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Hundreds ‘Stand Against Racism’ 29 of 36 VOL. 106, NO. 18
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MAY 4-10, 2016
by Christian Morrow
homicides Black lives
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Clyde Pickett, special assistant to the president for Diversity and Inclusion at Community College of Allegheny County, returned to his alma mater three weeks ago for a celebration of its history of sporting achievements and while attending one of the activities with his young son he stopped to hold a door for an older man—and something he didn’t expect happened. “He looked at me and said, ‘Thank you, boy,’” Pickett recalled. “And I knew, he was trying to get a rise out of me, and ruin my celebration. So instead of getting angry, I just said, ‘You have a nice day, sir.’” Despite years of improvement, racism has not disappeared, Pickett noted, which is why he and others joined with the YWCA of Pittsburgh April 28 for a community rally at CCAC to Stand Against Racism. Joining YW at CCAC’s Allegheny Campus were about 50 students and representatives from government agencies and nonprofits dedicated to eliminating discrimination and securing basic rights. Allegheny Campus president William Self recalled getting his drivers license growing up in Louisiana and being stopped by police going through a small town in his father’s Cadillac. “I was being careful making sure I didn’t speed.
Surveillance video may help reduce homicides by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
TAKING IT TO THE STREET—Some of the 200 volunteers and friends who took ‘Stand Against Racism’ with the YWCA on Wood St., April 29 pose with Chaz Kellum, front, and Maggie Jensen, far right. (Photo by J.L. Martello) They stopped me for driving too slow,” They handcuffed me, held me for 12 hours with no phone call, then let me go saying they ‘had the wrong guy.’ I had to walk four miles back to the car. I’m still learning. I’m not minimizing racism, but I’m not letting it define me either.” Other speakers, including U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania David Hickton and Carlos Torres, the new executive director of the Pittsburgh Human Relations Commission said their organizations are prepared to bring the weight of legal ac-
TRIPLE TEAMING RACISM—YWCA Pres. Maggie Jensen, U.S. Attorney David Hickton and YWCA Senior Race & Gender Advocacy Director Chaz Kellum pose during the Stand Against Racism rally at CCAC. (Photo courtesy YWCA)
tion against anyone discriminating in employment, housing on the basis of race, gender, age or sexual orientation. “All the laws in the world can’t protect against hate, but we will use the laws to provide protection of your rights,” said Hickton. YWCA President and CEO Magdeline Jensen thanked everyone, and noting that her organization is devoted to empowering women and eliminating racism, vowed to continue. “It’s important to recognize that this is a national movement and that every YW across the country is involved. This is a tangible way to stand for what we believe in,” SEE RACISM A4
Rebuilding homes and lives On April 30, Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh celebrated National Rebuilding Month by providing free home repairs and modifications to low-income homeowners—primarily senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and military veterans. This year, Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh completed 22 projects during National Rebuilding Month, bringing together over 500 volunteers to serve low-income homeowners and communities in need, including Homewood, Penn
Hills, Hazelwood, and the Hill District. National Rebuilding Month is embraced by community leaders and national partners as a way of bringing immediate, largescale impact to communities across America in a single month. At this year’s celebration former Pittsburgh Steeler and Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh supporter Rocky Bleier joined Executive Director Steve Hellner–Burris and Board President Jason Tigano to renovate Charles Dennis Adam’s house on Tioga Street in Homewood.
There were 9 fewer homicides in April than in March providing some hope. There were only six homicides in April compared to 15 in March. Three of those six were Blacks, which is 50 percent, which is lower than the normal 70 to 80 percent. Another good sign is that arrests have been made in half of the homicides.
One because a neighbor held the alleged shooter until police arrived, and another was captured via surveillance video. Six has been the average number of deaths in three of the first four months. We would like to see that number drop to at least half. Maybe with more surveillance cameras, and concerned neighbors the number of homicides will continue to decrease. April Homicides (6) April 1—Dontae Thompson, a 27-year-old Black male was shot multiple times after another vehicle pulled along side him while driving on Henderson Street in Pittsburgh’s Fineview neighborhood. Police discovered him after his car had crashed trough a fence and flipped onto its roof. He was taken to Allegheny General Hospital where he died a few hours SEE HOMICIDES A4
Election races went largely Region’s young, gifted and Black celebrated as predicted TEAM PLAYERS—Steeler legend Rocky Bleier poses with Homewood homeowner Charles Dennis Adams after helping volunteers renovate his house as part of Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh’s efforts. (Photo by J.L. Martello)
by Ashley Johnson
by Christian Morrow
For New Pittsburgh Courier
Courier Staff Writer
While hundreds attended a sold out comic book convention at the nearby Monroeville Convention Center, many gathered at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel on April 16 for a more important event—the ninth annual Young, Gifted and Black Awards luncheon hosted by the Young, Gifted & Black Program. The yearly event recognizes outstanding young Black men and women, between the ages of 21-40, who continue to make a positive impact in their professions and communities. “I’m grateful I have the
Just as he did in 2014, challenger William Anderson received a mere 10 percent of the votes incumbent state Rep. Ed Gainey, D- East Liberty, received in retaining his District 24 seat. In similar fashion U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle, D-Pittsburgh, again crushed attorney Janice C. Brooks by just under 70,000 votes, with 77 percent of the ballots cast. But some races, while not upsets, were closer than expected. As predicted, Braddock Mayor John Fetterman, came in third in the democratic race for U.S. senator, but he garnered 20,000 votes in a statewide race with no money.
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TO BE YOUNG, GIFTED AND BLACK—Front row, from left: honorees Ebony Lewis, Mycah Cheyenne Clemons, Lisa Washington and Tamala Elizabeth Jackson with YGB CEO & Founder Arzella Stewart McCauley. Back row, from left:YGB Educational Consultant Dr. Crystal Gunn-Tucker and honorees Shamarko Thomas, Benjamin Earl Ezell, and K. Chase Patterson. (Photos by J.L. Martello)
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Cheering Cubans greet first cruise ship from US in decades
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MAY 4-10, 2016
by Michael Weissenstein
Associated Press Writer
HAVANA (AP) — Greeted with rum drinks and salsa dancers, the first passengers to cruise from the U.S. to Cuba in nearly 40 years streamed Monday into a crowd cheering the rebirth of commercial travel on waters that served as a stage for a half-century of Cold War hostility. Many watching the festive arrival praised a Cuban government decision to drop a longstanding ban on Cuban-born people returning to their homeland by sea, a step that allowed 16 Cuban-Americans to make the journey from Miami. “This is history,” said Mercedes Lopez, a 54-yearold nurse who waited for hours to see Carnival Cruise Line’s 704-passenger Adonia pull up to Havana’s two-berth cruise terminal. “We Cubans must unite, all of us. This is a step forward, a little step toward normalization, peace, family unification.” The passengers of the Adonia were welcomed by live music and dancing inside Havana’s single staterun cruise terminal. Outside, police carved a single lane into the crowd of hundreds of Cubans waiting in Old Havana’s Plaza San Francisco for passengers taking walking tours of the restored colonial center. The group included dozens of plainclothes security agents and hawkers promoting restaurants and souvenir shops, as well as many trying to witness history. Cruise ships stopped crossing the Florida Straits
FIRST TO DOCK—A woman from Cuba waves as Adonia leaves port in Miami, Sunday, May 1, 2016, en route to Cuba. (Patrick Farrell/The Miami Herald via AP) from the U.S. after a brief window in the late 1970s when President Jimmy Carter allowed virtually all U.S. travel to Cuba. U.S. cruises to Cuba once again become possible after Presidents Barack Obama and Raul Castro declared detente on Dec. 17, 2014. Both sides hope it is the first step toward a future in which thousands of ships a year could cross the Florida Straits, long closed to most U.S.-Cuba traffic due to tensions that once brought the world to the brink of nuclear war. Setting sail from Miami shortly before 5 p.m. Sunday, the Adonia took nearly 17 hours to cross the Florida Straits, steaming through a waterway blockaded by the U.S. during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Tens of thousands of Cubans have fled to Florida on homemade rafts in recent decades, with untold thousands dying in the process. U.S. cruises are expected to bring Cuba tens of millions of dollars in badly needed foreign hard cur-
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rency if traffic increases as expected. More than a dozen lines have announced plans to run U.S.Cuba cruises, and if all actually begin operations, Cuba could earn more than $80 million a year, the U.S.-Cuba Trade and Economic Council said in a report Monday. Before the 1959 Cuban revolution, cruise ships regularly traveled from the U.S. to Cuba, with elegant Caribbean excursions departing from New York and $42 overnight weekend jaunts leaving twice a week from Miami, said California-based cruise ship historian Michael L. Grace. New York cruises featured dressy dinners, movies, dancing and betting on “horse races” in which stewards dragged wooden horses around a ballroom track according to rolls of dice that determined how many feet each could move per turn. Cruises dwindled in the years leading up to the revolution and ended entirely after Castro overthrew the U.S.-backed government. After Carter dropped limits on Cuba travel, 400 passengers, including musical legend Dizzy Gillespie sailed from New Orleans to Cuba on a 1977 “Jazz Cruise” aboard the MS Daphne. Like the Adonia, it sailed despite dockside demonstrations by Cuban exiles, and continued protests and bomb threats forced Carras Cruises to cancel additional sailings, Grace said. Cuba cut back on all cruise tourism in 2005 after Fidel Castro blasted cruise ships during a 4?hour speech on state television. “Floating hotels come, floating restaurants, floating theaters, floating diversions visit countries to leave their trash, their empty cans and papers for a few miserable cents,” Castro said. Today, the Cuban government sees cruises as an easy source of revenue that can bring thousands more American travelers without placing additional demand on the country’s maxed-out food supplies and overbooked hotels.
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For the week of May 4-10 May 4 1891—Dr. Daniel Hale Williams founds the Provident Hospital and Training Center in Chicago, Ill. It becomes a major training center for Black doctors and nurses. Williams is best known, however, for performing the nation’s first open heart surgery on July 9, 1893. He operated on a man injured in a knife fight. The man would live for another 20 years after the surgery. 1961—Thirteen Freedom Riders began bus trips through the South to test Southern compliance with a 1960 U.S. Supreme Court ruling outlawing segregation in interstate transportation facilities. They were soon joined by hundreds of other “Freedom Riders” of all ages and races. Despite the Court decision, dozens of Freedom Riders were arrested DANIEL HALE WILLIAMS as the South attempted to hang onto its segregationist ways. May 5 1905—Robert Sengstacke Abbot founds the Chicago Defender newspaper calling it “the world’s greatest weekly.” Indeed, he would build the Defender into the largest circulation and most influential Black newspaper of its day. The Defender, which became the most widely circulated Black newspaper in the country, came to be known as "America's Black Newspaper" and made Abbott one of the first self-made ROBERT SENGSTACKE ABBOT millionaires of African-American descent. In 1919, Illinois Gov. Frank Lowden appointed Abbott to the Race Relations Commission. Abbott died of Bright's disease in 1940 in Chicago, Ill. May 6 1787—Prince Hall organizes the nation’s first Black Masonic lodge in Boston, Mass.—African Lodge #459. Hall would go on to become the father of Black Masons in America and a major Black leader in the Northeast. 1812—Martin R. Delany, a pioneering Black nationalist, is born on this day in Charles Town, Va. Abraham PRINCE HALL Lincoln once described him as one of the most brilliant men he had ever met. Delany would fight in the Civil War to end slavery and become one of the nation’s first Black military officers. After the war he became a doctor. But over the years he became frustrated with American racism and began to advocate a return of Blacks to Africa. May 7 1800—On this date the founder of the settlement which would grow to become the city of Chicago, Jean Baptiste Pointe Du Sable, sold his property and left the settlement. The Haitian-born frontier trader and businessman had a history of building significant wealth, losing it and building it again. He would die 18 years later in St. Charles, Mo. MARTIN R. DELANY 1878—Black inventor, Joseph R. Winters, receives a patent for his designing of the fire escape ladder. 2010—A report on felony disenfranchisement laws begins to receive widespread publicity. The report was actually released on April 21 by the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund. It showed that 5.3 million Americans were being denied the right to vote because of past felony convictions. Disproportionately, those denied voting rights were African-American. In fact, the report revealed that 13 percent of Black males could not vote because of felony convictions. Historically, most voting disenfranchisement laws were enacted after the Civil War as a means to keep newly freed Blacks from voting. May 8 1858—The first play by an African-American writer is JEAN BAPTISTE POINTE DU SABLE published. The play was titled “The Escape” and the author was William Wells Brown. 1925—The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters was founded. It would become the leading Black-led trade union organization in America. In addition to introducing unionism to African-Americans, the ability to travel to cities throughout the country enabled the porters to become a major vehicle of communications for American Blacks. They distributed everything from letters to Black-oriented newspapers as they traveled the nation. The chief organizer was the legendary A. Phillip Randolph. May 9 1952—Boxer-turned-actor Canada Lee dies in New York City at the age of 45. Second only to the legendary Paul Robeson, Lee was the leading serious (non-comedic) Black actor of the 1940s. He gave impressive performances in AlA. PHILLIP RANDOLPH fred Hitchcock’s thriller “Lifeboat” (1944), the boxing classic “Body and Soul” (1947) and “Cry, The Beloved Country” (1951). However, like Robeson, Lee’s film career came to an end during the McCarthy Era when a host of Black and White stars, who were also social activists, were labeled communists and denied jobs. May 10 1837—P.B.S. Pinchback was born in Macon, Ga., CANADA LEE to a White plantation owner and a free Black woman. He became one of the leading Black politicians of the Reconstruction era, especially in Louisiana. After the Civil War, he became lieutenant governor of Louisiana and actually served as governor for 43 days. He was later elected to both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. He would also play a significant role in the establishment of Southern University and a major Black newspaper known as the Louisianan. 1994— After P.B.S. PINCHBACK being released from 27 years of imprisonment for his battles against the racist system of apartheid, Nelson Mandela is elected the first Black president of South Africa. His government focused on dismantling the legacy of apartheid through tackling institutionalised racism and fostering racial reconciliation. Politically an African nationalist and democratic socialist, he served as president of the African National NELSON MANDELA Congress (ANC) party from 1991-97.
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GUEST HOST—Larry Wilmore, guest host from Comedy Central, center, waves as he is introduced at the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner at the Washington Hilton, in Washington, Saturday, April 30, 2016. Major Garrett, left, of CBS News and Michelle Obama, right, watch. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Obama out: President closes out his run as comedian-in-chief
DROPPING THE MIC—The Commander-In-Chief proves once again he’s the best to ever do it. Critics praised President Barack Obama’s monologue at the 2016 White House Correspondents’ Dinner. (Screenshot/WhiteHouse.gov)
by Douglass K. Daniel Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON (AP)— President Barack Obama performed his brand of sharp-tongued comedy at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner for the last time—wrapping up with “Obama out” and dropping the mic while the crowd cheered. Obama’s performance Saturday night proved he hasn’t lost a step. “If this material works well, I’m going to use it at Goldman Sachs next year,” Obama quipped. “Earn me some serious Tubmans.” Obama drew plenty of laughs with his barbed remarks to a ballroom filled with journalists, politicians, and movie and television stars. It was his eighth appearance at the event and his last as president and he
kidded about the pains of being a lame duck. “Last week Prince George showed up to our meeting in his bathrobe,” Obama cracked. “That was a slap in the face.” The president waxed nostalgic at times. “Eight years ago I said it was time to change the tone of our politics. In hindsight, I clearly should have been more specific.” And he acknowledged that the years had taken their toll. “I’m gray, grizzled ... counting down the days to my death panel.” On the other hand, he pointed out that his approval ratings are up. “The last time I was this high,” he said, “I was trying to decide on my major.” When he said he couldn’t explain the rise in his popularity, two photographs of scowling presidential candidates ap-
peared on ballroom screens: Donald Trump and Ted Cruz. Obama took a few more swipes at the presidential race, noting that “next year at this time someone else will be standing here in this very spot, and it’s anyone’s guess who she will be.” After calling presidential candidate Bernie Sanders the bright new face of the Democratic Party, Obama contrasted the slogan “Feel the Bern” with one he said was rival Hillary Clinton’s: “Trudge Up the Hill.” Republicans took most of Obama’s humorous broadsides. “Guests were asked to check whether they wanted steak or fish,” he told the diners, “and instead a whole bunch of you wrote in Paul Ryan.” Obama said of the billionaire businessman and real estate mogul leading the
GOP race: “He has spent years meeting with leaders from around the world— Miss Sweden, Miss Argentina, Miss Azerbaijan.” He added: “And there’s one area where Donald’s experience could be invaluable, and that’s closing Guantanamo—because Trump knows a thing or two about running waterfront properties into the ground.” Turning serious, the president thanked the White House press corps and praised a free press. Obama took a few hits, too. Preceding his remarks was a tongue-in-cheek video tribute to his sevenplus years in office that contained highlights of his verbal gaffes as well as lighthearted moments. Comedian Larry Wilmore, the evening’s professional entertainment, began by saying, “It’s not easy to fol-
low the president.” Then he proved his point, offering a series of jokes about the president, different media organizations and various presidential candidates that often were racially tinged and drew a mixture of laughter and groans. “Welcome to Negro night,” Wilmore said, and added that Fox News had reported that “two thugs” disrupted an elegant dinner, also mixing in critiques of CNN’s viewership and MSNBC’s firing of Black anchors. Wilmore said the president is showing signs that his time in office has been hard on him. “You came in here looking like Denzel, now you’re going out looking like Grady from ‘Sanford and Son.’” As usual the Washington Hilton ballroom was a celebrity-spotters dream. Democratic presidential
candidate Bernie Sanders joined Vice President Joe Biden and other government officials taking a seat. Also on hand were Republican Party Chairman Reince Priebus, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Trump, a regular in recent years, was absent this time, but a son and daughter-inlaw, Donald Jr. and Vanessa Trump, were spotted on the red carpet. Among the film and television performers at the event were Oscar winners Helen Mirren and Jared Leto, “Breaking Bad” actor Bryan Cranston, “Independence Day” stars Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum, and actress Rachel McAdams. Proceeds from the dinner go toward journalism scholarships and reporting awards.
Black comedians react to Wilmore’s Correspondents’ Dinner jokes by Stacy M. Brown NNPA News Wire Contributing Writer
President Barack Obama dropped his microphone at the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner, acknowledging what everyone had already concluded: he slayed it! Larry Wilmore didn’t do so bad as host, either, at least depending upon who is doing the review and if you’re among those willing to dismiss his use of the Nword. But, leave it to comedians like George Wallace to really sum up the evening—in Wallace’s case, probably better than anyone else. “Please come to my 2:17am show at the Waffle House Correspondents’ Dinner,” Wallace wrote on Twitter, right after the event ended. “I’m getting from [Larry Wilmore] what I wanted and didn’t get from Chris Rock at the Oscars: Peak truth-telling…” said Erica Williams Simon, a comedian in her own right and a self-described recovering
D.C. political strategist and activist. Comedian Akilah Hughes had even more to say. “Someone come through with the ‘White Feelings about Larry Wilmore’ Bingo card,” Hughes tweeted as she followed the monologues and skits at the dinner. The comedian was even more impressed with Obama’s mic drop. “Literal mic drop from Mr. President #ObamaOut,” Hughes said. Chris Acuff took noted of those who were not laughing at Wilmore’s jokes. “D.C.-based journos, Republicans [and] everyone at CNN,” Acuff noted on his Twitter feed. However, Rev. Al Sharpton called Wilmore’s remark in which the comedian saluted Obama by using the term “My N—-a,” distasteful. “It was in bad taste,” Sharpton said. Comedian Dick Gregory also said Wilmore could have done without the obscene word. “I wouldn’t have done it,” Gregory said. Philip Lewis, an editorial fellow at the
Huffington Post, tweeted that pundits should “save your N-word, think pieces. We don’t want them.” Lewis then signed his tweet, “Sincerely, the Black community.” Brandon Patterson of Mother Jones, however, had a different take. “I wish White people were as offended by police brutality and mass incarceration as they are by black people using the Nword,” Patterson tweeted. By dropping the N-word on Obama, Wilmore broke the cardinal rule of cutting-edge humor – he wasn’t funny,” said Leonard Greene of the New York Daily News. However, Matt Wilstein wrote in “The Daily Beast” that, “Wilmore proved exactly why he was the perfect choice to host Obama’s final White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Even if the crowd of journalists in attendance didn’t seem to agree.” Wilstein continued: “More than ever before, the president was an impossible act to follow. Not only did Obama deliver a
slew of jokes at Donald Trump’s expense, but he also presented an elaborate ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’-style video that included an epic John Boehner cameo. Wilmore began by welcoming the guests in the house once again to the event, ‘or as Fox News will report, two thugs disrupt elegant dinner in D.C.’ He introduced himself as ‘a Black man who replaced a White man who pretended to be a TV newscaster,’ before adding, ‘so yeah, in that way Lester Holt and I have a lot in common,’ to groans from the crowd at Brian Williams’s expense.” He was even more harsh to CNN’s Wolf Blitzer, saying, ‘Hey, Wolf, I’m ready to project tonight’s winner: Anyone who isn’t watching ‘The Situation Room.’” Perhaps, no one else captured the historical sentiment of the evening better than former Attorney General Eric Holder after Obama finished his speech in grand style. “Dropped the mic!! Obama out. POTUS killed at WHCD. You’re going to miss my man America,” Holder wrote on Twitter. “Consequential—and funny. #POTUS2016”
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Pa. Primary election races went largely as predicted CONTINUED FROM A1
Almost as interesting was Jessica Wolfe’s showing against six-term incumbent state Rep. Jake Wheatley, D- Hill District, in the state house 19th district race. Running largely on the message that Wheatley has focused his efforts on the Hill to the detriment of the rest of the district, the Beltzhoover social worker garnered nearly 4,000 votes, 38 percent of the ballots cast. That is more than twice as many votes as former Pittsburgh School Board Director Mark Brentley Sr. received in 2014, who similarly ran a General Election campaign saying Wheatley concentrated on the Hill District and ignored the North Side. Sure, Wheatley crushed Wolfe by more than 2,400 votes, but she was a novice, a White female running her first campaign against an established candidate in a historically Black district. Out of a total of 10,405 votes cast, Wolfe lost with 3,988 to Wheatley’s 6,417. In 2014, out of a total of 10,855 votes cast, Wheatley won 9,404. So, while there was only a drop of 400 total votes cast, Wheatley got 3,000 fewer of them. Wolfe thanked her supporters via Facebook, almost immediately after
SUPPORTERS—State Rep. Jake Wheatley, center, with supporters celebrate primary victory. (Photo by J. L. Martello) the polls closed April 26, noting this is only the beginning. She told the New Pittsburgh Courier she enjoyed the entire process—except for the out-
come. “For a first-time candidate to get that many votes is something to be proud of. I got a lot of support from the Hilltop com-
munities, but also a good amount from Downtown and some in the North Side,” she said. “I’m not looking two years ahead but I’m already a public
servant as a social worker, but I think making sure our elected officials work for the benefit of the whole community will be a bigger part of it. I’m not ruling
out a run in two years, though. It was fun.” Fun wasn’t how Wheatley, described it. It was one of his closest races since he defeated long-time Rep. Bill Robinson in 2002. The numbers, he said were typical. “In primaries I usually get around 60 percent—against Tonya Payne, when she had the endorsement and Deidra Washington in 2008— so what (Wolfe) did isn’t as big a deal as some make it out,” he said. “This was the same tough race I always face.” Wheatley said the changing demographics of the district made a difference and will going forward, but that just means he has to better communicate his successes. “The district crosses all three rivers, reaches from Fineview to Hazelwood, has a lot of new residents in Downtown. What was a predominantly Black district, is now about 50-50,” he said. “So, we had a White woman as an opponent, with Hillary and Katy McGinty at the top of the ticket, an anti-incumbent feel, and the demographics—and we still got the same 60-something percent. It was the same work—just different. And we still have plenty of work to do.”
Hundreds ‘Stand Against Racism’ at YWCA rally CONTINUED FROM A1
she said. “We have more participants this year than ever in Pittsburgh, a lot of that is thanks to Chaz (Kellum, senior director, Advocacy for Race & Gender Equity).” That tangible participation was seen the following day outside the YW’s headquarters on Wood Street as more than 200 individuals literally took a Stand Against Racism. “I’m very pleased with the turnout,” said Kellum. “It’s remarkable to have so many educational institutes, community groups, volunteers and friends of the YW come together to support such an amazing cause.” One of those friends was Eddie Graham, shift manager at Einstein Bros. Bagels down the street. He said he and several of the employees would be there over the course of the three-hour Stand. “It’s an important issue. It’s never stopped,” he said. “And it makes it hard trying to get ahead—especially in Pennsylvania.” Melvin Hubbard El, district office chief of staff for state Rep. Ed Gainey, D- East Liberty, said people come into the office all the time with discrimination complaints that they work to resolve. LEANDING THEIR SUPPORT—Magdeline Jensen and Melvin Hubbard El “It’s important to stand as humans, as a nation, in stand with hundreds of people standing along Wood Street downtown to any way we can to bring the community together in show that they stand against racism. (Photos by J.L. Martello) harmony,” he said. “This does.”
BACK TELLS IT ALL—On the backs of everyone’ shirts is the hash tag “#standagainstracsim” and their twitter handle “@ywcapgh”
29 of 36 homicides Black lives…Surveillance video may help reduce homicides CONTINUED FROM A1
later. On April 20, Police arrested Andre BranchSamuels for the killing after tracking him and his vehicle on surveillance video through several neighborhoods. He is in the Allegheny County Jail awaiting a preliminary hearing scheduled for May 4. April 6—Brandon Nguyen, a 29-year-old Asian male, was sitting in his car in front of his home on Shadeland Avenue on Pittsburgh’s North Side when another car pulled up and a tall, thin Black male got out and shot Nguyen multiple times before speeding away. Nguyen was pronounced dead at the scene. No arrest has been made. The investigation is ongoing. April 14—Terence Jackson, a 27-year-old Black male, was shot multiple times inside Red’s Bar on E. Warrington Avenue in Pittsburgh’s Beltzhoover neighborhood. He was taken to UPMC Mercy in critical condition and died about two hours later. Another man who was wounded in the leg during the incident said the shooting started after a scuffle. As yet, police have released no description of the shooter. The investigation is ongoing. April 15—Derek Schindler, a 30-year-old White male, was fatally shot by Joshua Huber following marijuana and alcohol-fueled argument in Huber’s Etna apartment. Huber’s upstairs neighbor heard the shots and held him at gunpoint with his shotgun until police arrived. Huber is being held
in the Allegheny County Jail pending a preliminary hearing. April 15—Melissa Zuk, a 22-year-old White female, was fatally shot by Joshua Huber following marijuana and alcohol-fueled argument in Huber’s Etna apartment. Huber’s upstairs neighbor heard the shots and held him at gunpoint with his shotgun until police arrived. Huber is being held in the Allegheny County Jail pending a preliminary hearing. April 26—Aaron Govostes, a 42-year-old Black male, was shot three times in the doorway of his South Oakland home after opening his front door to intruders. His mother and two children were unharmed. Police found marijuana and cash in the house but did not reveal a motive. Govostes was pronounced dead at the scene. His mother described the intruders only as three Black males. As yet, police have no suspects. The investigation is ongoing. March Homicides (10) March 1—Tyrell Jones, a 20-yrold Black man, was discovered by police shot multiple times near a Homestead playground. No arrest has been made. The investigation is ongoing. March 5—Michael Watson, a 52year-old Black Male, was discovered by police fatally wounded in the 600 block of Chataqua Street on Pittsburgh’s North Side. He was taken to Allegheny General Hospital where he died shortly afterward. No suspects have been arrested. The investigation is ongoing. March 9—Tina Shelton, 37, Shada Mahone, 26, Chanetta Powell, 25, Brittany Powell, 27, all Black females, Baby Boy Powell, 8 months, and Jerry Shelton, a 35-year-old Black male were all executed by a pair of gunmen at a during a cookout in
Wilkinsburg. Despite District Attorney Steven A Zappala saying police had good leads on the shooters, no arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing. March 12—Derek Price, a 26-yearold Black male was shot multiple times at the Monview Heights housing complex in West Mifflin and later died at the hospital. Hours later police arrested 22-year-old Zyaire James of Clairton and charged him with homicide. He is in the Allegheny County Jail awaiting trial. March 13—Taevon Harris, a 15year-old Black male was fatally shot by 19-yea-old Ryzel Barret after the two argued outside Mr. Barrett’s house in Homestead. Police said Barrett then went into the house, argued with his father, shot and wounded him shooting himself. March 14—Walli Hardy, a 23-yearold Black male, was found shot to death in a neighbor’s kitchen in Homewood. No suspects have been arrested. The investigation is ongoing. March 23—Linda Katilius, a 63year-old White female, was strangled to death by her 60-year-old husband Richard, who confessed to the crime. He is in the Allegheny County Jail awaiting trial. March 24—Saevon Ponder, a 21year-old Black male, was fatally shot and dumped in Beltzhoover after being kidnapped over what police said was a drug debt. Mitchell Coles has been arrested and charged with the shooting, kidnapping and other charges. He is in the Allegheny County Jail awaiting trial. March 25—Tarvus Gainer, a 28year-old Black male, was found fatally shot on Montier Street in Wilkinsburg. No arrests have been made. The investigation continues. March 27—Glenn Fischer, a 49year-old White male, was discovered strangled after a disturbance in a neighbor’s home. No charges have yet been filed. February Homicides (4) FEB. 3—Reginald Franklin, a 27year-old Black male from Homewood, was fatally shot while exiting a store in the 7200 block of Frankstown Avenue in Homewood. He was taken to UPMC Presbyterian where he later died. No one has been charged; the investigation is ongoing. On the list-
ing provided by the Allegheny County Office of the Medical Examiner, Franklin is identified as Reginald Frankin. Feb. 15—Calvin Turner, 56, Gerald Johnson, 68, and Darlyn Vance, 73, all Black males died of smoke inhalation and burns after the North Lang Street house where they lived in Homewood was set on fire. Latoya Lyerly, 42, who also lived there confessed to the arson. She is in the Allegheny County Jail. FEB. 15—Keith Woodard, a 19year-old Black male from North Side, was found with multiple gunshot wounds in the 100 block of Waldorf Street in the North Side. He was taken to Allegheny General Hospital where he later died. No one has been charged; the investigation is ongoing. FEB. 15—Amelia Roman, a 96year-old White female from North Braddock, was found dead in her North Braddock home, in the 700 block of Jones Avenue, by individuals conducting a welfare check. It has been reported that she had a heart attack during a home invasion in which she was left bound and gagged. No one has been charged; the investigation is ongoing. FEB. 17—Madeline Bernard, a 65year-old Black female from Brighton Heights, was found stabbed to death in her home on Verner Court in Brighton Heights. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Madeline Bernard was reportedly stabbed during a domestic altercation with her daughter, Sommer Bernard, who has been charged with criminal homicide. January Homicides JAN. 10—Damion Graham, a 39year-old Black male from the North Side, was fatally shot during a domestic altercation at a home on Forest Avenue in Bellevue. He was pronounced dead at the scene. No one has been charged; the investigation is ongoing. JAN. 10—Chauncey Howard, a 25year-old Black male from the North Side, was found fatally shot inside of a vehicle that had crashed into a pole in the 3100 block of Universal Street in Sheraden. He was found by officers who were responding to a call of shots fired in the 3200 block. Howard was pronounced dead at the scene. Tremond Allston and Charles Williams have been charged with
criminal homicide, criminal conspiracy, carrying a firearm without a license and more. JAN. 15—Martell Benton-Bridgett, an 18-year-old Black male from McKees Rocks, was found at the Holiday Inn Express, in the 800 block of Greentree Road, in Greentree, with multiple gunshot wounds. He was taken to a local hospital where he later died. It has been reported that he had been at a party at the hotel when he was shot. No one had been charged; the investigation is ongoing. JAN. 19—Shawn Cavender, a 39year-old Black male from Pittsburgh, was found with multiple gunshot wounds to his lower extremities in a home in the 100 block of Southern Avenue in Mt. Washington. He was taken to UPMC Mercy Hospital where he later died. Reportedly, he had gotten into an argument with another male who fled the scene. No one has been charged; the investigation is ongoing. JAN. 19—Raymond O’Neal, a 17year-old Black male from Penn Hills, was shot and killed at a home in the 8900 block of Upland Terrace in Penn Hills. It is believed that there was a confrontation and O’Neal was shot. No one has been charged; the investigation is ongoing. JAN. 20—Dante Dawkins, a 29year-old Black male from Clairton, was shot to death in the 400 block of Windgap Avenue, in Windgap Industrial Park, which is in the Windgap/Esplen area. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Divine Barrett was also found dead at the scene; one was found in a nearby vehicle and the other was lying in the street. No one has been charged; the investigation is ongoing. (The Office of the Medical Examiner of Allegheny County has Dawkins’ age listed as 39, but other reports and an obituary list him as 29.) JAN. 20—Divine Barrett, a 24year-old Black male from New Jersey, was shot to death in the 400 block of Windgap Avenue, in Windgap Industrial Park, which is in the Windgap/Esplen area. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Dante Dawkins was also found dead at the scene; one was found in a nearby vehicle and the other was lying in the street. No one has been charged; the investigation is ongo-
ing. JAN. 21—Bronson Waite, a 23year-old White male from Brighton Heights, was found shot to death in the torso at a residence in the 3900 block of Vinceton Street in Perry North. He was pronounced dead at the scene. It has been reported that a robbery and the shooting may have taken place the previous day. Daron Clark has been charged with criminal homicide, burglary, robbery, criminal conspiracy, receiving stolen property and possession of a firearm with an altered manufacture number. JAN. 22—Janese Jackson Talton, a 29-year-old Black female from Penn Hills, was found fatally shot outside of Cliff’s Bar, located at North Lang Avenue in Homewood, by officers who were responding to a ShotSpotter notification. She was pronounced dead at the scene. According to reports, Talton was allegedly shot by Charles McKinney after rejecting his advances. McKinney is charged with criminal homicide, aggravated assault, carrying a firearm without a license, fleeing or attempting to elude police, possession with intent to deliver, recklessly endangering another person and reckless driving. JAN. 30—Eric Johnson, a 24-yearold Black male from McKeesport, was fatally shot in the area of Fern Alley, in McKeesport, while sitting in a vehicle with another male. Johnson died at the scene; the other male was taken to a local hospital. No one has been charged; the investigation is ongoing. JAN. 31—Bruce Kelley Jr., a 37year-old Black male from Pittsburgh, was shot and killed by Port Authority Police after an altercation. According to reports, Kelley and his father were found drinking alcohol at a Wilkinsburg shelter near the East Busway when officers initially encountered them. An altercation broke out and the two got away. After finding the two again and Kelley allegedly refusing orders to put down a knife, officers Tased him. When that did not work, they released their K-9, Aren, and Kelley stabbed him. Officers then shot and killed Kelley. He died of multiple gunshot wounds to the trunk and extremities. Aren also died. The investigation is ongoing. (Ulish Carter contributed to this article.)
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Community Calendar Workforce Experience Program THROUGH JUNE 30—The Urban League of Pittsburgh’s Work Experience program has 38 out-of-school youth, ages 16 to 24, available for five hours per week on either a Thursday or Friday for four / six weeks through June 30. The Urban League pays and provides supervision to the participants. Parties interested in taking on any of these young people may contact Director of Housing Richard Morris at 412-227-4163 to schedule interviews.
Application period THROUGH MAY 9— Pittsburgh and Allegheny County youths seeking summer jobs may begin applying for the region’s second “Summer of Learn and Earn” program. Allegheny County, the City of Pittsburgh and the Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board have, once again, joined together to match 2,000 youths aged 14 to 21 with summer jobs that position them for later careers. The application period ends May 9. The work period begins on June 27th and runs through August 5th, 2016. Interested youth may complete the online application at http://www.jobs4summer.org/
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opportunity to demonstrate to communities the extraordinary things that young adults are doing and aren’t being recognized for, and to demonstrate to society that these young individuals that are being recognized for their commitment and for their passion, are dispelling the myth that African Americans and people of color lack motivation, and are involved with negative activities,” said Young, Gifted and Black Program CEO and Founder Arzella Stewart McCauley. “But in fact, they are passionate and are driven to be successful and overcome any personal disparities in their lives.” The 2016 honorees were Mycah Cheyenne Clemons, Benjamin Earl Ezell, Tamala Elizabeth Jackson, Chaz Kellem, Ebony Lewis, K. Chase Patterson, Shamarko Thomas and Lisa Washington. The ceremony, emceed by WTAE-TV’s Weekend Morning Anchor Bofta Yimam, included vocal en-
H. RICHARD MILNER Guest Speaker legheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Monroeville Mayor Gregory H. Erosenko, and the unique stories of the honorees were the highlight of the after-
well. “It’s an amazing opportunity to honor my daughter’s journey and her foundation, and to be recognized for something I really work
MAY 5— Shadyside Academy Middle School will host an admissions open house at its Middle school, 500 Squaw Run Road East in Fox Chapel. Prospective parents can tour the campus and meet the school head, faculty and program directors. Admission directors will be available to answer questions regarding the admissions process and financial aid. Reservations for open houses are encouraged but not required. For more information, call 412-968-3155.
Leadership Awards Gala
Human Rights Award Banquet MAY 6—The NAACP Washington Branch will host its Human Rights Award Banquet at the DoubleTree by Hilton at the Meadowlands, reception at 6 p.m., Dinner at 7 p.m. Joe Madison, the “Black Eagle” will deliver the keynote address. Traci McDonald-Kemp will receive the Human Rights Award and Helen Dates will receive the Branch Service Award. For more information, call 724-222-7820.
62nd Annual Human Rights Dinner MAY 7—The NAACP Pittsburgh Branch will host its Human Rights Dinner at the Westin Convention Center Hotel Downtown. The Keynote Speaker will be former Ohio state Sen. Nina Turner, whose theme will be “The times are changing: So should we.” Tickets for the event are $100. For more information contact the NAACP Pittsburgh Branch at 412-471-1024.
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Region’s young, gifted and Black celebrated
Admissions Open House
MAY 6—Three Rivers Youth presents the 2016 Nellie Leadership Awards Gala to aid the neediest youth and families at 5:30pm at the Twentieth Century Club in Oakland. The event, hosted by Charlie and Latasha Batch, honors Sylvia Fields, executive director of the Eden-Hall Foundation; Kathy Humphrey, senior vice chancellor for Engagement and chief of staff at the University of Pittsburgh, and U.S. Army veteran Katie “Peachie” Wimbush-Polk for their leadership as mothers who make a difference in Western Pennsylvania. Tickets to the black-tie preferred event may be purchased online at the Three Rivers Youth website for $150 per person. For more information, call 412-736-9532 or visit hillr012@gmail.com
MAY 4-10, 2016
METRO
CELEBRATING BLACK YOUTH—Many gathering at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Monroeville to celebrate young accomplished African Americans at the 2016 Young, Gifted and Black Awards luncheon held April 16. (Photos by J. L. Martello) tertainment by Jocelyn Scott, a heartfelt reflection and occasion from past honorees, a scrumptious lunch, and many, many door prizes. Aliquippa Mayor Dwan Walker, a past Young, Gifted and Black honoree, said that this is one event he feels he must support each year and is honored that he gets to do so. “It’s important for us to recognize the contributions of young people and for them to recognize we appreciate what they do. They’ll remember the times like these and I want to be a part of that; and so that they know during their darkest moments, ‘hey somebody loved me enough, somebody cared about me enough to honor me,’” he said. “This award ceremony isn’t just about an award; it’s about somebody saying, ‘look, you can do this.’” Walker went one to say that this recognition event gives him hope and is an event that tomorrow’s youth can see and say, “if they can do it, I can too.” While the presentation of the awards, which were given by the Young, Gifted and Black Education Consultant Dr. Crystal GunnTucker and included special proclamations from Al-
noon, it was the keynote speech by Dr. H. Richard Milner IV that left everyone motivated and spirituallyfilled. Milner, the director of the Center for Urban Education at the University of Pittsburgh and a published author, spoke on the theme, “Start where you are, but don’t stay there.” He challenged the honorees to “use this day as an anchor to prepare you for the work that’s ahead” and gave those in attendance three pieces of advice to live by: Know your identity and live on purpose; Don’t let your labels limit you; and Pay your blessings, gifts and talents forward. Awardee Clemons said she was honored to be receiving the award. She was recognized for her work as the head of Maiy’s Miracle, a nonprofit organization founded in honor of her late daughter, Maiyanna Marie Antoinette Clemons-McCarthy, and that raises awareness and funds for the fight against Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, the rare pediatric brain cancer that took her daughter on this event’s date, two years ago. The award was not only a celebration of her accomplishments, but of her young daughter’s life as
REBUILDING TOGETHER PITTSBURGH—Volunteers, founders and organizers join Rocky Bleier in helping renovate Homewood resident Charles Adams’ house on Tioga Street, April 30. See story on page one.
BOFTA YIMAM Mistress of Ceremonies hard at,” said Clemons. “And to be a part of a unique, young group of Black people who are doing things nationwide.”
The Young, Gifted and Black Program is currently working on its next event which will take place later this year.
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MAY 4-10, 2016
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
OPINION
Guest Editorial
Congratulations to state primary election winners There were both a few surprises and some expected results in the Pennsylvania primary on April 26. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton easily won the state’s Democratic presidential primary as expected. On the Republican side, businessman Donald J. Trump handily won the party’s presidential primary also as expected. He has 994 delegates — almost twice the number of his closest rival, Ted Cruz — in collecting the 1,237 needed for the GOP nomination. The strong showing by Clinton and Trump added fuel to speculation that they will become their respective party’s nominee and face each other in the general election in November. We wish to congratulate Clinton and Trump, but they should not see their victories on Tuesday as a sign that most Americans are happy with them as their presidential choices. Polls show that both Clinton and Trump have to overcome negative perceptions by voters. Fifty-five percent of Americans say they have a negative opinion of Clinton in the latest Associated Press-GfK poll released in April. Trump doesn’t fare any better, as 69 percent of American say they have a negative opinion of him. The negative opinions for Clinton and Trump are a harbinger of a general election contest that could shape up to be less about voters supporting the respective candidate, and more about them picking the lesser of two evils. After losses to Clinton in Tuesday’s primaries in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware and Connecticut, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont told The Associated Press that he would now seek as many delegates as possible to “fight for a progressive party platform,” acknowledging he had only a “very narrow path” to the nomination. He has chalked up 1,318 delegates vs 2,165 for Clinton in securing the 2,383 delegates to win the nomination outright. “Every person in this country should have the right to vote for whom they want to see as president of the United States, and what they want to see the agenda, Democratic agenda, look like,” Sanders told The AP. Sanders should continue his campaign to help shape the Democratic Party platform and Clinton’s policy agenda. His movement to address income inequality, criminal justice reform and other issues should continue. Former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, a Clinton supporter, said Sanders had every right to compete until the end of the primaries as Clinton did in 2008 when she faced Barack Obama. In the U.S. Senate race, former government official Katie McGinty easily beat Joe Sestak in the Democratic primary, benefiting from an infusion of cash from national Democratic groups and backing from Vice President Joe Biden and President Obama. The Democratic Party establishment scored a major victory and now has the candidate it wants to take on Republican Pat Toomey. The incumbent is seen as one of the most vulnerable Senate Republicans as Democrats aim for the four or five seats they need to regain the majority status they lost two years ago. In the 2nd Congressional District, state Rep. Dwight Evans should be congratulated for defeating incumbent Congressman Chaka Fattah and two other Democratic opponents. In November, Evans will face Republican James Jones. Despite his considerable accomplishments in Congress, the cloud of a 29-count federal indictment and limited campaign funds hurt Fattah’s effort at an 11th term in the U.S. House. To his credit, Evans ran an issue-oriented campaign against Fattah. In the state’s attorney general primary races, Montgomery County Commissioner Josh Shapiro’s reformist message carried him to victory among the Democrats. Shapiro has the management and legislative experience as well as the intelligence and integrity needed to reform the Attorney General’s Office, which is now in turmoil under the current head, Kathleen Kane. His GOP opponent will be state Sen. John Rafferty Jr. The Tribune wishes to congratulate all the winners in the Pennsylvania primary and hope they all prove to be worthy of the trust given to them by the voters. (Reprinted from the Philadelphia Tribune)
Pittsburgh Courier NEW
Founded 1910
Rod Doss
Editor & Publisher Stephan A. Broadus Assistant to the Publisher
Allison Palm
Eric Gaines
Office Manager
Advertising Manager
Ulish Carter
Jeff Marion
Managing Editor
Circulation Consultant
John H. Sengstacke Editor & Publisher Emeritus (1912-1997)
Bernie for vice president The Pennsylvania Primary has come and gone with Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump pretty much sewing up their nominations on both the Republican and Democratic side winning handily so the only thing left now is who the Vice Presidential selections will be. On the Republican side Trump had a clean sweep winning all five states including Pennsylvania, handily, and Clinton won four of the five states. The breakdown on the Democratic side was: Pennsylvania; Clinton 56 percent to Sanders, 44; Maryland, Clinton 63 to Sanders 33; Rhode Island, Sanders 55 to Clinton 43; Delaware, Clinton 60 to Sanders 39; and Connecticut, Clinton 52 to Sanders 46. The breakdown on the Republican side was: Pennsylvania: Trump 57, Cruz 22, Kasich 19; Maryland: Trump 54, Cruz 19; Kasich, 23; Rhode Island: Trump 64, Cruz 10, Kasich 24; Delaware: Trump 61, Cruz 20, Kasich 16; Connecticut: Trump 58, Cruz 12, Kasich 28. Which basically says that Clinton and Trump are the presidential nominees like it or not. The people have spoken. Yes…I know there’s a bunch of other states still left but they are the gravy. Way back when there were 15 GOP candidates the Media and so-called political experts kept saying that Trump had a solid 38 percent of the votes but as people dropped out their votes would go to every other candidate left accept Trump. I always wondered and still wonder where in the world they got this? I’m talking about people with some of the top newspapers, television networks, radio talk shows, and magazines throughout this country. They are supposed to know everything. I thought this kind of thinking was crazy, but who am I? Common sense would say that Trump was going to get his share of the voters of these
Ulish Carter
Just Sayin’
than Democrats. Contrary to popular beliefs, and Media reports, the general public who vote Republican are very hot on Trump, and they are getting out the vote. And if the Dems set back and listen to the media that keep saying Trump can’t win a general election without Blacks, Latinos, and Women, will be in total shock as President Donald Trump is being sworn in. So if we don’t want President Donald Trump we had better get out and vote as well as getting out the vote because the Republicans are sick and tired of the “Do Nothing Congress” we have now and they are about doing something about it. And that doesn’t mean voting Democrat. The U.S. Senate race in Pennsylvania was also interesting. Katie McGinty beat out Joe Sestak in a very close race. With the endorsements of President Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, and U.S. Senator Bob Casey, she was able to pull ahead of Sestak collecting 42 percent of the votes to his 32 percent. Braddock Mayor John Fetterman picked up a surprising 20 percent of the votes. Many feel Sestak is being punished for running against Sen. Arlen Specter in 2010 and then losing to Pat Toomey. Most believe that Specter would have beaten Toomey. Hopefully McGinty can defeat Toomey in an effort to win the U.S. Senate back for the Democrats. She would be Pennsylvania’s first female U.S. Senator. It looks like Chris Christy, New Jersey governor, is the leading candidate for Vice President on the Republican side. Why is Cruz still in the race? … A Shout Out goes out to Jay Donaldson, founder of P.R.O.M.I.S.E., an antiviolence organization on the North Side and its efforts to stop the street violence throughout the Pittsburgh community. Continue the good work.
