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Vol. 108 No. 19
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MAY 10-16, 2017
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Culture of abuse?
Welch, Harris challenge Peduto Lawyer: Woodland Hills officer, principal at Chamber forum have history of Black student abuse by Christian Morrow
by Christian Morrow
Courier Staff writer
If the head that wears the crown truly lies uneasy, Mayor Bill Peduto did not seem to notice despite the barbs thrown his way by his primary election challengers during the May 3 African American Chamber of Commerce Candidates Forum at the Rivers Club, Downtown. The somewhat freeform exchange, which also included a session with some
Courier Staff Writer
As the villain in one of Ian Fleming’s spy novels famously observed, “Once is happenstance, twice is a coincidence, the third time it’s enemy action.” During a May 2 press conference, Pittsburgh civil rights attorney Todd Hollis said three recent incidents involving violent interactions between Churchill police, administrators for the Woodland Hills School District and Black students are neither happenstance nor coincidence. “I’ve been saying that for years,” Hollis told the New Pittsburgh Courier. “There is a clear pattern of abuse, but not just abuse, also a mode of conduct that subverts the truth-seeking process.” That pattern, Hollis said, is most recently exemplified by an April 3 surveillance video from the school lobby of Woodland Hills principal Kevin Murray. It shows the actions leading to 14-yearold Que’Chawn Wade being beaten by Churchill police officer Steve Shaulis to the point where he lost a tooth—which required a hospital visit to reattach it, and later, additional oral surgery. Shaulis, at the time, was assigned to the school as a resource officer. He no longer is at the school pending the ongoing investigation. The video, which has no sound, shows Shaulis and Wade talking about an alleged stolen cell phone. Wade then leaves to return to class. Shaulis follows Wade to the doorway and calls him a derogatory term, Hollis said, and Wade “responded in kind.” In the video, Shaulis grabs Wade and pulls him through the office lobby and into his office. There, Hollis said, Shaulis punched Wade and threw him across the room, before eventually handcuffing him. SEE LAWYER A5
Pittsburgh and Allegheny County Council candidates, was moderated by New Pittsburgh Courier Editor and Publisher Rod Doss. Topics discussed included the ongoing lead water line problems, attracting and retaining residents, jobs, and business and racial equity. With respect to the addressing the problem of elevated lead levels in the city’s water caused by the SEE FORUM A4
Changing Wilkinsburg’s perception problem is candidates’ top concern by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer
Wilkinsburg has a perception problem. Those are the sentiments of Marita Garrett, vice-president of the Wilkinsburg borough council and one of four candidates running for mayor. She wants to be the catalyst for AHMAD WILLIAMS JR., 15, is violently restrained by Woodland HIlls school officer Steve Shaulis in changing that perception. this 2015 video. “A lot of people, because the news will be very quick to come if they hear about a shooting (have that perception of Wilkinsburg),” Garrett said. “But they don’t realize crime has actually gone down.” Garrett said of the 12 homicides that occurred last year, six were from the Franklin Avenue shooting, one involved a Port Authority police officer in the Bruce Kelley Jr. shooting, and of the remaining five homicides, only two remain unsolved. by Christian Morrow the video, said he “We have block watch expansion was just walking Courier Staff Writer meetings that happen every othalong when he er week, citizens police academy, The violent arrest of a saw two officers local government week…So it’s Black man on the South and a bouncer on about getting the community enSide captured on a cell top of a guy and gaged and educated so that they camera and posted online started recording. can be better informed…and also has led to multiple agency The recording know how to combat against vioinvestigations. shows 26-yearlent crimes,” Garrett said. The 10-second video was old Nathan StanGarrett, Michael Johnson, Anposted to Twitter just af- ley III being dre Scott, and James Truedell ter 2 a.m. May 7, with the kicked and kneed caption asking, “Hey…can in the head by BEATEN—Pittsburgh Police officers forci- Hayden are the four candidates bly take down 26-year-old Nathan Stanley somebody do something?” SEE WILKINSBURG A4 SEE EXCESSIVE A4 III outside a South Side bar, May 7. Damian Trott, who took
ANDRE SCOTT
Was excessive force used by police in South Side arrest?
MICHAEL JOHNSON
MARITA GARRETT
NAACP state president touts achievements at Human Rights Dinner by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer
Dr. Joan Duvall-Flynn sure picked a good time to attend her first NAACP Pittsburgh Chapter event. Dr. Duvall-Flynn, The NAACP state president, joined over 500 people who congregated at the Westin Convention Center Hotel May 4 for the local chapter’s 63rd annual Human Rights Dinner. It was an evening of celebration, recognition and appreciation for the NAACP’s tireless work in advocating for African Americans in Pittsburgh and across the U.S. “One of the things we have worked so hard on that we have made a tremendous amount of progress on
NAACP STATE PRESIDENT JOAN DUVALL-FLYNN, PhD
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is bringing the idea of Trauma Informed Education to Pennsylvania,” Dr. Duvall-Flynn told the New Pittsburgh Courier in an exclusive interview. “The NAACP brought it here, we fought for it, we got some funding…to address the needs of kids who have been emotionally and psychologically traumatized, through poverty, racism and any of the 14 other causes of emotional psychological trauma that the children are struggling with.” Dr. Duvall-Flynn said many school districts, teachers, administrators, and especially politicians, don’t understand how adverse conditions that some African American
youth experience or are subjected to can negatively affect their school performance. “That is why the NAACP two years ago at the national convention passed the resolution calling for trauma-informed education across this country,” Dr. Duvall-Flynn said. “It impedes their capacity to function well in school, and we know that. We have fought to carry out that resolution here in Pennsylvania.” WTAE-TV reporter Bofta Yimam was the emcee for the dinner. During the event, scholarships were awarded to area high school and colSEE NAACP A4
Ulish Carter says
NAACP VICE-PRESIDENT RICHARD STEWART AND PPS SUPERINTENDENT DR. ANTHONY HAMLET
Healthcare in America: Replace or repair? Opinion B3
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INTERNATIONAL
MAY 10-16, 2017
Women’s rights activist to run for president in Rwanda KIGALI, Rwanda (AP)— A women’s rights activist in Rwanda says she will stand against President Paul Kagame in the country’s August election. The 35-year-old Diane Rwigara is declaring her presidential ambitions more than two years after her father was killed in what police called a car accident even as the family cited foul play. The family of prominent businessman Assinapol Rwigara had petitioned Kagame to launch an independent investigation into his death. Diane Rwigara tells The Associated Press that many Rwandans have disappeared without a trace and others have died in unclear circumstances.
DIANE RWIGARA Rwanda’s government faces persistent accusations of rights abuses despite its reputation for economic growth and stability.
Kagame became president in 2000 after being Rwanda’s de facto leader since the end of the country’s genocide in 1994.
Timeline: Nigeria’s kidnapped Chibok girls, 3 years later
CELEBRATION—‘Bring Back Our Girls’ campaigners celebrate the release of the kidnapped Chibok school girls at the unity fountain in Abuja, Nigeria, May 7. (AP Photo/ Sunday Alamba) LAGOS, Nigeria (AP)— Nigeria’s government says 82 Chibok schoolgirls are free more than three years after a mass abduction by Boko Haram extremists. It is the second group release; Nigeria announced in October that 21 girls had been freed after negotiations with the extremists. The kidnapping shocked the world and put tremendous pressure on Nigeria’s government to counter Boko Haram and free thousands who have been taken captive over the years. Here are some of the key events surrounding the Chibok crisis: April 2014: Boko Haram
Elaine Effort
extremists kidnap 276 schoolgirls from Chibok in northern Nigeria, the region where the insurgency emerged several years ago. November 2014: Extremists seize Chibok, and Nigerian army takes back the town. May 2015: New President Muhammadu Buhari is sworn in, pledging to tackle Boko Haram “head-on.” April 13, 2016: Boko Haram video appears to show some of the Chibok girls, and tearful mothers recognize their daughters. May 18, 2016: Relative says one of the Chibok girls is found, pregnant, in a forest; pressure grows
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on Nigeria’s government to rescue the others. Aug. 14, 2016: Boko Haram video says some Chibok girls are killed in airstrikes and demands release of extremists in exchange for the other girls’ freedom. Oct. 13, 2016: Spokesman for Nigeria’s president confirms 21 Chibok girls have been freed, a result of government negotiations with Boko Haram. Nigeria’s government says another 83 girls would be released “very soon.” Nov. 5, 2016: Military announces the first army rescue of a Chibok girl, during a raid on a forest hideout. Dec. 24, 2016: Nigeria’s president declares that Boko Haram has been crushed, driven from its last forest hideout. Jan. 5, 2017: Nigeria’s army says soldiers find one of the schoolgirls wandering in the bush near the forest stronghold. April 14, 2017: Nigerians mark three years since the mass abduction. May 6, 2017: Nigeria’s government says another 82 schoolgirls are released.
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This Week In Black History
Week of May 10-16 May 10 1837—P.B.S. Pinchback was born in Macon, Ga., to a White plantation owner and a free Black woman. He became one of the leading Black politicians of the Reconstruction era, especially in Louisiana. After the Civil War, he became lieutenant governor of Louisiana and actually served as governor for 43 days. He was later elected to both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. He would also play a significant role in the establishment of Southern University and a major Black newspaper known as the Louisianan. 1994—After being released from 27 years of imprisonment for his battles against the racist system of apartheid, Nelson Mandela is elected the first Black president of South Africa. His government foP.B.S. PINCHBACK cused on dismantling the legacy of apartheid through tackling institutionalised racism and fostering racial reconciliation. Politically an African nationalist and democratic socialist, he served as president of the African National Congress (ANC) party from 1991-97. May 11 1933—Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan is born Eugene Walcott on this day in the Bronx, N.Y. He was raised by his St. Kitts-born mother in Roxbury, Mass. Prior to joining the Nation of Islam in 1955, Walcott had achieved celebrity status in the Boston area as a Calypso singer, dancer and violinist known as “The Charmer.” 1968—Nine caravans of protesters arrived in WashingNELSON MANDELA ton, D.C., for the first phase of the Poor Peoples Campaign—an anti-poverty effort conceived by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The campaign aimed to united Black, white and Hispanic poor people in an effort to pressure the government to do more to eliminate poverty in America. King had been assassinated the previous April, so the campaign was led by his lieutenant, Rev. Ralph Abernathy. The campaign erected Resurrection City near the Lincoln Monument and held daily demonstrations in Washington from May 14 to June 24. May 12 1862—In a bold and heroic endeavor, Robert Smalls led 12 other slaves and stole a Confederate warship, then turning it over to Union forces. The White captain of the steamer Planter and other officers had gone ashore for a party in Charleston, S.C. MIN. LOUIS FARRAKAN Smalls, a wheelman, quickly organized the Black crew and steered the ship out of Charleston harbor right past the unsuspecting Confederate forces. For his daring deed, Smalls was commissioned a 2nd lieutenant. After the Civil War, he was elected congressman from South Carolina. 1940—Jazz singer Al Jarreau was born on this day in Milwaukee, Wisc. May 13 1865—The last battle of the Civil war ends. Ironically, it appears the Confederate troops won the battle at Palmetto Ranch, Texas. However, it was the actions and bravery of the 62nd ROBERT SMALLS Regiment of United States Colored Troops that prevented the defeat from turning into a rout. The Confederates had actually underestimated the fighting prowess of the Blacks, assuming they would run in fear when the fighting began. Instead, what occurred was the rapid defeat of two White regiments but the Black soldiers of the 62nd held firm. The Confederates would later surrender. 1950—Singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder is born Steveland Judkins in Saginaw, Mich. Wonder has recorded more than 30 Top 10 hits and has won 25 STEVIE WONDER Grammy awards—a record for any living artist. Wonder is also noted for his work as an activist for political causes, including his 1980 campaign to make Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday a holiday in the United States. May 14 1885—Erskine Henderson, an African-American jockey, wins the Kentucky Derby on “Joe Cotton”—a horse trained by Alex Perry—an African-American trainer. Henderson was the sixth Black jockey to win the coveted race. Indeed, Black jockeys and trainers dominated the Kentucky Derby from 1875 to 1902. However, while some of the reasons are not entirely clear, it appears that as the race became more and more prosperous, Black jockeys and trainers were forced out. 1970—A student protest on the campus of Mississippi’s Jackson State JAMES EARL GREEN and PHILLIP LAFAYETTE GIBBS University leads to a massive confrontation with local police authorities. When the smoke cleared, two students had been shot and killed and another 12 injured or wounded. Reasons given for the protests ranged from opposition to the War in Vietnam, racial tensions and anger over the National Guard killings of White students on the campus of Kent State University earlier in the month. The university memorialized the disturbance by naming the area where it took place “Gibbs-Green Plaza” after the two students who were killed—Phillip Lafayette Gibbs, 21, and James Earl Green, 17. 1985—In a confrontation with the Black Nationalist back-to-nature group MOVE, Philadelphia police drop an incendiary device on the group’s home and headquarters. The decision to bomb had been apparently approved by Black Mayor Wilson Goode. Eleven MOVE members, including five children, were killed. The only adult survivor was Ramona Africa. More than 60 homes in the surrounding area were burned to the ground. It was never fully clear why the decision to drop the bomb was made. RAMONA AFRICA May 15 1911—Kappa Alpha Psi, one of the nation’s leading Black fraternities, is founded on this day on the campus of Indiana University by 10 young men led by Elder W. Diggs and Byron K. Armstrong. 1942—The 93rd Infantry is activated and assigned to combat in the Pacific. It thus became the first African-American division formed during World War II. May 16 1868—The United States Senate fails by one vote in securing the two-thirds vote needed to convict President Andrew Johnson of the articles of impeachment, which had been brought against him. The failure was a major setback for Black rights in America because Johnson had become a leading opponent of voting rights and economic advancement for the recently freed slaves. While the impeachment trial did not center on Black rights, Blacks would have clearly benefited if Johnson had been expelled from office. 1929—Detroit Representative John Conyers Jr., one of the founding members of the Congressional Black JOHN CONYERS Caucus, was born on this day in 1929. He remains one of the most progressive members of the United States Congress. 1966—Janet Jackson, of the famous and talented Jackson family, is born on this day in Gary, Ind. Controversy remains as to whether Janet has a secret daughter. 1990—Sammy Davis Jr. dies in Beverly Hills, Calif., at age 64. Davis, born in Harlem, N.Y., was a world class entertainer who performed well as an actor, singer and dancer. He was also a member of Hollywood’s popular and notorious “Rat Pack,” which includSAMMY DAVIS JR. ed Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford.
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Black women move to forefront in fight for racial equality by Errin Haines Whack Associated Press Writer
Bree Newsome snatched down a Confederate flag at the South Carolina Statehouse. Lesha Evans calmly faced down officers in riot gear at a Baton Rouge march. Widely published photographs of these and other Black women offer some of the most arresting images to emerge from the protest movement of recent years. The photos have come to symbolize the effort by today’s African American women to take, and keep, a place at the forefront of the fight against racial bias in law enforcement, the workplace and politics. “We as feminists of color ...have been involved in building these movements over the decades, but we have never been acknowledged as leaders,” said Barbara Smith, co-founder of the Combahee River Collective, an early and influential Black feminist group. Unlike many of their predecessors from previous decades, this generation of Black women is “demanding that they be respected. They can assert that publicly and have impact and visibility, because of all the movement work that has come before,” Smith said. Newsome scaled a flagpole in 2015 to tear down the Confederate banner in the aftermath of the attack at a Charleston church where a White supremacist shot nine worshippers to death during a Bible study. Evans acted last summer after the police killings of two Black men—Philando Castile in a suburb of St. Paul, Minn., and Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge. Images of both women become powerful emblems of protest and unrest. Historically, Black women have been no strangers to the quest for social change. Sojourner Truth was a leading abolitionist. Ida B. Wells led a crusade against lynching during the early 20th century. Fannie Lou Hamer demanded voting rights in the 1960s. Black women founded the Black Lives Matter movement. But they have often been overshadowed—during the suffragette movement by White women who relegated them to the rear during marches and put
their own rights first, and by the Black men lionized during the civil rights movement. “You can find that overshadowing throughout all these movements until very recently,” said Jelani Cobb, a historian and journalism professor at Columbia University. “These movements that were trying to achieve democracy were not always functioning democratically.” A new era of Black, female leadership emerged in 2014 with the Black Lives Matter Movement, Cobb said. “At any given point, the majority of the voices you heard would be female, which is very atypical of the way things have traditionally operated,” he said. “It can almost be taken as a given that women have a right to be in leadership. That’s crucial, because it’s been a stumbling block for decades.” A longstanding attraction to a male leadership model often drowned out women’s voices. “Black women were really made to feel guilty during the civil rights era,” said Deborah Gray White, a historian at Rutgers University. “That was a function of American racism and sexism. Now black women are going back to their foremothers and realizing they can and do represent the race.” Alicia Garza, co-founder of Black Lives Matter, called Black women “the curators of the social justice movement” and the canaries in the coal mine for all American minorities. “What happens to Black women is soon to happen to everybody,” Garza said. “The conditions of Black women can tell us a lot about where this country is headed. We are caught in the crosshairs of multiple forms of oppression.” Those circumstances often compel action. Tamika Mallory, the daughter of activists, cut her teeth in the National Action Network led by the Rev. Al Sharpton. She said “young women in particular are being really intentional about the idea that women have been leading, can lead and are probably the best folks to follow in this hour.” Women, she added, “are the protectors. We carry the weight of the entire community on our backs.”
