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Vol. 109 No. 18

RICH FITZGERALD

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MAY 2-8, 2018

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22 of 34 homicides Black lives

RUTH BYRDSMITH

Allegheny County leads the way in minorityowned business certification

Seven murders county-wide in April; five were Black

by Christian Morrow

HOUSING AUTHORITY CEO CASTER D. BINION speaks at the press conference announcing the remodeling and addition of housing units at Allegheny Dwellings. (Photo courtesy HACP)

by Christian Morrow

Allegheny Dwellings getting a facelift

With the current ratio of Blackto-White homicide victims in Allegheny County at 65 percent, lower than 2017’s final 70 percent, the county is on pace to see around 66 Black homicides, or 12 fewer, by the end of 2018. But still, the bulk are homicides against

And 100 new units will be added

Courier Staff Writer

In 2017, Allegheny County certified more Minority-Owned Business Enterprises than any other county in Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia.

That revelation was unveiled

by County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, his senior staff and county MWDBE Director Ruth Byrd-Smith during an April 30 meeting with the New Pittsburgh Courier editorial board.

“And what Ruth has done with certification is to ensure that we have at least one MWDBE firm, sometimes more, in the pool of finalists for contracts—kind of like the Rooney Rule,” said Fitzgerald. “Now it’s not a guarantee, but it does give them a seat at the table.”

Last year, Allegheny County’s MWDBE department certified 586 firms. Of those firms, 244 were classified as African American.

by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer

One of the city’s oldest public housing communities, Allegheny Dwellings, is getting a facelift that’s long overdue, thanks to the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh that, when completed, will bring 100 additional housing units to the North Side.

“Right now, there is great synergy between our vision for a revitalized Allegheny Dwellings and the greater North Side community,” said HACP Executive Director Caster D. Binion at the phase I groundbreaking, April 25.

“Our development team is working closely with Allegheny Dwellings residents and their neighbors to implement a plan that will replace some of the city’s most obsolete housing stock with

SEE CERTIFICATION A4

“Our development team is working closely with Allegheny Dwellings residents and their neighbors to implement a plan that will replace some of the city’s most obsolete housing stock with high quality affordable housing.”

CASTER D. BINION HACP Executive Director

high quality affordable housing.”

Allegheny Dwellings currently consists of 272 “barracks style” units in three terraced levels stretching from Federal Street

on the North Side up the hill to Fineview. The first phase of redevelopment involves the new construction of 65 units of mixed-income housing—47 affordable and 18 market-rate.

Of these, 58 will occupy the original footprint of six of the old buildings and seven more will be built along Federal Street. Housing Authority spokesman Chuck Rohrer told the New Pittsburgh Courier that there will be eight fully accessible units for individuals with physical disabilities and four units that will be fully equipped for individuals with hearing and vision impairments.

The project is budgeted at $24 million, with funding coming from low-income tax credits and with loans coming through the authority’s stand-alone, nonprof-

Courier Staff Writer

our own, by our own. The Courier will continue to place this issue at the forefront of the minds of our community, because violence of any kind, especially against each other, is unacceptable, and should never be tolerated.

APRIL 1—Meliek Rashad Hemmingway, a 22-year-old Black male, was found by Pittsburgh police lying in Conemaugh in East Hills Easter morning with a gunshot wound to the chest.

He was pronounced dead at the scene. Police have since released

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Honoring the Pipers, Pittsburgh’s only pro basketball champion 50-year reunion to be held, May 4-5

by Bill Neal For New Pittsburgh Courier

Pittsburgh officially became an incorporated city in 1816. And in the 202 years since, there’s been just one professional basketball championship won in this town.

Some of you weren’t even alive in 1968 when the Pittsburgh Pipers of the American Basketball Association defeated the New Orleans Buccaneers in a decisive Game 7, on the evening of May 4, sending the 11,457 in attendance at Civic Arena into jubilation.

This coming Friday, May 4, 50 years to the day, many of the players from that championship team will be here in Pittsburgh, where history was made.

My organization, Achieving Greatness Inc., is pre- MEMBERS OF THE 1968 PITTSBURGH PIPERS, who won the 1968 ABA championship, May 4, 1968, at the Civic Arena. The MVP of the senting the 1968 Pittsburgh series was Connie Hawkins, pictured holding the basketball.

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Louis ‘Hop’ Kendrick says

Pipers ABA World Champions 50-year Anniversary Reunion. This Friday, May 4, players from the team will congregate at Savoy Restaurant, 2623 Penn Ave. in the Strip District, with festivities beginning at 6 p.m. The evening of Saturday, May 5 will be the Recognition and Awards Banquet, at the Marriott City Center, 112 Washington Pl. It will be the first time that this 1968 championship-winning team will be reunited since the night they won the title 50 years ago. Confirmed players attending the two-day celebration include Tom Kerwin, Steve Vacendak, Herschell Turner, Jim Jarvis, Barry Leibowitz, Ira Harge, Arvesta Kelly, Leroy Wright, Charlie Williams, Calvin Graham, and Dexter Abu Muhammad Westbrook.

Unfortunately, I believe that the 1968 Pipers never received their proper recognition in Pittsburgh upon winning the title. Here’s why it’s important to care about this team and their SEE PIPERS B8

Qualities we expect from our elected representatives Forum B6

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INTERNATIONAL

President Trump finally hosts African leader at the White House

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

This Week In Black History

Week of May 2-8 May 2 1844—Master inventor Elijah McCoy is born in Colchester, Ontario, Canada. He would become the holder of over 50 patents—most were mechanical devices, which greatly improved engines, locomotives and steamships. The superiority of his inventions led to the phrase “the real McCoy” coming to mean the mark of excellent and authenticity. McCoy was born to slaves who escaped America for a free life in Canada. His parents became successful and sent him to study engineering in Scotland when he was only 16. After the end of U.S. slavery, he settled in Ypsilanti, Mich., and began his remarkable career.

1870—One of the most unsung religious leaders in American history, William Seymour, was born on this day in Centerville, La. Seymour became pastor of the Azusa Street ELIJAH MCCOY Mission in Los Angeles and the catalyst for the worldwide Pentecostal movement. He not only rejected racial barriers in the church in favor of “Unity in Christ,” but he is also credited with eliminating many of the restrictions placed on women in the church. He died of a heart attack in 1922.

May 3 NIGERIAN LEADER—In this Friday, May 29, 2015 file photo, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari 1845—Macon B. Allen passes the arrives for his Inauguration at the eagle square in Abuja, Nigeria. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba, File) Massachusetts bar thus becoming the first African-American lawyer to pass a state bar and the first Black While Nigeria seeks “Absent clear evidence of

by Sam Olukoya person permitted to practice law in closer military and secua systematically abusive Associated Press Writer the United States. Allen was born rity ties with the U.S., it regime, moral preening is in Indiana but after the Civil War he can’t overlook the difficult of little utility in dealing LAGOS, Nigeria (AP)— moved to South Carolina where he moments since Trump with situations like this,” After more than a year in was elected a judge in 1873. came to power — not least J. Peter Pham, director of office, President Donald 1933—Singer James Brown, Trump’s firing of former Trump for the first time is the Atlantic Council’s Afknown as “The Godfather of Soul” for Secretary of State Rex rica Center, said in a blog hosting an African presiJAMES BROWN his game-changing style in funk, soul Tillerson just hours after post on Thursday, saying dent at the White House. and R&B throughout his career, was born on May, 3, 1933, in Barnwell, S.C. Brown Tillerson came to Nigeria The meeting with Nigerian Buhari’s administration charted on the Billboard Pop Charts close to 100 times and on the R&B charts at least on the highest-level U.S. has taken a “much more President Muhammadu decisive approach” to Boko visit to Africa since Trump 110 times. In a career that spanned six decades, Brown Buhari on Monday comes influenced the development of several music genres. took office.

Haram. after an uncomfortable In December, Nigeria and Brown died on Dec. 25, 2006.

Buhari, facing elections start to the Trump ad1949—The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of J.D. several other African counearly next year, is under ministration’s approach tries that are traditionally Shelley on Shelley v. Kraemer, a landmark housing pressure to deliver on to the world’s second most and civil rights case. After years of living with relatives friendly with the U.S. at promises to defeat Boko populous continent. the U.N. General Assembly or in rental properties, Shelley, who’d migrated from the Haram that helped him Security and economic South to St. Louis, Mo., with his family to escape racial win office in 2015 in a rare voted to condemn Trump’s issues top the agenda for oppression, decided to buy a house. He learned, however democratic transfer of pow- controversial decision to the bilateral meeting and that many owners had agreed to a real estate contract recognize Jerusalem as er in Nigeria. working lunch. Nigeria, clause that banned them from selling their homes to Israel’s capital.

In addition to seeking Africa’s most populous people of “Negro or Mongolian” descent. After Shelley In January, Nigeria was greater security collabocountry with almost 200 finally bought a house, White homeowner Louis Kraemer one of a number of outration, Buhari and Trump million people, is the larghired an attorney to invalidate the contract and took the raged African countries to also will “discuss ways est economy on the conticase to court. After Kraemer successfully appealed, which summon the U.S. ambasnent and the leading crude to enhance the stratereversed the first court’s decision, the Shelley family took sador to explain Trump’s gic partnership between oil exporter. Buhari was the case to the U.S. Supreme Court and won. reported vulgar remarks one of the first two African the two countries and to DR. DANIEL HALE WILLIAMS May 4 likening the continent to a leaders Trump called after advance shared priorities, 1891—Dr. Daniel Hale Williams founds the Provident Hospital and Training such as promoting econom- filthy toilet. he took power, along with Center in Chicago, Ill. It becomes a major training center for Black doctors and nurses.

The U.S. president alic growth,” the Nigerian South Africa’s president.

Williams is best known, however, ready had caused anger in Nigeria is also one of Afri- presidential spokesman, for performing the nation’s first Nigeria in June when he Femi Adesina, said in a ca’s most troubled when it open heart surgery on July 9, 1893. reportedly said Nigerians statement. comes to extremism. ExHe operated on a man injured in a wouldn’t want to return to Nigerian newspapers tremist group Boko Haram knife fight. The man would live for their “huts” if allowed to report that a team of launched a violent insuranother 20 years after the surgery. visit the U.S. gency in the northeast nine government officials that 1961—Thirteen Freedom RidSuch utterances have left travelled to the U.S. ahead years ago with the aim of ers began bus trips through the Trump with a low rating of Buhari have signed an creating an Islamic state, South to test Southern compliance among many Nigerians, agreement to provide four and tens of thousands of FREEDOM RIDERS with a 1960 U.S. Supreme Court though some in the councompanies led by General people have been killed. try with a sometimes tense ruling outlawing segregation in interstate transportation facilities. They were soon Mass abductions of school- Electric the opportunity joined by hundreds of other “Freedom Riders” of all ages Muslim-Christian divide girls brought Boko Haram to invest an estimated $2 and races. Despite the Court decision, dozens of Freedom have said they support international notoriety and billion to modernize key Riders were arrested as the South attempted to hang railways between Nigeria’s the U.S. president’s wary one faction has declared onto its segregationist ways. stance on Muslim immicommercial hub, Lagos, allegiance to the Islamic May 5 grants, notably his adminand the northern city of State group.

1905—Robert Sengstacke Abbott founds the Chiistration’s travel ban.

Boko Haram is now active Kano and between Port cago Defender newspaper calling it “the world’s greatest The stricter immigration Harcourt in the oil-rich Niin neighboring Cameroon, weekly.” Indeed, he would build the Defender into the ger Delta and the northern policies, however, also Niger and Chad and poses largest circulation and most influential Black newspaper make it more difficult for city of Maiduguri — the one of the most severe of its day. The Defender, which became the most widely birthplace of Boko Haram. many Nigerians to travel security threats to West circulated Black newspaper in the country, came to be to the U.S., doing nothing China, the top investor Africa’s vast Sahel region. known as “America’s Black Newspaper” and made Abbott in Nigeria, already is deep to give Trump a positive With Nigeria nowhere one of the first self-made millionaires of African-Ameriinto similar infrastructure perception in a country close to fully defeating can descent. In 1919, Illinois Gov. Frank Lowden apwhere many youths want work in the country.

Boko Haram despite govpointed Abbott to the Race Relations Commission. Abbott to escape economic hardOfficials in Buhari’s ernment claims of having died of Bright’s disease in 1940 in Chicago, Ill. ship at home. delegation also will try to “crushed” the extremists, May 6 In light of the Trump strike a deal with U.S. airBuhari is expected to 1787—Prince Hall ROBERT SENGSTACKE ABBOTT craft manufacturer Boeing administration’s perceived seek further U.S. military organizes the nation’s first neglect of Africa, with key for a new state-owned airassistance. Already the Black Masonic lodge in Boston, Mass.—African Lodge posts including assistant Trump administration has line project that Nigeria’s #459. Hall would go on to become the father of Black secretary of state for Africa junior aviation minister, made a $600 million deal Masons in America and a major Black leader in the and several ambassadorHadi Sirika, has said will to supply military planes Northeast. ships remaining unfilled, be the largest in Africa. and security equipment, 1812—Martin R. Delany, a pioneering Black nationNigerian officials are also “the administration may one that was stalled under alist, is born on this day in Charles Town, Va. Abraham the Obama administration expected to explore financ- see the Buhari visit as an Lincoln once described him as one of the most brilliant because of allegations that ing arrangements with the opportunity to make some men he had ever met. Delany would fight in the Civil Nigeria’s military has been Export-Import Bank of the amends, though they are War to end slavery and become one of the nation’s first United States and the U.S. unlikely to say as much,” involved in human rights Black military officers. a former U.S. ambassador including rape and extraju- Overseas Private InvestAfter the war he became a to Nigeria, John Campbell, ment Corporation. dicial killings. doctor. But over the years wrote Friday for the Counhe became frustrated with cil on Foreign Relations.

PRINCE HALL American racism and began (Follow Africa news at https:// to advocate a return of twitter.com/AP_Africa) Blacks to Africa.

May 7 THE 1800—On this date the founder of the settlement NEW PITTSBURGH which would grow to become the city of Chicago, Jean COURIER Baptiste Pointe Du Sable, sold his property and left PUBLISHING COMPANY the settlement. The Haitian-born frontier trader and businessman had a history of building significant wealth, Publication No.: USPS 381940 losing it and building it again. He would die 18 years later in St. Charles, Mo. 315 East Carson Street 1878—Black inventor, Joseph R. Winters, receives a MARTIN DELANY Pittsburgh, PA 15219 patent for his designing of the fire escape ladder.

Phone: 412-481-8302 2010—A report on felony disenfranchisement Fax: 412-481-1360 laws begins to receive widespread publicity. The report was actually released on April 21 by the NAACP The Legal Defense and Education Fund. It showed that 5.3 New Pittsburgh Courier million Americans were being denied the right to vote because of past felony convictions. Disproportionately, is published weekly those denied voting rights were African-American. In fact, the report revealed that 13 percent of Black males periodicals could not vote because of felony convictions. Historicalpaid at Pittsburgh, Pa. ly, most voting disenfranchisement laws were enacted PRICE $1.00 after the Civil War as a means to keep newly freed Blacks from voting.

May 8 (Payable in advance) 1858—The first play by an 6 Months.....$25 African-American writer is published. The play was titled 1 Year....$45 “The Escape” and the author 2 Years...$85 was William Wells Brown.

JEAN BAPTISTE POINT DU SABLE 1925—The Brotherhood of 9 Month School Rate $35 Sleeping Car Porters was founded. It would become the leading Black-led trade union POSTMASTER: Send organization in America. In addition to introducing unionism to address changes to: African-Americans, the ability to travel to cities throughout the country enabled the porters to become a major vehicle of comNew Pittsburgh Courier munications for American Blacks. They distributed everything from letters to Black-oriented newspapers as they traveled 315 East Carson Street the nation. The chief organizer was the legendary A. Phillip Pittsburgh, PA 15219 A. PHILIP RANDOLPH Randolph.

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MAY 2-8, 2018

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Across America Briefs: Bill Cosby to remain on house arrest Va. police won’t release video of Redskins player stop

by Stacy M. Brown

verdict.

Lawyer and famed CNN NNPA Newswire Contributor legal analyst Joey Jackson, who before the verdict NORRISTOWN, Pa.— said the case should have RICHMOND, Va.—Virginia State Police won’t release Convicted comedian Bill been declared a mistrial, video of a traffic stop involving a Washington Redskins Cosby will remain on house said after the decision that wide receiver who said a state trooper asked if he was a arrest until he’s sentenced Cosby’s team has “many this summer following his gang member or drug dealer. grounds for appeal.” He Paul Richardson Jr.’s tweets about the questions he was conviction on three counts said he was stunned by asked during a Tuesday traffic stop prompted an internal of aggravated indecent the verdict as well as the sexual assault. review by state police. swiftness in which the jury Judge Steven T. O’Neill Richardson just signed a $40 million five-year contract delivered it. with the Redskins and was driving a new Mercedes when ordered Cosby to get writ“Certainly, the proseten permission from adult pulled over. He is African-American. cution put up vigorous The department said Friday that it was declining a pub- probation officials, if he case…but I thought the lic records request by The Associated Press for video taken wants to leave his Philadefense did a significant from the trooper’s in-car camera. Spokeswoman Corinne delphia area home to visit job of discrediting Andrea Geller said the department has the discretion to release his doctor or to meet with Constand giving the jury lawyers. the video under state law but has chosen not to. an indication that there Those are the only was a number of lies she movements he’s allowed, told over a period of time,” and they must be within a Jackson said. five-county radius of MontJackson continued: “The gomery County. Cosby has GUILTY—Norristown jury found comedian Bill Cosby guilty on been fitted with a tracking three counts of aggravated indecent sexual assault. Some legal ex- first trial took them 52 NASHVILLE, Tenn. In a parting shot to Memphis or any device, so that court offiperts said that Cosby might get another trial. (POOL PHOTO) hours and they were hung. other city that would use a legal loophole to remove Con- cials can monitor him.

This time it took 15 hours federate statues, the Tennessee General Assembly passed Civil Rights Movement. and they convict, so here “This was a man who had Cosby is innocent of these a bill that makes it harder to get around the law.

“This became a public we go. I think the most charges,” lead defense atevaded this moment for On Wednesday, the last day of the legislative session, far too long,” Montgomery significant grounds were torney Tom Mesereau said. lynching,” Wyatt said. state lawmakers approved a measure that would bar cities County District Attorney “What Gloria Allred was the five accusers. In the “The fight isn’t over.” from selling or transferring property that has historic me- Kevin Steele said after the able to do, she took a salt first trial, there was one About an hour after the morials without permission from the Tennessee Historical verdict. and pepper shaker. She and when you have five, verdict and before Cosby Society—or a court. left the courthouse, several [shook] out a lot of salt and they just have such prejuSteele said that Cosby The Tennessee Heritage Protection Act limits the remov- had “shown his true colors,” of his defense team memsprinkled in a little black dicial value and I think it al or changing of historical memorials on public property. when the legendary actor pepper and the South came just overwhelmed the jury. bers huddled, including In December, leaders in the majority-Black city used a le- called the prosecutor an east.”

That’s probably the biggest attorneys Jaya Gupta and gal loophole by selling the city parks to a nonprofit, which “a—hole” after Steele Ebonee Benson, who point in attempting to get Rachael Robinson, both swiftly removed the monuments of Confederate President argued that he should joined Wyatt on morning Bill Cosby a new trial.” sobbing.

Jefferson Davis and Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest. Bed- immediately be locked up Jackson called the issue An emotional Andrew Wy- television shows after the ford Forrest was a slave trader and early leader in the Ku following the verdict. verdict, said the compari“significant” and one that att, Cosby’s chief spokesKlux Klan. son to Emmett Till is real. might allow Cosby, whose man, said the trial was O’Neill ruled that CosThe bill heads to Republican Gov. Bill Haslam, who said by could remain free on “We can take a look at facing 30 years in prison, reminiscent of Emmett Till, he still needs to see the final version before deciding how the same $1 million bail to remain free through the the 14-year-old Mississippi Emmett Till,” she said. to act. But he said his view of how the Memphis situation he posted when he was “Since when are all women appeal process.

African American whose unfolded comes down to the city’s property rights. honest?”

(This article was originally lynching after he was arraigned in December of “I think the unique thing there was Memphis owned 2015.

Several television anpublished on BlackPressUSA. accused of whistling at a that park,” Haslam told reporters Friday. “I kind of come alysts questioned the com.)

White woman, ignited the “We still believe that Mr. back to, whoever owns property should be able to decide what happens on it.”

Lawmakers in Tennessee’s Republican-dominated Legislature had vowed to punish Memphis afterward, and the House did so last week by stripping $250,000 from the budget that was to go to Memphis for its bicentennial celebration next year. Lawmakers from Memphis were outraged, calling the move racist and vile.

Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland said the celebration of the city’s 200th anniversary would still go as planned.

Cities around the U.S. have sought to bring down Confederate monuments following the racially motivated massacre of nine people at a Black church in South Carolina and a violent White supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Va. Some proponents of keeping such monuments have said they are part of history and a reminder of Southern heritage.

Tenn. Legislature OKs bill tightening loophole

New Seton Hill dean to lead diversity effort PITTSBURGH—Seton Hill University tapped a South Carolina college administrator to fill its newly created position as dean of students and chief diversity officer.

Adriel A. Hilton, who was director of extended campus at Webster University’s Myrtle Beach Metropolitan campus, was appointed to the post at the Greensburg school after a national search, Seton Hill officials said. Hilton will start his new post on June. 1.

“Adriel Hilton’s experience in higher education as both an administrator and faculty member makes him well-suited for the newly-created position of dean of students and diversity officer at Seton Hill,” said Rosalie Carpenter, vice president for student affairs at Seton Hill. “Adriel’s outstanding and strategic leadership will help Seton Hill advance student success and engagement and support the university’s commitment to diversity, inclusion and cultural awareness.”

Prior to his work at Webster, Hilton served as chief of staff and executive assistant to the president at Grambling State University; assistant professor and director of the higher education graduate program at Western Carolina University; assistant vice president for inclusion initiatives at Grand Valley State University; executive assistant to the president and assistant secretary to the board of trustees and chief diversity officer at Upper Iowa University; and public policy fellow for the Greater Baltimore Committee.

Hilton earned a doctorate in higher education administration from Morgan State University, a master’s degree in public administration from Florida A&M University, and a bachelor’s degree in business administration—finance from Morehouse College.

Aurora settles firefighters’ discrimination lawsuit AURORA, Colo.—The city of Aurora will pay $480,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by four minority firefighters who say they were discriminated against.

The Sentinel reported Thursday that the city has also agreed to implement diversity training, develop a mentorship program and work closely with a Black firefighters association.

David Lane, the lawyer who represented the four firefighters, said the payout shows the city knew a jury would side with the firefighters. One of his clients still works for the department.

The city denies any wrongdoing in the settlement. City Attorney Mike Hyman said a trial would have been costly.

Department statistics say the Aurora Fire Department was made up of 80 percent white men last year.

Groups partner to increase lagging U.S. orchestra diversity NEW YORK—Hoping to increase diversity in American orchestras, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation is making a $1.8 million grant over four years to three organizations joining together for a new initiative.

The League of American Orchestras, the New World Symphony and The Sphinx Organization, a Detroit-based group trying to diversify the arts, said Wednesday they are partnering to create the National Alliance for Audition Support.

The league says the percentage of African-Americans in American orchestras has remained at about 1.8 percent from 2002-14 and the percentage of Latinos increased from 1.8 percent to 2.5 percent.The NAAS plans to offer mentoring, audition preparation, financial support for audition travel and development, and showcases. It will start with an auditioning program in Miami hosted by the New World Symphony from June 6-8.

(Compiled by The Associated Press)

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Allegheny County leads the way in minority-owned business certification CERTIFICATION FROM A1

As he noted from the newly-printed, MWDBE Department Annual Report for 2017, Allegheny County issued 16 percent of its contracts to minority-owned firms last year, worth about $4 million. In the Purchasing and Supplies and Staples categories, it was a combined 24 percent to minority-owned firms.

As for direct employment, Fitzgerald touted that since his tenure as county executive, the county has hired 2,843 people. Of those, 693 were African Americans (24 percent). Additionally, Fitzgerald has made 69 hires or promotions to the positions of director or deputy director, and 15 of those were African Americans (21 percent). And in board appointments/reappointments, 21.2 percent have been African Americans.

Fitzgerald said in 2017 alone, 27.3 percent of his board appointments were African Americans.

On the contracting side, Byrd-Smith said the county has installed an electronic contract monitoring system that allows her office and County Manager William McKain to track compliance. “Among other things the tracking system allows us to monitor payments to minority subcontractors, to make sure they are correct and on time,” she said.

“If they are not, Will sends them a mean letter.”

McKain added that if contractors continue to abuse the system, he can freeze their payments, and if need be, rescind the contract.

“We pulled two or three last year,” he said.

Fitzgerald said building corporate and private buyin is an area he is focusing

CELESTINE GILLESPIE MOONEY June 4, 1923 to April 10, 2018

Celestine Gillespie Mooney (Leftwich), 94, passed away on Tuesday April 10, 2018 in Warrensville Heights Ohio. She was born on June 4, 1923, in Washington, Pennsylvania to the late Claude Leftwich and Celestine uffner eftwich. She was the fifth of nine children.

Celly grew up in Washington, Pennsylvania. She graduated from East Washington High School in 1942 and attended John Wesley United Methodist Church. She met the late Raymond Julius Mooney when he was a student at Washington and Jefferson College. They were married on July 20, 1951 and settled in Cleveland, Ohio.

She thrived in Cleveland, juggling roles as a working woman and homemaker with ease. She maintained an active social calendar as member of the Cleveland Alumni Chapter of the Kappa Silhouettes and the Marine Corps Spouses Club. Celestine was committed to the Civil Rights Movement and supported Raymond in his role as Director of the NAACP of Cleveland Ohio. The couple was dedicated to improving race relations and the lives of the under privileged. nd, for more than fifty years Celestine was a member of Corey United Methodist Church where she held many leadership positions.

From an early age, Celly exhibited empathy, concern and a deep love for children. She devoted much of her life to the caring, nurturing, education and enrichment of the lives of her godchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. After retirement Celestine took on a second act, following her passion, and founding her own family childcare facility. Today she is fondly remembered by countless children and parents as a “beloved caregiver”. She cherished her special relationship, love and companionship with Shyla Nims and her young daughter Camdyn. Celly executed her many roles in life with the utmost of kindness, grace and class. She simply sparkled well into her ninth decade, exuding a zest for life conveyed by her melodic voice, quick wit and youthful energy.

Celestine Gillespie Mooney is survived by sisters: Ruth M. Leftwich, Josephine Leftwich Spears and brother: Claude H. Leftwich. Neices; Claudia K. Scott (Henry), Leah K. Scott, Camille Burgess and Angela Devan; Nephews: Claude O. Spears, Kristopher H. Scott (Bonnie), Ethan H. Scott and a host of special nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband: Raymond J. Mooney; brother: Robert S. Leftwich; sisters: Cynthia Jayne Leftwich, Patricia A. Leftwich, Marjorie Leftwich Johnson and Helen Louise Leftwich. Celestine was laid to rest beside her husband Raymond in Maple Heights, Ohio.

on because the region is finally in a position, with an influx of new business— and employment opportunities—to attract and keep Black job seekers who might have previously gone to somewhere like Atlanta.

“What we’re working on is connecting with the private sector to grow participation there,” he said. “And there’s a diversity of opportunity, now, that wasn’t here before, what with the financial sector, ‘Eds & Meds,’ manufacturing, and the (Shell) cracker plant. That’s why workforce development is so critical and why we have people like Dr. Bullock over at CCAC providing that kind of training.”

For her part, Byrd-Smith said while it is gratifying to have certified a large number of MWDBE firms, she’s more interested in seeing firms grow.

“One of my best success stories? Well, there was a company that started out as Don Williams Graphics and they did all the signs at the (Pittsburgh International) Airport, then they got a contract for highway signs,” she said. “That’s when they discovered the real money was in the poles, so they began doing that, too. Now they operate in several states.”

The company is now known as Weatherspoon and Williams, a minority-owned business based in Coraopolis.

Byrd-Smith also noted that she took part in a number of outreach efforts, including the inaugural “Working Together” forum to connect service providers to opportunities with the Department of Human Services, and ongoing certification workshops held regularly at Community Empowerment Association in Homewood, the Hill CDC and the Diversity Business Resource Center.

While Allegheny County has certified more Minority-Owned Business Enterprises than any other county in the state, Fitzgerald told the Courier that it still isn’t enough.

“We’ve made tremendous strides,” giving the distinction a grade of B or B+.

“We’re always striving to do better. There’s still more work to do.”

The Courier is The Voice of Black Pittsburgh

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New units, other improvements coming to Allegheny Dwellings ALLEGHENY FROM A1

it subsidiary Allies & Ross Management Corporation and the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh, and conventional loans.

While this project is part of the authority’s commitment to provide the city’s low-income residents with housing, the HACP board moved the next day to further its commitment to providing its residents with family-sustaining employment.

To that end, on April 26, the board approved contracts with the Community

Empowerment Association and the A. Phillip Randolph Institute to provide construction trades training and job readiness training services to up to 20 residents each.

The initial contracts are for three years for $100,000 each, and each have two one-year renewal options.

Those options will be based based on enrollments, program attainments, graduations and job or advanced training placements by participants.

A. Phillip Randolph Institute Vice President and County Councilman DeWitt

Walton said the contract formalizes an existing relationship with the HACP, and he welcomes the opportunity it will provide to expand the institute’s efforts.

“From our inception in 2009, for our first five years, we did this kind of training in public housing with no recompense,” he said. “So we have a history, and one of success in training Housing Authority residents. We are excited to see how we can create more opportunities to empower residents, raise per capita income, and improve the quality of life.”

PITTSBURGH MAYOR BILL PEDUTO speaks during the April 25 press conference.

MICHELLE SANDIDGE, chief community affairs officer for the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh, addresses the crowd during the April 25 press conference. (Photos courtesy HACP)

“We are excited to see how we can create more opportunities to empower residents, raise per capita income, and improve the quality of life.”

DeWITT WALTON A. Phillip Randolph Institute vice president and county councilman

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RELIGION

MAY 2-8, 2018

Praise & Worship ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

G.M.W.A. Annual Spring Gospel Musical Concert

Crawford & Centre Ave. Pgh., PA 15219 412-281-3141 Mass Sunday 9:00 A.M. & 12:00 P.M. www.stbtmchurch.org

Metro-Urban Institute Conference 2018

Reimagining

Faith and Community Collaboration In the Twenty-First Century

May 11-12

www.pts.edu/MUI2018

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

REV. MICHAEL KIRKLAND, one of the many performers at the Pittsburgh Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America’s Spring Gospel Musical, at Second Baptist Church in Homestead, April 15.

(Photos by J.L. Martello)

www.cathedralofhope.com

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

Sanctuary Worship...11:00 a.m.

Curious about Quakerism?

You Are Welcome at our Meetings for Worship Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

Pittsburgh Friends Meeting 4836 Ellsworth Avenue 412-683-2669

New Destiny CME Church 114 North Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15233 412-231-7882 Rev. Kornelus Neal, pastor The Rt. Rev. Marvin Thomas Sr., presiding bishop Sunday School....................................9 A.M. Morning Worship Service............11:00 A.M.

KEN FOSTER

MAXINE GROCE

Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community!

For rate information, call 412481-8302, ext.

128.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEXT CHURCH EVENT! We want to place your event in our Church Circuit weekly calendar!

Send info to: New Pittsburgh Courier 315 E. Carson St. Pittsburgh PA 15219 Or Email us! religion@ newpittsburgh courier.com

LEONARD HOLT

MATT FONTANA

TWILA GLASLOW

Church Circuit JERUSALEM BAPTIST ANNIVERSARY

CHERYL MORRIS

MAY 6—Jerusalem Baptist Church is celebrating its 117th Church Anniversary at 3 p.m. at the Church, 123 Steuben St., West End. The theme for the day is “A Solid Commitment to God,” Joshua 24:14-15. The guest messenger will be Rev. Roy L. Sims Sr., Pastor of Mt Zion Baptist Church of Bellevue. Reverend Theodore E. Pugh Sr. is the Senior Pastor of Jerusalem Baptist. For more information, call 412-921-0822.

ANTIOCH SEWICKLEY WOMEN’S DAY

MAY 20 —Antioch Baptist Church, 332 Elizabeth Street, Sewickley, will hold its Annual Women’s Day Celebration at 10:45 a.m. at the church. Dinner will be served after service. The guest speaker will be Minister Anita Hough, Christian Lighthouse Church, Aliquippa. The theme is “Nurturing Hands—Proverbs 31:31. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”

SIXTH MOUNT ZION ANNIVERSARY

MAY 20—Sixth Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church will celebrate its 119th Church Anniversary at 10:15 a.m. at the church, 6556 Shetland St. Reverend Eric McIntosh of St. James Episcopal Church will be the guest speaker. For more information, call 412-441-7839.

Let us know about your next Church event! Send info to:

New Pittsburgh Courier 315 E. Carson St. Pittsburgh PA 15219

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

MAY 2-8, 2018

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LIFESTYLES New Pittsburgh Courier

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MAY 2-8, 2018

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

Debbie Norrell

Lifestyles Report

Found guilty

If I would end up in court, I would take the stand and tell my side of the story. Why oh why do people who claim they are innocent let their attorney speak for them?

I felt bad for Bill Cosby when he was found guilty. I can’t imagine bringing charges against someone for something that happened decades ago unless it was murder.

Here is what I don’t get. Many people are acting like “all” of these women were so innocent.

I am trying to figure out why and how did they get involved with Cosby?

Were they all seeking advice on acting? Didn’t any of them know he was a married man? I have been doing quite a bit of reading on this case and I now believe he is guilty but I still have questions.

After reading why 12 of the “Jane Does” do not want their names mentioned in relation to the case I wondered why they are involved at all.

Many said they are from small towns and they cannot have attention drawn to themselves or their parents are so old now that they would be traumatized. How did you get involved with Bill Cosby in the first place? And I am going to ask this again didn’t you know he was married?

Here is another question for these ladies.

When Cosby handed you the pills and instructed you to take them, why did you do that? The one woman in particular said he handed her the pills and she took them herself. I would never take any pills handed to me by some man.

Doing research on this case has been rather interesting. Did you know back in 2016 Cosby was suggesting that Andrea Constand should give him back the money he paid her to keep quiet?

I agree. Give it back; you made an agreement and now it has been violated.

The question I have now is how many other sexual predators are they going after? Is Harvey Weinstein going to be next or are we going to just let that go? Is Cosby the only one they really wanted to take down?

I wonder how Hannibal Buress feels now. Reportedly he started this mess back in 2014 during one of his stand-up routines.

He said that he created the bit after reading about the sexual assault allegations against the legendary comedian.

Cosby has been accused of raping at least 13 women in assaults that took place as far back as the 1970s. Cosby never responded to the charges and at the time had not been charged with any wrongdoing. “It’s just information that’s out there,” Buress said. “I said it and I gotta stand on it, but it is an interesting situation.” Reportedly Buress has gone silent and has not made any comment about the recent guilty verdict. If you go to his site all you can find are upcoming dates for performances.

During a 2016 Netflix special Buress said the whole thing got out of hand. That is an understatement.

(Email Debbie at debbienorrell@aol.com.)

FRIENDS REUNITING—Kwajalein Ratliff, Karen Bolden (Photos by Debbie Norrell)

THE JOY OF PRAISE

TEAPOURERS—Hope Pickens, Blanche But

Senior missionaries flash back to the past

by Debbie Norrell

resurgence.

Marcella Hill and Raynetta Green were this year’s models. The audience enjoyed a praise dance from a member of the Holliday Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church and then it was “tea time.” This year’s tea pourers were Hope Pickens and

Lifestyles Editor

Each year when the Senior Missionary Society No. 1 of Homewood A.M.E Zion Church holds their annual tea they select a theme for their fashion show. This year they featured fashions from the fifties and the sixties. On April 14, there were hats on display that represented that era and a mini-fashion show that featured a poodle skirt and popular fur stoles, and “skins” that ladies loved to wear many years ago.

Many of the vintage fashions have made a

Blanche Butler.

The afternoon was full of fun and fellowship and the members of the Senior Missionary Society No. 1 want to extend a special thanks to the hosts and hostesses and a special thanks to members of the Annie L. Anderson Missionaries.

SENIOR MISSIONARIES—Mary Pryor and Bernadette Gibson

FLASHBACK TO THE SIXTIES ENJOYING A LOVELY AFTERNOON—Linda Williams and Eula Cunningham

FLASHBACK TO THE FIFTIES

MAKING REMARKS—Reverend Lamar Lee and Reverend Stanley Dennison—Senior pastor, Homewood A.M.E. Zion Church ITS TEA TIME—Jean Grigsby, Ida Maloney and Vicki Smith

SENIOR MISSIONARIES—Debra Dennison, Twanda Dennis, Gloria Brown and Toni Phinisee-president

READY FOR TEA—Glenda Manuel, Joan Neal-King, Janet Bell

PEOPLE

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

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MAY 2-8, 2018

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AFRICAN AMERICAN VETERANS—LaShaundra Hammonds, Louise Walker-Sostre, Erica Upshaw-Givner, Janet Wilson Carter. (Photos

by Leonard Hammonds II)

STILL STANDING

African American female veterans tell their stories of discrimination, harassment and trauma

by Leonard Hammonds II For New Pittsburgh Courier

Four African American women veterans, who span four decades, want you to know that through it all, they are still standing.

Janet Wilson Carter served in the Army and Army Reserve from 19782002. Louise Walker-Sostre served in the Navy from 1986-1996.

Erica Upshaw-Givner served in the Army from 1992-1997, and LaShaundra Hammonds served in the United States Marine Corps from 20012008. (LaShaundra Hammonds is the wife of the reporter for this story.)

After decades of what they call discrimination, racism, sexual harassment, sexual assault and sexual trauma, they are still standing.

“As an African American woman and a veteran you are definitely a rare breed.”

These are the words of LaShaundra Hammonds, a Marine Corps veteran. “It’s about constantly proving yourself as a woman, but not only a woman, a Black woman. You’re forced to become this masculine person you are not. You had to constantly keep your guard up and it hardened you. As a woman, you want to be soft and vulnerable, but being in the military it was a struggle. Here you are trying to fight for your country and your self-identity as well.

Women veterans had to fight far too many battles.

We had to fight our foreign enemies and domestic issues such as sexual harassment, sexual assault, and sexual trauma.”

When you hear the term “veteran,” do you often think of just “men” who served their country?

What about the countless numbers of courageous women who served this country? Or, more specifically, what about the African American women who endured so much to serve?

Louise Walker-Sostre said she endured racial discrimination soon after she began her journey in the Navy. “I remember my first duty station in Mississippi experiencing racism,” she told the New Pittsburgh Courier. “I was working with two Ku Klux Klan members who were active duty with me in the Navy. I remember another Klan member who worked with us turning on an engine that I was working on, ripping all the skin off of my hands.”

She also spoke of having to fistfight men to stop from being sexually harassed, and how difficult it was to report these incidents.

Once she was discharged, she felt she didn’t get the benefits or the services her fellow counterparts received. When she first got out, she was a single mother with two kids. She struggled with getting on welfare. She spoke of how she was denied services because a supervisor felt she had enough already.

Walker-Sostre, a veteran on assistance, was denied childcare to further pursue her bachelor’s degree.

“Right then and there, my pride just went out the door. I told them, ‘How dare you? If it had not been for me, you wouldn’t have what you have now. You wouldn’t even have this job,’” Walker-Sostre said. She spoke of it being the same problem when she applied for disability. She talked of being spoken down to and feeling destroyed. She also felt the same way when she applied for the VA. It took her eight years to get in the VA as a disabled veteran.

Janet Wilson Carter is a retired Army Master Sergeant. “I’m just sitting here reflecting,” she said, during an interview with the Courier. “It’s been almost 40 years for me. When I went into the

Army in 1978, it was certainly the good ole boy network.”

Wilson Carter spoke of being 18 or 19 years old, never really being away from home. “Given that I was a dark-skinned woman, I was looked at as if I was a man.

I was ostracized because I was fairly quiet at that time and focused on what I had to do. But there were folks who would either taunt or harass me. With regards to sexual harassment, not even knowing what sexual harassment was at that time, I knew not to say anything. This was because if I would, I would have suffered consequences for my actions.”

Wilson Carter said she left active duty because she was angry. She was furious

“The military is a very male-dominated place. When the world has conditioned the man to think they’re supposed to have what they want, when they want, and how they want it, it trickles down not just into the military, but into every arena.”

ERICA UPSHAW-GIVNER

because she didn’t feel accepted. She then joined the Army Reserve and served until her retirement in 2002.

“Seeing the types of things that I saw, would I say that I’m patriotic? Absolutely not, because of my experience.”

The question of “how it feels” to be an African American veteran was posed to the four veterans interviewed for this story.

“I never recognized being a veteran until about six years ago” Upshaw-Givner responded. “I just came home and blended in to the best of my ability. I didn’t want to

discuss my experience. So I did my best not to acknowledge my military time. When it came to applications, job interviews, or if someone asked me, I said no.”

Upshaw-Givner, who served in the Army, had her first child at the age of 15.

But that wouldn’t stop her from reaching her goals.

Upshaw-Givner’s plan was to enlist into the Army to make a better life for herself and her daughter. She said she gave the Army everything, not knowing what she would get in return.

“It was a huge sacrifice

and learning experience.

Through all the adversity and training, I’m still standing. Everything that I went through showed me what I am capable of accomplishing and overcoming.”

Upshaw-Givner continued: “The military is a very male-dominated place.

When the world has conditioned the man to think they’re supposed to have what they want, when they want, and how they want it, it trickles down not just into the military, but into every arena.”

ENTERTAINER New Pittsburgh Courier

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MAY 2-8, 2018

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

A birthday celebration fit for a ‘King’ August Wilson, the legendary playwright Pittsburghers can call their very own. And what better way to celebrate what would have been his 73rd birthday, than to have a daylong, blocks-long celebration in our historic Hill District. The Courier photographer known as “Streets” captured the event in pictures.

THE DILLARD FAMILY—Felisha, Alisha, Nautica.

ERIC HOWZE, with wife and children.

STATE REP. JAKE WHEATLEY gives a hug to a little one…

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

ENTERTAINER

MAY 2-8, 2018

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AUGUST WILSON BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

IT WAS A PACKED CROWD for the annual August Wilson Birthday Celebration, held in the Hill District, near Wilson’s home on Bedford Ave., April 28. Courier photographer “Streets” captured pictures of families, friends and those who met for the very first time—all united on this day to celebrate the life and vast accomplishments of Pittsburgh’s own playwright, August Wilson.

ROBERT PFAFFMANN is the head architect for the ongoing renovation of the August Wilson House.

THE RUDOLPH FAMILY, enjoying the scenery at the August Wilson Birthday Celebration.

ANITA JONES of Quicc Candles.

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MAY 2-8, 2018

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

BUSINESS New Pittsburgh Courier

FAME’s 20th Anniversary Celebration People B10

MAY 2-8, 2018

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

Classifieds

Find what you need from jobs to cars to housing B4-B5

B

What to do if you still haven’t filed or paid your taxes

by Sarah Skidmore Sell AP Personal Finance Writer

Tax day has already come and gone. But what if you still haven’t filed or paid?

It’s only a few days late at this point thanks to some delays in the federal tax deadline this year. Or maybe it has been a few years.

Regardless of how behind you are, it’s time to address it. This isn’t a problem that will go away on its own and it’s only going to get worse the longer you ignore it.

Here’s what you should know: THE RULES It’s true, not everyone has to file federal

income taxes, but most adults do.

People whose income falls above a certain threshold for their age and filing status are required by law to file. In general, those who are not required to file are lower income. If you are unsure whether you meet the threshold, check the IRS website.

Not filing a federal return means you may face a “failure to file” penalty. It is normally 5 percent of the unpaid taxes for each month that a filing is late. It won’t exceed 25 percent of your unpaid taxes. If you owe money and have not paid on time, you also face a “failure to pay” penalty.

This is 0.5 percent of your unpaid taxes

and may be up to 25 percent of your unpaid taxes, too.

Interest will also accrue on the money owed the IRS over time.

In general, the IRS is willing to work with you if you are behind. If you can show reasonable cause for not filing or paying on time, you will not have to pay a late-filing or late-payment penalty. But, in more extreme cases, if the IRS believes you are evading taxes, it can seek criminal charges. “f you don’t file a tax return it’s a crime, so there’s potential jail time,” said Allen Madison, associate professor at the Uni-

versity of South Dakota School of Law. “So it’s not just penalties, it’s also your personal freedom that is at stake.”

THE OPTIONS It’s important to file as soon as possible, even if you owe and cannot pay, to limit your penalties.

Contact the IRS for one of several options.

If you aren’t able to pay now but can soon, the IRS offers up to 120 days to pay in full, according to the Taxpayer Advocate Service, an independent part of the IRS dedicated to helping taxpayers. It’s not a SEE TAXES B2

Millenials are entering real estate market (NNPA)—As the U.S. economy recovers from a decade of slow growth, more and more millennials--generally defined as people born between the early 1980s and about 2004—are becoming a significant factor in the real estate market, as they pay off student loans and become established in their professions.

And with more and more millennials hitting peaks within their education, Brooke Cashion, a broker with Allen Tate Realtors and the president of the Winston-Salem Regional Association of Realtors, said that she could see the correlation between education levels and higher real estate investments.

“I work with many, Christopher Cox well-educated millennials who are finally working in the professions they trained so hard for and are settling down and getting married,” Cashion said. “Some are looking for more traditional properties, while others prefer modern construction, but they are all looking for a good real estate investment that will help them to grow their money.”

As millennials begin to get on their feet financially—after years of struggling with student debt and difficulty finding jobs in their chosen fields—Cashion explained that these same young people, tend to be conservative in their financial planning and want to avoid taking on more debt than they can comfortably afford.

In addition, Cashion also said that millennials are looking for homes that reflect their lifestyles, that allow them to live among likeminded neighbors, and that offer them the opportunity to be a part of the communities where they live.

“I find that millennials are very empathetic,” Cashion said. “They want to play a role in making their communities better places to live.”

Brian A. Hudson, the executive director and CEO of the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, agreed with Cashion, that

REPORT DUE—During an interview with the NNPA Newswire, Charles Young, the managing director of public affairs for the GAO, said that the new report detailing federal government ad spending, will be released in July. NNPA President Benjamin Chavis speaks outside of the U.S. Capitol during a joint press conference between NNPA and NAHP in March 2016. The press conference was attended by Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (far left). (Freddie Allen/AMG/NNPA)

GAO set to issue advertising spending report in July

Commentary

SEE MILLENIALS B2

by Stacy M. Brown For New Pittsburgh Courier

(NNPA)—A long-awaited report that details what federal agencies spend on advertising in African American-owned newspapers is finally near completion, according to officials in the General Accounting Office (GAO).

The report comes as the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), a trade organization made up of more than 200 Black-owned media companies, that reach more than 20 million people each week, celebrates 191 years of the Black Press.

It also comes ahead of critical midterm election season in which the NNPA announced a historic voter registration drive that has a goal of registering 5 million new, Black voters.

“We now have July as the projected completion and issuance time frame for the report,” said Charles Young, the managing director of public affairs for the GAO, which acts as the authoritative audit unit for the federal government.

Democratic D.C. Delegate Eleanor

Holmes Norton has been at the forefront of a multi-year effort pushing for a new report. CBC members and others have since joined her call.

“The Black Press allow us to reach people who need to hear the real story and the power of the African American print press is validation and people appreciate the real story,” said CBC Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-La.). “When you advertise in the Black Press, you get a sense of credibility.”

The federal government serves as the largest advertiser in the country and a 2007 GAO report on advertising spending revealed that just five percent of the $4.3 billion available for advertising campaigns went to minority-owned businesses.

Five agencies—the Department of Defense, Department of the Treasury, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of the Interior, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration—were singled out in the 2007 report, the most recent audit available.

“It’s important that news outlets and media companies owned or published by individuals of color, with a primary

mission to serve communities of color, have the same opportunities as other media outlets—especially as African Americans and Hispanic Americans continue to grow in number in the United States,” Norton said. “We believe that this request for a new report is particularly timely, because GAO will be conducting an audit of spending by federal agencies on public relations and advertising.”

In a historic announcement during NNPA’s Black Press Week in Washington, D.C., NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., said the organization and several others, including Rainbow Push, National Action Network, the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education, the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, the NAACP, the National Urban League, CBC, and the AME Church had partnered for an unprecedented voter registration drive.

Chavis called the drive a coordinated effort to combat hate and dissention and SEE GAO B2

Penn State Greater Allegheny aims to bridge racial divide in neighboring communities

by Diane I. Daniels For New Pittsburgh Courier

Jacqueline Edmondson, PhD, is a true believer in education.

The chancellor and chief academic officer for the Penn State Greater Allegheny (PSUGA) campus, she is devoted to raising awareness and consciousness in the students that attend the campus. She’s also concerned about the needs of the region.

Nearing a year into her new position, Dr. Edmondson holds firm to the campus’ mission and values.

Its mission is to inspire students to be greater by offering a transformative educational experience by serving as a catalyst for individual and social change, committed to improving the community and the world around them. Their values are: student success, global excellence, diversity, equity and engagement.

Often referred to as a small campus with a large vision, Dr. Edmondson says PSUGA aims to engage all students in learning about and leading efforts that value diversity and equity.

One of her initiatives to accomplish such goals is the Crossing Bridges Summit.

Campus officials describe the four-part undertaking as a pivotal moment for PSUGA as they reach out to their neighboring communities to better understand the role the campus can play in addressing social needs in the region. Particular importance to them is how the campus can play a role in bridging the racial divide in communities.

Components of the Crossing Bridges Summit consist of a Speakers Series, Summit Talks, Unity Talks and the Visiting Scholars Series. Kicked off during the 2017 fall semester, the Speakers Series is designed to bring prominent figures

to campus, offering different perspectives to bear on questions of race and racism in the United States and the Mon Valley. Schol-

ar and public intellectual Dr. Michael Eric Dyson was the fall speaker, and McKeesport native, Penn State University and NFL football player and international businessman Brandon Short is the

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE—Jacqueline Edmondson, PhD, chancellor and chief academic officer at Penn State Greater Allegheny, seated, and Monique D. Peterson, administrative assistant and PSUGA student. Dr. Edmondson plays an important role in leading diversity efforts for the school. (Photo by Diane I. Daniels)

spring speaker. Short will speak at the Wunderley Gymnasium, May 2, at 7 p.m.

Summit Talks consists of the gathering of the speaker, faculty, staff, students and community members to discuss major points the speaker shared for the purpose to engage participants in identifying actionable items for the campus to pursue as they work to be an agent for change.

With the purpose to engage students, faculty, and staff in honest dialogue about issues that concern students, Unity Talks are campus-based discussions that focus on topics that emerge from student dialogue about race and racism.

The Visiting Scholar Series is designed to bring intellectuals, artists, activists and others to campus for a year-long engagement involving teaching, community outreach, research and/or creative performance to sustain and provoke efforts to provide an equitable and diverse educational experience that inspires the sociological imagination working toward a different and more just world.

Involved in the McKeesport area dating back to its Penn State College days in 1934 while offering technical course training to industry workers, Dr. Edmondson says their commitment to the city remains SEE PENN STATE B2

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BUSINESS

MAY 2-8, 2018

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

What to do if you still haven’t filed or paid your taxes TAXES FROM B1

formal payment option, so there’s no application or fee, but interest and any penalties will continue to accrue until it’s paid off.

You can also apply for an installment agreement, which sets up a fixed monthly payment. Or you can request an “Offer in Compromise” that allows you to pay less than the full amount you owe, although experts say these are not widely granted.

If you and the IRS agree that you cannot pay your taxes and also pay your living expenses, it may place your account in “Currently Not Collectible” status. The IRS will not seek to collect payment from you while you are in this status, but the debt does not go away, and penalties and interest will continue to grow.

“They will work with you if you are cooperating,” said Damien Martin, director at

BKD CPAs and Advisors in Missouri.

Finally, a reminder: if you got an extension on your taxes, it only gives you added time to file, not to pay.

THE UPSIDE Here’s a bit of good news: if you haven’t filed in the past you may actually get some money back.

The IRS reports they had about $1 billion in unclaimed refunds last year, so don’t leave that money on the table, said Lisa Greene-Lewis of Turbo Tax. If you have a refund due, there is no penalty for failing to file your tax return by the deadline. But you only have three years to file and claim, or you’ll forfeit your refund.

It’s typically students, part-time workers and others with low to moderate income who overlook filing and are due a refund.

They may not even meet the threshold that requires

them to file. But to collect the money they are owed, they must file a tax return.

THE HELP There are a number of places you can turn to if you are behind and need help.

The first stop should be

the IRS website or to reach the agency directly. The Taxpayer Advocate Website also has helpful information on your rights and options; it also has offices in every state. You may want to reach out to an ac-

countant or tax attorney for help. And if you feel like you need help from a tax professional but cannot afford one, there are Low Income Taxpayer Clinics that can help with tax disputes for free or a low fee.

Penn State GA aims to bridge racial divide PENN STATE FROM B1

strong. Last fall they opened the Penn State-McKeesport Community Center in the former YWCA building, located at 410 9th Street.

Utilizing a three-year, $50,000 Invent Penn State Grant, the center’s purpose, Dr. Edmondson said, is to conduct community-based education, outreach and supportive programming to the community. Assisting of small business owners and entrepreneurs is also a focus of the center.

“We want to help get businesses started in the region or to help people move their business to the next step. Being able to leverage Penn State’s resources to assist is an advantage,” she said.

As a land grant institution, she said Penn State’s president, Eric Barron, has a vision for them to be economic drivers in communities. Under staff leadership of Eric Ewell and Aaron Whigham, programming has ranged from basic computer skills to resume-building workshops, support for small business startups and safety workshops. Utilizing a street team that operates in the center, Dr. Edmondson said that team assists in identifying community needs. As a result, during a November 2017 turkey drive, 50 families were fed during Thanksgiving, and during the Christmas season, the student government conducted a community toy drive. Currently,

the campus is addressing food insecurities through an outside food pantry, which is available for students and the community. The PSUGA campus was also the first to have a free store operated by students, which opened last fall.

Located on a 52-acre campus, Dr. Edmondson says PSUGA is a special place.

“When I listen to alumni talk about the campus, one of the things they say is that the campus really takes them in providing a sense of family and community lifting them up to reach their goals.” She added that the faculty, staff and students are committed to one another and committed to making sure the students are successful.

Believing that there is a need to be connected to the region, Dr. Edmondson says her plans as chancellor and chief academic officer are to add degree programs to do so. She also said the school is creating an Energy Engineering program for the next three years until their labs are built and then it will become a full four-year degree in the year 2020.

Associate degrees have also been created.

Other PSUGA academic programs include bachelor’s degrees in: Administration of Justice; Biobehavioral Health; Business; Communications; English; Information Sciences and Technology; Letters, Arts and Sciences; Project and Supply Chain Manage-

ment; and Psychology, and the first two years of more than 160 Penn State degrees. Minor Degree programs are offered in Business, Civic and Community Engagement, Communications Arts and Mass Media, English, IST, Psychology, and Sustainability Leadership. Credit certificate programs covering a range of topics and credit and noncredit continuing education programs are also offered.

Dr. Edmondson is a Harrisburg native. Her faculty appointment and academic home is in Penn State’s College of Education where she taught undergraduate and graduate courses in literacy and policy. She served as associate vice president and associate dean for undergraduate education at Penn State, as associate dean for undergraduate and graduate studies in the College of Education; and was the associate dean for teacher education and undergraduate programs in the college. Her Penn State career began as an assistant professor of education where she advanced to professor of education.

Her faculty career began at the University of Minnesota Morris. She earned her doctorate in curriculum and instruction, a Master of Science degree in educational psychology and a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary and Kindergarten education, all from Penn State.

Millenials entering real estate market MILLENIALS FROM B1

community is very important to millennials.

“They want to live close to where they work, especially when they can obtain a mortgage that is less than the rent they are paying,” Hudson said.

In addition, Hudson said that the hot rental market

in the last five years has caused more and more millennials to evaluate the tipping point between paying rent and paying a mortgage.

“Even if they are not sure how long they will be in a certain community, many believe it makes sense to transition from renting to owning, when rent payments equal or

exceed mortgage payments,” Cashion said.

However, homeownership is not without obstacles for millennials, with Cashion noting a lack of housing inventory, as one of the major conflicts.

“I recently had a listing that had seven offers only a short time after it went on the market,” Cashion said.

Millennials comprise 30 to 40 percent of Hudson’s client base. Hudson noted that this level of interest is not unusual for quality properties in the current real estate market.

In addition, Hudson also said that another important factor in reaching millennials, is making use of digital media.

“Running magazine and newspaper ads, as we did for years, does not work well with millennials.

These days you have to be on Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter and other social media, because that’s what they rely on to get information,” Hudson said.

(Christopher G. Cox is the publisher/managing editor of Realesavvy.com.)

GAO set to issue report GAO FROM B1

to spread love and unity.

“Come November, we’re going to have the largest Black voter turnout in American history. This is a payback year,” Chavis said. “The most important election of our lifetime will be the 2018 midterm elections.”

It’s become apparent for those who tabulate votes and for those who analyze elections, that the Black vote can be the defining factor, said NNPA Chair Dorothy R. Leavell.

“The Black vote can determine who wins and who loses and it’s important that people don’t take the Black vote for granted,” Leavell said.

BUSINESS CALENDAR Business Diversity & Contracting Conference

MAY 3—The University of Pittsburgh Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence will host C3: Creating Opportunities, Connecting Resources and Contracting Diversity, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Alumni Hall (former Masonic Temple), 4227 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa.15260. This daylong event will provide opportunities to network with federal, state, and local government agencies, prime contractors, universities, etc. For the full agenda or to register, visit http://entrepreneur.pitt.edu/ events/c3.

Risk Management Workshop

MAY 10—The Chatham University Women’s Business Center presents Minimizing The Risks of Liability In Your Business, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Chatham Eastside Entrepreneurship Hub, 6535 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA. 15206. Many businesses struggle with how to sustain the business and avoid risk and legal liability. In this seminar, attorney Beth Slagle of Meyer, Unkovic & Scott will address a number of those challenging areas, including: Contracts, Insurance, ndemnification, mployee/Independent Contractor lassification, and what to do if a claim is made against your business. The event is free, but registration is required and limited to the first participants. To register, or for more information, call 412-365-1448.

QuickBooks Workshop

MAY 16—The Duquesne University Small Business Development Center will host Using QuickBooks Online Version, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., 108 Rockwell Hall, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15282. A representative from Dennis Piper & Associates will guide attendees through a Product Overview, setting up company file, importing data Navigating, home, customer and vendor centers, transaction ecording Transactions sales e penses, uick reate menu Reporting, common reports, reports by version, and customizing, and Advanced Topics, including credit card payments, payroll and Apps Center. Cost: $49. Call 412-396-6233.

African American Chamber Luncheon

MAY 17—The African American Chamber of Commerce of Western PA will hold its annual meeting and luncheon, beginning at a.m., in the th floor rand Ballroom at the Omni William Penn, 530 William Penn Place, Pittsburgh 15219. The luncheon will feature a keynote address by Duquesne Light President and CEO Richard Riazzi. Tickets are $75 for members and $90 for non-members. RSVP is required

by May 11. Call 412-392-0610 for more information.

20th Annual Entrepreneur’s Growth and Networking Conference

JUNE 7—The Duquesne University Small Business Development Center will host its 20th Annual Entrepreneur’s Growth and Networking Conference, 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., in the Union Building, 4th Floor. The daylong event will include multiple breakout sessions, lunch with keynote speaker Michael DelGrosso and a business building trade show.

More than 400 small business managers and owners are expected to attend. Cost: Full Day, including breakfast and lunch, Half ay, unch nly, $50. For more information, call 412-396-6233.

Intellectual Property Workshop

JUNE 19—The Chatham University Women’s Business Center presents Intellectual Property: What You Need To Know, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Chatham Eastside Entrepreneurship Hub, 6535 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA. 15206. Have you adequately protected the very foundation of your business — the creative ideas and/or unique designs that set you apart from your competition? In this session attorneys from Meyer, Unkovic & Scott will help you better understand the various business considerations with respect to intellectual property law. Discussion topics include: Trademarks, Copyrights, Patents, Non-Disclosure Agreements, and Trade Secrets. The event is free, but registration is required and limited to the first participants.

To register, or for more information, call 412-365-1448.

OPINION

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

MAY 2-8, 2018

B3

Trump gives peace a chance deciding to meet with North Korea’s leader

Guest Commentary

No country for Black men Pervasive and persistent racial profiling of African American men is only part of their reality. When Rashon Nelson and Donte Robinson entered a Philly Starbucks for a business meeting, it took all of two minutes for the police to come and arrest them for trespassing. (It took Cleveland police two seconds to murder 12-year-old Tamir Rice.) The Starbucks incident took me back to the recent study by the Equality of Opportunity Project that re-iterated a troublesome fact: Black men are trapped in a vicious cycle, a no-win situation.

Researchers from Harvard and Stanford universities, along with the U.S. Census Bureau, tracked 20 million children born between 1978-1983. The take-aways in The Equality of Opportunity Report are depressing. The anxiety of Black parents and guardians raising Black boys surely skyrocketed. Blood pressures probably went up.

“How am I supposed to raise my son?” asked one exasperated mother I talked to about the report. Hers is a family of two parents with abundant resources. Despite good parenting and a stable lifestyle, it doesn’t appear that it will make a damn bit of difference in the life outcomes for her Black son.

The report basically exploded the myths of why Black males don’t/can’t succeed. The worst places for poor White children are almost all better than the best places for poor Black children. Black boys growing up in wealthy families were more likely than their White peers to live in poverty as adults. Income gaps are worse for Black boys than any other demographic except for Native Americans.

Black families are painfully familiar with all these scenarios.

Family characteristics—parental marriage rates, education, wealth—were not big influencers for reducing the wealth gap. Eliminating single-mother households, working hard and getting a good education are not enough to overcome the soaring apex of racism. New York Times created a dramatic, interactive graph showing how fast Black boys from wealthy families fall into the lower rungs of the economic ladder.

The Opportunity Report (or No Opportunity Report) was a powerful reality check for this nation, especially for the African American community, especially for middle-class African American families who thought they had a leg up on the poor Black families.

The video of the two young men’s incident at the trendy franchise coffee shop quickly went viral. They were put in double-lock handcuffs (same cuffs used on murder suspects), were not read their rights and were not told why they were being arrested. Nelson and Robinson said they feared for their life, and well they should. Rarely does anything good come out of young, Black men being taken into police custody.

The young, wanna-be entrepreneurs in Starbucks were treated no different than the Pookies in the hood—handcuffed and humiliated. The common thread between the two is the color of their skin.

We should not be impressed by the shallow action of Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson. The viral video inside one of his stores that has been viewed by over 11 million people prompted Johnson to shut down his 8,000 stores to do a few hours of anti-bias training.

Racism and White supremacy have blocked the doors to the so-called American Dream. It’s past time to face the ugly truth of how high and wide racism is. We gotta go deep and dirty to get to the roots of the systems that choke the opportunity branches in the Black Tree of Life.

Protest of the racist incidents by the boys in blue or the boys in the corporate board rooms is not enough. We need coordinated, strategic actions that cut at the policies, laws, attitudes and practices that thwart the potential of Black males. And the change in attitudes and practices— fear, contempt—towards Black males needs to happen at home, in our own community.

Dante Robinson encouraged us to get past words. Accept his challenge to move to action.

(Reprinted from the St. Louis American)

Founded 1910

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

Rob Taylor Jr.

Jeff Marion

Office Manager

Managing Editor

Circulation Consultant

John. H. Sengstacke

Editor & Publisher Emeritus (1912-1997)

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—President Donald Trump’s decision to meet with North Korea’s leader Kim Jongun opens new possibilities. Trump’s critics suggest Trump has given Kim a major concession—the recognition that would come from a first meeting with a U.S. president—in exchange for nothing. But talking is far preferable to issuing threats and insults; exchanging proposals for peace far better than exchanging bombs in war. This diplomatic initiative began when South Korea invited the North to take part in the winter Olympics. This week, Kim and the South Korean president will meet in an inter-Korean summit.

They already announced the installation of the first-ever hotline between the two leaders. There are even beginning discussions, pushed

by South Korean President Moon Jae-in, toward a treaty to finally bring the Korean War (which ended in an armistice agreement in 1953) to a formal close. Kim has also made unilateral gestures — what diplomats call “trust-building measures”—toward the U.S. He’s announced that North Korea would no longer insist on the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the Korean Peninsula as part of any settlement. (The U.S. considers the troop presence not negotiable). He’s announced the end to all nuclear and missile testing, and pledged to close the country’s nuclear test site “to guarantee transparency in suspending nuclear tests.”

He pledged that North Korea would never “use nuclear weapons nor transfer nuclear weapons or nuclear

Jesse Jackson Sr.

Commentary technology under any circumstances unless there are nuclear threat and nuclear provocation against the DPRK. In a tweet, Trump hailed this as “very good news for North Korea and the World—big progress!” Some suggest that this opening is simply a ruse. The harsh economic sanctions enforced on North Korea by the United Nations are starting to hurt.

China has cooperated, reducing its trade with North Korea dramatically (about 90 percent of North Korean trade goes through China). Kim, they argue, is maneuvering in order to reduce the pressure, hoping to get food and other aid. Economic sanctions may be a factor pushing Kim to negotiate.

But we should understand that harsh economic sanctions have limits. Neither China nor the international community will enforce starvation on the North Korean people simply because of the folly of their dictator. Trump is right to seize on the possibility of negotiation. If the Trump-Kim summit does take place, the discussions will be immensely difficult. Kim considers himself the head of a nuclear power,

with a tested arsenal, sitting down to negotiate as a peer with the United States. North Korea could end testing because, he stated, they have successfully achieved their goals. Trump, on the other hand, acts as if Kim has already agreed to surrender and unilaterally give up his nuclear arsenal in exchange for lifting sanctions and better relations with the U.S. The problem here is trust. American hawks see the Korean nuclear arsenal as an existential threat that must be eliminated. Deterrence is not sufficient. Korean officials will have good reason to doubt U.S. promises. Iran has adhered to the nuclear weapons deal it made with the U.S. and its allies, but now Trump says he plans to tear it up.

The danger of a failed summit is that Trump’s “war cabinet”— the hawks like national security adviser John Bolton—would use a failure to goad Trump into confrontation, even war against North Korea. Lowering expectations publicly, while remaining open to new possibilities privately, is the best course, but one Trump seems simply unable to follow. Surely it is time to give peace a chance. The summit this week between Kim and South Korean President Moon will set the stage. A later meeting between Trump and Kim could help lower tensions, even if it doesn’t produce a dramatic resolution. War on the Korean peninsula would be catastrophic. Finding a way out peacefully is surely worth both time and effort.

Pushing babies out of school (TriceEdneyWire.com)—I’ve been a teacher at which time I’m proud to say that I never suspended or caused a child to be expelled from school, but as I looked at a bill sponsored by District of Columbia Councilmember, David Grasso, I realized that suspensions and expulsions aren’t limited to high school students. Babies in kindergarten are being suspended and even expelled as outrageous as that sounds. Most of these students are African American.

Just this week I learned two Black baby boys were victims. One of them is in kindergarten. He’s bright and can write and spell. He can think far beyond any five-year-old I’ve ever met. I don’t have children, but I know this little boy very well. Until a few days ago, he was in a school near Baltimore, Maryland. Knowing him well, I know how much he loves going to school, and how seriously he takes his studies. I can’t begin to imagine what this little boy would’ve done to be kicked out of school.

I spoke with the grandfather of another little boy in Ohio who was 7 years old when he was kicked out of school for wrestling with a girl on the playground. In this case, the child was not only suspended, but accused of sexual harassment and had the charge placed in his school record.

I could understand if this event would’ve been used for a teachable moment, but to be called a sexual predator!

It’s time for us to take a serious

being taken away from them. While I applaud Councilmember Grosso, there are far more school districts where such suspension and expulsion policies and practices should be changed. In a report by www.

Blackparents.org, we’re told that Black children are suspended or expelled from school much more often than Whites. Yet, more of the heinous crimes, especially mass look at how young children, espemurders, such as the 26 murders— cially Black boys, are discouraged mostly of babies—are committed by from attending school to get an edu- non-Black boys or girls when they cation, then be criticized for dropgrow up. ping out of school at an early age Mr. Grosso is to be commended for because school is not a happy place addressing the issue of suspensions for them. We need to take a serious and expulsions in his city but let’s look at the policies and practices on not ignore the impact suspensions school suspensions and expulsions and expulsions have on Black chilwhere our children attend school dren in other cities. and work to change them when We must limit exclusionary discithey’re unreasonable. pline. Why not work to provide more I am writing this article because teachable moments for young people I know how much most young without treating them like criminals Black boys and girls like going to when they likely don’t know the school and are excited about doing meaning of the word? Expulsions so until they get kicked out of should be extremely rare and an abschool—rightly feeling he/she has solute last resort. We’re not helping been treated unfairly. What does a child or our society when we take a 7-year-old know about sexual away a child’s opportunity to be edharassment? Or, what is a fiveucated. Instead of taking away that year-old to think when he gets into opportunity, let’s direct our time and a scrimmage with another fiveresources to improving education for year-old and he gets suspended, but all children.

(Dr. E. Faye Williams is president/CEO the other party does not? Babies of the National Congress of Black Women, are being suspended far too often and host of “Wake Up and Stay Woke” every without even knowing why.

We owe all children an education, Wednesday at 10 AM ET on WPFW-FM 89.3.

202/678-6788. www.nationalcongressbw. and when they’re pushed out of org.) school unreasonably, that right is

Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.

Commentary

Vote for those who support gun reforms (TriceEdneyWire.com)—“From 1986 to 1996, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sponsored high-quality, peer-reviewed research into the underlying causes of gun violence. People who kept guns in their homes did not—despite their hope—gain protection…Instead, residents in homes with a gun faced a 2.7-fold greater risk of homicide and a 4.8-fold greater risk of suicide. The National Rifle Association moved to suppress the dissemination of these results and to block funding of future government research into the causes of firearm injuries. …As a consequence, U.S. scientists cannot answer the most basic question: What works to prevent firearm injuries?”—Mark Rosenberg, former director of the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control at the CDC and former U.S. Rep. Jay Dickey, who sponsored (to his later regret) the amendment that blocks the CDC from funding gun injury prevention research This week’s tragedy at a Nashville-area Waffle House brings the nation’s gun-death toll for 2018 to 4,422, and the number of mass-shooting victims to 69.

The relentless pace of gun violence in America threatens to dull our outrage, and focus on the perpetrators threatens to bury the memory of the victims and the heroism of those who showed grace under pressure.

The Nashville shooter snuffed out the lives of four young people: Taurean Sanderlin, 29, Joe Perez, 20, DeEbony

Marc H. Morial

To Be Equal Groves, 21, and Akilah DaSilva, 23.

Known as “T” by his friends, Taurean had worked at the Waffle House as a cook for about five years. Joe worked as a subcontractor for a moving company. DeEbony, a former standout high school basketball player, had made Dean’s List at Belmont University. Akilah, who went by the nickname Natrix, studied musical engineering at Middle Tennessee State University.

From this tragedy has emerged a hero: not only did James Shaw Jr. tackle the gunman and wrest away his AR-15 assault rifle -- severely burning his hands in the process -- but he also set up a memorial fund for the victims, raising nearly $100,000. In interviews, Shaw has said he wants his 4-year-old daughter to grow up in a less-violent world.

“I hope we can bring violence in all facets—not just gun violence, but all facets of violence—to an end,” he said.

Admirers have created a college fund for Shaw’s daughter.

Law enforcement has not identified a motive for the shootings, but the

gunman’s history of mental health issues and delusions is well-documented. It’s beyond question the man shouldn’t have had access to firearms. His guns had, in fact, been confiscated and his license to carry them revoked in Illinois. The guns were released to the shooter’s father, who returned them to the shooter when he moved to Tennessee.

Federal law allows for a weapon to be seized when someone is convicted of a felony or involuntarily committed for mental health treatment. But Illinois is one of only a few states where firearms can be seized if someone’s behavior constitutes a “clear and present danger” but does not necessarily rise to a felony conviction or involuntary commitment.

It’s unclear whether the shooter’s father violated federal law by returning the guns, but there is no law in Tennessee that would have barred him from possessing them.

As if the nation needed another reminder, we must reinstate the federal ban on assault weapons and impose a limit on magazine capacity. It is only because the Waffle House shooter paused to reload that James Shaw Jr. had the opportunity to disarm him and save countless lives.

The most important way we can honor the memory of Taurean Sanderlin, Joe Perez, DeEbony Groves, and Akilah DaSilva, and fulfill the vision of James Shaw, Jr., is to vote for leaders who will heed the demands of the majority of Americans and enact sensible gun reforms.

CLASSIFIED New Pittsburgh Courier

B4

MAY 2-8, 2018

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Help Wanted

Public Notice

HILL DISTRICT COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT CENTER DIRECTOR

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH PUBLIC NOTICE OPENING OF WAITING LISTS

The University of Pittsburgh is seeking someone to partner with organizations and leaders of the Hill District to ensure attainment of both the community’s and University’s goals. The director must be a trusted resource to community leadership as well as to University faculty and staff. This individual must be able to establish a high level of trust, possess outstanding written and oral communication skills, collaborate and build relationships, be familiar with community-engaged learning and research, be able to work in diverse environments, and possess personnel, program, and facility management e perience. nowledge of the social, political, and economic dynamics of Pittsburgh, and the Hill District, is preferred. https://www.pittsource.com/ postings/155864

SPECIAL EDUCATION/ TRANSITION COORDINATOR

Hampton Twp. School District— Special Education/Transition Coordinator dministrative position. aster s degree required, doctorate preferred. lso, Teachers: Speech/ Language, Elementary, Physical Education, Academic Support (Math & Biology) for the 2018S . , andidates must apply online at www.ht-sd.org District>Employment

LAWRENCEVILLE UNITED COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAM MANAGER

Lawrenceville United, an inclusive non-profit organi ation dedicated to improving quality of life for all Lawrenceville residents, seeks a highly productive individual with strong interpersonal and communication skills who is passionate about community-driven revitali ation and e perienced in community outreach.

Full description at www.LUnited. org. eadline to apply ay .

SUMMER RECREATION SUPERVISOR

The Borough of Wilkinsburg is seeking a supervisor for the recreation summer youth program to commence for two (2) months, starting , from P - P . college student with a sports/recreation/ physical education major or teacher/ coach preferred. andidate must be dynamic and work well with youth 6-12, and have/secure necessary clearances. ompensation range - . hour. Send resume to info@wilkinsburgpa.gov or to the orough offices at 605 Ross Ave., Wilkinsburg, PA, 15221.

AUBERLE Healing Children & Families

Since , uberle has been dedicated to transforming the lives of children, youth families. uberle is a nationally recognized human service agency serving , children families each year.

Seeking to fill the following positions to mentor, build strong, consistent relationships with youth & families. ase anager FT o-Supervisor FT Family mergency Shelter Family Support Staff Night onitors - FT Summer School Teachers PT outh one oach FT If you are highly motivated, passionate about youth and interested in making a difference, visit www. auberle.org to apply.

NEPHROLOGIST

University of Pittsburgh Physicians seeks a Nephrologist to work in Pittsburgh llegheny ounty , P .

Treat patients with chronic kidney disease and end-stage enal isease S , polycystic kidney disease P , acute renal failure, and kidney stones, as well as acute kidney injury and other renal related diseases; perform four outpatient clinics per week and provide inpatient services and weekend inpatient coverage as required; treat patients and follow S patients in or F dialysis centers and teach residents and medical students at P ercy and other P hospitals as directed. ust have a edical degree of foreign equivalent; must have completed a residency in nternal edicine and a fellowship in Nephrology enal-Electrolyte); and must have a valid PA medical license or eligibility for licensure. pply by following these steps; visit http://careers. upmc.com and enter J in the Search eyword Job field and click o. .

LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

Notice is hereby given that Articles of Incorporation have been filed with the epartment of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, for the purpose of obtaining a ertificate of ncorporation of a business corporation which was organized under the Business Corporation Law of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania approved ecember , , ct . The name of the coraporation is Franjo Foundation nc.

Effective at the start of the business day Monday, May 21, 2018, the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) will open the waiting lists for the following Low Income Public Housing Sites: •Bedford Dwellings (1 bedroom) •Allegheny Dwellings (1 bedroom) •Arlington Heights (1 bedroom) Pre-Applications can be submitted in person to the HACP Occupancy Department between the hours of a.m. to p.m., mailed to the address below, or fa ed to . For information about obtaining a Pre-Application for the HACP Low Income Public Housing Program, please contact the Occupancy Department at 412-456T or visit our website at www.hacp.org.

CLOSING OF WAITING LISTS Effective Monday, May 14, 2018, at 12:00 p.m., HACP will close the waiting lists for the following Low Income Public Housing Sites to all persons/families except those who require the features of a wheelchair accessible unit, with the e ception of the anchester ommons waiting lists. The anchester ommons waiting lists will close to all persons/ families. aliguiri High ise arrick egency Finello Pavilion High ise ualtieri anor anchester ommons Phase (all bedrooms) anchester ommons Phase (all bedrooms) anchester ommons Phase (all bedrooms) anchester ommons Phase (all bedrooms) a a Pavilion orse ardens Northview Heights High ise bedroom) •Pennsylvania Bidwell (1 bedroom) Pressley Street High ise bedroom) Only pre-applications from persons/ families that require the features of a wheelchair accessible unit will be accepted after the closing date and time, with the e ception of the anchester Commons waiting lists as noted above.

Please be advised that part of HACP’s eligibility determination process includes the provisions of its reasonable accommodation policy, requiring families to request accommodation to qualify a person/family for a wheelchair accessible unit. For more information on HACP’s reasonable accommodation policy and qualification for a wheelchair accessible unit, please contact the Disability Compliance ffice at .

Public Notice will be provided when the HACP determines to re-open the waiting lists for these sites.

The Housing Authority of the City Of Pittsburgh Occupancy Department 100 Ross Street – 4th Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15219

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SALE OF SURPLUS EQUIPMENT COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY

In the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Orphans’ Court Division, Estate of Leonard Evagues, deceased, Case Number 021802082 of 2018: Notice is hereby given that on April 2cnd 2018, a Petition was filed by Pamela arkovich, to terminate the interests of the heirs and devisees of Leonard Evagues, deceased, in the real estate located at 246 Freidel Street, Homestead, PA, 15120, and determine that fee simple title is in Pamela arkovich. f no e ceptions to the Petition are filed within days, s. arkovich will seek an rder adjudging that the deceased’s title is in herself.

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In the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Orphans’ ourt ivision, state of ottie .

Woods, deceased, Case Number 021802086 of 2018: Notice is hereby given that on April 2cnd , a Petition was filed by Nicole Dowdy, to terminate the interests of the heirs and devisees of Lottie . oods, deceased, in the real estate located at 6917 Churchland Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, and determine that fee simple title is in Nicole owdy. f no e ceptions to the Petition are filed within days, s. owdy will seek an rder adjudging that the deceased’s title is in herself.

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Orphans’ Court ivision, state of thel oon, deceased, Case Number 021802084 of 2018: Notice is hereby given that on April 2cnd 2018, a Petition was filed by oger oon, to terminate the interests of the heirs and devisees of thel oon, deceased, in the real estate located at 2525 ercantile Street, c eesport, P , , and determine that fee simple title is in oger oon. f no e ceptions to the Petition are filed within days, r. oon will seek an Order adjudging that the deceased s title is in himself.

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INVITATION TO BIDDERS/ OFFERORS THE PITTSBURGH WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY ADVERTISEMENT

Estate of ZWIGART, MARIAN ESTELLE aka ZWIGART, MARIAN E. Deceased of Hampton Township. No. of . onnie Sue wigart, oventry rive, llison Park, P , ec. or to ichael J. Saldamarco, S ., Ste. , Perry H ., Pittsburgh, P .

Estate of McGOEY, JOHN B., Deceased of oss Township No. of . ec. rian J. c oey, road Hill rive, Pittsburgh, P or to ichael J. Saldamarco, sq., Suite , Perry H ., Pittsburgh, PA 15229 Estate of FRANZ CARL KEPPLER a/k/a FRANZ C. KEPPLER, eceased of Sequoia ourt, port, P . No. ecutor erry J. entner, Sequoia ourt, port, P or to merican ills states, loyd . elling, squire, harton Street, Suite , irmingham Towers, Pittsburgh, P Estate of MYRNA J. WORTHY, Deceased of Pittsburgh, P No. of . alter P. orthy, epresentaive, c o . Jean ason- ynter, sq., rthur Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

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In the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Orphans’ Court Division, Estate of Stella Patterson, deceased, ase No. of 2018: Notice is hereby given that on April 24, 2018, a Petition was filed by Shirley Patterson, to terminate the interests of the heirs and devisees of Stella Patterson, deceased, in the real estate located at 2909 Highland Ave, South Park, PA, 15129, and determine that fee simple title is in Shirley Patterson. f no e ceptions to the Petition are filed within days, Petitioner will seek an Order adjudging that the deceased s title is in herself.

S P T and S S for the following solicitation, will be received by the ffice of Procurement, Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, 1200 Penn Avenue, Second Floor, until P. . Prevailing Time, May 9, 2018. ids must be received in the hands of and clocked in by a P S Procurement fficer in sufficient time prior to the opening in order for a bid to be considered.

All late and electronic bids will be rejected and will not be considered for award.

INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR THE PURCHASE OF WATER PITCHERS AND FILTERS PWSA PROJECT NO. PWSA97 All bids must be submitted in accordance with the solicitation that can be obtained by sending an e-mail to cjuratovic@pgh2o.com. There will be no charge for the solicitation, as it will be sent via e-mail. ll questions relating to the solicitation itself shall be directed to Autumn Barna, Procurement anager, via e-mail abarna@pgh2o.com, no later than May 1, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. EST. The Contractor must assure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of their race, color, religion, se , se ual preference, or national origin.

The Authority reserves the right to withhold the award of the Contract for a period of 60 days after the bid due date.

The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all bids, and to waive any informality or minor irregularity in any bid s . The uthority also retains the right to investigate the qualifications of idders prior to any award and to award contracts only to Contractors who, in the sole judgment of the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer uthority, are qualified and equipped to properly e ecute the specified work.

The following surplus equipment will be offered for sale to the highest bidder(s): REQUEST FOR QUOTATION 180509 Sale of Surplus Computers, Monitors, Network Equipment, AV Equipment, Library Shelving, Bill Changer, Postage Equipment, Massage Therapy Tables, Cash Register, Etc. Bids are due in the CCAC Purchasing Department no later than 2:00 P on Wednesday, May 9, 2018.

For more information, contact ike Cvetic at mcvetic-@ccac.edu Community College of Allegheny County Purchasing Department 800 Allegheny Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15233

INVITATION TO BIDDERS THE PITTSBURGH WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY ADVERTISEMENT

S P T and S S for the following solicitation, will be received by the ffice of Procurement, Pittsburgh Water and Sewer uthority, Penn ve., Second Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, until P Prevailing Time May 22, 2018. ids must be received in the hands of and stamped in by a P S Procurement fficer in sufficient time prior to the opening in order for a bid to be considered.

INVITATIONS FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR 2018 URGENT SEWER REPAIR CONTRACT PWSA PROJECT NO. 2018-OPS-102-0 Work under the 2018 Urgent Sewer epair ontract includes the urgent repair or rehabilitation of the PWSA’s public sewer system including storm, sewer and combined sewer facilities as required or directed.

All bids must be submitted in accordance with the solicitation that can be obtained by sending an e-mail to cjuratovic@pgh2o. com. There will be no charge for the solicitation, as it will be sent via e-mail. ll questions relating to the solicitation itself shall be directed to directed to Autumn Barna, Procurement anager, via e-mail abarna@pgh2o.com, no later than May 15, 2018 at 4:00 p.m.

Pre- id eeting will be held on May 8, 2018 at a.m. in the uthority s onference oom, Penn ve., Pittsburgh, P . The purpose of this meeting is to give an overview of the contract requirements and to allow Bidders to ask questions.

Bids must be accompanied by a Bid Bond in the amount of Ten Percent (10%) of the bid for the project under construction. Said ond shall be duly and legally e ecuted with a Surety or Trust Company which has complied with City Ordinances esolutions relating thereto.

Performance Bond and Labor and aterial ond in the amount of 100% of the contract value for each awarded project will be required after award.

The Contractor must assure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of their race, color, religion, se ual preference, se , or national origin.

The bidders will be required to submit the package of certifications included with the contract documents relating to Equal Employment Opportunity.

The Authority reserves the right to withhold the award of the Contract for a period of 90 days after the opening of the bids.

The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, and to waive any informality or minor irregularity in any bid or bids. The Authority also retains the right to investigate the qualifications of bidders prior to any award and to award contracts only to contractors who, in the sole judgment of the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, are qualified and equipped to properly e ecute the specified work.

COURIER CLASSIFIEDS

ADVERTISEMENT

Sealed bid proposals are hereby solicited for the Community College of Allegheny County, 800 Allegheny venue, Pittsburgh P . . on the following items: RFP 3106 – Procurement of Electronic Signature (e-Signature) Solution Proposals will be received at the Purchasing Department until 2:00 P.M. Prevailing Time on Tuesday, May 15, 2018.

The CCAC Purchasing Department publishes all bids and FPs 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 id and FP pportunities and ensure compliance with all applicable bid documents inclusive of any issued addenda.

Failure to incorporate any applicable addenda in the final submittal may result in the rejection of your bid.

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

The Community College of Allegheny ounty is an ffirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and encourages bids from inority isadvantaged owned businesses.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Sealed proposals will be received by the unicipality of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, at the Purchasing ffice, oom until, . . prevailing time, Thursday, ay , 2018, and will be publicly opened immediately thereafter in the Council hambers, at the unicipal uilding, Frankstown oad, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, , for the furnishing of all labor and material (as required) for: DEMOLITIONS – Penn Hills 2017 Package Number 10 1929 Lincoln Avenue EXT 172-M-24 7284 Schley Street 173-H-335 506 Hochberg Road 295-N-188 510 Hochberg Road 295-N-168 4609 Verona Road 294-S-131 215 Janice Drive 368-M-328 2324 Main Street 635-G-225 6870 Sylvan Street 365-C-203 This project is funded 100% with Federal Community Development lock rant Funds.

This project will be financed with assistance from HUD; and therefore, it is subject to Section of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968, which gives preference in hiring to low and very-low income persons.

Specifications may be obtained at the Administration/Purchasing Office , oom for a non refundable fee of . .

Potential bidders with hearing impairment requiring information on this project can call the State elay ffice at to contact the unicipality.

Proposal must be on Standard Proposal Forms in the manner therein and be enclosed in a sealed envelope bearing the name and address of the bidder on the outside, addressed to the Purchasing ffice and marked emolitions Penn Hills Package Number .

Proposal must be accompanied by a certified check drawn upon a National or State Bank and made payable without conditions to the unicipality of Penn Hills, in an amount not less than ten (10) percent of the proposal, or a Bid Bond, and be delivered to the place and hour named.

The unicipality reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.

Attention is called to the Federal requirements regarding employment, non-discrimination, safety and State regulations.

The unicipality reserves the right to award this solicitation on an itemby-item basis or lump sum basis, whichever is in the best interest of the unicipality The unicipality reserves the right to remove any property from the demo list before actual demo takes place.

Mohammed F. Rayan Municipal Manager

COURIER CLASSIFIEDS… THE ONLY WAY TO GO!

CLASSIFIEDS

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

LEGAL ADVERTISING

LEGAL ADVERTISING

Bids/Proposals

Bids/Proposals

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR SECURITY CAMERA SYSTEM MAINTENANCE REBID RFP #350-50-17REBID

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR COMBUSTION AND HOT WATER HEATER SERVICES IFB# 300-21-18

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby requests proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Security Camera System Maintenance Rebid RFP #350-50-17REBID The documents will be available no later than April 23, 2018 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 11:00 A.M., May 11, 2018 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, Conference Room Pittsburgh, PA 15219 May 3, 2018 11:00 A.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation.

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

Caster D. Binion Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh

HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.

COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY PITTSBURGH, PA April 25, 2018

The ffice of the irector of the epartment of Public works for Allegheny County in Conjunction with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, is soliciting Statements of Interest through PennDOTs ECMS system for the following: ALLEGHENY COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Preliminary Engineering, Final Design, and Services During Construction For Rehabilitation of the Patton Street Bridge County Project No. TL13-3409 ECMS No. 93371 Local Agreement Number: L00301 This is a federal-aid project with PennDOT oversight. Statements of Interest are due no later than May 18, 2018 and are to be submitted through PennDOTs ECMS System, http://www.dot14.state.pa.us/ ECMS The advertisement can be found under agreement number L00301.

A copy of the published advertisement can also be found on the County Website: http://www.county. allegheny.pa.us/bids Any inquiries into this Advertisement are to be directed to Mr. Richard Connors, Bridge Division Manager at richard. connors@alleghenycounty.us or 412-350-6671.

The County will use the normal selection process and preselect or short-list at least three firms for consideration for this Project assignment on the following evaluation criteria: Experience on Allegheny County and PennDOT Projects, Use and Experience of Subconsultants, Ability to Meet Project Schedules, How will the Team Manage the Design, and Performance on Past Projects.

The County’s Minority and Women disadvantaged goals for these Projects will be 13% of the total price for MBE participation and 2% of the total price for WBE participation.

Stephen G. Shanley, PE, Director Department of Public Works of Allegheny County

NOTICE TO PROPOSERS

The Sports hibition uthority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County (SEA) will receive proposals for a Fund Accounting Software Solution. The contract for this work will be with the SEA. Request for Proposals (RFP) may be obtained after the date below from Sharon Mink, Email: SMink@pgh-sea.com, Telephone: (412) 393-7105, Facsimile: (412) 393-7104.

This Advertisement applies to the following RFP: Project: Fund Accounting Software Solution RFP Available: May 2, 2018 Non-Mandatory Pre-Proposal Meeting: 9:00 a.m., May 9, 2018 Proposals Due: 4:00 p.m., May 29, 2018, SEA, 171 Tenth Street, 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): COMBUSTION AND HOT WATER HEATER SERVICES IFB# 300-21-18 The documents will be available no later than April 23, 2018 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 10:00 a.m. on May 11, 2018 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, at which time they will be opened and read aloud.

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

Questions or inquiries should be directed to: 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 A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Dept.

100 Ross Street 2nd. Fl. Ste. 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Thursday, May 3, 2018 10:00 A.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation.

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

Caster D. Binion Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.

PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY

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

Proposals/bid submittals will be due 11:00 AM on May 23, 2018 and will be read at 11:15 AM., the same day, at Port Authority’s Heinz location Si th venue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2527), for the following: Electronic Proposal Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.portauthority.org) B180319A Maintenance Inspection Testing & Certification of Fire Protection Systems B180320A Wiper Arm Assemblies - Coach B180321A Synthetic Automatic Transmiossions Fluid B180422 Substation Equipment DC Breakers No bidder may withdraw a submitted Proposal for a period of 75 days after the scheduled time for opening of the sealed bids.

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held on each of the above items at 10:00AM May 9, 2018 at Port Authority s Hein location Si th Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, PA). Attendance at this meeting is not mandatory, but is strongly encouraged. Questions regarding any of the above bids will not be entertained by the Port Authority within 48 hours of the scheduled bid opening.

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

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

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

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

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

MAY 2-8, 2018

B5

SONNY BOY

LEGAL ADVERTISING

LEGAL ADVERTISING

LEGAL ADVERTISING

Bids/Proposals

Bids/Proposals

Bids/Proposals

ARTICLE 1 - ADVERTISEMENT

PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY ADVERTISEMENT

Separate sealed Bids for the Work as listed hereinafter will be received at the Purchasing and Materials Management Department of Port Authority of llegheny ounty uthority Hein enter, Si th venue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222-2527 until 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 and will be publicly opened and read immediately thereafter at the same address. Each Bidder shall be solely responsible for assuring that its Bid is both received and time stamped by a representative of the Purchasing and Materials Management Department at or before the advertised time for submission of Bids. Bids received or time stamped in the Purchasing and Materials Management Department after the advertised time for the submission of Bids shall be non-responsive and therefore ineligible for Award.

LED LIGHTING UPGRADES CONTRACT NO. SYS-18-04 The Work of this Project includes, but is not limited to, the furnishing of all labor and materials for LED lighting upgrades at South Hills Junction (Building 1), Ross Garage, Collier Garage, East Liberty Garage, Steel Plaza Subway Station, and Wood Street Subway Station.

Bid Documents will be available for public inspection and may be obtained on or after onday, pril , at uthority s offices at the following address: Port Authority of Allegheny County Purchasing and Materials Management Department Heinz 57 Center 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2527 Bid Documents are available for purchase as follows: Bid Documents are available in an electronic form on compact disk upon payment of $15.00 per CD. Payment shall be by check or money order (NO CASH), payable to “Port Authority of Allegheny County.” No refunds of payment will be made.

Upon request, Bid Documents can be mailed upon receipt of payment in full. Should the purchaser wish to have the Bid Documents delivered via special delivery, such as PS or Federal press, the purchaser shall provide its appropriate account numbers for such special delivery methods.

This Project may be funded, in part, by, and subject to certain requirements of, the County of Allegheny and/or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Authority, in compliance with 74 Pa.C.S. § 303, as may be amended, require that certified iverse usinesses s have the ma imum opportunity to participate in the performance of contracts and subcontracts for this Project. In this regard, all Bidders shall make good faith efforts in accordance with Pa. .S. , to ensure that s have the ma imum opportunity to compete for and perform contracts. Bidders shall also not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, disability, national origin, se ual origin, gender identity or status as a parent in the award and performance of contracts for this Project. If aid is required to involve DBs in the Work, Bidders are to contact Authority’s Director of Employee Relations and OEO at (412) 566-5262.

The Bidder’s attention is directed to the following contacts for Bidder’s questions: Procedural Questions Regarding Bidding: David Hart- Authority DHart@portauthority.org (412) 566-5415 All other questions relating to the Bid Documents must be submitted by mail or email to: Port Authority of Allegheny County Heinz 57 Center 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 Attn: David Hart DHart@portauthority.org In addition, the Bidder’s attention is directed to the following schedule of activities for preparation of its Bid: 9:00 A.M.

Pre-Bid Conference

May 10, 2018

Port Authority of Allegheny County Heinz 57 Center Neal H. Holmes oard oom Si th venue, Fifth Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 Pre-Bid Site Tour (Immediately following the Pre-Bid Conference) Attendance is mandatory Participants shall wear a safety vest and appropriate footwear Transportation will be provided

1:30 P.M.

Bids Due

May 30, 2018 Purchasing and Materials Management Department Authority reserves the right to reject any or all Bids ARTICLE 2 - PRE-BID CONFERENCE A Pre-Bid Conference may be held with prospective Bidders to review the Bid Documents and generally discuss the Project. The time and place will be specified in the dvertisement. ll idders are encouraged to submit their questions in writing to the respective individuals listed in the Advertisement prior to the time specified in the dvertisement for the Pre- id Conference. A response may be provided during the Pre-Bid Conference or by Addendum thereafter.

ARTICLE 3 - PRE-BID TOUR If a site tour is to be conducted covering the area(s) of the Work, it will be held at the date and time indicated in the Advertisement.

ARTICLE 4 - PUBLIC OPENING OF BIDS Bids will be publicly opened and announced at the advertised time and place set for such Bid opening.

SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH Division of Communications and Marketing

341 South Bellefield Avenue, Room 204 Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3516 Request for Proposals For Printing, Assembly, Mailing and Graphic Design Services for 2018-2019 Welcome Back to School Program The School District is requesting proposals from e perienced and qualified printers.

The Request for Proposals may be obtained from the Division of Communications and Marketing, 341 South ellefield venue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 or from the District’s web page at http://www.pps.k12.pa.us/ domain/239 One (1) original and four (4) copies of the proposal shall be prepared and submitted to the School District in such form as is set forth in the RFP by Noon on Wednesday May 2, 2018.

The District reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

COURIER CLASSIFIEDS

BID

The Sports hibition uthority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County (SEA) will receive sealed bids for North Shore Riverfront Park (NSRFP) 2018 Concrete Repairs as identified below. The contract for this work will be with the SEA. Inquiries regarding the bidding should be made to the SEA, 171 10th Street, 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, Attention: Taylor Blice E-mail: tblice@pgh-sea.com. Bid Packages may be obtained after the date identified below through Accu-Copy at 724-935-7055.

This Advertisement applies to the following Bid Package: Project: North Shore Riverfront Park Bid Package Name: NSRFP 2018 Concrete Repairs Bid Package Available: April 25, 2018 ppro imate alue , Non-Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting Time/Date/Location: 2:00 PM, ed., ay , , Sports hibition Authority, 171 10th Street, 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Bid Due Date: 2:00 PM, Mon., May 21, 2018

LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT Port Authority of Allegheny County REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL NO. 18-05

Port Authority of Allegheny County (Port Authority) is requesting proposals for the performance of the following services: Bus Rapid Transit Phase III Engineering Services Authority intends to now enter into an Agreement which will provide for Phase III Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Engineering Services. The required services will include, but are not limited to: advance design of the BRT Project to at least the 60% completion level; update the CIG submittal and develop a Project Management Plan and update to the financial plan (Contract Services). The qualified consultant is to complete the final design, in a phased approach as authorized by Authority and more fully detailed in the Scope of Services, of the Project Scope (collectively Phase III BRT Work).

A copy of the RFP will be available on or after April 27, 2018, 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 for this RFP, Proposers must register under the ebusiness categories of ENGINEERING; ENGENV – Engineering Environmental; ENGGAE – General Architecture and Engineering; ENGPLAN – Engineering Planning/ Studies; or ENGPM – Engineering Project Management. Proposers may also register in other categories for any future RFPs issued by Port uthority. f you have specific questions regarding this RFP, please contact Jeff Faddis at (412) 5665315 or jfaddis@portauthority.org.

An Information Meeting for interested parties will be held at 10:00 a.m., prevailing time, May 11, 2018 in the Fifth Floor Board Room of Port Authority of Allegheny County’s downtown offices, Si th venue to answer any questions regarding this RFP. Hard copy proposals must be both delivered to, and time stamped by a representative of the Purchasing and Materials Management Department at or before 2:00 p.m., prevailing time, May 31, 2018, at the Purchasing and Materials Management Department, Port Authority of Allegheny ounty, Si th venue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222-2527. Proposals received or time stamped in the Purchasing and Materials Management Department after the advertised time for the submission of proposals shall be non-responsive and therefore ineligible for award. Each Proposer shall be solely responsible for assuring that its proposal is timely received and time stamped in accordance with the requirements herein. Please note that a sealed Summary of Costs should NOT be submitted with the hard copy of the Proposal, but will be submitted at a later date as requested by Port Authority.

This Project may be financed jointly by the County of Allegheny, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The proposal process and the performance of the requested services will be in accordance with the guidelines and regulations of the FTA “Third Party Contracting Guidelines”, FTA Circular 4220.1F, as amended, and all other applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.

Port Authority of Allegheny County, in compliance with 49 C.F.R., Part 26, as amended, implements positive affirmative action procedures to ensure that all Disadvantaged Business nterprises have the ma imum opportunity to participate in the performance of contracts and subcontracts financed, in whole or in part, with federal funds provided under the proposed Agreement. In this regard, all recipients or contractors shall take all necessary and reasonable steps in accordance with 49 C.F.R., Part 26, to ensure that DBEs have the ma imum opportunity to compete for and perform contracts. Recipients and their contractors shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, disability, national origin or se in the award and performance of DOT assisted contracts.

Port Authority of Allegheny County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.

COURIER CLASSIFIEDS

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

B6

FORUM

MAY 2-8, 2018

How do you mend a broken heart?

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—I used to love me some Bill Cosby. Not only because he was America’s Big Daddy, but also because he was fun and funny. Most of the times that I was around him, I felt lifted. He had that deep, heh heh heh laugh, and that sweet smile, and then he loved some HBCUs, so what could you say?

Yeah, there was that irascible thing; that pull up your pants and don’t steal the cake preachy conversation. But there was the $20 million that he and Camille gave to Spelman College and the fraction of which I was able to wangle from him for Bennett College. We had this conversation, once upon a time, when he said that he loved me, and I replied, as much as you love Dr. Cole, and he said yeah. So I said, “Where is my $20 million?” If you love me even ten percent as much I get 2 million. He laughed.

I laughed. He spent a day at Bennett talking to my students.

Now he has been convicted as a sexual predator, and while there will be an appeal, the fact that more than 60 women have made accusations is daunting. Even if half of them are piling on, enough of them have made the case that

Julianne Malveaux

Commentary a man who has been an amazing philanthropist has also been an awful sexual predator. How do I mend my broken heart?

Indeed, my heart is broken. It started breaking with the first allegation. It continued to break as the accusations piled up. How could I, how could we, reconcile the image of a man whose humor and dadliness engaged a generation with a man who, by his own admission, drugged women so he could have nonconsensual sex with them. What is real, what is fake, and how do we begin to enjoy powerful episodes of the Cosby Show without thinking of the man who was just convicted?

So do we throw the art out?

Do we decide that the engaging body of work is now worthless because the creator is horribly flawed? Do we decide that Fat Albert wasn’t really fat and funny, that Theo and Rudy weren’t amazing kids, that I Spy didn’t spy, that the Cosby body of work is useless?

I will make no excuses for a man who has been convicted as a sexual predator, even as I confess my affection for him. But I wonder if we can separate the art from its creator, especially when we consider the fact that Cosby broke so many barriers as he created his art. And while he deserves more than a wink and a nod or a slap on the wrist, I think it also important to consider context. Who taught this man to be a sexual predator? Was this the norm in Hollywood at that time?

Cosby was raised well enough to know the difference between right and wrong, and he was not only wrong but also butt wrong to drug women to have sex with them. One could be a misunderstanding. Sixty is an epidemic.

Even if half of them are making it up, thirty, twenty, ten, or even one is more than enough.

So my heart breaks for our culture, and for that which many will throw away. Meaning, do Cosby’s crimes invalidate his art? Will all eight seasons of the Cosby show be kicked to the curb because its creator is an extraordinarily flawed man? Will a moment in history, a moment when the ensemble depiction of a dynamic Black middle-class family entertained a nation, be obliterated by the judgment of one man?

I am not sure of the answer. I am certain, though, that my heart is broken. Cosby will appeal and he may prevail. Or, he may not.

But I am among those who cherish the memories of the Cosby show, the Cosby philanthropist, the funny and irascible man who came to my campus, talked good sense to my students, and cared. Cheers to him for lifting up Black colleges. Shame on him for violating women. How can I reconcile these images? How can I mend my broken heart?

(Julianne Malveaux is an author and economist.)

Qualities we expect from our elected representatives Over the course of my in the year 2018. Atlife, I have been active Louis ‘Hop’ Kendrick torney Byrd R. Brown, in both the Republican the most qualified canand Democratic pardidate to ever run for ties. A clear conscience political office in Alallows me to state that legheny County, was I have always had a a dedicated Democrat greater concern about who advocated always improving the condito vote straight, and it tions of Black people came back to help dethan I did about the feat him when he ran advancement of a political party. for mayor of Pittsburgh.

In my years of political involvement, I was A number of influential Black Democrats able to get to know all of the Black chairper- used the excuse that Byrd’s wife was White, sons, unbelievable numbers of committee but so was Sophie. The truth of the matpersons and most elected officials from coun- ter was that these Blacks had been totally cilpersons up to governors. indoctrinated. It is understandable with I have interviewed Black officials, who Blacks being denied access to the Ameriwould look me directly in my eyes and say, can Dream, lack of affordable houses, high “My loyalty is to the Democratic Party first rate of unemployment, denial of contracts, and foremost, the voters are second.” I re- high rate of incarceration that they are respected the late Dock Fielder Jr. more than luctant voters, but it is imperative that we the combined total. Why? Dock was a man of vote every election. We must become smartprinciple, man of his word and truthful. He er and more sophisticated voters and pick was truly a man of strength. I was in atten- and choose who we cast our votes for—male dance with Dock as he met with numerous and/or female, White and/or Black. If they politicians and listened to his responses to are currently elected, we must analyze their mayors, District Attorneys, County Commis- record…have they been able to address any sioners, governors, it was always about you of the problems they campaign on, and if and I. not, why not? It is imperative that we elect In the election of 1996 when the Republi- persons who not only talk that talk but have cans took control of Allegheny County for proven that they walk that walk. We must the first time in 60 years, as the 12th Ward vote for a candidate who has proven when Democratic Chairman he led the fight to provided with the opportunity to hold electdefeat the Democratic candidates who had ed office that the people are his priority. I made the statement, “HE DID NOT NEED have no reservations about supporting the THE BLACK VOTE TO WIN.” Over the mayor of Braddock, John Fetterman, for Lt. last 60 or more years I have witnessed the Governor.

(Louis “Hop” Kendrick is a contributor to the New undying loyalty to endorsed Democrats by Black voters and how it affects Blacks, even Pittsburgh Courier.)

To Tell The Truth

Can racial solidarity aid pain and suffering?

Can racial solidarity Watson were two of the aid pain and suffering? four Black men charged J. Pharaoh Doss For example, superwith beating White model Beverly Johnson truck driver Reginald said her reluctance to Denny during the L.A. come forward against Riots.

Bill Cosby was tied to The Denny beating her allegiance to African was captured on film Americans, but I’ll get like the Rodney King back to Cosby. beating, and just like Days before the 2016 the King recording reTV series “The People v. O.J. Simpson” aired, vealed blatant police brutality, the Denny actor Courtney B. Vance (Johnnie Cochran) footage revealed clear attempts to murder. recalled his reaction to the 1995 Simpson There was no racial solidarity behind the viverdict in an interview. Vance and actor Tony olence inflicted on Denny but it slowly built Goldwyn took a break from filming to watch up behind the legal defense of Williams and the news. When it was announced Simp- Watson. The lawyers argued Williams and son was not guilty of murder, Vance said he Watson were victims of poverty and racism, screamed “Yes!” while Goldwyn screamed and Williams and Watson were being used “No!” The two men, who were friendly, were as scapegoats for the L.A. Riots. The “poverastonished by the other’s reaction and won- ty” defense led to light sentences for the dedered “what the great divide was about.” fendants. Of course, Williams’ and Watson’s Vance justified his glee. “I wasn’t cheering families cheered in the courtroom, Whites for O.J. It wasn’t about O.J. at all (that also questioned if justice was served, and this implied, it wasn’t about the murder victims leniency for stomping and bricking a White or the pain and suffering of their families.) man nearly to death was viewed as a “Black We grew up with Black History (he men- victory.” tioned Emmett Till.) There was no justice, Williams was released from prison early for there was no recourse for African Americans good behavior after four years of a 10-year for centuries. And that’s what African Amer- sentence, and in 2003 he was sentenced to icans were cheering about.” life in prison for a murder he committed in Really?

2000. (I wonder if the family of this murWhen the interviewer asked Vance about der victim was devastated by the irony that Simpson’s guilt or innocence Vance offered “poverty” excused Williams from attempted no opinion. If Vance believed Simpson was murder and good behavior led to the actual innocent, there’s no need to justify his re- deed.) action with a historical argument. But the Recently, Bill Cosby was found guilty of historical rage was more recent than Em- three counts of aggravated indecent assault mett Till. A few years before the Simpson stemming from drugging and molesting a verdict, four White police officers were ac- woman, and his publicist tried to round up quitted for beating Black motorist Rodney racial solidarity against an unjust system reKing. This sparked the 1992 L.A. Riots. gardless of the pain and suffering of Cosby’s The consensus in Black America was that accusers. four White police officers beat the system The publicist said Cosby’s trial became (like always), and the lingering rage at that a “public lynching.” When asked if all 60 specific injustice transferred into jubilation women who accused Cosby of sexual asfor a Black man (O.J. Simpson) found not sault were lying the publicist replied, guilty for the murder of two White people. “Since when are all people honest? Since The Simpson verdict was viewed as a “Black when are all women honest? We can take victory” over a historically unjust system a look at Emmett Till, for example. Not all without any regard for those still mourning people are honest.” the deceased.

This type of intellectual dishonesty is the Now, in between the Rodney King and O.J. price we pay for not getting along.

(J. Pharaoh Doss is a contributor to the New PittsSimpson verdicts was the trial of Damian Williams and Henry Watson. Williams and burgh Courier.)

Check It Out

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Raynard Jackson

Commentary

My reflections on a King (NNPA)--As the world commemorated the 50th anniversary of the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I reflected upon the legacy of the iconic civil rights leader, I was reminded of two columns I wrote years ago in the form of poems. Yes, I do have a poetic side that most of the public has not seen unless they have read my book, “Writing Wrongs: My Political Journey in Black and Write.”

The first column was written in January of 2005 titled, “Letter to Dr. King.” Please remember the context in which this piece was written. George W. Bush had just won a second term as president; Barak Obama was just sworn in as the new senator from Illinois; Bill Cosby was being vilified for his now infamous “Pound Cake” speech before a NAACP awards program in Washington, D.C.; the speech was about Blacks being more responsible for what happens in their lives.

Even though Bush named Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice the first Black Secretary of State and National Security Advisor, respectively in the history of the United States, liberal Blacks still called Bush a racist; Former President George W. Bush also had a more diverse cabinet than former President Bill Clinton.

The second column was written six years later, in 2011, and titled, “The State of the Dream.” In this piece, I was very critical of how Blacks awarded the contracts to design and construct King’s statue on The Mall in Washington, D.C., to a Chinese sculptor and not an American; this is why I will never visit it--ever. They even imported the granite from China, even though they could have gotten the same quality of materials in the U.S. One of the most prominent sculptors in the U.S. is Ed Dwight Jr. who just happens to also be a former Air Force test pilot and the first Black to be trained as an astronaut.

Why was he not commissioned to do King’s sculpture?

With this as a backdrop, I think if King was living today, he would be totally embarrassed and ashamed of the Black community; and he would be totally disappointed in the White community, as well.

When people called King the “n-word,” it was not a term of endearment; it was a term of death, as in, “Kill the n—ger!” I am quite sure that Jesse Jackson never walked up to King and said, “Yo, what’s up my n— ger!?”

Now, you have Blacks all over television, movies, and public spaces using the word in mixed company. Then Blacks have the nerve to want to get angry when a non-Black does the same thing. N--ga, puh-leeeze!

No one should be using the word. Period.

The very use of this word is an affront to everything King represented.

Another thing that would embarrass Dr. King, would be the blatant mistreatment and degradation of Black women. When did it become okay to call our women bitches and hoes?

Or what about the way some young people dress? Do you really think King would have approved of us walking around with our pants hanging down to our knees or our women showing all manner of body parts at work, church and on the street?

To my White folks: I think King would be disappointed that insidious social engineering through programs like welfare systematically have contributed to the destruction of the Black family and the emasculation of the Black male. Some of these perverted programs have also had a negative impact on the rest of America.

America, with all the strides that we have made, continues to hand the Blacks the same check returned with the words “insufficient funds” stamped on its face ever time they try to cash it.

King didn’t want special treatment for Blacks; he simply wanted equal treatment.

He didn’t want Blacks to become a protected class; he simply wanted America to enforce the Constitution.

We already had the right to vote; the right to live wherever we want; the right to eat at any restaurant; and the right to walk through the front door. The problem was that the Constitution wasn’t being enforced when it came to Blacks.

God had already endowed us with these inalienable rights that were codified in the U.S. Constitution.

Yes, America has come a long way from where we used to be, but we still have a long way to go.

But, to my liberal friends who constantly posit, “When was America ever great?” I simply say that America was great when Lincoln freed the slaves; America was great when we passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964; America was great when we passed the Voting Rights Act of 1965; America was great when we passed the Fair Housing Act of 1968; America was great, when we elected the first Black president in 2008.

So, as I reflect on King’s assassination and his legacy, I can hear him telling both Blacks and Whites: “Boy, go get me a switch, because you have brought shame on America.”

After we start crying from his love taps from the switch, I can then see him grabbing us in his arms and lovingly saying, “Now, go do better.”

(Raynard Jackson is founder and chairman of Black Americans for a Better Future (BAFBF).

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22 of 34 homicides Black lives—Seven murders county-wide in April; five were Black HOMICIDES FROM A1

down after leaving his girlfriend’s house in Homestead en route to his grandmother’s house. Police said, as yet, they have no motive or suspect. Anyone with information is asked to call 1-833-255-8477.

March Homicides (6)

MARCH 11—Brenda Kay Zelenski, a 59-year-old White female, died in a Pittsburgh hospital as the result of knife wounds she received during an altercation with her husband, also dead, in Indiana County, March 3.

MARCH 16—Juan Green, a 31-year-old Black male, was fatally shot after getting into an argument outside Becker’s Café on Olivia Street in the McKees Rocks Bottoms. Police arrested 33-yearold Tyree Davis less than a day later at a home in Sheraden. Davis is awaiting trial in the Allegheny County Jail.

MARCH 18—Tyrone Noaks, a 28-year-old Black male, died as a result of wounds he received when he was shot in McKees Rocks, Feb. 3. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call Allegheny County Homicide Detectives at 412-473-1300.

MARCH 19—Shawn Brandon, a 22-year-old White male, was fatally shot at the corner of Eccles Street and Marengo Street on the South Side Slopes. Witnesses said he was leaning into the driver’s side window of a car when he was shot. He identified his killer as 21-year-old Amasa Camp.

Police arrested Camp three days later. He is awaiting trial in the Allegheny County Jail.

MARCH 24—Walter Smith, an 83-year-old White male, died after a tenant he was trying to evict from his West Homestead property struck him in the head and shoved him down a flight of stairs.

Dominic Anicola, 57, was arrested and awaits trial in the Allegheny County Jail.

MARCH 26—Hasan Ishmael Abdul-Rabb, a 24-year-old Black male, was fatally shot in the 3200 block of Ward Street in Oakland in an apparent drug deal turned robbery. Shayne Craighead, 22, and Velmon Dowling, 21, were arrested after leading police on a chase in the victim’s rented car. Both are in the Allegheny County Jail.

February Homicides (8)

FEB. 4—Joseph Secora, a 39-year-old White male who allegedly had mental health issues, was fatally shot while trying to break into his sister’s house in Springdale. The victim’s nephew, 21-year-old James Cain, shot Secora once. He fled across Butler Road and collapsed between some houses. He was pronounced dead at the scene. No charges will be filed.

FEB. 7—Lewis Dunning, a 64-year-old Black male from Uniontown, was found by Pittsburgh police lying in the middle of Paulsen Street in Lincoln-Larimer. He had been shot once in the head and was

pronounced dead at the scene. A second individual, who police have not identified, was also found at the scene suffering multiple gunshot wounds. He was taken to the hospital and last listed in stable condition.

The investigation continues. Police are asking anyone with information to call 412-323-7800. Callers may remain anonymous.

FEB. 10—Denard A. Burton, a 29-year-old Black male, was discovered by Pittsburgh police lying on the snow-covered sidewalk of the 7200 block of Stranahan Street in Homewood shot multiple times. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Police have not yet identified a suspect. The investigation is ongoing. Police are asking anyone with information to call 412-323-7800. Callers may remain anonymous.

FEB. 11—Mark Daniels, a 39-year-old Black male, was fatally shot by Pittsburgh police Gino A. Macioce and an unnamed recruit during a foot chase in which the officers said he fired at them twice. Allegheny County police said a .40 caliber handgun was recovered at the scene and is being tested. Daniels’ family said he didn’t own or carry a gun. They have called for the release of surveillance video and Shotspotter records that police said shows some of the pursuit. Neither officer was wearing a body camera.

FEB. 16—Andre Lee, a 20-year-old Black male, was found by McKees Rocks police after they received a call about a shooting on Ella Street. He was taken to Allegheny General Hospital, where he died from multiple gunshot wounds. Allegheny County police are investigating.

Anyone with information may anonymously call the toll-free Police Tipline at 833-255-8477.

FEB. 22—Keiauna Lynette Davis, a 27-year-old Black female, was fatally shot while walking home along Laketon Road in Wilkinsburg when a co-worker and two accomplices robbed her for her tax refund. Dane James Taylor and Laya Alana Whitley, both 21, and Kaijin Xavier Scott, 23, are in custody awaiting trial.

FEB. 26—Steven Pariser, a 71-year-old White male, and John Robert Van Dyke, a 54-year-old White male, were both allegedly killed by 58-year-old Vincent Smith after an argument over marijuana led to a fight. Smith then set fire to the Swissvale building where the killings took place. He was rescued by firefighters and arrested. He awaits trial in the Allegheny County jail.

FEB. 28—Mia Green, a 27-yearold Black female, was found by Pittsburgh police behind a home in the 7300 block of Hamilton Avenue in Homewood shot multiple times. She was pronounced dead at UPMC Presbyterian a short time later. Green had no children and no criminal record. Police are asking anyone with information to call 412-323-7800. Callers may remain anonymous.

yet to identify a suspect and are in the Allegheny County Jail.

JAN. 29—Tyqueon Goins, JAN. 9—Diron Lamonn Hop- asking anyone with information to wood, a 25-year-old Black male, call the toll-free county Tipline at a 20-year-old Black male, was found shot multiple times in a was found fatally shot by police 833-255-8477.

JAN. 28—Devlen Prosdocimo, car on Meadows Street in Larafter they received multiple 911 calls, lying in the 1400 block of a 24-year-old White male, was imer. Though Pittsburgh police N. Murtland Street in Homewood. shot multiple times, after being spokeswoman Alicia George said He had been struck several times. lured into a drug deal robbery on initial reports indicated the shootPolice have not identified a sus- Wilner Drive in East Hills. Video ing “may be gang related.” police pect. The investigation continues. shows, 17-year-old Malik “Lil Chief have not yet identified a suspect.

JAN. 12—Shevall Davidson, Keif” Johnson shooting Prosdoci- Anyone with information is asked a 24-year-old Black male, was mo several times after he attempt- to call homicide detectives at 412fatally shot multiple times shortly ed to flee the robbery. Johnson is 323-7800. after he left the J & S Food Mart on Seventh Street in Duquesne.

Pittsburgh Crime Stoppers has ofLEGAL ADVERTISING fered a reward of up to $1,000 for Bids/Proposals information leading to an arrest.

Callers may remain anonymous, HOUSING AUTHORITY OF 412-255-8477.

THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH JAN. 17—Louise Lewis, a INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) 73-year-old White female, was FOR found fatally shot on the porch of TREE AND SHRUB REMOVAL her Clairton home in what AlleghSERVICES AUTHORITY WIDE eny County detectives said was a IFB# 300-20-18 murder-suicide. Her 72-year-old The Housing Authority of the City of husband Robert was found inside Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request the home with a self-inflicted gunproposals from qualified Firms or shot to the head.

Individuals capable of providing the JAN. 17—Tiffany Korbelic, a following service(s): 36-year-old White female, was TREE AND SHRUB REMOVAL found fatally shot in a home in SERVICES AUTHORITY WIDE on West Elizabeth Street in HaIFB# 300-20-18 The documents will be available zelwood along with 55-year-old no later than April 23, 2018 and Raymond Furlong, in what county signed, sealed bids will be acceptdetective also said was also a mured until 9:00 a.m. on May 11, 2018 der-suicide. Furlong, they said shot at which time they will be Time and her then turned the gun on himself.

Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street JAN. 18—Anthony Bull2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA ock-Fields, a 29-year-old Black 15219, at which time they will be male, was shot and then run over opened and read aloud. at the intersection of Jucunda and Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy Amanda Streets in Pittsburgh’s of the Solicitation from the Business Knoxville neighborhood. PittsOpportunities page of www.HACP. burgh police have not yet identiorg. fied a suspect. The investigation Questions or inquiries should be dicontinues. rected to: JAN. 20—Albert Boxley, a Mr. Kim Detrick 30-year-old Black male, was found Housing Authority of shot multiple times at the intersecthe City of Pittsburgh tion of Mullins and Dickson Streets Procurement Department 100 Ross Street on Pittsburgh’s North Side. The 2nd Floor, Suite 200 shooting was captured on surveilPittsburgh, PA 15219 lance video, and with the help of an 412-456-5116 Opt 1 eye-witness, police arrested and A pre bid meeting will be held: charged 27-year-old Louis CampHousing Authority of bell with the killing. He is currently the City of Pittsburgh in the Allegheny County Jail.

Procurement Dept.

JAN. 22—Shayne Henderson, 100 Ross Street 2nd. Fl. Ste. 200 a 21-year-old Black male, was Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Thursday, May 3, 2018 found fatally shot in the basement 9:00 A.M. of an apartment building on Everton The Housing Authority of the City of Street in Pittsburgh’s Lincoln-LemPittsburgh strongly encourages cerington neighborhood. Henderson’s tified minority business enterprises was the third fatal shooting on and women business enterprises to Everton in as many months. Police respond to this solicitation. have not named a suspect. The inHACP’s has revised their webvestigation continues site. As part of those revisions, JAN. 28—Craig Rhodes-Mitchvendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and downell, a 24-year-old Black male, load IFB/RFPs documentation. was found with multiple gunshot Caster D. Binion wounds in a home in the 1300 Executive Director block of Centennial Street in McKHousing Authority of eesport. County detectives have the City of Pittsburgh yet to identify a suspect and are HACP conducts business in accordance asking anyone with information to with all federal, state, and local civil call the toll-free county Tipline at rights laws, including but not limited to 833-255-8477.

Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the JAN. 28—Robert Monti, a Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA 42-year-old White male, was Human Relations Act, etc. and does not found by police shot multiple in discriminate against any individuals prothe 1200 block of Broadway Avetected by these statutes. nue in Stowe Township. He died a short time later at Ohio Valley Hospital. County detectives have January Homicides (11)

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surveillance video of a man riding a bicycle away from the scene and are asking for help identify the individual, who they are calling a person of interest. Anyone with information is asked to call homicide detectives at 412323-7800.

APRIL 4—James Clayton Westover, a 56-yearold White male, was fatally shot in the driveway of his home by one-time friend, 62-year-old Lex Miller. Ohio Township police responding to call of shots fired, encountered Miller at the scene.

After a brief exchange of gunfire, Miller shot himself in the head. The Allegheny County Coroner has ruled it a murder-suicide.

APRIL 7—Aaron David James, a 29-year-old Black male, was found fatally shot in an alley behind the 1300 block of Franklin Street in Wilkinsburg. As yet, police have not identified a suspect or motive. Anyone with information is asked to all county detectives at 1-833255-8477.

APRIL 11—Dolores Williams, a 39-year-old Black female, was found fatally shot in the head in her Stowe Township home. Her teen daughter was also shot but was stabilized at a local hospital. Police immediately began searching for 42-yearold Jamar Allen, who was also wanted for the home-invasion assault of a minor in March. He was found later the same day in his car in Homewood, dead from a self-inflicted gunshot.

APRIL 11—The skeletal remains of Zackery Sheets, a 20-year-old White male missing for more than a year, were found by a hiker walking through the woods off Milltown Road in Penn Hills. The coroner’s office ruled the death a homicide based on information gleaned from the investigation into his disappearance, but it has not released an official cause of death. Anyone with information about Sheets’ death or disappearance is asked to call 1-833255-8477.

APRIL 14—Shawn William Dillard, a 27-year-old Black male from Erie, was fatally shot in the head in the Hill District. City police found him in the 1800 block of Cliff Street. He was taken to Mercy Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Police have yet to identify a suspect. Anyone with information is asked to call 412323-7800.

APRIL 26—Phillip Daniel Pryor, a 27-yeqr-old Black male, was gunned

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SPORTS

MAY 2-8, 2018

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

1968 PITTSBURGH PIPERS—THE TEAM THAT MADE HISTORY

Many players will be in Pittsburgh for 50year reunion, May 4-5 PIPERS FROM A1

accomplishments.

It was, in fact, 1968, shortly after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated that Connie “The Hawk” Hawkins led the Pipers to the ABA title. The only professional basketball title in Pittsburgh.

To put this in perspective for you, that was the heart and soul of the NBA and ABA battle to the death for the greatest basketball talent on the planet.

BILL NEAL

When the 1967-68 Pipers defeated the Buccaneers for the title, they were, in fact, one of the greatest teams in the world, capable of beating any—I repeat— any team anywhere. Hawkins led both his team and the league in scoring and was named MVP of both, thus making him one of the greatest players in the world at the time.

So that you won’t think I am exaggerating my point at all, allow me to share with you my moments in time. Like the time Connie, Kenny Durrett and I all rode to Cleveland for the NBA All-Star game. We had tickets, but not very good seats to be sure. Well, that didn’t last long after Kareem Abdul-Jabbar noticed Connie and pulled us down to center court. While there, no less than Kareem, Wilt Chamberlain, Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, Oscar Robertson, Bob Lanier, Pete Maravich and Bill Russell, just to name a few, came over to shake Connie’s

hand. Sure, Connie may have played in the ABA, but he was definitely treated like the legend he was.

Or the time, after years of asking, that I made the trip to New York City with Connie. The streets of Brooklyn, the Harlem Rucker League...Simply put it was like walking next to a god!

The legend of Connie Hawkins is real, folks, and it was made crystal clear by the constant outpouring of love, yells, shoutouts, photos and the need to touch “The Hawk.”

Yes, we reunite these guys for their 50-year anniversary and are glad to do so.

“Longevity has its place.”

And yet we want these forgotten champions to be remembered for their talent, hard work and sacrifices forever more. These players were involved in our community. They were visible at local supermarkets, they had numerous autograph sessions, they lived right here with us.

Years ago, “Dr. J” himself, Julius Erving, the basketball great, stood before our sold-out Willie Stargell Pittsburgh MVP Awards banquet crowd and proclaimed that “If there had not been a Connie HawCONNIE HAWKINS was, yes, that high above the rim. He arguably kins, there may not have was the greatest player in the NBA or ABA during the Pipers’ 1968 ever been a Dr. J. That man was my hero!”

ABA championship run.

If that doesn’t speak vol-

umes, I don’t know what does.

Connie Hawkins later played in the NBA and was a four-time NBA All-Star.

Hawkins died, Oct. 6, 2017, at the age of 75.

This weekend, we’re calling to arms the history, the culture, the very fabric and spirit that has set Pittsburgh apart from all other cities in America.

The City League, the WPIAL, it’s that Donora, Clairton, Aliquippa deep-rooted, never-say-die attitude. The Dan Marino, Bill Fralic, Tony Dorsett, Chuck Sanders, Kenny Durrett and Schenley versus Dick Divinzio and Ambridge...Man, can you feel me?

It’s the Fifth Avenue and Sam Clancy against B.B. Flenory and Valley. That Western Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh something that we have that reminds us of our historic championship roots—that shouts loud and proud—we will never be forgotten!

And throughout all the history that this city has when it comes to championship sports, always remember this…for a moment in time, the Pittsburgh Pipers were a part of that fabric and rich tradition.

(For information on purchasing tickets to the May 5 event at the Marriott City Center, call 412-628-4856.)

Gerrit who? Kingham impresses in debut

by Aubrey Bruce

For New Pittsburgh Courier

Pittsburgh Pirates right-handed pitcher Nick Kingham made his major league debut against the St. Louis Cardinals last Sunday afternoon, April 29, and walked away with a 5-0 victory, striking out nine and retiring the first

down in the seventh inning. In 2014, Kingham was ranked by Baseball America as the fifth-best pitching prospect and as having the “best changeup” and the “best control” in the system.

Kingham underwent Tommy John surgery in 2015, and missed the entire 2016 season as well. He came back and won 10 games in

was that it’s 100 percent a goal. When you blow it up, you can see the white (between the goal line and the puck). It’s behind the post.

Whether you use deductive reasoning or you can see the white, whatever it may be, that’s how we saw it. We respectfully disagree with the league and their ruling, but that’s not anything that

NICK KINGHAM (AP Photo) 20 batters that he faced. He was only the second pitcher in a century to perform that feat joining San Francisco Giants pitcher Johnny Cueto. Cueto did it as a member of the Cincinnati Reds in 2008. Kingham retired 20 straight batters before the Cardinals’ Paul Dejong singled with two

the minors in 2017. As I watched Kingham pitch in the sixth inning in his Major League debut, I thought how lucky I was to be there covering and seeing this possible phenomenon unfolding. I have seen many pitchers perform during my coverage of MLB but I have seen very few with the total repertoire of pitches that Nick Kingham possesses and controls with a quiet nastiness and swagger. If he remains healthy we all may end up asking the question: “Gerrit who?”

For the Pens, it’s easier said than done Last Sunday, April 29, the Pittsburgh Penguins invaded the Capital One Arena to face a Washington Capitals team that was staggering a bit more than swaggering: the Pens lost by a score of 4-1. But alas, ya know what? There is nothing like a few suspect calls and a few dirty plays to raise the confidence level and the spirit of Washington’s “homeboys’” of hockey.

Let’s look at a disallowed goal that the Penguins thought they scored in the third period, a play that Stevie Wonder could have correctly ruled on in less time than it took for the NHL refs to issue an incorrect ruling. Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan had this to say regarding the complete home town-based fiasco of a ruling. “My view

we can control.”

Just in case the NHL wants to levy a few fines against Sullivan for doubting the “sanctity” of the refs, I suggest that the league also form a line to levy a fine against the brain surgeons that blew, intentionally or unintentionally, such an obvious call. Here was another blown call or non-call by the “zebras” in the first period that was suspect as well. The Capitals’ Brett Connolly made contact with Penguins goalie Matt Murray. That contact allowed Jakub Vrana to score a power-play goal to make the score 2-0. The Penguins challenged the score based on goalie interference but again the refs issued a ruling that said, “The actions of Connolly did not impair Matt Murray’s ability to defend his goal.”

Last but not least, the Caps continued to press and attack Murray’s glove side. Does this mean that Murray (the only goaltender to win two Stanley Cups as a rookie) needs a bigger or different glove combined with a possible change in contact lenses or both? How ‘bout neither.

But hey, accomplishing a three-peat is often easier said than done. I didn’t know the refs would make it that much harder.

(Aubrey Bruce: abruce@newpittsburghcourier.com.)

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

SPORTS

MAY 2-8, 2018

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Racing to the finish line Tri State Track Coaches Association Meet, held at West Mifflin High School, April 14 WEST MIFFLIN’S ZIGGY PATTERSON, left, takes the baton from teammate Jaimere Lofton in the 400-meter relay race, a race that West Mifflin won. (Photos by Courier photographer Will McBride)

A NEW SCHOOL RECORD— Alex Trower of Penn Hills won the 100 and 200-meter dashes, including a time of 21.7 seconds in the 200-meter dash to set a new Penn Hills school record.

OAKLAND CATHOLIC’S MACEY CRAWFORD finished in second place in the 100-meter hurdles.

JAYLA ELLIS, of Oakland Catholic, won the High Jump event.

LE’SHAWN HUFF, of New Castle, won the 800 and 1600-meter ZIGGY PATTERSON, of West Mifflin, won the 400-meter dash. races.

Who did the Steelers pick in the NFL Draft?

2018 Steelers Schedule

VIRGINIA TECH SAFETY TERRELL EDMUNDS, right, was the Steelers’ first-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, April 26. But the most outstanding part of the occasion was Ryan Shazier’s triumphant walk to the podium to announce the Steelers’ pick. He’s pictured at left, with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. (AP Photo)

Sept. 9: at Browns (1 p.m.)

Sept. 16: vs. Chiefs (1 p.m.)

Sept. 24: at Buccaneers (8:15 p.m.)

Sept. 30: vs. Ravens (8:20 p.m.)

Oct. 7: vs. Falcons (1 p.m.)

Oct. 14: at Bengals (1 p.m.)

BYE Oct. 28: vs. Browns (1 p.m.)

Nov. 4: at Ravens (1 p.m.)

Nov. 8: vs. Panthers (8:20 p.m.)

Nov. 18: at Jaguars (8:20 p.m.)

Nov. 25: at Broncos (4:25 p.m.)

Dec. 2: vs. Chargers (1 p.m.)

Dec. 9: at Raiders (8:20 p.m.)

Dec. 16: vs. Patriots (4:25 p.m.)

Dec. 23: at Saints (4:25 p.m.)

Dec. 30: vs. Bengals (1 p.m.)

- Home games in BOLD -

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MAY 2-8, 2018

PEOPLE

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

ANGEL RICH, keynote speaker, with Kiya Tomlin, emcee, at FAME’s JERAMAYA GREMBY AND BROOKLYNNE LOWRY receive scholar20th annual celebration, April 18, at the August Wilson Center. SHIMIRA WILLIAMS receives the community service award. She’s ships at FAME’s 20th annual celebration, April 18, at the August (Photos by J.L. Martello) Wilson Center. pictured with FAME CEO Darryl Wiley.

FAME’s 20th Annual Celebration

JAMAYA PURDIE, with The Ellis School

HONOREES—Alexander Warren, Trinity Refosco, Zion Jackson, Jaden Bailey

EZEKYEL ROBERTS

DOMINIQUE MITTERMEIER