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40 units of affordable housing coming to the Hill District
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New Granada Square Apartments to begin construction in 2020
Fab 40 “Class of 2019”
by Rob Taylor Jr.
Special Section
Courier Staff Writer
While every day is a good day for Hill Community Development Corporation President and CEO Marimba Milliones, Thursday, July 11, was particularly joyous. After “many years behind the manifestation of this vision” of revitalizing the Hill District’s iconic Centre Avenue corridor, news that the Hill CDC is expected to receive up to $1.17 million in Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) to finally put the construction of 40 new apartment units in motion was music to Milliones’ ears. “I am elated,” Milliones told the New Pittsburgh Courier in an exclusive interview. “I am grateful.” Dubbed the New Granada Square Apartments, construc-
‘IT’S VIOLENCE FOR NOTHING’ Large spike in shootings since Fourth of July
by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
Summer is less than a month old and it’s shaping up to be a long, hot one if things continue as they have with Pittsburgh and its surrounding communities. Since July 4, the Greater Pittsburgh region saw nearly a dozen shootings, resulting in 13 victims—one a Black Pittsburgh Police officer. As of Tuesday afternoon, July 16, five of the victims have died. On July 4, amid the crowd of families streaming away from the fireworks show, Downtown, an argument escalated to gunfire that left two victims, a 16-yearold and 18-year-old, critically wounded. The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police arrested 18-yearold Camerin Caldwell of the North Side in connection with those shootings. Last weekend, 20-year-old Onaje Dickinson was killed by a Penn Hills Police officer investigating the nearby fatal shooting of Joshua A. Makhanda-Lopez, 30, found in his car a few hours earlier. 21-year-old Delquay James was killed in a shooting in McKeesport over this past weekend
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MARIMBA MILLIONES, president and CEO of the Hill Community Development Corporation, played a vital role in securing funding for the vision of New Granada Square Apartments to become reality. (Photo by Emmai Alaquiva)
Tillman to partner on $51 million Uptown development project by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
Throughout his career, developer and real estate broker Derrick Tillman has been driven not only to improve communities with his projects, but also to provide opportunities for the people in them to become self-sufficient. Now, he has a chance to do that on a much greater scale. His Bridging The Gap development firm and joint venture partner, HB Development, have been selected by the Urban Redevelop-
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ment Authority of Pittsburgh to turn several vacant Uptown properties into a mixed-use commercial and residential development. The estimated budget is $51 million. At its July 11 meeting, the board voted to approve entering into exclusive negotiations to sell 34 city-owned properties, making up about one-third of the project site, to his joint venture partnership, Fifth and Dinwiddie Development, LLC. “This is my biggest project,” said TillDERRICK TILLMAN (Photo by J.L. Martello)
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Dreamz Hair Salon celebrates 16 years by showcasing others ‘Fashion Under The Bridge’ is all about the youth by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer
When Tenel Dorsey, owner of Dreamz Hair Salon in Homestead, thought of the best way to celebrate 16 years in business, she thought of cupcakes. Yes, the Little Cupcake Divas, the youth group of fashion models that got a chance to shine in front of members of the Homestead community at the “Fashion Under The Bridge” event that was held, yes, underneath the Homestead Grays Bridge. Dorsey also thought of addressing the audience via microphone—not to talk about her success, but to give out certificates of appreciation to longtime supporters and customers, like Sharifa Dominique Green. “I have a real passion for people in our community, it’s just my thing,” Dorsey told
MEMBERS OF THE LITTLE CUPCAKE DIVAS who starred in the fashion show during “Fashion Under The Bridge,” July 7. (Photo by Dayna Delgado)
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the New Pittsburgh Courier, July 16. “I’ve always been that type of person.” “Fashion Under The Bridge,” held July 7, had the local vendors, food and refreshments, and for the youth, food for thought. Devantae Butler, of Reaching New Dreams and Recognizing Talents, lined the youth up in a straight-line formation, and showed them how many people and other tribulations will try to knock them off their course to success. He helped them to understand that no matter what, you must “stay your course.” The girls who were part of the Cupcake Divas displayed their sense of fash-
Mayor Pete’s plan for Black America Forum B6
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This Week In Black History
Week of July 17-23 July 17 1794—Former slave and minister Richard Allen officially dedicated the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, Pa. The church was the first all-Black denomination not affiliated with a larger White congregation. The incident leading to the dedication took place in 1787 when Allen, Absalom Jones and several other Blacks were thrown out of Philadelphia’s St. George’s Methodist Episcopal Church when they attempted to pray along-side Whites. The AME Church would go on to become one of the largest Black religious denominations in America. 1862—As the Southern, pro-slavery rebels prove more diffiRICHARD ALLEN cult in battle than expected, Congress passes a law giving President Abraham Lincoln the authority to begin recruiting free Blacks and recently freed slaves into military service during the Civil War. 1911—Frank M. Snowden is born in York County, Va. The Harvard educated Snowden would become a prominent professor at Washington, D.C.’s, Howard University and a leading authority on Blacks in ancient history. His major works include “Blacks in Antiquity: Ethiopians in the Greco-Roman Experience” and “Before Color United States Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY). (Photo: Wikime- Prejudice: The Ancient View of Blacks.” Snowden documented that “Ethiopians piodia Commons/Senate Democrats) neered religion” and played a major role in the development of the greatness of ancient Egypt. Snowden also showed that Blacks influenced the development of both ancient Greek and Roman societies working in capacities ranging from musicians to scholars. Snowden died in February 2007 at the age of 95. 1942—Heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali is born Cassius Marcellus Clay in Louisville, Ky. Ali would join the Nation of Islam and become a major opponent of the U.S. war in Vietnam. He would later split with Malcolm X when Malcolm broke away from the Nation of Islam. 1944—The so-called Port of Chicago Mutiny takes place. In the middle of America’s involvement in World War II, an ammunitions depot at Port Chicago, Calif., explodes killing 320 men—most of them Black. It was the worse stateside disaster to ensure notice of the reasons for in U.S. military history. However, when 258 surviving Black by Stacy M. Brown Ocasio-Cortez formerly incarcerated the decision, and the soldiers refused to return to work until they received certain For New Pittsburgh Courier individuals and their fam- opportunity to present safety guarantees, their refusal was labeled a mutiny by miliOn July 10, California ilies have access to safe mitigating evidence or tary authorities. Fifty of the soldiers were convicted of mutiny Democratic Sen. Kamala and affordable housing as appeal a decision; and jailed. However, after the war, President Harry S. Truman Harris and New York Rep. they transition back into •Prohibit the use of commuted their sentences. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez their community,” Harris suspicion-less drug and July 18 announced the introducsaid. alcohol testing by owners 1753—This is believed to be the day Lemuel Haynes escaped tion of their Fair Chance “By requiring a higher and PHAs; from slavery in Massachusetts. The product of a Black father at Housing Act to remove standard of evidence and •Provide PHAs with and a mother who was normally described in history texts as “a MUHAMMAD ALI barriers to obtaining feda more holistic review pro- additional administraWhite woman of respectable ancestry,” Haynes would become eral housing assistance for cess, we are taking a sigtive funding for helping a renowned figure in early American history. He fought with distinction in American individuals with criminal nificant step toward giving to house ex-offenders Revolutionary War for independence from Britain and would become the first Black records and their families. Americans a fair chance to through the Section 8 person ordained as a minister by a mainstream Protestant church. He was also the The proposal is a comsucceed,” she said. Housing Choice Voucher first Black in American history to become head minister at a predominantly White prehensive reform of the Both Harris and Ocaprogram; and church. eviction and screening pol- sio-Cortez said a criminal •Authorize $10 mil1863—Sergeant William H. Carney was the first Black person to receive the Conicies so individuals with background can have lion in bonus funding for gressional Medal of Honor for bravery in battle. The bravery which led to the medal a criminal history have lifelong implications for a homeless service providers occurred on this day in 1863 at the battle of Battery Wagner. a fair chance at housing person’s ability to obtain through the Continuum 1918—Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela is born in Transkei, South Africa. Mandela assistance. housing, employment, edof Care program to serve would spend 27 years in prison for his struggles against the system of racial oppresThe legislation aims ucation, and to otherwise ex-offenders. sion in South Africa known as apartheid. When he was finally released in 1990, it to reduce recidivism by rebuild their lives. By preserving the ability was a day of massive celebration for Blacks and progressive Whites throughout South helping ex-offenders find Access to stable housing of PHAs and owners to Africa and much of the world. He won hundreds of awards for his anti-apartheid stable housing and ensure in particular is one of the protect the health and efforts including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. With the downfall of apartheid in the that those currently remost important first steps safety of their properties, early 1990s, Mandela would become the first Black president of ceiving federal assistance to rehabilitation, but fedwhile simultaneously the country in 1994. He was widely praised for not launching a are not unfairly evicted.In eral laws continue to pose rolling back unjustified campaign of revenge against his White former oppressors. a release, the lawmakers unnecessary and punitive policies, this bill would reJuly 19 said that for decades, the barriers to federal housing duce recidivism by helping 1848—Anti-slavery activist and the foremost Black leader War on Drugs has done assistance for those with ex-offenders find stable of his day Frederick Douglass gives a stirring speech at the far more harm than good, criminal records, they housing upon exiting a jail First Women’s Rights Convention, which took place in Seneca wreaking havoc on Ameri- said. or prison. Falls, N.Y. Douglas helped sway the 260 women and 40 men can families through mass The Fair Chance at It would also help present to back a women’s right to vote resolution being pushed incarceration while having Housing Act of 2019 prevent homelessness by by Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Initially, many of the delegates a very limited impact on would: ensuring that individuals opposed the resolution fearing it was too radical an idea for the rehabilitation. •Ban blanket “1-strike” and households currently times but changed their minds after hearing Douglass’ presenNELSON MANDELA “Moreover, these efforts policies, which allow receiving federal housing tation. Women would not finally get the right to vote until 1920. have had profoundly tenants to be evicted for a assistance are not unfairly 1941—The first U.S. Army Flying Academy for Black cadets is officially dedicated at disproportionate effects on single incident of criminal evicted. Tuskegee, Ala. Between 1940 and 1946, 992 pilots were trained. More than 400 would minorities, who have hisactivity, no matter how Harris’ office said the bill see action in World War II even though many Whites initially felt Blacks were not torically been the primary minor, in favor of a holistic has already received the intelligent enough to fly airplanes. The Tuskegee Airmen, as they became known, target of harsh anti-drug review; support of the National would fly with great distinction during the war. They were credited with downing policies,” they said. •Ban “no-fault” policies, Low Income Housing Coa- 109 German planes and destroying numerous enemy fuel dumps, trucks and planes. The consequences of which allow an entire fam- lition, Legal Action Center, Approximately 150 of them lost their lives during training or combat. Finally, in March these now-debunked polily to be evicted for crimNational Alliance to End 2007,more than 300 surviving members and their wives were honored and the airmen icies reach much farther inal activity by a guest of Homelessness, National received the Congressional Gold Medal. than the doors of the naa household member even LGBTQ Task Force, and 1952—Joe Louis Reliford broke the color barrier in Georgia State Baseball in tion’s prisons, Harris and without the knowledge of others. Statesboro, Ga. He pinch hit, threw out a runner from left field and robbed the StatesOcasio-Cortez said. anyone in the household; “I am proud to join Senboro Pilots best hitter, Jim Shuster of a home run—all in one inning and at the age of “Too many people become •Raise the standards ator Harris in introducing 12. His historical catch is on display in Cooperstown, N.Y., where he is the only batboy involved in our criminal of evidence to be used by the Fair Chance at Housamong Major League Baseball Hall of Fame Inductees. Reliford is the author of “From justice system and serve public housing authorities ing Act … this legislation Batboy to the Hall of Fame.” their time only to return (PHAs) and owners and is one of many steps that July 20 home to face additional require a holistic considneed to be taken to repair 1967—The first Black Power Conference takes place in Newark, N.J. More than barriers to employment, eration of all mitigating our broken criminal jus1,000 delegates representing 126 organizations attended. The conference represented education, and housing,” circumstances when mak- tice system,” Ocasio-Cora break with the integration-with-Whites thrust of the Civil Rights Movement of the said Harris, a leading ing screening or eviction tez said. 1960s. Instead, delegates called for greater focus on Black political empowerment, ecocandidate for the 2020 determinations based on “The denial of basic nomic development, community control and the building of Black institutions. presidential nomination. criminal activity; necessities to formerly July 21 “As our country con•Ensure that tenants incarcerated people does 1864—Amazingly, what is now considered the first Black daily newspaper begins pubtinues working toward who are evicted for criminot make our communities lishing on this day during slavery. The New Orleans Tribune was founded by wealthy much-needed reform of nal activity and applicants safer. Denying housing Black Doctor Louis C. Roudanez and edited by a Belgium Jean-Charles Heuzean. The our criminal justice syswho are denied admission to those that have been Tribune, however, actually followed the Daily Creole which began publication in 1856. tem, I am proud to work for criminal activity are formerly incarcerated inBut it was so pressured by Whites that it adopted pro-slavery positions. The Tribune, with Congresswoman given adequate written creases recidivism. Today meanwhile, would begin as a tri-weekly and become a full-fledged daily in October. we are taking a step to 1896—The National Association of Colored Women is founded in Washington, make our communities D.C., and Mary Church Terrell is elected president. The association would establish safer,” she said. nurseries, help orphans, and battle for a woman’s right to vote. Terrell became an activist and power broker in the nation’s capital fighting for desegregation of restaurants and helping build schools. She was born in 1863 and died in 1954. THE 2001—Blues legend John Lee Hooker dies. He was 83. NEW PITTSBURGH July 22 1861—President Abraham Lincoln submits the first draft of the Emancipation COURIER Proclamation to his cabinet. The order freeing slaves, however, was not actually isPUBLISHING COMPANY sued until Jan. 1, 1863. And even then, it benefited very few slaves. The Emancipation Proclamation freed slaves in the rebellious Southern states. But the federal governPublication No.: USPS 381940 ment at the time did not have control of the South so no slaves actually went free. In the so-called Border States where the federal government did have authority, the 315 East Carson Street Proclamation did not apply. About the only slaves who benefited were those who had Pittsburgh, PA 15219 already escaped and fled to the Union side during the Civil War. Phone: 412-481-8302 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 Fax: 412-481-1360 relations. 1963—Floyd Patterson loses his heavyweight boxing title to Sonny Liston and LisThe ton would later lose it to a young fighter by the name of Cassius Clay—later MuhamNew Pittsburgh Courier mad Ali. is published weekly 2001—Actor Whitman Mayo dies in Atlanta, Ga., of a heart attack. He was 71. Mayo is best known for his role as “Grady” in the popular 1970s television series “Sanperiodicals ford and Son.” July 23 paid at Pittsburgh, Pa. 1900—The first Pan African conference took place in London, England. Blacks PRICE $1.00 from throughout the world gathered to plot strategies for bringing about rights for all people of African ancestry, independence from colonialism for African countries and (Payable in advance) international Black unity. This “conference” was the precursor of all the subsequent Pan African “Congresses.” Among the most prominent names present in 1900 were 6 Months.....$25 African-American activist and intellectual W.E.B. DuBois and West Indian lawyer H. Sylvester Williams. 1 Year....$45 1948—The Progressive Party Convention begins in Philadelphia. The conven2 Years...$85 tion nominates Henry Wallace for president and he makes the strongest showing of virtually any third-party candidate in American history. More than 150 Blacks were 9 Month School Rate $35 at the convention and dozens ran for office on the Progressive Party ticket. They were attracted by the party’s call for an end to segregation, full voting rights for Blacks and POSTMASTER: Send universal government sponsored health insurance. The party was populated mainly address changes to: by liberals and leftists. Wallace’s candidacy was even endorsed by the then relatively American Communist Party. The party came under vicious attack during the New Pittsburgh Courier strong anti-Communist hysteria of the 1950s. But positions taken by the Progressive Party 315 East Carson Street forced the Democratic Party to adopt meaningful changes in order to hold onto the Black vote. Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Harris, Ocasio-Cortez introduce Fair Chance at Housing Act
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Dreamz Hair Salon celebrates 16 years by showcasing others ‘Fashion Under The Bridge’ is all about the youth
A MEMBER OF THE LITTLE CUPCAKE DIVAS walks the runway during “Fashion Under The Bridge,” July 7, in Homestead. (Photos by Courier photographer Dayna Delgado) DREAMZ FROM A1
TENEL DORSEY, owner of Dreamz Hair Salon in Homestead.
ion and runway prowess during the fashion show part of the event. They were cheered by the many onlookers. There were also youth dance groups and singers. “Everything about it was very positive for the kids and encouraging,” said Mary Nesby, a Homestead Borough Councilmember, “because a lot of times, kids don’t see themselves as models.” Nesby said Dorsey’s team of stylists and designers had the youth looking and feeling their best. “It was about the community for her,” Nesby said of Dorsey. “She was not going to have it any other way.” Dorsey describes herself as a community-oriented person, “since I was singing in church” at Bethel AME in the Hill District, where she was raised. She told the Courier that her faith in God has only
strengthened as an adult and mother of two. “I pray about things, and with the things that I’ve been through, He just works in a way that makes me believe.” Her journey took her to Pittsburgh CAPA and Steel Valley high schools, a pregnancy at an early age, working to open her first businesses, Go Divas Hair Salon and Ms. Diva’s Supplies on the North Side in 2001-02, and then striking gold with Dreamz Hair Salon at 100 E. 8th Ave. in Homestead in 2003. Nesby, whose love for Homestead is unapologetically palpable, has known Dorsey for years and calls her and the salon a “valuable part” of Homestead. “She does a prom giveaway, a Christmas event,” Nesby said of Dorsey. “She even gives youth cancer patients a makeover. She goes to them, she and her team. It says that she’s
human, she’s empathetic, she’s definitely a leader.” Dorsey, a licensed cosmetologist, leads a team of 10 stylists and barbers (and a fitness instructor) inside— and outside—the physical building’s walls. Dreamz is a regular participant of Pittsburgh Public Schools’ Back To School celebration, in which youth were styled with the latest hair designs free of charge at Pittsburgh Faison Elementary School in Homewood last August. They’ll be setting up shop again for the upcoming PPS event at Pittsburgh Obama on Aug. 19. Dorsey was honored by Soul Pitt Media in 2014 for being a Black woman in business in Pittsburgh for more than a decade, and Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto has presented Dorsey with an award for outstanding work in the community. Now, at the prime-time age
of 40, Dorsey said she’s only looking to soar higher along her life’s journey. But she knows people are watching her—nieces, nephews, even young adults looking to start their own business. Her advice to everyone? “I started out when there was no social media, there were no ‘shares,’ none of that. You have to still understand that who you are and what you believe in needs to reflect on how you operate every day.” Dreamz Hair Salon currently has five students from Learn & Earn, a sixweek summer employment program for teens and young adults in the Pittsburgh region. It’s all in Dorsey’s effort to be a role model for the next generation of entrepreneurs. “I take on a responsibility,” Dorsey told the Courier. “People just ‘say’ they want to change the world. I really want to change it, and I feel that I am.”
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‘You Make Me Feel Brand New…’
RUSSELL THOMPKINS JR. AND THE NEW STYLISTICS performed at New Horizon Theater’s Annual Special Event on May 25, delighting all in attendance, said New Horizon’s Joyce Meggerson-Moore. New Horizon Theater Inc.’s Joyce Meggerson-Moore checked in with the New Pittsburgh Courier to thank those who
packed the house during the organization’s Annual Special Event on May 25. Russell Thompkins Jr. and The New Stylistics were
JOYCE MEGGERSON-MOORE
loved by all, as they sang “You’re a Big Girl Now,” “Stop, Look, Listen,” “Break Up to Make Up,” and “You Make Me Feel Brand New,” among other favorites. Meggerson-Moore said that among those in attendance were Judge Dwayne Woodruff and Joy Maxberry Woodruff, who described the evening as “wonderful,” and “enjoyable…The dance choreography, the sharp brocade tuxedo jackets and Russell Thompkins Jr.’s vocals were all superb. And lastly, the live professional band with the young director who stood up to do a step or two made the show an absolute hit.” Meggerson-Moore explained that The Opening Act was an excerpt from “Freeda Peoples,” which played at the Homewood Library from May 31-June 16. It was written by Joyce Sylvester and directed by Eileen J. Morris.
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Fifth and Dinwiddie belongs to Derrick Tillman
(Photo by Courier photographer J.L. Martello)
Tillman, partner to embark on $51 million Uptown development venture
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man. “We’d talked about other projects in the past, but they didn’t pan out. When this came up though, Gene (Boyer of HB Devel-
opment) said let’s take a run at this. So we put together a dream team of local talent.” Tillman’s recent Miller Street project, which
brought units of 36 units of supportive, affordable housing to the Hill District in May, allowed him to employ a like number of residents on the project, allowing them to gain marketable skills and the ability to improve their quality of life. “It’s our core mission,” he said. “Bridging gaps in development and in opportunities, creating opportunities and programs that build people. So we’re very intentional about that.” He said the MWDBE commitment on this project will be much greater. Both he and partner Gene Boyer, co-managing director of HB, are African Americans. Boyer is already in contact with the unions and Jeff Nobers at the Builders Guild about getting Black workers on the project the training needed to join the unions. The project also has a female architect, Blacks in accounting and promotion, and Tillman said they may hire a Black co-construction manager for the commercial redevelopment. “We’re going to shatter the MWDBE requirements in the (Request For Proposals), and those of the city and the URA,” he said. “For sure.” As outlined in the URA Director’s report delivered at the July 11 board meeting, the project will transform 1.4 acres of property—consisting of a parking lot and vacant parcels at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Dinwiddie Street—into two new mixed-use buildings joined by a three-story skybridge. The site will include 20,000 square feet of commercial space, a new public plaza, and a total of 167 rental units comprised of micro, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units. Thirty-three of the units will be affordable. Of these, 16 will be set aside for households earning at or below 60 percent of the area median income (AMI), 13 for households earning at or below 50 percent AMI, and 4 units for households earning at or below 20 percent AMI. A 20,000 square-foot building on the opposite side of Dinwiddie, currently used for storage by the city Department of Public Works, will get a two-story, 20,000 square-foot addition and converted to additional commercial and office space. Another feature of this project is that Tillman’s joint venture—he is the 55 percent partner—was chosen following the community’s recommendation as part of a neighborhood planning process that began more than two years ago. For someone engrained in the community, it’s particularly meaningful to Tillman. “I think it’s validation, validation that we’re doing something right,” he said. “Of course it makes us all feel great to community recognizes our commitment. You can make money and still do good.”
