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Pittsburgh Courier NEW
VOL. 107, NO. 33
Police annual report: Total homicides down Published Weekly
Three Sections
AUGUST 17-23, 2016
Holding on to hope Youth dance competition celebrates slain son’s life
Black homicides still dominate by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
Though the total number of homicides in Pittsburgh dropped by 17 percent from
by Ashley Johnson
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CHIEF CAMERON McLAY
69 to 57 between 2014 and 2015, but with only 24 arrests made in those cases, so did the number solved by police. Such statistics are just part of those making up the bureau’s 2015 annual report, released Aug. 12. Unfortunately, so are the statistics that reinforce that the bulk of these killings were perpetrated on Blacks by Blacks. Of the 57 victims listed in the report, 87 percent were BROKEN HEARTED—Standing at the Penn Hills intersection where her son was shot and later died, Wynona Hawkins-Harper describes the pain of losing her son and how she celebrates his life. (Photo by J.L. Martello)
URA farms out vacant lot maintenance by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
More than once, the late East End community activist Ora Lee Caroll said of the overgrown lots in Homewood and Larimer that you could dump a body there and no one would ever know. And because many of the properties she complained about were abandoned,
Black. Of the 23 arrested, 83 percent were Black. Despite these numbers, Chief Cameron McLay said during a press conference announcing the report’s re-
“When we had enough resources to stay ahead of the curve, and we can continue to investigate aggressively like each crime requires, we were very successful.”
Courier Staff Writer
With almost two years since her son, Jamar Hawkins, was tragically gunned down at a Penn Hills intersection, and no arrest, conviction or new leads, Wynona Hawkins-Harper continues to hold on to the hope that her son’s killer will be brought to justice while celebrating his love of life. On Saturday, Aug. 20, from 12-4 p.m., Jamar’s Place of Peace, the organization established in her son’s honor, will present the Peanut Butter and Jelly Club’s first Dance off for Daddy Competition at the Penn Hills YMCA, located on Frankstown Road. Hawkins was fatally shot on Nov. 14 while at a stoplight at the intersection of Saltsburg and Leechburg Roads, in Penn Hills, moments after an argument that took place at a nearby grocery store. Hawkins was taken to UPMC East Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Some say that with time, one’s heart heals from the loss of a loved one, but Hawkins-Harper disagrees. She said her heart still very much hurts from the loss of her son.
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maintenance was never performed. Occasionally, a neighbor would just go ahead and take a lawn mower to some, others required heavier equipment. But some of those properties are owned by the city or its Urban Redevelopment Authority—and it’s not just an East End problem. It’s all over the city—and now the city is doing something about it.
In July the URA board awarded contracts totaling $250,000 to seven community based entities to maintain some of the 1,500 such lots it owns. Authority Board Chair Kevin Acklin said the program is a win-win, filling the need for regular maintenance while helping neighborhood residents with employment and supporting community businesses at
the same time. Spokesperson Lisa Moses said it is important to note that every entity, for-profit or nonprofit, that submitted an application received a contract award. They are: •Amani Christian Development Corp. in Oakland; •Ervin Home Beautification in Knoxville; SEE URA A5
Hamlet presents 90-day transition plan by Christian Morrow Courier Staff writer
SUPERINTENDENT ANTHONY HAMLET
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By December, Pittsburgh Superintendent of Schools Anthony Hamlet expects to have completed a top-tobottom evaluation of the district, assembled a transition team of national experts who will assist in that analysis, and met with administrators, staff, students, parents and community stakeholders at all 54 of the district’s schools. Those are the three main components of the 90-day plan he presented to the board and the public Aug. 9 that will serve as the basis for a comprehensive plan to lead the district forward. “This 90-day plan is a necessary first step to develop a five-year strategic plan with transparency, two-way
communication, defined, strategic goals and a clear vision to make the district one of the best in the nation,” he said. The Council of the Great City Schools, a national consortium of large urban school districts, will help find national experts for the superintendent’s transition team and complete an independent evaluation of the district covering everything from staffing, instruction, budgets and discipline to class sizes, curriculum and social services. This board has already approved a $156,545 contract with the council to do so. Hamlet, himself, will also personally evaluate the district’s curriculum as well as SEE HAMLET A5
lease that he is confident personnel changes, analytical enhancements and officer outreach will improve performance and results, and increase public safety. “At the beginning of (2015), our clearance rate was way up,” he said. “When we had enough resources to stay ahead of the curve, and we can continue to investigate aggressively like each crime requires, we SEE REPORT A5
Judge rules Ford’s case can proceed Though she removed the City of Pittsburgh and one of the officers involved from the case, U.S. Magistrate Judge Maureen Kelly has ruled Leon Ford can pursue his civil rights complaint against the officer who shot and paralyzed him, and another who tried to drag him from his car during a 2012 traffic stop. Ford, of Shaler, was pulled over near Stanton Avenue and Farragut Street in Highland Park, Nov. 11, 2012, when officers mistakenly identified him as wanted felon Lamont Ford. Despite his producing all the proper ID, officers did not let him go. Officers David Derbish and Andrew Miller eventually tried to physically pull him from his car. Ford resisted, even after Derbish climbed into the passenger side door and tried to loosen his grip. During the struggle the car shifted into gear. Within seconds Derbish shot Ford five times. Whether that using that level of force—shooting, and assault—was “reasonable,” or whether Derbish and Miller violated Ford’s civil rights, will now be up to a federal jury. Derbish had asked for a summary judgement in his favor, but Kelly
denied it, saying the facts— such as whether Ford posed a threat, whether there was a bulge in his sweatpants that officers thought was a weapon, why Officer Derbish jumped into Ford’s car
LEON FORD in violation of police policy and whether Ford was trying to flee when his car lurched forward—are in dispute. “These should be resolved by a jury, not the court,” she said. Kelly also dismissed Ford’s civil rights claims of unreasonable seizure against Officer Michael Koslo because he didn’t shoot Ford. SEE FORD A5
George Curry says
Baltimore cops routinely violate rights of Blacks Forum A7
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This Week In Black History
AUGUST 17-23, 2016
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HATOUMATA TOUNAKARA, who came to the U.S. as a refugee from Mali, waves a tiny American flag as she prepares to receive her naturalization certificate after being sworn in as U.S. citizen by Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, left, during a naturalization ceremony on World Refugee Day in Central Park, on June 20, in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Former refugees look to Election Day with a sense of duty NEW YORK (AP)—The path to the voting booth hasn’t been easy for Hatoumata Tounkara, but the former West African refugee says she couldn’t have picked a better election to cast her first ballot. As a newly naturalized American citizen, she’s one of thousands of former refugees and asylum-seekers who will be voting in a U.S. election for the first time this November. “This election is very special to me,” Tounkara said. “This can show my daughter that she can become anything she wants in her life, because back home, women just cook and take care of the men.” At 23, Tounkara fled her home in Mali after rejecting an arranged marriage. She made her way to the United States via Gambia in 2008. It took two years for the U.S. to grant her asylum, and then she waited six more for a chance to take the citizenship test. The road to citizenship is full of challenges for those fleeing oppression and war back home. Many have witnessed the consequences of autocratic rule and civil strife. They’ve spent years navigating the bureaucracy to get to the U.S. and, eventually, to become a citizen. There are those who believe they hold a personal stake
Elaine Effort
in this election, with immigration becoming a central issue. As a Muslim, Tounkara says she is put off by some of Donald Trump’s rhetoric and will vote for Hillary Clinton. But voting against Trump isn’t what is motivating her to vote, said Tounkara, now 31. “If you don’t vote, nobody will hear your voice,” she said. The U.S. government doesn’t keep statistics on how many of the over 700,000 immigrants naturalized each year are former refugees or how many of those new citizens register to vote. Over the past decade, about 150,000 refugees or asylum-seekers on average were granted lawful permanent resident status per year. About 60 percent of all green cardholders eventually become citizens, according to the Pew Research Center. While most eligible refugees are excited and eager to participate in democracy, there are many hurdles to active involvement, said Ramla Sahid, executive director of the Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans, a San Diego nonprofit group that promotes civic engagement. Endless paperwork, fees reaching almost $2,000, in-
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person interviews, fingerprinting, a written 100question civics test, an English test, and lots of waiting. And still, there are no guarantees. Green cardholders must live in the U.S. for five years before they can become a citizen. Bandana Rai, 57, who fled Nepal during a 10-year civil war that ended in 2006, said her appreciation of the vote is enhanced by what she went through to become a citizen. “You have to really want it,” Rai said. Arbey Hamadi, who was born in a camp for Somalian refugees in Kenya, became a U.S. citizen automatically as a teenager when her parents were naturalized in 2012. She is excited to participate in her first election this fall at age 20 — partly because her opposition to Trump, who has proposed a temporary ban on foreign Muslims from entering the U.S. “As a Muslim, I think we have to stand shoulder to shoulder so that we can amplify our voices and stand against hate,” she said. In areas where there are large concentrations of refugees, they are learning that they can serve as a legitimate political force. In Minneapolis this past week, Ilhan Omar, a former refugee from Somalia, defeated another Somali refugee, Mohamud Noor, as well as 44-year-incumbent for the Democratic nomination for a seat in the state Legislature. She is now poised to become the nation’s first SomaliAmerican state lawmaker. Noor, who was naturalized in 2005, said in Somalia there were no elections. “When you come to a place that you really want to be in, you cherish those democratic ideals that you get to participate in by being a citizen,” he said.
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For the Week of August 17-23 August 17 1887—Black separatist and Pan-Africanist Marcus Garvey is born on this day in St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica. Garvey advocated Black pride and the building of Black institutions. He founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association in 1914 and with amazingly rapid speed built it into the largest independent Black organization in history with 1,100 branches in over 40 countries. He came to the U.S. in 1916 and the FBI began keeping a file on him in 1919. By 1923 he was indicted on what many considered trumped up mail fraud charges and eventually deported from his U.S. base in 1927. Garvey would die in England on June 10, 1940. But years before his death, he predicted his return, MARCUS GARVEY writing, “Look for me in the whirlwind or the storm, look for me all around you, with God’s grace, I shall come and bring with me countless millions…to aid you in the fight for liberty, freedom and life.” August 18 1963—The first Black person admitted to the University of Mississippi, James Meredith, graduates on this day in 1963. His graduation was unmarred by the protests and violence which marked his federally forced entry into the once segregated institution. 1964—White-ruled South Africa is officially banned from competing in the Olympics because of its system of racial oppression known as Apartheid. The country’s Black majority would not achieve democratic rule, however, until May 1994 when the NelJAMES MEREDITH son Mandela-led African National Congress won over two-thirds of the vote in the country’s first free elections. August 19 1791—Benjamin Banneker writes a letter to Secretary of State (later president) Thomas Jefferson denouncing slavery. In his letter, Banneker declared, “I freely and cheerfully acknowledge that I am of the African race” and then precedes to label America’s recently achieved freeNELSON MANDELA dom from England a “hypocrisy” as long as Blacks continued to suffer under “groaning captivity and cruel oppression.” Banneker was a Black activist against slavery even though he is generally recognized for his mathematical achievements, designing one of the first clocks made in America and laying out the nation’s capital after Pierre L’Enfant abandoned the job. 1954—African American diplomat Ralph Bunch is named Undersecretary of the United Nations. Bunch had already received the Nobel Peace Prize (1950) for his work as a U.N. negotiator during the Arab-Israeli war of 1948-1949. Bunch would later become U.N. Secretary General. He was born in Detroit but raised in Los Angeles. August 20 1619—This is the most probable date that Black History in America begins. Approximately 20 Africans (the records of the day referred to them as “20 and odd Negras”) arrived in Jamestown, Va., aboard a Dutch ship. It appears the Africans were sold as indentured servants who could work and earn their freedom. Little is known about the group except that the Dutch had stolen them from a Spanish slave ship which was probably headed for the Caribbean or South America. Few names survive. But one of the men was called Anthony (or Antonio) and one of the women was called Isabella. The available records indicate the ship arrived in Jamestown in the latter part of August. Other records and some speculation have led most historians to believe the actual arrival date was Aug. 20, 1619—the beginning of Black history in America. RICHARD ALLEN 1830—The first National Negro Convention is held. It takes place in Philadelphia and is chaired by Richard Allen, founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Top on the agenda of the gathering was what could free Blacks do to help bring an end to slavery. 1942—Musician, composer, singer, songwriter Isaac Hayes is born on this day in Covington, Tenn. August 21 1831—The Nat Turner slave rebellion begins in Southampton, Va. It was the best organized and most deadly slave revolt in American history. The charismatic Turner brought together between 50 and 70 Blacks (some slave and some free) to launch his revolt prompted by what he saw as a vision from God. As many as 70 Whites (men, women and children) were killed during a two-day period. It took the local militia and a detachment of federal troops to put down the NAT TURNER rebellion. However, Turner, known as “the Prophet” by his followers was not captured until Oct. 30. He was hanged on Nov. 11, 1831. Interestingly, he became known as “Turner” after the rebellion. During his life, he was simply known as Nat and was considered a brilliant, self-taught man. After the rebellion, Virginia passed a law making it illegal to teach a Black person how to read and write. 1904—Jazz pianist and bandleader William “Count” Bassie is born on this day in Red Bank, N.J. 1936—Basketball legend Wilt “The Stilt” Chamberlain is born in Philadelphia, Pa. The 7’1” phenomenon had an amazing NBA career including being the only player to score 100 points in a single game. Chamberlain died in October 1999. August 22 1791—The Haitian Revolution begins. It was the most successful Black slave revolt in world history. Led by Toussaint L’Ouverture, a trusted house slave who initially opposed the rebellion, the slaves defeated the mighty French army led by Napoleon. They also defeated a contingent of British troops. However, L’Ouverture was tricked into attending a “peace” conference where he was captured and would later die in prison. It fell to one of his lieutenants, Jean-Jacques WILT CHAMBERLAIN Dessalines, to complete the struggle and declare the island nation an independent republic on Jan. 1, 1804. 1843—A National Convention of Black Men takes place in Buffalo, N.Y. The militant abolitionist Henry Highland Garnett called for a slave revolt and for free Blacks to launch a nationwide strike in support of the revolt. But a more moderate Frederick Douglas opposed Garnett’s plan out of fear of potential violence. 1989—Black Panther Party co-founder Huey P. Newton is gunned down in California. He was killed by a 24-year-old member of the Black Guerilla drug gang. The reason for the murder was never clearly revealed, but Newton supporters considered it a political assassination. Newton had founded the militant Black Panther Party along with Bobby Seale in 1966. The group advocated community control, armed selfdefense and a mixture of Black Nationalism and socialism based on the works of Mao Tsetung, Che Guevara and Frantz Fanon. August 23 BLACK PANTHERS 1826—This is generally recognized as the day that the first Black person in America graduated from college. His name was Edward Jones and he received his BA degree from Amherst College in Massachusetts. Despite the general recognition, however, there is some evidence that the honor actually belongs to Alexander Lucius Twilight who appears to have graduated from Middlebury College in Vermont in 1823. Nevertheless, Jones would eventually leave America and help establish the African nation of Sierra Leone.
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AUGUST 17-23, 2016
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Larry Wilmore-hosted ‘Nightly Show’ axed by Comedy Central by Frazier Moore AP Television Writer
NEW YORK (AP) — Comedy Central’s “The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore” is coming to an end. The late-night humor and talk show, which premiered in January 2015, will conclude its run Thursday, Aug. 18, the network announced last Monday. The program, which filled the slot vacated by Stephen Colbert when he jumped to CBS, sought to explore current events and larger life issues as presided over by Wilmore, who previously had served as the “senior Black correspondent” on “The Daily Show.” But audience acceptance of “The Nightly Show” never approached its “Daily Show” lead-in, neither during the regime of Jon Stewart nor that of his successor, Trevor Noah, who took over last September. Comedy Central President Kent Alterman praised Wilmore and his
team for “crafting a platform for underrepresented voices.” He said the show had steadily improved, “but unfortunately it hasn’t resonated with the audience in a way that it would need to for us to continue.” While this year’s second quarter found “The Daily Show” beaten only by NBC’s “The Tonight Show” in adults 18-to-34, logging 278,000 viewers, “The Nightly Show” retained little more than half that audience, according to Nielsen. The 54-year-old Wilmore wrote for “In Living Color” and “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” He created “The Bernie Mac Show” (for which he shared a Peabody Award) and with Eddie Murphy co-created the animated series “The PJs.” He is a creator of the upcoming HBO comedy “Insecure,” starring Issa Rae, which premieres in October. Two years ago, he was set to be the executive pro-
Nightly Show,” which Stewart also produced, Comedy Central’s internet-based game show, “@Midnight with Chris Hardwick,” will air a halfhour earlier. Its current midnight slot will be filled by repeats of other Comedy Central shows. “I’m really grateful to Comedy Central, Jon Stewart, and our fans to have had this opportunity,” Wilmore said in a statement. “But I’m also saddened and surprised we won’t be covering this crazy election, or ‘The OUSTED—In this Jan. 10, 2015, file photo, Larry Wilmore speaks Unblackening,’ as we’ve at the Viacom 2015 Winter Television Critics Association (TCA) coined it. ... I guess I press tour in Pasadena, Calif. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/ hadn’t counted on ‘The AP, File) Unblackening’ happening to my time slot as well.” ducer of ABC’s new sitcom night franchise expanded Though the end of “The into the 11:30 p.m. ET “black-ish” before opting Nightly Show” eliminates a instead to host “The Night- half-hour. His departure rare Black-hosted program ly Show.” But there, he had in late 2014 to host CBS’ from the mainstream air“The Late Show” was big shoes to fill. waves, Alterman dismissed much-mourned by his deColbert, who, like Wilmany suggestion that race voted fans who continue to played a role in the show’s ore, began his late-night miss the bloviating comrun on “The Daily Show,” ratings failure or that a mentator he portrayed on won a show of his own in minority host might not be 2005, produced by Stewart, “The Colbert Report.” considered in the future. With the end of “The as Comedy Central’s lateSaid Alterman conclu-
sively, “We’re all in with Trevor Noah,” who is Black. “We feel so solid about Trevor and what ‘The Daily Show’s’ doing,” he elaborated, and noting that, at 32, Noah is a millennial “and native to the social media, multi-platform landscape,” declared that total views of “The Daily Show” across all platforms from Noah’s premiere until now are up 22 percent from what they were a year ago with Stewart as host. As for what will permanently follow “The Daily Show,” Alterman said the network would be in no hurry to launch a replacement. “We’re just gonna begin development and see where we go,” he said. And in response to past criticism aimed at Comedy Central, as with other networks that have largely stuck with men in hosting roles, Alterman said women, too, would be considered to headline the new show.
and other law enforcement last year, the Guardian said, including fatal shootings and deaths in custody. The government-kept tallies from prior years trail that total, leaving officials to conclude that their Police Photo by Tony Webster / flickr numbers are wrong. If you straint was a contributing wanted those 2016 numfactor, according to the bers from the FBI, you’d county medical examiner, also have to wait at least a though the incident was year, if the release schedruled a natural death. ule keeps pace with past The Guardian began keeping track of fatal inci- reports. You also might see dents to make up for holes only a portion of deaths. For instance, the most in the official stats. The recent federal stats availWashington Post separateable are from 2014. They ly tallies fatal shootings. show five incidents ruled More than 1,100 people as justifiable homicides by were killed nationwide in police, all involving either incidents involving police
state troopers or police in Philadelphia. Clearly missing, however, are fatal shootings by officers in Pittsburgh and Penn Hills, which are listed in county homicide tallies kept by the New Pittsburgh Courier. The Bureau of Justice Statistics aims to replace the old federal system by requiring police departments to inform them of deaths or to make clear that no deaths occurred. The bureau will also search media reports to identify deaths and to ask departments to confirm and provide additional information. While this improves stats going forward, it still leaves years of official data on deaths involving police knowingly incomplete. The Guardian estimates about 2,100 deaths are missing from federal stats over an eight-year period beginning in 2003.
Police may soon have to tell the feds how many people they kill by Jeffrey Benzing PublicSource
The federal government is finally hoping to fix its tally of people killed by police. It’s only after news outlets like the Guardian and The Washington Post took it on themselves to track fatal incidents and deaths in custody that the U.S. Justice Department realized how wrong official numbers have been for many years. Now, to catch up, the feds want to make reporting on all police-related citizen deaths mandatory for law enforcement. So far this year, 13 Pennsylvania residents have been killed in incidents involving police, according to the Guardian’s real-time count of fatalities. The list includes Bruce Kelley, who was killed in January by Allegheny County Port Authority police after he stabbed a police dog, and Edward Gorinski, who was killed in March by State Police in Greensburg
during an armed carjacking. If the public isn’t informed on fatal incidents, transparency advocates say there’s no way to judge if police were justified in their actions. Most investigations are kept confidential, and criminal charges are rare. Police voluntarily report information on deaths to the federal government. Some don’t at all. In a recent filing in the Federal Register, the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics said an “accurate and comprehensive accounting of deaths that occur during the process of arrest is critical” for police to be able to serve residents with transparency and to hold officers accountable. In 2015, 24 residents were killed in incidents involving police in Pennsylvania, according to the Guardian. Raymone Davis, who was armed, was killed in December by an off-duty Pittsburgh officer during an alleged bank robbery. Tyrone Harris was killed
HILLARY CLINTON AND DONALD TRUMP (AP Photo)
WHY IT MATTERS: All will be touched by choice in November by Calvin Woodard
between Republican and Democratic appointees. Associated Press Writer In a sense, a vote for president is also a vote to WASHINGTON (AP)— Hillary Clinton and Donald break the court’s left-right Trump offer voters distinct divide. Which side are you on? choices this fall on issues Whichever side, voters that shape everyday lives. Actual ideas are in play, as are in the driver’s seat, not the cheap seats, for this difficult as it can be to see election spectacle. them through the surreal Clinton brings some layers of the 2016 presipredictability. She has a dential campaign. public-service record and Washington, D.C., even an economic agenda rooted in normal times, may feel in the traditions of the like a foreign capital far Democratic Party. Trump removed from the places at the core is a party of one. politicians love to talk The Republican nominee about—the proverbial kitchen table, Main Street, serves up ideas in improvised explosive tweets and your wallet. broad brushstrokes from But decisions to be made the stage. by President Trump or That contrast is a guide President Clinton are goto what to expect, not ing to matter to home and the whole story. Both are hearth. The tax bite, the social safety net, the social known to have shifted with fabric, potholes, prices, jobs, the political winds. And their plans require the war, the air we breathe, personal debt and national approval of that famously ornery place, Congress, to debt—all that and more become real. are touched in some way Even so, they point to by the ballots of Tuesday, divergent paths for the Nov. 8. country on immigration, America’s place in the the economy, health care, world is in the balance, global warming and any too. So is the direction of number of other topics. the Supreme Court, tied
after allegedly exchanging gunfire with several Pittsburgh officers in June. Leslie Sapp III was killed while pointing a pellet gun in an incident involving U.S. Marshals, the Allegheny County Sheriff’s office and State Police. The listing also includes Frank Smart, who died in custody at the Allegheny County jail after suffering a seizure. Physical re-
(Reach Jeffrey Benzing at 412315-0265 or at jbenzing@publicsource.org. Follow him on Twitter @jabenzing.)
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Youth dance competition celebrates slain son’s life CONTINUED FROM A1
“It’s very difficult for your heart to heal when you lose something so valuable in life—and that is life. I had him for 31 years of my life and of his life, and he left a lot of life behind. The pain doesn’t become lighter, you just learn how to live with it,” she said. “The pain that his (Hawkins’) children have to carry every day, and that I carry to come out here and fight every day is greater than anyone could ever imagine. But I’ll never give up because I know better.” Standing at the intersection where her son was gunned down, HawkinsHarper said, “Right now my heart feels real heavy; it’s like I can’t breathe. I can feel him just calling out, saying, ‘hey mom, I been shot.’ It is real hard for me to stand here right now, knowing that my son got killed in this intersection and that the people who say they love him, left him like he was a thug. I miss him so much.” While Harper-Hawkins believes there’s more to her son’s death than an argument turned deadly, there have been no new leads in the case. Allegheny County Homicide Sergeant Scott Scherer, who is leading the investigation of Hawkins’ death and describes HawkinsHarper as family, said although there are no new updates, the investigation is still very much ongoing. Scherer is asking anyone with information to come forward; individuals may remain anonymous and can provide information through any of the department’s social media pages or by calling County Homicide at 412-473-1300. Although she has yet to see justice, HawkinsHarper finds encouragement through the work of
REST IN PEACE—Jamar Hawkins’ grave marker that includes a photo of him and his kids. (Photo by J.L. Martello/File)
Kane resigns following perjury and conspiracy conviction Two days after her conviction on nine criminal charges, including perjury and criminal conspiracy involving the leaking grand jury information and then lying about it in a bid to discredit a political rival, Kathleen Kane, once a rising star in the Democratic Party, has resigned as Pennsylvania’s Attorney General. Kane, 50, who now faces up to seven years in jail, made a only a brief statement announcing her resignation. “I have been honored to serve the people of Pennsyl-
vania, and I wish them health and safety in all their days,” she said. Josh Shapiro, the Democratic candidate to replace her said in a statement it is a sad day for the commonwealth. “Now that the Attorney General has chosen to step down, we must work together to restore public trust in our democracy and ensure the people’s business—protecting consumers, fighting the heroin epidemic and keeping our communities safe—comes first,” he said.
Governor Tom Wolf, who had urged Kane to resign when first indicted, had similar thoughts. “What has transpired with Attorney General Kane is unfortunate. Her decision to resign is the right one, and will allow the people of Pennsylvania to finally move on from this situation,” he said. “I have full faith and confidence in the employees of the Office of the Attorney General and know that they will continue to perform its most important functions including protecting consumers and prose-
cuting criminals. Moving forward, I will work with both Republicans and Democrats in the Senate regarding any potential appointment of an Attorney General.” After her conviction, trial Judge Wendy DemchickAlloy warned Kane that if her office retaliated against any witnesses, she would go straight to jail. “Is that clear, Ms Kane?” she asked. “Yes it is, your honor,” Kane replied. Her resignation is effective at the close of business Aug. 17.
her organization, Jamar’s Place of Peace, which celebrates her son’s life and the lives of others who were senselessly taken away. The first Dance off for Daddy Competition will held as part of the 2nd Annual We Are One event. While the competition is just one part of her annual event, it is her favorite because it will be hosted by the Peanut Butter and Jelly Club, a portion of Jamar’s Place of Peace that involves Hawkins’ three daughters. “If I could give you the world, that’s how much that boy loved his children. They were very important to him-those three little girls,” Hawkins-Harper said of the love her son had for his children. “So often the children are forgotten, I’m teaching them that what we go through in life, we’re going to embrace each other and then we’re going to embrace our communities, and that through this storm we’re going to enjoy life and each other.” The competition will present the Lady Diamonds, as well as other dance teams. The top three winners of the competition will receive a trophy and a cash prize. The event will also include face painting, pony rides and brief remarks from community leaders and public officials. Hawkins-Harper said she wants people to take away from her event “unity, respect and love because that’s what I instilled in him and what was instilled in me. When you come to my event I want you to leave knowing your self-worth, loving yourself so that you can come out here and deposit that back into the community, and respecting who you are.” (For more information about the event or Jamar’s Place of Peace, call 412-657-4233.)
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Community Calendar SummerFood Program THROUGH AUG. 19— The Allegheny County Department of Human Services will begin its SummerFood program offering breakfast, lunch and recreational activities for children up to 18 years old and individuals with disabilities at more than 80 sites throughout the county. For a complete list of times and locations, visit www.alleghenycounty.us/ dhs/food.aspx or call 800851-3838.
Backpack Giveaway AUG. 20—State Rep. Ed Gainey will host his annual backpack giveaway from 12 to 3 p.m. at Destiny International Ministry, 7061 Lemington Ave. Pittsburgh. Students must reside in the 24th Legislative district, and be present to receive a backpack. Businesses and individuals interested in donating supplies, backpacks or food should contact Gainey’s office at 412665-5502.
State Vehicle and Motorcycle Auction AUG. 23—More than 60 motorcycles will be among an offering of more than 300 vehicles available for public auction on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at 10 a.m. at Manheim Keystone Pennsylvania, 488 Firehouse Road in Grantville, Dauphin County. The public can begin viewing the vehicles from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 19 through Aug. 22. Inventory includes Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha motorcycles as well as Mercedes-Benz, Infiniti, Volvo and Acura luxury vehicles, former state used Fords, Chevys and Chryslers are also available. For more information, visit the auto auction page at www.dgs.pa.gov.
Shabbat Meal to Combat Hunger AUG. 26—Repair The World Pittsburgh will host a Shabbat meal featuring a conversation with James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Solomonov on cooking and combatting hunger, at 7 p.m., at Repair Pittsburgh’s workshop, 6022 Broad St. as a way to engage even more young adults in volunteer service and learning so they are empowered to combat hunger in our community. The event is free but requires a reservation. RSVP to sam.permutt@ werepair.org.
Health, Safety and Wellness Fair SEPT. 13—As part of its 50th anniversary, Community College of Allegheny County will host a Health, Safety and Wellness Fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the North Wing of its Boyce Campus, 595 Beatty Rd., Monroeville 15146. The fair is open to the public and will allow attendees to participate in health care screenings, receive health and wellness information and be eligible to win raffle prizes. A variety of health care demonstrations and activities will be held that showcase the more than 25 allied health, nursing, criminal justice and fire science programs offered at CCAC. For more information, call 724-3256754.
Market Square Farmers Market THROUGH OCT. 27— From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., every Thursday. This season will see the addition of 10 new full and parttime vendors including Two Acres Farms, A519 Chocolate and Pittsburgh Fudge Co. Again this year, Just Harvest’s Fresh Access program will allow credit/debit and food stamp EBT cards to be used to purchase fresh produce, meat, dairy and baked goods.
Police report : Homicides down METRO
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were very successful.” One of the personnel changes he expects to improve homicide clearance rates is the combining of the robbery and homicide units. This has allowed for the creation of a new squad that investigates non-fatal shootings. The move relieves pressure on the homicide detectives––which used to investigate all shootings—and puts more manpower behind solving murders. But McLay said rather than just release a report filled with dry numbers, he wanted to hold a press conference to praise the work his officers are doing—often spontaneously—to improve the communities they live and work in through community outreach. “This is a way better police force than our critics realize,” he said. As an example, Zone 5 Cmdr. Jason Lando said while officers were driving by the East Liberty Gardens housing complex, they noticed some kids pushing each other in a shopping
cart because it was all they had to play with. So they went shopping at Target. “So a while later, the residents see all these police cars rolling up, and they’re like, ‘what’s this?’ Then the guys bring out all these soccer balls and kickballs for the kids and start playing with them,” he said. “It totally turned around the attitude of everyone there.” In another instance, McLay mentioned that officers who’d just finished an overnight shift, went to walk in a peace march the community had organized. And there’s the quality of the police work being done too, he said. “Officers arrested three drug dealers who are facing homicide charges because the heroin they sold killed people,” he said. And even though violent crime is down overall— rape, assaults, robberies— as with the homicides, fewer are being solved. And property crimes actually increase from 2014 to 2015. Still, McLay said complaints against officers are down 40 percent and law-
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In 2014, Ford, paralyzed and in a wheelchair, actually stood trial for assaulting the officers—when his car pulled away. He was acquitted, found guilty only of traffic violations.
His lawyer, Monte Rabner said, at least now “the right defendants are on trial.” Kelly has referred the case to U.S. District Judge Mark Hornak for a settlement conference. No trial date has been set.
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its financial and organizational structure. He has already added the district’s sex assistant superintendents and the director of the Program for Students with Exceptionalities to his executive cabinet. And he has already begun the two-way communication aspect of his plan by visiting 20 of the district’s schools, meeting with staff, administrators and some students. Creating a forum that gives students a “voice” in the discussions about their education is one of his goals. “When young people see that their opinions and needs matter, they have increased ownership of their own learning,” he said. “I want to listen to them and encourage them to find solutions to those challenges so that they can better reap the benefits of learning.”
He said his communication and transparency efforts will continue will a series of nine “community input forums.” The first will be held at Pittsburgh Obama 6-12, Aug. 25. Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, who like Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, is among the community leaders Hamlet has already met with, said he liked what he’s heard from the new superintendent. “Part of Dr. Hamlet’s mission is to create community schools, and we’re very interested in that and want to partner with the district on that,” he said. “I think there is a very opportune time right now to partner with our foundations and corporations to really enhance education here in the city, and part of our role will be about building that allhands-on-deck approach.”
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•Hilltop Rising LLC in Carrick; KRJ Enterprises Inc. in East Liberty; •Pittsburgh Community Corps on the South Side; •Premier Touch Cleaning Inc. on the North Side; and •YouthPlaces, also on the North Side. Each of them will be responsible for maintaining 50-75 properties for a year, starting in September. They will not only mow them at least once every six weeks, but also remove snow and ice in the winter. The authority estimates there are about 20,000 vacant properties throughout the city. The city or the URA own about 30 percent of them, but some, though abandoned, are still owned by the former deed holder, and can’t legally be touched. And since the authority is charged with acquiring and assembling properties for development, they cannot just sell them to anyone— especially speculators. So they sit. City Planning Di-
rector Ray Gastl, who chairs the affordable Housing Task Force with City Councilman Danny Lavelle said in 2014, the bill for maintaining vacant properties—including legal and code enforcement expenses—was nearly $5.5 million. If this pilot program works, it could be expanded to include more than 5,000 city properties. Rashad Byrdsong hopes it does. His Community Empowerment Association had a lot maintenance contract with the authority under a previous administration, but he declined to apply for this program. “I think they might have done it a bit differently—I mean they’re talking about maintenance in Hazelwood, and no one from that community got a contract—but I have no problem with them opening this process up to more vendors,” he said. “I hope more small and minority businesses get access to these kinds of dollars and build their capacity.”
suits are down 50 percent. And he is especially pleased about the relationships his officers are building with the community which are key to both building trust and creating safer communities. “I’m very happy with those relationships,” he said. “It ain’t perfect. There’s a lot going on locally and nationally. But there are a lot of really great things going on in Pittsburgh, and I think we don’t always give ourselves the pat on the back we deserve.” McLay said he would be releasing the latest detailed report on violent crime in the city within two weeks.
AUGUST 17-23, 2016
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POLICE CHIEF CAMERON McLAY
Point Park officers equipped with body cameras PITTSBURGH—As part of a longstanding commitment to maintain a safe campus, Point Park University police officers are now equipped with body cameras. Training for Point Park’s 13 sworn police officers was conducted this summer, and officers began wearing the devices on Aug. 1. “Our officers go out of their way to become familiar and comforting faces to those on our campus, but we recognize there is a need to be prepared for any type of situation,” said Jeffrey Besong, chief of police and vice president of Public Safety. “The use of body cameras acts as an additional safety precaution for both officers and citizens.” Research has shown that people tend to be far less aggressive and adhere to social norms when they are aware a camera is in use. In addition, the body cameras offer the ability to: •More accurately document events, actions, conditions and statements made
during incidents; •Enhance the ability to prepare reports and present court testimony; •Improve the training capabilities of our department; •Assist with investigations of alleged police misconduct; and •Protect department members from civil liability resulting from wrongful accusations of misconduct. “Point Park has always been diligent about creating a safe environment in which to live, learn and work,” said Paul Hennigan, president of the University. “The use of body cameras is just the latest example of our University’s proactive approach to that commitment.” In fact, Safe Campus, the National Campus Safety Summit, placed Point Park’s police department on its Safe Campus 2016 Top 25 list. Point Park was selected from more than 4,700 eligible college or university administration departments based on efforts and improvements in campus safety.
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OPINION
AUGUST 17-23, 2016 NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Do you know where your child is?
Guest Editorial
Voting rights heading to critical crossroad by Rev. W. Wilson Goode Sr. Last week marked the 51st anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This landmark legislation was the result of years of personal sacrifice by brave Americans, including Civil Rights icons Congressman John Lewis and activist Amelia Boynton Robinson. These heroes risked their lives to make sure communities of color could exercise their right to participate in the American political process. While progress has been made in the five decades since the VRA was signed into law, we must address the very real threats facing the voting rights of minority communities today. In 1983 when I ran for mayor of the city of Philadelphia, it was the voter registration campaign that enabled me to register more than 100,000 new voters and defeat Frank Rizzo, the former police commissioner and two-term mayor. It can be done again in this election. Voter ID laws and carefully gerrymandered districts designed to disenfranchise people of color are frequently signed into law across the country and make it harder for voters to have a say in their future. Here in Pennsylvania, as recently as 2012, right-wing state legislators passed a voter ID bill that would have needlessly made it harder for thousands of Pennsylvanians, most of them Black and Hispanic, to vote. Thankfully the bill was found unconstitutional by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. But just one year later, in June of 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a key section of the Voting Rights Act. Section 4 of the VRA required states with a history of voter discrimination to obtain pre-clearance from the U.S. attorney general before changing their voting laws or practices. The Supreme Court voted 5-4 on ideological lines to strike the provision down. This left many people in those states that were the bedrock of the Civil Rights Movement vulnerable to laws that restrict access to the ballot. Meanwhile, some states have gone in a positive direction by putting policies in place that expand, rather than suppress access to the polls. Innovations like early voting, weekend voting and sameday voter registration seem like easy, logical reforms, but have never gained traction in Pennsylvania’s legislature. At a time when our country’s economic rules are stacked in favor of a handful of wealthy special interests, while the majority of Americans struggle to get by, we must not let efforts to suppress our voices at the polls succeed. The next president of the United States could nominate as many as three justices to the U.S. Supreme Court. Right-wing politicians are foaming at the mouth at the opportunity to shape the direction of the Supreme Court for years to come. If they get their way, we could be looking at renewed attacks not only on our right to vote, but on other rights such as the right to join a union, which has provided a pathway to the middle class for communities of color for decades. The one way to stop all this is to organize, pound the pavement, and support candidates up and down the ticket that support the inclusion of all Pennsylvanians in the political process. The road to the White House goes through Pennsylvania. Our communities have the opportunity to build on the sacrifice of the heroes who fought for our right to shape our future at the polls. We have a choice this election: sit back and let right-wing politicians further manipulate the rules of our economy and our laws at the expense of working people, or stand up, get involved and make our voices heard this election. (The Rev. W. Wilson Goode Sr. is the former mayor of Philadelphia and director and organizer of the Amachi Program.) (Reprinted from the Philadelphia Tribune)
Founded 1910
Rod Doss Editor & Publisher Stephan A. Broadus Assistant to the Publisher Allison Palm
Ulish Carter
Jeff Marion
Office Manager
Managing Editor
Circulation Consultant
John. H. Sengstacke
Editor & Publisher Emeritus (1912-1997)
Last week the New Pittsburgh Courier reported that police estimated between 500 and 700 Black youth were Downtown creating havoc. No, Jay-Z, Nelly, Mariah Carey, Beyonce or some other big hip-hop star weren’t in town. No, they weren’t giving out free Nikes or Air Jordans. No, they weren’t even giving out free school supplies. School hasn’t even started yet. No…they were Downtown to fight and watch the fights. But how did they know where to go and when to go? Social media––Facebook and Twitter. And this was not the first time. Can you imagine your kids being Downtown to shop or on other business as a large group of kids from another part of town decide to beat and stomp your kid? Or even watching your sweet, lovable Monique stomping another girl? Or you receiving a call that your child is in emergency as a result of a beating he or she took Downtown? Or that it’s going to cost you $500 or more to get Rashad out of jail for beating, kicking, stomping another youth Downtown? Do these kids even know each other? Are they just bored over the summer and looking for some excitement? These kids are very fortunate to have not lost an eye or some other serious injury because they aren’t just fighting with their hands. They had sticks, clubs and other weapons. So far no guns have been fired, but it’s just a matter of time because if you are being beat down by a gang and you have a gun, which so many of these youth have today, you are going to use it to get them off you. We need to do something about this before it reaches that level. But my question is to the parents.
Ulish Carter
Just Sayin’ How can all these kids be Downtown and the parents don’t know? The largest crowds showed up during the July 4 and Regatta weekends. Yes, I can see the fourth of July weekend being crowded, but how many Black youths go to the Regatta? Well…they said they were. But there were fights before ranging from 30 to 80 kids. It has gotten larger and larger. So, do we have this to look forward to Downtown for every holiday? Just imagine, you go Downtown with your kids to watch a parade and droves of raging youth come roaming down the streets, pushing and attacking everything in their path. Black Lives Matter? Once again, these are all Black youth. Black youth attacking other Black youth. If it had been Black on White it would have been called a race riot. Some people are complaining about the lack of media coverage, but I say the White media is probably afraid to cover it for fear of being called racist. But I say as a very concerned Black man who has spent his life fighting through the Black press for equality for Black people, this must be addressed at every level––by parents, schools, activists, politicians, everyone. Have some of our youth gone mad? Every Black parent with a child under 20 should sit their
child down and have a long serious talk with them while showing the Courier photos of the Downtown riot. Yes, this was a riot. But no one will dare call it that because no one was killed or nothing burned. Social media can be a good thing, such as getting all the youth out, both Black and White, to protest against police killing innocent Black men in the Black Lives Matter rallies. But it is showing in Pittsburgh that it can be negative as well with these roaming packs of youth fighting Downtown. It makes me wonder, how much of this is happening in other cities, but is going unreported? I must give the Pittsburgh police their props because there haven’t been any major incidents, despite having to keep all these out of control youth in control. But if this continues something is bound to explode. We need to stop it, and it starts with the parents and the Black community. All of these youth were high school or middle school age. One suggestion is for each community to have more activities for youth, especially the churches. Also, we need more intercommunity activities so youth can get to know youth from other neighborhoods. But one thing is for sure, we have got to find a way to stop our youth from roaming the streets like mad dogs trying to destroy everything that they come in contact with. Parents, teachers, activists, media, schools, churches, politicians, all must work together to stop this now. It’s already out of hand, but no deaths yet.
(Ulish Carter is the managing editor of the New Pittsburgh Courier.)
An Open Letter to America That man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere … I have borne thirteen children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother’s grief, none but Jesus heard me! And ain’t I a woman?—Sojourner Truth Delivered 1851 at the Women’s Rights Convention in Akron, Ohio. With these startling, yet simplistic, words, Sojourner Truth brilliantly captured the duality of being both, a Black American and a woman as the fight for equality for both of these groups was being deliberated in earnest in the mid-19th century. It saddens me to say that, though we are nearly two centuries removed from that era, this same debate of intersectionality—for Black women and men—is something with which we wrestle daily, both collectively as a people and individually as we navigate our own places in society. In light of recent and seemingly countless incidents in which we find ourselves skeptically considering whether the rights outlined in U.S. Constitution are really applied fairly and equally to people of color, I find myself painfully pondering the questions, “Aren’t I a man? Aren’t I an American?” On paper, one would think that such a quandary would be as distant today as 2016 is from 1851. Sadly, it is not. Whether it’s our Republican presidential nominee’s reluctance to disavow the Ku Klux Klan, the Tamir Rice killing and other police shootings, or the consistent questioning of President Obama’s birthplace and religion, questions regarding rights, citizenry, respect and equality still permeate everyday interactions for Black Americans. I’m a father, brother and son. I’m a Southerner. I’m a Christian. I’m Harvard educated, firmly middle class, and I’m a patriot. But I, too, face a strained duality: I’m the son of a military officer, grandson of a sharecropper and the great-great grandson of a slave. I am a Black man completely cognizant of my community’s plight and struggle, and unapologetic about the beauty and pain of America. I’m grateful to this country for the opportunities that it has given me to gain an education, worship in freedom and provide for my family. Yet, I’m panged by the harsh reality that, by many of my fellow citizens, I am seen first as a Black man and all which that connotes and as an American second, if at all. Yet, such a demarcation is pretend. Being Black in America is as American as apple pie. This country was built on the backs and free labor of my ancestors. And as America has worked to atone the vestiges of slavery and Jim Crow, I have had the privilege of working to ensure that America’s neighborhoods are economically strong and sustainable. As a national and international economic development expert, I have garnered the respect of my peers for the work I’ve done in economic development in some of the more vulnerable regions both at home and abroad. And yet the sad, stark reality is that, in many everyday common spaces in which I find myself like other Black men––the bank,
Rod Miller
Commentary the grocery store, or driving along the highway—none of that matters. Even more importantly, many people who look like me, work hard every day and contribute to this country don’t feel they can truly answer my questions in the affirmative. “Aren’t I a man? Aren’t I an American?” As an award-winning economic development, my work has always been rooted in a desire to serve and improve the lives of all people. I have been blessed throughout my life to not want for much. However, as a child of the military, I have been exposed to deplorable living conditions here in the states and abroad. This experience has shaped my world view and placed a distinct calling on my life. At present, I find myself perplexed by the conundrum that, overwhelmingly, the place that makes me proudest—my home, the United States of America—at times subjects its most vulnerable citizens to conditions that the international community deems unacceptable and downright criminal outside of our borders. We over-incarcerate and under-educate people of color. We espouse systems that are designed to keep them in places of poverty. Furthermore, a clear line of demarcation still exists between Black, Latino and Native Americans and our White counterparts. Whether it’s infant mortality rates in Detroit, police brutality in Chicago or educational achievement in California, race is still one of the most significant indicators of quality of life. Don’t believe me? When was the last time a White man had to have “The Talk” with his son or daughter about how to be overly docile in chance police encounters to ensure their safety? Do the rights afforded under the 2nd Amendment apply to black and brown people? Is equal access to the full breadth and beauty of the freedoms outlined to pursue life, liberty and happiness a real thing? While some would like to gloss over the recent murders of Black women and men at the hands of those who are employed to protect and serve, the reality is we have a systemic problem that must be addressed. Of even greater concern to me is a feeling that we as Black Americans have been treated as second-class citizens for so long that we have become accustomed to and accepting of unequal treatment. Even Blacks who have achieved the American dream in social and economic status understand that they must bow to the ingrained notions of White superiority and learn to be content with merely being allowed in the room or included in the dialogue, or risk their success easily being stripped away. How dare we question or challenge anything with the same indignation as our White counterparts or expect equal pay, treatment,
or respect? We understand White superiority and her companion, privilege, to be a fait accompli that cannot be combatted. We have accepted the truths that the freedoms afforded to other Americans do not necessarily apply to us. We have become used to birthing our children, watching them be snatched up by one indignity or the other, mourning and having absolutely no one but our Heavenly Father to hear that cry. We have accepted the truths that the freedoms afforded to other Americans do not necessarily apply to us. I unconditionally reject this current reality with the truth that I am an American and should not need to be “included,” have to skirt around the edges or soft-pedal my opinions to mollify White guilt or bolster ideals of White supremacy, but rather, I should have all the rights, privileges, and belonging as the extension of my American birthright. America, why don’t you love me and those like me? Americans remain the most innovative and in many cases righteous communities in the world; there are very few problems Americans cannot solve if they really want to. Americans possess a strong sense of right and wrong and champion a broad array of causes ranging from protecting the environment and animals to pushing for greater human rights in remote parts of Asia and Latin America, yet the civil rights injustices at home remain largely ignored or denied. The Christian right remains silent or falls on the wrong side of many of these conversations while the liberal left often wraps this discourse in paternalistic patronizing ideology or policy. The apathy of everyday Americans to openly engage in a thoughtful process to confront our inherent racism and recognize the full humanity of all Americans is a deep source of pain for many. On nearly every measure of well-being, Black Americans lag significantly behind the rest of the population. All populations can count some amongst their ranks that lack drive, ambition and merit. However, most people want to achieve, establish a foundation for their children to be better off than they are, and live in a safe and clean community. Sadly, this notion seems out of reach for Black communities and other communities of color, and it’s impossible to divorce race from our shared understanding of well-being if we truly want to make things better. Lack of purposeful investment in neighborhoods, concentrations of poverty in urban communities, incarceration, limited educational resources, and disproportionate health outcomes all highlight race as a critical factor. In select cases, the truly fortunate and in some cases talented can push beyond these barriers. However, until the mass of Black Americans can achieve the same quality of life and feel the same measure of safety as average White Americans, the concept of America isn’t completely honest… and the answer to the question of my completeness as a man and American in these United States will remain elusive.
FORUM
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Baltimore cops routinely violate rights of Blacks (GEORGE CURRY MEDIA)—After reading the 164-page Justice Department report on the Baltimore Police Department, it is surprising that street rebellions didn’t occur sooner in Baltimore. The report is a stinging assessment of the police department’s policies and practices that concluded: “there is reasonable cause to believe that BPD engages in a pattern or practice of conduct that violates the Constitution or federal law.” It said the Baltimore Police Department “engages in a pattern or practice of: (1) making unconstitutional stops, searches, and arrests; (2) using enforcement strategies that produce severe and unjustified disparities in the rates of stops, searches and arrests of African Americans; (3) using excessive force; and (4) retaliating against people engaging in constitutionally-protected expression.” Furthermore, the report concluded, “BPD’s targeted policing of certain Baltimore neighborhoods with minimal oversight or accountability disproportionately harms African-American residents. Racially disparate impact is present at every stage of BPD’s enforcement actions, from the initial decision to stop individuals on Baltimore streets to searches, arrests, and uses of force. These racial disparities, along with evidence suggesting intentional discrimination, erode the community trust that is critical to effective policing.” As we have seen from similar investigations conducted by the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, this is probably a portrait of most big city police departments. In this case, George E. Curry the sheer breadth of the documented racial discrimination is mind-boggling. Take the simple matter of being able to walk the streets without being suspected of committing a crime. African Americans were stopped three times as often as White residents and were 95 percent of the 410 people stopped at least 10 times. “Racial disparities in BPD’s arrests are most pronounced for highly discretionary offenses: African Americans accounted for 91 percent of the 1,800 people charged solely with ‘failure to obey’ or ‘trespassing’; 89 percent of the 1,350 charges for making a false statement to an officer; and 84 percent of the 6,500 people arrested for ‘disorderly conduct,’” the report stated. Prosecutors rejected more than 11,000 charges because they lacked probable cause. “BPD also stops African American drivers at disproportionate rates. African Americans accounted for 82 percent of all BPD vehicle stops, compared to only 60 percent of the driving age population in the City and 27 percent of the driving age population in the greater metropolitan area.” Many of the stops were not justified. “We also found large racial disparities in BPD’s arrests for drug possession. While survey data shows that African Americans use drugs at rates similar to or slightly exceeding other population groups, BPD arrested African Americans for drug possession at five times the rate of others.” It explained, “BPD searched African Americans more frequently during pedestrian and vehicle stops, even though searches of African Americans were less likely to discover contraband. Indeed, BPD officers found contraband twice as often when searching White individuals compared to African Americans during vehicle stops and 50 percent more often during pedestrian stops.” Baltimore police “engages in a pattern or practice of excessive force,” the report found. “Officers frequently resort to physical force when a subject does not immediately respond to verbal commands, even where the subject poses no imminent threat to the officer or others.” Police also engage in humiliating public strip searches. “In one of these incidents––memorialized in a complaint that the Department sustained––officers in BPD’s Eastern District publicly stripsearched a woman following a routine traffic stop for a missing headlight,” the report recounted. “Officers ordered the woman to exit her vehicle, remove her clothes and stand on the sidewalk to be searched. The woman asked the male officer in charge ‘I really gotta take all my clothes off?’ The male officer replied ‘yeah’ and ordered a female officer to strip search the woman. The female officer then put on purple latex gloves, pulled up the woman’s shirt and searched around her bra. Finding no weapons or contraband around the woman’s chest, the officer then pulled down the woman’s underwear and searched her anal cavity. This search again found no evidence of wrongdoing and the officers released the woman without charges.” The Justice Department conducted the 14-month study in the aftermath of the death of Freddie Gray, 25. He was arrested April 12, 2015, for allegedly possessing an illegal switchblade knife. While being transported for booking, he fell into a coma after suffering neck and spine injuries and died the next day. Relatives attributed Gray’s death to “rough rides” Baltimore police often give to suspects they are transporting to jail. “We also examined BPD’s transportation of detainees, but were unable to make a finding due to a lack of available data,” the study said. “We were unable to secure reliable records from either BPD or the jail regarding injuries sustained during transport or any recordings.” Baltimore police were quick to detain or arrest citizens exercising their First Amendment rights. They frequently took offense if someone used language that was rude or disrespectful, though that does not violate the law. A 1987 Supreme Court decision (City of Houston v. Hill), held: “The freedom of individuals verbally to oppose or challenge police action without thereby risking arrest is one of the principle characteristics by which we distinguish a free nation from a police state.” While no one is accusing the Baltimore Police Department of operating a police state, it clearly needs a major overhaul.
Commentary
Every elected official must be challenged Over the last 60 nia there has nevplus years that Louis ‘Hop’ Kendrick er been a Black state senator, or I have spent in a Black congresspolitics, I have person and there witnessed a mulare those in the titude of actions Black communithat if I had not ties who are satwitnessed I would isfied with that not believe them. situation. In the As a beginner in 1970s, two Black politics I remember an elderly Black woman slapping men ran for U.S. Congress against a a Black man and saying, “That’s for White incumbent and the reasoning having the unbelievable nerve to run not to support either of them was the against Mr. Charlie,” a White office person in the position is doing all right holder. A few years later the same two so why should he be opposed. Let us examine that weak and flawed candidates opposed each other and this time about eight Black Republicans argument. Blacks were denied access supported the Black Democrat and the to unions, police and firemen positions, argument that Black Democrats tried public recreational facilities, public acto use against the candidate was that commodations; Pittsburgh was often he was not qualified because he was referred to as “Up South.” The White not articulate. Our response was your alleged liberal congressman never used White candidate couldn’t speak En- his influence to change any of the above glish. That was the first time the word acts of discrimination, so clarify your qualifications had ever been used in a attitude that he was doing all right. This is 2016 and those who love the campaign, because prior the only qualpolitical party and the personal perks ification was to be White. As I became more involved in pol- that benefit them are using the same itics I became aware of the fact that argument the current congressman is the White candidates would oppose doing all right. How? The city of Pittseach other and no matter the outcome burgh is still referred to as “Up South.” they remained friends, but Black folks There are billions of taxpayers’ dollars would be mad with each other forever. being spent throughout Pittsburgh and There was a bitter campaign for gov- Allegheny County, but Blacks are not ernor between Democrat Mayor David sharing in the prosperity. There was a Lawrence and the Republican leader, statement issued by the airport that 23 and Mayor Lawrence won. After the percent of the vendors were minorities, campaign, the federal government in- what is the definition of minorities? A month ago, I asked how many dicted the Republican candidate. The first person to testify in his behalf Blacks, not minorities, had been awardwas the Democratic governor. Yes they ed a professional service contract in the last three years. The elected Black offiwere still friends. As an employee in the Allegheny cials confirmed that the plight of Black County District Attorney’s office I will citizens throughout Allegheny County always remember a high ranking Pitts- was deplorable. I ask the same quesburgh Police Officer was indicted for tion that was asked in the ‘70s; what being the bagman between the rackets has the current liberal congressman and the Democratic party. The district done to alleviate the multitude of probattorney continued to postpone the tri- lems that impede the growth and prosal and it became an office joke, because perity of not minorities, but Black citsome of us understood where these izens and voters? I was in attendance postponements were leading. One at a party and the conversation came morning we went to work and the mes- up about elected officials not being opsage went out trial this morning for the posed and I asked the same question, bagman. We all smiled, the defense at- why not? I then proceeded to provide torney opened by addressing the judge them with the answer. All you have to band saying, “ Your Honor, the time do to observe what is not being done limit to bring this case to trial has ex- where you live and then ask who is repired..” The judge with no hesitation sponsible, who did I vote for, why did I vote for them? stated, “You are right, case dismissed.” It is my absolute conviction that Another example of politicians still being one and the same a Republican every elected official should be chaland a Democrat, but the rank and file lenged. (Louis “Hop” Kendrick is a contributor to the in the political parties continues to fight each other. In western Pennsylva- New Pittsburgh Courier.)
To Tell The Truth
Are Republicans in the position of the Whig Party? In 1960 Republiwas unexpectedcan Vice President J. Pharoah Doss ly out of politics Richard Nixon and the popular lost the presidenanti-war candicy to John F. Kendate Robert Kennedy. It was the nedy was dead. closest election in The 1968 DemAmerican history. ocratic convenKennedy won the tion was a violent popular vote by affair 10,000 anone tenth of one ti-war demonpercentage point. (49.7% to 49.6%). strators clashed with 23,000 police Those numbers suggested a Republican and national guardsmen on the streets reversal was attainable in 1964, but by the of Chicago. The Democratic vice presnext presidential primary, Kennedy was ident Hubert Humphrey emerged as dead and Nixon was out of politics. Still the nominee, but Humphrey supportparty loyalist and idealist should have ed Johnson’s Vietnam initiatives, and made 1964 just as competitive, right? opposed the Democratic Convention’s Wrong, it was the opposite of 1960, there Policy Committee that called for an was a proverbial parting of the waters and end of the bombing campaign in North the Democratic Party secured the largest Vietnam, a withdrawal of troops, and landslide victory in American history. arranging talks for a coalition governWhat happened to the Republicans? ment with the Viet Cong. In 1960 Nixon, a moderate, was able Therefore Nixon pledged an honorable to unite the factions of the party, but in end to the Vietnam War and recruited 1964 the Goldwater/conservative wing southern Democrats sympathetic to Goldand liberal/Rockefeller wing were en- water in 1964 to replace the Black vote gaged in an ideological struggle over that was lost and Nixon won 32 states. party direction. Goldwater won the That decade could be considered nomination after a remarriage/adul- America’s second civil war. Dissentery scandal alienated Rockefeller sion damaged both parties, but they from social conservatives and women weren’t destroyed like the Whig Party voters, but Goldwater couldn’t unify before the first civil war. the party because of his opposition to The Whig Party formed in 1834 and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. over a 20-year span nominated several Many prominent Republican governors presidential candidates and two were refused to support Goldwater and the re- elected president. Abraham Lincoln was maining Black Republicans left the party. a Whig Party leader, but temporarily Ever since the Great Depression, Blacks quit politics because of the Whig Party’s began to convert from the party of Lin- inability to come together concerning the coln to the party of Roosevelt/New Deal. great issue of their time, the expansion This trend continued when Democratic of slavery. Eventually, Northern Whigs President Harry Truman desegregated joined with other anti-slavery groups the military with an executive order in and formed the Republican Party and 1948. Over the next decade, Republicans the Southern Whigs became extinct. still had considerable Black support. In According to historians the Whig 1956 Dwight Eisenhower received 39 Party died not because it no longer percent of the Black vote, in 1960 Nixon appealed to voters, but because it received 32 percent, but in 1964 Goldwa- couldn’t cope with the greatest issue of ter gave Democratic candidate Lyndon their time. In the 1960’s the two maJohnson 94 percent of the Black vote. (A jor parties were divided, but their offirecord that stood until Obama received cial nominees had clear stances on the 96 percent in 2008.) greatest issues of the time. Their posiDissension ruined Republican chanc- tions just conflicted with the national es in 1964, but the Republican Party consensus and they were defeated, but rebounded. Nixon returned and won the parties were not destroyed. the presidency in 1968. Nixon didn’t In 2016, the Republican Party nomirestore Republican unity he seized on nated a candidate that wants to “make the reversal of dissension. America great again” but doesn’t have The Democrats were split over Viet- a clear grasp on any of the great issues. nam. The Republican Party isn’t just headThis time Democratic president Lyn- ed for a major defeat this could be the don Johnson didn’t seek reelection and first in a series of detonations.
Commentary
AUGUST 17-23, 2016
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Jesse Jackson Sr.
Commentary
Poverty, desperation in a world-class city (GEORGE CURRY MEDIA)—Chicago is one of America’s greatest cities. Yet, many of its residents live in terror in what is virtually a war zone. When a demented killer slayed 49 in a gun rampage in Orlando, Fla., there was national attention. Presidential candidates called for escalating the fight against the Islamic State in the Middle East, even though the killer seems to be a homegrown terrorist. But in Chicago, 404 have died in gun violence this year. According to the Congressional Research Service, the murder rate averaged 16 per 100,000 a year from 2010-2014. That is nearly four times the national average of 4.6 per 100,000 and nearly three times the Illinois state average (5.8). These killings are not randomly distributed. African Americans constitute about one-third of Chicago’s residents, but they account for 80 percent of its murder victims. The killings are concentrated in endangered communities burdened with abject poverty and deplorable living conditions. Desperation and murder are segregated in Chicago. In West Garfield Park, the average per capita income is $10,951. More than 40 percent of the residents live below the poverty line, with an unemployment rate greater than 25 percent. In Englewood, the average per capita household income is $11,993. Forty-two percent of households live below the poverty line, with an unemployment rate over 21 percent. In Fuller Park, per capita household income is $9,016, with 55.5 percent of households living below the poverty line. The unemployment rate is 40 percent. Washington Park, North Lawndale, Austin, Greater Grand Crossing, East Garfield Park...the list goes on. During the height of the Great Depression, the unemployment rate hovered at roughly 20 percent. These neighborhoods are suffering levels twice that, now six years into the supposed recovery. These are disaster zones in a supposedly world-class city. They look like they are under siege, and to some extent they are. Drugs and guns, violence and despair mark lives condemned to live in these zones. The war in Iraq—one the Bush administration chose to launch—will end up costing us more than $3 trillion. And of course, the wars go on—in Afghanistan, in Syria, in Iraq, in Yemen, and now the U.S. is beginning to bomb Libya. But the right now disaster zones in Chicago are ignored. The everyday violence is decried, but nothing is done. The poverty is regretted, but there is no plan to attack it. In fact, national policy does more to expand the divide between endangered communities and affluent ones, between those living in the disaster zone and those living uptown. A new report by the Institute for Policy Studies and the Center for Enterprise Development details the growing racial wealth gap in America. They find that without a drastic change in policy, by 2043, when people of color are projected to account for more than half of the U.S. population, the racial wealth divide between White households and African American and Latino households will have doubled from about $500,000 in 2013 to more than $1 million. The gap reflects the impact of historic inequities—from federally sanctioned housing discrimination to private redlining—but its expansion is fueled in part by tax policies that aid the highest earners while providing the lowest income families with virtually nothing. Over the past 20 years alone, the report finds, the federal government spent more than $8 trillion through tax programs to assist families in building long-term wealth, including saving for retirement, purchasing a home, starting a business or paying for college. But the impact of these expenditures has been “upside down.” With typical millionaires pocketing about $145,000 in public tax benefits each year to increase their wealth while working families receive a total of $174 on average. More of the same won’t help. Adding benefits to the wealthy few—like Donald Trump’s call to end the estate tax—will add to the inequity and contribute to the despair. If nothing changes, the desperate zones will get worse. Surely this crisis is worthy of debate in the presidential campaign, and action from the White House and Congress. (Jesse L. Jackson Sr. is founder and president of the Chicago-based Rainbow PUSH Coalition. You can keep up with his work at www.rainbowpush.org)
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AUGUST 17-23, 2016 NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
LIFESTYLES New Pittsburgh Courier
Feed your fitness B3
AUGUST 17-23, 2016
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
Women’s Day at Jerusalem Baptist Church B2
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Debbie Norrell
Lifestyles Report Education is the key For the last two years I have attended a scholarship cook out hosted by Doreen and David Moore, but unfortunately I was out of town this year. The cook out is so inspiring that I still wanted to share some information about this year’s scholarship recipients. Keep in mind that funds for the scholarship are raised by the Moores and those who attend this cookout. Each person is asked to make a $15 donation. Not only do the people who attend get a great meal, but they get a nice favor as well. In the years before I attended the event they awarded one student. Each year they went to a different high school for their awardee. Last year they gave out two awards and were able to do that again this year on July 30. This year’s first recipient was Taylor Marie Eackles, an honor student hoping to pursue a career in sports medicine and physical therapy. She will attend Penn State University. The second recipient was Shawn Taylor. He also is an honor student pursuing a career in engineering and will be attending California University of Pennsylvania. Both students are graduates of Westinghouse High School. I love attending scholarship events. When I see young people succeeding, it tells me that there is hope for the future of young Black children. At this year’s invite David and Doreen shared this quote, “Miss School and you miss out. Education is the key to success.” I am going to suggest to the Moores that they invite the superintendent to the cookout next year. I think he should see what two people are doing on their own to help our children. In my personal opinion, and the opinion of a few of my Facebook friends, there is so much that can change in the Pittsburgh Public School system. The schools need to bring back things like home economics, wood shop and auto mechanics. I know that I am using outdated names for the programs, but just look at the world right now and see what these young people like. They like music, clothing, money and cars. Everyone does not have to attend a four-year college. I would love to see courses on how to run a business--remember distributive education? We called it DE and we made products and sold them. That was exciting, at least to me it was. I loved my sewing and cooking classes. You see all these kids running around calling their selves designers and it seems they don’t know the first thing about putting together an outfit. There are so many occupations available now that were totally unheard of even 10 years ago. I can’t pretend that I know how curriculum works or how it is created, but I think something needs to change and quick. If you are interested in making a contribution to the Moore scholarship program, Dollar Bank secures the account and it is called “Paying it Forward Scholarship Fund,” account number 2671967518 or send in the name of David and Doreen Moore. No gift is too small. (Email the columnist at debbienorrell@aol.com)
WEB—Kyle Smith, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review’s Matt Neistein and Sean Spencer
OLGA GEORGE— PBMF’s workshop co-chair
by Debbie Norrell
Frank Bolden Urban Journalism Workshop graduated. This most unique anLifestyles Editor nual workshop has been around for 33 On Aug. 6, on the cam- years and allows selected junior and sepus of Point Park Univer- nior high school students to participant sity, the 2016 class of the in a high energy one-week program where they learn how to do a television news cast, publish a newspaper, take photographs and create a web-based blog. The Pittsburgh Black Media Federation is the group behind this unique experience where students stay on campus for the week and are guided by veterans in the field of journalism and communications. Along with how to produce various media, students learn work ethic, how to pay attention to news stories and meet a deadline. Chris Moore, of KDKA, said “knowledge and information pays” as he introduced the students who won the news quizzes that were held throughout the week. Erv Dyer, of PBMF, created the creative genius award and the students were required to write a story that CHRIS MOORE—PBMF’s workshop co-chair began with “In the summer
PHOTOGRAHY—Emoni Jones, Isabella Clark and Chris Moore
BEAMING WITH PRIDE
BROADCAST TV—In no order, Iaundi Carrington, Veonna King, Myesha Jones,Tania Beattie, Chris Moore and Olga George.
I met a Girl.” The winners were: Pretty Shumway (third place), Breauna Franklin (second place) and Zoe Vongtau (first place). Each received a monetary award and the first place winner’s entry was shared with the audience. The graduation concluded with a full 30-minute news cast that was taped at KDKA-TV. The students
that participated in this segment had to audition for the part. Olga George, of KDKA TV, said the motto of the workshop is “you can and you will,” and this group of teens brought that motto to life. Moore added that when these students enroll in college they are miles ahead of their peers due to this intense workshop.
PRINT—In-no order, Taylor Szczepaniuk, Jasmine Peterson, Breauna Franklin, Ahmari Anthony, Monet Jones, Pretty Shongwe, Syndey Barlow, Zoe Vongtau, Carmen Lee and Lacretia Wimbley. (Photos by Debbie Norrell)
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AUGUST 17-23, 2016
Praise & Worship ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH
RELIGION
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Women’s Day at Jerusalem Baptist Church
Crawford & Centre Ave. Pgh., PA 15219 412-281-3141 Mass Sunday 9:00 A.M. & 11:00 A.M. Sunday (Gospel Choir Mass) 11:00 A.M. www.stbtmchurch.org
METROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH 22 Sampsonia Street, Northside Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412-231-2554 FAX 412-231-6395 Rev. Lacy F. Richardson, Ph.D., Pastor Church School.................................9:30 A.M. Worship Service.................8:00 & 10:45 A.M. Bible Study/ Prayer Wednesday...................6:30/7:30 P.M. www.metropolitanbaptistchurch.com metropolitanbaptist2224@gmail.com
SIXTH MOUNT ZION BAPTIST CHURCH
MUSIC MAN—Donald Wade, minister of music, and wife, Dr. Ruby Wade
CHAIRLADY—Evelyn Wade, Women’s Day chairlady and Pastor Theodore Pugh Sr.
6556 Shetland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206 (412) 441-7839 Church School Worship Service Wednesday Night Bible Study
9:00 a.m. 10:15 a.m. 6:00 p.m.
East Liberty Presbyterian Church Rev. Dr. Randy Bush, Senior Pastor 412-441-3800 116 S. Highland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206
www.cathedralofhope.com
Summer Worship........10 a.m.
Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community For rate information, call 412481-8302, ext. 128. We are looking to feature our positive youth in the church communities. You can e-mail, fax or mail their bios and
THE CHOIR
MOTHERS OF THE CHURCH—Mothers Vivian Shields and Helen Turner (seated). Jerusalem Baptist Church, located at 123 Steuben St., in the West End, and where Rev Theodore Pugh Sr. serves as the pastor, recently celebrated its annual Women’s Day Celebration. A hot Sunday afternoon couldn’t compare to the refreshing and excited spirit of the members and guests as they held their finale service to end a great celebration.Their theme was “Faith is the Pathway to God, it expresses itself through Love” of Galations 5:6. With the choir and ushers in place the members clapped and praised God as Evangelist Mary Shields of Morningside COGIC preached the message of faith.
Harty Bible School
A Beacon in Bible Education since 1949 Hill District • North Side • Aliquippa • Washington
FALL REGISTRATION AND OPEN HOUSE WILL BE HELD FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2016-2017 AT THE FOUR CAMPUSES LISTED BELOW.
photo to: New Pittsburgh Courier 315 E. Carson St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Fax: 412-481-1360 email: egaines@newpittsburghcourier.com
MARY SHIELDS, evangelist and first lady of Morningside COGIC, served as the guest speaker. REV. CARRIE PUGH, first lady, was the mistress of ceremonies.
MAIN SCHOOL CAMPUS and NORTH SIDE CAMPUS OPEN HOUSE and REGISTRATION Christian Tabernacle Kodesh Church of Immanuel When: Wednesday, August 31, 2016, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM For further information please contact (412) 323-0821 or (412) 931-3199 North Side School Classes begin Monday, September 12, 2016, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM At The Original Church of God Deliverance Center 1250 Liverpool Street Pittsburgh, PA 15233 For further information please contact (412) 323-0821 or (412) 931-3199 Aliquippa Campus: Open House and Registration Where: The Roots Building When: Monday, August 29, 2016 7:00 PM – 9:PM Aliquippa School Classes begin Monday, September 12, 2016 For further information, please contact (724) 378-3706 Washington School Campus: Open House and Registration Where: Patton School When: Wednesday, August 24, 2016, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Washington School Classes begin: Wednesday, September 7, 2016, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM For further information please contact (724) 228-1788 or (724) 288-1421 NOTE: The registration fee at all campuses is $30.00 per School Year.
CONGREGATION (Photos by Jackie McDonald)
Church Circuit Tent Revival
AUGUST 17–19—Outside the Walls Tent Revival to seek and save that which is lost. Pastors Kenneth and Barbara Irvin from the First Church of God In Christ, 2502 Centre Ave., welcome all. The guest Preacher will be John Black from Los Angeles. The event will be held in the parking lot.
Back to School
AUGUST 20—There will be a back to school program Community Celebration from 12-4 p.m. There will be live entertainment, free food, school supply give away, games, riffles and giveaways. Church of God in Christ parking lot.
Men Only Brunch
AUGUST 20—Mt. Carmel Baptist Church’s Men on the Mount Men’s Ministry presents a Men’s Only brunch as part of Awesome August from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Men only brunch. The church is located at 90 Port Perry Rd, North Versailles. Rev. Barbara Gunn, pastor.
‘War Room’ star to speak
AUGUST 20—Karen Abercrombie, who stars in the Christian movie “War Room” as Mrs. Clara, will be the keynote speaker at the Green
Tree Double Tree Hotel’s Grand Ballroom for the annual Breakfast of the State Women’s Department of the Second Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Pennsylvania. The all you can eat Buffet Breakfast is scheduled for 10 a.m. For more information call 724-375-5528 ext 133 or 412-608-2166.
Take Action Mon Valley
AUGUST 20—a spirit of praise gospel jubilee event will be held from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Bandshell and Renzie Park in McKeesport. Ito unite all of us together in the City of McKeesport.
Music on the Hill
AUGUST 27—The sixth season of Music on the Hill at Beulah Presbyterian Church, 2500 McCrady Road, Churchill, continues with a 4 p.m. concert by the East Winds Symphonic Band. The group, formed in 1981, plays serious concert music as well as Dixieland, Broadway show medleys and marches. For information, call 412-2424570 or visit beulahpresby. org.
Annual Day
AUGUST 28—Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 36 Mead Ave., Bellevue, Rev. Ray
Sims, pastor, Missionary Society will celebrate their Annual Day. The afternoon service is schedule for 3:30 p.m., where Rev. Helen Pugh from the Institutional COGIC will be the guest preacher. The theme is “Striving for Excellence.” Scripture Matthew 6:33.
Women’s Conference
SEPTEMBER 9-11—Bethlehem Baptist Church, Friday–Lady Debra Moncrief, and Pastor June Jeffries. Saturday—Breakfast, Rev. Amelia Jones. Sunday— Bishop Telma Mitchell. Registration $35.
Church Choir Festival
SEPTEMBER 24—The URBAN M. GARRETT/DR. MAJOR MASON III Families of McKeesport, Pa. present CHURCH CHOIR FESTIVAL featuring Morning Star Baptist Church of Fairmont, W.Va. and other local choirs and male chorus at 2:30 p.m. Host Church, Bethlehem Baptist Church, 716 Walnut St., McKeesport, Pa. 15132. Please join us as we celebrate the Greatness of the Lord in song. (All announcements, events and press releases must be sent 2 weeks in advance with contact phone number and email address to newsroom@ newpittsburghcourier.com.)
CUISINE
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
(Family Features)—Whether you’re a competitive sprinter chasing a new record or an everyday gym hound looking to get the most from your workout, seafood is among the best foods to support an athletic lifestyle. It not only delivers great-tasting nutrition, but also provides one-of-a-kind health benefits. The combination of lean protein, anti-inflammatory omega-3s and muscle-building nutrients found in Alaska seafood are why it’s a staple for athletes like Ryan and Sara Hall. “We like to incorporate Alaska seafood in our daily diet because it’s a really high-quality protein that helps to repair our muscles on a daily basis,” said Ryan Hall, a two-time Olympian and holder of the U.S. half-marathon record. After a run, Sara Hall—a 3,000-meter steeplechase and marathon runner, U.S. national champion and World Team member—relies on seafood as a go-to for low-fat meals with protein and simple-to-digest carbs. Sample these dishes straight from the Hall kitchen, and find more recipes and nutritional values for your favorite seafood at wildalaskaseafood.com.
Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon with Sweet Potatoes
Serves: 4 Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Cedar planks with enough surface area for salmon 4 Alaska salmon fillets (4-6 ounces each), fresh, thawed or frozen Olive oil spray 1 tablespoon fresh (or 1 teaspoon dried) dill, thyme or rosemary Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste 4 large sweet potatoes, sliced lengthwise into wedges 1/2 tablespoon ground cumin Soak cedar planks for 1-2 hours (or overnight) submerged in water. Remove and pat dry. Heat grill to medium heat (400 F). If frozen, rinse ice from salmon under cold water; pat dry with paper towel. Spray cedar planks and salmon with olive oil spray. Place salmon on planks; sprinkle with herb, salt and pepper. Place sweet potatoes in bowl; spray with cooking spray. Sprinkle with cumin and salt and pepper, to taste. Toss to coat. Place cedar planks and potato wedges on grill. Cover and cook about 3-4 minutes; turn wedges over and continue cooking until potatoes are soft and cooked. Keep warm. Cook salmon 12-15 minutes, until fish is opaque throughout.
Nutritional information per serving: 350 calories; 11 g total fat; 2 g saturated fat; 27% calories from fat; 91 mg cholesterol; 33 g protein; 33 g carbohydrate; 4 g fiber; 277 mg sodium; 36 mg calcium; 1,700 mg omega-3 fatty acids.
Pan-Seared Cod over Minted Pea Puree
Serves: 4 Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes 1/2 cup water 2 pounds frozen or fresh peas, blanched 1 package (0.6-0.7 ounces) fresh mint, leaves only Salt, to taste 4 Alaska cod fillets (4-6 ounces each), fresh, frozen or thawed Olive oil 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning Add water, peas and mint to blender or food processor; season with salt. Puree until almost smooth. Cover and keep warm. If frozen, rinse ice glaze from cod under cold water; pat dry with paper towel. Heat heavy, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Brush both sides of fillets with olive oil. In heated skillet, cook cod, uncovered, about 3-4 minutes, until browned. Shake pan occasionally to keep fish from sticking. Turn cod over and sprinkle with lemon pepper seasoning. Cover pan tightly and reduce heat to medium. Cook an additional 6-9 minutes for frozen cod or 3-4 minutes for fresh/thawed fish. Cook until fish is opaque throughout. To serve, spoon pea puree onto 4 plates. Top each with cod fillet and serve immediately. Nutrition information per serving: 319 calories; 5 g total fat; 1 g saturated fat; 13% calories from fat; 65 mg cholesterol; 37 g protein; 34 g carbohydrate; 12 g fiber; 393 mg sodium; 101 mg calcium; 28 IU vitamin D; 200 mg omega-3 fatty acids.
Miso Halibut with Soba Noodle Stir-Fry Serves: 4 Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes 1 package (12 ounces) prepared soba noodles (or noodle of choice) 4 Alaska halibut fillets (4-6 ounces each), fresh, thawed or frozen 3 tablespoons sesame oil, divided 2 cups roughly chopped bok choy 1-1/2 cups sugar snap peas 1 cup sliced mushrooms 1/2 cup chopped green onion 1/4 cup miso 1 cup water 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce Prepare noodles according to package directions; set aside. If frozen, rinse ice glaze from halibut under cold water; pat dry with paper towel. Heat large, nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Brush both sides of halibut with half of the sesame oil. In heated skillet, cook fish, uncovered, about 3-4 minutes, until browned. Shake pan occasionally to keep fish from sticking. Turn halibut over; reduce heat to medium and cover. Cook 5-7 minutes for frozen halibut or 2-3 minutes for fresh/thawed fish, cooking until fish is opaque throughout. Transfer fillets to plate; cover to keep warm. Wipe out skillet/wok with paper towel. Add remaining sesame oil. Heat to medium-high then add and stir-fry bok choy, snap peas, mushrooms and green onions. Stir in noodles; turn off heat. Cover and keep warm. In saucepan, blend miso, water and teriyaki sauce. Bring mixture to boil then reduce heat to a simmer and cook 1 minute. Stir sauce into warm noodle-vegetable mixture. To serve, divide and portion mixture into 4 bowls or plates. Top each with halibut fillet. Nutrition information per serving: 571 calories; 15 g total fat; 2 g saturated fat; 22% calories from fat; 56 mg cholesterol; 38 g protein; 71 g carbohydrate; 7 g fiber; 1,643 mg sodium; 77 mg calcium; 219 IU vitamin D; 350 mg omega-3 fatty acids.
AUGUST 17-23, 2016
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AUGUST 17-23, 2016
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
HEALTH
Take charge of your health today. Be informed. Be involved. Voices of Leadership Community healing ESTHER BUSH
This month, the “Take Charge of Your Health Today” page focuses on community trauma. Vianca Masucci, health advocate at the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, and Esther L. Bush, president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, spoke on this topic. EB: Iʼm so pleased that weʼre finally addressing the issue of community trauma, Vianca. I hear about a new tragedy almost every day. As these misfortunes stack up, the Black community becomes more and more charged. Some of these emotions are fueling a movement for change. But some of these emotions are also quite damaging. Folks are traumatized by the racial violence that they encounter and read about every day. This repeating cycle is the root of so much hopelessness in the community. VM: Itʼs a tragic time, Ms. Bush. When the Black community has to bear witness to and experience the same type of racialized violence day in and day out, people do begin to feel hopeless. But even beyond that, they begin to define themselves as a target, as a victim. When victimhood becomes part of your identity, part of the communityʼs identity, it generates trauma that negatively affects the way you experience the world. EB: Absolutely! And the symptoms of this trauma are creating a culture of fear, distrust and sadness. Black communities fear for their safety. They donʼt trust figures of authority. Theyʼre mourning a new loss every day. Although this is a natural response to the shocking, violent incidents that have occurred recently, itʼs harmful to the mental health of the community and to each individual within the community. Itʼs important that we talk about how the Black community can heal and address the trauma that weʼre experiencing. This can be hard because people donʼt like discussing mental health. But addressing mental health makes us stronger and healthier as a community. We need to be strong to overcome this time of adversity. And we shall overcome it. VM: Yes, Ms. Bush, managing this type of trauma is important for both the health and the progress of the Black community. So, Iʼll say this to my fellow community members: Practice self-care. Take time to exercise, create art or spend time with loved ones. Do things that make you feel good. If being exposed to videos and news of racial violence hurts you, unplug or limit your exposure to this news. Youʼre entitled to peace, even in this time of chaos. Most importantly, if the news that you hear makes you angry, sad or even numb, talk to someone you can trust about the way you feel. Confronting your feelings and understanding where they come from is the first step to healing. You can talk to people in your community. In fact, sharing your feelings with other community members strengthens solidarity and can be a great comfort to them, too. But if these feelings begin to interfere with your life, you should seek the help of a mental health professional. EB: I second that. Thanks for having this chat with me, Vianca. It did, as you said, make me feel a bit better. Iʼve also contacted many Pittsburgh community leaders and activists to get their thoughts on this topic. I encourage everyone to come together in this time. Have the hard discussions, but know weʼre all in this together. I look forward to talking about another important health issue next month – childhood obesity. Any questions or comments can be emailed to partners@hs.pitt.edu.
PRAYER VIGIL—Tamara Williams held a prayer vigil, July 31, 2015 to seek justice for her murdered brother Mark “Bizz” Williams. Mark Williams was murdered last year on July 31. The murderer still has not been found and no witnesses have come forward. The event was held on the corner of Bennett St. and Sterrett St. in Homewood. Tamara Williams stands next to the pole with balloons and photographs of her brother. Police officer Tenisha Pettus stands with family and friends as they pray. (Photo by J.L. Martello/File)
‘Adverse childhood experiences’ affect community health
As we work on solutions to community violence, it is important to remember that current events are only the most recent causes of stress. The stress of abuse and violence that we experience or witness replays in our brains and still lives in our bodies. Over the past several years, more and more people are becoming aware of the effects of trauma and violence on individuals. In the mid-1990s, Kaiser Permanente and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) began a large study. Researchers looked at the effects of bad events from childhood (called “adverse childhood experiences” or ACEs) on peopleʼs health and wellbeing. These adversities include childhood emotional, physical or sexual abuse, neglect, violence between parents and parental separation or divorce. They also include living with household members who were using substances, suffering from mental illness or in prison. This research showed two important points. The first is that ACEs are common. About two-thirds of adults report experiencing at least one ACE. The second is that the more ACEs a person has experienced, the higher his or her risk for developing serious health problems as an adult. Some of these health problems include sexually transmitted infections, obesity and depression. The ACE study did not include the effects of poverty, racism, homophobia, historical oppression and other inequalities. These are also forms of trauma and contribute to poor health. Strengthening our communities and confronting these social inequalities are an important part of healing and becoming a trauma-informed community. Not everyone who is exposed to ACEs has poor health outcomes. The effect of ACEs can be lessened by helping people to be more resilient, to “bounce back” more easily from trauma. One key factor that supports healing and resiliency is connection. People who feel loved and who have the opportunity to talk
about their experiences and feelings and get support do better. Feeling like part of a community—whether it is family, church, neighborhood or even a book club—provides important social connections. Feeling connected provides comfort during difficult times. Many people need help to learn healthy ways to manage painful feelings rather than relying on numbing the pain. Perhaps most important to resiliency is finding a sense of purpose and hope. (See studies on resiliency and examples of how to build individual resiliency at http://ggia.berkeley.edu/.) Health care providers, front line responders, teachers, counselors and policy makers all can benefit from learning about research on trauma and resiliency. For health professionals, including counselors, understanding that ACEs may contribute to poor health outcomes can help to guide treatment. This understanding can make sure that patients feel supported (and, importantly, not judged) in the health care setting. It can also connect patients to trauma-focused care. For parents and adult caregivers, understanding how their own past experiences may affect how they parent their own children may also be helpful. In Pittsburgh, many individuals, organizations and institutions have joined forces to focus on strategies to build a trauma-informed community. This means a community that acknowledges the effect of trauma and violence on our lives and uses proven strategies to build resiliency. A trauma-informed community means that everyone—from early child care to schools, faith communities, home visitation programs, health care settings, social services, child protective services, the juvenile justice system and those working with children, youth, families, adults and elders—focuses on building connections and support. Research continues in our region to develop best practices in trauma-informed care to help reduce violence and to increase resiliency.
“Todayʼs issues are deeply rooted in both historic legal precedent, including an inequitable criminal justice system and the right to vote, and systemic disparities in public education, health care, employment and housing. Community trauma cannot be simply turned off like a light switch—dimming can only occur when ALL of us work together to address each of these systemic issues as a nation.” Candi Castleberry Singleton, founder and CEO, Dignity & Respect, Inc.
“A focus on community healing is extremely important. Our communities need to know what tools and resources are available to them as they face emotional trauma due to whatʼs happening in their neighborhoods and in the world.” Kyshira Moffett, president, Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh Young Professionals
VPI dedicated to reducing community violence
Community violence is a problem for public health. It leads to injury and, in some cases, death. It also affects a communityʼs sense of security. This unease, in turn, makes a community less attractive to businesses and lowers the value of homes. The Violence Prevention Initiative (VPI) is dedicated to reducing community violence. This initiative is housed at the University of Pittsburghʼs Graduate School of Public Health. VPI has two main programs—a Homicide Review and “Gunshot Reoccurring Injury Prevention Services,” or GRIPS. The Homicide Review has been in place since 2012. It brings together people from law enforcement, social services and the community to discuss every homicide in Allegheny County. Stakeholders meet monthly to review homicides, examine causes and make recommendations to prevent the next homicide. In 2015, there were 114 homicides in Al-
suburban communities, leading to new patterns of homicide.” The second initiative is GRIPS. Each year hospital trauma centers in Allegheny County treat about 250 survivors of firearm injuries. These survivors are at risk for further violence. Since legheny County. The Homicide 2014, GRIPS outreach workers Review group looked at multiple have met survivors in local hosparts of each homicide. The repitals. They offer case manageview includes the time and ment and social support as part place, criminal histories and of a research project. The workmental health of the people iners consider hospitalization for volved. The group also examviolent injury a “teachable moines broader areas like housing, ment.” Survivors can be motineighborhood loyalties and the vated to pursue employment, influence of social media. medical treatment, housing and Richard Garland, MSW, assisother goals important to them. tant professor of behavioral and As part of the research, GRIPS community health sciences at is examining whether this supPittʼs Graduate School of Public port will lower the risk of further Health, convenes the review violence. with Gina Brooks, project coordiVPI is committed to research nator for the Homicide Review, and efforts to lower community and notes, “The gang problem violence in our neighborhoods. doesnʼt exist as much as it did in More information about the orthe 90s. Now we see cliques ganization can be found here: and crews. There is also more www.healthequity.pitt.edu/ movement between city and violence-prevention.
‘Take Charge’ celebrates 5 years
This month celebrates FIVE YEARS of the “Take Charge” page in the New Pittsburgh Courier. During that time we have partnered with community organizations and researchers to produce 46 pages, focusing on 38 different health topics. We hope this monthly page provides you with current
health and research opportunities and connects you to local community resources. The Pitt Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) wants to thank the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, the New Pittsburgh Courier, and the UPMC Center for Engagement & Inclusion for their continued
collaboration and support. As a reader, we want these pages to reflect your community health needs and what is important to you. If you have any questions, or suggestions about what youʼd like to see in future pages, email us at partners@pitt.edu. —Jennifer R. Jones, MPH
“For generations, our region has been successful when it has worked together. Now more than ever, we must come together to address community trauma so that, in our healing, everyone has the opportunity to share in our successes.” Rich Fitzgerald, Allegheny County Executive
“YWCA Greater Pittsburgh offers our support to all individuals experiencing pain and loss. While we mourn together, we hope to be a partner in creating a community that advances equity, safety and mutual understanding.” Magdeline E. Jensen, CEO, YWCA Greater Pittsburgh (continued on B6)
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Take charge of your health today. Be informed. Be involved.
“Over the last month we have witnessed the tragic shooting deaths of individuals in Baton Rouge, La.; St. Paul, Minn.; Brooklyn, N.Y.; and Dallas, Texas. With each death we have had to grapple with the complexities that threaten to disrupt and jeopardize the trust and emotional health of our community. Regardless of our place of origin, our role within organizations or our political orientation, what binds us is our collective affiliation with the Pittsburgh community. When polarizing, controversial events occur, we want to offer a response that reflects the diverse and inclusive culture of our community.” James E. Taylor, PhD, chief diversity and inclusion officer, UPMC
“The Black Political Empowerment Project (B-PEP) and the Greater Pittsburgh Coalition Against Violence remain committed to do all we can to join with all potential partners and the implementation of the approximately 800 strategies that we have developed over the past few years to impact violence across all levels of society. The continued violence within our community and between the community/police must cease and desist. The trauma that results is unacceptable. Even in the midst of frustration and upset, we cannot afford to stop our collective efforts to end violence.” Tim Stevens, Black Political Empowerment Project (B-PEP) and Greater Pittsburgh Coalition Against Violence
“We are very fortunate to have community advocates and members of law enforcement in Western Pennsylvania who are committed to listening, willing to admit fault and open to change. United, we can control our destiny as one community. We must not allow individual conflicts or negativity to destroy us, define us or prevent us from moving forward together.” David Hickton, United States attorney, Western District of Pennsylvania
CAMERON STERLING, son of Alton Sterling, who was killed by Baton Rouge police, is comforted by hands from the crowd at a vigil outside the Triple S convenience store in Baton Rouge, La., Wednesday, July 6. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
10-Point Justice Plan: National Urban League Police Reform and Accountability Recommendations
On December 11, 2014, lethal force incidents involving the National Urban League all law enforcement developed the following 10Creation and audit of national Point Justice Plan for Police database of citizen complaints Reform and Accountabilagainst police ity. These steps will be a Revision of national police major step forward in helping accreditation system for to repair police-community mandatory use by law enforcerelations in cities across the ment to be eligible for federal United States by significantly funds reducing inappropriate use National comprehensive antiof excessive force by law racial profiling law enforcement, particularly Marc H. Morial, president and against unarmed citizens, CEO of the National Urban and in holding police acLeague, stated, “Millions of countable for misconduct: Americans have now taken to Widespread use of body the streets and to social media cameras and dashboard not because the problems that cameras have caused the outrage just Broken windows reform began yesterday, but because MARC MORIAL and implementation of 21stsometimes difficult circumcentury community policing model stances present a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity Review and revision of police use of deadly to bring about historic change. Now is that force policies time. Now is our time.” Comprehensive retraining of all police officers We know the problems before us. Now let us Comprehensive review and strengthening of work toward solutions. The complete press repolice hiring standards lease can be found at Appointment of special prosecutors to investi- http://nul.iamempowered.com/content/ gate police misconduct tbe48-10-point-justice-plan-national-urbanMandatory, uniform FBI reporting and audit of league-police-reform-and-accountability.
We should be thinking about relationship networks that are affected by violence. These networks cross geographic and family boundaries. With the speed and intensity of electronic social networking, we need to recognize that a traumatic event in one neighborhood affects a large network of other teens and adults across Pittsburgh and within a network of emotionally and socially interwoven relationships. Building resiliency then means thinking more broadly about how to strengthen these social networks to promote peace and reduce violence.” Walter Smith, director, Children Youth and Families, Allegheny County Department of Human Services
“FISA Foundation is focused on improving the lives of women, girls and people with disabilities and recognizes that abuse and trauma are issues desperately in need of attention in our communities. That is why we have come together with many community partners and institutions to find research-informed, locally relevant responses that strengthen our connections, reduce trauma and promote healing.” Kristy Trautmann, executive director, FISA Foundation
FOCUS Pittsburgh aims to create a ‘trauma-informed community’ by Rev. Paul Abernathy
What does a “trauma-informed community” mean? The recent work of FOCUS (Fellowship of Orthodox Christians United to Serve) Pittsburgh in the Hill District tries to define it. A quote from a community focus group offers a definition: “A shared experience of suffering that characterizes the personal experiences of many in the community. Chronic unemployment, crime, drugs, homelessness, hunger, abuse, poverty and, most profoundly, brokenness and radical isolation have all created a culture informed first and foremost by trauma. For this reason, trauma is the foundation upon which the community worldview is laid.” There is a tremendous amount of multigenerational, complex trauma that many African American communities have experienced over the years. It is important to explore how this history must inform the ways in which we develop our communities. Through the work of FOCUS Pittsburgh, in partnership with Duquesne University and the University of Pittsburgh, Trauma Informed Community Development (TICD) has emerged as a response to this challenge.
to and what is a challenge to life in the community. At the same time, it brings real resources to the community to use where it sees fit. Community members also use this same process to create housing cooperatives that enable members to address isTICD aims to establish and pro- sues like ownership of property. mote healthy and healing micro- The cooperative would also have a H.O.P.E. plan that would communities. The process in reinforce a culture of health and which these microcommunities well-being among cooperative are developed is led by behavmembers. ioral health community organizThe effect of these interventions ers. These organizers have is measured by imHealthy, a been intentionally trained to facilitate block-level interventions. health assessment tool. This The process focuses on people tool is designed to be used by and is intended to help commu- behavioral health community organizers to help blocks and conities block-by-block establish H.O.P.E. plans. These plans are operatives understand the efan effort to create a sustainable fects of their H.O.P.E. plans. culture of health and well-being. The tool would enable these microcommunities to have a colH.O.P.E. stands for: lective health score around Health and well-being; which residents and members Opportunity making; could rally. If these strategies Place making; and become widely adopted, they Engaging influencers. This plan comes out of a consul- could spur a much-needed movement that begins to adtative workshop designed to help block members identify and dress the root causes of many build protective factors and iden- challenges facing African American communities today. For tify and minimize risk factors. more information, or to become The strength of the process is involved, contact FOCUS Pittsthat people are able to create burgh at their own plans. This direct enhttps://focusnorthamerica.org/ gagement leads to a better understanding of what is beneficial centers/pittsburgh/.
“We must learn to love one another. We must bring to life the words of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: ʻReturning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars…Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that…Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love.ʼ” Esther L. Bush, president and CEO, Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh
“Whenever thereʼs a school shooting, we see grief counselors helping students address the trauma. But in the community, where repeated shootings leave whole neighborhoods traumatized, you never see that—until now. Iʼm pleased to see the Heinz Endowmentsʼ grant to the Allegheny County Health Department that will help create a Trauma Response Team to finally address this as a public health issue.” Rod Doss, editor and publisher, New Pittsburgh Courier
The way we get through difficult times is by working together, not separating. We must have a shared commitment to healing through listening, understanding and unifying.” William Peduto, mayor, City of Pittsburgh
“When one person in our community suffers, we all suffer. So together we must offer and receive healing. Pray for peace, practice kindness and work at reconciliation.” Bishop David A. Zubik, Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh
PEOPLE
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Report: Hair braiding safe, but Pa.’s rules keep braiders out of business
ONE OF FIVE—Mircalene Valcin, center, was one of five students to receive her award from HCEF Executive Director Bill Wolfe, left, and Chair of the HCEF Educational Resources and Programming Committee Jeff Martin. (Photo curtesy of HCEF)
Five inspiring young people awarded The Homeless Children’s Education Fund recently honored five inspiring young people with the 2016 Hope Through Learning Award during a ceremony at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. The Hope Through Learning Award is a financial award available to young people who have persevered against homelessness and are applying to post-secondary education programs. Recipients can use their award for tuition; school-related expenses, such as books or a computer; or living expenses, such as transportation, child care or housing. The following is a list of this year’s awardees: •Michael Brown graduated from Harari College Worldwide and has been accepted to study education and political science at Dartmouth. •Camille Green graduated from Imani Christian Academy and has been accepted to Ohio University to study mechanical engineering. •Dakira Jones graduated from North
Hills Senior High School and has been accepted to Temple University to study biochemistry. She aspires to attend medical school at Duke. •Khai Jackson graduated from Pittsburgh Science Technology Academy and has been accepted to Siena Heights University to study physical therapy. •Mircalene Valcin graduated from Obama Academy of International Studies and has been accepted to CCAC to study nursing. She would like to become a physician’s assistant. For more information on HCEF and the Hope Through Learning Award, visit www. homelessfund.org. The Homeless Children’s Education Fund, a public charity, has emerged as a regional leader and social entrepreneur for advocating for vulnerable youth who are on the brink of homelessness, are currently homeless, or runaways and unaccompanied youth in Allegheny County, as well as equal access to quality education for youth experiencing homelessness.
Miss Black U.S. founder says ‘let’s conquer world’ BLACKNEWS.COM—In a world that seemingly revolves around hairspray, butt glue and rhinestones, Miss Black United States (MBUS) Founder Sonja McCord transcends the archetypal pageant into a quintessential finishing school and enrichment program. MBUS is not your average pageant. Contestants will not spend a mere three to four months searching for the perfect evening gown, starving themselves for the perfect body, and cramming in some practice personality questions. To the contrary, these power women, ages 20-38, will actively participate in an on-going program that promises to leave contestants with the resources and network to conquer the world. One might be inclined to resist the idea of an age range so vast—an 18 year span of women vying for the national title. However, the program intends to bridge the generational gap. Serving to unite young and budding rosebuds with the confidently polished, fully bloomed. The assumption might be that youthful women in their 20s may have an advantage over older women in their 30s. Do not be fooled. Wiser, confident and established women in their 30s can definitely give young women a run for their money. It has been said that 30 is the new 20. These women are fit, motivated and as confident as the innocently hopeful, ambitious twenty-somethings. Regardless, the younger women need not be discouraged. This system is designed such that each woman independently competes against herself. Each woman—learning from each other, networking, and creating a unified sisterhood that could run the world. With a grand prize seed fund of $25,000 along with a host of other prizes, the national queen will conclude her reign with the launch of an independent, entrepreneurial project. The newly crowned 2018 MBUS will be criss-crossing the country advocating on behalf of several organizations that promote HIV/AIDS, heart disease, and diabetes prevention. She will empower children and teens with self-esteem and body confidence. More-
over, she will champion other causes impacting the African American community. For the beauty and fashion lovers out there, MBUS will receive
a new wardrobe, image consulting, hair services, photoshoots, filming sessions, and numerous other branding opportunities.
SONJA McCORD, founder of Miss Black United States
(PR Newswire)—In any given year, an American taxpayer is more than twice as likely to be audited by the IRS as an African-style hair braider is to receive a complaint of any kind–– and genuine consumer complaints are even rarer. That is according to “Barriers to Braiding: How Job-Killing Licensing Laws Tangle Natural Hair Care in Needless Red Tape,” a new report released by the Institute for Justice (IJ). The report finds that braiding is safe, and Pennsylvania’s licensing requirements for braiders do nothing but prevent braiders from working and stifle entrepreneurial opportunity. African-style hair braiding is a time-tested, natural craft. Yet, Pennsylvania forces braiders to get a government license and take 300 hours of classes before they can legally work. The result is that many entrepreneurs of modest means are simply shut out of the job market. Pennsylvania’s 300-hour braiding license was created in 2006. “Licensing laws for hair braiders are just one example of states requiring government permission slips to work,” said Angela C. Erickson, senior research analyst at the Institute for Justice and author of the study. “More Americans than ever now need a license to work, and this is just the latest research to show that the costs of such licensing often outweigh any purported benefits.” The report’s key findings are: •Hair braiding is safe. Complaints against braiders are exceedingly rare, and the vast majority come from already-licensed competitors or government boards disputing their licensure status--not the safety of their practice. •Licensing laws keep braiders out of work and do nothing to protect health or safety. States that demand more training hours to get a license to braid have fewer braiders relative to their African American population than states with lighter requirements, and most of these differences are statistically significant. For example, in 2012, Mississippi, which requires zero hours of training, had over 1,200 registered braiders. Pennsylvania, with its requirement of 300 hours, had only 11 licensed braiders––despite its larger African American population. To examine the safety of braiding, Erickson used open records requests to
obtain braiding complaint files from states with special licenses or registration for braiders. Nine states and the District of Columbia provided complaint data on 9,731 licensed and registered braiders. Between 2006 and 2012, just 95 of those braiders had a complaint filed against them, and only one braider received a complaint from an actual consumer. Almost all of the remaining complaints were filed by licensing boards or their licensees. The study also examined the proportion of braiders relative to the state’s African American population for 12 states and D.C. The results are clear: States with more onerous licenses have fewer braiders. Burdensome licensing is shutting braiders out of the workforce, limiting jobs and forcing consumers to pay more, wait longer or travel further to get their hair braided. Increasingly, states are recognizing that there’s simply no need to license braiders. In 20 states, braiders are now free to
work without a license. This year alone, five states eliminated licensing for braiders—Delaware, Iowa, Kentucky, Nebraska and West Virginia. This growing momentum for reform demonstrates that more policymakers can and should free braiders from needless licensing. For 25 years, IJ has successfully fought for the right of hair braiders to work without getting government permission, scoring three federal court victories and numerous legislative victories. IJ has also published two reports, “A Dream Deferred: Legal Barriers to African Hairbraiding Nationwide” and “Untangling Regulations: Natural Hair Braiders Fight Against Irrational Licensing,” examining licensing laws for hair braiders in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. And in 2014, IJ launched its Braiding Initiative, filing lawsuits in three states simultaneously. More information about IJ’s initiative can be found at www.BraidingFreedom. com.
New book reveals top 50 Black fashion designers BLACKNEWS.COM—Every year, women spend billions of dollars on apparel, wedding dresses, handbags, shoes and accessories. But where do you go if you want to support Black fashion designers? A new book produced by Urban Ebooks entitled, “Fashion Divas: Top 50+ African American Fashion Designers” (The Latest Styles and Trends) solves that problem! Exclusively available online at www.UrbanEbooks. com for just $2.99, the book lists more than 50 Blackowned fashion companies that make the most stylish dresses & skirts, the trendiest handbags, killer shoes, and awesome accessories. It’s the only book of its kind on the market! “Fashion Divas” features more than 50 types of Black-owned fashion companies including: China Royal, LiLi’s Creations, Monif C., Rue 107, CJ By Cookie Johnson, Posh Totes, First Kiss Boutique, Tian-
nia Barnes Shoes, Peace Images Jewelry, Melanie Marie, Hecho En Harlem, Amsale and many more. All of the companies featured in this e-book were founded by established African or African American designers (mostly females) that produce high quality, luxury fashion products. Most are based in the United States, but a few also based overseas in Nigeria and in England. They produce and sell everything including: shirts/blouses, jeans, sweaters, dresses/skirts, wedding dresses/ gowns, bikini tops and bottoms, clutch bags, purses and totes, wallets, shoes and sneakers, boots and heels, jewelery, and headwraps & hair bows. (To download a copy of Fashion Divas: Top 50+ African American Fashion Designers (The Latest Styles and Trends) and start supporting super talented Black fashion designers and their companies, visit www.UrbanEbooks. com.)
ENTERTAINER New Pittsburgh Courier
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Cover To Cover
‘She Stood for Freedom’
Baratz, Brown to headline Monroeville Jazz Festival
by Terri Schlichenmeyer For New Pittsburgh Courier
Your parents always taught you to stand up for yourself. Form your own opinions, they say, and don’t follow the crowd. If so-and-so wanted to jump off a cliff, be brave enough to not go, too. Speak up when something’s not right, and hold your head high. Stand up for yourself and, like in the new book “She Stood for Freedom” by Loki Mulholland, stand up for others too. Growing up in Virginia in the 1940s and ‘50s, Joan Trumpauer knew about segregation. It was the law in most parts of the South, but Trumpauer’s parents were split on the issue: her father was a Northerner who believed in equality for all, while her mother was a Southerner who demanded racial separation. When she was still a girl, Trumpauer learned who was right: on a dare, she went to a neighborhood that her mother had forbidden her to visit. There, she
saw a tumbledown school for Black children, and it shocked her. Treating people differently wasn’t fair! She became determined to do something about it when she grew up. After graduating from high school, Trumpauer went to college where she was invited to join a demonstration. That was something new for her, but she sensed that it would anger her parents. Still, how could she not go? In 1960, Trumpauer formally joined the Civil Rights Movement, to stand with others in equality. She participated in sit-ins, where people literally sat at lunch counters until the stores closed or the police came. She picketed a segregated Maryland amusement park that summer, and helped her Black friends gain admittance. People warned her family that she was making trouble, but Trumpauer didn’t care. When she had a chance to be one of the Freedom Riders, she seized it. It was dangerous, and it eventually landed Trumpauer in prison, but that didn’t stop her. Even as an adult with children of her own, Joan Trumpauer Mulholland continued with her efforts for equality. Today, she continues to remind people that you don’t have to change the whole world. You just have to change your corner of it. Remember how it felt to think that your one small voice wasn’t going to make a dent in anything important? Yep, and “She Stood for Freedom” proves otherwise. There is a version of this book out there for preschoolers, so be careful which one you choose. This version of “She Stood for Freedom” is meant for 8to 12-year-olds and it can stand alone.
(“She Stood for Freedom” by Loki Mulholland, artwork by Charlotta Janssen, c.2016, Shadow Mountain, $14.99 higher in Canada, 64 pages.)
MAURICE BROWN Saturday, Aug. 20, marks the 14th year for the Monroeville Jazz Festival at Monroeville Community Park West, Tall Trees Ampitheater. Chelsea Baratz kicks off the eve-
CHELSEA BARATZ
ning at 6 p.m. and Adam James will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. with guest artist Grammy Award-winning, Maurice “Mobetta” Brown. Backup will be provided by Joe Blaxx on drums,
Warren Fields on keyboard and Tony DePaolis on bass. Admission is free and attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs for seating under the tall trees. Dine & en-
joy the concert with food & beverages from festival vendors or bring your own. Handicapped Parking is limited so come early. This year MJF is proud to partner with The Epilep-
sy Foundation of Western/ Central Pennsylvania and you are welcome to visit their booth to lend your support.
(For information or directions: www.monroevillejazz.org.)
‘Hollywood Divas’ marathon on TV One
DISCUSSING THE SERIES—Malika and Dorion take a look at the latest episode and Dorion gives his theory on Lisa Wu’s new suitor.
SCENE FROM SERIES—After being dismissed, Savanna warns Golden not to mess with Countess. (Photos courtesy of TV One.)
SILVER SPRING, Md.—A group lunch takes an ugly turn when Carmen calls Countess a punk for talking about her behind her back. After almost coming to blows with Carmen, Countess is pushed to tears. Golden is eager to launch her new swimsuit line. Her suits make their runway debut, complete with models and wardrobe malfunctions ala Janet Jackson. But, despite the success of her swimsuit fashion show, Golden losing her role in the new network pilot is still the topic of conversation. Golden confides in her mother about how hard it is to be gossiped about and takes Savanna to task GOLDEN did not like it when Savanna spilled the tea about her caabout putting her business reer and now Savanna is saying she’s not really Black?
in the street. The night ends with a special surprise for Countess at her very own 90s prom. This was the season conclusion of TV One hit series “Hollywood Divas.” But for those of you who missed it you can catch-up or rewatch this season this week with series marathon leads up to the explosive “Hollywood Divas Reunion” Part 1 show. Hollywood Divas is produced by Thinkfactory Media for TV One. Executive producers are Carlos King for King’s Kingdom Reign Entertainment and Todd Tucker for Tucker’s TTucker Productions. Lamar Chase is executive in charge of production; Robyn Arrington
Greene is vice president of original programming and production; and D’Angela Proctor is head of original programming and production for TV One. If you missed out on the action of last week’s episode, Malika and Dorion have you covered. This week they take a look at the latest episode and Dorion gives his theory on Lisa Wu’s new suitor. He not only thinks her new boo may not be as straight as he says, but he thinks Lisa isn’t either. Malika Haqq has been added to the cast for the third season. The second cast were Elise Neal, Paula Jai Parker, Countless Vaughn, Golden Brooks and Re’Shaun Frear.
Meagan Good: From childhood star to leading lady
With an accomplished career that began at an early age, Meagan Good has developed into one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actresses for both film and television. Good was most recently seen in the CBS series “Code Black,” where she plays the role of Dr. Grace Adams. She was also seen starring as Lara Vega on FOX series “Minority Report,” which premiered in September 2015. Good also starred in the coming-of-age film “A Girl Like Grace,” which she also co-produced and premiered at the 2015 Los Angeles Film Festival. She also appeared in “Think Like a Man Too,” the sequel to the 2012 smash hit, “Think Like a Man,” based on the best-selling book by Steve Harvey. She was also featured in “Anchorman: The Legend Continues,” the sequel to the 2004 box office blockbuster. In one of her first major film roles, the 1997 family drama “Eve’s Bayou,” she received critical acclaim for her powerful performance opposite Samuel L. Jackson, winning an NAACP Image Award and a Hollywood Reporter nomination. Other film credits include “The Unborn,” “The Love Guru,” “Jumping the Broom,” “Stomp the Yard,” “Brick,” “You Got Served,” “D.E.B.S: Waist Deep,” “Biker Boyz,” “Deliver Us From Eva,” and “Saw V.”
Good began starring in commercials at age 4, and has filmed more than 60 national television ads. Her first major television role was the character of “Nina” on the 1998 Nickelodeon hit series “Cousin Skeeter,” which aired for three seasons. In 2001, she transitioned to primetime television with a recurring role on “Raising Dad.” Good’s other television credits include “Deception,” “Californication,” “Moesha,” “The Steve Harvey Show,” “The Division,” “The Parent ‘Hood,” “My Wife & Kids” and “All of Us.” In addition to acting, Good’s ambitions led her to produce her own independent films, including executive-producing and starring in the 2006 feature “Miles From Home.” A favorite of critics, it premiered at the Pan African Film & Arts Festival, the Washington, D.C. Independent Film Festival and the Atlanta Film Festival, where it managed a clean sweep of the major awards: Best Feature, Best Actor, Best Actress (Good) and Best Director. Good most recently produced and starred in “Video Girl,” which depicts the sordid and misunderstood life of a music video superstar. Good is also a published author, having recently released “The Wait” which she co-wrote with husband and preacher DeVon Franklin.
MEAGAN GOOD (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
ARTS & CULTURE
‘Live From The Hill’
August Beats N’ Eats
August 18—12 p.m. A Creative Community Residency. Take a break from your day and join an easy-going midday East-End community mixer! It’s a chance for neighbors old and new to mingle, meet and move to the beat. This week features a performance by sonsgstress Rachel B, and food from PGH Crepes.
The series has its roots in the thriving jazz scene that once occupied the Hill District, and seeks to preserve Pittsburgh’s status as a destination for artists of all races, ethnicities and backgrounds. In recent years, Hill House has brought artists such as Audra McDonald, Jonathan But-
August 21—Presented by Fred ‘Fu’ Underwood. The Canvas of Words Poetry series features local poets and visual artists expressing themselves through various art forms. On the stage and in the lobby of the Kelly Strayhorn Theater, artists express themselves in a judge free zone, and share their personal stories and testimonies. Through art, this series allows our community to dialogue with those who may or may not understand the struggles of our community.
Free Play Fridays
Jazz Festival
AUGUST 20 – THE MONROEVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL starting at 6 p.m. at the Tall Trees Amphitheater in Monroeville Community Park off Tillbrook Road in Monroeville. Please refer to our website Monroeville Jazz Festival: Homepage for a map with directions to the park. Or call 412-551-7315.
Local chefs to compete at Stage AE
VIP tickets are still available for Savor Pittsburgh, a fundraiser featuring the city’s finest chefs competing for “Dish of the Year,” with proceeds benefitting the life-saving research of Magee-Womens Research Institute and Foundation. Savor Pittsburgh’s VIP experience begins at 5:30 p.m., Aug. 25 at Stage AE, located at 400 N. Shore Dr., Pittsburgh, Pa. 15212. VIP guests will enjoy a one-hour private party prior to the event’s general admission, featuring delicious appetizers from McCormick & Schmick’s, Morton’s Steakhouse, Mitchell’s Fish Market and The Grand Concourse, along with top-shelf cocktails and entertainment. Savor Pittsburgh is filled with appealing appetizers, entrees, delightful desserts and cocktails. A sprawling outdoor landscape with a special indoor VIP area will be constructed at the venue for an elegant evening of food, drinks and dancing, all to support the cause of ending premature births. For more information, visit www.savorpgh.com.
Pittsburgh Comedy Festival
The Pittsburgh Comedy Festival is pleased to announce that the 2016 festival, to be held Aug. 25-28, will feature programming on a Pay-What-YouCan (PWYC) model intended to increase access among non-comedians and build audiences and excitement around Pittsburgh’s growing comedy scene. PWYC programming includes both performances and workshops in which participants of any experience level can learn comedy skills for performance or for use in their everyday lives. •Family Friendly Improv Games, with Tessa Karel of Open Up PGH (individuals with special needs welcomed) •Show Up and Speak Up: An Applied Improv Workshop, with Hannah duPlessis from Fit Associates •Pittsburgh Improv Crash Course, with Arcade Comedy Theater,Unplanned Comedy and Steel City Improv Theate “Pay What You Can” performances include: •Improv Appetizer (Friday, Aug. 26, 6:30 p.m.) •Midnight Stand-Up Show (Friday, Aug. 26, 11:30 p.m.) •Early Bird Improv Special (Saturday, Aug. 27, 5 p.m.) •Stand-Up Explosion (Saturday, Aug. 26, 6:30 p.m.)
The Manhattans
AUGUST 27—Real Music, Real Love, Chris Moore Communication presents The Manhattans at 7:30 p.m. at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater, 5941 Penn Ave. For more information call 412-441-6081 or email joymeggmoore@icloud.com
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Presents classical hip-hop duo Black Violin
Canvas of Words
AUGUST 19-26—Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack, and Resort. will offer Free Play Friday – 6 a.m.-4 p.m. August 20—Go For The Gold – 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Mondays in August – Mountaineer Monday Earn & Get—8 a.m.-12 a.m. at Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort, 1420 Mountaineer Circle, New Cumberland, W. Va. 26047.
AUGUST 17-23, 2016
BLACK VIOLIN PITTSBURGH—The Hill House Association proudly welcomes musical sensation Black Violin to the Elsie H. Hillman Auditorium at the Kaufmann Center on Sept. 22 at 8 p.m. The dynamic pair of violinists fuse classical training with hip-hop styling to create an entirely new genre of music that is guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages. The Black Violin performance is part of the Association’s “Live From The Hill” event series, which has brought a number of acclaimed artists to Pittsburgh. Tickets for the Black Violin concert range in price from $25 to $35, and can be purchased Online prior to the performance at www.showclix.com. “The Hill House Association is committed to presenting world-class arts and we are excited to bring these incredibly
talented artists to Pittsburgh,” said Michael Jasper, chair of the Board of Directors. Black Violin was founded in the mid-2000s by two long-time classmates who reluctantly discovered instrumental music in school and turned their hobby into a thriving career. After attending college on music scholarships, the duo formed a band that would eventually travel the globe and perform with many Top 40 artists. Their music has enthralled audiences from London to Milan to Dubai, not to mention millions of viewers on YouTube. “Live from the Hill” has quickly emerged as one of Pittsburgh’s signature arts programs. Since 2011, the Hill House Association has invited world-renowned authors, artists and performers to delight audiences in venues throughout the region.
ler, John Legend, and the Boys and Girls Choir of Harlem to perform in the city. These events attract thousands of local music enthusiasts, including members of the community who do not typically have access to high-quality performing arts programs. “Live From The Hill brings unique and
provocative artists to Pittsburgh that no one else in the city would look to bring,” said Jeffrey J. Anderson, chief operating officer of the Hill House Association. “We don’t focus on one particular genre; we focus on different genres and forms of artistry.”
(Information courtesy of The Hill House Association.)
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ARTS & CULTURE
AUGUST 17-23, 2016
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
New releases Lil Durk LAURA MYULA
South Side Chicago Rapper, Lil Durk, released the official video for his track “Trap House” featuring Young Thug and Young Dolph. Recently, Lil Durk announced his new mixtape, “LilDurk2X,” set. The mix tape comes right off the heels of his hit track with Dej Loaf, “My Beyonce.”
Laura Mvula has officially unveiled the video for her powerful song “Phenomenal Woman.” “Phenomenal Woman” is a remarkable funk anthem inspired by a poem of the same name by the extraordinary Maya Angelou. Laura says, “I wrote this anthem to raise up our women. We are the givers of life, we are the children bearers, the nurturers, the heroines, we are extraordinary in our ordinariness, we fly, we fight we are ‘Phenomenal Woman.’”
MARCUS DARC
Multi-platinum songwriter, producer and R&B charmer Marcus Darc has been creating sexual music since the ‘80s when he formed his first group in Chicago, R-Kelly & MGM. As one of the original new school sexy soul singers, his signature sound has created a body of work that has all ways and always catered to what women want to hear. Darc possesses no inhibitions when he writes, produces and performs for his target audience of females. Yet, unlike most of today’s hip-hop lyricists who shun sentiment over gratuitous sex, Darc sensuously aims for hearts and hips, swaying them with synchronized satisfaction. “Twisted,” on Lucky Entertainment, his latest musical release since dropping “Pretty Woman” in 2013, is perhaps unprecedented in its aural explicitness. Darc leaves very little to the imagination when wooing and cooing his love interests, while inciting fantasy and fervor to a fever pitch.
DMK
Detroit-based R&B Trio DMK releases their self-titled debut EP that includes the newly released single “Major.” The six-track EP is the perfect combination of classic R&B sounds with a modern twist of vocal production that flawlessly blends the girl’s voices together to create a sound that is truly refreshing. The EP is now available for purchase at digital retailers including iTunes. In addition to the release of their debut project, DMK appeared on an episode of FOX’s hit television series “Empire” as their “FOX Empire New Artist.” DMK is geared up and prepared to reign as the next major girl group in the music industry. The girls’ buzzing first single and music video “Love The Way You Love” premiered on Tidal Discovery and was featured as one of Apple Music’s “Hot Tracks.” When asked about goals for their music, Melanee simply says, “It’s time for girl groups to make a comeback in R&B music. We want to be that group.” DMK is making major headway in their early, but extremely promising, career.
DJ SNAKE DJ KHALED
JASON DERULO Grammy-nominated French DJ/producer DJ Snake and burgeoning UK-based vocalist Bipolar Sunshine released a new single, “Future Pt. 2,” as a part of DJ Snake’s debut album, via Darkroom/ Interscope Records. Late last year, this same duo took over airwaves with their platinum-certified hit single, “Middle,” which reached top 20 charts in France and the United States, top 10 in the U.K., and top 5 in Australia. It’s undeniable that DJ Snake and Bipolar Sunshine have truly become two of the most sought-after artists in dance music, and they’re set for more domination with this newest release that has been highly anticipated. For “Future Pt. 2,” DJ Snake gives Bipolar Sunshine’s silky and addictive vocals a perfect backdrop embellished with funk-infused vocal edits and basslines, layered pads, and house-y rhythms to tie it all together. It’s looking like DJ Snake and Bipolar Sunshine have yet another hit in their pocket.
DJ KHALED (NEW YORK, N.Y.)— Multi-platinum artist, music industry visionary, innovative influencer, mogul, mega-producer, and Anthem King DJ KHALED officially kicks off the #EpicSummer campaign and celebrates his first-ever #1 album debut on the Billboard 200 Chart with “Major Key” (We The Best Music Group/Epic Records). The news was announced by LA Reid, chairman and CEO, Epic Records. “Major Key” was exclusively available as a premium-only release on one service, Apple Music and the iTunes Music Store. “Major Key” is now available to all digital retailers and streaming services and the physical CD was released Aug.12.
Miles Davis (NEW YORK, N.Y.)—“Ghetto Walkin’” features neo-soul vocalist Bilal, and was the first track to be released from “Everything’s Beautiful”—a visionary exploration of Miles Davis’ music, featuring reimagined interpretations of his music produced by Grammy-winning jazz,R&B and hip-hop musician Robert Glasper.
DILLON FRANCIS Jason Derulo’s new single release “Kiss The Sky” will be featured in the Warner Bros. Pictures animated adventure Storks, opening nationwide Sept. 23, with a starring vocal cast including Andy Samberg, Kelsey Grammer, Katie Crown, Jennifer Aniston, Ty Burrell, Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele and Danny Trejo - and in the film’s upcoming trailer, launched in early August. He will appear on Sept. 2, Derulo closes out Good Morning America’s Summer Concert Series, which features the hottest chart-topping music stars live from SummerStage in New York City’s Central Park. He is also continuing on as a Artist/DJ/producer Dillon judge on the 13th season of So You Think You Can Dance. Francis has unveiled the official video for his latest single “Candy” featuring Snappy Jit. Directed by Mister Whitmore (“Coming Over,” “Get Low”), the visually invigorating video draws you in as two dancers face off in a sexualized mating dance, set to pulsing lights and colors. The track, which was produced with GTA and features Snappy Jit, was released last month (LOS ANGELES, CALIF)–Steve Aoki unleashes his and blends trap with Dilclub-oriented opus “4OKI.” Aligning with some of Dim lon’s signature moombahto Mak’s most promising talents, Aoki sets the dance floor in style. “Candy” is now availmotion with this forward-thinking four-track EP. Comple- able. Dillon also recently menting the release is a 4-part Rashomon style short film shared the season finale of series directed by visual artist David “Yarvo” Yarovesky his straight-to-web-digitalstarring model Shaun Ross and vlogger Malibu Dollface. first-live-action-unscriptedThe videos are a visual trek through L.A.’s underground, series ‘DJ World’ The mock outfitted by The Well and featuring their signature ward- reality series highlighted robe, alongside special selects from the Dim Mak Collection the difficulties that reside and Frenemy. The Wall Street Journal premiered “Kids,” in the social hierarchy of the music video for Aoki’s collaboration with MORTEN, the electronic dance comwhich serves as the 4th and final video of the series. munity.
STEVE AOKI
New Pittsburgh Courier
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Inside Conditions
BUSINESS AUGUST 17-23, 2016
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
James Clingman
Find what you need from jobs to cars to housing C4, C5
Classifieds
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Charlene Crowell
Commentary
Blackonomics
We need leaders, not pleaders
Consumers want action on illegal debt collection
(GEORGE CURRY MEDIA)—Yet another “shocking” report, “The Ever Growing Gap,” came out last week. It was featured in mainstream newspapers, small hometown newspapers, and online newspapers. The ominous headline stated, “It will take Black families 228 years to earn the same amount of wealth White families have today.” Well, here’s another newsflash: “We already know that.” While we have not counted the years it would take, we know that working for wealth equality is futile and merely serves as a deflection that causes Black people to spend our precious time on a quixotic mission. E. Franklin Raines and Willie Herenton, former mayor of Memphis, Tenn., noted similar stats more than a decade ago. Every so often revelations like this latest one come out to keep Black people mired in our current situation. The more drastic and terrible the information the more apathetic and pathetic we become. “What’s the use in trying?” The man ain’t gonna let us do anything anyway.” Thus, we sit back and allow our “pleaders” to continue to beg for protection from political candidates, such as the national NAACP recently called on them to “pledge to protect and preserve our lives.” Say what? Is that the best we can get from our supposedly powerful civil rights organization? Oh yes, I forgot. They also tell us to register and vote our way out of our misery. We don’t need “pleaders,” we need authentic, fearless, unapologetic, honest leaders, who will not succumb to foreboding statistical “revelation” but will provide the “elevation” Black people must have in order to take care of ourselves with the resources we already have. While we are wringing our hands about being 228 years behind in wealth, and some of us truly believing that politicians can and will turn that trend around, other groups are running right past us, not worrying about meeting the elusive goal of equality. The proof of that is also in the same report that speaks to our financial demise. It says, “Over the last thirty years, the racial wealth divide has grown. If average Black wealth grows at the same rate it has over the last thirty years, it will be 228 years before it equals the amount of wealth possessed by White households today” This is only 17 years shorter than the institution of slavery in the U.S., which lasted 245 years. For Latinos, it will take 84 years.” Notice the last sentence in the above paragraph, Black folks. Compare 228 years to 84 years and ask yourself, “How
If you are one of the 77 million Americans who are hounded each year by debt collectors, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is taking on this $13 billion industry. At a July 28 field hearing in Sacramento, Richard Cordray, CFPB Director, announced the Bureau’s intent to rein in illegal practices that harass and rob consumers. “Today we are considering proposals that would drastically overhaul the debt collection market. Our rules would apply to third-party debt collectors and to others covered by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, including many debt buyers. . . . The basic principles of the proposals we are considering are grounded in common sense. Companies should not collect debt that is not owed. They should have more reliable information about the debt before they try to collect,” said Director Cordray. “In the debt collection market, notably,” he continued, “consumers do not have the crucial power of choice over those who do business with them when creditors turn their debts over to third-party collectors. They cannot vote with their feet. They have no say over who collects their debts, and they likely know next to nothing about the collector until they receive a call or a letter. This can quickly lead to a barrage of communications, which in some cases are designed to be harassing or intimidating.” Reactions to CFPB’s proposals were as swift as they were direct. Consumer advocates, like People’s Action Institute, a national organization working in 30 states for economic, environmental, racial and gender justice weighed in. “We’re encouraged to see the CFPB take steps to end aggressive and abusive debt collection practices and protect consumers from the often illegal activities of debt collectors,” said LeeAnn Hall, CoExecutive Director of People’s Action Institute. Similarly, Graciela Aponte-Diaz, the Center for Responsible Lending’s California Policy Director, who testified at the hearing and was even more direct. “We know from research and enforcement actions in the states that over the past decade that debt buyers and other debt collectors have extracted millions of dollars in payments and court judgments from U.S. households for debts that are too old to be sued on, can’t be back up with basic documentation like a contract or other proof the consumer actually owes a debt, or where the debt buyers or their attorneys filed false documents in court,” noted Aponte-Diaz, “Reports have shown that these debt
SEE LEADERS C2
ATLANTA, Ga. (BlackNews.com)—Long-time brand management and banking professional, Will Walker, via The W.N. Walker Agency, is now offering customized financial and marketing products to minority businesses. His company is a full service boutique funding agency that specializes in alternative funding and marketing solutions for businesses of all sizes, worldwide. The W.N. Walker Agency offers a variety of solutions including: •Business Working Capital •Hard Money Lending •Alternative Customer Financing •Commercial Loans •Collateral Based Lending •Refinance & Cash Out Program * Targeted Marketing Solutions and more. As Managing Principal, Walker saw the need to not only provide products that will be able to accommodate immediate needs for businesses, but also solutions that will help businesses flourish and promote rapid growth. With over 18 years of experience in international banking, brand management and public relations, Will Walker is a proud advocate of supporting African-American owned businesses. He understands the importance of expansion and growth for Black-owned businesses. “Strengthening our community through economic development while being a champion of change is a necessity for us to flourish,” Walker comments. “The W.N. Walker Agency spe-
RECENT RETIREE—Former EMSDC Chief Operating Officer and Youth Entrepreneur Scholarship Tournament Honorary Chair Alexander “Nick” Nichols addresses attendees during the awards dinner and surprise retirement dinner. (Photos by Diane I. Daniels)
EMSDC uses golf as a fundraising, teaching tool by Diane I. Daniels For New Pittsburgh Courier
Recent retiree, Alexander “Nick” Nichols assisted his former organization with their Youth Entrepreneur Scholarship Tournament by serving as the Honorary Chair. He retired as Chief Operating Officer of the Eastern Supplier Development Council at the end of June. “This is a one-of-a-kind, fundraising endeavor that supports the activities, goals and objectives of the Council,” said Nichols. “This Tournament provides MBEs and corporate representatives the opportunity to network with current clients and connect with future business partners.” Nearly 100 guests were on hand at the Quicksilver Golf Club raising funds for two scholarships to foster growth for minority entrepreneurs. Valarie Cofield, EMSDC Chief Executive Officer explained that the new sponsorship for youth in grades 5 through 12 provides the opportunity for them to participate in programs focused on exposing students to starting and running a business, writing a business plan and managing money. The scholarships will be open too public, charter, private and parochial school students. The second, she said supports the ongoing
fund for MBEs to attend advanced education training programs at Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, and or Foster School of Business at the University of Washington. Doing Business on the Greens, a two-part seminar
and clinic was an added component to the golf outing this year. Conducted by PGA Golf Pro Anthony G. Stepney, V. Diane Freeman of Ferguson Manning Associates, Greg Spencer of Randall Industries, LLC and Robert A. James of SEE EMSDC C2
LEARNING GOLF FUNDAMENTALS—Highmark Health program manager Robert A. James learn golf fundamentals from PGA Golf Pro Anthony G. Stepney.
Walker offers financial/marketing solutions for minority businesses
WILL WALKER, managing principal of The W.N. Walker Agency cializes in creating solid financial and marketing solutions for the African-American community,” he adds. “Each company and business has different needs; our focus is customizing solutions around each businesses’ need in order to promote future growth. Building lasting relationships and tailoring
solutions for our clients is the foundation of The W.N. Walker Agency.” “Whether you are a small business owner needing customer financing or a flourishing business needing more capital to stay afloat, there is value in each product offered at our agency. Existing
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ing Capital product features 6-17 month terms and fixed payment options. It has the flexibility to accommodate specific needs, so that business owners can focus on building their business. Alternative Customer Financing
With their Alternative Customer Financing solution, businesses are now able to provide their customers financing with absolutely no credit check. They provide you access to new customers by expanding your market to those who don’t have the full amount for your service. Now they will be able to afford products and services from you by spreading out their payments. Geofencing for Business Geofencing allows businesses and organizations to establish a virtual fence around a predefined geographic area. When mobile users enter or exit an area, you can set your customized ad to push directly to users through a push notification. Hyper-specific, located-based mobile advertising will help you find, engage and retain customers. Dramatically expand customer engagement by increasing visibility to your brand, product or business. Place a virtual fence around any zip code, companies stay and come back building or neighborhood. Send with us because of the special re- targeted ads directly to the molationship we build with them,” he bile devices of new and existing says. customers who pass through Business Working Capital your virtual digital fence. (For more information on The W.N. They understand that fast and flexible access to short-term fund- Walker Agency, visit www.wnwalker.com, ing is essential to the growth of email contact@wnwalker.com or contact businesses. Their Business Work- 212-390-1198.)
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AUGUST 17-23, 2016
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
BUSINESS
BUSINESS BUSINESS CALENDAR CALENDAR
Consumers want action CONTINUED FROM C1
collection activities have a disproportionate impact on communities of color,” Aponte-Diaz continued, “majority black neighborhoods are hit twice as hard by debt collection court judgments as majority white neighborhoods, even adjusting for differences in income.” A recent national consumer poll that was jointly commissioned by CRL and Americans for Financial Reform found broad and bipartisan concerns regarding debt collectors that sue without evidence. Overall 84 percent of respondents expressed concerns about a million consumers being sued each year without evidence to prove their cases in court. When partisan preferences were factored into responses, 9 out of 10 Independents and Democrats were concerned, as were 78 percent of Republicans. In recent years, several states—including California, Maryland, New York and North Carolina—have cracked down on enforcement actions that required among other things that debt collectors use full and accurate information and documentation when collecting debts. At the federal level since 1977, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act granted the Federal Trade Commission oversight authority in debt collection. Following the enactment five years ago of the DoddFrank Wall Street Reform Act and the creation of CFPB, both offices now accept debt collection com-
plaints. Last year, 2015, more than 900,000 consumers filed complaints with the FTC. That same year, CFPB returned $360 million to consumers wronged by illegal debt collection practices. Additionally, CFPB collected $79 million in fines from debt collectors. “Consumers deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, and businesses should be able to operate fairly and reasonably to collect the debts they are legitimately owed,” said Director Cordray. Lisa Stifler, Deputy Director of State Policy and leader of CRL’s debt collection work provided further assessment: “We commend the CFPB for seeking reforms to this issue that harms millions of people, particularly lowincome consumers and communities of color.” “However, we are concerned that the proposals do not go far enough to protect consumers from unfair collection attempts. Specifically, the proposal does not go far enough to require that debt collectors adequately document that they are pursuing the right person for the right debt,” Stifler added. “When people are being wrongly pursued for debts they do not owe, it is time for action and reforms,” she concluded. (Charlene Crowell is the Deputy Communications Director for the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending. org.)
We need leaders CONTINUED FROM C1
is that possible?” No, they did not suffer 245 years of enslavement as we did, but that same truth can and should be used by our people today, with our tremendous cache of intellectual and financial resources, as an incentive to work even harder on elevation and not be sidelined by the latest revelation about how bad things are for our people. Our POTUS says the income gap, not the wealth gap, is, “the defining challenge of our time...” Of course, he was not just speaking about Black income, but his words continue to ring true years after he made that statement; but where is the change? He blamed much of that on the politicians, and we fell for it once again, thinking they would eventually do the right thing and help us rise to financial utopia. They would have done it a long time ago, if that were so. Let’s get this straight, brothers and sisters. A redistribution of wealth, which is what it would take, is not going to happen. MLK called for that more than 50 years ago, yet over the past 50 years we have gone down rather up. White folks may give up the political wheel of this ship of state, but they will never acquiesce,
agree, or willingly participate in any effort to cut that 228 year period even in half, much less make it even. Most of their wealth, while earned from the free labor their ancestors enjoyed when we were brought here, is locked down in generational inheritances. Do you really think they will all of a sudden get religion and give that up? Puleeezze! I say enough with “Black Pleadership” that is only concerned about their own elevation as they bow down before their masters and plead to be protected and preserved. I say, no more revelations in reports that provide huge income to those who write them, reports that end up on the trash heap of time that was wasted by Black folks complaining about their contents. If wealth and income gaps are the “defining challenges of our time” then let’s get busy behind real leaders who are willing and able to work with us toward elevation rather than getting stuck reading the voluminous pages of repeated revelation. (Jim Clingman, founder of the Greater Cincinnati African American Chamber of Commerce, is the nation’s most prolific writer on economic empowerment for Black people. He can be reached through his website, blackonomics.com.)
Small Business Workshop
Some Black business owners strain to sell to Black consumers
DESIGNING WORK—In this Aug. 2, photo, Terina McKinney works with Malian mud cloth for her fashion accessories and home decor items in Camden, N.J.
by Joyce M. Rosenberg AP Business Writer
NEW YORK (AP)—When Terina McKinney displays her leather bags and belts at events attended primarily by Black women, they are often interested in her designs, and in her experience as an AfricanAmerican business owner. But she seldom makes sales. “They all ooh and ahh and ask a ton of questions, but don‘t necessarily make purchases,” says McKinney, whose Jypsea Leathergoods products range from $20 to $325. Instead, her customers tend to be White or Asian women. While calls have been increasing for Black consumers to support Black-owned businesses with their buying power estimated at more than $1.2 trillion a year, social media campaigns with momentum like (hash)buyblack are relatively new. And McKinney’s frustration is shared by some other Black business owners who say they can find it hard to sell to Black consumers. The factors can be logistical or practical, such as being located farther away or having higher prices than big chain stories, retail experts and civic leaders say. Scarcity can be a reason: It can be hard to find businesses owned by African-Americans. But other considerations might be emotional, like wanting a trendy design everyone is wearing, or the perception that national brands are better. “There’s a myth that’s been placed on our communities for many generations: White people’s ice is colder. White businesses are superior to Black businesses,’’ says Ron Busby, president of the U.S. Black Chambers, a national business organization for Black-owned companies. “We have to change that mentality. We have to be better, conscientious consumers.” McKinney, who lives in Camden, New Jersey, outside of Philadelphia, says her lower sales to Black shoppers don’t seem to be a matter of money, since she finds that many will spend on well-known labels. Designer Joede Brown has seen similar responses to her crocheted clothing, which sells under the Black Pearl Creations brand from under $30 to up to $500 for the most intricate pieces. She finds Black customers sometimes say her products are too expensive, although they’ll wear a bigname brand that costs the same or more. Brown, who lives in Manchester, New Hampshire, recognizes that a preference for well-known brands isn’t limited to the Black community, but also wonders if buying them is a statement: “You’ve beaten me down, but look, I can have this too.” Consumers who do try to focus their spending on Black-owned companies say finding them requires research, and it can take more time and effort to get there. But locating options is getting far easier, both through local and national social media campaigns and online lists from groups like the U.S. Black Chambers. “This is the only way we as a people can generate wealth, by supporting our own,” says Rebecca Briscoe, of Houston. Her grandfather’s photography company was Black-owned and focused on Black customers from the 1940s onward because
White photographers would not do business with them. “If you don’t support their business, they don’t have a business,’’ says Briscoe. Campaigns like (hash)buyblack and also (hash)bankblack, which encourages people to use Black-owned financial institutions, are having an impact. The (hash)bankblack campaign got a boost last month from rapper and activist Killer Mike, who called on people to shift their money to these banks. OneUnited Bank has gone from 50 new accounts a day to as many as 1,000, says Teri Williams, president of the financial institution that has offices in Boston, Miami and Los Angeles and also operates online. “It’s opening the community’s eyes to the many ways they’re spending their dollars,” Williams says of the campaigns. Businesses that provide a service may have more success than those that sell merchandise, says Jerome Williams, a marketing professor at Rutgers University. “Since service businesses tend to involve more people interactions, the people relationships should prove to be more important, compared to situations where the focus is primarily on the product,” he says. Small and medium-sized retailers can find it hard to compete on price and selection with giants such as Wal-Mart that can negotiate lower prices with manufacturers through their scale. And finding black retailers and service providers across a range of industries isn’t always easy, Jerome Williams says. “As a Black consumer, if I wanted to buy from a Black-owned merchant, there aren‘t enough to satisfy my needs,” he says. The nearly 2.6 million Black-owned companies in the United States account for about 9 percent of the total number of businesses in a country where 13 percent of the population is Black. The 2012 census of businesses found that Black-owned operations made up about 6 percent of all U.S. retailers and about 7 percent of businesses that provide food or accommodation. Financial counselor Harrine Freeman has Black-owned beauty supply and clothing stores, a dollar store, shoe repair and other service providers not too far from her Washington, D.C., home. She has searched online or asked friends and neighbors to find other businesses. But other Black-owned stores might be an hour’s drive away. “I’m willing to drive that far, but that’s not to say I can go there every week,” Freeman says. Many stores in traditionally Black neighborhoods may also have changed hands. In parts of Los Angeles, including the oncemajority Black South Central area, Hispanics have replaced many of the Black residents, and many Black-owned businesses have closed or moved, says Joe Hicks, vice president of Community Advocates Inc. in Los Angeles. Black-owned businesses offer Black consumers distinct advantages—especially if shoppers have felt discriminated against at other places—and can provide services tailored to their needs, says Geraldine Henderson, a marketing professor at Loyola University in Chicago. She cited health care providers who understand medical concerns that may be more relevant to Black patients.
EMSDC use golf as a fundraise and teaching tool Highmark Health concurred that the seminar was a great added addition to the tournament. “I found the clinic to be very helpful,” said Spencer. “As a matter of fact I put what I learned into play right away.” Focused on the information shared about networking and doing business on the golf course, Freeman said she was delighted with the tips she learned on how to leverage and build relationships. Pointing out that the clinics were James’ idea, Cofield said she was pleased with the results. “This is something we will look to move forward with in the future. After learning how golf can be used as a business tool and the rules of the game, attendees spent the after-
noon learning to putt, pitch, and drive and went from the clinic to the greens.” Stepney, a nine-year member of the PGA is a PGA Class A Certified Teaching Professional in Player Development. With a passion and love for the game he says his focus is diversity and inclusion in the game and business of golf. “The game of golf has a great economic impact. It is bigger than most spectator sports,” he said. Dedicated to introducing, inviting and including minorities to the game and opportunities he stressed that it is all about relationships and committed to assisting EMSDC triple the size of next year’s scholarship tournament. Also satisfied with the clinic conducted by Stephey,
James program manager of Highmark Health says he is pleased his company is involved in working with Stephey in preparing MBEs to do business on the golf course. “I see it working both ways; working to improve one’s game by teaching the fundamentals and by developing and improving networking skills.” The awards dinner was also a surprise retirement party for Nichols. Affiliated with the organization for 13 years, he served as president and CEO of the Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council which at the time was known as the Western Pennsylvania Minority Supplier Diversity Council. When the organization underwent a re-organization he became the
chief operating officer. Throughout his career he has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions. Most recently he received the Talk Magazine 2016 Black History Maker Award and the Omega Psi Phi Outstanding Award in the area of Business. In 2015 he received the EMSDC President’s Award and an award has been named in his honor; The Alexander Nichols Lifetime Achievement Award. Pleased with the results of the tournament and excited to be cultivating the next generation of entrepreneurs Cofield said the tournament wouldn’t have been a success without the support of the participants and sponsors such as AEC Group, CDI Printing, Chevron, Cogent, Computer Enterprises,
Inc., Dawood, Frank B. Fuhrer Wholesale, Giant Eagle, Highmark, National Fuel Gas Company, Net Xperts, Pfizer, PNC, Rivers Casino, South Coast Paper, Sun Chevrolet, Tekstrom, UPMC and UPMC Health Plan. The mission of the EMSDC is to stimulate and support economic development with minority-owned businesses. Minorities are considered Asians, Blacks, Hispanics, and Native Americans. EMSDC certifies and connects minority-owned businesses throughout Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and Delaware with member corporations who are committed to supplier development and want to purchase their products, services and solutions.
August 27—The Chatham Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship presents Small Business Basics, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. in the Mellon at its Shadyside Campus. Entrepreneurs will provide lessons learned and experts in areas including sales, accounting, and financing will provide brief presentations and will be available for participant Q&A at this informal workshop. The fee is $30.
State Contracting Networking Opportunity AUG. 31—The Department of General Services will hold a meeting for small businesses interested in sub-contractor opportunities through its Job Order Contracting program, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kingsley Association, 6435 Frankstown Ave. Suite 201, Pittsburgh, 15206. Opportunities involve projects with a value of $300,000 or less. The department estimates there are approximately 62 projects worth a total nearly $8.4 million statewide. Regionally, there are 32 projects in the Eastern region worth more than $4.4 million; 16 projects in the Central region worth nearly 2.4 million; and 14 projects worth nearly $1.6 million.
PowerBreakfast SEPT. 16—The African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pa. presents Robin Nicholson, director of The Frick, 7:30 to 9 a.m. at the Rivers Club, 301 Grant St. 15219 at its September PowerBreakfast meeting. Nicholson will discuss what the museum has in store, and will outline possible business opportunities with The Frick. Cost for members is $20, non-members $30.
Neighborhood Development Tax Credit Deadline SEPT. 16—The deadline for community organizations to apply for the state’s Neighborhood Assistance Program is Sept. 16. The Department of Community and Economic Development has budgeted $18 million for the program which supports local development in depressed neighborhoods under five main categories. For more information, call 1-866-4663972 or visit dced.pa.gov/nap.
25th Anniversary Awards Celebration SEPT. 17—Onyx Woman Networks presents its 25th anniversary award celebration honoring 25 women who are tops in supporting business, social justice and their communities, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, 6300 Fifth Ave. in Shadyside. Evening includes awards reception, buffet, DJ and cash bar. Tickets are $49.95 before Sept. 7, $59.95 afterwards. For more information, call 412731-5159 or visit events@onyxwoman.com.
Payroll Regulation Workshop SEPT. 23—The African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pa., from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., 9th floor board room, the Koppers Building, 436 Seventh Ave. Pittsburgh 15219, welcomes attorneys Elaina Smiley and Tony Thompson of Meyer, Unkovic & Scott to discuss changes to Overtime Pay Regulations. Discussion will include the new salary threshold, effects of bonuses and commissions, and applicability to nonprofits. Cost is $10 for members $20 for non members and includes lunch. For more information, call 412-392-0610.
Business Energy Efficiency Grants THROUGH APRIL 15—The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has to $1,000,000 of grant funding available in the 13th year of the Commonwealth’s Small Business Advantage Grant Program for small businesses that adopt or acquire equipment or processes that promote pollution prevention and/or energy efficiency projects. Applicants must be a for-profit corporation, limited liability corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship or other legal entity with 100 or fewer full-time employees. Businesses can apply for 50 percent matching funds of up to $9,500 to adopt or acquire energy-efficient or pollution-prevention equipment or procedures. Funding is eligible for those costs incurred between July 25, 2016 and June 30, 2017. For more information, contact the Small Business Ombudsman’s Office at 717-772-5160.
SPORTS New Pittsburgh Courier
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AUGUST 17-23, 2016
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
by Aubrey Bruce For New Pittsburgh Courier
On Saturday, Aug. 13, a tractor-trailer pulled up to Vin Scully Dr. The contents of the truck appeared to contain 30 or more pallets stacked with boxes labeled “new industrial strength whoopass-Raid,” pest exterminator. Obviously it worked because the Dodgers caused the Pirates’ to leave 18 men on base twiddling their thumbs and after that scenario one could have assumed that the Bucs chances of leaving “the city of angels” winning two out of three from L.A. were slim and none. The Pirates had many “bugs loose on the rug,” as
Inside Conditions…Pest control the late Pirates broadcaster Bob Prince might say; the supply of “whoopass-Raid” that the Dodgers had on hand was thought to be more than adequate in shutting down the Bucs for the rest of their visit. What a difference 24 hours made because the Pirates smashed the “artful” Dodgers 11-3 the very next day and made it look easy. Pirates’ second baseman Josh Harrison had this to say. “It was a lot of fun to be in the dugout today. It was almost like a flip of yesterday when they got out to a little jump on us. You know, it was good to go out there in the first inning today and put pressure on them right
AUBREY BRUCE away.” Pittsburgh had a fiverun outbreak in the first inning effectively salting the game away. The Pirates had too many bugs loose on the
rug, in corners, crevices and an on the base paths and not enough cans of “WR” to go around for the Dodgers to take the deciding game of the series. As of Monday August 15, the Pirates were 1.5 games out of claiming at least a tie in the NL wildcard race, after beating the Dodgers the team that currently occupies first place in the NL wildcard sweepstakes. Had the Pirates capitalized on just a few of their ill-fated base runners they possibly would be only half a game from the top NL wildcard spot. For the remainder of August, the Pirates are at the Giants for a 3 game series, W-L (66-51) Home against the Marlins and the Astros
for 6 games, both teams 5 games and 4 games above .500 respectfully. The Pirates travel to Milwaukee to face the Brewers for 4 games, although the Brewers are Pirates’ killers they are 14 games under .500. Pittsburgh finishes the month traveling to Wrigley to face the Cubs for 3games. Oh, by the way, the Cubs are 30 games over .500; not exactly a walk in the park for the rest of August. My late and great mother, Henrietta Bruce used to say this when she was serious about anyone or anything,; “one thing for certain and two things for sure,” the Pirates had better run, pitch, hit, catch and throw like every game is a playoff
game or like it’s “1999” because you know what? Every game is a playoff game when your division leader is 30 games over .500 and your teams’ only chance to advance to the 2016 MLB postseason is as a wildcard. The Pirates cannot afford to jog past the graveyard, all the while whistling and pretending that the ghosts and disappointments of past failures don’t exist. The Pittsburgh Pirates have to become the gravediggers and discontinue being the corpses buried at the end of the MLB post season. (Aubrey Bruce can be reached at: abruce@newpittsburghcourier.com or 412-583-6741. Follow him on Twitter@ultrascribe.)
‘Duelo Del Siglo’ Comes to the City of Bridges by Smokin’ Jim Frazier
raffle tickets between fights, Wade Lipscomb doesn’t want to be a Super Hero. For New Pittsburgh Courier Lipscomb, the 24-year-old captain of the Cuba is a small island nation of 12 milPittsburgh Team who competes at Middlelion citizens, “Duelo Del Siglo—Duel of the weight, said these fights mean a lot to the Century”—Boxing on the Bridge was a hisboxers and will be something they can tell toric battle between Team Cuba vs. Team their grandchildren. Pittsburgh and was held on Saturday July Through Paul Palumbo got a late start in 30 on the Roberto Clemente Bridge. boxing, he has made up for lost time with The ring, set up in the middle of the great enthusiasm and a powerful left hand. bridge, and had rows of people on two The former college football player could not sides where cars usually drive across overcome his inexperience against Cuba. the Allegheny River to Downtown or the Lenar Perez Fransua, 18, of Holguin won North Shore. a decision over Palumbo, 23, to extend the The event was free and open to the publead to 6-3. lic, giving thousands of Pittsburgh resiJarrell Brackett, might be the most acdents an opportunity to join in supporting complished amateur boxer to come out of friendships. The event was televised back Pittsburgh since Little Ernie Page (Ernest to the people in Cuba, to jointly celebrate Sharif) and Verquan Kimbrough. Brackett, our Sister City relationship and the new is a Pennsylvania Golden Gloves ChampiU.S. policy possibilities for rapprochement on, a Michigan Golden Gloves Champion with sporting events. and an NCAA Boxing National champion! Michael Diven, a retired state represenUnfortunately nobody from Villa Clara, tative was one of the organizers of the Cuba is impressed with his resume’. “Duelo Del Siglo” fight. Boxing is a sport that requires a treSteve Cunningham Jr., who might be the mendous amount of skill and courage to teams pound-for-pound best boxer. He was become a successful in the ring, but somepractically born boxing. Little Cunningtimes all you need is that knockout power ham was shadow boxing, not long after he and a devastating blow. learned to walk. When the “Pride of MonOsvary David Morrell Gutierrez, 18, of roeville” is not boxing he enjoys playing Villa Clara put away Brackett in the first Pokemon Go. round with one of the most brutal knockCunningham, 13, won a unanimous deouts in the history of Western, Pa. to take cision over Yusbany Roberto Guevara a 7-3 lead. Vazquez, 13, of La Habana to give Team “Theodore Roosevelt said, “It is not critPittsburgh a 1-0 lead. ic who counts; not the man who points out “We were honored to be involved as a KIANTE ERVING upset World 4th Ranked Contender Osleys Iglesias Estrada how the strong man stumbles, or where the family, Big Steve coaching (Steve “USS” doer of deeds could have done them better. Cunningham, two-time world cruiser sat on a bridge in the city? This was truly gathered together. I was so honored to be He credit belongs to the man who is actually weight boxing champion), Little Steve a fun idea,” said Jodi Velazquez, author of able to be a part and witness this historic in the arena, whose face is marred by dust fighting (and winning) and I was the “The Slick Move Guide.” and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; event in our beautiful city.” Team Mom,” said Livvy Cunningham. “An “The atmosphere was unexplainable, Many people at ringside thought that who errs, who comes short again and again, amazing event that faced and overcame so the music of both Cuban and American Hugo Garcia, 18, won all three rounds of because there is no effort without error and many obstacles can’t wait to do it again.” cultures taking turns, the towering build- his fight but the judges seen things differ- shortcoming; but who does actually strive to Nehemiah Hollinger’s dad, Alex Ruiz, ings, the clouds in the sky, the dancers, ently. Damian Guillermo Lescaille Sifon- do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, left his native Cuba at the age of 13. In singers, boxers, trainers, camera crews, tes, 18, of Camaguey got the nod from the the great devotions; who spends himself in May, Nehemiah traveled to Havana with flags, lights, warm weather and a peace- judges and even things up 3-3. a worthy cause; who at the best knows in fellow Pittsburgh amateur boxers to train ful crowd all painted the setting. I don’t “With the competition each fighter went the end the triumph of high achievement, with their Cuban counterparts. This expe- usually sing when the national anthem is up against last night, you are going to have and who at the worst if he fails, at least fails rience paid off for Hollinger. played or if I do it is very low. However, 3 categories,” said Claudio Reilsono, Head while daring greatly, so that his place shall Hollinger ,15, defeated Alexeis Rodri- after hearing the Cuban anthem, the US Baseball Coach CMU and Host of Pitts- never be with those cold and timid souls guez Romero ,16, of Guantanamo to give anthem began and a Cuban woman sit- burgh Ring Talk. “1. Fighters who say, ‘I who neither know victory nor defeat.” Team Pittsburgh a surprising 2-0 lead. Kiante Erving, 21, defeated the No. 4 ting next to me started singing loudly and can do this. I can go to the next level’. 2. Sylvio Cerone, 15, won a split decision I found myself chiming in—louder than ‘For me to go to the next level, I need to ranked fighter in the world Osleys Iglesias over Erislandy Alvarez Borges, 16, of normal! Both boxing teams were so well work harder’. 3. ‘Maybe this isn’t for me’.” Estrada, 20, of Matanzas to end the event Cienfuegos to give Team Pittsburgh a 3-0 disciplined and the fans seemed to be as Isamy Barbaro Mesa Ramos, 18, of Santa on a winning note and close the gap to a lead and it appeared that Team Cuban well. I have high hopes that we see more of Clara defeated Morales Rosalindo to give respectable 7-4. was facing the biggest upset in their coun- these international events in Pittsburgh. “ Cuba its first lead 4-3. “Fantastic venue. Fantastic event. Kitries boxing history. Javier Ibanez Diaz, 20, of Matanzas, de“I want to thank everyone for supporting ante Erving has star written all over him,” Cuba is the winner of 37 Olympic Boxing feated Johnny Spells, 20, to cut the lead me. I lost my fight against a tough oppo- said Claudio Reilsono, head Baseball Gold Medals, more than any other country. to 3-1. nent from Cuba,” said Rosalindo Morales, Coach CMU and Host of Pittsburgh Ring Cuba is the only country that can boast of Edel Acosta Garcia, 18, of La Habana, State Golden Gloves Champion and a U.S. Talk. “He can reach that level with contintwo three-time Olympic Champions: Teofi- defeated Eric Quarles and the momentum Marine. “I will be turning Pro and I believe ued work and continued commitment.” lo Stevenson and Felix Savon. Mark Twain said, “Travel is fatal to prejbegan to swing toward Team Cuba who my skills can only increase from here.” “The “Boxing on the Bridge” event, (Due- trailed 3-2. Luis Rafael Portuondo Cala, 18, of Guan- udice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness lo del Siglo), in downtown Pittsburgh on “Boxing on the Bridge was a night of tanamo won a decision against Wade Lip- and many of our people need it sorely on Saturday night on the Roberto Clemente’ celebrating not only our local commu- scomb, 24, to extend Cuba’s lead to 5-3. these accounts. Broad, wholesome, chariBridge was a visually breath taking expe- nity boxers, but Cuban boxers as well,” Even though he’s a Penn State graduate table views of men and things cannot be rience. Two cultures came together to box said Sindel Taylor, Ms. Allegheny Coun- and a Petroleum Engineer, a Real Estate acquired by vegetating in one little corner in the middle of the bridge. My photos are ty America. “You could feel the amazing agent, boxing coach, part owner of Wade’s of the earth all one’s lifetime.” amazing! When is the last time that you energy in the air as people from all over Barbershop in Homewood and was selling Long Live “Duelo Del Siglo!”
by Bill Neal For New Pittsburgh Courier
:10—What can I tell ya… I’m Black. Deal with it! My thanks to my literary Brother “Tim” for filling in for me last week, as I recovered from yet another successful Achieving Greatness program. Yeah boys and girls, the recovery time is slower and harder! :09—I’ve always been the first one to tell my staff at any level… “You’ll know when you’re done when people stop coming so let me be the first to tell you this, the legend of the Connie Hawkins Summer Basketball League is put to bed for good. On the 40 year anniversary of one of the nation’s Top 10 programs from 1975 - 1995, a dedicated few came to the Savoy to remember the memories.
Overtime
A good time by those who came and those memories will live on forever. The Rankin Gangsters, The Echoes, The Dons, Bump Yes, Clairton’s Finest, The Force, The Homewood Horses, Big’s Storm, Running Rebels, Point Park, Pitt, CMU, North Side, Champions, Rico’s Boys and all the others. Thank You! To those who forgot: You know, those of you that were never heard of before you played in the league, not before or after, those of BILL NEAL you that had the privilege to be on the same court with the great Connie Hawkins, ter, Larry Richardson, Sam Kenny Durrett, Norm Nix- Clancy, Jason Williams, on, Bill Graham, Ron Car- Larry Harris, Bobby Frank-
lin and other legends just to name a few, not to mention the TV, t-shirts, beer, food and all the extras…and the fact that you asked me to do this…to all that chose not to come when you said you would…“You should be ashamed!!!” :08—Here’s your movie trifecta. #1 Star Trek— outstanding. Well done. Great casting…three basketballs . #2 Jason —good, not great. Sets up the next one. I needed more umph! Three basketballs. #3 Suicide Squad—starring Will Smith—okay, but it’s DC Comics, not Marvel. Only two basketballs—but worth seeing. Now shut up. :07—To the lovely lady
who was so nice to me at the Wilkinsburg Dollar General, and you know who you are, you are now in the Locker Room. Keep reading. (Yes people, I go to the Dollar General…who do you think I think I am!) :06—The Olympic virus scare apparently was over-rated. Rio survived the fear. There are some people sitting at home wishing they had made the trip. :05—Justin Gatlin, you fought to get back after the unjust suspensions, but unfortunately you can’t beat “The Bolt,” Usain Bolt that is, but don’t feel bad, nobody can! :04—I keep telling you that Steelers pre-season
doesn’t count so don’t worry about that butt whopping. I also keep telling you that The Emperor, Chuck Noll, would tell ya… “If they didn’t matter, they wouldn’t play ‘em!!!” I go with the Emperor. :03—Word to the wise… USA Olympic Men’s Basketball team, you better wake up before your gold turns to silver. :02—Serena, you’re still the best in the world. You’re just tired. :01—Mark these dates, and do it now or else! Sunday, Sept. 25, the great Eat-N-Park Car Cruise to benefit Caring for Kids. Trophies, prizes, surprises and good food. More info. to come. The 3rd Annual City League Hall of Fame Inductions Saturday, Nov. 5. Get ready. :00—GAME OVER
CLASSIFIED New Pittsburgh Courier
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AUGUST 17-23, 2016
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
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5 days, 30-35 hrs/wk. Eastminster Presbyterian Church in East Liberty. Welcoming spirit with excellent communication, organization and computer skills. Proficient in Microsoft Office and social media. College education and/or church experience preferred. Current ACT 33/34 and FBI fingerprint clearances required. If you are BEST candidate, email resume to: employment@eastminsterchurch.net.
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
POISE Foundation is hiring a full time Administrative Assistant to provide administrative and clerical support. Incumbent must have professional demeanor, the ability to set and change priorities as needed, and interact effectively with boards, committees, community groups and outside vendors. Proficiency and accuracy in MS Office Suite and Advanced Google Suite is required. Knowledge of SalesForce and QuickBooks software is preferred. For information about POISE Foundation and the full job description, visit www.poisefoundation.org. To apply, email cover letter and resume to Karris M. Jackson at info@ poisefdn.org or mail via USPS to POISE Foundation 603 Stanwix Street, Suite 1700 Two Gateway Center Pittsburgh, PA 15222. No phone inquiries please. Finance
BANK INVESTMENT RISK SPECIALIST (Multiple Openings)
The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. has multiple openings for Bank Investment Risk Specialist in Pittsburgh, PA. Work within the Market Risk Management department and provide advanced quantitative and financial analyses utilizing financial risk modeling software programs and modeling tools in support of monitoring market risk. Specific duties include: (i) operating financial models related to market risk, liquidity risk, capital adequacy, regulatory reporting requirements and/or credit/counterparty exposures; (ii) maintaining risk management models including review and validation of data sources, documentation, outputs; (iii) analyzing results of various processes such as VaR models, Potential Future Exposure (PFE) models, economic capital models, liquidity stress tests, backtesting and/or P&L attribution to support current regulatory requirements; (iv) assessing and understanding movements in risk parameters and their impact on risk; (v) leading and executing analytical projects, from solution design and data integrity evaluation through documentation and implementation; (vi) partnering with model developers to design and user acceptance test new market risk models; and (vii) developing reporting infrastructure, including databases, for financial products, leveraging knowledge of computational methodologies and assisting other business groups to better utilize system capabilities and meet requirements. Master’s degree in Computational Finance, Financial Engineering, Statistics, or Applied Mathematics is required. Must know (from any completed university-level coursework, seminars, workshops, or real-world, hands-on experience) the following: (i) market and credit risk management concepts including VaR (Value-at-Risk), CVA, and the Basel Accords; (ii) markets and valuation for financial products including derivatives and fixed income securities; (iii) statistical methods for financial data including regression, statistical inference, time series and forecasting; (iv) stochastic calculus for finance; (v) numerical methods for finance including options pricing by Monte Carlo simulation, Optimization Methods, Finite Difference Methods for Partial Differential Equations; and (vi) financial computing using languages including SQL, R, C++, Python. 40 hours/week, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Interested individuals apply online at www.pnc.com using keyword 246372BR. PNC provides equal opportunity to qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or other categories protected by law. ANNOUNCEMENTS Meetings
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Community College of Allegheny County A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the College will be held on: September 1, 2016 4:00 p.m. Board Meeting CCAC Allegheny Campus Byers Hall 808 Ridge Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15212
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Estate of BERNICE G. DAVIS and BERNICE G. DAVIS TRUST-2009, deceased of Pittsburgh, PA No.02-16-03695 Jonathan G. Davis, Executor and Trustee of The Bernice G. Davis Trust - 2009 c/o Tener, Van Kirk, Wolf & Moore, PC, One Oxford Centre, Suite 2100, 301 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 or to: Nancy L. Rackoff, Esquire Tener, Van Kirk, Wolf & Moore, P.C., One Oxford Centre, Suite 2100, 300 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Estate of ISENBERG, NANCY LEE deceased of Pittsburgh, 3786 of 2016 David A. Friem, Adm., c/o Matthew J. Beam, Esq., Scolieri Law Group, 1207 Fifth Avenue, Ste. 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. c/o Tener, Van Kirk, Wolf & Moore, PC, One Oxford Centre, Suite 2100, 301 Grant Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219
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REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY PUBLIC NOTICE
The Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (ALCOSAN) is accepting Letters of Interest and Statements of Qualifications from Professional Engineering Firms who wish to be considered for the following: PROGRAM MANAGER REGIONALIZATION IMPLEMENTATION CAPITAL PROJECT S446 PROJECT DESCRIPTION This project will advance the Regional Conveyance components of the ALCOSAN Wet Weather Plan in accordance with the requirements of the Consent Decree and with the long term objective of improving water quality while advancing the benefits of a regional sewer system. Interested firms shall submit ten (10) bound paper copies and one (1) electronic copy on a CD in a sealed envelope plainly marked: Statement of Qualifications for Program Manager Regionalization Implementation Capital Project S446 Allegheny County Sanitary Authority 3300 Preble Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15233 Attention: Suzanne Thomas An informational meeting will be held at August 24, 2016 at 10:00am in the ALCOSAN Auditorium at 3300 Preble Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15233 to clarify the goals and purpose of the Request for Qualifications. All submittals must be received no later than 2:00 PM on September 16, 2016. Late submittals will not be considered and will be returned unopened. Additional information and instructions may be obtained by visiting http://www. alcosan.org/BusinessOpportunities/ RFQsRFPs/tabid/182/Default.aspx. All questions should be submitted, in writing, to Suzanne Thomas, at suzanne.thomas@alcosan.org. ALCOSAN encourages third party certified businesses owned and operated by minorities, disadvantaged, women and service-disabled veteran small business enterprises to submit qualification statements or to participate as subcontractors or suppliers to the selected Firm(s). The Firm(s) selected shall be required to utilize minority, disadvantaged, women, and service-disabled veteran-owned small business enterprises to the fullest extent possible. The goals of the ALCOSAN’s Supplier Diversity Policy are listed on the ALCOSAN website at www.alcosan.org. Jan Oliver Director of Regional Conveyance
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LEGAL ADVERTISING
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REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
NOTICE TO PROPOSERS REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR AUDITING SERVICES
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR EMERGENCY TREE AND SHRUB REMOVAL AUTHORITY WIDE IFB# 300-41-16
The Sports & Exhibition Authority will receive proposals for Annual Inspection services related to Heinz Field, PNC Park and CONSOL Energy Center in the City of Pittsburgh. The contract for this work will be with the Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. Inquiries regarding the Request for Proposal should be made to SEA, 171 10th Street, 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, Attention: Taylor Blice – tblice@pgh-sea.com. The Request for Proposal will set forth in detail the conditions of the Proposal, which will include, among other things, the following: (a) Proposals. Proposals shall be submitted in accordance with the Request for Proposal. Proposals may be held open by Owner for acceptance for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days. (b) MBE and WBE Participation. The SEA has goals of 25% MBE and 10% WBE participation in this contract. Consultants will be required to follow the SEA Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Participation Policy as identified in the Request for Proposal. This Advertisement applies to the following Request for Proposal Package: Project Name: Annual Inspection of Heinz Field, PNC Park, and CONSOL Energy Center Request For Proposal Available:August 15, 2016 Time/Date/Location Proposals Due: 2:00 PM, September 15, 2016, Sports & Exhibition Authority, 171 10th Street, 2nd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR Criminal Background Check Services RFP #450-37-16
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Criminal Background Check Services RFP #450-37-16 The documents will be available no later than August 15, 2016 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 1:00 P.M., September 2, 2016 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Parties or individuals interested may obtain information from: Mr. Kim Detrick – Procurement Director/Contracting Officer Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 2nd Floor, Suite 200 100 Ross Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116, Option 1 or by visiting the Business Opportunities section of www.hacp.org A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Development & Modernization 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Board Room Pittsburgh, PA 15219 August 25, 2016 1:00 P.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACP’s has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation. Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh
HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.
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The Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County will receive proposals for Auditing Services as identified below. The agreement for this work will be with the Sports & Exhibition Authority. The Request for Proposals may be obtained after the date identified below from Theresa Bissell, Controller - E-mail: tbissell@pgh-sea. com, Telephone: (412) 393-0200, Facsimile: (412) 393-7104. Project: Auditing Services RFP Available: August 17, 2016 Date/Location for Proposals: 4:30 PM, Friday, September 9, 2016, Sports & Exhibition Authority, Attn: Theresa Bissell, 171 10th Street, 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR PAINTING OF OCCUPIED UNITS AND COMMON AREAS AUTHORITY WIDE (LABOR ONLY) IFB# 300-39-16
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): PAINTING OF OCCUPIED UNITS AND COMMON AREAS AUTHORITY WIDE (LABOR ONLY) IFB# 300-39-16 The documents will be available no later than August 15, 2016 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 11:00 a.m. on September 2, 2016 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, at which time they will be opened and read aloud. Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Solicitation from the Business Opportunities page of www.HACP. org. Questions or inquiries should be directed to: Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116 Opt 1 A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Dept. 100 Ross Street 2nd. Fl. Ste. 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Thursday, August 25, 2016 11:00 A.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACP’s has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation. Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh
HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.
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The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): EMEREGENCY TREE AND SHRUB REMOVAL AUTHORITY WIDE IFB# 300-41-16 The documents will be available no later than August 15, 2016 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 10:00 a.m. on September 2, 2016 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, at which time they will be opened and read aloud. Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Solicitation from the Business Opportunities page of www.HACP. org. Questions or inquiries should be directed to: Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116 Opt 1 A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Dept. 100 Ross Street 2nd. Fl. Ste. 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Thursday, August 25, 2016 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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HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR ROLL OFF CONTAINER SERVICE AUTHORITY WIDE REBID IFB# 300-36-16 Rebid The Housing Authority of the
City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): ROLL OFF CONTAINER SERVICE AUTHORITY WIDE REBID IFB# 300-36-16 Rebid The documents will be available no later than August 15, 2016 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 2:00 p.m. on September 2, 2016 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, at which time they will be opened and read aloud. Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Solicitation from the Business Opportunities page of www.HACP. org. Questions or inquiries should be directed to: Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116 Opt 1 A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Dept. 100 Ross Street 2nd. Fl. Ste. 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Thursday, August 25, 2016 2:00 P.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACP’s has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation. Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh
HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR PROJECT BASED VOUCHER PROGRAM RFP #125-42-16
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Project Based Voucher Program (Phases 1 & 2) RFP #125-42-16 The documents will be available no later than August 15, 2016 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 9:00 A.M., September 30 and November 18, 2016 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Parties or individuals interested may obtain information from: Mr. Kim Detrick – Procurement Director/Contracting Officer Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 2nd Floor, Suite 200 100 Ross Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116, Option 1 or by visiting the Business Opportunities section of www.hacp.org A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 200 Ross Street, 9th Fl. Board Room Pittsburgh, PA 15219 August 24, 2016 Phase 1 October 19, 2016 Phase 2 9:00 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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HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR Compensation Study Consultant RFP #650-32-16
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Compensation Study Consultant RFP #650-32-16 The documents will be available no later than August 8, 2016 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 10:00 A.M., August 26 2016 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Parties or individuals interested may obtain information from: Mr. Kim Detrick – Procurement Director/Contracting Officer Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 2nd Floor, Suite 200 100 Ross Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116, Option 1 or by visiting the Business Opportunities section of www.hacp.org A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Development & Modernization 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Board Room Pittsburgh, PA 15219 August 18, 2016 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.
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
The Sports & Exhibition Authority will receive sealed bids for Multiple Projects as identified below for the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The contracts for this work will be with the Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. Inquiries regarding the bidding should be made to the Sports & Exhibition Authority 171 10th Street, 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, Attention: Ryan Buries rburies@pittsburghcc.com, Telephone: 412-325-6179. Bid Packages may be obtained after the date identified below by emailing rburies@pittsburghcc.com The Instructions to Bidders that is part of the Bid Package will set forth in detail the conditions of the Bid, which will include, among other things, the following: (a) Bids. Bids shall be sealed and submitted on the Bid form provided. Bids will be opened publicly. The contract will be a prime contract with the Owner. Bids may be held open by Owner for acceptance for a period not to exceed ninety (90) days. This Advertisement applies to the following Bid Package: Project: David Lawrence Convention Center Bid Package Name: Sidewalk Repairs Bid Package Available: August 10, 2016 Approximate Value: $20,000.00 Time/Date/Location for Pre-Bid Meeting: August 17, 2016 @ 9:30 AM, DLCC, 1000 Ft Duquesne Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Time/Date/Location for Bid: August 24, 2016 @ 2:00PM, DLCC, 1000 Ft Duquesne Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Project: David Lawrence Convention Center Bid Package Name: North Façade Insulation Bid Package Available: August 10, 2016 Approximate Value: $10,000.00 Time/Date/Location for Pre-Bid Meeting: August 17, 2016 @ 10:30 AM, DLCC, 1000 Ft Duquesne Blvd.Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Time/Date/Location for Bid: August 24, 2016 @ 2:30PM, DLCC,1000 Ft Duquesne Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15222
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Classifieds 412-481-8302 Ext. 140 E-mail: ads@newpittsburghcourier.com Deadline/Closing/ Cancellation Schedule for copy, corrections, and cancellations: Friday noon preceding Wednesday publication
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America’s Best Weekly 315 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
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