for noncash property contributions more than $5,000, and include a qualified appraisal to the return. The type of records they must keep depends on the amount and type of their donation. To learn more about what records to keep, see Publication 526, Charitable Contributions. 6. Donations of $250 or more. If taxpayers donated cash or goods of $250 or more, they must have a written statement form the charity. It must show the amount of the donation and a description of any property given. It must also say whether they received any goods or services in exchange for the gift. Remember, for every tax problem there is a solution.
Tell congress to restore $6 billion in HUD funding From youth yearning for the time to have their own place, to older Americans hoping to age in place, the need to have a home is a shared concern of consumers of all ages and locales. It’s where children are raised and memorable moments dwell. It’s also where many people rest, reflect, and shut out the worries of the day. Right now, the future of our country’s commitment to housing is in jeopardy. In the recently-released White House Budget Blueprint, the Department of Housing and Urban Development will not resemble its former self. While some programs are proposed to become smaller, others are identified for extinction. Fortunately, while the President proposes a budget, Congress must hold hearings that offer opportunities to amend what some would deem indefensible. The irony is that so many HUD programs and services that have enjoyed longstanding, broad and bi-partisan support across the country are among those proposed to end. For example, since 1974, HUD’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program has provided local and state officials the flexibility to fund local priorities for services, projects and partnerships. Whether the need was affordable housing, blight removal, community supportive services or a way to leverage capital in redevelopment projects, local concerns have guided how to make the best use of federal funds. According to the White House Budget Blueprint, CDBG would absorb $3 billion of HUD’s proposed $6.2 billion agency cut. Reactions from municipal leaders and organizations was swift.
“From CDBG block talization strategy grants, to Commu- Charlene Crowell or Transformational nity-Oriented PoPlan. licing Services, the This past December, programs targeted HUD announced that for cuts provide supfrom 34 competitive port for millions of applications, five citworking Americans ies were selected to and help cities inreceive grants totalvest in public-good ing $132 million: Bosprojects like police ton, Camden, Denver, stations, food banks Louisville, and St. and domestic violence shelters,” said Matt Louis. An estimated 1,853 units of severely Zone, a Cleveland city councilmember distressed public housing will be replaced and president of the National League of by nearly 3,700 new mixed-income, mixedCities, an organization that advocates for use housing units as part of an overall effort 19,000 cities, towns, and villages. “These to revitalize neighborhoods unprecedented cuts would be devastating For every $1 in Choice Neighborhoods to all our nation’s cities – with the worst funding, awardees and their partners typimpacts felt in small towns and rural com- ically leverage for their projects an addimunities.” tional $5 in public and private funding. “In housing, the proposed budget would Together, the five cities are expected to end some of HUD’s most successful pro- leverage $636 million through other pubgrams that help underserved communi- lic/private sources and expect to stimulate ties including: Community Development another $3.3 billion indirectly to magnify Block Grants, the HOME Investment their impact. Partnerships, and Choice Neighborhoods,” The HOME Investment Partnerships noted Yana Miles, a policy counsel with program focuses exclusively on creatthe Center for Responsible Lending. ing affordable housing opportunities for Two of the HUD programs that Miles low-income families. Until now, it has also cites are the focus of another proposed been the single largest block grant dedi$1.1 billion in cuts: Choice Neighborhoods cated to expanding this housing sector. and the HOME Investment partnerships Formula grants for states and local comprogram. munities are often awarded in partnerThe Choice Neighborhoods program pro- ship with local nonprofit organizations to vides funding and technical assistance build, buy, and/or rehabilitate affordable to support local community efforts to im- housing for either rent or homeownership. prove struggling neighborhoods dotted For the nation’s 1.2 million families who with distressed public or HUD-assisted live in public housing, the proposed budhousing. Like CDBG, eligibility is for- get blueprint will take $1.3 million from mula-based and requires a formal revi- facility improvements, and another $600
Commentary
million in operational costs. These and other severe funding cuts proposed are the exact opposite of what Dr. Carson testified to during his confirmation hearings. On January 12 before the Senate’s Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, he said, “[I]t’s difficult for a child to learn at school if he or she doesn’t have an adequate place to live. In these situations, government can and should help. However, I believe we need to ensure that the help we provide families is efficient and effective.” By his own admission, Secretary Carson has never worked in government before. Now as the head of a key cabinet agency, he and his senior staff would be well-served by learning which programs work well and should be preserved from heavy-handed budget cuts. Since post-World War II, FHA-backed mortgage loans have provided funding for millions of Americans. With down payments as low as 3.5 percent, families who cannot afford a large down payment for a conventional loan, can make that important transition from renter to homeowner. In recent years, FHA-backed loans are the most used by Black and Latino consumers. HUD’s history of service has many more examples of how modest public investments have and can continue to leverage larger private funds. The programs that fostered this success deserve to be supported and funded at levels that will continue to benefit the nation. (Charlene Crowell is communications deputy director for the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org.)
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How can I avoid my parents’ money mistakes?
BUSINESS CALENDAR Free Homebuyer Workshop
by Brianna McGurran For New Pittsburgh Courier
“Ask Brianna” is a Q&A column from NerdWallet for 20-somethings or anyone else starting out. I’m here to help you manage your money, find a job and pay off student loans—all the real-world stuff no one taught us how to do in college. Send your questions about postgrad life to askbrianna@nerdwallet.com. Q: My parents have always had an unhealthy relationship with money. How can I avoid their money mistakes? A: I have a confession to make: I am turning into my mother. Like her, I rearrange the furniture in my apartment constantly, convinced it will breathe new life into the room if I shift the coffee table five inches to the right. Along with quirky personality traits, I also inherited from my parents attitudes about money, both positive and problematic. My dad spent Sunday mornings smoking cigars in the basement and scribbling in his checkbook—“Keeping the lights on,” as he put it— which impressed upon me the importance of paying bills on time. Now I have a sterling payment history, but I’m also neurotic about keeping it that way. When I was one day late on a credit card payment eight years ago, it felt like an egregious personal failing I’d never recover from. “Many of the behaviors that govern how we deal with money are already set by age 7 , which is a bit terrifying, if you think about it,” says Beth Kobliner, author of “Make Your Kid a Money Genius (Even If You’re Not): A Parents’ Guide for Kids 3 to 23.” Maybe your parents taught you to overspend, pinch pennies or fear investing in the stock market. You don’t have to relive their money mistakes. You can take steps to craft your own financial identity. “No matter what your past is, whether your parents were good with money or bad with money, at a certain point you have to say, ‘OK, this is on me,’” Kobliner says. STEP 1: REVISIT YOUR FORMATIVE YEARS Each of us has a script that dictates how we interact with money, says Brad Klontz, a clinical psychologist and certified financial planner. “And many of us don’t know who even wrote it or the circumstances in which these beliefs were determined,” he says. Start by considering how your parents talked about their finances—whether they avoided the topic altogether, or argued about it—and what behaviors they modeled for you. Try to identify three things you learned about money from your upbringing. STEP 2: PINPOINT YOUR MONEY BELIEFS By the time you’re in your late 20s or 30s, you’ve probably had exposure to basic money must-dos like spending less than you earn, building good credit and saving for retirement. If you’ve chosen not to follow such advice, that could be a result of your money beliefs, according to Klontz. Think through your own experiences with money and note any patterns. Klontz recommends asking yourself the following questions: •What is your biggest financial fear? •What is your most joyful money memory? (For example, a trip you saved up for.) •What is your most painful money memory? (For example, a debt that went into collections.)—What lesson did you learn from your most painful money experiences? Did they inspire you to change your behavior? Klontz says one of his clients shared how her grandmother swooped in to help her family pay housing costs when they were in danger of getting evicted. While this was a joyful memory, its lesson wasn’t as positive. “As a child, that led to this belief where you don’t really need to worry about it, because something good will happen,” Klontz says. STEP 3: USE YOUR INSIGHTS TO SHIFT BEHAVIOR Now that you’ve identified your personal approach to money and how your family might have influenced it, you can focus on shifting those beliefs and changing your behavior. These changes don’t need to be grand, sweeping alterations to your financial personality. Start by choosing one concrete action to focus on, like saving more or shopping less online. Consider automatically transferring $50 a month to a savings account or asking your boss about 401(k) options at work. If you’re having an especially hard time making the shift, you don’t have to do it alone. Talk to a psychotherapist or a financial therapist if you’d like to dig deeper into your relationship with money. A nonprofit credit counselor or a financial planner can help you pursue the goals you’re most committed to.