protest and starring model Kendall Jenner—a White woman—as the protagonist was derided as erasing the work of Black women and ignoring the uncomfortable conversations that emerged in the wake of police killings of unarmed Black men. “I’ve never experienced a White woman ...pushing me to the side to get to the front of a protest to the police,” said Johnetta Elzie, an activist who first began protesting in Ferguson, Mo., in 2014 and has been arrested and tear gassed at marches. “I don’t recall Pepsi having a political stance on anything,” TAKING A STAND—Bree Newsome of Charlotte, N.C. is taken into custody after she removed the Confed- she said. “And when erate battle flag from a monument in front of the South Carolina Statehouse in Columbia, S.C., on June 27, they do, they put a 2015. The flag was raised again by capitol workers about 45 minutes later. (AP Photo/Bruce Smith) White face on it? That’s not who I see when I’m standing effects on their families. Garza said. “Black women next to people at a proWhite agreed, pointtest.” Mallory lost her son’s are erased from history, ing out that issues that (Errin Haines Whack covers father to gun violence. but also erased from the shift closer to home—gun urban affairs for The Associated America sometimes present. It’s happening violence in communities, Press. Follow her work on Twit“operates on amnesia that even now.” inequality in education— ter at http://www.twitter.com/ tells a very different story The recent controversy strongly resonate with emarvelous.) about who the heroes are,” over a Pepsi ad set at a Black women who see the
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Chamber forum showcases Pittsburgh mayoral candidates FORUM FROM A1
delamination of old water mains, Peduto said the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority never reinvested monies into infrastructure and after years of neglect, it has problems that will take $411 million and 14 years to fix. “We have six pumping stations that could fail at any time, and if one does—the city loses water,” he said. “I’m not a wizard. I can’t magically fix it. But we’re getting filters to every customer that needs them, and we’re replacing the lines as fast as we can.” Candidate Darlene Harris blamed Peduto, saying he got rid of employees who might have dealt with the lead issue. “He fired all the chemists, 17 of the top people who’d been there,” she said. “And replaced them with consultant after consultant.” Candidate Rev. Dr. John Welch said if he were mayor he’d have declared a state of emergency, ap-
plied for federal and state aid and would have used it to install point-of-entry filters that would eliminate lead, not just reduce it. “People shouldn’t have to wait 14 years for lead-free water,” he said. “Point-ofentry filters are expensive; it would be probably $64 million to put them on every home—but even at $100 million it’s less than the mayor’s plan, and the city could take its time replacing the lines.” Dr. Welch also said the mayor is creating two Pittsburghs, one for the affluent and the one most Blacks live in. “We have to be honest about racism,” he said. “We lose a billion a year because of employment discrimination. Young affluent Blacks won’t even come here because racism is so prevalent we aren’t even allowed in the room let alone at the table.” Dr. Welch said the development in the city’s East End, and the apartment
boom Downtown are perfect examples. “You have bike lanes from Google to the high-priced apartments, but where are the ladders of opportunity for African Americans to get those $50,000 jobs,” he said. Peduto countered that he stepped in for the residents being evicted from Penn Plaza and is investing in affordable housing across the city, and is working with foundations and schools to get young people interested in the new technology in which the city will be a leader. “Yeah, we are building market rate housing because that’s who pays the taxes,” Peduto said. “You have to have both to stabilize neighborhoods. And we’ll do that with our land bank so communities themselves can do development one block or one house at a time.” Dr. Welch said, “You do neighborhood development with neighbors, not developers.”
Race for Wilkinsburg mayor heats up WILKINSBURG FROM A1
vying for mayor. John Thompson is stepping down after serving as mayor since 2006. “Being on Council for the past four years, we’re in a transitional place right now,” Garrett said of Wilkinsburg. “It’s really important that we make sure we are moving forward. We have some great things going on right now, but like we see with any election, things can change in a minute. So, I am running for mayor to make sure we have a visible and proactive advocate in this, and making sure that those good things we’ve been working on continue to move forward and see light.” Johnson, a member of the Wilkinsburg school board, said that he’s the endorsed candidate from the Wilkinsburg Democratic Committee. “My past investments in the community and my future vision for Wilkinsburg” make Johnson a viable candidate, he said. “I have provided food and gifts for our families with my annual Free Christmas Dinner. I have provided clothing for families
Was excessive force used by police in arrest? EXCESSIVE FROM A1
Pittsburgh police officer Raymond Toomey while already on the ground as Toomey and another officer try to handcuff him. Both the city’s Office of Municipal Investigations and the Citizens Police Review Board are investigating the arrest. Mayor Bill Peduto noted that the video only shown the end of what happened. “We are aware that a bystander captured a por-
tion of the incident on video and that will be taken into account,” he said in a statement. “We also expect to review security footage from the site of the incident and surrounding establishments that might be available as well as any documentation and witness accounts of the incident.” In his report, Toomey said he was called to the Flats bar on E. Carson Street on the South Side for a complaint about someone
threatening the bouncer. He found Stanley, who appeared intoxicated and smelled of alcohol. Toomey asked what the problem was and according to the report, Stanley said: “(Expletive) ya’II man, Western Pennsylvania is racist as (expletive). That’s why ya’II cops gettin’ shot.” Toomey said he told him he’d had enough and should go home, but then Stanley mimed shooting at the bar and said, “‘Don’t worry I got
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
somethin’ for ya’II.” Next, when Toomey said Stanley was under arrest and to put his hands behind him, he said “(Expletive) you, I don’t have to do (expletive), I got somethin’ for you, too.” Toomey said Stanley kicked and kneed him, because he kept putting his hands underneath his body, and Toomey feared he might have a weapon. The investigation is ongoing.
through my clothing drives. I have provided over 300 gifts to patients in Wilkinsburg with my ‘Presents to Patients’ drive. I have provided job opportunities to residents with my job fairs. I mentor the youth, our future, by creating the Wilkinsburg Youth Commission to teach young individuals about how local government works and how they can become involved,” Johnson said. Scott, who serves on the board of directors for the Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation, said, “The main difference that separates me from the other candidates is my ability to actively listen and effectively respond to the needs of the people. My work and educational experiences have equipped me with a skillset that is designed to assist in the overall advancement of the people, and therefore, communities,” Scott said. “Meeting the basic needs of the community and ensuring an adequate quality of living dynamic are factors that can improve the entire fabric of the borough. Residents want to know what is going on but cannot connect themselves to the system for various reasons. The process of connecting the stakeholders, community members, to the governing process is vital to the survival of Wilkinsburg. The voice of the residents should always be incorporated into decisions and should more than often drive the process. I am confident that I
can be of assistance in this area,” Scott said. Truedell Hayden could not be reached for comment by the New Pittsburgh Courier. Garrett said lately, there have been efforts to forge partnerships with community organizations outside of Wilkinsburg. On April 28, Garrett attended an unveiling of a mural that was painted near the Wilkinsburg Busway. The event was sponsored by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. “Now people see that Wilkinsburg is invested in Wilkinsburg, and they (outside organizations) want to be a part of that for the better and keep that community fabric,” she said. Johnson believes he can lead the charge in turning things around. “Providing a safer place to live is a joint effort between the community residences, the police department, public servants, and the youth within Wilkinsburg,” Johnson said. “We must make it a priority to learn how to handle our displeasure without violence. We must encourage our schools to play a bigger role in violence prevention. We must challenge ourselves as community members to understand the havoc that violence plays on our community. We no longer have the luxury to be a bystander and we must invoke change through education, economic change, continued training for our police department and we must implement interventions that target those cluster areas that will be most effective.”
63rd NAACP Dinner
J.B. FLYNN, PhD AND JOAN DUVALL-FLYNN, PhD NAACP FROM A1
lege students. Awardees included; Jaime Shelton, Korionna Devaughn, Kennedi Stevenson, Megan Johnson, Peggy Phillips, Scott Graves III, Taylor Stringer, David Mitchell, Jalon Alexander, Marcus Gaines-Cherry, Miracle Jones, Angelique Drakeford and Amber Mole. Other awards included: Charlene Gambino Petrelli of EQT, Corporate Partner of
the Year award; Milton and Nancy Washington, Bishop Charles H. Foggie Lifetime Achievement award; Bishop Donald O. Clay of Petra Ministries, Judge Homer S. Brown award; and Marita Garrett of Wilkinsburg Council, Young Person of the Year award. Dr. Anthony Hamlet, superintendent of Pittsburgh Public Schools, served as keynote speaker. Dr. Duvall-Flynn told the Courier that the NAACP was firmly against “the reimposition of mandatory sentencing.” Also, the NAACP at the state level believes “there has to be more diversity in the appointment of judges in Pennsylvania. We also believe that there should not be any loaded weapons in any schools in this state.” Dr. Duvall-Flynn said young people shouldn’t look at the NAACP as an organization that isn’t for them. “We work consistently to protect young children from being railroaded into court, where their lives virtually end if they have any sort of conviction or if they plead no contest,” she said. “If a young kid gets accosted at school, and the police come for some reason…they have been criminalized and then they end up with, maybe, a public defender that doesn’t show up. And they end up with a court record, an arrest record or something that really stops them from having access to federal funding for education and all sorts of jobs they want to do. “They’re so innocent. They don’t know, their parents don’t know,” Dr. Duvall-Flynn said. “And so the NAACP and local branches works to intervene in those kinds of situations and protects kids from that, and help the family understand.”
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Is there a history of Black student abuse at Woodland Hills? LAWYER FROM A1
Wade is now being homeschooled, and faces criminal charges. Shaulis, as of now, is not facing criminal charges. But there was yet another video that Hollis presented to the media. It showed the 2015 arrest of then 15-yearold Ahmad Williams Jr. In the video, Williams is sitting in Murray’s lobby when Shaulis comes in, lifts him from his chair, puts him in a chokehold, drags him down a hallway and slams him down outside Murray’s office. Murray can then be seen helping hold Williams down while Shaulis uses a taser on him—twice. “They charged him with resisting arrest. His attorney got that thrown out but he was still convicted in juvenile court of misdemeanor disorderly conduct,” said Hollis. “A magistrate would have knocked it down to a summary offense like a traffic ticket. This was a 15-year-old with no previous record.” Hollis also represented an African American special-needs student who taped Murray threatening him in early 2016. On the tape, released in November 2016, Murray can be heard saying, “I’ll punch you right in your face, dude,” “I’ll knock your (expletive) teeth down your throat,” and later, “When we go down to court, it’s your word versus mine. And mine wins every time.” Murray was temporarily put on leave by the district after the recording surfaced. Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala did not render charges against Murray, even though he conceded Murray’s remarks were “inappropriate and arguably threatening.” He did initially, however, charge the unnamed student with
STANDING TALL—From left: Vernesa Hines, Jason Hart, Brandi Fisher and Que’Chawn Wade. Wade was involved in an altercation with Woodland Hills school resource officer Scott Shaulis that resulted in Wade’s tooth being knocked out. (Photo by J.L. Martello) violating the state’s wiretapping law for a separate recording he made at a later meeting with school officials. Those charges were eventually dropped. In the Shaulis incidents, Zappala’s spokesman Mike Manko said in an email that Shaulis is being investigated for use of excessive force, and that the findings will be referred to the FBI. “As we have previously stated, we are working with other agencies, both state and federal, to determine what if any crimes have been committed and which venue best addresses the
issues presented. The investigation is ongoing and, when appropriate, we will comment further.” Countering Hollis’ claims, Woodland Hills Superintendent Alan Johnson said there is no pattern of abuse in the district. “Mr. Hollis is taking a couple of isolated incidents and turning them into a pattern that does not exist. It is not an abusive school. We are proud of the things we do,” he said, adding, “We obviously would prefer we don’t have physical confrontations. Sometimes they are unavoidable.” Hollis disagrees. “The videos and audio
speak for themselves. And what do all three of these incidents have in common? Kevin Murray,” Hollis said. “Kevin Murray is the common denominator—and then the district doubled down and hired him as its head football coach.” That April 19 school board affirmative vote, covered by the New Pittsburgh Courier, was met with protests against Murray and the administration, with several attending the meeting calling for the board to fire Murray. “The community is here and we’re watching and we’re aware of everything
that’s going on, and we know what the issue at hand is,” Woodland Hills sophomore Alexis Davis told the Courier. “The root of the issue is the criminalization and demoralization of our Black children.” And the protests are not over. The Alliance for Police Accountability will hold a rally outside the Allegheny County Courthouse on Grant Street this Friday, May 12 at 11 a.m. Brandi Fisher, APA executive director, said it’s time for action and is asking the community to help. “We’re asking people to write or email the district attorney and ask him
to drop the charges on Que’Chawn Wade, and refer the investigation of the assault by Officer Shaulis to state Attorney General Josh Shapiro,” she said. Hollis said he isn’t finished either. “I’m going to bring action against the district and any of its officers that turned a blind eye to this,” he said. “And I still have to defend Que’Chawn in criminal court on charges of aggravated assault, simple assault, terroristic threats and resisting arrest. That’s the process they use to influence kids not to go after them (in civil court).”
ENTERTAINER New Pittsburgh Courier
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MAY 10-16, 2017
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
Cover To Cover
‘Super Freak: The Life of Rick James’
by Terri Schlichenmeyer For New Pittsburgh Courier
Your feet sometimes have a mind of their own. You see your favorite foods and they carry you toward lunch before you even realize you’re hungry. When you’re faced with danger, they take you in the right direction, away and safe. And when you read “Super Freak: The Life of Rick James” by Peter Benjaminson, your feet just gotta dance. James Ambrose Johnson Jr. was born in Buffalo, N.Y., on Feb. 1, 1948, into a family filled with talent and power: little Rick (no explanation for the nickname) was related to politicians and journalists, actors and performers. Even his mother had once been
Vivian Reed dazzles in tribute to Lena Horne Pittsburgh native performed many songs from the iconic Lena Horne at the Manchester Craftmen’s Guild
‘Dear White People:’ A letter to the masses by Merecedes J. Howze For New Pittsburgh Courier
Based on this article’s title you might actually think I am prepared to write a letter to the 249 million White Americans, but I’m not. It’s cool though, because the movie-turned-Netflix series “Dear White People” pretty much sums up all of my sentiments. Netlfix released a 10-chapter series (April 28) about the Black students at the Ivy League college Winchester University. Few in numbers, these students quickly discover that race plays a significant VIVIAN REED (Photos by Gail Manker) role in their interactions on campus. After a prestigious White group throws a the world of the arts. Among in Paris,” the good-natured, arship recipient recalls a by Karen Harris Brooks Blackface Halloween party, those credits, the expertise Tony Award-winning actress memory that has remained For New Pittsburgh Courier with her throughout her ca- breaks into laughter as she of the vocalist extends into tensions rise and creates a Imagine sitting at a reer. “When I was managed proudly stated, “The report- the genres of jazz, soul, nightclub back in the early by the owner of the Apollo er, obviously tired of the gospel and classical music. 1930s and experiencing the Theater, my manager asked many comparisons, conclud- The accomplished dancdeep-rooted sounds of jazz the accountant of the Apol- ed by stating ‘For God’s sake, er and world-renowned, by the incomparable Lena lo, who happened to be Le- she is Vivian Reed.’ I loved award-winning actress is Horne. na’s uncle, to ask Lena if that!” Amused, she tells the also a photographer, proOn April 28, at the Manducer, and currently teaches chester Craftsmen’s Guild, voice at Marymount Colthose sounds came to life lege in New York City. She through the amazing vocal recently added the title of chords of Pittsburgh native clothing designer, a skill she Vivian Reed. learned firsthand from her Full of sass, jazz, soul and beloved mother, “Who was a deep down homegirl style, an amazing seamstress who Reed has a unique abilimade many of my beautiful ty to take her fans back to gowns,” Reed said. “Today, the time when music told a my handmade VJR scarves, story of love, pain, strength wraps and silk ponchos are and joy. On the 100th birthan homage to my mom.” day of Horne, Reed’s distincThe evening proved to be a tive manner of expression huge success, evidenced by reached out to an audience the excitement and warm that was honored to be the acceptance of the crowd. first to witness the captivatBill Stilz of Tucker, John- domino effect of other raing performance of “Vivian son & Smelzer Inc. “attend- cially-motivated events. I appreciate the transiReed Sings Lena Horne!” ed the last 12 jazz events Taking the stage in true and each one is better. My tion from the big screen to star power, Reed welcomed wife and I would not have computer screen. The Netflix series picked up right “Old Friends.” The road missed it for the world.” traveled took on an inIn collaboration with Mar- where the 2014 film left off, depth glimpse into the life ty Ashby of the Manchester and, equally important, the of Horne. The travels were Craftsmen’s Guild, “Vivian TV series retained some acnot easy for Horne, but Reed Reed Sings Lena Horne!” tors from the movie. I was possessed the talent to tell was brought to Pittsburgh skeptical at first. But, the her journey in a way no one by Familylinks CEO Fred TV show version of “Dear else can. Her admiration for Massey, who describes jazz White People” ceases all Horne flowed through the as “a great way to describe apprehensions with its dry audience like the deep melhow some of our clients come humor and hard truths. Even the title makes White ody that arose from withto Familylinks. Jazz is dein as she moved tirelessly scribed as orchestrated noise people cringe of guilt and throughout the diverse muas many different instru- misconception. What is typsical genres. STUNNING PERFORMANCE—Vivian Reed put on a show to re- ments and sounds coming ically the proper letter salReed, the classical song- member at an event honoring the music of Lena Horne, April 28 at together to make a beautiful utation has now become an stress, didn’t hesitate to take the Manchester Craftmen’s Guild. melody,” he said. ‘Our clients outcry for millions of voices on the importance of the civil are similar. Life affects indi- to be heard. rights movement in Horne’s she had any gowns she no story when her parents told viduals that seem in chaos, “Dear White People” relife. Reed spoke of the scan- longer needed and could her “I was making melodi- but as we work together, it quires a response and contindal created by Horne’s in- give to a young artist. Well, ous tones at the early age of becomes apparent that it is ues the conversation for all. terracial marriage to her a huge trunk of beautiful three. I don’t remember that. just making you into who In a world where a 15-yearbeloved Lenny Hayton and gowns arrived...a generosi“I was born a classical you will become in the future, old is executed by police in front of his family, Black peothe ensuing blacklist. With a ty I never forgot.” singer and studied singing which is ‘Strong For Life.’” voice as strong as the icon’s “Strong For Life” certainly ple are morbidly afraid of the As her talent exploded on at a very early age,” Reed character, she powerfully the stage, Reed was referred told the New Pittsburgh describes the fortitude and law enforcement and “Dear performed the difficult times to as “The New Josephine Courier. “It was a gift from strength of the incomparable White People” addresses of Horne’s life, emphatically Baker.” She recalls the time God. That was my destiny. Horne. Pausing as if reflect- that. Some of the most senstating, “Lena was a survi- Elle magazine did a story Dance came about later.” ing on a personal memory, sitive topics are intertwined vor! She once said, ‘It’s not on her following multiple But the energetic sing- the incredible Vivian Reed with laughs and love. The series manages to the load that brings you comparisons to many other er changes hats like she smiled and simply said, “She down, but how you carry it.’” artists. Despite that “Jo- changes gowns. Her dossier was unlike anyone else. She crack on Black people, too. Taking some responsibility The former Juilliard schol- sephine Baker was a force reflects extensive credits in was Lena Horne.” for the perpetuated stereotypes, “Dear White People” depicts us as a habitually angry, combative group of individuals, explores our addiction to baseless TV, and blames us for promoting the whiteness of people like Kim Kardashian-West and Quentin Tarantino. The show is a small glimpse of what Black people experience everyday. When I see “Dear White People,” I see Pittsburgh vividly. The experiences I had at Duquesne University were almost synonymous to the accounts of the show’s main character, Sam White. I was too Black for the elite White clubs, not Black enough for the Black Student Union, and did not fit the description of a Black sorority prospect. But, long after college, the separation continues. Race, gender, class and now, sexual orientation has become the deepest filter to put people in a box. “Dear White People” further explores OUTSTANDING EVENT—From left: Kevin Jenkins, COO of Manchester Craftmen’s Guild, Vivian Reed and Fred Massey, CEO of Familylinks. that parting and even questions the division within.