failed candidates and as he won more and more states more people were going to jump on his bandwagon. And they have. He killed in these five states getting more votes than Cruz and Kasich combined. Look at these numbers again, 57, 54, 64, 58 and 61 percent. He would have to fall flat on his face in the remaining states to lose the nomination. His numbers are going to be very similar, if not better in the remaining states. Why Cruz and Kasich remain in the race is a mystery to me. Now the Democratic race is a different story. Bernie is in the race to make sure that his ideals and views are part of the Democratic platform. Free and better healthcare for all, free and better education for all, and pulling the big money out of politics. Right now the billionaires own our elected officials on both sides of the aisles. And apparently there’s a large portion of the population on the Democratic side who believe he’s right because he has consistently collected around 40 percent of the vote vs. Hillary. This will probably be his numbers for the remainder of the race until the Democrats meet in Philly to select a presidential candidate. That person will be Hillary Clinton, but hopefully the Vice President will be Bernie Sanders. I think this would bring out more young voters for Bernie as well as the older voters for Hillary. The Dems are going to need a big turnout to beat Trump because most of the polls, and reports showed a (Ulish Carter is the managing editor of the higher turnout among Republicans New Pittsburgh Courier.)
Black liberals are hypocrites when it comes to the N-word (NNPA)—Once again, two nights ago, liberal hypocrisy was on full display at the White House Correspondents’ Association’s annual dinner. The dinner was begun in the early 1920s and usually the incumbent president and vice president of the United States attend. It is supposed to be a time of merriment and humor; but over time, it has become more and more of a liberal lovefest for the journalistic community in Washington, D.C. Members of this group brag about their supposed storied history, but as is habit with liberal journalists, they only tell you what they want you to know. The first thing one should do is take special note of is the first word in its name. I rest my case. What’s not included in their own historical narrative is the fact that they didn’t allow women to join until 1962. WHCA leaders were forced to change that policy figuratively at gunpoint. In 1962, iconic journalist, Helen Thomas urged President Kennedy not to attend the dinner unless the WHCA changed their policy on female membership in the organization. They agreed and Kennedy attended the event. The other thing the WHCA won’t tell you is that in their more than one century of existence, they have never had a Black journalist to head the group and have only had one Black on their board (April Ryan, White House correspondent and Washington bureau chief for American Urban Radio Networks). In recent years, WHCA has begun to hire noted comedians to provide the entertainment for their dinner. They have hired comedians like Sinbad, Jay Leno, Jon Stewart, and Al Franken, to name a few. For this year’s dinner, they hired comedian Larry Wilmore (who is Black), the host of “The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore” on Comedy Central. Wilmore was an unmitigated disaster. But what was even more disastrous than Wilmore’s performance was the deafening silence from liberals to his act. You can view his unedited performance on C-SPAN’s website. His ending was what got everyone’s attention and not in a good way. Speaking directly to President Barack Obama, Wilmore said, “But behind that joke is the humble appreciation for the historical implications for what your presidency means. When I was a kid, I lived in a country where people couldn’t accept a Black quarterback. Now think about that. A Black man was thought by his mere color not good enough to lead a football team. And now to live in your time, Mr. President, when a Black man can lead
Raynard Jackson
Commentary the entire free world. Words alone do me no justice. So, Mr. President, if I’m going to keep it 100, Yo, Barry, you did it, my nigga!” Obama grinned from ear to ear and gave Wilmore a bear hug. If a White comedian, especially a conservative one, had called the first Black president “my nigga” he would have been immediately excoriated and rightfully so. When Trump questioned Obama’s birth certificate, the media gave the issue wall to wall coverage. The Democratic National Committee , the Congressional Black Caucus, the NAACP, the Urban League, Al Sharpton, Joy Reed, Melissa Perry, etc. all demanded every Republican official to immediately “repudiate” Trump; and if they didn’t, these liberal groups and individuals implied that these Republicans somehow agreed with Trump’s position. I find it totally hypocritical now that these same liberal groups and individuals have all come down with a severe case of laryngitis. As of this printing, the WHCA has not issued so much as an apology to the president or the American people for the total and incomprehensible disrespect Wilmore showed towards our first elected Black president. What have we, in the Black community done, to create an environment where a person, let alone a Black person, feels comfortable calling the president of the United States “my nigga?”
If we can’t condemn a Black for using this insidious word, how can we justify criticizing others for doing the same thing? How can we criticize Jennifer Lopez or the Quentin Tarantino, the director of the cult classic “Pulp Fiction” and “Django Unchained” for using it? How can we criticize former West Virginia Senator Robert Byrd for using it on the senate floor or during an interview with “60 Minutes?” Instead of Obama nervously laughing at Wilmore’s description of him, he should have immediately taken to the microphone and denounced Wilmore on the spot. So, to all my liberal media friends, especially the Black ones, the next time Trump makes a statement you disagree with, I don’t want to hear your moralizing lectures about racism and civility. The next time a Republican official makes a stupid, racially-charged comment about Obama (and they will), I hope those same liberal members of the media will also get a sudden case of laryngitis like you did over the Wilmore foolishness. I know why Republicans are silent on this issue—they have absolutely no credibility within the Black community. But liberals “claim” to love Black folks, but yet they can’t muster enough courage to take a principled stand and denounce Wilmore’s performance. What a shame this moment has found them totally unprepared for the moment that could have been their finest hour (Jackson out, **drops mic**). (Raynard Jackson is founder and chairman of Black Americans for a Better Future, a federally registered 527 Super PAC established to get more Blacks involved in the Republican Party. BAFBF focuses on the Black entrepreneur. For more information about BAFBF, visit www.bafbf.org.)
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Alleged Black leaders, Washington, D.C.’s Judas goats, any difference? version of ‘Saturday Night Live’ (GEORGE CURRY MEDIA)—Last Saturday, President Obama attended his eighth and final White House Correspondents Dinner as president. Below are my favorite Obama zingers from the night: I do apologize—I know I was a little late tonight. I was running on C.P.T.—(laughter)— which stands for “jokes that White people should not make.” (Laughter and applause.) My eighth and final appearance at this unique event. (Laughter.) And I am excited. If this material works well, I’m going to use it at Goldman Sachs next year. (Laughter and applause.) Earn me some serious Tubmans. Next year at this time, someone else will be standing here in this very spot, and it’s anyone’s guess who she will be. But the prospect of leaving the White House is a mixed bag. You might have heard that someone jumped the White House fence last week, but I have to give Secret Service credit— they found Michelle, brought her back, she’s safe back at home now. I love Joe Biden, I really do. And I want to thank him for his friendship, for his counsel, for always giving it to me straight, for not shooting anybody in the face. (Laughter.) We’ve got the bright new face of the Democratic Party here tonight—Mr. Bernie Sanders! (Applause.) There he is—Bernie! (Applause.) Bernie, you look like a million bucks. (Laughter.) Or to put it in terms you’ll understand, you look like 37,000 donations of 27 dollars each. And then there’s Ted Cruz. Ted had a tough week. He went to Indiana—Hoosier country—stood on a basketball court, and called the hoop a “basketball ring.” (Laughter and
George E. Curry
Commentary applause.) What else is in his lexicon? Baseball sticks? Football hats? (Laughter.) But sure, I’m the foreign one. (Laughter and applause.) The Republican establishment is incredulous that he is their most likely nominee—incredulous, shocking. They say Donald lacks the foreign policy experience to be president. But, in fairness, he has spent years meeting with leaders from around the world: Miss Sweden, Miss Argentina, Miss Azerbaijan. (Laughter and applause.) Comedian Larry Wilmore gave a mixed performance at the White House Correspondent Dinner and was justifiably criticized for closing his stand-up routine with, “So, Mr. President, if I’m going to keep it 100: Yo, Barry, you did it, my n—-ger. You did it.” The n-word is one of the most obnoxious words in the English language and should never be used—period. And it definitely should not be used when addressing the nation’s first Black president in public or in private. Many of Wilmore’s jokes simply were not funny. But he did manage to land quite a few on target: Well, welcome to “Negro Night” here at the Washington Hilton, or as Fox News will report, “Two thugs disrupt elegant dinner in D.C.” And not to throw any shade, but Fox News is the highest-rated cable news channel among viewers who have no idea what “shade” means. I think Fox News secretly likes Beyoncé, though. They just renamed “The Kelly File,” “Becky with the good hair.” MSNBC—MSNBC here tonight? No? Which actually now stands for “Missing a Significant Number of Black Correspondents.” Am I wrong? They like fired Melissa Harris-Perry, they canceled Joy Reid, they booted Touré. I heard they put Chris Hayes on probation because they thought he was related to Isaac Hayes. That’s wrong. You know, I should say some of America’s finest Black journalists are here tonight. Don Lemon’s here, too. But to say a little bit about me, so, I am a Black man who replaced a White man who pretended to be a TV newscaster. So, yeah, in that way Lester Holt and I have a lot in common. President’s hair is so white it keeps saying “all lives matter.” All I’m saying is that in less than eight years, Mr. President, you’ve busted two time-honored stereotypes. Black does crack, and apparently once you go black, it looks like we are going back. Thanks, Ben Carson. Lots of big news this year, the Treasury promised to put Harriet Tubman’s face on the $10 bill, but now we have to wait until 2030 for the $20 bill. Yeah. Man, women haven’t been this deceived by a bill since Cosby [groans]. Donald Trump said that if Hillary Clinton were a man, he didn’t think she’d get 5 percent of the vote. Okay, alright, alright. First of all, if Hillary Clinton were suddenly a man, her biggest problem would be finding a bathroom she’d be allowed to use in North Carolina. And I can’t understand why everyone treats Donald Trump with kid gloves. And then I realized they’re the only gloves that’ll fit his stupid, little baby hands. And this is your last year in office, right, so now your legacy begins. So I wanna talk about what you’re leaving behind, and I don’t mean the Black Jesus in the Lincoln bedroom...No, I’m just saying, make sure you take all of your culturally specific items with you so you can get your security deposit back, Mr. President. (George E. Curry is President and CEO of George Curry Media, LLC. He is the former editor-in-chief of Emerge magazine and the NNPA. He can be reached through his Web site, georgecurry.com.)
MAY 4-10, 2016
FORUM
Leaders come ing factor in categories Louis ‘Hop’ Kendrick that drives a elected, apBlack leader p o i n t e d , is a deep anointed, self inner sense anointed, proof commitfessional, perment. sons that are As I am anointed by writing this White folks, column I am preachers and listening to those the media select to provide Chris Moore on KDKA and a caller, with coverage. In my personal opin- who is totally confused about what ion the two most powerful leaders in constitutes a Black leader. The caller the history of United States were stated incorrectly that men like MalCongressman Rev. Adam Clayton colm X and Farrakhan were not Powell Jr. and attorney and Supreme Black leaders, because all they ever Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. did was talk. The uninformed caller On a local level it was Mal Goode. In helped me with my conclusion to this the hearts and minds of these three week’s column. The great Black leadBlack giants there was never any ers male and female all had a comhesitation or confusion about their mon denominator, they were talkers role in bettering the lives of Black who exposed the inequities of a people. These three were the epitome White society at great risk and many of true Black leadership. They took of them paid the ultimate price. On great personal life threatening risks the local level we are blessed to have by openly and boldly challenging a Black female leader, the President racism, bigotry, and discrimination of the Pittsburgh NAACP, Constance at every level. Parker, who has no hesitation or However a frequently asked ques- reservation about exposing those tion in 2016 is what has happened who are our enemies. Connie, who to Black leadership? An overwhelm- has survived three strokes when told ing number of persons including she should slow down, responds by myself cry out regularly in disgust, saying, “When God wants me to he anger, disappointment and disillu- will inform me.” Constance Parker sion, because there is a definite ab- has a sense of conviction and comsence of genuine Black leaders. We mitment that equals that of any formust not lose faith no matter how mer President of the NAACP. bad the situation may be, I truly beIn my personal life on many occalieve that there exists a number of sions I have been asked how do I get Black men and women in 2016 who the nerve to write and say some of will rise up, act up and most impor- the things that I say? Our church, tantly speak up and out. because of the marathon, had church The question asked most fre- on Saturday and we closed with an quently is who is an authentic Black old hymn that I was raised singing leader, how do they become Black and that hymn is my answer. “I am leaders? Are they a creation of their free, I am free, Hallelujah, I am free.” experiences, input of their parents, I don’t owe the descendants of old advanced education, motivated by an slave master anything. Do you? (Louis “Hop” Kendrick is a contributor to influential person? It is my absolute conviction that the most overwhelm- the New Pittsburgh Courier.)
To Tell The Truth
Black Lives Matter, Big Brother’s bad example Angelo Dundee “I could not, was Sugar Ray J. Pharoah Doss with any inLeonard’s tegrity, particitrainer during pate in such a the champisham that onship fight would only against Thomas serve to legitHearns. Down imize the false on all score narrative that cards Leonard the governreturns to the ment is workcorner after another round won by ing to end police brutality and the inHearns. Dundee knows the victor stitutional racism that fuels it.” makes history. He offers no boxing The President credited Black Lives advice to Leonard he flat out says: Matter for being effective in bringing You’re blowing it, kid. You’re blowing attention to problems in America’s it! criminal justice system. *** But the President also said, “One Last month Former President Bill of the things I caution young people Clinton got into a shouting match about, what I don’t think is effecwith Black Lives Matter activist at a tive, is once you’ve highlighted an campaign rally for the Democratic issue and brought it to people’s atfront runner. tention, and elected officials or peoClinton said, “I like protesters, but ple who are in a position to start ones that don’t let you answer are bringing about change are ready to afraid of the truth. That’s a simple sit down with you then you can’t rule.” just keep on yelling at them. And Another simple rule of any move- you can’t refuse to meet, because ment engaged in protest is to speak that might compromise the purity truth to power, not have power or a of your position. former President dismiss the moveThe value of social movements and ment as untruthful. activism is to get you at the table, get Now the current President re- you in the room, and then start trycently spoke to young activists in a ing to figure out how is this problem town hall meeting in London. going to be solved…You, then, have a During the discussion period this responsibility to prepare an agenda question was asked: Which social that is achievable, that can institumovements changed your mind tionalize the changes you seek, and and inspired you while you were in engage the other side, and occasionoffice? ally take half a loaf that will advance The President stated: The gay mar- the gains you seek, understanding riage movement was the fastest set that there’s going to be more work to of changes in terms of the social do, but this is what is achievable at movement. The gay activists were the moment.” successful in convincing Americans After the Bill Clinton incident to accept the redefinition of marriage Black Lives Matter supporters disby saying same sex marriage pro- missed Clinton as an irrelevant phimoted family values, stability, and landerer, maybe, but in the 1960’s no commitment. sitting president would have travAt this moment President Obama eled overseas and pointed out their could have taken another question, predecessors as people not to emubut he didn’t. Without being asked late. he brought up Black Lives Matter. *** I wonder why? Why does this matter? In February President Obama met Because history is always in the with civil rights leaders and repre- making and these kids are blowing sentatives of the Black Lives Matter it. (J. Pharoah Doss is a contributor to the movement. But a co-founder of the Chicago chapter declined the invita- New Pittsburgh Courier. He blogs at tion and wrote an op-ed that stated, jpharoahdoss@blogspot.com)
Commentary
Letters to the editor for publication The New Pittsburgh Courier welcomes all responsible viewpoints for publication. All letters should be typewritten and contain writer’s address and phone number for verification. All letters will be edited for clarity and length. Address all letters to: Letters to the Editor New Pittsburgh Courier 315 East Carson Street Pittsburgh, Pa. 15219 You may fax your letter to 412-481-1360, or via e-mail to letters@newpittsburghcourier.com.
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Lee A. Daniels
Commentary
Jackie Robinson and the cost of racism (GEORGE CURRY MEDIA)—Another baseball season has opened, and with it, Major League Baseball’s annual homage to Jack Roosevelt Robinson, more popularly known as Jackie Robinson, whose breaking baseball’s color barrier with the Brooklyn Dodgers was one of the late 1940s’ harbingers of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. This year, the tribute to Robinson was complemented by documentarian Ken Burns’ superb exploration on the Public Broadcasting System of Robinson’s life and the American society of the mid-20th century. As Burns shows, Robinson’s importance to all of America’s 20th century history can’t be overstated. Branch Rickey, the Dodgers owner who considered integrating baseball his mission, “needed a soldier” in the fight for racial equality, as Rachel Robinson, Jackie’s widow, says in the documentary: someone whose inner strength and unshakable allegiance to Black Americans’ struggle would enable him to stoically withstand the venomous racism within baseball’s ranks, and among many of its fans and other Whites throughout the country. (One can get a sense of what Robinson endured from the misogynistic abuse hurled now at many female sports reporters and sportswriters via social media.) But Robinson’s cloaked anger likely intensified his naturally fierce competitive instincts on the diamond. Smart at bat and swift and daring on the base paths, he won the National League’s Rookie of the Year Award and two years later captured the League’s Most Valuable Player honor. Two decades before the Yankees star Reggie Jackson said of himself that he was “the straw that stirs the drink,” Jack Roosevelt Robinson was that not just for the Dodgers. He was that for Black America, too. This isn’t to slight all the work civil rights activists were engaged in in the late 1940s. Rather, it’s to underscore that then, unlike the crowded professional sports world of today, baseball reigned supreme, literally worshipped as the uniquely “American” game. Its mythic designation, which took shape in the 19th century, undoubtedly contributed to the Major League teams’ de facto agreement to bar Black players in 1897—one year after the U.S. Supreme Court’s legalized racism in the infamous Plessy decision. So, Robinson’s breaking baseball’s color barrier had meaning far beyond the game itself. He “represented” as well as any one individual could Black Americans’ confidence in their fitness as American citizens and their unceasing determination to claim their rightful place in American society. Much of the telling of the Jackie Robinson story has focused on that broader history of the cost of racism to Blacks generally and to him specifically. The latter truth is especially poignant when one considers that because of the Major League’s racist rule, Robinson, who was a multi-sport star in high school in the late 1930s, effectively lost a full decade of a career in the Major Leagues. But there’s another facet to the Jackie Robinson story that’s too little discussed, or even noticed. That is what racism—the banning of Black players from the Major Leagues—cost Major League baseball itself. We can see one dramatic example of that by considering Robinson’s pre-Brooklyn Dodgers experience with another Major League team: the Boston Red Sox. It’s well known that in 1945 Robinson endured a “sham tryout” with the Red Sox, whose owner was fully committed to preserving baseball’s color barrier. The Dodgers and Robinson himself reaped the benefit. In his rookie year and for five more times during his 10-year career, Robinson and the Dodgers played in the World Series. Each time they played their hated crosstown rivals, the New York Yankees, winning only once. Meanwhile, after making it to the World Series in 1946, the Red Sox began a 20 year exile from World Series play. In 1951, however, they did have the opportunity to atone for their mistake in not taking Robinson by drafting a “can’t miss” Black teenage phenom from Alabama. But once again they kept to their no-Blacks rule. That teenage phenom was Willie Mays. He was drafted instead by the New York (baseball) Giants and by 1954 was playing in the World Series. The Red Sox didn’t sign a Black player until 1959—the last Major League team to do so. They didn’t get back to the World Series until 1967. Consider this fact: In the 20 years from 1945 to 1965, the New York Yankees were “Baseball’s Team.” With a lineup that included some of the greatest players in the game’s history, they appeared in an astounding 15 World Series and won 10 of them. Now, imagine a post-1945 to early-1960s Boston Red Sox team with a lineup that included Jackie Robinson, and Willie Mays, a dazzling outfielder and power hitter, and Ted Williams, arguably the game’s greatest pure hitter, and ponder this question: How many times during those decades would it have been the Boston Red Sox, not the New York Yankees, in the World Series? Just in baseball terms, that could be a magnificent debate. In terms of the larger American society, it’s stark evidence that racism has always had a cost that’s borne on both sides of the Color Line. (Lee A. Daniels, a longtime journalist, is a keynote speaker and author. He worked with Rachel Robinson on her 1996 book, Jackie Robinson: An Intimate Portrait. He can be reached at leedanielsjournalist@gmail.com)
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MAY 4-10, 2016
PEOPLE
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Generation NEXT: Multimedia artist, advocate has a heart for community by Renee P. Aldrich For New Pittsburgh Courier
Kuwame Kinsel’s background was not painted with a gold-handled brush. Born and raised in Pittsburgh’s Hill District at a time when gang activity was rearing its ugly head throughout the city’s neighborhoods, he was the eldest of his mother’s 10 children. By the time he was 21, he would have had the unfortunate distinction of having attended eight funerals—the first six before he was a senior in high school. Sounds like a bit of a rocky start, yes, but there is good news. Rather than diminish his spirit, these experiences have shaped his stance on the importance of mentorship, and also of the value of sticking with your community and working to make a difference. “It’s mentorship that makes a difference in people’s lives,” Kinsel says. “I’m convinced that it is the way people, young and old, get connections and learn about options and opportunities that can offset the negative results of a life of drugs and crime.” Now 22, the Larimer resident still has affection for neighborhoods and says he is “committed to work to be a part of positive change.” As a head cyclist with Bike Pittsburgh, he leads young people on bike rides around the city, including Homewood, Larimer, Highland Park, Point Breeze, Shadyside, Lawrenceville and the North Side. Aside from providing them with instruction on handling a bike responsibly on the open street, Kinsel acts as a mentor to his students, who range from age 11 to 14 and are in seventh and eighth grades. The participants sign up through the Pittsburgh Public Schools’ Summer Dreamers Academy. Also a talented multimedia artist, Kinsel discovered his passion for art and writing at the age of 16 when he tried to impress one of his female peers by writing a poem about her. “I really liked this girl and couldn’t figure
KUWAME KINSEL at Boom Concepts. (Photo by Jacqueline McDonald) out how to get her to notice me, so I wrote a poem about her,” Kinsel shares. “And I discovered I not only had a knack for poetry, but also I enjoyed it. I wrote some other pieces and they were included in an anthology produced by Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.” For the past two years, he has been a supervising intern at BOOM Concepts, a community art space located on Penn Avenue between Bloomfield and Garfield where artists, musicians and entrepreneurs are able to create, display and host events to showcase their work. At BOOM Concepts, Kinsel also works on his own projects in visual art (painting and installation) and poetry— and coordinates with the other interns to help provide an incubation space for seasoned artists to experience a growth of their ideas and creative projects. “I would indeed identify him as a champion for the next generation as his presence here has been a key to our success,” says D.S. Kinsel, co-founder of the space and a visual artist in his own right. “Since Day One, he has been an avid
recruiter, a tremendous support to our artists and coordinator of events, and keeping this schedule, which is always tight.” D.S. Kinsel says his younger cousin’s success in recruiting is significant in that it means engaging young black men around arts and cultural experiences when they are drawn by so many things. He says getting a bunch of 20-something young men to come to an art gallery reflects tremendous leadership. “His dedication to the work here makes us completely comfortable in assuring he receives opportunities to engage his craft outside of this space,” says D.S. Kinsel. “I am really proud of him as an artist, a young man, a community advocate, and as my blood.” Additionally, Kuwame Kinsel has strong opinions about male-female relationships and confesses his own previous challenges in that area. “Interacting with various artists has caused me to change my entire perspective about women—my sensitivities are heightened around the prevailing sexism in our culture,” Kinsel says. “I now consider myself a feminist, with a new respect for women. I believe that men need to be more knowledgeable about and more accountable around women’s issues in this country.” In 10 years, Kinsel sees himself operating his own space, like the one in which he is being mentored now. “I see myself owning several properties and running my own space, fighting the affordable housing crisis that exists in our communities,” he says. Kinsel recognizes that choosing not to pursue a college degree could be a barrier to some of his goals, and he believes that he will possibly return to Clarion University for that reason. But for now, he is firm in his belief that it does not take the paper you receive with four-year degree to positively impact others and to make a difference in the community in which you live. Each month in the New Pittsburgh Courier, McAuley Ministries will sponsor an article highlighting the positive contributions of an African American youth—male or female. We welcome community members to suggest a young person to feature in this monthly column. Criteria include: • Youth and young adults, ages 12-23 • Documented evidence of leadership or achievement in community service/volunteerism; leadership or achievement in their classroom/school; creativity as an artist, musician, dancer or filmmaker; success as an entrepreneur; leadership in advocating for social justice and equity; and/or achievement in corporate or nonprofit arenas • A resident of Allegheny County. Readers who would like to suggest a youth for this feature should email GenNext@pmhs.org.
New Pittsburgh Courier
‘Brown is the New Black’ by Steve Phillips B7
LIFESTYLES MAY 4-10, 2016
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
hosts pep rally B2
Mt. Carmel
B
Debbie Norrell
Lifestyles Report Keep your eyes on your money How many times have I preached about keeping your eye on your debit card or any card that accesses your money? Probably as many times as I have begged people to contact me weeks before your event is scheduled and to send me an email with request for coverage in the subject line. I digress, this column is really about money and debit cards. My card was recently hacked. I was devastated. I had successfully used my card on a recent Friday night but was denied that following Saturday morning. I thought the problem had to do with my new card that I failed to activate. When I got home I called my financial institution. After answering numerous questions they wanted to know had I recently been out of town about 300 miles away. I said no however it seems like my debit card had taken a vacation. Thank goodness the fraud system at my bank caught this fraudulent transaction and they shut down my card and I didn’t lose a dime. Can you say hallelujah! I was so relieved I didn’t mind the inconvenience of not being able to get any money out of my account earlier that morning. I was trying to figure out how my card was compromised. I spoke to the teller about it and he informed me that he saw on the news that a skimmer was found at one of the gas stations on Frankstown Avenue in Penn Hills. I use this gas station all the time. For those who don’t know what a skimmer is it is a device that can be placed at a “pay at the pump” device or over an ATM or at a merchant terminal. When you swipe your card they can gather your mag strip information and there are ways to get your PIN number as well. Please be careful where you use your card and take a look at the device before you insert your card. In addition keep a close check on your accounts that are tied to your debit card. Check it daily actually twice a day is not too often. The sooner you notice the problem the quicker you can stop any illegal action. Fraud sources say there are only two types of fraud victims: those who have been hacked and those who do not know they have been hacked. Here are a few tips. 1. Don’t have an automatic overdraft protection tied to your savings. This allows the fraudster to keep spending not only your checking but all of your savings as well. 2. Change your PIN number often and try to pick a strong PIN number. 3. Don’t be afraid to use cash, trust me if you use cash more often you will spend less and will have more money to save. 4. Listen to your local and national news. There is a lot of hacking going on and it usually ends up on the evening news. You want to know if the latest breach took place at a place that you frequent. (Email the columnist at debbienorrell@aol.com)
Senior Missionary Society No. 1 Annual Tea SENIOR MISSIONARY NO.1
by Debbie Norrell Courier Staff Writer
April 16 was a beautiful sunny day and dozens of
ladies attended the Annual Tea presented by The Senior Missionary Society No.1 of Homewood A.M.E. Zion Church where Rev-
TEA POURER—Hope Pickens
THE LADY IN RED—Lorraine Cross
erend Stanley Dennison is the pastor. The centerpiece of the tea were guest models, Brenda Tate, Nicole Smith and Cheryl Lumsden modeling little black dresses and fashionable hats and fascinators. The ladies in attendance wore beautiful hats as well as this year’s tea pourers Hope Pickens and Debra Hairston. This year we met three “tea pourers in training” Alena Thornhill, Savannah Lewis and Shaya Berry-Thomas. The Missionary Society presented them with fans in the shape of teapots. Guests also enjoyed the smooth gospel vocals of James W. White, a familiar voice at Homewood A.M.E. Zion. The members of the Senior Missionary Society No.1 are: Toni Phinisee , president; Mary Pryor, vice president; Bernadette Gibson, recording secretary; Yvonne Smith, Corresponding Secretary; Gloria Brown, treasurer; Sheila Johnson chaplain; Regina Buckner, Janie Charley, Essie Copeland, Twanda Dennis, Debra Dennison, Eula Ford, Florence Ann Reed, Shirley Taylor and Lois Washington.
TEA POURER—Debra Hairston
BEAUTIFUL IN ROYAL BLUE—Reverend Carrie Pugh THAT LITTLE BLACK DRESS—Nicole Smith, Cheryl Lumsden and Brenda Tate
TEA POURERS IN TRAINING—Alena Thornhill, Savannah Lewis and Shaya BerryThomas
TWO IN BLUE—Ernestine Taylor and Debbie Moran (Photos by Debbie Norrell)
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RELIGION
MAY 4-10, 2016
Praise & Worship HILLCREST SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH 2340 Wylie Ave., Pgh., PA 15219 412-391-4334 412-566-8787
“Be Encouraged”
Elder Christopher C. Thompson Power Hour Sabbath...............8:15 A.M. Sabbath School........................9:00 A.M. Divine Worship......................11:00 A.M. AYS One Hour Before Sunset Prayer Meeting Wednesday......7:30 P.M.
ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH Crawford & Centre Ave. Pgh., PA 15219 412-281-3141 Mass Sunday 9:00 A.M. & Noon Sunday (Gospel Choir Mass) Noon www.stbtmchurch.org
METROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH 22 Sampsonia Street, Northside Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412-231-2554 FAX 412-231-6395 Rev. Lacy F. Richardson, Ph.D., Pastor Church School.................................9:30 A.M. Worship Service.................8:00 & 10:45 A.M. Bible Study/ Prayer Wednesday...................6:30/7:30 P.M. www.metropolitanbaptistchurch.com metropolitanbaptist2224@gmail.com
SIXTH MOUNT ZION BAPTIST CHURCH 6556 Shetland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206 (412) 441-7839 Church School Worship Service Wednesday Night Bible Study
9:00 a.m. 10:15 a.m. 6:00 p.m.
East Liberty Presbyterian Church Rev. Dr. Randy Bush, Senior Pastor 412-441-3800 116 S. Highland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206
www.cathedralofhope.com
Journey Worship........8:45 a.m. Sanctuary Worship.......11 a.m.
Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community For rate information, call 412-4818302, ext. 128. We are looking to feature
Mt. Carmel hosts Pep Rally…
A Prelude to Jasmine’s Camp The Story of a Hero: Faith, Focus and Fortitude
by Karen Harris Brooks For New Pittsburgh Courier
She sprinted through life with a heart full of faith and love. Armed with that same faith and love, she sprinted into the faithful and loving arms of her Savior. Jasmine Claggett was an extraordinary young woman whose life is now being celebrated by countless others who were impacted by her positive spirit, her fun-loving nature and her uncompromising determination. At the tender age of four, Jasmine lost a kidney to cancer. For Karen and Dwight Claggett, the closeknit family found themselves facing a struggle they never imagined. But the struggle was bordered with a firm belief and dependence on God...a treasured gift they passed to their beautiful little girl. The North Versailles family, which includes Jasmine’s two older sisters,Amber Rowe and Kara Claggett, has been long-time members of the Mount Carmel Baptist Church, North Versailles. It is here that Jasmine left a lasting impression, not only within the religious community, but also the community at large. Her race in life proved to be one of faith and fortitude. In remission for the next 21 years, Jasmine never faltered in her conviction. Nor did she surrender to the fear that is so prevalent with the continuing battle against cancer. Armed with her own strength and perseverance, this fearless young woman beat the odds through the challenges she faced throughout her young life. An outstanding athlete who loved sports, Jasmine graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan University, completing her Master’s degree in Athletic Training. Following her educational quest, she was employed as a trainer with UPMC Sports Medicine and Obama Academy. From WVWU to UPMC to Obama, her impact upon the lives of others left an indelible mark on those whom she touched throughout her journey. It was without fear or trepidation that the gifted runner accepted her new challenge when the cancer returned with a vengeance. On June 4, 2015, at the age of 25, Jasmine Claggett ran the most important race of her life as she sprinted into the open doors of Heaven. Rev. Barbara A. Gunn, pastor of Mount Carmel Baptist Church describes her best. Stating “Jasmine is a testament to courage.” Gunn witnessed Jasmine’s growth throughout the years and states with a smile, “She chose a profession that requires one to be “at the top of your game... perfectly healthy. But I be-
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Church Circuit Prayer Breakfast
MAY 5—Geneva to host National Day of Prayer breakfast. This free event will take place breakfast will take place on from 7:30 to 9 a.m. in Alexander Hall. For more information call 412-847- 2481.
Mother’s Day Lunch
MAY 7—Jerusalem Baptist Church, Duquesne, PA. Pastor with the dynamic, powerful and anointed Rev. Archie D. Perrin Jr. as guest speaker Pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church, Duquesne on Saturday, at 1 p.m. Join us for a Mother’s Day out for lunch and a powerful word. Because Mothers are the Markers of Memories a special appreciation will be shown for Deaconess Dovie Patterson. The luncheon will be held at the Masonic Hall, 1200 Clonmel St., Duquesne. A donation of $20. Rev. Eric Johnson, pastor. For more information contact 412-9210822.
Rummage Sale
MAY 13-14—The treasures of Beulah Presbyterian Church’s fifth annual rummage sale will be on display from noon to 8 p.m. May 13 and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 14 in the church gym, 2500 McCrady Rd., Churchill. Items for sale include children’s clothes, baby items, toys, games, books, jewelry, furniture, housewares, tools, pet items, linens, luggage and sports equipment. There’s also a bake sale. The church is located just off the Churchill exit of the Parkway East. More information: 412-2424570 or www.beulahpresby. org.
Women of Faith Luncheon
MAY 14—Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 330 Fourth Ave., Rankin. Women of Faith will hold their 2nd Annual Luncheon from 12 to 3 p.m. “Wear your best hat and join us as we experience the uncommon worship of a sinful woman through Spoken Word and Song,” hosted by the Pastor’s Prayer & Support Ministryof Mt. Olive Baptist Church. For more information call 412-271-0303
Usher Day
FAMILY SUPPORT—From left: Kara, Dwight and Karen Claggett, Rev Barbara Gunn seated at the desk. (Photo by Jackie McDonald) lieve Jasmine shook her fist in the face of cancer. It was as though she took a stand, as she did with everything in her life, and defied the cancer.” Gunn continued with tears in her eyes, “The best way I can describe Jasmine is still waters run deep. She was very soft looking, but strong; intelligent and an independent thinker... spiritual, passionate, very approachable and very easy to love.” Those sentiments are echoed by so many, including Rae Emerick, Associate Athletic Trainer at WVWU. “Jasmine’s personality was awesome. She was kind, had an upbeat philosophy, and always found time to help others. There was a gentle calmness that connected her.” Because of that connection, Jasmine’s light continues to shine. In honor
of this distinctive athlete, West Virginia University has renamed their Bobcat Track Invitational to ‘The Jasmine Claggett Invitational.’ The college has also established a scholarship in her name. UPMC Sports Medicine has renamed their Rookie of the Year Award to ‘The Jasmine Claggett Rookie of the Year Award.’ Reverend Gunn feels strongly that “Jasmine should not be a passing light.” Because the legacy of this amazing young woman “embodies the principals that represent her life,” Mount Carmel is instituting the beginning of Jasmine’s Camp, a training ground that will give young people tools to succeed in life. The mission of the twoweek summer camp “is to provide an ongoing effort of developing the next genera-
tion of leaders through leadership and moral development...via sports activities and programs, under the capable guidance of professional athletic departments and management.” The session, for ages 1114, will be held during the summer school break, and is scheduled for the weeks of July 25 and August 1 at the Crestas Ball Field, North Versailles. On Friday, May 20, Jasmine’s Pep Rally will be held at the Doubletree by Hilton, 101 Mall Blvd, Monroeville Mall from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. with former Steeler Mike Logan kicking off the pep rally for the summer camp. Tickets for the fundraiser are $75 per person, $750 per table of ten. Tickets can be ordered online at: jasminescamp.myevent.com. Further information can be obtained by calling 412823-4049.
MAY 15—Macedonia Baptist Church in Duquesne will celebrate its Usher Day with a dinner in its Fellowship Hall right after service at 4 p. m. Rev. Quallen Hawkins will preach the word.
115th anniversary
MAY 22—The Jerusalem Baptist Church West End will celebrate its 115th year celebration. Jerusalem is located at 123 Steuben St., Pittsburgh. The 11 p.m. Preacher will be Rev. Jamie Grayson of Bethel Baptist Church of McKeesport, Pa. The 3:30 p.m. preacher will be Pastor Earlene Coleman of Bethel Baptist Church McKeesport, Pa. For more information contact the Church at 412-9210822. Rev. Theodore Pugh is senior pastor.
Spring Revival
MAY 25–27—Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, 90 Port Perry Rd, Nortdh Versailles, is holding its Spring Revival at 7 p.m. nightly . Rev. Barbara Gunn, pastor.Music rendered byh Anointed Ministries. Rev. Dr. Alyn E. Waller, Guest Revivalist, Authhor & Musician pastor Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, Philadelphia will be the guest preacher.
WAR against hunger
JUNE 4—Macedonia Baptist Church in Duquesne will join Rainbow Kitchen Community Services in its 12th Annual March and Ride Against Hunger. The WAR against hunger is a walk and bycle ride event that also features a Health and Wellness Expo offering free health screening, information and more. It is the groups annual foundraiser and a major source of funding. Call 412-466-1892.
our positive youth in the church communities. You can e-mail, fax or mail their bios and photo to:
Pastorial Anniversary
JUNE 17—Shiloh Community Missionary Baptist Church, proudly presents its 25th Pastorial Anniversary of Hubert D. Hutcherson, at the Double Tree at the Hilton 101 Mall Blvd, Monroeville at 6 p.m. Program starts at 7 p.m. 412-441-8710.
New Pittsburgh Courier 315 E. Carson St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Fax: 412-481-1360 email: egaines@newpittsburghcourier.com
JASMINE’S CAMP
(To have items listed on the Church Circuit, email information at least two weeks in advance to newsroom@newpittsburghcourtier.com.)
PEOPLE
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
MAY 4-10, 2016
B3
Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness gathering PITTSBURGH—About one in four people living with HIV in the United States are women 13 or older. Some of those women and girls live right here in
the city of Pittsburgh, in Allegheny County as well as surrounding counties. Only about half of women living with HIV are getting care, and only four in 10 of
ALBERTHA GRAHAM-ELLISON welcomes everyone to the event
them have the virus under control. Women face unique HIV risks and challenges that can prevent them from getting needed care and treatment. Addressing
KEZIA ELLISON speaking during lunch presentation
EDUCATING OUR GIRLS—Women and Girls from all over the city listen to Kezia Ellison speak.
Petrose wins prestigious award, $30,000 PITTSBURGH—University of Pittsburgh junior Lia Petrose has been awarded a 2016 Harry S. Truman Scholarship. Petrose will receive the honor during a ceremony at the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum in Independence, Mo., on May 29. Congress established the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation in 1975 to commemorate the legacy of the 33rd U.S. President. A highly competitive, merit-based federal scholarship, the honor awards $30,000 to outstanding college juniors for graduate school and professional development pursuits in preparation for a career in public service leadership. Petrose is one of only 54 students in the nation awarded the Truman Scholarship in 2016. The 2016 scholars were chosen from a pool of 775 candidates from 305 educational institutions, a record number of applicants and institutions. Petrose is Pitt’s 12th Truman Scholar and the University’s first winner since 2008. “Lia is an exceptional individual whose dedication to international health care access sets her apart from her peers,” said Pitt Chancellor Patrick Gallagher. “Our University community is proud of Lia and excited for her future.” “When I think of the core values of the University Honors College—academic attainment, intellectual curiosity, and social consciousness—I think of Lia Petrose. She is a remarkable person who has a clear vision of her life’s goals as well as the drive, intellect, and resolve needed to fulfill them,” said Pitt’s University Honors College Dean Edward M. Stricker. Stricker has worked alongside Petrose on a number of University endeavors and served as her professor in the course Topics in Neuroscience Research during the fall 2014 semester. “Lia’s selection as a Truman Scholar speaks to her distinguished academic record and her dedication to the greater good of humanity. It has been a great pleasure for me to witness her personal growth over the past three years.” Petrose is pursuing a Bachelor of Philosophy degree through the University Honors College and the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, majoring in economics, neuroscience, and international and area studies. Petrose
LIA PETROSE expects to graduate from Pitt in August 2017. Next fall, Petrose will commence a full academic year of studying the natural sciences abroad at Jesus College, a constituent college of the University of Cambridge, in the United Kingdom. Her year abroad comes through Pitt Honors: Cambridge, a university program that offers one Pitt student per year the opportunity to study at Jesus College. Petrose is just the third student invited to partake in that program. Following her undergraduate career, Petrose plans to enroll in a medical degree program that provides training in clinical practice, scholarly research, and public health policy. She hopes to devote her career to creating sustainable health care systems for underserved populations in the United States and Sub-Saharan Africa. Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Petrose immigrated to the United States at the age of 12. She has performed field research within the capital city and the central region of Malawi during the summers of her freshman and sophomore years at Pitt. Within that Southeastern African nation, Petrose assisted in the development of health information management systems for hospitals in low resource communities. As an undergraduate researcher, Petrose is involved in Parkinson’s disease research within the biological sciences lab of Pitt professor John M. Rosenberg. She also has conducted research endeavors within the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the University of Maryland School of Medicine. The findings of Petrose’s endeavors have
been published in The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene and the Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance.
these issues remains critical to achieving an HIV and AIDS-free generation. Recently Educating Teens about HIV/AIDS Inc. observed National Women and Girls HIV/ AIDS Awareness Day to bring attention to this important public health issue. This event was held at the University Club; 123 University Place; Pittsburgh. Educating Teens’ Moth-
er-Daughter Circle and Friends invites participation and support to observe National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Women were encouraged to join to help promote the event, and bring daughters and friends. A partnership between Educating Teens Inc. and proactive women is a powerful combination to help pre-
vent HIV and AIDS among women and girls in Pittsburgh and the surrounding area, said Albertha Graham-Ellison. To learn more about National Women and Girls HIV and AIDS Awareness, please visit www.womenshealth.gov/nwghaad. To learn more about Educating Teens about HIV/AIDS Inc., please visit www.educatingteens.org.
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MAY 4-10, 2016
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
HEALTH
Healthy Aging
Take charge of your health today. Be informed. Be involved. The May “Take Charge of Your Health Today” page focuses on healthy aging. But the information provided is not only for seniors. Healthy aging is important for all of us. This monthʼs commentary features a conversation between Jennifer R. Jones, MPH, community engagement coordinator with the University of Pittsburgh Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI), and Esther L. Bush, president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh. JJ: Good afternoon, Ms. Bush. Isnʼt it exciting that itʼs starting to feel like spring? EB: Yes, Jennifer; Iʼm so glad to see sunshine! We need it after a long winter. I see that weʼre talking about healthy aging today. But first I want to talk a little bit about our “Take Charge” pages. We just had a partnership meeting last week, and I cannot speak enough about this unique partnership. To some, bringing together a newspaper, an African American advocacy organization, an academic research institution and a hospital system may prove difficult. But each partner—the Courier, the Urban League, Pitt CTSI and UPMC—is so com-
mitted to this. We work are some 80-year-olds hard to provide the who are healthier than community with up-to40-year-olds. What I date, easily digestible learned from reading health and research this monthʼs health information. Iʼm glad to overview is the imporbe a part of this page. tance of prevention. I For all of you who like what Drs. Newman read this page each and Albert clearly month, thank you. stated—that itʼs never JJ: I agree, Ms. too late to make a Bush. Itʼs not only inchange that can imformative but also a prove your health. fun way to dissemiJJ: So true. At Pitt nate research informaPublic Health, we tion. About healthy focus on prevention— aging, do you think the empowering people to saying “age is just a lower their health risk number” is true? behaviors. The “10 EB: I really do, and Keys”TM to Healthy Iʼll tell you why. Aging Aging, as highlighted in ESTHER BUSH is a natural part of life. the section below, are Iʼve embraced it. We need to focus on how important to remember as we age. There we feel—not the age we are. And we cerare many parts of our health that we donʼt tainly shouldnʼt use age as an excuse for have control over, but the 10 Keys remind not trying to live a healthy life. I bet there us of the many ways we can age well.
EB: Iʼd encourage everyone to cut out the Keys and hang them on your refrigerator as a daily reminder. Iʼm also excited about the MOVE UP research study that will be held here at the Urban League. It seems to be a great, free program for older adults to learn how to live a healthier life. JJ: It certainly is! For anyone who has never participated in research, but may have wanted to, this could be a positive fit. The research team at Pitt is informative, easy to talk to and will answer any questions. It was also great to partner this month with the Aging Institute. It has important information for both seniors and caregivers. EB: There is a wealth of resources we have available here in Pittsburgh. We just need to take advantage of them! JJ: As always, thank you so much for your time, Ms. Bush. Our June featured topic is “Sexuality and Stigma.” Iʼm looking forward to our thought provoking conversation. For more information about the “Take Charge” page or to ask any questions, email partners@hs.pitt.edu.
‘It’s never too late to better your health’
More adults than ever are enjoying a long life. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the United States had 44.7 million persons 65 or older in 2013—about 13 percent of the population. The aging population will grow rapidly over the next few decades, with more people 85 and over than ever. Though old age has been thought of as a time of illness or disability, illness and disability should not be considered normal parts of aging. Healthy old age is possible, especially if people work with a health care provider to take care of their health. Old age can be a time of great opportunity. When in good health, people can add quality, along with quantity, to their years. There are health challenges that are specific to old age—the risk of certain cancers is greater, and people are more likely to have high blood pressure and diabetes. They are more likely to fall and have fractures, arthritis and dementia, to name a few. Older African Americans have higher rates of diabetes, prostate cancer and kidney disease, among other health problems. But African Americans have a lower risk of fractures and falls, hearing loss and peripheral nerve disease. Researchers are trying to figure out why there are these differences. However, research has shown that older adults who work at having a healthy lifestyle do experience significant health improvements. To help lower aging risk factors, researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed the “10 Keys”™ to Healthy Aging, a broad health behavior-change program based on research about old age and health. “These address the most common preventable health risks for older people,” says one of the developers of the “10 Keys,”™ Anne B. Newman, MD, MPH, Katherine M. Detre Professor of Population Health Sciences and chair, Department of Epidemiology, Pitt Public Health; professor of medicine, School of Medicine; and director of Pittʼs Center for Aging and Population Health. “Health improvements are possible at any age,” she says. The Center for Aging and Population Health uses the “10 Keys”™ to Healthy Aging to urge adults to: 1. Lower systolic blood pressure (the top number in blood pressure readings)—High blood pressure is a risk factor for stroke. If people stop smoking, drink alcohol in moderation, reduce salt in their
diets, maintain a reasonable weight and get their blood pressure checked, they can control this risk factor. 2. Stop smoking—Smoking increases the risk for heart disease, stroke, cancer and breathing disorders. It is never too late to stop smoking. A health care provider can give you resources to help you quit. 3. Get appropriate cancer screenings— Screening is important because it may detect something before any symptoms arise. Discuss your personal risks for cancer with your health care provider. Schedule timely screenings. 4. Get vaccinations regularly—All adults over age 50 are encouraged to get influenza, pneumonia and zoster vaccinations.
5. Regulate blood glucose (the amount of sugar in the blood)—When people are diabetic, sugar builds up in the blood, which can cause damage. Diabetes increases the risk for heart disease and stroke, kidney disease, blindness, nervous system disorders and dental disease. A simple blood test will tell if your glucose level is too high. The goal is to maintain a fasting blood glucose level below 100 mg/dl. Diabetes can be controlled or prevented. 6. Lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol—Too much cholesterol in the blood causes it to build up in the walls of arteries. This buildup narrows blood flow through arteries to the heart, which can cause heart disease and stroke. Sometimes medication is needed to help lower LDL cholesterol. Being
physically active, eating healthy foods and keeping a healthy weight can also help reduce cholesterol levels. 7. Be physically active—Being physically active does not mean you have to belong to a gym or exercise one hour every day of the week. Be as active as you can be given time, family, work and health constraints. But a brisk, 30-minute walk on most days of the week is recommended. Always talk to a health care provider if you are starting a physical activity routine. It is never too late to be physically active! 8. Maintain healthy bones, joints and muscles—Keeping bodies healthy helps us stay active and protects against injuries. Bone loss, osteoarthritis and muscle weakness increases the risk for disability, pain, loss of independence and death. 9. Maintain social contact—Staying connected with people helps our brains work better, helps memory and prevents isolation. Find a way to talk to someone every day. 10. Combat depression—Depression is not a normal sign of aging. If you, or someone you care for or spend a lot of time with, are showing signs of depression, talk to your health care provider. Dr. Newman says to use these guidelines in conversation with a health care provider. “We encourage people to use the Keys even if their health is good overall,” she says. “And take blood pressure and cholesterol medications if prescribed. They can be extremely helpful.” Dr. Newman and colleagues think old age is a time to be celebrated—not dreaded. “Itʼs an exciting time for aging,” says Steven M. Albert, PhD, MSc, professor and chair, Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, Pitt Public Health, and one of the creators of the “10 Keys”™. “Researchers have discovered ways that might slow the process of aging and ways to control certain risk factors.” Dr. Albert says that people who have not focused on their health should not feel that they have lost an opportunity, either. “The older people get, the greater the benefits of prevention are,” he says. “Simply being aware of your blood pressure, cholesterol levels and being up-to-date on cancer screenings can make a difference in how well people feel in old age.” “Wellness can start today,” he says. “Itʼs never too late to better your health.”
5 Reasons to call the Aging Institute Research Opportunity
Life expectancy in the United States continues to rise. Adults are now living into their 80s and 90s. Older adults are choosing to stay at home or live with a loved one because of many factors. Some of the reasons include the rising costs of medical care and living alone. Seniors and caregivers may have unanswered questions about finances, home-based care options, Medicare and more. The Aging Institute of UPMC Senior Services and the University of Pittsburgh is a great resource for seniors, professionals and caregivers. They provide information and advice on many topics related to aging. If any of the following apply to you, the Aging Institute may be able to help. 1. Youʼre a primary caregiver for an elderly relative. Being the primary caregiver for a loved one comes with many challenges. New caregivers may have to take on tasks they have never done before. The Aging Institute can provide essential information. The more information people have, the easier it is to transition into and maintain their roles as primary caregivers. This could lower the feeling over being overwhelmed by new responsibilities. 2. Youʼre a professional who wants to prepare yourself for the challenges of treating an aging population. The Aging Institute helps physicians by offering special programs and seminars. The Seed Grant Program assists with new and novel research in aging-related topics. This program advocates for physicians regarding age-related
legislation. It also offers guest lectures by experts in geriatric research and care. 3. Youʼre a student who wants to break into the field and learn more about geriatrics. The Aging Institute is a partner with the Division of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Department of Medicine. They all work together to provide support for education and training programs for professionals and students. 4. Youʼre an advocate for seniors and would like to get involved. The Aging Institute partners with community organizations to aid in their missions to provide information and resources to seniors and their caregivers. They are always looking for more local businesses and professionals to join its cause. 5. Youʼre an older adult who is exploring options for future care. Being prepared for how you will handle your future care makes for a much smoother transition. You can find information on living at home, in-home nursing care, senior living facilities, financial aid, Medicare and more. UPMC Senior Communities regularly offers free events aimed at helping seniors stay informed and gain insight into common concerns. The Aging Institute has something for everyone when it comes to geriatrics. More information is available at Aging.UPMC.com. You can also call the help and referral line at 1-866-430-8742.
for Seniors
Do you have goals to lose weight and move more easily? If so, you may want to join others, ages 60-75, in a study aimed to improve health, function and lifestyle. MOVE UP is a 32-session (about one year) behavioral weight loss intervention program. It focuses on the “10 Keys”™ to Healthy Aging, healthy eating, physical activity and behavior modification techniques. The purpose is to help study participants improve their overall health, physical functioning and fitness, with an additional focus on weight loss. MOVE UP is currently looking for participants for a program to be held at the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh (downtown). There are also other opportunities to join MOVE UP programs throughout Allegheny County. Call research staff at Pitt today to see if you are eligible. The phone number is 412-383-1303. You can also e-mail Jennifer Jones, MPH, at jrj25@pitt.edu.
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
MAY 4-10, 2016
B5
ENTERTAINER New Pittsburgh Courier
B6
MAY 4-10, 2016
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
Cover To Cover
Davis: Changing genre of romance books
‘The by Michael B. Rose Blackbirds’ For New Pittsburgh Courier
by Terri Schlichenmeyer For New Pittsburgh Courier
You and your girls are birds of a feather. You flock together, preen together, share your nest when needed and, while you happily sing one another’s praises, you’d never open your beak to spill their secrets. Then again, as in the new book “The Blackbirds” by Eric Jerome Dickey, you’d never crow about all the details of your own life, either. A mere birthday wasn’t good enough for Indigo Abdulrahaman. Oh, no—she got a birth month. She decreed it, planned it, and made her friends follow along with her wishes. A strong-willed woman born to Nigerian parents, Indigo was the tallest of the four women, dark-skinned, with a hunger for the finer things—including men, of which she had two. And when a woman caught Indigo’s eye, she wasn’t above giving that a go, too.
Kwanzaa Browne spent the weeks before her birthday crying over a man: she caught her fiancé cheating with a Brazilian woman, which was the last straw for Kwanzaa. It would take a lot for her to forget her ex. A lot—including, perhaps, a romance with a handsome man she’d been watching for months. Kwanzaa snagged him three weeks before Destiny Jones’ birthday, which didn’t matter to Destiny; she had nothing to celebrate. The man she loved didn’t know an important truth about her, and she didn’t know how to tell him—but before she could figure it out, he learned of her fame-notfame, and it threatened to ruin everything. As for Stockwell, some things were already in ruins by the time her birthday arrived: her once-abusive mother was around again, as was cancer for the second time. Even so, grateful for life, Ericka’s bucket list was full that anniversary of her birth, and it included finding the Love of Her Life. Unfortunately, once she found him, she knew she could never share the good news with her friends… Aside from the gorgeous cover, size is likely the first thing you’ll notice about “The Blackbirds.” At just over 500 pages, it’s a brick—and I daresay it’s an unnecessary one, at that. Don’t get me wrong: there’s a decent plot here; Oh-MyGoodness twists; and characters that are gorgeous, loyal, and cheated-upon every few pages. Since I love a good scandal, wow, that was fun—until those characters launched into mattress gymnastics and cutesy raunch-code, both of which become tiresome in short order. Cut half the ubiquitous (and rather humdrum) bedroom scenes and most of the silly faux sex-words, and I’d have been just fine. Even so, I would’ve missed the action usually found in more recent Eric Jerome Dickey novels. Sigh.
She realized her stories were bigger than just her they were put there in her mind to be told. “It’s not my story it’s their story,” she said. While she is happy that the story is out there and is thankful the book did well enough that she could quit her job, she said, “I don’t know if I can write a sequel emotionally.” Both “A Period in Time” and her new book “Flaming Blue” took a year to write between 2002 to 2004. Over the next 10 years she said she grew as a writer and fine-tuned them. ?Davis said she is still riding the wave from “A Period in Time” and will release “Flaming Blue,” a far more dramatic story, about an Oprah like figure. “It’s the emancipation of the prodigy,” she said, admitting this story took longer to write. “She gets emancipated and not the emancipated that you think,” ?she said. There are more stories that are coming out soon, she said. “Technically including the first two I have four. It’s written but I want to spend a year on that and do a four book series.” Fans of her books can go to www.edavis27.com to order her books.
Ebony Dawn Davis has been a writer since she was 8. Now more than 30 years later, she is getting notoriety for her inimitable voice in “A Period of Time” a story about Emerald Dixon, a painfully shy Black woman who has her book turned into a movie and Richard Demarco a Hollywood playboy who has been in a slump of bad movies lately. To fans of romantic novels the shy girl and the womanizing male seems like a cliché premise but Davis said it’s not a romance. “I don’t like the term romance because romances have become tainted. No “50 Shades of Grey” or “The Zanes.” It’s a love story,” she said. A love story is not just a derivative of a romance, in Davis’ opinion. In an unorthodox example of a true love story, Davis says her favorite love story is “Rocky.” Explaining Rocky and Adriane is her favorite love story. “Rocky couldn’t do anything without Adriane on his side. “His heart wasn’t in fighting until she told him to fight and win. It’s a fairytale. Who doesn’t like a fairy tale? (J.L. Martello contributed to PROUD MOMENT—Author Ebony Davis poses for photo holding her book “A Period of Time.” I’m fascinated with stories about individuals who seem this article.) to be cool on the outside but are dealing with serious stuff on the inside,” she said. Consequently, Davis said her stories are extremely hard for her to write. While most writers stop writing because of writer’s block, the failing in the synapses to come up with the next scene or even the next line, Davis said her block comes from somewhere else. “I get into parts of the story where I don’t approve of the way the characters go about things, I hated how they handled the situation, but I just had to write out what’s in my imagination.” “A Period in Time” almost wasn’t made until a fateful talk with someone dear to her allowed her to set her story free, she said. “My professor said just write it, FAMILY SUPPORT—From left: Daughter Aja Gilchrist, Author Ebony Dawn Davis and fiancé Gregory Starks Jr. pose holding Davis book “A Period of Time.” (Photos by J.L. Martello) tt might help someone.”
‘You Wouldn’t Expect’ a thought-provoking play by Genea L. Webb For New Pittsburgh Courier
Marilynn Barner Anselmi and Shaunda Miles knew they had stumbled on to something special when the pair met four years ago to do a reading of Anselmi’s thought-provoking play, “You Wouldn’t Expect.” “I was doing a reading
of another play of mine in North Carolina at least four years ago and after the performance we had a question and answer period and a nice elderly gentleman raised his hand and said ‘my granddaughter works at the August Wilson Center and I’d like to send her this work,’ Anselmi said. “Of Course I was floored and when we
Musiq Soulchild an AWC sellout
by Paige K. Mitchell For New Pittsburgh Courier
The Musiq Soulchild, ‘Soul Session’ was a sold out event on April 22, at the August Wilson Center for African American Culture. The lights dimmed, the band began to play, and Musiq hit the stage. Musiq is a Grammy nominated soulful superstar, who has developed a profound career with his unique sound and style. Musiq sang a variety of songs. Many of his hit songs from past albums like “Halfcrazy” “Don’t Change,” as well as introducing his new music from his most recent album entitled, “Life On Earth.” Ashley Chambers who attended the concert said, “I enjoyed the concert a lot. I have always been a big fan (“The Blackbirds” by Eric Je- of Musiq and his work. He rome Dickey, c.2016, Dutton, sang, “Don’t Change,” “So Beautiful,” and “I Do.” The $27/$36 Canada, 519 pages.)
concert was a little short. But I feel that he rocked the house all by himself, because he didn’t have an opening act or anything. It was only him, his band, and his back up singers the entire night.” Musiq also performed a special dedication-tribute to the legendary Prince, singing “Purple Rain.” “I was anticipating a Prince tribute. I wish he would of gotten through the whole song, but he got choked up. Overall, the concert was good. I wouldn’t mind seeing him again,” Bianca Noreau said. “I was a little disappointed that the concert was so short, but he did perform all of the songs that I wanted to hear,” Khristian Dellaway said. Musiq cancelled Meet And Greet, photos, and all interviews at the end of the concert due to the death of Prince.
started emailing I told her I would like for her to read this other play so I sent her ‘You Wouldn’t Expect’ and she really liked it. We did a reading and when Shaunda started her own theater collective (demaskus theater collective), she was touched by the subject matter, as I am, passionate about getting the message out there.” Eight thousand women were forcibly sterilized under a North Carolina Eugenics program from 1933 to 1973. It was part of a bigger Eugenics program, which sterilized 60,000 women—many of them poor and Black—nationally. In North Carolina, the state-run Eugenics board sterilized the feeble-minded, promiscuous and criminal through social workers, state institutions, training schools and hospitals. “You Wouldn’t Expect” tells the horrific story of several of those individuals. Founded in 2005, by Shaunda Erikka Miles, demaskus Theater Collective service-oriented collective of professional artists and administrators who produce plays and musicals that make known the messages of the marginalized. “demaskus is so fearless in the pieces they put out,” said Okema T. Moore, who portrayed Temperance Hedgepath “The more controversial but poignant the better for them and I think that’s really to be admired. Their fearless leader, Shaunda Miles, really takes part in bringing stories that the average person would maybe be a little too shy to tell and I’m honored that she finds me worthy to be the person to hold the majority of that telling. It’s really an honor and it helps me to better hone my craft.” Moore is an actor, singer, director and producer who has worked for demaskus since 2006. “You Wouldn’t Expect” is her second Pittsburgh production. “This production fit into demaskus’ mission of bringing the plight of the marginalized to light,” said Miles who also works as the Director of Public Relations for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. “My grandfather, James A Green, III introduced me to Marilynn Barner Anselmi almost four years ago and this show was dedicated to him.” Miles said. Emotions ran high for both the cast and
the audience during the 90-minute production. Anger, hatred, surprise, empathy and sadness were some that bubbled up to the surface. Some of the most intense moments were between Moore’s character and the bigoted but tragic Mary Tom Walker played by Amy Marsalis. “Mary Tom is the hardest character I have every portrayed,” said Marsalis has worked in theater in Chicago, San Diego, Los Angeles and Pittsburgh. “She is the polar opposite of who I really am. I’m honored and humbled to be a part of this cast. This story needed to be told. I had to dig deep to find something good in Mary Tom’s character. She was a victim as well and in her culture things like were swept under the rug that’s how things were.” Other members of the cast included Karla C, Payne as May Rivers, Michaela Flood as Ginny Rivers, Richard Kenzie as Richard Banor, Shawann Gadson as Nilene Cooper, Delana Flowers as Barbara Lynch and Markus Muzopappa as Mr. Kinley. A chorus of dancers from Reed Dance II choreographed by Greer Reed represented the myriad of emotions that were evoked during “You Wouldn’t Expect.” Those dancers were Deonna Dykes, Dianne Pettis and Charles “Chuck” Timbers, Jr. “You Wouldn’t Expect” was a semi-finalist at the 2013 Eugene O’Neill Playwrights Conference and presented during the 2013 National Black Theatre Festival, Readers Theatre of New Work in Winston Salem, NC. “I Felt very very moved,” said Anselmi after the Pittsburgh performance. “The humanity of this crosses racial lines and I’m still shocked that people still don’t know about this I’m convinced it’s because of the victims who were primarily poor Black women. This was the perfect fodder for what theater can do. I wanted people to learn about this and I wanted to tell personal stories. I wanted to give voice to the people that this affected. I wanted the audience to think about this and learn about this and start a dialogue. The way that we keep this from happening to us again is to vote. We can’t let the government have that kind of control over us again.”
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
May
by Merecedes J. Howze
MAY 7—New Horizon Theater presents the Dramatics featruring Willie Ford with Master of Ceromonies Chris Moore at 7:30 p.m. at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater, 5941 Penn Ave., with Master of Ceremony Chris Moore. For more information call 412-431-0773.
For New Pittsburgh Courier
MAY 7—Noel Quintana and his Latin crew at the Concert Hall of the Pittsburgh Carnegie Library in Homewood, 7101 Hamilton Ave at 6:30 p.m. features the Latin stylings of Noël Quintana and his Latin Crew. For More Information: 724-506-2556
NewMoves Dance May 13–14—Kelly Strayhorn, 5941 Penn Ave. Presented as part of newMoves Contemporary Dance Festival being Here…/this time is a visceral, multimedia work driven by deeply physical performances and heightened by a three-dimensional audio design. Choreographer Marjani Forté and her dancers traverse complex intersections of mental illness, addiction and systemic poverty.
Pgh. Photo Fair MAY 14–15—Pittsburgh’s only commercial photography fair, hosting exhibitors from New York City, Berlin, and Toronto alongside Pittsburgh galleries. The Fair is free and open to the public at the Carnegie Museum of Art. This is a rare opportunity to see what’s happening in the world of contemporary and historic photography on an international scale. Along with the Fair, the free Speaker Series returns.
MCG Big Idea Session MAY 20—The National Center for Arts & Technology will present the inaugural ‘Big Idea’ Session. Delivered from the world-class stage of the MCG Music Hall, leaders from across the country will share their ‘Big Idea’ to improve society’s quality of life through a fast-paced, exciting and focused presentation. From the arts, to education, to innovative technologies, a dozen thought leaders will inspire ideas and action. While admission to the event will be free, RSVPs will be required for seating purposes. Please register online at www.bigideasession.eventbr ite.com before May 6.
One Man Play ‘Tru’ THROUGH - MAY 22— Pittsburgh Public Theater presents Broadway actor Eddie Korbich as Truman Capote in “TRU,” a one-man play by Jay Presson Allen based on Capote’s words and works. Directed by The Public’s Producing Artistic Director Ted Pappas, “TRU” is at the O’Reilly Theater, Pittsburgh Public Theater’s home in the heart of Downtown’s Cultural District. For tickets call 412.316.1600 or visit ppt.org.
Full Bloom Dance Party JUNE 4—Kelly Strayhorn Theater’s 8th Annual Full Bloom Summer Dance Party. Lynn and Joe Smith will serve as event chairs of the event. The evening includes a VIP Reception from 7 to 9 p.m. followed by a dance party from 9 p.m. to midnight at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater in East Liberty. Full Bloom supports the mission to create an inclusive community, This annual benefit bash is the theater’s kickoff event supporting East Liberty LIVE!, KST’s original summer programming. Tickets on Sale Now.
Sonny Fortune JUNE 18—At the Jazz Workshop The renowned jazz legend saxophonist and multi-reedist, Sonny Fortune will perform at the Concert Haoo of the Pittsburgh Carnegie Library in Homewood, 7101 Hamilton Ave. at 6:30 p.m. For More Information: 724-506-2556 (All Arts & Culture Calendar events must be emailed to newsroom@newpittsburghcourier.com 2 weeks in advance.)
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Dr. Carter G.Woodson Academy mock trials for Slavery Reparations
The Dramatics
Spring Concerts Series
MAY 4-10, 2016
ARTS & CULTURE
The Iota Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.’s Dr. Carter G. Woodson Academy came to a commanding close where 40 young scholars argued in favor for slave reparations. The mock trial, which was held in the Teplitz Courtroom at the University of Pittsburgh, was preceded by weeks of intense learning from curriculum that dated back to the 1400s. The half hour trial brought the 10-week program to a fiery finish. The charges were clear— kidnapping, murder, rape, and assault. Equally well-defined, the verdict was guilty and African Americans, including supporting institutions, were to be awarded immediate reparations. From Portugal’s inaugural slave trade to the Royal African Company, scholars presented hard core evidence to show that Africans were illegally captured and
sold as property in the United State and other areas of the African diaspora. The young men and women also mentioned banks, corporations, and retail businesses that directly benefitted from the trade and institution of slavery. One parent, Ebony Hubbard, had two boys enrolled in the academy. “It’s important for them to know their history and the things that we went through so they can appreciate the things that they’re going to go through to make a better life for them and their children.” Students, ages 6-18, were led by six instructors: Yusef Ali, Bomani Howze, Brandon Jennings, Justin Laing, Tommy Rice, and Robert White. Admittedly, Program Coordinator Justin Laing knows that the academy is a learning experience for both the students and the teachers. “We are learning about reparations with the youth,” said Laing.
Laing said the scholars were taught “the real history of the different kinds of reparations” and “understand of the specifics of slavery.” Students left the program with a better understanding of the five forms of reparations: restitution, compensation, rehabilitation, satisfaction, and guarantees of non-repetition. Scholars also learned the three ways to understand slavery and the reparation, healing process: The Debt (History), The Plan (Actions), and The Future (Moving Forward). 1 Hood, a socially conscious media group, documented the each session, week by week, and captured the entire mock trial. The company, typically swathed in black and gold 1 Hood shirts, interacted with the scholars to encapsulate everyone’s learning experience. In addition the Iota Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., the Omega
‘Brown is the New White’ by Steve Phillips “Brown is the New White” by Steve Phillips “[H]ardhitting…abundant use of solid statistics…brilliant commentary. Phillips’ robust plea for profound political changes is motivating and will invite those new to the discussion to join in the fight for social change and racial equality in America. A passionate discussion of race and politics sure to inspire heated debate and …proactive solutions.”— Kirkus Reviews Democrats and progressives are going to lose if they don’t turn out people of color in 2016. Brown is the New White: How the Demographic Revolution Has Created a New American Majority is a wake-up call to the Democratic Party and progressive movement that they will lose elections and our country’s future if they
STEVE PHILLIPS don’t make turning out people of color and progressive whites a greater priority. Despite the abundant evidence from Obama’s victories proving that the U.S. population has fundamentally changed, many progressives and Democrats
continue to waste millions of dollars chasing White swing voters. The explosive population growth of people of color in America over the past 50 years has laid the foundation for a New American Majority consisting of progressive people of color (23 percent of all eligible voters) and progressive Whites (28 percent of all eligible voters). These two groups make up 51 percent of all eligible voters in America right now and that majority is growing larger every day. Failing to properly appreciate this reality, progressives are at risk of missing this moment in history—and losing.
Carter G. Woodson Academy is sponsored by Coston Funeral Homes, RS
Supplies LLC., the Law Offices of Albert G. Reese Jr., and Randall Industries.
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PEOPLE
MAY 4-10, 2016
PPS & CCAC hold community job fair
JOB FAIR—The Community College of Allegheny County and the Pittsburgh Public Schools partnered to host a community job fair at CCAC Allegheny Campus. Attendees discussed job opportunities with Pittsburgh Public Schools hiring managers, receive support with the online application process, attend free workshops on resume writing and interview skills and learn about educational opportunities at CCAC. Free parking and light refreshments was provided. Above Paris McDonald from Stanton Heights speaking to Chief George Brown of the Pittsburgh Public Schools Police about school security. (Photos by J.L. Martello)
TIFFANY HANDLEY from East Liberty speaking to Kimberly Russo program officer for Early Childhood Education.
TIFFANY STRONG from Moon Township speaks with Shawn Tomaszewski the k-12 steam coordinator for Pittsburgh Public Schools.
PUTTING ALL TOGETHER—From left: Brian Glickman, director for talent management for Pittsburgh Public Schools, Edy Anako, human capital manager for Pittsburgh Public schools and Quintin Bullock, president of CCAC.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES—Kymberly Cruz and Darlene Corris speaking with Jamille Ford about different career opportunities.
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
New Pittsburgh Courier
Inside Conditions C4
BUSINESS MAY 4-10, 2016
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
Find what you need from jobs to cars to housing C5, C6
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Steps to help you improve your financial life content and tools on a wide range of personal finance topics. Here are a few things to keep in mind to build a solid financial foundation to help achieve your short and long term financial goals: Set a budget. First things first: how much money do you have coming in, and how much is going out? Think of your budget as the map to reach your financial and personal goals. This knowledge can keep you from overspending each month. Set a savings goal. With a budget in place, you will know how much money you have leftover to save for your goals. Be ready for an emergency. An emergency fund is an important step to financial security. From car and home repairs to veterinarian
by Denise Boone-Bennett For New Pittsburgh Courier
April was National Financial Literacy Month—a reminder to us all as this month closes that, whether you support yourself or an entire family, financial knowhow is a must to ensure a safe and secure future. To arm people with tools to tackle their finances, Bank of America has partnered with online educator Sal Khan and Khan Academy to build BetterMoneyHabits.com, a free online resource that provides simple, straightforward advice to help situate people for financial success. The site, which is available to all, offers objective and engaging
bills, unexpected expenses can set your financial world into a tailspin. Experts recommend tucking away at least three months worth of your living expenses for emergencies. Tackle debt. If you have debt, it is imperative to eliminate it, particularly credit card debt. Managing your debt and savings go hand in hand. If, for example, you have high-interest rate debt it may make sense to pay it off, even before saving for your emergency fund. Plan your retirement. Financial planners recommend retirement saving take precedence over any other savings, including for your child’s college education. The best way to save for retirement is set SEE STEPS C2
Five quick ways to save money Are you trying to cut down on costs but still finding yourself short of funds some of the time? The Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants offers these simple solutions to help you eliminate unnecessary spending and pump up your budget power. Take a gift card to lunch Everyday indulgences, such as a morning latte or a takeout lunch, are a lot more expensive than bringing your own coffee or midday meal. Here’s one way to treat yourself without overspending: Decide how much you can afford to spend at your favorite coffee house or restaurant each month, then buy yourself a gift card for that amount from that establishment at the beginning of every month. Use it whenever you want something special, but don’t allow yourself any more splurges if the card runs out early. This way you’ll still be able to enjoy treats without busting your budget. Drop unused channels When it comes to watching TV, are you paying for premium channels that you never use, or do you even watch enough TV to warrant an expensive cable package? It may be smart to evaluate what you actually need when it comes to television service. According to the NPD Group, the average household is expected to pay $200 per month for TV by 2020. You could save yourself a nice amount each month by dropping unused premium channels or other services you don’t actually need. Explain missed payments If you’ve ever forgotten to pay a credit card bill or had to stretch a payment into another month, you know how high late payment charges can be. It’s worthwhile to call the credit card issuer, explain that you made a mistake, assure them that you have since paid the bill, and ask them to waive the fee if possible. While this approach might help you avoid fees once, be sure not to make a habit of it. To avoid running late, mark SEE FIVE C2
While economists contend that the economic recession is over, the reality for much of Black America is starkly different. Racial disparities in unemployment and under-employment persist. And homeownership, a key measure of economic health for consumers and communities alike continues its downward decline even now. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, during the last few months of 2015, 41.9 percent of Black households owned a home, compared to 72.2 percent of Whites and 63.8 percent of all households across the country. Many consumers and real estate professionals agree that redlining remains a serious problem. Despite federal and state laws guaranteeing fair housing and credit laws, majority Black areas often do not have adequate access to credit. Even worse, at a time when private mortgage interest rates have remained consistently low, very few Black borrowers have been able to benefit from these loans. The private market’s least costly convention mortgages have become outof-reach for communities of color. In 2014, only 2.6 percent of owner-occupied conventional home purchases – approximately 45,500 nationwide – were made to Black borrowers. Other Census Bureau data show there are 9.9 million Black households, where 1.8 million people ages 25 and older hold a graduate degree. Were it not for the array of governmentbacked mortgages — VA, FHA and USDA loans, homeownership rates for people of color would be even lower. In 2014, 68
READY FOR ACTION—Anne Flynn Schlicht; WBC director, Dr. Kelly Hunt, SBA Pittsburgh District director, Dr. Esther Barazzone, president of Chatham University and Rebecca Harris; director of the Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship celebrate the opportunity to assist women businesses. (Photo by Diane I. Daniels)
Grant awarded to staff a Women’s Business Center by Diane I. Daniels For New Pittsburgh Courier
Combined, all sources of income including record sales, revenue from fashion lines, performing earnings, royalties and sanctions, multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning recording artist and entrepreneur Beyoncé Knowles’ reported individual net worth is an estimated $450 million. Her sophisticated advertising skills, has assisted in establishing her as one of the most affluent women in entertainment history. In her words “girls rule the world.” With the aim to assist women rule
the world throughout the Western Pennsylvania region in the area of small businesses, the U.S. Small Business Administration recently awarded a grant to the Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Chatham University to staff a Women’s Business Center. “This is a great day in Western Pennsylvania,” exclaimed Kelly Hunt, SBA Pittsburgh District director while announcing the award. As a woman entrepreneur, she said she is well aware of what it takes to run a business and recognizes that there is nothing women business owners can’t do.
“I know that we are every bit as strong as any other small business owner, and that we can use all resources that everyone else can use but that does not mean that it is not nice to come to a place where we can meet with other women who understand the same struggles and to share and receive council from them. It’s very empowering.” “We couldn’t be more pleased. Chatham has a storied history of assisting women entrepreneurs and we believe, through this center, they will continue dotting our landscape with SEE GRANT C2
Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) report that tracks mortgage lending by race. Commenting on NAREB’s efforts, Keith Corbett, an Executive Vice-President with the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) and a percent of loans taken its message NAREB partner noted, “When many made to help and advocacy to Black families are paying $1,000 or more Charlene Crowell Black borrowers major cities faceach month for rent, they are losing the purchase homes ing severe houschance to build wealth for their families. were backed by ing challenges: CRL views NAREB as a vital partner in these federal proChicago, Memadvocating financial fairness for all.” grams. phis, Oakland “The housing finance system must do a In response to and Philadelphia. better job at providing mortgage credit to these disturbing By bringing borrowers who represent the future,” findings, a fiveNAREB’s mesadded Corbett. year plan to add sage “closer to Earlier CRL mortgage research found two million more the ground”, rethat across the country from 2007 – Black homeowners has been launched by spective Black communities were in2011, foreclosures drained more than $2 the National Association of Real Estate formed and engaged by more than 800 trillion in property value, from families Brokers (NAREB). Founded in 1947 from participating real estate professionals. who live nearby foreclosed homes. More a need to secure the right to equal housThose in attendance learned more than half of these losses fell on either ing opportunities regardless of race, about homeownership disparities in their Black or Latino communities. creed or color, NAREB’s mission remains own city, as well as the value and bene“Owning a home has been the way vital today. fits of homeownership as a wealth-build- we’ve sent our children to school, fi“NAREB has taken the initiative to be ing tool. Each forum included housing nanced our businesses, passed wealth on in the vanguard to rebuild wealth in the counselors, legal and title experts, finanto our families, and kept our communiBlack community,” said Ron Cooper, cial partners and other speakers that to- ties desirable places to live,” added NAREB’s president. “We are prepared to gether explained what it takes to buy NAREB’s Cooper. “The economic tsunami use every tool at our disposal … advocacy and own a home. devastated our communities and halted in the halls of Congress … expanding our A second series of forums in four more our collective ability to be participants in army of informed and committed real es- cities is now being planned for 2017. and economically thriving members of tate professionals … engaging the active Progress towards the goal of 2 million this country’s greatest promise to its citiparticipation of informed organizational more homeowners will be measured zens: the dream of owning a home.” collaborators and lending partners …vig- through a database management system For more information on NAREB, visit ilance to the need to build and rebuild that will track and capture sales activiits web at: http://www.nareb.com. economic wealth through homeownership ties across the country. Both NAREB (Charlene Crowell is a communications manager for Black Americans, regardless of the members and participating lenders will with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can ‘issue of the day’”. have access to the system. Its data will be reached at Charlene.crowell@responsibleBeginning in February, NAREB has augment findings from the annual Home lending.org.)
A 5-year plan to rebuild Black wealth and expand homeownership Commentary
C2 MAY 4-10, 2016
Five quick ways to save money CONTINUED FROM C1
your payment deadlines on your calendar and stay within budget when using your card so you have the money you need to pay on time. Chronic late payments will result in more late fees, possible hikes in the interest rate you pay, and lower credit scores. Reassess your ride According to the AAA, it cost $8,698 on average in 2015 to drive a typical sedan 15,000 miles in a year, $9,372 for a minivan, and $10,624 for an SUV with four-wheel-drive. Those numbers include average fuel, maintenance, tires, license and registration fees, taxes, depreciation, and finance charges. If you’re wondering if downsizing is best, check out resources such as Edmunds.com’s “True Cost to Own” site to help you determine what your likely annual costs will be for the makes and models that interest you. Lighten up on baggage fees Airline baggage fees can run around $25 for a first checked bag and sometimes even higher for a second or an overweight or oversized bag. Packing light is one great way to avoid extra fees, as is joining a frequent flier program that offers discounts on baggage charges. In addition, when you’re comparing fares, find out the baggage charge for each option to determine what your total cost will be. It may be cheaper in the end to pick the flight with a slightly higher fare but a better baggage policy. Turn to your local CPA Want more help staying on budget and making the most of your money? Your CPA can help. He or she can offer advice on all of your financial questions. If you need a CPA ask friends or relatives for recommendations or use the PICPA’s CPA locator at www.picpa.org/moneyandlife.
Homestead Borough fully integrates Meter Feeder Parking App for residents and businesses BUSINESS
Homestead, Pa.—On Wednesday May 1, dents and visitors have multiple options. 2016 Homestead Borough, located SouthThe historic Homestead Borough and east of Pittsburgh, Pa. fully integrated the their growing business district is keeping Meter Feeder parking app for their resiup with traditions but also becoming more dents and business partners. The Meter progressive by incorporating technologiFeeder app is currently fully operational cally advanced solutions aligning them and being used by residents, commuters, with other cities, municipalities, and borand visitors and gaining popularity with oughs. users for its ease and versatility. Borough Council President Lloyd D. Forgot quarters for parking when visitCunningham said, “Homestead has a very ing the Homestead Business District? rich history and we want to keep our Meter Feeder is here to help. In adheritage, but also we need to dition to parking with quarters keep moving forward with at stand-alone meters, the the times. Offering an appMeter Feeder app is free to based parking solution is download for both Apple just another step. When and Android phones and we keep up with evolvdevices. In minutes, the ing technologies, we app is fully operational are able to better serve for parking customers our citizens.” Meter and stores vehicle and Feeder is also working payment information for with Borough officials future use at any of the to incorporate permit Meter Feeder operated parking for their resiparking lots and dents. streets. As a locally-based tech Enforcement has company, Meter Feeder is never been easier as the offering parking and enMeter Feeder companforcement solutions for ion app Meter Reader cities, municipalities, offers borough parkand boroughs. ing officers easy-toCurrently, they use tools to view offer services at parking related neighboring violations and Dormont, issue tickets. Brentwood, JAMES GIBBS Any payments and Carnegie CO-FOUNDER & PRESIDENT, METER FEEDER made through areas and is the app for parking are readily available working diligently to provide user-friendly for the officers to see and when parking services to growing parking initiatives time is about to expire a push notification both locally and nationwide. is sent to the parking customer’s phone to Meter Feeder is an award-winning parkadd more time or move their vehicle. If a ing management and enforcement platticket is issued, the customer can also pay form, based in Braddock, PA. Meter by scanning the unique QR code located Feeder entered into the $25 billion parkat the bottom of the ticket with their ing market, with the goal of disrupting the Meter Feeder app, preventing accrual of archaic parking systems by providing very additional fees for non-payment. Credit simple, very easy parking tools for any card payments for parking tickets are also size municipality. As a technology first accepted via the Meter Feeder website at company, Meter Feeder focuses on usabilwww.meterfeeder.com. ity and efficiency and taking a new apIn addition to Meter Feeder parking app, proach to solving the existing parking isHomestead Borough will continue to acsues and presenting new ways to introcept conventional payments for their meduce smart parking solutions. Learn more ters and tickets issued, to ensure all resiat www.meterfeeder.com.
Steps to help you improve your financial life CONTINUED FROM C1
up a tax deferred, retirement account and commit to regular contributions. Employer plans, like a 401(k), usually allow you to automatically set aside a portion of your check to build the account. If a 401(k) is not an option, you can contribute to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Self employed individuals and small business owners also can save for retirement with tax deferred benefits through a Simplified Employee Pension Plan, or SEP IRA. Look to the future. After you have set up a retirement plan, there are other longterm priorities that must be considered, such as your child’s college education or the care for an aging parent. Set your short–term goals. Once longterm savings priorities are addressed, start making a list of your goals for the next five years such as vacations or home remodels. It is often helpful to open a ded-
icated savings account, which you contribute to weekly or monthly for these bigticket items. Managing money can be an art. If it feels like you aren’t contributing as much to your short-term savings goals, get creative. Things like starting a change jar or holding a garage sale or selling unwanted but valuable items on eBay, can add up. BetterMoneyHabits.com provides people with the educational resources they have asked for and is available when they need it. The content on the site, which is refreshed regularly, delivers unbiased and easy-to-understand information on a wide range of personal finance topics. We hope you take advantage of this free resource, and that you make a commitment today to improve your financial future. (Denise Boone–Bennett is Bank of America, Senior VP Market Sales)
Grant awarded to staff a Women’s Business Center CONTINUED FROM C1
women-owned small businesses by assisting both startups and current business owners,” said Hunt. The WBC is designed to provide free business counseling and technical assistance. Following the SBA mandate, it will also focus on capital, certifications and federal contracting. It will service women entrepreneurs in all stages of operation, according to its director Anne Flynn Schlicht servicing Pittsburgh, Allegheny and 11 other Counties. With the goal to service 100 women during the first six-month segment of the grant period, she said services will be provided through office visits at the Center, onsite face- to- face and virtual means. Providing programming in underserved communities is also a goal of the WBC. According to Flynn Schlicht community partnerships have been developed with Urban Innovation 21, the Hill District Community Development Corporation and the African American Chamber of Commerce to assure that their services are being provided to women seeking business assistance throughout all communities. One of the first programs of the WBC, a business startup training workshop is being planned to take place at the Homewood Library and then in the Hill District. Upon completion of the workshops followup counseling will occur based on the needs of participating entrepreneurs. Monday, May 16 there will be a WBC Open House from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the
Chatham University Gatehouse. Operating similar to a pilot project, the grant, totaling $85,100, is for a six-month period. Chatham then can reapply for a full year of funding to continue providing assistance. Rebecca Harris, director, of Chatham University’s Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship pursued the grant to enhance the quality education and training for women entrepreneurs the Center has been providing since 2005. The center creates economic opportunities for women through entrepreneurial education and training, mentoring, and networking. Chatham was one of six locations selected to operate a Women’s Business Center. There are a total of 114 throughout the country. The WBC program, established by Congress in 1988, is administered by the SBA’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership and promotes the growth of womenowned businesses through business training and technical assistance, and provides access to credit and capital, federal contracts, and international trade opportunities. Created in 1953, the SBA is an independent agency of the federal government that aids, counsels, assists and protects the interests of small business concerns. It preserves free competitive enterprises and maintains and strengthens the overall economy of the nation. (For information on services and programs provided by the WBC call 412- 365-1153.)
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
BUSINESS CALENDAR
Latin America Trade Seminar MAY 10—The Duquesne University Small Business Center presents (Part 1) of the Mexico, Chile and Peru Trade Winds Business Series: Finding and Managing Foreign Reps, Cultures and Translations, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the SMC Business Councils Office, 600 Cranberry Woods Drive, suite 190, Cranberry Township, 16066. Registrants may also attend via Webinar. The cost for one session is $35, for both, $50. For more information, call 412-3966233.
Training Workshop MAY 13—The Duquesne University Small Business Center presents First Step: Business Start-up Essentials from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Room 108, Rockwell Hall, 600 Forbes Ave. Topics covered include: Business Structure and Formation; Fictitious Name Registration; Employee Issues; Insurance; Government Procurement; Environmental Concerns; Financing Options; Taxation Requirements, and Major Components of the Business Plan. The cost is $25. For more information, call 412-396-6233.
Talent Issues and Options Workshop May18—The African American Chamber of Commerce will host a Talent Issues and Options Workshop from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in its 9th Floor conference room at the Koppers Building, 436 Seventh Ave., Downtown. Led by CareerLink Business Services Consultant Ida Ford and Three Rivers Workforce Development Business Solutions Consultant Susanne Killmeyer, the workshop will present promising practices to address the issues of talent acquisition and development. Please RSVP by May 13 at 412-392-0610 or at information@aaccwp.com.
Disaster Relief Application Deadline MAY 23—The U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding eligible Private NonProfit organizations in Pennsylvania that they have until May 23 to apply for low-interest disaster loans for physical damage caused by the severe storms of Jan. 22-23, 2016. Loans up to $2 million are available. Additional increases of up to 20 percent of losses are also available for future mitigation purposes, as are additional loans for unmet capital needs. Applications can be filed at https://disasterloan.sba.go v/ela. For more information, call 800-659-2955 or by email at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
Latin America Trade Seminar MAY 24—The Duquesne University Small Business Center presents (Part 2) of the Mexico, Chile and Peru Trade Winds Business Series: Logistics and Payment when Selling into Latin America, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the SMC Business Councils Office, 600 Cranberry Woods Drive, suite 190, Cranberry Township, 16066. Registrants may also attend via Webinar. The cost for one session is $35, for both, $50. For more information, call 412-3966233.
Social Media Workshop MAY 26—The African American Chamber of Commerce will host a Social Media Workshop from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in its 9th Floor conference room at the Koppers Building, 436 Seventh Ave., Downtown. The workshop will cover strategies for effectively using platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn to expand business presence. For more information, call 412-3920610 or visit information@aaccwp.com.
New Pittsburgh Courier
SPORTS
C3
MAY 4-10, 2016
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
‘Boom or Bust’ draft for black and yellow
SECOND ROUND—SEAN DAVIS
by Smokin’ Jim Frazier For New Pittsburgh Courier
The NFL has no Ten Commandments that are set in stone to drafting rookie players. Every team has to build their own blueprint to the Super Bowl, and follow the plan that works best for them. The blueprint for the black and yellow probably says the secondary is where the Steelers need the help. The Steelers ranked 30th in the NFL in 2015 in pass defense by allowing 272 yards passing per game. The 4,350 total passing yards allowed shattered the franchise record of 4,049 yards set the previous season. On top of that, the Steelers lost their starting left cornerback (Antwon Blake) and their slot corner at the end of the season and in the playoffs (Brandon Boykin) in free agency. They’re also without their starting strong safety, Will Allen, who started 15 of the 18 games last season and remains unsigned at the age of 34. The Steelers have not had a Pro Bowl cornerback since Hall of Famer Rod Woodson made it after the 1996 season for the seventh time with the Steelers. The Steelers took their scouting talents to South Beach for the first 2016 draft pick. The 6-foot, 193pound “Bullet” Artie Burns stood out the most because of his speed—he was a track star with the Hurricanes and at Miami Northwestern High School—as well as the six interceptions he posted in 2015.
That marked the highest total by a Hurricanes defender since the late Sean Taylor in 2003. Burns, (6’0, 193), of Miami, Florida is better in man coverage and could provide the Steelers with the shutdown skills they’ve lacked since Ike Taylor retired. Burns, a true junior who turned 21 on May 1, has only scratched the surface of his potential at the position. “They’re known as a tough defense. I’m that kind of guy. I’ve been watching the Steelers defense since I was young. That’s always been my team since I was young. I always idolized them, year in and year out,” said Burns. “When I played midget football, I played for a team called the Steelers, so that’s when I started wearing that black and yellow and watching the greats play. I was playing running back, actually, and Jerome Bettis is the one who really caught my eye. When I watched him play, how aggressive he was, that kind of stuck with me. So, I always followed the black and yellow no matter losing or winning.” “Bullet” Artie Burns, is a former track star who broke a 38-year-old American junior record and won three state titles in the hurdles. Florida’s born-and-bred Burns has carved out a unique place for himself on the track and football field at the University of Miami. “My mom turned my head toward “Bullet” Bob
FOURTH ROUND—JAVON HARGROVE
Hayes, because he won a Super Bowl, but he also won an Olympic medal,” said Burns. “A lot of people say that’s hard to accomplish, and I feel like that was a great task that he accomplished. For somebody to win two notable awards in two different sports, it’s really special.” Burns should have a chance to start quickly in a defensive backfield that three corners have left them since the end of last season and it will not be a smooth ride for Artie Burns, but he is never one to back down from a challenge. He will step up under pressure. Burns’mother, Dana Smith, died in October at age 44 because of a heart attack. His father is in prison serving a 25-year sentence without the possibility of patrol, so he has taken over custody of his two brothers while raising his own son. “There’s a lot to be excited about Artie. He’s a third year player. He has a lot of growth potential. We’re excited about the upsides. He’s a master at bump corner, it appears to be something that’s a natural element of his game,” said coach Mike Tomlin. “He’s good at the ball, he’s good with the ball down
those guys as well as fit into the run game. I pattern my play after Sean Taylor.” Sean Davis could be an All-Pro Cornerback or free safety but will play strong safety for the black and yellow. “His coverage skills, in my opinion, are very good. He has a lot of experience covering slots and tight ends at safety, but he also played a year at corner which gives him even more experience. You take a player like that who last year played corner who is going to come in and play safety. It will be a lot easier for him to cover,” said secondary coach Cornel Lake. “Our need require him to play safety. He has 300 tackles and is really fast and he is kind of everything you are looking for when you are talking about versatility for defensive backs. Sean is intelligent individual. He made calls at the safety position at Maryland. He speaks three languages, so I am not worried about his ability to adapt to our playbook.” Davis is an absolute lights-out hitter who generates terrific closing speed and bone-crushing collisions on a regular basis, attacking the line of scrim-
FIRST ROUND—ARTIE BURNS the field. He’s right at six feet. He has elite speed. He’s a track man also down there at Miami. We’re just really excited about him in general. Good player to work with and motivated. He can get things going for us in 2016.” To summarize: Artie Burns is a Boom or Bust pick. It is the first time the Steelers have drafted defensive backs with the first two picks in the draft since 1987 when they took Rod Woodson and Delton Hall. Sean Davis, (6-1, 201) of Maryland, is the highest safety they’ve picked since Troy Polamalu in 2003. The NFL is always looking for intimidating hitters on defense and Davis certainly provides that after recording 313 career tackles in 50 games and capping his career in explosive fashion, tying for second in the nation with five forced fumbles in 2015. “My dad is a Steelers’ fan. He just loves Coach Tomlin, and he loves that black and yellow. There’s something about that black and yellow. He has always stayed a Steelers’ fan,” said Davis. “I’m big as a safety, strong as a linebacker, but I’m quick as a corner. I feel like the game is changing with these crazy athletic tight ends, so I feel like me being out there, I can cover
mage whether he is coming from safety or cornerback. Downhill closing speed shows up in coverage as well. “Seventy percent of the snaps now are passing plays in the league. When they spread you, offenses are spreading you out to create mismatches. They will put a player like Rob Gronkowski out wide and force you to matchup with either a linebacker or a safety on Gronkowski. Now we have a guy that has the size and can cover,” said coach Lake. “He is a bigtime hitter and what was impressive to me about Sean Taylor was when the ball broke loose, he made a lot of tackles. Three hundred tackles in college is a lot of tackles. No other defensive back coming out right now had as many tackles as Sean Taylor.” It often takes something special to get on the NFL radar when playing at the FCS level, and Javon Hargrave, (6-2, 310) of South Carolina State, did just that when he racked up six sacks in a victory over Bethune-Cookman in a 2014. Hargrave racked up a whooping 37 sacks in his collegiate career! Runs the 40 in 4.9. Hargrave, can play nose guard or defensive end. He was a 3rd round draft pick. Still far from a polished product, Jerald Hawkins,
THIRD ROUND—SEAN TAYLOR (6-6, 305) of LSU, is an underclassmen and an offensive tackle with good size. Boom or Bust prospect. Hawkins was a 4th round draft choice. Travis Feeney, (6-4, 235) of Washington, is the best player in the entire draft. He has the talent to end his career in the Pro Football Hall of Fame! He is the fastest player in NFL history. Runs the 40 in 4.31!! He has an NBA vertical jump of over 40 inches!! And he will make every team in the NFL pay for not drafting him. Feeney, was only a 6th round draft choice. Demarcus Ayers, (5-9, 190) of Houston, is a widereceiver with offensive tackle speed. Ayers runs the 40 in a pedestrian 4.7 on his best day. He also returns punts. A very long shot to make the team. Boom or Bust selection. Steelers version of Mr. Irrelevant. 7th round draft pick. Tyler Matakevich, (6-0, 233) of Temple, will be a favorite of Steelers Nation. He is a 3x All-American, a tackling machine and the 2015 Bronco Nagurski Award winner. He is a fouryear starter and ended his career with 493 tackles. Not the biggest. Not the fastest. But he rarely misses a tackle. Steelers second 7th round draft choice. “I started playing football when I was 8 for Stratford pop warner and then I went to Catholic school at St. Joseph’s and after high school I went to prep school at Milford Academy. I broke my foot before my senior year in high school
so that’s why I went Milford and the Temple coaches found me up there,” said Matakevich. “I understand the hard work it takes to get yourself ready for a football game. Every level it gets harder and harder. I enjoy the work during the week, the practice and the film study.” A great football team is like a necklace—if one link is missing, you are never going to be able to wear the necklace until you fix it—and it’s the same with Pro Football. If you are looking to win a championship, then you must make sure that you have all your ducks in a row— scouting, drafting, coaching, ownership, medical staff and players. If any of these links is missing, your team turns into the Cleveland Browns. “After meeting with Mike Tomlin, he was one of the coolest coaches I’ve met. The players really related to him. They want to play for him. Just the way he carried himself and the way he approached people,” said Burns. “When he talked to me, I could tell that everything he was saying was legit. He seemed like a genuine person. The way he carries himself and the way he represents the black and yellow, he just has so much swag. Swag that’s so natural for a head coach. He’s cool. Playing for the Steelers is so cool.” If the Pittsburgh Steelers and coach Tomlin win the Super Bowl. That would be as cool as the other side of the pillow.
SIXTH ROUND—JERALD HAWKINS
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Pittsburgh Steelers fill holes in NFL 2016 draft by Ulish Carter Courier Staff Writer
In previous years the Steelers drafted the best players available and plugged them in. But this year there were some clear weaknesses, mostly the defensive secondary, and the team did an excellent job filling the holds. Gone are Ike Taylor, Troy Polamalu, and all the other veterans, so the Steelers desperately needed someone who could cover the multiple receivers in today’s pass oriented offenses. So their first round draft pick was cornerback Artie Burns from Miami. Burns is a tall, fast, quick talented corner who should be the perfect fit next to veteran William Gay, who was the only veteran the Steelers resigned. Burns was a track star as well at Miami, which means he’s fast enough to keep up with just about any receiver in the game. He’s the first cornerback drafted by the Steelers in 19 years. Chad Scott was the last. Other youngsters who will battle for time will be Ross Cochrell, Doran
Grant, and Serrguez Golson, who missed all of last season with an injury. Following Burns the Steelers selected safety Sean Davis from Maryland. Secondary coach Cornell Lake is very high on him predicting that he will start at strong safety along side Mike Mitchell. Other youngsters who will battle for time will be Robert Golden, Shamarko Thomas, and Ross Ventrine. Davis, like Burns, is tall, fast and tough. It sounds like these two may be the foundation that lifts the secondary to the level of the rest of the team. Hopefully it will start next season. Javon Hargrove, defensive tackle, South Carolina State, was the third round choice. He will give the defensive line much needed depth and will push the starters for more playing time down the road. Jerald Hawkins, a 6-6, 305 pound offensive tackle from LSU will give the Steelers much needed backup at that position which provides protection for Big Ben Roethlisberger. The Steelers closed out the draft for them with
WELCOME TO THE STEELERS—From left: Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin, first round draft choice Artie Burns, and Steelers President Art Rooney. (AP Photo) Travis Feeney, an outside linebacker from Washington. He will provide quality backup for the starters. The Steelers were, when
Inside Conditions…Backed into a ‘corner’ by Aubrey Bruce For New Pittsburgh Courier
There was the usual predraft “brain surgeons” analysis in regards to the 2016 NFL draft that began on April 28 and concluded on April 30. I pointed out many moons ago that it was my opinion that choosing a pure cornerback, not a hybrid defensive back but a pure corner was a no brainer because it was usually the Steelers secondary that was questioned and scrutinized after a close and last minute Steelers loss. In this year’s draft the Steelers selected Artie Burns, a cornerback out of Miami (Fla.) Burns was only the sixth corner drafted by the team since 2006, (in any round) and was the first corner drafted in the first round by the Black and Gold since cornerback Chad Scott was chosen in the 1997 draft, a mere nineteen years ago. I wonder why that is? Well back in the day, Pittsburgh usually had a vicious front seven, a “steel” blanket if you will. Except for the past five or possibly six seasons, running the ball against Casey “big snack” Hampton, Aaron Smith, Brett Keisel and the rest of the Big Nasty “D” was most of the time, pointless. So for many third and long scenarios that quarterbacks facing Pittsburgh were put in, the blood seeking Steelers defensive line never gave an opposing QB ample time to sit back and play “pitch and catch,” even if a “Willy
AUBREY BRUCE Wonka” was playing corner for the men of steel. It was virtually impossible for a signal caller to whistle Dixie against the Steelers while looking for 2nd and 3rd “reads” especially if that quarterback happened to be laying on his back or running for his life. Pittsburgh’s offensive philosophy was a run game coupled with a time of possession offense that allowed the Steelers “torturers” on defense to get ample rest while waiting on the next series to harass the opposing offense. From 19952005, relentless was the adjective of the decade that described the Pittsburgh Steelers pass rush. However free agency, candy coated defensive schemes, a diluted draft pool and rule changes to assist the offense, left cornerbacks all across the NFL in shall we say: “a vulnerable position.” Why did it take the Steelers so long to address “less than stellar” defensive backfield performances?
Some say that the defensive schemes concocted by former Steelers Hall-of Fame defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau were scientific and complex enough that a degree in mechanical engineering with a minor in aerodynamics might have given a new defensive player being initiated into the Steelers system (especially a cornerback) at least a basic understanding of the Steelers defensive playbook. There are many components that may have had a negative effect on the overall performance of the Steelers defense as of late, but shoddy defensive backfield play was at the core of the many failures and last minute letdowns and nip and tuck defeats that the team experienced. No matter how great the defensive game plan is or how great an athlete is projected to be; if the players don’t execute on the field “delusions” of grandeur will remain just that, at least defensively anyway. (Aubrey Bruce is the Senior Sports Columnist for the New Pittsburgh Courier. He can be reached at: abruce@newpittsburghcourier.com or 412583-6741. Follow him on Twitter@ultrascribe.)
healthy, the most potent offensive team in football last season that is why there was only one offensive player selected, and he was a lineman. A brief look at the Steelers starting roster for 2016-17: QB: Ben Roethlisberger is as good as any in the NFL. Only Tom Brady could be ranked ahead of him. RB: LeVean Bell and DeAngelo Williams. None better. WR: Antonio Brown, Markus Wheaton and look for Darrius Heywood-Bey to see a lot more action with Marktavis Bryant gone. Brown was the best wide receiver in the game last season and probably
the past two seasons. The loss of Bryant will hurt but it means Markus Wheaton and Darius Heywood-Bey must step up their game. TE: The retirement of Heath Miller will hurt big time but look for Jesse James to have a big year, with Ben taking advantage of his 6-8 height. Line: Even without its best player, center Maurkice Pouncey the offensive line was one of the best in the league and the best it has been since the Terry Bradshaw era of the 1970s. The defense got a lot of criticism last season mostly because of a weak secondary. The defensive line was on of the better units in the NFL and was
among the best by the end of the season and should be among the elite this season. The linebackers: Always among the best in the league headed by Lawrence Timmons, they take a back seat to no one unit. With all other positions in place, if the Steelers are to attend their ninth Super Bowl, Burns and Davis must step up and step out in the secondary much like Mel Blount, Rod Woodson, Troy Polomalu, and Ike Taylor did before them. With his speed as a track star in Miami, Burns may be able to help the Steelers Special Teams with his speed as a returner or defender or blocker.
Very few surprises in NBA playoffs by Ulish Carter Courier Staff Writer
There have been very few surprises in the NBA playoffs so far. In the East the Cleveland Cavaliers swept the Detroit Pistons, 4-0; and the Toronto Raptors and the Indiana Pacers went to 7 games, with the Raptors winning their first playoff series in team history. The Miami Heat beat the Charlotte Hornets 4-3 in a very competitive series as was the Atlanta Hawks, 4-2, Boston Celtics series. In the West the Golden State Warriors vs. the Houston Rockets, despite Steph Curry missing two games, the Warriors eliminated the Rockets, 4-1. The San Antonio Spurs swept the Memphis Grizzilies, the Oklahoma Thunder eliminated the Dallas Mavericks, 4-1; with the only surprise being the Portland Trail Blazers upsetting the Los Angeles Clippers 4-3 after Chris Paul and Blake Griffin were injured. In the second round in the East: The Cavaliers vs. the Hawks, the Raptors vs.
the Heat. In the West: the Warriors vs. the Trail Blazers, and the Spurs vs. the Thunder. The most exciting series should be the Spurs vs. the Thunder in the West, and the Raptors vs. the Heat in the East. The Cavaliers and the Warriors should win their series in sweeps. The Spurs and Thunder could go 7 or 4-1 in the Spurs favor, and the Heat vs. Raptors should go 7 with the Heat winning simply because of Dwayne Wade. The Cavaliers looked like they could beat anyone with LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love and J. R. Smith are jelling together into an awesome force. They should make easy work of the Hawks as well as the Raptors, Heat winner. The Warriors and the Spurs should make one of the greatest Western semifinals in NBA history. If Curry is playing. The Warriors can get past the Trail Blazers without Curry, but not past the Spurs. They may not get past the Spurs with him.
Overtime by Bill Neal For New Pittsburgh Courier
:10—First and foremost, I want to offer my sincere sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of Ms. Kathy Neely. She was a delightful most pleasant woman, with a wonderful smile and a great personality. She had a quiet, but direct quick wit. I would sometimes tease her that we must be half related…“Neely”…“Neal.” That being said, I will remember her most for keeping me in line, especially when we did the “Top 10 Women” story each year. Let’s just say she made sure “Brown Sugar” was properly represented. God Bless you Kathy and may you rest in peace! :09—You know I continue to get pushed back from the young bucks who actually think and believe that they know more than me about “Old School”…and they didn’t live “Old School”…I did! For example, you young folk will never see the likes of James Brown, the Temptations, Earth Wind & Fire, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Luther or Prince. That being said, you are never going to have the pleasure of seeing a
BILL NEAL Jim Brown, Tony Dorsett, Bo Jackson, Kareem, Kobe…and most especially, Wilt Chamberlain or Michael Jordan both recognized as the greatest players of all time. But officially, you only need to go to the NBA website where it states…“By acclamation that Michael Jeffrey Jordan is the greatest player of all time”!! What’s my point you ask with baited breath. Do you think for one minute that “The Greatest of all Time” with an unmatchable 15 year career that included being on the all defensive team 9 times is going to let Steph Curry score 30 or 40 a night in a playoff series. My
friend, to quote the great Denzel Washington… “You are outside your mind.” Not going to happen. Never going to happen. So shut up and stop calling me! The Bulls would destroy the Warriors. :08—THIS - IS - A REAL - BIG - SHOUTOUT - TO - A - LIFE LONG - FRIEND - AND- A - LOYAL -AND - DEVOTED - OVERTIME – READER. (Well, I don’t know if she’s loyal and devoted, that might be a stretch, but she does read Overtime.) Diane Thomas. You are now in “The Locker Room.” Thanks for the memories…love ya! :07—The Heat…The Miami Heat for all you disbelievers, are now a third of the way to upsetting The Cavs and winning the NBA East. And remember, I told ya! :06—Did I hear somebody say “Lumber Company II”. Your Pittsburgh Pirates are knocking the cover off the ball man. :05—Your Pittsburgh Steelers heard you loud and clear this time and selected cornerback Artie Burns out of Miami. Great pick. Hard-nosed. Miami pedigree. Blazing speed. And, he’s not a linebacker. :04—Just a thought.
What’s the chances of naming your son Isaiah and your last name is Thomas and he becomes a star guard in the NBA. And you’re not related to “The Real Isaiah”. WOW!!! :03—Can someone please tell me why Portland even bothered to show up? Look, if you can’t play hard, go home! :02—This lead in before I conclude with Norm Thomas. “The Legend” that is Hubie Bryant was at the Penn Hills Hall of Fame. Ladies and gentlemen, the Legend is real!!! :01—I’ll give you this again because it’s worth repeating, Norman Thomas was inducted into the famed Penn Hills Hall of Fame. Without question, one of the three greatest hurdlers of all time. Still holds several WPIAL and Penn Hills records after a 47 year departure from the track. Be reminded once again that his superior talent on the track was only surpassed by his superior persona as a gentleman, family man and friend. “Banfield Forever.” :00—Double Overtime This just in from the Pittsburgh marathon…a Kenyan won the race!!! Whatever MMMAAANNN! ~ GAME OVER ~
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Mt. Zion Baptist Church 36 Meade Avenue Bellevue, PA 15202 Tel. No. (412) 766-8382 E-Mail: mtzionbellevuepa36@verizon.net
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VEHICLE PROJECT COORDINATOR
Port Authority is seeking a Vehicle Project Coordinator to be responsible for development and management of programs and projects required to procure revenue vehicles required by Port Authority to provide service for current and future operational needs. This position also works closely with the Bus Maintenance Support Department on technical related issues and maintenance incidents for investigation and engineering support. Job requirements include: •BS in Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Automotive or related Engineering or Technology fields from an accredited school. Demonstrated experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis. •Minimum of eight (8) years experience in the specification, manufacturing and maintenance of vehicle equipment (preferably transit vehicle equipment) with four (4) years supervisory/management experience in bus and/or transit vehicle maintenance. •Demonstrated ability in the use of Windows, Microsoft Word and Excel. •Professional and effective communication skills. •Ability to function as a team player and work harmoniously with other people. •Valid PA driver’s license. Preferred attributes: •Registered Engineer in Pennsylvania or ability to obtain registration through reciprocity.
We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Interested candidates should forward a cover letter (with salary requirements) and resume to: Robyn Taylor Employment Department 345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 RTaylor@portauthority.org EOE
BOROUGH MANAGER Advertisement – April 2016
The Borough of Homestead, PA is opening the search for the position of Borough Manager. Homestead has a population of 3,150, an annual operating budget of $4.2 million, and a workforce of 38 employees. Homestead is a full service Borough located abutting the City of Pittsburgh with a vigorous, new retail and mixed use development on an expansive, former steel mill site and an older Central Business District in transition. A seven (7) member Council and a Mayor govern the Borough. Minimum requirements for applicants are a bachelor’s degree in public administration, accounting, or a related field and two (2) years experience in a manager/secretary, assistant manager/secretary position, or finance director position or three (3) years experience in local government administration in a manager/secretary, assistant manager/secretary, or finance director position with an associate degree in business or financial management. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in a manager/secretary position in a PA municipality similar to the Borough of Homestead. Core competencies in budgeting and finance management, personnel administration including labor negotiations and relations, and grant writing/administration skills are necessary and should be demonstrable. Community outreach skills are highly desirable as are business district revitalization skills. The position offers a competitive salary between $45 - $60K, depending on qualifications, and an excellent, generous benefit package. Interested and qualified applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, at least three professional references, and a compensation history by May 23, 2016 to: Department of Community & Economic Development, 301 Fifth Avenue, Suite 250, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, Attn: Homestead Borough Manager. EOE.
Port Authority is seeking an Employee Relations Representative to conduct discipline and grievance hearings to ensure consistent, system-wide adherence and applications. Assist in interpreting and administering Collective Bargaining Agreements, company policies and procedures. Represents Port Authority in various legal proceedings. Job requirements include: •High School Diploma or GED. •BA/BS degree in Industrial Relations/Labor Relations or directly related field from an accredited school. Experience within labor relations/employee relations area may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis. •Minimum of five (5) years experience in the area of employee relations, including a minimum of one (1) year experience in a unionized environment. •Knowledge of labor and employment laws. •Demonstrated ability in the use of Windows, Microsoft Word and Excel. •Professional and effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills. •Good organizational skills. Preferred attributes: •Previous supervisory and/or leadership experience. •Oracle/PeopleSoft experience. •General Human Resource experience.
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Anticipated full-time elementary and secondary teaching positions for the 2016-17 school year: PA certification required. View available openings and submit PA standard application, cover letter, resume, PA certificate, transcripts, clearances, and three letters of reference to Talent Ed at: https://senecavalley. cloud.talentedk12.com/hire/ index.aspx. Applications accepted until position is filled. Seneca Valley is committed to diversity in the workplace. E.O.E.
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We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Interested candidates should forward a cover letter (with salary requirements) and resume to: Inez Colon Employment Department 345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 IColon@portauthority.org EOE Finance
PORTFOLIO ANALYTICS AND STRATEGY SPECIALIST I
The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. seeks a Portfolio Analytics and Strategy Specialist I in Pittsburgh, PA to provide in-depth analytics support on Business Banking Lending and Business Credit Card portfolios. Specific duties include: (i) extract and manipulate raw data from sources such as mainframe, Oracle, and UNIX using programming tools such as SAS and SQL to enable analysis and strategy development; (ii) design, develop, and validate marketing, underwriting, and portfolio management analysis to optimize portfolio risk adjusted returns; (iii) support model development of CCAR, Basel, and other models; (iv) produce P&L’s across multiple segments such as product, channel, and industry; (v) develop loss forecasting, reporting and test tracking for each channel; (vi) support the business through ad hoc analyses; (vii) further the development of customer/prospect segmentation across each channel; (viii) provide recommendations for strategy, development, and manage execution of credit risk authorizations and fraud management; (ix) understand drivers of profitability, loss and capital requirements, including funding costs; and (x) clearly communicate results to business partners, senior management, and cross-functional working committees. Master’s degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Engineering, Management Science, Finance, or Business Administration plus 3 years of experience in a statistical modeling role is required. Experience must include: (i) providing analysis that supports financial strategy development; (ii) data management and analysis skills with SAS products (Base, Enterprise Guide, and Enterprise Miner) that includes importing and exporting raw data, manipulating and transforming data, combining SAS datasets, data step programming, writing and interpreting SAS SQL code, and creating and using the SAS MACRO facility; (iii) database management in Oracle and Teradata environments writing SQL queries; (iv) working with UNIX servers; (v) developing and implementing predictive models, working with statistical modeling and data mining techniques that includes analysis of variance, linear and logistic regression analysis, CHAID trees, clustering algorithms and measuring model performance; (vi) summarizing and writing up of analytic results in Power Point and presenting results to management; and (vii) working with P&L and balance sheet drivers and components. 40 hours/week, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Interested individuals apply online at www.pnc.com using keyword 238727BR. PNC provides equal opportunity to qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or other categories protected by law.
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QUANTITATIVE ANALYTICS AND MODEL DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT
The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. seeks a Quantitative Analytics and Model Development Consultant in Pittsburgh, PA to participate in all aspects of model validation activities. Specific duties include: (i) work with Model Owners and Specialists and independently perform validations of high impact models in compliance with OCC 2011 -12 and PNC’s Model Validation Policy and Guidelines; (ii) as member of the Model Risk Management Group, provide oversight and execution to the model validation activities; (iii) collect data and assumptions used in models, including model output, in preparation for model validation; (iv) conduct robust and comprehensive model validation testing and analysis in accordance with PNC’s Model Validation Policy and Guidelines; (v) document and present model validation results to the head of the Model Risk Management Group; and (vi) provide support/ analysis on key models assigned, such as mortgage servicing models, QRM, or other complex models. Master’s degree in Quantitative Finance, Financial Markets, Statistics, Economics, Business or Mathematics plus 3 years of experience in a position requiring quantitative financial modeling or statistical modeling or validation is required. Experience must include: (i) asset valuation, loss forecasting, capital calculation, choice modeling and/or risk analysis; (ii) work with a financial services firm/organization focusing on analytic applications in a modeling, model risk, or other quantitative capacity; (iii) SAS, R, VBA or Matlab for statistical/stochastic modeling, simulation work and large data set data sets involving large numbers of records (>10K) or variables (>100) or source systems; and (iv) development of testing methodologies, including various statistical tests and stress tests, and the creation of working papers. Must have knowledge of modeling methodologies and designs and the impact of models on business decision-making. 40 hours/week, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Interested individuals apply online at www.pnc.com using keyword 238766BR. PNC provides equal opportunity to qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or other categories protected by law.
SENECA VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Coordinator of Collegiate and Career Affairs: available immediately, 199 days per year; Seneca Valley secondary campus, all buildings; salary regionally competitive; PA PK-12 school counselor certificate (required); master’s degree in career counseling and/or psychology (preferred); strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills, proficiency with computers, flexibility, enthusiasm for working with students and community; requires knowledge of post-secondary opportunities, career and technical education, post-secondary admission and financial procedures, and special programs. Submit required information to Talent Ed at: https://senecavalley.cloud. talentedk12.com/hire/index.aspx. Applications accepted until position is filled. Seneca Valley is committed to diversity in the workplace. E.O.E. ANNOUNCEMENTS Public Notice
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Please contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission at 412-395-5868 if you are black, Asian, Hispanic and/or male and you applied for employment at The Milk Shake Factory, located at 1705 E. Carson St., Pittsburgh, PA between January 1, 2011 and January 13, 2016 or if you were actively seeking employment in the food services industry in the City of Pittsburgh between January 1, 2011 and January 13, 2016. RENTAL SERVICE Office Space
FOR RENT COMMERCIAL OFFICE SPACE Edgewood / Swissvale Exit Suite 203 - 20ft. x 12ft. $280.00/month Suite 201 - 19ft. x 55ft. with two private offices $1,150.00/month 1 Year Lease 412-271-4234
PUBLIC MEETING I-579 “CAP” URBAN CONNECTOR PROJECT
The Sports & Exhibition Authority (SEA) in cooperation with The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) will hold a Public Meeting for the I-579 “Cap” Urban Connector Project. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss and get feedback from the public on the alternatives for the public open space and park that the design team developed based on the public input. The purpose of this project is to reconnect the Lower Hill District and Downtown neighborhoods of the City of Pittsburgh. In order to achieve this, an approximately 230 foot wide structure between the Centre Avenue bridge and Bigelow Boulevard bridge will be constructed over the existing I-579 highway. This “Cap” will create a new urban public open space (park) of approximately 3 acres with accessible pedestrian and bicycle pathways, incorporating sustainable stormwater and energy strategies, and providing for other fixed site components. SEA staff and consultants will be available to answer questions. Please contact Roger Eaton PE, E-mail: roger.eaton@hdrinc.com, Telephone: (412) 497-6010 for more information. Time/Date/Location: May 16, 2016 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Presentation 6:15 PM Jeron X. Grayson Community Center Granville Auditorium 1852 Enoch Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 The meeting facility is compliant with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). In addition, if you or an individual with whom you are familiar does not speak English as their primary language and who has a limited ability to read, write, speak or understand English desires to attend the meeting or if you require special assistance or need additional information please contact the number above. LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices
Estate of EASLER, RICHARD E., deceased of Pittsburgh, PA, No. 02-16-02037, Richard P. Easler, Executor c/o One Oxford Centre, Suite 2100, 301 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 or to Nancy L. Rackoff, Esquire, Tener, Van Kirk, Wolf & Moore, P.C., One Oxford Centre, Suite 2100, 301 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Estate of LINHART, PAMELA F., of Verona Borough, No.: 02-16-02130, Pamela L. Entwisle, Executrix, 403 N. Pasadena Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15215, or to R.M. Entwisle, III, Atty., 125 1st Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Estate of BROWN, JACK L., deceased of Pittsburgh, PA, No. 02215 of 2016, Carolyn Y. Marshall, Executrix, 2525 Mahon Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 or to Thelma C. Spells, Esquire, 1533 Bidwell Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15233. Estate of SINGER, HAROLD P., deceased of Pittsburgh, PA, No. 02-16-02158, Debra Singer King, Executrix c/o Judith A. Lehnowsky, Atty., 820 Evergreen Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15209. Estate of CHAMBERS, EVELYN L., deceased of Pittsburgh, PA, No. 04759 of 2016, Sandra E. Alford, Executrix, 3059 Renaissance Parkway, Jamestown, NC 27282 or to Thelma C. Spells, Esquire, 1533 Bidwell Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15233. Estate of YVONNE L. WOODRUFF-MANUEL a/k/a YVONNE L. WOODRUFF of 3748 Haven Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15204 No. 02-16-02422. Britain Easley, 1436 Gates Circle S.E., Atlanta, GA 30316, Extr., or to American Wills & Estates, Lloyd A. Welling, Esquire, 2100 Wharton Street, Suite 302, Birmingham Towers, Pittsburgh, PA 15203.
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MAY 4-10, 2016 NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
LEGAL ADVERTISING
Public Notice
Public Notice
Bids/Proposals
NOTICE CITY OF PITTSBURGH
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
Notice is hereby given that the following amendments are being made to the 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2015 budgets of the City of Pittsburgh’s Community Development Block Grant Program: PROJECT
YEAR ORIGINAL NEW AMOUNT CHANGE +/ AMOUNT
ACTIVITY SERVICE AREA
Operation 2011 $5,000.00 $0.00 -$5,000.00 Better Block
Public Service
Homewood
Kingsley 2011 $10,000.00 $15,000.00 $5,000.00 Public Larimer, Association East Liberty Operation 2012 $5,000.00 $0.00 -$5,000.00 Public Homewoood Better Block Service Conference/ Kingsley 2012 $10,000.00 $15,000.00 $5,000.00 Association
Public Service
Larimer, East Liberty
Homewood 2014 $10,000.00 $0.00 -$10,000.00 Renaissance Association
Public Service
Homewoood
Operation 2014 $10,000.00 $0.00 -$10,000.00 Better Block Conference/
Public Service
Homewoood
Light of Life 2014 $5,000.00 $0.00 -$5,000.00 Ministries
Public Service
City-Wide
North Boroughs- 2014 $2,500.00 $0.00 -$2,500.00 Sewickley MOW/ Tri-Valley
Public Service
Northside Neighborhoods
North Boroughs- 2014 $2,500.00 $0.00 -$2,500.00 Sewickley MOW/ Brighton Heights
Public Service
Brighton Heights
Kingsley 2014 $10,000.00 $40,000.00 $30,000.00 Association
Public Service
Larimer, East Liberty
Homewood 2015 $10,000.00 $0.00 -$10,000.00 Renaissance Association
Public Service
Homewoood
Light of Life 2015 $5,000.00 $0.00 -$5,000.00 Ministries
Public Service
City-Wide
Kingsley 2015 $10,000.00 $25,000.00 $15,000.00 Association
Public Service
Larimer, East Liberty
The City of Pittsburgh is requesting comments on its proposed use of Community Development Block Grant funds and on the City’s past CDBG performance. Comments may also be sent to: Michael Petrucci Assistant Director for Community Development Department of City Planning 200 Ross. Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 It is requested that comments be received no later than Monday, June 6, 2016 LEGAL ADVERTISING
LEGAL ADVERTISING
Legal Notices
Bids/Proposals
LEGAL NOTICE CLOSING OF WAITING LISTS
ALLIES & ROSS MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES RFP #2016-11-REBID
Effective at the end of the business day Monday, May 30, 2016, the Public Housing Waiting List for the following Low Income Public Housing Site will close: •Monroe Meadows (2 & 3 Bedrooms): 200 Trefoil Court, Monroeville, PA 15146 No applications for this Public Housing Waiting List will be accepted after the closing date. APPLICATIONS FOR THE AFFORDABLE WAITING LIST WILL CONTINUE TO BE ACCEPTED. Notice will be given in this publication when the Waiting List for this site reopens. Monroe Meadows 200 Trefoil Court Monroeville, PA 15146 LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATION (RFQ) FOR Bond Counsel Legal Services RFP #600-25-16
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Bond Counsel Legal Services RFP #600-25-16 The documents will be available no later than April 25, 2016 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 10:00 A.M., May 17, 2016 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Parties or individuals interested may obtain information from: Mr. Kim Detrick – Procurement Director/Contracting Officer Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 2nd Floor, Suite 200 100 Ross Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116, Option 1 or by visiting the Business Opportunities section of www.hacp.org A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 May 5, 2016 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.
Allies & Ross Management and Development Corporation (ARMDC), the nonprofit real estate development instrumentality of The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP), hereby request responses from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Construction Management Services RFP #2016-11-REBID The documents will be available no later than: May 2, 2016 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.
ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY LEGAL NOTICE CONTRACT NO. 1658
Sealed Bids for CONTRACT NO. 1658 - ROOF REPLACEMENT FOR THE INDUSTRIAL WASTE BUILDING AND LABORATORY BUILDING shall be received at the office of the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority, 3300 Preble Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15233, until 11:00 A.M., Prevailing Time, Thursday, May 26,2016, and then shall be publicly opened and read. ALCOSAN encourages businesses owned and operated by minorities and women to submit bids on Authority Contracts or to participate as subcontractors or suppliers to successful Bidders. Successful Bidders are to use minority and women’s businesses to the fullest extent possible. A Pre-Bid Meeting will be held at the Authority’s Plant on Thursday, May 12, 2016 at 1:30 P.M., Prevailing Time. Prospective bidders are encouraged to attend the Pre-Bid Conference; however attendance at this meeting is not mandatory. Contract Documents may be examined and obtained at the office of the Authority. A nonrefundable fee of $100.00 (no cash will be accepted), will be charged for each set of Contract Documents received. All written inquiries or checks must be mailed to the Engineering Department of ALCOSAN. Bid Security shall be furnished by providing with the Bid a Certified Check or Bid Bond in the amount of 10% of the Total Bid Price. Any questions regarding the Contract Documents should be directed to Mr. Timothy Turkowski, ALCOSAN, via email to timothy. turkowski@alcosan.org or via fax to (412)734-8716. The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive any informality in any bid and to accept any bid should it be deemed in the interest of the Authority to do so. ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY David W. Borneman, P.E. Director of Engineering and Construction
Sealed bid proposals are hereby solicited for the Community College of Allegheny County, 800 Allegheny Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15233 (412.237.3020) on the following items: RFP 3080 – PBX Maintenance Proposals will be received at the Purchasing Department until Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. Any proposals received after this deadline will be considered as “late” and will be returned unopened to the offerer. The CCAC Purchasing Department is now publishing all bids via the CCAC website at https://www.ccac.edu/Bid-RFP_ Opportunities.aspx. It will be each vendor’s responsibility to monitor the bid activity within the given website (“Bid and RFP Opportunities”) and ensure compliance with all applicable bid documents inclusive of any issued addenda. Failure to incorporate any applicable addenda in the final submittal may result in the rejection of your bid. Proposals may require Bid Bonds, Performance Bonds, Payment Bonds, and Surety as dictated by the specifications. No bidder may withdraw his bid for a period of ninety (90) days after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids. The Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and all bids. The Community College of Allegheny County is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and encourages bids from Minority/Disadvantaged owned businesses. LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT
Port Authority of Allegheny County REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL NO. 16-10
Port Authority of Allegheny County (Authority) is requesting proposals for the performance of the following services: GENERAL PLANNING SERVICES The services (Contract Services) under the proposed Agreements will be in in the categories of: 1) Urban Planning; 2) Economic Analysis; and 3) Environmental Planning. For the Urban Planning service category the Authority intends to award Agreements to a pool of two (2) firms. For the Economic Analysis and Environmental Planning service categories, the Authority intends to award Agreements to single firms, rather than to multiple firms in a pool. Any firm may submit a proposal for one category, two categories, or all three categories. The Agreements will be for a fouryear period, with the option to extend their terms up to one additional year at the sole discretion of the Authority. The required services will be authorized by the Authority through task-specific work orders. A copy of the RFP will be available on or after April 29, 2016, and can be obtained by registering at the Port Authority ebusiness website: http://ebusiness.portauthority. org and following the directions listed on the website. Please note that Proposers must register under the ebusiness category of ENGPLAN – Engineering. Planning Studies. Proposers may also register in other categories for any future RFPs issued by the Port Authority. If you have specific questions regarding this RFP, please contact Robert Sechler at (412) 566-5148. An Information Meeting for interested parties will be held at 1:30 P.M., prevailing time, May 12, 2016 in the Fifth Floor Board Room of Port Authority of Allegheny County’s downtown offices, 345 Sixth Avenue to answer any questions regarding this RFP. Hard copy proposals must be delivered by 2:00 p.m., prevailing time, on June 7, 2016 to the Purchasing and Materials Management Department, Port Authority of Allegheny County, 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222-2527. Please note that a sealed Summary of Costs should NOT be submitted with the Proposal, but will be submitted at a later date as requested by Port Authority. ] This Contract Services may be funded, in part, by, and subject to certain requirements of, the County of Allegheny and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The proposal process and the performance of the requested services will be in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. Port Authority of Allegheny County, in compliance with 74 Pa.C.S. § 303, as may be amended, requires that certified Diverse Businesses (“DBs”) have the maximum opportunity to participate in the performance of contracts and subcontracts for these Contract Services. In this regard, all Proposers 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. Proposers 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 these Contract Services. Port Authority of Allegheny County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.
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OFFICIAL ADVERTISEMENT THE BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH
Sealed proposals shall be deposited at the Administration Building, Room 251, 341 South Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15213, on May 17, 2016, until 2:00 p.m., local prevailing time for: Various Schools Water Cooler Replacements General, Plumbing and Electrical Primes Project Manual and Drawings will be available for purchase on May 2, 2016 at Modern Reproductions (412-488-7700) 127 McKean Street, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15219 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. The cost of the Project Manual Documents is nonrefundable. Project details and dates are described in each project manual.
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH May 1, 2016 INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) HOMEWOOD NORTH WINDOW REPLACEMENTS (PA-1-20) HACP CONTRACT NO.: 600-27-15REBID
THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH will receive sealed bids for Window Replacements at Homewood North, 10 Albertise Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15208. The estimated general construction cost range is $700,000.00 - $1,000,000.00.The work is estimated to begin in the summer of 2016. Bid Documents will be available on or about Monday, May 2, 2016 for a non-refundable fee of $25.00 in the form of a CERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER ONLY. Bid Documents, including bid forms and project manual can be picked up in person, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Kim Detrick, Director of Procurement A Pre-Bid Conference and Site Visit will be held on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. Homewood North FIC Building 10 Albertise Street Pittsburgh, PA 15208 Bids will be received at: HACP Procurement Department 100 Ross Street, 2nd FL, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Attn: Kim Detrick, Director of Procurement Until 2:00 p.m. Thursday, June 2, 2016 at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH reserves the right to waive any informality in, or reject any and all bids. No bid shall be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days subsequent to the opening of bids without the consent of the HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH. The Contractor will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity requirements for Federally Assisted Construction Contracts. The Contractor must ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sexual preference, handicap or national origin. HACP has revised its website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation. THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH STRONGLY ENCOURAGES CERTIFIED MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES AND WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES TO RESPOND TO THE SOLICITATION. Additional information may be obtained by contacting Kim Detrick, Director of Procurement at (412) 456-5116 Opt 1. Caster D. Binion, Executive Director 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
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
The Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) recently issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for HUD Permanent Supportive Housing for Chronically Homeless Individuals. Proposals are due by: May 26, 2016. 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
WASHINGTON COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY Request for Bid Workers Compensation Insurance Due: July 11, 2016
Sealed bids will be received at the Central Office of the Washington County Housing Authority, 100 S. Franklin St., Crumrine Tower, Washington, PA 15301, until 2:00 P.M., Monday, July 11, 2016 at which time bids will be opened. For specifications and bid information, contact Christy Kemp, (724) 2286060 Ext. 128 or christyk@ wchapa.org The Authority reserves the right to waive any informalities and reject any and all bids. Stephen K. Hall Executive Director
INVITATION FOR BIDS
Sealed bids will be received in the office of the Controller of Butler County, Mr. Benjamin Holland, Fifth Floor, County Government Center, 124 West Diamond Street, PO Box 1208, Butler, PA 16003-1208, until 2:00pm prevailing time on Friday, May 27, 2016. All bids received will be opened at the agenda setting meeting in the Public Meeting Room, First Floor, County Government Center, 124 West Diamond Street, Butler, PA 16001 on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at 9:30am. A general description of the work is as follows for renovations to The Victim Outreach Intervention Center: Addition of ADA compliant bathroom. Funding for this project is from Butler County’s 2015 Emergency Shelter Grant. A mandatory pre-bid conference will be held at the site on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at 10:00am. Please contact Dawn Arthurs Peck at (724) 776-5910 for instructions and directions. Copies of the bid documents may be obtained at Accu-Copy, 302 Thompson Park Dr., Cranberry Twp, phone (724) 935-7055, upon the payment of a non-refundable fee. Contract documents, specifications, and drawings cannot be returned. The Addenda, if any will be issued to only those persons whose names are on file with the architect as having obtained the contract documents. If you should have any questions regarding the specifications, please contact Ron Gigler at RSSC Architecture at (724) 933-9100. A certified check or bank draft, payable to the County of Butler, negotiable U.S. Government Bond (at par value or a satisfactory bid bond) executed by the bidder and an acceptable surety, in an amount equal to at least ten percent (10%) of the total bid of this project, shall be submitted with each bid. The contract documents contain requirements addressing labor standards, nondiscrimination in hiring practices, goal for minority and female participation, MBE and WBE participation, participation by Section 3 residents and businesses and related matters. The County of Butler reserves the right to reject any or all bids or waive any informalities in the bidding. Bids may be held by the County of Butler for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days from the date of opening bids for the purpose of receiving the bids and investigating the qualifications of bidders, prior to awarding the contract. BOARD OF BUTLER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Leslie A. Osche, Chairman Kimberly D. Geyer Kevin E. Boozel, M.S. ATTEST: Scott Andrejchak Director of Administration/ Chief Clerk
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