America’s best weekly Lamman Rucker stars in new ʻGreenleafʼ TV series
Netflixʼs ʻThe Get Downʼ brings back hip-hop roots
Divided America: Diverse millennials are no voting monolith
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Pittsburgh Courier NEW
VOL. 107, NO. 34
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AUGUST 24-30, 2016
SALA UDIN
SYLVIA WILSON
VALERIE McDONALD ROBERTS
REGINA HOLLEY
Supporters rally for Clinton by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
Assembling at Freedom Corner, several current and former Black Democratic elected officials rallied in support of Hillary Clinton and urged African Americans not to be complacent. “People are saying the election is over, that Donald Trump cannot win—That’s poppycock,” said former Pittsburgh Councilman Sala Udin. “If we sit home on our hands, Donald Trump can win. So we have to make sure we fight like underdogs and get every vote out of the house.” Udin said he is supporting Clinton because she is promising the “biggest urban renewal, jobs development and infrastructure building program since World War II.” “Employment is the first thing among many things that the African American community must have a commitment from the president of the United States, and her commitment that every year 600,000 inmates are released from incarceration An inordinate number of them are African American. They need to be reintegrated
BRENDA TATE
AMANDA GREEN HAWKINS
back into the community. They need to be retrained.” United Steel Workers attorney and former Allegheny County Councilwoman Amanda Green Hawkins echoed Udin’s
CHUCK POWELL
concerns. “Many of my brothers and sisters are deprived of jobs because we need criminal jusSEE SUPPORTERS A4
Multiple mural projects brighten neighborhoods by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
As Pittsburgh students began returning to schools this week, some of them were surprised by new public murals brightening their neighborhoods. Others weren’t surprised—they’d helped paint them. “I’m painting raindrops right now,” said
16-year-old Jo’nelle Arrington as she worked on a mural that now adorns the Community Empowerment Association in Homewood. “I like it because it helps change the community. It makes it happier, makes it better.” The CEA mural was a project of local artist Kyle Holbrook’s Moving the Lives of Kids Community Mural Project. Artist Rashad Jamal mapped out the design for
the students, who he said worked on the project for about five weeks. “I’m a fan of public art because it does a service by providing something other then blight for people to focus on in underserved communities,” he said. “And it gets kids involved—that’s a positive thing. I’d rather have them doing this SEE MURAL A4
by Renee P. Aldrich For New Pittsburgh Courier
A year into her role as the new executive director of Gwen’s Girls, the organization founded by her mother, the late Gwendolyn J. Elliott, Kathi Elliott has infused an increased energyinto the organization and is working to strengthen its mission allowing a more enhanced delivery. With the same specific goal of empowering girls and young women to have productive lives, Kathi Elliot and her staff embrace innovative ways to insure actualization of its vision that girls become self-sufficient adults, equipped and capable of evolving emotionally, physically and spiritually. With a fresh approach MAGIC WATER FOUNTAIN—Gwen’s Girls making magic at water fountain. (Photo by that includes a concenRenee Aldrich) trated focus on achieving NEW
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(TriceEdneyWire)—Pioneering Civil Rights and political journalist George E. Curry died suddenly of heart failure on Aug. 20. He was 69. His death was confirmed by Dr. Bernard Lafayette, a confidant of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and chairman of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, shortly before midnight. “This is a tragic loss to the movement,” Lafayette said through his spokesman Maynard Eaton, SCLC national communications director. “George Curry was a journalist who paid special attention to civil rights because he lived it and loved it.” Curry’s connection to the SCLC was through his longtime childhood friend, confidant and ally in civil rights, Dr. Charles Steele, SCLC president. Steele and Curry grew up together in Tuscaloosa, Ala., where Curry bloomed as SEE CURRY A4
Black Panther Dixon at CEA by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
Gwen’s Girls still making girl magic
Pittsburgh Courier
Famed journalist George E. Curry passes at 69 GEORGE CURRY
equity for Black girls, and additional programming and revamping previous programs, the goal is to make for a more successful environment for the agency and its young women. There have been special events throughout the year designed to provide positive direction. Along with the events, the organization launched an empowerment campaign, #See the Best In me, a series of billboards, and posters which focus on developing healthy self-esteem, critical thinking and advocacy skills that will enable girls to better understand and express themselves about the issues that affect them daily. “This initiative ties into our efforts to promote advocacy to increase the knowlSEE GWEN’S A5
Before there was Black Lives Matter, there was the Black Panther Party for Self Defense. And there was Aaron Dixon. In 1968, in Seattle, Wash., at the personal direction of party founders Bobby Seal and Huey Newton, Dixon—then just 19— formed the first Black Panther Party chapter outside California. In that role, he and his fellow Panthers SEE PANTHER A4
AARON DIXON
Louis ‘Hop’ Kendrick says
Local politics must become a priority Forum A7
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INTERNATIONAL
AUGUST 24-30, 2016 NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Ethiopia says protesting marathoner to be welcomed as hero
This Week In Black History
For the Week of August 24-30 August 24 1854—Dr. John V. DeGrasse, perhaps the most prominent Black person in New England during the pre-Civil War period, is admitted to the Massachusetts Medical Society. DeGrasse was born in New York City in 1825 and graduated from Bowdoin College in Maine. 1950—Chicago attorney Edith Spurlock Sampson is named by President Harry S. Truman as the first African American representative in the U.S. delegation to the United Nations. Sampson was also the first Black female elected judge in the United States. She was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., around 1901 and died in 1979. EDITH SPURLOCK SAMPSON August 25 1862—After a disastrous loss to the South during a battle known as the Peninsular Campaign, U.S. Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton orders the arming of 5,000 Black soldiers in a bid to turn the tide against the pro-slavery forces. The Blacks (both freedmen and former slaves) fought with distinction winning 15 Congressional Medals of Honor. In fact, the Black soldiers were so effective, near the end of the Civil War, the Confederacy, in a desperation move, actually attempted to recruit Black soldiers to the pro-slavery side. 1908—The National Association of Colored NursDANGEROUS PROTEST—Silver medal Ethiopia’s Feyisa Lilesa, crosses his arms as he celebrates on es is founded by Martha Minerva Franklin. At the time the podium after the men’s marathon at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday, Black nurses were not welcomed in the all-White AmeriAug. 21. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno) can Nurses Association. 1925—Six men, led by A. Phillip Randolph, organize friends. tention to deadly protests by Elias Meseret the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters—a union Ethiopia’s state broadin his home region, OroAssociated Press Writer composed of porters and attendants on the nation’s railmia. He told reporters that caster, EBC, did not road passenger cars. The effort was the most successful ADDIS ABABA, Ethiore-broadcast images of Ethiopia’s government is Black labor organizing campaign in American history. The pia (AP)—The Ethiopian Lilesa’s gesture. Some peokilling his people. Brotherhood would go on to become the largest and most marathon runner who ple who were watching live “Oromo is my tribe,” he MARTHA MINERVA FRANKLIN powerful Black controlled union in America including over made an anti-government and cheering for Lilesa said. “My relatives are in 15,000 members by 1959. Randolph would also become a gesture at the Rio Games quickly hushed when they prison, and if they talk major (often behind the scenes) figure in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. He while approaching the saw his gesture. about democratic rights finish line will not face The Oromo are Ethiopia’s played a key role in Dr. Martin Luther King’s famous 1963 March on Washington. Ranthey are killed.” dolph would often boast that his union was a success not because people loved it, but prosecution upon his largest ethnic group with Lilesa “will not face any because it knew how to “push people out of the way.” return home and will have problems for his political about 40 million people. 1927—The first Black person to win the Wimbledon Sin“a heroic welcome,” a govTheir region has seen masstance,” the government gles Tennis Championship, Althea Gibson, is born on ernment spokesman said sive anti-government prospokesman, Getachew Aug. 22. tests since November 2015 this day in Silver, S.C. Gibson won Wimbledon on July 6, Reda, told the state-affilFeyisa Lilesa told report- iated Fana Broadcasting that activists say have left 1957. The all-around athlete died on Sept. 23, 2003. August 26 ers on Aug. 21 that he may Corporate. “After all, this more than 400 dead. 1943—In a primarily token gesture Black Chicago Conbe killed or imprisoned if The protests were ignited is an athlete who secured gressman William L. Dawson is recommended to be the he ever goes back to the by the government’s decia silver medal for his East African country. He sion to annex some Oromia Democratic Party’s vice presidential candidate. For sevcountry.” called protesting inside land into the capital, Addis eral years, Dawson was the only African American in the It was not immediately United States Congress. He would later be joined by New Ethiopia “very dangerous.” clear whether Lilesa plans Ababa. The plan has been York’s Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Dawson served in ConThe silver medalist abandoned, but demonto return. He told reportgress for 27 years, from January 1943 to the time he died crossed his wrists in an strations calling for wider ers that he would discuss ALTHEA GIBSON in November 1970. attempt to draw global at- the issue with family and freedoms have continued. August 27 1963—African American activist and intellectual giant W.E.B. DuBois dies in Accra, Ghana, at the age of 95. Born in Great Barrington, Mass., DuBois was one of the most dominant figures in the African American struggle against racial oppression for nearly 40 years. He helped found the Niagara Movement (precursor to the NAACP) in 1906 and helped organize the first Pan African Conference in London. An educational product of Fisk University in Nashville, Tenn., he also taught at Atlanta University in Atlanta, Ga., and edited the NAACP’s Crisis magazine. Frank Sinatra, Paul Simon by his passing, she said. by Lorne Cook DuBois was a major opponent of Booker T. Washington’s and Billy Joel. “He was sleeping, and he Associated Press Writer grand “compromise” with Whites and he argued frequentHis harmonica solos did not wake this mornly with Marcus Garvey’s Black separatist ideology. Howfigure on many film scores, BRUSSELS (AP)—Beling.” ever, the “attacker of injustice and defender of freedom” gian harmonica player Born in Brussels on April including “Midnight Cowwould eventually become frustrated with the slow, legalToots Thielemans, whose 29, in 1922, Jean-Baptiste boy,” ‘’The Getaway” and istic tactics of the NAACP and the tenacity of American “Sugarland Express,” and illustrious career included Frederic Isidore Thieleracism. He turned to socialism and late in life went into also on the theme music playing with jazz greats mans started playing the self-imposed exile in the West African nation of Ghana. like Miles Davis and harmonica as a hobby and to the children’s TV series W.E.B. DUBOIS Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. would write of him: “History “Sesame Street.” whose solos have figured got “contaminated” by the cannot ignore W.E.B. Dubois because history has to reflect Thielemans, who also on numerous film scores, jazz virus during the Gerhas died. He was 94. man occupation, according played guitar, was honored the truth and Dr. DuBois was a tireless explorer of the truth.” 1975—Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie dies at the age of 83. He had worked by Belgium’s royal family Thielemans died in his to his website. in 2001, when King Albert to modernize the East African nation and rescue his land from foreign White control. sleep in a Belgian hospital His first international Forced to flee Ethiopia when the Italians invaded in 1936, he would later return to lead II gave him the title of on Aug. 22, his manager breakthrough came in a resistance movement which freed the country from European domination in 1941. baron. said. He was hospitalized 1950 when he joined BenSelassie traced his heritage all the way back to the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon Belgium’s royal family last month after a fall, but ny Goodman on a Europeof the Christian Bible. Many Blacks worldwide considered him a holy figure. Indeed, the said it was “deeply moved had been in good spirits an concert tour. He emiRastafarian religion gets its name from his original name Ras Tafari Makonnen. Selassafter an operation on his grated to the U.S. in 1952, by (the) passing away of ie’s full title was “His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I, Conquering Lion of Judah, King Toots Thielemans, one of shoulder. joining Charlie Parker’s of Kings of Ethiopia and elect of God.” the greatest jazzmen.” “He was so happy. He All Stars. He also played August 28 The U.S. National was doing well,” manager with other jazz greats, 1955—The body of Emmett Till is recovered from Endowment for the Arts Veerle Van de Poel said. including Ella Fitzgerald, “We were very surprised” and mainstream stars like granted him the 2009 Jazz the Tallahatchie River near Money, Miss. The 14-year-old Chicago native had been kidnapped, tortured and murMaster Award. dered the previous day for allegedly whistling at a White On the liner notes of one woman. Till’s savage death became a rallying cry for the album, Quincy Jones said early Civil Rights Movement. Justice was never done in he believes “without hesithe case, however. The two White men responsible for his tation that Toots is one of death were found not guilty by an all-White Mississippi the greatest musicians of jury. But both men—Ron Bryant and J.W. Milam—a few our time. months later would brag in an interview with Look magaOn his instrument he zine that they indeed had killed Till. ranks with the best that 1963—The historic March on Washington for jazz has ever produced. Black rights takes place. It was the largest civil rights He goes for the heart and demonstration in American history, drawing people from makes you cry.” throughout the nation to Washington, D.C. It was at this Thielemans hung up march that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous “I his harmonica in 2014 as Have a Dream” speech. health problems linked EMMETT TILL August 29 to his age made it more 1920—Jazz legend Chardifficult for him to take to lie “Yardbird” Parker was born on this day in Kansas the stage. City, Mo. The saxophonist and composer was one of the leading and most influential figures of the Jazz Age. THE 1924—Dinah Washington is born in Tuscaloosa, Ala. NEW PITTSBURGH Her powerful voice would enable her to become one of the COURIER most influential singers of the 20th Century. Sadly, she PUBLISHING COMPANY died of a drug overdose in 1963. 1958—Michael Jackson is born on this day in Gary, Ind. The “King of Pop” was the seventh of nine children. Publication No.: USPS 381940 He died June 25, 2009, apparently after being given a 315 East Carson Street powerful drug to enable him Pittsburgh, PA 15219 to sleep. 1962—Mal Goode bePhone: 412-481-8301 CHARLIE “YARDBIRD”PARKER comes America’s first Black Fax: 412-481-1360 network news commentator when he begins broadcasting for ABC Television on this The day in 1962. New Pittsburgh Courier August 30 is published weekly 1800—The Gabriel Prosser-led slave rebellion is stopped before it can start because of bad weather and betrayal by two slaves who told their White masters of the periodicals impending revolt. Gabriel had meticulously planned the paid at Pittsburgh, Pa. rebellion and organized an estimated 1,000 slaves to parPRICE $1.00 MICHAEL JACKSON ticipate in an attack on Richmond, Va. One historian described the 24-year-old, 6’3” (Payable in advance) rebel as “a fellow of courage and intellect above his rank in life.” After the betrayal, Gabriel and 15 of his co-conspir6 Months.....$25 ators were hanged on Oct. 10, 1800. (Note: Most history texts refer to him as Gabriel Prosser, but, although he was 1 Year....$45 a slave of Tomas Prosser, there is no indication that he 2 Years...&85 ever used “Prosser” as his last name.) 1838—The first African American owned magazine, 9 Month School Rate $35 Mirror of Freedom, begins publication on this day in New York City. POSTMASTER: Send 1966—Prominent civil rights attorney Constance Bakaddress changes to: er Motley is confirmed to the U.S. District Court in New CONSTANCE BAKER MOTLEY York. She thus became the first African American female New Pittsburgh Courier to hold a seat on the federal bench. Motley had participat315 East Carson Street ed in the historic Brown v. Board of Education case which led to the desegregation of the nation’s schools. She was also an advisor to civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Jr. Motley died in September 2005.
Jazz harmonica great Toots Thielemans dies at 94 in Belgium
NATIONAL
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
NATIONAL DEBT IS MAIN CONCERN—Brien Tillett sits in a park in North Las Vegas on July 12.
AUGUST 24-30, 2016
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HOPES COUNTRY WILL UNITE—Briana Lawrence, 21, adjusts a BACKING TRUMP—Anibal David Cabrera, 31, stands in front of a camera in a studio at North Carolina Central University in Durham, mural in the Ybor City neighborhood of Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, N.C., on Thursday, July 14. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome) July 7. AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Divided America: Diverse millennials are no voting monolith by Gillian Flaccus, Tamara Lush and Martha Irvine
Briana Lawrence, a 21-year-old videographer and eyelash artist from Durham, N.C., identifies with those numbers. Associated Press Writers She was just 7 on Sept. The oldest millennials— 11 and the immediate nearing 20 when airplanes aftermath of the terrorist slammed into New York attacks is the only time City’s Twin Towers—are she can remember the naold enough to remember tion feeling united, even if the relative economic pros- only by grief. With $40,000 perity of the 1990s and in student debt, she’s when a different Clinton working hard to establish was running for president. her own cosmetic business The nation’s youngest after graduating from adults—now nearing 20 North Carolina Central themselves—find it hard University. She plans to to recall a reality without vote for Hillary Clinton, terrorism and economic but feels America has lost worry. its way. Now millennials have “My biggest hope for this edged out baby boomers as country is for us to come the largest living generback together as a commuation in U.S. history, and nity. As a United States of more than 75 million of America, to unite together them have come of age. again,” she said. How they vote on Nov. 8 But millennials know will shape the political that getting to that place landscape for years to won’t be easy. Many, like come. Yet with less than Lawrence, are saddled three months to go before with college debt and have Election Day, the values struggled to find jobs. of young Americans whose In Denver, 1,600 miles coming-of-age was bookto the west, Downard also ended by the Sept. 11, has almost $40,000 in stu2001, terrorist attacks and dent debt that’s already the Great Recession are changed her path. A dual emerging as an unpreU.S. and Mexican citizen, dictable grab bag of fiscal she feels she can’t afford conservatism and social to work for an overseas liberalism. organization—one of her What they share is a dreams—and plans to palpable sense of disilludelay having a family at sionment. least 10 years. As part of its Divid“We went to college in ed America series, The pursuit of a better life and Associated Press spent really, now, we’re kind of time with seven millenjust paralyzed by our stunial voters in five states dent debt,” said Downard, where the oldest and who works for a nonparlargest swath of this tisan organization that generation—ages 18 to works to improve youth 35, as defined by the Pew voter registration. “You Research Center—could can’t even think about have an outsized influence those sorts of alternative in November. They are a options.” uniquely American moIn part because of these saic, from a Black teen in economic pressures, a Nevada voting for the first 2014 Pew Research Center time to a Florida-born son poll found that—for the of Latino immigrants to a first time in more than White Christian couple in 130 years—adults ages 18 Ohio. to 34 were slightly more Taken individually, these likely to be living with voters illustrate how their parents than with a millennials are challengspouse or partner in their ing pollsters’ expectations own residence. And one in based on race, class and four millennials say they background in surprising might not ever marry, a ways, reacting to what Pew survey found. they see as the loss of Only 8 percent of young the American Dream. adults feel their houseThey are intent on shaphold’s financial situation ing something new and is “very good,” and educaimportant that reflects tion and economic growth their reality—on their own ranked No. 1 and No. 2 terms. as the issues that will “Millennials have been most influence their vote, described as apathetic, according to the GenForbut they’re absolutely ward poll. not. I think you can see “We might be in a ‘goodfrom this election year ish’ finance situation right that they’re not, and that now as a country, but I millennials have a very was always taught there’s nuanced understanding ups and downs in the of the political world,” finance world and with evsaid Diana Downard, a ery up, there’s a down. So 26-year-old Bernie Sandwe should be preparing for ers supporter who will that down to come,” said vote for Hillary Clinton. Brien Tillett, who graduat“So yeah, I’m proud to be a ed this spring from a high millennial.” school just miles from the Just 5 percent of young Las Vegas Strip. adults say that America is Tillett, who turned 18 “greater than it has ever in July, was 10 when the been,” while 52 percent recession hit and sucked feel the nation is “falling the wind out of his family. behind” and 24 percent His mother, a single parbelieve the U.S. is “failing,” ent, was in a car accident according to a GenForthat hospitalized her for ward poll released last three months and, with month. The first-of-its no safety net, the family kind survey of young peostruggled. ple between the ages of 18 “It was to the point and 30 was conducted by where I would not ask the Black Youth Project at my mother to go hang out the University of Chicago with my friends because I with the Associated Press- didn’t want her to worry NORC Center for Public about money,” said Tillett, Affairs Research. whose brush with insolFifty-four percent believe vency has deeply influonly a few people at the enced his views. top can get ahead in The national debt is his today’s America, and 74 No. 1 concern. percent say income and As a young Black man, wealth distribution are he’s turned off by reuneven, according to the marks by Donald Trump poll. that he finds racist and
They serve meals with their church at inner-city soup kitchens in nearby Columbus and have a mix of political views that, Bill Clay says, comes from following “the lamb, not the donkey or elephant.” Kristi Clay opposes same-sex marriage and abortion and names those as her top issues this election. Yet the 32-yearold school librarian is still reluctantly leaning toward voting for Clinton. “You have to look at the big picture,” she says. Bill Clay, meanwhile, FORMER SANDERS SUPPORTER—Diana Downard, 26, a Bernie shares his wife’s views Sanders supporter who now says she will vote for Hillary Clinton, on the more conservative has drinks with friends at a pub in Denver on July 6. (AP Photo/ issues, but they hold what some would consider more Brennan Linsley) liberal views on matters ers under 30 have “hardly such as immigration. xenophobic, but likes any confidence” that the Trump’s aggressive “If we’re going to try to Republican presidential stance on the economy. be Christian-like, and em“We’re trillions of dollars nomination process is fair brace people, I don’t think and 38 percent feel the in debt and that should you can shut the borders same about the Democrat- to an entire group of not be happening,” said ic process, according to the people just because of the Tillett, who started runGenForward poll. ning track at a two-year fear that some of them Bill and Kristi Clay, college this month. don’t like us,” said Clay, young parents and devout 33, who voted for Barack He strongly considered Christians from rural voting for Trump, but Obama in the last two Ohio, offer a portrait of will now vote for Clinelections, but supported millennials struggling to ton because Trump has Republican Marco Rubio choose a candidate who become “a loose cannon” this time. in recent weeks. Still, he’s matches their values. Yet that strong faith has They have two sons, 4 angry about Clinton’s use not helped him find much and 6, and are adopting a of a private email server inspiration in the current when she was Secretary of child from the Philippines. candidates, both of whom State. “We have to basically question if we can truly trust her with all of our nation’s secrets,” he said. Anibal David Cabrera was in high school when Tillett was just a small boy—but he’s part of the same generation. The son of a Honduran mother and Dominican father, he graduated from college in 2008 as the recession was picking up steam. A finance major, he wanted to work for a hedge fund or bank, but the economic collapse meant jobs had dried up. Eventually Cabrera, now 31 and living in Tampa, Fla., got an accounting job at a small tech firm. A Jeb Bush die-hard in the primaries, he’s now supporting Trump and hopes the business mogul can make good on his promises. “My biggest hope for the country would be a prosperous economy. That is something my generation has kind of never seen,” Cabrera said. Shared pain does not lead to shared views among his generation. Millennial voters’ disdain for traditional party affiliation have made them particularly unpredictable. Half describe themselves as political independents, according to a 2014 Pew Research report—a near-record level of political disaffiliation. As a generation, they tend to be extremely liberal on social questions such as gay marriage, abortion and marijuana legalization. Yet they skew slightly conservative on fiscal policy and are more in line with other generations on gun control and foreign affairs. Trump remains wildly unpopular among young adults, however, and nearly two-thirds of Americans between the ages of 18 and 30 believe the Republican nominee is racist, according to the GenForward poll. Views of Hillary Clinton also were unfavorable, though not nearly to the same extent. Many millennials are angry that Democratic challenger Sanders has withdrawn and are disillusioned with the electoral process. Forty-two percent of vot-
he sees as self-serving and unwilling to budge on important issues. “I’m feeling a little pessimistic this year,” he said. The Clays say they will vote no matter what, but whether their millennial brothers and sisters do the same is an open question. The millennial vote rose steadily beginning in 2002 and peaked in 2008, with excitement over Obama’s first campaign. In 2012, however, just 45 percent of millennials cast ballots and participation has leveled off or dropped ever since, said John Della Volpe, director of polling at Harvard University’s Institute of Politics. “They have a somewhat different perspective in terms of politics, “Della Volpe said. “It hasn’t really worked. They haven’t been part of a movement that’s been effective.” Yet Tillett, the teen in Nevada, exudes youthful idealism as he talks about casting his first vote in a presidential election. “It means a lot to me personally because I’m making a difference in my life and in the country. My vote does matter,” he said. “It really does.”
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AUGUST 24-30, 2016
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
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Community Calendar
Multiple mural projects brighten neighborhoods
19th Amendment Honors Celebration
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AUG. 24—The Greater Pittsburgh Business and Professional Women’s Club will celebrate the ratification of the 19th Amendment, giving women the vote, at the Rivers Club. The event will honor Alma Speed Fox, Lynette Lederman, Jean A. Milke, Maranie Rae and Youth Awardees. To register, call Bonnie DiCarlo at 412-480-5247 or JoAnn Forrester at 412-440-6969.
than just running the streets. It keeps them out of trouble, or at least I like to think so.” But Jamal isn’t the only one thinking that way, or using murals to revive the spirits in underserved Black communities. On Aug. 6, just a few blocks away, at the YMCA Home-
wood-Brushton Child Development Center, artist Lynne Mack mapped out a mural, in paint-by-numbers fashion, that six student then completed. It was one of four such projects sponsored by PPG as part of its global Colorful Communities initiative that, in partnership with the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, is
Summer Health and Wellness Event AUG. 26—VA Butler Healthcare will host a health and wellness event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside the primary care entrance at its 325 New Castle Rd. facility. The event will feature a farmer’s market where you can purchase locally grown, farm-fresh produce, information on VA Butler’s wellness programs, fitness demonstration, an acupuncture demonstration, health screenings, and a healthy grilling demonstration by dietitians Rachelle & Courtney. Free samples will be available for attendees.
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., in East Liberty, 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.
JO’NELL ARRINGTON painting rain drops on the parking lot.
now sprucing up schools and community centers back home in Pittsburgh. Sue Sloan, PPG executive director of corporate global social responsibility, said Colorful Communities provides PPG volunteers and products along with financial contributions to bring color and vitality to communities where the company operates. In addition to providing renovation assistance, PPG also offered program grants of $10,000 for each Pittsburgh organization to enrich programming related to science, math and technology learning. “Each project is an opportunity for PPG to enhance, protect and beautify our neighborhoods by revitalizing and transforming community spaces and buildings,” said Sloan. “We know that bright colors can lift spirits and moods and impact people in positive ways. And no project would be complete without the expertise and enthusiasm of our employee and community volunteers.” More than 60 Pittsburgharea PPG employees joined the kids, volunteering their time to paint and refurbish classrooms and corridors at the four sites. The other mural sites were Propel Pitcairn, which was completed Aug. 10, the Jeron X Grayson Center that Cares in the Hill District, com-
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 part-time 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.
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. 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.
MAD DADS 10th Anniversary Awards Gala SEPT. 18—MAD DADS will host its 10th anniversary gala beginning at 6 p.m. at the August Wilson Center, 980 Liberty Avenue, Downtown. The event features cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, music by Sandra Dowe, and a program and awards ceremony. Tickets are $35 and are available at the box office or by phone at 412-456-6666.
Benefit Golf Outing SEPT. 19—Tri-County Patriots for Independent Living will host a golf outing starting at 11 a.m. at Lone Pine Country Club, 2755 Park Ave., Washington, Pa. The outing will benefit the capital campaign renovation of its new headquarters and community center. For more information contact Joann Naser at 724-2235115 or at jnaser@tripil.com.
Famed journalist Curry passes at 69 THE COMPLETED MURAL
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a civil rights and sports writer, as Steele grew into a politician and civil rights leader. Curry graduated from Druid High School before enrolling at Knoxville College in Tennessee. At Knoxville, he was editor of the school paper, quarterback and co-captain of the football team, a student member of the school’s board of trustees, and attended Harvard and Yale on summer history scholarships. Curry began his journalism career at The St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He also served as a reporter for Sports Illustrated, New York bureau chief and as Washington correspondent for The Chicago Tribune and a contributing editor and columnist for The St. Louis American. “We at The American were especially saddened to hear of his passing,” said Publisher and Executive Editor Donald M. Suggs. “He was an important advisor and mentor to the paper as we worked to develop our current model with respect to editorial direction.” Curry is perhaps best known for his editorship of the former Emerge Magazine and more recently for his work as editor-inchief for the National Newspaper Publishers Association from 2000-2007 and again from 2012 until last year. As editor-in-chief of Emerge, Curry led the magazine to win more than 40 national journalism awards. He was also elected president of the American Society of Magazine Editors, the first African American to hold the association’s top office. His work at the NNPA has ranged from being inside the Supreme Court to hear oral arguments in the University of Michigan affirmative action cases to traveling to Doha, Qatar, to report on America’s war with Iraq. He traveled with the Rev. Jesse Jackson and offered a weekly commentary on “Keepin’ it Real,” the syndicated radio show of Rev. Al Sharpton. At the time of his passing, Curry he was raising money to fund Emerge News Online, a digital version of the former print magazine. Curry was the author of “Jake Gaither: America’s Most Famous Black Coach” and editor of The Affirmative Action Debate and The Best of Emerge Magazine. He was editor of the National Urban League’s 2006 State of Black America report. His work in journalism has taken him to Egypt, England, France, Italy, China, Germany, Malaysia, Thailand, Cuba, Brazil, Ghana, Senegal, Nigeria, the Ivory Coast,
Mexico, Canada, and Austria. In August 2012, he was part of the official U..S. delegation and a presenter at the U.S./Brazil seminar on educational equity in Brasilia, Brazil. While working as a Washington correspondent for The Chicago Tribune, he wrote and served as chief correspondent for the widely praised television documentary Assault on Affirmative Action, which was aired as part of PBS’ Frontline series. He was featured in a segment of One Plus One, a national PBS documentary on mentoring. Curry was part of the weeklong Nightline special, America in Black and White. He has also appeared on CBS Evening News, ABC’s World News Tonight, The Today Show, 20/20, Good Morning America, CNN, C-SPAN, BET, Fox Network News, MSNBC, and ESPN. After delivering the 1999 commencement address at Kentucky State University, he was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters. In May 2000, Lane College in Jackson, Tenn., also presented Curry with an honorary doctorate degree. Later that year, the University of Missouri presented Curry with its Missouri Honor Medal for Distinguished Service in Journalism, the same honor it had earlier bestowed on such luminaries as Joseph Pulitzer, Walter Cronkite, John H. Johnson, and Winston Churchill. In 2003, the National Association of Black Journalists named Curry Journalist of the Year. Curry was also well known for his commitment to sowing into the careers of aspiring journalists of color by way of education, experience and mentorship platforms. He became the founding director of the St. Louis Minority Journalism Workshop in 1977. Seven years later, he became founding director of the Washington Association of Black Journalists’ annual high school journalism workshop. In February 1990, Curry organized a similar workshop in New York City. Curry was chairman of the board of directors of Young DC, a regional teen-produced newspaper; immediate past chairman of the Knoxville College board of trustees; and served on the board of directors of the Kemba N. Smith Foundation and St. Paul Saturdays, a leadership training program for young African American males in St. Louis. Curry was also a trustee of the National Press Foundation, chairing a committee that funded more than 15 workshops modeled after the one he directed in St. Louis.
ANGEL WILLIAMS, 17, from Homewood, painting arrows on the wall. (Photos by J. L. Martello) pleted Aug. 20, and the Boys & Girls Club of Southwestern Pennsylvania in Shadyside, completed Aug. 23. Mural artists D.S. Kinsel
and Dante Lombardi from the Boom Concepts artist co-op designed the Grayson Center mural. (J.L. Martello contributed to this story.)
Supporters rally for Clinton CONTINUED FROM A1
tice reform, and federal assistance with gun violence,” she said. “Both issues take many working age people out of our economy every day. We could have a million jobs, but without reform in those areas, many people will not get those jobs. I’m glad to support Hillary Clinton for those reasons.” Pittsburgh School Board members Silvia Wilson and Regina Holley said Clinton’s commitment to justice, equality and education make her deserving of Black voter support. “Hillary is an advocate for children,” said Holley. “She started her advocacy working for Marian Wright Edelman, and she will continue that work by helping our students and parents get out of poverty. We need everyone to vote for Hillary Rodham Clinton.” Valerie McDonald Roberts, Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto’s chief urban af-
fairs officer, said that with racist organizations supporting Trump, and his own calls to limit Muslim and illegal immigration, Blacks must vote for Clinton. “The African American community knows the issues, we need to send the message that heart and souls of America, that Hillary Rodham Clinton is fighting for, is often times in our hands,” she said. “We will not tolerate hate, divisiveness suppression and repression. We are America and will vote appropriately. So you better run to the polls— you better run scared.” Some others attending the rally included retired Pittsburgh police officer and Democratic Party delegate Brenda Tate and retired Director of Diversity Affairs and Community Outreach for the Urban Redevelopment Authority Chuck Powell. (J.L. Martello contributed to this story.)
Panther at CEA CONTINUED FROM A1
were able to turn their Panther chapter into a center of militant Black activism and community service. They founded a free medical clinic that still operates today, started the city’s first free food bank, founded five breakfast programs for school children, free legal services, and all the while continued the national battle against the Vietnam War, against police brutality, and for Black power. On Aug. 12, he brought that history of activism to the Community Empowerment Association’s Black Family Reunion, joining in panel discussions and arguing against the institutionalized racism he sees permeating every element of American society. “It’s embedded in every system of society, from education, health, the just system, housing, entertainment, economics and development,” he said. “It has created a society that has been unequal across racial lines since its inception.” He also signed copies of his 2012 book, “My People are Rising: Memoir of a Black Panther Captain.” Rashad Byrdsong, CEA founder and a former Panther, himself, said having Dixon attend was significant. “This year is the 50th anniversary of the Black Panther Party, and Aaron actually recruited me into the party when I was just 19,” said Byrdsong. “So I think it’s important that he’s here, especially given that some of the things going on in the country today parallel what was happening in our movement of the 1960s” One of those parallels, Dixon recounted, was the
shooting of “little” Bobby Hutton, whose funeral he attended along with many others including actor Marlon Brando. “He was like a lot of these kids today, when he came out of school he couldn’t read or do math. Joined the panthers at 14 and he learned, ended up as treasurer,” said Dixon. “Anyway, after Martin Luther King was shot, about 18 (well armed) panthers— without any approval went looking for some kind of revenge. They got into a shootout with police and little Bobby and Eldridge Cleaver go into an abandoned house police surround house. Eldridge wounded they decide to give up. He comes out with his hands up and they tell him to run to the police cars. When he did, they opened up on him and shot him 10 to 15 times. He was 17 years old. “What’s different,” he said, “is there is very little alternative news. Its all corporate bullcrap. We have the ability to change our condition that’s what (Rashad) is doing. But we are so brainwashed that we are waiting for someone to come down and save us.” He said the best way to heal the community is having an environment where they are together and there is a lot of love. “When you don’t have that, you have people suffering from post-traumatic stress,” he said. “Now, we’ve always had that because of what we went through with slavery, but we had community, we had family, we had love. So you didn’t see the effects as much as you see it now.” (J.L. Martello contributed to this story.)
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HELPING TURN THEIR LIVES AROUND
Gwen’s Girls still making girl magic CONTINUED FROM A1
edge of our staff as well as the girls. Also girls were taught how to advocate for themselves as well as their community,” Elliot said. New programming includes STEMpowered—instruction that is comprised of critical thinking and problem solving competencies that are critical 21stcentury skills. “We opened our own dedicated laboratory in May of 2015. “And the Heinz Endowments funded us to implement a heath science club for high school girls and we’ve hired a full-time STEM coordinator,” she said. “Also are Health and Wellness Programming and a revival of the Mental Health and Case Management piece that was suspended as a result of funding issues. “Stem Labs are housed at all three of our sites, North Side, Lincoln Park Community Center and in Clairton.” Two other events were a Blacks in Media Panel last fall, in conjunction with the Pittsburgh Black Media Federation, and Girls Who Network, in partnership with The Pearl Club. Both of these not only connect to the “Best in Me campaign, but provide important instruction on the importance of networking, building confidence and the making of their image. An essential new element was the establishment of the Gwendolyn J. Elliott institute and expanding the 2nd annual signature event to a two-day conference— Equity Summit and Award Dinner, Oct. 13-14, at the University of Pittsburgh William Pitt Union. The Equity Summit will be a time of education, collaboration and inspiration. Kathi Elliott said, “our ultimate goal is to leave with an action agenda for addressing the disparities that impact women and girls across the domains of education, health, juvenile justice and child welfare.” Figures shown in their own reports, demonstrate the systems where Black girls are disproportionately im-
KATHI ELLIOT pacted by punitive action. Within the welfare system, Black girls are six times more likely to be referred and removed from the home than their White counterparts. State Education reports show that within the classroom; they are five or six times more likely to be suspended or expelled; and, according to the juvenile systems’ own annual report, the numbers are even worse, showing that Black girls are 11.6 times more likely to be referred to juvenile probation for the same minor offenses—defiant behavior and/or simple assault—that White girls are not referred for. “The establishment of the Gwendolyn J. Elliott institute with its vision of supporting research, providing training and serving as a clearinghouse for best practices in research and programming that empowers young girls and women, will be the vehicle which we’ll use to be a part of uncovering solutions to some of these equity issues through research that examines these factors,” said Kathi Elliott. The lack of research being done around issues rele-
vant to Black girls and a desire to give further validation to the work being done at Gwen’s Girls, generated the initial inertia and conversations around forming the Institute. Comprised of members from various organizations in the city, including Chatham College, Carlow University, CCAC, Indiana University of Pa. and the University of Pittsburgh, their meetings continue to lay the foundation around policy and procedures on conducting research internally. Kathi Elliott shares, “We see these conversations as a growing necessity due to the amount of requests we receive for our girls to complete surveys or to participate in some type of study. We see our job as making sure that integrity is maintained, that we benefit from the studies, and that we are at the table from beginning to end.” Co-Chairs of this year’s Summit are Dr. Kathy Humphrey, senior vice chancellor for Engagement, chief of staff, and secretary of the Board of Trustees at the University of Pittsburgh and Toni Silva of UPMC.
GWEN’S GIRLS ENJOYING THEMSELVES (Photos by Renee Aldrich)
AUGUST 24-30, 2016
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OPINION
AUGUST 24-30, 2016 NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Farewell to the teacher, Rev. Jason Barr
Guest Editorial
Trump insults voters of Pennsylvania Donald Trump is making some reckless and potentially dangerous remarks about the presidential election in Pennsylvania. The Republican presidential candidate has argued that he has strong momentum in the state and that “the only way we can lose, in my opinion, I really mean this, Pennsylvania, is if cheating goes on.” Trump made those remarks while speaking at a recent campaign rally in Altoona. At the rally, Trump also said it was “shocking” that Pennsylvania does not require photo identification to vote. Trump is wrong. There is absolutely nothing shocking that the state does not require photo identification to vote after studies have found very few instances of voter fraud in Pennsylvania and nationwide. In a 2014 study, Loyola University Law School professor Justin Levitt found just 31 incidents of voter impersonation out of more than 1 billion ballots cast in a 14-year span. Fortunately, the state’s voter ID law was struck down in 2014. What is shocking is that Trump would argue that the only way he could lose the state would be if there was cheating. Despite his claim of growing momentum, recent polls shows Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton leading Trump by substantial margins in the Keystone state. Trump is acting like a sore loser weeks before the general election is held on Nov. 8. But more than being a sore loser, Trump’s call to backers to be extra vigilant and watch for signs of cheating on Election Day is dangerous. “I hope you people can sort of not just vote on the 8th—go around and look and watch other polling places and make sure that it’s 100 percent fine,” Trump told his supporters. Trump said: “We’re going to watch Pennsylvania. Go down to certain areas and watch and study and make sure other people don’t come in and vote five times.” Trump’s offensive implication is that his supporters who are predominately White Republicans from rural counties have to go monitor areas that traditionally vote Democratic, which is more urban and more African American. Campaigns are allowed to appoint poll watchers on Election Day to observe the process for irregularities but Trump’s remarks are divisive and could lead to potential conflicts between voters.
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The passing of Rev. Jason Barr came as a shock and a big surprise to me; he will be missed. Reverend Barr’s death at only 61, once again, makes you wonder about God’s plans. Reverend Barr was one of His supreme biblical teachers in the city and I would go to say the country. Unlike most preachers who preach the Word, Rev. Barr had me bringing my note pad and study bible to church service just like I used to do in Bible Study. I met Rev. Barr years and years ago, not sure if it was the ‘80s or ‘90s when I was doing religious features for the Courier as a freelance writer. He was then a young preacher from the South, confused and wondering why Macedonia had called him to preach there, yet, they fought his every step to bring the church around to the modern day church, working toward reaching the young people. Macedonia still had the pipe organ and opera like singing. Well, it was very, very deep into the old Baptist way of doing things. He broke from all that. He broke from women’s days, men’s days, deacons’ days and even pastor’s anniversaries. He concentrated on getting the word out to the young and old. He eventually got his way as the old people, or elders, died off or left the church. He built Macedonia into the largest church in the Hill District and many say, at one time, it was second only to Mt. Ararat in congregation. He moved it from two partially attended services to three packed Sunday services. The church choir and musicians moved from the traditional hymns, to more upbeat lively music that young people could relate to. Under the leadership of Rodney McBride, they had one of the greatest musicians, choirs and overall music ministries in the city to go with his great organizational and teaching skills. And later, the church expanded to
Ulish Carter
Just Sayin’ plays and intense Bible study classes led by Rev. Barr. After doing the feature on him, I left my old church to hear this man preach and never went back. After suffering from a brain aneurism in 2007, Rev. Barr had to step down from the pulpit. Then, after another accident while dropping his son off at college, he lost a lot of his short term memory. I must confess, when Rev. Barr stepped down it was like listening to other people doing an Aretha Franklin song. Nice, but not Aretha. I have a lot of respect for Rev. Brian Edmonds, who has taken over and done a great job. But I guess I’m like the old people that Rev. Barr was talking about when he first took over in 1988, those who were still loyal to Rev. Alfred L. Pugh, who Rev. Barr replaced. Reverend Pugh was a great preacher, but he retired. I pray everyday for God to give me the guidance to either go back to Macedonia or lead me to another teacher like Rev. Barr. I also pray that the old heads, like myself, will not send Rev. Edmonds through the trials the old heads did to Rev. Barr. I’m sure that when Rev. Barr comes face to face with Jesus he will say, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” I also offer my condolences to Kim Barr, his wife, who is one of the nicest women I’ve ever met. Reverend Barr was a Courier Man of Excellence and Kim Barr was a
Woman of Excellence. *** I’m finding it hard to believe that nobody knows anything about the death of Jamar Hawkins. Last week, we did a story on Wynona Hawkins-Harper’s quest to find the killer of her son, Jamar, who was gunned down two years ago after an argument at a grocery store. I would think that if he wasn’t involved in drugs, the person he had an argument with had something to do with the death. But who am I? I’m not a police investigator. I pray that they find his killer because if you kill once, you will kill again. And the longer this person is free in the streets the more lives are in danger; if he hasn’t already killed again or someone got him. *** I am sick and tired of hearing about Hillary Clinton’s emails and how she needs to be in jail. Did anyone get killed? No. Did anyone get physically injured? No. Did any of America’s great security secrets leak out? No. So what is the big deal? Let’s get on to the real issues. The economy. Who…. will Clinton or Donald Trump be able to create more jobs and do what Bill Clinton did during the 1990s? That is build an economy of jobs that included people of all races, sexes and ages. Who will also keep our kids out of foreign wars while making sure our youth are the best educated in the world? That is what’s important. And please…I’m sick of hearing that Trump can’t be trusted with the nuclear weapons. Trump is nobody’s fool; he’s not going to start a war that will include nuclear weapons because nobody wins in that kind of war. Trump may talk crazy, but he’s not crazy. Let the voters decide who should be president based on the issues. (Ulish Carter is the managing editor of the New Pittsburgh Courier.)
Donald Trump’s appeal for Black votes Trump: “What do you have to lose by trying something new?” African Americans should be wary about supporting Donald Trump for any public office because he does not have our best interest at heart. Public service means service to everyone you are elected to serve. In the case of Trump, his constituency would be broken up into Black and White, and further divided by class among the non-White constituents. They would be divided by Mexican, Muslim, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, Caribbean and others. The White constituency would be given preference followed by the non-Black others and finally the Blacks. Trump has lots of racial history to support this theory. In 1970, the Trump organization was cited by the Department of Justice for housing discrimination. His rental agents were told to mark all applicants by Blacks with a “C.” Of the 16,000 apartments controlled by Trump, only 700 were rented to Blacks in select locations. His organization faced this same charge again in 1978. In 1989, Trump stirred up racial controversy when he published a full-page ad in the New York Times, calling for the death penalty for five innocent teenagers, all Black or Hispanic, who had been accused of raping and beating a jogger in Central Park. According to Eugene Puryear of Justice First, Trump was using racist discourse about Black thugs, criminals and Black animals roaming the park to racialize the incident. The five youths were convicted, but later acquitted after a sixth man confessed to the crime. Even after the acquittal, Trump was unrepentant. A recent message on Twitter asked: “What were they doing in the park, playing checkers?” In the mid ‘90s admitting his racist tendencies, Trump told John O’Donnell, president of Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino, that he hates “Black guys counting my money!” He added that “the only kind of people I want counting my money are short guys that wear yarmulkes every day.” To Trump, “laziness is a trait in Blacks.” Several years later, Trump didn’t bother to deny it: He admitted, “The stuff O’Donnell wrote about me is probably true.” Donald Trump was the person who brought Barack Obama’s birthplace into question. Ironically, it wasn’t because he really thought Obama was not eligible to be president of the United States, it was done to appeal to the GOP voter base and set the stage for a 2016 presidential bid. During an interview on the Today Show he was asked if he had people in Hawaii researching Obama’s birth records. He responded: “Absolutely and they cannot believe what they are finding. I’m serious.” The truth is Trump never requested a copy of Obama’s birth certificate from Hawaii or any other country. As late as May 4, in an interview with CNN’s Wolf Blitzer, Trump tried to shift the blame for the birther movement to Hillary Clinton. Trump: “You know who started the birther movement? You know who started it? Do you know who questioned his
Walter Smith
Commentary
promised “Law and Order.” Here are some of the things Trump can do if he wants a relationship with the Black community. 1. Admit to and apologize to the Black community for housing discrimination. 2. Invite the “Central Park Jogger Five” to Trump Tower for an apology. 3. Publish a full page Ad in NYC’s African American newspapers apologizing for advocating the death penalty for the five young men. 4. Apologize to Barack Obama for his birther rhetoric. 5. Apologize to Mexicans and other non-White American citizens for his insulting characterization. 6. Apologize to African Americans for the insulting remarks made in West Bend, Wis., in his characterization of Black neighborhoods and his dog whistle promise of “Law and Order.” 7. Apologize to America’s Muslim community for insulting and negative characterization of the family of a fallen U.S. soldier. 8. Apologize to African Americans for the voter suppression procedures implemented by members of the Republican party and resolve to protect voting rights for every American citizen. 9. Admit that he is now, always has been, and will continue to be a racist as long as he believes that America belongs to people of European decent especially those from the United Kingdom. Trump’s presidential campaign mirror national elections since 1864. The campaign rhetoric has always been a tug of war between supporters and opponents of African American issues. Since the days of FDR, the Black vote has been with the Democratic Party. In the aftermath of previous elections, Blacks realized little or no progress or rewards for their votes. Police brutality is the primary issue facing African Americans today, yet group protests against killing of unarmed young Black men by White police officers is considered criminal activity and is not a major focus of those who seek our vote. America’s political system is in need of change especially as it pertains to its Black citizens. Our issue of police brutality needs resolution, but Trump and Giuliani are not the ones to do it. What do we have to lose? Every civil rights gain made in the last five decades. Register and vote but make sure your vote counts for you!
birth certificate, one of the first? Hillary Clinton. She’s the one that started it. She brought it up years before it was brought up by me.” That was a blatant bold faced lie. Trump’s rhetoric belies his underlying motives. Trump doubled down on his assessment of Mexicans as drug dealers, rapist and murderers. He says he is going to build a wall to keep Mexicans out of America and has no such plans for a wall barring Canadians and Europeans. Trump, along with his water boy Rudy Giuliani, has called the founders of Black Lives Matter criminals and has inspired a move to have them labeled as terrorists. Trump does not believe in the 1st Amendment as it pertains to “Black Lives Matter.” Trump is the champion of the 2nd Amendment as it relates to White persons only. He supports police who shoot and kill Black men who have legal permits to carry firearms. In Trump’s appeal to for votes, he presents a positive plan for organizations such as Veterans and non-college, blue-collar Whites. To all other groups he promises negatives. For Mexicans, he promises deportation, decimation of families, and a wall to keep them separated from America and their American families. For “Muslims” (Middle Easterners) he promises a ban on travel and extreme vetting. For young Black men, he, along with his puppet Giuliani, promises them “Law and Order,” a dog whistle to this voter base (non-college, blue collar White males) and a police controlled neighborhood with orders to shoot to kill in any and all confrontations. In Trump’s opinion, America will not be safe until it is rid of its dangerous young Black males. In the eyes of the Trumps of the world, every neighborhood that is predominately non-White is an area riddled with crime drugs and dangerous killers. He with his proposed Attorney General, Rudy Giuliani, will invade these neighborhoods with their “Storm Troopers” and rid America of these dangerous criminals. In Trump’s appeal for the Black vote, he didn’t promise to secure funds for (Walter Smith is publisher of the New York better schools, demolish dilapidated buildings, pave streets, improve gar- Beacon) bage collection, create alternatives for criminal activity for survivThe New Pittsburgh Courier welcomes all responsible al, provide train- viewpoints for publication. All letters should be typewriting subsidies for ten and contain writer’s address and phone number for the un-employed, verification. All letters will be edited for clarity and length. create and enforce Address all letters to: Letters to the Editor police reform and New Pittsburgh Courier, police/community 315 East Carson Street relations or monPittsburgh, Pa. 15219 itor police activYou may fax your letter to 412-481-1360, or via e-mail to ity in the Black letters@newpittsburghcourier.com. communities. He
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Shirley Chisholm and the fight for equal rights for all women (NNPA)—With a woman heading the ticket of the Democratic Party, it may be challenging for us to remember that women have had the right to vote for less than a century (and Black folks less that). But the 19th Amendment that gave women the right to vote was ratified on Aug. 18, 1920, just 96 years ago. At Congresswoman Bella Abzug’s, D-N.Y., insistence, Congress designated Aug. 26 as Women’s Equality Day in 1971. The first part of the joint resolution of Congress reads, “Whereas the women of the United States have been treated as second class citizens and have not been entitled to the full rights and privileges, public or private, legal or intentional, which are available to male citizens.” Reading the words reminds me how far women have come, how far we still have to go, and how little the status of women of color is included when we speak of the status of women. How far have we come? Few would have predicted that an African American would win an election and effectively lead the United States for eight years, few would have predicted that a women would have more than a fighting chance of winning the United States presidency. And yet the very campaign that signals progress is also one that illustrates how much more work needs to be done before women’s equality is attained. Too much of the rhetoric around Secretary Clinton’s candidacy is downright sexist. She should
Julianne Malveaux
Commentary be judged by her positions and there should be absolutely no talk about her looks, hairstyle, attire or tone of voice. No man could stand the kind of scrutiny that she has had to endure. No man has ever been subject to such scrutiny. The continuing saga of sexual harassment at Fox News is another example of the distance we must travel to reach women’s equality. The company’s former CEO, Roger Ailes, is accused of multiple counts of sexual harassment, and this is a clear case of where there’s smoke, there’s fire. One wonders how many other companies have similarly hostile work environments and how often women, simply attempting to earn a living, are placed in the position of having to manage unflattering comments, downright harassment, coerced sex and even rape. There are documented cases of women being raped in the military then being discharged because they can’t work with their rapists. And let’s not get started on some of what happens on some campuses. That a Palo Alto judge sentenced a Stanford student to a scant six months in a rape witnessed by another student is amazing. That his father actually decried the sentence as too high a price to pay for a few minutes of “action” speaks to how much work we have to do to reach women’s equality. And ain’t I a woman. What about Black women’s equality? It chagrins me that Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm’s, D-N.Y., historic run for president has been all but ignored in much of the media frenzy about candidate Hillary Clinton. However, it does not surprise me given the many ways African American women’s contributions are sidelined, marginalized or simply ignored. African American women earn less their White counterparts do, but head more households and have more economic responsibility. African American women are far less likely than their White counterparts to be found in the “C” suite in corporate leadership, and far more likely to be further down the ladder in every aspect of life in our nation. While people say they saw the glass ceiling shatter with Hillary Clinton’s nomination, others saw the millions standing at the sticky floor with few opportunities to climb up to that glass ceiling. Those standing on the sticky floor are disproportionately women of color, especially those who earn low wages and have fewer opportunities than others. Maybe Hillary Clinton will bridge the gap when she pursues a progressive economic agenda that includes fair and equal pay, affordable childcare and other benefits for working women. There has been significant progress for women since the 19th Amendment was passed, significant progress since Congress designated Aug. 26 as Women’s Equality Day. Yet women still don’t have even a third (not to mention half) of the seats in the House of Representatives or the Senate, nor in any state legislature in the nation. Women aren’t even 10 percent of our nation’s corporate leaders. Women still face hostile work environments. While commemorating the progress that has been made in nearly a century, we must also ask whether it will take another century to reach real equality for all women.
(Julianne Malveaux is an author and economist. For more information visit juliannemalveaux.com.)
Local politics must become the priority The presidential This upcoming election as we all election in NoLouis ‘Hop’ Kendrick know takes place vember provides every four years. you and I with Billions of dollars an excellent come ffrom all opportunity to sources, local, meet a current nationwide, world candidate that wide, illegal, has been in office legal and a untold over 20 years, number of sources Congressman who just invest in a potential future Mike Doyle. The Black voters in his situation. There are those of us locally congressional district have supported who delude themselves that they are him overwhelmingly and they deserve playing a role in whom becomes the the opportunity to meet him. In fact, next president. These persons would I believe that the voters deserve the serve the local communities well by opportunity to witness Congress Doyle working to reestablish our families, in a public debate with his opponent, their own families, ensuring that we who is a very competent young Black share in the rebuilding across Alleghe- man. In all of the years that you ny County. have supported Congressman Doyle This presidential race is the longest have you ever witnessed him in your most drawn out campaign I can recall. neighborhoods, in the library, church, I am not impressed by either one; in community center debating an oppofact, it proves what I have maintained nent. If not, why not? for a long period of time, “there is not a There are five Black elected offidime’s worth of difference between the cials in the congressman’s district, candidates.” three council members and two It is the utmost importance that we, Pennsylvania State Representaas citizens and voters, become knowltives. Call or write them and insist edgeable about who we vote for, why that they use their influence with we vote for them, and what contribuCongressman Doyle to have a public tions they have really and truly made debate with his opponent. Those that have improved our quality of life. of you who have voted every elecAsk yourself do you really know those tion for him have earned the right local politicians that you have been to witness him elaborate on his voting for? Have you ever met them? overwhelming contributions to his Have they been to your neighborhood congressional district. (Louis “Hop Kendrick is a contributor to the and discussed what they have been New Pittsburgh Courier.) doing to improve it? If not, why not?
To Tell The Truth
The blow to Martin Luther King Jr.’s other cheek Riot apologists end J. Pharoah arguments by quoting Martin Luther King Jr., “Riots are the voice of the unheard.” But what did King mean? King used the phrase on different occasions after riots broke out in American cities in 1965. King wanted to extend the struggle for equality beyond the southern states and needed to reach a new demographic that denounced non-violence. Also in 1965, the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) sought to break away from traditional civil rights tactics. Eventually Stokely Carmichael emerged as SNCC’s new chairman chanting a new slogan: Black Power In 1966, during a CBS interview, King was questioned about the rejection of non-violence. King admitted there was a vocal minority, but pointed out, most were on his side. King said, “I contend that the cry of ‘Black power” is, at bottom, a reaction to the reluctance of white power to make the kind of changes necessary to make justice a reality for the Negro. I think that we’ve got to see that a riot is the language of the unheard. And what is it that America has failed to hear? It has failed to hear that the economic plight of the Negro poor has worsened.” King understood the language of civil disobedience which declared segregation immoral and broke its laws to be heard. King didn’t chastise he sympathized with the outcry against immoral conditions. But it was also the only option for acceptance outside the Deep South. 1967 was a year of violence. The New York Times reported in 1967 alone, there were four-dozen riots and over one hundred lesser incidents of civil unrest. King made a speech earlier in the year at Stanford University. This time King said, “Riots are socially destructive and self-defeating…So I will continue to condemn riots…But at the same time riots don’t just come out of thin air …Certain conditions continue to exist in our society which
must be condemned as vigorously as we condemn riots.” King also said during that speech, “That in a real sense it is impractical for the Negro to even think about mounting a violent revolution in the United States.” He made this statement because the promoters of “Black Power” were attempting to organize an armed insurrection. The Chicago Tribune reported in August 1967 Stokely Carmichael, black power advocate, said on Havana radio, “American Negros have no alternative but to wage guerrilla war in the cities … The only solution to America’s racial problems is the destruction of capitalism.” The Tribune also quoted a Carmichael speech from the previous year when he called riots “rebellions” and urged Negros “not to obey any law we didn’t take part in.” That same year Stokely Carmichael and Charles V. Hamilton published a book called, “Black Power: The Politics of Liberation in America.” The term institutional racism was originated and defined in this book. King also published a book called, “Where do We go From Here? Community or Chaos.” Carmichael and Hamilton’s book was praised. King received mixed reviews. One critics said King was finished as a national leader. He was outstripped by his times, overtaken by events he helped produced but could not predict. He is not likely to regain command. Recently, in Milwaukee, another riot erupted over a police shooting. This time no white or unarmed person was involved. A Black officer shot an armed Black man. Rioters chanted “Black Power” as they burned down stores. And a Black alderman said, “Black people are tired of oppression. This is a warning cry. Where do we go from here?”
Doss
Commentary
(J. Pharoah Doss is a contributor to the New Pittsburgh Courier. He blogs at jpharoahdoss@ blogspot.com)
AUGUST 24-30, 2016
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Raynard Jackson
Commentary
Why Republicans need to stop hating on Trump (NNPA)—Any member of an organization that truly cares about the group will not hesitate to hold the leadership accountable for the group’s actions, if they deem them to be inconsistent with the mission of the group. This is because they want to see the group succeed in fulfilling its mission. Many in the Republican Party have criticized Trump’s campaign, not because they want Trump to win, but because “they” don’t want to lose. They don’t want to lose their “power.” They want to be re-elected to their various congressional and gubernatorial offices strictly for the sake of having power, not because they want to pursue a specific agenda. We, the voters, have put Republicans in office, but it seems as though before their hand is removed from the Bible, they are giving President Obama everything he wants including funding for Syrian refugees, Trans-Pacific Partnership, amnesty for illegals, entitlements for homosexuals, increased budget deficits, etc. So when people like me criticize our party we are told that we are “not being good Republicans.” I have no idea what that means. If we didn’t give a damn about our party, then we would most assuredly remain silent out of a sheer sense of apathy. But, like a concerned parent, because we do care we are compelled to speak out when we see our party losing its way. So I find it kind of frustrating when Republicans constantly criticize the candidacy of Donald Trump. The people who are most vocal in their opposition to Trump have never used this same type of energy to criticize Hillary Clinton or Barak Obama. To have so many Republicans actively embrace Hillary Clinton is mind-blowing. Those who have accused me of being too critical of the party all of a sudden have laryngitis when it comes to those who have endorsed Clinton. I challenge my readers to compare me with those who have endorsed Clinton and been held up as moral heroes of the party. All of us have impeccable party credentials. We all have proven track records of being “good Republicans.” I will allow you, the reader, to figure out the only difference between them and me. This should be rather obvious and not too hard to figure out. So, I challenge Trump, and especially his transition team, to put a simple litmus test on anyone who wants to serve on the transition committee and a future Trump administration. Every person who wants to be on the Trump transition team should be required to publicly endorse and support the Trump campaign. If they are not willing to do so, they should be barred from serving in any capacity. The liberal media is practically throwing money at anyone who is Republican and will to talk badly about Trump. All of a sudden Black Republicans are in great demand on CNN and MSNBC, but only for those who will savagely criticize Trump and all things Republican. The ironic thing about all these Black Republicans, who have suddenly been filled with righteous indignation over Trump, is that they have not lifted their voice one iota about the lack of Black staffers in congressional offices and throughout the Republican Party. These Black Republicans who are bashing Trump rarely help Black college students get an internship on Capitol Hill. They have little to no relationship with the Black community. In other words, they had laryngitis during the past decades of the party simply ignoring Blacks; but Trump, who has utilized more Blacks in key positions than the sum of the sixteen candidates he beat during the primary, they want to get rid of. One criticism I will lay on Trump is that he has hired more Black Democrats than Black Republicans and that I have a major problem with. But, again, where are these Black Republican puppets on CNN and MSNBC on issues like this? They are getting their thirty pieces of silver and are neither concerned with the greater good of the party nor our community. Very few of these Black Republicans even acknowledged the RNC’s recent move to hire Shannon Reeves as a consultant. In the words of “Pookie an’ dem,” Shannon is a real OG (original gangsta). For the uninitiated, he is an experienced pro who knows what the hell he is doing and has street cred. Most of these jokers on TV have no idea who he is. Reeves was the former National Director of State and Local Development for the Republican National Committee (RNC). He is a lifelong member of the Church of God In Christ. He is the only person ever to serve simultaneously as an elected NAACP President and an elected officer of the California Republican Party. Reeves is one of the smartest political operators in the country, bar none. He will be creating a national database of Blacks that will be used for future elections. Reeves is the gold standard by which all future hires must measure up to. (Raynard Jackson is founder and chairman of Black Americans for a Better Future. For more information about BAFBF, visit www.bafbf.org.)
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AUGUST 24-30, 2016 NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
LIFESTYLES New Pittsburgh Courier
Jones leads athletics fundraising at Clarion B3
AUGUST 24-30, 2016
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
COGIC Vermont, Pittsburgh 22nd Holy Convocation B2
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Debbie Norrell
Lifestyles Report Stay at Home Tea In my mind this started out as a story about celebrating a birthday over the Internet. I wanted to let people know how much I enjoyed over 100 birthday wishes, the pictures of the cakes, flowers and videos. While I was thinking about the story, it reminded me of a “stay at home tea.” I remember that years ago, my mother received an invitation to a “stay at home tea.” In the envelope that came by mail there was a tea bag and a letter with a request for her to donate to an organization. I have always thought that it was a clever and funny idea, and I think more groups should try it. That was a light bulb moment or in the words of Oprah, an “ah-ha moment.” I think the “stay at home tea” was the early version of crowdfunding. Here is what is recommended for a “stay at home tea.” Write a letter describing your organization––its goals and what the money raised will be used for. Include a statement acknowledging how busy everyone is and that this “nonevent” can be held at the recipient’s convenience. Invite them to sit down, put their feet up, enjoy the tea and relax. Suggest they donate what they would have spent on a typical fundraiser, but also include a suggested donation amount. Doesn’t this sound familiar? How often do you receive address stickers in the mail and then a request to donate a suggested amount? You have already received something of a small monetary value, now it is up to you to feel guilty and generous at the same time, and write a check for the address stickers. I normally keep the stickers and never make a donation. I must admit, there is a tinge of guilt when I put the stickers into my drawer, and consistently use them for the bills and letters that I send out by mail. I’m sure a lot of people did the same thing with the tea bags––they drank the tea and never sent in any money. Crowdfunding and GoFundMe accounts appear to be very successful for some people. I see people using them for funerals, floods, business startups and to pay off bills. I have never participated in crowdfunding, although, I have been asked to on numerous occasions. I think in some cases this is a very unorthodox way of raising money. In essence, I am being asked to fund either a dream or a disaster, either send your money because you want breast augmentation surgery or your house has burnt down and you don’t have any insurance. But a stay at home birthday party isn’t a bad idea. I didn’t have to cook any food or hire a caterer and I did not have to rent a space to host my friends. I felt loved and liked and Facebook even put together a video for me when the birthday was over. Pretty impressive. The “stay at home tea” is alive and well. (Email the columnist at debbienorrell@aol.com)
SALON OWNER WITH GUEST—Betsy Parks and client Ache Smith.
SOLA SALON OWNERS—Yvette Royal and Faye Blair
SALON OWNER WITH GUEST—Faye Blair with vendor Rayna Carter.
by Debbie Norrell Lifestyles Editor
On Aug. 6, Sola Salon Studios and the multiple stylists that share that space celebrated their one year anniversary in East Liberty by hosting a unique open house. The public was invited to come in and visit the technicians and their guest
SALON OWNER WITH CLIENT—Stephanie Thompson and client Velaria Bradley.
SALON OWNER WITH GUEST—Vendor Renay Warren and Michelle Slater. vendors. There were clothing and jewery vendors as well as a woman that did henna designs on hands. The story of Sola is an interesting one. The “condo concept” of individually owned salons in one building began with two gentlemen in the mid-west. The residents of Sola Salon Studios are given the freedom and benefits of salon ownership without the upfront costs and risks associated with opening a traditional salon. Each technician has their own space that they can freely decorate and they pay a weekly fee that includes utilities. The East Liberty location has nine spaces accommodating barbers, hair stylists and estheticians. Manicures, pedicures and facials are also available. Sola Salon Studios is located at 5921 Baum Blvd., in East Liberty.
SALON OWNER WITH GUEST—Lui and salon owner Miranda Ganoe. (Photos by Debbie Norrell)
SALON OWNER—Angel
SALON OWNER WITH CLIENT—Grace Kosko and Jackie Caterino
SALON OWNER WITH CLIENT—Chaz Young and client Tammy Capani.
SALON OWNER WITH CLIENT—Jess Morrison and Alexis Bartholomew
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RELIGION
AUGUST 24-30, 2016
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Praise & Worship
Church Circuit Church Dedication Weekend
ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH
AUGUST 26-28 - Mount Zion Family Worship Center, 460 E. Pittsburgh, McKeesport Blvd., North Versailles. Pastor Chris and Maggie Brown celebrate 7 years in the ministry. Join us for a special pastoral anniversary program Aug. 28 at 5 p.m. Musical guest Spirit Filled Music Ministry. Guest minister are: Aug. 26—Church Dedication Bishop Richard Garlington at 7 p.m. Aug. 27—Pastor Connie Brooks at 1 p.m. Aug. 28—Pastor David Brock at 5 p.m. Pastoral Anniversary Dinner. For more information call 412-853-2432.
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.
Music on the Hill
www.metropolitanbaptistchurch.com metropolitanbaptist2224@gmail.com
SIXTH MOUNT ZION BAPTIST CHURCH 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.
BISHOP LORAN MANN preaching his Official Day Sermon. (Photos by Jackie McDonald)
FIRST LADY EVANGELIST BARBARA MANN
COGIC Vermont, Pit sburgh 22nd Holy Convocation
East Liberty Presbyterian Church
AUGUST 27—The sixth season of Music on the Hill at Beulah Presbyterian Church, 2500 McCrady Rd., 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—The 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.
Rev. Dr. Randy Bush, Senior Pastor 412-441-3800 116 S. Highland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206
www.cathedralofhope.com
Summer Worship........10 a.m.
Unity for the Community
Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community
BISHOP DAVID HERRON, guest BISHOP ROGER HAIRSTON, EVANGELIST BEVERLY REV. GEORGE MATTHEWS, speaker guest speaker VAUGHN, guest speaker guest speaker from Alabama.
Women’s Conference
For rate information, call 412481-8302, ext. 128. We are looking to feature our positive youth in ENJOYING THE the church com- A MEMBERSERVICE munities. You Jackie McDonald can e-mail, fax or by For New Pittsburgh Courier mail their bios and The anticipation of an ex-
citing week of special services was not disappointing as the Vermont and Pittsburgh delegates merged at Pentecostal Temple COGIC, in East Liberty, to be a part of the Vermont Ecclesiasti-
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.
Power of Prayer Breakfast
Former Pittsburgh Steeler ULDOUGLAS MILLER, guest re- MOTHER LILLIAN GRAY, super- ISH BOOKER, Holy Convocation cording artist visor of women delegate cal Jurisdiction’s 22nd Annual Holy Convocation. The spirit-filled event, scheduled every August, is enjoyed and supported by the Pittsburgh community as stated by Pentecostal Temple Pastor and Jurisdictional Prelate Bishop Loran E. Mann. He further stated that there is always
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
SEPTEMBER 3—Morningside COGIC, 5173 Dearborn St., in garfield will host its Unity for the Community from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come out and join us for food, fun and fellowship says Pastor Elder Lamont B. Shields and Congregation. Last year they gave away more than 1,000 backpacks stuffed with school supplies and more than 300 food bank boxes to the residents of Garfield, Homewood and East Liberty. This year the focus will be raising funds to build the Lamont B. Shield Community Connection Senior and Youth Center. For more information, call 412853-2022.
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
a blessing for all when “God’s sons and daughters come together in worship... as one...regardless of your church’s title.” Each day, the 11 a.m. Morning Manna service was conducted by the prolific Bible Revelator, Evangelist Beverly Vaughn, of Connecticut, who provided the spiritual catalyst that impacted the hearts and minds of all who attended. The evening services featured noted recording artist Douglas Miller, of Ohio, who introduced and sung his newest gospel rendering as well as psalmist Damon Little, of Baltimore, and Pittsburgh’s own Minister Curtis Lewis Jr. Musicians and choirs from area
churches also participated to experience the week’s high praise. The preached Word was offered by several guest speakers that included Rev. George Matthews, founding pastor of New Life Interfaith Ministries in Bessemer, Ala.; Bishop Roger Hairston, founding pastor of Temple Of Faith COGIC, Columbus, Ohio; and Bishop David L Herron, prelate over the Ohio Central East Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the COGIC. Supervisor Of Women Mother Lillian Gray preached the Women’s Day service. Bishop Mann concluded with his Official Day Sermon by emphasizing the convention’s theme, “Rediscovering Unity.”
SEPTEMBER 10—Carrone Baptist Church’s, 7119 Frankstown Ave., Homewood, Breakfast will be held at 9 a.m. at the Hosanna House, 806 Wallance Ave., Wilkinsburg. A $25 donation is requested. All are invited to come pray, eat and fellowship at this spiritual outreach. For more information call 412-371-9919.
Church Choir Festival
SEPTEMBER 24—The Urban M. Garrett/Dr. Major Mason III Families of McKeesport, present its Church Choir Festival featuring Morning Star Baptist Church of Fairmont, W.Va., and other local choirs and male chorus at 2:30 p.m. The host church is 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.)
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.
ENJOYING THE EVENING––From left: Syraitha Thaxton, Tonya Reed, Jackie Cobb, Janet Manuel and Veronica Sutherland.
PEOPLE
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
AUGUST 24-30, 2016
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Northside Oldtimers Annual Youth March for Peace
ACTIVE YOUTH—Many youth marched in the Northside Oldtimers Youth March for Peace.
YOUTH INVOLVEMENT—Many kids carried signs.
ON THEIR WAY TO WEST PARK—The youth marched through the North Side to West Park.
POLICE WITH YOUTH—Pittsburgh police not only stopped traffic, but they also walked with youth during the march. (Photos by J. L. Martello)
MIDGET FOOTBALL PLAYERS—North Side midget football team marched for peace.
Jones leads athletics fundraising at Clarion
Chris Jones has joined Clarion University Foundation Inc. as the director of development for collegiate athletics. In this position, Jones will seek to secure gifts of $25,000 and above from donors, with his main focus on gifts which support Clarion athletics. “This is an opportunity to lead a department in building and cultivating relationships, as well as securing funds for our student-athletes,” Jones said. “It places me on a team of colleagues who are passionate about Clarion athletics and the university as a whole.” He is especially excited to be part of Clarion University’s sesquicentennial celebration. “As we celebrate the first 150 years, it will be a great opportunity for us to tell our story to donors and supporters, articulating what we need for us to see another 150 years and beyond,” Jones said. A former student-athlete, Jones has a passion for securing funds for intercollegiate athletics. “Unless we solicit on their behalf, they go without,” he said.
“Jones brings to the position education focused on college athletics, past experience in the field as an athlete, coach, administrator and development officer, and his passion for all things athletic,” said Michael Keefer, CEO of Clarion University Foundation, Inc., said. Jones previously served as executive director of the athletic booster club and coordinator of annual giving and special events for Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Mo. As booster club director, Jones built the club from the ground up. He directed fundraising efforts for the club and provided its leadership and man-
CHRIS JONES
agement. As coordinator of annual giving, he was a member of the development team responsible for the highest fundraising total in Lincoln University history. Prior to his time at Lincoln, Jones served first as athletics development assistant, then as athletics development coordinator for North Carolina Central University in Durham, N.C. He also had worked as marketing director for the semi-professional Carolina Chargers football team. His professional memberships include: National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics, National Association of Athletic Development Directors, Council for Advancement and Support of Education and Association of Fundraising Professionals. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. Jones graduated from North Carolina Central University in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education and in 2013 with a master’s degree in athletic administration. His alma mater has selected him as a 2016 honoree in their annual 40 Under 40 recognition. He will be honored at a gala in October.
AT AN EARLY AGE—Children of all ages participated in the North Side March for Peace.
ENTERTAINER New Pittsburgh Courier
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AUGUST 24-30 2016
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
Cover To Cover
‘You’re the One I Want’ by Terri Schlichenmeyer For New Pittsburgh Courier
Mine, mine, mine. When you were 2 years old, that was your favorite word. Everything you saw belonged to you, somehow, one way or another. If you liked it, it was yours. If you didn’t like it, it was yours, too. And as you’ll see in the new novel, “You’re the One I Want” by Shane Allison, some people never outgrow that. Don’t think Bree didn’t notice that Deanthony was at Kashawn’s birthday party. Some might think it natural that he would be—they were twins, after all, so Kashawn’s birthday was Deanthony’s birthday, too. But Bree didn’t think Deanthony would dare show his face after what happened. She surely hoped he wouldn’t tell anyone that they’d slept together, because Bree was married to Kashawn. THE ‘GREENLEAF’ CAST—From left: Kim Hawthorne as Kerrissa Greenleaf, executive producer Oprah Winfrey as Mavis McCready, Lamman Rucker as Jacob Greenleaf, Why did she do it? Bree Lynn Whitfield as Lady Mae Greenleaf, Tye White as Kevin Satterice, Desiree Ross as Sophia Greenleaf, Merle Dandridge as Grace Greenleaf, and Keith David as Bishop didn’t have an answer to James Greenleaf. that. She loved Kashawn, that was for sure. He was a doctor, respected in their
Lamman Rucker
Pittsburgher stars in new ‘Greenleaf ‘ TV series by Paige K. Mitchell For New Pittsburgh Courier
community and he was smoking-hot. He loved her, too, though he knew she had a shady past as a dancer at a local gentleman’s club. He treated Bree like a queen, so there was no reason for her to sleep with Kashawn’s brother, except that she couldn’t resist the way Deanthony looked at her. Deanthony had always been a little jealous of Kashawn. Truth was, he was in love with Bree and he couldn’t understand why she’d ever choose Kashawn over him. He was better for her in so many ways, and he knew she’d be happier with him—just as long as she never found out what he did after he left Florida to follow his dreams. Bree’s BFF, Tangela, had a plan. That was nothing new; Tangela was always planning on Bree’s behalf because it was all about Bree, wasn’t it? She was always making Bree’s life better, making Bree’s marriage better, getting Bree what she thought she needed, helping Bree make Kashawn happy. All that, it was something Tangela hated, just as she hated Bree because Tangela really just wanted Kashawn for herself. And here’s the thing: much like Bree, Tangela always got what she wanted; plus, she really wasn’t Bree’s best friend. Tangela wasn’t anybody’s friend… Sounds complicated? Yes, it is, somewhat. Confusing conversation between characters doesn’t help any either—but then again, scintillating dialogue isn’t why you’d pick this book up. Filled with explicit sex, profanity, violence, lies, and cheating, “You’re the One I Want” is an over-the-top story that you might not decide to read in public because it’s steamy. I say that so you’re clear that this novel is predictable and nasty, but readable. It’s not horrid, but it is hot. And if you need that kind of escape, grab “You’re the One I Want” and make it yours. (“You’re the One I Want” by Shane Allison, c.2016, Strebor Books, $16/$22 Canada, 317 pages.)
Pittsburgh’s very own Lamman Rucker takes daytime television to the next level in his new hit starring role, as Jacob “Greenleaf” in Oprah Winfrey’s OWN Television network new drama series, “Greenleaf.” “I believe this show resonates with so many people because the cast does such an excellent job by driving home the real feel of family and real life issues that many have experienced and can relate to,” said screen actor, activist and educator Rucker. “We are facilitating the dialogue and giving people a program that brings to life some sensitive topics that we don’t always like to talk about. The show is believable.” “Greenleaf” premiered June 21. The show airs every Wednesday at 10 p.m. The show plot takes place in Memphis at Calvary Fellowship World Ministries within the Greenleaf family. Where issues takes place circulating around scandals, secrets, adultery and sibling rivalry. Executive producers for the series are Oprah Winfrey, Clement Virgo and Craig Wright. “Hopefully, the show encourages and inspires healing. It’s an honor to be a part of something with such a high production level and talent. Its a very powerful show circulating around some very powerful topics,” Rucker said. He shares the spotlight in “Greenleaf” with several well-known actors/actresses: Winfrey, Lynn Whitfield, Keith David, Merle Dandridge and many others. Ratings have continued to triple as the season continues. Rucker’s role of Jacob has viewers hooked and waiting to see what’s in store in the episodes to come. “The reason why I say playing the role of Jacob can sometimes be challenging is because Jacob has so many issues,” he said. “Not to say I don’t and that I’ve never faced different issues or obsta-
cles of my own. But I’ve never had those kinds of issues. I’m a very transparent, sensitive, and truthful man. So a lot of it just boils down to, ‘Dude, what are you doing?’ “Why would Jacob do that, or choose that route? Jacob is so lost in his life, and works so hard for his father’s approval. And Jacob’s 40 years old with a wife and kids, and still hasn’t figured it out yet,” he said. Even though Rucker is most noted for his role in Tyler Perry’s “Why Did I Get Married,” and “Why Did I Get Married Too,” he has played countless roles that have touched audiences and fans everywhere. When asked which role was his favorite, he said, it would be impossible to choose because he enjoyed every opportunity he shared with the world as an actor. He is particularly excited about playing his role as Jacob at this time. Beyond his role in “Greenleaf,” Rucker has many other projects in the works. He is busy starring in an upcoming film, “Service To Man,” a film on race relations at Meharry Medical College; being a spokesperson for the Association of Black Cardiologist’s Spirit of the Heart community tour stop; and fulfilling his commitment to nonprofit organizations, Black Gents, which he founded in L.A. in 2009, and Pittsburgh’s very own BMe. “Aside from acting, education, empowerment, and my commitment to the community are important to me. I want to make an impact beyond the big screen and really connect with the people. The Spirit of the Community tour stop starts soon and plans are to make a tour stop in Pittsburgh in October,” Rucker said. He made mention of his cast and television family on “Greenleaf,” and said it’s great to work with them not only because of the talent, but also because of the chemistry on and off the set. They like and respect each other, and that is a dynamite combination.
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August Free Play Fridays
ARTS & CULTURE
by Renee P. Aldrich
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-You-Can (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 412-4416081 or email joymeggmoore@ icloud.com
New Works Festival kicks off 26th year of World Premier Plays
Staged Readings—Sunday, Aug. 28 at 7 p.m. • “MERCY KILLING” by Rikki Schwartz of Waterford, Mich.— presented by Prime Stage Theatre. • “WE GOT THIS!” by Sheila Rinear of San Antonio, Texas—presented by Pittsburgh New Works Festival. • “THAT TIME AT BLACK LAKE” by Vicki Riba Koestler of Alexandria, VA - presented by Retro Red Theatre Productions. Mainstage Productions Program A (September 1-10) • “DECKCHAIRS” by Bill Arnold of Windsor, Conn.—presented by Cup-A-Jo Productions. • “ALL GOOD THINGS” by Michael Lill of Murwillumbah, N.S.W., Australia—presented by CCAC South. • “MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE” by F.J. Hartland of Johnstown, Pa.—presented by The South Hills Players. Program B (Sept. 2–11) • “THE MAN WHO INVENTED LOVE” by Scott Romani of Pittsburgh, Pa.––presented by Thoreau, NM - A Production Company. • “MY STRANGE JOURNEY” by William Newkirk of Celebration, Fla. - presented by R-ACT Theatre Productions. • “WRITER’S BLOCK” by Derek Lynch of New Castle, Pa.––presented by Actors Civic Theater Program C (Sept. 15–24) • “THREAD” by Evan Saunders of Pittsburgh, Pa.—presented by The Summer Company. • “YOUR PRINCESS IS IN ANOTHER CASTLE” by Whitney Rowland of Pittsburgh, Pa.—presented by McKeesport Little Theater. • “KEY RING” by Steven Peterson of Chicago, Ill.—presented by The Duquesne University Red Masquers. Program D (Sept. 16–25) • “BROTHERHOOD” by Garry Kluger of La Crescenta, Calif.— presented by The Theatre Factory. •“INFLUENCE” by Jennifer Tromble of North Tonawanda, N.Y.—presented by The Heritage Players. • “ONCE UPON A MATTRESS STORE” by Stephen Engel of Pacific Palisades, Calif.—presented by Stage Right Pittsburgh. All performances will be held at Carnegie Stage (formerly Off The Wall Theater), 25 W. Main Street, in Carnegie. Mainstage performance times are 8 p.m. Th.-Sat. with additional matinees at 4 p.m. on Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Single tickets start at $12 and Festival Passes are available for $40. Tickets are available via PittsburghNewWorks.org or by calling ShowClix at 888-71-TICKETS. (All events for the Calendar must be submitted by email 2 weeks in advance to newsroom@newpittsburghcourier.com)
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Curtains go up in the yard of August Wilson’s boyhood home
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. For New Pittsburgh Courier
Pittsburgh Comedy Festival
AUGUST 24-30, 2016
Neither the cool, crisp evening air, the song
of 1000 cicadas nor the flittering about of the occasional night flyer diminished the tension outside 1727 Bedford Av-
Netflix’s ‘The Get Down’ brings back hip-hop roots by Merecedes J. Howze For New Pittsburgh Courier
Netflix has introduced the world to some amazing original series like “Orange is the New Black,” “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” and “House of Cards.” This August, Netflix releases yet another potentially addictive show, “The Get Down.” Using hip-hop as a pinnacle focus, this six-episode season is about five boys from the Bronx who create a rap group in the late 1970s. Narrated in part by Nas, “The Get Down” stars Justice Smith (“Paper Towns), Shameik Moore (“Dope”), Jaden Smith (“Karate Kid”), Herizen Guardiola, Skylan Brooks (“Southpaw”), and Tremaine Brown Jr. Hands down, the show explains how an unfamiliar, unpopular music genre shapes culture in New York City’s fifth borough. The 1977 Bronx tells a story of how the Grandmaster Flashes, the wordsmiths and the graffiti artists used turntables, poetry and creativity to give birth to hip-hop. It is a feel good, tremendous tale filled with love and rhymes. But, also, there’s a sweet mix of biographical reality including dirty politics, drugs, and housing depletion. “The Get Down” has trans-
formed my understanding of the historical greatness of hip-hop. I am officially one of those older people who says “they just don’t make music like this anymore.” As the show brings back musical memories, it begs the question: has hiphop and rap evolved or is it completely gone altogether? After watching season one, it is hard to believe that today’s chart topping hip-hop/rap songs were created on the foundations mapped out in the Bronx. Jaden Smith is one of many breakout stars in this series as Get Down Brother Dizzee. Will Smith’s youngest son is the Fresh Prince of South Bronx in “The Get Down.” His eccentric character is almost a reflection of his actual social depiction. Between the strange clothes and queer demeanor, Jaden Smith celebrates his diverse character with spunk, sensitivity and an ironic dose of reality. Thank you, Netflix, for having the audacity to test the entertainment waters. Also, thank you for allowing the freedom to watch whenever I choose. Television and movie limits are obsolete with this streaming service. For less than HBO or any other premium channel, a Netflix subscriber has access to more. It’s the best $8.99 spent.
enue, the childhood home of August Wilson, where the Pittsburgh Playwright Company made history by raising “Seven Guitars.” By the play start time, the yard became a the-
atrical house and it was packed. In true August Wilson form, it was a lengthy play that no one seemed to mind as the magic spell created by perfect performances, a live chicken sitting
under the fence, and the intermittent wail of a rooster kept the audience wrapped up and tucked in for the night. Once again, stand out SEE CURTAINS B6
THE AUDIENCE LOOKS ON AS ACTORS IN “7 GUITARS” PERFORM. (Photo by Renee Aldrich)
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ARTS & CULTURE
AUGUST 24-30, 2016 NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
AUGUST WILSON’S HOME WITH CHARACTER PHOTOS IN EACH WINDOW.
Curtains go up in the yard of August Wilson’s boyhood home CONTINUED FROM B5
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 2, 2016
performances include Jonathan Berry as the dual natured Floyd “School Boy” Barton, a frustrated musician seeking to get back to Chicago in response to request from a recording studio to cut another record, and Kevin Brown who never disappoints as Kanewell, the man whose whimsical information-filled banter was unrelenting. He was rhythmic and highly credible as the would be manager of the artist. They made the audience glad they were on hand for this production. Realism undergirded the poetic by true to life dialogue that flew rapidly among Floyd and his circle of friends. The non-stop discussions of life, biblical references (for which Wilson is known for) that came with the metaphysical musings of Hedley,
stunningly played by Wali Jamal who owned this role, along with sounds of the blues spilling out of each house, filled each scene with a rich authenticity.” The women in the production, Vera, Floyd’s love interest, played by Ty Barrow, and Louise, the rental manager of the two properties, played by Teri Bridgett, succeeded in bringing that special brand of feminism that Wilson’s female character’s embrace; tough, resilient, not diminished by the pain they’ve known and still vulnerable in the right places. This included Louise’s visiting niece Ruby, played by Jamilah Chanie. She was on point as an enchantress who came to town with her own agenda to complete. Bridgett’s seasoned flair gave sticking credibility to Louise, and both, Barrow and Chanie were
convincing in conveying who “Wilson” called them to be.” Energy surged in the second act; Leslie Ezra Smith as drummer friend Red Carter, brought some of that energy as a drum does in a band. It was amazing to watch how director Mark Clayton Southers took a Pittsburgh treasurer, an August Wilson play, raised it in the yard of the author’s home, which is going to became a true treasure in Pittsburgh, and matched it with powerful dialogue from performers who form a Pittsburgh treasury of talent. He turned it into a night of power packed multi-dimensional theater as only August Wilson has created. One more weekend to see it, two matinees left; do yourself a favor and make one of these times work for you.
LIVE ROOSTERS WERE AT THE SCENE OF THE PLAY. (Photos by Renee Aldrich)
New Pittsburgh Courier
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Citizens Bank names Young head of digital
by Liz Weston
PROVIDENCE, R.I.—Citizens Bank recently announced the appointment of Lamont Young as Head of Digital. Young will also continue to manage his existing responsibilities for Multi-Channel Marketing. With more than 20 years of digital and marketing experience in the consumer goods and financial services industries, Young will oversee Citizens strategic investments in digital, online and mobile banking, digital marketing, user experience and social media. Young was also named to the Executive Committee for Citizens Consumer Bank. “Our digital capabilities are increasingly imporLAMONT YOUNG tant to our customers and to our businesses,” said Beth Johnson, chief marketing officer and head of Consumer Strategy for Citizens. “To meet our customers’ evolving needs, we are continuing to optimize our digital strategy and distribution capabilities to enable them to able to bank when, where and how they want. Lamont’s breadth of experience in digital and marketing will be pivotal to helping us move forward in this space.” Prior to assuming his new role, Young served as senior vice president of digital and direct marketing, a position he held since joining Citizens in 2012. Previously, Young held several leadership positions with Bank of America in digital sales, digital media, and content development. Before joining Bank of America, Young founded a firm that provided web and design services to small business. Young earned his B.S. in Marketing from Penn State University and his Master of Business Administration from Winthrop University. Young is a member of several organizations including Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, the American Marketing Association, the Consumer Bankers Association Digital Committee and the National Association of Black MBA’s.
For New Pittsburgh Courier
Nonprofit credit counselors are the good guys in the debt relief industry, which is otherwise full to bursting with lies, scams and sketchy players. That said, credit counselors need to acknowledge that their signature offering—the debt management plan—doesn’t work for everyone. Debt management plans are touted as an alternative to bankruptcy and an affordable way to pay back credit card debt. Borrowers make payments to the counseling agency, which then pays the creditors. Thanks to standing agreements that counselors have with credit card companies, the plans typically reduce the interest rates, fees and payments that borrowers are expected to make. Full repayment of the debt often takes four to five years. If borrowers make all the payments and repay the principal completely, debt management plans have much less impact on their credit scores than other types of debt relief. Francine Bostick, a Manhattan, Kan., woman who paid off more than $120,000 in credit card debt in 2012, says she emerged with credit scores good enough to buy her first-ever new car. “It was exciting and made me a little nervous when they did the credit check,” says Bostick, 66. “We got 0 percent interest for the life of the loan.” Yet Bostick is also an example of what may be wrong with credit counseling. Some consumer advocates were appalled when the National Foundation for Credit Counseling named Bostick and her husband, Jim, as the agency’s 2012 “Clients
of the Year” because of the couple’s age and the fact that he had Alzheimer’s disease. Bostick worked 12-hour days to earn the money to make debt payments while caring for her increasingly incapacitated husband, who died in May. Critics say the Bosticks should have been encouraged to file for bankruptcy so Francine could spend more time with her dying husband and use any extra money to shore up her own retirement savings. Bostick says her credit counselor told her she could file for bankruptcy, but Bostick didn’t consult a lawyer about that option. “I still feel we made the right decision for us,” says Bostick. “I believe if we had filed (for) bankruptcy I would probably be in the same boat as a few people I
know who filed (for) bankruptcy and are buried in debt again.” The lack of disclosure about bankruptcy’s potential benefits isn’t the only problem with debt management plans. Other issues include: •They aren’t designed to tackle many other types of debt, such as mortgages, car loans, student loans and most medical bills. •Borrowers should expect to live without much access to credit during the repayment period. Their credit card accounts are typically closed and they agree to not apply for new credit, whether it’s for another card, a new car or a mortgage refinance. A new account appearing on their credit reports may SEE DEBT C2
Largest Black-owned gift company is celebrating its 25th year with 2016 Holiday Fundraiser catalog Sacramento, Calif—What started as a home based company with only three Christmas cards over two decades ago, has flourished into a prosperous company offering over 600 products to customers around the world. Whether you are looking for something that brightens your home like a vibrant piece of canvas art from world renowned artist DD Ike, or the perfect gift for any woman in your life that deserves to be treated royally, such as a woven tote bag from our new Queen collection, African American Expressions has taken pride in becoming a vertiable one-stop shop for any of your gifting needs. What AAE offers, however, goes deeper than just having a wide range of products. “I started the company with the idea that we could do better than what other companies were doing by creating cards and products the way we (African Amer-
icans) see ourselves, instead of the way the companies see us.”—Greg Perkins. For as long as it has been around, Gregory Perkins, owner and founder of AAE, has wanted the company to be about more than just a profit, which is why AAE has made each and every one of their products—from Christmas cards, wall calendars, figurines, home decor, and so much more—available to sell as a fundraising program! Since it’s inception, African American Expressions has generated millions of dollars for hundreds of schools, churches and other varying organizations across the country, as well as benefited countless individuals who have used the program since 1991. By making these products readily available for any and everyone to sell, African American Expressions is able to provide money back into the communities that need it most. To ensure
News—we read it, talk about it, even complain about it from time to time. But if you look close enough, the good news can still be found—like Olympic gold medalists of all colors winning in Rio, or a series of voter suppression laws ruled unconstitutional in several states. And there’s even more good news on the financial front. New research finds that 90 million consumers are saving $2.2 billion each year. These savings didn’t come from pay raises or bonuses, or new jobs. Instead, these financial gains came when a pernicious form predatory lending became illegal. Let’s call these locales “shark-free” states where interest rates on small-dollar payday loans are legally limited to no more than 36 percent. Instead of living on financial tightropes from one payday to the next, these consumers are paying off bills and even saving some money on a regular basis. Call me old-fashioned, but when bills are paid and I’ve still got money to call my own, I feel like things are going OK. I’m betting others do too. As one of my colleagues recently remarked, “When $2.2 billion of fees go away, who wouldn’t feel better?” That colleague’s name is Robin Howarth, and she’s a senior researcher with the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL). She and another colleague, Delvin Davis, also a senior researcher are co-authors of the policy brief, “Shark-Free Waters: States are Better Off without Payday Lending.” Working together, the two of
that customers get their catalogs early, African American Expressions strongly suggests that customers go online to http://www.black-gifts.com/request-catalog and get their orders in today. With products suited for all budgets, from limited edition memorabilia such as our Limited Edition 2017 Michelle Obama calendar to a pocket sized reminder for the day to day featuring our Special Edition 2017 Obamas imagery, the newest edition of AAE’s Holiday Fundraiser catalog has a product to suit every cause, and every customer. As each year passes, the fundraiser program and the company as a whole, has continued to rapidly grow and it is already predicted that sales for the company will have risen 20 percent by years end, proving that once again African American Expressions is the go-to company for all your Black gift needs.
90 Million consumers save $2.2 billion each year without triple digit interest loans them found that White counterparts. consumers in pay- Charlene Crowell On the positive day-free states side, other states have found multinow benefitting ple ways to manage from consumertemporary cash friendly payday loan shortfalls and at a reforms are Arizona, fraction of the cost Arkansas, Connectiof payday loans. cut, Georgia, MaryTheir conclusions land, Maswere informed by a sachusetts, Monseries of academic studies, surveys and tana, New Jersey, New York, North Carfocus group results. olina, Pennsylvania, Vermont and West VirContrary to the claims of industry sup- ginia. Among these states, 12 also limit inporters, consumers are satisfied with the terest rates for car-title loans, thereby furrespective state bans. In North Carolina, 9 ther boosting consumer savings even furout of 10 low and moderate-income con- ther each year. sumers expressed that payday lending was For example, in New York, the most popunot in their best interest. “They’re there ba- lous state of the 14 with rate caps, consically to rob people that need money,” sumers save a total of $789,995, 328 in comnoted one North Carolina consumer. bined fees for payday and car title loans. According to another focus group partici- Lower but substantial savings were also pant from Arkansas, “I found that I really found in Pennsylvania ($489,497,834), could do better without them [payday North Carolina ($457,729,960) and New loans]. . . I have actually paid off debts by a Jersey ($346,587,204). little at a time.” By contrast, where payday loans remain As shared in earlier columns, consumers legal, borrowers pay fees of over $4.1 billion of color are especially hard hit payday lend- annually, with the average customer taking ing’s debt trap. Earlier studies have shown out 10 loans a year. The repeat borrowing that in states allowing payday lending, cycle creates a debt trap for consumers that such as Florida and California, Black and is easy to access but extremely difficult to Latino neighborhoods have twice the con- retire. centration of payday stores than their Imagine what could happen if all commu-
Commentary
nities and states became financially free of fees that bite your finances just as hard as a shark could in the ocean. The financial bleeding would stop and you’d likely gain real choices for things that have seemed like dis-
tant dreams. “When payday loans are not available, a substantial portion of former payday borrowers in the range of 20-35 percent would immediately have access to either savings or mainstream credit as an alternative source of liquidity without applying for any new credit,” states the report. “There is also evidence that former payday borrows may be able to access new mainstream credit, perhaps because of improved financial condition combined with an increased willingness to search for new forms of credit after a payday ban.” “We can only image that these significant savings to consumers bring about greater financial stability and are the measurable basis for consumer satisfaction,” added Howarth. “Over the years, CRL’s payday research has focused on the ills of these predatory loans,” said Davis. “This policy brief points out the benefits consumers gained by limiting interest rates—whether by voter referendum or state legislation. Money stayed in their pockets, instead of paying high-cost fees.” To borrow a line from a Samuel Jackson commercial, ‘What’s in your wallet?” (Charlene Crowell is the communications deputy director with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org.)
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Five important things to do when loved one dies The loss of a loved one is a traumatic event. During such an emotional time, it can be difficult to remember what needs to be done, such as keeping track of important documents and making hard decisions no one wants to make. The Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants provides as a reminder the following steps to take in the event of a loss of a loved one. Make funeral arrangements Have funeral arrangements (burial plot, casket, service, cremation) already been paid for and planned? Did the decedent wish for his or her body or organs to be donated? Check for an advance directive/living will or discuss the matter with the decedent’s health care proxy to ensure your loved one’s preferences are seen through. Request death certificates You can obtain death certificate copies by application. You can also request death certificates from where the certificate was prepared and filed (usually a funeral home). You will need death certificates to claim property that belonged to the decedent, including payable on death accounts, insurance proceeds, among others. Contact an estate or probate attorney An estate or probate attorney can tell you if the estate needs to be probated to distribute the decedent’s as-
sets. The attorney can prepare the probate pleadings, such as the letters testamentary (if the departed left a valid will), which will be needed to get access to certain accounts, policies, and information. Gather all documents Get a folder for estate planning documents, deeds, mineral/royalty interests, stocks, bonds, life insurance, IRAs, bank statements, etc. Once these documents are given to an attorney, it can be determined what actions need to take place to get the decedent‘s property and assets distrusted to the heirs. Download a checklist or get additional help The American Bar Association published a book called “The ABA Checklist for Family Heirs,” by Sally Hume. You can also get a checklist from AARP called, “What to Do When a Loved One Dies.” It’s important to reach out and ask for assistance. Enlist the help of friends who have gone through similar situations. Chances are they are already looking for ways to help you through such a difficult time. A CPA can help Your CPA can help. As a trusted, independent financial advisor, a CPA understands the different options available to you. To find a CPA in your area, or to learn more about the services CPAs can offer you, visit www.picpa.org/moneyand life.
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lead creditors to cancel the debt management agreement. •There’s little leeway for missed payments, which can lead to the plan’s cancellation. Some people find that they simply can’t afford the payments on debt management plans, while others drop out because of setbacks such as job loss or unexpected expenses. That is reflected in newly released data by the NFCC. Of the people who enrolled in its debt management plans in 2010, 42 percent had completed repayment by the end of 2014 and 12 percent were still making payments, says Bruce McClary, the spokesman for NFCC, the largest and oldest nonprofit credit counselor. The foundation is trying to boost its success rate in two important ways: by making payment plans more flexible and by adding a savings component, says Susan Keating, NFCC’s president and chief executive. The Washington, D.C.based foundation intends to offer three repayment options based on clients’ ability to pay, rather than the current one-size-fitsfew option that critics call too rigid. Each option would allow clients to put money aside for emergencies, Keating says. Traditionally, creditors wanted every possible dollar to go to them, which can impede the ability of debt management clients to save for emergencies or retirement. NFCC’s changes, coming later this year or in 2017, make the plans—especially the savings component—much more attractive. Having money set aside to deal with emergencies can make it easier for people to stay on the plans. Plus, emerging debt-free but without an emergency cushion may put many people back in the same situation that got them into trouble in the first place. Yet there’s one change needed that isn’t coming: Borrowers need to be told that bankruptcy could be a faster, cheaper solution. A typical debt management plan requires people
to repay thousands of dollars over time. The average debt level of the people who participated in 2013 was nearly $20,000, according to Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp., another large nonprofit. In addition, the counselors levy an average fee of $24 a month, according to the NFCC, or $1,440 over five years. By contrast, a Chapter 7 liquidation, which erases credit card debt and most other consumer debt, typically takes four months and costs roughly $1,500, depending on the area. Bankruptcy stops collection actions such as lawsuits and wage garnishments, and battered credit scores typically rise after a filing. Bankruptcy can also give people a fresh start. Federal law requires people who file for bankruptcy to consult with a credit counselor. But people who sign up with credit counselors aren’t required to talk to a bankruptcy attorney. While potential NFCC clients may be told bankruptcy is an option, counselors aren’t lawyers and can’t give legal advice, Keating says. That’s not enough, says attorney Ed Boltz, president of the Washington, D.C.-based National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys. “(Credit counselors) should say, ‘You should consult with a lawyer before you sign up with us,’” Boltz says. “Otherwise, you could be making some big mistakes.” Borrowers also need to know that dropping out of a plan can have serious consequences. Creditors can resume collection efforts, and borrowers also have flushed thousands of dollars down the drain and might not have enough money left to seek legal help or file for bankruptcy. So, those thinking about a debt management plan should make an appointment with an experienced bankruptcy attorney first. (Consultations are usually free.) That way, they will be able to understand the choice they make. (This column was provided to The Associated Press by the personal finance website NerdWallet.)
Small Business Workshop 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.
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HAIR BRAIDING—In this Wednesday, June 22, photo, Achan Agit, of Des Moines, Iowa, braids 9year-old Esta James’ hair. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Report: Hair braiding safe, but Pa.’s rules keep braiders out of business (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 JobKilling 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 timetested, 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.)
Midyear health coverage checkup Nearly 11.3 million people were enrolled in a 2016 Health Insurance Marketplace plan during the first eight weeks of the open enrollment period, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. If you’re one of those people, or if you are reconsidering your health insurance coverage, now is a good time to review your situation and see if any changes are necessary. The Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants highlights some of the issues to consider, and offers tips to use in your decision making. Review the premium tax credit The premium tax credit is awarded to eligible individuals and families with low- or moderate-income so that they are better able to afford coverage bought through a Health Insurance Marketplace. If you’re eligible for the credit, you can choose to have advance credit payments paid directly to your insurance company on your behalf to lower your out-of-pocket cost for your health insurance premiums or get all of the benefit of the credit when you file your tax return for the year. There are a number of potential changes in your personal or financial circumstances, however, that could have an impact on your eligibility for the credit or the size of the payments you receive. They include increases or decreases in your income, a marriage or divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, moving, or qualifying for or losing other health care coverage. If any of these changes in your circumstances qualify you for a higher credit, it is worthwhile knowing that as soon as possible. If changes mean you should be receiving a lower credit, it’s best to report that promptly so you don’t end up owing money when it’s time to file your taxes. Consult your CPA for advice if you need assistance understanding whether adjustments are necessary. And remember: You aren’t eligible for the premium tax credit unless you file a tax return. Plan ahead to change enrollment It’s generally only possible to sign up for a
plan in the Health Insurance Marketplace during the annual open enrollment period. The next open enrollment period will run from Nov. 1, 2016, through Jan. 31, 2017. If you would like to add or drop insurance, or adjust the coverage you have, the open enrollment period is the time to do it. If you qualify for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), however, you can enroll in those programs at any time. In addition, if you experience certain life events, such as getting married, having a baby, or losing other health coverage, you may qualify for a special enrollment period to change or add insurance through the marketplace. If you buy coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace and you have qualifying changes in circumstances, the special enrollment period will run for 60 days after the life events (such as changes in family status or loss of other health care coverage) occur. If you are expecting a change in circumstances and you’d like to change your enrollment status, plan ahead to be sure you can qualify for and make the adjustments you need. Avoid penalties If you don’t have what’s considered minimal essential health insurance coverage and you don’t qualify for an exemption from coverage that’s available under certain circumstances, you’ll have to pay a penalty when you file your tax return. There are many benefits of having peace of mind about your health care coverage, and the assurance that you won’t face stiff penalties for failure to have insurance is one of them. Your CPA can help If you have any questions about your health care coverage requirements and options, be sure to consult your local CPA. He or she can provide the advice you need regarding all your financial concerns. For more tips on health insurance, visit www.picpa.org/moneyandlife.
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., Downtown, 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 412392-0610.
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.
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AUGUST 24-30, 2016
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Harrison agrees to talk…5 days after deadline PITTSBURGH (AP)— Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison is willing to meet with the NFL to discuss an alleged link to performance-enhancing drugs—but only five days after a deadline the league has imposed while threatening him and three other players with indefinite suspensions. NFL Players Association attorney Heather McPhee sent a letter to the NFL on Aug. 18, accusing it of trying to “bully and publicly shame” Harrison without offering evidence beyond a brief mention in television interview last year that was recanted by the accuser. “When it came down to it, (if) I got the suspension, the bigger outcome wasn’t really worth it,” Harrison said after the Steelers’ 17-0 home exhibition loss to Philadelphia on Aug. 18. “I wouldn’t be on the team, it would hurt the team, it would hurt my teammates and coaches, so it was easier to do the interview.” Green Bay’s Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers, and free-agent Mike Neal were also threatened with suspensions. It was not immediately known if a similar meeting was being proposed by the union. The league’s deadline for cooperation from the four players is Aug. 25. McPhee’s letter says Harrison would meet with the
NFL at 5 p.m. on Aug. 30 at the team’s facility and would only discuss the portion of the Al-Jazeera interview that mentioned the 14-year veteran. In the report, Charlie Sly, who worked as an intern at an anti-aging clinic, made claims of PED use against several athletes, including the four linebackers. Sly later recanted his claims. “Is the NFL aware of any credible evidence—other than the recanted remarks by one individual shown by Al-Jazeera—that indicates that there is any validity to the remarks about Mr. Harrison?” McPhee wrote to Adolpho Birch, the NFL’s senior vice president for Labor Policy and League Affairs. NFL Spokesman Brian McCarthy said the league has yet to respond to the letter. Retired quarterback Peyton Manning also was cited in the report, but the NFL cleared him after a separate investigation in which the former Indianapolis and Denver star granted interviews and provided all records sought by league
ing the proceedings. “I’ve been prosecuted and persecuted publicly in the media by them for something I didn’t do, so I don’t see why we couldn’t have the media there to do a live interview,” Harrison said. “They can ask me questions and I can answer them and y’all can see whatever evidence they say they’ve got or don’t have.” Harrison isn’t sure what to expect from the interview. JAMES HARRISON investigators. Harrison is a longtime leader for the Steelers. Matthews and Peppers are key cogs in the Packers’ defense, and Neal spent the past six seasons with Green Bay. Harrison said he assumes the meeting will take place in Pittsburgh, but he said he wasn’t sure about the date. Harrison added the team didn’t approach him about his decision. “They’re asking me about PEDs, so ask away,” Harrison said. “You can ask me about PEDs. I never took a PED in my life and I never failed a drug test. It’s simple. Whatever evidence they think they may have or reasoning for questioning is out of my control.” Harrison said he wouldn’t have a problem with film-
Steelers preseason action
by Bill Neal
“I answered all the questions that were in the Al-Jazeera that were in my affidavit, so I have no clue,” Harrison said. The NFL first notified the four players Jan. 11 about the investigation into the Al-Jazeera report. Birch’s memo to the union said suspensions would start the day after the Aug. 25 deadline, and would end at the discretion of Commissioner Roger Goodell once interviews had been
completed. The four players have steadfastly refused to be interviewed without what they call credible evidence. Earlier this week, Harrison reiterated that he would be willing to meet at his house with Goodell. Affidavits were sent by the NFLPA on behalf of the players to substitute for the interviews, but Birch dismissed them as inadequate.
Overtime
For New Pittsburgh Courier
:10—Let me begin by saying something I should have said years ago. Today’s column is dedicated to “Doris.” You don’t know her, but trust me when I tell you, without her, you would not have access to my genius every week. (Or lack thereof!) Thanks Doris. Couldn’t do it without ya…I’m just sayin’! :09—So at last, I’m at the office site, #3 Eat’n Park in Penn Hills, minding my own business and enjoying the coffee as I get some paper work done, and in comes young “Brother Cole.” Actually, approaching 50, but none the less young to me, and a former “Champions” baller from back in the day to boot. Which really made me wonder how I failed him. I just would have thought I taught him better. Well here’s the story. As the conversation evolved, and he kept putting away the hotcakes, we began to assemble each of our greatest hoop teams of all time! Brother Cole’s Team—Magic Johnson at point; Michael Jordan at two guard; Charles Barkley at small forward; Willis Reed at power forward, intentionally out of the center position and Shaquille O’Neal at center. For the record, that amounts to 11 NBA championship rings. My Team—Oscar Robertson at point, the only man in history to average a triple/ double; Kobe Bryant at the two guard, the 3rd all time leading scorer in NBA history; Julius “Dr. J.” Erving at small forward, still the most amazing player we’ve ever seen on a hoop court…
BILL NEAL just press rewind, and be reminded, Bill Russell at power forward. