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Pittsburgh Courier NEW

Vol. 109 No. 21

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MAY 23-29, 2018

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Diversity Report

‘SUMMER’ HAS ARRIVED

Minorities comprise 21 percent of all City of Pittsburgh employees

by Christian Morrow

we have to interview at least one external and one Courier Staff Writer internal diverse candidate When Janet K. Manuel for any position that rejoined the Peduto Admin- quires supervising other istration last year as deputy director of Personnel and Civil Service, she was tasked with increasing minority hiring and promotions.

Since then, two things have happened; the city instituted a “Rooney Rule” for all city hiring, and Manuel was promoted to director.

“In April, he told the perSUMMER LEE is in line to become the first African American woman in the region to hold a House seat outside city limits. She’s pictured sonnel departJANET K. MANUEL here moments after winning the Democratic Primary Election over incumbent state Rep. Paul Costa, May 15. (Photo by Dayna Delgado) m e n t — m e a n ing me—to begin enforcing the Rooney employees.”

Now, a year later, ManRule for all managerial positions,” Manuel told the uel has delivered a year’s Courier last May. “So that SEE DIVERSITY A6 means for every opening,

Summer Lee defeats Paul Costa in Democratic Primary, in line to make history ‘From a private tragedy

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

State Rep. Paul Costa had the name recognition, the experience, and, by all accounts, the political connections.

But Summer Lee had the people, and their votes.

In a stunning 68 to 32 percent margin, Lee defeated state Rep. Costa in the May

15 Primary Election. Lee is now the Democratic nominee for the state House District 34 seat, and, in this highly Democratic House district, she’s virtually assured to win the November 2018 general election and become the first African American female from the region outside the City of Pittsburgh limits elected to the Pennsylvania House of

Representatives.

With 100 percent of the precincts reporting, Lee garnered 6,795 votes. Costa finished with 3,182. A total of 9,977 votes were cast.

“It was relief,” Lee told the New Pittsburgh Courier in an exclusive interview after securing the victory. “I was desperately afraid of letting down all the people who supported me. People

put their lives on hold, people raised money, people came from out of state to help, others gave more than they really could give…We knocked on doors…I felt relief.”

Lee, 30, is a 2005 Woodland Hills High School graduate, who has a bachelor’s degree from Penn SEE LEE A5

CMU program aims to increase number of Black CEOs

by Christian Morrow

That was the idea Highmark Health Senior VP of Community Affairs Evan Frazier had rolling around in his head a few years back. He refined it, put it in a White Paper and pitched it to the dean of the Tepper School of Business at his alma mater, Carnegie Mellon University.

“Typically when alumni

Courier Staff Writer

What if there were a way African Americans in the corporate space could get the expertise, mentoring and sponsorship needed to make the step up from mid-management to leadership roles, and the seats at the C-suite table where plans are made and implemented?

ROBERT DAMMON, EVAN FRAZIER, GREG SPENCER

SEE CMU A4

to a public health crisis’

Healthy Start Symposium discusses Black infant and maternal mortality

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

In 2015, the infant mortality rate in America for Whites was 4.8 per 1,000 live births.

For African American infants, the mortality rate was 11.7—more than double its White counterparts.

At Healthy Start’s 15th Annual Symposium, held May 21 at The University Club in Oakland, the message from CEO Jada Shirriel was clear: “We need to move (infant mortality) from a private tragedy to a public health crisis.”

Losing a child during the

childbirth process or within the first 12 months after birth is considered infant mortality by definition. It’s a situation that most mothers don’t want to talk about, Shirriel said. “It’s hurtful... but we need to elevate this conversation so that we can look at why it’s happening.”

Healthy Start Inc. is a federal program dedicated to reducing disparities in maternal and infant health status in high-risk communities. It supports women before, during and after pregnancy by addressing the health and SEE SYMPOSIUM A4

Featuring Former FAB 40 Honoree

K. Chase Patterson Thursday, June 7, 2018 • 6-9 p.m.

as Celebrity Host

Fairmont Pittsburgh Hotel, 510 Market Street, Downtown Pittsburgh (For the list of honorees, see A5)

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Jesse Jackson says

A royal wedding that affirms truly noble values Opinion B3

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MAY 23-29, 2018

INTERNATIONAL

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

This Week In Black History

POWER OF LOVE—The Most Rev. Bishop Michael Curry, primate of the Episcopal Church, speaks during the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19. (Owen Humphreys/pool photo via AP)

Episcopal bishop Curry gives royal wedding an American flair

by Gregory Katz and David Rising

“When love is the way, we know that God is the source of us all and we are brothers and sisters, Associated Press Writers children of God and brothWINDSOR, England ers and sisters,” he said.

(AP)—Nothing quite “That’s a new heaven, a captured the trans-Atlannew earth a new world, a tic nature of Saturday’s new human family.” royal wedding as much as Harry and Markle exthe guest preacher whose changed a quick glance at sermon brought American one point as Curry drifted flair to a very English from his prepared remarks church service. and ad-libbed. Camilla The Most Rev. Michael and Kate—the Duchess of Bruce Curry, the first Cornwall and the Duchess Black leader of the Episco- of Cambridge—traded sidepal Church in the United long glances.

States, was hand-picked by Queen Elizabeth II, who Prince Harry and Meghan as monarch holds the title Markle to address their of Supreme Governor of 600 wedding guests. the Church of England, The bishop’s sermon on did not show any sign of the theme of love, delivered discomfort and looked as with energy and studded stoic as she had through with quotes from the bible, the entire ceremony.

Martin Luther King Jr. There may have been a and African American touch of royal relief when spirituals, was a contrast Curry quipped “We gotta to the more solemn Angliget y’all married now.” But can style the royal family he kept going, bringing is used to. a dash of passion to the Quoting civil rights icon pulpit.

King on the “redemptive The crowds waiting power of love,” Curry told outside for a glimpse of the bride and groom “it’s the royal couple loved it. not just for, and about, Cheers greeted Curry as a young couple who we he walked uphill from the rejoice with, it’s more than chapel along the procession that.” route after the service.

Many observers were sur- One man shouted “well prised and delighted. BBC done”—prompting a smile broadcaster Jeremy Vine and “God bless you” from tweeted: “The preacher is the bishop. doing 50 in a 30 zone and Former Labour Party it’s brilliant.” leader Ed Miliband, an Supermodel Naomi atheist, tweeted: “Rev MiCampbell hit Caps Lock chael Curry could almost and tweeted: “BISHOP make me a believer.”

MICHAEL CURRY The Episcopal Church is GIVING ME LIFE.” an offshoot of the Church Curry, who like Markle’s of England in the United mother has African ancesStates and has been the tors who were slaves in the spiritual home of many of U.S., said that even during the American founding fatheir time of bondage, love thers and U.S. presidents. helped those in captivity Even though its suppersevere. port for gay marriage has “When love is the way, we recently caused friction actually treat each other, with the greater Anglican well, like we are actual Communion, Archbishop of family,” he said in a sermon Canterbury Justin Welby that touched on poverty, said ahead of the ceremoinequality and the healing ny that he was “thrilled” power of love.

Curry would be speaking there, calling him a “stunning preacher.”

THE Curry, 65, who is married NEW PITTSBURGH and has two grown daughCOURIER PUBLISHING COMPANY

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ters, was born in Chicago and raised in Buffalo, N.Y. He began his ministry in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and served as rector in Lincoln Heights, Ohio and Baltimore, Maryland.

Selecting him to give the sermon was one of several personal touches Harry and Meghan put on the service, held in the 15th century St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.

Markle, who attended a Roman Catholic school, was baptized in March into the Church of England in preparation for the wedding and joining the royal family.

The ceremony was based on Common Worship—the most modern of several Church of England service options—and included prayers and hymns, as well as readings and musical selections chosen by the couple and their families.

That included a fusion of American and British elements, including the London-based gospel ensemble the Kingdom Choir’s stirring renditions of Ben. E. King’s “Stand

By Me” and Etta James’ “Amen/This Little Light of Mine.”

Teenage cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason wowed the 600 guests with works including Franz Schubert’s “Ave Maria.” The cellist won the BBC’s Young Musician of the Year contest in 2016, the first Black musician to do so.

For all the individual touches, the service was dominated by tradition.

The pair read the Church of England wedding vows, promising to have and to hold, “for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part.”

Then the archbishop pronounced them husband and wife.

“Those whom God has joined together let no one put asunder,” he said.

(Rising reported from Berlin.

Jill Lawless in London contributed.)

Week of May 23-29 May 23 1921—“Shuffle Along”—the first of a succession of widely popular Black musicals performed for White audiences—opened at the 63rd Street Theatre in New York City, becoming the first African-American Broadway musical. The musical comedy combined the talents of the legendary team of Eubie Blake and Noble Sissle. “Shuffle Along” produced a long list of hits including “Shuffle Along,” “I’m Just Wild about Harry,” “Gypsy Blues” and “Love Will Find A Way.” 1981—Legendary Reggae artist Bob Marley is given an official state funeral in his homeland of Jamaica. He had died of cancer on May 11 in Miami. Marley and his band “The Wailers” had made Reggae popular worldwide with such EUBIE BLAKE AND hits as “Stir It Up” and “No Woman, NOBLE SISSLE No Cry.” He was considered the first third world superstar and a prophet of the Rastafarian religion. He was only 36 when he died. His body now lies in a mausoleum in Jamaica.

May 24 1854—Anthony Burns, one of the most celebrated fugitive slaves in American history, is captured by deputy U.S. Marshals in Boston. But at the time anti-slavery feeling was running high in Boston and it was one of the cities which had vowed not to obey the Fugitive Slave Act—a BOB MARLEY federal law that required even those opposed to slavery to help slave owners capture run-away slaves. For fear that Boston residents would help Burns escape to Canada, the U.S. government sent 2,000 troops to Boston to assist in returning Burns to Virginia. Thousands lined the streets as Burns was marched to a ship on June 3 for a trip back South. However, a Black Boston church raised the money to purchase Burns and within a year of his capture, he was back in Boston a free man.

1856—The so-called Pottawatomie Massacre takes place.

A force of men led by famed abolitionist John Brown attacks a pro-slavery settlement in Franklin County, Kan., leaving at least five men dead. The attack was part of a period known as “Bleeding Kansas” when pro and anti-slavery forces battled one another in a bid to determine whether Kansas would be a slave or free territory. The “Pottawatomie Massacre” was also one of the events which made the Civil War unavoidable.

PATTI LABELLE 1944—Legendary singer Patti LaBelle is born Patricia Louise Holte in Philadelphia, Pa. May 25 1878—World renowned dancer Bill “Bojangles” Robinson is born in Richmond, Va. Robinson was one of the best and best-known dancers in America up until the 1940s. He was known for his sensational footwork and speed. He once set a world record running the 75-yarddash backwards in 8.2 seconds. But his “Bojangles” style—designed to please White audiences—angered some Blacks. However, he became a wealthy man appearing in 15 motion pictures after the 1930s.

1919—Wealthy cosmetics emLUTHER ‘BOJANGLES’ pire owner, Madame C.J. WalkROBINSON er, dies on this day at her estate on Irvington-on-the-Hudson in New York. Walker is generally believed to have been the first Black millionaire in American history.

1926—Famed Jazz trumpeter and composer Miles Davis was born on this day in 1926.

1943—One of the largest White riots of the 1940s takes place in Mobile, Ala. The Whites were outraged because the MADAME C.J. WALKER owners of a local shipyard company had upgraded the status and pay of 12 Black workers.

May 26 1799—The famous Black Russian writer Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin is born in Moscow, Russia. Pushkin was of Russian and Ethiopian parentage. He was well educated and went on to become a prolific writer. Indeed, he is generally credited with being the “Father of MILES DAVIS Russian Literature.”

1949—Pamela Suzette Grier is born in Winston-Salem, N.C. Pam Grier becomes one of the premier Black actresses and one of the top sex symbols of the 1970s, playing in a host of so-called “Black exploitation movies.” She starred in Quentin Tarantino’s film “Jackie Brown,” for which she received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress. Her more recent work includes “The L Word”, “Smallville”, “Larry Crowne” and “This Is Us”.

PAMELA SUZETTE GRIER May 27 1958—Ernest Green graduates from Little Rock, Ark.’s Central High School, becoming the first Black to do so. Green was a member of the “Little Rock Nine”—the group of Black students who first integrated the high school with the aid of federal troops.

2010—The Institute on Assets and Social Policy at Brandeis University releases a stunning study showing that the typical White household had accumulated 20 times as much wealth as the typical Black household. According to the study, median White family wealth stood at roughly $100,000 while median Black family wealth was estimated at $5,000.

May 28 1936—Betty Shabazz, the widow of Black nationLITTLE ROCK NINE alist leader Malcolm X, was born on this day in Detroit, Mich. Shabazz was born Betty Jean Sanders and raised by foster parents. She attended Tuskegee Institute (now university) and became a registered nurse. In 1994, she created a national controversy when she linked Nation of Islam leader Min. Louis Farrakhan to the assassination of Malcolm X. However, she and Farrakhan reconciled in 1995 and she spoke at the historic Million Man March. She died June 23, 1997 as a result of injuries received in a house fire set by her grandson.

2010—A book is released revealing that during the mid-1970s when much of the world was lining up to help overthrow racist White minority rule in South Africa, Israel was attempting to aid the racist regime up to the point of providing it with chemical and nuclear weapons for possible use against the country’s majority Black population. The documents were discovered by American BETTY SHABAZZ scholar Sasha Polakow-Suransky while researching the book “The Unspoken Alliance: Israel’s Secret Relationship with Apartheid South Africa.” Though seldom mentioned by American media, it was an open secret during the 1970s that Israel was one of the Apartheid regime’s closest allies. Apartheid is what the minority White government called its system of racial oppression.

May 29 1854—Escaped slave and abolitionist Sojourner Truth delivers her famous “Ain’t I a Woman” speech at the Ohio Women’s Rights Convention in Akron. Truth, born Isabella Baumfree, had been physically and sexually abused by various slave owners and their wives in New York. She sought refuge in religion.

She finally escaped after her last slave owner reneged on a promise to free her. She became the leading female abolitionist of the period giving powerful speeches. She traveled widely in her anti-slavery mission telling friends “The spirit calls me and I must go.”

1865—President Andrew Johnson announces his Reconstruction program after the Civil War. However, Johnson was one of the greatest betrayers of Blacks in American history. He went back on many of the promises made to the former slaves by the recently assassinated Abraham Lincoln. Indeed, Johnson’s Reconstruction program was more favorable to the former slave owners and Confederate soldiers than it was to the ex-slaves. Johnson even opposed granting Blacks voting SOJOURNER TRUTH rights.

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

NATIONAL

MAY 23-29, 2018

A3

Guess who’s coming to Windsor? Royal ceremony weds cultures

IT’S OFFICIAL—This photo released by Kensington Palace on May 21 shows an official wedding photo WITNESSING HISTORY—David Alexander Jenkins, Paula Jackson and Cherri Gregg, all of Philadel- of Britain’s Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, center, in Windsor Castle, Windsor, England, Saturphia, react during a television viewing party of the royal wedding of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. day May 19. Others in photo from left, back row: Jasper Dyer, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince (AP Photo/Corey Perrine) Charles, Doria Ragland, Prince William; center row: Brian Mulroney, Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II, Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, Rylan Litt, John Mulroney; front row: Mulroney, Florence van Cutsem, Zalie Warren, Remi Litt. (Alexi Lubomirski/Kensington Palace via nearby table and glasses of week to watch with a girlby Errin Haines Whack tea and mimosas and the friend at her house in the Ivy AP) Associated Press Writer smell of breakfast cooking west Philadelphia suburb (Whack is The Associated Press’ geles to be marrying into in the background, the magic?” she explained.

BURLINGTON, New of Wynnefield. national writer on race and eththe royal family is a really “We’ve seen (Harry), but Jersey (AP)—With a gospel guests gathered in two “In the time of the ‘Black nicity. Follow her work on Twitrooms. choir, Black cellist and girl magic’ moment we are dope and historic moment, never like this,” Brown “We were keen to see said. “This is different. She ter at http://www.twitter.com/ bishop, Oprah, Serena and currently living in...for this so why not have that with emarvelous.) someone and celebrate her is different.” who was going to look like Black girl from Los AnIdris Elba in the audience us,” said socialite David and an African American Alexander Jenkins, who mother-of-the-bride, Sathas ridden horses in the urday’s wedding of Prince Harry to American actress same Windsor countryside where the wedding was Meghan Markle was a held. blend of the solemn and As Markle emerged from the soulful. the burgundy Rolls Royce that brought her to St. “This was Black George’s Chapel, Paula Jackson gasped with aphistory. African proval.

“Oh, she looks lovely!

Americans were Gorgeous! Beautiful!” front and center at Jackson exclaimed, wearing a jeweled blazer and the royal wedding. sparkling tiara, sitting on This was the first a couch with a spot marked a note in capital letters: time, and hopefully on RESERVED FOR THE it won’t be the last. I QUEEN. “I’m just so happy for am here for it.” her,” Jackson said of MarJOY WIDGEON kle. “She will be an example for our young African American women.”

Guess who’s coming to The couple also asked Windsor?

Presiding Bishop Michael The ceremony married the pomp and circumstance Curry to participate in the ceremony. Elected the of Britain’s most sacred first African American to institution with elements his role in the Episcopal of Black culture, drawChurch in 2015, Curry ing viewers not normally is based in Chicago. His drawn to the spectacle of theology, rooted in social the monarchy. justice, was on full display “This was Black history,” Saturday, as he invoked the said Joy Widgeon, who words of the Rev. Martin attended a house party in Luther King in his lengthy Burlington, New Jersey, address to the couple and with her 6- and 8-year-old audience. daughters in tow. “African For Angelita Byrd, the Americans were front and moment reminded her of center at the royal wedbeing in church with her ding. This was the first time, and hopefully it won’t grandmother.

“He brought a little bit of be the last. I am here for Southern Baptist America it.”

Race has loomed over the to Europe,” said Byrd, of Philadelphia. “You know couple’s relationship from what I love about all of the beginning. After the this? She’s adding a little pair went public in 2016, Harry lashed out in a pub- spice to the royal family.”

The bride personally lic statement at what he described as “racial under- called to invite 19-year-old cellist Sheku Kanneh-Matones” in media coverage son, who is Black, to play and overt racism toward at the wedding after Prince his then-girlfriend, who Harry saw him perform at has lamented such views. a London event supporting At the announcement of their engagement last fall, an Antiguan charity. The many Black women around diverse, Christian gospel the world cheered the news group Kingdom Choir performed a stirring rendition as a fairytale that doesn’t of Ben E. King’s “Stand By always include them.

Me.” Markle, 36, became the Church hats—a shared first Black member of the tradition in Black and British royal family in modern history. Her moth- British culture—were a er, Doria Ragland, is Black. fashion highlight. And Markle’s dress, designed Her father is white.

by Givenchy, was reminisA diverse group of about cent of the dress Princess 20—mostly Black womAngela of Liechtenstein en—gathered before dawn on the rainy Saturday at a wore when she wed Prince house party in Burlington, Maximillian in their groundbreaking January New Jersey, right outside 2000 ceremony.

Philadelphia. They were Sanya Brown, already among the scores of African a fan of the royals who Americans and British Americans participating in watched Princess Diana’s the global event in person, funeral, as well as Prince William’s wedding to at home and online.

Kate Middleton, initially Decorated with a banner planned to watch alone in reading “Congratulations her pajamas, but made a Harry and Meghan!,” with last-minute decision this the bride’s biography on a

NEWLYWEDS—The newly married Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, leave Windsor Castle in a convertible car after their wedding in Windsor, England, to attend an evening reception at Frogmore House, hosted by the Prince of Wales, Saturday, May 19. (Steve Parsons/pool photo via AP)

A4

METRO

MAY 23-29, 2018

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

‘FROM A PRIVATE TRAGEDY TO A PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS’

Black infant mortality rates twice as high as Whites SYMPOSIUM FROM A1

social service needs of the mother, strengthening family resilience, and engaging community partners to enhance systems of care.

Healthy Start Pittsburgh, located at 400 Lexington Ave. in Point Breeze, has been in existence for over 25 years. Shirriel told the New Pittsburgh Courier her staff constantly seeks out local mothers to en-

habits, Shirriel said. It’s all centered around “helping women to have healthy pregnancies, to have a problem-free childbirth, and for their baby to reach his or her first birthday.”

The annual symposium is a way to get some of the brightest minds in one room, and hold an open and honest discussion on how to curb infant mortality, and maternal mortality. Moth-

that the U.S. had the worst rate of maternal deaths in the “developed” world, and that up to 60 percent of the deaths were preventative.

The series was the 2018 winner of the Goldsmith Prize for Investigative Reporting.

More than 100 people attended the daylong event, including a number of nursing students from the University of Pittsburgh.

CHRISTIN FARMER, of Cleveland, is the founder and CEO of Birthing Beautiful Communities. She was one of the featured guest speakers at Healthy Start’s Annual Symposium, May 21, in Oakland. (Photos

by J.L. Martello) ter the program. “We focus on specific things like prenatal care, breastfeeding, smoking cessation, (a mother’s) mental health such as postpartum depression,” and proper sleeping

ers are also susceptible to death during the pregnancy process, which was a topic discussed by keynote speaker Adriana Gallardo, engagement reporter at Pro Publica. Gallardo reported

Those who attended the symposium and completed the evaluation received continuing education units.

Students from the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Social Work were also

afforded the same opportunity.

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the United States’ infant mortality rate in 2016 was 5.9 (deaths per 1,000 live births). Pennsylvania’s infant mortality rate in 2016 was slightly above the average, at 6.1.

Twenty-two states had a 2016 infant mortality rate higher than Pennsylvania, including neighboring states West Virginia (7.3) and Ohio (7.4). Alabama had the highest 2016 infant mortality rate (9.1).

Pennsylvania’s infant mortality rate has declined, when compared with 2005 figures. In that year, the rate was 7.5, or 1,061 deaths before the age of 1.

Pennsylvania recorded 857 deaths in 2016.

For African Americans, it’s a story in and of itself.

A CDC report from March 2017 said that from 2005 to 2012, Black infant mortality rates declined...from 14.3 to 11.6 per 1,000 live births. In 2015, the Black infant mortality rate was 11.7 - more than double the 4.8 for Whites in the same year.

Christin Farmer, founder and executive director of Birthing Beautiful Communities, based in Cleveland, told the Courier that Cuyahoga County’s Black infant mortality

JADA SHIRRIEL, CEO of Healthy Start Pittsburgh. rate is nine times that as Whites. The wide disparity is mainly due to the White infant mortality showing a marked decline in recent years in the county, where Cleveland is located.

Farmer, who also was a speaker and panelist at the symposium, said her 20-person staff has a relatively easy time finding mothers to assist. She said mothers are happy to know organizations like Birthing Beautiful Communities exist. “This is a need, this is not something that can go away,” she told the Courier exclusively. “This is something needs to be embedded into our society and embedded into our culture. Women supporting women is not a new concept.”

Generally, there are two

causes for infant mortality, Shirriel said—preterm (or premature) birth, or after birth, SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Healthy Start Pittsburgh works to give mothers the education and support necessary to help prevent these causes of death. But at times, infant mortality may be inevitable. But for Shirriel, she said Healthy Start is still there to help the mother cope with the loss. “We don’t want women who suffer losses isolated, feeling alone, feeling like it’s a singular issue,” she said. “Now what’s coming to light is, it’s a public health issue. It’s an issue that speaks to the inequities in our system and some of the gaps in our medical system and in policy.”

New CMU program aims to increase number of Black CEOs CMU FROM A1

call, they want something, but Evan wanted to give us something. We’re fortunate he came to us first,” said Dean Robert Dammon.

“We know how important Diversity and Inclusion are to our institution, and this initiative will advance that throughout the region.”

Frazier’s idea, The Advanced Leadership Initiative, combines sponsorship and mentorship of African Americans by local corporate leaders with the speed-dating equivalent of an MBA, The Executive Leadership Academy, run by the Tepper School.

The seven- to eight-month

advanced development program promises to provide the tools, exposure and training necessary to prepare African Americans to contribute to their organizations, and community, at the highest levels.

Joining Frazier and Dammon for the May 9 announcement were corporate, foundation, government and community partners from across the county, including Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, POISE Foundation Executive Director Mark Lewis, Vibrant Pittsburgh Executive Director Melanie Harrington, and TALI executive committee members Greg Spencer, president and CEO

of Randall I nd ust ries; M a r s h a Jones, Executive VP and Chief Diversity Officer for PNC Financial; and Randy Dearth, president and CEO of Calgon Carbon.

“I am very fortunate to share this podium with these leaders,” Frazier said.

“Not only can this initiative

MARSHA JONES PNC Chief Diversity Officer

groom the next generation of corporate leaders, but it can address the reasons many Blacks in corporate space leave Pittsburgh—they don’t see a path forward to the top, they feel isolated from their peers. The TALI focus will make them more visible, and

its executive coaching and sponsorship will enhance their opportunities exponentially through peer networking.”

The Executive Leadership Academy, Dammon said, is currently recruiting applicants and expects some of the sponsoring organizations to prompt some of their employees to enroll. It is a significant investment in the students’ futures, both in time and money. CMU will cover part of the tuition, but the first $10,000 will be paid by the applicants or their sponsors. The Academy will hold open enrollment until Oct. 1, then announce the inaugural class

in January.

“If we can turn out 200 Black executives in ten years, we’ll be successful,” said Frazier. “And that’s just scratching the surface.”

Spencer, who said he was lucky to get executive mentoring and sponsorship from the folks at a little gas company in Washington, Pa. that turned into EQT— and him into a senior executive—agreed.

“There are more talented African Americans out there than you know. They just need exposure,” he said. “They may not have gone to business school.

They may be in government or in nonprofits—but they are there.”

METRO

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

GAINEY, WHEATLEY, DAVIS, LEE Three African American incumbents maintain their positions, while Lee ousts Costa LEE FROM A1

State University and a law degree from Howard University in Washington, D.C. Lee was raised in North Braddock, and she maintained from the outset of her campaign during a January 2018 launch party that she would be the candidate that could most relate to the people of her community—their problems, concerns, issues, and most importantly, how to help rectify the issues and create real change.

Lee told the Courier that people in her district grew tired of the “system of governance”—she said oftentimes, the “system sends us the candidate,” not the other way around. “If there’s never been a candidate that looks like you, or has your background…then the system is sending you the candidate, and you’re just meant to accept it.”

This time, obviously, the residents of House District 34 did not accept the status quo. More than two-thirds of the voting population punched Lee’s ticket, over an established candidate who had been in the seat for nearly 20 years.

Lee believes Rep. Costa “was in that space for so long, perhaps he wasn’t in tune as to what was going on in some of those most vulnerable areas. We delivered the message.”

Not lost in translation is Lee’s ethnicity. While an independent party candidate may decide to challenge Lee for the House District 34 seat in November, she looks to be a lock in becoming the first Black woman to hold a House seat from this region.

“That’s crazy,” Lee said.

“How has it taken us this long? Black women are awesome.”

Lee said she received a congratulatory call from Philadelphia-area members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, who were ecstatic about a Black woman in line to join the House “from the west end of the state.”

Lee told the Courier that it’s difficult for Black women to attain elected positions in non-majority-Black areas, stating the Democratic Party doesn’t “go out their way to help a candidate in a position that they perceive to be a White seat. It’s very difficult for Black women to get the support needed, (even though) we make up the base of the Democratic Party. We come out to vote (Democratic). Black women are always there election after election.” *** In other Primary Election notes, state Rep. Jake Wheatley held onto his crown as House District 19 representative, defeating upstart Aerion Abney by a 48 to 42 percent margin. State Rep. Ed Gainey easily took the honors in House District 24, garnering 81 percent of the vote.

State Rep. Austin Davis,

AUSTIN DAVIS who became the first African American man to hold a House seat from outside Pittsburgh city limits when

tenant Governor of Pennsylvania. He will run on the Tom Wolf train—the current Pennsylvania gover-

JAKE WHEATLEY defeated Aerion Abney, 48 to 42 percent, to keep the House District 19 seat. he won the District 35 special election in January, ran unopposed in the May 15 primary.

Braddock mayor John Fetterman won the Democratic nomination for Lieu-

nor, no doubt, wants to stay on the state’s top perch as he faces Republican challenger Scott Wagner in the November general election.

Wagner’s Lt. Governor mate will be Jeff Bartos.

ED GAINEY garnered 81 percent of the vote to keep the House District 24 seat.

MAY 23-29, 2018

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METRO

MAY 23-29, 2018

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

CITY OF PITTSBURGH DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION REPORT Obtained by the New Pittsburgh Courier, from Janet K. Manuel, Director, Human Resources and Civil Service, and EEO/Diversity & Inclusion Officer, City of Pittsburgh

TOTAL FULL-TIME HIRES—APRIL 19, 2017 to APRIL 19, 2018 (15.9%)

(78.5%)

TOTAL PROMOTIONS—APRIL 19, 2017 to APRIL 19, 2018 (15.7%)

(81.4%)

(Charts made via meta-chart.com) DIVERSITY FROM A1

worth of data to the mayor on the city’s new efforts, and said that regardless of her title, her commitment is the same.

The data was also delivered to the New Pittsburgh Courier on May 21.

“Working in the role of deputy director and now the director role, my focus has always been and will continue to be on improving the sourcing of diverse candidates for the city which should improve the hiring of qualified diverse candidates for the city,” she said.

Manuel said that in addition to its traditional recruiting practices, the city is casting a wider net, both geographically and socially to spur interest in city employment. “We have participated in community events to have an impactful measurement, such as the Cinco de Mayo Festival, The Homewood Block Party, Pride Fest etc.,” she said.

“And we have developed partnerships with the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA), Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council, advertised in the Homeland and Recruit Military Magazines and participated in the Immigrant and Refugee Career Fair, African American Experiences in the Military just to name a few of the many monthly recruiting endeavors by the City of Pittsburgh.”

Manuel stresses that while many think primarily of public safety positions when contemplating city employment, there are

17 other departments she is recruiting for, ranging from IT and accounting, to law and public works.

In the data delivered to the Courier by Manuel via email on May 21, she stated that the information gathered is from April 19, 2017 to April 19, 2018.

Overall, “there are 722 minority employees which is 21 percent of the total employee population (3,386) as of May 3, 2018. The City of Pittsburgh experiences the same challenge as other cities but are moving forward to try and diversify the employee population within their Public Safety and Public Works departments,” Manuel wrote the Courier in an email.

“We are confident that our traditional and non-traditional means of recruiting will increase the number of minority candidates and their interest in applying for and obtaining city jobs,” Manuel added.

Below is a breakdown of the data delivered to the Courier by Manuel. The data is from April 19, 2017 to April 19, 2018: Total Public Safety FT Hires: 227 Total Public Safety FT Females Hired: 37 – 16.30% Total Public Safety FT Males Hired: 187 – 82.38% Total Public Safety Non-Disclosed Gender Hired: 3 – 1.32% Total Public Safety FT Minorities Hired: 42 – 18.50% Total FT Hires Ethnicity Breakdown (182 Caucasian; African American 28;

Unidentified 5; Asian Pacific 5; Two or More Races 3; Hispanic 2 and American Indian 2) Total Public Safety Promotions: 64 Total Public Safety FT Females Promoted: 19 – 29.70% Total Public Safety FT Males Promoted: 45 – 70.30% Total Public Safety FT Minorities Promoted: 12 – 18.75% Total FT Promotions Ethnicity Breakdown (50 Caucasian; African American 8; Hispanic 2; Unidentified 2; Two or More Races 1 and American Indian 1) Total Excluding Public Safety FT Hires: 136 Total Excluding Public Safety FT Females Hired: 44 – 31.62% Total Excluding Public Safety FT Males Hired: 90 – 66.18% Total Excluding Public Safety Non-Disclosed Gender Hired: 3 – 2.21% Total Excluding Public Safety FT Minorities Hired: 46 – 33.82% Total FT Hires Ethnicity Breakdown (84 Caucasian; African American 39; Unidentified 6; Asian Pacific 2; Two or More Races 3 and Hispanic 2) Total Excluding Public Safety Promotions: 114 Total Excluding Public Safety FT Females Promoted: 57– 50% Total Excluding Public Safety FT Males Promoted: 57– 50% Total Excluding Public Safety FT Mi-

norities Promoted: 27 – 23.68% Total FT Hires Ethnicity Breakdown (86 Caucasian; African American 26; Unidentified 1 and Hispanic 1) Total FT Hires: 363 Total FT Females Hired: 76 - 21% of FT Hires: Ethnicity Breakdown: (53 Caucasian; 15 African American; 3 Two or More Races; 2 Asian Pacific; 1 Hispanic; 1 American Indian and 1 Unknown) Total FT Minorities Hired: 78 - 21% of FT Hires. Ethnicity Breakdown: (58 African Americans; 8 Asian Pacific; 5 Hispanic; 5 Two or More Races & 2 American Indian) Total Promotions: 178 Total Females Promoted: 60 - 34% of Promotions: Ethnicity Breakdown: (39 Caucasian; 15 African Americans; 2 Hispanic; 2 Unknown; 1 American Indian and 1 Two or More Races) Total Minorities Promoted: 33 - 19% of Promotions: Ethnicity Breakdown: (28 African American; 3 Hispanic; 1 American Indian & 1 Two or More Races) Total PT Hires: 50 Total PT Females Hired: 21 - 42% of PT Hires. Ethnicity Breakdown: (14 Caucasian; 4 African American; 2 Hispanic and 1 Asian Pacific) Total PT Minorities Hired: 14 - 28% of PT Hires. Ethnicity Breakdown: (10 African Americian; 2 Hispanic; 1 Asian Pacific and 1 Two or More Races)

ENTERTAINER

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

MAY 23-29, 2018

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MODELS during the second annual Mother’s Day Fashion Show, held at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, May 13. Courier photographer J.L. Martello captured the event in pictures.

Coleman’s annual Mother’s Day Fashion Show a home run

by Genea L. Webb

designers including S. Moye Fashions, a mime performance to Boyz II Men’s “A Song For Mama,” Having a fashion show has always been on Cecilia soul food buffet, vendors, line dancing by Roland Coleman’s bucket list.

“I’ve always had a passion Ford, a Whitney Houston tribute by Tanisha Thomas, to have a fashion show,” magic by A’Star, and music said Coleman, founder

by James Johnson III & of CC productions. “This Friends. is the second year I’ve Coleman partnered with done this event. Last year people said how much they Legacy 412, Afro American Music Institute, Soul Pitt enjoyed it so we’re doing the second year by popular Media, Refined Culture and East End Food Codemand.”

Her Mother’s Day Extrav- op to bring her vision to fruition. aganza Keeping Mothers Dance master Ford Healthy event, held at the discussed the importance Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, May 13, exceeded her of being fit. After directing a few line dances, he expectations. plugged his Dance and “We have awesome womBe Fit Dance initiative en who make this world that he will be holding at better. Thank you, Lord, the Homewood-Brushton for our moms,” said Rev. YMCA on May 23.

Deryck Tines, who served “I’m educating and coachas guest host. “We bless ing people how to have a every woman in this place and wish them success and healthier lifestyle,” he said.

Ms. Pennsylvania Northhope that our communities ern States 2018 Rachel will continue to be better Rakovan spoke about rehabecause of them.” bilitating water wells in AfThe sold-out event inrica. The 35-year-old single cluded a fashion show by mother also produces the several Pittsburgh-based For New Pittsburgh Courier

4-YEAR-OLD SAVANNAH, with mother, Trinity, right, and grandmother, at the Mother’s Day Fashion Show.

Pennsylvania Model of the Year pageant. She served as one of the models during the fashion show portion of the evening.

“I wanted people to enjoy live entertainment, a nice dinner and some

SARAH GILMER, DARLENE TROWER, MS. JOY cake. I was trying to keep it economically feasible for people. This is the second year that it sold out. I am so grateful for all of the people who support me,” Coleman said.

“I’m going to continue to

do this until people stop supporting me. Each year I try to introduce different designers, different fashions and a different menu to keep people from being bored.”

The Courier is The VOICE of Black Pittsburgh.

CECILIA COLEMAN, REV. DERYCK TINES

Courier’s Kevin Jacob to be featured at BOOM Concepts Beginning June 1 and through June 30, “The Beautiful Ugly” will be on display at BOOM Concepts, 5139 Penn Ave. in Garfield. “The Beautiful Ugly” is a solo exhibition of paintings and works from the New Pittsburgh Courier’s Kevin Jacob, in what he describes as “beautiful figures displayed in an ugly form.” The works feature representations of figures and faces setting new standards of seeing.

Jacob’s approach includes using his hands, cotton, cardboard, wood, paper stock, and paint to create the feeling of the works and the “ugliness” at hand.

The opening reception is June 1 from 6 to 10 p.m.

A question-and-answer p.m., and a Free Paint and session with Jacob will be Art Party will be held on held, June 14, from 7 to 9 June 30.

A PAINTING previously done by Kevin Jacob.

LIFESTYLES New Pittsburgh Courier

A8

MAY 23-29, 2018

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

Ladies Who Network: Surviving the Odds

Debbie Norrell

Lifestyles Report

In My Travels: Junior League Show House

For years I have driven past the two-storied columned mansion at the corner of Wood and Hill in Wilkinsburg. I knew it as Gibbs Rest Home and I will never forget the day I drove by and saw a patient in distress on the porch. Not long after that the nursing home went out of business and for years I assumed the building was vacant. It was built in 1907 for $10,000 and was known as the Yingling Mansion.

The house is now owned

by Nicole Santella.

Months ago, I read an article that the building was going to be refurbished and it was going to be the 19th designers Show House presented by the Junior League of Pittsburgh. Needless to say I was excited. I love to look at model homes, especially ones that are completely decorated. On an evening after work I stopped in and I’m so glad that I did. The designers did a wonderful job. I have to give a shoutout to one of my Taylor Allderdice friends, Evelyn Rosenwasser, who owns Evelyn James Interiors Inc. Her company designed what is known as the family room. The room is vibrant and modern and features a wonderful chandelier that mimics wisteria petals.

The first floor is so bright and welcoming, there is something unexpected at every turn. The kitchen is referred to as a “kitchen suite” and is done in an art deco theme of black, white, gray and red.

There were white cabinets with crystal knobs and to die for quartz counters in black with thick veins of white. The light fixtures throughout the house were unique and grand.

I took more than a dozen photos. The first thing I did when I got home was to move a few things around. That is the beauty of visiting a space like this, you get ideas and come home and carry out some of the ideas immediately. I love the balcony that you can see from Wood Street. I had always wondered if there was an actual balcony where one could sit and watch the sun set. The volunteers reminded me not to miss the “the speakeasy” on the lower level.

Trust me, after paying my $30, I was not going to miss anything. When I found out the name of the designer was Nancy Drew I was intrigued; as a teenager I loved the Nancy Drew mystery series. Drew transformed the cellar into a space to entertain, complete with a bar, seating and great photos of Pittsburgh jazz greats by you guessed it —Teenie Harris. Before I left the show house guess who came to meet me? It was Nancy Drew of Drew Designs, Ltd. What a way to spend an evening.

Going forward, the property is expected to serve as a unique, easily accessible, multigenerational gathering place, offering community members with spaces to gather, hold meetings, attend educational workshops, wellness events and build new relationships. The fabulous décor will be gone but what a great addition to Wilkinsburg.

by Debbie Norrell Lifestyles Editor

The sixth annual Ladies Who Network, presented by Classic Events! on April 28 at the Hosanna House, recognized four media professionals who have survived the odds in one way or another. Here are the honorees...

Darieth Chisholm, a survivor of cyber-bullying and now the founder of 50 Shades of Silence, a social justice multimedia project that includes a feature length documentary, a website with resources and services, motivational and empowerment training materials to help victims find their everyday courage.

Kelly Frey, a mother and WTAE news anchor whose oldest child was born with a rare brain malformation in 2009. Frey shares her journey as a parent of an “extra needs” child on WTAE and social media on her Facebook page named “Building for Bennett.”

Susan Koeppen, a KDKA news anchor

HONOREES—Darieth Chisholm and Courier Lifestyles Editor Debbie Norrell

TRACY HOLT—of Tracy’s Place

who, in 2011, suffered cardiac arrest while training for the Pittsburgh Half Marathon. She had open heart surgery in 2012 and has fully recovered.

Koeppen is now a national spokesperson for the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation and works closely with the American Heart Association.

Yours truly was also honored as a 29-year breast cancer survivor. I am grateful to share my story of early detection and explaining the importance of a good doctor/patient

HONOREE—Darieth Chisholm and Ralph P. Watson

BLAST FROM THE PAST

SURPRISE GUEST MODEL—Richard Washington

MISTRESS OF CEREMONY—Lynne Hayes-Freeland and Classic Events! founder Ralph P. Watson

relationship.

With Lynne Hayes-Freeland as mistress of ceremonies, the honorees received unique awards designed by Ralph P. Watson, founder of Classic Events! Guests enjoyed a vendor showcase and an all-male fashion show choreographed by Tracy Holt of Tracy’s Place. The show featured men’s fashions that spanned from the conservative to the extraordinary.

Watson is the host of Classic Events! Entrepreneur Network on PCTV21 and serves on the Wilkinsburg Planning Commission. Each year Watson strives to honor community leaders who strive to make a difference.

MICHELLE GOODMAN JONES, LORRAINE TURNER (Photos by Debbie Norrell)

REPRESENTING THE BLACK & GOLD

MR. CONSERVATIVE

LIFESTYLES

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

SISTERS—Carla Pettus Donaldson and Jackie Bush Crawford (Photos by Debbie Norrell)

MAY 23-29, 2018

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HONOREES—Ricci Wright, Allena Keller, Taylor Mitchell, Derrick Wesley Chaffin

The Harmony Club Annual Scholarship Luncheon

MEMBERS OF THE HARMONY CLUB OF HOMESTEAD

by Debbie Norrell Lifestyles Editor

On May 5, at the Westwood Golf Club, The Harmony Club of Homestead celebrated 118 years during their Lance-Weems Annual Scholarship Luncheon. This year’s luncheon theme was, “The Great American Songbook.”

Ladies were encouraged to wear hats on this “Derby Day” afternoon. With Rev. Deryck Tines as the Master of Ceremonies, guests enjoyed a dance performance by professional dancer and choreographer Ryan Mitchell and his lovely mother, Patricia Pugh Mitchell, a mime presentation by the Clark Memorial Baptist Church Mime Ministry, a musical solo performed by Fred Pugh and the AAMI Boys Choir directed by Dr. James Johnson.

The Harmony Club gives to the community in so

many ways. Over the years they have contributed to local churches, the Urban League, Young Life and more. In addition to their many contributions, each year The Harmony Club recognizes the best and the brightest of students.

This year’s scholarship recipients were Allena Keller (Edinboro University) and Taylor Mitchell (Kent State University) from Steel Valley High School. Each received $1,000. Book scholarships were presented to Derrick Wesley Chaffin (Slippery Rock University) and Ricci Wright (Norfolk State University), each received AFRO AMERICAN MUSIC INSTITUTE performs at The Harmony Club of Homestead’s Annual Scholarship Luncheon, May 5, at the West$200. wood Golf Club.

The Harmony Club of Homestead was organized in 1900 by the late Anna S. Posey for the purpose of doing charitable work in the community. It was originally known as the Ladies Aid of Homestead.

MASTER OF CEREMONIES—Rev. Deryck Tines

DANCE PERFORMANCE—Ryan Mitchell and Patricia Pugh Mitchell

SOLOIST—Fred Pugh

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PEOPLE

MAY 23-29, 2018

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Take a Father to School Day 2018!

PITTSBURGH PUBLIC SCHOOLS celebrated “Take a Father to School Day” with a host of activities, May 18. These photos of various Pittsburgh fathers with their children were captured by Renee Rosensteel and Merecedes J. Howze.

CTE program prepares students for employment, higher education

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

Pittsburgh Public Schools’ Career and Technical Education program celebrated its students and their accomplishments with a graduation ceremony, May 10, at the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers Building.

Angela Mike, the executive director of the CTE division since 2010, said that the students “fast-tracked their career pathway by earning stackable industry certification and dual enrollment credits prior to (their traditional high school) graduation.”

Mike told the New Pittsburgh Courier that the CTE program gets students prepared for entry level

employment and post-secondary opportunities. They also leave with skills such as “teamwork, communication, digital skills, critical thinking, problem-solving, etc. Their training puts students on the road to upward mobility, entering family sustaining wages.”

Parents should know that the CTE program gives students an opportunity to receive “cost-free training that matches their area of interest on state-of-the-art industry equipment,” Mike said.

In an earlier interview with Mike, she said there are 15 CTE programs in six high schools across the district: Perry, Brashear, Carrick, Milliones/University Prep, Allderdice, and Westinghouse. Each

school has its own number of programs. For example, Perry has the Cosmetology, Health Careers Technology and Information Technology programs, while Carrick offers Business Administration, Sports and Entertainment (B.A.S.E.), Carpentry, and Culinary Arts, among others.

Other CTE programs include Automotive Body Repair, Automotive Technology, Emergency Response Technology, Engineering Technology, Entertainment Technology, Finance Technology, Machine Operations, Multimedia Production and Coding, and RHVAC. Also in the interview, Mike said there were over 500 high school students enrolled in CTE programs.

AALIYAH RAWLINGS, left, a Westinghouse student in the CTE program.

ROBIN CAMPBELL, a teacher, honored with the 2018 Certification Star

VICTOR FORD JR., ANGELA MIKE, BRYCE MILLER. Ford is a student at Perry High School, Miller is a student at Allderdice, and Mike is the executive director of Pittsburgh Public Schools’ CTE program.

(Photos by J.L. Martello)

HONOREE JHIRY MASSENBURG, middle, with Shaquita Massenburg and sister, Gemeshia Rhodes.

TYLER HOYLE AND CAMERON DAVIS, both Brashear students.

DR. CHERRI BANKS received the 2018 Vanguard Award.

RELIGION

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

MAY 23-29, 2018

Unity Baptist Church’s 15th Anniversary

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Praise & Worship ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH Crawford & Centre Ave. Pgh., PA 15219 412-281-3141 Mass Sunday 9:00 A.M. & 12:00 P.M. www.stbtmchurch.org

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

www.cathedralofhope.com

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

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

Curious about Quakerism?

REV. DR. RICHARD WINGFIELD, pastor of Unity Baptist Church in Braddock, and First Lady Vanessa Wingfield, celebrating the church’s 15th Anniversary, May 6. (Photos by J.L. Martello)

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.

REV. DR. JOHNNIE MONROE, the guest preacher.

DEACON EARL MATTHEWS

Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community!

For rate information, call 412481-8302, ext.

128.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEXT CHURCH EVENT!

THE UNITY BAPTIST CHURCH CHOIR

Church Circuit TRIEDSTONE MEN’S AND WOMEN’S DAY

MAY 27—Triedstone Baptist Church, 18 Harriet St., Rankin, will hold its Men’s and Women’s Day Celebration, at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., at the church. The guest preachers will be pastors Joyce and Harry Owens of Abiding Faith Ministry. For more information, call 412-271-3000.

MOUNT CARMEL SPRING REVIVAL

We want to place your event in our Church Circuit weekly calendar!

Send info to:

MAY 30—JUNE 1—Mount Carmel Baptist Church, 90 Port Perry Rd., North Versailles, will hold its Annual Spring Revival at 7 p.m. nightly at the church. The Rev. Dr. Alyn E. Waller, distinguished author, will be the guest revivalist. Dr. Waller is also pastor of Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church in Philadelphia. For more information, call 412-823-2841.

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

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

To have your church included in the Praise & Worship section, contact Ashley Johnson at 412-481-8302 ext. 128

for rates.

The Courier is THE VOICE of Black Pittsburgh.

New Pittsburgh Courier 315 E. Carson St. Pittsburgh PA 15219 Or Email us!

religion@ newpittsburgh courier.com

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PEOPLE

MAY 23-29, 2018

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Attention all PARENTS! GRANDPARENTS! AUNTS AND UNCLES! Yep! We’re doing it again! The New Pittsburgh Courier is having a special “2018: Celebrating the Graduates” edition on Wednesday, June 27.

And we want to feature your high school or college graduate in our June 27 special edition!

Here’s how it works...

Karlissia Council California University of Pennsylvania

Karlissia is a recent graduate of Califorinia University of Pennsylvania with a degree in business administration and a minor in art. At CalU she was the President and a member for the Black Student Union, member and Treasurer for Phi Sigma Pi Honor Fraternity. She created her own craft business, Karlie’s Creations.

(It’s on instagram! @kc_creations_)

1. Call Rob Taylor at the Courier to reserve a spot for your graduate in our June 27 edition. Call 412-481-8302, ext. 135, or E-mail rtaylor@newpittsburghcourier.com 2. Pick out the best picture you have of your graduate! (Recent college graduation photo, high school senior photo, or a pic from an upcoming high school graduation day) 3. E-mail, regular mail, or bring in the picture to the Courier. E-mail it to rtaylor@newpittsburghcourier.com or: 315 East Carson St., Pittsburgh PA 15219 4. Write a 3-5 sentence paragraph with your message to the graduate. Include graduate’s full name, school name, and degree received (college). This paragraph will be under your graduate’s photo in the paper, similar to the example on the left.

5. Cost: $25 per graduate photo, to be paid in advance. Includes a free 6-month subscription to the Courier! Be sure to give an address for us to send the free subscription.

6. Hurry! Space is limited to the first 50 graduate photos. Call Rob Taylor right now to reserve your graduate’s spot! Call 412-481-8302, ext. 135.

7. All photos, written material and payments must be received by 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 20.

1968 Pipers receive proclamation from Allegheny County

LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR ARLINGTON HEIGHTS BUILDING ENTRANCE DOORS AND HARDWARE REPLACEMENT (FORCED ACCOUNTS) IFB# 600-25-18

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.

COURIER CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS!

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s) ARLINGTON HEIGHTS BUILDING ENTRANCE DOORS AND HARDWARE REPLACEMENT (FORCED ACCOUNTS) IFB# 600-25-18 The documents will be available no later than May 21, 2018 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 10:00 a.m. on June 8, 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 Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116 Opt 1 A pre bid meeting will be held Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Dept.

100 Ross Street 2nd. Fl. Ste. 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15213 May 31, 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

Congratulations to your 2018 graduate!

From all of us at the New Pittsburgh Courier.

ALLEGHENY COUNTY EXECUTIVE RICH FITZGERALD started the weekend in grand fashion, saluting the 1968 Pittsburgh Pipers of the ABA with an official proclamation from the county. The Friday, May 19 occasion featured some of those most closely associated with the Pipers, who won Pittsburgh its only professional basketball title in 1968. (Photos by J.L. Martello)

BUSINESS New Pittsburgh Courier

Allderdice wins again—this time, it’s Track & Field Sports B7

Classifieds

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

MAY 23-29, 2018

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

B

New Starbucks policy: No purchase needed to sit in cafes

by Joseph Pisani AP Retail Writer

NEW YORK (AP)—Starbucks announced a new policy Saturday that allows anyone to sit in its cafes or use its restrooms, even if they don’t buy anything.

The new policy comes five weeks after two Black men who hadn’t bought anything were arrested at a Philadelphia Starbucks.

Company executives have said its previous policies were loose and ambiguous, leaving decisions on whether people could

sit in its stores or use the restroom up to store managers.

Starbucks said it has told workers to consider anyone who walks into its stores a customer, “regardless of whether they make a purchase.”

The company said anyone can use its cafes, patios or restrooms without buying anything, but it noted workers should still call the police if someone is a safety threat.

“We are committed to creating a culture of warmth and belonging where everyone is welcome,” Starbucks said in a state-

ment.

The two men who were arrested April 12 in Philadelphia were awaiting a third person for a meeting. One of them was denied use of a restroom because he hadn’t bought anything. A worker called police, and the men, Rashon Nelson and Donte Robinson, were arrested. They spent hours in jail before they were released.

The incident, video of which was posted on social media, was a major embarrassment for the coffee chain. Starbucks has long projected itself as a socially conscious

company and promoted its stores as a neighborhood gathering place.

In response to the arrests, Starbucks plans to close more than 8,000 of its U.S. stores on the afternoon of May 29 for racial-bias training for its employees.

The men who were arrested settled with Starbucks earlier this month for an undisclosed sum and an offer of a free college education. They also reached a deal with Philadelphia for a symbolic $1 each and a promise from city officials to set up a $200,000 program for young entrepreneurs.

You know you’re a financial adult when…

by Brianna McGurran NerdWallet

“Ask Brianna” is a column from NerdWallet for 20-somethings or anyone else starting out. I’m here to help you manage your money, find a job and pay off student loans —all the real-world stuff no one taught us how to do in college. Send your questions about postgrad life to askbrianna(at)nerdwallet.com.

Ask 10 people for their definition of “adulthood” and you’ll get 10 different answers. Maybe it’s getting that first full-time job, buying a house or doing taxes without help—concrete moments that signal maturity and independence.

But financial adulthood, or managing money responsibly, isn’t tied to an age or a milestone like starting your first “real job.” I knew I was a financial adult when I paid for a plane ticket with money I had saved in a “Fun Stuff” account. I’ve never been more excited to Venmo someone (my sister, who booked our tickets) directly from my bank rather than rely on my credit card.

You’re a financial adult when you save regularly, spend mindfully, face reality and know when to ask for help. If you’re graduating from college this spring, build these habits now.

SAVE PROACTIVELY Saving even a little bit every month is the single most adult financial move you can make.

Money is a way to get what you want: security and freedom. When you save a portion of the income left over after covering your fixed expenses, you’re preparing proactively for the future.

If the idea of sending this money to an “emergency fund” makes you completely tune out, just think of it as cash that’s there when you need it. You’ll be covered if you lose a job, but you’ll also have options if you decide to make a lifestyle change, like moving to a new place.

SPEND THOUGHTFULLY Getting a full-time job with a $50,000 salary after being a college student who ate pizza four times a week can be a shock. But hit the pause button before you make a big purchase, says Therese Nicklas, a certified financial planner in Rockland, Massachusetts. Make sure it will truly bring you joy, and that spending isn’t a way to get your mind off something else or compete with friends.

Take a look at your take-home salary and follow the 50/30/20 rule. That’s half your pay for necessities like shelter, 20 percent for saving and debt payoff, and 30 percent for your wants. The adult part? Giving up your wants if your necessities or debts demand it.

“You can have all the things you want, just not all at the same time,” says Kailie Abascal, a certified financial planner in Vancouver, Washington.

NEVER FLINCH FROM REALITY SEE ADULT B2

FRESH START—Left to right: Rep. Ed Gainey, City Councilman Rev. Ricky Burgess, Mayor Bill Peduto, Howard Slaughter, Maggie Hardy Magerko and Jerome Jackson break ground on four new Habitat for Humanity houses in Homewood.

Habitat for Humanity breaks new ground for houses in Homewood

by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer

Typically, Habitat for Humanity helps low-income families become homeowners by helping them help themselves—they put their own “sweat equity” into refurbishing older homes, bringing down the cost of ownership.

But now, the organization is doing something new—as in building new houses. On April 24, it held a groundbreaking celebration for four new single-family houses in Homewood that will be available for first-time homebuyers who go through Habitat’s homeownership program. They put in 350 hours of sweat equity. The mortgage rate? Zero percent.

“Heretofore our focus has been on rehab. Fortunately we’ve gotten a great deal of support from the foun-

dation and corporate community, so we can do more new houses,” said Habitat President and CEO Howard Slaughter. “We hope this project, right here at the gateway to Homewood on Bennett Street, can jump start some major development.”

Though these houses will be available to anyone going through Habitat’s homeownership and financial literacy training, because Habitat has both faith-based and homeless veterans programs, former Pittsburgh Steeler and Vietnam veteran Rocky Bleier, and Rev. Dr. Daniel B. Merry, senior pastor at Southminster Presbyterian Church, also took part in the ceremony.

“Veterans who have served this country, like me and Dr. Slaughter and countless others recognize the importance of helping veterans

become homeowners,” said Bleier.

“Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh’s program is unique in that it provides financial counseling, sweat equity and permanent (housing), not provisional or transitional housing.”

Others joining in the ceremony included state Rep. Ed Gainey, Councilman Rev. Ricky Burgess; Operation Better Block Executive Director Jerome Jackson; Federal Home Loan Bank Chief Risk Officer Mike Rizzo, Mayor Bill Peduto, and 84 Lumber Owner and President Maggie Hardy Magerko—who, in addition to donating materials for the construction, gave Slaughter an unexpected but very welcome surprise.

“She gave us $25,000 on the spot at the press conference—over and above SEE HABITAT B2

Chamber luncheon celebrates 20 years of growth and success

by Christian Morrow

She then introduced Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, who she called one of the chamber’s staunchest supporters over the years—even before he entered politics.

“In 20 years to go from 50 to 500 members is remarkable and a testament to you and your staff,” he said.

“And the chamber has been a great partner to us at the county because as Pittsburgh and the region continue to grow, we want to make sure everyone is included—and the chamber is ded-

icated to that.”

He then read a proclamation naming May 17 African American Chamber of Commerce Day in Allegheny County.

Williams also thanked her staff; Shawn Hicks and Debbe Parker for their hard work growing the chamber over the years to the point where it could bring in Keeshia Muhammad last to serve as the chamber’s first-ever chief operating officer.

Muhammad highlighted some of the chamber’s newest initiatives including a part-

nership with Bridgeway Capital that give its clients introductory memberships to the chamber, and its Junior African American Chamber of Commerce partnership with Community College of Allegheny County.

Following lunch, Williams introduced keynote speaker Richard Riazzi, president and CEO of another 20year supporter, Duquesne Light.

Riazzi recounted how the tiny, fledg-

ling utility Allegheny County Light grew into, literally, a powCourier Staff Writer erhouse thanks to the alternatArchitect Howard Graves reing current patents Nicola Tesla called being among a group of sold to George Westinghouse. It Black business owners that got now serves more than 600,000 together to form the African customers throughout Allegheny American Chamber of Comand Beaver counties. merce of Western Pennsylvania “We are also working to inin 1998. At the time, its memcrease support for small busibership numbered 50—that’s nesses throughout our supply a tenth of the number who lischain,” he said. “We recently tened to President and CEO introduced chamber members Doris Carson Williams tell that to our procurement team at a story at the chamber’s May 17 chamber Business Institute annual luncheon at the Omni event so we could start forging William Penn. new relationships.”

“We all kicked in $500. So this “For those of you who could is great to see. It’s really grown,” make that—there’s the team said Graves. “It feels good to be at that table. I encourage you one of the founding members.” to go introduce yourselves,” he As Williams welcomed her added. “We are also devising a guests, she noted that beyond new supplier diversity strategy, the more than 500 Black busiso we can ensure that minority ness owners and professionals forms are great partners in our among the chamber’s regular growth.” membership, it now also boasts Following his remarks, Wilmore than 60 nonprofit memliams and chamber Board bers and 50 majority businessChair Samuel Stephenson es, including major corporate gave Riazzi the traditional institutions and foundations. lapel pin and a “key” award.

“Our boundaries extend Stephenson thanked all the from Cambria County, up to speakers and reminded the Erie, over to the Ohio border, audience that the chamber’s and down to West Virginia,” year-end business luncheon she said. “Forty major corpowill be held Dec. 6, and will rations serve as sponsors, as feature keynote speaker Lewe work to achieve economic CELEBRATING 20 Years—African American Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Doris Carson Williams with keynote roy Ball, president and CEO of speaker Richard Riazzi, president and CEO of Duquesne Light. parity for the membership.”

Koppers Inc.

B2

BUSINESS

MAY 23-29, 2018

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

BUSINESS CALENDAR 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, $139; Half Day, $79; Lunch Only, $50. For more information, call 412-3966233.

Procurement Open House

JUNE 7—The Community College of Allegheny County will host a Procurement Minority, Women and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Open House, 8:30 to 11 a.m. at the Office of College Services, 800 Allegheny Avenue, Fifth Floor in the board room and room 513, Pittsburgh, 15233. The event is designed to give MWDBEs and opportunity to learn about doing business with CCAC. For more information, call 412-237-3020.

The event is free.

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. 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 50 participants. To register, or for more information, call 412365-1448.

Corporate Inclusion Conference

JUNE 25—The Corporate Equity and Inclusion Roundtable presents its 6th Annual Conference, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Duquesne University Power Center Ballroom, 1105 Forbes Ave. The event includes breakfast, networking and a keynote address by Candi Castleberry-Singleton, vice president of diversity and inclusion of Twitter. The event is free.

To register, visit www.ceirpittsburgh.org.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER—Richard Riazzi, president and CEO of Duquesne Light, addresses members of the African American Chamber of Commerce at its annual luncheon. Story on page B1.

CCBC Board of Trustees names You’re a financial adult Roger W. Davis acting president ADULT FROM B1

MONACA—Community College of Beaver County’s Board of Trustees announced today transition plans for the College, including the appointment of Dr. Roger W. Davis as acting president.

Dr. Davis has served as the Executive Vice President and Provost since May 2016 and will assume his new role effective Monday, May 21. Outgoing president, Dr. Chris Reber, will support him throughout the transition.

Board Chair Dr. Robert Postupac said of the decision, “Dr. Davis is a dynamic leader and will serve the campus community well during this time. With Dr. Davis serving as our acting president, the entire College community will continue to focus first and foremost on our students and their success while also executing our strategic plan. Our shared goal is to maintain outstanding momentum in advancing CCBC.” Dr. Davis earned a doctoral degree in Urban Educational Leadership from Morgan State University; a Master of Science degree in Adult Education, with Honors, from Coppin State College; and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

His many accomplishments since arriving at CCBC include: •Managing the Strategic Enrollment Management Committee and developing the PASS marketing strategy, which combined have yielded six consecutive semester enrollment increases; •Spearheading the launch of CCBC’s first Honors Program; and, •Co-creating the Center for Learning, Engagement, and Innovation (CLEI) now serving as the hub for all faculty and staff professional develop-

DR. ROGER W. DAVIS

Financial adults don’t cower at the sight of their bank account balance, even if it’s smaller than they’d like.

Frankly assessing your personal financial picture will make it easier to manage.

If you have student loans, figure out what you’ll have to pay toward them after graduation. Use a student loan calculator to see your monthly payment, and budget around that. Create an online account with your student loan servicer and look up your interest rates. Know that if you put your payments on hold—to go to grad school, or if you’re unemployed—interest will accrue and your balance will grow, unless you have subsidized federal loans.

If you save for retirement in an employer-sponsored account, find out the vesting schedule, or the amount of time you must work there before any money your employer contributes becomes yours, Abascal says. You’ll have a clearer understanding of how much you’ve really saved if you end up leaving after a year or two.

KNOW WHEN TO ASK FOR HELP No one expects you to figure everything out right now.

Your income, expenses and goals will change many times in your life.

But you should feel empowered to get advice, from the right sources, when you need it. Even your parents may not be the best resource if, for instance, you earn more than they do and they haven’t had experience handling the salary you’re getting, Nicklas says.

Have the courage to talk to human resources at work if you don’t understand your 401(k) investment options. Consider asking a certified financial planner for a free 30-minute consultation so you can set personalized saving and spending goals. There are few things more adult than admitting what you don’t know without judging yourself for it.

ment on campus.

“The College, its faculty, and staff have made CCBC a special place that focuses primarily on student success,” said Dr. Davis. “I am humbled to have this opportunity to continue to work with my phenomenal colleagues and the larger Beaver County community.”

During this interim period, the Trustees will continue to examine next steps and then begin the search process for a permanent (This column was provided to The Associated Press by the personal president this summer. finance website NerdWallet. Brianna McGurran is a writer at NerdWallet.)

U.S. retail sales up in April Habitat for Humanity

by Christopher Rugaber AP Economics Writer

WASHINGTON (AP)—U.S. retail sales rose at a solid pace in April, a sign that consumers may be rebounding from weak spending earlier this year and driving stronger economic growth.

Retail sales increased at a 0.3 percent rate in April, the Commerce Department said Tuesday, down from a 0.8 percent gain in March, which was revised higher from 0.6 percent. The spending gains were spread across most retail categories, with especially big gains at furniture and clothing stores.

Consumer spending has rebounded in the past two months after a weak January and February, a trend that could accelerate growth in the AprilJune quarter.

“Consumption growth is on track

for a big rebound in the second quarter, which should push overall GDP growth up to more than 3 percent,” said Michael Pearce, senior U.S. economist at Capital Economics. That would represent an improvement from the January-March quarter when the economy expanded at a 2.3 percent annual rate.

A strong job market, which is showing early signs of lifting Americans’ incomes, could help drive spending gains in the months ahead. Tax cuts have also left most U.S. households with more money to spend, though that extra cash has been eroded in recent weeks by sharply higher gasoline prices. The unemployment rate has reached a 17-year low of 3.9 percent.

And measures of consumer confidence remain mostly healthy, despite higher gas costs and a rocky stock market.

HABITAT FROM B1

what’s she’s already contributing. I didn’t know, her staff didn’t know. Nobody did,” he said. “She drove around the neighborhood before the groundbreaking.

She’s excited and committed to this project.”

Crews from 84 Lumber will pour the foundations and erect the shells—framing, roofs and brick facades for the three-bedroom, oneand-a-half bath homes, Slaughter said. The interior work will be done by Habitat volunteers, and the new homeowners.

“We’re doing this because we believe in the people

and the community—they told us they wanted more opportunity for affordable homeownership because right now the neighborhood is 59 percent transient,” he said. “And the mortgages will be based on affordability. So if the houses are valued at $100,000 and the family can only afford $85,000, the mortgage will be for $85,000.

“We want this project to benefit the community,” Slaughter said. “It’s on the bus line, and the YMCA and the Carnegie Library are right there.

We’re very happy to be a part of this.”

Federal lawsuit challenges HUD to enforce Fair Housing rule In 1965 and as part of a visionary public policy strategy known as The Great Society, President Lyndon Johnson created a new cabinet level agency, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The agency became responsible for developing programs and crafting policies that would support urban America with decent housing, homeownership opportunities and more. Following enactment of the Fair Housing Act in 1968, HUD was further charged with its enforcement.

But the current HUD Secretary, Dr. Ben Carson, appears to either not know, or willfully ignores the vital mission of the agency he was appointed to lead. From proposing billion-dollar budget reductions, increasing rental fees for public housing, and halting efforts that require local communities receiving HUD funds to address fair housing needs, Secretary Carson’s tenure has been troublesome to a growing number of consumers and advocates alike.

Now, his retreat from enforcing fair housing has led to a federal lawsuit filed by housing and civil rights advocates who are calling upon a federal court to reinstate a key rule used to fight segregated housing.

On May 8, the National Fair Housing Alliance, Texas Appleseed, and Texas Low Income Housing Information Service (Texas Housers) jointly asked the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to reinstate a HUD rule that Secretary Carson suspended this past January.

The rule, known as Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH), implemented the legal requirement that federal agencies and federal grantees further the purposes of the Fair Housing Act by dismantling residential segregation. The rule took effect in July 2015, after wide-

spread documenHUD’s Community tation over several Charlene Crowell Development Block years revealed how (CDBG) Grant promany HUD grantees gram.

With this made no discernible year’s rule suspension effort to end segreand continuing for gated housing in their several years, grant locales. recipients—largely In response, the state and local govAFFH rule specificalernment jurisdictions ly required any or—can obligate their ganization receiving allocations without HUD funds to have a plan and timeline any concern for compliance with the Fair that incorporates community concerns to Housing Act rule. actively address local housing problems.

A permanent rule reversal could also This planning approach was structured to signal a return to the kinds of actions that enable HUD grantees to take meaningful necessitated the rule. and measurable actions to overcome hisFor example, a 2007 False Claims Act toric patterns of segregation. Additionally. case was brought against Westchester the rule promotes fair housing choice, and County, New York. Thanks to a whisfosters inclusive communities that are tleblower organization, it was disclosed free from discrimination. that the county defrauded the federal gov“Each day HUD holds up requiring ju- ernment in its use of $50 million in HUD risdictions to fully comply with the law revenues over several years. This county is another day that millions of people are regularly certified HUD compliance with being denied fair housing opportunities,” the Fair Housing Act even though the said Lisa Rice, President and CEO of the local jurisdiction was deliberately conNational Fair Housing Alliance. “HUD’s centrating affordable housing in a small action is a clear example of ‘justice de- number of Black and Latino cities. The layed, justice denied.’” county also shared its CDBG funds with According to the complaint, HUD sus- overwhelmingly white suburbs that repended the rule on Jan. 5 without pro- fused to allow affordable housing. viding any prior notice or opportunity to In a 2010 report to Congress, the Gencomment. HUD also did not offer any ex- eral Accounting Office found many jurisplanation or evidence as to why the agen- dictions lacked any oversight or accountcy felt justified in suspending the rule. ability with HUD funds. Nearly one-third Unless the federal court intervenes, the of local jurisdictions failed to make a rule suspension will remain in effect until minimal effort to write a report known as either 2024 or 2025.

“Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Across the country, an estimated $5.5 Choice”; in housing parlance the report is billion in HUD funding is awarded each known as an AI. The GAO found that 29 year. Nearly two-thirds of these funds go percent of jurisdictions did not complete to approximately 1,210 grantees through this report over a five- year period. Anoth-

Commentary

er 11 percent had not done so in a decade.

Others could not identify a date of completion or had no AI at all.

In short, HUD did not meaningfully oversee its grantees in this process. However, after the rule took effect, communities responded with forward strides.

In Philadelphia where widespread evictions in communities of color were cited as a serious barrier to fair housing, the city began an Eviction Prevention Project that included legal assistance for consumers facing unjust evictions.

In other examples, Paramount, California began an initiative to increase access to group home housing for people with disabilities. New Orleans promised to create 140 units of affordable rental housing by 2021.

These and other positive housing developments are now on hold with the rule suspension.

“For Secretary Ben Carson and HUD to wipe away the rule just as it was beginning to take effect is shameful and contradicts what has been a fundamental principle of HUD’s mission,” said Sherrilyn Ifill, NAACP Legal Defense Fund President and Director-Counsel.

For Michael Allen, a partner in the civil rights law firm Relman, Dane & Colfax, the suspension crossed an important line.

“Flouting the rule of law,” noted Allen, “HUD’s action signals to every jurisdiction in the country that there will be no consequence for civil rights violations, and that HUD has no interest in helping cities, counties and states to expand housing opportunities for their residents.”

(Charlene Crowell is the Center for Responsible Lending’s Deputy Communications Director. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org.)

OPINION

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

MAY 23-29, 2018

B3

A royal wedding that affirms truly noble values

Guest Editorial

Make America Great Again: Trump must go!

We haven’t been asked to join the lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and its secretary Ben Carson, but we would welcome that opportunity.

Carson, like so many of Trump’s chumps, was placed at the helm of the agency to undermine it, to make sure that this vital piece of fair housing from the Obama administration requiring communities to oversee and address obstacles stifling racial integration be suspended.

That rule, stemming from the original act authored in 1968, according to advocates of fair housing, required more than a thousand communities receiving billions of federal housing funds to draft desegregation plans or risk losing the funds.

In January, Carson, no friend at all to desegregation, something he charged was akin to “failed socialist experiments,” suspended the rule, which permitted local and state governments to continue to receive HUD grants without complying with the Fair Housing Act. According to a draft of the lawsuit, it is alleged that Carson did not provide any advanced public notice before moving to suspend the rule.

Even more egregious, Carson, agreeing completely with his boss, is ready to increase the rent on low-income families as well as requiring those receiving subsidies to work.

Although we are alarmed by these mean-spirited actions, we are not surprised. They are consistent with what we have come to expect from Trump’s cold-hearted, inhumane treatment of the nation’s citizens, particularly the dispossessed and those of color.

As for the outcome of the lawsuit and what can be done about rescinding the rent increases for the downtrodden, those issues remain beyond our control.

What is in our power, as ever, is to voice our disapproval, to let “agent orange” know we are not satisfied with his indifference, his lack of compassion for those in need.

And to expect just a wee bit of human decency from a man who once swore to uphold the Hippocratic Oath is clearly out of the question.

To Make America Great Again—Trump Must Go! And he can take Dr. Carson with him.

(Reprinted from the NY Amsterdam News)

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(TriceEdneyWire.com)—Prince Harry of Wales, sixth in the line of succession to the British throne, has married the American actress Meghan Markle with all of the ceremony and global hoopla that the British royalty inevitably attracts.

Harry is the son of Charles, the Prince of Wales, and the late Princess Diana. What’s notable about Prince Harry, however, is not so much the royal blood that he inherited, but the royal values that he has chosen to express. Harry chose a military career, training at the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst.

He was pressured to take safe assignments far from the line of fire.

But unlike the many leaders and national security advisers who posture tough but evade the draft or service in the military, he fought hard to stay with his unit and go into battle.

He stood with his unit in times of war. With them he shared risk.

In 2007-2008, he served on the front line in Helmand, Afghanistan, but was pulled after his presence was revealed and the Taliban pledged to throw all their resources into getting him. He then trained as an Apache attack helicopter pilot and returned to Afghanistan in 2012 with the British Army Air Corps. That was more than a display of patriotism. It provided him with real world experience in battle—an experience that is always sobering, making leaders less casual about sending young men and women into combat across the world. Those who experience battle are often those who best understand why the use of military force should be avoided, undertaken only

fresh air.

Talking of her experience, she quipped, “It’s time to focus less on glass slippers and more on glass ceilings.” In full swoon, the press has suggested that the enthusiastic reaction of the public to the remarkably stylish and thoughtful young woman might transform race relations in Britain, revolutionize the house of Windsor, as a very last resort to avoid great- and help strengthen U.S.-British relations strained in the time of er loss of life.

Trump. That’s far too much to load After leaving the military, Harry devoted time and energy to veterans, onto her shoulders, but there’s no question that the union is a symbol launching the Invictus Games for of change. injured servicemen and women, and “It is difficult to overstate how imhe remains a supporter of its foundation. He has traveled often to Africa. portant it is to have a member of the royal family…who is mixed race and As a counselor of state, he visited children’s homes in Lesotho and later embracing her heritage and stating that is very much part of her,” histolaunched Sentebale, the Princes’ rian Ted Powell told the Observer: “It Fund for Lesotho, a charity to aid is hugely positive for Britain, particchildren orphaned by HIV/AIDS, a ularly in the wake of Brexit and the disease that has been a scourge in controversies of immigration policy much of Africa. and race.’

Last year, he became the presiAs an heir to the throne, Prince dent of African Parks, a conservaHarry’s marriage needed the fortion group. He joined volunteers to mal consent of his grandmother, translocate elephants to repopulate the Queen of England. When she areas that have been decimated by provided it, it provided an unprecpoaching and environmental deedented royal seal of approval not struction. He has called Africa his simply of Ms. Markle but also of “second home,” and will continue to the diverse peoples of the Commonplay a role in mobilizing concern for wealth. its challenges and attention for its In itself, the marriage won’t change accomplishments. race relations in Britain, or erase Harry’s decision to wed Meghan the legacy of colonialism across the Markle, an African-American commonwealth. It is a marker, not a actress, showed remarkable inmotor force of change. But in a time dependence. Markle, a politically of growing racial division and of leadprogressive, divorced, biracial, feminist American, does not exact- ers fanning hatred and nationalist furies, it is a marker that points in a ly fit the royal tradition. Despite hopeful direction. And that is worth slurs of the tabloid press, she has celebrating. We wish the newlyweds captivated the British and people well. across the world like a breath of

Jesse Jackson Sr.

Commentary

Fear can immobilize you (TriceEdneyWire.com)—Every time we turn on television, we hear “Breaking News” and it’s always something worse than the last news.

It’s beginning to make many fearful of what could possibly be next. Even former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson ventured out this week to say, “Without personal honor there is no leadership.” I think that was his way of saying our country is currently leaderless.

When we think about all that’s going on that’s a scary thought.

Rex went on to say that we have a growing crisis of ethics and integrity. He invoked the Bible by saying, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” If we’re free, we should have no fear. Fear negatively impacts our health. Yet, I see many people experiencing fear every time they hear what #45 has done or said.

Let’s think about what the Bible says about fear. In 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT), we’re told “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” If we believe that, why are we allowing fear to immobilize us? Power, love and self-discipline can get us through this if we unite against the lies we’re told daily by the man charged with leading our nation. As #45 pushes against all that’s good about our nation, let us push back

Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.

Commentary just as hard against the evil he’s spewing against just about every bit of progress we’ve made in perfecting our union.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NLT), tells us, “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” Yes, we are experiencing a strange and challenging season under #45, but if we reject the bad behavior he’s exhibiting, and do what we know to be right, we can get through this. When he goes low, as our beloved First Lady Michelle Obama once said, let us go high.

Let us resolve to comfort those #45 denigrates. Let us uplift those he puts down. Let us love those against whom he spews hate. We must speak out when we hear #45’s hateful rhetoric or our silence is giving consent to what he is saying and what he is doing. Reject #45 and all the uncouth silliness for which he stands. I know it’s frustrating, but we can’t go back to where #45 wants

to take us.

Our ancestors of all races, colors, creeds worked too hard to allow people like #45 to succeed. We’re better than he’s painting our country to be. Yes, the world is laughing at us, but let’s meet the challenges with which we are presented and turn them to good. Let’s look at where we are as a season now and believe there’s light at the end of the tunnel as we leave this one and enter another season.

Instead of succumbing to hate, chaos and fear we’re facing, let’s rise above it and believe that we’re coming into a new season as Director Bob Mueller and his team prove not only to #45’s staunch supporters, but to people around the world that the rest of us are not like that. I believe God has got this and it’s just a matter of time before we move into a better season. We just have to keep the faith.

Let us resist the evil of those who call themselves leaders. As Dick Gregory always taught us, “Hate, jealousy, anger and fear are our enemies. All of them negatively impact our health and well-being.” Knowing that no lie lives forever (and there’ve been many from #45 and his team), let us have no fear because no season lasts forever.

(Dr. E. Faye Williams is president of the National Congress of Black Women.)

Diane Nash: A civil rights icon celebrates her 80th birthday (TriceEdneyWire.com)—“She would not be moved. I felt my voice go up another decibel and another decibel and soon I was shouting.

‘Young woman, do you understand what you’re doing? You’re going to get somebody killed!’ And there’s a pause, and she said, ‘Sir, you should know, we all signed our last wills and testaments last night before we left. We know someone will be killed. But we cannot let violence overcome non-violence.’ Here I am, an official of the United States government, representing the President and the Attorney General, talking to a student at Fisk University, and she, in a very quiet but strong way, gave me a lecture.”—former Assistant to the Attorney General John Seigenthaler, on trying to talk Diane Nash out of the Freedom Rides in 1961.

Happy birthday to Diane Nash.

Women have always been the spirit of the Civil Rights Movement, at every point in our history, but many never seem to garner the acclaim they deserve. Diane Nash, who turned 80 this week, has been a leader among leaders.

Unlike many African Americans of her generation, Nash as a child in Chicago was seldom confronted with the depth and breadth of segregation’s brutality. She has said her family rarely spoke about racism when she was young, and her first real encounter with serious prejudice

Marc H. Morial

To Be Equal was her rejection from a modeling school that did not accept Black students.

“I had never traveled to the south at that time,” she told an interviewer for the PBS documentary Eyes on the Prize. “And I didn’t have an emotional relationship to segregation.”

Her arrival as a at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, as a transfer student from Howard, changed all that.

“When I actually went south and saw signs that said “white” and “colored” and I actually could not drink out of that water fountain or go to that ladies’ room, I had a real emotional reaction to that,” she said.

It would have been easy for Nash to retreat back to Chicago, back to her comfortable middle-class life and loving family. But she chose to confront injustice head-on.

She quickly discovered James Lawson, who was then the southern director for the Congress of Racial

Equality (CORE) and was conducting non-violence workshops in a church basement.

In 1960, at age 22, she led the Nashville Sit-Ins, aimed at desegregating lunch counters. A few months later, she helped coordinate the Freedom Rides, riding interstate buses into the south to challenge the southern states’ failure to enforce a desegregation ruling by the Supreme Court.

She would be jailed dozens of times over the years—once while pregnant and facing the possibility of giving birth in prison. She and her then-husband James Bevel initiated the Selma to Montgomery Marches, credited with spurring passage of the Voting Rights Act. She and Bevel soon turned their efforts toward protesting the war in Vietnam. She had her passport revoked after traveling to Moscow, Peking and Hanoi, where she participated in an interview with North Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh.

Though she often is described as the only woman within Martin Luther King’s inner circle, she told a local television interviewer in 2016 she never considered King her leader. “I always considered myself at his side and I considered him at my side,” she said. “I was going to do what the spirit told me to do. So If I had a leader, that was my leader.”

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For complete job description and to apply, go to: www.wesa.fm and follow the employment link. Please no phone calls. PCBC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively seeks diversity in its workforce.

WPXI - NEWS PRODUCER WANTED

Job Description: WPXI is seeking a full-time newscast producer with great writing, news judgment and creativity to help drive the best local newscasts in Pittsburgh.

The ideal candidate will produce newscasts with a focus on breaking news, severe weather, local news, and live shots.

We’re looking for a naturally curious, competitive producer who is a team player, a strong leader, and who communicates and collaborates with others to create great television and helps collaborate with content on digital platforms every day.

If you’re up to the challenge, this is the opportunity for you!

Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in broadcasting journalism or related field preferred.

2 -3 years of newscast producing experience.

Please send resumes by email to acoulter@wpxi.com or by mail to Amy Coulter, Executive Producer, WP I TV 4145 Evergreen Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15214.

SONNY BOY

NIGHT MONITOR

Healing Children & Families Since 1953, Auberle has been dedicated to transforming the lives of children, youth & families. Auberle is a nationally recognized human service agency serving 3,800+ children & families each year.

Seeking to fill FT Night Monitor (11 p.m. – 7:00 a.m. shift) positions to mentor, build strong, consistent relationships and see to the safety of the youth during non-awake hours.

If you are highly motivated, passionate about youth and interested in making a difference, visit www. auberle.org to apply. EOE

TOCQUEVILLE DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, MAJOR GIFT PROGRAMS

United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh Office United Way of Southwestern PA (UWSWPA) focuses on solving the pressing issues you care about by bringing together the entire community — policymakers, corporate leaders, excellent agency partners, and individuals you who want to help – to assist our neighbors in need and develop longterm solutions. No other single local non-profit can mobilize all of these partners and bring them together to achieve results. Together we have the opportunity to transform the lives of so many people throughout Pennsylvania and accomplish long- lasting impact.

UWSWPA is seeking a professional to be responsible for managing Tocqueville Society members (donors contributing $10,000+ annually) and planned giving donor relationships. In addition, the Tocqueville Development Officer will have the responsibility of assisting in the implementation of a comprehensive planned giving program.

This work will include, but not limited to, developing and managing relationships with specific assigned donors and prospects with the capacity to give $10,000 or more on an annual basis along with collaborating with other officers to lead the planning and coordination of activities related to the planned giving program.

Bachelor’s Degree required (Minimum) and five plus years of non-profit fundraising experience, with at least three of those years in a role focused on major gift identification, cultivation, solicitation, and recognition. 3- 5 years of experience with various types of planned giving instruments.

Visit our website at https://uwswpa. org/careers/ to view job description and apply for this position. Submissions will only be accepted electronically.

The United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity, serving Allegheny, Butler, Westmoreland, Fayette and Southern Armstrong Counties.

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BEHAVIORAL NEUROLOGIST

University of Pittsburgh Physicians seeks a Behavioral Neurologist to work in Pittsburgh (Allegheny County), PA. Specialize in changes to a person’s behavior, personality, or intellect due to brain damage; treat diseases and injuries resulting from head trauma, head injury, closed head injury, brain injury, traumatic brain injury, dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, amnesia, anoxia, cerebrovascular accident (stroke), and alcohol intoxication.

M.D. or foreign equivalent; completion of graduate medical training in Internal Medicine/Neurology; valid Pennsylvania medical license or eligibility for licensure. Must have a Medical degree of foreign equivalent; must have completed graduate medical training in Internal Medicine/Neurology and must have a valid PA medical license or eligibility for licensure. Apply by following these steps; visit http:// careers.upmc.com and enter 180000MJ in the “Search Keyword/ Job ID” field and click Go. EOE.

ANNOUNCEMENTS Meetings

MEETING CANCELLED

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh’s regular scheduled board of commissioners meeting for May 24, 2018, at 10:30 a.m.

200 Ross Street, 13th Floor Wherrett Room, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 is cancelled.

MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY

A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the College will be held on: June 7, 2018 4:00 PM CCAC Allegheny CampusByers Hall 808 Ridge Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 ANNOUNCEMENTS Public Notice

ATTENTION:

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If you worked at Westinghouse Electric Co., Waltz Mill, Madison, PA in the 1980s or 1990s, please contact Asbestos Investigator Sherry Day at (734) 878-5236 or email Sherry@SLDinvestigations. com LEGAL ADVERTISING

PUBLIC NOTICE ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA FY 2018 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN

Notice is hereby given that Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, is updating information contained in the April 4, 2018 advertisement for the FY 2018 Annual Action Plan (AAP), which identifies proposed projects for the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), and Emergency Solutions Grants Program (ESG) funds. At the time of the April 4 to May 3, 2018 public comment period, the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) had not provided final allocation amounts for the three programs. Proposed projects were based on the 2017 allocations. H D issued the final 2018 allocation amounts on May 1, 2018: CDBG is $13,727,298.00, HOME is $3,177,459.00 and ESG is $1,122,864.00.

Some projects have decreased/increased, some were dropped and some new projects were added. The purpose of this notice is to provide updated project information based upon H D final allocations for CDBG, HOME and ESG. Most projects remain the same, however the following adjustments are being made.

CDBG NEW PROJECTS: MPD012 - West Mifflin Borough - Demolition $45,000.00; MPI022 - Dravosburg Borough - Street Reconstruction $100,500.00; MPI050 - Wilmerding Borough - Caldwell Avenue Reconstruction $60,000.00; MPR009 - Avalon Borough - Tot Lot S. Birmingham $20,400.00; MPR013 - Municipality of Mt. Lebanon - Meadowcroft Park ADA Access Project $94,720.00; MRB003 - Harrison Township - 2018 ADA Handicap Ramp Installations $81,320.00; MRB017 - Millvale Borough Lincoln Avenue ADA Ramps $33,600.00; MRB019 - Leetsdale Borough Borough Building ADA Ramp $79,000.00; MSW015 - Coraopolis Borough - Kable Way Storm Sewer Separation $175,500.00; MSW035 - Elizabeth Borough - Bayard Street Storm Sewer Separation $192,363.00; MRB021 – Ben Avon Borough – 2018 ADA Ramps $29,000.00; and HOO005 - Allegheny County Economic Development – Allegheny Housing Development Fund $575,753.00.

DROPPED PROJECTS: HSO006 - County-Wide – YouthWorks HIRE; HSO012 - Multi-Municipal – Braddock Youth Program; and MSW025 – Kilbuck Township – Sanitary Sewer Repair.

DECREASED PROJECTS: HSO013 County-Wide Modern Office System Training Program (MOST) decreased $45,000.00; AOO002(D) Delivery ACED 159,082.00 AOO002 - ACED 2018 nspecified Projects $84,835.00.

INCREASED PROJECTS: MPI013 - Leetsdale Borough – Washington Street Sidewalk Replacement $4,957.00; MPR006 – Avalon Borough – Playground Surface Improvements $1,043.00; AOO001(A) – Administration ACED - $542,421.00; AOO001(A) – Administration (Program Income) ACED $274,080.00; AOO001(D) Delivery (Program Income) ACED 109,920.00 and AOO002 ACED 2018 nspecified Projects (Program Income) $210,000.00.

HOME INCREASED PROJECTS: HOME01 - 2018 HOME Administration $90,532.00; HOME01 – 2018 HOME Administration (Program Income) $2,314.13 HOME02 – 2018 HOME CHDO Set-aside $135,799.00; HOME03 – 2018 Penn Hills Consortium $31,687.00; HOME04 – 2018 McKeesport Consortium $60,657.00; and HOME05 – 2018 HOME Rental (Rehabilitation, New Construction) $586,654.00; and HOME05 – HOME Rental (Rehabilitation, New Construction) Returned Funds (IU) - $24,012.00 DECREASED PROJECT: HOME05 – 2018 HOME Rental (Rehabilitation, New Construction) - Program Income $3,184.50 ESG DECREASED PROJECTS: 2018 Shelter decreased $2,889.00; and 2018 Administration decreased $235.00 The FY 2018 Annual Action Plan is scheduled to be submitted to the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on or before June 29,2018.

TheFY2018AnnualActionPlanisonpublicdisplayontheCounty’swebsite.Toview the CDBG, HOME, and ESG projects, go to http://economic.alleghenycounty. us/economic-development/index.aspx.

Public comments will be accepted until June 21, 2018. Written comments should be addressed to Mr. Bud Schubel, Manager of Operations, One Chatham Center, Suite 900, 112 Washington Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, or by email at howard.schubel@alleghenycounty.us. Verbal comments may be made by calling (412) 350-1044.

Bud Schubel ACED, Manager of Operations LEGAL ADVERTISING

LEGAL ADVERTISING

Legal Notices

Bids/Proposals

Legal Notices

LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT Request for Proposal AC A-15 Real Estate Services

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Orphans’ Court Division, Estate of Thomas Kern, deceased, Case No. 021802870 of 2018: Notice is hereby given that on May 3, 2018, a Petition was filed

by Carole Kern, to terminate the interests of the heirs and devisees of Thomas Kern, deceased, in the real estate located at 419 West 8th Avenue, Tarentum, PA 15084, and determine that fee simple title is in Carole Kern. If no exceptions to the Petition are filed within 30 days, Carole Kern will seek an Order adjudging that Thomas Kern’s title is in herself.

LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices

Estate of BARBARA TRACY a/k/a BARBARA E. ROSENBLUM, Deceased, of Jefferson Hills Borough Allegheny County, PA No. 021803040 Nancy R. McTighe, Executrix, 6227 Mellon Park Court, Pittsburgh, PA 15232 or to Gary Milnes, BRANDT, MILNES & REA, PC attorneys, 310 Grant Street, Suite 1109, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

COURIER CLASSIFIEDS… THE ONLY WAY TO GO!

Estate of Ms. Christine M. Rozsa, Deceased of 121 Cottonwood Court, Moon Township, PA 15108. Estate No. 02-18-02595. Mr. Eric Rozsa, 7714 LaFayette Square, Aliquippa, PA 15001, Administrator c/o Max C. Feldman, Attorney At Law, 1322 Fifth Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108.

Estate of FLORENCE M. BODOSKY, Deceased of Oakdale, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. No. 02-18-01877 Tracey Smith, Executor, 4570 Battleridge Road, Oakdale, PA 15071 or to TODD A. FULLER, Atty; BRENLOVE & FULLER, LLC, 401 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017 Estate of FRANCES H. ANDERSON, Deceased of Pittsburgh. No. 01358 of 2018, Audrey J. Snyder and Saundra J. Hogan, Co-Executrixes, c/o Ms. Audrey Snyder, 189 ColoniaL Village Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15235, or to Judith Anderson, Esq., POB 17497, Pittsburgh, PA 15235.

Estate of MILDRED I. LUCAS, Deceased of Pittsburgh, PA No. 06334 of 2017. Annie M. Grice, Executrix, 11005 Azalea Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15235 or to Thelma C. Spells, Esquire, 1533 Bidwell Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 Estate of GEORGE WILLIAM MECHEM, Deceased of Pittsburgh, PA No. 06611 of 2017. David Mechem, Extr. c/o Robert C. Watson, Esq., 1700 Wylie Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Estate of JAMES J. JACOBS, Deceased of Pittsburgh, No. 021707307 of 2017. Sabine U. Jacobs, Adm. or to c/o Jacqueline H. Brangard, Esquire, Scolieri Law Group, P.C., Attys., 1207 Fifth Avenue, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

The Allegheny County Housing Authority is requesting proposals from quailed firm individuals to provide Real Estate Service, per specifications for properties within the City of Duquesne, with in Allegheny County.

Request for Proposals and contract documents are on file and may be obtained, at no charge, in the Purchasing Department of the Allegheny County Housing Authority, 625 Stanwix Street, 12th floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 or by contacting the ACHA at 412-402-2435 or email at gphillips@achsng.com.

A pre-proposal conference will be held on Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. in the Allegheny County Housing Authority Board Room on the 12th Floor. Proposals are due by 10:00 a.m. local time, Friday, June 29, 2018 at the Allegheny County Housing Authority.

The Allegheny County Housing Authority encourages responses from small firms, minority firms and firms that have not previously performed work for Allegheny County Housing Authority.

ALLEGHENY COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY Fran Aggazio, Executive Director

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REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY PUBLIC NOTICE

PETITION NOTICE IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA, CIVIL DIVISION

The Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (ALCOSAN) is accepting Letters of Interest and Statements of Qualifications from Professional Architectural or Engineering Firms who wish to be considered for the following: NEW LABORATORY AND INDUSTRIAL WASTE FACILITY ASSESSMENT CAPITAL PROJECT S-464 Interested firms shall submit eight (8) bound paper copies and one electronic copy in a sealed envelope plainly marked: Statement of Qualifications for New Laboratory and Industrial Waste Facility Assessment Capital Project Number S-464 Allegheny County Sanitary Authority 3300 Preble Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15233 Attention: Suzanne Thomas An Informational Meeting will be held at 2:00 pm on May 30, 2018, at the ALCOSAN Auditorium at 3300 Preble Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15233 to present and clarify the goals and purpose of the Request for Qualifications.

All submittals must be received no later than 2:00 PM on June 18, 2018 at the ALCOSAN Contracts Department. Please allow time to process through security. If the documents are sent via courier, it is Consultant’s responsibility to ensure the documents have been received. Late submittals will not be considered and will be returned unopened. Additional information and instructions may be obtained by visiting: http://www.alcosan.org/ BusinessOpportunities/RFQs RFPs/tabid/182/Default.aspx All questions should be submitted, in writing, to Suzanne Thomas at Suzanne.thomas@alcosan.org.

ALCOSAN encourages businesses owned and operated by minorities, disadvantaged and women’s business enterprises to submit qualification statements or to participate as subcontractors or suppliers to the selected Firm(s). The Firm(s) selected shall be required to utilize minority, disadvantaged, and women’s business enterprises to the fullest extent possible. The goals of the ALCOSAN’s Minority and Women Business Policy are listed on the ALCOSAN website at www. alcosan.org.

David W. Borneman PE Director of Engineering and Construction

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY PUBLIC NOTICE

The Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (ALCOSAN) is accepting Letters of Interest and Statements of Qualifications from Professional Engineering Firms who wish to be considered for the following: ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE NORTH END FACILITIES NEW OUTFALL AND DISINFECTION FACILITY (S-461) NEW SECONDARY CLARIFIERS (S-465) Interested firms shall submit eight (8) bound paper copies and one electronic copy in a sealed envelope plainly marked: Statement of Qualifications for Engineering Design Services for North End Facilities New Outfall and Disinfection Facility (S-461) New Secondary Clarifiers (S-465) Allegheny County Sanitary Authority 3300 Preble Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15233 Attention: Suzanne Thomas An Informational Meeting will be held at 10:00 am on May 31, 2018, at the ALCOSAN Auditorium at 3300 Preble Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15233 to present and clarify the goals and purpose of the Request for Qualifications. All questions should be submitted, in writing, to Suzanne Thomas at Suzanne. thomas@alcosan.org.

ALCOSAN intends to award the services to one lead firm to perform all of the services. All interested firms shall demonstrate their qualifications for both capital projects.

All submittals must be received no later than 2:00 PM on June 14, 2018 at the ALCOSAN Contracts Department.

Please allow time to process through security. If the documents are sent via courier, it is Consultant’s responsibility to ensure the documents have been received.

Late submittals will not be considered and will be returned unopened.

Additional information and instructions may be obtained by visiting: http://www.alcosan.org/Business Opportunities/RFQsRFPs/tabid/ 182/Default.aspx ALCOSAN encourages businesses owned and operated by minorities, disadvantaged and women’s business enterprises to submit qualification statements or to participate as subcontractors or suppliers to the selected Firm. The Firm selected shall be required to utilize minority, disadvantaged, and women’s business enterprises to the fullest extent possible. The goals of the ALCOSAN’s Minority and Women Business Policy are listed on the ALCOSAN website at www. alcosan.org.

David W. Borneman PE Director of Engineering and Construction

COURIER CLASSIFIEDS

The Condemnation by County of Allegheny of the following parcel of land: In Re: The Condemnation by the County of Allegheny of Three Parcels of Land, now or formerly of William Wynn Heirs and Walter Wynn, Romualdo Mendez Heirs and Heirs of John Andrechak and Catherine Andrechak, husband and wife, in the Borough of North Braddock, Allegheny County, to reconstruct Dooker’s Hollow Bridge carrying Bell Avenue over O’Connell Boulevard, to: GD 18-003718 William Wynn Heirs and Walter Wynn (“Condemnee”), tax parcel identification number 375-N-100, 5,697 square feet of required right-of-way and 3,287 square feet of temporary construction easement, Plans - Miscellaneous Volume 172, Page 83, estimated just compensation: $3,400.00.

GD 18-003713 Romualdo Mendez (“Condemnee”), tax parcel identification number 375-N-124 and 375N-125, 3,935 square feet of temporary construction easement, Plans - Miscellaneous Volume 172, Page 83, estimated just compensation: $600.00.

GD 18-003691 Heirs of John Andrechak and Catherine Andrechak, husband and wife (“Condemnee”), tax parcel identification number 375-N-115, 749 square feet of temporary construction easement, Plans - Miscellaneous Volume 172, Page 83, estimated just compensation: $500.00.

TO: William Wynn Heirs and Walter Wynn, Romualdo Mendez Heirs and Heirs of John Andrechak and Catherine Andrechak, husband and wife, their heirs, successors or assigns: TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Sections 307 and 522 of the Pennsylvania Eminent Domain Code, 26 Pa.C.S.A. §§307 and 522, the County of Allegheny will on July 16, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. present to the Motions Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Civil Division, a Petition Requesting Order for Possession Upon Condemnor’s Tender of Estimated Just Compensation to the Department of Court Records. The identity of the Motions Judge then presiding can be ascertained in the City County Building located at 414 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 on the date of presentation either in the Department of Court Records/ Civil Family Division located on the 1st floor or in the Assignment Room located on the 7th floor. At the time of presentation, the County will request the Court to authorize the payment into Court of the County’s estimate of just compensation, as identified above, and the entry of an Order granting the County possession of the subject property.

The County’s Petition including a proposed schedule of distribution and proposed Court Order may be viewed in the Department of Court Records/Civil Family Division prior to the date of presentation. Any moneys which the Court may direct be paid into Court will be held by the Department of Court Records/Civil Family Division until further Order directing payment of said amounts to the Condemnees and/or persons entitled thereto pursuant to 26 Pa.C.S.A. §§ 521 and 522.

Andrew F. Szefi County Solicitor LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

INVITATION TO BIDDERS THE PITTSBURGH WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY ADVERTISEMENT

SEPARATE and SEALED BIDS for the following solicitation, will be received by the Office of Procurement, Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, 1200 Penn Ave., Second Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, until 2:00 PM Prevailing Time June 12, 2018. Bids must be received in the hands of and stamped in by a PWSA Procurement Officer in sufficient time prior to the opening in order for a bid to be considered.

INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR LIME SLURRY PWSA PROJECT NO. PWSA98 All bids must be submitted in accordance with the solicitation that can be obtained by sending an e-mail to cjuratovic@pgh2o.com. There will be no charge for the solicitation, as it will be sent via e-mail. All questions relating to the solicitation itself shall be directed to Autumn Barna, Procurement Manager, via e-mail to: abarna@pgh2o.com, no later than June 4, 2018 at 4:00 p.m.

No bonds are required.

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

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

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

MAY 23-29, 2018

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SONNY BOY

LEGAL ADVERTISING

LEGAL ADVERTISING

LEGAL ADVERTISING

Legal Notices

Bids/Proposals

Bids/Proposals

PETITION NOTICE IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA, CIVIL DIVISION

INVITATION TO BIDDERS THE PITTSBURGH WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY ADVERTISEMENT

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

In Re: The Condemnation by the County of Allegheny of a Certain Parcel of Land, in the Borough of Tarentum, Allegheny County, of Hillsvale Coal Company, A/K/A Hillsdale Coal Company, to stabilize the slope supporting Tarentum Culmerville Road, southeast of Allegheny Valley Expressway (SR 28).

GD 18-3686 Hillsvale Coal Company, A/K/A Hillsdale Coal Company (“Condemnee”), tax parcel identification number 1223-B-75, 1,797 square feet of Required Right-of-way and 6,727 square feet of Temporary Construction Easement, Plans - Miscellaneous Volume 173, Page 8, estimated just compensation: $800.00.

TO: Hillsvale Coal Company, A/K/A Hillsdale Coal Company, its successors or assigns: TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Sections 307 and 522 of the Pennsylvania Eminent Domain Code, 26 Pa.C.S.A. §§307 and 522, the County of Allegheny will on July 16, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. present to the Motions Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Civil Division, a Petition Requesting Order for Possession Upon Condemnor’s Tender of Estimated Just Compensation to the Department of Court Records.

The identity of the Motions Judge then presiding can be ascertained in the City County Building located at 414 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 on the date of presentation either in the Department of Court Records/Civil Family Division located on the 1st floor or in the Assignment Room located on the 7th floor. At the time of presentation, the County will request the Court to authorize the payment into Court of the County’s estimate of just compensation, as identified above, and the entry of an Order granting the County possession of the subject property. The County’s Petition including a proposed schedule of distribution and proposed Court Order may be viewed in the Department of Court Records/Civil Family Division prior to the date of presentation. Any moneys which the Court may direct be paid into Court will be held by the Department of Court Records/Civil Family Division until further Order directing payment of said amounts to the Condemnees and/or persons entitled thereto pursuant to 26 Pa.C.S.A. §§ 521 and 522.

Andrew F. Szefi County Solicitor LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY LEGAL NOTICE CONTRACT NO. 1691

Sealed Bids for CONTRACT NO. 1691 – DEMOLITION OF OLD OPERATIONS and MAINTENANCE BUILDING shall be received at the of Engineering Department office of the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority, 3300 Preble Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 until 11:00 A.M., Prevailing Time Friday, June 8, 2018 and then publicly opened and read aloud.

ALCOSAN encourages businesses owned and operated by minorities and women to submit bids on Authority Contracts or to participate as subcontractors or suppliers to successful Bidders. Successful Bidders are to use minority or women’s businesses to the fullest extent possible.

Contract Documents may be examined and obtained at the office of the Authority for $100.00 (nonrefundable and no cash or credit cards will be accepted). Bid Security shall be furnished by Certified Check or Bid Bond in the amount of 10% of the Bid Price.

A Pre-Bid Meeting will be held at the ALCOSAN New O&M Auditorium, located at 3300 Preble Avenue, on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at 10:00 A.M., Prevailing Time.

Bidders are encouraged to attend, however they are not required to have a qualified representative attend the Prebid meeting to be eligible to bid on this contract.

Any questions regarding the Contract Documents should be directed, in writing, to Mr. John Findley, Project Engineer III, by email to john.findley@alcosan.org , or by phone to (412) 734-8730, or fax to (412) 734-8716.

The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive any informality in any bid and to accept any bid should it be deemed in the interest of the Authority to do so.

ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY David W. Borneman, P.E. Director, Engineering and Construction

SEPARATE and SEALED BIDS for the following solicitation, will be received by the Office of Procurement, Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, 1200 Penn Ave., Second Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, until 2:00 PM Prevailing Time June 12, 2018. Bids must be received in the hands of and clocked in by a PWSA Procurement Officer in sufficient time prior to the opening in order for a bid to be considered.

INVITATIONS FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR CONTRACT FOR REHABILITATION OF RAIL SPUR PWSA PROJECT NO. 2018-OPS-103-0 The Work includes rehabilitation of approximately 86’of asphalt grade crossing track, turnout repairs, replacement of 30 ties, and rehabilitation of 50’ of concrete surface track.

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

A Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting will be held on May 30, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. in the Authority’s Conference Room at the Aspinwall Water Treatment Plant, 900 Freeport Road, Pittsburgh, PA, 15238. 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 Bond shall be duly and legally executed with a Surety or Trust Company which has complied with City Ordinances/Resolutions relating thereto. A Performance Bond and Labor and Material Bond in the amount of 100% of the contract value for each awarded project will be required after award.

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

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

The Authority reserves the right to withhold the award of the Contract for a period of 60 days after the opening of the bids.

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

SEPARATE and SEALED PROPOSALS for the following solicitation, will be received by the Office of Procurement, Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, 1200 Penn Avenue, Second Floor, until 4:00 P.M. Prevailing Time, June 12, 2018. Proposals must be received in the hands of and clocked in by a PWSA Procurement Officer in sufficient time prior to the opening in order for a Proposal to be considered.

All late and/or electronically submitted Proposals will be rejected and not considered for award.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR DISASTER RECOVERY SERVICES PWSA PROJECT NO. PWSA95 Through the issuance of this Request for Proposals (RFP), the Authority is interested in soliciting proposals (Proposals) from firms that are financially and technically qualified to provide Disaster Recovery Services utilizing a highly available solution.

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

A Pre-Proposal Meeting will be held on May 30, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. in the Authority’s Conference Room, 1200 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15222. The purpose of this meeting is to give an overview of the contract requirements and to allow Offerors to ask questions.

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

The Authority reserves the right to withhold the award of the Contract for a period of 90 days after the proposal due date.

The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, and to waive any informality or minor irregularity in any proposal(s). The Authority also retains the right to investigate the qualifications of Offerors prior to any award and to award contracts only to Consultants who, in the sole judgment of the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, are qualified and equipped to properly execute the specified work.

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

America’s Best Weekly 315 East CarsonStreet, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Classifieds 412-481-8302 Ext. 140

E-mail: ads@newpittsburghcourier.com Deadline/Closing/Cancellation Schedule for copy, corrections, and cancellations: Friday noon preceding Wednesday publication

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MAY 23-29, 2018

Who will protect Solar Consumers?

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—Thanks to President Barack Obama, the solar and wind industries are expanding rapidly. He provided tax credits and subsidies for renewable energy (part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009). Despite the stunning failure of the solar company Solyndra, which left taxpayers liable for its $535 million collapse, our nation’s capacity for solar and wind boomed under President Obama, with the cost of rooftop solar dropping by 54 percent during that administration, and with the number of U.S. households with solar panels exceeding a million households by 2016.

Just this month, California has passed legislation requiring that all new homes use solar power, an amazing boost to the industry! And the United Nations announced that solar attracted more investment in 2017 than any other power source, clean or dirty.

For all the support President Obama offered the solar industry, his administration didn’t offer consumers enough protection against unscrupulous solar panel sales persons. Thus, consumer advocates have had to be aggressive in protecting consumers from illegitimate business practices in the solar industry. A year ago, three members of Congress wrote to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau asking that these shady business practices be investigated. I wrote a column about the flawed practices and had the opportunity to meet with Abby Hopper, President of Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).

The organization says it is working to increase pro consumer policies around the country, and has a Consumer Protection Committee, a set of free tools to help consumers understand solar agreements, and projects to include underserved communities in the solar industry, including a supplier diversity program. Some of the members of the industry group are also involved in community colleges, STEM programs, and employment training.

So why did Hector Balderas, Attorney General of New Mexico, recently file a 17-count civil com-

Julianne Malveaux

Commentary plaint against Vivint, a Utah-based rooftop solar company, accusing them of fraud, racketeering and unfair business practices. Balderas says Vivint employed “high-pressure sales techniques and procedures designed to mislead consumers” and lock their customers into contracts lasting 20 years, with rates that increase “by over 72 percent,” as the agreement matures. Vivint is not a minor player in the rooftop solar industry.

In fact, they are one of the largest companies, selling solar panels to consumers across the United States. Still, SEIA has no comment on the Vivint situation in New Mexico on their website, which shouldn’t be too surprising, since Vivint is a member of SEIA. To be sure, the website says all the right things. It highlights its consumer protection work, mentions diversity and inclusion, speaks of environmental awareness, and provides updates on public policy.

Beneath a sunny exterior, though, there is a problem with unscrupulous solar companies. When rooftop solar companies lose money, as SolarCity did, losing more than $800 million in FY 2016, they get extremely aggressive, desperate to keep growing, and seek out new customers, taking advantage of those who are less sophisticated. That’s what New Mexico says Vivint did, and they aren’t the only ones.

Another major player in the rooftop solar industry is Sunrun, which has had its own ethical concerns. Last year, the Wall Street Journal reported that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is investigating whether Sunrun (and SolarCity) misled investors. In the Journal piece, the reporter cites Freedom of Information Act requests, which found, according to the Journal: “Hundreds of complaints have been filed against solar companies in Texas, Oregon, California and Florida, with customers saying they are paying more on their utility bills, not less as they were promised, and have been sold expensive systems they cannot afford.”

What also strikes me as odd, is that in their latest filing with the SEC, the CEO of Sunrun, asserts that the cost of maintaining the electrical grid— such as transformers, power stations and transmission lines—over the next few decades does not make financial sense, and that we should instead be encouraging Americans to install solar panels.

I am supportive of renewable energy, and believe that allowing the utilities to totally dominate the electric market is problematic. But, I am also extremely leery of the government mandating more rooftop solar because the industry is seemingly rife with bad actors, who prey upon unsuspecting consumers. If we were to employ policies at the state and federal levels, that would divest from our electric grid and instead invest in rooftop solar, why should we believe that companies like Vivint would suddenly behave themselves? We shouldn’t, which is why I agree with the Consumer Federation of California’s call for government to “create a framework of consumer protections.”

Solar companies love to highlight the immense investment that is needed to modernize our existing electricity grid. The companies are right that work needs to be done and they are also right in the unfortunate conclusion that these investments are likely to result in higher rates for customers.

However, the solar companies conveniently ignore the fact that as more and more well-off households spend thousands of dollars to install solar panels, the cost to sustain and modernize the grid will be shifted to the poorer Americans without solar panels. No matter how much we support renewable energy, we cannot ignore this unfair reality and we need to make sure that government subsidies don’t accelerate this regressive cost shift.

The need for renewable energy has led the federal government, and many states, to provide subsidies for solar energy. We also need to provide protection for the consumers who are being ripped off by those unscrupulous actors in the solar industry!

(Julianne Malveaux is an author and economist.)

FORUM

Closing the STEAM gap requires early education (NNPA)—We’re tries. Conversely, all familiar with Rajoielle Register they also have the popular provsome of the largerb, “It takes a est gender gaps as village to raise a women comprise child.” As a 21st only 26 percent of century society, all science, tech, this still holds engineering and true, literally and mathematics jobs. figuratively. For As they continue non-millennials, to grow, women who grew up in a vastly different era, are getting left behind. there is a nostalgic mindset that a diMany young girls are turning away verse community of inspiring people from STEAM careers during their deinteracting with children has a positive velopmental years and have completeand sustained life-changing impact on ly opted out by high school. That must their development. By no means should change and we, the village (with torches this mean the village is responsible for in hand), must step up to lead, advocate raising your children, but we all have a and champion that change. stake in their development and success.

For over three decades, the Ford MoEarly exposure to career choices are tor Company has been committed to often the first step in the “What do I supporting innovative initiatives that want to be when I grow up?” conversa- encourage and inspire young people to tion. Although definitive decisions won’t pursue and succeed in STEAM fields—a be made for years to come, dreams and career path many, if not most, of today’s thoughts about future careers begin youth (especially African American early. Whether policeman, fireman, youth) believe are out of reach for them. truck driver, doctor, dentist, teacher, Both within and outside the village, musician, sports star, and/or whatev- this is an important conversation that er it is their parents and relatives do, we must have as the future of our chilmost children are passively aware and dren is at stake. In addition to sponsorrelate to the limited pool of occupations ships, scholarships and aligning with to which they are exposed. synergy partners such as the NationWhile teachers offer an impres- al Newspaper Publishers Association sionable climate for first-hand learn- (NNPA), Ford has demonstrated its ings and experiences, parents provide commitment in a hands-on way, conthe most important impact and stimu- necting with and supporting a host of lus on a child’s early life. Early exposure STEM and STEAM focused initiatives to non-traditional learning environ- including Girls Who Code, Tech Sassy ments not only creates a generation of Girlz, STEMinista project, Destination new dreamers and thought leaders, but Imagination, School Retool, Michigan also provides them with an eye-opening Technological University, Amphi Midand novel perspective on the limitless dle School’s Girl Power in Science & Enopportunities that is their future. gineering, FIRST® Robotics and #WomFrom elementary to middle school, enInSTEAM, among others.Here in the efforts to prepare students for college U.S. and around the world, women are and beyond are taking hold earlier severely underrepresented in STEAM than ever as a childhood surrounded by fields—career fields that are expected to books, scholastic support and diverse grow more than 9 million jobs by 2022. role models leave permanent impres- No surprise, both women and men are sions on a young person’s mind well into needed to fill those jobs and we, individtheir late teens. That’s why early expo- ually and collectively, must do our part sure to science, technology, engineering, to begin to narrow the gap, especially arts and mathematics (STEAM) fields among African American youth. are especially important.

For African American communities, Reflected in its legacy history, Amer- integrating young women in science ican industry was built on innovation. and technology begins with planting In order to awaken dreams and inspire the seed at an early age, nurturing that the next generation of innovators, prob- seed to show the impossible is possible lem-solvers and leaders, it’s imperative and, cultivating girls to become a part to expose children to STEAM at an ear- of those fields. Ever shifting, the formaly age. If engaged, receptive and they’ve tive and impressionable years between developed an interest by eighth grade, teen and young adult are a principal they’re three times more likely to pur- cause for why young girls are looking sue careers in STEAM fields later in life. away from STEAM. STEAM careers are at the forefront Let’s unite as one to stimulate, inspire of some of the fastest-growing indus- and change a life.

Commentary

Marx’s Bicentennial via post-colonial Africa May 5, 2018 was socialism and winthe 200th anniver- J. Pharaoh Doss ner of the 1962 sary of Karl Marx’s Lenin Peace Price) birth. Opinion writdeclared the opposiers observed his bition newspapers as centennial by praiswell as its strikes ing Marx’s ideas or and boycotts, which condemning comwere constitutionmunist regimes. ally guaranteed, Those in praise illegal, and incarsuggested “the left” cerated opposition are in agreement that Marx’s thesis— to his policies. capitalism is driven by class struggle Tanzania president Julius Nyerere rewhich the ruling-class minority exploits jected, not just capitalism, but a money the working-class majority—is correct. system. Nyerere stated a money sysAnd since racial and sexual oppression tem encouraged a “relentless pursuit have been added to the dynamic of class of individual advancement” which ran struggle, social justice movements like contrary to his national philosophy of Black Lives Matter and #MeToo owe “an Ujaama. (Familyhood or socialism in unspoken debt” to Marx.

Swahili.) In 1973 Tanzania’s governThe condemners simply highlighted ment conducted a massive resettling the millions of people exterminated, im- program to create “communal villages.” prisoned, and starved to death in order Peasants were loaded into trucks and to enforce egalitarianism in places like forced to new locations. Many died in the Soviet Union, China, North Korea, the process. To prevent the peasants Cuba, Vietnam, and Cambodia. from returning to their old homes, the But there’s a bloody trail that owes Tanzanian government bulldozed the “an unspoken debt” to Marx in post-co- abandoned buildings. By 1976, 13 millonial Africa, too, but these horrors are lion peasants had been forced into 8,000 never mentioned alongside Stalin’s cooperative villages, and government prison camps or Pol Pot’s killing fields. regulations required all crops to be Why not? bought and distributed by the governBecause “neocolonialism” is blamed ment. It was illegal for peasants to sell for sabotaging all economic advance- their own produce. ments on the African continent. But Guinea’s president, Sekou Touré, esthis ignores the fact that after inde- tablished a Marxist regime and dependence, Marxism/socialism was em- clared unauthorized trading a crime. braced by African leaders because they Police roadblocks were set up across associated market systems and democ- the country to control internal trade. racy with colonialism.

The state set up a monopoly on foreign Economist George B. N. Ayittey trade, smuggling became a crime punchronicled the exploits of these “Black ishable by death, and private farmers Bolsheviks” in his book called “Africa were forced to deliver annual harvest Betrayed.” Ayittey wrote: For many quotas to “local revolutionary powers.” countries independence meant only a And in 1974 Mengistu Mariam overchange in color of the administrators threw the government in Ethiopia. from White to Black. The new leaders Thousands of dissenters labeled “counbegan to act like the colonialist and, terrevolutionaries” were shot dead in in some places, the new leaders were the streets and more than 30,000 people worse. were jailed. In 1975 Mengistu nationThe constitutional democracies in- alized all land under the land reform stalled after independence in Ghana, act and relocated 34 million people into Uganda, Tanzania, and Zambia quick- state-controlled communes guarded by ly degenerated into one-man dictator- Mengistu’s military. In 1977 the Soviships. As a result, a proliferation of et Union provided arms to Ethiopia (on socialist ideologies emerged through- credit), and Mengistu bombed, shelled, out Africa, which was characterized by and slaughtered civilians at will. heavy state intervention in all aspects In 1984 while thousands of Ethiopians of daily life and government regulation were starving to death throughout the of economic activities. famine-stricken country, Mengistu spent In Ghana, president Kwame Nkru- over $10 million to redecorate the statmah (known as the father of African ues of Marx, Engels, and Lenin.

Check It Out

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Benjamin F. Chavis Jr.

Commentary

Discovering the best of Black America in 2018 (NNPA)—There is an old African proverb that says, “What you seek, you will surely find.” We live in a world where the news cycle continues to decrease, because of innovations in communications technology. Yes, we are living in the fast-paced digital age. The high-velocity delivery and transmission of news and information, however, may or may not produce authentic or accurate facts or simply the truth.

Yet, for more than 47 million Black Americans the reality of life’s multiple challenges and opportunities are not the primary concerns and focus of what is popularly known as “mainstream media.” Thus, the value and mission of the Black Press of America today is more strategically important than ever before, for Black Americans and others who embrace the trend-setting cultural, academic, technological and game-changing achievements that are accomplished daily in Black America.

This is why the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) is pleased with the continued partnership between the General Motor’s Chevrolet Division and the NNPA to sponsor the 2018 Discover the Unexpected (DTU) Journalism Scholarship and Fellowship Program. We are identifying and mentoring the next generation of young, gifted, talented and committed journalists and publishers who will rise to take their rightful place as our future community leaders and business owners.

Seeking out the best of Black America, not only in the field of journalism, but also in the overall context of the long-protracted struggle for freedom, justice, equality and empowerment is of the utmost importance. This summer in Georgia, Virginia, New York and in Washington, D.C., six NNPA journalism scholars selected from Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) located across the nation will have the opportunity to work in Black-owned newspapers.

These outstanding NNPA DTU Fellows will also journey together to highlight and file news reports about real life stories that are occurring in our communities. In the current national media climate where allegations of “fake news” are routinely propagated, we will welcome receipt of the news and inspirations from the writings, videos and social media postings of our young, aspiring journalists.

We are also grateful to the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO) for assisting Chevrolet and the NNPA to notify and reach HBCU students attending 120 HBCUs across the nation about the DTU fellowship opportunities. In fact, over 23,000 online responses were made by students who were interested in the DTU program.

Reviewing and evaluating the numerous applications that were submitted revealed the tremendous academic achievements and commitments of HBCU students, who fervently desire to serve the empowerment interests of Black communities via their respective journalism skills and talents. This, in itself, is a good news story.

Too often we only learn or hear about the tragic injustices and systematic racial discriminations that are in fact facets of the realities that are all too prevalent in Black America. We need, however, more balance and truth-telling in the media when it comes to the struggles and plight as well as the resilience and transformation of Black America.

For more than 191 years, since the first publication of “Freedom Journal” in March 1827, the Black Press of America has continued to be on the frontlines reporting our triumphs, defeats and our successful resistance to oppression, injustice and inequality.

Each generation has a responsibility to help prepare the next generation to take the baton of history and to run to win by breaking and setting new records of achievement and excellence of all fields of endeavor.

Again, we publicly thank General Motors—Chevrolet for enabling the NNPA to award this group of young, freedom-fighting scholars to sharpen their pens and commitments to become champions of the freedom and responsibilities of the press. The Black community will benefit. All of America will benefit. The DTU Fellows will seek and they will find. They will also exemplify the good news.

(Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. is the president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and can be reached at dr.bchavis@nnpa.org. You can follow Dr. Chavis on Twitter @drbenchavis.)

SPORTS New Pittsburgh Courier

B7

MAY 23-29, 2018

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

First Football, then Basketball, now Track & Field ALLDERDICE KEEPS ON WINNING

THE ALLDERDICE DRAGONS, pictured above, below and to the left, are City League Track & Field Champions for 2018. The meet was held, May 10 and May 12, at the Oliver Track. Courier photographer Will McBride captured the championships in pictures.

JEFF MARTIN, ALLDERDICE

ROSA JOHNSON, ALLDERDICE

OBAMA ACADEMY had a very good performance in the 400m relay.

TYONNA WALKER, BRASHEAR

RAVEN HASTON, OBAMA

ERIN BOWENS, CAPA

CAMERON BROWN, OBAMA

ASHANTI RICHARDSON of Westinghouse adds more winning hardware to her collection.

The New Pittsburgh Courier has the best coverage of City League sports!

See our extensive coverage and exclusive photos from the 2017-18 season in our special section at www.newpittsburghcourier.com ANTHONY JEFFERSON, ALLDERDICE

B8

PEOPLE

MAY 23-29, 2018

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Pittsburgh’s own Tamara Tunie She never stops working, progressing

Debuted ‘Jazzland’ in NYC, has shows on AMC and Netflix forthcoming

by Genea L. Webb For New Pittsburgh Courier

Pittsburgh-born actress Tamara Tunie has a full plate these days.

Over Mother’s Day weekend, she debuted “Jazzland In Concert” at the Harlem School of the Arts in New York.

“Jazzland” is a new musical inspired by the Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland,” set in depression-era Harlem at the Harlem Renaissance. It was co-written

by Tunie, Charles Leipart and Scott Crockett.

“Several years ago, Charles Leipart, who I’d worked with before, he actually emailed me an animated drawing of a little Black girl in Harlem named Alice,” recalled Tunie, who directed the production.

“He said, ‘What do you think about an animated musical inspired by ‘Alice in Wonderland’ that takes place in Harlem during the jazz age?’ We talked about how when we were kids we learned most of our classical and jazz music through cartoons like Looney Tunes and we thought this would be a great way to introduce young people to jazz which is getting more and more distant from the American culture and especially the African American culture and I thought it was a great idea.”

In an exclusive interview with the New Pittsburgh Courier, Tunie said the group started writing a story for the feature. Tunie spoke to a friend about doing the music and then they

began shopping it around as an animated feature.

That was seven or eight years ago.

While they were in search of financing for that project—they pitched it, performed a demo, and did an animated trailer. Each time they would share the trailer and the demo music, people would ask if it was a Broadway musical.

Last summer, Tunie’s partners approached her and proposed making “Jazzland” a theater piece. But with students as actors and her work with an organization that has an educational program geared toward young people, she thought it was the perfect fit for the piece and Tunie knew the perfect place: the Harlem School of the Arts.

“That has been my neighbor in Harlem for over 20 years, and I’ve been supporting the organization in various ways,” Tunie said.

“I reached out to the president of the school and I told him the idea, and I sent him the music and a synopsis of the show and asked him how he would feel about doing it there.”

The end result was a Tunie-directed concert presented by the Harlem School of the Arts’ Theater Department in partnership with the Manhattan School of Music and Harlem Stage.

The student members of Harlem School of Arts provided much of the cast with choreography by the Harlem School of Arts Dance and Junior Ensemble.

“What inspired me most was the children and their willingness to do the show.

It’s been great and exhausting, but we were able to get it together, it was wonderful. They did a fantastic job,” Tunie gushed. “The story goes beyond ‘Alice in Wonderland;’ it’s about a young girl coming of age and finding herself and finding her

place in the community during this magical, musical journey.”

“Jazzland” ran at the Harlem School of the Arts from May 11-20. Tunie will appear in the AMC Series “Dietland” in June, which will also star Julianna Margulies and Joy Nash. The dark comedy focuses on a ghost writer for the editor of a New York fashion magazine who struggles with self-image and sets out on a twisty road to self-revelation.

“Dietland is a comingof-age revenge story that looks at the beauty industry and how we as a society see what’s beautiful and what’s not beautiful and the treatment of women.

It’s sometimes funny and it’s sometimes scary,” Tunie said.

Tunie said her blue-collar upbringing in Homestead helped form her work ethic. She started her acting career after earning her BA in musical theater from Carnegie Mellon University.

“I loved growing up there.

I love me some Pittsburgh.

Growing up in Pittsburgh

in a blue-collar town where people work really hard with a strong sense of community, that was definitely instilled in me and I definitely carry that forward,” she said.

Her breakout role as attorney Jessica Griffin in “As the World Turns” introduced her talent to an international audience. Tunie joined the cast in 1986 and left in 1995, but returned in 2000. Her last episode aired in 2007.

She didn’t know when she took the role of Jessica that she would be blazing a trail.

Her interracial romance and subsequent marriage to Duncan McKechnie (played by actor Michael Swan) catapulted her popularity to new heights.

“When I joined the soap, that wasn’t even in the picture—that evolved later. They did the interracial love story in a way that wasn’t sensationalized. The way they approached the story wasn’t like the KKK or crosses on their lawns.

They were insidious in dealing with the characters and the families of these people

TAMARA TUNIE, a graduate of Steel Valley High School, will star in AMC’s “Dietland” beginning at 9 p.m., June 4.

and their own thoughts on soap.” racism and I thought that Tunie portrayed medical was so much more power- examiner Melinda Warner ful.” in the NBC drama “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” from 2000 to 2007 and again briefly in 200910. She returned for one episode of the show this year.

Her other acting credits include: Margaret Thomason in the movie “Flight” opposite Denzel Washington; Lillian Fancy in “NYPD Blue;” “New York Undercover;” “Swift Justice” and “Sex in the City.”

Later this year she will be seen in “Black Earth Rising” opposite John Goodman and Michaela Coel. The Netflix and BBC drama focuses on Kate Ashby, who is rescued as a young child during the Rwandan genocide and adopted by a world-class British prosecutor in international law.

TAMARA TUNIE, participating in the Terrible Towel Twirl before a Steelers game at Heinz Field. “‘Black Earth Rising’ is a political thriller that I shot Tunie saw her years on in London and Ghana and the soap as informative. it’s looking at things 20

TAMARA TUNIE, with President Barack Obama.

“My time on the soap was really great training. After I graduated from Carnegie Mellon I hadn’t done a lot of camera work and being on the soap really gave me the opportunity to figure out how to work in front of a camera. It exposed me to how to tell a story in front of a camera. It was a great foundation for me. The cool thing about being on that soap was that I was still working in the theater, I started doing more TV and film roles while I was still working on the

years after the genocide… and what would it take to be fully reconciled as a country and what happens there,” said Tunie.

“In the story there are factions who believe the history must be addressed and there are others who feel we’ve moved on from that and we shouldn’t talk about it. The stakes are very high. The show is about truth. Both stories are very important and the characters are very different for me. I hope my fans enjoy it.”

TAMARA TUNIE played Dr. Melinda Warner on “Law & Order: SVU”