Is this Fortune 500 company discriminating against low-income neighborhoods? BLACKNEWS.COM—AT&T is again under fire, this time for discriminating against low-income neighborhoods in Cleveland, Ohio. How? By not upgrading home Internet and video technologies in poor neighborhoods. The accusations come from two nonprofit groups, the National Digital Inclusion Alliance and Connect Your Community. A long history of discrimination Both groups reached their conclusion after analyzing AT&T data that was provided to the Federal Communications Commission. Further, they allege that AT&T’s discriminatory practices have been going on for ten years. Their recent statement says, “AT&T has systematically discriminated against lower-income Cleveland neighborhoods in its deployment of home Internet and video technologies over the past decade.” Redlining The type of discrimination the groups are referring to is called “redlining,” or
in their case, “digital redlining.” Redlining is an illegal practice in real estate lending where lenders deny housing loans to people based on race. In the case of AT&T, the accusation is that they are denying high-speed fixed broadband service to low-income neighborhoods in Cleveland. According to both NDIA and CYC, data collected shows that AT&T “failed to upgrade its network in low-income Cleveland neighborhoods while deploying a high-speed fiber network to wealthier areas within the metropolitan area,” stated Phillip Berenbroick, senior policy counsel at Public Knowledge, an advocacy group. Only 34 percent of urban neighborhoods have upgraded, fiber-enhanced service, compared to the 61 percent in Cuyahoga County who do have access to improved service. (For more details, visitwww.thehill.com/policy/ technology/323405-report-accuses-att-of-discriminating-against-low-income-cleveland)
What do we have to lose? by Jim Clingman
to life the statement its members made in the document, namely, “The CBC has al(TriceEdneyWire.com)—During their ways been committed to actions infused recent chit-chat with President Donald with ‘moral clarity’ and a desire to honestTrump, the Congressional Black Caucus ly and forthrightly represent the interests members made it plain that they were not of our constituents, the African-American there simply for a photo-op or just to en- community, and all Americans.” Yes, I gage in meaningless conversation. So, they cringed when I read, “and all Americans,” had a serious discussion about what Black wondering how the CBC could represent folks need Trump to do in several areas, the interests of “all,” after citing the words of i.e. education, criminal justice, economics, founding member, Bill Clay, regarding Black workforce, rural America, environmental, “permanent interests,” at the beginning of and health. And, they put it in writing--a their document. Maybe the reference to 125-page document titled, “We have a lot “all” was written in error. I kept reading. to lose—Solutions to advance Black famiWhen I read, “Members have always lies in the 21st Century.” been at the forefront of issues such as According to news reports, Rep. Karen economic security and empowerment…” Bass, D-Calif., said the group raised “sever- I knew the organization that calls itself, al areas of concern” but added that it was a “The conscience of America,” would lay “positive start.” According to Bass, among it all out at that point, making its moral the concerns raised were Trump’s campaign case on reparations. I kept reading. Then rhetoric depicting African-American com- I read, “Our collective efforts have echoed munities as “completely lawless,” his pro- throughout Congress for decades, and toposed budget cuts, mass incarceration, and gether, we will continue to stand for the the “rolling back” of the Voting Rights Act. many Americans who expect the Caucus to The CBC began its document by giving be sound and principled leaders dedicated Donald Trump a Black history lesson, say- to progress. Accordingly, we highlight the ing, “…to consider the state of Black America following problems across several facets of without historical context denies the origins Black life and offer ‘bold solutions’ to adof the problems that continue to plague our vance Black families in the 21st century.” communities, as well as the centuries-long I kept reading, only to find that each secbattle to bring our people to this point.” The tion thereafter, replete with Black problems CBC cited every era from enslavement to followed by CBC solutions, said absolutely civil rights; the one that drew most of my nothing about reparations. As a matter of attention was enslavement. fact there was not even an honorable menThe document stated, “Slaves literally built tion of senior CBC member, John Conyers, this country, including the United States Cap- who has served since 1965, for introducing itol and the White House. The uncompensat- H.R. 40 and bringing it up each year since ed labor of millions of slaves established the 1989. He only asks for a commission to wealth of White America, unjust profits that “discuss” the economic impact of 250 years (This column was provided to The Associated Press by the personal have never been repaid.” I got excited when of enslavement, but his resolution has nevfinance website NerdWallet. Brianna McGurran is a staff writer at I read that part; I kept reading and assumed er made it out of committee. NerdWallet. Email: bmcgurran@nerdwallet.com . Twitter: @brian- I would soon get to see the CBC’s demand for The CBC walked right up to the reparations namcscribe.) reparations, in some form or another to com- line in its “We have a lot to lose,” document; pensate our ancestors’ families for their free they made a great case for us, but they failed labor. I kept reading. to cross that line by including reparations in Surely I would find their position on their demands--or should I say, “suggestions” reparations in the next section: Recon- to President Trump. I stopped reading. struction. I kept reading. The Great Clarence McKee wrote in Newsmax, Migration period was next--no mention “Since they [CBC] got virtually nothing from of reparations yet, but I still had hope. Obama to deal with issues impacting sigThen came The Great Depression, The nificant proportions of their constituencies, New Deal, World War II, Jim Crow, and you can bet that they… will demand more of The Civil Rights period. Where was the Trump than they ever did of Obama.” I don’t demand for reparations for Black people, know, Clarence; Obama did not support repconsidering everything that was pointed arations either, so maybe the CBC felt bad out in the document? I kept reading. about asking Trump to do so. Eureka! Finally, I thought. It has to be in It took a lot of work to write, so I think the section titled, “Solutions for the African I will read the document again. A call for American Community,” which would bring reparations has to be in there somewhere.
What could go wrong with tax return TAX FROM B3
even if you can’t afford to pay some or all of your outstanding taxes immediately. The sooner you file and pay what you can, the less exposure you will have to interest and penalties. If your tax bill remains unpaid, the IRS will begin collection efforts that could result in a levy on your wages or bank account, or a federal tax lien. You can help prevent those steps by filing your return and explaining your financial constraints to the IRS. The IRS has an installment agreement program and other options designed to make it easier for those who can’t pay their taxes immediately. If you’re owed a refund, you’ll miss out on it if you don’t file a return. It’s in
your interest to get your taxes done. Consult your local CPA There are some mistakes of which you may not even be aware, such as missing out on certain deductions available to you. That’s why it’s important to turn to your local CPA for advice on how to claim the right deductions and how to address all your compliance concerns. A CPA works with a wide variety of clients on their tax and other financial issues, so turn to him or her with all your financial questions.
(For more information on tax returns and more, visit 360finlit.org. To find a CPA in your area or for more tips this tax season, visit www.picpa.org/ moneyandlife.)
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 412396-1633.
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 717-772-5160.
Minority Business Award Luncheon
APRIL 18--The Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council (EMSDC) will host the “Stellar Awards” Luncheon, honoring the achievements of corporations, minority business enterprises (MBEs), and resource partners throughout Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and Delaware, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Fairmont Hotel, 510 Market St., in Downtown Pittsburgh. Register at www. EMSDC.org or 412-391-4423.
PowerBreakfast
APRIL 21—The African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pa. Will host its monthly PowerBreakfast meeting, 7:30 to 9 a.m. at the Rivers Club in Oxford Towers, Downtown. The Speaker will be Covestro President Jerry MacCleary, who will discuss how the company is committed to suplier diversity. Cost $20 for members, $30 for non-members. For more information call 412-392-0610.
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.
Invention Showcase
JUNE 13 to 15—INPEX, the country’s largest inventor showcase returns to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center with an opening night party and a rooftop Beer Garden networking event at Sienna Mercato. Both are open to exhibitors and business attendees. For the complete schedule and to register, visit www. inpex.com
OPINION
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
APRIL 5-11, 2017
B3
‘Vote School Board First’ a great idea
Guest Editorial
O’Reilly, Spicer slight a great nuisance Two prominent African American women were insulted Tuesday by White, male public figures who made disparaging remarks. First Fox News host Bill O’Reilly ridiculed veteran congresswoman Maxine Waters, referring to her hair as “a James Brown wig,” after watching a video of the California Democrat criticizing Republican President Donald Trump’s policies. Only a few hours later during a White House press briefing, American Urban Radio Network host April Ryan was scolded as if she were a child by White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer, who told her to “stop shaking your head” as he responded to her question. The offensive comments drew a swift and strong response from African American women on Twitter. Activist Brittany Packnett created the hashtag #BlackWomenAtWork to respond that Black women are fed up with the way they are treated in the workplace and encouraged them to share their experiences on Twitter. “I wanted the hashtag to make the invisible visible, to challenge nonblack people to stand with Black women not just when this happens on television, but in the cube right next to them,” Packnett told The Huffington Post. “I’m surrounded every day by brilliant, confident, incredible Black professional women who get demeaned despite their prowess. Today, I was over it … I have deep and abiding respect for Congresswoman Waters and Ms. Ryan who are both trailblazers in their fields. They are to be respected, just like every other Black woman who rises each day to contribute to this society in ways that are all-too-often taken for granted.” The hashtag #BlackWomenAtWork went from trending on social media to headlines on cable news shows. In a speech Tuesday afternoon, Hilary Clinton spoke of persistent presence of everyday sexism and racism. “Too many women, especially women of color, have had a lifetime of practice taking precisely these kinds of indignities in stride,” Clinton said. “But why should we have to. And any woman who thinks this couldn’t be directed at her is living in a dream world.” Locally, several people gathered in front of the Fox 29 news station on Market Street on Thursday shouting, “Bill O’Reilly’s got to go” in protest of the television host’s insults towards Waters. Paula Peebles, chair of the Philadelphia National Action Network, called for Fox to fire O’Reilly. “We will not accept any insults, personal attacks on our women [or] our race from Fox or any other group,” Peebles said. She referenced O’Reilly’s past statements against Michelle and former President Barack Obama. Peebles also brought up Spicer’s dismissal of reporter April Ryan. “We watched and listened to the unrelenting attacks against President Barack Obama, and they have moved on,” Peebles said. “Yet the attacks are continuing as evidenced by the disrespect displayed by both Bill O’Reilly and Sean Spicer.” Minister Rodney Muhammad, president of the Philadelphia NAACP chapter, joined in on the protest saying “when they come after our women, our men should be on the front line.” O’Reilly apologized for his comments later that afternoon in a written statement. The next day Spicer kicked off Wednesday’s press briefing with a cordial greeting to Ryan after calling on her first. O’Reilly and Spicer may think its okay to disrespect women because of their employer. O’Reilly is employed by a news network in which his former boss, Fox News Chief Roger Ailes, is accused of sexual harassment and Spicer, works for a president who has bragged about groping women. If Spicer and O’Reilly’s were seeking to intimidate those who dare to question or criticize Trump they were mistaken. Waters and Ryan have shown that they are strong women who will not be intimidated from doing their job. (Reprinted from the Philadelphia Tribune)
Founded 1910
Rod Doss Editor & Publisher Stephan A. Broadus Assistant to the Publisher Allison Palm
Rob Taylor Jr.
Jeff Marion
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John. H. Sengstacke
Editor & Publisher Emeritus (1912-1997)
“Vote School Board First” is a great campaign that is long overdue. Education, or the lack of it, is still the most important issue facing Black America today. A+ Schools launched a campaign to help convince people to think education and the school board candidates first instead of an afterthought when they go to the polls. When most of us vote, we think President, U.S. House and Senate, and all the other national positions first, then it’s the state positions, the county and then the city. After everyone else has been accounted for, then only 20 percent of us vote for our school board candidates. How many of us actually know who our school board representatives are? The school board slot itself has served as a launching pad or an after-retirement position for most. And even though they control a half-million dollar budget, the board members themselves don’t get paid, which is one of the main reasons the seat mostly attracts people at the beginning or end of their careers. At one time, most of the City Council seats were held by people who got their start on the school board, especially the Hill District and Homewood. Valerie McDonald Roberts and Jake Milliones are the most noted. On the North Side, Darlene Harris started on the school board. She moved from school board to City Council and now is looking to become mayor. Being on the school board takes up a whole lot of time; it can take up as much time as City Council or state representative for those who take it seriously, yet they only get reimbursed for their expenses which has led to many quality people
Ulish Carter
Just Sayin’ either not running, or stepping down because it takes so much time away from their jobs that paid the bills and family. One thing that got my attention was their statement that only 43 percent of the people voted in the general election and only 20 percent voted for school board seats. If the 43 percent is correct, I can understand why people like Donald Trump won the election, as well as why the GOP controls the state House and Senate. We not only are not voting for school board members, we are not voting for anyone. We are just the worst when it comes to the school board vote. Education is vital to the future of Black America and it all starts with the school board, not the teachers or students, because just how effective a teacher, principal or student can be depends on the support the school board gives through supplies, programs or the methods being used to educate the students. All this comes from the school board first. Even the superintendent is selected by the school board and must answer to them. No matter how great his ideals are, if the school board doesn’t back and support him, none of his ideals will become policy, because the school board provides the funding and all proposers must go through it.
Maybe by putting more emphasis on the school board seats it will lead to more people running for these seats, thus eliminating all the lack of competition we have seen in the primary and general elections the past several years. And hopefully this campaign will lead to better education of the voters about each candidate so that they can make better decisions when it comes time to vote. Summer jobs funding President Trump is cutting funding left and right for poor, low and middle income families while cutting taxes for the rich. I guess this is going to ‘Make America Great Again.’ One such cut will affect the summer youth jobs programs not just in Pittsburgh, but all over the country. Having been a youth who depended on these summer jobs in Champaign, Ill., I understand just how important these cuts are and wish the mayor well in trying to find the funding for these jobs. When I worked, it was just cutting weeds and other overgrowth for the money. But Pittsburgh has moved much further ahead by offering jobs that can help these young people have a better idea of what they want to do or not do when they graduate. It’s now called the Learn and Earn program because you, well, learn while you earn.
(Ulish Carter is the former managing editor of the New Pittsburgh Courier.) (Editor’s note: According to a March 29 New Pittsburgh Courier story, 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. )
They don’t just disappear (TriceEdneyWire.com)—If I had to speculate about a common thread that weaves its way through the lives of most of my friends and acquaintances, I’d have to say that filtering through the blizzard of information that inundates us daily is our greatest challenge. “Trump tweeted this…” or “Congress ignored that…” or “Korea launched that...” or “No agreement could be reached…” are among the many and varied refrains frequently heard from the media. The truth is that when considering the daily deluge of information it’s difficult to prioritize or determine which issues are worthy of our attention and concern. So is life in the era of Trump. I am, however, certain of two things: 1. There’re some issues far more important than Trump and the conduct of his minions; and, 2. There’s nothing more important than the care and nurturing of our children—our next generation. In the midst of all the confusion surrounding Presidential conduct, Cabinet selections, Health Care and the myriad of events that cascade upon us, we must stop and ask ourselves an immediate question, “What is happening to our children and where have they gone?” Far from being isolated to Washington DC, my current location, Black children and other children of color are going missing at a rate that can only be described as alarming. Admittedly, from my perspective, to have any child missing is an alarming event, but the Metro DC area has been plagued with a
Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.
Commentary surge of missing children in the past weeks and months. This is unacceptable under any circumstance, but the lack of attention and coverage by the media makes this bad matter even worse. The lack of media focus on matters critical to communities of color is hardly new. I surmise that to be the reason I have not seen appropriate media attention, commensurate with my concern about African American and Latina girls/young women, given their growing number of missing. Of course, many will, and have already argued that many of those labeled as missing are merely runaways. Most certainly, there is data that gives partial support to this reasoning, but we cannot ere with a false assurance that this explanation is supportive of the fact of a general trend. Few overtly condone slavery of any kind, sex slavery specifically or human trafficking in any form, but by failing to acknowledge their possibility we do poor respective communities and any possible victims incalculable harm. As long as we cannot overlook the rapid growth of a sex slavery/ human trafficking industry in our
nation, we cannot afford to deny the possibility that any of our missing children have fallen victim to this burgeoning criminal enterprise. What we do know is: •The US State Department estimates that 600,000 to 800,000 people are trafficked across international borders each year. •Of the estimated $150 Billion world-wide income from human trafficking, an estimated $99 B is attributable world-wide to sex trafficking and, arguably, $9.5 B are earned in the US annually. •80 percent of human trafficking involves sexual exploitation; 19% involves forced labor. * 80 percent of those trafficked are female and half are children. •Trafficking is characterized by exploitation that includes forced prostitution, involuntary servitude and the creation of pornography or commercial sexual exploitation. •The US Department of Health & Human Services estimates that between 240,000 and 325,000 American children and youth are at risk for sex trafficking each year. •The average age of teens entering the US sex trade is 12 - 14. The facts related to sex slavery and human trafficking are far too wide-ranging to discuss in a brief column, but the mere chance that any of our children could be trapped in that cycle of despair requires our thorough investigation of the circumstances of those who go missing.
(Dr. E. Faye Williams is National President of the National Congress of Black Women, Inc. 202/678-6788. www.nationalcongressbw.org)
Federal budget proposal favors defense contractors but abandons American citizens
(TriceEdneyWire.com)—“The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members.”—Mahatma Ghandi Some people look at a budget proposal and see numbers. At the National Urban League, we look at a budget proposal and see people. The Trump Administration’s preliminary federal budget proposal— the so-called “skinny budget”—is a massive transfer of resources from vital services and fundamental social protections into unrequested and unnecessary military spending. It represents a conscious decision to abandon children and other vulnerable Americans to sickness, homelessness, illiteracy, ignorance and unemployment, while fattening the coffers of defense contractors. The Americans who will be abandoned are not simply numbers on a ledger. They are the thousands of Americans aged 55 and older who have found stable, sustaining jobs through the National Urban League’s Urban Seniors Jobs Program. They are the college-age youths, at risk or entangled in the judicial system, whose lives have been transformed by the education, mentoring, counseling and job
Marc H. Morial
To Be Equal training they found in the National Urban League’s Urban Youth Empowerment Program. They are the tens of thousands of families who have realized the American Dream of homeownership via the National Urban League’s housing counseling and foreclosure prevention programs. They are the middle school and high school students getting a new glimpse of their own educational and professional potential from the role models in National Urban League’s Project Ready Mentor program. The budget proposal doesn’t cut dollars. It cuts jobs. It cuts educations. It cuts homeownership. It cuts the only hope of a better life for many young people and families. We have called the “skinny budget” a jobs killer and a dreams killer, but it also would be a literal killer. With-
out the vital assistance of the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, people will surely die in the winter cold. Those who can’t afford to pay their heating bills resort to unsafe methods like a kitchen stove or a kerosene heater, leaving them vulnerable to death by toxic fumes or house fires. Abandoning biomedical research means more Americans will die of otherwise curable diseases. Gutting the Environmental Protection Agency means smog, ozone, and mercury will trigger worsening asthma attacks, especially in young children, along with heart and lung ailments, and lead to premature death. Abandoning Violence Against Women programs mean more women will be stalked, harassed, battered and, yes, killed. The “skinny budget” is an act of crippling cruelty, a short-sighted plunder of resources to benefit the wealthy at the expense of everyone else. Stopping this disaster is a matter of national urgency, one to which the National Urban League and the Urban League Movement is wholeheartedly committed. We urge all Americans to let their Congressional representatives know we won’t stand by while American ideals are abandoned.
B4
APRIL 5-11, 2017
FORUM
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Alexander Acosta— God’s blessing women and men Jesse Jackson Sr. bad news in a Commentary Louis ‘Hop’ Kendrick slick package To Tell (TriceEdneyWire.com)—By the time you read this, Alexander Acosta, the 45th President’s nominee for Secretary of Labor, is likely to have been confirmed by the full Senate. He got narrow approval from the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions by a 12-11 party line vote. I don’t blame the Democrats for opposing the Acosta nomination. In his televised hearing, he was as slippery as Supreme Court nominee, Neil Gorsuch, dancing around questions and so exasperating Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren (D) that she said, “This has really been frustrating. You have dodged every one of my questions. None of these were trick questions.” Warren tried to pin Acosta down on overtime rules. Presently, workers who earn more than $23,660 do not qualify for time and a half, or overtime, pay. Someone who earns that little money is earning just over $11 an hour. They hardly qualify as “executives.” President Obama proposed that the ceiling be doubled, so that anyone earning under $47,320 could collect overtime. Four million more workers would have overtime protection. Acosta said he would take the lead from his boss, the 45th President, but indicated that the ceiling should be less than $47,000. He prefers something in the $33,000 range. Will you stand up for workers, Elizabeth Warren asked him? That’s the purpose of the La-
Julianne Malveaux
Commentary bor Department. We have so many government departments who take care of corporations, but only the Labor Department takes care of the little person. Their regulations on occupational safety and health, pay fairness, and discrimination protect workers when employers are indifferent to their safety and welfare. But the 45th President’s “budget lite” proposes a 21 percent cut in the Department of Labor budget. It would eliminate some job training programs, including the Senior Community Service Employment Program, close Job Corps Centers, eliminate parts of the Office of Disability Employment Policy, and eliminate the Occupational Safety and Health Administration “unproven training grants”. This “America First” budget is disgraceful in its frequent use of words like “ineffective”, “unproven”, “inefficient”, and “eliminate”, as if there has been any study done, in the scant 60 days of this Administration, to prove inefficiency. Indeed, while we weren’t paying much attention, 45 signed legislation that took away occupational safety protections for those working for federal contractors. President Obama required companies competing for federal contracts to disclose and fix safety violations, but the Senate voted to revoke the Fair Pay and Safe Workplace Rule. Some Republicans said it “wasn’t fair” that companies with workplace violations couldn’t get federal contracts. They would prefer that contractors who exploit and endanger their workers be allowed to bid on federal contracts without fixing their deficiencies. They want to reward contractors who exploit and endanger their workers. Acosta doesn’t have the baggage that restaurant executive Andrew Puzder, did. Forty-five’s first nominee for Secretary of Labor was such a hot mess that he withdrew from consideration. Acosta is a lifelong public servant and now dean of Florida International University’s law school, and chairman of the board of the U.S. Century Bank. He has been confirmed by the Senate for other positions, including the National Labor Relations Board and Assistant U.S. Attorney, and he is likely to be confirmed this time around. Despite the fact that Acosta will be only the first Hispanic on the Trump cabinet, and the fact that his background—Harvard undergraduate and law degrees—seems impeccable, he is likely to be nothing but a disappointment for workers. Not only will he likely do less for overtime than President Obama required, but he will likely also limit rules that limit worker exposure to cancer-causing substances, and require financial advisors to work in the best interest of their clients. Essentially, he has indicated he will follow 45’s lead, and Trump is notoriously anti-regulation. Acosta had to offer an apology for past behavior. As Assistant Attorney General, he had an employee who described conservatives as “real” Americans. The rest of us, apparently, are “commies and pinkos.” Never should have happened, he told the Senate committee. While the apology was appropriate, what, really, does he think of liberals? Will it affect his ability to enforce labor laws? At least Acosta, unlike his boss, has enough integrity to apologize when he is wrong. But his shillyshallying testimony suggests that he doesn’t have many opinions of his own, only Trump’s. He doesn’t have a problem with the 45th President’s plans to shrink the Labor Department and he might support elimination of the Women’s Bureau. Acosta is bad news wrapped up in a slick package. His confirmation is a blow to working people.
(Julianne Malveaux is an economist, author, and Founder of Economic Education. For more info visit www.juliannemalveaux.com)
There was a period of time when women were not truly appreciated. They were portrayed as child bearers, built-in domestics, sex objects and generally second-class citizens. They were definitely viewed as not equal to men. The descendants of the slave masters sought to put a further divide between the Black men and Black women by design; they did everything to exaggerate the perceived difference between them by increasing a sense of disrespect for each other. The truth is that they were generally effective for a period of time, much too long. However, another example of the power and goodness of God occurred--women now occupy a multitude of roles as mothers, breadwinners, educators, nurses, disciplinarians, accountants, homeowners, man’s partner, man’s equal and sometimes man’s superior. An untold number of Black women have done better than good. In fact, they have done exceptionally well, and Black men are truly proud of them. This week’s column originated because, for the last few weeks, Black women have been the deserving recipients of tremendous positive press coverage. I was in attendance at a meeting and several Black men were suspect of the positive coverage. They were saying, “They are at it again, seeking
The Truth
to divide us once more.” But being completely honest some of the brothers are resentful. I have been personally blessed by being in a household of successful women. Daddy had gone to his heavenly home and I was the man in his home with Mama, wife and three daughters. We as Black men should not have a jealous bone in our bodies, but should walk around with our chest struck out with an immense sense of pride. I would hope the men would come together and have more events that would highlight the positive actions and accomplishments of Black men. It could be a unique program by Black men funding 100 percent of the cost. It is understandable that some programs would not be difficult without seeking funds from the foundations and corporations, but it has always been my contention that we as men can do much more for ourselves than we do. Those who know me can testify that all of my life I have advocated that Black men have an obligation to serve as positive role models to those who call them son, husband, daddy, brother, friend and neighbor. It is long overdue for Black men to stand and be counted. (Louis “Hop” Kendrick is a contributor to the New Pittsburgh Courier.)
The Emmett Till painting controversy In 1955 two ing called “Open White men were J. Pharoah Doss Casket” by Dana acquitted in MisSchutz, a White sissippi for the artist, and her murder of Emmett painting was reTill, a Black teencently exhibited ager from Chicago in New York at accused of whisWhitney Museum tling at a White of American Arts woman. Appalled 2017 Biennial. by the verdict teleEmmett Till’s vision writer, Rod Serling of Twilight mother had an open casket funeral so Zone fame, wrote a script for The Unit- the world could see what happened ed States Steel Hour called, Noon on to her son. Schutz stated she was inDoomsday. spired after listening to interviews of Serling’s script probed into the psy- Emmett Till’s mother. Schutz said, “I che of the “deep south” and indicted the don’t know what it’s like to be Black in small town as an accessory to murder. America. But I do know what it’s like Because of previous clashes with cen- to be a mother … I made this painting sorship Serling changed his script’s vic- to engage with the loss.” tim from a Black boy to a Jewish man, But before the Whitney Biennial but Serling didn’t alter his opinion of opened there was backlash. One Black the men acquitted. The killer in Ser- artist asked the following questions, ling’s script was a, “neurotic malcon- “Who is the audience for this painting? tent who lashed out at something or Does it help a new audience understand someone who might be … the scape- either emotionally or intellectually the goat for his own unhappy, purposeless, complex set of factors all falling under miserable existence.” the umbrella of White supremacy, sexSerling discussed his script with a ism, and anti-blackness that led to this reporter. The reporter said it sounded young person’s death?” like the Till case and Serling replied, These are marketing questions of a “If the shoe fits.” Then the news ser- propagandist, not of an artist that devices started calling Serling’s upcom- fines art as human creativity, but the ing script “The story of the Till case.” inquiry encouraged a petition for the The White Citizens’ Councils painting’s removal. It was suggested throughout the south reacted to the that the painting should be removed news and threatened to boycott the and destroyed so a White artist couldn’t network and sponsor. The network profit by exploiting Black suffering. feared the threat and pulled Serling This logic also suggests that only Black into their office. artists can exploit Black suffering if Noon on Doomsday was gone over by there is money to be made. (I guess if thirty different people. The victim in one limits themselves to merely being the script was changed to an unnamed a “Black artist” it’s necessary to have foreigner because any suggestion of a exclusive rights to the most profitable minority was too close to the Till case. Black material.) The killer was not to be a psychopathic Protestors stood in front of the paintmalcontent, but a good, decent, Amer- ing to block it from view from the muican boy momentarily gone wrong. seum’s patrons. The collective arguEvery word of dialogue that might be ment made was Emmett Till’s loss was “Southern” in context was deleted and not for Schutz to engage with because at no point was the word “lynch” to be “White free speech and White creative used. No social event, institution, or freedom have been founded on the conway of life of “southern origin” could straints of others and are not natural be indicated and they changed the set- rights.” ting from an undesignated location to a This statement is beyond logic and New England town. any attempt to deconstruct its premIt was this version that aired April 25, ise is a fool’s errand, but Rod Serling 1956. Serling admitted he completely might have said, “…History repeats surrendered to the censors in order to but when the culprits switch roles the say something instead of nothing. That motive for repetition is normally rewas the first artistic attempt to pres- venge, as Dana Schutz discovered after ent some aspect of the Till case to the she entered The Twilight Zone.” (J. Pharoah Doss is a contributor to the New public. Now, the latest artistic representation Pittsburgh Courier. He blogs at jpharoahdoss@ of Emmett Till was an abstract paint- blogspot.com)
Commentary
Letters to the editor for publication The New Pittsburgh Courier welcomes all responsible viewpoints for publication. All letters should be typewritten and contain writer’s address and phone number for verification. All letters will be edited for clarity and length. Address all letters to: Letters to the Editor New Pittsburgh Courier 315 East Carson Street Pittsburgh, Pa. 15219 You may fax your letter to 412-481-1360 or via e-mail to letters@newpittsburghcourier.com
Trump should form bipartisan coalition to get true reform
(TriceEdneyWire.com)—The decision of House Republicans to torpedo the American Health Care Act, their own leadership’s plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, is a stunning defeat for President Trump and House Speaker Paul Ryan. It also rescues the 24 million Americans that were projected by the Congressional Budget Office to lose health care under the bill—particularly older, low-wage families and residents in rural areas. The defeat of the AHCA is as much a triumph of small-d democratic resistance as a failure of Trump and Ryan. The real test of leadership is how Trump reacts to the setback. His first reaction was understandably bitter. He said he’d move on to other issues and sit back and let what he calls Obamacare collapse, with insurance companies hiking costs or pulling out of the exchanges altogether. That distorts reality: According to the CBO and other experts, the ACA exchanges have stabilized, and cost increases are slower on average than they were before passage of the law. Expanded Medicaid is providing some 10 million with basic coverage. The major problem is the cruelty of Republican governors who have chosen to deprive their constituents of expanded Medicaid. The Trumpcare debacle established that there is no majority, even in a Republican-controlled Congress, for depriving millions of health care coverage. The majority of Americans have joined the rest of the industrialized world in conceiving that health care as a right, not a privilege. Obama’s health care reforms provided millions with access to health insurance or to Medicaid, yet more than 20 million Americans still go without. The Kaiser Family Foundation reports these are mostly families with one lowwage worker who simply cannot afford coverage. Many more are priced out of decent coverage, particularly with the prescription drug market rigged by the drug companies so that Americans pay the highest prices in the world. Reform is still needed. Trump is president of all of America, not merely the Republican right. In running for president, he promised repeatedly that he would produce health care reform that would “cover everybody,” with insurance that cost less and offered better coverage. He signed onto a Ryan plan that scorned his promise. It featured tax cuts for the very wealthy paid for by depriving millions of health care. Now is time for Trump to lead, to build a coalition that can pass a reform that meets his promise. Trump should recalibrate, reach out to Democrats and forge a new coalition for reform. If he were truly the bold, populist leader he claims to be, he would join with Bernie Sanders, whom he has often praised, and develop a path to Medicare for all. He might start with empowering Medicare and the exchanges to negotiate bulk discounts for drugs. Add a public option into the exchanges to keep insurance companies honest. Lower the eligible age for Medicare to 55, relieving companies of covering older workers who have the highest health care bills. That would provide companies with massive savings and older workers with immense relief. It could be easily paid for by progressive taxes on the wealthiest Americans or a financial speculation tax to limit destabilizing computer-based nanosecond stock trading. Democrats have celebrated Trump’s embarrassment. But they too have a stake in reform. They need to do more than simply defend the current system. They need to reach out to Trump and explore if smart reforms are possible with a new bipartisan coalition. Trump could and should break with the right-wing Freedom Caucus Republicans who led the assault against him. They want to repeal the ACA without replacing it. They are out of step with the vast majority of Americans. Instead, Trump could forge a bipartisan coalition to drive real reforms that would move us much closer to fulfilling his campaign promise. Tasting defeat is not the test of leadership. All leaders experience defeat sometime. The question is how they react. True leaders pick themselves up, learn from the experience and move forward. Trump could turn the lemons that the Republican caucus delivered him into lemonade. But only if he seeks to fulfill his campaign pledge by reaching out to Democrats and forging a new majority to make health care a right in this country.
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APRIL 5-22, 2017
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ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER
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ami rubb anagement Services, nc. seeks Architectural Designer to work in Pittsburgh, PA, provide architectural support to project architects in design, coordination, detailing of architectural projects. Must have bach. degree (or foreign equiv.) in Architecture or directly reltd field 2 yrs of exp. in reltd position. Exp. must incl: working w BC codes ADA compliance; AutoCAD; Revit; SketchUp; umion; Adobe Acrobat Pro; Photoshop; llustrator; nDesign; icrosoft Office Suite. Apply at lga@ lga-partners.com.
EASTSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD EMPLOYMENT CENTER SUMMER LEARN AND EARN RECRUITER
Title: Pittsburgh Summer Learn and Earn Recruiter (Multiple Positions) Salary: $12-15/hour (Based on education and experience) Start Date: April, 2017 Status: 30-40 hours/week Submit Resume and Cover letter to: employmentworks1@aol. com Job Summary: The Eastside Neighborhood Employment Center (ENEC) is seeking an energetic, personable staff member to recruit youth (ages 1421) to participate in the Pittsburgh Summer earn and Earn Program. Each recruiter will coordinate promotional mailings, visit Pittsburgh high schools, conduct phone canvassing, and lead other promotional efforts. Each earn and Earn recruiter must be a highly motivated, independent person who has a passion for community engagement and the expertise to effectively perform this multi-faceted position. This position will run through the end of April, with potential for permanent employment based on performance and organizational capacity. The earn and Earn Recruiter reports to the Manager of the Eastside Neighborhood Employment Center. Duties/Responsibilities: 1. Coordinate the citywide recruitment process of youth participants for the Pittsburgh Summer earn and Earn program. 2. Conduct recruitment visits to Pittsburgh high schools, community events, and youth serving organization sites. 3. Coordinate a team-effort to assist families in completing and verifying applications for the Pittsburgh Summer earn and Earn program. 4. Partner with other recruitment agencies and the city to develop a pool of 2,000 completed applications for the Pittsburgh Summer earn and Earn program. 5. nput application data into a icrosoft Access database. 6. Coordinate a Teen ob Fair to promote the Pittsburgh earn and Earn recruitment campaign. ualifications •Bachelor’s Degree—Preferred •Strong communication skills Current (or ability to quickly receive) Act 33 34 clearances FB Fingerprinting •Access to a car and a valid driver’s license
POSITIONS AVAILABLE
The Avonworth School District is seeking the ideal candidates to fill the following positions for the 20172018 School ear: 1. Secondary Music/Choral Teacher Qualifications: PA usic Educa tion P -12 Certificate required. 2. Half-time Elementary Instrumental Music Teacher Qualifications: PA usic Education P -12 Certificate required. 3. Media Center Specialist (Primary) Qualifications: PA ibrary Science P -12 Certificate required. PA Reading Specialist P -12 Certificate preferred. 4. Elementary Teacher (6th Grade English/Language Arts/ Reading) (2 openings) Qualifications: PA Elementary Education -6 Certificate or PA rades 4-8 English anguage Arts Certificate required. PA Reading Specialist P -12 Certificate preferred. 5. 7th Grade Math Teacher Qualifications: PA athematics 7-12 or PA rades 4-8 athematics Certificate required. 6. 8th Grade Science Teacher Qualifications: PA eneral Science 7-12 or PA rades 4-8 Science Certificate required. 7. Primary/Elementary Computer Science Teacher Qualifications: PA Business, Computer and nformational Technology P -12 Certificate required. PA nstructional Technology P -12 Specialist Certificate preferred. Qualified, interested candidates are asked to submit a resume, cover letter, transcripts, PA standard application, three letters of recommendation, and all current clearances (Act 34, Act 151, Act 114) to Dr. Thomas Ralston, Superintendent, Avonworth School District, 258 Josephs Lane, Pittsburgh, PA 15237. Deadline for submission is April 1 , 2017. EOE
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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 0 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.
VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS/ SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
The Western Pennsylvania regional office of the United ethodist Church, in Cranberry Township, seeks a full-time visual communications social media coordinator. The coordinator will report to the Director of Communication. Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in communication-related field and experience in graphic design, writing, editing and video production. Position includes benefits. Apply by April 15 with cover letter and resume to communications@ wpaumc.org. See full job description at wpaumc.org classifieds.
PITTSBURGH BALLET THEATRE MANAGER OF SCHOOL MARKETING AND PR
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
CLERK OF COURT
The United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania seeks a dedicated and experienced administrator for the position of Clerk of Court. The Clerk of Court serves as the Court Unit Executive of the Court, supporting all of the judges of the Court by overseeing and leading the Court’s extensive administrative and operational functions. Specifically, the Clerk of Court oversees Clerk’s Office staff; manages the operating budget; bears personal liability for losses of appropriated or non-appropriated funds or court property; and oversees the performance of the statutory duties of the office. The Clerk reports directly to the Chief United States District udge and communicates regularly with the district and magistrate judges and Clerk’s office staff; the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, and the Office of the Circuit Executive for the Third Circuit. Travel and public speaking are required. The position has a salary range of 175,544 - 1 0,815. The position will commence on August 1, 2017. The successful applicant may be required to begin employment for transition purposes prior to August 1, 2017. To be qualified for appointment as Clerk of Court, a candidate must have a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible administrative experience in public service or the private sector that provides the candidate with a thorough understanding of organi ational, procedural and human aspects of managing an organi ation. At least 3 of the 10 years of experience must have been in a position that required substantial management responsibility, including high level administrative experience that typically includes responsibilities involving financial management, human resources and information technology, space and facilities planning, and overall long and short-range planning. The candidate should have a proactive, positive approach to managing change and a creative, innovative approach to planning and problem solving. t is strongly preferred that a candidate hold at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (preferably in a field related to public, business or judicial administration). Applicants must be a U.S. citi en or eligible to work in the United States. The successful candidate for this position is subject to a FB fingerprint check and background investigation and must sign a consent for an RS tax check and consumer report review. The Clerk is required to live within the judicial district upon hire. Qualified applicants must electronically submit completed application and supporting documents in PDF format. ncomplete applications will not be considered. ip files, mailed applications and faxes will not be considered. See detailed job description, required qualifications and instructions for applying at: www.pawd.uscourts.gov (Court nfo Employment). The Court is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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PRODUCT ADVISOR III
The PNC Financial Services roup, nc. seeks a Product Advisor in Pittsburgh, PA responsible for: (i) identifying clients’ international treasury management needs, assessing problems, and recommending solutions for clients in international markets, including Canada, and speciali ing in atin America; (ii) completing diagnosis of client’s current international treasury management situation and related requirements through data gathering, which includes interviews, research, tools development and modeling; (iii) assessing complex and highest value international treasury management opportunities and developing tailored international treasury management solutions with a PNC product centric focus; (iv) serving as liaison with the Client mplementation team; and (v) ensuring regulatory and compliance alignment for assigned projects. Up to 40% domestic and or international travel is required, including travel to and from atin America. Position requires a Bachelor’s degree in nternational Business, Economics, Finance or Business Administration (or, in the alternative for the degree, no degree plus four years of international and or domestic treasury management experience); plus five years of international and or domestic treasury management experience. Must have the following experience: (i) 60 months of experience with clients, including foreign counterparties and banks, to re-engineer international and domestic financial operations and structures, including domestic and international client research, analysis, proposal development, presentation, and implementation; (ii) 24 months of experience with international treasury products and systems which must include Trade etters of Credit, SEPA, BACs, and Canadian Clearing, SW FT, BOS, Canadian Cash anagement, nternational Pooling, F-BAR, and Basel rules; (iii) 60 months of experience with domestic treasury management products and systems, which must include lockbox, ACH, wire, check disbursement, ERP systems, payables and receivables accounting systems and reporting systems; and (iv) 24 months experience with direct international treasury management for clients in atin America. 40 hours week, 8:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. nterested individuals apply online at www.pnc.com using keyword 2633 5BR. PNC provides equal opportunity to qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or other categories protected by law. LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices
Estate of EILEEN R. KANEL, deceased of Churchill, Pennsylvania, No. 02-17-00616 eith T. anel, Executor. c o Eckert Seamans Cherin ellott, C, U.S. Steel Tower, 44th Floor, 600 rant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 1521 or to Nancy . Rackoff, Esquire, c o Eckert Seamans Cherin ellott, C, U.S. Steel Tower, 44th Floor, 600 rant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 1521 Estate of MS. PAULINE A. NICHOL, deceased of 528 Aten Road, Coraopolis, PA 15108. Estate No. 02-17-0187 . s. Shelley Spernak, 528 Aten Road, Coraopolis, PA 15108, Executrix, c o ax C. Feldman, Attorney At aw, 1322 Fifth Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108 Estate of PHILIP H. JOYCE, deceased of 250 ardley Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 No. 0216-06038, Executor, Timothy . oyce, 2345 Harrow Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15241, or to American Wills Estates, loyd A. Welling, Esquire, 2100 Wharton Street, Birmingham Towers Suite 302, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 Estate of SAMUEL K. ANDERSON, deceased of Pittsburgh, PA No. 01667 of 2017. SheilaTerry, Administratrix, 742 Anaheim Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 1521 or to Thellma C. Spells, Esquire, Atty.,1533 Bidwell Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15233
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PUBLIC NOTICE ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA FY 2017 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN
Notice is hereby given that Allegheny County, Pennsylvania will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, ay 3, 2017, at 10:00 A , in the Allegheny County Economic Development’s (ACED) th floor Conference Room located at One Chatham Center, Suite 00, 112 Washington Place, Pittsburgh, PA 1521 , regarding the County’s Annual Action Plan for F 2017. One Chatham Center and the ACED th Floor Conference Room are accessible to persons with physical disabilities. f special arrangements, including physical accommodations or limited English proficiency ( EP) accommodations, need to be made in order for citi ens to participate in the public hearing, please call r. Bud Schubel, anager of Operations, at (412) 350-1044 to make those arrangements. The purpose of this public hearing is to present the F 2017 Allegheny County Annual Action Plan. The F 2017 Annual Action Plan lists the proposed projects for the Community Development Block rant (CDB ), HO E nvestment Partnerships Program (HO E), and Emergency Solutions rants (ES ) funds. Allegheny County has not received its 2017 Federal allocation amounts from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), therefore the grants are estimates only based upon the 2016 allocations received: CDB funds in the amount of 12,507,166, HO E funds in the amount of 2,273,174, and ES funds in the amount of 1,12 ,50 . Proposed projects and funding may change should the 2017 Federal grant amounts be increased or decreased by HUD. The F 2017 Annual Action Plan is scheduled to be submitted to the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on or before ay 15, 2017. The submission date may change based upon receiving HUD’s 2017 funding allocation notice. n order to obtain the views of citi ens, public agencies and other interested parties, Allegheny County will place the F 2017 Annual Action Plan on display beginning April 5, 2017, at the following locations in Allegheny County: Allegheny County Economic Development, One Chatham Center, Suite 00, 112 Washington Place, Pittsburgh, PA 1521 Allegheny County anager’s Office, County Courthouse, 436 rant Street, Room 11 , Pittsburgh, PA 1521 Allegheny County Housing Authority Offices, 625 Stanwix Street, 12th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA. 15222 Allegheny alley North CO , 185 William Pitt Way, Pittsburgh PA 15238 Char-West CO , One eteran’s Way, Carnegie, PA 15106 North Hills CO , 300 Wet el Road, Suite 201, lenshaw PA 15116 Quaker alley CO , 8306 Ohio River Boulevard, Pittsburgh PA 15202 South Hills Area CO , 2600 Old reentree Road, 2nd Floor, Carnegie, PA 15106 Steel Rivers CO , 1705 aple Street, Homestead PA 15120 Turtle Creek alley CO , 2700 onroeville Boulevard, onroeville, PA 15146 This document will be available to the public during normal hours of operation for a period of thirty (30) days until ay 6, 2017, after which time the F 2017 Annual Action Plan is scheduled to be submitted to HUD on or before ay 15, 2017, for approval. The submission date may change based upon receiving HUD’s 2017 funding allocation notice. The F 2017 Annual Action Plan was prepared after conducting stakeholder outreach, surveys, and public hearings on community development, housing, human services, and economic development needs at ACED, the CO offices and other locations. The F 2017 Annual Action Plan is on public display on the County’s website. To view the CDB , HO E, and ES projects, go to http://economic. alleghenycounty.us/economic-development/index.aspx. All interested citizens are encouraged to attend this public hearing and they will be given the opportunity to present oral or written testimony concerning the proposed use of CDB , HO E, and ES funds under the F 2017 Annual Action Plan. For any problems encountered at One Chatham Center with accessing the ACED Office to attend the ay 3, 2017 public hearing, please call (412) 350-1000 for assistance. Written comments may also be addressed to r. Bud Schubel, anager of Operations, One Chatham Center, Suite 00, 112 Washington Place, Pittsburgh, PA 1521 , or by email at howard.schubel alleghenycounty.us. Oral comments may be made by calling (412) 350-1044. Bud Schubel ACED, Manager of Operations ANNOUNCEMENTS
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ALLEGHENY COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES PUBLIC MEETINGS/ HEARINGS ON HUMAN SERVICE BLOCK GRANT APPLICATION
The Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS)is preparing the 2017-18 Human Services Block rant Plan. There will be two public meetings hearings to talk about the plan and its implementation. The first meeting hearing is April 14, 2017, a.m.at the Human Services Center, 412 Penn Ave Ext., Turtle Creek, PA 15145. The second meeting hearing is April 14, 2017, 1 p.m. at the Human Services Building, One Smithfield Street, Downtown. People interested in testifying or commenting on the plan will have the opportunity to speak at the meetings. DHS makes reasonable efforts to accommodate people with disabilities or limited English proficiency. Please call the Director’s Action ine by April 11, 2017 at 1-800-862-6783, weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., if you need special accommodations. To read the previous Block rant Plans (and the proposed 20172018 plan (when it becomes available), visit www.alleghenycounty. us/dhs/plansbudgets.aspx. Marc Cherna Director Allegheny County Department of Human Services
Estate of WILLIAM D. MORGAN, deceased of Bridgeville, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, No. 02-17-008 , Pamela Sue organ, Executor, 400 Bowman Road, Bridgeville, Pennsylvania 15017 or to: ROB N . RAR E, Atty; BREN O E FU ER, C, 401 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017 Estate of CARRIE E. UNDERWOOD, deceased of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, No. 01476 of 2017. arland W. Walker, r. Executor, 515 N. athilda Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15224 or to Thelma C. Spells, Esquire, Attorney, 1533 Bidwell Street, Pittsurgh, PA 15233
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FICTITIOUS NAME REGISTRATION
Notice is hereby given pursuant to the provisions of the Fictitious Name Act of Pennsylvania that an application for Registration of fictitious name (was/will be) filed with the Department of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, for the conduct of business under the fictitious name of Cool Hand Carpenttry with its principal office or place of business at 301 Bevington Road, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15221. The names and addresses, including street and number, if any, of all persons who are parties to the registration are: Scott Fingal, 301 Bevington Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15221.
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APRIL 5-11, 2017
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Bids/Proposals
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INVITATION TO BIDDERS THE PITTSBURGH WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY ADVERTISEMENT
INVITATION TO BIDDERS/OFFERORS THE PITTSBURGH WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY ADVERTISEMENT
SEPARATE and SEALED BIDS for the following solicitation, will be received by the Office of Procurement, Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, 1200 Penn Ave., Second Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, until 2:00 PM Prevailing Time April 20, 2017. INVITATIONS FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR 2017 Individual Lead Service Line Replacement Contract PWSA PROJECT NO. 2016-325-105-2 All bids must be submitted in accordance with the solicitation that can be obtained by sending an e-mail to cjuratovic@pgh2o.com. There will be no charge for the solicitation, as it will be sent via e-mail. All questions relating to the solicitation itself shall be directed to Autumn Barna, Procurement Specialist, via e-mail: abarna@pgh2o.com, no later than April 12, 2017. All Bidders interested in submitting a bid in response to the 2017 Individual Lead Service Line Replacement Contract solicitation are required to attend a MANDATORY Pre-Bid Meeting to be held on April 7, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. Prevailing Time in the Authority’s conference room located at 1200 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA. The purpose of this meeting is to give an overview of the contract requirements and to allow Bidders to ask questions. Work of the Contract includes the replacement of public water service connections of the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) public water system and any repair or rehabilitation of water mains, valves, and hydrants of the PWSA public water system that are necessary to facilitate the replacement of the public water services. Bids must be accompanied by a Bid Bond in the amount of Ten Percent (10%) of the bid for the project under construction. Said Bond shall be duly and legally executed with a Surety or Trust Company which has complied with City Ordinances/Resolutions relating thereto. A Performance Bond and Labor and Material Bond in the amount of 100% of the contract value for each awarded project will be required after award. The Contractor must assure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of their race, color, religion, sexual preference, sex, or national origin. The bidders will be required to submit the package of certifications included with the contract documents relating to Equal Employment Opportunity. The Authority reserves the right to withhold the award of the Contract for a period of 60 days after the opening of the bids. The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, and to waive any informality or minor irregularity in any bid or bids. The Authority also retains the right to investigate the qualifications of bidders prior to any award and to award contracts only to contractors who, in the sole judgment of the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, are qualified and equipped to properly execute the specified work. ROBERT WEIMAR, INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR THE PITTSBURGH WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY
PUBLIC NOTICE: WESTMORELAND NON PROFIT HOUSING CORPORATION REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS GENERAL CONSTRUCTION / ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES
The Westmoreland Non Profit Housing Corporation (“WNPHC”) is requesting Proposals from qualified and experienced teams consisting of a general contractor and a licensed professional architectural firm to design and build an affordable senior apartment building, located within Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania to be known as Odin View Apartments. WNPHC is requesting Proposals on behalf of a to-be-formed subsidiary entity that will own and develop Odin View Apartments (“Owner”). Interested respondents may obtain, at no cost, the Request for Proposal (“RFP”) documents containing: Contractual Services Sought, Minimum Qualifications, Evaluation Criteria, Selection Procedure, and Certain Contractual Terms from the Westmoreland County Housing Authority’s (“WCHA”) website located at www.wchaonline.com. In addition, an electronic (PDF) file copy can be emailed or mailed by contacting Mr. Erik Spiegel – Director of A&E Services at eriks@wchaonline.com or by phone at 724-8327248 – ext. 3056. Interested respondents are required to respond by Proposal submission (satisfying the requirements of the RFP) on or before May 5, 2017 @ 11:00 A.M., EST. Michael L. Washowich, President Westmoreland Non Profit Housing Corporation
To place a display ad in the New Pittsburgh Courier call 412-481-8302 ext. 128 or 129
Responses MUST be submitted no later than May 2, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. EST. via e-mail to: RFQu_for_Miscellaneous_ On-Call_Engineering_Serv.11_-_ eMail_Inbox@docs.e-builder.net. Responses received by any other means will be rejected. REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATION (RFQu) FOR MISCELLANEOUS ON-CALL ENGINEERING SERVICES A copy of the solicitation can be obtained by sending an e-mail to cjuratovic@pgh2o.com. There will be no charge for the solicitation, as it will be sent via e-mail. This RFQu will be administered by Autumn Barna, Contract/Procurement Specialist, 1200 Penn Ave., 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA, 15222. All questions pertaining to this RFQu prior to selection shall be submitted via e-mail to abarna@ pgh2o.com. Questions are due no later than 4:00 p.m., April 17, 2017. CONTACT WITH ANYONE OTHER THAN MS. BARNA REGARDING THIS SOLICITATION WILL BE CAUSE FOR YOUR FIRM’S RESPONSE TO BE REJECTED AND NO FURTHER CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN (NO EXCEPTIONS). All Offerors interested in submitting a proposal in response to this solicitation are invited to attend a Pre-Proposal Meeting, to be held on April 11, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. in the Authority’s Conference Room, 1200 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15222. The purpose of this meeting is to give an overview of the contract requirements and to allow Offerors to ask questions. This meeting is for informational purposes only. An addendum will be issued for any binding modifications to this solicitation. The Consultant must assure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual preference, or national origin. The Consultant will be required to submit the package of certifications included with the contract documents relating to Equal Employment Opportunity. The Authority reserves the right to withhold the award of the Contract for a period of 60 days after the proposal due date. The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, and to waive any informality or minor irregularity in any proposal(s). The Authority also retains the right to investigate the qualifications of Offerors prior to any award and to award contracts only to Consultants who, in the sole judgment of the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, are qualified and equipped to properly execute the specified work. ROBERT WEIMAR, INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR THE PITTSBURGH WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY
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DOCUMENT 00030-AA ADVERTISEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT ALLEGHENY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
PUBLICATION DATE: March 31, 2017 1. The Public Parking Authority of Pittsburgh (“Authority”) shall accept sealed bids for the performance of the work described below (the “Work”) at its office at 232 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222, until 11:00 a.m. local time on Tuesday, April 18, 2017. 2. DESCRIPTION OF WORK: The Project entails repair and preventative maintenance of the Ft. Duquesne & Sixth Parking Garage. Repairs include full and partial depth floor slab repairs, removal of existing façade, façade repairs, partial depth beam, column repairs, waterproofing membrane application, painting, and structural reinforcement. 3. The Instructions to Bidders, including the Form of Bid, Form of Agreement, General Conditions, Plans and Specifications, may be obtained after 3:00 p.m. local time on Monday, April 3, 2017 at the Authority’s office at 232 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222. Copies of the Plans and Specifications will be available for a non-refundable amount of $100.00 (check or money order only, made payable to the PPAP). 4. A Mandatory pre-bid conference will be held at the Authority’s office at 232 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222 at 10:00 a.m. local time on Thursday, April 6, 2017. The purpose of the pre-bid conference is to provide additional detail regarding the Work. The information provided at the prebid conference will be essential in preparing a bid to perform the Work. Persons or entities that intend to submit bids to perform the Work are required to send to the pre-bid conference at least one representative who will understand the information presented at the pre-bid conference in a manner that allows such information to be incorporated in the preparation of the bid to perform the Work. It is expected that the representative who attends the pre-bid conference will be experienced in construction matters and employed by the bidder in a supervisory capacity. Pre-bid attendance is mandatory. 5. Sealed bids received prior to the deadline will be publicly opened and read at 11:00 a.m. local time on Tuesday, April 18, 2017. 6. Each bid submitted must be accompanied by a bid guaranty of ten percent (10%) of the proposed bid in the form of a bid bond, certified cashier’s or treasurer’s check payable to the Authority. 7. The Authority reserves the right to in its sole discretion, (i) change, at any time prior to the bid deadline at 11:00 a.m. local time on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 the Contract Documents; (ii) waive any defect, irregularities, or informality in any or all submitted bids; and (iii) reject any or all submitted bids. David G. Onorato Executive Director
Separate and sealed Proposals will be received at the Office of Procurement, Allegheny County Airport Authority, Pittsburgh International Airport, Landside Terminal, 4th Floor Mezz, P.O. Box 12370, Pittsburgh, PA 15231-0370 until 1:00 P.M. prevailing local time, APRIL 26, 2017, and bids will be publicly opened and read by the Airport Authority in Conference Room A, Pittsburgh International Airport, Landside Terminal, 4th Floor Mezz, P.O. Box 12370, Pittsburgh, PA 152310370, one half hour later, for the following: ALLEGHENY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY PROJECT NUMBER 39M1-17 WALTERS/HANGAR ROAD FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM REHAB PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT A pre-bid conference will be held in Conference Room C, Fourth Floor, in the Landside Building, Pittsburgh International Airport, at 1:00 p.m., on APRIL 6, 2017. Attention is called to the fact that not less than the minimum salaries and wages, as determined by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, must be paid on these projects. Proposals must be made on the Authority’s form and in accordance with the Plans and Specifications and the “Instructions to Bidders”’. The non-refundable charge for the Bid Documents and a Disk containing the Plans and Specifications is $150.00; mailing can be arranged for an additional $75.00 charge. This project has DBE participation goals; DBE firms must be certified with the Pennsylvania Unified Certification Program) (PA UCP). Firms must be certified prior to award of contract. A searchable database of DBE firms can be found on the PA UCP web site: http://www.paucp. com The Airport Authority reserves the right to reject any and all bids or waive any informalities in the bidding. No bidder may withdraw his bid for a period of sixty [60] days after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids. To view a complete advertisement, which is also included in the bidding documents visit www.flypittsburgh. com under doing business with us – business opportunities or call 412472-3543 or 412-472-3779. Christina A. Cassotis Chief Executive Officer ALLEGHENY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Sealed bids will be received by the Upper St. Clair Township School District in the Administrative Offices, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, Pennsylvania 15241 until 11:00 a.m., prevailing time, Friday, April 21, 2017, and will be opened at the same hour for: •72-passenger conventional school bus •78-passenger conventional school bus Bidding documents may be obtained by contacting Jonn Mansfield, Director of Transportation, at (412) 833-1600 Ext. 3451 or jmansfield@uscsd.k12.pa.us. The Upper St. Clair Township School District reserves the right to reject any or all bids and proposals. Scott P. Burchill, Secretary BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
ADVERTISEMENT
Sealed bid proposals are hereby solicited for the Community College of Allegheny County, 800 Allegheny Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15233 (412.237.3020) on the following items: RFP 3090 Copiers – All College Locations A pre-bid meeting will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 10, 2017. The assembly point will be the Office of College Services lobby, 800 Allegheny Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15233. Proposals will be received at the Purchasing Department until 2:00 P.M. Prevailing Time on Tuesday, April 25, 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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SPORTS New Pittsburgh Courier
B7
APRIL 5-11, 2017
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
Pirates add youngster Hanson to Opening Day roster
by Aubrey Bruce
For New Pittsburgh Courier
The Pittsburgh Pirates have begun their 2017 MLB campaign. However, during the offseason, I was concerned whether Pittsburgh would be able to fill the void left by the departures of utility man Sean Rodriguez and pitcher Francisco Liriano. Every MLB squad must have one or two athletes that have the ability to play almost every position except the batboy and mascot. When the dog days of August begin dogging your everyday position players, someone must be able to come off the bench to relieve them from minor injuries as well as daily aches and pains associated with a 162-game season and that player has to be above average. According to an article
posted by Adam Berry of MLB.com, “Alen Hanson will join Phil Gosselin on Pittsburgh’s bench.” Hanson is out of Minor League options, so the Bucs would have risked losing the switch-hitting utility man if they didn’t carry him on the roster—an “irreversible decision,” as manager Clint Hurdle put it. “We have encouraged and challenged him — he’s got to be a productive one of the 25 that we move forward with,” Hurdle said to reporters Sunday at Boston’s Fenway Park. “It’s a guy that’s been fun to watch at times, then there’s times where you say, wait a minute, the awareness, the consistency—those are things he’s well aware of in the conversations we have about areas he needs to improve.” Hanson, 24, was thrilled to be included on his first
Opening cal moms. Day roster. You have to He will respeak in deceive playtail for them ing time to grasp it. at second, She’s very third and in excited for the outfield me.” while coming With Sean off the bench Rodriguez to hit and “stolen” by pinch-run. the Atlanta After hearing Braves in he’d made late 2016, it, Hanson the Pirates immediatehad a serily called his ous void to mother. fill entering “I told her, spring train‘Hey mom, ing and the I made the 2017 season. AUBREY BRUCE team.’ She I don’t know was like, whether it ‘Oh man, that’s awesome. is Karma or not but the Praise God,’ and we left Braves have lost Rodriit there,” Hanson said to guez for most, if not all reporters through an in- of the 2017 season due to terpreter. “But then she injury. called me back, and she’s Jeff Todd of mlbtraderulike, ‘Hey, you made the mors.com wrote on Feb. big league team?’ Typi- 15 that, “Braves infielder
Inside Conditions
Sean Rodriguez underwent a procedure to repair the rotator cuff in his left shoulder, per a club announcement. Though the team did not provide a timetable, David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution tweets it’s likely Rodriguez will miss the entire 2017 campaign after suffering what MLB.com’s Mark Bowman describes via Twitter as a complete tear. Rodriguez, 31, suffered the injury when he and his family endured a terrifying auto accident that left the driver of another vehicle dead. He had signed on with the Atlanta organization on a two-year deal that promised him $11 million.” The Braves must be crying in their beer because Atlanta invested a “chunk of cheese” into a utility player just attempting to put their dismal 2016 season behind them and also
because Rodriguez is 31 years old and overcoming any injury can be challenging, but recovering from a torn rotator cuff for an athlete in any sport can be very difficult. The Pirates replaced a proven 31-yearold player, now possibly out for the season, with an unproven 24-year-old that they will need during their stretch run for a NL Central Division run, if such a possibility even exists. The Bucs have two above- average starting pitchers in Gerrit Cole and Jameson Taillon, but three other starters are going to have to step up and become the “lights at the end of the 2017 tunnel” for the Pittsburgh Pirates if they are going to be successful this year.
(Aubrey Bruce can be reached at: abruce@newpittsburghcourier.com or 412-583-6741. Follow him on Twitter@ultrascribe.)
North Carolina stands tall, beats Zags for sixth NCAA title GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Gonzaga broke through its Final Four ceiling, added to it by reaching the national championship game. The Zags figured while they’re here, might as well win the whole thing. A flurry of whistles and missed shots left them one step short. Plagued by foul trouble and an inability to hit shots in a foul-filled second half, Gonzaga lost its bid for the program’s first national championship in an ugly 71-65 loss to North Carolina on Monday night. “I don’t think any of us think we played our absolute best game and that hurts,” Gonzaga point guard Nigel Williams-Goss said. The Zags reached the big stage with the best team in Mark Few’s 18 seasons, a mix of established players, talented transfers and a sterling recruiting class. Gonzaga was efficient on offense, as it always seems to be, and added a dash of gritty defense, the piece that had always been missing. The Zags reached the Final Four for the first time this season, ending more than a decade of you’re-overrated criticism. Gonzaga had to grind out a victory over a physical South Carolina team in the national semifinals and faced another ugly one against the blue-blooded Tar Heels, exacerbated by a shower of second-half foul calls by the officials. In control most of the first half , the Zags (37-2) lost on a gamble with freshman center Zach Collins early in the second half. Collins picked up his third foul early in the half, but Few opted to put him back in. Collins hit a big shot to stem North Caro-
SIXTH TITLE—North Carolina’s Theo Pinson, center, and the rest of the Tar Heels celebrate on the EMOTIONAL—North Carolina’s Theo Pinson, right, hugs teammate podium after defeating Gonzaga, 71-65. (AP Photo) Joel Berry II moments after their Tar Heels defeated Gonzaga, 71lina’s momentum, only to “I had no idea. From my the field and 4 of 27 from 65, to claim the school’s sixth NCAA men’s basketball championpick up his fourth foul a angle it didn’t look like 3-point range. They were ship. (AP Photo) minute later and head to it was a situation where solid against the nation’s the bench. there was an out-of-bounds best offensive rebounding foul trouble hit, the shots closed on an 8-0 run to win Complicating it for the situation or else I would team, finishing with three wouldn’t as the Zags went its sixth national champiZags, Przemek Karnows- have called for a review,” fewer than the Tar Heels nearly eight minutes with- onship and leave the Zags ki, Gonzaga’s 7-foot-1, Few said. “So nobody made and a 49-46 advantage out a field goal. standing on the doorstep. 300-pound wall of a center, me aware of it or I certainly overall. Somehow, they kept North “They made some big also had to dance around would have within the last Their offense only fired Carolina within reach, reel- plays down the stretch, foul trouble most of the sec- minute there or two min- correctly in spurts, most of ing in the Tar Heels for a but it could very well be us ond half. He picked up his utes. So that’s tough. It’s those in the first half. 65-63 lead with 1:53 left. out there celebrating right third foul five minutes into now,” Gonzaga forward the half and his fourth with Johnathan Williams said. 8:02 left on a questionable Gonzaga hit 8 of 29 shots flagrant foul while he was in the second half and being fouled by North Carplayed the final 5:03 witholina’s Joel Berry II. out Collins, who fouled out That left Gonzaga unable after scoring seven points to effectively initiate its and grabbing nine reinside-out game or protect bounds. the rim as aggressively as Karnowski struggled it had in the first half. against North Carolina’s “We were negotiating our length, missing numerous way through massive foul shots at the rim to finish trouble, ones that we havwith nine points on 1-of-8 en’t had all year,” Few said. shooting. A stop-and-start second The quiet game by Gonzahalf didn’t help either team ga’s big men allowed North find a rhythm. Carolina to have a 40-18 The officials called 27 advantage in the paint. fouls in the second half “They disrupted us, they and had several other noclimbed up into us, kind of calls that had fans on both MOST OUTSTANDING—The Tar Heels’ Joel Berry II was named Most Outstanding Player of the Final drove our offense outside sides raining boos down Four in leading his team to victory over Gonzaga, 71-65. (AP Photo) the normal area as far as on the court. One came our wing touches and our in the final minute, when tough to hear.” Gonzaga opened the secThen the championship entries,” Few said. “And we Kennedy Meeks won a Gonzaga’s defense was ond half with two turn- trophy slipped from their didn’t do a good job of exebattle for a loose ball, but good, as it has been all sea- overs and five missed shots grasp. cuting that.” clearly had his hand out of son. The Zags held North as North Carolina opened Gonzaga did not score One goal reached, another bounds. Carolina to 35 percent from with an 8-0 run. Once the again and North Carolina one step short.
Can’t get a rebound, and stop hating on Tiger Woods!
by Bill Neal
For New Pittsburgh Courier
:10—I have no proof, but I’m pretty sure that never in the history of college basketball has a team missed not one, but two sets of foul shots to ice the game and the opposing team didn’t get either rebound. That is the ultimate…C’MON MAN!!! C’MON Oregon!! :09—Speaking of ultimate, and clearly I was if you were paying the least bit of attention…Gone but not forgotten is “The Ultimate Force” of Master Jacquet Bazemore. Westinghouse and Pitt graduate, two-tour Vietnam vet, original heavyweight boxing champion, the owner of 10 black belts in 10 different martial arts, inducted into the National Karate Hall of Fame…coach, mentor, teacher, fighter, and one hell of a nice guy. Miss ya champ! :08—The votes are in by a landslide. I asked in last week’s column which team would be better; Team One, which had Magic Johnson, M.J., LeBron, Tim Duncan, and Kareem…or Team Two, which had Isiah Thomas, Kobe, Scottie Pippen, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Shaq-Daddy. Team One destroyed Team Two by over
100 votes! Sorry, boys and thing is still in the air now that girls, but Team One has the golf season is back…by some of greatest players at each pothe same people that wanted to sition of all-time. Of course kiss his ring finger (and a few they win, now pay up! other things) just a few short :07—Speaking of Isiah… years ago. And why? I mean, no, not that one, this Isaiah why are some wishing that he (now you’re getting the hang doesn’t make it back or win a of it)… Who gives birth to Major championship again? It’s a baby, names him Isaiah not like he cheated with your Thomas, and the boy grows wife!!! C’mon back, Tiger. Start up to be a NBA star? I’m just kicking some of the upper-crust sayin’! (For those of you just butt and win a few more macoming out of the cave you live jors. in, Isiah Thomas played for :04—In that same way of the Detroit Pistons and won thinking, why do the hattwo NBA titles…Isaiah (with ers hate Kobe, M.J., Tom BILL NEAL an extra “a”) Thomas plays Brady, Terry Bradshaw, Tom for the Boston Celtics and Cruise…I don’t get it. Live your is trying to get at least one championship). life, people. Don’t hate ‘cause you can’t do Some of you people really need to get with it. what they do. You need to spend that hate :06—Aubrey Bruce, Courier senior time improving the quality of your own life. sports columnist…GREAT STORY on Ul:03—Oh, by the way, I hate LeBron ish Carter, former Courier managing ed- James. Don’t know why. Have no reason. itor who retired this past Friday, March Just do! Oops...did I say that out loud? 31. Go to www.newpittsburghcourier.com :02—We sure ‘nuff “Tore the Roof off the and check out the column, “Inside Condi- Sucker” last Friday night at the startup tions.” You nailed it, Aubrey. of “Stompin’ at the Savoy.” Eatin’, drinkin’ :05—You know this “Hate Tiger Woods” and dancin’ started at 9 for the over-
Overtime
35 crowd, and we wobble—wobbled and backed it on up until 2 in the morning. The next Friday night jam with Mighty Man the D.J. is April 18, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Free parking, valet parking, Dress to Impress (over 35, cash bar, cash kitchen, 50/50 raffle, prizes and surprises) and all the dancin’ you can stand. “Downstairs Stompin’ at the Savoy.” Call 412-292-1753 for special VIP reservations and 412-6284856 for special group fundraising specials. A B.N.P.B. production. :01—Mark your calendars and get ready to get ready. The 43rd-annual Willie “Pops” Stargell Pittsburgh MVP awards banquet is Wednesday, May 31 at the fabulous Savoy Restaurant, near Downtown. It will honor Pittsburgh’s most valuable men and women, and the famed Connie Hawkins Summer Basketball League Hall-of-Famers… Hosea Champaine, Shawn Harvey, Joe Barlow, Kevin Price, Coach Ringo Saunders, Kenny Lewis, Corey Gadson, Eric Carter, David Buries, Gary Nelson, Mark Hasell, Vince Lackner and Rico Appendanta. :00—Women’s college basketball…Mississippi State SHOCKS UConn…FAN.. TAS..TIC!!! GAME OVER
B8
PEOPLE
APRIL 5-11, 2017
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Pittsburgh youth learn advantages of HBCUs at forum by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer
Soon-to-be college student Shaheed Ansari knows what he wants to do in life—become a defense attorney. And he made it clear at a recent community forum that when he steps onto a college campus this fall, it will be at a Historically Black College. “There’s 50 people in my class,” said Ansari, a senior at Propel Braddock Hills. “I made every single person apply to a HBCU because a HBCU is a group of African Americans trying to better themselves and their community. No other college can truly say, ‘we are for a community, we are here to help this community.’” The panel discussion was held March 30 at Community College of Allegheny
County, where representatives from nearly a dozen HBCUs spoke about the advantages of attending those colleges and universities. HBCUs represented were Delaware State., North Carolina Central, Lincoln Univ., Tuskegee Univ., South Carolina State College, Prairie View A&M, West Virginia State Univ., Hampton Univ., Jackson State Univ., Bennett College and Alabama State Univ. “It’s people who are educated, who are bright, who are Black like me who want to help the world, who want to do something with their lives,” Ansari said about his desires to attend a HBCU. “People who have risen above their circumstances and said, ‘hey, I want to do something, I want to build something.’” High school and middle
PROPEL Braddock Hills senior Shaheed Ansari asks a question during the HBCU forum at CCAC, March 30. (Photos by J.L. Martello) school students were in at- “It’s more, ‘I’m going to help tendance, some brought by you because I want to betJeanine Baxter, Youth Out- ter you in life.’” reach Specialist for HousAujhanay Spencer 14, ing Opportunities Unlimit- and Rabraya Logan, 12, ed in Oak Hill. She helped also were in attendance. students in the program “It’s somewhere you can research different HBCUs be safe instead of uncomprior to the event. fortable,” Logan said after “I heard that the HBCUs hearing the panelists. are more of a family,” said Frank Walker II, a local Tashari Thompson, 10, a attorney and West Virginia student in the program. State University graduate,
FORUM—Dr. Christopher Robinson, Vince Elliott, Cynthia James ATTENTIVE—A student from the Housing Opportunities Unlimited (Youth Places) and CCAC president Quintin Bullock collaborated on program listens to the panelists speak about the importance of HBCUs. the event.
told those in attendance that a HBCU provides students with parental-like figures. “I mean it in a good way,” he said. “They see you as one of their children, not in a sense that they are going to micromanage you or be in your room, but sometimes they will be like that. “Sometimes you need that person in your life that’s going to say, ‘hey I’m here watching you, I’m your mother, I’m your father away from home, guiding you along the way,’” Walker II said. Pittsburgh CAPA junior Tyra Galloway, 16, said her brother attended a HBCU, Tuskegee University. Her mother wanted her to apply to a HBCU, so she applied at Howard University. But as of now, she’s focused on Kent State University in Ohio because, “Their fashion program is really, really good, it’s close to home, and it’s just a nice community.” Galloway said she is anxious to let her friends know about the knowledge she received from the forum about HBCUs, as the Pittsburgh-area HBCU college tour is this week. Larimer native and South Carolina State College graduate Alexis Howard said during the event that attending a HBCU will “change your life.” It’s “going to change your perspective,” she said. “It’s going to change how they see themselves. When you go to a place that is predominately-Black and you see people who are encouraging you and not tearing you down…It’s about the people being able to pour into you and show you things you couldn’t see in yourself,” Howard said. Dr. Christopher Robinson, a graduate of Jackson State
University and CCAC professor, said that “HBCUs provide students a certain type of support system that some predominately-White institutions don’t always provide our African American students. All HBCU graduates are family, it’s a professional Black network, you’re able to learn and able to gain,” he said. State Rep. Ed Gainey (D – Lincoln-Lemington) is a 1994 graduate of Morgan State University. He told the students and others in attendance that Morgan State, a HBCU, is where he learned to become a true student. “I fell in love with knowledge. I fell in love with the knowledge of what I can become,” Gainey said. Attending a HBCU is “really a felling you can’t explain,” Gainey said. “I felt like it gave me life. I didn’t feel like I had to come home and be everyone else. I can be my own person and be comfortable with it. It made me want more.”
REP. ED GAINEY
YGB honors 9 for their leadership, service to community by Ashley Johnson Courier Staff Writer
“In the whole world you know, there are billion boys and girls who are young, gifted and Black. And that’s a fact!” While those lyrics from Nina Simone’s song, “To Be Young, Gifted & Black,” state that there are billions, nine of them were honored, April 1, at the annual Young, Gifted & Black awards, held at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel & Convention Center, Monroeville. This year’s award recipients were Tyler Batiste (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette), Damian Gilliard (PNC Financial), Joel Gray (Pittsburgh Pirates), Sara C. Kyles (LEAD Pittsburgh), Tamara Lynn Mitchell (Omnis, Inc., Washington, D.C.), Darien Reynolds (Aliquippa Jr. High School), Ryan Scott (Urban League of Pittsburgh), Mattie Collins-Woods (Apprentice, IBEW Union) and Bofta Yimam (WTAE-TV). “I’m very humbled to get this award,” Collins-Woods said. “You never know who is watching you. I just want to set the best example. (This award) gives us a chance to be recognized by our own community. It shows us there are still positive people doing positive things and setting the best example possible.”
“That’s how change happens, by hearing stories… There are cracks in everything you’ve been through so that light can shine through, so that someone else can find their way back home.” “At first, I knew nothing about this organization, but as soon as I heard the name, Young, Gifted & Black, the importance jumped out at me,” said Gray, an honoree. “As we learned today, the importance of Black (history) is very key to all history, in all, not just history in America, but history globally.” Along with the recognition of the awardees, the proAWARDEES—Sitting From left: Tamara Lynn Mitchell, Mattie Collins-Wood, Bofta Yimam, Sara C. gram featured an in-depth Kyles. Standing from left: Tyler Batiste, Damian Gilliard, Darian Reynolds, Ryan Scott, Joel Gray slide-show presentation on the Smithsonian’s National Young, Gifted & Black is know what an inspiration Courier’s Ashley Johnson, Museum of African Ameran organization created to you are to me. And I’m just a 2009 honoree, served as ican History & Culture by equip African Americans so gratified,” said Arzella a presenter at the ceremo- John W. Franklin, senior PhD, ny. Several past honorees, manager in the museum’s and people of color with the Stewart-McCauley, necessary skills to become YGB founder and CEO. including Aliquippa May- Office of External Affairs, “The saying is, ‘Each one, or Dwan Walker, gave re- and a specialist in the hissuccessful in their careers and their communities. teach one.’ I say, ‘Each one, flections and advice to this tory and traditions of comThe awards luncheon was encourage one. Each one, year’s honorees. munities of the African Dia celebration of 10 years of lift up one’ because these “I am honored to be here aspora. recognizing African Ameri- individuals here are out- with you, I’m proud to say His presentation includcan men and women, ages comes of all of that. It re- you’re an honoree and I am ed how the Smithsonian’s 16-42, for their service and ally isn’t an honoring; it’s proud to see the work that nineteenth-century musecommitment to their com- a celebration of you who do you’re doing and hear these um, created by federal legmunity and profession. what you do with passion. stories so I can take them islation signed by George This year’s awards ceremo- I’d like to congratulate the back to my village and pass W. Bush and opened Sept. ny added nine more to the nine honorees; keep doing these stories on,” he said. 24, 2016, came to be; what what you are doing.” list. Radio and TV host Chris “I’ve grown attached to all these young people because Moore served as master of I am so inspired by them. ceremonies, while Rev. JacThey tell me that I inspire queline Dewberry was the them, but you just don’t soloist. The New Pittsburgh
it took for this dream to become reality; and how the historical images and artifacts displayed within the walls of the multi-floor museum, located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., were acquired. He also spoke on the importance of knowing one’s history and passing it on to generations that come behind. “It is our responsibility to make sure that, not only all our family members know the stories of our family, but that we teach them to the generations to come,” he said. “We can better know each other if we know each other’s history and our own history, and share them with other people. This is not only a museum about stories. And when I’m speaking to young people, I say, ‘What difference will you make in our society? What wrong will you right? What invention will you create that will merit you being in this museum?” YGB plans to establish a scholarship. A golf tournament fundraiser will be held Friday, June 16, at the Meadowlinks Golf Course, Murrysville, to raise the initial funds. For more information or to donate, call 412-731-1161.
The last ones to ever live in Penn Plaza
Memorial Service to be held
NAZURA ASASEYEDURU
A memorial service to pay tribute to Nazura Asaseyeduru’s life will be held this Saturday, Apr. 8 at 10 a.m. at Community Empowerment Association, 7120 Kelly St., Homewood. A red, black and green procession will be organized at 9:30 a.m. in the lot of the Greater Pittsburgh Coliseum, 7310 Frankstown Ave., Homewood. Nazura was an impactful, influential figure in our Pittsburgh Black community. Nazura passed away in Washington, D.C. on March 19, from natural causes. Nazura was 38 years old.
TIMI IRVIN, former Penn Plaza resident, was forced out of her apartment by the March 31 deadline (Photo by Rob Taylor Jr.) Timi Irvin was one of the last residents to leave the Penn Plaza apartments in East Liberty on the afternoon of March 31. That was
the final day that residents had to leave the premises, before steps to demolish the building begin this month. Some of the last residents
to leave talked exclusively with the New Pittsburgh Courier. Read the compelling story now at: newpittsburghcourier.com