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Mindfulness and its proven impact on loneliness (BPT)—Maybe you know someone who stands by taking five minutes each morning to meditate or finds time after lunch to quiet his or her mind and focus on breathing. Whatever the method may be, incorporating “mindfulness” practices into your life can have a wide range of positive health benefits like improving your memory, sleep and immune system; reducing stress and feelings of loneliness and increasing compassion toward others and yourself. Mindfulness means taking time to pay attention to yourself and your thoughts and feelings. Read on to learn how you can put mindfulness into practice in your life to help improve your overall health. How to make mindfulness a routine part of your day. •Find five to ten minutes each day to sit quietly and focus on your breath. Take the time to notice where your mind goes and how your body is feeling. You just might find that this helps you focus and prioritize your day. •Before you go to bed take time to focus on the good things that happened that day. Write your thoughts down in a journal. •Search for “mindfulness apps” on your smartphone or tablet that lead you in a mindfulness exercise. And many of these apps are free!
Feeling lonely? Mindfulness can help. Mindfulness has been shown to help older adults overcome a silent but urgent health issue: loneliness. It is estimated that more than half of adults age 65 and over regularly experience moderate to severe loneliness. Loneliness is characterized by a marked difference between someone’s desired companionship and actual relationships. Through unique studies conducted by UnitedHealthcare and AARP, researchers are applying the techniques of mindfulness to help combat loneliness in older adults. Loneliness poses a serious threat to the quality of life for older adults. It is linked to negative health outcomes such as higher risk of dementia, mortality and disability. “The health risk of chronic loneliness, in older adults, is equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and has a greater impact on mortality than obesity,” said Dr. Charlotte Yeh, M.D., chief medical officer, AARP Services Inc. “That is why UnitedHealthcare and AARP Services Inc. are collaborating to identify actionable solutions, geared for any individual across the spectrum of loneliness.” Researchers looked at whether mindfulness interventions, like breath awareness,
self-compassion and kindness exercises, could positively impact a person’s optimism and quality of life—all factors that help reduce loneliness. Conclusions were encouraging: Mindfulness activities were shown to decrease loneliness among older adults. The
research demonstrated that mindfulness reduced stress, and improved memory, sleep, the immune system, resiliency and compassion for self and others. Although loneliness is complex and challenging to address, a mindfulness practice may help you live your best life.
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Debbie Norrell
Lifestyles Report Licking crazy When I first saw the Facebook post of the lady in the grocery store licking the ice cream and then putting it back in the freezer compartment I said to myself, please let this be an isolated incident. According to CNN, the most well-publicized version of the #IceCreamChallenge happened late last month in a Walmart in Lufkin, Texas. A young woman, seen in a Twitter video that’s been viewed more than 11 million times, gleefully licked a half-gallon of Blue Bell Tin Roof ice cream before putting it back in the freezer. Police later identified a suspect and her boyfriend but said they won’t release names because she is a juvenile. “We do not intend to pursue charges against her as an ‘adult’ and therefore what happens from here is at the discretion of the juvenile justice system,” Lufkin Police said in a statement. I think she should be treated as an adult. Expose her. This is insane. It makes you not want to buy things in the grocery store. I also saw someone take a swig of mouthwash and spit it back in the bottle. They posted this on social media as well. You might be asking yourself, what’s going on in the minds of people who do these things? It’s what impulsive teens and young adults do to get attention in the social media era, according to experts. “It’s just a plain old version of anti-social behavior,” said Susan Whitbourne, professor emerita in the Psychological and Brain Sciences Department at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. “It is an anti-social act, and it’s outside the bounds of proper social behavior.” Since the ice cream crime and the mouthwash caper, I have seen multiple posts of unsanitary acts. One person was licking a stack of taco shells in the back of the taco restaurant and one person was letting the soft serve ice cream run into his mouth. I could not tell what type of restaurant they were in but they were not at home. So what does one do? I saw an interesting post where people are opening their ice cream from the bottom. I’m not sure what to do. I know that I will make sure that I am checking to see that seals have not been broken when I open new items fresh from the store. If it has been broken I will have to return the item immediately. The bigger problem is how to get people to stop doing crazy things. Or am I asking too much? So here is another licking reported by CNN, a new version of the “licking” challenge grabbed the spotlight recently...a video appeared on social media of a young girl grabbing a tongue depressor from a dentist’s office in Jacksonville. The girl licked it and then put it back in the jar. Her mother, 30-yearold Cori Ward, admitted recording the video and posting it on Snapchat, authorities say. She was charged with a felony, tampering with a consumer product. She faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted. (Email Debbie at debbinorrell@aol.com.)
CORPORATE GALA CHAIR—Scott Lammie with Susan Lammie and Esther Bush
HONORARY CHAIR—Roseanne Wholey, center, with Westlynn Davis and Charlene Hill Coleman
Three Rivers Youth 2019 Nellie Leadership Awards Gala by Debbie Norrell
pastries and get a complimentary portrait just as they would do in France. Robert Hill, former vice The theme of the 2019 chancellor, University of Three Rivers Youth (T.R.Y.) Pittsburgh, Office of Public 2019 Nellie Leadership Affairs, served as emcee. Awards Gala was “Champs Hill is an extraordinary on the Champs-Elysees.” publisher, editor and writThe well-planned event er. The program included was held on May 31, at the a beautiful performance Wyndham Grand Pittsby the Hill Dance Acadeburgh Hotel. Peggy Harris, my Theater and a video on President & CEO of T.R.Y., T.R.Y. by Emmai Alaquiva. said the Champs-Elysees is Rajay Childs was the reone of the grandest avenues cipient of the Charles and in the world where cultures Nancy Adreon Scholarship. intersect, languages collide Childs will attend Lincoln and where diversity—in all University. of its glory—is celebrated. The evening concludThe gala celebration was ed with a presentation to threefold, said Harris. First Adam Smith, T.R.Y. Board we celebrate the thousands of directors chair and honof youth and families, secchair, Roseanne ond we celebrate the cham- T.R.Y. HONOREE, JACK & JILL OF AMERICA PITTSBURGH CHAPTER—Adam Smith, Peggy Harris, orary Wholey. pions whose lives have Alexis Steals and Daria Crawley Lifestyles Editor
MASTER OF CEREMONIES—Robert Hill been exemplars for racial equity, economic parity, youth, family and community development. Third we celebrate the Pittsburgh
T.R.Y. HONOREE—Valerie Njie and Peggy Harris
community for reminding us with your presence that the battle is not just ours, but it belongs to us all. This year’s honorees in-
T.R.Y. HONOREE WITH WIFE—Mark and Michelle Lewis
T.R.Y. HONOREE—Peggy Harris and Larry E. Davis
cluded: Larry Davis, Ph.D., former Dean of Social Work at the University of Pittsburgh; Valerie Njie, former executive director/senior
vice president of Bidwell Training Center; Jack and Jill of America, Pittsburgh Chapter and the Poise Fo u n d ati o n (Mark Lewis). The cocktail reception allowed more than 200 guests to “shop” for flowers, bread and wine on the unique Champs-Elysees using shopping bags provided by T.R.Y. Guests also had the op- FRIENDS OF T.R.Y. WITH PRESIDENT—Gloria CHAIR BOARD OF DIRECTORS—Adam Smith portunity to Brown, Peggy Harris, Robin Spencer and Courtand Kelly Smith (Photos by Debbie Norrell) enjoy French ney Abegunde
GALA PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS—Roxanne Epperson and Kristin Walker
BONSOIR/GOOD EVENING—Amanda Jubert, Marleen Tucker and Linda R. Wortham
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
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JULY 17-23, 2019
Pittsburgh Gentlemen MC Walk For Unity The members of the Pittsburgh Gentlemen Motorcycle Club, along with Carrone Baptist Church, held a Walk For Unity in Homewood, July 6. Former Pittsburgh Gentlemen MC president Paul “PJ” McMillan was killed in January in Penn Hills. He was 48. The July 6 event was the second annual Walk For Unity that Mr. McMillan helped originate.
THE WALK FOR UNITY, July 6, in Homewood. (Photos by Courier photographer J.L. Martello)
PAUL “PJ” MCMILLAN, right, with Tammy Washington. (Photo via Facebook)
MONICA MURPHY, of Carrone Baptist Church in Homewood.
TAMMY WASHINGTON
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RELIGION
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Praise & Worship ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH Crawford & Centre Ave. Pgh., PA 15219 412-281-3141 Sunday Mass 10:30 A.M. www.stbtmchurch.org
East Liberty Presbyterian Church Rev. Dr. Randy Bush, Senior Pastor 412-441-3800 116 S. Highland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206
www.cathedralofhope.com
Worship on Sunday: Summer Worship Hour...10 a.m. Taize Prayer Service (Wed.) 7 p.m.
Pastor Eileen O. Smith’s birthday celebration REVEREND EILEEN O. SMITH of Mount Zion Baptist Church, West Newton.
Curious about Quakerism?
“A Fabulous Seventy” were the resounding words echoed by the family and friends of Pastor Eileen O. Smith who recently attended her 3 Score and 10 Birthday Celebration at Antonelli’s Event Center in North Huntington. The event, held June 8, was initiated by the members of Mount Zion Baptist Church of West Newton where Rev. Smith has been the pastor for more than 15 years. Reverend Smith, a retired nurse, is known in the West Newton community and beyond for implementing food distribution programs and sharing her ministry expertise with families in domestic and violence crisis as well as offering compassion as a Hospice Chaplain. Reverend Raymond Porter Jr., son in law of Pastor Smith, was Facilitator and Associate Minister. Pamela Tarpley was Chair Lady of the celebration.
You Are Welcome at our Meetings for Worship Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Pittsburgh Friends Meeting 4836 Ellsworth Avenue http://www.quaker.org/legacy/pghpamm
Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community!
—Jacquelyn McDonald
REVEREND EILEEN O. SMITH, with her grandchildren. (Photos by Courier photographer Jacquelyn McDonald)
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TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEXT CHURCH EVENT! We want to place your event in our Church Circuit weekly calendar! Send info to:
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TRIEDSTONE POWER OF PRAYER
J L 19 The Sel ess Intercessory Prayer Warriors Ministry presents The Power of Prayer, with featured teacher, Rev. Nathaniel Pennybaker, at p.m. at the church, 1 Harriet St., Rankin. For more information, call 412-2 1-3000.
Or Email us! religion@ newpittsburgh courier.com
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CARRONE SALAD-A-RAMA
J L 20 The Rodney C. Fox Missionary Ministry of Carrone Baptist Church, 119 Frankstown Ave. in Homewood, will present a “Salad-A-Rama” from noon to 4 p.m. at the church. A 10 donation is requested. The theme is “Old Time Religion.” All are welcome and invited to attend. Reverend Alonzo Murphy Jr. is the pastor. For more information, call 412-6 -1 19 or 412-3 1-9919.
MOUNT OLIVE FAMILY AND FRIENDS DAY
J L 21 Mount Olive Baptist Church, 330 Fourth Ave, Rankin, will celebrate Family and Friends Day at 11 a.m. at the church. It’s the “Summer Psalms Series.” Following the service, there will be refreshments, hot dogs, grilled chicken, popcorn, face-painting and games. All are welcome Rev. William A. Baker I is pastor. For more information, call 412-2 1-0303.
YOUTH FUNDAY AT KENNYWOOD
J L 22-23, 24, 30 The Rachel Randall Education Ministry of Pentecostal Temple Church of God in Christ has “2019” outh Funday Tickets for ennywood Park for 2 . Tickets are valid for use the following days: July 5, July 22-23, July 24, and July 30. Tickets are also available for Aug. 13. For more information and tickets, please call the church office at 412-361- 000 or 412-3 1-626 .
TRIEDSTONE PRAYER BREAKFAST
REV. RAY PORTER JR.
J L 2 Triedstone Baptist Church of Rankin presents its Prayer Breakfast, at 9 a.m. at the church, 1 Harriet St. The guest preacher will be Rev. Barbara Gunn, senior pastor, Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, North ersailles. 10 donation. For more information, call 412-2 1-3000.
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Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Training Academy Graduation Ceremony
MELANIE HORTON pins Officer Ernest Horton with his badge, at the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Training Academy Graduation Ceremony, July 2, at CCAC’s Foerster Student Center. (Photos by Courier A FAMILY AFFAIR—Anthony Mitchell, part of the July 2 graduation class, with Sergeant Torrina Mitchell and Sergeant Donald Mitchell Jr. photographer J.L. Martello)
SERGEANT COLLEEN BRISTOW and graduating officer Caleb Stevenson are cousins.
LASHAE STEVENSON pins the badge on her son, Officer Caleb Stevenson.
SERGEANT TORRINA MITCHELL pins the badge on her son, Officer Anthony Mitchell.
OFFICER ERNEST HORTON
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Tax tips for starting a business by Constant Watson III For New Pittsburgh Courier
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER—Hustle Her Way creator Kyshira S. Moffett empowers her audience during the final Hustle Her Way Summit on June 29.
COMING TO AN END
Moffett’s ‘Hustle Her Way Summit’ Smaller retreats to occur, still with a message to inspire Black female entrepreneurs by Diane I. Daniels For New Pittsburgh Courier
Like the previous three Hustle Her Way summits, participants left excited, rejuvenated and ready to take their business to the next level…or to perhaps launch an entrepreneurial venture. Saturday, June 29 saw women from New York, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Cincinnati, Toronto and as far away as St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, gather at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel and Suites Pittsburgh Downtown for what the creator, Kyshira S. Mof-
fett, says is the final Hustle Her Way Summit. “This year’s surpassed my expectations. When creating this in 2016 I never imagined they would reach ballroom status. Each year it has grown. Even now, several weeks later I continue to receive positive feedback,” Moffett said. The goal and purpose of the summits was to provide ambitious, entrepreneurial women with the tools and resources they needed to be successful in pursuit of their aspirations, aiming to provide actionable content in the form of workshops and providing attendees
LEARNING FROM THE BEST—Potential entrepreneur, 11-year-old Symphani Carter, shares a moment with digital brand strategist and content creator guru Kyshira S. Moffett. (Photos by Diane I. Daniels) with a unique opportunity to build a powerful network. “This was the event where women came together to share, collaborate and grow. Women that attended made a decision to invest in
themselves,” said Moffett. Moffett, a digital brand strategist, content creator and award-winning entrepreneur and author, is proud of her own growth and development within
Understanding your tax obligation is one key to business success. When you start a business, you need to know about income taxes, payroll taxes and much more. Here are some IRS tax tips that can help you get your business off to a good start. Business structure An early choice you need to make is to decide on the type of structure for your business. The most common types are sole proprietor, partnership and corporation. The type of business you choose will determine which tax forms you file. Business taxes There are four general types of business taxes. They are income tax, self-employment tax, employment tax and excise tax. In most cases, the types of tax your business pays depends on the type of business structure you set us. You may need to make estimated tax payments. If you do, you can use IRS Direct Pay to make them. It’s the fast, easy and secure way to pay from your checking or savings account. Employer Identification Number (EIN) You may need to get an EIN for federal tax purposes. Search “you need and EIN” on IRS.gov to find out if you need this number. Accounting method An accounting method is a set of rules that you use to determine when to report income and expenses. You must use a consistent method. The two that are most common are cash and accrual methods. Under the cash method, you normally report income and deduct expenses in the year that you receive or pay them. Under the accrual method, you generally report income and deduct expenses in the year that you earn or incur them. This is true even if you get the income or pay the expense in a later year. Do not comingle your personal account with your business checking account. Deposit all your business income, including cash receipts, in the business checking account. Also pay all your bills by checks and/or your business checking account debit card. Make sure you keep all receipts for any payments made with cash. It is also very important to have some type of book-keeping/software program for your business. As a business owner, you need to keep track of your income and expenses to monitor your profitability. Remember, you must give an independent contractor Form 1099-Misc by January 31st of the following tax year. This rule applies if the total amount you pay them is $600 and more. Get all the basics of starting a business
SEE HUSTLE B2
SEE STARTING B2
Chicago Defender moves iconic news content to digital The Chicago Defender, launched in 1905 by John Sengstacke Abbott, was originally a four-page, six column handbill. Producing news of interest to the black community, it became a vocal advocate for issues of the day, including the migration north, anti-lynching legislation, and for integrated sports. And it was the first newspaper to have a section devoted to children, the Bud Billiken Page. The Defender
national distribution in the country. It went from a weekly publication to a daily, and back to a weekly. John Sengstacke, nephew of the founder, took over the paper. He was a mover and shaker in the community: he brought together the publishers of African American newspapers and organized them into the NNPA; he acted as a counsel to presidents, and was instrumental in advocating for integration
HIRAM E. JACKSON, CEO, REAL TIMES MEDIA had its ups and downs, its slowdowns and rebirths across the century. It was at one point the largest African American newspaper in the world and the first to achieve
in the armed forces. After his death in 1997, who the paper was bought by Real Times Media. The Defender was always in the forefront of the struggle for racial equality
in Chicago and beyond, and it continues that role today and will in the future. The Chicago Defender is now embracing the next generation for media, moving toward a digital platform. Real Times Media, which acquired the Chicago Defender in 2003, announced that on July 11 the paper will evolve from a printed newspaper and relaunch as a digitally-focused content platform dedicated to online editorial, premiere events, custom publishing, and archival merchandising. “It is no secret that the media and publishing landscape has shifted drastically and the pace of change continues at dizzying speeds,” said Hiram E. Jackson, chief executive officer of Real Times Media. “That is why, over the past few years, we’ve made significant investments in digital media. The Defender already has a digital daily edition, one that reaches hundreds of thousands of readers weekly. We are just continuing that trajectory for the Defender.” Real Times Media is an innovator in the African American news and entertainment space. “For more than 10 years we have developed new ways of
reaching and touching our community, particularly through targeted events,” said Jackson. Readers of the Chicago Defender will be able to get their news daily online, rather than waiting for the weekly paper to come out. Research has shown that those who look to the Defender for news, entertainment and information want the flexibility of receiving that content when and how they want it and digital is the preferred format.
“We understand that to some of our loyal readers, this rite of passage is a painful one. However, we are committed to preserving the legacy of the Chicago Defender and are excited to be making this bold step to ensure its vitality for the next 100 years,” said Jackson “We remain committed to being an iconic news organization, but we must double-down in the areas where we are seeing growth. Ceasing print operations allows us to do that.
And readers of the Defender are now all over the city, reaching them online is a win-win for all of us.” “The Chicago Defender will lead the way in reinvigorating news delivery for the African American press, one that makes business sense in this digital age,” said Jackson. “This trailblazing move will allow the Defender to not only continue, but to thrive. All of us at Real Times Media SEE DEFENDER B2
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BUSINESS
JULY 17-23, 2019
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
BUSINESS CALENDAR Financial Statement Workshop
SOCIAL MEDIA IS THE WAY—Admin Queen, Deasha Carter, left, moderates the InfluenceHER-Leveraging Social Media to Build Your Brand session with a panel of experts.
‘Hustle Her Way Summit’ coming to an end HUSTLE FROM B1
the last several years. Living her motto, “Feel the fear and do it anyway,” earlier this year she left her fulltime position at a local university and now operates KSM Group full-time. The 28-year-old Chicago native’s KSM Group is a boutique brand consulting firm that equips entrepreneurial women with digital brand and launch strategies to propel their businesses and blogs to the next level. Since 2013, she calculates that she has touched the lives of over 20,000 global followers through her services. She discussed during the event that if an entrepreneur has hesitant feelings about getting into business, it’s quite natural. “But you
must overcome your fears,” Moffett said. She indicated that it’s OK to continue to work a regular job and to have a side hustle. “A lot of us are the best at both worlds. There is beauty in partnerships. It’s about building relationships.” Also during her 40-minute presentation, other encouraging suggestions she shared were to overcome the comparison syndrome. “Don’t compare yourself to others,” she said, mentioning how Facebook and other social media sites can be a deterrent. “Clean up your social media feeds. Unfriend and block those that make you feel bad. Follow people that inspire and fuel you. Curate what you are taking in because you are
Starting a business STARTING FROM B1
on IRS.gov at the Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center. If you are delinquent in your filings, make sure you contact a professional to help you get compliant. Remember, for every tax problem,
there’s a solution.
(Constant W. Watson III, CPA, CTRS, is both a certified Public Accountant and one of only ten Certified Tax Resolution Specialist in the State of Illinois certified by the ASTPS. For more information, visit WatsonOnTaxes.com or call 808-206-9900.)
Chicago Defender moves news content to digital DEFENDER FROM B1
are excited about this next act.” Although the Chicago Defender will no longer print a weekly edition, it will continue to highlight pivotal moments via special print editions to create more capacity to actively engage with the community. With this transition, the publication will retain its existing editorial and management staff and continue to offer its signature events—Men of Excellence, Women of Excellence, the relaunch of Who’s Who in Black Chicago, and activities surrounding the Bud Billiken Parade. Additionally, the money saved by not producing a print edi-
tion will go back into developing more content on a daily basis. Currently the Defender prints 16,000 weekly papers, but it has almost half a million unique monthly visitors to its website. “There is so much opportunity for the Chicago Defender, on a digital platform, to grow nationally and become a premier player in the African American media space,” adds Jackson. The Defender’s final weekly issue in print is scheduled to hit newsstands on July 10, 2019. The brand will seamlessly begin publishing daily content of interest to the Chicago community on July 11 at www. chicagodefender.com.
on a journey.” Moffett, as the audience hung onto her every word, then dealt with money blocks. “Invest in your business. It reflects how your customers view your business. Shift how you view the dollar. Money is a tool, not a scarce resource. Change your thinking, as that when you spend it, it’s gone versus when you invest it, it will be a return. Get over your fears.” Her final point was to overcome looking for validation and support from people around you. “Remember that the vision you have was given to you directly from God. The validation you are seeking has to come from within, through prayer and a lot of meditation,” she said.
Preparing to participate in the July 20-24 NAACP 110th Convention Mobilizing in Detroit, Moffett is looking forward to her future endeavors. She has launched The Power Collective, a private coaching program for women entrepreneurs who want to increase their visibility, profits and impact. She is planning a Power Circle Retreat in October in Miami which was ordinally scheduled to occur in Punta Cana. And she is also planning a series of retreats for the year 2020. The smaller, intimate retreats will replace the Hustle Her Way summits. “The retreats will provide more specific resources, will be more focused and tangible.” Since leaving her job in
January, Moffett says she is a bit freer and has seen some amazing growth in herself. “I have a lot more personal happiness, operate on my own terms while continuing to make an impact on women’s lives. I enjoy what I do. I love empowering and helping women. It’s a joy to witness their a-ha moments.” Moffett, a Hampton University graduate with a bachelor’s and MBA degree, has been recognized by Ebony Magazine, Fast Company, XO Necole, CNN Money, Blavity and Empire Life Magazine. She was named Entrepreneur of the Year by Style Week Pittsburgh and has been inducted as an official member of the Forbes Coaches Council.
Transformative 5G technology arrives by Stacy M. Brown
idents across the city, especially in the predominately African American communities that lie east of the Anacostia River, (NNPA)—The next wave of technological needed the information. evolution has arrived in the form of 5G, a The early reviews for 5G include CNET’s new generation of mobile networks where description: at least four major telephone carriers in “On its surface, 5G is about astounding America—AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and speeds and almost zero latency—the lag Sprint—have put forth plans to introduce time between when your phone pings the this year. network and when it responds. But on a Reportedly, AT&T has even started tri- global scale, it represents political domials with 5G mobile nance and economic hotspots in 12 cities. might.” “The first generaEarlier this year, tion was all about beSamsung’s first 5G ing able to just talk smartphone in the on the phone where U.S. became availever you were,” said able exclusively on Candice Brackeen, Verizon for a limited the co-founder and time. executive director According to a of Hillman Accelernews release, Verator, which supports izon revealed the women and minorinames of 20 cities ty led tech compathat join Chicago nies in Cincinnati to and Minneapolis provide them with where customers access to education, will get access to its seed funding, men5G Ultra-Wideband torship, and netnetwork this year, works. with more to come “And then we had throughout 2019. 2G that allowed us Those cities, which CANDICE BRACKEEN to use a little bit include Washingof text messaging. ton, D.C.; Charlotte; Then, 3G was faster, we had the smart- Boston; Atlanta; Cincinnati; Cleveland; phone and suddenly everybody had it in Columbus, Ohio; Des Moines, Iowa; Dentheir hand,” Brackeen said. ver; Detroit; Houston; Indianapolis; Kan“Then, we had 4G and now, the fifth gen- sas City; Little Rock, Arkansas; Memphis; eration is super-fast and responding in real Phoenix; Providence, Rhode Island; San time and we now have the ability to have Diego; and Salt Lake City; are the world’s devices speaking to each other,” she said. first to get Verizon’s 5G Ultra-Wideband The technological advances are transfor- mobility service. mative and can significantly change what The bottom line is that everyone should it means to be connected, Brackeen said. be excited about 5G, Brackeen said. She noted that it can transform commu“I’ve got children. And for me, when the nities and also reshape the digital economy. internet is slow, sometimes I don’t have Experts said when compared to 4G, 5G happy children in the house when the inmeans far faster downloads, significantly re- ternet is slow—we’re not learning, homeduced response times, and a massive impact work doesn’t get done,” Brackeen said. on how everyone lives, works, and plays. “So we can all be excited about reliabil“So, the internet is now going to work the ity. And I know that I just upgraded my way we all want it to work in a mobile ver- house within the last 60 days to 5G. And, sion,” Brackeen said. you know, the video games work faster. My “That’s kind of where we’re going. The streaming services work faster. And I’m ability for your car to really understand not having any downtime,” Brackeen said. what’s happening as we all aspire to have “I can work from home versus working self-driving cars … those cars now will be from my office where there is fiber. And so able to interact with those around them the reliability is what I think is what we and make real decisions,” she said. should all be excited about. I think that’s The importance of providing African what we should be most excited about is Americans and others with information on the reliability,” she said. 5G was underscored in June when WashTo celebrate the transformative new ington Informer Publisher Denise Rolark technology, officials have launched “FacBarnes hosted a news forum without any es of 5G” with the hopes of educating the grant or funding. public on the innovations already taken Rolark Barnes said she held the forum place today and the possibilities of tomorbecause “this issue is important” and res- row. For New Pittsburgh Courier
JULY 18—The Duquesne University Small Business Development Center will present Get Behind the Numbers, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., 108 Rockwell Hall, 600 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh 15282. This handson workshop takes a step-by-step approach to explain two important financial statements: profit and loss statement and balance sheet. A representative from Wilke & Associates, CPAs will offer clear examples for using these statements to make informed decisions, identify potential problems within your business and set realistic financial goals. Cost: 25. For more information, call 412-396-1633.
Training Event
JULY 23—The Duquesne University Small Business Development Center will present First Step: Business Essentials, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., 108 Rockwell Hall, 600 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh 15282. The startup essentials workshop covers the following topics: Business Structure and Formation; Fictitious Name Registration; Employee Issues; Insurance; Government Procurement; Environmental Concerns; Financing Options; Taxation Requirements; and, Major Components of the Business Plan. Cost: 25. For more information, call 412-396-1633.
Meet The Primes event
J L 25 The African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania will host a networking/ meet-andgreet with all the prime contractors working on the 1 billion-redesign and expansion of the Pittsburgh International Airport, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the oppers Building Conference Center, 436 Seventh Ave. Pittsburgh, 15219. Representatives from Jacobs Engineering, P.J. Dick, Michael Baker International, AECOM, and Turner Construction will attend. RSVP by July 19. Cost: 10 for members, 20 for non-members. Call 412-392-0610 for more information.
Chatham Workshop
AUG. 10—Chatham’s Women Business Center in partnership with SCORE Pittsburgh will present a Build Your Business Workshop for women interested in starting or expanding their business, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Eastside Campus, 6585 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh 15206. 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. Cost: 10. For more information, call Anne Flynn Schlicht at 412-365-1448.
Training Program
AUG. 21 through SEPT. 25—The Chatham Women’s Business Center will offer “Concept to Launch” a six-week entrepreneurial training program for women in the early stages of starting a business, on six consecutive Wednesdays, 6 to 8 p.m., at Chatham Eastside, 6585 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh 15206. Classes focus on: Developing a business concept; identifying target customers and markets; marketing strategies, basic financials and more. Cost for all classes is 95, but a limited number of need-base scholarships are available through a partnership with Bridgeway Capital. For more information, contact Anne Flynn Schlicht at 412-365-1448.
OPINION
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
JULY 17-23, 2019
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Michelle Obama at Essence Fest: Frank and free
Guest Commentary
Color blindness is impossible in the United States by A. Peter Bailey (TriceEdneyWire.com)—Recently, while shopping in an Ethiopian-owned store in my Washington D.C neighborhood, I witnessed a verbal confrontation between and African American woman and the Ethiopian sales clerk. She was very upset that on a previous visit to the facility he had told her that her credit was no good. What really set her off was the fact that she did that “in front of White people.” His response was “I am color blind. I am Ethiopian.” I had listened quietly to their exchange until he said that. In a calm voice I told the brother that it’s impossible to be color blind in the United States of America. One may try very hard to ignore color in this country, but one can’t be color blind. I told him that when a White person first sees him in this White supremacist society. They don’t see an African or African American; he or she sees a Black man. After hearing you they may make a distinction but their initial reaction is “that’s a blackman.” With that I left the store and assumed he and the woman continues the confrontation. The mistake made by that young Ethiopian is one made by many African immigrants to this country and also by way too many Black people born and raised here. They mistakenly believe that the Whites they see and deal with in urban areas are the real White Americans. They spend time in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta and open such urban centers when the White smile, say hello, address them as Mr. and Mrs. Sir and Madam, even if in a patronizing manner, are a prime example of a changed color blind America. My response is that those who share such a belief should leave the urban centers and visit Nebraska, Iowa, Vermont, Kentucky, Kansas, Wyoming, Arkansas etc. That’s when they’ll see the essence of White America. If I had the money, I’d pay for them to travel from Washington to California by train to experience what this country is all about when it comes to Black folks. His awareness of that America is why Number 45 (aka) Donald. J. Trump is president of the United States today. He mostly ignored the large urban centers, while focusing on White people throughout the country who basically believe that Black people whether African immigrant or born here should be grateful that they are allowed to be here at all. Unfortunately, for us as people of African descent, a whole lot of us believe that we should keep our mouths shut, make as much money as Whites will allow us to make and be grateful like they want us to be. Their position brings to mind a survey on what constitutes racial integration made by a University of Michigan professor in the 1990’s. Black folks said 50 percent Black, 50 percent White with a Black or White person in charge. Whites said one Black person for every 15 Whites with a White person always in charge. That is why it is impossible to be color blind in the U.S.
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To Be Equal more copies than any other book published in the United States in 2018, breaking the record in just 15 days. Her tour to promote the book sold out in cities across the United States, Canada and Europe. Her interview with Gayle King showed her at perhaps her most honest, outspoken and decisive. She spoke candidly of her marriage and family life, the Obama legacy and the state of the nation in the Trump Era. I was particularly struck by her reflections on Inauguration Day, 2017: “That day was very emotional and then to sit at that inauguration and to look around at a crowd that was not reflective of the country, and I had to sit in that audience as one of the handfuls of people of color, all that I had to hold on to over those last eight years, and it was a lot emotionally.” Her words resonate all the more because that crowd, “not reflective of the country,” has served as kind of an omen for the exclusive and regres-
sive policies, hostile to people of color, immigrants, LGBTQ persons, the administration introduced. The Obamas experienced more than their share of hostility during their time in the public eye—to the point where she considered dropping out of the campaign trail. “For a minute there, I was an angry Black woman who was emasculating her husband,” she said. “As I got more popular, that’s when people of all sides—Democrats and Republicans—tried to take me out by the knees and the best way to do it was to focus on the one thing people were afraid of: the strength of a Black woman.” She decided to use the opportunity to be a role model. “I would have to earn my grace and I knew I would have to quickly define myself and I want all young girls out there to know—we all struggle with that, people of color, working class folks, women of color—people try to define us in a negative way before we get a chance to get out there and tell our own stories.” It would be hard to overstate how influential and inspirational Michelle Obama has been over the last decade, particularly for Black women who are the heart of Essence Festival. Michelle Obama was the ultimate headliner for a gathering devoted to the empowerment and celebration of Black women.
A man of many descriptions (TriceEdneyWire.com)—Most of us are known by a first name, maybe a middle name and a last name, but the current occupant of the White House has been “blessed” with so many names! His most recent description came from the United Kingdom’s ambassador who said exactly what he was thinking (and what is rumored to be said in many circles by other diplomats). He described Trump as “inept”, “insecure,” incompetent.” As if that were not enough, his good friend Lindsey Graham sized him up in 2015 and said, “He’s a race baiting, xenophobic bigot” but Lindsey has since fallen in love with him and he can do no wrong in Lindsey’s eyes. I won’t say who did it, but I just heard him referred to as a “jerk.” Rex Tillerson is rumored to have called him a “moron.” Ben Parker and Stephanie Steinbrecher referred in “Lest we forget the horrors, a catalog of Trumps worst cruelties, collusions, corruptions and crimes and named the following when referring to Trump: Sexual Misconduct and Harassment, and White Supremacy. Many reporters have called out Trump’s more than 10,000 lies— so that would qualify him for another name—liar! In a conversation with a child molester, he was heard saying Jeffrey Epstein likes beautiful women as he does, and on the younger side. I guess that raises the question about whether he’s a child molester, too! He’s been
Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.
Commentary
predictable; less faction driven; less diplomatically clumsy and inept.” He was right and we are told many more diplomats feel the same way. I’m not making this us. He’s been called an “idiot man-child.” “Global buffoon” has been used, too. After Barack Obama became President, many children wanted to be President. Since Trump has been around, I never hear those words. He’s been called “jailer of children at the border.” He’s been called “liar” over 10,000 times. When he went to the United Nations to brag about great things he’s done, many diplomats laughed out loud at him. He’s been called cheater on his wives, climate denier, grievance-based person. He’s been classified as having the abilities of a child as low as kindergarten. So many people from around the world have given him well deserved less-than-flattering assessments. We know he claims to be the best and only one who ever did many things. I can easily add that he’s the only President who has gotten away with so much shameful behavior. When will more people say, “I’ve had enough? Trump must be impeached now.” Otherwise, stop telling the people that no one is above the law. Trump has violated so many laws that no one is surprised when he violates another one.
called “draft dodger” who claimed to have had bone spurs, but can’t remember on which foot when asked. In court documents in 2016, he was accused of being a “sexual assaulter, harasser and groper!” A former beauty queen called him a “sexual harasser.” Another one said he was guilty of “sexual misconduct.” Lately a very credible accuser has called him a rapist who raped her in a store. Trump admitted in the Billy Bush tape to being a “grabber” of women’s genitals and claimed “I don’t even wait. And when you’re a star, they let you do it, you can do anything to them…” He admitted to being a predator who walks into women’s dressing rooms at beauty contests because as owner he can get away with it. Someone referred to him as the “Diet Coke-swilling television-addicted… golf aficionado.” It gets worse. Some further remarks from UK’s ambassador were “We don’t really believe this Administration is (Dr. E. Faye Williams is president of the Nagoing to become substantially more normal; less dysfunctional; less un- tional Congress of Black Women.)
Fear of a Black body by Oseye Boyd
media. Unfortunately, those thoughts don’t It’s only the second week of July, just stay on the keyboard. Two days and I’m already worn out by racism. later we had two real-life situations The month definitely started with where someone’s Blackness made a a bang when Disney announced White American uncomfortable. In Halle Bailey, of Chloe X Halle, one situation, the police were called. would play Ariel in the live-action In the other, someone died. remake of “The Little Mermaid.” On July 4, Wesly Michel waited on You would’ve thought pigs were a friend at the friend’s apartment flying because people (i.e. White building in San Francisco. Christopeople) acted as if a Black girl pher Cukor saw Michel enter the portraying a fictional character building by “tailgating,” or entering who is another fictional character the door after someone else opened (i.e. a mermaid) meant the world it, and took it upon himself to ask was coming to an end. Ariel isn’t if Michel belonged. I get wanting real. Mermaids aren’t real. Thereto make sure your building is safe fore, Ariel and mermaids can look and the people who enter the door however one wants. The uproar was should be there. But, I’m supposed laughable, but indicative of how to believe Cukor knows every single White Americans truly feel about person in his building and their Black people. It’s not OK for Bailey company? I guess people don’t move to play a fictional character, but it’s in, or make new friends without his OK for Angelina Jolie to portray knowledge. He’s omniscient when Mariane Pearl or Joseph Fiennes it comes to his apartment building. as Michael Jackson. Both of whom, Where Cukor’s actions take a left I might add, are real people. When turn is that they seem to be motiAfrican Americans call out Holvated by race. lywood for misrepresenting these His son pleads with him to let it go real life people—and, in turn, not and move on. His son starts crying. employing real Black actors, we’re Cukor ignores his son’s pleas and told it’s acting and it’s about the instead decides he’s security for the art and the story, so get over it. building and wants to know who MiThis outrage over Bailey’s casting chel is, who his friend is and where is just another instance of White he’s going. Thing is, that’s none of his Americans being uncomfortable with business, and Michel is under no obseeing African Americans in spaces ligation to tell Cukor anything. But they deem as theirs. If it were only as he is because he’s Black. I can pretty innocuous as typewriter tough guys much guarantee if someone treated swiftly posting racist rants on social Cukor this way, he would be offend-
ed just as Michel was. Since Michel didn’t comply with this fake flashlight security officer, Cukor called the police. Thankfully, Michel’s friend arrived, (several media outlets have pointed out his friend came from outside the building, and I’m not sure what significance this has) ending the confrontation and phone call. Had the police arrived, this incident could’ve gone another way: tragically. This brings me to the next situation, which also happened on July 4. Elijah El-Amin, 17, Peioria, Arizona, was killed by Michael Adams over rap music (i.e. Black music). It seems the boy’s music made Adams fear for his safety so much so that he stabbed El-Amin in the back and slit his throat with a pocketknife. I’m sorry, but Adams sounds like the person El-Amin should’ve been in fear of. Now a family has lost their son over absolutely nothing, and the media is trotting out the same tired trope of mental illness for the White person. These incidents are different levels of the same fear of Blackness. I’m not saying everyone who is uncomfortable by Blackness will murder them, but it’s the fear that fuels the discomfort. That fear and discomfort leads to the belief that White Americans can police Black bodies whenever they feel those bodies are in a space they don’t belong—whether it’s onscreen, in an apartment building or a Circle K.
(Reprinted from the Indianapolis Recorder.)
Letters to the editor for publication
Stephan A. Broadus Assistant to the Publisher
Editor & Publisher Emeritus (1912-1997)
(TriceEdneyWire.com)—“And if we’re thinking about what the agenda is, which is getting to a place where we all live in a country where we’re proud to pass on to our kids, going high is the only way we get there. It’s our patience, our tolerance, it’s our belief in honesty and truth, it’s our belief in hard work. It’s not about getting somebody back, it’s not about the immediate clapback. The immediate clapback is just for your own selfish purpose right there in the moment and rarely does it solve anything.”— Michelle Obama, July 6, 2019, New Orleans In the 25 years since, as mayor, I first brought the Essence Festival to New Orleans, I’ve been privileged to experience some of the festival’s most groundbreaking and innovative phenomenons. Michelle Obama’s interview with Gayle King, which took place on Saturday, ranks as one of those memorable moments that could only happen at Essence. As First Lady, Michelle Obama earned a singular place in American History as the first Black woman to hold the title. But it was her dignity and grace, her compassion and her commitment to uplifiting the American people that truly defined her era in the East Wing of the White House. Since her husband left office, her popularity and influence have only soared. Her memoir, Becoming, sold
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Assists in management and supervision of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School’s student residence to maintain a safe and supportive living environment. Full description and to apply: https://bit.ly/2S6n8NR
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The nonprofit Sustainable Pittsburgh is hiring for three positions: Communications Coordinator, Development Associate, and Administrative Assistant. Job descriptions available at sustainablepittsburgh.org. Deadline to apply is 5:00 PM, July 26.
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Allegheny County is accepting applications for a Public Information Officer position located at the Jail. For application requirements and salary information, please visit https://alleghenycounty.us/ Careers/Jail/Public-InformationOfficer.aspx
ROMAN CATHOLIC MUSIC DIRECTORST BENEDICT THE MOOR
Looking for a dynamic and qualified person to lead our diverse and multicultural choir. Person must possess the skills and ability to direct members of the former Heritage, Gospel and Traditional choirs. These choirs were recently brought together to form the St. Benedict the Moor Choir. Applicants should send their resumes along with any questions about the position to cagoetz@ divinemercypgh.org
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employment position available at the Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh. Job Summary: Assists domestic violence victims filing for PFA relief at Family Court with referrals for legal representation, referrals for other helpful resources, assessment of danger level and with navigating the PFA court process •Send cover letter & resume by July 22, 2019 to careers@wcs pittsburgh.org •For additional information regarding this position, please visit our website www.wcspittsburgh.org and find this job posting under the “Who We Are” menu. RENTAL SERVICE Furnished Rooms
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Estate of ELIZABETH JANE WILLIAMS a/k/a ELIZABETH J. WILLIAMS, Deceased of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania No. 02-19-04073. Jo-Ann Williams, Executor, 1522 Woodburne Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15226 or to TODD A. FULLER, Atty;, BRENLOVE & FULLER, LLC, 401 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017. Estate of MR. STEPHEN GALISIN, Deceased of 1641 Glenbrook Avenue, Moon Township, PA 15108. Estate No. 02-19-04065. Mr. Stephen G. Galisin, 1641 Glenbrook Avenue, Moon Township, PA 15108, Executor, c/o Max C. Feldman, Esquire and the Law Offices of Max C. Feldman, 1322 Fifth Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108. Estate of THOMAS WILLIAM LUCCHINO, a/k/a THOMAS W. LUCCHINO, late of Robinson Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Allegheny County Estate No. 021904247. Notice is hereby given that Letters of Administration on the above Estate has been granted to the undersigned at probate number 021904247, to whom all persons indebted to said Estate are requested to make immediate payment, and those having claims or demands against the same will make them known without delay to the undersigned or their attorney. Andrew A. Lucchino, Jr., Administrator, 1244 Valleyview Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055 or to Robert A. Cinpinski, Attorney, 200 N. Jefferson Street, Kittanning, PA 16201.
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The Trustee named below gives notice of the death of Mavis H. Foster, late of Mount Lebanon Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, who died on June 16, 2019. During her lifetime, the said Decedent established the Mavis H. Foster Revocable Trust, of which Carol Anne Horowitz is the Trustee. The Trustee requests all persons having claims against the Decedent to make known the same in writing to her attorney, and all person indebted to the Decedent to make payment without delay: Carol Anne Horowitz, Trustee, c/o Todd A. Fuller, LLC, 401 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017
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Sealed proposals will be received Friday, July 19, 2019 until 10:00 a.m. by the Town of McCandless at the office of the Superintendent of Public Works, 9957 Grubbs Road, Wexford, PA 15090, and will be publicly opened and read at 10:00 a.m. at the Town of McCandless, Department of Public Works for the REHABILITATION, PAVING, COLOR COATING AND FENCING OF THREE (3) TENNIS COURTS and ONE (1) BASKETBALL COURT at Devlin Memorial Park. Specifications may be obtained at the office of the Superintendent of Public Works. The Town reserves the right to reject any and all bids or any part thereof. Mark E. Sabina Superintendent Department of Public Works
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFBs) FOR PRESSLEY HIGH-RISE COMMUNITY ROOM AND CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENTS, AMP-17 HACP CONTRACT NO. 600-31-19
THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH will receive sealed bids for the Pressley High-Rise Community Room and Corridor Improvements, AMP-17. The construction work is estimated to begin in December of 2019. Bid Documents will be available on or about Monday, July 15, 2019 and may be obtained from the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh’s webpage, www.hacp.org. Bidders may register on the website and download the bid documents free of charge. Electronic versions of the Bid Documents, including bid forms, project manual, and drawings can be picked up in person, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Kim Detrick, Director of Procurement A Pre-Bid Conference and Site Visit will be held on Wednesday, August 7, 2019 at 9:00 a.m.: Pressley High-Rise Community Room and Corridor Improvements 601 Pressley Street Pittsburgh, PA 15212 A site visit will be conducted thereafter. Bidders shall come prepared to review all aspects of the construction site necessary to prepare a bid. Bids will be received at: HACP Procurement Department 100 Ross Street, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Attn: Kim Detrick, Director of Procurement until 2:00 p.m. August 19, 2019 at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH reserves the right to waive any informality in, or reject any and all bids. No bid shall be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days subsequent to the opening of bids without the consent of the HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH. The Contractor will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity requirements for Federally Assisted Construction Contracts. The Contractor must ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sexual preference, handicap or national origin. HACP has revised its website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFP documentation. THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH STRONGLY ENCOURAGES CERTIFIED MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES AND WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES TO RESPOND TO THE SOLICITATION. Additional information may be obtained by contacting Kim Detrick, Director of Procurement at (412) 456-5116 Opt 1. Caster D. Binion, Executive Director HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.
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HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF AN ORGANIZATIONAL STYLE GUIDE AND ORGANIZATIONAL RE-BRANDING RFP #800-23-19
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR VENDING SERVICES AUTHORITY WIDE RFP #800-22-19
The URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY of Pittsburgh will receive bids from qualified contractors for a three year period for the operation and maintenance of an irrigated, 0.64-acre landscape area on Port Authority of Allegheny County (PAAC) property at the intersection of Penn Avenue and Shady Avenue in the East Liberty neighborhood in the City of Pittsburgh, and all work incidental thereto required to complete East Liberty Transit Center (ELTC) Landscape Operations and Maintenance Contract No. 2-REBID NO. 2, until 11:00 a.m. prevailing time on Tuesday, the 30th day of July, 2019, at its office, 11th oor, 200 Ross Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219, at which time all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud in the Conference Room on the 11th oor. Contract documents will be available on publicpurchase.com on Thursday, July 11, 2019. Any addenda will be posted only on publicpurchase. com. A certified check or bank draft payable to the order of the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh, negotiable U.S. Government Bonds (at par value), or a satisfactory bid bond, executed by the Bidder and an acceptable surety in a dollar amount equal to 5% of the total bid, shall be submitted. Each bid submittal must include the Bid, Non-collusion Affidavit of Prime Bidder, Bid Bond, Statement of Bidders ualifications, and Certification of Minority and Women’s Participation with Exhibits. The Contractor will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity requirements. The Contractor must assure that applicants and employees are not discriminated against based on race, color, religion, disability, ancestry, national origin, age or sexual preference, gender identity, gender expression, political and/or union affiliation. The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh requires that all bidders complete and submit Certification of Minority and Women’s Participation with Exhibits. The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any informality in the bidding. Bids may be held by the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh for a period not to exceed ninety (90) days from the date of opening of bids for the purpose of reviewing the bids prior to awarding the Contract. URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF PITTSBURGH Robert Rubinstein Executive Director
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Development and Implementation of an Organizational Style Guide and Organizational Re-Branding RFP #800-23-19 The documents will be available no later than July 15, 2019 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 10:00 a.m. on August 13, 2019 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Solicitation from the Business Opportunities page of www. HACP.org. Questions or inquiries should be directed to: Mr. Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116 Opt 1 A pre-submission meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Dept. 100 Ross Street 2nd. Fl. Ste. 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15213 July 30, 2019 10:00 A.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACP’s has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation. Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): VENDING SERVICES AUTHORITY WIDE RFP #800-22-19 The documents will be available no later than July 8, 2019 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 10:00 a.m. on July 26, 2019 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Solicitation from the Business Opportunities page of www. HACP.org. Questions or inquiries should be directed to: Mr. Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116 Opt 1 A pre-submission meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Dept. 100 Ross Street 2nd. Fl. Ste. 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 July 18, 2019 10:00 A.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACP’s has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation. Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.
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REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS Development and Redevelopment of Affordable Housing and Public Housing in Rankin Borough, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania -Hawkins Village ACHA Contract No. 1613 The Allegheny County Housing Authority (ACHA) is seeking proposals from qualified developers to develop and redevelop affordable and public housing in Rankin Borough, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, KNOWN AS HAWKINS VILLAGE. Request for Proposals are on file and may be obtained at the Allegheny County Housing Authority, 625 Stanwix Street, 12th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA, 15222, or by contacting Jack McGraw 412-402-2463. The developer to be selected must have experience with affordable, tax credit, and market rate housing. Experience in tax credit, mixed-financed and mixed-income housing development is encouraged to offer creative development options to the agencies. Proposals will be received at the following address: Allegheny County Housing Authority 625 Stanwix Street, 12th Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Attn: Jack McGraw, Director of Development and Modernization The ACHA will accept proposals on a one time basis prior to the Submission Due Date of August 5, 2019 2:30 PM EST. Any proposal received after the expiration of any application period will be not considered. Proposals will be held in confidence and not released in any manner until after the contract award. The ACHA encourages responses from small, minority, and women owned firms, as well as firms that have not previously performed work for the ACHA. The ACHA reserves the right to reject any and all submissions. Frank Aggazio Executive Director Allegheny County Housing Authority
INVITATION TO BIDDERS THE PITTSBURGH WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY ADVERTISEMENT
SEPARATE and SEALED BIDS for the following solicitation, will be received by the Office of Procurement, Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, 1200 Penn Ave., Second Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, until 2:00 PM Prevailing Time, August 7, 2019. REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) PROFESSIONAL AUDITING SERVICES PWSA PROJECT NO. PWSA123 The PWSA is seeking a professional public accounting firm to perform annual audits on all financial statements for potentially five years. All bids must be submitted in accordance with the solicitation that can be obtained by sending an e-mail to procurement@pgh2o.com. There will be no charge for the solicitation, as it will be sent via e-mail. All questions relating to the solicitation itself shall be to Thoryn Simpson, Sr. Contract Specialist, via e-mail: tsimpson@pgh2o.com, no later than July 31, 2019. All questions should be submitted electronically via email. No questions will be answered by phone. There will not be a pre-proposal meeting for this solicitation. There are no bid bonds or performance bonds requested for this solicitation. The Contractor must assure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of their race, color, religion, sexual preference, sex, or national origin. The bidders will be required to submit the package of certifications included with the contract documents relating to Equal Employment Opportunity. The Authority reserves the right to withhold the award of the Contract for a period of 90 days after the opening of the bids. The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, and to waive any informality or minor irregularity in any bid or bids. The Authority also retains the right to investigate the qualifications of bidders prior to any award and to award contracts only to contractors who, in the sole judgment of the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, are qualified and equipped to properly execute the specified work. ROBERT A. WEIMAR, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR THE PITTSBURGH WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY
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40 units of affordable housing coming to the Hill District New Granada Square Apartments to begin construction in 2020
Future site of New Granada Square Apartments
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tion will begin next year on a five-story building on Centre Avenue in between the Black Beauty Lounge, 2037 Centre Ave., and the building that houses the Hill District Federal Credit Union, 2021 Centre Ave. The first floor will be reserved for 7,200 square feet of commercial space, and the remaining four floors will house 40 units labeled as “affordable,” with the units priced from 20 to 80 percent of the Area Median Income. Twenty-seven apartments will be one-bedroom; 13 will be two-bedroom. Many of the apartments will be marketed to those in the arts community. “This award is a major and catalytic step towards the revitalization of the historic Hill District, and will anchor the development of our cultural and commercial corridor,” Milliones said in a statement provided to the Courier. “Introducing new apartment housing to the commercial core of the Hill District will be a significant economic and social engine that will drive development of the remaining Centre Avenue corridor. We are grateful to the PHFA for making this development a reality.” The LIHTC were the final piece in the puzzle for the Hill CDC, and its partner, Cleveland-based CHN Housing Partners. The tax credits will be used to leverage approximately $11 million of equity for the project. Total price tag for the New Granada Square Apartments is $13.4 million, which is part of a larger, $55-million New Granada Square redevelopment plan that includes 24,000 square feet of new office space, a performing arts space, a music lounge and restaurants. The epicenter for the development is, of course, the historic New Granada Theater. Originally constructed in 1928 as the Pythian Temple, the
THE FUTURE OF NEW GRANADA SQUARE—To the right in this photo is where the New Granada Square Apartments will be built, along Centre Ave. between the Black Beauty Lounge and the Hill District Federal Credit Union. (Photo courtesy Hill CDC) four-story masonry structure was designed by Louis Bellinger, one of America’s early African American architects. The Theater and its Savoy Ballroom (on the second floor) were fixtures in the jazz culture, with Count Basie, Cab Calloway, Ella Fitzgerald, and Charlie Parker among the many greats who played the Theatr. The Hill CDC purchased the New Granada Theater in 1995, decades after it had closed for good. But the Hill CDC always had plans for the New Granada Theater to reopen, to live on. It’s 40,000 square feet of history that the Hill CDC wants to restore to the community. With the New Granada Square development plan in place, the University of Pittsburgh came calling, looking to secure a physical space for its Community Engagement Center inside the New Granada Theater. Pitt’s interest, and soon-to-be investment in the Hill, along with the announcement of the 40 new apartments coming to fruition, has Milliones smiling from ear to ear. “There’s a lot of work and emotional investment and a real commitment to delivering this project,” Milliones told the Courier, July 11. “It takes many, many years for de-
velopment to occur, particularly in communities where there aren’t a lot of market-driven opportunities for development, which has been the case in the Hill District for some years.” CHN Housing Partners has developed more than 6,000 affordable housing units, and according to the Hill CDC, is recognized for pioneering the affordable housing industry’s most successful lease-purchase homeownership model. Kevin J. Nowak, executive director of CHN, said in a statement that his company is “thrilled” to partner with the Hill CDC “on such a meaningful and catalytic development…we look forward to helping fulfill the long-held vision for this historic project.” Milliones shot down any notions of the Hill District being a place that people don’t want to call home. “The Hill District has never had an issue being a desirable community for many people to live in,” she told the Courier. “It may have had some brand challenges, but the Hill has a very low vacancy rate in regards to housing,” meaning that if there’s a habitable home available, people grab it, she said. “The statistics are that people desire to be here. People want to live in the Hill District—we just
need additional housing.” And there’s a need for food-based businesses, Milliones said…which makes the New Granada Square Apartments site so attractive, because the first-floor retail space makes for a perfect restaurant— or two. “We have a high demand for community-serving businesses and restaurants, that’s a real void in our market,” Milliones said. The Shop ‘n Save grocery store, which had been open in the Hill District since 2013, recently closed its doors in March. Milliones also urges “new and existing businesses” to set up shop at the New Granada Square Apartments site. “It’s enough space to house multiple businesses,” she said. The Hill CDC and CHN Housing Partners are co-owners of the New Granada Square Apartments site. In addition to the LIHTC, the project is supported with $1 million from the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh, and $750,000 from the Urban Redevelopment Authority. “The vision we have for the Hill District involves substantia labor, sweat and emotional investment,” Milliones said, “and it is a rewarding moment when vision becomes a reality.”
‘IT’S VIOLENCE FOR NOTHING’
Large spike in shootings since Fourth of July SHOOTINGS FROM A1
as well. A person was shot after a fight broke out during a concert inside Nova Place on the North Side, Saturday, July 13; later, a double shooting in Northview Heights left one of the victims in critical condition; and in the overnight hours, the shooting of off-duty Pittsburgh Police Officer Calvin Hall during a party in Homewood. He, too, remains in critical condition. Coincidentally, Hall, a 36-yearold African American who came to the department from the Braddock police force two years ago, was stationed at the Northview Heights Public Safety Center. In a July 14 press release, the bureau said Officer Hall was hand-picked for the assignment by the center’s Sgt. Joseph Lewis, who said he recruited
Officer Hall because of his positive attitude and ability to relate to all people from all walks of life. “He was born and raised in the City of Pittsburgh and his ways of connecting to the community and to other officers was extremely beneficial for what we’re trying to do in Northview Heights,” said Lewis. “He is always positive, always upbeat. I approached him and said, ‘I want you up here because of your personality and the way you interact with the community.’ He’s always smiling, always positive.” There were also two other non-fatal shootings—one at Walmart in North Versailles on July 5 and at the Mon View Heights public housing plan in West Mifflin on July 10. The fatal shooting of 18-year-old Christopher Lamont Lowman Jr., who was found lying in the street in the city’s Allentown neighborhood, occurred July 11, and a 20-yearold man was killed when he answered a knock at the door of his parents’ home on 16th Avenue in Homestead, also on July 11. Rahim Thomas, 24, also of Homestead, was arrested the following day but has yet to be charged with homicide.
Members of the Coalition Against Violence, including co-chair Tim Stevens, Rich Carrington of Beltzhoover’s Voices Against Violence and Sharon McIntosh, the coalition’s Youth Summit Coordinator, spoke to the New Pittsburgh Courier during a break at a July 16 meeting called to see about getting other groups to apply some of the strategies in their book, “From Complaint to Possibility…From Planning to Implementation and Mobilization.” Carrington said the people who are trying to reach the youth in the schools and on the street are doing it with next-to-no resources—and other organizations that have resources are not doing the job. And the kids on the street have no tools with which to help themselves. “It’s madness—and Tim, who used to work in mental health, can tell you, madness that goes untreated becomes even greater madness,” he said. “It’s violence for nothing, and no one is offering any help. If I have no hope and think I’m going to die by 18, what difference does it make? You have to put
something on the table. And the so-called violence prevention programs don’t have to have shooters in the room. You have to get the people with the guns in the room, but everyone is scared of the shooters.” Stevens said the coalition, McIntosh in particular, is working on a youth violence summer 2020 program that would allow kids to formulate initiatives that promote nonviolence in their communities, schools and homes. “We can’t implement 833 strategies, but we can promote the implementation of some of them by community groups, churches and individuals,” said Stevens. McIntosh said it is about more than street violence. “Violence overall increases when the school year ends—trafficking, domestic violence, even suicides,” she said. “These kids feel disenfranchised, not valued, with no hope to achieve anything—this is about making sure they don’t get to that level of hopelessness.” The coalition is willing to work with any organization that is serious about reducing violence.
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Poverty and the fallacy of long-term economic greatness (TriceEdneyWire.com)—The first week of July produced a somewhat positive Employment Situation report. While the unemployment rate ticked up just a bit, about 224,000 new jobs were created, nearly three times as many as were created in the tepid previous month. There was, of course, the Administration crowing about the strength of the economy, and with wage growth on the rise, an impassioned outsider might agree that the US economy is doing well. But too many aren’t doing as well as they might, and too many, even with wage growth, aren’t making enough money to lie on. Rev. William Barber’s Poor People’s Campaign says that more than 140 million people are living in poverty or near-poverty, nearly 100 million more than the Census suggests. Indeed, the very existence of a Poor People’s Campaign, 51 years after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. launched his initial assault on poverty, speaks volumes about the status of our economy. Poor people have been the volleyball in a partisan net game, with some simply ignoring the realities of poverty, and others vilifying the poor for their poverty. These are the folks who will tell you that the economy has never been better, ignoring the fact that at least 40 percent (and perhaps as many as 60 percent) have not benefitted from economic expansion. The average family has yet to recover from the Great Recession. Many have financed their survival with credit cards, and be-
Julianne Malveaux
Commentary tween student loans and consumer credit, our nation’s households are $13.7 trillion in debt. According to the Federal Reserve Bank, 40 percent of our nation’s families can’t manage a $400 emergency. Half of all jobs in this country pay $18.58 per hour or less. How stable is an economy that pays people so little? Fully a third of all jobs pay less than the $15 an hour, many legislators want to pay all workers. The minimum wage, at $7.25, has not increased in a decade, even as the economy expanded, productivity has risen, stock market indices are at an alltime high, and we have a President who crows about economic expansion without paying attention to those on the bottom. Macroeconomic indicators suggest the economy is healthy, but for how long? How long, can we expect our decades-long economic expansion, to continue? A minor blip, an extended trade war or, heaven forbid another kind of war could have devastating effects. This is why our 45th President keeps picking fights with the Federal Reserve Bank, urging them to cut already low interest rates to fuel economic expansion. Our nation can’t thrive when nearly half of its citizens are on the outside looking in. And poverty can be a drag on economic expansion. The people who are doing well in our economy have a stake in it. They own their homes. They own stocks and bonds. They have retirement accounts and investment accounts. They’ve seen their asset base soar as the economy has expanded. But the Great Recession cause African American people collectively to lose a third of our wealth. Black homeownership rates grew for thirty years after the passage of the Fair Housing Act. Those gains were wiped out mostly during the Great Recession, and today Black homeownership is as low—41.2 percent—as it was in 1968 when discrimination was legal. In contrast, the overall homeownership rate in 2016 was 63 percent overall and 72 percent for whites. If this is a stakeholder economy, African Americans have fewer stakes, but we don’t occupy the economic periphery alone. Latinos and whites also experience poverty, but not at the disproportionate rate that African Americans do. Racism makes it possible for excessive poverty to exist! As long as some see poverty as a personal, not structural failure, it is easy (and acceptable) to demonize the poor, and even to criminalize them for their poverty. Thanks to folks like Rev. William Barber, some Americans are awakening to the fact that one person’s poverty is another person’s profit center, that the prison industrial complex needs to be dismantled, and that a restructured, less militarized (and dare I say green) economy might offer more opportunity for all! The folks who earn $18.58 an hour or less aren’t benefitting from the expanding economy, but some of them support a wealthy huckster who lies with the same ease that he rises in the morning! He spins economic confusion in jingoistic and confusing terms so that an unemployed manufacturing worker in Ohio will passionately argue that he’d be working if it weren’t for illegal immigrants! Will we buy into the fallacy and let increasing poverty imperil long-term economic expansion? Or will we develop a more inclusive and expansionary economic model? The Presidential campaign offers the opportunity for a dynamic exchange of ideas. What’s next? (Julianne Malveaux is an author and economist.)
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Mayor Pete’s plan for Black America: Jesse Jackson Sr. Is it named after Frederick or Stephen? Commentary Before the Civil War, during Ameri- J. Pharoah Doss ca’s westward expansion, the Democratic Party was split over whether the western territories would be slave or free states. The southern faction, led by Jefferson Davis, wanted slavery in all the new territories, and the northern faction, led by Stephen A. Douglas, promoted “popular sovereignty.” Douglas said the local people in each territory should decide the matter through a referendum. The Douglas Plan was popular among the settlers in the western territories, but Douglas actually opposed slavery. (This is debated by historians.) Politics, along with popular support, is the art of compromise. In 2016, President Barack Obama had a message for the Democratic Black voting bloc that supported his historic tenure. Obama said he would be disappointed if the “Black vote” didn’t come out in record numbers for Hillary Clinton like it came out for his 2012 re-election bid. Obama left office deeply disappointed. According to the Pew Research Center, the Black voter turnout rate in 2016 declined for the first time in 20 years. Between 1964 and 2012 the “Black vote” was the demographic the Democratic Party counted on the most but over the years it slowly became the least courted. Reparations appears to be the re-courting plan for most of the 2020 Democratic presidential candidates. In a March interview, South Bend mayor and presidential hopeful Pete Buttigieg was asked if he supported reparations for slavery. Buttigieg said, “I haven’t seen a proposal for a cash transfer that people would be able to come together around and view as fair.” In other words, no. Buttigieg added, “But I absolutely believe that we need to have some kind of accounting for the persistent racial inequalities today. (Which are) there by design because of past and present racism.” When it became news that a Black man was shot by the police in South Bend, Mayor Buttigieg was criticized for firing the city’s first Black police chief earlier in his political career.
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Then by popular demand, Buttigieg announced The Douglas Plan as an example of reparations. The 18-page proposal, inspired by Frederick Douglass, is a “comprehensive and intentional dismantling of racist structures and systems combined with an equally intentional and affirmative investment of unprecedented scale in the freedom and self-determination of Black Americans.” It also states, “Mayor Pete understands that racism is not a Black and White issue, and that we also need to address the unique challenges facing other communities—from Native communities confronting poverty and dispossession to the Islamophobia impacting Middle Eastern, Arab, and South Asian communities, to dehumanizing immigration policies that stereotype Latinos and overlook their vital contributions to our economy.” This inclusive language prevents singling out a “special needs” group among the Democratic Party’s “constituents of color,” but it’s more like the Civil Rights Act instead of reparations. The details of The Douglas Plan aren’t worth mentioning because it re-words the same popular promises offered during the time span when the “Black vote” was the most counted on but least courted by previous Democratic candidates. Each section of Buttigieg’s 18-page plan for Black America began with a quote from the Republican abolitionist Fredrick Douglass, but the most important quote was missing. Just before the Civil War ended, Frederick Douglass told an audience: Everybody (Whites) has asked, “What shall we do with the Negro?” I have had but one answer from the beginning. Do nothing! Your doing with us has already played the mischief with us. Give the Negro a chance to stand on his own. Let him alone, do not disturb, your interference is doing him a positive injury. Let him fall if he can’t stand alone. So, which historic figure is Mayor Pete’s plan for Black America named after, the Douglass that was opposed to positive injury or the Douglas that compromised for popular support? (J. Pharoah Doss is a contributor to the New Pittsburgh Courier.)
