America’s best weekly Iconic Singer Johnny Mathis performs at Heinz Hall July 22
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What was it like to be URA moves to fund multiple affordable Black in the South in 1948? housing projects
New book recounts Pittsburgh White reporter’s Southern Odyssey as a Black man
Plan would yield 375 new units, 90 percent of them affordable by Christian Morrow
by Christian Morrow
Courier Staff Writer
Courier Staff Writer
Six years before the U.S. Supreme Court ruled racially-segregated schools were unconstitutional; Seven years before the murder of Emmett Till, and 13 years before John Howard Griffin more famously wrote of a similar journey in the book, “Black Like Me,” Ray Sprigle, a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer and editor for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, spent a month traveling through Mississippi, Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama disguised as a Black man. Accompanied by Atlanta civil rights icon John Wesley Dobbs, Sprigle, who was White, met and stayed at the homes of Black farmers, dentists, doctors; visited hardscrabble sharec r o p pers and Black schools t h a t w e r e b a r e - BILL STEIGERWALD, with his new book, “30 Days A Black Man.” ly more their hospitals. Black folks than shacks. do not even ask for admisWhen he sion. They just die.” returned to Sprigle also wrote of forPittsburgh, mer U.S. Army Private he wrote a Macy Yoast Snipes, who did 21-part seRAY SPRIGLE fight the pattern, ries called, and who paid the price— “I was a Nefor trying to vote in a local gro in the South for 30 days,” which apGeorgia election: peared on the front page of every big city “Death missed him on a paper across the country—except in the dozen bloody battlefields South—every day for three weeks. By speoverseas, where he served cial arrangement, the Pittsburgh Courier his country well. He came condensed the series and ran it for seven home to die in the littered consecutive weeks. dooryard of his boyhood Some of the incidents he recounted were home because he thought horrifying. Among them was the story of that freedom was for all dentist P.W. Hill, whose wife and child died Americans, and tried to following complications that arose late prove it.” during her delivery requiring a Caesarean Yoast’s family told Sprigle section. The White hospital in Clarksdale, they had to flee the county Miss. didn’t take Blacks, necessitating a after his murder, lest they 76-mile drive to the closest hospital that join him. Sprigle’s work would—in Memphis Tenn.: shocked northern Whites, “In the South, (Dobbs and Hill told Spriwho—unless they read gle) “when you’re Black, you don’t fight the pattern. Hospitals are for White people. SEE BOOK A4 White people do not admit Black folks to PITTSBURGH COURIER FRONT PAGE FROM 1948
Regardless of how Pittsburgh City Council eventually votes on financing the city’s Housing Trust Fund, the Urban Redevelopment Authority is conducting its final review of tax-credit funding requests for a slate of projects across the city that would result in the creation of 375 new housing units, 336 of which would be designated for renters making less than 60 percent of the Area Median Income. Of these, 105 would be created by three Hill District projects: the New Granada Square Apartments, which would build 47 affordable units in two buildings adjacent to the theatre, plus 9,000 squarefeet of retail space and 85 parking slots; the Gaudenzia Centre Avenue mixed-used development, SEE URA A4
CARL REDWOOD
MARIMBA MILLIONES
Theme for music conference in Garfield: ‘Transformation’ by Tené Croom For New Pittsburgh Courier
The heavy downpours pounding Pittsburgh for much of Saturday, July 8 didn’t keep away scores of entrepreneurs, policymakers, and musicians from attending the “Each One Teach One” Music and Radio Conference in Garfield. They were among those eager to get valuable information from veterans in the broadcast, public relations and music industries who spoke at the daylong event at the Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation Activities Center. About 50 adults attend-
ed the event. “I know a lot of people with knowledge in music, broadcasting, technology and things like that—so I just wanted to bring them together to share their information with people,” said longtime WRCT-FM jazz DJ Kevin Amos, the organizer of the free conference. Tanisha Jackson, founder of Tanisha Jackson Entertainment Management, spoke at the event about a glaring issue facing African American entrepreneurs. “We tend to hold Black entrepreneurs to a differSEE THEME A4
Foundations award $170k in grants to Pittsburgh Black artists
by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
By this time next year, photographer Njaimeh Njie hopes to debut a new interactive multimedia exhibit that explores “the intersection of art and activism in Pittsburgh’s contemporary Black community.” Though she says she still has much preparation work to do, she has the luxury of time, as she was awarded $10,000 as one of the selectees in the latest round of Advancing Black Arts in Pittsburgh grants. In all, 12 artists and organizations received $170,000 in grant support from the partnership between the Pittsburgh Foundation and the Heinz Endowments. Since 2010, the Advancing Black Arts in Pittsburgh partnership has awarded more than $4 million in grants to help build the careers of individual artists, to increase the sustainability of cultural organizations that focus on Black arts, to build community awareness of the Black arts sector, and to support efforts toward greater collaboration and the elimination of racial disparities within the larger arts sector. This is the second time Njie has received an award. And she’s honored to receive it,
especially since this project is so different. “Oftentimes because artists and activists lead such public lives, it’s not always clear they even have these private lives. So, I’m looking at peeling back the layers on their work, of who they are as people and how that shapes the way they see the world and their work,” Njie told the New Pittsburgh Courier. “As for a venue, because it’s an immersive experience, I’ll have to be more methodical about how people interact with space and how I tell a story than I would usually do with a still exhibition. But it’s so fresh and new that I have to take a step back and brainstorm who I’d like to do, reaching out to them, research...I plan on dedicating several months to it.” In addition to Njie, five other artists received individual awards to further their work. They are: •Anthony B. Mitchell Jr.—$10,000 to create and coordinate the new “El Viaje: The Journey” series of performances that include Afro-Diasporic music, song and dance; •Jessica Lanay Moore—$10,000 to support research and travel for the development of a poetry manuscript exploring the histories of Key West, the Sea Island and
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Pittsburgh; •Melanie Carter—$10,000 to support the development of “Her Time to Shyne,” a documentary film exploring the evolution of contemporary Black feminism through artistic resistance; •Yvonne McBride—$10,000 to complete a final manuscript of the historical fiction novel, “Cozy Lee Luke at the Crossroads of the World,” and; •Idrissou Mora-Kpai—$10,000 to support post-production for the documentary film, “Joe’s Corner Store.” Mora-Kpai’s documentaries have been honored across the globe, and though he’s lived in Pittsburgh for several years, “Joe’s Corner Store” is his first American film. On his website, he describes it as the story of family corner store owner Joe Watson, who struggles against poverty and despair on Charleston, South Carolina’s East Side. A look “into Black life in a Southern town whose legacy of segregation and racism is finally up for debate.” Also receiving grants for artist-in-residence programs were: •Hill House Association, $15,000 to supNJAIMEH NJIE
Ulish Carter says
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City’s latest police class is 31% Black, progress must continue Opinion B3
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INTERNATIONAL
JULY 19-25, 2017
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
This Week In Black History
Week of July 19-25 July 19 1848—Anti-slavery activist and the foremost Black leader of his day Frederick Douglass gives a stirring speech at the First Women’s Rights Convention, which took place in Seneca Falls, N.Y. Douglas helped sway the 260 women and 40 men present to back a women’s right to vote resolution being pushed by Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Initially, many of the delegates opposed the resolution fearing it was too radical an idea for the times, but changed their minds after hearing Douglass’ presentation. Women would not finally get the right to vote until 1920. 1941—The first U.S. Army Flying Academy for Black cadets is officially dedicated at Tuskegee, Ala. Between 1940 and 1946, FREDERICK DOUGLASS 992 pilots were trained. More than 400 would see action in World War II even though many Whites initially felt Blacks were not intelligent enough to fly airplanes. The Tuskegee Airmen, as they became known, would fly with great distinction during the war. They were credited with downing 109 German planes and destroying numerous enemy fuel dumps, trucks and planes. Approximately 150 of them lost their lives during training or combat. Finally, in March 2007, over 300 surviving members and their wives were honored and the airmen received the Congressional Gold Medal. BEATEN TO DEATH—In this 2016 photo provided by John Gramlich shows, Bakari Henderson, left, 1952—Joe Louis Reliford broke the color barrier in with friend Travis Jenkins, in Austin, Texas. (Provided Photo/John Gramlich via AP) Georgia State Baseball in Statesboro, Ga. He pinch hit, threw out a runner from left field and robbed the Statesboro Pilots best hitter, Jim Shuster of a home run—all in TUSKEGEE AIRMEN one inning and at the age of 12. His historical catch is on display in Cooperstown, N.Y., where he is the only batboy among Major League Baseball Hall of Fame Inductees. Reliford is the author of “From Batboy to the Hall of Fame.” July 20 1967—The first Black Power Conference takes place in Newark, N.J. More than 1,000 delegates representing 126 orgaAUSTIN, Texas (AP)—A “He’s the kind of guy who ing him onto a parked car nizations attended. The conference represented a break with the funeral for the American literally makes friends before others joined in the tourist who was fatally anywhere he goes,” John beating. Some in the group integration-with-Whites thrust of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. Instead, delegates called for greater focus on Black pobeaten in Greece took place Gramlich, Henderson’s attempted, and eventually litical empowerment, economic development, community control Saturday in his hometown childhood friend, told The did, stop the others from and the building of Black institutions. of Austin, Texas, KingAssociated Press earlier beating Henderson. July 21 Tears Mortuary, the funer- this month. Police have confirmed the 1864—Amazingly, what is now considered the first Black dai- JOE LOUIS RELIFORD al home handling the body, “It’s not in his character authenticity of the video. ly newspaper begins publishing on this day during slavery. The confirmed. at all to be aggressive or Also Saturday, the last New Orleans Tribune was founded by wealthy Black Doctor Louis C. Roudanez and The service began at 11 instigate anything,” Gram- suspect charged in Hena.m. Saturday at Greater lich said. “He’s always the derson’s death appeared in edited by a Belgium Jean-Charles Heuzean. The Tribune, however, actually followed the Daily Creole which began publication in 1856. But it was so pressured by Whites that it Mount Zion Baptist Church guy who is calming people court and was ordered to adopted pro-slavery positions. The Tribune, meanwhile, would begin as a tri-weekly and in Austin, according to down, really.” remain in custody pendbecome a full-fledged daily in October. King-Tears Mortuary. Greek police spokesman ing trial. The 33-year-old 1896—The National Association of Colored Women is foundGreek police say 22-year- Theodoros Chronopoulos Serbian man is among ed in Washington, D.C., and Mary Church Terrell is elected presold Bakari Henderson was has said that the exact nine people, all ages 18 to ident. The association would establish nurseries, help orphans, and beaten to death outside a cause of the fight was 34, charged in the fatal battle for a woman’s right to vote. Terrell became an activist and bar July 7 on the Greek unclear, but that it started beating. power broker in the nation’s capital fighting for desegregation of island of Zakynthos. shortly after Henderson A total of seven suspects— restaurants and helping build schools. She was born in 1863 and Henderson had recently took a selfie with one of the five Serbs, one British died in 1954. graduated with a bachbar’s waitresses. citizen of Serb origin and 2001—Blues legend John Lee Hooker dies. He was 83. elor’s degree in business A fight broke out and a Greek—have been jailed. July 22 administration from the Henderson was chased Two 22-year-old Serbs have 1861—President Abraham Lincoln submits the first draft of the University of Arizona and down the street. Video foot- been released on bail of Emancipation Proclamation to his cabinet. The order freeing MARY CHURCH was in Greece working on age from a security camera 5,000 euros ($5,730). No slaves, however, was not actually issued until Jan. 1, 1863. And even TERRELL a photo shoot to launch a that aired on Greek teletrial date has been set. then it benefited very few slaves. The Emancipation Proclamation clothing line, his family vision shows Henderson Authorities believe the freed slaves in the rebellious Southern states. But the federal government at the time said. Friends described running down the sidewalk man jailed Saturday landdid not have control of the South so no slaves actually went free. In the so-called Border him as fun-loving with a and being pursued. One ed the first blow on HenStates where the federal government did have authority, the Proclamation did not apply. friendly demeanor. man tackled him, throwderson. About the only slaves who benefited were those who had already escaped and fled to the Union side during the Civil War. 1939—Jane Matilda Bolin becomes the first Black female judge in America. New York City Mayor Fiorella LaGuadia appointed her a judge in the court of domestic relations. 1963—Floyd Patterson loses his heavyweight boxing title to Sonny Liston and Liston would later lose it to a young fighter by the name of Cassius Clay—later Muhammad Ali. KINSHASA, Congo the forest during an attack,” The identity of the assail2001—Actor Whitman Mayo dies in Atlanta, Ga., of a (AP)—Five Congo park Mambasa territory adminisants is not known, he said. heart attack. He was 71. Mayo is best known for his role rangers have been found trator Alfred Bongwalanga At least 10 people had as “Grady” in the popular 1970s television series “Sanford dead and an American told The Associated Press. gone missing after attacks and Son.” journalist has been found “On the other hand, five park near a security station July 23 in good condition in the guards have been killed.” Friday outside the town 1900—The first Pan African conference took place in Okapi Wildlife Reserve Bongwalanga said the of Mambasa in Congo’s London, England. Blacks from throughout the world gathafter going missing during army found the American northeast Okapi Wildlife ered to plot strategies for bringing about rights for all peoFLOYD PATTERSON a militia attack, a local overnight Saturday, and Reserve, but six of them, ple of African ancestry, independence from colonialism for official said Sunday. called in her rescue. He did all Congolese rangers, were African countries and international Black unity. This “conference” was the precursor of “The American journalist is not have her name, saying later found alive, he said. all the subsequent Pan African “Congresses.” Among the most prominent names present safe and healthy. She hid in other details would follow. Two British journalists in 1900 were African-American activist and intellectual W.E.B. DuBois and West Indian and five other park ranglawyer H. Sylvester Williams. ers, part of the same team, 1948—The Progressive Party Convention begins in Philadelphia. The convention escaped during the attack, nominates Henry Wallace for president and he makes the strongest showing of virtually making their way to anany third party candidate in American history. More than 150 Blacks were at the conother Okapi reserve base, vention and dozens ran for office on the Progressive Party ticket. They were attracted Bongwalanga said early by the party’s call for an end to segregation, full voting rights for Blacks and universal Saturday. government sponsored health insurance. The party was populated mainly by liberals Army reinforcements and leftists. Wallace’s candidacy was even endorsed by the then relatively strong Amerihad been searching since can Communist Party. The party came under vicious attack during the anti-Communist Friday night in the reserve hysteria of the 1950s. But positions taken by the Progressive Party forced the Demofor the missing. cratic Party to adopt meaningful changes in order to hold onto the A rights group, the CenBlack vote. ter for Studies of Peace and 1984—The first Black Miss America Vanessa Williams is forced Defense of Human Rights, to give up her crown as a result of the discovery of some sexually blamed the attacks on the explicit photographs. She was replaced by the first runner-up (anMai Mai SIMBA militia, other African-American) Suzette Charles. Williams bounced back, which is active in the area. however, and became a successful singer and actress. July 24 1651—Anthony (or Antonio) Johnson, a free Black man who THE had purchased freedom for himself and his wife, is awarded 250 VANESSA WILLIAMS NEW PITTSBURGH acres of land in North Hampton, Va. Johnson was among the first COURIER group of 20 Black indentured servants brought to America in 1619. Indentured servitude was a form of slavery which allowed the person to either work PUBLISHING COMPANY for or purchase his freedom. After becoming free, Johnson became Publication No.: USPS 381940 the first wealthy Black person in America. He even purchased five indentured servants of his own. He probably picked up the name 315 East Carson Street “Johnson” from his original owner but in official records from the Pittsburgh, PA 15219 period he is simply referred to as “Antonio the Negro.” 1802—Famed French writer Alexander Dumas is born. He was Phone: 412-481-8302 the product of a French general and a light-complexioned Black HaiFax: 412-481-1360 tian woman. Dumas would go on to become one of the world’s greatest and most prolific writers. He is best known for his classics such ALEXANDRE DUMAS The as “The Three Musketeers” and “The Count of Monte Cristo.” His New Pittsburgh Courier Blackness caused him some problems in French society, but by and large his fame and the money from his books enabled him to live an extravagant lifestyle. is published weekly 1904—This is the day it is believed that actor Ira Aldridge was born in Africa. He would come to America, learn English and German, and periodicals develop into one of the world’s most accomplished Shakespearean acpaid at Pittsburgh, Pa. tors. He played the role of the Moor Othello on many occasions. PRICE $1.00 July 25 1916—The Black inventor of America’s first gas mask, Garrett T. (Payable in advance) Morgan, made national headlines on this day when he and a team of volunteers used his invention to rescue 32 workers trapped in a gas-filled 6 Months.....$25 IRA ALDRIDGE tunnel 250 under Lake Erie. Morgan called his device “the Morgan safety hood and smoke protector.” But it has become known simply as the gas 1 Year....$45 mask. Morgan also invented America’s first traffic light. He was born in 1877, did most of 2 Years...$85 his inventing in Cleveland, Ohio, and died in 1963. 1972—Faced with possible exposure by the media, the federal government (specifical9 Month School Rate $35 ly the U.S. Public Health Service) finally acknowledges its involvement in the horrific immoral Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment. During the experiment, 399 Black men POSTMASTER: Send and (mostly poor sharecroppers from Alabama) were led to believe they were being treated address changes to: for syphilis while the doctors and nurses involved (some of them African-American) were actually fooling the men with fake medicines in order to discover the long-term effects of New Pittsburgh Courier syphilis on the human body. The “experiment” lasted from 1932 to the time it was exposed in 1972. Finally, on May 16 1997, President Clinton issued an official apology to the eight 315 East Carson Street surviving members of the experiment saying, “The United States government did somePittsburgh, PA 15219 thing that was wrong—deeply, profoundly, morally wrong…and clearly racist.”
Funeral held for Black American beaten to death in Greece
5 Congo rangers dead; U.S. journalist found alive in NE Congo
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This Jan. 20, 2006 photo shows 45’s and photographs, including Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder in a photograph at right, displayed In this June 28 photo, singer Martha Reeves stands outside the Fox In this July 1967 photo, firefighters spray water into a burning at the Motown Museum gallery in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) Theatre in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) building after rioting in Detroit. (AP Photo)
Detroit’s ’67 riots halted music, helped recalibrate sound by Jeff Karoub Associated Press Writer
DETROIT (AP)—It wasn’t sweet music that brought Martha Reeves to the microphone at the Fox Theatre that day in July 1967; it was brutal reality. Detroit was burning. Headlining a string of shows for a hometown crowd, the singer of “Heatwave,” “Dancing in the Street” and other hits announced that rioting had spread through the city. Leave calmly, she said, and return safely to your homes. Fifty years later, the leader of Martha and the Vandellas still can’t quite believe it happened.
maintained by the Universal Music Group, show work halted on July 22 and didn’t resume until July 31, according to company officials. As chaos descended, loyal Motown staffers thought it would be business as usual. “All day Sunday...TV was totally involved in covering as much as they could—in spite of that there were some of us who got up Monday morning and made our way to work,” said Pat Cosby, who worked in the studio’s tape library. “We did hear gunfire as we’re on the Lodge (freeway) and even then we’re thinking, ‘I got to get to work.’ We did not realize the overall
In this Oct. 19, 2007 photo, Berry Gordy Jr., center, stands with Smokey Robinson and Detroit Councilwoman Martha Reeves outside Hitsville U.S.A. and the Motown Museum in Detroit. Gordy was honored with the renaming of the street where the Motown sound originated. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) “Imagine going out there lighthearted and ready to work,” she said. “My heart was beating so fast after returning to the dressing room.” In the days that followed, Motown’s “Sound of Young America”—on the stage and in the studio—was silenced by the sights and sounds of sirens, gunshots, fires and military tanks along Detroit’s streets. For about a week, as the city was convulsed in violence that began when police arrested Black patrons at an after-hours bar, the studio went dark. Motown was near the epicenter but largely spared during unrest that enveloped 25 city blocks and claimed 43 lives. What happened in the streets was a wake-up call for many at the label that churned out hits by the Vandellas, as well as Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, the Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Temptations, Four Tops and others. The rioting, the deadliest of dozens that raged that summer in U.S. cities, raised consciousness and even recalibrated the music alongside the Vietnam War and assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy. At the time of the riots, Motown truly was “Hitsville USA.” According to author and Motown expert Adam White, the labels that comprised the company had eight singles in the Billboard Hot 100 that week, including two songs in the top 20 and a couple more that were covered by others. Although Motown tunes continued to play on the radio during those deadly days of unrest, it was the first time in years that the studio at 2648 W. Grand Boulevard, famous for manufacturing music around-the-clock, had gone quiet for such a long period. Motown’s recording session logs, now kept in a New York City vault
destruction that was going on.” Cosby recalled that she and her colleagues were met and “basically turned around at the door” by Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr. The man who founded the label in 1959 with an $800 family loan told his employees that, much to his dismay, the sonic assembly line had stopped. “Berry says, ‘You’re putting your lives in danger. What are you doing here?’” Cosby recalled. “He was both proud that we were remaining true to the task, but at the same time it was like, ‘You better get in safe harbor.’” Otis Williams, the lone surviving original member of the Temptations, recalls hearing “a .50-caliber machine gun being fired” on the street where he lived. “My girlfriend and I laid down on the floor of the apartment building—we didn’t want to be want to be hit,” he said. A few days later, he remembers taking a drive through “the city that was under fire and on fire,” and he wanted to see for himself “if they didn’t burn down Motown.” “Amazingly enough...it was untouched,” Williams said. “I could not believe that Motown didn’t suffer. It was almost like somebody said, ‘No, you can do whatever else to Detroit, but leave Motown alone.’” Claudette Rogers Robinson, a member of the Miracles who was then married to Smokey Robinson, recalls living on the city’s northwest side blocks from Livernois Avenue, a riot-stricken major thoroughfare. “This guy was rolling a baby grand piano out of the store and down the street,” she said. “Everyone was saying, ‘Don’t go out, don’t go out,’ but I’ve always been way too curious. ...I only saw a small portion of it—I went back home because Smokey was not happy with me doing that.”
The Miracles “were the love singers” not “message singers,” Robinson said, but her group responded to the violence in its way. A year later, the Miracles recorded “I Care About Detroit” as a public service in a bid to promote harmony. The act also scored a hit in 1969 with a cover of Dion’s “Abraham, Martin and John,” which memorialized slain leaders, including King and the Kennedys. “It had an effect, definitely. You can’t live in this world and not be affected by the things that surround us,” Robinson said. Motown wouldn’t be as lyrically direct as “Motor City Is Burning” (recorded by legendary bluesman and Detroiter John Lee Hooker a couple months after the riots and covered a year later by Michigan-based punk pioneers MC5) or Gordon Lightfoot’s “Black Day in July,” which the Canadian folk singer released in 1968. But spurred by some artists, Gordy sought to tune the tension between being reliable hitmakers and reflecting what was happening—literally and figuratively— outside his door. “The songs were beginning to reflect the turbulence in America,” said White, who wrote 2016’s “Motown: The Sound of America” with Barney Ales, former company executive vice president and general manager. “Motown was willing to address those difficult topics more in ’68—producers, songwriters, artists. That was a consequence of the political and cultural upheavals happening in America.” The rioting left its mark on Motown’s hit makers. Chris Clark saw the fires consuming sections of Detroit from a plane as she prepared to land. The young singer—among a small handful of white artists signed to the company—was moving to Detroit but would have to wait several days until things had calmed down to make music. “I remember thinking, ‘I’m glad my folks can’t see this,’” said Clark, now living in northern California. Clark recalled “just kind of laying low” during the riot. She heard that recording engineers ran out of Studio A with twoinch master tapes, gunfire erupting around them, “in case the building burned.” Wade Marcus, a Motown musician, producer and arranger, soon saw the futility of music-making amid the mayhem. “What we tried to do, the first day or so...we tried to make things stay normal, but we just couldn’t,” he said. For Marcus, those days are not so easily forgotten. He lived on Clairmount Street, down an alley from where the riots began, and dread lingers in his voice as he narrates scenes: A sniper across the street from his home shooting at police officers and National Guard troops, people rampaging through stores and the streets, “young guys” pulling into gas stations and filling cans to set fires, “some fella” in an alley trying on a pair of shoes among many he had stolen from a store. “He asked me if I needed a pair,” Marcus said. “I said ‘No, no thank you.’” He recalled a 1950s tour with vibraphonist Lionel Hampton during the Algerian uprising, when authorities searched the venues for bombs before every performance. “The Algeria situation was scary but what was scary about Detroit was it started just grew and grew and grew,” he said. “I’m still feeling the effects of the ordeal. ...It scared the hell out of me.”
In this Nov. 3, 1964 photo, American pop trio Martha Reeves and the Vandellas dance for photographers at an airport in London, arriving for TV appearances and recording work in the British capital. From left are Betty Kelly, Martha Reeves, and Rosalind Ashford. Fifty years after the 1967 Detroit riots, the leader of Martha and the Vandellas still can’t quite believe it happened. “Imagine going out there lighthearted and ready to work,” she said. “My heart was beating so fast after returning to the dressing room.” (AP Photo)
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‘Each One Teach One’ conference What was it like to be Black in the South in 1948? touts transformation
RUSSELL BYNUM of Bynums Marketing & Communications speaks at the ‘Each One Teach One’ music conference in Garfield. (Photo by Tené Croom) THEME FROM A1
ent standard and that’s not helping us,” said Jackson. Among other presenters at the conference: Russell Bynum, owner, Bynums Marketing & Communications, Inc., Minette Seate, senior producer, WQED-TV, Chuck Leavens, president, Pittsburgh Public Media, and blues/soul singer Billy Price, honored in 2016 as a Pittsburgh Rock ‘n Roll Legend. The theme of the conference in its seventh year was transformation. Amos said the event is a learning experience. “I’m always learning when I reach out
to people and talk to them about speaking. You’re never too old to learn and to be transformed,” Amos said. This year’s conference was dedicated to Chuck Berry, Rudy Van Gelder, Joanne Quinn-Smith (The Techno Granny), Michael George, and Dr. Bruce Marion. Amos said that each honoree, in their own way, has transformed the world and music business. “The music of Chuck Berry influences, but also his sense of fashion and stage presence, it was something completely different,” Amos told the New Pittsburgh
Courier. “Mr. Berry influenced and transformed all those who came after him.” Amos continued, “In the discussion about Chuck Berry and Rudy Van Gelder, I brought visual aids and those were the new LP by Chuck and about three or four LPs that Mr. Van Gelder engineered on various labels. The folks (at the conference) were in awe of the actual LPs he engineered on such recordings by John Coltrane, Stanley Turrentine and Grover Washington Jr.” Amos, the panelists and attendees reminisced on how Van Gelder built a recording studio in his home, and the similar internal pattern was followed by Motown’s Berry Gordy for his studio. “One person said George Martin (producer for the Beatles) was more than likely influenced by the way Rudy made things sound in his studio,” Amos said. “Each and every presenter and panelist talked about how their career transformed to bring them where they are today. What I wanted to bring out is that we all make changes in our life and careers and that it never ends.”
BOOK FROM A1
the Courier or the Chicago Defender—were largely oblivious to the conditions 10 million of their fellow citizens were living in under Jim Crow. It started a conversation in 1948, especially with Sprigle appearing on radio and television to further it. Whether his work was the impetus or not, less than two months later, President Harry Truman issued an executive order desegregating the U.S. military. Fifty years later, Bill Steigerwald, a features reporter for the Post-Gazette, came across Sprigle’s account and was floored. He knew about Sprigle winning the Pulitzer in 1937 for uncovering proof that FDR’s pick for the Supreme Court, Hugo Black, was a member of the Ku Klux Klan. But he didn’t know about this. “How come I never heard about this?” he said. “It was in every paper in the country.” So Steigerwald decided to
retell Sprigle’s story, by retracing his steps, meeting some of the same people Sprigle stayed with—like Willie and Dorothy Haselrig—and the descendants of others, like Dobbs’ daughter, Juliet Dobbs Blackburn-Beamon, whom he photographed next to the bronze sculpture of her father in Dobbs Square in Atlanta. Now, just shy of 70 years since Sprigle’s journey, Steigerwald has published “30 Days A Black Man,” which recounts both trips. It also includes sections on Dobbs and “Mr. NAACP” Walter White, without whom Sprigle would never have met Dobbs and been able to complete the project. Steigerwald’s book also includes historical context on the nation at-large and on Pittsburgh, and how segregated it was, even without the codified Jim Crow of the South. The book was presented to the New Pittsburgh Courier by Steigerwald July 13.
“It’s a history book—but it’s a lot of history and culture that’s been forgotten. This shocked northern Whites because they didn’t read the Courier,” he said. “They had no idea how oppressive it was. It was institutionalized humiliation.” Steigerwald said if Sprigle had worked at a big New York City daily newspaper when he wrote his expose, “it would have been made into a movie by 1950— starring Spencer Tracy.” Steigerwald still thinks it would be a good film. “It would be a great ‘buddy movie.’ Two old guys— Sprigle was 61 at the time and Dobbs was 66—tearing around the Delta in a 1947 Mercury,” he said. “I keep telling Michael Keaton he should do it. So far, nothing, but we’ll see.” “30 Days A Black Man,” with a forward by Juan Williams, is published by Lyons Press and is available locally at Barnes & Noble and at Amazon.com.
URA moves to fund multiple affordable housing projects URA FROM A1
which would put 26 affordable units plus 9,000 square feet of first floor commercial space on Centre Ave. where its House of the Crossroads treatment center currently stands— the center would move off Centre Ave. to Grove Street; and construction would begin on the former Civic Arena site with the building of a 54-unit, mixed income building next to a 200-unit market rate building. Hill Consensus Group co-founder Carl Redwood Jr. filed a legal complaint against the owners—the Pittsburgh Penguins—over the low number of affordable units. The Gaudenzia project is not without controversy, either. Though Redwood said the Consensus Group and representatives of the Hill Federal Credit Union, the Thelma Lovette YMCA, and several Centre Avenue businesses support the project, Hill Community Development Corp. Executive Director Marimba Milliones said she felt the proj-
ect had not been completely presented to, or vetted by the community. She scheduled a community meeting July 17 for that purpose and will take those results to the zoning board. The other 231 units of affordable housing would come from: Mellon Orchard Phase1 in East Liberty, 41 units; North Negley Residences, 48 units in the former B’nai Israel Synagogue in East Liberty; Garfield Highlands, 20 scattered site units in Garfield; Larimer/ East Liberty Choice Neighborhoods Phase III, 38 units; Doughboy Affordable Living, 34 units on Penn Avenue in Lawrenceville, and 40 units in the adaptive reuse of the former Heinz administrative building on the North Side. Additionally, 191 units of senior housing, 140 of them affordable, would be preserved and rehabilitated in the Riverview Towers restoration in Squirrel Hill. The board also approved a $1.2 million loan as part of the $38 million financing needed for the construction
of 150 new rental units in 12 buildings for Larimer/ East Liberty Choice Neighborhoods Phase II. Of those 150, 108 will be affordable. With the current spate of housing and commercial space being developed in adjacent neighborhoods, the authority voted to explore selling the Lexington Technology Park between Homewood and North Point Breeze. The 16-acre former North American Rockwell site was gifted to the city in 1996. Reading from his report, authority Executive Director Robert Rubinstein said the time is right. “Given the main building’s age and condition, significant additional improvements will be needed in the near future to keep the building and its tenants in good working order,” he said. “With the surrounding development in progress, market conditions are present to develop the property for a mix of housing, office, and light industrial connected to both the North Point Breeze and Homewood neighborhoods.”
THIS 1948 PHOTO shows White reporter Ray Sprigle dressed in disguise as a Black man. He spent 30 days in the South as a Black man and wrote a series of articles on the ordeal.
Local Black artists awarded $170k in grants ARTISTS FROM A1
port a residency with jazz musician Charles “Poogie” Bell to develop The Music Project at the Kaufmann Center; •Pittsburgh Glass Center Inc., $15,000 to support a residency with ceramic artist Sharif Bey to create a new body of work in glass and a solo exhibition
through the Idea Furnace program, and; •Union Project, $15,000 to support a residency with ceramic artist Kevin Snipes to create new works. Lastly, three organizations received operating grants: •Kente Arts Alliance, $25,000; •Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company, $25,000,
and; •Staycee Pearl Dance Project, $15,000. Applications for the fall Advancing Black Arts in Pittsburgh cycle are due by August 1. Guidelines and application information are available online at http://pittsburghfoundation.org/advancing_ black_arts.
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Community Calendar Studio Museum in Harlem Exhibit Grand Opening
tions of life in our country, historical and contemporary forms of institutional prejudice, and their collective effect on our sociopoJULY 22—The Carnegie Muse- litical landscape. The exhibit runs um of Art will host the grand open- through Dec. 31. ing of its 20/20 Studio Museum of Harlem exhibit with an outdoor Funk Concert JULY 30—Allegheny County party featuring music from 1Hood Media, art activities, a food truck Summer Concert Series presents roundup, and more. The exhibit Con Funk Shun and the Funky Fly includes the work of 20 Harlem Project, 7:30 P.m. at Hartwood artists and their responses to our Acres. All summer Series condemocracy, the economic condi- certs are free and feature food
to attend and conduct on-site interviews include Allegheny Health Network, Christian Home Healthcare, Eat’n Park Hospitality Group, LGC Hospitality StaffJob Fair ing, McConway & Torley Group, AUG. 4—Mon Valley Initiative Omni William Penn Hotel, Peoand the Southwestern Pennsyl- pleReady, Rice Enterprises LLC, vania Re-Entry Coalition will host Rivers Casino, Superior Home “Jump Start Your Job Search,” Care and Wofford-ECE Consult12 to 2 p.m., at the Allegheny ing. For more information contact Intermediate Unit offices, 475 Camille Smith at 412-464-4000, East Waterfront Drive, Home- or email csmith@monvalleyinitiastead. Employers scheduled tive.com.
trucks and Hop Farm Brewing Company craft beer products beginning at 6 p.m. For more information call 412- 350-7275.
Community Dinner
AUG. 11—Join the Homewood Children’s Village in celebrating the summer achievements of its students at its August community dinner, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Bethany Baptist Church, 7745 Tioga St. in Homewood. The event will feature presentations on upcoming fall initiatives, a student expo, a pri e raf e, and a keynote address by Community College of Allegheny County President Quentin Bullock.
Farmers Markets
ONGOING Through NOV.--Visit conveniently located Farmers’ Markets throughout the summer and fall to find a wide variety of perennial favorites and seasonal specialties. All markets sell farmfresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheese and baked goods, while several locations also sell owers, gifts and gardening items. For a complete listing of locations and times, visit http://pittsburghpa.gov/citiparks/farmers-market.
AAMI—headed to the ‘Birthplace of The Blues’
DESTINATION: BIRTHPLACE OF THE BLUES—The Afro American Music Institute’s Boys Choir and Jazz Lab are headed to the Mississippi Delta July 20-23, to perform not only at the B.B. King Museum, but also at Club Ebony, the club that was owned by B.B. King. The historic trip will also involve a workshop/demonstration by the AAMI students for area youth, hosted by Mississippi Valley State University. AAMI students are under the direction of Dr. James T. Johnson and Howard Alexander III. (Photo by J.L. Martello)
Dr. Kathi Elliott joins Chatham Board of Trustees
DR. KATHI ELLIOTT The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that Gwen’s Girls executive director Kathi Elliott, DNP, MSW, CRNP, has joined Chatham University’s Board of Trustees. “This is a tremendous honor,” Dr. Elliott told the Courier in an exclusive interview. “I chose to pursue and obtain a terminal degree in nursing at Chatham University because of their long history of supporting and uplifting women. This aligns with my life’s purpose. I am truly humbled by the appointment and opportunity to serve in this leadership capacity. As the university continues to make great efforts to meet the diverse needs of their students,
faculty, and community atlarge, I plan to contribute in any way that I can to continue the legacy of this great institution.” Dr. Elliott graduated from Chatham University with a Doctorate of Nursing Practice in August 2014. She also earned dual Master’s degrees in Nursing and Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. Advocacy and giving back to others in need is a value that has been instilled in her by her mother and founder of Gwen’s Girls, the late Commander Gwen Elliott. Dr. Elliott has over 20 years of experience in social service, community and individual mental health treatment. In August 2015, Dr. Elliott
accepted the position of executive director at Gwen’s Girls, whose mission is to empower girls and young women to have productive lives through exposure to holistic, gender-specific programs, education and experiences. “We’re delighted to have Kathi join the Chatham board,” said Dr. David Finegold, President of Chatham University. “She is an ideal trustee: an alumna of one of our most successful degree programs, a great partner in applied research and service activities, and, most of all, a leader in the community who shares Chatham’s commitment to empowering young women and helping them reach their full potential.”
LIFESTYLES New Pittsburgh Courier
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JULY 19-25, 2017
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
Debbie Norrell
Lifestyles Report A big weekend in Pittsburgh Where do I begin? These busy Pittsburgh weekends are getting to be more than I can handle. From time to time I am going to update you on what weekends look like in our fair City Of Champions. This is primarily for those who say there is nothing to do and nowhere to go. I’m still curious as to what that group of people is looking for. This past weekend I think there was something for everyone, the young and the seasoned, the financially-challenged to the well-heeled. I like grand openings and there were two that I knew of this past Saturday. If you were riding on Frankstown Avenue in Penn Hills maybe you saw someone in a lobster costume jumping around. If you did, the lobster was there to introduce you to Soul & Sea Restaurant at 10718 Frankstown Ave. I stopped by and picked up a menu on Friday night. They offer shrimp and grits and chicken and waffles for breakfast, there are turkey ribs and signature soul cracker crusted pork chops for dinner. As for sides, there are greens, mac and cheese and corn on the cob and I was told they deliver. The Cakery Square bakery held its grand opening on Saturday in the Waterfront and the grand opening drew a large crowd. I have never seen that big of a crowd for the opening of a bakery. Thanks to a little face recognition, I was invited to peek in and received a sample cupcake. It was tasty and the baked goods looked great. I will be back. Also on Saturday night there was a ladies night out at A Woman’s Touch in Penn Hills. This is always a fun evening to try on clothes, enjoy some tasty food and talk with friends. This weekend was also FROG weekend. The FROGs is a men’s social organization that has been around since 1910. They held a formal dinner dance on Saturday and a picnic on Sunday. Watch this page for pictures and details. Also on Saturday there was Fashion at the Foyer. If you like fashion shows and like to go places where you can dress up, this would have been for you. Thanks to Facebook I saw some of the pictures from the event and it looked like a great show. There have been a lot of great fashion shows in the city and keep in mind, ladies and gentlemen, the Ebony Fashion Fair is not coming back. It is time to support this group of young fashionistas in their efforts. On Friday I stopped by the grand opening of The Shop and the second location of The Natural Choice located on N. Dallas Ave. in Homewood. Reportedly over 300 stopped by. The business is owned by barber and DJ Nate Mitchell. Also on Saturday there was the August Wilson Community Mural Painting Day. This looked like fun for the family and I understand they will do this again. So much to do, so little time, it’s a ‘burgh thing. (Email Debbie at debbienorrell@aol.com)
DAME VIVIAN HEWITT
THE CHARITABLE DONATION—Darryl Ford Williams, Ayisha Morgan–Lee and Judith Davenport
Pittsburgh Northeasterners host National Convention by Debbie Norrell Lifestyles Editor
The Northeasterners Inc. have been around since 1930. Agatha Scott, wife of Brigadier General Benjamin O. Davis Jr., in New York, founded the group. There are 12 chapters of The Northeasterners--Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, Indianapolis, New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Washington D.C. June 2-4 was when the Pittsburgh Chapter hosted the national convention. On June 3, the Northeasterners were fabulous in striking fascinators as they hosted the convention luncheon, “The Color of Jazz Celebrating The Hewitt Collection and Mary Lou Williams.” The soiree was held at the trendy Hotel Monaco in Downtown Pittsburgh. Each year at the convention a donation is given in the name of the Northeasterners to a non-profit organization that is making a difference in the African American community. This year, $12,500 was presented to The Hill Dance Academy Theatre (HDAT); $5000 of the award was from the national and $7500 was from the Pittsburgh Chapter. Convention co-chairs Judith Davenport and Darryl Ford Williams presented the donation to Ayisha Morgan–Lee, HDAT’s founder, CEO and Artistic Director. Nancy Washington introduced the dance presentation, “A Tribute to Mary Lou Williams” choreographed by Morgan-Lee and Winny Benaiah, then HDAT danced to the music by Mary Lou Williams’ “Roll ‘em” and “A Grand Night for Swinging.” Morgan-Lee received the award humbly and gracefully. HDAT was founded in 2005 by Morgan-Lee to provide children, youth and teens, ages 3 to 18 years of age, access and opportunity to dance. Since that time HDAT’s members have studied and performed with noted national master artists such as Carmen de Lavallade, Misty Copeland, and Debbie Allen, and have attended summer intensives with Joffrey Ballet and Dance Theatre of Harlem. After a delightful lunch, Dame Vivian Hewitt, a member of the New York Chapter of The Northeasterners, spoke to the group about her life as a collector of African American art. Hewitt said as a young bride she would rather have art than an appliance. The John and Vivian Hewitt Collection was on display at the August Wilson Center at the time of the convention. As the lunch concluded, the ladies boarded buses and headed to the August Wilson Center to view The Vivian and John Hewitt Collection.
HDAT PERFORMS
GLORIA WALTON—Says grace for the luncheon
PITTSBURGH NORTHEASTERNERS—Kathy Towns, Doris Carson Williams, Ann Haley, Claudette Lewis, Nancy Washington, Karen Farmer White and Elaine Effort
PITTSBURGH NORTHEASTERNERS—Margaret Pettigrew, Iva Kelly DeHoney, Gloria Walton, Margaret Burley, Nicole Primas Gaines, Louise Ford
PITTSBURGH NORTHEASTERNERS—Darryl Ford Williams, Janet Spencer, Eunice Anderson, Anita Burley, Mona Generett, Judith Davenport (Photos by Debbie Norrell)
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Three important reasons to talk hearing health at your next physical exam (BPT)—When was the last time you and your doctor talked about your hearing? The fact is, only about 3 in 10 adults who had a physical exam in the last year say it included a hearing screening, according to research conducted by the Better Hearing Institute (BHI). That’s a shame, because research shows that hearing health is more closely tied to whole health and quality of life than previously understood—which means that diagnosing and treating hearing loss early may be beneficial on many fronts. To help people take charge of their hearing health, BHI has created a free digital flipbook, “How to Talk to Your Doctor About Hearing Loss,” which anyone can view and download at www.betterhearing. org/news/how-talk-yourdoctor-about-hearing-loss. The flipbook provides pertinent information
to help consumers start the discussion, which is especially important because research shows that patients are more likely to initiate the conversation about hearing than their doctors are. To go along with the free flipbook, BHI has put together this short list of reasons to speak up and start the conversation on your hearing: 1. Hearing loss has been linked to other significant health issues. In recent years, a flurry of studies has come out showing a link between hearing loss and other health issues, including depression, dementia, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, moderate chronic kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, sleep apnea, obesity, an increased risk of falls, hospitalization and mortality, and cognitive decline. With so much new and emerging research, it makes sense for people to talk with their doctors
about their hearing as a routine part of their medical care. 2. Addressing hearing loss often has a positive impact on quality of life. Most people who currently wear hearing aids say it has helped their general ability to communicate, participate in group activities and
their overall quality of life, according to BHI research. The research also shows that people with hearing loss who use hearing aids are more likely to be optimistic, feel engaged in life, get more pleasure in doing things, have a strong social network and are more likely to tackle problems
actively. Many even say they feel more confident and better about themselves as a result of using hearing aids. 3. Leaving hearing loss untreated may come at a financial cost. Most hearing aid users in the workforce say it has helped their performance on the
job. In fact, BHI research found that using hearing aids reduced the risk of income loss by 90 to 100 percent for those with milder hearing loss, and from 65 to 77 percent for those with severe to moderate hearing loss. People with untreated hearing loss can lose as much as $30,000 in income annually, the BHI research found. Health care spending may also be affected. For instance, middle-aged adults (55-64) with diagnosed hearing loss had substantially higher health care costs, according to a study published in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, indicating that hearing loss may place patients at risk for increased health care use and costs. The study authors suggested that early, successful intervention may prevent future hearing-related disabilities and decreased quality of life. For more information on hearing loss, visit BetterHearing.org.
ENTERTAINER New Pittsburgh Courier
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JULY 19-25, 2017
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
Cover To Cover Iconic Singer Johnny Mathis performs at Heinz Hall July 22
‘Sin of a Woman’
by Terri Schlichenmeyer For New Pittsburgh Courier
Nothing’s set in stone. Few things are. Lucky for you, there’s usually a chance to change your mind or have a do-over. You can often get another go at something because few things are that firmly decided. As in the new book “Sin of a Woman” by Kimberla Lawson Roby, you can sometimes have a second chance. More and more every day, Porsha Harrington got on Pastor Raven Jones Black’s last nerve. But Raven absolutely had to put up with Porsha, which was part of the problem: Porsha, inheritor of her father’s estate and mistress of Raven’s then-husband-now-ex, had given Raven $250,000 to start New Vision Christian Center. The partnership would make them both rich; Raven would be the church leader, Porsha would be the assistant pastor, they’d both get paid from member con-
by Merecedes J. Howze For New Pittsburgh Courier
If you combine “The Hangover” (2009) and “Bridesmaids” (2011), it still won’t compare to the excitement and quality of Malcolm D. Lee’s “Girls Trip.” Starring Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Regina Hall, and Tiffany Haddish, the Flossy Posse head to New Orleans for the Essence Festival after a fiveyear hiatus. Tension and drinks fly as the women try to enjoy their trip and re-
(“Sin of a Woman” by Kimberla Lawson Roby, c.2017, Grand Central Publishing, $26/312 pages.)
Merecedes on…
JOHNNY MATHIS
‘The Voice of Romance’ by Genea L. Webb For New Pittsburgh Courier
tributions and tithes. That is, as long as Raven could tolerate being near Porsha. Which wasn’t long. Years ago, Raven spent time in prison for embezzlement from the church belonging to her ex-father-in-law, Rev. Curtis Black. She’d also stolen some money from a loan shark, and she’d told huge lies all the way to the bank. But that was all coming around to bite her now, and she needed another scheme to get everyone off her back. If she could start with Porsha and make money doing it, well, all’s the better. So Raven just cooked up another lie. Something was missing from Porsha Harrington’s life. She was single, for one. More than anything, Porsha wanted to be married with a family, a desire that was so strong, it shocked her. Something else shocked her, too: she realized, in prayerful moments, that the men she’d mostly chosen were married ones, and God just couldn’t be happy about that at all. Instead, He seemed to be leading her to become more active at New Vision, and that made her heart glad. So did Dillon, the man she’d cheated with once, who’d now turned over a new leaf himself. God would point Porsha into the direction she needed to be. He had plans for her. Too bad Raven did, too. Oh, yes. Now there you go: a novel with scandal, back-stabbing, nastiness, prayer, gutter behavior, responsibility, and pure entertainment. That’s “Sin of a Woman.” And yet, just because author Lawson Roby has put one of literature’s worst-behaved characters in a book that strongly features that character’s delicious awfulness doesn’t mean that the book itself is horrible. No, readers will be surprised to see that, while this story is sexy and wonderfully outrageous, it’s also rather tame; Roby veers away when the bedroom door closes, so there’s nothing offensive here.
All Pittsburgh Black women need a ‘Girls Trip’
Music has always had a special place in balladeer Johnny Mathis’ heart, and he’s spent the last 61 years blessing his fans with songs that have stood the test of time. Mathis will be returning to Pittsburgh to perform with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra for a onenight engagement on Saturday, July 22 as a part of his Voice of Romance tour. “I do some very special songs with the symphony. It’s a very special time for me because it’s the only time that I get to sing certain songs,” Mathis told the New Pittsburgh Courier in an exclusive interview. “I have a wonderful guitar player, Gill Reigers, who has been with me for about 40 years so I bring him out front to do some songs and he performs with the orchestra, too. It’s very intimate. “I’m excited about performing with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra because they are some of the best musicians in the world. I grew up listening to all kinds of music. My voice teachers all suggested that it would be helpful for me to listen to all kinds of music, so I’ve grown to enjoy listening to their music and I’ve learned to keep the attention of the audience by utilizing part of the orchestra. Then, when the whole orchestra comes in it sounds like that. I have to be on my toes when I sing with orchestras because they are some of the best musicians in the world,” Mathis said. “It’s a big thrill for me as a singer to perform with some of the best orchestras. The people who come to listen to the orchestra are some of the best listeners, so I’m a happy man when I come to Pittsburgh.” Fans will be treated to a culmination of the 81-year-old’s hits as well as new gems from his two current efforts, “Johnny Mathis: The Voice of Romance The Columbia Original Albums Collection,” which showcases first-time-on-CD debuts from his 61 years in music with Columbia Records (from 1956 to present day. 68 original albums remastered on CD, some albums and unreleased archival material are on CD for the first time in one boxed set.) “That is a compilation of every song that I’ve ever recorded for Columbia Records—the good, the bad and the ugly,” laughed Mathis, who grew up in San Francisco. “It’s one of those once-ina-lifetime things. The record company thought there is an audience for the music but I wish there was a lot of stuff that I wish they hadn’t released because sometimes I had to record the song while
I was on the road, and when I listen to some of that I’m like, ‘Oh boy I needed more time on that one,’ but a lot of it they release because of that and I swallow real hard and say OK.” The set will be released in the fall. Fans will also be treated to a sampling of his forthcoming album, “Johnny Mathis sings the Great New American Songbook,” which is being produced by Jay Landers and Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds and finds Mathis delivering his signature sound to songs by some of music’s contemporary icons like Whitney Houston, R. Kelly and Pharrell Williams. “I tried to take advantage of the fact that people seem to like the sound of my voice, so I tried to find songs that have a little melody to them. Nowadays it’s kind of tough because the kids like a lot of words and most of the songs are words, words, words, words, words and not
much melody,” Mathis told the Courier. “I think one of the reasons is that the kids nowadays who have success are songwriters as opposed to singers so they write songs that they can sing.” Mathis continued, “This particular album is one of my favorites because I’m working with Babyface and he got me going in a good direction, something that he’s very comfortable with. I’m very excited about it. The songs are probably familiar to the listening public. It’s always a new experience with a new producer, I depend a lot on the producer to say this is what’s interesting now to the listening public so let’s sing this kind of music.” This album is set to be released later this summer. Mathis took a break from his busy recording schedule to receive an honorary degree from his alma mater, San Francisco State University, in May. The crooner attended the university for a few semesters on a sports scholarship before receiving his recording contract before he could legally drink.
“I had no idea that I would become a professional singer at such an early age. What I thought I would do was teaching. I was trying to prepare just in case things didn’t work out musically. I was on track to doing that but I also had plans; what if I made It as a professional singer, and I did, and it solved all of my problems,” Mathis laughed. When Mathis isn’t performing or recording, he enjoys listening to Brazilian music, reading and playing golf and watching sports and the news. Mathis got his love for music from his father who was a musician himself. “My dad was my best pal. Even though he had seven children, he spent a lot of precious time with all of us,” Mathis recalled. “I was the only one who took to listening to him play the piano and sing. My other brothers and sisters were older or either younger and I was right there for him so it was a catalyst between my father and
myself—music was that catalyst. I thought he was just the cat’s meow. He was not only my dad but he could do these wonderful things: he could play the piano and he could sing and I thought that was the greatest. He had my attention from a very early age. I learned my first songs, which were favorites of his and I eventually recorded everything my dad taught me. Most of the songs were kind of country western because that’s where he grew up, in Texas,” Mathis said. “He was just the best pal in the world and I wanted to do everything to please him. The most important thing he ever told me musically was take some lessons and learn how to conserve your voice so you won’t strain it. I learned voice production, how to preserve your voice so you won’t strain it and that’s been my saving grace all these years.”
Movies
kindle their sisterhood. Queen Latifah and Jada Pinkett-Smith were already a part of a bad girls group in 1996’s “Set It Off,” which they reference in the film. The best buds reunite after 21 years and manage to gain two new besties. “Girls Trip” reminds us that, regardless of turmoil or disagreements, Black women have an unbreakable bond amongst their closest friends. This movie is an uplifting, tear-jerking ball of entertainment. On screen, the women mesh so well and (Tickets to the July 22 show can create a friendly reminder be purchased by visiting trustarts. of what it is like to hang org or by calling 412-392-4900.) with your girls. Regina Hall is mild-mannered and gorgeous. Queen Latifah is representing for all of the big girls with a tasteful, flaunting wardrobe. Jada Pinkett-Smith puts all other 45-year-olds to shame with her impeccable physique. But, the newest actress to Hollywood stole the show. Tiffany Haddish is raunchy, cross-the-line funny, and simply effervescent. I couldn’t imagine any other leading actress playing that role. She nailed it. She is just as comedically-appealing in NBC’s sitcom “The Carmichael Show,” JOHNNY MATHIS where she plays Nekeisha, the estranged wife of the family’s son. Slightly off topic…but it’s extremely sad that “The Carmichael Show” will not be returning to NBC for a fourth season. But I digress… “Girls Trip” is a sprinkle of Black Girl Magic, a dash of flavor, and way too many pleasantries to count. The cast is remarkable; an amazing group of women to positively change the narrative about Black women. This film leaves a lasting footprint in the sand of comedy film. I can definitely see a “Girls Trip 2” in the near future. Shoutout to my own favorite girls; Maisha, Rhonda, Mariah, Rachel, Bianca, Rozlynn, Alin, and Ebony P. Like in the film, these ladies give me the freedom to be myself, the courage to follow my dreams, and the audacity to correct me when I am wrong. With my wedding quickly approaching, I am sure we’ll have our own “Girls Trip” soon. Ladies, grab your girlJOHNNY MATHIS, getting a kiss from Natalie Cole, in 2014. Cole friends for “Girls Trip,” in died in 2015. (AP Photo) theaters Friday, July 21.
RELIGION
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Church Circuit ST. JAMES AME COMEDY NIGHT
JULY 28—St. James AME Church, 444 Lincoln Ave., will hold Comedy Night, featuring Christian comedian Michael L. Wright, at the Church, at 6:30 p.m. Cost for the dinner and comedy show is $25. Proceeds benefit the Boiler Campaign. Come enjoy an evening of laughter and fellowship. For more information, call 412-5922336.
‘Positive stories in Black Pittsburgh’ Our website, www.newpittsburghcourier.com, is the ONLY place in Pittsburgh with a feature dedicated to highlighting
the positive people, groups, businesses and organizations in Pittsburgh’s African American Community. We invite you to visit
ST. JAMES AME FLEA MARKET
AUGUST 5—St. James AME Church, 444 Lincoln Ave., will hold the “New to You Part 2 Flea Market,” from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Church. Choose from an array of items that will be on display for sale. For more information, call 412-592-2336.
HOMEWOOD AME ZION DAY
newpittsburghcourier.com each day to see the latest ‘Positive Stories in Black Pittsburgh.’ Below are a few of the many stories featured…
From Battered to Blessed
MIRACLE MINISTRIES OPEN HOUSE
AUGUST 5—The Miracle Ministries/Beaver Valley College of Theology announces its annual Open House and Registration, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Miracle School of Ministry, 702 Davis St., Aliquippa. Classes begin on September 7 from 7 to 9 p.m. For more information, contact Dr. Corelia Armstead at 724378-3224.
JULY 19-25, 2017
Rev. Cheryl Jones-Ross turned her life around, and founded Greater Hope Restoration Ministries in the South Hills. “I’ve had a very colorful life,” Rev. Jones-Ross said. She said her church “makes people comfortable, they can voice something that they are going through and they won’t be condemned.”
Mass Sunday 9:00 A.M. & 11:00 A.M. Sunday (Gospel Choir Mass) 11:00 A.M. www.stbtmchurch.org
METROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH 22 Sampsonia Street, Northside Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412-231-2554 FAX 412-231-6395 Rev. Lacy F. Richardson, Ph.D., Pastor Church School.................................9:30 A.M. Worship Service.................8:00 & 10:45 A.M. Bible Study/ Prayer Wednesday...................6:30/7:30 P.M.
www.cathedralofhope.com
Summer Worship.........10 a.m.
Pittsburgh’s Anwan Wesley is always busy…but it’s for an outstanding cause…teaching youth the game of life through basketball. “There’s a need,” Wesley said. “There’s a not a lot of strong, positive male leadership out here these days.”
New Destiny CME Church 1018 Bidwell St. Pittsburgh, PA 15233 412-231-7882 Rev. Kornelus Neal, pastor The Rt. Rev. Marvin Thomas Sr., presiding bishop Sunday School....................................9 A.M. Morning Worship Service............11:00 A.M.
Brasher grad Narue Pearson on the rise Narue Pearson is a very talented singer, and he recently came back to his alma mater to sing for the students at Brashear. “I always knew I could sing,” Pearson said. “But when I was younger, I didn’t really focus on music as much, I just wanted to party and all that.” Pearson’s goal these days… “To win a Grammy.”
SECOND BAPTIST VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
‘Tayler’ made for success
To have your church included in the Praise & Worship section, contact Ashley Johnson at 412-481-8302 ext. 128 for rates.
Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community! For rate information, call 412481-8302, ext. 128.
Soon-to-be IUP sophomore Tayler Kirkland was recently named Pittsburgh Promise Executive Scholar. She also loves to volunteer. “My mom always told us to give back,” Kirkland said. “When I’m doing the coat drive that I do annually, a lot of the kids come up to me and say thank you, or thank you for the toys.”
Zaniab Adisa awarded writing scholarship The CAPA grad was named a national Gold Medal Portfolio recipient in the 2017 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. And it doesn’t stop there. She was awarded a $10,000 cash scholarship! “If I had to pick my favorites,” said Adisa, “I’d probably say playwriting and poetry, and I’ve started dabbling into non-fiction.”
of Black Pittsburgh
Crawford & Centre Ave. Pgh., PA 15219 412-281-3141
Rev. Dr. Randy Bush, Senior Pastor 412-441-3800 116 S. Highland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Coach Wan reaches youth through basketball
AUGUST 10-12—Trinity AME Zion Church, 3105 Allendale St., will host the Christian Education Department Eastern Regional Meeting, at the Church. The theme of the meeting is “Connecting to our Purpose” (Romans 12:1-2). Host Pastor is Rev. Joseph D. Lewis I, conference director is Rev. Dina Martin, host Bishop is Bishop W. Darin Moore, Washington DC. For more information, call 412331-5255.
is The Voice
ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH
East Liberty Presbyterian Church
TRINITY AME EASTERN MEETING
The Courier
Praise & Worship
www.metropolitanbaptistchurch.com metropolitanbaptist2224@gmail.com
AUGUST 5—The Homewood AME Zion Church Annual Community Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Church, 724 N. Homewood Ave. This is a free event, with refreshments, music, face painting, games, health awareness and prizes. For more information, call 412-613-6188.
AUGUST 7-11—Second Baptist Church, 108 W. 12th Ave, Homestead, invites all children ages 5 to 18 to attend Vacation Bible School, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This year’s program is entitled, “Glow for Jesus” with the theme, “Let your light shine.” Plenty of crafts, games, music/mime, Bible lessons to inspire everyone to excel in everything they do. To register, call 412-414-6276.
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See numerous other ‘Positive Stories in Black Pittsburgh,’ right now at www.newpittsburghcourier.com
TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEXT CHURCH EVENT! We want to place your event in our Church Circuit weekly calendar! Send info to: New Pittsburgh Courier 315 E. Carson St. Pittsburgh PA 15219 Or Email us! religion@ newpittsburgh courier.com
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PEOPLE
JULY 19-25, 2017
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Free dental clinic for kids, adults, July 28-29 at Palumbo Center The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned about a FREE Dental Clinic, open to those in need of dental care, Friday July 28 and Saturday July 29 at the A.J. Palumbo Center in Uptown. Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh will deploy hundreds of volunteer dental clinicians, nurses, pharmacists, and general volunteers who will assist with dental diagnoses, basic restorative fillings, tooth extractions, and cleanings at no charge to adults and children above age 2. Oral Cancer screenings will also be provided. There is no preregistration needed. There are no income or eligibility requirements. Registration is first-come, firstserve, beginning at 6 a.m. each day. The event is hosted by Face2FaceHealing, a Pitts-
burgh-based nonprofit, co-founded by Karen Scuilli, RN, MSN, MBA and Daniel Pituch, DMD, MD. “The connection between dental health and overall health is significant,” said Dr. Pituch in a release promoting the event. “Poor dental health can tax the immune system, and can lead to cardiovascular disease because of the inflammation and infections oral bacteria can cause. Periodontitis has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight, and poor dental health causes pain, discomfort and embarrassment for the individual affected. Despite this, statistics tell us that 47percent of people in need of dental care have never seen a dentist.” Dr. Pituch continued, “Many of those who will be served are from work-
ing families who do not have access to dental care or cannot afford dental insurance. Mission of Mercy dental clinic can be life-changing for patients, especially the homeless, the working poor, women in shelters, and children whose families do not have the means to see a dentist. By providing care, we help underserved patients move on to a better chapter in their lives.” Poor dental care in children is particularly prevalent. While CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) guarantees dental coverage for millions of low-income children, not all providers will accept CHIP or Medicaid. One in five children have untreated dental cavities, making tooth decay the number one health issue among U.S. youth.
“Lack of care often drives individuals to emergency rooms when pain becomes unbearable,” said Dr. Richard Celko of UPMC Health Plan. “Because ERs are not equipped to provide traditional dental care, they can
often only issue medication and referrals. The cost of a dental ER visit is three times as much as a routine dental visit and the patient leaves with no change to the condition that drove them to seek emergency
care.” For more information on this event, visit www. mompgh.org. To become a volunteer for this event, please also visit www. mompgh.org. The deadline is July 24.
A well-deserved honor on the House Floor
PBMF HONORED—From left; state Rep. Jake Wheatley Jr. LaMont Jones, Jr. Brian A. Cook Sr., Tory N. Parrish, Chris Moore, Speaker of the House Mike Turzai, Tene’ Croom, state Rep. Harry Readshaw, Sheila Beasley and state Rep. Edward C. Gainey.
Sheila Beasley, chair of the Pittsburgh Black Media Federation’s Soul Café, checks in with the New Pittsburgh Courier concerning PBMF’s honor by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania House of Representatives! It occurred June 7 at the state Capitol in Harrisburg. PBMF members were recognized on the
house oor and received proclamations, saluting the success of PBMF’s dedication to diversity in newsrooms, hosting programs that recognize excellent media coverage of minority communities, and assisting young aspiring journalists. The proclamations were signed by state Reps. Ed Gainey and Jake Wheatley Jr.
BRANDY DOTSON, with DISAYA, 10
RENEE WIMBISH
Pittsburgh loves... The Steelers... The Steelers... And the New Pittsburgh Courier...“The VOICE of Black Pittsburgh.”
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PEOPLE
JULY 19-25, 2017
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Security Safety Day in the Hill District
RHINO SECURITY held Security Safety Day at Skyline Terrace in the Hill District, July 8. In the left photo, Serenity Thomas, 6, is seen with Trooper Robin Mungo. In the right photo, Lisa Epps of the Pittsburgh Fire Department is seen with 2-year-old London Gaines and mother, Jessica. (Photos by J.L. Martello)
It’s the HOTTEST Hour in Pittsburgh Radio!
WAMO 100’s TEE JAY
WAMO 100’s KIKI BROWN
Three Legendary DJs. One HOT show. Thursdays at 5 p.m., it’s the “5 O’Clock Throwback Thursday Traffic Jam with Kiki, Tee Jay and Nick Nice! Only on WAMO 100.1 FM! Presented by the New Pittsburgh Courier! This isn’t FAKE NEWS. This is...the HOTTEST Hour in Pittsburgh Radio...on your ride home each Thursday!
Who has Talent in the ‘Burgh?
The New Pittsburgh Courier wants to spotlight local individuals who are talented in the arts, culture and entertainment scene. This includes vocalists, rap artists, dancers, actors, musicians, authors, playwrights, and more! Tell our managing editor, Rob Taylor Jr., all about them! E-mail: rtaylor@newpittsburgh courier.com Phone: 412-481-8302 ext. 135
WAMO 100’s NICK NICE
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PEOPLE
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
PITTSBURGH’S VINTAGE GRAND PRIX was held July 15-16, as vintage sports cars raced through the streets of Schenley Park. Courier photographer J.L. Martello captured the event in photos.
PITTSBURGH’S OWN KORREY WALLACE
Giant Eagle is ‘The Place’ to get your Courier every week! The Courier thanks you for continuing to support our publication by picking up your $1 copy! We are absolutely dedicated to keeping Pittsburgh’s African American community informed, enlightened, and uplifted. We will continue spotlighting positive stories in our community, while holding elected officials, companies and businesses accountable for their actions which may negatively impact the Black community. Here’s where you can find the Courier each week Giant Eagle Frankstown Rd. East Hills Giant Eagle Rodi Rd. Penn Hills Giant Eagle Monroeville Blvd. Giant Eagle East Liberty Giant Eagle Shadyside Giant Eagle Edgewood Towne Center Giant Eagle Homestead Waterfront Giant Eagle 20th St. South Side Giant Eagle Cedar Ave. North Side Giant Eagle Crafton Ingram Shopping Center Giant Eagle McKeesport Giant Eagle Yost Blvd. Braddock Hills Giant Eagle West Mif in Kennywood Giant Eagle Waterworks Mall Giant Eagle Squirrel Hill Giant Eagle ree field GETGO Baum Blvd. Shadyside GETGO Wilkinsburg GETGO Penn Hills Thanks for reading and supporting the New Pittsburgh Courier, “The VOICE of Black Pittsburgh!”
BUSINESS New Pittsburgh Courier
Stan Savran speaks his mind—Part 2 Sports B7
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Avoid becoming a victim at the car repair garage by Tom Krisher AP Auto Writer
DETROIT (AP)—It’s the moment every car owner dreads. The mechanic comes out of the garage to say your ride needs repairs costing hundreds of dollars. Then two big questions pop into your brain: Are the fixes really needed? Am I being overcharged? There might not be a way around getting the car fixed, but there are ways to stay in control of the situation. But it takes some work and planning both before and after the big repairs come: GET TO KNOW A MECHANIC Establish a relationship and find a repair shop you can trust —or risk big problems. Good old word-of-mouth still is probably the best way to pick a garage, says George Geropoulos, service adviser at Ted’s Auto Clinic in northwest Chicago. Ask like-minded friends and neighbors where they go. With or without a recommendation, check online and find shops in your area that have mechanics with Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification. Also look for AAA certified garages and other training for technicians. Check online reviews. Shops that rely heavily on a particular neighborhood for their customers will take extra care to make sure people are happy. When you find a garage, take your car in for an oil change and inspection. See if the people seem honest and are willing to take time to explain a problem. “It’s like a dating relationship,” says Jill Trotta, director of the automotive group at RepairPal.com, an online service that provides price estimates for auto repairs. The oil change is like having coffee with someone. Getting a small repair done is like going to dinner. A major repair can establish a long-term relationship. “If you do your due diligence up front, when something bad goes wrong, you can feel more comfortable,” Trotta says. GETTING TO THE TRUTH Say the mechanic says that grinding noise in your front end signals your brake pads need to be replaced. How do you know he’s telling the truth? Brake pad replacement is almost always accompanied by resurfacing or replacing the rotors, the round things that brake pads grab onto. That can drive the price up more. A good mechanic will take you into the garage, show you worn-out parts and explain the problems if you ask. If you’re not there, ask the shop to send you cellphone pictures of the worn pads and other parts. Make note of exactly what parts are being replaced. If it’s an expensive repair and you’re still a little skeptical, tell the mechanic you need to wait for your next paycheck to get the repair done, or you’re just not ready to do it now. Then get a second opinion, even if the next shop charges you for it, says Ron Montoya, senior consumer advice editor for the Edmunds.com automotive website. A simple Google search also will tell you if the problem the garage pointed out is common for your car, Geropoulos says. THE PRICE IS RIGHT Once you’ve determined that the repair is needed, there are ways to make sure the price is right. There are several websites such as RepairPal that have data on what prices you should be charged. Costs can vary widely across the country, so in addition to make, model and model year, the sites ask for your ZIP Code. RepairPal even has a mobile app for smartphones, so you could do the price check right inside the shop. Some sites give you estimates from several nearby shops. RepairPal uses the same database garages use to figure out how long a repair should take. The site shows you the hourly labor rate and part cost data that comes from repair garages. It’ll give you a price range for what the repair should cost. You can also call another shop or two and ask what they’d normally charge for the same repair on your model. Trotta, whose service makes money by certifying garages and charging them $199 per month to be a recommended shop on the RepairPal site, says the site calculates a fair price for quality repairs done with quality parts. The lowest price may not be the best deal. Trotta says some garages will sell inferior, less-expensive parts that won’t last as long. “The cheapest thing to do when getting your car repaired is to fix it right the first time,” she says.
PITTSBURGH-AREA HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS attended Point Park’s Accounting Career Awareness program, held June 25-30. (Photos by Annie Brewer/Point Park University)
Point Park University hosts High School Accounting Career Awareness program PITTSBURGH—Completing its fifth year, the Accounting Career Awareness Program at Point Park University continues to engage high school students in the accounting field through visits to public accounting firms, hands-on workshops and presentations from a variety of business professionals throughout the Pittsburgh region. Amanda Dabbs with Point Park University told the New Pittsburgh Courier roughly 15 high school students, along with student volunteers from Point Park, attended the weeklong program. The program ran from June 25-June 30. Part of the National Association of Black Accountants, Inc., ACAP’s goal is to increase understanding among high school students in underrepresented minority groups about the field of accounting and its career opportunities. Edward Scott, C.P.A., M.B.A., Point Park’s George Rowland White Endowed Professor in Accounting and Finance, began ACAP at Point Park in 2013 and continues to lead the program each year with the help of several Point Park students from the Rowland School of Business.
In addition to accounting, students were exposed to entrepreneurial thinking, financial literacy, public speaking, networking, etiquette dining, living on a college campus and more during the six-day program. Recreational activities mixed in throughout the week included bowling, laser tag and an evening trip to Kennywood Amusement Park. Point Park University SEE POINT PARK B2
Automotive Hall of Fame to induct former GM VP of Global Design Edward Welburn by Alisha Dixon For New Pittsburgh Courier
EDWARD WELBURN
The Automotive Hall of Fame will hold its 2017 Induction and Awards Gala Ceremony on Thursday, July 20 at Cobo Center to recognize four global automotive leaders for their contributions to the automotive industry. The award is the industry’s highest honor. This year’s inductees include Albert Bombassei, August Fruehauf, Jack Roush and Edward Welburn, recently retired General Motors Vice-President of Global Design. “I was excited initially, but it has really grown from that. I don’t think anyone could understand how much of an impact this is having on me. The passion I’ve had for automobiles since my childhood is based on
the cars I saw while growing up. These legendary cars were designed by designers who are now in the Hall of Fame. It’s those designers that have been my heroes since my childhood,” Welburn said about being inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame. “Now, I’ll be listed along with my heroes. It’s unbelievable the impact it’s having on me.” Referred to as “the man who brought beauty back to GM,” Welburn is the highest-ranking African American in the global automotive industry. During his 44-year Career, Welburn rose through General Motors’ ranks beginning as GM’s first ever African American designer to becoming the first African American to lead GM’s global design division, a position he held from 2003-2016. “I was the first African American designer hired by GM and it wasn’t something that I thought about at the time. I just wanted to design cars,” said Welburn. As head of GM Design, Welburn was GM’s sixth head of design and the first to lead the company’s design division on a global level. Welburn managed the designs of the latest Corvette, Camaro, Malibu, Buick LaCrosse and Enclave and Cadillac CTS and numerous concepts that include the Buick Invicta and Avista and Cadillac Ciel. Born in Philadelphia, Welburn’s love for
cars began during his childhood. A trip to the 1958 Philadelphia International Auto Show, he revealed, was a pivotal moment for the then 8 year-old. “I’ve been drawing cars since I was 2 1/2. At age 8, I was at the auto show with my parents and I saw a concept car that just totally blew my mind and I told my parents right there, at age 8, that when I grow up I’m going to design cars for that company. It was the Cadillac Cyclone concept,” the former GM VP said about deciding to become a designer. “By age 11, I figured out where that car and other GM cars were designed and I wrote a letter to GM Design asking for guidance in becoming a designer and they encouraged me to keep sketching cars and to study design.” That guidance inspired Welburn to study product design and sculpture at Howard University’s College of Fine Arts where he earned a bachelor of fine arts degree in 1972. After graduating from Howard, he was hired by General Motors as a junior designer before becoming GM’s head of Global Design. “When you are in the same category as Henry Ford, Alfred Sloan at General Motors, Walter P. Chrysler, Mr. Honda, Mr. Toyota, Karl Benz… Those are obviously SEE AUTOMOTIVE B2
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BUSINESS
JULY 19-25, 2017
BUSINESS CALENDAR Duquesne Export Basics
AUG. 3—The Duquesne University Small Business Center will host Export Basics, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., in 108 Rockwell Hall, 600 Forbes Ave., Uptown. Topics include: Recognizing export opportunities; Shipping & payment; Legal & regulatory aspect of exporting; Sources for information & assistance, and cultural issues. Fee: $49. For more information, call 412-396-6233.
Mon Valley Job Fair
AUG. 4—Mon Valley Initiative and the Southwestern Pennsylvania Re-Entry Coalition will host “Jump Start Your Job Search,” 12 to 2 p.m., at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit offices, 475 East Waterfront Drive, Homestead. Employers scheduled to attend and conduct on-site interviews include Allegheny Health Network, Christian Home Healthcare, Eat’n Park Hospitality Group, LGC Hospitality Staffing, McConway & Torley Group, Omni William Penn Hotel, PeopleReady, Rice Enterprises LLC, Rivers Casino, Superior Home Care and Wofford-ECE Consulting. For more information contact Camille Smith at 412-464-4000, or email csmith@monvalleyinitiative.com.
Business Workshop
AUG. 12—The Chatham’s Women Business Center in partnership with SCORE Pittsburgh present a Build Your Business Workshop to entrepreneurs interested in starting or expanding their business. From 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Eastside campus, 6585 Penn Ave. Business experts and seasoned entrepreneurs will discuss the following topics: business planning, marketing and sales, financing, legal issues and business lessons learned. A continental breakfast will be provided. Fee $10. For more information, contact Anne Flynn Schlicht at 412365-1153.
Training Program
AUG. 16—The Chatham’s Women Business Center presents a six-week “Concept to Launch” training course, on six consecutive Wednesdays from until September 13 at the Eastside campus, 6585 Penn Ave. The program, designed for women in the early stages of starting a business, will focus on: developing a business concept; industry and market research; identifying target customers; pricing and marketing strategies; startup financials; legal business entities, and pitching the business. Cost $95, with 50-percent, need-based scholarships made available by Bridgeway Capital. For more information and to register, call 412365-1153.
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Study: Black homeownership falls to 4.2 percent For the 12th consecutive year, America’s national homeownership rate has declined, according Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies’ annual report, State of the Nation’s Housing 2017. This year’s report also found these declines vary by race and ethnicity. As some might expect, the steepest homeownership decline occurred in Black communities, where the percentage of homeowners dropped to 42.2 percent. Among the nation’s largest metro areas, Black homeownership declined the greatest in Atlanta, Baltimore, Dallas and Detroit. By contrast, Latino-American homeownership is higher at 46 percent; but both communities of color severely lag behind the nearly 72 percent rate of White homeownership. “The ability of most US households to become homeowners,” states the report, “depends on the availability and affordability of financing.” And therein lies the crux
of the problem: access and affordability. Charlene Crowell The lack of access to mortgage financing in Black America has a long history rooted in outright discrimination by private actors such as banks, and supported by inequitable federal housing policies that favored White communities, nation increased from about while intentionally disad- 700 in 2005 to 732 in 2016. vantaging Black communiJust as communities of ties. This discrimination hin- color were wrongly targetdered generations of Black ed for predatory and highfamilies from entering and cost mortgages that pushed remaining among America’s them into foreclosure, these middle class. These practices same communities are the also resulted in lower levels most likely to have suffered of both Black wealth and credit score declines from homeownership. foreclosures, unemployment Today, applying for a mort- or delinquent debt—or a gage means a visit to a bank combination of all three. where high incomes, low According to a 2017 CFED debt and high credit scores report, A Downpayment on are among the most favored the Divide, the mortgage measures for loan applica- denial rate for Blacks is tion success. Since the fore- more than 25 percent, near closure crisis, according to 20 percent for Latinos but the JCHS report, the median just over 10 percent for credit score for an owner-oc- White applicants. cupied home purchase origiThe issue of housing affordability is just as challenging. CFED also found that Whites are three times more likely than Blacks to receive financial assistance from families to pay for down payments and other upfront costs that accompany a mortgage. The racial disparity is due to Amerithe dorms with the other ca’s history of whites being ACAP students.”—Brennen able to accumulate wealth Crawford, junior, The Kiski through homeownership opSchool in Saltsburg, Pa. portunity while Blacks were “I learned that there are denied. As a result, Black so many different career households typically delay areas you can go into with homeownership 8 years lonaccounting.”—Arielle El- ger than Whites, resulting lison, senior, Art Academy in a comparable delay in at Benjamin Rush High building home equity. JCHS also found that nearly 39 million American families are financially challenged with their cost of housing. So is the American Dream of homeownership realistic
Commentary
Point Park hosts High School Accounting program POINT PARK FROM B1
2017 accounting and business management graduate Destiny Medina served as a professional mentor at ACAP this year. In August, Medina will begin working for Big Four Accounting Firm EY (Ernst & Young) as a staff assurance accountant—a position she landed before graduating from Point Park this past spring. “ T h i s y e a r ’ s ACAP was an amazing experience. It was great to see the students engaged in the sessions. Watching the students present their business proposals with such pride meant a lot to everyone involved with the program,” Medina explained. Medina added: “It is extremely important for students to be introduced to the accounting profession in high school because it opens the door to so many opportunities. Accounting is the platform for so many things in the business world so it’s important to get that message out as early as possible.” In Their Own Words: Feedback from 2017 ACAP Students “I really enjoyed working on the team business plan. It was also fun staying in
enormous names in the car business and from the Automotive Hall of Fame’s perspective, this year’s inductees are comparable to those names,” William Chapin, president, Automotive Hall of Fame said about Welburn’s induction.
they now hold along with Federal Housing Administration issued mortgages. “Home equity accounts for only 30 percent of the net worth for wealthier households,” continued Calhoun, “but constitutes 67 percent for middle-to-low income households. Home equity accounts for 53 percent of African-American wealth as compared to 39 percent for Whites.” Homebuyers of the future will be more racially and ethnically diverse than those of the past. The JCHS reported that non-whites accounted for 60 percent of household growth from 1995-2015. By 2035, it predicts that half of millennial households will be non-white. When communities of all sizes, colors, and economies succeed, so does America. While much of our nation has financially recovered from the foreclosure crisis that brought the loss of homes, jobs, businesses, and wealth, recovery has been uneven and left many communities behind. Those entrusted with leadership roles in the public and private sectors must agree that it is in our national interest to ensure that the recovery is inclusive and sustainable longterm. Broad access to mortgage credit still helps families and the national economy. “The goal must be to ensure that the full universe of creditworthy borrowers—regardless of where they live, including in rural areas, or who they are—have access to the credit they need to be able to secure a mortgage so that they can build their American dreams,” concluded Calhoun.
(Charlene Crowell is the communications deputy director for the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene. crowell@responsiblelending.org.)
African Americans failed at our first wealth-building opportunity School in Philadelphia, Pa. “I want to pursue a career in business. ACAP has been a great opportunity to network with professionals in the field. My favorite part was the visits to the accounting firms. I got a really good understanding of how they work, how they hire people and learned about both the fun and stressful parts of the job.”—Antoine Mosley, senior, Baldwin High School in Pittsburgh, Pa. “I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the business field, but wasn’t sure the direction. This program has made me much more interested in the accounting field.”—Ana Suliman, senior, North Star High School in Boswell, Pa.
Automotive Hall of Fame AUTOMOTIVE FROM B1
for communities of color? A June 29 public hearing before the U.S. Senate Banking Committee focused on how mortgage finance reform and government-sponsored enterprises, also known as GSEs, must live up to its “duty to serve” all communities. “Homeownership is the primary way that most middle-class families build wealth and achieve economic stability,” testified Mike Calhoun, president of the Center for Responsible Lending. “Wide access to credit is critical for building family wealth, closing the racial wealth gap and for the housing market overall.” In the throes of the 1930s Great Depression, Congress created the GSEs to provide stability to capital markets and to increase the availability of mortgage credit throughout the nation. They were also given a mandate: Serve all credit markets all times, ensuring access and availability across the country. From 2003 to 2006, the years leading up to the housing crisis, the GSEs followed an unfortunate private mortgage market trend. By loosening underwriting guidelines, particularly for Alt-A no documentation loans, millions of foreclosures occurred and GSE credit losses led to conservatorship under the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, also known as HERA. HERA also enacted a number of reforms that have made today’s market stronger. Now, with far fewer foreclosures nationwide, Congress is deliberating over the future of the GSEs and $6.17 trillion in mortgages
“For Ed Welburn, there is no question that his leadership at General Motors Design and the things that he accomplished, not only the products that he designed, but his responsibility for design at General Motors had a huge impact on our decision to induct him.”
People are starting to get excited about Congress planning on a new tax structure. Included in this project is the possibility of ending the Estate Tax. This tax has been a legacy killer to many Black families. When a patriarch/matriarch passes away the IRS will determine how much of an estate they are leaving to the rest of their family. If it reaches a certain amount the Estate Tax will kick in and deprive the heirs of significant inheritance. This can be averted with very expensive legal maneuvers ahead of the death. Publicly held Corporation owners (shareholders) are exempt of this onerous tax also. It is the middle class that is starting to build sig- Harry C. Alford nificant wealth that will be knocked to the “ground” by our government. Newspaper publishers, farmers/ranchers, car dealers and various other types of business owners will be the ones who get hit the hardest. This year is a great opportunity for us to get ourselves organized and educate our elected officials to end this expensive predicament. Let us come together and deliver a final blow to this law that is intended to prevent up and coming business persons from building wealth for their children and grandchildren to last for centuries. This reminds me of another opportunity we, as a people, had. It was the Homestead Grant Act of 1862. At the time America was expanding vastly via the Louisiana Purchase, Manifest Destiny (land grabbing from Spain, Mexico, and Native Americans). Through a simple application process American citizens and freed slaves could receive a land grant of 160 acres. All they had to do was work the land for at least five years. Unbeknownst to many of us our forefathers participated in this process. Many of us looked at the land handed down to us by our grandparents, great grandparents etc. We think it is nice but wait it is more than that. For many of us, the land we have inherited could be miniscule compared to the land our families originally had. I first learned about this from some Blacks I was helping in Southern Louisiana. They were upset that their land was taken away while they were growing up. One of them showed me a copy of the original land grant award. It was for 160 acres to their grandfather and signed by President Grover Cleveland. They never did a “family secession” which would have cut up the ownership of the inheritors by individual names and specific property assignments (equal parts). They had a first cousin in prison for a long sentence. He was approached by a White developer who told him that he had undivided ownership within these 160 acres. He offered
Beyond the Rhetoric
to buy it from the inmate. The prisoner sold it for a modest amount and now the developer became an owner with the rest of the family. He goes to court and files for a “forced secession” on that property. There would be an auction on the undivided property, which would include all the owners. On auction day, the developer would step in and bid on the entire estate. His money over powered the rest of the family. They each received a modest portion of the sale price and he would walk off with the entire land grant. This scenario was repeated in all the applicable states. I went online and searched some of my late relatives (the ones who had property). I entered my grandfather’s name, Thomas Alford, and my grandfather’s name, Cicero Alford. To my shock there they were! Thomas was awarded a grant of 160 acres in 1916 while Cicero was awarded his grant of 160 acres in 1901 right next door to each other. So, what happened to all this land – 320 contiguous acreage of prime farm land? I went down to the courthouse to search land records and that told the story. There was this White realtor by the last name of Roos who obviously approached my people and suggested that he would help them apply for free land (They were illiterate and/or intimidated by applying to the federal government). When the grant arrived, Roos started buying shares from them (for his fee) and then they would quickly sell the rest to every White person around them until it was all sold out except for the 40 acres that they would keep for themselves. Looking at the books this was a cottage industry for local realtors. A great opportunity for rural Blacks just slipped through their “fingers”. Blacks at this point in our history had little respect for land. Oh, if they only knew. When the great migration started taking place, people who still had land would sell it for a penny on a dollar just to migrate to western or northern cities. Blacks in Los Angeles would call a realtor in Louisiana to sell land they just inherited. They would fly into the Shreveport airport sign the papers, take the check, and fly right back to L.A. to buy a new Mercedes car. They would not even look at the land (that may have had oil, timber, natural gas, and other valuable commodities on it). We had $millions upon $millions and just let it go. This time let’s not let a great opportunity slip by again. Let’s get rid of the Estate Tax. Why let the IRS take it! (Harry Alford is the co-founder, president/CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce®. Website: www.nationalbcc.org Email: halford@ nationalbcc.org)
OPINION
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
JULY 19-25, 2017
B3
City’s latest police class is 31% Black, progress must continue
Guest Editorial
AME bishops’ timely message to NAACP The Council of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is right in calling for the NAACP to restructure and redefine its mission. The bishops should be commended for raising concerns about the future and relevance of the NAACP. The bishops raised their concerns in a candid, but constructive open letter to the 109-year-old civil rights group. The letter dated July 7 takes a well overdue look at the nation’s oldest civil rights organization. “The NAACP boasts that it is the oldest civil rights organization in the country. While this is true and ought to make us proud, longevity alone is not proof of relevance,” the council wrote. “For the reality is that today the NAACP is smaller and less influential than it has ever been in its history as an organization. Today the NAACP intimidates no one. To be perfectly honest, the same challenges that face the NAACP face mainline faith denominations. We are old, and have not restructured or positioned ourselves to meet the times in which our congregants live. The Black Church is seeking to confront its own challenges and we call upon the NAACP to do the same.” The letter is timely as it comes when the NAACP is seeking a new face of the organization. The national NAACP board voted in May to dismiss its previous president, the Rev. Cornell Williams Brooks. In his three years as president, Brooks tried to raise the profile of the NAACP, which was slow to react to high-profile police shootings of unarmed African Americans across the country. Brooks was among the activists arrested in January at the office of Jeff Sessions, during a sit-in protest of his nomination for Attorney General. The former Alabama senator was later confirmed to the cabinet position. But the NAACP’s problems started long before Brooks’ service as president and will continue with his replacement unless the organization makes some fundamental changes. As the bishops pointed out, one of the first areas that the NAACP should change is the structure of its national board. As the bishops recommend, the NAACP should restructure its national board of 64 members. The bishops are right in their contention that a NAACP board half its size is more realistic and in line with board governance standards. The council is also correct in calling into question the mission and vision of the NAACP. “The NAACP is to be about the advancement of people of color, and people of color are not being able to advance without a good education; with the consequences of not being able to get or create good jobs, decent housing, health care and creating good communities,” the council of bishops wrote. “What is the NAACP position and strategy on these issues? What is the NAACP position and where is the fight for criminal justice reform? What would inspire Black Lives Matter and other such groups to join us?” The bishops raise a concern that affects not only the NAACP, but many other African American-led organizations. The council noted that the NAACP depends on the financial support of the entities that are harming African Americans such as alcohol and tobacco companies and self-interested union leadership. “Do you rely on this support because our own people aren’t supportive financially?” the bishops questioned. “Could this nonsupport be because people interested in advancing the interests, access and opportunity of African Americans don’t believe the NAACP is relevant?” The truth is probably both. Some believe in the NAACP agenda but fail to support it and others don’t believe the organization’s agenda is worthy of their financial support. On the critical issue of financial support, African Americans as a group must share the blame. The failure to financially support our own civil rights organizations, colleges and universities and cultural institutions is a historic problem that should not continue with the rise of the Black middle and upper class. Our civil rights groups, arts institutions, colleges and elected officials go begging for the support from others. Without the support of corporations, unions and wealthy White individuals many of these organizations and institutions would cease to exist. This problem goes beyond the NAACP. It is a problem for too many African American organizations and institutions. This shameful dependency limits the effectiveness and often shapes the agenda of our organizations, leaders and elected officials. The time for financially supporting our institutions is long overdue. To its credit, the NAACP appears to be open to the bishops’ criticism. The NAACP sent a letter to the AME Council of Bishops inviting them to work with the organization. “In order to end the cycle of systemic racism and build a better America, our position is that success will require an all-hands-on-deck approach -- with the continued help of the faith community,” said the response letter signed by NAACP board leaders. The NAACP board leaders are right to call for “all hands on deck.” It is easy to criticize the NAACP but African Americans, “people of color” and concerned Whites should work together to build a better America. When the NAACP holds its upcoming listening tours to assess what it should do next, the meeting should be well attended with participants who offer constructive advice and more importantly their pledge to join and participate in making the organization better. (Reprinted from the Philadelphia Tribune)
Founded 1910
Rod Doss Editor & Publisher Stephan A. Broadus Assistant to the Publisher Allison Palm
Rob Taylor Jr.
Jeff Marion
Office Manager
Managing Editor
Circulation Consultant
John. H. Sengstacke
Editor & Publisher Emeritus (1912-1997)
Pittsburgh mayor Bill Peduto, Police Chief McLay and former Chief Nate Harper are to be commended for their efforts and determination in creating a positive atmosphere and a never-give-up attitude that led to the recent police recruits class being 31 percent Black. Why do I include Harper? Because even though the fight for more Blacks and women on the police force, fire department, and in the city as a whole dates back to the 1960s and probably before that, Harper re-opened the struggle to get more Black police recruits. I remember when I first moved to the news department with the Courier in the mid-1970s, and one of the first stories I did was an interview with most of the commanders of the then-No. 9 police station. It concerned their views of the work performance by the Black police officers hired under the Affirmative Action law, pushed by then-NAACP President and police sergeant Harvey Adams. The law was, for every White male hired, there had to be one Black male, Black female and White female. After hiring some of their best officers, there was a backlash by conservatives stating that unqualified Blacks were being hired and that it was reverse discrimination. The law was repealed and new rules and guidelines were set forth that made it even harder for Blacks to get on the force. Those that were on the force remained but the percentage continued to dwindle as the years passed with few, if any, Blacks making the force. None of the anti-Affirmative Action people complained during those previous years when family members,
Ulish Carter
Just Sayin’ neighbors, and friends of White police officers were hired. The results of my interviews were that all of the commanders I talked to said the Blacks hired under Affirmative Action were every bit as good as the Whites. They said that it actually gave them more flexibility in fighting drug trafficking and the women performed far better than men in domestic violence confrontations. I also remember a meeting with Chief Harper and former police officer Brenda Tate a few years ago in which they discussed their efforts in trying to get more Blacks on the force, and how something or someone kept blocking recruits that had been nationally-recruited by the Chief himself. What Harper and Tate did not have was a mayor committed to this effort, which led to an ACLU suit that won damages for the Black candidates who were dismissed for various reasons. Mayor Peduto is to be commended for his effort at continuing the commitment to the employment of not only the police force, but diversity across the board in city government. “Increasing police hiring with an added focus on recruiting qualified minority candidates has been a top
priority of my administration and will continue to be moving forward,” Mayor Peduto recently said in a Courier story by Christian Morrow. But just to make sure, I urge the Courier, NAACP, Rashad Bydsong, “Hop” Kendrick, and other activists to keep reminding the mayor and his people that diversity is the only option for this city to grow. One such activist, Tim Stevens, wrote a letter to the mayor and probably everyone at the Courier. “These numbers (6 Blacks out of 19 recruits) are much more reflective of what we hope to see in future classes for the City of Pittsburgh,” said Stevens, head of B-PEP. Hopefully this is just the beginning of equal employment in the City of Pittsburgh’s hiring across the board. It will stay on an upward trajectory only if the Black community stays informed and keeps the pressure on all our political leaders to include Blacks when it comes to employment. After all, our tax dollars are funding all of this. In other news, the top national news story is; Republicans may not hold a vote on their Health Care plan if they can’t get 50 votes. Instead of simply working with the Democrats to repair the Affordable Care Act together, they would rather thousands of people suffer and die from the lack of health care. Still no news on what President Trump is doing to help the Black communities throughout this country. Isn’t he supposed to be the president of all the people? C’mon Trump, Give Blacks a reason to vote for the Republican Party. (Ulish Carter is the former managing editor of the New Pittsburgh Courier.)
Trump’s lies!!! (TriceEdneyWire.com)—I’m a product of the “Southern Experience.” Many of my views are shaped by the “mother wit” and logic learned growing up there. There’s something unique to the down-toEarth “common sense” of the “Old Folks” as they reckoned with and evaluated their circumstance and environment. One of the frequently repeated axioms I distinctly remember goes like this: “If you lie, you’ll cheat! If you cheat, you’ll steal! And, if you steal, you’ll kill!” This evaluation of human character may appear overly-simplified, but it presents a concept of progressive immorality that’s not altogether unreasonable. In fact, among many practitioners of these vices, we find the connection between those sins the rule rather than exception.
Unlike today, the “Old Folks” took a dim view of those who couldn’t deal in The Truth. Honesty and personal integrity were attributes that were essential to the level of esteem one commanded in the community. Of course, there were Liars and Conmen who victimized their communities, but they were usually transients who claimed no communal foundations nor places where they were welcomed. Once discovered, they were shunned or run out of town and little could be done to rehabilitate their reputations. There are no justifiable reasons for the breakdown of the
Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.
Commentary communal values of truthful, plain-dealing, but a breakdown has happened and our nation is the worse for it.
Sadly, rejection of truthful dealings has become more pervasive. Many accept situational ethics as a standard for dealing with others. Rather than the “Golden Rule,” far too many practice principles of “do it to them before they do it to me.” Their standard interaction accepts the elevation of personal interests as superior to all else. This has led to a coarsening of personal interaction and discourse. In times past, we could reconcile that some among us would embrace the dark side, but we could always count on a core element to, at least, exemplify the image of personal integrity, honesty and values consistent with them. Now, even among those traditionally held to the highest of standards of personal integrity, we see an erosion in truthful dealing. Sadly, unlike any time in my past, the current President of the US is a principal exemplar of this
abhorrent behavior. When candidate Trump’s behavior was considered “out of line” with behavioral norms expected of one seeking the presidency, many observers believed it would disqualify him from gaining office. Incredulously, others excused him with the caveat that he would “turn around” after using his bizarre behavior as an election tool. Trump’s lies prior to the election pale in contrast to those experienced post-election. His lies about President Obama’s birthplace, about divesting himself of his business interests and releasing his tax returns seem benign when compared with the avalanche of lies that have flown from the White House since Inauguration Day. The New York Times has constructed a list of all of Trump’s lies since Jan. 21 (https://www.nytimes. com/interactive/2017/06/23/opinion/ trumps-lies.html). As I see it, our future is to be inundated with Trump’s lies. Many will believe him unconditionally. Others will grow frustrated and weary of dealing with the deluge of lies. Our ultimate task will be an on-going vigilance and challenge to the lies, cheating, stealing and potential killing this man has the capacity and authority to render. How many more lies must we endure? (Dr. E. Faye Williams, president of the National Congress of Black Women. 202/6786788. www.nationalcongressbw.org)
Donald J. Trump is NOT crazy (TriceEdneyWire.com)—It’s time for television and radio talk show hosts, educators, editorial writers, columnists and politicians to cease describing U.S. President Donald J. Trump as being “crazy,” “mentally sick,” “childish,” etc. A person with such afflictions is legally and otherwise not responsible for his or her words and behavior. Trump knows exactly what he is saying and what he is doing and should be totally accountable for the consequences of his shenanigans. It’s my position that the behavior of the President of the U.S. is guided by three major forces. One is his extreme resentment and rage at the way he has been and is currently being treated by the big boys who really run this country, the so-called establishment. They treat him like an uncouth boy from Queens, New York who has no class. Many of them are probably guilty of the same social and financial scams that Trump indulges in. But they do them quietly, under the radar. Trump does his openly and flagrantly. To the big boys that is close to unforgiveable. A second force that guides Trump is his never having been held accountable for his escapades. As head of a family business he didn’t even have to deal with a board of directors. Whatever Donald said and whatever Donald did was not to be questioned by wife, children, siblings, business associates, friends, employees, journalists or anyone
A. Peter Bailey
Commentary else. Having to explain and justify a decision he has made—bad or good, right or wrong, legal or illegal, messes with his last nerve. And he lashes back. However, he is careful as to whom to attack in his outbursts. It’s very revealing that he reserves his most vicious and personal attacks on any woman who has the audacity to question his behavior. I have heard several male television pundits say some rather nasty remarks about Trump but he never responds to them with the unbridled fury he directs at women pundits. Finally, I am convinced that Trump is a European supremacist who strongly believes that people of European descent should be the dominate force in world affairs. He regards Islam, not just ISIS, but Islam as the current most serious threat to continued European domination. This is evidenced by the following statement that he recently made in his visit to Poland: “The fundamental question of our time is whether the West has the will to survive. Do we have the confidence in our values to defend
them at any cost?...Just as Poland could not be broken, I declare today for the world to hear that the West will never, ever be broken. Our values will prevail. Our people will thrive. And our civilization will triumph.” What President Trump fails to say is that the West doesn’t just want to survive. It wants to dominate. Trump believes equally strongly that Russian President Vladimir Putin is the one who can best assist him in confronting what he considers the Islamic threat because Putin and the Russians are also European supremacists who have the same attitude toward African and Asian people as other Whites in Europe and the United States. Thus Trump and Putin have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo. Of course, Putin wants to be top dog and may also have some dirt on Trump’s financial affairs that gives him the edge in their relationship. But I am convinced that between them is a shared belief that people who look like them have the right to be the controlling factor in global affairs. Like I said, Trump is not crazy, childish or mentally sick. He has an agenda that has garnered him the support of a significant number of white people in the United States and in Europe.
(A. Peter Bailey, whose latest book is Witnessing Brother Malcolm X, the Master Teacher, can be reached at apeterb@verizon. net.)
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JULY 19-25, 2017
FORUM
Boisterous Black voices Hugh Price’s African have become almost silent American life: Lessons and blessings (TriceEdneyWire.com)—Hugh Price was the seventh leader (from 1994 through 2002) of the National Urban League, the civil rights organization founded in 1910 to help African American migrants assimilate into urban life, to provide opportunities for urban migrants, and to eliminate segregation in our nation. Price, an attorney, activist, writer, and foundation executive was well-suited for that work, for which he may be best known, but Urban League work is only part of his legacy. Price is scheduled to share his reflective autobiography This African American Life (Blair, 2017) during the National Urban League convention that begins July 26 in St. Louis. I’m sure that many of his colleagues will enjoy his reflections, much as I did when I read his book. In his inspirational book, Price weaves his thoughts about public policy with an accounting of his amazing life. His is a life that he might not have imagined -- he came of age at a time when African Americans had access to new possibilities after rigid educational and occupational segregation. So what young man, a product of segregation, would have imagined himself navigating influential and integrated waters, and making a profound difference. Throughout this book, you get a sense that Hugh Price, though well grounded, is also amazed at the many ways our world has changed. This African American Life reads just like Hugh Price sounds, chock full of self-deprecating humor and tongue-in-cheek reflections. And while Price Julianne Malveaux takes African American life quite seriously, he mana g e s to take himself somewhat less so. Thus, even in his laid-back way, he is able to convey the excitement he feels at certain high points in his life, such as when he visits South Africa, or when he first, as President of the Urban League, gets a multi-car police escort. I am struck both by Price’s humility and by his ability to put himself, and important issues, in context. Hugh Price is the product of “good stock”, middle-class Black Washington, D.C. Reading the first few chapters of his book is like taking a romp through African American history. Price is the descendent of escaped enslaved people, and it is clear that he inherited enough of their hunger for freedom to make that hunger his own. The inventor, Lewis Latimer, is one of his ancestors, and his pride in his legacy shines thorough in his book. Price is not reticent probing race and skin color conflicts when he references a White relative of Lewis Latimer, or when he talks about tensions in his own family when his darker skinned father, a physician, pursued his lighter-skinner mother. Skin color discrimination is still, unfortunately, alive and well; few are as forthright in dealing with it as Hugh Price. He deals with it, as he does with just about everything else, with a sage equanimity. It is clear that he is annoyed by the ignorance of skin color discrimination, but he is not so annoyed as to produce a tirade about it. Instead, it is simply a factor to reflect on in “this African American life”. Hugh Price’s book is extremely thoughtful and transparent. While he expresses extreme joy in the high points of his life, for example joining the Urban League as CEO, his tone is not much different as when he experiences disappointment at missed opportunities. The African American community has gained when Hugh Price felt he “lost”, and agrees with his daughter Traer, when she notes that missed opportunities opened doors to new possibilities. Thus, it is engaging to read through his path as youth mentor, New Haven community leader, mayoral appointee, New York Times editorial writer, public television leader, foundation executive, then President and CEO of the National Urban League. In his “back nine” he has been a professor and thought leader, connected with prestigious organizations like Princeton University and the Brookings Institution. Candid about the ways he lobbied for and secured some of the positions he attained, as well as the ways that some opportunities “fell in his lap”; his transparent revelations should be “must” reading for young people with aspirations. Without lecturing, Hugh Price makes powerful statements about the importance of relationships. Hugh Price has been passionate, improving possibilities for young people through his career. As a young law student and paid mentor to New Haven youth, he learned the importance of consistency. There is no place, he learned, for driveby mentoring that takes place only at a mentor’s convenience. This is a lesson for the present; so many well-intentioned helpers feel that they can alter the course of a life with well-meaning, but tenuous engagement. Price used his early lessons to develop programs to combat Black youth unemployment, both through the Rockefeller Foundation and through the military. His commitment to youth continued in his Urban League years with his work on quality education and the achievement gap. He describes his work as “Spreading the Gospel of Achievement” in a chapter of his book; it is a gospel he continues to spread. While I enjoy Price’s policy conversations, I equally enjoy the way he recounts his love of family, and the early struggles that he and wife Marilyn faced as they raised their family while he completed law school. Equally enjoyable is his conversation about baseball, a sport he is passionate about. Reading this book made me want to engage Hugh Price is a rambling interview that dug even deeper into his work than the book does. It makes me want to further explore his love for baseball and the ways baseball metaphors reflect contemporary life. For sure, Price hit a home run with this book, but it makes me want to engage him in another inning, another game, and more reflections from this phenomenal man!
Commentary
(Julianne Malveaux is an economist, author, and Founder of Economic Education.)
I have never There are an believed in co- Louis ‘Hop’ Kendrick unbelievable incidence when number of Black it involves detmen and womrimental action en who have by those in podegrees, perfect sitions of power command of the toward Black language, uncitizens. From derstand comthe time the pletely what first slaves emthe crux of the barked in America, there were those problems are, and what needs to be who sought to be free persons. Some done to correct them. A number of were soft spoken, others prayed, and these persons have done well finanthere were those who openly chal- cially, with expensive cars, beautiful lenged being the property of another houses, travel extensively, and I comman. pletely understand that they are not Over the course of my 85 years, I civil rights warriors. The number of have had the opportunity to partic- persons and organizations that reipate and watch and listen to voices ceive unbelievable, collective sums that attempted to make the kind of of money from the system, political changes that would elevate Blacks to and foundations can’t openly find first class citizenship. fault with those people in positions I will always remember those voic- of power. Too many of these persons es that advocated turning the other frequently cheer for those in the seat cheek and non-violence; it was not of power when they made a positive popular, but it was effective. We of- movement, but never speak out when ten write and speak about national- Blacks are ignored on a multitude of ly-known Black persons, but ignore critical issues. those who live in our own hometowns A perfect example of what transuch as Pittsburgh. It is impossible spires when we keep our mouths for me to list all those Black boister- shut occurred when Governor Tom ous voices that I have known in my Wolf stated six weeks ago that he had lifetime. Webster defines “boisterous” not been made aware of the fact that as noisy or violence. My interpreta- the diversity program in the state tion is totally different. My interpre- was nonexistent. Does that mean the tation is a person who is outspoken, Pennsylvania Black Caucus never inunderstandable, and knowledgeable. formed Gov. Wolf? The late Mal Goode was the personNO BOISTEROUS BLACK VOICES. (Louis “Hop” Kendrick is a contributor to ification of what we no longer hear the New Pittsburgh Courier.) across Allegheny County.
To Tell The Truth
Dr. Umar Johnson, private schools, and systemic responses to racism Dr. Umar Johney. If that’s the son, a psycholo- J. Pharoah Doss case, without gist and public any further speaker, gave a questions, we recent radio incould conclude terview which Dr. Johnson is was heavily scruraising money tinized on social in low-income media. There neighborhoods were questions to purchase a concerning his private school academic credentials, his claim of fam- that low-income children won’t be ily lineage to Fredrick Douglass, the able to attend, and he has no interest money he raised to start a school, and in the only plan on the table to assist his views on interracial marriage. them with the cost. Afterwards, Roland Martin invited But the opportunity to discuss an isDr. Johnson on his television news sue pertinent to the 21st century was program to clear up the concerns and lost because the panelists got into an field questions from the news panel. exchange about White responses to The biggest controversy surround- systemic racism. Dr. Johnson stating Dr. Johnson is the school he wants ed Whites haven’t done anything in to operate. Dr. Johnson raised money the past to systemically equalize the over the years to purchase a school, playing field for Black Americans. but critics have called his fundraisOne panelist mentioned the 1964 ing operation and his school plans a civil rights bill. scam. Dr. Johnson said, “There were two So Martin wondered why he want- words included in that bill that uled to purchase a school when he can timately served to take away from start a charter school. (Before Dr. Black people what the bill was inJohnson started raising money it was tended to deliver…They added genreported in Philadelphia, where Dr. der and sexual orientation and as a Johnson is based, The Imhotep In- result, White women and homosexstitute Charter School was the city’s uals have been able to strip Black most successful high school. It sent Americans from the intended gains 66 percent of its graduates to college of the Civil Rights Act so there was and out of 525 students, 99 percent still racism in that bill.” of them are Black and 87 percent of Now, Title VII of the civil rights them are low-income) bill prohibits employers from disDr. Johnson replied, “…Charter criminating based on race, color, reschools are owned by the state and ligion, sex, and national origin. (But I’m a Pan-Africanist. I believe what the term sex did not include sexual is to be done for Black people must orientation. It wasn’t until earlier be done by Black people, why would I this year in Hively v. Ivy Tech Comwant a charter school?” munity College that a federal court Martin said, “So you want a private of appeals ruled sexual orientation school?” was protected under Title VII, and Dr. Johnson replied, “Exactly, an in- his White woman argument can be dependent school.” made against Affirmative Action Then Martin turned the questions policies, not the Civil Rights Act.) It sounds like Dr. Johnson was trying to over to the panel. One panelist was a Black Repub- convince the panel that the federal lican. He should have asked a ques- government added other identifiers tion not traditionally posed to Dr. to compete against Blacks, stripping Johnson. He should have said a lot of Blacks from equal opportunity. So, low-income Black parents have sup- according to his theory, Title VII of ported “school choice” for years. Then the civil rights bill is actually a dishe asked if Dr. Johnson was in favor criminatory policy towards Blacks, of a voucher program to financially an example of systemic racism. It was once said, “more could be assist low-income parents with the gained by scrutinizing what we ourcost of his private school. I don’t know how Dr. Johnson would selves mean instead of trying to convince and overwhelm others, because have answered, but let’s speculate. If he rejected starting a charter if we understood what we were really school because it’s “state-owned”. saying, we might not say it.” (J. Pharoah Doss is a contributor to the New Then it’s most likely he would reject state funds out of fear of “state Pittsburgh Courier. He blogs at jpharoahinterference” that followed the mon- doss@blogspot.com)
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NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Raynard Jackson
Commentary
All Americans should learn to speak English (NNPA)--Over the past three hundred years, when foreigners contemplated immigrating to the United States, foremost in their minds was that they wanted to become Americans; sure they wanted better lives; they wanted to attend our universities; some fled oppression in their own countries, but becoming an American was the prime motivating factor in their decision to come to the United States. It was a given that being an American would offer them the opportunity for a better life, better educational opportunities, and an environment with minimum, if any oppression. Italians, Germans, and the Irish came through Ellis Island in New York City and settled there in their own little enclaves; many speaking little to no English. They all spoke in their native languages at home and in their neighborhood, but they understood that in order to take advantage of all that America had to offer, they had to learn English. In those days, part of being an American was learning the new language. They didn’t forget their language or their culture from back home; but they fully understood that being an American citizen meant adopting the American culture, which includes the language. Today, you have foreigners becoming American citizens, who don’t have the ability or the desire to learn English. They have absolutely no interest in adapting to American culture. They are not pursuing the American Dream; they seem only to want the government benefits of citizenship. Citizenship is like marrying a woman. The woman leaves her family, takes the name of her husband, and moves into his house to build a new life together. The woman doesn’t forget where she came from, nor her family name, nor her brothers and sisters, but her new life with her husband now becomes her priority and her commitment. Now, just imagine if the woman marries, but doesn’t take her husband’s name and doesn’t live with her husband, but rather decides to continue to live with her parents. One could argue that she is merely married in name only. Likewise, we are allowing immigrants to become citizens who refuse to accept our culture; they refuse to build a new life, based on American values. When I am in France, I must speak French. When I am in the Dominican Republic, I must speak Spanish. To expect these countries to put everything in English to accommodate Americans, who don’t speak their language, would be the height of arrogance and very impractical. In 1975, liberal Democrats amended the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to “mandate” that all voting ballots be printed in multiple languages to accommodate citizens who don’t speak English. The language provision is part of section 203 of the Voting Rights Act and was meant “specifically” for Blacks who were in the South who couldn’t read or write, because many Blacks, historically, were denied access to an education. This had nothing, let me repeat, nothing to do with people who refused to learn English. But, as liberals are good at doing, they began to expand the definition of section 203. This mandate codified into law that the government “must” make accommodations for any citizens that don’t speak English. Therein lies the problem. How can you be a citizen of these United States and not speak English? This foolishness cannot be allowed to continue. Language is always the key ingredient in defining a country and is one of the defining things that make a person a part of that particular country. You can’t be a Frenchman and not speak French. You can’t be a German and not speak German. So, why, in America, can you be allowed to be American, but not speak English? I am really fed up with immigrants wanting citizenship, but not wanting to become Americans. Being American must include speaking English; knowing the Pledge of Allegiance; and being loyal to America and only America and all of its values. This must be codified in law and enforced. You can’t be a basketball player, but play football everyday. You can’t be a chef, but study to be a lifeguard. You can’t be a preacher and never study the Bible. Likewise, you can’t be an American and not speak English. Just because you are a legal citizen, doesn’t mean that you’re automatically an American. Being an American is about the language, the culture, and the values. That’s what every American should have in common. Until we get back to these principles, we will continue to lose the true meaning of what should make us all Americans. (Raynard Jackson is founder and chairman of Black Americans for a Better Future (BAFBF). For more information about BAFBF, visit www.bafbf.org.)
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DISPLAY ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVE
PITTSBURGH BALLET THEATRE
The New Pittsburgh Courier is looking for a display advertising sales representative. Experience in media sales or related area preferred but will train the right individual. This full-time staff position offers salary + commission with full benefits after 90 days, paid vacation after 6 months. Must be a self-starter with leadership skills, reliable transportation, and strong computer, written and verbal communication skills. All resumes will be considered. Must be able to work under deadlines, do comprehensive sales-related research and make sales presentations. Send resumes to jobs@ newpittsburghcourier.com. Computer/IT: Compunetix, Inc. seeks Application Software Engineer to work in Monroeville, PA. Enhnc the cmpny’s confrncng platfrms by wrkng on cmplmntry compnents to the EVERGREEN prdct line. Create new mobile applctns for iOS Android that scale to the web. Degree commensurate exp. req’d. For details and to apply email resume to Bbrennan@ compunetix.com.
IMANI CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
seeks eligible candidates for the positions of: Kindergarten Teacher Middle School Math Teacher Middle School Science Teacher Middle School Social Studies Teacher Middle School English Teacher High School Social Studies Teacher Secondary Theology Teacher College and Career Guidance Counselor Part Time Cafeteria Worker Application Deadline: July 20, 2017 For additional information contact Ms. Stein at: jstein@imani pgh.org or 412-731-7982
POSITION: CHIEF DEPUTY CLERK (TYPE II)
Annual Salary: $143,304 - $172,100 (depending on qualifications), JS 16 Position Location: Pittsburgh, PA Application Deadline: July 25, 2017 at 12:00 p.m. Position Summary: The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania (the Court ) is accepting applications for the position of Chief DeputyClerk of the Bankruptcy Court. The business of the Court is conducted at three divisional locations in Pittsburgh, Erie, and Johnstown, PA.Currently, the Clerk’s Office has approximately 37 employees with four presiding Judges (three in Pittsburgh and one in Erie). The Chief Deputy Clerk is a senior level management position that serves as second-in-command and reports directly to the Clerk of Court. Under direction of the Clerk of Court, the Chief Deputy Clerk is responsible for the managing, planning, supervision, administration of the Clerk’s Office and acts as the Clerk of Court in his absence, and additional duties. ualification Requirements: Applicants must have (a) a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school (law review preferred), (b) at least six years of experience in a law related profession, and (c) at least two years of responsibility for budgeting and/or organizational management. Applicants must possess skill in dealing with others in professional work relationships and tact in ha dling workplace and employee relations issues with a high degree of integrity, along with the ability to exercise mature judgment. Applicants must also possess excellent oral and written communication skills; excellent interpersonal and leadership skills; and demonstrate strong organi ational, prioriti ing, and problem-solving skills. The successful candidate must have knowledge of sound financial controls and policies. A working knowledge of legal terminology and procedures is required. A working knowledge of the Bankruptcy Code and Rules, broad automation skills, and an understanding of electronic case management systems are highly desirable. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) is essential. Familiarity with electronic database systems is preferred. The successful candidate will be subject to a ten-year mandatory background investigation and FBI fingerprint check as a condition of employment with possibly an updated investigation every five years thereafter. Application Procedures and Information: ualified persons must electronically submit by 12:00 p.m. on July 25, 2017 a cover letter, a detailed r sum including salary history, and a Federal Judicial Branch Application for Employment (Form AO 78) via: http://www.pawb.uscourts.gov/ career-opportunities. Please DO NOT CALL OR EMAIL the Court inquiring about the position. EOE
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LIVE-IN STUDENT RESIDENT ASSISTANT
Assists in the management of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School’s student residence for up to 21 residents, ages 14-18. $15,000 annually, plus housing/meals. Full description and to apply: goo.gl/4xh7y7
WEEKEND STUDENT RESIDENT ASSISTANT
Assists in overseeing and mentoring Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School’s student residence for up to 21 residents, ages 14-18. Provide support to the Live-In House Director and R.A. Full description and to apply: goo.gl/pVSEpv
UAGPCS seeking:
Co-Teachers and One-On-One Para Professional for -5 Grade Elementary School. Please submit all resumes and 3 References and ALL Clearances to sharris@ urbanacademypgh.org. No Phone calls Please, thanks
PROJECT MANAGEMENT ANALYSTS
SDLC Management, Inc. (Pittsburgh, PA area) is currently seek’g Project Management Analysts to be responsible for carrying out all aspects of the sftwr dvlpmnt life cycle; carrying out structured analysis, dsgn, dvlpmnt of clients’ proprietary IT system; analy ing clients’ project mngmnt methodologies integrating SDLC quality assurance processes technologies; devising implementing quality improvement programs customi ed to fit client technologies, processes, culture. Dvlps PMO artifacts such as status reports, budget reports, exec summaries, change requests, etc. while maintaining predictable communication schedules. Must hold a Bach’s degree in Comp Sci, Comp Eng’g or rel’d field, together w/ 5 yrs of progressively responsible work exp in the position offered or rel’d position working on projects w/in a sftwr dvlpmnt /or transformation environment. Must know (thru academic training or work exp) quality methodology, such as Six Sigma, IST B or AST B; project mngmnt methodology, such as PRINCE2, PMP, or CSM. 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, 40 hrs/wk. Mail resume: SDLC Management, Inc., One PPG Place, Suite 3200, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.
TRAINING SPECIALIST
Port Authority is seeking a Training Specialist to act as an internal consultant working with individuals, departments and groups within the Port Authority developing, delivering and maintaining educational programs to increase effectiveness and productivity of all personnel. To administer employment and recruitment activities for assigned positions. Job requirements include: High School Diploma or GED. BA/BS Degree in Communication, Education, Psychology, Business or directly related field from an accredited school. Directly related experience may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis. Minimum of two (2) years experience in program/project administration. Minimum of two (2) years experience as a facilitator/trainer for adult learners. Minimum of two (2) years experience in developing and delivering educational, informational and job/ task –oriented programs for adults. Minimum of two (2) years of experience interviewing, recruiting, utilizing employment processes and familiarity with union contractual matters. •Professional and effective communication skills. Demonstrated ability in the use of Windows, Microsoft Word and Excel. •Willingness and ability to work shifts and pass days. Handles multiple tasks, high volume, and adheres to deadlines. Preferred attributes: Professional in Human Resources (PHR), Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), or comparable Certification from the Society for Human Resources Management. Demonstrated ability in the use of PeopleSoft Human Resources Modules. Demonstrated ability in the use of PeopleSoft Financial Modules. Demonstrated ability in the use of Microsoft PowerPoint.
We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Interested candidates should forward a cover letter (with salary requirements) and resume to: Robyn Taylor Employment Department 345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 RTaylor@portauthority.org EOE
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JOB OPPORTUNITIES Help Wanted
DRIVERS
LOCAL, Home Daily Pittsburgh Flatbed Openings. Excellent Pay, Safety Bonus, Great Benefits More CDL-A, 1yr Exp. req. Estenson Logistics Apply: www.goelc. com 844-205-6902
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Public Notice
Public Notice
PUBLIC NOTICE ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA FY 2017 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN
Notice is hereby given that Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, is updating information contained in the April 5, 2017 advertisement for the FY 2017 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 5 to May 6, 2017 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 2016 allocations. HUD issued the final 2017 allocation amounts on June 15, 2017: CDBG is $12,473,146.00, HOME is $2,272,130.00 and ESG is $1,125,988.00. Since allocations have decreased, the purpose of this notice is to provide the HUD-approved fourteen-day public comment period for the 2017 AAP. Most projects remain the same, however the following adjustments are being made. CDBG DECREASED PROJECTS: MPI053 Allegheny County Economic Development Municipal Public Improvement Projects decreased $27,216.00; MPD600 Steel Rivers COG Safe Neighborhood Demolition decreased $50,000.00; AOO001(A) Administration decreased $4,559.00; AOO001(D) Delivery decreased $2,245.00. NEW PROJECT: MRB009 eith Holmes VFW Post 402, ADA Restroom Renovation $50,000.00 HOME DECREASED PROJECTS: Administration decreased $1,336.00; CHDO Set-aside decreased $2,004.00; Penn Hills Consortium decreased $468.00; Mc eesport Consortium decreased $895.00; Rental (Rehabilitation, New Construction) decreased $8,659.00. DROPPED PROJECT: Homeownership (Rehabilitation, New Construction). INCREASED PROJECT: Rental (Rehabilitation, New Construction) increased Program Income amount is $56,733.10. ESG DECREASED PROJECTS: Shelter decreased $50,310.00; Rapid Re-housing decreased $68,046.00; Administration decreased $264.00. INCREASED PROJECTS: Street Outreach increased $40,373.00; Homeless Prevention increased $69,726.00; Data Collection increased $5,000.00. ESG agencies for Street Outreach, Shelter, Homeless Prevention, Rapid Re-housing and Data Collection have been identified and are funded as follows: STREET OUTREACH AND SHELTER: ACTION-Housing, Inc. $27,500.00; Allegheny Valley Association of Churches, Inc. $20,000.00; Alle- iski Area HOPE Center, Inc. $33,000.00; Bridge to Independence, Inc. $40,000.00; Center for Victims $50,000.00; Community Human Services Corp. Wood St. Commons $110,000.00; Family Promise of SW PA $16,000.00; L2Community Support Light of Life Rescue $20,296.00; Mercy Life Center Corp. dba Operation Safety Net Street Outreach $77,743.00; Mercy Life Center Corp. dba Operation Safety Net SWES $39,000.00; YWCA of Greater Pgh. Bridge Housing $20,000.00. HOMELESS PREVENTION AND RAPID RE-HOUSING: Community Human Services Corp. $270,000.00; Mercy Life Center Corp. dba Operation Safety Net $165,000.00; Three Rivers Communities, Inc. $$40,000.00. Allegheny Co. Dept. of Human Services Allegheny Link $35,000.00. DATA COLLECTION: Allegheny Co. Dept. of Human Services HMIS $55,000.00. The FY 2017 Annual Action Plan is scheduled to be submitted to the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on or before August 11, 2017. The FY 2017 Annual Action Plan is on public display on the County’s website. To view the CDBG, HOME, and ESG projects, go to http://economic.alleghenycounty.us/economic-development/index.aspx. Public comments will be accepted until August 1, 2017. 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. Oral comments may be made by calling (412) 350-1044. Bud Schubel ACED, Manager of Operations LEGAL ADVERTISING
LEGAL ADVERTISING
Legal Notices
Legal Notices
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (EOI)/ REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) FOR PROVIDING BILLING, CALL CENTER, METERING, AND COLLECTIONS SERVICES
The Pittsburgh Water Sewer Authority (PWSA) is requesting specific information from firms interested in providing (water and sewer) billing, call center, metering, and/or collections services for the PWSA. Interested firms shall submit an e-mail to abarna@pgh2o.com to obtain a questionnaire. All questionnaires are due no later than 4:00 p.m. on July 31, 2017. Note the information obtained as a result of this EOI/RFI is for information purposes only and may or may not result in a forthcoming Request for Proposals.
Estate of NORBERTA Z. JAKIELO, Deceased of Balwin Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, No. 02-17-04041 James M. Jakielo, Executor, 843 Newport Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15234 or Robin L. Rarie, Esquire, BRENLOVE FULLER, LLC, 401 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017. Estate of MS. JEAN F. PAYNE, Deceased of 252 Shafer Road, Moon Township, PA 15108. Estate No. 02-17-4052. Ms. Janet Bakos, 252 shafer Road, Moon Township, PA 15108, Executrix c/o Max C. Feldman, Attorney At Law, 1322 Fifth Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108. Estate of JOANNE B. OSTERGAARD, Deceased, Upper St. Clair Borough, Pennsylvania No. 03755 of 2017. Dale F. Ostergaard, Executor, 814 Eisenhower Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15228 or to AUBREY H. GLOVER, Atty; BRENLOVE FULLER, LLC, 401 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017 Estate of ROBERT L. WARD, III, Deceased, of 26th Ward, City of Pittsburgh, No. 02847 of 2017. atrina N. Davic, 439 E. Burgess Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15214 Exec., or to Michael J. Saldamarco, Esq., Attys, Ste. 100, 908 Perry Hwy., Pittsburgh, PA 15229.
Estate of ADELINA C. CASTILLO, Deceased, of Municipality of Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania, No. 02747 of 2017. Blanca E. Castillo and Julius A. Castillo, Executors, 13566 Waterford Hills Blvd., Germantown, MD 20874 or to AUBREY H. GLOVER, Atty; BRENLOVE FULLER, LLC, 401 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017
Estate of DONNA MAY MANCO MARTIN, Deceased of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania No. 02-17-02901 Clayton S. Morrow, Atty; Morrow Artim, P.C., 304 Ross St., 7th Foor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
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LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals
LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT Port Authority ofAllegheny County REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL NO. 17-07
Port Authority of Allegheny County is requesting proposals for the performance of the following service: REAL ESTATE CONSULTING SERVICES The work under the proposed Agreement consists on an as-needed basis Real Estate Consulting Services to provide expertise and technical support to Port Authority for all aspects of its real estate interests, including property management services, asset management services, park and ride program management services, acquisition and disposal of property services, appraisal/review appraisal and property valuation services, database and file management services, capital project support and services, support and assistance with transit-oriented development initiatives and other real estate related services for Port Authority’s current property interests, public transit operations and future transit improvement programs. A copy of the RFP will be available on or after July 14, 2017, and can be obtained by registering at the Port Authority ebusiness website: http://ebusiness.portauthority. org and following the directions listed on the website. Please note that Proposers must register under the ebusiness category of PSRE Pro Real Estate/Brokerage for this RFP. Proposers may also register in other categories for any future RFPs issued by Port Authority. If you have specific questions regarding this RFP, please contact Jeff Faddis at (412) 566-5315. An Information Meeting for interested parties will be held at 9:30 a.m., prevailing time, July 27, 2017 in the Fifth Floor Board Room of Port Authority of Allegheny County’s downtown offices, 345 Sixth Avenue to answer any questions regarding this RFP. Hard copy proposals must be both delivered to, and time stamped by a representative of the Purchasing and Materials Management Department at or before 2:00 p.m., prevailing time, August 14, 2017, at the Purchasing and Materials Management Department, Port Authority of Allegheny County, 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222-2527. Proposals received or time stamped in the Purchasing and Materials Management Department after the advertised time for the submission of proposals shall be non-responsive and therefore ineligible for award. Each Proposer shall be solely responsible for assuring that its proposal is timely received and time stamped in accordance with the requirements herein. This Contract Services may be funded, in part, by, and subject to certain requirements of, the County of Allegheny and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The proposal process and the performance of the requested services will be in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Port Authority of Allegheny County, in compliance with 74 Pa.C.S. 303, as may be amended, require that certified Diverse Businesses ( DBs ) have the maximum opportunity to participate in the performance of contracts and subcontracts for these Contract Services. In this regard, all Proposers shall make good faith efforts in accordance with 74 Pa.C.S. 303, to ensure that DBs have the maximum opportunity to compete for and perform contracts. Proposers shall also not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, disability, national origin, sexual origin, gender identity or status as a parent in the award and performance of contracts for these Contract Services. Port Authority of Allegheny County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.
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LEGAL ADVERTISING
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Bids/Proposals
Bids/Proposals
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) ADVERTISEMENT
The Public Parking Authority of Pittsburgh (Authority) is soliciting proposals from firms capable to serve as the Engineering Consultant for Fire/ Panic Alarm System Upgrades at Various Authority Owned Facilities, described more fully in the formal RFP document. The RFP document will be available Friday, July 14, 2017 after 3:00 p.m. EST on the Authority website at www.pittsburghparking.com. Printed copies may also be obtained at the Authority main office located at 232 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. A mandatory pre-proposal meeting will be held at the Authority’s main office on Friday, July 21, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. EST. Submitted proposals are required to be in the Authority’s possession, in the form of five (5) hard copies and one (1) electronic copy, clearly marked and sealed by 3:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday, August 8, 2017.
LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL ACHA-1582 Telephone Answering Services
The Allegheny County Housing Authority is requesting proposals from qualified individuals/firms to provide Telephone Answering Service as per specifications. 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 St., 12 Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 or by e-mailing Guy Phillips @ gphillips@achsng.com. A Pre-Proposal Conference will be held on Wednesday, August 2, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., in the Allegheny County Housing Authority Board Room on the 12th Floor. Proposals are due by 12:00 p.m. local time, Tuesday, August 1, 2017, at the Allegheny County Housing Authority. The Allegheny County Housing Authority encourages responses from small, minority, and women owned firms, as well as firms that have not previously performed work for ACHA. The Allegheny County Housing Authority Reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, or waive any informality in the proposals. No proposals shall be withdrawn for a period of at least sixty (60) days subsequent to the opening of proposals without the consent of ACHA. ALLEGHENY COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY Frank Aggazio, Executive Director
ADVERTISEMENT
Sealed bid proposals are hereby solicited for the Community College of Allegheny County, 800 Allegheny Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15233 (412.237.3020) on the following items: RFP 3093 - Procurement of Core Switch Network Hardware and Software Solution RFP 3094 - Procurement of Optical Network Hardware and Software Solution RFP 3095 - Procurement of Access/Edge/User Switch Network Hardware and Software Solution Proposals will be received at the Purchasing Department until 2:00 P.M. Prevailing Time on Tuesday, August 8, 2017. The CCAC Purchasing Department is now publishing all bids via the CCAC website at https://www.ccac. edu/Bid-RFP_Opportunities.aspx It will be each vendor’s responsibility to monitor the bid activity within the given website (“Bid and RFP Opportunities”) and ensure compliance with all applicable bid documents inclusive of any issued addenda. Failure to incorporate any applicable addenda in the final submittal may result in the rejection of your bid. The Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and all bids. The Community College of Allegheny County is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and encourages bids from Minority/ Disadvantaged owned businesses.
INVITATION FOR BIDS
Sealed bids for the West Sunbury Borough Municipal Authority Sewage Pump Station Upgrades will be received in the office of Benjamin Holland, BUTLER COUNTY CONTROLLER, FLOOR 5, COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER, 124 WEST DIAMOND STREET, whose mailing address is P.O.BOX 1208, BUTLER, PA 16003, on or before 2:00pm, August 9, 2017. All Bids must be plainly marked “Bid – West Sunbury Borough Municipal Authority Sewage Pump Station Upgrades Project” on the outside of the envelope. All bids will be publicly opened and read at the Public Agenda Setting Meeting of the Butler County Board of Commissioners on August 10, 2017 at 10:00am, in the Commissioner Public Meeting Room located on Floor 1 of the County Government Center, Butler, PA 16003. Bids will be received for the following: Sewage Pump Station Upgrades according to the specifications in the bid package. Copies of Drawings, Specifications, Instructions to Bidders, General Conditions, Forms of Proposals and Agreement are on file and open to public inspection at the office of The Gateway Engineers, Inc., 201 South Main Street, Suite 200, Butler, PA 16001 where sets of said documents may be obtained upon payment of $50.00 per set. A $10.00 fee is applied if specifications are to be mailed. No refunds for purchased documents. Electronic versions of contract documents are available upon payment. Each proposal shall be accompanied by a bidder’s bond, or certified check or cashier’s check, in favor of the County of Butler, in the amount of not less than ten percent. The County of Butler reserves the right to waive any informality in and to accept or reject any and all bids or any part of any bid. No bid may be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days. Prevailing wages established under the Davis-Bacon Act will apply to this contract. The contract documents contain requirements addressing prevailing labor wage rates, labor standards, nondiscrimination in hiring practices, goal for minority and female participation, MBE and WBE participation, participation by Section 3 residents and businesses and related matters. BOARD OF BUTLER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Leslie Osche, Chairman Kim Geyer Kevin Boozel Attest: Scott J. Andrejchak Director of Administration/ Chief Clerk
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
The Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County (SEA) will receive sealed bids for Air Compressor Replacement as identified below for the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The contract for this work will be with the SEA. Inquiries regarding the bidding should be made to SMG, 1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15222, Attention: Linda Mihalic; email: lmihalic@pittsburghcc.com; Telephone: 412-325-6167; Facsimile: 412-325-6104. This Advertisement applies to the following Bid Package: Project: David L. Lawrence Convention Center Bid Package Name: Air Compressor Replacement Bid Package Available: July 12, 2017 Approximate Value: $45,000 Pre Bid Meeting: Time/Date Location 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 18, 2017 Bids Due: Time/Date/Location 10:00 a.m., Thursday, July 27, 2017 David L. Lawrence Convention Center 1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15222
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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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Pick up your Courier at these locations NORTH SIDE LOCATIONS NORTH SIDE BEER AND BEVERAGE 1304 Federal St. 7-11 1001 Western Ave. RICHEY’S BARBER SHOP 1207 N. Franklin St. NORTH SIDE VALERO 820 Pennsylvania Ave. RITE AID 802 Pennsylvania Ave. MARSHALL SHELL 1500 Spring Garden Ave. SWINKO’S MARKET 2535 Perrysville Ave. MERCY STREET EXPRESS 6 Mercy St. HARV’S EXXON 2501 Brighton Rd. QUICK SCHWARTZ 3235 Brighton Rd. HANINI MARKET 3245 Brighton Rd. SOUTH SIDE LOCATIONS KEN’S MARKET 216 Beltzhoover Ave. Daily Mart 1125 Arlington Ave. SHOP N’ SAVE Brownsville Rd., Carrick WEST END LOCATIONS CRAFTON BEVERAGE 15 Foster Ave., Crafton/Ingram Shopping Center SHEETZ 5400 Campbells Run Rd. SHOP N SAVE 2103 Noblestown Rd. HILL DISTRICT LOCATIONS SHOP N’ SAVE 1850 Centre Ave. WONG’S MARKET 2170 Centre Ave. ANN’S MARKET 2316 Webster Ave. A-PLUS MINI MARKET 2350 Centre Ave. UJAMMA BOUTIQUE 1901 Centre Ave. K LEROY IRVIS TOWERS 715 Mercer St. ABE’S MARKET 1860 Centre Ave. WYLIE TOBACCO 2152 Wylie Ave. POPULAR EAST END LOCATIONS GETGO 4924 Baum Blvd. BP GAS STATION 11835 Frankstown Rd., Penn Hills PUFF’S DISCOUNT TOBACCO 10991 Frankstown Rd., Penn Hills SHOP N’ SAVE 3335 William Penn Hwy, near Monroeville Mall GETGO 10525 Frankstown Rd., Penn Hills CVS PHARMACY 10600 Frankstown Rd., Penn Hills SHELL GAS STATION 7619 Baum Blvd., Shadyside STANTON NEGLEY DRUG 804 N. Negley Ave., Highland Park UNIMART 5724 Ellsworth Ave., Shadyside SHELL GAS STATION 6701 Frankstown Rd., East Hills SQUIRREL HILL NEWS 5804 Forbes Ave., Squirrel Hill MURRAY AVE. NEWS 2024 Murray Ave., Squirrel Hill PUFF’S DISCOUNT TOBACCO 234 Yost Blvd., Braddock Hills
DORSEY’S RECORDS 7614 Frankstown Ave., Homewood HOMEWOOD MARKET 7201 Frankstown Ave., Homewood SHEETZ 3457 William Penn Hwy., Monroeville WILLIAM PENN SMOKE SHOP 132 North Highland Ave., East Liberty DOWNTOWN LOCATIONS PENN AVENUE 7-11 (Sixth and Penn) Koppers Building (Ninth and Penn) NEWS-NUMBERS 136 Penn Avenue SMITHFIELD NEWS 115 Smithfield St. 7-11 SMITHFIELD 420 Smithfield St. FABER COE & GREGG 500 Grant St. FABER COE & GREGG 600 Grant St. NIELSEN’S STORES One Oxford Centre, Grant St. WOOD STREET 7-11 429 Wood St. NEWSTAND Sixth and Wood ONE STOP 300 Sixth & Wood OTHER DOWNTOWN LOCATIONS INCLUDE... KWIK-E-MART 212 Tenth St. 7-11 643 Liberty Ave. ESTER’S SNAX Federal Building, Second Floor FABER COE & GREGG Fifth Ave. Place, First Floor EXTRA EXTRA NEWS 413 Seventh Ave. UTSAV NEWS 400 Cherry Way C&C NEWS 2 PPG Place EDDIE’S SNACKS 262 Fifth Ave. BIG DADDY 465 Forbes Ave. GIANT EAGLE (18 Pittsburgh Locations) 6320 Shakespeare St., East Liberty (EAST, near BUSWAY) 4004 Monroeville Blvd., Monroeville (MONROEVILLE MALL) 230 Rodi Rd., Penn Hills (EAST inside Penn Hills Shopping Center) 9001 Frankstown Road. (EAST, corner of Frankstown and Verona Rd.) 550 Centre Ave., Shadyside (EAST, Market District) 3812 O’Neill Blvd., McKeesport (SOUTHEAST) 1356 Hoffman Blvd., West Mifflin (NEAR KENNYWOOD) 1901 Murray Ave., Squirrel Hill (EAST) 1005 Freeport Road, Waterworks Mall (NEAR FOX CHAPEL) 4250 Murray Ave., Greenfield (EAST) 254 Yost Blvd., Forest Hills/Braddock Hills (SOUTH EAST) 1705 S. Braddock Ave., Edgewood Towne Center (EAST) 420 East Waterfront Dr., Homestead (SOUTHEAST) 4680 Old William Penn Hwy, Ames Plaza, Route 22 (NEAR MURRYSVILLE) 2021 Wharton Ave. (SOUTH SIDE FLATS) 318 Cedar Ave., North Side (NORTH near E. OHIO ST.) Crafton/Ingram Shopping Center, 51 Walsh Road (WEST END) Parkway Center Mall, 1165 McKinney Lane (WEST END)
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JULY 19-25 2017
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
Savran: Popular sports show axed ‘by people that didn’t live in Pittsburgh’ Longtime Pittsburgh sportscaster Stan Savran speaks his mind in candid New Pittsburgh Courier interview, including thoughts on the 2009 cancellation of his popular sports show, his health issues, and how much longer he wants to play on Pittsburgh’s sports media field
by Aubrey Bruce For New Pittsburgh Courier
(Part 2 of a two-part series) In July 2009, there were players on the Pittsburgh Steelers roster with names like: Trai Essex, Willie Colon, Doug Legursky and
displays celebrating the Fourth of July. But a separate set of fireworks were soon going to be ignited by an unforeseen shakeup in the Pittsburgh sportscasting universe. The date was July 7, 2009. “Savran on Sportsbeat” was cancelled by FSN Pittsburgh and Savran’s future with the station was up in the air. Savran’s vivid recollection cut through the fog of his firing on that fateful day with clarity and honesty. When I inquired to Savran about his emotional state on the day that the show was cancelled he said, “I was devastated.” He repeated it again, almost as to make sure that his point was made: “I was devastated. A lot of people who may have been a little bit younger may have for-
STAN SAVRAN Aaron Smith. All have long since departed from the Steelers. At the same time, the voice of Stan Savran was in jeopardy of departing from the Pittsburgh sportscasting scene as well. The only indicator of any fireworks that the Steel City had experienced during the beginning of an otherwise uneventful month was a slight fog that may have been lingering from the pyrotechnic
gotten or may have not realized that I was at Channel 4 (WTAE) doing sports on the 11 o’clock news for 11 years. Some people may have also forgotten that I had done the Steelers on TV for five seasons. Whenever I go, and I mean go, not retire, I think most people know me and will remember me from my time on Sportsbeat. The thing that struck me, Aubrey, was that it seemed so unnecessary.”
Savran really opened up to me in our sit-down interview. “It was an executive decision by people that didn’t live in Pittsburgh. They were not aware of the peculiarities of Pittsburgh. They were Fox people based in Los Angeles. Everything about them and their culture indicated that this wouldn’t play well in L.A. Well we’re not in LA. Backend of the story...before they fired Guy (Junker) in 2003, the L.A. people tried to fire me, because I didn’t fit the slick and smooth image. This big shot from L.A. came in and I got wind of it and I knew what was going on. Anyway, my bosses took this guy out to dinner. L.A. was going to pull the trigger. There was this guy and his wife, (one of my bosses told me the story afterwards) that were in the restaurant. He was going to pay his check. He had this big Steeler jacket on, the one with the four Super Bowl trophies on it. The general manager of the station at the time called the guy over and asked him, ‘Do you know who Stan Savran is?’ The guy answered, ‘Are you kiddin me? Stan Savran, he’s the best sportscaster in Pittsburgh.’ “The two local guys just looked at the guy from L.A. and he dropped it.” However, that was not the end of the story because Savran alluded to the fact that, “Since they couldn’t get me they went after Guy and fired him, which was just as devastating.” Savran continued on talking about his former Sportsbeat partner and friend with reverence and how the bean counters still had a few issues as far as being in control was concerned. “The thing that was the most upsetting was that we were on the air for 18 years, the people loved the
STAN SAVRAN hosted the popular “Sportsbeat” program for nearly two decades on a number of regional cable sports networks. show. The ratings were good, the salespeople told me that they made a lot of money. It was just the L.A. people once again saying that the show didn’t fit their image or their philosophy. The other thing was, we started that show from scratch. Guy was on the air with Bob Pompeani (of KDKA-TV) for a year before they even brought me on. They were on the air before I was fired from Channel 4. I became available, they used to do the broadcast out of KDKA, but then they signed a new contract to do it out of WPXI, which meant Pompeani could no longer do it and
Inside Conditions
AUBREY BRUCE
they needed a new host. In those days, doing the show was not a sure thing. When I came over to Sportsbeat it was week-to-week. You never knew if it was going to be there the following week. They eventually went out and found a major sponsor, Genesee beer and that saved the show.” Savran, like all of us, has taken a look at his life and some of his choices from career, marriage, health and beyond. “I’ve had seven major surgeries in the span of four years. I’ve had four back surgeries, I’ve had open heart bypass surgery, and I’ve had surgery for two brain tumors. I don’t know whether being run down had an ill-effect on my health. But I’m not going to do that anymore. I get asked all the time about retiring, I think about it but I feel good because all the issues that I just mentioned have been taken care of. The other issue is, I still like what I do. I’ve thought about cutting back, maybe giving up radio or TV.” Savran continued, “I can’t retire unless I can answer this question: What would I do all day? You asked me a minute ago what advice I would give young up and
coming broadcasters? My first piece of advice would be to tell them that there is no substitution for preparation and hard work. You can’t skate by. Besides the issue of competition, personal pride in your work should play a large part of it. If you’re not committed to it, don’t get in it, because that’s what it takes, even if you just want to keep your job. This is not a 9-to-5, or punching a clock. I am not going to complain. I don’t know what my life would be like if I didn’t have this. I was married for 15 years and I eventually was divorced and my schedule was an issue. Understand what you’re getting into, it’s great and its fun especially if you’re a sports fan, but it takes a total commitment from you.” With his contributions to the Western Pennsylvania sports landscape, when and if Savran decides to hang up the gloves, most will miss his wisdom, wit and charm. I’m sure that when and if that time ever comes, it will be a devastating blow to the credibility of the Pittsburgh sports media. (Read the entire two-part series at newpittsburghcourier.com, search Sports, Aubrey Bruce)
Don’t give ‘The Juice’ 30 years for breaking into a hotel room!
O.J. SIMPSON, with future wife, Nicole, seen here in this 1980 Associated Press Photo.
by Bill Neal For New Pittsburgh Courier
:10—My Brothers, my brothers! Man, you all are something else I tell ya. Now if I put in the paper for someone to call me to take me to the hospital the phone would never ring. I’d be stiff as a board! But let that Slam Dunk King list hit the paper and the joint starts jumpin’ (That was a play on words…jumpin’, get it?). Well, let’s revisit. Look, Myron Brown is my boy. We’re tighter than 10 toes in a sock, but I saw Sonny Lewis jump. Myron didn’t. No disrespect, but for you “Old School” cats that saw the Sonny Lewis show, when you see Myron, try to explain it to him i n a kind and gentle way. And I have no problem moving Dougie Johnson up a notch
or two. It does get by you that Dougie was only 6 feet tall, give or take an inch ‘cause he jumped like he was 6’10”…quick, fast and hard! :09—Now let’s be real clear about something else. While Sonny holds on to the No. 1 spot on the list, know this…“Flying Myron” Brown, a second round draft pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves, won backto-back slam dunk titles in the CBA, Italy and Brazil, just to name a few of his countless high-wire act awards. :08—Safe to say Venus Williams may have succumbed to the pressure of the car accident, as well as her 37 years of age when she became the second Williams sister to get beat by Garbine Muguruza, as she won her first Wimbledon
title on July 16. Williams already has won five Wimbledon titles, sure woulda been nice to see her win No. 6. :07—I am sure it’s unfortunate, but true that the younger, less intelligent among us think the M ay w e a t h e r / M c G r e g o r rude, profane and insulting comments against each other were cool. In reality, it’s not. Generally, people who talk like that aren’t smart enough to use other words to make their point. Cussing doesn’t make you tough in the ring. Knocking people out does. Here are the names of a few guys you may have heard of that didn’t stoop to such insulting tactics and still delivered the blows: Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Sugar Ray Robinson, Joe Lewis, Ken Norton, Marvin
THE TRIAL OF THE CENTURY—O.J. Simpson, with lead defense attorney Johnnie Cochran, during Simpson’s double-murder trial, of which he was found not guilty on October 3, 1995. Simpson will have a parole hearing on July 20 pertaining to his conviction on robbery charges stemming from a hotel incident in Las Vegas in 2007. (AP Photo) Hagler, Tommy Hearns, Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran. Get my point? Do me a favor and make sure your kids get it. :06—I don’t know if he did it. I don’t think he did it…I think he knows who did it …but you don’t know, either! But I know this. “The Juice” is about to run again! O.J.’s parole hearing is set for July 20, and if he did the crime, he should do the time. I’m okay with that. But don’t give anybody 30 years for breaking into a hotel room and taking back his own stuff. :05—Let me slip this in on you, Melo, Kobe, LeBron, DWade, Curry, Leonard, Harden, and Durant fans…Michael Jordan was not a myth, like “Bigfoot.” He was a real man and brought other real men to their collective knees. If
you’ve forgotten, you better pop in a VHS tape and be reminded of the flying, the walking on air, “The Shot” in Cleveland, “The Shot” in Utah, the double nickel in New York and the six rings to go along with being the fourth all-time leading scorer in NBA history (32,292 points). Back it up, nephew, with the now talk…know your history. Holler back. :04—If things go well with the Pirates/Brewers series happening as this Courier edition comes out (July 1720), your Bucs may make me eat my words. After winning three consecutive series, beating Milwaukee three out of four games could make life a little more interesting. :03—LeVeon Bell and your Pittsburgh Steelers failed to reach a con-
tract agreement so he’ll play under the franchise tag this year for $12 million. I know, that’s how the game is played these days, but what if he gets hurt… again? I’m just sayin’! :02—Your Pittsburgh Steelers report to training camp July 27 and begin the movement of “Stairway to Seven.” And if it is to be, they must find a way to beat New England. Simple as that. :01—The Armen Gilliam “Hard Word” Basketball Camp is not just a place to drop off your kids. It’s an experience they will never forget and I promise it will change the way your child thinks. Saturday and Sunday, August 5-6, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lunch, t-shirt, certificate, game, skills and drills and hard work!!! Call 412628-4856 now! ~ GAME OVER ~
B8
PEOPLE
JULY 19-25, 2017
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Who said the kids don’t know about the Courier???
COURIER KID—Three-year-old Camryn Gunn, and mom Ebone, of Wilkinsburg, are fans of the New Pittsburgh Courier…
LIKE MOM, LIKE SON—Lil’ Jahlil, left, and Da’Ron, right, kickin’ it Downtown with mom Chalee Clemons and mom Edna Poland, as they check out the Courier…(Photo by Gail Manker)
The Courier is The VOICE of Black Pittsburgh!
GREAT SMILES—Four-year-old Nasir loves the Courier’s Sports section (at least we hope so). Here he is, with mom Ebony Jones, of Duquesne! (Photo by Gail Manker)