Merecedes on…
a dancer, and was said to have transferred her desire for fame onto her talented third-born child. Though the family was often fatherless, Rick’s mother ran a tight ship and worked as a numbers runner to feed and clothe her children, who later remembered being well cared-for. She also insisted that her children attend Catholic Mass, but Rick was a perpetual troublemaker. A former altar boy, he was kicked out of the program for being “too hyper,” started running away from home at age five, lost his virginity at age nine, and began experimenting with drugs. As for school, it was something he “tried to avoid entirely.” At 16, Rick joined the U.S. Navy, but he skipped out on his obligation and slipped into Canada in 1964. There, he found other musicians who let him perform with them, and his talent “was blazingly obvious.” He founded bands, found sponsorship and set his sights on Motown, where he was turned away at least twice before he was finally accepted to work as a producer and songwriter. With his talents so openly on display, Rick began to work his way toward his goal of having a best-seller with Motown. He wrote, performed, got that hit, and was hired to produce for Diana Ross, a gig he turned down to work with Teena Marie. Unfortunately, he didn’t turn down the drugs that had become a part of his life, nor did he turn down the many women who clamored for his attention on the road. In the end, it was the former that contributed to his death. Though it often reads like the combination of a novel and a supermarket tabloid, “Super Freak” isn’t bad. It’s not great, either. Like so many biographers of music stars, author Benjaminson includes too much here: too many names dropped, too much minutiae on performances and, when it comes to Rick James’ private life, too much information. (“Super Freak: The Life of Rick James” by Peter Benjaminson, c.2017, Chicago Review Press $28.99/354 pages.)
TV shows
LIFESTYLES New Pittsburgh Courier
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MAY 10-16, 2017
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
Debbie Norrell
Lifestyles Report
Happy Mother’s Day
This past April 7 marked two years without our mother. You always know that your parents are going to get older and one day they will no longer be around, but it is still difficult when they pass away. From time to time people who have not seen me in a while will ask me how my mom is doing, and then I tell them that she passed away. I want to wish all mothers a Happy Mother’s Day and to the daughters, if you still have your mother and feel you don’t know your mother like you would like to know her, sit down and have a conversation with her before it is too late. Find out what her life was like as a little girl, where she met your dad and get her to write down some of those recipes that you like so much. I used to ask my mom about some of the things that she would cook and she never had a recipe. I would just have to stand in the kitchen and watch and try to figure it out. After it was all said and done, I became a very good cook, not because I watched long enough to figure out the contents of the recipe, but because I found books with the recipes of the things that I liked to eat. I would work on those recipes until it tasted the way that I wanted it to taste. I was listening to a radio show the other day and they asked listeners to call in and talk about a favorite dish that their mother made. I can think of so many. My mother made great deviled eggs and now so do I. She made the best Jell-O molds. Jell-O molds were very chic back in the ‘60s. And my mom had perfected Jell-O. She would serve it with pineapple, grated carrots, grapes and celery. Sometimes it would be multi-colored and she would put it in a round mold and then when it was jellied she would slice it and serve it on a bed of lettuce. It was something we would have on Sundays after our roast beef, potatoes and freshsnapped green beans. Oh, and she would make the best gravy from scratch. I used to get a kick out of watching her whip up a batch of mashed potatoes. Once again no recipe. She would boil those potatoes, peel them, mash them with a metal potato masher with a green wooden handle and then pour milk and butter into the pot and whip the potatoes until they were smooth. My mom also made great navy beans. They were my father’s favorite and sometimes that would be the whole meal or a pot of lima beans and ham. So ladies and gents, get to know your moms. I’m speaking to the younger readers, also. You never know how long you will have mom around and there may be some important things you would like to know. In the meantime, make your Mother’s Day the best ever. (Email Debbie at debbienorrell@aol.com.)
BASH LADIES
BASH LADIES
The Annual B.A.S.H. Black Association of South Hills by Debbie Norrell Lifestyles Editor
VENDOR SHOWCASE—Susanne Pearson
VENDOR SHOWCASE—Sheila McCollum
In 1978, 11 African American women founded the Black Association of South Hills Better and Forever, known as B.A.S.H. Their purpose was to serve as a w e l coming c o m mittee for new r e s i dents to the South Hills as well as a social, c i v ic and MISTRESS OF CEREMOc h a r - NIES—Mabel Lee itable organization. B.A.S.H. has awarded dozens of scholarships to deserving high school seniors in their pursuit of higher education. On April 8, at the DoubleTree Hilton Meadow Lands, more than 300 filled the ballroom for their annual program. I was the keynote speaker and fashion show emcee. The crowd learned about “New Beginnings” - how to start your life over at any age. The vendor fashion show featured B.A.S.H. president Sheila McCollum and Susanne Pearson. The dynamic modeling duo ripped the runway in fashions from Inspired by You, Cloe’s Adornments, Hair Especially for You, Damsel in Defense, You Know Who and Gospel Beads. The Camara Drum and Dance Troupe was on hand and urged the crowd to get on their feet and participate in their excitement. A day of renewal, vendor shopping and supporting B.A.S.H. ended with their famous 50/50 raffle. This year’s winner walked away with over $600. The ladies of B.A.S.H. include: Sheila McCollum, President; Crystal McGee, Vice-President, Linda McCall, Treasurer; Mabel Lee, Record-
CAMARA DRUM AND DANCE
BASH LADIES ing Secretary; Waverly Nesmith, Corresponding Secretary; Debra Hakeem event co-chair. Also, Norma Adams, Katherine Allen, Joy Baker, Minister Bernice Carson, Nora Greathouse, Mary Jenkins, Renee Mack, Wilma McNeese, Andrea O’Daniel, Lillian Pierce, Glo-
ria Richardson, Sue Richardson, Sandra Simpson, Michelle Torregano, Charla Tyler, Ty Walton, Diana Ward and Loretta Williamson. B.A.S.H. husbands Bernard Mack and Gary Walton provided the soundtrack.
BASH LADIES (Photos by Debbie Norrell)
LET’S DANCE—A member of Camara Drum and Dance gets the ladies moving
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PEOPLE
MAY 10-16, 2017
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
A new, ‘creative’ approach to health and wellness
by Renee P. Aldrich For New Pittsburgh Courier
Saturday, April 15 brought together a myriad of folks of all ages, sizes and stages of fitness to the Homewood-Brushton YMCA. They all took part in the first Community Wellness Initiative coordinated by Nedra Williams, founder of “Creative Balance 4 Empowering People—Mind Body and Spirit.” Williams spent years working in the social services and mental health industries as a therapist. It was there that she witnessed a serious downward spiral in the quality of life among African Americans. She observed how women were running households by themselves, the infusion of crack cocaine into African American neighborhoods, crime, subsequent incarceration and other negative factors. With those issues taking a toll on people’s bodies and minds, she felt compelled to do something that could mitigate some of the mental and physical damage being done. In 2015 Williams launched a wellness initiative, based on the “It Takes a Village” premise to begin providing wellness fairs and workshops in underserved communities. “My concerns plagued me so much I wanted to wave
a magic wand and change it all, but I knew there was no magic wand; we hold the magic within us,” Williams said. “I also could see that I was just one person and if I was to be effective and meet a wide range of needs, and to really impact a larger body of our people, I’d have to broker services from colleagues that are doing work in these areas.” Thus, Williams’ inaugural event came to be. The daylong event at the Homewood YMCA offered a variety of opportunities for participants to not only learn about, but participate in activities geared to enhance personal fitness. The activities included: Zumba and Belly Dance instruction by Gail Alberto Martin; A one mile walk around the upper track of the Y; a workout boot camp conducted by certified personal trainer, Clay Moorefield; African Dance Movements by Ebony Castaphney; HipHop Aerobics by Jim “Big Weave” Weaver, owner of NAKA Fitness; And Line Dancing by Roland Ford, Pittsburgh’s Line Dance King. The constant flow of participants all day showed that people have a significant interest in working on their health and learning how to implement selfcare. Carla Wilson, who came from Wilkinsburg
WORKING OUT—Jaijum Massie, 14, and Malik Minard, 18, getting in some reps at the Creative Balance Wellness event at the Homewood YMCA, April 15. (Photos by J.L. Martello)
with friend Marcia Lions, said she “had kept saying I was going to start going to the gym, but never did. We heard about this and felt we’d give it a try.” “I’m here to support Nedra because I know how important it is for African Americans to do better in the way they eat and moving more,” said LaWanda Long. At no cost, visitors heard from a range of speakers with information ranging from Alternative Medicine by Dr. Uhuru Hotep, associate director of the Michael P. Weber Learning Skills Center at Duquesne University, to a mental health presentation by De’netta Benjamin, LCSW, director of Quality Improvement for Familylinks. Williams began laying the groundwork to create this day four years ago. “The first person I consulted with was state Rep. Ed Gainey. He was very encouraging, believed in my vision, and provided me with a letter of support to take with me as I sought out sponsors and continued to press forward with the plans for this day,” Williams said. “I was unsure of myself, but Ed helped me gain confidence I needed to stay the course to see this day come to pass.” “I am here to support Nedra, but also because this event is good and purposeful for two reasons,” Gainey said. “First, since as a people we are at risk for all the chronic diseases, we have a great need for everything going on today. It is outstanding to be here and learn of techniques for GETTING FIT—Ebony Castaphey teaches an African movement developing healthier lifefitness workshop at the April 15 health and wellness event at the styles, getting this inforHomewood YMCA. mation on how to keep our bodies and minds in shape is great. But the second thing is that this creates a market…I hear people saying they wish they had boot camp every Saturday. It is that information we should be taking to the foundations and instead of them telling us what we need, why not provide us funding that will support what we ourselves know we need,” Gainey said. “This is a great time from a market standpoint to find out what the community wants and how to make it happen.” Williams’ long-term goal for “Creative Balance 4 Empowering People” tran-
scends a one day event. “I hope that folks will learn to make health and well-being a way of life, not just something they do one day in the spring because it was free. My goal is that as a community we begin to experience a paradigm shift—one that will result in healthier minds, bodies and spirits, longer lives and better quality of living.”
LISA QUINN
DIANE DIXON AND TASHA LIVINGSTON
FOUNDER AND CEO NEDRA WILLIAMS
Virginia picked up her copy!
VIRGINIA REDDEN, PITTSBURGH
To see who else picked up their copy of the Courier, go to page B8
PEOPLE
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
MAY 10-16, 2017
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DOLORES PRATT CHANDLER
Hope Springs Eternal
Mother overcomes death of 4 sons, writes a book to inspire others by Rob Taylor Jr.
“There are a lot of mothers suffering in silence—after Courier Staff Writer it leaves the news and after There are many mothers all the hoopla is over, the who have suffered through mother is left to suffer in silence.” the death of one child. Chandler’s sons were There are few who have suffered through the death diagnosed with Conradi-Hunnerman syndrome. of four. That is Dolores Pratt The National Organization Chandler’s story. The Hill for Rare Disorders defines District native and Fifth it as a rare genetic disorder Avenue High School gradu- characterized by skeletal ate recently penned a book, malformations, skin ab“Grain of Hope, A Moth- normalities and cataracts. er’s Memoir,” which details It is caused by an X-linked the traumatizing events dominant trait that occurs and then how to stand tall almost exclusively in girls; boys born with the synthrough the pain. “I’ve experienced the drome usually do not surdeath of four sons. I use my vive. An estimated one in crisis because I don’t think 400,000 newborns is born you can find too many cri- with the disorder. Sympses worse than having a toms and severity can vary child die,” Chandler said. among individuals, but cataracts, spinal curvature, sparse or coarse scalp hair and scaling of the skin are common. Chandler’s oldest son, Glenn, was 22 months old when he died. Her second son, Tyrone, lived to the age of PITTSBURGH NATIVE Dolores Pratt Chandler has 22. Patrick released a book, “Grain of Hope,” to give others died a few hope who have lost loved ones. hours af-
ter birth. And Chandler’s fourth son died five months into her pregnancy. She calls him, “Baby Boy” Williams. “Tyrone was a people person, and everybody that came in contact with him was attached to him like a magnet,” Chandler recalled. “He was very spiritual and upbeat, even with all the problems that he had, you would have never known.” Chandler has one daughter, Sonja, who is now 51. She said with the situations occurring with her sons, she didn’t focus too much on Sonja—which later became a problem. “When something like a crisis occurs in a family, sometimes we spend all of our time focusing on the crisis and not on the people it impacts. I spent a lot of time with my sons but I pushed away my daughter. As a result, she was suffering herself.” “Grain of Hope” helps people overcome serious problems one may encounter in life—divorce, betrayal of a loved one, and the death of a child. “It’s a book that helps people to understand the dying process and all the emotional ups and downs you go through,” Chandler said. “Dolores has been a complete joy to work with over
the past few years,” said the book’s publisher The Church Online in a statement. “Her presence brings with it a hopeful sense of serenity. She speaks wisdom with every comment, and one can’t help but hang on to every word she speaks. ‘Grain of Hope’ is the perfect book to pick up if you’re struggling and in need of a little hope and inspiration to continue moving forward. All at once tragic and uplifting, ‘Grain of Hope’ is a memoir that will stick with you long after its final pages have been turned.” Chandler told the New Pittsburgh Courier the only way she was able to get through the tough times was with hope. It’s the best way for anyone else to get through the bad times as well. “I want (the reader) to know that even though you have come to the lowest part of your life, hope can elevate you to the point of acceptable peace,” Chandler said. “The most special thing is to activate the spirit of hope that’s in them. We all get it. You don’t have to be a Christian, all you have to do is be a person. We’re all born with the ability to have hope.” The nearly 200-page book is available on Amazon,
ITunes and Nook. More information, including contact details for Chandler can be found at www.doloresprattchandler.com. “I kept believing and hop-
ing that each day would get better,” Chandler said. “You never give up holding on for a better day. Hope says you can make it and things are going to get better.”
“GRAIN OF HOPE,” A MOTHER’S MEMOIR
Students keep Negro Leagues alive on the North Side
STUDENT PAINTING—Justin Bermudez, 14, of Pittsburgh CAPA, painted some of the illustrations on this mural highlighting William “Gus” Greenlee. The murals stand at Wilson Avenue and W. Burgess Street in Perry Hilltop. (Photos by J.L. Martello)
JALEN ACHILLES, 15, of the South Side, with Sean Gibson, great grandson of the famed Negro League player Josh Gibson. Achilles’ illustrations helped compose this mural, which stands at Wilson Avenue and W. Burgess Street in Perry Hilltop. To see more murals, go to www.newpittsburghcourier.com.
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PEOPLE
MAY 10-16, 2017
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
70 years old, and not a day too late
CAP AND GOWN—Marie Bracy, middle, received her Bachelor’s in Administration of Justice from Pitt on April 30.
Wilkinsburg resident and newly-minted Pitt graduate Marie Bracy shares her story, in her own words “An important part of life is completing things you’ve started. When you don’t complete some things in life it can be like a thorn in your side. God gave me the grace and mercy to get the thorn out of my side. I’ve had several personal family tragedies and crises that interrupted my ability to complete my education (stepfather killed, brother murdered, and sister became ill, which required me to help raise her four children and take care of her). The Bible says, ‘In this world we will have tribulations.’ The hardest part about college was worrying about other people’s feelings about diversity. I had the challenge of ageism, I lost most of my hearing to Meniere’s disease, and I have vitiligo. I told myself, ‘It’s going to take a lot of courage to sit in a classroom full of people young enough to be your grandchildren,’ but by God’s grace I met the challenge. I took one step and God took two and my hard work paid off. I hope that I can be an example to others, that if I can do it, so can they. When my brother was murdered, I was at Shaw University. My mother made me come home. I enrolled at Pitt but the pain was too great, plus my sister got sick. I went to school for Drafting so that I could get a job quickly to help take care of my sister’s kids, and I got a job as the first female and Black draftsperson in the Westinghouse science and research patent law department. Before that, I was jitney driving at the old Giant Eagle in Homewood to take care of them. The male jitney drivers tried to force me out of there but I was determined to stay ‘til I got something better. When my sister’s children became grown I started my own family. I had my first son when I was 38 and my second son when I was 41. I put my children in Catholic school, and when Westinghouse was sold and I was laid off, I was offered a job at my kid’s school as a learning assistant. When my children got older, my mother got Alzheimer’s, so I had to end my job at the school to take care of her with the help of my husband until she passed. I started losing my pigment at this time, then I got Meniere’s. In 2006, I got my Associate’s from CCAC, then I got sick (a virus in my heart muscle). The doctors said I was a miracle. I started losing my hearing in 2010. I decided to take a leap of faith in 2011 and take back what the devil stole from me. I was accepted at Pitt. Here I am today, can’t hear good, but in good health, 70 and not on any medication. I got my degree from Pitt. How you like me now! God is good.” —Marie Bracy, as told to the New Pittsburgh Courier
Springing into Fatherhood
KAMAL WATSON, NIANA WATSON, 10, NICOLRA WATSON, 12
MONTELL BANKS, MALAYIA BANKS, 3, AMARI BANKS, 1
CRAIG JONES, PASSION McCRAY, 8
The Sixth Annual Father/Daughter Dinner was held April 22 at the Sokol Club Banquet Hall, presented by the Fathers Collaborative Council of Western Pa. (Photos by J.L. Martello) (More photos on A11)
ED GAINEY, ALEXA GAINEY, 9
ED JOHNSON, JAKIYA RATHER, 18, TATAYANA WHITE, niece, 11
HENRY WHEELER IV, JANAIA WHEELER, 12, JANELLE WHEELER, 11
ZANE OLIVER, CHEYANNA, 9, DESERAY, 8
RELIGION
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Church Circuit 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. The guest preacher will be Rev. Dr. Alyn E. Waller, of Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church in Philadelphia. For more information, call 412-8232841.
WOMEN’S REVIVAL
MAY 17-19—Bidwell United Presbyterian Church, 1025 Liverpool St., presents their Women’s Revival, “In God We Trust,” at 7 p.m. nightly. On May 17, the guest speaker is Rev. Rodney A. Lyde of Baptist Temple Church. On May 18, it’s Rev. Dr. John C. Welch of Bidwell United Presbyterian Church. And May 19, it’s Rev. Victor J. Grigsby of Central Baptist Church. For more information, call 412-231-4663.
LUNCHEON AND HAT SHOW
MAY 20—Mount Olive Baptist Church, 330 Fourth Ave., Rankin, invites you to their annual Luncheon and Hat show, “Somebody Touched Me,” at the church, from noon to 3 p.m. Donation is $20. The guest preacher is Rev. Brenda Gregg of Destiny of Faith Church in Pittsburgh. For more information, call 412-6272281.
CARRONE CHURCH ANNIVERSARY
MAY 21—Carrone Baptist Church, 7119 Frankstown Ave., Homewood, will celebrate its 132nd church anniversary. Pastor Alonzo Murphy Jr. will bring the 10:30 morning message. Dinner will be served after the morning service. Reverend Dr. John Welch will deliver the 3 p.m. message, along with guests Rev. B. DeNeice Welch and Bidwell Presbyterian Church Music Ministry. For more information, call 412371-9919.
GRACE WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATION
MAY 21—Grace Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1000 Bryn Mawr Rd., presents their annual Women’s Day Celebration, 11 a.m. at the church. Speaker will be Ms. Patricia Porter. The theme this year is, “And Still We Rise.” For more information, call 412-2958822 or 412-247-7630.
MAY 10-16, 2017
From research to science, Taylor does it all The Ellis School senior was awarded a full scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh as a Stamps Scholar by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer
Have you heard of the Stamps Scholars? It’s not just any scholars program. If a high school senior attains such the honor, they are awarded a full scholarship to say, the University of Pittsburgh, including mandatory fees, room and board, and an allowance for purchasing textbooks. This award is no joke. To achieve such an award, one must demonstrate academic merit, possess strong leadership potential and exude exceptional character. Well, meet Taylor Robinson. She is no joke. The senior at the Ellis School for Girls made the Cum Laude Society last month. She was accepted into 13 colleges, including Notre Dame, Pitt and Northwestern. She was a finalist for many other scholarships. She received first-place honors at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) regionals held at Duquesne University for her science project, “eHealth: Equity and Efficiency,” which analyzed effective communication of cancer prevention awareness on social media. No joking around here. Robinson says she’s serious about success. “I’ve been involved in science projects since the sixth
grade,” she told the New Pittsburgh Courier. “There’s so many things you can do in the science field,” including social and behavioral sciences, which was the catalyst for her first-place project, “eHealth: Equity and Efficiency.” Robinson worked to find the most effective form of cancer prevention awareness on social media, such as Twitter. She categorized a large amount of tweets into three segments: Educational, which is a tweet that expresses or shares information, such as “Five ways to stop cancer;” Motivational, in which a tweet pushes one to visit a doctor or health professional; and Promotional, which places emphasis on physically attending a cancer awareness event, such as Race For The Cure. Robinson’s project found that overall, educational tweets reach the largest audience. “The main purpose of the project is, if you are using a more effective way to promote cancer prevention, you’ll have better efficiency in the end. The type of communication of awareness (once it’s known and then utilized) could benefit a larger set of people,” Robinson, 17, said. Robinson is part of the National Honor Society for World Language. She also is the vice-president of The Ellis School’s Student Diversity League, which promotes racial awareness at the school and to students from other schools. Robinson’s other activities at Ellis included editorial editor of the school newspaper, and currently are peer tutor, school tour guide and member of upper school student council. Robinson, who wants to become a physician, is part of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, working in cancer biology at the Hillman Center.
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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
TAYLOR ROBINSON She’s also looking to gain more clinical experience, by shadowing a doctor, watching surgeries or volunteering in hospitals. Robinson is seeking medical professionals who can assist her in gaining more experience. “There are two main examples that really define Taylor as a person,” said Carmel Mitchell, Robinson’s mother. “For one, Taylor has always been motivated to do her best and be her best. In the third grade, Taylor received her first ‘C’ in a class, an 84.5 percent. Ever since that one report card, Taylor vowed that she would never get another ‘C’ again. From that point on she has never received below a ‘B’ grade, graduated valedictorian of her eighth-grade class at Sr. Thea Bowman, and was inducted into the Cum Laude society which allows her to graduate with high honors from The Ellis School for Girls. “In addition, Taylor is opportunistic and takes every chance to make a name for herself,” Mitchell contin-
ued. “In my eyes, Taylor is an unstoppable force. When people tell her she can’t do something, she commits herself to achieving the supposedly unachievable.” Robinson, who will attend Pitt in the fall, said her constant drive to be the best “comes from a lot of sources. It comes from my commitment to the Catholic faith,” she said. “Religion in general really puts you in a different atmosphere, it’s another way to be supported. Just staying on track and keeping my path in mind.” Robinson also credited F.A.M.E., of which she is a Scholar. The Fund for the Advancement of Minorities Through Education helped Robinson into becoming enrolled at an independent school such as The Ellis School. Last, but not least, Robinson credits her upbringing, and her mother, Carmel. “She’s always continuously motivating me to get the job done.” (Inquiring medical professionals may contact the New Pittsburgh Courier.)
Springing into Fatherhood Continued from A10
TRIEDSTONE MEN AND WOMEN
MAY 28—Triedstone Baptist Church, 18 Harriet St., Rankin, celebrates its Men and Women’s Day, at the church. The guest speaker is Rev. Dr. Sheila Hunt and Rev. James E. Hunt, of First Baptist Church in Penn Hills. Women’s Day service is 11 a.m., Men’s Day service is 3 p.m. For more information, call 412-2713000.
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 rates.
Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community! For rate information, call 412481-8302, ext. 128.
ANTIOCH VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
JUNE 7-9—Antioch Baptist Church, 332 Elizabeth Street, Sewickley, will hold their annual Vacation Bible School, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. each evening. The theme this year is “The Plan of Salvation”. In addition to the bible lesson, there will arts and crafts, games and dinner each evening. There is no cost and all are welcome. Reverend Travis C. Coon, Pastor. For more information, call 412-7417688.
LEON ROCKYMORE AND REIGNE ROCKYMORE, 9
CHARLES ABRAM WITH PARKER, 2, AND NIECE, KYNDALL, 3
We are looking to feature positive youth from our church community. You can mail their bios and photo to:
I BELIEVE IN MIRACLES
WEDNESDAYS IN JUNE—Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, 2001 Wylie Avenue, Hill District, presents “I believe in Miracles,” a four-part sermon series preached by pastor Vincent K. Campbell. The event occurs each Wednesday evening in June from 7 to 8 p.m. at the church. A free community meal will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Get plugged in each Wednesday in June for an hour of prayer. For more information, call 412281-6583.
New Pittsburgh Courier 315 E. Carson St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Fax: 412-481-1360
or DANCE MOVES—The daughters take the stage and show off some of their dance moves at the Sixth Annual Father Daughter Dinner.
email: JEFFREY BROWN WITH KATELYNN BROWN, 6
religion@newpittsburghcourier.com
SPORTS New Pittsburgh Courier
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www.newpittsburghcourier.com
The ‘Second Fiddles’ can either help or destroy the Pirates season
Obama’s Haston wins 100 meters at Baldwin Invitational
Dr. Gloria Hill passes, and the Willie Stargell MVP Awards
by Aubrey Bruce
by Bill Neal
For New Pittsburgh Courier
For New Pittsburgh Courier
As of May 8, The Pittsburgh Pirates were the sole inhabitants of last place in the fiery NL Central. However, at least for the moment anyway, you can put away your crying towels because although there are five teams that are members of the division, only three games separate
:10—Alright boys and girls, I’m back in the saddle. Let the games begin. In case you weren’tpaying attention, I was on the sidelines a few weeks giving you a few special reports. Remembering the Pittsburgh basketball legends and the amazing report for former Connie Hawkins League superstar Heath Bailey…so start the clock! :09—I am deeply sorry to begin by bringing to many of you some extremely bad news. The P i t t s burgh community, the educational community and the tennis community is mourningthe loss of one of the area’s most beloved women, former Carnegie Mellon University BILL NEAL professor Dr. Gloria Hill, who passed away this week from a sudden and unexpected circumstance. Rest in peace “Dr. Hill.” You are loved by many and will be deeply missed. Our love and condolences to your family. :08—An amazing coincidence that has been with me for the greater part of my life, if not my entire life. My parents, Bill and Delores Neal, have been best friends with Ron and Lois Carter for over “50 years.” You kind of know the Carters. They are the parents of former L.A. Laker/Connie Hawkins and City League Hall of Famer Ron Carter. Well, Mrs. Carter’s mother, Annie, is Josh Gibson’s sister (now deceased of course). So, given all the buzz around the now playing Josh Gibson opera, we have been treated to some fantastic stories about her Uncle Josh… absolutely fascinating!!! (To catch up, go online to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article by Steve Mellon and be blown away! It’s titled, “Gibson’s Homecoming.”) :07—Alright…okay…enough…you win! Zik, Booker, my old man, you all win. The man can play. I mean good Lord, he’s averaging 35 points a game in the playoffs and I’m still trying to figure out why Toronto bothered to show up, but just to keep the fire going, I’m still ranking the top five like this: No. 1 Kareem; No. 2 Wilt; No. 3 Michael; No. 4 Magic, and No. 5 LeBron. Oh please shut up! :06—I swear to you, I’m as big a Pirates fan as the next guy, but figure this…they’re trying to trade “Cole.” That leaves you two decent pitchers at best. “Glasnow” and “Watson.” McCutchen continues to struggle. “The “Mar-Tay Par-Tay” is on vacation. “Polanco” could barely play right field and now they throw him into left. The manager doesn’t believe in bunting and “Jung Ho” looks to be “No-Mo.” I’m just saying! :05—I thought the Pens would beat Washington in six. But to my surprise, and to all Pens fans, it didn’t happen on Monday night. I’m hoping they win game 7 on Wednesday (May 10) and advance to the conference final. :04—I would give you a movie report, but there’s not a good movie within a thousand miles of here. And if you think Guardians of the Galaxy is a good movie, I now know why you live under the bridge…not that there’s anything wrong with that! :03—The 43rd Annual Willie Stargell Pittsburgh MVP Awards Celebration is coming your way Wednesday, May 31 at the fabulous Savoy Restaurant, Downtown. 1. Seats are limited. 2. First come… first pay…first seat! 3. Tickets are $50… period. End of story. I don’t care if your last name is “Moses!” So don’t call me!!! :02—Here are the 2017 awardees for the Celebrating Women Awards: Dr. Bonnie Tatar; Margo Hinton; Stephanie Turman; Chelsa Wagner; Dr. Regina Holley. Willie Stargell MVP Awards: Emmitt Miles; Omar Foster; Mayor Bill Peduto; Councilman Dan Gilman; Richert Stewart; Pitt Coach Pat Narduzzi. Pittsburgh Urban Officials Award: Richert Alsberry; Paul Dorsey; Ray Morton; Greg Smith; Dan Robinson. Connie Hawkins Summer Basketball League Hall of Famers: Eric Carter; Hosea Champine; Mark Halsel; Gary Nelson; Rico Appendanza; Shawn Harvey; Vince Lackner; Kenny Lewis; David Burris; Kevin Price; Corey Gadson; Joe Barlow; Brian Carroll; Coach Ringo Saunders. :01—For all you guys that truly think you know more than the Steelers, who spend all day, every day, evaluating talent, and you spend maybe five minutes, know this. T.J. Watt will be great…it’s in the bloodline. And James Connor will be your third down back. Take it to the bank! :00—GAME OVER!
Inside Conditions
Overtime
RAVEN HASTON, right, of Pittsburgh Obama, edged out Style Henry of Villa Maria Academy to win the 100-meter dash at the Baldwin Invitational, May 5. Haston, one of the top sprinters in the state, will run at the City League Championships May 13 at 10 a.m. at Pittsburgh Oliver. (Photos by Will McBride)
AUBREY BRUCE first place from last place. The competition and rivalry within the NL Central is tighter than a pair of O.J. Simpson gloves that don’t fit. This is a division where one or two games may represent a trip to the postseason or a long drawn out visit to the nearest furniture store to purchase a new couch from which the unsuccessful combatants can view the playoffs. There are no “gimmes” or giveaways. Last weekend, the Pirates had a three-game homestand against the Milwaukee Brewers. Pittsburgh won the first two games and were poised to take all three games, but ahh, the game of musical chair right fielders continued to be played by the Pirates with the same predictable and disastrous results. Pirates “utility man” John Jaso, was penciled in to start in right field for the Pirates for the final game of the series against Milwaukee and one could almost sense the Brewers licking their chops. Jaso is more of a natural catcher/first baseman than an outfielder. He looks very uncomfortable in right field. It may well represent a crapshoot if anything other than a routine fly ball is hit in his direction. There have been times when instead of charging a fly ball, Jaso retreats. There has also been an occasion or two that Jaso has retreated when he should have charged the ball. Not all of his actions have resulted in errors, but one cannot be comfortable with his play in the outfield. Why not, at least temporarily, move Josh Bell from first base to right field, and move Jaso to first base? During the Pirates series against the Yankees after the Pirates were defeated by the Yankees on April 22 (11-5 final), Pirates manager Clint Hurdle had this to say about the questionable defense of the Bucs. “I think our overall defense has got to tighten up...Jose Osuna started in right field Friday, and his error led to a run. John Jaso played there Saturday and found himself caught in between on a shallow liner.” Except for a few games, the defense and the offense of the Pirates have yet to put together a sequence of five or six games where they’ve scored at least four runs per game along with no self-defeating defensive blunders. The upcoming road trip will either be beautiful or brutal for the Pirates. The Pirates will return to PNC Park on May 16 after completing a seven-game west coast trip against the Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Bucs will return to the Steel City, hanging somewhere around first place, or firmly mired in the basement. Only the “Second Fiddles” have temporary control of the team’s destiny. (Aubrey can be reached at: abruce@ newpittsburghcourier.com or 412-5836741. Follow him on Twitter @ultrascribe.)
JOURNEY BROWN, right, of Meadville, beat Isaac Elliott of Ambridge in a photo finish in the 100-meter dash at the Baldwin Invitational, May 5. Brown is a Penn State football recruit.
JAYLA ELLIS, right, of Oakland Catholic, won the 100 meter hurdles at the Baldwin Invitational, May 5. Ellis, a sophomore, won the WPIAL AAA 100 meter hurdles last year when she ran for Penn Hills. She will defend her WPIAL title at the WPIAL Championships at Baldwin on May 18.
ANTHONY MILLINER of New Brighton High School won the Triple Jump with a leap of 49 feet at the Baldwin Invitational, May 5.