Being Black and Republican in the era of Trump presents real challenges
by Stacy M. Brown
(NNPA)—It’s likely that identifying as a Republican today isn’t as easy as it once was, particularly with President Donald Trump’s policies that have included separating children from parents; the administration’s escalating racial rhetoric; and a special counsel report that strongly suggests the nation’s commander-in-chief committed crimes that may not just end with obstruction of justice. And, as tough as it is for White GOP members to identify with the party (See: Michigan Rep. Justin Amash’s declaring his independence this month and leaving the party) African American Republicans may have an even more difficult task of letting people know where they stand. In fact, prominent Republicans like South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott and Telly Lovelace, who once was responsible for African American outreach, press strategy and field engagement for the Republican National Committee, nixed requests by the NNPA Newswire to detail life as a Black Republican. We also reached out to others without success including Herman Caine, Condoleezza Rice, Dr. Ben Carson, and Armstrong Williams. Perhaps they weren’t able to articulate what former RNC Chair Michael Steele could — “I mean, you know, people don’t ask Democrats that question when they had their crazy left-wingers out there,” Steele said. “But, you know in any political climate there are underlying arguments for being reasonable and in my view, which is why I remain a Republican, is that despite Donald Trump, there’s still a balance and there’s still underlying arguments for Republicanism that are still valid,” Steele said. “The principles are still valid,” he said before offering a reminder of what he told a Washington Post reporter in 2018. “You invite me over to a nice dinner and I come to your home. And during the course of that evening, I start breaking your china. I start slicing your drapes, tearing up your carpet, putting holes in your walls. “So, at that point, do you leave, or do you kick my ass out? You’re going to kick me out. That’s where I am. I’m not leaving. This is my house. “I know I gotta repair the drapes and patch up the holes in the walls and replace the carpet. But your ass will be gone and that’s the goal,” Steele said. Shekinah Monee, of Perfect Vision PR Company, said as a Republican in the current climate it’s often difficult when she discusses her views to fellow African Americans who don’t favor her party. “My mother blames my boyfriend for my party change, although my views have never changed,” Monee told NNPA Newswire. “I had to reevaluate my views and why I was with a [Democratic] party that did not
support me. While I have always been conservative, I was told as a black woman I must be a Democrat. I attempted to become a Republican several times, but the Board of Election kept keeping me as a Democrat. I finally became a Republican in 2019,” Monee said. “I think that the African American community truly needs to read and know their history. I think that a lot of people dislike a person and let it speak for the party,” she said. “There is no consideration taken about the entire picture. Also, we must hold everyone to the same standards,” Monee continued. Having worked in Republican politics for 15 years and being the head of the only black GOP political campaign consulting firm, Richard S. Holt said his experience shows that having an all-white administration makes many African Americans believe that the party is racist. “My friends and family understand this narrative and how it works in terms of the politics of race,” Holt said. “My father was very conservative and hated the Democrats who he saw as holding back black progress. As I grew up, I began to get a better understanding of his ideas,” said Holt, whose father was the first in his family to get a college degree and the first black chemist to graduate from his college,” he said. “I was taught a very ‘up by the bootstraps’ idea that we had to be smarter, be wiser, and work harder than whites to get ahead,” Holt said. “Once I read the book, ‘Conscience of a Conservative,’ in college back in 1999, I was sold on conservatism overall,” he said. Holt did say he disagreed with the author’s ideas on the Civil Rights Act, but the overall philosophy of conservatism just made the most sense for the kind of America he wanted to live in. Jonathan Farley, whose father is a native of Guyana who holds a Ph.D. from the London School of Economics, and his mother who is Jamaican and holds a Ph.D. in American history, said he’s an independent who voted Republican in the 2018 midterm elections. “I decided to do that because of the Democratic Party’s support for alternative lifestyle groups and the party’s support for women who make false allegations against men like the #MeToo movement,” Farley said. Despite his conversion, Farley said he doesn’t believe African Americans as a whole will ever be convinced that the Republican party has the community’s best interest in mind. “Republicans should make it clear that the Democratic party supports anti-Christian efforts like teaching kindergarteners about transsexuals and Republicans should stop taking the side of neo-Confederate groups and the party should publicly state that Confederate statues need to be removed,” Farley said.
‘Equal pay, equal pay, equal pay’ (TriceEdneyWire.com)—As the exhausted and thrilled U.S. women’s soccer team celebrated its victory in the finals of the 2019 Women’s World Cup, the cheers of the crowd in the Stade of Lyon soon turned into a chant: “Equal Pay, Equal Pay, Equal Pay.” Even as they fought their way to the fourth U.S. Women World Cup championship, the U.S. team was waging a battle — in the court of public opinion and the courts of law — for equal treatment in wages, working conditions and investment in the women’s game. And if there is any justice or common sense in the team’s employer, U.S. Soccer, they will be as victorious in the quest for equal pay as they were in their quest for the World Cup. These are truly American champions. It took immense courage — and no small amount of moxie — to file a class-action lawsuit — joined by all 28 members of the team — alleging gender discrimination by their employer only 93 days before their opening match in the World Cup. This only added immensely to the pressure on them to succeed on the field. They would be playing for their country, for themselves, but also for all those who will come after them. One of their leaders — Megan Rapinoe — won the “golden boot” as the top scorer in the World Cup, as well as the Most Valuable Player Award. She accomplished this even while expressing her own values. Trump criticized her for deciding not to sing the national anthem. She announced that she wasn’t interested in going to the White House. Her lavender hair symbolized her celebration of LGBTQ rights. She naturally became a target of some on the right. She dismissed charges that she was unAmerican: “I’m particularly uniquely and very deeply American. If we want to talk about the ideals we stand for, the song and the anthem, and what we were founded on, I think I’m extremely American.” She surely got that right. She also had the unified support of her teammates, who praised her as a “warrior” on and off the field, calling it a privilege to be her teammate. As Christen Press put it, “It’s been beautiful to see her fearlessness as we get to the highest level and the highest stages, that she doesn’t back away, she doesn’t shy, but the opposite: She gets even bigger.” As did the entire U.S. women’s team. Inspired by the example set by Billie Jean King and Venus Williams in women’s tennis, they took on their employers, criticized FIFA for its unequal treatment of the women’s game, and stood up for equal rights, waging a fight that would benefit their successors if not them. As Alex Morgan, one of the team’s biggest stars stated, “My hope is that we have equality within football in my career, but I think ultimately it would be good in my lifetime. Even if I don’t reap the benefits, my hope is that the next generation’s sole focus is what it’s meant to be: And that is to play football.” On Wednesday, the champions will be celebrated with a classic Manhattan tickertape parade through the “canyon of heroes” on Broadway. The cheers will be deafening; confetti will fill the air. Lavender hairdos will be seen throughout the crowd. And once more the chant will begin: “equal pay, equal pay, equal pay.” Let us all pay tribute to the skill, the courage and the grit of these remarkable young women. They won the cup, even as they waged the fight for justice. They have inspired an entire generation of youngsters who watched their epic play on the field. They have earned the respect of their peers across the world. Remarkably, the Dutch team posted its own tribute video to the American women before the final game, stating, “You showed us where dedication and ambition can bring you.” Inspired by the Americans, the level of play is rising across Europe and across the world. And now we must all support them to ensure that they gain justice at home even as they have gained victory abroad.
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They say Belichick is better than Tomlin…but what about Spygate? Last Saturday morning, I woke up unusually late (after 9 a.m.), and after I armed my Keurig for battle, I logged in and went straight to the sports wire and one of the first things that popped up was steelerswire.usatoday.com and a story posted by Curt Popejoy titled: “Mike Tomlin clings to ranking among best NFL head coaches.” Popejoy writes: “There was a time when Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was discussed among the very best head coaches in the NFL. His
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“NFL officials’ interference in fair play.” Those calls were phantom and the intent was transparent. The article went on attempting to justify Tomlin’s close call to falling out of grace according to the numbers and why that reasoning was justified. Now presently, New England Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick is constantly ranked as one of, if not the greatest, NFL head coaches of all-time. However, whatever numbers that some of our media, the New England Patriots
Special Summer rates 6 months = $25 $20 1 year = $45 $35
Aubrey Bruce organization and Patriots fans themselves trot out in their constant effort install the Patriots on the pro football throne of omnipotence, their propaganda efforts will never succeed because the New England Patriots win by the “any means necessary” mantra with a melody of corruption that will never endear them to the teams that play within the rules. The Patriots were not exposed by some jealous, malcontented loser NFL franchise—the Patriots were “ratted” out by a former Patriot coach that only requested his former coach and mentor just not cheat when he played his team. NFL analyst Skip Bayless had this to say this on the “Skip and Shannon” show in September 2016 concerning an alleged
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ability to put a successful product on the field is a big reason he enters his 13th season in charge of the Steelers. But after a playoff win drought and missing the playoffs completely last season, where does Tomlin rank?” Tomlin missed the 2018 NFL postseason because he had a kicker kicking for him that faced a few “psychological hurdles” that were seen and experienced only by him. He was also denied entry into the postseason because of quarterbacks throwing to the right spots and receivers running to the wrong spots. Last but certainly not least, when Pittsburgh played New Orleans, there were two pass interference plays that were called that should have been renamed:
JULY 17-23, 2019
Call the Courier’s Brenda Hill at 412-481-8302, ext. 134 with the code word: SUMMER SPECIAL Promotion ends Aug. 29, 2019 conversation between former asst. Patriots coach and former NY Jets head coach Eric Mangini and Belichick. Mangini supposedly said the following to Belichick just before a scheduled game between the Jets and the Patriots: “Bill, look I know what you do. I know you tape the defensive signals. Don’t do it, just don’t do it to me. If you want to do it to anybody else that’s fine, but please don’t do it to me.” Bayless goes on to say that: “Belichick basically gave his
protégé (Eric Mangini) the middle finger.” That is when Mangini spilled the beans. Look…if you are arrogant to use the same methods to cheat on the one that helped you cheat and then thumb your nose at him and the NFL for cheating, then what gives? Why isn’t Bill Belichick barred from holding any position in the NFL? MLB great Pete Rose continues to be shunned (unjustifiably so) from the MLB Hall of Fame because of betting on his own team,
not stealing the opposing teams’ offensive and defensive signals. People gripe about the missing “spygate” videotapes. Was that the be-
ta like, how can there be a murder when there is no body. All the evidence is circumstantial. Whatever happened to the tapes is
Some folks claim that since there are no tapes, there can be no crime… ginning of the “fake news” syndrome? Ya know, slight of hand journalism? Some folks claim that since there are no tapes, there can be no crime. Sor-
not and should not be the primary issue. The issue should be that there should not have been any “cheating tapes to review in the first place.”
Ms. Serena Williams…Kev tried to tell ya! by Bill Neal For New Pittsburgh Courier
:10—By now even those of you that live under that proverbial rock have tuned into the No. 1 sports talk show in Western PA, “Soul Take—Champions Live” starring yours truly and Kevin Cameron. Well, Kev tried in vain to get me and two elite tennis players, Joe Washington and Carmen Filloy, that the supreme Serena should not play in the doubles match with Andy Murray but rather save her game to make the historic move to catch Margaret Court to become
the greatest of all-time. But nooooo, Ms. Williams would have it her way, thus the loss to Simona Halep. But that’s not the worst of it. Now we have to listen to “Captain” Cameron being right for now and forever. Help me Lord, help me! :09—Just so you’re reminded that what I really know about tennis you can write in the palm of your racquet hand, here’s this… Novak Djokovic beat Roger Federer in a historic, firsttime ever, 5-hour, 5-set tiebreaker match to win the Men’s Singles Championship at Wimbledon on Sunday. Whew!
Overtime
Bill Neal :08—Here we go, Steelers, here we go! And go they will, straight to the Super Bowl! Yeah, I said it! And the Black and Gold lace ‘em up when they report to training camp on
The Steelers are almost back… Training Camp begins July 25... The Courier is ready. Are you?
Thursday, July 25 for the 54th straight year at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. The first practice open to the public will be Friday, the 26th. Pittsburgh, let’s do this. Right here...Right now! :07—Hello, hello, hello...speak up, I can’t hear you. Who? Oh, listen and listen good! Le’Veon and Antonio don’t live here no more!!! :06—Look, I like the Pirates as much as the next guy. A little here, a little there. And, of course, you gotta love the wings at the park. But it looks like we’re heading down that road again. I know you’ve
been caught up in the great hitting before the All-Star Game. But I told you coming out of training camp what has always been a staple in baseball. Great pitching beats great hitting every day of the week. And - we - don’t - have - the - pitching. But no worries, I’ll keep the wings. :05—Speaking of baseball—and I was—I told you I didn’t think Josh Bell could deliver at the Home Run Derby. That thing is a different thing. If you know what I mean. :04—Oh, one more baseball thing…a shoutout and blessings to the legendary flame thrower Bob Gibson. He’s fighting pancreatic cancer. If the St. Louis great fights cancer the way he did opposing hitters he’ll win hands down. :03—USA Women’s Championship Soccer team. It’s all been said but know this—you’re bad, you’re bold, you’re beautiful and they better pay you your well-deserved money! Period. End of story. C’mon, women!!!
:02—If you saw the ESPYs you know this already. If you didn’t you can only try to understand what I am going to tell you. The Pat Tillman Award for Service was given to a woman that lost a leg in Iraq and went on to climb Mt. Everest among many other unbelievable things, Kirstie Ennis. And the Jimmy V. Award went to a man, Rob Mendez, born without arms or legs. His only desire in life since he couldn’t play was to coach. After years of trying to get a job, his first season as the Head Coach of the J.V. football team at Prospect High School in San Jose, Calif., saw his team go 8-2 last year and his kids will run through a brick wall for him. So - you - better - not - ever - complain - about - anything - elsemannnn!!! :01—As always, in closing, gather yourself, your family, your friends and vote Donald Trump out of office. It’s truly a matter of life and death! :00—GAME OVER.
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Anthrocon’s 23rd Annual Convention Pittsburgh, Pa.—July 4-7, 2019
Photos by Courier photographer J.L. Martello IT’S PITTSBURGH’S PREMIER FURRY CONVENTION! Anthrocon’s 23rd Annual Convention in Downtown Pittsburgh, and the 2019 edition didn’t disappoint. In the above photo at left, it’s Fursona “Ruby Vegas,” Whitney Smith from Florida, and her boyfriend, “Legion.” In the above photo at right, it’s Fursona “Samuel the Fox,” Austin Frye from Cincinnati.
JOSHUA DIXON from Ohio, Christopher Jameson from Indiana, Glenn Wilkins from Florida, also known as Fursona “12,” and Lawrence Taylor from New York. IT’S THEIR FIRST ANTHROCON—Darius Heis, Jordan Crawley, Spencer Watson
IT’S “ROCKET” from The Guardians of the Galaxy…
FU
RR
IES
!
FURSONA “NOVEMBER” KETURAH SHADEE, right, with Magnus Diridian, who’s been actively suiting for Anthrocon for 16 years.
MASKS ON, MASKS OFF—Fursonas “Kinraya” Allison and “Illi” Alex, from New Jersey.
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FAB 40 2019
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR AND PUBLISHER
Awards Reception June 19, 2019 6-9 p.m. Fairmont Pittsburgh 510 Market Street Pittsburgh, Pa.
I am extremely impact in the commuproud to present the nities they serve as New Pittsburgh Couwell. They represent rier’s Fab 40 “Class a generation commitof 2019” and salute ted to making “the these young movers most livable city” and shakers for their a better place not hard work and dedicaonly for themselves, tion. As we celebrate but also for those these 40 individuals who come behind ROD DOSS that were carefully them. Through their selected from a list of dedicated efforts, tomany that were submitted by our morrow’s African American youth faithful readers, we also celebrate have an even greater possibility at several historical firsts from the procuring a brighter future than communities in which our honor- ever before. ees serve. To the “Class of 2019,” I hope This year’s list of exceptional this honor serves as an inspiyoung men and women, all from ration to soar to even greater unique backgrounds, include enheights and to encourage others trepreneurs, executives, producto reach their highest potential. ers, teachers, artists, politicians To our readers of this special and other professions. All are a section, please share it with the validation of the remarkable Afyouth in your area so they may rican American talent that exists be inspired to continue their lofty in the communities of Greater pursuits. Pittsburgh. From all of us at the New PittsNot only are these stellar indiburgh Courier, we applaud you. viduals excelling in their profesThank you for your unwavering sions, but they are making an service.
DARNELL BONNER SHANDIA BOOKER CASSANDRA BRENTLEY RICHENA BROCKINSON MICHELLE BROWN CATHRYN CALHOUN STEVEN CARTER NATHANIEL L. CARTER JR. DR. CAMILLE CLARKE-SMITH RONALD COURSEY ALONNA CUFFE JAKIM DONALDSON CARLTON FALCONER JR. AMBER FARR LEON FORD JILLIAN GILES JOEL GRAY RENATA SILVA GRAY GLENN GRAYSON JR. RODNEY HEARD ADRIEL A. HILTON LASHESIA HOLLIDAY CHARDAÉ JONES JASON JONES HON. SUMMER LEE
MICHELE NEWELL Celebrity Host
Patron Sponsor
MARKESE LONG ALYSSA P. LYON JULE MCDANIEL SHARISE NANCE SIERRA PARM BRAZITTE POOLE LINDSAY POWELL JULIUS RIDGLEY TENECIA M. ROSS ASTER TECLAY DEBORAH M. TODD JULLIAN TURNER TERRI L. WHITE KHAYREE WILSON BRITTINI WRIGHT-BURLEY
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
FAB 40 2019
THE HOMETOWN GIRL
WPXI-TV’s Michele Newell making her presence felt in local TV news by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
As someone who has made a career of being curious, investigating leads and running down stories, WPXI-TV reporter Michele Newell has to admit that her story is also a bit curious. Though few reporters have a straightline career trajectory, Newell’s has been more circular. After growing up in Homestead and Verona and attending school in Penn Hills, her first news job after graduating from Indiana University of Pennsylvania was as a producer and host with the Cornerstone Television Network, a non-commercial Christian broadcaster. It was both a blessing and a curse. It was a good job, with benefits, and it led to what Newell said is still her most impactful assignment to date, reporting on the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. “That was huge,” Newell told the New Pittsburgh Courier in an exclusive interview. “It was part of a mission trip—so I was able to help people out, but I was also documenting it, getting video, interviews, and when I got back I put together a four-part series.” She is still in touch with some of the girls she met at an orphanage there, and there are other images that never go away—an elderly woman squatting in the street to relieve herself, and no one thinking it was out of place; the smell; the rubble and garbage-filled streets. “I admire their strength and patience. There are still a huge number of people down there living in tents— by choice—because they are fearful of losing everything in another quake,” she said. “One time we went to Delmas, the touristy part (of Port au Prince) and it was crazy how things changed. They had Home Depot, Domino’s, designer stores. It was totally eye-opening to go from people living in tents and peeing on the street, trash everywhere, the stench—to this area with mansions, beautiful homes, where people live like nothing had even happened.” The downside to working at Cor-
nerstone d i d n ’ t dawn on Newell until she started exploring other television news jobs—she couldn’t get them— despite h av i n g been a reporter, producer, videographer, editor and presenter. “Cornerstone isn’t technically recognized as part of the news market, so I quit. I was essentially starting over at 28,” she said. “My mom was really an inspiration. I moved back in with my mom. I couldn’t have done it without God and the support of my family and mentors.” Newell got a job as a producer at NewsRadio 1020 KDKA. From there she moved to KDKA-TV where she wrote copy in the newsroom. Along the way she worked with Pittsburgh Black Media Federation President Brian Cook Sr. on a weekly television show called “Championship Chase” and did an internet show with former Pittsburgh Steeler LaMarr Woodley. Then the news director at KDKA introduced her to his counterpart at WTOV-TV in Steubenville. She hasn’t looked back. From there she went to WSYX-TV in Columbus, Ohio, where, as a multi-media reporter, she was a one-woman show all over again; lugging a camera around, reporting, editing, producing and presenting. But working at the Columbus ABC affiliate gave her opportunities to work on some big stories: the 2017 death of a teen on a ride at the Ohio State Fair; the 2016 execution-style murders of eight members of the Rhoden family in Pike County; and the inability of municipal, county and state agencies to address the heroin epidemic.
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“We found that the treatment centers were full and there were few other options for a lot of people,” she said. “I was proud of that work. The problem was so big everyone, including the state, was trying to catch up.” And when the opportunity to return to Pittsburgh and work for WPXI came up, she jumped at it. Columbus’ loss is Pittsburgh’s gain. New-
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ell has covered some of the most important stories this market has seen over the past year, including the Antwon Rose II shooting and subsequent trial of former East Pittsburgh Officer Michael Rosfeld. “It’s been great being back. It just felt right to be at Channel 11, like I’d been there before,” she said. “So even if you’re not feeling fulfilled, don’t give up. Sometimes you have to take risks.”
MICHELE NEWELL OF WPXI-TV is the Celebrity Host for the New Pittsburgh Courier’s Fab 40 Class of 2019 Reception.
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FAB 40 2019
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
EDUCATION
Darnell Bonner is an educator, advocate and mentor with more than 15 years of expertise creating impactful, challenging and creative scholarship opportunities, college-readiness programs and innovative collaborative lesson plans for inner-city youth. He pairs a broad range of leadership, knowledge and community relations techniques in order to effectively advocate and mentor youth to pursue their dreams, conquer their insecurities, and walk confidently with a deep understanding of the importance of planning and developing long- and short-term goals. He is absolutely dedicated to the betterment of his students and always goes the extra mile to ensure they are encouraged, empowered and well-informed while keeping abreast of all the constant changes and challenges families face when attempting to continue their education post-high school. Raised in a single-family home on the North Side, Bonner experienced firsthand how important it is to be a role model for others. The eldest of three children, Bonner became passionate about working with youth in both the nonprofit and educational sector. Graduating from Oliver High School and Point Park University ignited his passion for making a difference with-
ANDREA BARBER CAMERON BARNETT OLIVER BEASLEY LACHELLE BINION BLAYRE BRITTON JOEL BURSTEIN ALONNA CARTER MELANIE CLAXTON GRIFFANN COLEMAN-BREWER ASHLEY RENAE CORUM TORREY COULVERSON MARTELL COVINGTON LEANA CREIGHTON SHARNAY HEARN DAVIS JAMES DOYLE ANGELIQUE DRAKEFORD JAMILAH DUCAR CHRISTINA FLEWELLEN-HOWZE MARYN L. FORMLEY DEONNA GANDY AFTYN D.L. GILES ELIADA GRIFFIN-EL AKEMI HARRISON AUDRYANA HATCHER CHRISTIAN HUGHES MUBARIK ISMAELI DEVON MADDEN KENYA MATTHEWS BRITTANY MOORE, LSW, OSW-C CANDACE OKELLO DANIELLE PARSON-RUSH CLAUDY M. PIERRE MARCUS POINDEXTER KELLI SHAKUR ANTOINE THOMAS AJA THOMPSON BRIANA L. WHITE TANESHYA WILLIAMS NATASHA WILLIAMS ALECIA DAWN YOUNG
in the Pittsburgh community. Bonner has been essential in forming writing workshops by partnering with local colleges to mentor his students and assist them with writing their college essays. He has also been instrumental in conducting both college tours for his students and Q&A sessions for seniors and their families. Demonstrating significant leadership skills, Bonner is an expert at fostering relations between Urban Pathways Pittsburgh Charter School and both local and out-of-state universities, securing over $5.3 million in scholarships for his students. Bonner is also founder and executive director of Man In The Mirror, an initiative to empower men of all races to focus on transforming their lives and promoting individual and family growth. The goal of the initiative is to challenge men, young and old, to choose a path of healing after facing traumatic situations and embrace their identity. Bonner is Project Chair for NSI Men of Valor; former President of Wilkinsburg Kiwanis Club; a program advisor for both Benefiting African American Males (BAAM) and Peer to Peer Mentoring; and is the Program Facilitator of the University of Pittsburgh’s Manhood 2.0 program.
BARON BATCH JESSICA N. BROWN NATHANIEL M. BROWN COREY BUCKNER BRIAN R. BURLEY LAKEISHA BYRD MELISA CHIPANGILA-CAMPBELL DON CHARLTON JASON FLOWERS TYRA GOOD, ED.D TERESA RENEE HUNT REGINA D. HUTSON THOMAS JAMISON WAYMAN R. JONES JR. KEVION LATHAM DEVON M. LYONS KEVIN MCNAIR KYSHIRA S. MOFFETT, MBA KHEIR MUGWANEZA
EDUCATION/AUTHOR
JAMES MURPHY
SHANDIA BOOKER
NJAIMEH NJIE
Author School Counselor, Pittsburgh Public Schools Shandia Booker, MSEd, is a graduate of Duquesne University and a certified school counselor in the state of Pennsylvania. Having grown up in the inner-city of Pittsburgh, Booker is passionate about helping the next generation of queens succeed and reach their goals. Booker understands the importance and need for girls to know and embrace their value amidst their circumstances. She has clinical experience working with underprivileged and marginalized populations. In 2015, with a goal to empower pre-teen girls as they transition from elementary to middle school, Booker developed a program titled “Love Yourself” that has impacted hundreds of girls in the City of Pittsburgh. For the past two years, Booker has partnered with the University of Pittsburgh’s Community Engagement Center to host “Love Yourself” at Pitt. As a result of advocating for
AERION A. ABNEY
RIEAN K. NORMAN homeless students in Pittsburgh Public Schools, Booker received the 2017 Region 4 Homeless Advocate of the Year Award by the Pa. Department of Education. On July 10, 2018, Booker released her first book, “Dear Brooklyn, Love Yourself,” and it debuted as an Amazon #1 New Release. Also last year, The Author Zone awarded Booker with a TAZ Book Award in the Self-Help category. Booker has been an invited speaker for counselors-in-training at various institutions including Duquesne University, Wake Forest, and the University of Pittsburgh. Additionally, Booker has spoken at conferences and events such as the State of Black Learning, Black Female Leadership Development Institute and Sisters Saving Ourselves Now. In her free time, Booker enjoys reading, spending time with friends and family, and freestyling.
BRIGETTE BETHEA PATTERSON CHEYENNE L. PATTERSON OLIVIA T. PAYNE BRANDON E. PHILLIPS LEIGH SOLOMON PUGLIANO REGINA L. SCOTT YASMIN SHAHEED LOLA SIMS ERIC A. SMITH M. SHERNELL SMITH MICHELYN HOOD TINOR SHAKITA TRIGG DIAMONTE WALKER THOMAS WALLACE ANTHONY WILLIAMS LAKEISHA WOLF SOSSENA WOOD
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
FAB 40 2019
EDUCATION
CASSANDRA BRENTLEY
Ready To Learn Program Manager, Center for Urban Education University of Pittsburgh Cassandra Brentley is an educator and disruptor working to improve education equity and opportunities for students of color. She seeks to create transformative learning experiences that serve as a catalyst to help students thrive as they navigate the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Brentley started her career working in banking, but quickly realized her passion was in education. The overarching theme of her career has been taking on the challenge of creating and implementing new initiatives during times of organizational change. Currently, she is the Program Manager for the Ready to Learn program, a research-practice partnership that supports personalized learning through tutoring and mentoring, in the Center for Urban Education at the University of Pittsburgh. Prior to taking on this role, she was the Director of Admissions and Financial Aid at Nazareth Prep. Brentley has five years of experience working in higher education. In addition, she is the owner of PBO Collaborative Consulting, where she designs business solutions to help her clients identify and articulate their unique stories in order to share narratives that lead to growth. The services she offers include integrated marketing, process improvement, automation and designing custom online training solutions. Brentley grew up in Monessen and is a lifelong (Monessen High School) Greyhound. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Marketing Communications and Business Certificate in Marketing from Duquesne University, where she now serves as a member of the Young Alumni Council for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. She also holds a Master of Arts in Education from Argosy University and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Education at the University of Pittsburgh, with a concentration in Urban Education. She is a board member for the Building A Library Initiative, which was created in 2017 to grow a collection of books that exclusively feature characters of color. Brentley is married to Mark Brentley Jr. and has three remarkable children, Preston, Braxton and Olivia. The scripture found in Luke 12:48, “to whom much has been given, much will be required...” serves as a guide for Cassandra Brentley’s work and reminder of her responsibility to fight for equity and justice in education.
PHOTOGRAPHY
RICHENA BROCKINSON
Owner, Lioness Photography Teaching Artist, Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild Richena Brockinson is a women’s advocate who utilizes art and photography as her vehicle of advocacy. She is a volunteer, artist, teacher, mentor, designer and entrepreneur who inspires and empowers through photography. She received training in photography as a high school student at Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild’s after-school program. At the age of 18, Brockinson taught her first photography class, of three students, at Pittsburgh Black Media Federation’s Frank Bolden Urban Journalism summer workshop, the same program from which she graduated. Brockinson then worked as a freelance photojournalist for the New Pittsburgh Courier. In 2001, she also created her freelance company, Lioness Photography, where she taught one-on-one lessons about cameras, picture-taking and worked for various organizations as a media photographer. Focused on becoming a professional photographer, she earned her bachelor’s degree in the Science of Photography from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh in 2013, where she learned more about fine arts and fashion photography—enhancing her talents and education. Brockinson has served as a teaching artist for 18 years, as a volunteer working with the Pittsburgh Black Media Federation and Manchester Carftsmen’s Guild as a full-time photography arts teacher. She’s also a board member of the Historic Fairview Park Association, to promote conservation of the first Black-owned park in Pennsylvania. She had her first solo exhibition, “Superhero Within Me,” in conjunction with Toonseum’s Heroes Block Party in 2011—exhibiting her photography at Art Basel Miami and locally at The Shadow Lounge. Through Brockinson’s artistic observations, creativity, and knowledge, she offers a unique and compelling perspective on life that can be seen in all that she strives to accomplish. While being a productive teacher and artist/photographer, she continues to push the envelope of creativity with her most recent ongoing project of converting a former school bus into a tiny home (aka Skoolie) to travel and create her dream, “Black Woman” fine arts project. Brockinson is honored to receive the New Pittsburgh Courier’s Fab 40 award.
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FAB 40 2019
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
EDUCATION
MICHELLE BROWN Educator Pittsburgh Public Schools
PAUL T. ABERNATHY KAHMEELA ADAMS OLIVIA BENSON LaRAE DANIELLE CULLENS AUSTIN A. DAVIS L. DENISE EDWARDS DAREN ANDERSON ELLERBEE AMBER M. EPPS JAMES T. FREEMAN REGINALD GOOD DONTA A. GREEN KRISTEN GUY DEAVON HAMMONDS YONA C. HARVEY DERRIC I. HECK MERECEDES J. HOWZE BRANDON HUDSON PRINCESS ROSE HUGHES
Michelle Brown is a Homewood native who has always had a passion for underserved youth and young adults who have been labeled as “high needs,” “behavior problems,” or “defiant and disrespectful.” Graduating from Westinghouse High School, she is all too familiar with these labels that are attached to children based on the color of their skin, the communities they live in, and other external factors that have nothing to do with the children themselves. Brown graduated from Geneva College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Ministry. After working for over a decade with youth in group homes, placements, juvenile facilities, and the community, she discovered that her ultimate purpose and passion was to equip, teach, and inspire children. Brown felt that by getting into the classrooms and schools, she could “reach them and encourage them to make the right decisions and possibly stop them from ending up in many of the placements that she had worked for.” Because of this, Brown went back to college and obtained her master’s in Education from Carlow University as well as her teaching certification. While obtaining her master’s, she volunteered many hours in classrooms and schools gaining firsthand experience in preparation for when she would one day have her own classroom. After several years of teaching children who were labeled “high needs” and working with many educators who lacked the ability to teach the whole child, she sought administrative-level leadership. She took on a Principal In Training role with her previous employer while earning her Principal Certification from Robert Morris University and has recently been offered several opportunities to work in a leadership capacity at various schools.
ANGELA D. ALLIE NAILA ANSARI JENNIFER ARNETTE CHRISTINA BELL JOYCE M. BELL DE’NETTA BENJAMIN REUBEN BROCK ROXANNE EASLEY KEZIA L. ELLISON, MAWH SEAN R. FARR CINDY E. FERNANDEEZ ALI FINLEY BRANDI S. FISHER MARITA GARRETT KIMBERLY GILL Brown’s ultimate hope is that all children, regardless of socioeconomic status, can be given the same academic instruction that is both rigorous and engaging, equipping them to be effective leaders.
RUFUS O. IDRIS LLOYDINE J. JACOBS CHEREÉ HASWELL JOHNSON MICHAEL A. JOHNSON TRACI JOHNSON MICHAEL A. KNIGHT LaTRENDA S. LEONARD CURTIS E. LEWIS JR. GABRIEL McKNIGHT JESSICA MITCHELL JUSTIN R. NWOKEJI TYRA OLIVER MARINA J. OWENS KEIHA R. PECK TAMAIRA E. RIDGELY RYAN S. SCOTT DEVYN D. SWAIN LAUREN O. WALLACE AARON M. WHIGHAM ELISE ‘THE DIVA CHEF’ WIMS ANQWENIQUE L. WINGFIELD SHEILA WOODS
ANGEL GOBER JOSEPH HALL LEAH M. HARDAWAY SHAWN HICKS MAISHA HOWZE, MS
ARTS/FITNESS
WILLIAM J. JOHNSON
CATHRYN CALHOUN
DARRELL S. KINSEL
Box Office and Patron Services Manager August Wilson African American Cultural Center Cathy Calhoun is the current Box Office and Patron Services Manager at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center. She joined the team in March and enjoys her current role in the cultural arts. Calhoun is also an active board member of the Point Park Alumni Association. In addition, she participates in the Pioneer Alumni Recruitment Team (P.A.R.T.) where she engages with current students and supports them throughout the school year. Aside from working professionally, Calhoun is a Certified Zumba/Aqua Zumba Instructor, youth mentor, and leader in her community. She uses her love for Zumba and fitness to uplift and empower both men and women. Her favorite motto is, “Fitness has no size.” She uses this platform to break down social stigmas to prove that motto. Recently, she started her own free Zumba fitness series called Zumba In The Park. She visits a local park in
AYANA LEDFORD several Pittsburgh neighborhoods and offers a free Zumba class to adults and children. Her goal is to get everyone moving and to enjoy the upbeat and colorful world of Zumba. Calhoun is a proud 2003 graduate of Pittsburgh CAPA. Her love for the arts and performance is what led her to Point Park University. Calhoun graduated from Point Park University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and then, in 2012, she graduated with Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership. She is now pursuing her Doctorate Degree from the University of Phoenix. Her focus is on Management and Organizational Leadership. She is a dissertation away from becoming Dr. Calhoun. In her limited spare time, Calhoun enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Her other passions include singing, traveling, and enjoying life. She is thrilled to be in the Courier’s 2019 Fab 40 Class.
TIFFANY T. LUMPKIN LIANA MARTINA MANEESE BERNICE D. MARTIN MICHELLE McMURRAY SHAUNDA MILES ANTHONY M. MOORE NEIL PARHAM, M.ED SHARELE SHEALEY JADA SHIRRIEL DARRELL E. SMALLEY WADRIA LOIS TAYLOR TONY J. THOMPSON FRANK TORBERT III DONALD C. WALKER III DANATE WORKS DONNOE B. YAWN DAMON YOUNG
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
FAB 40 2019
COMMUNICATIONS
COMMUNITY SERVICE
STEVEN CARTER
NATHANIEL L. CARTER JR.
Radio Host, WMKP Radio Penn State Greater Allegheny Steven Carter is a senior at Penn State Greater Allegheny, where he majors in Communications and minors in Art. Carter is the host of the “Hey, Stevie Static!” show on WMKP radio, where he promotes and demonstrates the values of integrity, respect, responsibility, discovery, and community to his fellow PSUGA students and outside audiences. He uses his platform to discuss current events, music, and issues that affect people of all generations. He is also the Station Manager of the PSUGA branch of WMKP. In 2018, Carter received PSGUA’s EPIC Award, which is given to students who are first-generation college students and students of color, whose work in the classroom, on their campus and in their local communities, advance the values of the university. In the same year, Carter was recognized for interviewing artist Jasiri-X for the Crossing Bridges event at the university, in which the featured speaker was iconic political activist Angela Davis. As a mentee in the 4-H program through the Kingsley Association, Carter had the opportunity to collaborate with the Larimer Consensus Group to create positive change in the neighborhood. Carter has also served as mentor to youth in his home community of Larimer through his participation in the STREAM program and has been a member of the East End Youth Advisory Council. In addition, Carter is a Servant Leader at the Kingsley-Faison Freedom
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CEO, This Generation Cares Founder and Executive Director, This Generation Connects Nathaniel L. Carter Jr. is a product of the Mon Valley area, an alumnus of the Woodland Hills School District. In 2010 he earned a bachelor’s degree from Waynesburg University in Sociology with a minor in Biblical Studies—making him the first of 13 siblings to obtain a four-year degree. Carter was removed from his biological mother at 6 months of age, which landed him in the foster care system. After two years in the foster system he reunited with his biological father and his biological father’s wife who shaped the individual he has become. Carter is the proud father of his beautiful and gifted daughter, Niara Carter. He is the founder and CEO of This Generation Cares, LLC (2015), and This Generation Connect (2018). He has over 10 years of experience in nonprofit work. He serves on the board of various organizations in Pittsburgh. He continues to mentor and serve the youth through organizations such as Yahweh RYSE, Barrett Elementary after-school program and Woodland Hills Rankin Promise School. Involved locally and internationally, in 2017 he served in Africa (Uganda and Kenya) for nearly a month speaking and working with the BOHG team to support ongoing development. Carter was recognized by WHIRL Magazine’s 20 in their 20s Class of 2018. In December 2018 he was a nominee for Coro Pittsburgh’s 2019 Distinguished Young Leadership Award. He is a licensed minister who is sought-after to speak across denominational lines, racial barriers, and ethical backgrounds. He completed a graduate certificate in Church Planting and Revitalization from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in June 2018. His strong community presence presented him being the officiant of School, which is managed by The Children’s De- Antwone Rose II memorial service. fense fund. He is currently completing apprentice work with the Pittsburgh Presbyterian Church (USA) 1001 new worCarter will graduate from PSGUA in the fall with a shiping community movement. He is developing a community center in East Pittsburgh, “The Connect Center.” bachelor’s degree. Carter is purpose-driven with a passion to serve this generation well!
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FAB 40 2019
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
HEALTH CARE
CAMILLE CLARKE-SMITH, EdD Sr. Strategy Analyst, UPMC Health Plan Exec. Director, T.H.A.W.
JOEL ACIE EMMAI ALAQUIVA VERNARD ALEXANDER
Dr. Camille Clarke-Smith is the owner of Camille Clarke LLC, a health coaching and personal training business which focuses on mental and physical health, where the motto is, “Mental Health. Physical Fitness. Individual Success.” Dr. Clarke-Smith is also the founder of T.H.A.W. Inc., which stands for Transforming the Health of African American wom-
MARISA BARTLEY KENYA T. BOSWELL SIOBHAN BROOKS CARMEN BRUCE CRYSTAL BYNUM KEVIN CARTER ROBERT CHAMBERS III YOLANDA COVINGTON-WARD BELINDA CURTAIN EUGENE CURTAIN III CAMILLE DAVIDSON-BAZRON LATIKA DAVIS-JONES BRIAN EDMONDS TISHA GERMANY DR. MARILYN GRIFFIN BRANDON HOLLY II NEAL HOLMES REV. CORNELL JONES NICOLE MANNS BETHANY MILLER MARIMBA MILLIONES KHARI MOSLEY VINCENT D. MOYE JR. ALLYCE PINCHBACK JARVIS POWERS JESSICA BROOKE RUFFIN LES SCALES ORONDE SHARIF PAUL DAVID SPRADLEY TAMIKO STANLEY KEZIA TAYLOR IYANA TENNON NATALIA THOMAS SONYA M. TILGHMAN MELISSA WADE ERICKA WINGFIELD SSG LANCE ALTON WOODS
en. T.H.A.W. Inc. is a nonprofit organization where the mission is “to improve the health and quality of life for African American women and the communities they live,” by focusing on teaching women how to thrive rather than just surviving; and taking control of their health by changing mindsets. Dr. Clarke-Smith is married to Pastor Michael Smith, the founder and Senior Pastor of Destiny International Ministries. Dr. Clarke-Smith holds many roles within the ministry: First Lady, Wellness Director, Praise Minister, and R.I.S.E Book Club Facilitator. In 2018 Dr. Clarke-Smith established the annual Lincoln-Lemington Community Walk and Health Fair, which attracts over 300 residents. This event brings politicians, health care organizations, social services, residents and other service providers together for one fun-filled, active day. Dr. Clarke-Smith is also a Senior Strategy Analyst in the Medicare Stars Department at UPMC Health Plan. While at UPMC Health Plan, Dr. ClarkeSmith developed the Medicare Healthy Church Challenge, a 12week challenge between churches within the Western Pa. area.
BRANDEN BALLARD JASON BELL KENYON BONNER JESSICA BROOKS ONDREA BURTON BRIAN COOK ROLAND COSTON-CRISWELL KIMBERLY ELLIS INGRID FULTON-EDWARDS VANESSA GERMAN DAVID HALL RAYMAR HAMPSHIRE LISA HOLD BOMANI HOWZE JEREMIAH JACKSON CYNTHIA JAMES WILLIAM JAMES JR.
ATHLETICS
STACY JOHNSON
RONALD COURSEY JR.
CHAZ KELLEM
Director of Athletics Woodland Hills School District
Ronald Coursey Jr., a native of Columbia, Md., was named Director of Athletics for the Woodland Hills School District in July 2017. Coursey, a scholar athlete at Howard High School in Maryland, attended Carnegie Mellon University, where he earned a collegiate varsity letter playing basketball for the university. Coursey later attended the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree. He continued his education at Frostburg State University, earning both his M.Ed. and M.B.A. degrees. Coursey arrived at Woodland Hills with several key initiatives, including raising the bar for student-athletes both academically and behaviorally. In addition to serving as an Athletic Administrator, Coursey has served as a teacher, youth advocate, and dean of students in his educational career. Prior to his arrival at Woodland Hills, he served as the district athletic director for The School District of the City of York, located in York, Pa. In this role, he was tasked with lead-
RENEE ALSBERRY
EPRYL KING ing the resurrection of a tradition-rich athletic department. He implemented a mandatory after-school study hall for all student-athletes, placing a renewed emphasis on academic success. Prior to his tenure in York, Coursey served as the high school dean of students and director of athletics at Propel Andrew Street High School here in Pittsburgh. He was responsible for the growth and development of athletics at the high school. During his time at Propel, he also taught African American history classes and served as the varsity boys’ basketball coach. “Coach Coursey,” as he was known, developed a championship-level program. Coursey is a tireless advocate for the education and advancement of urban students. He has dedicated his life to using athletics as a vehicle to transport students to their future professional achievements. Coursey is a proud member of several professional organizations, including the NAACP and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.
DR. MONICA LAMAR NATHANIEL MITCHELL AYISHA MORGAN-LEE RYAN PATRICK PARKER CHRISTOPHER ROBINSON SABRINA SAUNDERS VLADIMIR ST. SURIN FRANCES TAGGERT KIYA TOMLIN REV. MARKS TOOKES TAMARA TORBERT BERNADETTE TURNER CARLTON WATSON EUGENE WILLIAMS III DAWNITA WILSON DR. BARRETT WOODS ROYCE WOODS NATALIE YANNOTTI
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
FAB 40 2019
EDUCATION
COMMUNITY SERVICE
ALONNA CUFFE
JAKIM DONALDSON
Teacher Propel Schools
Alonna Cuffe is a passionately driven middle school educator at Propel Hazelwood Charter School in the City of Pittsburgh. Born and raised in the “412,” Cuffe graduated from Langley High School before going on to earn her B.S. from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2015 and Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree from Chatham University in 2017. Cuffe believes that all scholars deserve a quality, equitable, and meaningful educational experience. She also believes there is something absolutely powerful about a child of color looking up from their desk and
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Co-Founder P.R.O.M.I.S.E. seeing a brown face just like theirs, something she very seldom experienced in her own schooling career. Relationships drive her instruction, and Cuffe strives to be a positive example of what education, coupled with hard work and a lot of resilience can truly do— open doors and windows and break barriers you’ve never thought possible. “I was my scholars when I was their age,” Cuff says. “I look like them. I come from their neighborhoods. I share some of their struggles that the odds are stacked against them. I know what it’s like to feel like you don’t matter, that education doesn’t matter. I get it. I don’t want them to feel like that. Not in my classroom, not if I can have anything to do with it.” When she is not attending her kids’ sporting events or grading stacks of essays, Cuffe enjoys being active within her sorority, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. She also likes to write poetry, paint, and nap. The 2019-2020 school year will mark five years in education for Cuffe. She is humbled and honored to be chosen as one of the New Pittsburgh Courier’s Fab 40 honorees this year and does not take the recognition lightly; it is more motivation to keep on walking in her purpose. There is so much more to learn and more work to be done as an educator and as an advocate for our kids in the City of Pittsburgh. Cuffe is up for the challenge.
Jakim Donaldson was born Sept. 3, 1983 to Jay and Avery Renee Donaldson, and was raised on the North Side. He graduated from Oliver High School in 2001 with honors. After competing in many sports at Oliver, he pursued his love of basketball and walked-on to the Edinboro University basketball team. While pursuing degrees in psychology and geography, Donaldson managed to become the leading rebounder in school history; the only player in school history to accomplish more than 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds for their careers; and was named to the 2005 Division II All-American team. Donaldson then started his professional basketball career in Portugal, Spain, France and Israel where he is still competing with team Hoapoel Be’Er Sheva. While accomplishing many accolades, championships, countless memories and friendships along the way through the game of basketball, he has always believed in giving back to his community and never forgetting from where he came. Due to the tragic and untimely death of his youngest brother, Jehru Donaldson, in 2007 right after Jehru graduated from Oliver, Jakim Donaldson and his family were determined to have Jehru’s name live on. The nonprofit organization P.R.O.M.I.S.E., which stands for Protecting and Restoring the Order of Mankind with the Initiative of Serving Elders, was founded by Jakim Donaldson and his father, Jay, in 2009 to bring community awareness to gun violence and the importance of unity.
P.R.O.M.I.S.E. has hosted many events such as the career day at Oliver, which helped send numerous kids to college with $1,000 through the Jehru M. Donaldson scholarship fund, cleanup day, book clubs and the annual gathering for lost loved ones, community Pirates game day and the free Jakim Donaldson basketball camp. Jakim Donaldson will host his ninth annual free basketball camp, July 24-26, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for boys and girls ages 8-18 at A Giving Heart Community Center, 816 Climax St. For more information, contact Jakim Donaldson at 412-6605129 or visit www.promiseonthemove.com!
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SPIRITUAL ENCOURAGEMENT
CARLTON FALCONER JR. CEO Carlton Speaks, LLC
CHARLIE BATCH ELIZABETH BIRRU MELANIE BROWN DAVID CAMPBELL ANJI CORLEY LEE DAVIS JARA DORSEY BRIDGETTE DRIVER EDDIE EDWARDS JR. EDDA FIELDS-BLACK NATISHA FRYE OLGA GEORGE BENJAMIN GORDON JADA GRANDY SEAN GRAY AMANDA GREEN WILLIE HARPER F. DOK HARRIS RAHMON HART KEENAN HOLMES CONSTANCE HORTON DEMETRIUS IVORY STEFFANIE JASPER SEAN JONES AYANNA LEE MONTY MEZA-CLAY ANDREA MOORE DANIELLE NOTTINGHAM K. CHASE PATTERSON JANERA SOLOMON TAMMY SPENCER JUSTINI STRONG DUANE WELLS ISHA METZ WILLIAMS JAMES WILLIAMS DAMION WILSON JENYCE WOODRUFF JASIRI X SHAVONTE ZELLOUS
Growing up in a rough neighborhood taught Carlton Falconer Jr. a very valuable life lesson. He learned that where you aspire to go is more important than where you come from. During his upbringing in Northview Heights, his father constantly reminded him that there was an entire world out there. After graduating from Oliver High School in 2004, Falconer began the pursuit of his bachelor’s degree at La Roche College. With an interest in entrepreneurship, he decided to major in marketing and management. A member of the school’s basketball team for three years, Falconer completed his undergraduate program and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in marketing and management in 2008. With the vision of helping people develop a better relationship with God and having a passion for writing, Falconer made the decision to become a Christian blogger and launch his brand, “Carlton Speaks.” This brand places an emphasis on spiritual
encouragement and the empowerment of women. Over the last two years, “Carlton Speaks” has been viewed in 80 different countries and has reached a following of over 15,000 people worldwide. In the midst of building a global brand, Falconer decided to start a graduate program at Grand Canyon University for Life Coaching; completing his coursework in January of last year. In March 2018, his women empowerment and community efforts led to an NAACP Image Award. Under the tutelage of Rev. John Knight and Dr. William Houston Curtis, Falconer became a Licensed Associate Minister at Mount Ararat Baptist Church in August 2018. Also during the month of August, he was voted as one of Pittsburgh’s Best Local Bloggers in the Pittsburgh City Paper. Falconer feels that without God or the help of others, he would not be where he is today. He remains committed to keeping our focus on God, and what’s necessary to become the best version of ourselves!
COMMUNITY SERVICE
AMBER FARR
Director, One Northside The Buhl Foundation Amber Farr, a native of Clairton, received her bachelor’s degree from Temple University. Upon graduation, she started her media career at Sheridan Broadcasting Corporation as a board operator for WAMO-AM/FM before being promoted to an associate producer for the nationally syndicated “Bev Smith Show.” After working almost a decade at Sheridan, Farr left the industry to pursue a graduate degree from Point Park University. While in graduate school,
Farr transitioned into the nonprofit sector because of her passion for giving back to the community. Her first nonprofit job was with the Girl Scouts of Western PA. She later ran the youth and media department at Steeltown Entertainment Project before landing in her current position as Director, One Northside, The Buhl Foundation. In Farr’s current role as director, she has the privilege of engaging with the North Side community in order to shape Buhl’s grantmaking agenda and leveraging of its assets and resources to improve the quality of life for all North Side residents. This includes project and volunteer management, systems-building, outreach and community development. In addition to her duties at the foundation, Farr launched CoLab18—a place where North Side residents and regional partners have access to physical space and technology to problem-solve, learn, meet, dream and work. In addition to Farr’s role at the foundation, community service is and will always be a passion of hers. She volunteers for numerous boards and organizations such as: The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, The Greater Pittsburgh Nonprofit Partnership, PCTV, Temple University, Community College of Allegheny County, Comcast Cares Day, The Best of The Batch Foundation, Literacy Pittsburgh, The Will Allen Foundation, United Way’s “Be A Middle School Mentor” and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Farr has also been recognized as: The Incline’s Who’s Next 2018: Philanthropy; Destiny of Faith Church’s Northside Hero; and a Young, Gifted & Black Awardee.
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COMMUNITY SERVICE
COMMUNITY SERVICE
LEON FORD
JILLIAN GILES
Leader Leon Ford Speaks
Leon Ford, a native of Pittsburgh, born March 16, 1993, has accomplished so much in such a short period of time. The well-known author, international speaker and 2019 City Council candidate for District 9 has devoted his life to the betterment of his community. Ford is a well-respected activist, mental health ambassador and social advocate of change through his leadership. Ford’s influence in his community has divulged a heroic display of strength, wisdom, faith, and fortitude. His knowledge of social disparities and injustice comes from personal experience. When Leon was 19 years old his life drastically changed. November 11, 2012, he was unjustly shot five times by the Pittsburgh Police during a racially-charged traffic stop. This horrific case of mistaken identity has left him
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Owner, CEO & Founder Pearl’s Serenity House physically paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair, but Ford hasn’t allowed his circumstances to deter him from having a positive impact on his community. Through mentorship, he has sparked a movement cultivating leaders, organizers and social entrepreneurs by empowering them to use their voices, platforms, and resources to evoke change and reshape their communities for generations to come. His mentorship endeavors have transcended into universities. Ford’s latest partnership with Duquesne University bridges the gap between the community, students, professors and community leaders through a program known as “The Voices Project.” This program provides an open space to discuss literacy, social reform, gentrification, police brutality, and several other social disparities. While Ford is passionate about educating the community, he has also devoted time to work with police officers to help provide clarity on cultural competency. His work also includes working with state legislators to draft policies that modify the Use Of Force laws, which will, in turn, increase chances to receive justice during officer-involved shootings. Ford continues to display true leadership through his work while also being a source of healing, hope, and inspiration. Ford’s work has not gone unnoticed in the community. He has received several awards including: President Obama’s Volunteer Service Award 2017; and The Root’s 100 Most Influential African Americans 2018. Despite hardships, Ford continues to be a voice for the voiceless and a leader to those in need of direction.
Jillian Giles is a Point Park University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. After college she went on to work at locations that made her get more interested in helping women have housing when they get out of jail, rehab or homeless. That’s when Giles began to focus on owning her own business that would help women have a place to live. She named the business Pearl’s Serenity House, after her grandmother, who passed away. Sure, there were obstacles to sustaining the House, and at one point, she thought, in her words, that “it was the end and everything was just crumbling around me.” But her persistence paid off, and Pearl’s Serenity House is open—and prospering. “I love seeing how the ladies reunite with their families, get jobs and get their own houses. It’s so reward-
ing,” Giles said. But wait, there’s more—Pearl’s is expanding! Giles recently bought another building to help more women and families. Giles also recently started “Jillian’s Dream Chasers” that helps kids with registration fees for families that may not be able to pay certain registration fees so children can participate in various activities.
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HUMAN RESOURCES
RENATA SILVA GRAY
Director of Administrative Services and Human Resources Anova Healthcare Services
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
JOEL GRAY
Community Outreach Coordinator Pittsburgh Pirates Joel Steven Gray is a 26-year-old Pittsburgh native, who currently resides in Point Breeze. In 2014, he received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration for Sport Management and a Master of Science in Competitive Intelligence Systems from Robert Morris University. He has over 12 years of experience in both professional and collegiate sports. Currently serving as the Community Outreach Coordinator for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Gray is responsible for proactively identifying and developing partnerships with the community at-large, with a focus on diverse populations. He does so through initiatives such as the Pirates Community Tickets Program, courtesy of the MLB Commissioner’s Community Initiative and MLBPA’s Players Give Back Program—which provides thousands of complementary tickets to fans who may not otherwise have the resources or opportunities to attend a Major League game. Gray also is involved in Long Live Their Legacy—a 45-minute interactive presentation on the history of Negro League Baseball, its ties to the City of Pittsburgh, and the significant role it plays in the game today. Gray plays a vital role for the Pirates in MLB and Scholastic’s Jackie Robinson Breaking Barriers In Life, In Sports Essay Contest, Pirates Tales, Youth Dental and Vision Clinic, Roberto Clemente Employee Volunteer Program, and more. In addition, Gray serves as Director of AfricaBookBagz, a nonprofit ministry that educates youth cross-culturally to become leaders in America and Africa by empowering them through the love of Jesus Christ. He also serves as a member of the Mario Lemieux Foundation’s Club 66 Committee, is part of WHIRL Magazine’s 20 in their 20s Class of 2018, is a featured story in Young Black Pittsburgh (YNGBLKPGH) by Brian R. Burley, and in 2017 was a recipient of the Young Gifted & Black Award.
Renata Silva Gray was born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and came to the United States at the age of 17. Gray received a full scholarship to play volleyball at California University of Pennsylvania. Gray came from a hard-working, African Brazilian family. She was taught at a young age that everything in life must be earned through hard work. At Cal U, Gray was one of the most decorated volleyball players in the school’s history, being selected as an All-American three years in a row and Academic All-American her senior year. Along with her successful athletic career, Gray graduated Summa Cum Laude with a bachelor’s in International Business and Spanish, along with her Master of Business Administration. While in college, Gray always aspired to make a difference. She was an active member of many different clubs and associations and was always involved in volunteering events. Gray faced many crossroads throughout college trying to learn a new language, feel included in the community, and be an athlete, all at the same time. Although being an immigrant that required a sponsorship to be able to work in the U.S. made finding employment extremely difficult, Gray was able to land an entry-level position at a healthcare agency. After taking many different roles in the company and climbing her way up, Gray is currently the Director of Administrative Services and Human Resources at Anova Health Care System in Pittsburgh. In her current position, Gray oversees many different departments within the company, always making sure the employees’ well-being comes first. In addition to her full-time job with Anova, Gray also spends her time coaching at Pittsburgh Elite Volley-
ball Association. While at Pittsburgh Elite, Gray took her team to Nationals many years in a row, finishing fifth in 2016, third in 2017 at the USAV Girls National Championships, and ninth at the 2018 AAU National Championships. At Pittsburgh Elite, Gray coaches and mentors young girls who have the same dreams and aspirations that she once had. Gray hopes that one day, those girls will be able to also pay it forward. Gray resides in Pittsburgh with her husband, Donald Gray III, a 2019 New Pittsburgh Courier “Men of Excellence” honoree.
SOCIAL SERVICE
GLENN GRAYSON JR.
Sr. Program Manager of Neighborhood Development Neighborhood Allies
Glenn Grayson Jr. is Senior Program Manager for Neighborhood Development at Neighborhood Allies. In his role, Grayson supports efforts to advance policies that help build strong community partnerships through a focused lens of equitable development. He also advocates for racial, social, and economic issues on behalf of underrepresented communities. His position also includes seeking solutions to accelerate and scale the efforts of community-based organizations and multi-sector collaborations to raise, leverage, and absorb capital towards equitable neighborhood development initiatives and more. Before joining the Neighborhood Allies team, Grayson was the Lead Community Organizer for One Pennsylvania for nine years. Grayson is also a civic leader in his community, where he serves as the community representative on the Lower Hill Executive Committee, the Board Chairman of the Jeron X. Grayson Foundation, a community advocate on the PWSA Low Income Assistance Advisory Committee, and a member of the U.S. Water Alliance Water Equity Task Force. Grayson and his wife, Erika, are the proud parents of beautiful children, Aniyah and Xavier Grayson. Glenn Grayson graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration and a Concentration in Marketing from Winston-Salem State University.
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EDUCATION
EDUCATION
RODNEY C. HEARD JR.
ADRIEL A. HILTON, Ph.D.
Teacher Imani Christian Academy
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Dean of Students and Diversity Officer Seton Hill University Rodney C. Heard Jr. was born and raised on the east side of Pittsburgh. He graduated from Westinghouse High School before he went on to receive a B.A in Physical Education from Bethany College. He leveraged his education, passion and 15 years of experience serving urban communities to teach students at Propel and Imani Christian Academy. Heard is currently the elementary Physical Education teacher at Imani Christian, where he also serves as the assistant head coach of the successful Imani Saints football team. In addition to the many roles Heard plays at work, he also provides invaluable service to improve the quality of life for the youth throughout Pittsburgh by serving as a mentor, exposing students to new opportunities and as a liaison for colleges. He has also invested in Pittsburgh’s youth by serving as a YMCA summer camp counselor for years, a STEM summer camp director, STEM after-school program director, and Pittsburgh ice hockey coach. As an African American male in education, Heard is most known for advocacy and passion to help young men and women achieve success in education and throughout life. He is committed to servicing the youth through education and community outreach because he believes that his influence and impact on the youth is what ultimately defines his success journey.
ENTREPRENEUR
LASHESIA HOLLIDAY CEO Naptural Beauty Supply, LLC
LaShesia Holliday, Momprenuer & CEO of Naptural Beauty Supply, LLC, is a Pittsburgh native dedicated to ending the stigma around natural hair by instilling confidence in her community, providing convenience of having the tools and products in one place, and empowering others to love themselves naturally. She is a graduate of the “Catapult: Startup to Storefront Program” which granted her the opportunity to occupy a retail space in the heart of East Liberty. She has an Associate Degree in Business Management with a Certification in Entrepreneurship from CCAC. While attending CCAC, Holliday co-founded the CCAC Homewood-Brushton Campus’ Black Student Union chapter which aligns with her mission to empower others. Holliday knew that being a part of creating a safe space for African American students to be themselves while engaging the community and other students who look like them, was so very important. Holliday has started to channel her empowerment efforts through her collaboration with Alexis Cathie, owner of Imihi Designs and fellow Catapult graduate. Together, they birthed Goalfriends, an empowerment series which creates an
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environment where people can find an accountability partner. Holliday is passionate about helping fellow entrepreneurs through peer mentoring, maintaining a “lift while we climb” perspective and intentionally supporting locally-owned businesses. Being an entrepreneur has granted Holliday the opportunity to build meaningful relationships through several social and business groups and receive recognition for her dedication to the Naptural Movement! A
firm believer in personal and professional growth, she is an active board member of the Women Entrepreneurs of Pittsburgh and a graduate of the Hill Community Development Center BizU Beauty Works cohort.
Adriel A. Hilton, Ph.D., is dean of students and diversity officer at Seton Hill University in Greensburg. Recently, he served as director of the Webster University Myrtle Beach Metropolitan Extended Campus. As the chief administrative officer, he worked to implement programs and policies to achieve Webster University’s overall goals and objectives at the extended campus. In the past, Dr. Hilton has served as chief of staff and executive assistant to the president at Grambling State University and assistant professor and director of the Higher Education Student Affairs program at
Western Carolina University. Dr. Hilton was formerly the inaugural assistant vice president for inclusion initiatives at Grand Valley State University. He honed his expertise in higher education administration and teaching at Upper Iowa University (UIU) as executive assistant to the president and assistant secretary to the board of trustees. He was the school’s first chief diversity officer and an adjunct faculty member at both UIU and the University of Northern Iowa. Dr. Hilton is a noted scholar. As a Frederick Douglass Teaching Scholar at Clarion University, he taught and developed academic programs within the Office of the Provost. Previously, he served as the first public policy fellow at the Greater Baltimore Committee, a leading regional organization comprised of civic and business leaders in Baltimore. There, he worked closely with advisors to research, develop, and advocate a public policy agenda to advance the organization’s work in various areas, including access to health care. A prolific author and researcher, Dr. Hilton’s research is published in refereed journals, such as “Teachers College Record,” “Journal of College Student Development,” “Community College Review,” “Community College Journal of Research and Practice,” and the “Journal of the Professoriate.” His numerous service commitments include membership on the editorial boards of the renowned Journal of Negro Education and the highly acclaimed College Student Affairs Journal.
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ENTREPRENEURSHIP
JASON JONES
Director of Entrepreneurship Idea Foundry Jason Jones joined the Idea Foundry team in September 2018 as the Director for Entrepreneurship. In his role at Idea Foundry, Jones oversees Idea Foundry’s entrepreneurial process, leads the efforts in the Equitable Entrepreneurship program, and oversees funding and distribution of deployment of capital along with due diligence. He also currently teaches business courses at CCAC. Jones has over 15 years of experience in banking, management, investment, and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI). Prior to Idea Foundry, Jones was the Community Development Relationships Manager at Woodforest National Bank, where he oversaw Community Reinvestment Act requirements for 40 branches and was also a Regional Manager (VP), overseeing six states. Jones also worked at Bridgeway Capital, serving underserved, underbanked, smaller businesses. Jones is very active in the Pittsburgh community, serving on the board for Homewood Children’s Village, Urban Redevelopment Authority’s Micro Loan Committee, and various business education panels. He was named as one of Pittsburgh Magazine’s 40 Under 40 in 2017 and 2018’s 50 Finest. He holds a M.S. in Strategic Leadership and B.S. in Organizational Leadership from Mountain State University.
GOVERNMENT
HONORABLE SUMMER LEE GOVERNMENT
CHARDAE JONES Mayor Braddock Borough
Chardaé Jones is from Braddock and grew in up in the Braddock Carnegie Library where she received her library card before she could scribble her name. In 2011, she received her BA in Professional Writing from Carlow University where she discovered her passion for serving her community. While there, she raised awareness about homelessness, coordinated toy drives, and mentored local Carrick High School students through Carlow’s Youth Media Advocacy Program. Since graduating, Jones has volunteered with AmeriCorps, mentoring teens in Braddock where she aided in the creation of a summer lunch program tied to a local job-readiness program for teens. As an advocate for people in her community, she’s mentored kids at the Carnegie Library’s Downtown branch, as she knows that books are the very thing that inspired her to become a writer. She’s chaired the local National Council of Negro Women Luncheon to aid in bridging the communication gap between the younger women and older women in the community. Recently, Jones realized that volunteerism and politics weren’t separate. As Braddock’s current mayor she hopes to inspire, inform, and energize young adults to step up and help create a new identity for their community. She aims to create an open line of communication between community, public safety, and council.
Representative of the 34th Legislative District Pennsylvania The Honorable Summer Lee was elected to the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives in 2018. She grew up in the North Braddock and Rankin areas, and currently lives in Swissvale. A graduate of Woodland Hills High School, she went on to study and graduate from Penn State University and Howard University School of Law, where she specialized in civil rights and constitutional law. While at Howard, Rep. Lee was an intern with the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund and a student attorney in the Howard University School of Law Civil Rights Clinic, representing and assisting indigent clients with civil rights complaints. After graduating law school, Rep. Lee was a dedicated organizer, activist and advocate for social justice in her local community. Her legislative priorities include criminal justice reform; education, health care and energy policy reforms; a progressive tax structure for Pennsylvania and a $15 minimum wage for all workers. Representative Lee is the first Black woman elected to the state House of Representatives from Western Pennsylvania. In her new position, she serves on several committees including Children & Youth, Judiciary, and Local Government. She is part of the Allegheny County Delegation and serves as the treasurer of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus.
