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Pittsburgh Courier NEW
Vol. 108 No. 22
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MAY 31-JUNE 6, 2017
April Ryan pulls no punches White House Correspondent says she had to pray ‘long and hard’ at prospects of Trump becoming President by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer
Veteran journalist and White House correspondent April Ryan knew Donald Trump was going to win the presidential election. “That night (Nov. 8), history was made, whether or you like it or not, the experiment began,” Ryan said. “Someone who has no idea of governance who wanted to take a business approach to social issues became President of the United States.” Ryan was the featured guest speaker at a May 24 event held at the Carnegie Library Lecture Hall in Oakland. Hundreds filled the auditorium to hear Ryan’s take on politics, mixing life as a mother with being a journalist, and more politics. The event was presented by Publicsource. “November 8, I knew that morning that Hillary Clinton wasn’t going to win. As a journalist I feel things,” she told the crowd. “In October, there was a Congressional Black Caucus Phoenix Awards dinner, President Barack APRIL RYAN as a journalist never wanted to become the story, but has been on several occasions. (Photo by Obama gave his last speech, the J.L. Martello) crowd was all happy and elated and sad at the same time because he was for so long, and they know the game…I American female journalist covering the leaving. He was a charismatic man, good could not believe how distraught they White House on a regular basis for years. speaker, and they felt they connected with were because they didn’t feel it as well. She added duties as a political analyst for him. But when Hilary Clinton reached the That was her (Clinton’s) base, and when CNN earlier this year. Ryan’s career instage, I didn’t feel it. I said, ‘Something’s her base did not feel it, how was the na- cluded stints as a music radio on-air talent before turning to news reporting. tion going to feel it?” wrong.’” As a journalist, Ryan never wants to Ryan has been covering the White House Ryan said after the dinner, several members of the Caucus approached her, “And for American Urban Radio Networks SEE RYAN A5 these are people who have been in politics since 1997. She has been the lone African
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‘You’re either a suspect or you’re not’ DA’s office says only formally charged suspects are named by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
If you looked at the Allegheny County Police Report on the March 28 shooting of a teenager in the parking lot by Linton Middle School in Penn Hills, about the only thing you’d learn was the victim’s name. Deven Holloway. Information on three “other individuals involved” has been redacted, as has the license plate numbers for five vehicles, and any information on the suspected shooter. Information on the suspected shooter, such as his name, has been omitted from all media outlets. The name of the suspected shooter has not been made public by anyone in the county District Attorney’s office. Previous media reports said the suspected shooter was 22 years old and from Plum. What remains on the police report is a narrative by county Detective Thomas Foley about being called to the scene by Penn Hills Police after they discovered Holloway’s body lying next to a silver Ford Fiesta. It reads: “(Penn Hills) Officer Bonace said that the victim was as he found him with the exception that the hood of his hooded sweatshirt was zipped up and partially covering his face. Officer Bonace said he moved the zipper some to attempt to assess the victim’s injuries. A Model 21 Glock 45 was lying on the ground near the SEE DA A4
Fitzgerald, Roddey and Onorato Push Voluntary Municipal Disincorporation by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
Earlier this month, all three of the men who’ve served as Allegheny County Executive visited the New Pittsburgh Courier to promote a plan that would allow struggling county municipalities to dissolve their governments. The idea is not new—former
county Controller Frank Lucchino first proposed it in the mid-1990s—but the fact that Rich Fitzgerald, Dan Onorato and Jim Roddey all are pushing Harrisburg to amend state law to allow it, is new. Roddey is a Republican, while Fitzgerald and Onorato are Democrats. “It’s another tool in the toolbox,” said Fitzgerald. “It would
allow struggling municipalities to dissolve their governments, before they get to the point of going into Act 47 (state-controlled bankruptcy).” This latest move to reintroduce state legislation for voluntary disincorporation was prompted by the release of a report by the SEE EXECUTIVE A4
RICH FITZGERALD
JIM RODDEY
DAN ONORATO
Pittsburgh Public Schools select five ‘Community Schools’ by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
Allegheny County Director of Human Services Marc Cherna is a fan of the “Community Schools” concept—and that’s a good thing, because now that Pittsburgh Public Schools has designated five schools to be the district’s first Community Schools, his department will be providing the bulk of the services they require. “I think it’s important that schools become more of a community setting,” he said. “I’d love to see them stay open later. Not just as a learning thing, but with supportive, community services. A numLIBRARY FRIEND—Longtime Pittsburgh Public School Board member Thomas Sumpter Jr. is pre- ber of agencies can do this, and the schools sented the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Hill District Branch, Friend of the Year award, May 19. choose those partners.” Sumpter, who will not seek reelection, is pictured with wife Sarah, left, Myrna Sumpter, mother, and Community Schools aim to improve stuConnie Bethel, aunt, far right. (Photo by Gail Manker) dent outcomes by combining traditional
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Louis ‘Hop’ Kendrick says
approaches with community-based resources on site. Through this centralized delivery model, the district hopes to build stronger communities by enlisting parents and families to address barriers to learning. In a May 18 press release announcing the five facilities designated Community Schools for the 2017-2018 first phase, Superintendent Dr. Anthony Hamlet said he is excited about the initiative’s prospects. “We know that Community Schools will create a strong connection between educators and stakeholders in the broader community to support students’ academic success by providing holistic services,” he said. “Community Schools are an integrated system of engagement with an SEE SCHOOLS A4
Blacks are overdue for a piece of the pie Forum B6
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MAY 31-JUNE 6, 2017
INTERNATIONAL
Appeals court deals blow to Trump administration travel ban
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
This Week In Black History
Week of May 31-June 6 May 31 1870—Congress passes the first Enforcement Act providing stiff punishment for both private citizens and public by Jessica Gresko officials who conspired to deprive the recently freed slaves of Associated Press Writer either their civil rights or their right to vote. The Act was in response to the old plantation aristocracy and the defeated WASHINGTON (AP)—A rebel soldiers who were taking control of Southern governfederal appeals court dealt ments and enacting “Black Codes” aimed at the suppression another blow to Presof Black freedoms and voting rights. The Act was also in ident Donald Trump’s response to the growing power of White terrorist organizations revised travel ban targeting such as the Ku Klux Klan. six-Muslim majority coun1921—The infamous and bloody Tulsa (Oklahoma) Riots tries on Thursday, siding begin. Whites go on a violent rampage lasting several days. with groups that say the polWhen the rioting was over, an estimated 21 Whites and 60 icy illegally targets Muslims. JOHN CONYERS Blacks were dead. In addition, as many as 15,000 Blacks were The 4th U.S. Circuit left homeless as hundreds of homes and businesses were burned to the ground. The Court of Appeals upheld area bearing the brunt of the destruction was known as the “Black Wall Street” bea lower court ruling that cause of its large number of African-American owned businesses. As recently as 2007, blocks the Republican’s Detroit Congressman John Conyers was working on legislation designed to give the administration from temfew remaining Black survivors of the rioting additional time to sue in order to recover porarily suspending new UPHOLDS RULING—This Sept. 27, 2016 file photo shows Fourth some of their loses. The rioting was reportedly sparked by a false claim from a White visas for people from Iran, Circuit Court of Appeals Chief Justice Roger Gregory during an in- female elevator operator of being assaulted by a Black man. But White jealousy of Libya, Somalia, Sudan, terview in his office in Richmond, Va. (AP Photo, Steve Helber) Black success in the Tulsa area may have also played a major role. Syria and Yemen. June 1 The Richmond, Virgin1835—The Fifth National Negro Convention convenes in Philadelphia, Pa. The ia-based 4th Circuit is the who already have valid gathering of free Blacks demonstrated how history can sometimes come full circle. One ligion. The countries were first appeals court to rule visas. It got rid of language major focus of the convention was to urge Blacks to stop referring to themselves as not chosen because they on the revised travel ban, “Africans,” “Blacks” or “Coloreds” and instead adopt the word which Trump’s administra- are predominantly Muslim that would give priority to religious minorities and “Negro” as the official racial designation. Gradually, the destion had hoped would avoid but because they present ignation became popular even though all Blacks did not agree the legal problems that the terrorism risks, the admin- removed Iraq from the list of banned countries. with it. Researcher Richard Benjamin Moore writes that at the istration says. first version encountered. time some Blacks felt word “Negro” was “a symptom of the de“Congress granted the grading sickness of opportunism and the increasing acceptance president broad power to of inferior social and political status.” deny entry to aliens, but “Congress granted the president broad pow1864—Solomon George Washington Dill is murdered by that power is not absolute. It angry Whites. Dill was one of those rarities in Southern socicannot go unchecked when, er to deny entry to aliens, but that power is ety—a poor White man who supported an end to slavery and as here, the president wields Black demands for social justice. Dill’s “crime” was giving what it through an executive edict not absolute. It cannot go unchecked when, some Whites considered “an incendiary speech” to a group of that stands to cause irrepas here, the president wields it through an South Carolina Blacks. arable harm to individuals 1973—Detroit’s WGPR becomes the nation’s first Blackacross this nation,” the chief executive edict that stands to cause irrepowned television station. It was granted a license to operate on judge of the circuit, Roger L. arable harm to individuals across this nathis day in 1973, but did not actually go on air until September Gregory wrote. 1975. Trump will likely appeal tion.” June 2 to the U.S. Supreme Court. HARRIET TUBMAN 1863—Abolitionist and “Underground Railroad Conductor” A central question in CHIEF JUSTICE ROGER GREGORY Harriet Tubman leads a force of Union Army guerrilla soldiers into Maryland and the case is whether courts should consider Trump’s Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals frees over 700 slaves. Tubman was one of the most noteworthy women in the anti-slavery struggle prior to the Civil War and became a leading voice in the call for the federal past statements about government to allow Blacks to fight in the war. wanting to bar Muslims Critics said the changes 1899—African-Americans observe a “National Day The first travel ban in from entering the country. don’t erase the legal probof Fasting” to protest lynching and other racial attacks January triggered chaos The federal judge in lems with the ban. against Blacks. The day of protest was called by the NaMaryland who blocked the and protests across the The Maryland case was tional Afro-American Council. travel ban cited comments country as travelers were brought by the American 1975—James A. Healy becomes the first Black Roman stopped from boarding inmade by Trump and his Civil Liberties Union and Catholic Bishop in the United States. He was consecrated aides during the campaign ternational flights and deat the Roman Catholic cathedral in Portland, Maine. tained at airports for hours. the National Immigration and after the election as Law Center on behalf of June 3 Trump tweaked the order evidence that the policy organizations as well as 1904—Dr. Charles R. Drew is born. He grows up to was primarily motivated by after the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals refused to people who live in the U.S. conduct a first of its kind research in blood transfusions the religion. and fear the executive orand the creation of blood plasma. Drew also established reinstate the ban. Trump’s administration der will prevent them from Britain’s first blood bank and in the United States he The new version made argued that the court DR. CHARLES DREW being reunited with family fought against the segregation of blood based on race. He should not look beyond the it clear the 90-day ban members from the banned died on April 1, 1950 as a result of injuries received in an automobile accident while text of the executive order, covering those six coundriving in North Carolina. tries doesn’t apply to those countries. which doesn’t mention re1906—Entertainer Josephine Baker is born in St. Louis, Mo. At 16, she starred in the hit and controversial musical “Shuffle Along.” However, she did not achieve fame until she left the United States and moved to Paris, France, where her exotic dancing and singing made her an international sensation. Baker was mixed race of African American and Native American parentage. She returned to the U.S. several times including in 1963 to speak at the Dr. Martin Luther King-led March on Washington for civil rights. June 4 1922—Samuel L. Gravely is born. Gravely became the first African American admiral in the United States Navy and the first African American to command a U.S. warship. The Richmond, Va., native died in 2004 at the age of 82. 1972—College professor and activist Angela Davis is acquitted by a jury of charges that she assisted and conspired with the young men involved in a deadly 1970 shootout at the Marin JOSEPHINE BAKER County courthouse in California. The assault on the courthouse was an attempt to free imprisoned Black activist George Jackson. At least three people were killed during the escape attempt. Davis, a Birmingham, Ala., native who became a member of the Communist Party, spent 16 months in prison but on this day in 1972 she was found not guilty of all charges by an all-White San Jose, Calif., jury. 1973—Arna Bontemps dies at the age of 72 in Nashville, Tenn. Born in Louisiana, Bontemps became one of the key figures in the Black artistic and cultural movement known as the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and 1930s. Bontemps was a prolific writer and poet. June 5 1872—The Republican Party National Convention takes place in Philadelphia with substantial represenANGELA DAVIS tation from former Black slaves. At least three Blacks addressed the national political gathering. At this point in history, the Republicans were the nation’s most progressive party and attracted the allegiance of African Americans. Blacks would remain loyal to the Republicans until the 1930s. But by 1945 with the Republicans becoming increasingly conservative and attracted to the New Deal programs of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the vast majority of Blacks had switched to the Democrats. 1894—Black inventor G.W. Murray patents a fertilizer THE distributor, cotton chopper and a seed planter all on this NEW PITTSBURGH day in 1894. COURIER 1945—Track star John Carlos is born in Harlem, N.Y. Carlos and fellow sprinter Tommie Smith created an PUBLISHING COMPANY international sensation when they protested American Publication No.: USPS 381940 racism by giving the “Black Power” clinched fist salute when accepting their medals at the 1968 Olympics. 315 East Carson Street 1956—Although the actual decision may have been Pittsburgh, PA 15219 reached the previous day, a federal district court hands down a ruling declaring that Alabama laws requiring raPhone: 412-481-8302 cial segregation in public transportation were unconstiFax: 412-481-1360 tutional. The decision, which was later confirmed by the United States Supreme Court, was the first major legal The victory for the Civil Rights Movement. It grew out New Pittsburgh Courier of the historic Montgomery Bus Boycott sparked when Rosa Parks defied the law and custom by refusing to give is published weekly up her seat on a public bus to a White man. Although actually organized by Rev. E.D. periodicals Nixon, the Boycott would result in paid at Pittsburgh, Pa. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. becomPRICE $1.00 ing the nation’s most prominent civil rights leader. (Payable in advance) June 6 1790—Jean Baptist Pointe Du 6 Months.....$25 Sable establishes a settlement which would eventually grow into 1 Year....$45 the city of Chicago. The settlement 2 Years...$85 would make the French-speaking, Santo Domingo-born Du Sable a PRINCE 9 Month School Rate $35 wealthy man. 1958—Singer, musician and composer Prince was born POSTMASTER: Send on this day in Minneapolis, Minn. His full name was address changes to: Prince Rogers Nelson. He was a musical innovator and known for his eclectic work, flamboyant stage presence, New Pittsburgh Courier extravagant dress and makeup, and wide vocal range. Prince died at his Paisley Park recording studio and 315 East Carson Street home in Chanhassen, Minn., on April 21, 2016, at the age Pittsburgh, PA 15219 of 57.
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MAY 31-JUNE 6, 2017
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Dillard University outranks many others in Black physics grads by Errin Haines Whack
America and our future,” Monae told The Associated Press in an interview One of the smallest before the May 13 graduhistorically Black colleges ation. “To have physicists in the U.S. boasts a huge coming out of New Orleans accomplishment: pound who are African-American for pound, tiny Dillard women ... that’s a huge University in New Orleans deal.” graduates more physics Nine of the top 10 physics majors—and, notably, more departments in the counfemale physics majors— try—at Black or White than far bigger schools schools—producing the with more resources. most African American With an enrollment of undergraduates in physics 1,200, Dillard ranks second are at HBCUs, according in the country in Black to the American Institute physics undergrads. of Physics. Currently, the The point was punctutop producing school is ated at Dillard’s recent Morehouse College, an allcommencement exercises, male HBCU with nearly which featured a keynote twice as many students as address from actress and Dillard. singer Janelle Monae, one Dillard, the smallest on of the stars of “Hidden the list, ranked comparaFigures.” The award-winbly with North Carolina ning film tells the story of A&T University, with the Black women scientists more than 10,000 stuwho fought Jim Crow while dents. The private, liberal doing essential mathemati- arts college has conferred cal calculations for Ameri33 physics degrees since ca’s space program. 2007, including nine to It’s no coincidence one of Black women. the stars of “Hidden FigDegrees in physics are ures”, a movie about Black rare for women and minoriwomen scientists, delivered ties. That Dillard—with a the commencement adcampus that is 73 percent dress at Dillard University. female—is outpacing its The school boasts more larger counterparts is Black female graduates significant, said University in physics than any other of Pennsylvania higher edschool in the US. (May 25) ucation professor Marybeth “To see that we have this Gasman. significant number of wom“They’re taking a chance en representing (science on these young women,” and math) in the way that said Gasman, director of they are is a blessing to Penn’s Center for MinoriAssociated Press Writer
said. “Now, we’re going to be known as one of the best in physics. When I go out and talk about Dillard, it’s a ‘wow’ factor for us.” Trivia Frazier loved math from a young age, but in high school, she gravitated to science out of a curiosity for why things happen. “When I saw you could put an equation to something to describe it in a quantitative way, that’s what really drew me to this field,” Frazier said. She was the only person in her graduating high KEYNOTER—In this May 13 photo, actress and singer Janelle school class to pursue physMonae arrives before a graduation ceremony at Dillard University ics in college. She chose in New Orleans. (AP Photo, Gerald Herbert) Dillard because of its eager, approachable recruiters ty-Serving Institutions and professor Abdalla Darwish, — including Darwish, who frames his efforts to author of a forthcoming who talked to her about book on HBCUs and STEM steer Black women into the post-graduate studies. —science, technology, engi- major as “a movement.” She went from being “I believe in women, esneering and mathematics the only Black girl in her pecially minority women,” —education. “They don’t school interested in physsaid Darwish, who arrived ics, to having three “sisters bring in people who they in 1998 and has built a deem to be perfect. They in physics” at Dillard. multi-million dollar laser bring people in who they “We were able to support deem to have potential and lab for research. “They are each other and understand not less than anybody else. the quirks about being a they work with them to Just give them the chance discover this talent.” physicist and not having and they will be the best. Dillard President Walter the most popular major,” Give them what they need, Frazier said. “That was one Kimbrough is one of the and they will do.” biggest champions of the of the most important comFounded in 1869, Dillard school’s physics program. ponents of my foundation.” is best known for its nurs“I’d never met a Black As an undergraduate, ing program, the oldest female getting an underFrazier wondered what she graduate degree in physics in the state. Physics was would do with a physics established as a major at in my life until I got to Dillard in 1940. Dillard,” Kimbrough said. “You had those areas “It broadens the narrative where we’ve traditionally of what Black women do.” Dillard’s powerhouse pro- expected women: teachers gram is the work of physics and nurses,” Kimbrough
1 in 6 newlyweds’ spouse is of different race or ethnicity WASHINGTON (AP)— More and more Americans are marrying people of different races and ethnicities, reaching at least 1 in 6 newlyweds in 2015, the highest proportion in American history, a new study released Thursday showed. Currently, there are 11 million people—or 1 out of 10 married people—in the United States with a spouse of a different race or ethnicity, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data. This is a big jump from 50 years ago, when the Supreme Court ruled interracial marriage was legal throughout the United States. That year, only 3 percent of newlyweds were intermarried—which means they had a spouse of a different race or ethnicity. In 2015, 17 percent of newlyweds were intermarried.
“There’s much greater racial tolerance in the United States, with attitudes having changed in a way where it’s much more positive toward interracial marriage,” said Daniel T. Lichter, director of the Institute for the Social Sciences at Cornell University, who studies interracial and interethnic marriages. “But I think that a greater reason is the growing diversity of the population. There are just more demographic opportunities for people to marry someone of another race or ethnicity.” Asians were most likely to intermarry in 2015, with 29 percent of newlywed Asians married to someone of a different race or ethnicity, followed by Hispanics at 27 percent, Blacks at 18 percent and Whites at 11 percent. There also were differenc-
es between men and women. Asian and Hispanic women were the most likely to marry someone of a different race or ethnicity in 2015, while Hispanic and Black men were the most likely among men, the data showed. Thirty-six percent of Asian women and 28 percent of Hispanic women intermarried in 2015, while 26 percent of Hispanic men and 24 percent of Black men married someone of a different race or ethnicity. White and Black women were the least likely to consider someone of a different race or ethnicity in 2015.
Only 10 percent of White women married outside their race or ethnicity, while only 12 percent of Black women were involved in intermarriage—half the rate of Black men. Despite those numbers, intermarriage is rapidly becoming more popular among Blacks and Whites. Since 1980, the number of Blacks who chose to marry someone of a different race or ethnicity rose from 5 percent to 18 percent. Whites also have become more accepting of intermarriage, with the rates increasing from 4 percent to 11 percent during that same time period.
degree, and considered adding mathematics to her major. Darwish was firm: A Black woman in physics was special, he said. “He told me, ‘It’s time for you to learn about the significance of where you are and who you can be,’” she recalled. “That conversation helped me to stay on track. It opened up my eyes in terms of understanding what was out there.” Darwish introduced her to other physicists. Frazier graduated with a degree in physics and pre-engineering in 2007 and went on to earn her doctorate in biomedical engineering in 2008 from Tulane University. She works at a bio innovation center in New Orleans as a tissue engineer, and returns to her alma mater frequently to inspire the next generation. “Now, it’s a part of my mission to let other young women know that this is possible,” she said. “When you’re aware of the opportunity, the future is just… it’s yours.”
(Gerald Herbert contributed to this report from New Orleans. is a member of AP’s race and ethnicity team.)
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METRO
MAY 31-JUNE 6, 2017
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Pittsburgh Public Schools selects five ‘Community Schools’ SCHOOLS FROM A1
approach that values and includes everyone.” In this first phase of the transition, a 26-member steering committee winnowed down a field of 21 applicants to arrive at the five designated Community Schools: Pittsburgh Westinghouse, Pittsburgh Faison, Pittsburgh Lincoln, Pittsburgh Arsenal 6-8 and Pittsburgh Langley K-8. The designations were based on multiple criteria, including absenteeism, suspensions, students with disabilities, percentage of students who are English Language Learners, and key partners who provide the schools with services. The Community Schools concept will gauge how violence, poverty and health conditions in the commu-
nity where the school is located might affect students and their families. The district’s five-year Strategic Plan, which was unveiled a few weeks ago, calls for all schools to eventually become Community Schools, providing not only education, but a range of social and health services— including mental health services—to students and their families. The Homewood Children’s Village and Communities in Schools have already been selected to provide some of the wraparound services. Others, Cherna said, would be selected according to need, location, etc. Cherna said his department’s involvement with the initiative does not mean PPS would be siphoning services that would have gone else-
where. It’s simply a different delivery model. He said he hasn’t been asked for anything specific yet, but his department serves on the advisory committee. “Unfortunately, we already do a lot of business in the community. We do truancy prevention—a lot of the kids are in our system, via homeless services, housing. And we do a ton of afterschool,” he said. “The point is, if you can invest in services there, that will prevent paying for higher-end services down the road. A lot of places around the country have health clinics right in the schools. It’s a preventative model to get people what they need before they penetrate the system in a bigger way down the road.”
Scholarship Application Deadline
JUNE 1—The Harriet Tubman Guild will be awarding college scholarships to 2017 graduating seniors. Applications for one of two $1,000 scholarships are being accepted through June 1. For applications and information, contact Gail Porter, 412372 17 or ara hitfield, 12 867-6994.
State of Black Pittsburgh
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS DR. ANTHONY HAMLET
DA’s office won’t name suspects unless formally charged DA FROM A1
victim’s legs…a witness indicated that a Black male got into a possibly gray four-door Saturn and fled the area…” At the end it says, “A sus-
pect was developed: (redacted) was brought to the homicide officer by his attorney Phil DiLucente.” Mike Manko, spokesman for Allegheny County DA Stephen A. Zappala, con-
firmed that the office only names suspects or defendants if a charge has been filed—and in this case, none have been charged yet. Manko noted that even though Zappala told the media he
Community Calendar
had strong suspects in the 2016 Wilkinsburg massacre case the day after it happened, he did not name either person until warrants on old charges were refiled. And in the DA’s office, there is no such thing as a “person of interest.” “Police departments do that, not us. I hate that phrase. I’m an interesting person. That’s strictly police,” Manko told the New Pittsburgh Courier. “You’re either a suspect or you’re not. And if you’re not charged, you’re not named. If the name is out there in this case—it didn’t come from us.” Manko said there are oc-
casions where the office can hide a warrant for 72 hours, which allows detectives to search for a suspect who poses a threat to witnesses or accomplices. But there is an actual charge there, and the name comes out whether they find the suspect or not. In the Holloway case, Manko said everything “points toward self-defense.” “I still get asked all the time why no charges for the gun on school property and that’s because the investigation is still ongoing,” he said. “We just (acquired) video from surveillance cameras a few weeks ago, so we’re still going through that.”
County execs push municipal disincorporation EXECUTIVE FROM A1
University of Pittsburgh Institute of Politics, chaired by former Pitt Chancellor Mark Nordenberg. If the general assembly takes up the legislation, Roddey said it would likely sail through. “It’s only about municipalities in Allegheny County,” he said. “So why would legislators from the rest of the state care?” Allegheny County’s 130 municipalities are secondmost in the country, behind only Cook County, Ill. Some of these towns have dwindling tax bases and elderly populations that have difficulty providing services like street maintenance, said Onorato. “Currently, only communities under Act 47 have this option.” If it were available, a municipality would go through the referendum process to see if its residents approved. If they did, only the municipal government would be dissolved. All debts would still need to be paid—any authorities, police and fire departments would be unaffected. Local taxes would be paid to the county, which would provide services like road maintenance and snow removal. The county manager would oversee day-today operations of newly-unincorporated areas. Fitzgerald admitted that no municipalities had asked about doing this. Are there any that might? Ben Avon Heights is less
than one-fifth of a mile in area, and has only 371 residents. Its police and fire services are handled by Ohio Township and Avalon, respectively. But it is not a likely candidate—because for one, those 371 residents live in homes with an average assessed value of $234,700. “It’s not something that’s come up in any council meetings in recent history,” said the municipality’s secretary/ treasurer Denise Raves. What about a community like Rankin? It is less than a half-mile in area, has a population of just over 2,000, a median-assessed home value of $15,000, and has been under Act 47 control since 1989—which it has had the option to disincorporate for more than 20 years. Borough Secretary Shane Lanham said she’s not heard discussions on it, either. Another Mon Valley community that has not opted for disincorporation despite being under Act 47 for 29 years is Braddock, with a population of 2,102, and a median-assessed property value of $9,600. Council President Tina Doose said the disincorporation option under Act 47 is not for county control, but state control. “There are people who look at that as losing their identity, rather than gaining solvency,” she said. “We have a plan to exit Act 47 and we’re on track—and it doesn’t involve disincorporation.”
JUNE 1—The Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh will host its annual meeting and State of Black Pittsburgh address and conference, 5 to 9 p.m. at WQED, 4802 Fifth Avenue, Oakland. The conference will include the annual address by President and CEO Esther Bush, breakout workshops, and will culminate with a live broadcast panel discussion on Strengthening Our Communities; Young Black Pittsburgh and Fostering a Diverse Workforce.
Full Bloom Dance Party
JUNE 3—The Kelly Strayhorn Theater kicks off its East Liberty LIVE summer of live performances, food and drinks from the East End’s best bars and restaurants, and a dance oor that’s home to the best movers and shakers in the city, with the Full Bloom Dance Party, 9 p.m. to midnight. Cost: $50-$100, VIP from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.: $125$200. All proceeds go toward the Kelly Strayhorn Theater and East Liberty LIVE summer programming.
Walk Down Memory Lane
JUNE 6—The Bedford Hill Apartments and McCormack Barron Management will host the 3rd Annual Walk Down Memory Lane Block Party and Walk for Peace beginning at 4:30 p.m. with free food, DJ Hollywood, Bingo, Limbo contest, face painting, moon bounce, and raf es. he al begins at 5:30 p.m. at the corner of Memory Lane and Bedford Avenue. The Community Day committee is seeking assistance from church organizations, local community organizations and all other interested volunteers. For more information, contact Deborah Holt and the team at 412-281-5895 or 412-338-0208 or Deborah.holt@ mccormackbaron.com.
Juneteenth Celebrations
JUNE 15—Stop The Violence-Pittsburgh African American Heritage Day at Kennywood Park, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., featuring bingo, gospel performances, speakers, poetry and more. For Tickets call 724-205-9376. JUNE 16—Stop The Violence-Pittsburgh will host its Celebration of Life Black Tie Dinner at the Monroeville Convention Center, South Hall, 209 Mall Plaza Blvd., Monroeville. Hosted by Pittsburgh Public Safety nformation fficer onya oler and POISE Foundation President and CEO Mark Lewis, the event honors Rev. Dr. J. Van Alfred Winsett, Media Icon Bev. Smith and B-PEP founder Tim Stevens. For more information call 724-205-9376. JUNE 17—Stop The Violence-Pittsburgh will present the Martin R. Delany Freedom Day Parade and celebration, beginning at 10 a.m. at Freedom Corner in the Hill with the Parade marching to Market Square where, from 1 to 9 p.m., the celebration will feature food, kids fun zones, dance troupes, gospel groups and performances by Shining Star, Gwen Dickey, and a Guinness World Record attempt at the largest Soul Train Dance Line. For more information call 724-205-9376.
METRO
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
MAY 31-JUNE 6, 2017
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Journalist April Ryan pulls no punches at Publicsource event ing our radio network than anything we’ve ever done,” said Jerry Lopes, president of AURN. “April’s been consistent. April has been do-
SPEAKING HER MIND—Veteran White House correspondent April Ryan is joined by Publicsource executive director Mila Sanina for a question-and-answer session during the May 24 event. (Photos by J.L. Martello) RYAN FROM A1
become the news. However, she made national headlines in February when President Trump responded to one of Ryan’s questions at a press conference in a contentious manner with, “You want to set up the meeting? Are they friends of yours?” referring to the Congressional Black Caucus. The following month, White House press secretary Sean Spicer inferred that Ryan had a hidden “agenda” behind some of her questions concerning the President and his ties to Russia. Ryan asked the crowd at the Carnegie Lecture Hall, “How many of you are OK?
How many of you are trying to make it through?” She then dropped the punch line. “How many of you are still in the fetal position since November 8?” Ryan said that “people wanted something new. They got it. But they didn’t know what that new would look like. But they got it.” After Ryan’s address, she took questions from the audience, moderated by Publicsource executive director Mila Sanina. An audience member asked Ryan if she’d want to have dinner with President Trump, and she answered in the affirmative. Ryan said she’d ask the President about a variety of racial issues, including the cutting of funding
to some HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities). “I admire her for her oldschool journalistic sensibilities,” said Demeshia Seals, of Downtown Pittsburgh. “She just reports the news, she doesn’t believe in making the news, and I believe that’s a dying art.” When Ryan and Spicer had their verbal confrontation, “She didn’t fall back, she stood her ground, and I think there’s a tendency for us (as Black women) to want to get along, and we feel that the way to do that is to be more demure, and that’s not how she conducts herself.” “She’s probably the largest significant person in brand-
AT MAMA’S KNEE—April Ryan autographs her new book, “At Mama’s Knee: Mothers and Race in Black and White,” after speaking at the Carnegie Lecture Hall, May 24.
ing April going back to Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, President Barack Obama… It’s nice to see people beginning to recognize her. She’s
been in there asking the tough questions, representing Black America all these years, and I couldn’t be happier for her.”
ENTERTAINER New Pittsburgh Courier
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MAY 31-JUNE 6, 2017
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
Kevin Hart kills it in ‘Captain Underpants’
Cover To Cover
‘My Daddy Rules the World’
by Terri Schlichenmeyer
by Merecedes J. Howze
For New Pittsburgh Courier
For New Pittsburgh Courier
Your daddy is the King of the House. He’s the smartest person you know. He can run fast, jump high, his words make things happen, he’s strong, cool, and funny; he’s always making you laugh. And in the new book, “My Daddy Rules the World,” words and pictures by Hope Anita Smith, you’ll read all about him. Your daddy is many things to you. He’s friendly as a puppy, he’s a porcupine on his face, and he’s a tickle octopus. He’s tall as a giraffe, wise as an owl, and he gives the best bear hugs! When he’s taking a nap, you try hard not to make a peep. You sneak around and whisper, but there are times when you can’t help it: your voice accidentally gets loud, WON THE LOTTO—Top Row; Sundiata Rice, Cheryl Bates, Corey Lankford. Bottom Row: Chrystal Bates, Kevin Brown (Photo by Lioness the door might slam when Photography) you go outside, or something might be really funcomic relief.” works at a utility company Horizon has and I think ny, and you giggle. You try by Genea L. Webb The production brings to- and I work at a utility com- the members of that audito hush, but when Daddy For New Pittsburgh Courier gether a talented 10-mem- pany when I’m not acting.” ence want all those things sleeps, he’s noisy! It sounds What would you do if you ber cast, many of whom Most recently, Brown in their lives,” Morris said. hit the lottery for $99 mil- have performed with New portrayed the music man “I respect the artists in lion? Would you quit your Horizon in other shows. in “Josh: The Black Babe Pittsburgh greatly and I Moore is hopeful that the Ruth.” job? Buy a house? Travel? am thankful that I can be a New Horizon Theater, Inc. familiar faces on stage will “We deal with our strug- part of that. To bring them rides out the fantasy with strike a chord and fill the- gles financially—Horace together is an honor.” its season-ending play, “Lot- ater seats. has a sister who is diabetWorking with an amaz“We have twice as many ic, so the play deals with ing cast and getting the to: Experience the Dream.” Written by Detroit-based actors and production staff caring for extended family, chance to work alongside playwright Ciff Roque- (more than seven technical sending kids to college and her daughter, Cheryl Batesmore and adapted by Bry- people) than we normal- the love between a man and White is why Chrystal an Roquemore, the play ly have. Now we need the a woman as Horace and his Bates took on the role of is a comedy about a mid- audiences to come out and wife struggle to provide a matriarch Pearlean. dle-aged water department support us. When they do good life for their children “Usually I like to play worker who wins $99 mil- support us, they leave the and family. characters who are not like lion in the lottery with play laughing and chatting “I hope people walk away me but Pearlean is the diclike “horses galloping fast” numbers from his sister’s with each other,” Megger- with a sense of tolerance tator of the family. She is and love,” added Brown, a wife and a mother and I or a “real horn that blows.” dream. Confusion ensues son-Moore said. “Lotto: Experience the who has sisters in Detroit am a wife and a mother,” When he spends extra time as he discovers the effects with you, just you and Dad- money can have on his life Dream” is funded in part and family members who said Bates. “Any time you by grants from Advancing suffer from common ail- create a character you have dy, it’s special. He makes and those around him. The production runs June Black Arts in Pittsburgh ments like diabetes and to pull from your own life. a great breakfast, and he makes time to talk about 1-11 at the Carnegie Li- Program, a Partnership of high blood pressure. “If we If I won the lottery I would what’s important. And if brary Auditorium, 7170 The Pittsburgh Foundation could all get to know each build a community center you can’t talk with him at Hamilton Avenue in Home- and the Heinz Endowments, other, the world would be a in South Park and provide home (because sometimes, wood. Eileen J. Morris is Allegheny Regional Asset better place because we are for my family. In this play, District, Chris Moore Com- more alike than we are dif- the family is a good unit. Daddies go “far away” for a director. “We’re all striving to munications, Pennsylvania ferent. I want people to feel The kids are aspiring to do while), you can write a letter and tell him everything. Add reach that big buck and Council on the Arts/Great- empowered and not give up something good with their a poem or a prayer; he’ll like when it comes we don’t er Pittsburgh Arts Council, on their hopes, dreams and lives and the parents are always know what to do Robert C. Smith Fund and aspirations.” supporting them. A strong that very much. “I love theater, the art and family can overcome anyYour daddy might give you with it,” said New Horizon the Betsy R. Clark Fund of a haircut outside, with a Theater Chairperson Joyce the Pittsburgh Foundation. the discovery process,” Mor- thing.” (“Lotto: Experience the Dream” The storyline and the sim- ris said. “I love the mission “backwards cape” wrapped Meggerson-Moore. “In this around your neck. He might play the family needed the ilarities to his own life and of New Horizon Theater, will run its preview performance scoop you up, or balance you money, but when it came family is what drew veter- Inc. and I wanted to be a on June 1 at 7:30 p.m. The openon his shoes so you can dance they found they still needed an Pittsburgh actor Kevin part of the 25th anniversa- ing performance will be Friday, together to an old-school something. This is the last Brown to the character of ry because they have a com- June 2 at 7:30 p.m. Subsequent performances will run June 3,8song. He plays with you and play of our 25th season and Horace, the patriarch of the mitment to theater.” “Lotto: Experience the 10 at 7:30 p.m., among other teaches you how to do things during the last play of the winning clan. “As an actor you try to Dream” is a “great way to times and dates. For the complete that are fun to do; he knows season we always have one when to let go when you’re with music. This play is a have a tool chest of things celebrate New Horizon’s list of performance times and learning to ride a bike, he hilarious, family-friendly to draw from and that’s 25th anniversary because dates, and ticket prices, call 412shows you the value of a comedy. I thought we could what I’ve used for this role,” the play is about family, 431-0773, visit Dorsey’s in Homegreat book, and he helps you get whole families in for a Brown said. “Horace is the love and dreams and that’s wood, or visit www.newhorizontbig chuckle and to get some father of the family and he the audience that New heater.org.) to remember to be good. Your daddy is the King of the House. And that’s the way you like it. Here’s a certainty you can count on: every Daddy’s Little Girl and Daddy’s Boy will find something to love inside “My Daddy Rules the World.” They’re going to enjoy the poems; that’s how author Smith presents each chap- by C. Denise Johnson gins at 7 p.m. at president of the with major American orter and sentiment of a faNational Orga- chestra. Coincidentally, Pathe Heinz HistoFor New Pittsburgh Courier ther’s love for his child, and nization of Ne- tricia Prattis Jennings was ry Center, 1212 vice versa. Those rhymes gro Musicians. born in 1941, the same year When told June is Black Smallman St. are simple and sweet, and Music Month, what imIn 1941, suc- the NNOC was established. “There is a they celebrate the everyday. mediately comes to mind? long local tradicess as produc- She was principal pianist It’s also nice to find poems Most would probably men- tion of African er of Aida for a for the Pittsburgh Symphothat are specific to children tion R&B, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Americans in meeting of the ny Orchestra for 42 years. whose fathers are tempo- and Gospel. National Asso“Our Stories, Our Truths: classical murarily absent, and one that ciation of Negro Music and Memory,” sponBut why not opera and sic,” shares Anspeaks subtly of fathers classical music? Because drea Mahone, and her work sored by Highmark, will who work late hours. Both they are considered Euro- co-chair of the with the Chica- link the past to the present boys and girls are equally centric genres? go Negro Opera through an evening of clasAfrican Amerrepresented here, which is Guild encour- sical music featuring PratIf that is your perception, ican Advisory likewise a very nice touch. you’ll be in for a treat on Council of the aged Mahone tis Jennings, and proceeds Children will also appre- June 8 when the Senator Heinz History to found the from the evening will be MARY CARDWELL ciate Smith’s artwork: each John Heinz Center African Center. To wit, National Negro used to conserve costumes DAWSON picture is created with torn American Program pres- Pittsburgh was Opera Company. from the NNOC. Tickets for paper, an art form that’s in- ents an illuminating and the home of The company, the evening are $100. teresting to look at, as well ear-opening evening of Black the National Negro Opera comprised of a ballet group, Patrons at the $150 levas to try at home. music that rarely makes the Company, founded by Mary orchestra and choir, pro- el will enjoy a treat of the This is a great book for Billboard Top 100. duced major operas including 6 p.m. VIP reception along Cardwell Dawson. kids to read to dad, for dad Formally trained at the Faust, La Traviata, and Car- with a behind-the-scenes “Our Stories, Our Truths: to read aloud, or for sharing Music and Memory” will lift New England Conservato- men. Robert Nathaniel Dett’s look at the costumes as well with Grandpa, too. No matter the veil of popular miscon- ry of Music and the Chica- “The Ordering of Moses” was as a performance by opera how you enjoy it, “My Daddy ceptions and myths about go Music College, Dawson performed more often than singer Amanda Lewis from Rules the World” is fit for any opera and classic music to re- established her presence any other work. The National NNOC productions. Papa’s prince or princess. (To purchase tickets, contact veal the long history of Black in Pittsburgh as a music Negro Opera Company was (“My Daddy Rules the World” by contributions to the classics. educator during the 1920s active from 1941 until 1962. Lauren Meals at 412-454-6351 Hope Anita Smith, c.2017, HenAnother Pittsburgh prod- or lameals@heinzhistorycenter. An exclusive reception for and 1930s (one of her stury Holt & Co. Books for Young Patron ticketholders begins dents was Ahmad Jamal). uct is the first Black wom- org. Tickets will not be sold at the Readers, $17.99/32 pages.) at 6 p.m., the main event be- She was eventually elected an to award a full contract door.)
‘Our Stories, Our Truths’ highlights contributions of Black music
Comedian Kevin Hart and Thomas Middleditch team up as best pals, George and Harold, in “Captain Underpants.” Opening in theaters this Friday, June 2, “Captain Underpants” is an animated journey based on a popular kids novel about two friends making their comic character come to life after they hypnotize their principal. In addition to Hart and Middleditch, Ed Helms, Nick Kroll, Kristen Schaal, and Jordan Peele lend their vocal talents for the cast. But, I could not help but to notice how Hart stood out from the rest of the cast. Hart’s voice is already animated. Therefore, when you intertwine the workings of DreamWorks magic and a cute Black cartoon character, there’s no way you don’t instantly fall in
Merecedes on…
Movies love. Even my kids laughed at every little thing George did or said because they recognized Hart’s voice. Hart has truly become a household name. From selling out arenas to box office success, Hart’s career has soared to unimaginable heights. The 37-year-old is fruitful in his personal life, too. A year into tying the knot with model Eniko Parrish, Hart announced via Instagram that the couple will soon be welcoming their first child together, a boy. Hart is unstoppable and I am extremely happy for his good fortune. In his early years of stand-up, he was booed off stages. Now, it looks as if he is finally enjoying the fruits of his labor. “Captain Underpants” is hilarious, including comedy for both adults and children. The film reminds me of “Shrek” (2001). Hart and Middleditch have the potential to be what Mike Myers and Eddie Murphy were to the “Shrek” film series. Just like you can’t have Shrek without the Donkey, you cannot have George without Harold. “Captain Underpants” can be Hart’s “Shrek;” a film series with longevity and continued success. I don’t think Murphy has even touched his “Shrek” money yet, and I hope the same success can be had for Hart. No, I am not comparing the two. They are both great comedians, but the biggest Black comedians have seen their biggest success in arenas that you may have never imagined. Bill Cosby went from stand-up to the world’s most famous TV Dad. Steve Harvey went from colorful suits at the comedy club to currently hosting a hugely-popular daytime talk show. Hart is next. There’s no reason why “Captain Underpants” won’t see big success in the box office this June 2-4 weekend. “Captain Underpants” has a recipe for success because it is adorable, relatable, and packed with great talent.
LIFESTYLES New Pittsburgh Courier
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MAY 31-JUNE 6, 2017
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
Debbie Norrell
Lifestyles Report Outer Limits— Officers get their way It’s been recently reported that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that Pittsburgh police officers no longer have to live within the city limits. “Say it isn’t so.” I read on CBSlocal.com that the state’s highest court ruled unanimously on May 22 in favor of the police union, which argued that the option of living outside the city would give officers more choices in schools and housing. It has been a requirement since 1902 that Pittsburgh police officers have to live in the city. Several years ago city voters made this mandate a permanent part of Pittsburgh’s Home Rule Charter. Mayor Bill Peduto said on the record that police officers should live in the city they serve. I took a survey among a few of my friends and coworkers and they agree that the city officers should live in the city in which they serve. Why would you want to be a police officer in the city of Pittsburgh and you know there is a requirement that you must live there, but you fight to live outside of the city limits? Your mission should be to make the city where you are an officer of the law a better place for all people to live. I think the city of Pittsburgh is a great place and there are a lot of great neighborhoods to select from. It would be advantageous for the police officers to live in the city, learn more about the city, appreciate the city and get to “know” the residents. I have read stories about officers who live in their community and ones who build relationships with the youth, it makes for a good situation for all. If the officers elect to live outside the Pittsburgh city limits, I believe the “us vs. them” situation will continue to grow. There will be an increased lack of trust and respect of the officers and I truly believe that the attitude of the officers will change. They will be coming into neighborhoods that they know they do not have to stay in any longer than their shift, and as soon as the shift is over they’ll be heading back to “their neighborhoods.” I remember a police officer from my elementary school days. He made friends with the kids near the school and was stern but friendly. We called him “Popeye” and he was tall and thin and twirled his Billy Club. In those days we looked up to police officers and when we saw them coming we knew to stand tall and not get caught doing anything bad. When I read that better schools and better living choices were the primary reasons why the officers should be able to live outside the city, I was insulted. I no longer live in the city but I still own property in Pittsburgh and I’m proud of it. There are wonderful neighborhoods in Pittsburgh and good schools, also. I would like to see teachers and police officers live in the city in which they work. I think it would make a huge difference. (Email Debbie at debbienorrell@aol.com.)
THE LADY IN RED—Ernestine Taylor
BEAUTIFUL IN VINTAGE FINDS—Catherine and Dianne Loevner
THE PORTRAIT HAT—Lisa Freeman
2017 Spring Hat Luncheon by Debbie Norrell Lifestyles Editor
The first Saturday in May is the traditional day for the PNC Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Spring Hat Luncheon. It is a rain-or-shine event. On May 6, it was held in Schenley Park on a cold and rainy day. The weather did not stop more than 600
PITTSBURGH PARKS CONSERVANCY FOUNDING CEO—Meg Cheever
HATS UNIQUE AND BEAUTIFUL—Jackie Dixon and Marsha Jones attendees from donning their finest hats and, in some cases, matching boots for a great day in the park to raise over $530,000 for projects like the August Wilson Park, Frick Environmental Center and the Westinghouse Memorial in Schenley Park. This annual event has raised over $8 million over the past 19 years. Upcoming projects include the North Commons fountain in Allegheny Commons,
KIYA TOMLIN WEARING KIYA TOMLIN—Hat by Gina Mazzotta green infrastructure installations in McKinley Park and work in Lawrenceville’s Arsenal Park. This was the last year for Meg Cheever as Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy’s founding CEO. Luncheon chairs Emily Mack
Jamison, Ramsey Lyons, Charlene Petrelli, Kiya Tomlin and Christy Wiegand thanked Cheever for leading the way to beautifying Pittsburgh Parks and making them welcoming and accessible for Pittsburgh and its residents.
FLEW IN FROM BOSTON—Conniel Malek
LADIES JUST HAVING FUN —Lana Newmeyer and Josy Nkuissi STUNNING IN BLACK AND WHITE—Kim Clark
THIS TRIO NEVER DISAPPOINTS—David Bush, Peggy Harris and Tim McVay
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PEOPLE
MAY 31-JUNE 6, 2017
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Chris Moore wins Service to Journalism award
THE PRESS CLUB OF WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA honored longtime Pittsburgh radio and television personality Chris Moore with its Service to Journalism award, May 25 at the Golden Quill awards. The award was presented by Olga George. (Photos by Brian Cook)
CHRIS MOORE AND OLGA GEORGE
Roland Ford – yet another award for the ‘Line Dance King’ The New Pittsburgh Courier congratulates Roland Ford on receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Union Crew Star Awards. Ford tells the Courier that those awards are, “The Academy Awards of Line Dance.” Ford accepted the award in Baltimore earlier this year. “I truly enjoy what I do,” he said. “I am blessed to be in a great state of health. I love anything involved with music and enjoy engaging and bringing people together. You don’t have to be an expert to have fun or to exercise. I love it because it helps people.” Ford began line dancing about 10 years ago. “I was exposed to
it by a friend and began taking classes,” he said. “Because of being a marathon runner, I like it. Soon after I began teaching classes.” Ford is a native of the Hill District. e’s set ittsburgh on fire, he said, with his high-impact dance classes, enthusiasm, creative talent and energy. He has motivated all age groups to stay in shape, while having fun at the same time. Ford has a “Dance and Be Fit 2017” program, along with his “One Million Step Challenge” events. e’s a certified personal fitness trainer, group exercise instructor, certified dance instructor through the International Consor-
tium of Line Dance Instructors, Disc Jockey, choreographer, and marathon runner. He’s currently wor ing to develop dance and fitness curricula for schools, churches, senior groups, community centers, corporations and special needs populations. Ford tells the Courier he wants to network with even more people and organizations with similar objectives. Ford teaches classes at the Thelma Lovette YMCA in the Hill District, the Level Up Studio in Garfield, and a eace of Mind dance and fitness studio in il insburg. Ford can be contacted at www. rolandforward.com and www. danceandbefit.com.
ROLAND FORD
Attention all PARENTS! GRANDPARENTS! AUNTS AND UNCLES! The New Pittsburgh Courier is having a special “2017: Celebrating the Graduates” edition on Wednesday, June 28. And we want to feature your high school or college graduate in our June 28 special edition! There’s not too much time left! Here’s what to do right now: 1. Call Rob Taylor at the Courier to reserve a spot for your graduate in our June 28 edition. Call 412-481-8302, ext. 135, or E-mail rtaylor@newpittsburghcourier.com 2. Pick out the best picture you have of your graduate! Senior picture, Facebook picture, or a picture from graduation day! 3. E-mail, regular mail, or bring in that picture to the Courier. E-mail it to rtaylor@ newpittsburghcourier.com, or send to 315 East Carson St., Pittsburgh PA 15219 4. Write a 3-5 sentence paragraph with your message to the graduate. Include graduate’s full name, school name, and degree received (college). This paragraph will be under your graduate’s photo in the paper. 5. Cost: $25 per graduate photo. Includes a free 6-month subscription to the Courier! Be sure to give an address for us to send the free subscription. 6. Hurry! Space is limited to 100 graduate photos. We don’t have too much space left! Call Rob right now to reserve your graduate’s spot. Call 412-481-8302, ext. Alanys McEnheimer Steel Valley High School 135! Alanys was a member of the Steel Valley Varsity Marching Band for four years, in the chorus for 7. All photos, written material and payments must be received by 5 p.m. Friday three years, Students Against Destructive Decisions for three years, Future Is Mine for two years and a member of the Spanish Club. She June 16! attends Rodman Street Missionary Baptist and has served on the Jr. Usher Board for five years. Alanys had a GPA of 3.2 overall. She will be attending the Indiana University of Pennsylvania in the fall and plans to major in Nursing.
Congratulations to your 2017 graduate! From all of us at the New Pittsburgh Courier.
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Church Circuit
RELIGION/PEOPLE
MAY 31-JUNE 6, 2017
‘Coach Tee’ shares how to ‘Love Life’ in book
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.
BOOK SIGNING—Thaw “Coach Tee” Washington, pictured with Patricia Hall, who was on Coach Tee’s team along with her kids. The book signing occurred at the Legacy Apartments in the Hill District in mid-May. (Photos by J.L. Martello)
WESTERN DISTRICT SUMMIT
JUNE 9-10—Mulberry Community Church, 601 Wallace Ave., Wilkinsburg, is hosting the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship Western District Summit. June 9 will feature an Intercessory Prayer at 6:30 p.m., followed by worship service. June 10 will feature classes beginning at 9 a.m. Service begins at 11 a.m. with Bishop Jesse Gavin of Greater Calvary (Erie) presiding. Registration for the June 10 classes is $10 for adults, $5 youth. For more information, call 412-5830308.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEXT CHURCH EVENT! Send info to: New Pittsburgh Courier, 315 E. Carson St., Pittsburgh PA 15219 Or Email us! religion@ newpittsburgh courier.com
East Liberty Presbyterian Church
www.cathedralofhope.com
Journey Worship........8:45 a.m. Sanctuary Worship........11 a.m.
New Destiny CME Church THAW WASHINGTON with John Willborn, editorial consultant of the book, “Learning to Live to Love Life through Tee’s eyes.” Get a copy of the book by calling 412-853-6742.
THAW “COACH TEE” WASHINGTON
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.
NEW LIFE CONFERENCE
JUNE 7-11—The International New Life 9 Family Conference will be held at the Lord’s Church, 2517 Haymaker Rd., Monroeville. Nightly services will be held at 7 p.m. and 10 a.m. services on June 9, 10 and 11. Free registration includes attendance to morning sessions and evening services. Registration is mandatory. To register or for more information, visit www. tlcnewlife.org.
www.metropolitanbaptistchurch.com metropolitanbaptist2224@gmail.com
Rev. Dr. Randy Bush, Senior Pastor 412-441-3800 116 S. Highland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206
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 is pastor. For more information, call 412-7417688.
Praise & Worship ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH
I BELIEVE IN MIRACLES
WEDNESDAYS IN JUNE—Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, 2001 Wylie Avenue, Hill District, presents “I Believe in Miracles,” a fourpart 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.
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LOVING LIFE—From left: Loretta Smith, Ann Simms, Coach Thaw Washington and Tia Trowell.
Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community! For rate information, call 412481-8302, ext. 128.
We want to feature positive youth from our Pittsburgh church community. Please mail their bio and photo to:
New Pittsburgh Courier 315 E. Carson St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219
or email us: religion@newpittsburghcourier.com
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MAY 31-JUNE 6, 2017
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
BUSINESS New Pittsburgh Courier
Trump Administration charts a course to criminal injustice B3
Classifieds
Find what you need from jobs to cars to housing B4-B5
MAY 31-JUNE 6, 2017
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
B
Trump budget draws ire, concern from minority communities by Jesse J. Holland Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP)—Advocates for minority communities say President Donald Trump’s proposed budget answers the question he famously posed to black Americans during his campaign: ``What the hell do you have to lose?’’ His $4.1 trillion spending plan for the budget year beginning Oct. 1 generally makes deep cuts in safety net programs, including Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program and Social Security’s disability program.
Don’t ignore IRS letters by Constant W. Watson III For New Pittsburgh Courier
``Here is the reality: Many poor black families and brown families and Asian families and indigenous families will be devastated by this budget,’’ said Bishop Dwayne Royster, founder of Philadelphia’s Living Water United Church of Christ. The White House said its budget would put the country back on track for a healthy economy. “We’re not going to measure compassion by the amount of money that we spend, but by the number of people that we help,’’ White House budget director Mick Mulvaney said this past week. Critics decry the priorities in Trump’s
budget, which Congress is unlikely to pass as submitted. Still, it will serve as a guidepost for what the White House wants lawmakers to deliver to the president. “It is an attack of unimaginable cruelty on the most vulnerable among us, the youngest, the oldest, the poorest, and hardworking people who need a little help to gain or hang on to a decent middle-class life,’’ Hillary Clinton said Friday. Trump’s budget would slash Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, which provide health insurance for millions of poor families, by $616 billion over the next decade. It would cut the food
stamp program by $191 billion over the next decade and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program by $22 billion. “Great nations are known by how they care for the old and the vulnerable, not by how much they can take away from them to give to their wealthy friends,’’ NAACP Chairman Leon W. Russell said. Several people pointed to the targeting of the Education Department for a 13 percent cut as particularly troubling. That “will undoubtedly hurt our most vulnerable children, especially those from low-inSEE TRUMP B2
Filling the gap
‘My Three Sons Vending’ provides healthy snacks to Pittsburgh businesses
The IRS normally sends correspondence in the mail. They mail millions of letters to taxpayers every year. Keep these important points in mind if you get a letter or notice: Don’t ignore it. You can respond to most IRS notices quickly and easily. Follow instructions. Read the notice carefully. It will tell you if you need to take any action. Be sure to follow the instructions. The letter will also have contract information if you have questions. Focus on the issue. IRS notices usually deal with a specific issue about your tax return or tax account. Your notice or letter will explain the reason for the contact and give you instructions on how to handle the issue. Correction Notice. If the IRS corrected you tax return, you should review the information provided and compare it to your tax return. If you agree, you don’t need to reply unless a payment is due. If you don’t agree, it’s important that you respond. Follow the instructions on the notice for the best way to respond to the IRS. You may be able to call to resolve the issue. Have a copy of your tax return and the notice with you when you call. If you choose to write, be sure too include information and any documentation you want considered. Also, write your taxpayer identification number (Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number) on each page of the letter you send. Mail your reply to the address shown on the notice. Allow at least 30 days for a response. In addition, if you file a return but don’t pay all tax shown as due on time, you will generally have to pay a late payment penalty. The Failure to Pay Penalty is one-half of one percent for each month, or part of a month, up to a maximum of 25 percent of the amount of tax that remains as unpaid form the due date of the return until paid in full. The one-half of one percent rate increases to one percent if the tax remains unpaid 10 days after the IRS issues a notice of intent to levy property. If you file your return by its due date and request an installment agreement, the one-half of one percent rate decreased to one-quarter of one percent for nay month in which an installment is in effect. Be aware that the IRS applies payments to the tax first, and then to any penalty amount charged each LET’S SNACK HEALTHY TOGETHER—Andrea Barber, owner of My Three Sons Vending, prepares to replace items in her vending machine located at the Kingsley Association in SEE IRS B2 East Liberty. (Photo by Diane I. Daniels)
by Diane I. Daniels For New Pittsburgh Courier
Andrea Barber, the proprietor of My Three Sons Vending, has one request of her patrons. Please don’t kick her vending machines. As she prepares to invest at least $16,000 in several machines her goal is to take good care of her investment. Kicking and or abusing the machines, she says, is like harming one of her three sons. As a single parent, that does not fit well with her. My Three Sons Vending is Barber’s way of filling the gap of the lack of healthy foods in some communities. Items sold in the machines include kettle-cooked chips, whole wheat crackers, trail mix, dried fruits, gluten free fruit snacks and organic cookies, all ranging from 25 cents to $1.75. “In the future, I plan to expand the menu to sandwich wraps, fresh fruits, yogurt, smoothies and pumas,” she said, noting that the items will be priced up to $6.50. “I want people to know if they eat healthy on the run that they will feel better and that it makes a great impact on their life.” One of her goals is to sell locally-grown and produced products. In 2015 Barber started the business with a gumball machine. She used it as a way to assist her oldest son who has a disability. “I wanted him to be able to count and think critically and logically.” Also, she said, as a single mom she did not want to have to work multiple jobs leaving her children in situations where they might get sucked into the street life. “Being an entrepreneur provides me with a flexible schedule as well as the opportunity to include them and teach them about business.” She said at the ages of 10 and 8 they are not too young to know how to shake hands and to look people in the eye when they are talking with them. Her youngest son, who is 3, is also being taught how to shake hands. The gumball machine was used to recruit one of her first clients, The Assemble Afterschool Program in Garfield. A community space for arts and technology with students of all ages utilizing their services, she said they were a perfect fit. Soon after placing the gumball machine at Assemble, she became active with the East Liberty Family Support Center housed in the Kingsley Association. The Support Center became the site for her first vending machine. Now located in the first-floor lobby of the Kingsley Association, Barber said she is looking for similar venues to place other machines. “The Kingsley is a high-traffic building which is perfect for my machines. I’m looking for high-traffic buildings, organizations and businesses looking to provide healthy snacks to their customers and clientele to place machines.” She identified schools and learning institutions, community centers, churches, technology businesses, office buildings and gyms as ideal locations. With the goal to place 12 machines throughout the area, Barber is strengthening her financial capacity, going through the Allegheny County MBE/WBE certifiSEE VENDING B2
Job prospects mixed for Black workers last month by Freddie Allen For New Pittsburgh Courier
(NNPA)—Even though Black women lost ground in the labor market last month, the unemployment rate for Black workers dipped below 8 percent for the first time since January 2017, according to the latest jobs report from the Labor Department. Not only did the unemployment rate for Black workers improve, the labor force participation rate, which is the share of people in the labor market who have jobs or who are looking for work, also moved in a positive direction. The labor force participation rate for Black workers increased from 62.3 percent in March to 62.5 percent in April. The employment-population ratio (E-POP), or the share of the population with jobs, climbed a few notches from 57.3 percent to 57.6 percent in April. The jobless rate for White workers decreased from 3.9 percent in March to 3.8 percent in April, and so did the labor force participation rate. The E-POP for White workers was flat. April was a good month for Black men over 20 years-old; the three main indicators (UE, LFPR and E-POP) all moved in positive directions. The unemployment rate for that group improved from 8.2 percent in March to 7.3 percent last month. Meanwhile, White, working men over
20 years-old, who looked for jobs in April, found them, for the most part. The labor force participation rate for White men was flat at 71.9 percent, but the employment-population ratio for that group increased from 69.2 percent in March to 69.4 percent in April. The unemployment rate for White men improved from 3.6 percent in March to 3.4 percent in April. White working women over 20 yearsold, took losses in two out of the three key market indicators last month and their unemployment rate was flat (3.5 percent), likely due to White women exiting the labor market. April’s jobs report was a tough one for Black women over 20 years-old. For the third month in a row, the labor force rate for Black working women was flat at (62.7 percent). The E-POP took a few steps back from the 58.6 percent mark set in March to 58.4 percent in April. The unemployment rate for Black women increased from 6.6 percent to 6.9 percent in April. Economists say that the measures of labor market indicators for minority subgroups are more prone to wild swings, because the survey sample sizes are smaller for minority workers compared to the sample size for White workers. Economists also say that the public shouldn’t make much out of a single job report and should instead watch for trends.
One of those trends, was an increase in “annual work hours for all workers, especially low-wage African American workers and women,” from 1979 to 2015, according to the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), a think tank focused on the needs of lowand middle-income workers. In a recent post on EPI’s website, Valerie Rawlston Wilson, the director of the Program on Race, Ethnicity, and the Economy (PREE) for the think tank, noted that working moms were “significant contributors to this trend.” More than half of all Black female workers are moms compared to roughly 44 percent of White female workers. “African American working moms are uniquely central to the economic well-being of their families,” wrote Wilson. “To begin with, more than two-thirds of all African American working mothers are single moms, making them the primary, if not sole, economic providers for their families. By comparison, 29.6 percent of White working mothers and 47.9 percent of Hispanic working mothers are single.” Black married women with children also worked more hours per year and earned less money per hour than White married women with children, according to EPI. “What’s behind this greater attachment to the labor force? For African American women, it may have to do with higher
rates of Black unemployment and racial pay and wealth disparities motivating the greater intensity of work relative to other groups,” wrote Wilson. “Economic policy has unquestionably failed single working mothers, who tend to work fewer hours in lower-wage jobs and often lack necessary family work supports like paid leave, health care and retirement benefits, affordable high quality child care and more predictable work scheduling.” In a statement about April’s jobs report, Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va., said that even though President Trump inherited a growing economy from President Obama, his plans to significantly cut programs that support long-term economic prosperity would only jeopardize those gains. Scott also said that, “Republican efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act and replace it with a plan that will cause 24 million Americans to lose their health insurance will only exacerbate the economic harm that will be inflicted on working families.” Scott said that he hoped that the current president and Congressional Republicans would instead work with Democrats on solutions to continue to build on the historic economic growth that the nation experienced under President Obama. The Labor Department will release its next jobs report on June 2.
B2
BUSINESS
MAY 31-JUNE 6, 2017
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Trump budget draws ire, concern from minorities TRUMP FROM B1
come and working-class Black families, who rely on access to special education programs, well-trained teachers, smaller class sizes, literacy grants, and before and after school programs—all of which will be at risk for cuts or elimination,’’ said Jacqueline Cooper, president of the Black Alliance for Educational Options. The head of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham, D-N.M., said Trump’s budget “wastes billions of dollars on a costly and ineffective border wall and deportation force’’ while proposing cuts to programs that have been essential to helping Hispanic families. The budget seeks $2.6 billion for border security technology, including money to design and build a wall along the southern border. Trump repeatedly promised voters during the campaign that Mexico would pay for a wall, a notion that Mexican officials have rejected. NAACP officials said Trump’s proposal would gut civil rights enforcement in the federal government. It would defund and cut at least 10 percent of key civil rights enforcement positions across the government, including positions at
the Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Legal Services Corporation, which helped more than 2 million low-income individuals with legal representation last year, advocates said. The budget does maintain the same funding for historically Black colleges and universities and minority-serving institutions from President Barack Obama’s administration. It reinstates year-round Pell Grants and increases charter school spending, which the Thurgood Marshall College Fund “Can utilize to build and strengthen K-12 pipeline initiatives that operate on several HBCU campuses,’’ said the fund’s president, Johnny Taylor. But United Negro College Fund President Michael Lomax noted that HBCUs will be hurt in other ways. “In fact, the proposed budget would cut federal financial aid lifelines that thousands of HBCU students depend on to attend college and earn their degrees,’’ Lomax said. Native American groups, who say their needs are perpetually underfunded, say the cuts would worsen their plight.
‘My Three Sons Vending’ VENDING FROM B1
cation process and attending countless networking events throughout the city. She participated in the Kiva Pittsburgh loan process, a program that assists small business owners get the financing they need to grow and create jobs. The $4,000 she raised was used to purchase two vending machines and to purchase inventory. By next week she’s hoping to be approved to receive funding from Bridgeway Capital. Apprehensive and excited at the same time, her plan if she receives the money is to purchase touch screen machines. By utilizing an application on her cell phone, these new machines will allow her to keep track of the inventory. “It’s a very efficient way to keep track of my products, saves time and labor,” Barber said. A Stanton Heights native, Barber, 31, is a graduate of
Career Connections High School in Lawrenceville. She studied at the former ICM School of Business to be a medical assistant. She was a certified nursing assistant for seven years and worked for a pharmaceutical company before realizing that the medical field was not the profession for her. “Believe in yourself even if others don’t and people laugh at you. Stop blaming others for stuff and strive to be the best,” she said. “Be willing to sacrifice. I have made a lot of sacrifices along the way, and as a result my goal is to continue to work hard and pass the business down to my sons if they are interested in becoming entrepreneurs or upon graduation, if they chose to return home they will have a job to come back to.”
(To have a vending machine placed at your business, contact Barber at 412-980-6801, or mythreesonsvending412@gmail.com.)
Time is running short to visit… “Instill & Inspire: The John & Vivian Hewitt Collection of African American Art” is a spectacular exhibit at the August Wilson Center, Downtown Pittsburgh. Hear Vivian Hewitt Elaine Effort for yourself, on this week’s Pittsburgh Profiles with Elaine Effort.
Pittsburgh Profiles heard on
KQV 1410 AM and at WWW.KQV.COM Friday, June 2 at 7:30 P.M. Saturday, June 3 at 7:00 A.M.
Sunday, June 4 at 5:00 P.M.
BUSINESS CALENDAR 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 nion Building, th oor. vent 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.
BUSINESS STRATEGY—Maxine Daniels talks about success with incorporating Airbnb into her business strategy for I Bike Harlem.
‘I Bike Harlem’ owner uses Airbnb to grow her business by Maxine Daniels For New Pittsburgh Courier
(NNPA)—For decades, many travelers to New York City have limited their excursions to Manhattan neighborhoods south of Central Park. Moreover, those who do choose to go beyond the traditional tourist hotspots often see neighborhoods like Harlem—my home for nine years—from the top floor of a tour bus. This experience cannot possibly impart the “real” Harlem—a vibrant and historic community with world-class cuisine, soulful music and a rich artistic scene that continues to breathe new life into an area whose cultural exports have been changing the world for more than 100 years. I want visitors to see the Harlem I know up close, not from behind the plexiglass of a tour bus window. My business, “I Bike Harlem,” gives travelers the opportunity to discover our handsome brownstones and vibrant small businesses. It’s a business I am incredibly proud of and it’s a business that would not exist were it not for the economic opportunity provided by Airbnb. I began sharing my home on Airbnb as a way to earn a little extra money while starting I Bike Harlem. Through Airbnb, I was able to raise the funds I needed to start my business--investing in the bicycles, helmets, storage, and insurance that brought it from an idea on paper to reality. Now, my business is growing -- with customers from all around the world including right here in Harlem. In fact, many of my customers are Airbnb guests. In that way, I am part of an “Airbnb business cycle”: I started my company with income earned as an Airbnb host, and in turn, Airbnb guests have helped my business grow and thrive. Our elected officials often talk about fostering a “startup” culture in New York City, with millions of dollars invested in tech campuses, incubators, and tax credits throughout the Empire State. Important as these investments are, the truth is that our public policy must recognize that entrepreneurship and the economic activity it generates, comes in many different forms, now more than ever.
For example, I cannot count on an angel investments or incubators to help my business grow. Rather than relying on “startup” culture, my business is grounded in Harlem’s culture and the desire of travelers to experience a new place from a local’s perspective. And the investors who helped my business get off the ground aren’t venture capitalists; they are everyday people who chose to stay with me on Airbnb. Hosting on Airbnb gave me the opportunity to start my business. And guests on Airbnb helped build my business. Now, Airbnb has launched a new tool that will take my business to the next level. Dubbed “Airbnb: Experiences,” this new service allows visitors to partake in offerings of hundreds of local entrepreneurs— everything from a multiple-day dance immersion to a tour of local pubs. I am proud to be an “Experience” host, bringing the Harlem I know and love within reach of millions of Airbnb travelers. In addition, Airbnb helps visitors identify and patronize authentic local businesses by publishing neighborhood guidebooks and partnering with local business associations, such as the Harlem Business Alliance, to hold “Small Business Socials” and “Merchant Walks.” The impact of these initiatives are twofold: saving businesses money otherwise spent on marketing, while drawing visitors to neighborhood businesses off-thebeaten-path. In fact, 76 percent of restaurants in guidebooks appear outside of traditional hotel districts. With these services, it’s no wonder that Airbnb guests spent $470 million at NYC restaurants in the year ending September 1, 2016, and more than $1.5 billion in restaurants over the same period in America’s 19 largest cities. Airbnb is more than just a short-term rental website, it is a dynamic platform that is proving to be an engine of economic opportunity. It helps neighborhoods that have long been ignored by the traditional tourism industry, brings in new customers to local shops, and gives New Yorkers like me the chance to forge a new livelihood by sharing my home and building my business. (Maxine Daniels is the Founder of “I Bike Harlem”)
Don’t ignore IRS letters IRS FROM B1
month. If you owe tax and don’t file on time, there is a penalty for not filing on time. The Failure to File Penalty is usually five percent of the tax owed for each month, or part of a month that your return is late, up to a maximum of 25 percent. If your return is over 60 days late, there is also a minimum penalty for late filing; it is the lessor of $205 or 100 percent of the tax owed unless your failure to file was due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect. The IRS may abate penalties for filing and paying late if you have reasonable cause and the failure was not due to willful neglect. Making a late payment as soon
as you are able may help to establish that your initial failure to pay timely was due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect. Don’t ever ignore the IRS. A timely response to any notices may keep open the various options that are available to resolve your matter. Finally, if you don’t know what to do or are just intimidated by the IRS, contact a professional that specializes in IRS Tax Resolution. Remember, for every tax problem, there’s a solution. (Constant W. Watson III, CPA, CTRS, is both a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Tax Resolution Specialist. For a free consultation, call him at (708) 206-9900.
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.
Legal Basics Seminar
JUNE 14—The Chatham Women’s Business Center, in collaboration with Urban Innovation21 and attorneys from Meyer, Unkovic & Scott LLP present a free Legal Basics Seminar. The session will cover the legal topics of business formation and legal structures, overview of business contracts and terms, and business insurance. Registration is required. For more information contact Anne Flynn Schlicht at 412-365-1153, or aschlicht@chatham.edu.
Accessing Capital Workshop
JUNE 14—The African American Chamber of Commerce will present a seminar on Accessing Capital, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the th oor Board oom at its offices in the oppers Building, 436 Seventh Avenue, Downtown. The discussion will be led by Neal Shipley, CEO of Capital Foundry, and his team. Topics to be discussed include working capital management, non-dilutive capital, and other nontraditional capital options. If you are a small business owner who has been unable to obtain traditional ban financing this workshop is for you. Cost: members: $10.00, non-members: $20.00, and includes Box Lunch. RSVP by: June 12, 2017 412392-0610 or information@aaccwpa.com.
Corporate Equity & Inclusion Roundtable
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.
SBA Certification Workshop
JUNE 21—The U.S. Small Business Administration will host a free HUBZone & Women-Owned certification program wor shop, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., 411 Seventh Avenue, Suite 1450, Pittsburgh. The hands-on workshop with the SBA’s team of specialists will review program requirements and the application process in this monthly, face-to-face session. For more information visit https:// www.sba.gov/offices/district/pa/ pittsburgh.
Training Event
JUNE 22—The Duquesne University Small Business Center will host First Step: Business Start-up Essentials, 1:30-4:30 p.m. in Rockwell Hall, rm. 108, 600 Forbes Ave., Uptown. Topics covered include: Business Structure and Formation; Fictitious Name Registration; Employee Issues; Insurance Government; Procurement; Environmental Concerns; Financing Options; Taxation, and Major Components of the Business Plan. Cost: $25. For more information, call 412396-6233.
PowerBreakfast
JUNE 23—The African American Chamber of Commerce welcomes Dollar Bank President James McQuade as this month’s PowerBreakfast Speaker, 7:30 a.m. at the Rivers Club, One Oxford Center, 301 Grant Street, Downtown Pittsburgh. For more information, call 412-392-0610.
B2
BUSINESS
MAY 31-JUNE 6, 2017
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Trump budget draws ire, concern from minorities TRUMP FROM B1
come and working-class Black families, who rely on access to special education programs, well-trained teachers, smaller class sizes, literacy grants, and before and after school programs—all of which will be at risk for cuts or elimination,’’ said Jacqueline Cooper, president of the Black Alliance for Educational Options. The head of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham, D-N.M., said Trump’s budget “wastes billions of dollars on a costly and ineffective border wall and deportation force’’ while proposing cuts to programs that have been essential to helping Hispanic families. The budget seeks $2.6 billion for border security technology, including money to design and build a wall along the southern border. Trump repeatedly promised voters during the campaign that Mexico would pay for a wall, a notion that Mexican officials have rejected. NAACP officials said Trump’s proposal would gut civil rights enforcement in the federal government. It would defund and cut at least 10 percent of key civil rights enforcement positions across the government, including positions at
the Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Legal Services Corporation, which helped more than 2 million low-income individuals with legal representation last year, advocates said. The budget does maintain the same funding for historically Black colleges and universities and minority-serving institutions from President Barack Obama’s administration. It reinstates year-round Pell Grants and increases charter school spending, which the Thurgood Marshall College Fund “Can utilize to build and strengthen K-12 pipeline initiatives that operate on several HBCU campuses,’’ said the fund’s president, Johnny Taylor. But United Negro College Fund President Michael Lomax noted that HBCUs will be hurt in other ways. “In fact, the proposed budget would cut federal financial aid lifelines that thousands of HBCU students depend on to attend college and earn their degrees,’’ Lomax said. Native American groups, who say their needs are perpetually underfunded, say the cuts would worsen their plight.
‘My Three Sons Vending’ VENDING FROM B1
cation process and attending countless networking events throughout the city. She participated in the Kiva Pittsburgh loan process, a program that assists small business owners get the financing they need to grow and create jobs. The $4,000 she raised was used to purchase two vending machines and to purchase inventory. By next week she’s hoping to be approved to receive funding from Bridgeway Capital. Apprehensive and excited at the same time, her plan if she receives the money is to purchase touch screen machines. By utilizing an application on her cell phone, these new machines will allow her to keep track of the inventory. “It’s a very efficient way to keep track of my products, saves time and labor,” Barber said. A Stanton Heights native, Barber, 31, is a graduate of
Career Connections High School in Lawrenceville. She studied at the former ICM School of Business to be a medical assistant. She was a certified nursing assistant for seven years and worked for a pharmaceutical company before realizing that the medical field was not the profession for her. “Believe in yourself even if others don’t and people laugh at you. Stop blaming others for stuff and strive to be the best,” she said. “Be willing to sacrifice. I have made a lot of sacrifices along the way, and as a result my goal is to continue to work hard and pass the business down to my sons if they are interested in becoming entrepreneurs or upon graduation, if they chose to return home they will have a job to come back to.”
(To have a vending machine placed at your business, contact Barber at 412-980-6801, or mythreesonsvending412@gmail.com.)
Time is running short to visit… “Instill & Inspire: The John & Vivian Hewitt Collection of African American Art” is a spectacular exhibit at the August Wilson Center, Downtown Pittsburgh. Hear Vivian Hewitt Elaine Effort for yourself, on this week’s Pittsburgh Profiles with Elaine Effort.
Pittsburgh Profiles heard on
KQV 1410 AM and at WWW.KQV.COM Friday, June 2 at 7:30 P.M. Saturday, June 3 at 7:00 A.M.
Sunday, June 4 at 5:00 P.M.
BUSINESS CALENDAR 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 nion Building, th oor. vent 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.
BUSINESS STRATEGY—Maxine Daniels talks about success with incorporating Airbnb into her business strategy for I Bike Harlem.
‘I Bike Harlem’ owner uses Airbnb to grow her business by Maxine Daniels For New Pittsburgh Courier
(NNPA)—For decades, many travelers to New York City have limited their excursions to Manhattan neighborhoods south of Central Park. Moreover, those who do choose to go beyond the traditional tourist hotspots often see neighborhoods like Harlem—my home for nine years—from the top floor of a tour bus. This experience cannot possibly impart the “real” Harlem—a vibrant and historic community with world-class cuisine, soulful music and a rich artistic scene that continues to breathe new life into an area whose cultural exports have been changing the world for more than 100 years. I want visitors to see the Harlem I know up close, not from behind the plexiglass of a tour bus window. My business, “I Bike Harlem,” gives travelers the opportunity to discover our handsome brownstones and vibrant small businesses. It’s a business I am incredibly proud of and it’s a business that would not exist were it not for the economic opportunity provided by Airbnb. I began sharing my home on Airbnb as a way to earn a little extra money while starting I Bike Harlem. Through Airbnb, I was able to raise the funds I needed to start my business--investing in the bicycles, helmets, storage, and insurance that brought it from an idea on paper to reality. Now, my business is growing -- with customers from all around the world including right here in Harlem. In fact, many of my customers are Airbnb guests. In that way, I am part of an “Airbnb business cycle”: I started my company with income earned as an Airbnb host, and in turn, Airbnb guests have helped my business grow and thrive. Our elected officials often talk about fostering a “startup” culture in New York City, with millions of dollars invested in tech campuses, incubators, and tax credits throughout the Empire State. Important as these investments are, the truth is that our public policy must recognize that entrepreneurship and the economic activity it generates, comes in many different forms, now more than ever.
For example, I cannot count on an angel investments or incubators to help my business grow. Rather than relying on “startup” culture, my business is grounded in Harlem’s culture and the desire of travelers to experience a new place from a local’s perspective. And the investors who helped my business get off the ground aren’t venture capitalists; they are everyday people who chose to stay with me on Airbnb. Hosting on Airbnb gave me the opportunity to start my business. And guests on Airbnb helped build my business. Now, Airbnb has launched a new tool that will take my business to the next level. Dubbed “Airbnb: Experiences,” this new service allows visitors to partake in offerings of hundreds of local entrepreneurs— everything from a multiple-day dance immersion to a tour of local pubs. I am proud to be an “Experience” host, bringing the Harlem I know and love within reach of millions of Airbnb travelers. In addition, Airbnb helps visitors identify and patronize authentic local businesses by publishing neighborhood guidebooks and partnering with local business associations, such as the Harlem Business Alliance, to hold “Small Business Socials” and “Merchant Walks.” The impact of these initiatives are twofold: saving businesses money otherwise spent on marketing, while drawing visitors to neighborhood businesses off-thebeaten-path. In fact, 76 percent of restaurants in guidebooks appear outside of traditional hotel districts. With these services, it’s no wonder that Airbnb guests spent $470 million at NYC restaurants in the year ending September 1, 2016, and more than $1.5 billion in restaurants over the same period in America’s 19 largest cities. Airbnb is more than just a short-term rental website, it is a dynamic platform that is proving to be an engine of economic opportunity. It helps neighborhoods that have long been ignored by the traditional tourism industry, brings in new customers to local shops, and gives New Yorkers like me the chance to forge a new livelihood by sharing my home and building my business. (Maxine Daniels is the Founder of “I Bike Harlem”)
Don’t ignore IRS letters IRS FROM B1
month. If you owe tax and don’t file on time, there is a penalty for not filing on time. The Failure to File Penalty is usually five percent of the tax owed for each month, or part of a month that your return is late, up to a maximum of 25 percent. If your return is over 60 days late, there is also a minimum penalty for late filing; it is the lessor of $205 or 100 percent of the tax owed unless your failure to file was due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect. The IRS may abate penalties for filing and paying late if you have reasonable cause and the failure was not due to willful neglect. Making a late payment as soon
as you are able may help to establish that your initial failure to pay timely was due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect. Don’t ever ignore the IRS. A timely response to any notices may keep open the various options that are available to resolve your matter. Finally, if you don’t know what to do or are just intimidated by the IRS, contact a professional that specializes in IRS Tax Resolution. Remember, for every tax problem, there’s a solution. (Constant W. Watson III, CPA, CTRS, is both a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Tax Resolution Specialist. For a free consultation, call him at (708) 206-9900.
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.
Legal Basics Seminar
JUNE 14—The Chatham Women’s Business Center, in collaboration with Urban Innovation21 and attorneys from Meyer, Unkovic & Scott LLP present a free Legal Basics Seminar. The session will cover the legal topics of business formation and legal structures, overview of business contracts and terms, and business insurance. Registration is required. For more information contact Anne Flynn Schlicht at 412-365-1153, or aschlicht@chatham.edu.
Accessing Capital Workshop
JUNE 14—The African American Chamber of Commerce will present a seminar on Accessing Capital, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the th oor Board oom at its offices in the oppers Building, 436 Seventh Avenue, Downtown. The discussion will be led by Neal Shipley, CEO of Capital Foundry, and his team. Topics to be discussed include working capital management, non-dilutive capital, and other nontraditional capital options. If you are a small business owner who has been unable to obtain traditional ban financing this workshop is for you. Cost: members: $10.00, non-members: $20.00, and includes Box Lunch. RSVP by: June 12, 2017 412392-0610 or information@aaccwpa.com.
Corporate Equity & Inclusion Roundtable
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.
SBA Certification Workshop
JUNE 21—The U.S. Small Business Administration will host a free HUBZone & Women-Owned certification program wor shop, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., 411 Seventh Avenue, Suite 1450, Pittsburgh. The hands-on workshop with the SBA’s team of specialists will review program requirements and the application process in this monthly, face-to-face session. For more information visit https:// www.sba.gov/offices/district/pa/ pittsburgh.
Training Event
JUNE 22—The Duquesne University Small Business Center will host First Step: Business Start-up Essentials, 1:30-4:30 p.m. in Rockwell Hall, rm. 108, 600 Forbes Ave., Uptown. Topics covered include: Business Structure and Formation; Fictitious Name Registration; Employee Issues; Insurance Government; Procurement; Environmental Concerns; Financing Options; Taxation, and Major Components of the Business Plan. Cost: $25. For more information, call 412396-6233.
PowerBreakfast
JUNE 23—The African American Chamber of Commerce welcomes Dollar Bank President James McQuade as this month’s PowerBreakfast Speaker, 7:30 a.m. at the Rivers Club, One Oxford Center, 301 Grant Street, Downtown Pittsburgh. For more information, call 412-392-0610.
OPINION
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
MAY 31-JUNE 6, 2017
B3
Prohibitions and bans: Serious, unintended consequences
Guest Editorial
Trump budget cuts will hurt Americans President Donald Trump this week unveiled a $4.1 trillion spending plan that imposes deep cuts in programs for the poor and low-income Americans such as Medicaid and food stamps while boosting spending for defense and border security. The budget plan calls for boosting defense spending by $54 billion, a 10 percent increase, for this year, with that increase financed by an equal cut to nondefense programs. Trump’s budget for the fiscal year beginning October 1 relies on faster economic growth and steep cuts to social programs to balance the budget on the backs of the poor over the next decade. The proposal depends on sustained growth projections above 3 percent which most economists view as overly optimistic. The budget is harsh on the poor and low-income Americans. Trump’s plan calls for repealing and replacing President Barack Obama’s health care law, cutting Medicaid, eliminating student loan subsidies and sharply slashing food stamps. “We need people to go to work,” White House Budget director Mick Mulvaney told reporters at a briefing Monday. “If you are on food stamps, we need you to go to work. If you are on disability and you should not be, we need you to go back to work.” The proposed cuts to food stamp cuts would hurt millions who currently depend on it and cuts to Medicaid could deny nursing home care to millions of elderly poor people. According to the proposal, Medicaid, the government insurance program for the poor and many disabled Americans, would be cut by more than $600 billion over 10 years by capping payments to states and giving governors more flexibility to manage their rosters of Medicaid recipients. Those cuts are added to the repeal of the Affordable Care Act’s expansion of the program to 14 million people. In 10 years, there would be a $191 billion reduction in food stamps or almost 30 percent. The food stamp program serves about 42 million people. Trump’s budget also includes reductions in pension benefits for federal workers, in part by requiring employees to make higher contributions. The Trump budget guts social programs while sharply reducing taxes for the wealthy including major cuts to estate, capital gains and business tax rates. (Reprinted from the Philadelphia Tribune)
Letters to the editor for publication The New Pittsburgh Courier welcomes all responsible viewpoints for publication. All letters should be typewritten and contain writer’s address and phone number for verification. All letters will be edited for clarity and length. Address all letters to: Letters to the Editor New Pittsburgh Courier 315 East Carson Street Pittsburgh, Pa. 15219 You may fax your letter to 412-481-1360, or via e-mail to letters@newpittsburghcourier.com
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Rod Doss Editor & Publisher Stephan A. Broadus Assistant to the Publisher Allison Palm
Rob Taylor Jr.
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John. H. Sengstacke
Editor & Publisher Emeritus (1912-1997)
(NNPA)—Rapidly shifting U.S. demographics are fueling the urgency of civil rights leaders, social scientists, policy makers, and public health professionals to focus their attention on policies designed to close the gap in racial and ethnic health disparities and ensure justice and equity in communities of color. In the interest of social justice, the good intent of policies developed and endorsed by dedicated public servants requires, however, a thorough and thoughtful consideration of the impact of unintended consequences of those policies in communities of color across the nation. While many Black Americans have made significant advances in professional and educational achievement, heightened political and social status, far too many are still burdened with poverty, few employment and educational opportunities and poor health. Compounding this situation is the tense relationship between police and the Black community because of use of excessive force, profiling, over incarceration, and selective prosecution. It has also been well documented that Black people are sicker, experience bias and discrimination in the healthcare system and die sooner than other groups in American society. It stands to reason why conscientious policymakers and public health professionals are zealous in their efforts to do whatever it takes to improve the safety, quality of life and health in Black communities—even if it means making selected harmful products unavailable by imposing bans and prohibitions. Prohibitions and bans are official public proclamations and legislative orders forbidding, limiting, restricting and making illegal a behavior or forbidding, limiting, restricting and making illegal the use, manufacture or selling of a product. In 1920, Congress ratified the 18th Amendment to the Constitution prohibiting the manufacture, transportation and sale of liquor. The good intentions of those who aggressively supported the prohibition on alcohol were to reduce access to alcohol as a way of reducing drunkenness, the crime and accidents caused by drunkenness and to reduce the death, illness and disease associated with the use and abuse of alcohol. The national prohibition of alcohol (1920-1933) was extremely difficult to enforce. While the consumption of alcohol dropped at the beginning of Prohibition, it subsequently increased. Banning alcohol did not stop its use. Unregulated, illegally produced alcohol was more dangerous to drink, crime increased and became “organized,” courts and prisons were stretched to the breaking point. When the production and sale
Ben Chavis and Al Sharpton
Commentary of alcohol went underground, black markets developed controlled by the Mafia and gangs in communities. By 1933, public sentiment had turned against prohibition and Congress repealed the prohibition by constitutional amendment. The unintended consequences of alcohol prohibition were real and far outweighed the good intent of the prohibition and led to the failure of this noble experiment. The lessons learned from the failed policy of alcohol prohibition are important for us today when a ban on menthol cigarettes has been proposed to reduce smoking among African Americans. Since over 80 percent of African Americans who choose to smoke, smoke menthol cigarettes, prohibitions, restrictions and bans would affect Black communities more than other communities in America. When police have to spend time enforcing prohibitions and bans, they have less time to focus on solving violent crime and ensuring public safety. Tensions between police and the Black community have focused national attention on the pervasive inequities in the U.S. criminal justice system. In 2014, the National Research Council issued a comprehensive report on America’s overgrown criminal justice system. The rate of imprisonment in the United States has more than quadrupled during the last forty years. The U.S. prison population is largely drawn from men under age 40 and mostly men of color. The Council found that high incarceration rates came about not because of an increase in crime, but because of policy choices. A menthol ban could make a bad situation in the criminal justice system worse for Blacks. We do stand united with policymakers, public health professionals and tobacco control advocates— Smoking is bad and not good for public health. We support the regulation of the manufacture and sale of tobacco products, especially restricting the sale of tobacco products to youth. We strongly encourage Black people to stop smoking and educate our youth about the dangers of smoking. The National Action Network and the National Newspaper Publishers Association do not promote smoking nor endorse or advertise smoking products. Our concerns about the impact of a menthol ban are based on our experience and understand-
ing of how law enforcement works when bans and prohibitions are imposed. On June 22, 2009, when President Barack Obama signed into law the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, the new law gave the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) comprehensive authority to regulate the manufacturing, marketing, and sale of tobacco products. The good intent of the law is to reduce smoking that is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. We are very concerned that while the FDA is considering a national menthol ban, state and local governmental agencies are implementing ordinances that will prohibit, restrict and ban menthol cigarettes, the preferred tobacco product of African Americans. A ban on menthol cigarettes would give police another way to interact negatively in Black communities on the retail level or with individual citizens for a low-level, non-violent offense. A ban, prohibition or restriction on menthol cigarettes would mean punitive consequences, if the prohibition or ban is violated. History has proven that prohibitions and bans don’t work. Education and treatment work. Young people are less likely to smoke if they get open, honest health information and tools to deal with peer pressure. Adults who struggle with smoking addiction are more likely to make healthier decisions when they have access to counseling, treatment, smoking cessation aids and are helped to develop stress management skills. We welcome the opportunity for positive, realistic, solutions-oriented dialogue with supporters of a menthol ban, public health professionals, law enforcement officials, community leaders, and civil rights activists to reduce smoking in the Black community. At the same time, we hold our public health professionals and policymakers accountable to address the social determinants of health that include a broad range of factors that are reasons for health disparities and poor health outcomes in the Black community. We urge tobacco control advocates, public health professionals and policymakers not to defer to the criminal justice system by imposing prohibitions, bans and the threat of punishment to solve an urgent public health crisis. In the words of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.”
(Reverend Al Sharpton is the founder and president of National Action Network. Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., is the president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association.)
Trump Administration charts a course to criminal injustice (TriceEdneyWire.com)—“At a time when people across the aisle have finally found some of the modest, yet promising, agreement that we need to fix our broken system, the Trump administration and Attorney General Sessions have thus far indicated that they want to double down on the failed policies of the past. Sessions seems 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. For the sake of our safety, our economic health, and the values we profess, we can’t afford to go back. We must press forward with reforms.”—Sen. Cory A. Booker, “We Refuse to Turn Back The Clock: Advancing Criminal Justice Reform in The Face of Retreat,” State of Black America, May 2, 2017 Dear Attorney General Jeff Sessions, the 20th century called. It wants its failed, heavy-handed criminal justice policies back. In a throwback to the George W. Bush administration, Sessions is widely expected to formally order all federal prosecutors to impose the harshest sentences for all drug offenses and offenders, including the return of the widely unpopular and discredited mandatory minimums. This “dumb on crime,” bygone-era approach to criminal justice will catapult our nation back to the days of racially-infected mass incarceration, warehousing Black and brown bodies at a rate wildly disproportionate to their overall rate of population as a result of overzealously disproportionate law enforcement. It will perpetually ensnare nonviolent offenders, who have small chance of being rehabilitated while in prison, leaving them to face near-insurmountable obstacles and odds to
Marc H. Morial
To Be Equal fully re-enter society, while robbing already vulnerable communities of an ex-offender’s future potential as an employed and civically engaged citizen. It comes with a heavy price tag for taxpayers—both in terms of safety and cost—with study after study revealing a cynically slim return on investment, if any. Sessions’ reversal of Obama-era policies that sought to correct the egregious wrongs of our nation’s broken criminal justice system— such as reserving the harshest sentencing and enforcement resources for serious, violent, high-level offenders—flies in the face of promising consensus that has been steadily building among civil rights and social justice organizations, states led by Conservative governors, and across the partisan divide in Congress. It seems everyone, except the Department of Justice, understands that flooding our prisons--and keeping private prisons in business to warehouse the anticipated overflow from federal prisons—is not a solution that has, or will, make us safer. According to data from The Sentencing Project, Louisiana has the highest state imprisonment rate, yet its governor recently announced a deal to reduce the state’s prison population by 10 percent—an initiative that will save Louisiana taxpayers an estimated $78 million annually. Right now, four of the 10 top states
with the highest incarceration rates are pursuing “smart on crime” criminal justice reforms that safely reduce our bloated prison population by focusing on alternatives to punishment and improved re-entry programs that increases the chances of ex-offenders never returning to prison. And we should go a step further. How about working to keep as many people as we can out of the clutches of our broken, racially and socio-economically unjust criminal justice system in the first place? As a nation, we must agree to prioritize prevention and address crime before it happens. That means looking at—and effectively treating—the root causes of crimes. It means, among other things, housing the homeless, removing the heavy price tag and stigma around mental health and mental health services, feeding the hungry, ensuring a quality education in every zip code, and providing work tied to living and gender equitable wages. The Department of Justice is moving in the wrong direction and a course correction is critical. The resistance, in all its forms and arenas, remains firm, especially among the states, which bear the fiscal brunt of policies that call for the indiscriminate filling of jails cells at a heavy cost to their budgets and the safety of their citizens. A growing number of states are reluctant to follow the Department of Justice’s lead, and we hope more states come to the realization that crime can be reduced through a variety of methods that don’t involve throwing the book at people who can be rehabilitated, while keeping the public safe. We must resist the rollback. We must retreat from the failed policies of the past, not return to them.
CLASSIFIED New Pittsburgh Courier
B4
MAY 31-JUNE 6, 2017
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Help Wanted
Help Wanted
DISPLAY ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVE
CHIEF OF STAFF ALLEGHENY COUNTY COUNCIL
The New Pittsburgh Courier is looking for a display advertising sales representative. Experience in media sales or related area preferred but will train the right individual. This full-time staff position offers salary + commission with full benefits after 0 days, paid vacation after 6 months. Must be a self starter with leadership s ills, reliable transportation, and strong computer, written and verbal communication skills. All resumes will be considered. Must be able to wor under deadlines, do comprehensive sales-related research and make sales presentations. Send resumes to jobs@ newpittsburghcourier.com.
PITTSBURGH BALLET THEATRE MERCHANDISING/ SALES ASSOCIATE
Motivated individual with retail sales experience to assist with boutique operations at performances during upcoming season. Part time position. Full description and how to apply: goo.gl/HZMxZc
TV RESEARCH ANALYST
is see ing to fill a full time position for a detail oriented individual to provide relevant research data, analysis and mar eting support to its local and national advertising teams. equirements include advanced skills in Microsoft ower oint and xcel, good math and writing s ills, nowledge of digital resources and strong organizational skills. Experience working in media mar eting, mar et research or sales support is preferred. Qualified candidates should send resumes to ose ppich via email at reppich@wpxi.com or by mail to 4145 Evergreen Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15214. No phone calls please. is an qual pportunity mployer.
he Allegheny ffice of ounty Council is accepting applications for a Chief of Staff position. Applications will be accepted until Friday, une 1 , 2017 at 12:00 M. For application requirements, ob description, and salary information please visit http://alleghenycounty. us/careers or call 12 3 0 30.
DIGITAL SPECIALIST:
he Digital pecialist will be the subject matter expert representing all Digital products. he Digital pecialist is responsible for growing digital revenue from existing clients and increasing revenues from high potential prospects generated from collaborative efforts with their Account Executive teammates. Their primary responsibility will be to achieve stated revenue goals by identifying client needs and applying ’s portfolio of digital solutions to meet or exceed their needs. This individual will be an experienced field sales representative with outstanding digital knowledge. The candidate should possess good communication skills (oral and written) as well as the ability to exceed specific activity metrics and revenue goals. Primary method of customer contact will be on site sales calls combined with phone and e-mail contact. ualified candidates should send resumes to Cedric Thomas at cthomas@wpxi.com or by mail to 4145 Evergreen Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15214. No phone calls please. is an qual pportunity mployer. LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices
SALES ASSOCIATE:
The Sales Associate role is to support the sales department in all areas relating to performance of their required and requested duties. This is an outstanding opportunity to work in the multi-media industry. e are loo ing for an outgoing self starter, to assist our sales team at . ur ideal candidate will be able to hit the ground running, ta e charge of their position and provide excellent support to our staff of sales professionals. e are loo ing for someone who has the ability to work effectively with all the departments at our television station and be exible in an ever changing environment. This position has the potential to interact with internal departments such as Digital, ew Business and Production. You will be asked to communicate with agencies and clients. The ideal candidate has great attention to detail, nows how to build successful relationships; can take direction as well as work independently. Prior sales assistant experience is a plus. ualified candidates should send resumes to Cedric Thomas at cthomas@ wpxi.com or by mail to 4145 Evergreen Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15214. o phone calls please. is an qual pportunity mployer.
TRANSPLANTATION INFECTIOUS DISEASE PHYSICIAN
niversity of ittsburgh hysicians see s a ransplantation nfectious Disease hysician to wor in ittsburgh, (Allegheny ounty), A. esponsible for the management of infectious complications in immunocompromised hosts. Conduct independent research in topics such as opportunistic bacterial, fungal and viral infections, bench to bedside approach to multi-drug resistant organisms, pharmaco inetics of antimicrobials, and collaborative multi-center intervention studies. Treat patients with end stage organ disease referred for transplant and to treat patients undergoing organ transplantation surgery who often develop life-threatening infections or organ rejection following surgery to improve their survival outcomes. Participate in antibiotic stewardship program and take a leadership position in spearheading research, policy and protocol preparation in collaboration with transplant teams. Teach and mentor residents and fellows rotating in the transplant nfectious Diseases. Maintain daily multidisciplinary interaction with other research personnel, pharmacologists, and microbiologists is expected. Must have a Medical degree or foreign equivalent ompletion of a fellowship in Transplantation urgery nfectious Diseases, including an additional year of specific ( olid rgan ransplantation) training in nfectious Disease Must be Board ertified in nfectious Disease and must have a valid PA medical license or eligibility for licensure. Apply by following these steps; visit http://careers. upmc.com and enter 17000 in the “ earch eyword ob D” field and clic o. .
SONNY BOY
Estate of ESTHER BERNICE FERREBEE, deceased of Bridgeville, Allegheny ounty, ennsylvania, o. 02 17 02 1 anet D. homas, xecutor, 201 orseshoe ircle, Bridgeville, A 1 017 or to DD A F , Atty B F , , 01 ashington Avenue, Bridgeville, A 1 017 Estate of EVELYN T. GILBERT, Deceased of erona, A o. 02 17 021 1, orean . immons, xecutrix, c o c ert eamans herin Mellott, , . . teel ower, 00 rant treet, th Floor, ittsburgh, A 1 21 or to ancy . ac off, squire, c ert eamans herin Mellott, , . . teel ower, 00 rant treet, th Floor, ittsburgh, A 1 21 Estate of EVELYN E. CARDILLO, deceased of turgeon, Allegheny ounty, ennsylvania, o. 02 17 02 1 Fredric M. ardillo, xecutor, 312 obinson un oad, McDonald, A 1 0 7 or to DD A. F , Atty B F , , 01 ashington Avenue, Bridgeville, A 1 017 Estate of CARL MINER, Deceased of ittsburgh, Allegheny ounty, ennsylvania. o. 02 1 0 0 , hauna ynn Mc herson, xecutor, 170 Meadville t., ittsburgh, A 1 21 or to layton . Morrow, Attorney, Morrow Artim, . ., 30 oss treet, 7th Floor, ittsburgh, A 1 21 . Estate of ELAINE O. LEES, Deceased of Mc andless, ennsylvania, o. 02 17 02337, Andrew . urca , xecutor, 31 rchard oad, ittsburgh, A 1 237 or to imothy F. Bur e, r., squire, c ert eamans herin Mellott, , . . teel ower 00 rant reet, th Floor, ittsburgh, A 1 21 Estate of THERESA M. KYLE, Deceased of 3 27 ouisa treet, ittsburgh, A 1 227. o. 02 17 027 , harles F. yle, r., 223 Butternut Drive, McDonald, A 1 0 7 xecutor or to American ills states, loyd A. elling, squire, 2100 harton treet, uite 302, Birmingham owers, ittsburgh, A 1 203. Estate of ELIZA MAHAN, deceased of ittsburgh, A o. 02 17 02 2 haron . ones, 2 Axehead ourt, andallstown, MD 21133, o xtr., ylvia Mahan, 30 ucunda treet, ittsburgh, A 1 210, o xtr., or to heila M. Ford, 1 tanton Avenue, ittsburgh, A 1 20 .
LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals
THE BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH
Sealed bids will be received in the ffice f he hief perations fficer, oom 2 1, Administration Building, 3 1 outh Bellefield Avenue until 11:00 A.M. prevailing time JUNE 13, 2017 and will be opened at the same hour for the purchase of the following equipment. CALCULATORS eneral nformation regarding bids may be obtained at the ffice of the urchasing Agent, ervice enter, 130 Muriel treet, ittsburgh, A 1 203. he bid documents are available on the chool District’s Purchasing web site at: http://www. pghboe.net/pps/site/default.asp lic on Bid pportunities under uic in s. The Board of Public Education reserves the right to reject any and all bids, or select a single item from any bid. Leon Webb Purchasing Agent e are an equal rights and opportunity school district
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LEGAL ADVERTISING
LEGAL ADVERTISING
LEGAL ADVERTISING
Bids/Proposals
Bids/Proposals
Bids/Proposals
OFFICIAL BID NOTICE TOWNSHIP OF UPPER ST. CLAIR
ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA May 12, 2017
Sealed and separate Bids will be received by the ownship of pper t. lair, 1 20 Mc aughlin un oad, pper t. lair, A 1 2 1, Allegheny ounty, ennsylvania until :00 a.m., uesday, une 20, 2017, and the B D will be publicly opened and read thereafter in the Township Building, ower evel raining oom, at the same address for the following: eplacement of a 0 on Air onditioning System lease refer to the ownship’s website at www.twpusc.org for details and requirements. /s/ Matthew R. Serakowski Township Manager
NOTICE TO BIDDERS MUNICIPALITY OF PENN HILLS ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Sealed Proposals will be received by the Municipality of enn ills, Allegheny ounty, ennsylvania until 10:30 A.M., on Tuesday, June 27, 2017 to be publicly opened and read immediately thereafter for the following project: PENN HILLS SERVICE ASSOCIATION ROOF REPLACEMENT This project consists of replacing the existing roof of the enn ills Service Association building with a new roof. All Proposals must be in the hands of Mohammed ayan, Municipal Manager, Municipality of enn ills, 122 Fran stown oad, ittsburgh, A 1 23 , by 10:30 A.M., prevailing time on, une 27, 2017. Proposals shall be delivered in a sealed envelope and clearly marked on the outside with the words “Penn ills ervice Association oof eplacement” opies of Drawings, pecifications, nstructions to Bidders, eneral onditions, Forms of roposals and Agreement are on file and open to public inspection at the enn ills urchasing ffice, located at 122 Fran stown oad, econd Floor, oom 213, ittsburgh, A 1 23 where sets of said documents may be obtained upon payment of 0.00 per set. o refund will be made for the return of any documents. Davis-Bacon wage rates are required to be paid on this project. There will be a pre-bid meeting on Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at 10:00 A.M. at the Penn Hills Service Association, 2519 Main Street, Universal, Pittsburgh, PA 15235. Proposals must be submitted on the forms provided by the Municipality of enn ills. roposals to receive consideration must be accompanied by a ertified hec or Bidder’s Bond from a urety ompany authorized to do business in ennsylvania, made to the order of the Municipality of enn ills in an amount equal to ten percent (10 ) of the total amount of the Proposal as a guarantee that, if the roposal is accepted, the successful Bidder will enter into an Agreement within 1 days after otice of the Award of the Contract. The Proposals must be made to the Municipality of enn ills, Allegheny ounty, ennsylvania, and shall remain firm for a period of one hundred twenty (120) days. o Bidder may withdraw his Proposal during the one hundred twenty (120) day period without forfeiting his Bid guarantee. erformance, Maintenance, and abor and Material ayment Bonds, along with ublic iability and roperty Damage ertificates of nsurance in the amounts specified, as well as ertificates of or man’s ompensation must be filed with the executed Agreement upon acceptance of the Proposal from the successful Bidder. he wner reserves the right to reect any or all roposals, or any part thereof, for any reason, and also reserves the right to waive any informality therein. Mohammed F. Rayan Municipal Manager
COURIER CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS
To place a display ad in the New Pittsburgh Courier call 412-481-8302 ext. 128 or 129
he ffice of the ounty ontroller of Allegheny ounty, in con unction with the ennsylvania Department of ransportation, ontract Awards oom 7th Floor ommonwealth eystone Building 00 orth treet arrisburg, A 17120 will receive bids through ECMS or a diskette delivered to the aforementioned address until 11:00 A.M. prevailing local time, hursday, une , 2017. Bids will be opened through M at approximately 11:00 A.M. and can be viewed publicly in the ontract Awards oom, for the following: DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS THOMPSON RUN ROAD BETTERMENT ALLEGHENY COUNTY COUNTY PROJECT NO. 2303-0010 MPMS NO.: 107472 THIS PROJECT WILL BE BID THROUGH PENNDOT ECMS BD F MA : iew the ro ect Manual and Drawings ( roposal eport) on the enn D M website (http://www. dot14.state.pa.us/ECMS). A copy of the complete advertisement can also be found on the Allegheny ounty ebsite (http://www. alleghenycounty.us/public-works/ bids-and-proposals.aspx). The anticipated Notice-to-Proceed for this pro ect is August 7, 2017 and the project is to be completed by ovember 30, 2017. Chelsa Wagner CONTROLLER COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR BATH TUB REFINISHING AT VARIOUS HACP LOCATIONS IFB# 300-29-17
he ousing Authority of the ity of ittsburgh ( A ) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or ndividuals capable of providing the following service(s): BATH TUB REFINISHING AT VARIOUS HACP LOCATIONS IFB# 300-29-17 The documents will be available no later than May 30, 2017 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 11:00 a.m. on une 1 , 2017 at which time they will be Time and Date tamped at 100 oss treet 2nd Floor, uite 200, ittsburgh, A 1 21 , 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 pportunities page of www.HACP. org. uestions 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, June 8, 2017 11:00 A.M. he ousing Authority of the ity 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 A conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to itle , the Fair ousing Act, ection 0 of the ehabilitation Act of 1 73, the Americans with Disabilities Act, he A uman elations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Sealed bids will be received by the pper t. lair ownship chool District in the Administrative ffices, 1 20 Mc aughlin un oad, pper t. lair, A 1 2 1 until 11:00 am, prevailing time, une 2, 2017, and will be opened at the same hour for: Carpet Replacement at Baker, Eisenhower and Streams Elementary Schools nstructions along with specifications may be obtained upon application at the office of Mr. cott . Burchill, Director of Business Finance, at the above address or by phone at 12 33 1 00 ext. 20 . pper t. lair chool District reserves the right to reject any or all bids. Scott P. Burchill, Secretary BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
he Allegheny ounty Department of uman ervices (D ) recently issued a equest for roposals ( F ) for an n ome Family Based ecovery rogram. roposals are due by 3 p.m. astern ime on Monday, Friday, une 30, 2017. For more details and submission information, visit: www.alleghenycounty.us/ Human-Services/Resources/ Doing-Business/Solicitations(RFP/RFQ/RFI).aspx. Marc Cherna Director Allegheny County Department of Human Services
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR Mobile Devices and related services RFP #200-08-17
he ousing Authority of the ity of ittsburgh ( A ) hereby requests proposals from qualified Firms or ndividuals capable of providing the following service(s): Mobile Devices and related services RFP #200-08-17 The documents will be available no later than May 22, 2017 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 2:00 P.M., June 12, 2017 at which time they will be Time and Date tamped at 100 oss treet, 2nd Floor, uite 200, ittsburgh, A 1 21 . Parties or individuals interested may obtain information from: Mr. im Detric Procurement Director/ Contracting Officer Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 2nd Floor, Suite 200 100 Ross Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116, Option 1 or by visiting the Business pportunities section of www.hacp.org A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 June 2, 2017 2:00 P.M. he ousing Authority of the ity 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
A conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to itle , the Fair ousing Act, ection 0 of the ehabilitation Act of 1 73, the Americans with Disabilities Act, he A uman elations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.
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Propel Schools is now accepting bids for Interior Renovations at our Montour Middle and High School location. Please visit www. propelschools.org and click on ‘Contact Us’ then ‘Contracting Opportunities’ for bid documents.
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR Legal Servaices for Various Practice Areas RFQ #700-28-17
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby requests proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Legal Services for Various Practice Areas RFQ #700-28-17 The documents will be available no later than May 22, 2017 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 3:00 P.M., June 12, 2017 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Parties or individuals interested may obtain information from: Mr. Kim Detrick – Procurement Director/ Contracting Officer Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 2nd Floor, Suite 200 100 Ross Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116, Option 1 or by visiting the Business Opportunities section of www.hacp.org A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 200 Ross Street, 9th Floor, Board Room Pittsburgh, PA 15219 June 2, 2017 3:00 P.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACP’s has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation. Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.
PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY
Electronic Proposals will be received online at the Port Authority of Allegheny County’s Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.portauthority.org). Proposals/bid submittals will be due 11:00 AM on June 21, 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) B170322A Bagged Rock Salt B170329A Refrigerants B170429A Cleaning of Oil & Water Separators 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 31, 2017 in Port Authority’s Public Meeting Room (345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, PA). Attendance at this meeting is not mandatory, but is strongly encouraged. Questions regarding any of the above bids will not be entertained by the Port Authority within 48 hours of the scheduled bid opening. These contracts may be subject to a financial assistance contract between Port Authority of Allegheny County and the United States Department of Transportation. The Contractor will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity laws and regulations. Contractor is responsible for expenses related to acquiring a performance bond and insurance where applicable. All items are to be FOB delivered unless otherwise specified. Costs for delivery, bond, and insurance shall be included in bidder’s proposal pricing. Port Authority of Allegheny County hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively insure that in regard to any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprise will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award. The Board of Port Authority reserves the right to reject any or all bids.
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PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY ADVERTISEMENT
Separate sealed Bids for the Work as listed hereinafter will be received at the Purchasing and Materials Management Department of Port Authority of Allegheny County (Authority) Heinz 57 Center, 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222-2527 until 1:30 p.m. on June 29, 2017 and will be publicly opened and read immediately thereafter at the same address. Each Bidder shall be solely responsible for assuring that its Bid is both received and time stamped by a representative of the Purchasing and Materials Management Department at or before the advertised time for submission of Bids. Bids received or time stamped in the Purchasing and Materials Management Department after the advertised time for the submission of Bids shall be non-responsive and therefore ineligible for Award. EAST LIBERTY FACILITY GARAGE TANK REPLACEMENT CONTRACT NO. ELG-17-06 The Work of this Project includes, but is not limited to, the furnishing of all labor, material, tools equipment and incidentals necessary for the installation of two (2) new 20,000 gallon underground diesel fuel storage tanks, one (1) new 4,000 gallon underground gasoline fuel tank, fuel dispensers and connections, the removal of two (2) existing 15,000 gallon diesel fuel tank systems and dispensers, the removal of one (1) existing 4,000 gallon gasoline fuel tank system and dispenser at the East Liberty Garage Facility and the design, installation and removal of a temporary ramp for bus traffic. Bid Documents will be available for public inspection and may be obtained on or after May 30, 2017 at Authority’s offices at the following address: Port Authority of Allegheny County Purchasing and Materials Management Department Heinz 57 Center 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2527 Bid Documents are available for purchase as follows: Bid Documents are available in an electronic form on compact disk upon payment of $15 per CD. Payment shall be by check or money order (NO CASH), payable to “Port Authority of Allegheny County.” No refunds of payment will be made. Upon request, Bid Documents can be mailed upon receipt of payment in full. Should the purchaser wish to have the Bid Documents delivered via special delivery, such as UPS or Federal Express, the purchaser shall provide its appropriate account numbers for such special delivery methods. This Project may be funded, in part, by, and subject to certain requirements of, the County of Allegheny and/or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Authority, in compliance with 74 Pa.C.S. § 303, as may be amended, require that certified Diverse Businesses (“DBs”) have the maximum opportunity to participate in the performance of contracts and subcontracts for this Project. In this regard, all Bidders shall make good faith efforts in accordance with 74 Pa.C.S. § 303, to ensure that DBs have the maximum opportunity to compete for and perform contracts. Bidders shall also not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, disability, national origin, sexual origin, gender identity or status as a parent in the award and performance of contracts for this Project. If aid is required to involve DBs in the Work, Bidders are to contact Authority’s Director of Employee Relations and OEO at (412) 566-5262. The Bidder’s attention is directed to the following contacts for Bidder’s questions: Procedural Questions Regarding Bidding: David Hart - Authority (412) 566-5415 All other questions relating to the Bid Documents must be submitted by mail or email to: Port Authority of Allegheny County Heinz 57 Center 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 Attn: David Hart Email: DHart@PortAuthority.org In addition, the Bidder’s attention is directed to the following schedule of activities for preparation of its Bid: 9:00 am June 8, 2017
Pre-Bid Conference Port Authority of Allegheny County Heinz 57 Center 3rdh Floor Plaza Conference Room 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 (Attendance is not mandatory, but strongly recommended)
11:00 am
Pre-Bid Site Tour Transportation will not be provided. Participants must wear safety vests and proper footwear.
1:30 p.m. June 29, 2017
Bids Due Purchasing and Materials Management Department
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Authority reserves the right to reject any or all Bids
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B6 MAY 31-JUNE 6, 2017
Leadership silence on domestic terrorism
(TriceEdneyWire.com)—Twenty-two people died and more than 50 were injured when a terrorist jihadist released a bomb at the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England on May 22. The heinous act of terrorism was condemned worldwide, as it should have been. Our 45th president was full of condemnation, although his very limited vocabulary only allowed him to call the perpetrators of the deadly attack “losers” (the same thing he called Rosie O’Donnell and Senator Chuck Schumer). House Speaker Paul Ryan also condemned the bombing in harsh terms and asked for a moment of silence to commemorate the “young and innocent” victims of terrorism. Just a few miles away from Capitol Hill, though, an outstanding young Black man was massacred by an intoxicated and crazed racist. Second Lt. Richard Collins III would have graduated from Bowie State University on May 23. A distinguished part of the ROTC, he had received a commission as second lieutenant in the United States Army and planned to work in Army intelligence. I’m not comparing deaths, but I am suggesting that Collins was the victim of domestic terrorism. Terrorism, after all, is defined as “the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims.” The man who, unprovoked, stabbed Collins in the chest is little more than a domestic terrorist. My vocabulary is a little more advanced than 45’s, so I
Julianne Malveaux
Commentary won’t call the devil (I refuse to call his name) that stabbed Collins a loser. He is a monster; a disgusting, depraved and soulless piece of human excrement. The death penalty is too good for him. I digress. The news in Washington, D.C., has explored many aspects of the massacre of Richard Collins III. It is impossible that House Speaker Ryan is unaware of the massacre. Yet Ryan has, to date, been silent about this terroristic massacre. So has the 45th President. So, for that matter, have so many. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Mr. Law and Order, has not deigned to offer condolences to Richard Collins’ family or to make any of the broad generalizations that he likes to make when Black and Brown men are involved in crime. Why has there been no moment of silence on the Congressional floor for Second Lt. Richard Collins III? Why have the Republicans who support the military so strongly that they are prepared to slash social service spending to put billions in military spending not spoken up for this young Black man? I am sure some member of Congress will say that they’ve not spoken up because this is not a national story, because the killing of one man, no matter how exceptional, may not merit a moment of silence for the whole Congress. I disagree! When some Republicans are all-too-eager to embrace racist stereotypes, lifting up a young man who did all the right things, and condemning his killing could be meaningful. In order to do that, though, Congress would have to implicitly (if not explicitly) acknowledge the toll that domestic terrorism has taken on African American communities. I suppose they would rather be silent. The evil, horrible University of Maryland student who killed Richard Collins III was part of an alt-right Facebook group. Why does Facebook facilitate the gathering of these racists? The FBI is supposedly “investigating” whether the Collins killing is a hate crime. They know it was! All they have to do is check the Facebook group and the mess they posted, or follow the repugnantly encouraging posts that the vicious killer has received from his high school classmates through social media. For example, Welby Burgone, who went to high school with the killer devil, now works for the Anne Arundel County (which is in suburban Maryland) police department as a communications specialist. “You mess with crabo, you get a stabo”, Burgonet posted in response to an even more odious post that cheered the stabber on, writing, “That’s what happens when a n—try (sic) to get frosty with an OG. Talk s…, get stabbed. lol.” And the FBI has to “investigate?” Really. Even the Anne Arundel police have to be questioned for their soft peddling of this matter. Yes, they suspended Burgone. But they also described his statement as “extremely insensitive.” It’s a lot more than that. It is brutal, it is repugnant, and someone with those views has no business working in law enforcement in any capacity! Second Lt. Richard Collins III was massacred on Saturday, May 20. At this writing, on May 26, there has been no congressional moment of silence, no outreach from the 45th President, no statement of repugnance about this domestic terrorism from anyone other than the Presidents of both Bowie State University, where Collins was to graduate, and the University of Maryland at College Park, where the killer matriculated. Why are White leaders so silent on matters of domestic terrorism and, in particular, the massacre of Richard Collins III? Shame on them and shame on those of us they represent for not demanding more! (Julianne Malveaux is an economist, author, and Founder of Economic Education.)
FORUM
Blacks are overdue for a piece of the pie I am often asked first reason is that the question, “How do Louis ‘Hop’ Kendrick those who cut the pie you determine what fail to have an overyou are going to write whelming concern about next week?” about how the pie The honest answer is to be shared. The is, “I generally have second, and bigger, no idea.” reason is that those A more accurate Black persons who answer is that those are elected overof you, the readers, whelmingly by Black help me sometimes when I run into you by voters lack the courage, commitment and saying, “You know what? You need to write the compassion to attack this cancer by about…” exposing it for what it is. I have heard This week’s column is a perfect example. colored politicians describe themselves A friend of mine for about 60 years, Bobby as a Democrat first, a dedicated servant Holiday, called me on Memorial Day and of the party, and those who elected them during our conversation, he said, “Hop, have to get in line. A perfect example is WHAT IS WRONG WITH THEM? They Governor Tom Wolf. A month ago he conare determined not to share the pie with vened a press conference, and stated he us.” had been in office for two years and was Bobby and untold numbers of you have just made aware of the fact that the state repeated the same concerns on an ongoof Pennsylvania failed to have a viable ing basis. My typical response generally or functioning diversity program. He is that you have no idea how big the pie appointed an individual to create a viable is, and the difficulty of obtaining a sizdisparity study and a $1 million contract able slice. I was extremely fortunate to was awarded to a company out of Denver be appointed director of the Allegheny to study the seriousness of the lack of County Minority Business Enterprises diversity in the state. department and performed well (no bragThe study will take about 18 months, ging, just fact). Upon doing some research and six months after that, the Governor’s on not just past expenditures, but those term will be over. How serious can the that were current, it was unbelievable Governor be about the lack of diversity? the amount of money spent by the local What has happened to the state Black government. However, the biggest shock caucus? How come they have not informed was that the Black community had been the Governor that diversity is not working misled by colored folks that we trusted. in our state? If you recall, during a meetThese government expenditures were ing to help fund the August Wilson Center, being shared by a number of Blacks. The a person was overheard asking, “What do absolute truth was that only one Black Black folks do for themselves?” had a major contract and that occurred at He did not intend to be overheard, but the airport. Professional service contracts, I’m inclined to believe he meant what he then and now, are awarded without a bid said. In my estimation, it was a valid ques(it’s legal). There were companies that tion and once Blacks are provided with a have benefited from the award system in bigger slice of the pie, Blacks can do more excess of 25 years (no Blacks). for themselves. (Louis “Hop” Kendrick is a contributor to the New In my estimation, Blacks fail to receive Pittsburgh Courier.) a sizable slice for two major reasons. The
To Tell The Truth
The Tulsa acquittal, Part II Do you recognize officer. the name Claudette Did this store inciJ. Pharoah Doss Colvin? dent have anything In 1955 she was to do with the police arrested for refusing shooting? to give her seat to a Of course not. Even White woman on a Claudette Colvin bus in Montgomery, admitted what she did Alabama. She was 15. was worse than stealHer classmate, Ann ing, but the strategist Price, described the in 1955 would have incident. Price said the bus was crowded, recognized it as a red flag, and they never the bus driver asked Colvin to get up, would have used the Michael Brown case Colvin refused, and Colvin was forcibly to make any national statement. Esperemoved from the bus, shouting. cially after witnesses backtracked from Colvin recalled telling the bus driver, he their original statements and the “hands had no right to make her move and said, “I up, don’t shoot” narrative turned out to be just kept blabbing things out, and I never false. stopped. That was worse than stealing… Then there was Baltimore. Talking back to a White person.” A Black man named Freddie Gray died Colvin was charged with disturbing the in police custody. Riots broke out again peace, violating the segregation law, and before any investigation was complete. assault. But different protest groups and national This was nine months before Rosa Parks supporters used this incident to address quietly refused to give up her seat on the a host of grievances, and the national dibus to a White woman. But the Montalogue was about poverty, unemployment, gomery bus boycott began after the Parks and systemic racism. The prosecutor arrest and not the arrest of Claudette eventually charged six officers with feloColvin. nies ranging from second degree murder The NAACP organizers believed that to manslaughter to reckless endangerParks was the ideal candidate to challenge ment. the state’s segregation laws. Parks was an The 1955 strategist wouldn’t have unexample of civil disobedience and Colvin derstood the systemic racism argument displayed youthful defiance. because the U.S. President was Black, the The lawyers strategically went with U.S. Attorney General was Black, BaltiParks. more’s mayor and police chief were Black, But the NAACP organizers also bethree of the officers charged were Black lieved they couldn’t persuade law-abiding and the prosecutor was Black. This wasn’t citizens of the Black community to rally the case to protest systemic racism. And around the exploits of a “mouthy” teen, the 1955 strategist would have questioned who eventually ended up pregnant. the strategy of the prosecutor who was What would have happened if the lawaccused of overcharging the officers for yers and the NAACP organizers didn’t political reasons. strategize and the Colvin case was the Now, the 1955 strategist would have catalyst for the Montgomery bus boycott viewed the recent acquittal of the poinstead of Parks? lice officer that shot and killed Terrence The answer may be in the present. Clutcher in Tulsa, Oklahoma as the ideal Now we all heard of Ferguson and the case to begin a national campaign about Michael Brown police shooting. We’re securing police convictions in America. aware because of the riots in Ferguson Here the shooting was captured on video that captured national attention. The and the officer wasn’t overcharged. The unrest happened before any official prosecution had a strong case, but the jury investigation was complete. Witnesswould not convict a police officer. es said Brown had his hands up and But, in the present, nothing happened begged the officer not to shoot. The after the Tulsa acquittal, because all of officer claimed he tussled with Brown the energy was wasted in Ferguson and over his gun and he had to discharge Baltimore. his weapon. So if Claudette Colvin was the catalyst There was no video footage of the shootfor the Montgomery bus boycott, Rosa ing, but a video surfaced of Brown commit- Parks would have been a missed opportuting, what the press called, a strong arm nity like the Tulsa acquittal. (J. Pharoah Doss is a contributor to the New Pittsrobbery in a store, right before his fatal burgh Courier.) confrontation with the Ferguson police
Commentary
Letters to the editor for publication The New Pittsburgh Courier welcomes all responsible viewpoints for publication. All letters should be typewritten and contain writer’s address and phone number for verification. All letters will be edited for clarity and length. Address all letters to: Letters to the Editor New Pittsburgh Courier 315 East Carson Street Pittsburgh, Pa. 15219 You may fax your letter to 412-481-1360, or via e-mail to letters@newpittsburghcourier.com.
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
James Clingman
Commentary
NAACP in transition (TriceEdneyWire.com)—The national office of the NAACP has made a couple of significant changes lately; they dismissed the Chairwoman, Roslyn Brock, and the President, Cornell Brooks. Although I served in various capacities within the Cincinnati branch for nine years (2005-2014), through which we did excellent work for our community, I have not been a fan of the national office since Myrlie Evers took over back around 1994 or so. My experiences in our local branch left a bitter taste in my mouth as I watched the national office use its national representative, the “Luca Brazi” of the NAACP, Gill Ford, to intimidate members and even suspend them for life because they refused to capitulate to his will. Many branches across the country have suffered from Ford’s arrogance, collusion, and disruption of local branch elections and other branch activities. He had his own agenda for certain branches and exercised it summarily and arbitrarily without sanction or even a response from his national bosses. Despite branches calling, writing, suing, and filing complaints against this guy, he continued to ride roughshod over the local proletariat, the volunteers, who do much of the work and pay a great deal in dues and assessment fees to the national office. Ford’s actions, supported or ignored by his superiors in Baltimore, showed me it was all about control and money, and never about support of local branches, that is, unless those branches bent to the dictatorial will of Gill Ford. But, I am proud to say that during my tenure we stood up to the bully and did our work in spite of him doing everything he could to control us. Although I have not seen an announcement of his dismissal, I really hope he is gone as well and, if not, that the new administration will reel him in and monitor what he does a lot more than his former bosses did. Much of the negativity and chaos within branches has been caused by Ford, and overlooked by Brock, Brooks, and Ben Jealous. Leon Russell, Board Chair, and Derrick Johnson, Vice-Chair, sent a letter out announcing the termination of Brooks along with their intentions for the future of the NAACP. Following is an excerpt from that letter: “… in the coming months, our leadership will embark on a ‘listening tour for the first time in our history.’ It is clear that Americans of all genders and ages, from all of the corners of all 50 states, have been aching to be understood, to be seen—and now, they are demanding to be heard. We want to meet those demands, and in doing so, ensure that we are harnessing the energy and voice of our grassroots membership as we pursue transformational change. As we reimagine ourselves, we want to be formed in the likeness of the people whom we serve—and to do so, we must first see, meet and listen to them…As we embark on this journey, everyone will have a place at the table” The most striking statement to me is that in 107 years, the NAACP has never gone on a “listening tour” to hear from its branches; but I will let you draw our own conclusions from that excerpt, and I encourage you to read the entire letter; read it and critically analyze it to see if it meets your approval, especially if you are a member. The once vaunted and heralded NAACP has finally gotten the message it seems, and is ready to hear from the grassroots. I trust they are truthful in that regard and will follow through on their statements. If they do not and merely put a new face on the same old problems, my advice is for members to walk away and leave them to their own devices. If they are sincere, I urge you to support this new vision and get involved to help bring it to fruition. A Black organization with over a half million members can do so much to move us toward economic empowerment. It will not happen if corruption and distrust exist at the top. Nor will it happen if those on the local level participate in that corruption and/ or turn a blind eye, a deaf ear, and a mute voice to election tampering and mistreatment of branches that refuse to go along with the nonsense from the national office. I wish Brothers Russell and Johnson well in their quest to recapture the glory of the NAACP, but they should know there is a great deal of discontentment out there, which must be heard and respected. When that is acknowledged and dealt with, fairly and immediately, the organization can move forward; but it will not until that happens. Suggestion: A great place to start the listening tour is Ohio; it has been at the center of the storm for years.
SPORTS New Pittsburgh Courier
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MAY 31-JUNE 6, 2017
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
2017 WPIAL Track and Field Championships
Athletes leave it all on the track Photos by Courier Photographer Will McBride
AYDEN OWENS of North Allegheny wins the AAA 110 meter hurdles, 300 meter hurdles and long jump ISAAC ELLIOTT, right, of Ambridge, edges out Darius Wise of Beaver in a photo finish in the AAA 100 at the WPIALs, May 18 at Baldwin High School. meter dash at the WPIALs, May 18 at Baldwin High School.
GREAT GROUP—The Aliquippa girls team finished second in the AA 400 meter relay. From left: Izea Lay, Aniya Ellis, Brieille Sims and Brittney Carter.
ANTWAN BROOKS of Aliquippa wins the AA 100 and 200 meter dashes, and finished with 3 gold medals.
DARIUS JOHNSON of Valley wins the AA high jump.
HUNTER ROBINSON of Avonworth/Northgate wins the AAA 100, 200 and 400 meter dashes and set a new WPIAL record in the 400 with a time of 54.49.
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SPORTS
MAY 31-JUNE 6, 2017
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
2017 WPIAL Track and Field Championships
Aliquippa boys win 400m relay, Jayla Ellis wins 300m hurdles
THE CHAMPS—The Aliquippa boys took home top honors in the 400 meter relay at the WPIALs, May JAYLA ELLIS of Oakland Catholic won the gold medal in the AAA 300 meter hurdles and long jump, 18 at Baldwin High School. and the silver medal in the 100 meter hurdles. The WPIALs were held May 18 at Baldwin High School.
JAMES THOMAS of Union High School in Lawrence County won the AA 100 meter hurdles.
LE’SHAWN HUFF of New Castle won the AAA 1600 meters.
ISAIAH BAILEY of Penn Hills finishes second in the AAA 800 meters.
EMMANUEL MITCHELL of Penn Hills wins the AAA high jump.
CHYNA BECK, center, of Canon-McMillan, edges out JAYLA ELLIS, right, of Oakland Catholic, and MELINA OWENS, left, of North Allegheny, in the AAA 100 meter hurdles.