BUSINESS New Pittsburgh Courier
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Former Pittsburgh and top public relations pro is i e se s o ti e fir
PHYLLIS BAILEY
HOUSTON—Former Pittsburgh and Westinghouse High ’65 graduate, Phyllis J. Bailey, one of the most respected public relations professionals in the industry, sells the PR firm she founded nearly two decades ago, 3B Resources Group Public Relations, to media strategist and television producer Misty Starks. As a highly sought-after PR professional, Bailey has worked with top names in business, government, entertainment and nonprofit from around the world. Through 3B Resources Group, she has used traditional PR methods to garner local, national and international media exposure for clients valued in the millions. The decision to sell the firm resulted from her desire to see 3B Resources Group become a thriving entity in the current digital landscape. “The public relations profession has changed exponentially with the invention
of social media and many other digital tools, and I’d like to see 3B Resources Group have a great presence in that space. After working with Misty for years, I know she brings a wealth of talent thanks to her background in media, PR, entertainment and corporate. I’m taking a step back, and I’ll continue consulting when time permits,” said Bailey. “I have always had a great amount of respect for Phyllis, and I am honored and humbled that she has entrusted me to fully integrate new and creative methods to help our clients reach their goals through PR,” said Starks. Prior to opening her business, Bailey served as an associate for Winner/ Wagner & Associates, a national pub-
MISTY STARKS lic affairs and crisis communications firm with offices in Houston, New York City, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. She also served as executive assistant manager to the general manager of the Four Seasons Hotel in Houston. In addition, she worked for the Gulf Oil Corporation, where she SEE PR B2
What if I need to amend my tax return? You completed your tax return and submitted it on time. You thought tax time was behind you, but suddenly you realize that you made a mistake on your return. What can you do? Don’t panic: There is a process for amending your return if you discover you made an error or left something out. The Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) offers practical advice on when it’s best to amend a return and what’s involved. When should I amend? You should amend your return if you need to make changes to your reported income, filing status, deductions, or credits. Let’s say you did some part-time work on the weekends last summer and forgot to include that income on your 2016 return. Or maybe you just realized that you’re eligible for the American Opportunity tax credit based on college courses you took last year. These are some examples of reasons for why you may need to send in an amended return. The IRS will match up W-2 forms and 1099 forms, and send notices to taxpayers when one of these forms is missing. It is up to you, however, to proactively amend returns when items such as K-1s or rental property activities were omitted, as the IRS doesn’t typically send these items. You should also know that just because the IRS sends you a notice that a 1099 form was omitted, that does not mean there aren’t other items that are worthy of an amended return. How does the process work? You can generally amend a return up to three years from the date the original return was filed (or up to two years after the tax was paid, whichever is later). If you were due a refund from your original return and realize you deserve an additional refund, wait until you get the SEE AMEND B2
THE GOLDEN RULE—President and CEO of The Wilson Group, Derrick Wilson manages a staff of 43 while treating customers the way he would want to be treated.
by Diane I. Daniels For New Pittsburgh Courier
The Wilson Group operates on Golden Rule
A sure sign of a true and successful salesperson is their work ethic, a busy schedule, and the size of their network. Derrick Wilson, president and CEO of The Wilson Group, has a strong work ethic, keeps a busy schedule and possesses a robust network. His company follows eight core values. One of them is the Golden Rule. His philosophy is that The Wilson Group treats customers the way they would want to be treated. A workflow solutions provider, The Wilson Group started in August 2012 with a focus on putting the customer’s needs first. In a five-year period, they have been listed as the fastest growing company by the Pittsburgh Business Times in 2015 and 2016, the best place to work in a medium-size busi-
ness in 2016, and No. 5 on the 100 Best Places to Work ranking in 2015. Serving as an exclusive genuine Sharp parts and supplies dealership since its inception has brought The Wilson Group recognition as a Sharp Platinum Level Service Provider and a Hyakuman Kai dealer in 2014 as well as a Sharp Dealer Excellence Award winner in 2013. Wilson describes the company as a local minority-owned business with city, county and state certifications that markets a full line of workflow technology solutions for the
creation, production, distribution and sharing of documents and information. The company offers a complete line of Sharp multi-function printer products that include Aquos Boards, monitors, and digital signage. EP Postage Equipment, print management services and digital imaging supplies. Their mission is to be the premier or elite Minority Business Enterprise certified provider of document workflow solutions in Western Pennsylvania. The goal will be achieved by delivering a consultative and synergistic approach toward analyzing, de-
signing, implementing and managing solutions that will consistently streamline workflow processes, increase employee productivity and decrease hard and soft costs. Utilizing a Host to Post Workflow Solutions method to assist their customers, The Wilson Workflow Assessment tool consists of analyzing, designing, implementing and managing. As a result, customers receive a wheelhouse of products and services inclusive of Aquos Boards (interactive presentation displays), an array of print services of any size, mailing solutions offering a complete line of postage meters, mailing systems and folder inserters. They also offer mailing, shipping and accounting software. “We are a one stop shop,” Wilson said. SEE WILSON B2
Life Insurance is one of the keys to Black wealth Eugene Mitchell and New York Life are creating $50 billion in Black wealth by Stacy M. Brown For New Pittsburgh Courier
If Black lives matter, then Black wealth should certainly matter, too. That’s the motto that Eugene Mitchell, a corporate vice president and market manager in the African-American Market Unit for the New York Life Insurance Company, often shares. Since 2011, Mitchell has been on a mission to create wealth—$50 billion to be exact—in the Black community through an innovative and well-thought out insurance program backed by his employers and the 1,200 African-American insurance agents the company employs. “We are on mission to create $50 billion of tax-free future income in the Black community,” Mitchell said. “I believe the issues in the Black community are not crime [or] drugs; those are symptoms of a greater and deeper rooted issue, which is about economics. Mitchell continued: “Without economics, without college saving plans in place, without down payments for new homes, folks struggle to move to the next level. What we’ve put together is a community empowerment plan that’s about financial
we’ve created $50 billion and changed the financial future of our community shows that Black wealth matters.” Each generation of African-Americans stands proudly on the legacy of everyday heroes and civil rights leaders, just as Mitchell said he happily stands on the legacy of Cirilo A. McSween, an African-American trailblazer in the insurance business who dedicated his life to strengthliteracy.” ening the Black community. Mitchell said that leveraging financial McSween, who served as the treasurer of the Southern tools to really make a difference is what’s Christian Leadership Conference and was a close conimportant. fidant of Martin Luther King, Jr., was adamant about The equation is quite simple: multiply helping his clients create estates and leave legacies to 200,000 families by $250,000 in life insurfinancially empower the next generation, using life ance and that creates $50 billion of taxinsurance as the foundation, Mitchell said. free income. “I tell my agents that we have the responInstead of thinking of life insursibility to live up to the legacy of those ance as just a means to cover funerwho came before us by doing all that al expenses, Mitchell urges Black we can to help those who will come families to consider life insurance after us,” said Mitchell, who holds a as protection and an investment degree in finance from Florida Interfor future generations. national University and an MBA in fiMitchell based his plan on four nance from New York University. principles: Protect what you Helping to create economic opportuown and those you love; priornity and building multi-generational itize financial goals; plan for wealth can ensure the stability and the major life events; and pass future of the Black community, he said. on assets to individuals and A revelation struck Mitchell when his institutions you care about. employers explained that his value to the “We’re not only trying company was $2.5 million. Mitchell said to create wealth, but to that was the current value of his future earnspend it in the right place; ings at the company, just his salary alone, to build upon it and protect it and leverage it for CREATING BLACK WEALTH—Eugene Mitchell, the corporate vice without bonuses. the future and pass it on, president and market manager in the African-American Market Unit “So, it made me think about valuing my so that money is never for the New York Life Insurance Company, said that investing in life. If someone got on the bus and was acting an issue,” said Mitchell. life insurance policies can increase wealth in the Black community. SEE LIFE B2 “Knowing collectively that (New York Life)
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MAY 10-16, 2017
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
I need to Wilson Group operates on Golden Rule amend my tax return WILSON FROM B1
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original refund before you file your amended return. Amended returns take up to 16 weeks to process. If you owe more tax, file your amended return and pay the tax as soon as you can to avoid possible interest or penalties charged for late payment. And don’t forget to amend your state tax returns if the same changes apply to them. Consult your tax adviser regarding whether the state or local returns need to be amended, as states and localities may have different tax guidelines than the IRS. When isn’t it necessary? Not all mistakes require an amended return. If you made a math error, the IRS will automatically correct those errors for you. If you failed to attach necessary tax forms, the IRS will generally mail you a request for them. Will the IRS call me about a problem? There are many criminals who try to scam people by pretending to represent the IRS and demanding money. The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by e-mail, text, or social media to ask for personal or financial information. Don’t click on attachments or links in e-mails claiming to be from the IRS or provide confidential information on websites associated with them. In addition, the IRS usually initiates contact with taxpayers by mail, not by phone, and it would never call to threaten things such as arrest, deportation, or license revocation when attempting to collect taxes. Call the IRS at (800) 8291040 or contact your local CPA if you have any questions about an IRS communication that you receive. A special option for some veterans A new law offers veterans with combat-related injuries the chance to file amended returns to reclaim taxes that were improperly withheld. Veterans who leave the armed services with personal injuries or sickness resulting from active service in the armed forces receive severance payments that are not supposed to be included in their gross taxable income, but taxes on some payments may have been incorrectly withheld in the past. Thanks to the Combat-Injured Veterans Tax Fairness Act of 2016, veterans can file amended returns for the improper withholding going back to 1991. Affected veterans will be notified of their eligibility by Dec. 20, 2017, and will have one year after notification to file an amended return. Contact your local CPA If you believe you need to amend your return, or if you have questions about any tax-related issues, turn to your local CPA for help. He or she can offer personalized advice on all your financial concerns. To find a CPA in your area or for more financial tips, visit www.picpa.org/moneyandlife.
“The Wilson Group is a good company to work and to do business with,” described Horace Britton, president of CDI Printing. “After hearing Derrick make a presentation on his services at an Eastern Minority Supplier Diversity Council event, Blayre, my vice-president and daughter, and I knew working together would be a great fit.” CDI handles The Wilson Group’s printing needs. Horace Britton also mentioned that his company has been utilizing the Aquos Board. “Derrick is a very astute businessman. I envision our companies building a strong working relationship.” With clients like CDI Printing, Pittsburgh Public Schools, Rivers Casino, UPMC, PNC, local governments and non-profit organizations, Wilson and his staff use events like their upcoming Technology Showcase to demonstrate appreciation for their business. “We value their trust and belief in us to keep them on the leading edge of technology,” said Wilson. The upcoming event also provides a venue for them to display the different technologies and solutions they bring to the table. The fourth annual Technology Showcase will be held May 17 at Rivers Casino, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A North Side native, Wilson started The Wilson Group as a three-person company and now has a staff of 43. The main office is located on the North Side and the warehouse on Ohio River Blvd. This summer,
PREPARING THE NEXT GENERATION—Derrick Wilson and daughter Deseia, corporate trainer for The Wilson Group, stand by a Sharp printer striving to continue to grow the business. the main office and warehouse will relocate to RIDC Park on Route 28, complete with 10,000-square feet of office space and 30,000-square feet of warehouse space. This enables all employees to be placed in one centralized location. Wilson is the former director of managed print services, regional sales manager, vice-president of new business development, and major account and vice-president of sales at AMCOM/Xerox. He started his career at ComDoc as an account executive and has held numerous positions during his steady rise in the corporate structure, including major account representative at Copyworld of Pittsburgh, sales manager at Business
by Lynn Elber AP Television Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP)—A former BET female executive is suing the TV channel and parent company Viacom for gender discrimination, claiming an “old boys’ club’’ exploited women workers and led to her firing while she was on disability for breast cancer. Zola Mashariki’s lawsuit alleges that Black Entertainment Television, Viacom and its largely male leadership foster a climate in which women are systematically harassed and denied opportunities. Her suit filed Wednesday in federal court seeks an unspecified amount in compensatory and punitive damages for alleged losses including back pay and benefits. BET referred a request for comment to Viacom. In a statement, the company said it denied all allegations of wrongdoing and called the claims a misrepresentation of facts. Viacom said it and BET “take the health and well-being of our employees very seriously and we are
Alternatives and print management specialist at Global Solutions Group. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in Economics and a minor in Psychology, he credits his father for the reason he chose sales as a career. “My father worked for Xerox for a long time as a sales rep. That’s what I saw and that’s what I knew. He was very successful. I said I want to do what he’s doing. I thought if he was successful I could be successful, too.” Wilson’s brother also sells copy machines in California and his daughter, Deseia, is corporate trainer for The Wilson Group. Her responsibilities entail conducting all the key operator training for custom-
ers on new installations and ongoing training, and trains the sales representatives on equipment that’s used in demonstration settings. Wilson attributes the success of The Wilson Group to five attributes: The grace, mercy and favor of God; The people that he has been fortunate enough to surround himself with at his company; Being local, independent and minority-owned; Utilizing a decentralized business model, and host to post workflow solution offerings. Wilson’s favorite phrase, “Everyday I’m Hustlin,” keeps him going and believing that anything is possible. “What you believe is what you become.”
committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse workplace that supports the success of all employees.’’ Mashariki, a Harvard Law School graduate and producer whose film credits include “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel,’’ was hired by BET in May 2015 as an executive vice president and head of original programming. BET is a top-rated channel with programming aimed at African-American viewers. Mashariki brought top talent and shows to the network but that Viacom, BET, their human resources departments and company executives subjected her to gender discrimination, the lawsuit said. Men make up the majority of BET and Viacom executives and the companies foster “a good old boys’ club atmosphere and mentality that are hostile to women and their advancement,’’ the suit said. According to the lawsuit, Mashariki was refused work opportunities and asked to perform “more work for less pay and lower title’’ compared to male employees.
She suffered retaliation when she complained about the treatment, the suit said. Mashariki was diagnosed with early breast cancer in December 2016, worked until the day of her surgery in early February of this year, the suit said, when she went on medical leave. When another, more severe type of breast cancer was diagnosed, requiring a longer leave, the company questioned the diagnosis, interfered with her disability request and “deliberately damaged her reputation,’’ the suit said. During recovery from a second surgery, it was “falsely announced’’ last March she would be leaving BET and suggested she’d been terminated for performance issues, despite her “outstanding’’ performance reviews, according to the suit. Her firing while on protected leave violated the Family and Medical Leave Act and the California Family Rights Act and was part of BET and Viacom’s “egregiously reckless and inhumane’’ treatment of her, Mashariki’s lawsuit said.
Life Insurance is one of the keys to Black wealth up, it taught me to move to the other side, for example,” he said. “You tend to take better care of yourself, your children and your family and make better decisions, when you know you’re worth a million dollars or more.” Other races, particularly Whites, inherit their wealth, most through life insurance payouts, he said. “You really can’t work your way to wealth, you have to invest your earnings somewhere,” said Mitchell. “It’s time to con-
Financial Workshop
MAY 11—The African American Chamber of Commerce Business Institute will host a workshop with Maher Duessel President Betsy Krisher, CPA, on the practical use of financial statements for small businesses, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the ninth floor board room at the Koppers Building, 436 Seventh Avenue, Downtown. Topics include financial preparedness, recordkeeping and statements of cash flow. Cost is $10 for members, $20 for non-members. Call 412392-0610 for more information.
SBA Workshop
Fired BET exec sues, alleging ‘old boys club’ bias
LIFE FROM B1
BUSINESS CALENDAR
sider tools like life insurance, as well as, looking at places where we can find money to invest.” Mitchell continued: “We could empower ourselves, and send more kids to school, create endowments, lessen crime and create more home ownership, collectively.” Buying life insurance isn’t a government handout, or someone else doing for the community, Mitchell said. “It’s us, getting ourselves together with what we have,” explained Mitchell. “To teach our children bet-
ter, to act better ourselves, and to use these tools that are readily available that have been underleveraged in our community, so that we can raise expectations and create a new legacy for generations to come.” Quite simply, life insurance isn’t a lottery ticket, Mitchell stressed. “We can insure our parents, ourselves and our children to build this within our own families. By getting our mindset and spending habits right, we can start setting up college savings plans and down payments for homes like others,” he said. Mitchell explained: “If you had inherited $250,000 from big momma, would it have helped you put aside your nest egg, put a down payment on a home or have startup capital for a business?” Already, after just six years, the plan is nearing
its goal. In 2016 alone, New York Life paid out $5 billion in death claims, Mitchell said. African-American agents at the company handled more than $100 million in claims from Black Americans. “The NNPA forthrightly salutes New York Life and Eugene Mitchell for this transformative initiative to undergird the building of wealth for Black families and communities,” said Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., the president and CEO of the NNPA. Mitchell and others, including New York Life agents, plan to celebrate reaching the $50 billion milestone by taking a portrait on the steps of the U.S. Capitol in August. “The $50 billion is just a starting point,” said Mitchell. “It could be used on top of the trillion dollars of earned income that Black people already have.”
MAY 17—The Pittsburgh office of the U.S. Small Business Administration welcomes to its May workshop, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., 411 Seventh Avenue, Downtown. Anyone interested in SBA’s 8(a), HUBZone &Women-Owned certification programs, is welcome to the free, hands-on workshop with a team of SBA specialists, who will review the requirements and application process in this monthly, faceto-face session.
Contracting Event
MAY 25—The Chatham Women’s Business Center, Carnegie Mellon University and the U.S. Small Business Administration host DyNet Day, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at CMU’s Cohon University Center, 5032 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213. The event is free, but registration is required. For more information, call SCORE Pittsburgh at 412-3956560 ext. 131.
Entrepreneurial Conference
JUNE 2—The Duquesne University Small Business Center will host its 2017 Entrepreneur’s Growth & Networking Conference, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Union Building, 4th floor. Event will include more than 400 small business owners and managers, a building business tradeshow, 12 workshops and a keynote luncheon address by Jim Rooney of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Full day fee includes breakfast and lunch. Costs: Full Day, $139; Half Day, $79; Lunch only, $50. For more information visit http://www.sbdc.duq.edu/ events.
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, Downtown. Both are open to exhibitors and business attendees. For the complete schedule and to register, visit www.inpex. com.
Financial Workshop
JUNE 19—The Black Political Empowerment Project will sponsor this workshop, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Duquesne University Power Center Ballroom, 1105 Forbes Avenue, Uptown. The event will feature presentations, panel discussions and progress reports on increasing the number of minorities and women in the “C-Suites” of Pittsburgh’s corporations. For registration and additional information, visit http://ceiroundtable.weebly.com.
i e se s o ti e p ic re tio s fir
PR FROM B1
served as the liaison for the Tokyo, London, Dubai, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, and Taipei offices for the international lubricant sales group. In 2017, 3B Resources Group was named one of the top PR firms in Houston by Expertise.com. Bailey has a string of awards and accolades including being named one of Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women of 2016 by Houston Woman Magazine. In addition to purchasing 3BRG, Starks is the CEO of Misty Blue Media, a media
company with interests in PR, digital publishing and video production. Her career includes work as a news producer, newspaper editor, and communications consultant for Fortune Global 500 companies and media conglomerates. Misty is the recipient of various awards for communications excellence from several organizations including the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), the American Marketing Association (AMA) and the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).
OPINION
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Our May 16 Primary Election Endorsements Trying times—Candidates must improve conditions in Pittsburgh’s Black communities The November Presidential Election has passed. The First 100 Days for our President has passed. We don’t know who you voted for, or even if you voted at all. We don’t know if you’re an active participant in national politics, or if you could care less. But when it comes to elections involving local issues, local politics, and local leaders, you have no choice but to care. In Pittsburgh’s African American community, we now, more than ever, must care about our present, and our future. We must understand the issues, understand the candidates, and understand the road map we need to take to ensure progress occurs in our communities. Let’s face it. We believe Blacks and the poor are being marginalized throughout the city of Pittsburgh. Developers are knocking down longstanding structures where Blacks lived that were affordable for them. The national news is picking up stories about how area school resource officers are handling our Black students. Blacks of affluent status say there’s nothing here for them in Pittsburgh, and are halfway out the door to another city. Out-of-school suspensions for Black students are at ridiculously high levels in Pittsburgh city schools. The question now is, which elected officials can lead our community into a more prosperous future? Better schools, better jobs, higher-paying jobs, affordable housing within city limits…What candidates can truly understand the issues most affecting Blacks in our area? We believe Mayor Bill Peduto has done a formidable job. He’s visible, was outspoken concerning the Penn Plaza situation, and is well-liked by many. Reverend Dr. John Welch was a supporter of Peduto. He says he still is, just “not for reelection.” We agree with Rev. Welch. He said he’s very concerned about the city becoming “Two Pittsburghs.” One for those of a higher class financially, and one for those who are poor. At least here in Pittsburgh, a very high disproportionate number of Blacks fall into the second category. We believe Rev. Welch can truly understand the issues affecting Pittsburgh Blacks in the current climate. We believe Rev. Welch has a unique perspective, and can help place Pittsburgh in a position that can uplift economic conditions for Blacks and the poor better than the current administration. Two very formidable candidates are running for a seat on the City’s school board. One is Sala Udin, known to all. The other is James Myers Jr., known to few. We know that both candidates will fight to better the climate for African American students in the system. However, we believe that Myers, who is 38, a product of the Pittsburgh Public Schools, and who has spent the past years working directly with schoolchildren, has a clearer understanding of what students need to succeed in 2017. Myers is a person who can bring a fresh, new perspective, with ideas that can come from students and parents themselves—many of whom he already has current standing relationships with. History can soon be made again in the state Supreme Court. Not since 1972 (Robert N. C. Nix Jr.) has an African American been elected to Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court. We believe Judge Dwayne Woodruff is deserving of achieving that honor. This is not a time to be carefree. You can care or not care about Washington, D.C. But when it comes to Pittsburgh and the issues and elected officials affecting us, our eyes and ears must be wide open. Here are the candidates we recommend you support in this all-important May 16 Primary Election.
Justice of the Supreme Court Dwayne Woodruff Judge of the Common Pleas Rosemary Crawford Mayor of the City of Pittsburgh Rev. Dr. John C. Welch City Council District 6 Daniel Lavelle Pittsburgh School Director District 1 Sylvia Wilson Pittsburgh School Director District 3 James Myers Jr. Pittsburgh School Director District 9 Veronica Edwards
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B3
Healthcare in America: Replace or repair?
Editorial
Editor & Publisher Emeritus (1912-1997)
MAY 10-16, 2017
Well, the Republicans behind President Trump did it. Or did they? The U.S. House passed the American Health Care Act by a 217-213 vote last week, thus bringing to reality a promise they made and Trump made during his campaign. “What a great group of people!” President Trump exclaimed at the White House, arms raised to salute the dozens of lawmakers who hurried to join him in the Rose Garden immediately after the vote. And at the same time, the Republicans had begun to show that perhaps they can come together and govern the country now that they control Washington in full. “Make no mistake, this is a repeal and a replace of Obamacare, make no mistake about it,” Trump declared. “Premiums will be coming down, deductibles will be coming down, but very importantly it’s a great plan.” Democrats countered that the GOP bill would have the opposite effect from what Trump predicted, pointing to estimates it will kick millions off of their health insurance, while imperiling coverage for people with pre-existing conditions who had gained protections under President Obama’s Affordable Care Act. Oh…did I forget to include the fact that now the bill goes to the Senate, which will take their time debating, which will lead to changes that will never get the 60 votes needed. There are a lot of Republicans who don’t like this bill but voted for it because they promised their voters they were going to “Repeal and Replace” the Affordable Care Act. Not REPAIR, but Repeal and Replace, at all costs. Yes, the Affordable Care Act is in great need of some repairs, even the Democrats admit to that, but it is better than the NOTHING that preceded it the hundreds of years before President Obama. I’m not a doctor or lawyer or politician, but the way I see it and many people who have ACA, here’s what
by Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq. (TriceEdneyWire.com)—Being possessed by an abstract, non-linear psychological construct has always led me to search for the truth which may rest in both the sublime and the ridiculous. Experience has shown me that even in the most unlikely scenario, a kernel of truth or reality may exist or have room to grow. Such is the case with the movie franchise, “The Purge,” and our contemporary society—it’s a case of ‘art mimicking life.’ The Purge movies reflect a social callousness that is eerily familiar to the current action by the US House of Representatives. In a 2016 Los Angeles Times review of “The Purge: Election Year,” writer Justin Chang gives the following description: “The end is nigh in ‘The Purge: Election Year.’—that cruel annual rite that, for one night only, allows all Americans to vent their bloodlust in the name of continued national health and prosperity.” Passage of Trumpcare establishes a healthcare agenda that stands in stark contradiction to the principles of Obamacare. Although the scope and details of Trumpcare remain obscure and the contradictions are too numerous to discuss in full in this short piece, the most controversial areas of comparison with Obamacare relate
Ulish Carter
Just Sayin’ can be done: The deductibles are entirely too high. They’re in the thousands of dollars, not hundreds like car insurance. The deductibles need to be cut in half or more. No one should be forced to have insurance? That I put a question mark on because we are forced to have car insurance and only a fool wouldn’t have homeowners insurance and they have deductibles, but more reasonable deductibles such as $250 to $500. There must be some kind of government controls put on prices of prescription drugs, what doctors can charge, a ceiling put on how much doctors can be sued for and controls on the cost of health care. Compromises can be made in which, instead of all government control or all private industry, run a combination of the two. Western Pennsylvania may have the solution—UPMC and Highmark seem to be doing just great combining insurance coverage with hospitalization. You go to them for your insurance, as well as any medical problems you may have. The only problem is, if there were just one, it could form a monopoly. Health care is not something that can’t be solved if the politicians really wanted to. But instead they want to play politics on both sides while people are suffering and dying. Also in this proposed law there would be massive cuts in Medicaid so that the rich one percent can get their tax cuts. This will negatively affect the poor and Blacks. Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner, who is a Republican, released a statement saying, in part, “The bill that passed
in the U.S. House (May 4) continues to be of deep concern to our administration. Recent changes did not address fundamental concerns about the bill’s impact on the 650,000 individuals that are part of our Medicaid expansion population, nor have those changes eased the concerns of the 350,000 people in the individual market who are dealing with skyrocketing premiums and fewer choices. We will continue to voice our concerns as the law moves to the Senate.” The Governor’s numbers are dealing with Illinois alone, not the millions that will be affected nationally. The American Medical Association released a statement saying, “The bill passed by the House health insurance and those with pre-existing health conditions face the possibility of going back to the time when insurers could charge their premiums that made access to coverage out of the question. Action is needed, however, to improve the current health care insurance system. The AMA urges the Senate and the Administration to work with physician, patient, hospital and other provider groups to craft bipartisan solutions so all American families can access affordable and meaningful coverage, while preserving the safety net for vulnerable populations.” People with pre-existing conditions are the major concern of most, but even more, people simply want the cost of health care to come down. The Republicans argue that moving from government to private businesses will do that, yet it had not in the decades before President Obama’s ACA. However, most people on the news programs had no problem with people with pre-existing conditions paying more, their concern was these people not being able to get health coverage at all. Bottom line…This is a government vs. private industry battle that both sides need to work together to get real affordable health care. (Ulish Carter is the former managing editor of the New Pittsburgh Courier.)
Purged
to pre-existing conditions, high-risk pools, tax credits, and older adults. The most popular aspect of Obamacare is the provision guaranteeing coverage to persons with pre-existing conditions. Obamacare restricts insurers from refusing coverage and caps premiums for pre-existing conditions. Different rates for identical plans could only be established on the basis of age, tobacco use, geographic location and number of persons covered. Under Trumpcare, states would be able to apply for waivers that allow insurers to set far-higher rates for those with pre-existing conditions. Potentially premiums will be raised to prohibitively high rates that would prevent the purchase of any insurance. As with the use of any insurance instrument, those with a greater likelihood of illness would be placed in high-risk pools. Ostensibly, Trumpcare would assure coverage of those in high-risk pools with supplemental funding of premiums. Under the plan passed by the House, $8 Billion would be set aside for supplemental funding for those states requesting waivers. Unfortunately, several estimates suggest that to minimally fund this requirement, an additional $130 Billion would be necessary over a five year period. I pray the celebration by many who admit they haven’t even read
the Trumpcare details will sooner or later regret their decision to pass Trumpcare at all cost. It seems that some of their constituents do more reading than their Representatives. There is no doubt the constituents will know what’s in the bill that hurts them, and as we have seen during past Congressional recesses, constituents will resist and persist. The sad thing is that during the last recess, as constituents pleaded for keeping Obamacare at those town hall meetings, some Representatives agreed to vote in their best interest as they heard the sad stories of what repealing Obamacare would mean. These same representatives went back to Washington and voted against their constituents! In the aforementioned movie review, Chang offers “...rest assured that “The Purge: Election Year” is never in danger of letting you confuse the haves with the have-nots. So long as the right people wind up dead, why not keep it going?” Once again Republicans have shown their true colors and promoted a bill that threatens the healthcare of 24 million of our most vulnerable, while giving massive tax relief to the 1 percent. The right to healthcare established under Obamacare is now threatened with the replacement of Trumpcare’s “die quickly or suffer.”
Trump succeeds in trashing civil rights
by Jesse Jackson
(TriceEdneyWire.com)—The reviews of Donald Trump’s first 100 days have generally focused on his failures, flip-flops and follies. We’ve heard a lot about what he’s failed to achieve, but far too little about what he is intent on doing. Trump’s time in office so far has been a systematic and vicious assault on civil rights. The progress that was won with struggle, sacrifice and legislation is being subverted by ink and administrative actions and deregulation. Trump is intent on rolling back the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, and in his first 100 days the damage has already begun. He appointed Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court, a judge with a record of rulings undermining the rights of workers, women, LGBTQ community, and protections of the environment and democracy. Gorsuch, selected from a list provided by the far-right Federalist Society and Heritage Foundation, is so extreme that he was confirmed only after Republicans overturned the Senate’s long-established rules to get him confirmed with a mere majority. Gorsuch’s accession to the court now reconstitutes a five-person activist right-wing majority that will continue to undermine voting rights, worker rights and civil rights. Trump appointed Jefferson Beauregard Sessions as his attorney general, a man who derides the Voting Rights
Act as “intrusive” and celebrates the Shelby decision that undermined it. Sessions reversed the Justice Department’s position on Texas’ racially discriminatory voter ID law. He has reversed the commitment to phase out private for-profit prisons, and has moved to abandon vital police accountability measures that had bipartisan support. He’s threatening sanctuary cities while gearing up for mass deportations that would break up families and separate mothers from children. Trump issued his Muslim travel ban, an executive order barring citizens of selected Muslim-majority nations from visiting the United States, although federal courts blocked it as an unconstitutional violation of religious freedom. Trump’s toxic rhetoric has been followed by an increase in hate crimes across the country. To head the Department of Education, Trump appointed billionaire Betsy DeVos, who for years has devoted herself to undermining public schools and who defends deep cuts in everything from support for schools in poor neighborhoods to Pell grants that help the children of working families afford college. Trump has given his economic policy over to former Goldman Sachs bankers, including Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and White House Economic Council head Gary Cohn, and they have rolled out plans to give the very rich deep tax cuts that they will use to justify slashing programs vital to working people,
including Medicaid, education and even Meals On Wheels. Trump has stacked his cabinet with committed opponents of the missions of the very departments they head: Scott Pruitt at EPA, Ben Carson at Housing and Urban Development, Rick Perry at Energy, Alex Acosta at Labor. Trump has signed 13 resolutions of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act overturning Obama-era regulations, including the Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces executive order that required federal contractors to pay their workers a living wage and to obey workplace safety regulations. Trump continues to assert the lie that there was mass voting fraud in 2016, setting the stage for more efforts to restrict voting, particularly for people of color and the young. This list could go on—and, as Trump has said, 100 days is only the beginning. We have big challenges in this country. We have to make this economy work for working people. We have to rescue the democracy from the corruptions of big money. We have to address catastrophic climate change before it is too late. We have to stop fighting endless wars abroad and begin rebuilding at home. We have to make it easier, not harder for people to register and vote. In each of these areas and more, Trump is headed the wrong way. Yes, some of his efforts have failed, but he is already doing damage to the common good.
B4
MAY 10-16, 2017
FORUM
GOP— A tiny, A method of growth—we must refocus on yesteryear petty victory (TriceEdneyWire.com)—After months of “repeal and replace” rhetoric, Congress has finally passed a pitiful little bill designed to eliminate the Affordable Care Act. To watch Republicans gather in the Rose Garden to “celebrate” the narrow passage of their paltry bill, you would have thought that 45 was about to sign ground-breaking legislation. Instead, changes to the Affordable Care Act must be ironed out between the House of Representatives and the Senate. It is unlikely that the Senate will be as quick to succumb to 45’s pressure in the same way that the House did. Only 20 Republicans had the decency to oppose the flawed legislation. Meanwhile, groups like the American Medical Association and the AARP have said the legislation is unacceptable. It illustrates the odious nature of the 45 Presidency, which is a triumph of predatory capitalism and exploitation. Poor people lose with this legislation, and so do people with pre-existing medical conditions. Older people, too, will lose, but people who earn more than $200,000 a year (or couples who earn more than $250,000) see their taxes go down by about 3.8 percent. The 45th President says this plan will lower premiums
Julianne Malveaux
Commentary and deductibles, and that those who have pre-existing conditions will not be hurt. The legislation says otherwise. Democrats were silly, but not wrong, to serenade Republicans with “hey, hey, hey goodbye.” House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., was colorful, but not incorrect, in telling the Republicans who voted for the legislation will “glow in the dark”. As New York Democrat Louise Slaughter said, some committed “political suicide” by voting for the rancid bill. Republicans were so desperate for a victory that they didn’t even wait for the Congressional Budget Office to analyze the bill and talk about how much money the bill will cost, and how many people will lose their health insurance under the legislation. Instead, they crowded on the White House lawn as if they had something to celebrate. Their gathering was akin to someone giving a party because they took, but did not yet pass, a final exam. But 45 and his cronies were clearly so desperate for any kind of victory that they reveled in their preliminary celebration. The legislation that passed on Thursday, May 4 is, by most accounts, worse than the legislation that failed weeks ago. Then the CBO said that about 24 million people would lose health insurance, and that premiums would be 15 to 20 percent higher in 2018 and 2019. The nonsense that was passed on May 4 is likely to create consequences that are even more severe. It is preliminary to wail, moan, and wring hands this early in the game. After all, the Senate has to weigh in, and the Senate is already writing its own legislation. Some say they will take House concerns into consideration, but others insist that they will keep their own counsel. Similarly, it is preliminary for 45 and his henchmen to celebrate something that is only the first step in an arduous process that may take months to complete. What is worth noting, though, is how pitiful this White House is, how eager they are to celebrate narrow victories, and how desperate they are to scrap President Obama’s important health insurance legacy. Those smiling people in the Rose Garden were, at best, delusional. They were celebrating the “repeal” of the Affordable Care Act, and its replacement with a paltry, mean-spirited plan to make health insurance more difficult to attain. It would have been useful if, instead, Republicans had joined Democrats to fix those parts of the Affordable Care Act that can be improved. Unfortunately, that would mean giving credit to the President whose vision and foresight provided health insurance to millions of Americans. Thank goodness for a process that sometimes seems cumbersome. Now, the cumbersome process will save us from Republican anti-Obama venom. These folks were in such a hurry to “repeal and replace” the Affordable Care Act that they ignored cost, preparation, and process. They were so eager for a celebration that they weren’t even clear about what they were celebrating. They are setting themselves up for 2018, and their small, petty victory may be the origins of their defeat, if only Democrats have the discipline and the energy to keep the pressure up.
The other day not a state of bea few of us were Louis ‘Hop’ Kendrick ing. I can recall discussing the pethe family names riod of time that of every famiwe grew up in. ly on the street We had different where I was born views. A couple of in 1931. The the persons’ enoverwhelming tire focus was on majority of the negativity. They families are deremember a house ceased but there with no indoor plumbing, no electricity, are a few families that are still alive, and forced to move every two or three and we’re still friends. months because of certain reasons… One perfect example is the Bailey usually difficulty paying the rent. family, which moved to Homewood I happened to be the oldest, and I was in 1941 (first to move off Jones Avereluctant to engage in the conversation, nue). The connection and friendship of because my reflections on the years gone our families goes back to elementary by were totally different. My recollection school days. of our neighborhood that I was born in In those days we had no door locks, was overwhelmingly positive; it helped slept outside (because the house was shape my life. The house I grew up in too hot), and no burglaries. was typical of the houses on the street— Those few persons who drank to exoutside toilet, no gas, no telephone, coal cess were addressed as “Mr.,” because stoves for cooking and heating, hot in they were adults. Our churches were the summer and cold in the winter. filled with men and young persons, The street was integrated and all and women always attended. youths were allowed to be disciplined In 2017, the attendance of men in by any adult. We were compelled to church is at an all-time low. There respect all adults. My two older broth- were situations where mothers were ers and I were required to shovel snow having a problem with her son…a big walkways for widows, senior citizens, brother, cousin, or uncle would surface and shovel the coal down the coal and address the problem. Those were chutes, and were not allowed to accept the years that we were friendlier. any money for any of our services. A few weeks ago I was in Dorsey’s reIf our mothers went to work, the cord store on Frankstown Avenue, and neighbors looked out for the children, bought a gospel record by an old friend many years before child care centers. It of mine, Bishop Charles Banks, titled, was a blessing in my family’s life that “GOOD OLD DAYS.” God had provided us with two strong Yes, those years of old houses without committed and dedicated God-fearing electricity, gas, telephones, etc. were parents. We were raised to understand not all bad—they were truly character the overwhelming importance of fami- building. (Louis “Hop” Kendrick is a contributor to the ly, friends, and health. It was instilled in us that richness is a state of mind, New Pittsburgh Courier.)
To Tell The Truth
Was it a benign religious ritual or FGM?
A few years ago, States. When the host of HBO’s J. Pharoah Doss many Bohra Real Time with Bill girls are ages 6 Maher condemned to 8, their parthe Muslim world ents approach for practicing FGM —or are ap(Female Genital proached by—a Mutilation). Maher ‘secret network’ also suggested that of female elders too many atheists, about getting humanists, and the girls cut. agnostics defended “people who hold There is then an informal vetting prowomen down and violate them” in the cess to make sure a request is legitiname of multiculturalism. mate and not an attempt to expose the Afterward, Muslim professor Reza activity.” So if Professor Aslan was corAslan appeared on CNN and stated rect, this “secret network” of female elMaher had an unsophisticated anal- ders should be all African women, but ysis. Professor Aslan said, “FGM is FGM is an issue in India, Indonesia, not an Islamic problem, it’s an African Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Malaysia. problem.” Patwa also stated many Bohra The CNN host stated Maher was re- mosques have sent letters to members ferring to Muslim countries in Africa, encouraging them not to engage in the such as Somalia…Professor Aslan cut practice because it might be considher off and said, “Eritrea has almost ered illegal. But she said, “Some crit90 percent Female Genital Mutilation, ics don’t see this as a serious attempt it’s a Christian country. Ethiopia has by mosques to end the practice, but 75 percent, it’s a Christian country. rather as legal cover.” Nowhere else in the Muslim majority FGM is condemned by the Unitstates is Female Genital Mutilation an ed Nations and considered a human issue.” rights violation. One website noted, This last statement proves Bill Ma- “Not all U.S. states have specific laws her’s charge. concerning FGM, but there is a federMulticulturalists and their allies al law against it, and if a state doesn’t denounce defenders of western civ- have a law it will be prosecuted under ilization and private enterprise as child abuse and battery.” self-centered promoters of profit over U.S. attorney for the Eastern Dispeople, but they promote the equality trict of Michigan said, “Female genital of ideas over the individuals that may mutilation has serious implications be harmed by them. Their rationale is for health and well-being of girls and rhetorical. Who is “the west” to judge women. This brutal practice is conbased on all of the harm it has caused ducted on girls for one reason, to control them as women. FGM will not be historically? Aslan is right. FGM is more prev- tolerated in the United States.” But the defense attorney for the Dealent in Africa. As of 2014, UNICEF reported 27 African countries prac- troit doctors insists they performed a ticed FGM but 15 of those countries benign religious ritual that involved are Muslim. Now, according to Aslan, no mutilation. Now will the multiculturalists accept since FGM also happens in African Christian countries, it’s hypocritical to this practice and ask, “Who is the west single out Islam. Alsan said the real to judge?” Will they accuse the U.S. atproblem was anti-Islamic bigotry in torney of being an intolerant bigot for the media and people that wanted to expecting people of other cultures to frame majority-Muslim countries with cooperate with western legality? Or will they resort to the comparaan African problem. (Did you ever notice multiculturalists won’t discuss Is- tive apologetics of Reza Alsan and say, lamic racism or their belief in cultural “It’s a case of FGM in a Christian country. It’s not an Islamic problem. It’s an superiority?) Recently, in the first case of its kind American problem.” (J. Pharoah Doss is a contributor to the New in the United States, two Detroit-area doctors were charged with performing Pittsburgh Courier. He blogs at jpharoahFGM on minors that left them with doss@blogspot.com) scars and lacerations. The defendants are associated with the Shiite Muslim sect the Dawoodi Bohra, most of this sect lives in India. Zahra Patwa, an activist who underwent the procedure in India when she was 7, said, “Given its clandestine nature, it’s hard to estimate how many people perform female circumcisions in the United
Commentary
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Marc H. Morial
To Be Equal
2017 State of Black America: Protect our progress (TriceEdneyWire.com)—“Unprecedented. It’s a word that has been used to describe the 2016 presidential campaign and election season, not to mention the nascent Trump administration. With unfinished business in the areas of racial justice, race relations and economic inequality, many anticipate a fight to defend the progress that has been made, while also resisting retrenchment in these critical areas.…The 2017 National Urban League Equality Index provides a veritable “line in the sand” from which to measure where the country goes from here.”—Valerie Rawlston Wilson, Ph.D.,“Overview of 2017 National Urban League Equality Index,” May 2, 2017 As of this writing, for 102 days our nation has watched as the Trump administration has taken shape—and, for many of us, there is reason to worry. Recovery from the Great Recession has been slow, but it has been real. While high school students of color and low-income students continue to trail their peers in high school completion, the national graduation rate continues to rise. Republicans are working hard to re-introduce a health care bill that will repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, but today, a record number of Americans have health insurance. Now all of that progress, and much more, is under threat. This year’s State of Black America® is a call to action, a call to unceasing vigilance, and a call to protect our nation’s hard-fought-for progress. And as we do with every edition of the State of Black America®, we provide the numbers and the narrative to make our case. According to National Urban League’s exclusive 2017 Equality Index for both Blacks and Hispanics, there is progress, but there is much more progress that needs to be made. Tracking racial equality in economics, employment, education, health, housing, criminal justice and civic participation, we find that African Americans share 72.3 percent equality with White Americans (in 2016 the number stood at 72.2 percent). Hispanics—who stood at 77.9 percent equality in 2016—shared a greater slice of the “equality pie” this year, standing at 78.4 percent equality with their White peers. The Trump administration’s priorities and proposed policies put what social and economic gains we have made in urban communities and communities of color at serious risk. Guest contributors to the State of Black America® remind us of what is at stake. Senator Cory Booker tackled our broken criminal justice system, lamenting that just as modest, bipartisan agreement on fixing our broken system was being cultivated, the Trump administration and Attorney General Jeff Sessions seemed, “intent on turning back the clock—threatening to increase the use of mandatory minimum sentences, criticizing consent decrees that improve police-community relations, and expanding federal use of private prisons.” Rep. Terri Sewell called for the passage of the Voting Rights Advancement Act, “which restores and advances the VRA [Voting Rights Act] by providing a modern-day coverage test that will extend federal oversight to jurisdictions with a history of voter suppression and protects vulnerable communities from discriminatory voting practices,” understanding that we cannot claim to be a democracy while snatching the right to vote away from eligible citizens. Rep. Robin Kelly reminds us that as we, “drive toward the goal of an equitable health future for communities of color, we cannot afford to take our foot off the gas. The Affordable Care Act put us on the right road and we are seeing progress.” To that end, the National Urban League has also published “The Main Street Marshall Plan: Moving from Poverty to Prosperity.” The plan—which proposes solutions, including increasing federal funding for public schools, enacting a living wage of $15, and fully funding Medicaid and Medicare—is a bold, strategic investment in America’s urban communities that protects our progress by addressing our nation’s persistent social and economic disparities. Passing a health care plan that no longer protects people with pre-existing conditions, charges the sickest the highest premiums, and would leave an estimated 24 million people without lifesaving coverage, will trim the equality pie for Blacks and Hispanics—and put all Americans at risk. Legislating discrimination by signing into law a travel ban that targets ethnicities or religions, harms families and our nation founded and enriched by newcomers to its shores. Double-digit cuts or eliminating funding for vital agencies like the Department of Education or the National Endowment of Arts, will carve away at the equality pie for Blacks and Latinos—and put all Americans at risk. Slashing the budgets of the Departments of Housing and Labor, will reduce the share of the pie for Blacks and Hispanics—and put all Americans at risk. Make no mistake, the Trump administration’s priorities are not a blueprint to make America great again, they are a blueprint for a sick, scared, uneducated, homeless and unemployed America, and reaffirm this truth: when communities of color are strong, America is strong. I urge you to read, analyze, share—and act on— the findings of the 2017 State of Black America at http://www.stateofblackamerica.org. Now in its 41st edition, it remains one of the most highly-anticipated benchmarks and sources for thought leadership around racial equality in America across economics, employment, education, health, housing, criminal justice and civic participation. The fight for racial equality in our country is a struggle that neither began during the Obama era, nor will it end in the Trump era, but with time and the constant pressure of like-minded people pressing for justice, we have made a steady climb toward improvement—and we are determined to keep moving forward to protect our progress.
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www.newpittsburghcourier.com
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DISPLAY ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVE
The New Pittsburgh Courier is looking for a display advertising sales representative. Experience in media sales or related area preferred but will train the right individual. This full-time staff position offers salary + commission with full benefits after 90 days, paid vacation after 6 months. Must be a self-starter with leadership skills, reliable transportation, and strong computer, written and verbal communication skills. All resumes will be considered. Must be able to work under deadlines, do comprehensive sales-related research and make sales presentations. Send resumes to jobs@ newpittsburghcourier.com.
This person will produce reports and go live for newscasts. Social Media experience is required. A degree in journalism or related field is required. Weekend work or overnight shifts may be involved. EOE. Contact: https://jobs.coxmediagroup.com
WATER RESOURCE PLANNER
Participate in the development, implementation and administration of water resource planning and stormwater management programs. Communication, organiational, analytical and database/ computer skills. Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Public Administration, Environmental Biology, Environmental Education. Details @ www. spcregion.org. Letter of interest, resume and salary history to hr@ spcregion.org EEO/AA/M/F/Vet/ Disability Employer
BALANCE SHEET EXPERT
The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. seeks a Balance Sheet Expert in Pittsburgh, PA responsible for: (i) informing investment decisions by working directly with modeling team to analy e financial information and ensure statistically sound and strategically effective modeling solution to balance sheet or income statement line item projection challenge working directly with model risk management group to ensure satisfactory model validation (ii) coordinating across line of business with senior managers to prepare plans for action for investments and monitor and enhance a well-executed PPNR process (iii) creating analytical tools and building analytical framework to evaluate, compare and periodically monitor the performance of statistical models used in capital planning and stress testing process within the Bank following OCC 2011-12 guidance and other related regulations to support robust model governance framework (iv) documenting and presenting model methodologies to senior management, model risk management, business partners, and regulators (v) acting as subject-matter expert on assigned projects (vi) assisting Information Technology and other parties to ensure the smooth model implementation, and (vii) providing analytical support in forecasting various balance sheet and income statement components using Asset Liability Management (ALM) software, implement PPNR balance sheet projection models in ALM software, conduct sensitivity testing, scenario testing, backtesting and benchmarking as a part of the ongoing model monitoring process. Master’s degree in Finance, Financial Engineering, Applied Mathematics or Economics plus 3 years of experience in a finance or corporate treasury position in the banking industry is required. Experience must include: (i) financial modeling in forecasting balance sheet and income statement line items, and working experience of banking line of business, including products and activities (ii) advanced financial and quantitative modeling skills, including use of SAS, S L, R, MS Access, as well as MS Excel with VBA to develop balance sheet analytics and management reporting (iii) working with ALM model(s), including balance/interest income projection methodology and ad hoc analysis (iv) instrument level data and modeling analytics, including financial time series data cleanup, advanced time series regression analysis, model backtesting, model sensitivity analysis and scenario testing (v) working on macroeconomic time series modeling (vi) technical documentation writing skills in accordance with OCC 2011-12 and (vii) streamlining and enhancing process control and efficiency improvements, including model governance and model execution process. Interested individuals apply online at www.pnc.com using keyword 266322BR. 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.
ANALYST IT
Bayer U.S. LLC’s Pittsburgh, PA, office seeks an Analyst IT to work w/customers to resolve server issues as well as install support Windows operating systems on Bayer’s servers in North South America assist in the provision of file management print services. Will also support the environment, complete project work to make improvements, or add acquired businesses, as required. Apply at https://career.bayer.us, 53 1.
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PROGRAM MANAGER, HELPING FAMILIES THRIVE AND UNITED FOR WOMEN
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United Way of Southwestern PA United Way of SW Pennsylvania is seeking a Program Manager-Helping Families Thrive and United for Women to work in collaboration with other United Way staff, public and private funders, service providers, and policy makers. Includes providing overall management for United Way funded programs for individuals and families facing financial hardship.The Program Manager is responsible for monitoring program outcomes, building strong community partnerships, and supporting United Way’s efforts to produce measurable community outcomes. Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in public administration, social work or the equivalent. Two years of related work experience, including supervisory experience with staff and/or volunteers strong analytical skills, thorough knowledge of issues related to meeting basic needs including food and shelter, employment, and emergency/disaster services. Visit our website at https://uwswpa. org/careers to view job description and apply for this position. Submissions will only be accepted electronically. United Way of Southwestern PA is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity.
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QUANTITATIVE ANALYTICS AND MODEL DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT
The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. seeks a uantitative Analytics and Model Development Consultant in Pittsburgh, PA to participate in all aspects of model validation activities. Specific duties include: (i) work with Model Owners and Specialists and independently perform validations of high impact models in compliance with OCC 2011-12 and PNC’s Model Validation Policy and Guidelines (ii) as member of the Model Risk Management Group, provide oversight and execution to the model validation activities (iii) receive and review data and assumptions used in models, including model output, in preparation for model validation (iv) conduct robust and comprehensive model validation testing and analysis in accordance with PNC’s Model Validation Policy and Guidelines (v) document and present model validation results to the head of the Model Risk Management Group and (vi) provide support/analysis on key models assigned, such as mortgage servicing models, RM, or other complex models.
Master’s degree in uantitative Finance, Financial Markets, Financial Engineering, Statistics, Economics, Business or Mathematics plus 3 years of experience in position(s) requiring quantitative financial modeling or validation is required. Experience must include: (i) asset valuation, loss forecasting, capital calculation and/or risk analysis (ii) work with a financial services firm/ organization focusing on analytic applications in a modeling, model risk, or other quantitative capacity (iii) SAS, R, VBA or Matlab for statistical/stochastic modeling, simulation work and large data set data sets involving large numbers of records ( 10K) or variables ( 100) or source systems (iv) development of testing methodologies including various statistical tests and stress tests and the creation of working papers. Must have knowledge of modeling methodologies and designs and the impact of models on business decision-making. 40 hours/week, 8:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Interested individuals apply online at www.pnc.com using keyword 2664 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. ANNOUNCEMENTS Public Notice
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If you worked at Pittsburgh Metals, Pittsburgh, PA, between 196119 2, please contact Investigator Sherry Day at (734) 878-5236.
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PUBLIC NOTICE CLOSING OF WAITING LISTS
Effective Friday, May 12, 201 , at 2:00 p.m., the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) will close the following Project Based Voucher Program waiting lists: - Skyline Terrace - Dinwiddie Street Housing - Doughboy Square Apartments - Larimer-East Liberty Phase 1 accessible units (the list for standard units is currently closed) No pre-applications will be accepted for these waiting lists after the closing date and time. Public Notice will be provided when the HACP determines to re-open specific waiting lists. The Housing Authority of the City Of Pittsburgh Occupancy Department 100 Ross Street – 4th Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15219
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RESTATEMENT OF TRUST
2008 Restatement of Trust (formerly Revocable) dated September 9, 2008 of Norma Sue Madden, deceased of Pittsburgh, PA, Margaret . Madden, Successor Trustee under 2008 Restatement of Trust (formerly Revocable) dated September 9, 2008 of Norma Sue Madden, deceased 215 S. Chatsworth St., Apt. 5, St. Paul, MN 55105 or to: Nancy L. Rackoff, Esquire, Eckert Seamans Cherin Mellott, LLC, U.S. Steel Tower, 600 Grant Street, 44th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
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LETTERS TESTAMENTARY
Letters Testamentary on the Estate of SHIRLEY MELNICK, Court Term NO. 021701792, late of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, deceased, having been granted to the undersigned by the Director of Dept. of Court Records, Wills/Orphans Court Diisionof Allegheny County, notice is hereby give to all persons indebted to said estate to make immediate payment, and to those having claims against the same to present them to the undersigned, duly authenticated for setlement. Executor: Sonny R. Melnick, 164 Birchwood Way, Irwin, PA 15642
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OFFICIAL ADVERTISEMENT THE BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION of the SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH
Estate of ELIZABETH A FRANKE, deceased of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania No. 02-1 -02159, Cynthia A. Womer, Executor, 226 Crestvue Drive, Bridgeville, PA 1501 or to ROBIN L. RARIE, Atty BRENLOVE FULLER, LLC,, 401 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 1501 Estate of MS. MARY MILDRED CROSSEY, aka MILDRED CROSSEY, deceased of 6 05 Grand Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15225. Estate No. 02-1 -0242 . Ms. Linda Herbert, 6 11 Grand Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15225, Executrix, c/o Max C. Fedman, Attorney At Law, 1322 Fifth Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108. Estate of HARRY RICHARD SCHNEIDER, Deceased of South Fayette, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, No. 02-1 -0231 , Mark W. Schneider, Co-Executor, 4 21 Fairway Court NE, Hickory, NC 28601 or to Paul R. Schneider, Co-Executor, 3386 Washington Pike, Bridgeville, PA 1501 or to ROBIN L. RARIE, Attorney BRENLOVE FULLER, LLC, 401 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 1501 .
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ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION NONPROFIT CORPORTION
Lawrence G. Paladin, r., Esq., Paladin Law Offices, 15 Duff Rd., Suite 6C, Pittsburgh PA 15235. Notice is hereby given that Articles of Incorportion were filed with the Department of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsyvania, on the 5th day of October, 2015, with respect to a nonprofit corporation, I Am Whole Incorporated, which has been incorporated under the Nonprofit Corporation Law of 1988.
Sealed proposals shall be deposited at the Administration Building, Room 251, 341 South Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15213, on May 16, 201 , until 2:00 P.M., local prevailing time for the following: Pittsburgh Obama 6-12 Science Labs ADA Restroom Renovations Plumbing Construction Prime Contract - REBID Pittsburgh Liberty K-5 ADA Stage Lift General Construction Prime Contract - REBID Project Manual and Drawings are available for purchase on May 1, 201 at Modern Reproductions (412-488- 00), 12 McKean Street, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15219 between 9:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. The cost of the Project Manual Documents is non-refundable. Project details and dates are described in each project manual.
To place a display ad in the New Pittsburgh Courier call 412-481-8302 ext. 128 or 129
NOTICE OF SHERIFF SALE OF REAL ESTATE PURSUANT TO Pa.R.C.P. No. 3129 IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA CIVIL ACTION LAW NO.: GD-16-022102 U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO WACHOVIA BANK, N.A. (FORMERLY KNOWN AS FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK), AS TRUSTEE FOR ACE SECURITIES HOME E UITY LOAN TRUST 2001-HE1 , Plaintiff, vs. Christine Hardy, as believed Heir and/or Administrator to the Estate of William C. Faust William C. Faust, AKA William C. Faust, III, as believed Heir and/or Administrator to the Estate of William C. Faust Renee Siegfried, as believed Heir and/or Administrator to the Estate of William C. Faust Bonnie Faust, as believed Heir and/or Administrator to the Estate of William C. Faust Unknown Heirs and/or Administrators of the Estate of William C. Faust, Defendants TO: Christine Hardy, as believed Heir and/or Administrator to the Estate of William C. Faust Renee Siegfried, as believed Heir and/or Administrator to the Estate of William C. Faust Bonnie Faust, as believed Heir and/or Administrator to the Estate of William C. Faust Unknown Heirs and/or Administrators of the Estate of William C. Faust Take Notice that by virtue of the Writ of Execution issued out of the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, and directed to the Sheriff of Allegheny County, there will be exposed to Public Sale at the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, 436 Grant Street, Room 111, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 on uly 3, 201 at 9:00AM, prevailing local time, your real property described herein. The Real Property To Be Sold is delineated in detail in a legal description consisting of a statement of the measured boundaries of the property, together with a brief mention of the buildings and any other major improvements erected on the land. The Location of your property to be sold is: 930 Camp Street, McKeesport, PA 15132 The Judgment under or pursuant to which your property is being sold is docketed to: No. GD-16-022102 A complete copy of the Notice of Sheriff Sale will be sent to you upon request to the Attorney for the Plaintiff, Kimberly . Hong, Manley Deas Kochalski LLC, P. O. Box 165028, Columbus, OH 432165028, 614-220-5611. This Paper Is A Notice of the Time and Place of the Sale of Your Property. It has been issued because there is a Judgment Against You. It May Cause Your Property to be Held, to be Sold Or Taken to Pay the Judgment. You may have legal rights to prevent your property from being taken away. A lawyer can advise you more specifically of those rights. If you wish to exercise your rights, You Must Act Promptly. YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET FREE LEGAL ADVICE: Allegheny County Bar Association 11th Floor Koppers Building 436 Seventh Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (412) 261-5555
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HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR BEDFORD HOPE CENTER IMPROVEMENTS AT BEDFORD DWELLINGS, COMMUNITY PA-1-02 IFB #600-01-17 G Rebid
PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY
LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT Port Authority of Allegheny County REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL NO. 17-10
THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH will receive sealed bids for the Bedford Hope Center Improvements at Bedford Dwellings Family Community (PA-1-02). The estimate of construction cost range is listed below: General Construction $296,000.00 - $434,000.00 The construction work is estimated to begin in August, 2017. Bid Documents will be available on or about Tuesday, May 2, 2017 for a non-refundable fee of $25.00 in the form of a CERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER ONLY. Bid Documents, including bid forms, project manual, and drawings can be picked up in person, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Kim Detrick, Director of Procurement A Pre-Bid Conference and Site Visit will be held on Thursday, May 11, 2017 at 10:00 a.m.: Bedford Hope Center 2305 Bedford Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15219 A site visit will be conducted thereafter. Bidders shall come prepared to review all aspects of the construction site necessary to prepare a bid. Bids will be received at: HACP Procurement Department 100 Ross Street, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Attn: Kim Detrick, Director of Procurement until 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 22, 2017 at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH reserves the right to waive any informality in, or reject any and all bids. No bid shall be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days subsequent to the opening of bids without the consent of the HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH. The Contractor will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity requirements for Federally Assisted Construction Contracts. The Contractor must ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sexual preference, handicap or national origin. HACP has revised its website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFP documentation. THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH STRONGLY ENCOURAGES CERTIFIED MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES AND WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES TO RESPOND TO THE SOLICITATION. Additional information may be obtained by contacting Kim Detrick, Director of Procurement at (412) 456-5116 Opt 1. Caster D. Binion, Executive Director
HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.
WASHINGTON COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY REQUEST FOR BID WORKERS COMPENSATION INSURANCE Due: July 11, 2017 Sealed bids will be received at the Central Office of the Washington County Housing Authority, 100 S. Franklin St., Crumrine Tower, Washington, PA 15301, until 2:00 P.M., Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at which time bids will be opened. For specifications and bid information, contact Christy Kemp, (724) 228-6060 Ext. 128 or christyk@wchapa.org The Authority reserves the right to waive any informalities and reject any and all bids. Stephen K. Hall Executive Director
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Electronic Proposals will be received online at the Port Authority of Allegheny County’s Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.port authority.org). Proposals/bid submittals will be due 11:00 AM on May 22, 2017 and will be read at 11:15 AM., the same day, at Port Authority’s Heinz location (345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 152222527), for the following: Electronic Proposal - Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness. portauthority.org) B1070320 Support Vehicles-Trucks B170321A Oil Fuel & Anti-Freeze Analysis Services B170323 Substation Equipment B170324A EGR Coolers-Cummins Engines B170325A EGR Coolers-Detroit Deisel Engines B170326A Upholster Fabric No bidder may withdraw a submitted Proposal for a period of 75 days after the scheduled time for opening of the sealed bids. A Pre-Bid Conference will be held on each of the above items at 10:00am on May 9, 2017 in Port Authority’s Public Meeting Room (345 Sixth Avenue, Fifth Floor, Pittsburgh, PA). Attendance at this meeting is not mandatory, but is strongly encouraged. Questions regarding any of the above bids will not be entertained by the Port Authority within 48 hours of the scheduled bid opening. These contracts may be subject to a financial assistance contract between Port Authority of Allegheny County and the United States Department of Transportation. The Contractor will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity laws and regulations. Contractor is responsible for expenses related to acquiring a performance bond and insurance where applicable. All items are to be FOB delivered unless otherwise specified. Costs for delivery, bond, and insurance shall be included in bidder’s proposal pricing. Port Authority of Allegheny County hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively insure that in regard to any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprise will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award. The Board of Port Authority reserves the right to reject any or all bids.
INVITATION TO BIDDERS 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 May 30, 2017. Bids must be received in the hands of and clocked in by a PWSA Procurement Officer in sufficient time prior to the opening in order for a bid to be considered. INVITATIONS FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR HIGHLAND PARK MEMBRANE FILTRATION PLANT TRANSFORMER REPAIR & UPS REPLACEMENT PWSA PROJECT NO. 2017-322-103-0 The purpose of this contract is to replace the emergency lighting UPS on the second floor of the membrane filtration building and to replace the cooling fans and control panel for the existing 1500 kVA transformer that supplies power to the building. 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 Jim Tracey, Contract Specialist, via e-mail: jtracey@pgh2o.com, no later than May 22, 2017. All Bidders interested in submitting a bid in response to this solicitation are invited to attend a Pre-Bid Meeting on May 16, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. EST in the Authority’s conference room located at 1200 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15222. The purpose of this meeting is to give an overview of the contract requirements and to allow Bidders to ask questions. 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
Port Authority of Allegheny County is requesting proposals for the Procurement/Replacement of the Automatic Trip Stop (ATS) System for the Light Rail Vehicles, including project management/ administration, testing, spare parts, options, and the delivery of software, data, manuals and drawings. The work under the proposed Agreement consists of replacing the existing carborne and wayside inductive loop based ATS equipment with a new and modern radio frequency identification (RFID) tag based ATS. This will require modifications to the light rail vehicle fleet as well as all associated wayside signal locations for the ATS. All light rail vehicles and wayside signal locations will require modification or replacement. All modifications are required to take place while Port Authority continues to provide Revenue Service. The replacement of the ATS shall accommodate maintaining the existing ATS system for Revenue Service while the new ATS is being installed, and for dual mode operation where both systems are in service for a period of time while the new ATS is being placed into service. A copy of the RFP will be available on or after May 3, 2017, and can be obtained by registering at the Port Authority ebusiness website: http:// ebusiness.portauthority.org and following the directions listed on the website. Please note that Proposers must register under the ebusiness category of ENGSC–Engineering - Systems/Communications for this RFP. Proposers may also register in other categories for any future RFPs issued by Port Authority. If you have specific questions regarding this RFP, please contact Robert Sechler at (412) 566-5148. A Pre-Proposal Conference and Site Visit for interested parties will be held at 9:30 AM prevailing time, May 16, 2017 in the Port Authority of Allegheny County’s South Hills Village Rail Center Conference Room, 1000 Village Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15241. Hard copy proposals must be both delivered to, and time stamped by a representative of the Purchasing and Materials Management Department at or before 2:00 p.m., prevailing time June 21, 2017 at the Purchasing and Materials Management Department, Port Authority of Allegheny County, 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222-2527. Proposals received or time stamped in the Purchasing and Materials Management Department after the advertised time for the submission of proposals shall be non-responsive and therefore ineligible for award. Each Proposer shall be solely responsible for assuring that its proposal is timely received and time stamped in accordance with the requirements herein. This Project may be financed jointly by the County of Allegheny, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The proposal process and the performance of the requested services will be in accordance with the guidelines and regulations of the FTA “Third Party Contracting Guidelines”, FTA Circular 4220.1F, as amended, and all other applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. Port Authority of Allegheny County, in compliance with 49 C.F.R., Part 26, as amended, implements positive affirmative action procedures to ensure that all Disadvantaged Business Enterprises have the maximum opportunity to participate in the performance of contracts and subcontracts financed, in whole or in part, with federal funds provided under the proposed Agreement. In this regard, all recipients or contractors shall take all necessary and reasonable steps in accordance with 49 C.F.R., Part 26, to ensure that DBEs have the maximum opportunity to compete for and perform contracts. Recipients and their contractors shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, disability, national origin or sex in the award and performance of DOT assisted contracts. Port Authority of Allegheny County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) ADVERTISEMENT 2017
The Public Parking Authority of Pittsburgh is requesting proposals from qualified professional firms to provide On-Site Security Guard Services at all Parking Authority owned Garage Facilities and as more fully described in the RFP document. RFP Packets will be available Friday May 5, 2017 after 3:00 p.m. EST on the Authority’s website at www.pittsburghparking.com and at the Authority main office located at 232 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. A mandatory pre-proposal conference will be held at the Authority’s main office on Thursday May 25, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. EST. Prospective proposers are required to submit five (5) hard copies of the proposal and one (1) electronic copy of the proposal, in a clearly marked and sealed envelope by 3:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday June 20, 2017.
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HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR PRINTING AND MAILING OF HCV VPAC NEWSLETTER FOR 2017, 2018 & 2019 IFB# 400-22-17
INVITATION TO BIDDERS THE PITTSBURGH WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY ADVERTISEMENT
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): PRINTING AND MAILING OF HCV VPAC NEWSLETTER FOR 2017, 2018 & 2019 IFB# 400-22-17 The documents will be available no later than May 1, 2017 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 9:00 a.m. on May 19, 2017 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, at which time they will be opened and read aloud. Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Solicitation from the Business Opportunities page of www.HACP. org. Questions or inquiries should be directed to: Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116 Opt 1 A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Dept. 100 Ross Street 2nd. Fl. Ste. 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Thursday, May 11, 2017 9:00 A.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACP’s has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation. Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.
ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY LEGAL NOTICE
Sealed Bids for CONTRACT 1634, Squaw Run Force Main Replacement shall be received at the office of the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority, 3300 Preble Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15233, unti110:00 a.m., Prevailing Time, Thursday, June 8, 2017, and then shall be publicly opened and read. A Pre-Bid Meeting will be held at the Authority’s Plant in the Operations and Maintenance Building Conference Room 106, on Monday, May 22, 2017 at 10:00 A.M., Prevailing Time. Attendance at this meeting is mandatory. ALCOSAN encourages businesses owned and operated by minorities and women to submit bids on Authority Contracts or to participate as subcontractors or suppliers to successful Bidders. Successful Bidders are to use minority and women’s businesses to the fullest extent possible. Contract Documents may be examined and obtained at the office of the Authority. A non? refundable fee of $100 (no cash will be accepted) will be charged for each set of Contract Documents. Bid Security shall be furnished by providing with the Bid a Certified Check or Bid Bond in the amount of 10% of the Bid Price. Any questions regarding the Contract Documents should be directed in writing or by fax to Mr. Milton Lenhart, ALCOSAN at (412) 7346259. The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive any informality in any bid and to accept any bid should it be deemed in the interest of the Authority to do so. ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY JAN M. OLIVER Director, Regional Conveyance
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SEPARATE and SEALED BIDS for the following solicitations, 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 June 1, 2017. Bids must be received in the hands of and clocked in by a PWSA Procurement Officer in sufficient time prior to the opening in order for a bid to be considered. INVITATIONS FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR 2017 Catch Basin and Inlet Replacement Contract PWSA PROJECT NO. 2017-424-102-0 The scope of work for the 2017 Catch Basin and Inlet Replacement Contract includes the replacement and rehabilitation of the PWSA’s catch basins and inlets and/or storm and combination facilities within the public sewer system. AND INVITATIONS FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR 2017 Valve Replacement Contract PWSA PROJECT NO. 2017-325-104-0 The scope of work for the 2017 Valve Replacement Contract includes the replacement of the PWSA’s water valves within the public water system. AND INVITATIONS FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR 2017 Hydrant Replacement Contract PWSA PROJECT NO. 2017-325-102-0 The scope of work for the 2017 Hydrant Replacement Contract includes the replacement of the PWSA’s fire hydrants and hydrant valves within the public water system. All bids must be submitted in accordance with the solicitations that can be obtained by sending an e-mail to cjuratovic@pgh2o.com. There will be no charge for theses solicitations, as they will be sent via e-mail. All questions relating to the solicitations themselves shall be directed to Jim Tracey, Contract Specialist, via e-mail: jtracey@pgh2o.com, no later than May 24, 2017. 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
OFFICIAL ADVERTISEMENT THE BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION of the SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH
Sealed proposals shall be deposited at the Administration Building, Room 251, 341 South Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15213, on May 16, 2017, until 2:00 P.M., local prevailing time for the following: Pittsburgh Phillips K-5 Restroom, Lobby & Safety Renovations Asbestos Abatement Prime Contract - REBID Project Manual and Drawings are available for purchase on May 4, 2017 at Modern Reproductions (412-488-7700), 127 McKean Street, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15219 between 9:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. The cost of the Project Manual Documents is non-refundable. Project details and dates are described in each project manual.
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The 63rd annual NAACP Human Rights Dinner
ERIC AND CECILE SPRINGER WITH PITTSBURGH MAYOR BILL PEDUTO
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RICHARD BANNER WITH DARLENE GRIFFIN
TERRANCE MCDANIEL, CONNIE MCDANIEL WITH K. CHASE PATTERSON
MOM & DAUGHTER—Carla and Sautee Carrington
TONETTE WHITTED AND EMIOLA ORIOLA
HONOREES—Lara Washington, Ken Spruill, Nancy Washington, Kendall Thomas and Tanner Thomas HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARS—Scott Graves III (Allderdice), Taylor Stringer (Oakland Catholic), Jaime (photos by Debbie Norrell) Shelton (Penn Hills), Korionna Devaughn (Brashear) and Megan Johnson (Imani Christian)
JENNIFER PHILLIP, MYRNA CLARKE AND KIMBERLY GRAVES
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NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
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EVEN THE LITTLE ONES ARE GETTIN’ HIP TO THE NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER! WE RAN INTO DUQUESNE RESIDENTS EBONY JONES AND HER 4-YEAR-OLD SON, NASIR, DOWNTOWN! REMEMBER KIDS...OBEY YOUR MOM, DO WELL IN SCHOOL, AND READ THE COURIER!
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