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COMMUNITY SERVICE
COMUNITY OUTREACH
MARKESE LONG
ALYSSA P. LYON
Neighborhood Innovation Manager Partner4Work Markese Long has more than a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, where he serves as a connector for people facing barriers in the community. As Neighborhood Innovation Manager for Partner4Work, Long builds relationships with community partners and businesses, and is currently helping develop industry coordination councils to better prepare job seekers with the skills employers desire. Among his accomplishments at Partner4Work, Long has increased community engagement with the public workforce development system and served as a key member of the team that developed a workforce pilot program within the Hazelwood neighborhood. Long’s other professional experiences have included working with youth through Allegheny County Department of Human Services and several Pittsburgh area nonprofits. In his spare time, Long gives back to the community. From 2013-2015, he served on the Board of Directors of Assemble Pittsburgh, an arts and technology nonprofit serving people of all ages in Garfield. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Landforce, a nonprofit that trains those facing barriers to employment to perform land restoration and management work to enhance our community’s green spaces. Long also has volunteered with YouthWorks Mentors, a program of Goodwill of Southwestern PA, which matches youth with career mentors. And, as a
PROJECT ENGINEER
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Manager of Community Outreach & Membership Engagement; Supervisor, Americorps Pittsburgh Community Reinvestment Group Alyssa P. Lyon graduated with a Master of Public Management from Carnegie Mellon in 2017 and also received a bachelor’s in Communications and Africana Studies from the University of Pittsburgh in 2012. Currently the Manager of Community Outreach and Membership Engagement and AmeriCorps Supervisor at Pittsburgh Community Reinvestment Group, she believes that neighborhoods function best when they are provided coach for Morningside Baseball Association, he not with equal resourcing only teaches young athletes the fundamentals of the opportunities, contain game, but serves as a role model, reinforcing positive economically thriving values. businesses and organiLong earned a Master of Arts in Organizational zations, and are successful at producing and retaining Leadership from Point Park University and a Bachelor inhabitants who are prideful of their living spaces and of Science in Human Performance and Wellness from fellow residents. Saint Augustine’s University. Outside of the professional realm, Lyon remains active in community-oriented events throughout Pittsburgh. She’s worked and volunteered with educational youth groups, such as the 4-H Community Innovation Training
JULE McDANIEL Assistant Project Manager Rycon Construction Inc.
Jule McDaniel is a native of Pittsburgh, educated at the Carlow Campus School and the International Studies and Baccalaureate program at Schenley High School. A 2010 graduate from Temple University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, McDaniel has worked hard for a place in a male-dominated industry. McDaniel received her introduction into the construction world in the summer of 2007 after completing her sophomore year at Temple. Attempting to find a summer job, she crossed paths with Dick Corporation, now known as “dck worldwide,” where an informational conversation turned into an internship opportunity. McDaniel continued to intern with Dick Corporation for the next three summers and was offered a position as Project Engineer upon graduation from Temple. While working with the new dck
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worldwide as a full-time employee, McDaniel had the opportunity to work on multi-million dollar projects in different states, including a $100 million renovation to the Federal Building in Downtown Cleveland, and a five-building project for the School of Infantry on Camp Geiger in North Carolina. After seven years of being with dck, McDaniel accepted an offer with Rycon Construction Inc., in Pittsburgh as a project engineer. With Rycon’s continued success throughout the city, and growth into a multi-city company, McDaniel has been able to develop her project management skills. McDaniel was the project engineer on the following projects that received awards by the Master Builders Association: The Burns-White Office building in the Strip District which received the award for Top New Construction Project Under $25 Million in 2018; CMU Hamerschlag Hall Renovation received Top Renovation Over $10 Million in 2019; and runner-up for Top New Construction Over $50 Million for The Yards at Three Crossings apartment complex in 2017. McDaniel has also taken the lead on several of Rycon’s Green Building construction projects as LEED Coordinator to help achieve Gold and Silver accreditations by the U.S. Green Building Council. McDaniel has worked with the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania as a coach and mentor for their Project FIT/Run initiative, where volunteers go weekly to low income communities and teach kids under 14 the importance of a healthy lifestyle. McDaniel is the daughter of Roger and Kelly McDaniel, and the older sibling of 15-year-old Faith.
& Youth, where program initiatives highlight academic success, youth leadership and civic engagement as facets of a progressive and sustainable community. She is also a national board member and devoted volunteer for the African American Alumni Council at the University of Pittsburgh. Lyon simultaneously chairs the Licensure and Inspection Review and the Micro-Enterprise Review Loan Committee for the City of Pittsburgh and URA; and holds a leadership position with the New Leaders Council serving as co-director of the Pittsburgh chapter. Additionally, Lyon was recognized as a WHIRL Magazine fellow of the 20 in their 20s Class of 2018, making a difference within the City of Pittsburgh; PUMP’s 40 Under 40 honoree; and The Incline’s Who’s Next in Community Activism. Lyon is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
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SOCIAL SERVICE
SIERRA T. PARM
Operations Director A. Philip Randolph Institute—Pittsburgh Chapter Sierra T. Parm serves as Operations Director with the Pittsburgh A. Philip Randolph Institute. Parm is a native of Youngstown, where she graduated from Youngstown Christian High School. A graduate of Muskingum University, she holds a B.A. in Political Science with a focus on public administration. She was peviously employed with Family Resources before joining the A. Philip Randolph Institute team in 2016. In her role as Operations Director, Parm is responsible for the daily operations of APRI and its signature “Breaking The Chains of Poverty” workforce development training effort. She provides organizational leadership and support to staff in order to meet organizational goals and objectives while engaging the targeted populations with transformative processes. In addition, she is tasked with managing staff development, grant management, maintaining strategic partnerships and project management. Dedicated to building her capacity as a leader, Parm attended and graduated from the Coro Pittsburgh Women in Leadership Training program in 2018. A believer in extending economic opportunity to the disenfranchised and underserved communities in Pittsburgh, Parm serves as an assistant to Allegheny County Councilman DeWitt Walton and support for the Pittsburgh Black Elected Officials Coalition. She currently resides in East Liberty, where she serves as an Allegheny County Democratic Committeewoman, and as Chair/Community Organizer for the Enright Court Neighborhood Association.
ENTREPRENEUR
SHARISE NANCE
Co-Owner/ Founder, HandinHand Counseling Services, LLC Owner/Founder, Vitamin C Healing Ever since she was a little girl, Sharise Nance has been fascinated by what makes people tick. The human mind is an endlessly deep well, governing our behavior and emotions in ways few people get a chance to fully grasp. Nance always knew that she wanted to be part of the process in helping people in some way. It wasn’t until her first year as an undergraduate at Indiana University of Pennsylvania when she realized she could be on the front lines of the helping profession. Therapy and social work became the means by which she could help others unearth buried aspects of their personalities and environments and move forward, equipped to handle the challenges of life in a more positive way. Nance is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, Compassion Fatigue Specialist, Adjunct Professor, Speaker, Award-Winning Entrepreneur and Author. In addition to running her private practice, HandinHand Counseling Services, Nance also dedicates her efforts to Vitamin C Healing, an organization designed to promote life balance, life satisfaction and life fulfillment among those throughout the helping profession and beyond. Nance also serves as an adjunct professor to master-level social work students at the University of Pittsburgh. With considerable experience speaking at keynotes, workshops, and seminars for young professionals, helping professionals, caregivers, entrepreneurs, women, parents, and adolescents across the country, she strives to equip individuals with the tools to prevent compassion fatigue and burnout in order to live happy, fulfilled lives and careers. With Nance’s depth of experience from nearly two decades working with a diverse population of people from all walks of life, she is eager to share all that she’s learned. Nance calls Pittsburgh home, with her husband, William Nance.
LAW
BRAZITTE POOLE
Law Clerk Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. Brazitte Poole is a law clerk at one of the nation’s leading labor and employment law firms, Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. Poole first came to the firm during her first summer as a law student and has been a summer associate at the firm for each summer thereafter. After graduation she will be a full-time associate with Ogletree Deakins. Poole earned her Juris Doctor degree from Duquesne Uni-
versity School of Law. While in law school, she was a Senior Staff Editor of the Duquesne Law Review and an award-winning member of the student-run Appellate Moot Court Board. She was named Regional Champion of the American Bar Association’s Arbitration Competition, National Second-Place Winner of the American Bar Association’s National Arbitration Competition, a quarterfinalist in the Seigenthaler-Sutherland Cup National First Amendment Moot Court Competition, and her student article focusing on the criminalization of Black girls is set to be published in Volume 57 of the Duquesne Law Review. Poole was also a student attorney in the Juvenile Defenders Clinic, where she drafted and filed expungement motions on behalf of juveniles, represented their interests in court, and successfully briefed the expungement of a juvenile criminal record challenged by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. As a self-proclaimed “girl from Homewood,” Poole is a firm believer in paying it forward and is very active in the Pittsburgh community. She served for four years as a co-founding board member of “Invest In Her,” President of Duquesne’s Black Law Student Association, and is a member of the Urban League Young Professionals of Greater Pittsburgh. Still, she is looking forward to using her legal education to further serve the Pittsburgh community.
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PUBLIC SERVICE
CORPORATE
LINDSAY POWELL
JULIUS RIDGLEY
Assistant Chief of Staff to Mayor Bill Peduto City of Pittsburgh Passionate about social justice initiatives and addressing inequality, Lindsay Powell is a dedicated advocate and community servant who has worked both domestically and abroad in government and politics. Powell received her Bachelor of Arts from Wheaton College (MA) in Sociology. She spent several summers abroad working and researching in South Africa, Vietnam and Nicaragua and served as the Student Government Association President her senior year. Upon graduation Powell went on to work in New York City local politics with the City Council. In 2014 she was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to Pantai Remis, Malaysia, to teach English classes within some of the local secondary schools. One program she ran for girls interested in environmental justice received national recognition through the Malaysian Department of Education. Upon returning to the United States, Powell worked for numerous progressive leaders such as Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Representative Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY-08) and former President Barack Obama in the White House Office of Legislative Affairs. In 2017, she completed her master’s in Science in Public Policy and Management at Heinz College at Carnegie Mellon University, and is a proud recipient of the CMU Otto A. Davis Award, given to the student that exemplifies the college’s commitment to social justice and racial equality.
LABOR RELATIONS Director of Employee and Labor Relations University of Pittsburgh Tenecia M. Ross is the Director of Employee and Labor Relations within the Office of Human Resources at the University of Pittsburgh. In this role, Ross assists employees and managers with performance concerns and other workplace matters, provides guidance on university personnel policies and procedures, and administers the provisions of various collective bargaining agreements. Ross is an experienced human resources professional with an extensive background in labor relations and HR compliance. Prior to working at Pitt, Ross worked in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area in human resources roles for Prince George’s Community College and Marriott International. She also worked as an attorney with the U.S. Federal La-
bor Relations Authority. Hailing from the great State of Maryland, Ross is a graduate of “THE” Ohio State University in Columbus. She received her Juris Doctor from Michigan State University College of Law. Ross holds a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification, and will complete her master’s in Human Resources and Labor Relations from Michigan State University in 2020. Ross is the Vice President of Programs and Professional Development with the National Association of African Americans in Human Resources—Pittsburgh Chapter (NAAAHR), member of the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA HR), member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., and volunteer with the United Way of Southwestern PA “Be Middle School” mentor program. Ross is also a proud Girl Scouts Aunt, serving as an adult member and volunteer with Ohio Heartland’s Troop 6016. Her commitment to community service extends to many other activities that include community cleanups, mentoring, supporting nonprofit fundraising events, and giving donations to important causes. Ross is a resident of the North Side, and proud to call Pittsburgh her new home.
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Manager of Team Member Experience, Restaurant Division Eat’n Park Hospitality Group
Originally from Uniontown, Julius Ridgley currently resides in Coraopolis where he lives with his wife, Pam, and their two children, Jonas and Cora. Ridgley is a graduate of Penn State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management (May 2003) and also holds a Master of Business Administration with a focus on strategy and management development from the University of Pittsburgh (May 2015). Ridgley recently celebrated his 17th year with the Eat’n Park Hospitality Group, and has worked his way up from hourly team member, to manager, general manager, and in 2017 was promoted to his current position, Manager of Team Member Experience, where he oversees Powell currently serves as the Assistant Chief of internal management developStaff to Mayor Bill Peduto and works largely on is- ment, hourly recruiting, staffsues of equity and inclusion. She is a proud alumna ing, and engagement, training and member of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the New for technology rollouts for Hello Leaders Council, a mentor with Big Brothers Big Bistro, The Porch, and Eat’n Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh and a Board Member Park family restaurants. of NeighborWorks of Southwestern PA, the YWCA Ridgley seeks opportunities to of Greater Pittsburgh and the Urban Redevelopment give back to the community and Authority. currently serves on the business advisory board for Goodwill Fayette County and the Pittsburgh Technical College’s Hospitality program, and is also the treasurer for the Woodcrest Homeowners Association.
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Ridgley has also volunteered with Junior Achievement, the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank, Cooking Matters, the Sarah Heinz House, Penn State Hotel Restaurant Society and others. Ridgley, first and foremost, gives all honor to God from whom all blessings flow, but would like to thank the New Pittsburgh Courier for the honor of being selected for the 2019 Fab 40 class. He also would like to thank his family and friends for their
love and encouragement, the Eat’n Park Hospitality Group for allowing him to do what he loves, and the many teachers and mentors he’s had along the way.
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COMMUNICATIONS
DEBORAH M. TODD Communications Manager University of Pittsburgh
Over the course of more than a decade of professional journalism, Deborah M. Todd’s work has been seen by local and international audiences. Todd’s areas of coverage have ranged from music and race to local government, education, crime and business. As a business reporter for nearly a decade, Todd’s work includes interviews with civil rights activist Rev. Jesse Jackson, former Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer and AOL co-founder and serial entrepreneur Steve Case, in addition to executives at Microsoft, Amazon, Airbnb, Cisco, Intel and many more. Todd has been part of the Pittsburgh Black Media Federation family since she participated in the Frank Bolden Urban Journalism Workshop as a teenager. She returns to the workshop annually to serve as a teacher and writing coach and has coordinated efforts to publish the student newspaper. She also organizes entries for PBMF’s Robert L. Vann Media Awards and has participated in storytelling fellowships to Haiti and Paris with the group. Todd’s work has appeared in the New Pittsburgh Courier, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pittsburgh Magazine, H. Mag-
PUBLIC SERVICE
ASTER TECLAY
Sr. Project Manager Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Aster Teclay hails from Montgomery County, Md. She moved to Pittsburgh to attend college completing a dual degree from The University of Pittsburgh in 2010. Teclay then went on to begin a career in public service. Teclay is a 2014 graduate of Point Park University, earning a Master of Business Administration in Sports, Arts and Entertainment Management (SAEM) and recently completed a master’s degree in public management from Carnegie Mellon University. She is a Senior Project Manager at the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh. In this capacity, she is the agency’s primary liaison with the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development and analyzes legislation and crafts policies to improve housing programs, on which more than 20,000 families in the City of Pittsburgh rely on for rental assistance. Teclay is passionate about the community and leadership development, often working on various community initiatives. After realizing the difficulties women-owned businesses experience in obtaining funding and resources, Teclay co-founded Invest in Her, an organization whose aim is to enhance the volume and sustainability of female entrepreneurs in the Greater Pittsburgh Area. Teclay also serves on the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s micro enterprise loan committee, which provides loans to small business. She believes economic development and access to opportunities is the key to supporting and uplifting communities.
azine and Reuters. Her work with Reuters has been reprinted in The New York Times, Fortune, Time.com, Yahoo News and several others. She has been recognized by the Pittsburgh Black Media Federation Robert L. Vann Awards and the Press Club of Western Pennsylvania’s Golden Quill Awards. Today, Todd is a communications manager with the University of Pittsburgh and a contributor with Forbes.com.
ENTREPRENEUR
JULLIAN TURNER
Co-Owner Commercial Maintenance & Cleaning Services Jullian Turner grew up in the Woodland Hills community, living in various neighborhoods throughout the district. He has always been involved and active in his community from a young age. Turner was a standout student athlete during his time at Woodland Hills. He accepted a scholarship to the University of New Hampshire. Turner started for three of his four years at the University of New Hampshire and due to his presence and work ethic he was captain of the football program for two years. Turner graduated
with his bachelor’s degree in Sports Administration and minor in Business Administration. Turner got involved with Hammonds Initiative and became the assistant director of youth mentoring. He expanded his reach to the youth which allowed him to become a strong pillar to his community. In April 2016, Turner started a commercial cleaning company, Commercial Maintenance and Cleaning Services. C.M.C.S. provides a very detailed and efficient service to the Greater Pittsburgh area with love and passion. With this company he is able to provide for his family and give employment to his family and the community. With help from a few friends and community members, Turner put together the Helping Out Our People Alliance (H.O.O.P.) to help deal with all of the trauma and grief that our communities have lived in for years. The organization brings awareness to gun violence, provides support and healing groups, and works closely with families to assist them while going through the grief process and getting their mind and bodies into a place of power instead of pain. Also, in honor of his late brother that was gunned down in November 2017, Turner and his family started the Jerame Jerome Turner Foundation. The foundation was put in place to make sure that Jerame’s name and legacy would live on forever. Through the foundation Turner and his family bring awareness to gun violence and the pain that comes from it. They also talk and teach the youth and the community about the spread of violence and how to break that cycle. Also with the foundation, Turner and his family award a graduating senior with a $2,000 scholarship to help that student pursue their future goals while still playing a positive role in their community.
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CORPORATE
TERRI L. WHITE
Associate Product Manager Lowe’s Companies Inc. Hill District native Terri L. White recently graduated from the University of Pittsburgh Katz Graduate School of Business where she was a full-time student in the two-year MBA program. She attended Katz on a full tuition fellowship and participated in several student activities. She placed second in the 2017 Supply Chain Symposium as the only non-engineer to compete solo and traveled to Mexico in 2018 to conduct research on international trade. She also served as 2019 Marketing Coordinator for the school’s case competition and completed marketing internships with Honeywell and Eat’n Park Hospitality Group. Additionally, White mentored first-year graduate students and worked to connect her business school peers with Black Pittsburgh. Outside the classroom, White is very involved in her community. Each year she hosts a service project, “Valentines for Vets,” where cards and toiletries are provided to seniors and disabled veterans. She helps local high school students apply to HBCUs and join HBCU marching bands by connecting them with staff and alumni. She also shows them how to use social media to their advantage while applying to college, internships, and other opportunities. In 2017, she was selected as one of Pittsburgh Magazine’s 40 Under 40 because of her commitment to promoting diversity in museums. She is a member of the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation, the Pitt African Heritage Classroom Committee, the Pittsburgh Club of the NANBPWC, the Pittsburgh Chapter of the NBMBAA, the Howard University Alumni Club of Pittsburgh, Tau Beta Sigma Alumni Association, the Junior League, and Alpha Kappa Alpha
Sorority. Having completed her MBA, White will work in digital marketing at Lowe’s corporate headquarters as an Associate Product Manager. She holds additional degrees from Howard and George Mason and is a proud alumna of Oliver High School.
ATHLETICS
KHAYREE WILSON
Athletic Director/Head Basketball Coach First Love Christian Academy Khayree Wilson mentors youth through his prep high school basketball program at First Love Christian Academy. He truly has a passion for motivating his kids on and off the court. He makes sure to include the importance of family, team-bonding and life lessons. Wilson also keeps in touch with players who have graduated his program and continues to mentor them throughout adulthood. Wilson became a basketball coach in an attempt to help Western Pa. boys fulfill their dreams. He currently has six boys from the Pittsburgh area on his roster. Additionally, Wilson has mentored/coached youth from Columbia, England, Senegal, South Sudan, Croatia, Montenegro, Venezuela, Cape Verde, Dominican Republic, Canada, Tunisia and Nigeria. Wilson started the basketball program from the ground up in 2015 at First Love Christian Academy. Today, the program has been ranked nationally and competes in top tournaments around the country. This year alone, more than 50 Division I basketball coaches have visited the team’s practices for recruitment and scholarship offers. He has placed basketball players at various levels of NCAA college basketball throughout his career. Also, every player who has graduated has received at least one scholarship offer to further their education and basketball careers at the college level.
ENTREPRENEUR
BRITTINI WRIGHT-BURLEY Owner and Executive Director Wright Childcare Solutions
Brittini Wright-Burley is an enterprising entrepreneur with successful businesses that she’s grown over the past 10 years. Her passion for Early Childhood Education, and her business savvy led her to create Wright Childcare Solutions (WCS) with a single daycare location in 2011. In 2015, the business expanded to a commercial center location, the Learning Loft at Urban Academy, where she serves as the Executive Director to a team of 20 staff serving 95 children. The Learning Loft holds an EcoHealthy Certification, a Keystone STAR 4 accreditation, and is one of Pennsylvania’s few Black-owned centers to hold a NAEYC accreditation. WCS also provides on-site childcare services, training and curriculum management, and business development consulting. In 2017, Wright-Burley led WCS in championing the Building A Library project, where they are growing a collection of books that exclusively feature characters of color. In addition, Wright-Burley is a real estate investor and owner of BWB Holdings, which she started to combat gentrification through purchasing real estate in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods to protect residents and preserve housing diversity. Wright-Burley’s success in business and life are grounded in a solid education. She is a 2019 Entrepreneurial Fellow for the Institute of Entrepreneurial Excellence at the University of Pittsburgh and holds degrees in Business and Sociology from Duquesne University. She serves as a member of the Duquesne University Office of Diversity and Inclusion Young Alumni Council and is committed to serving her community and bettering the lives of others through her service as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. She is married to Brian Burley and has one son, Jackson Burley. Wright-Burley’s family serves as motivation for her ambitions as an entrepreneur as she continues to develop childcare centers that serve as community assets while disrupting gentrification through real estate investment.
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FAB 40 2019
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER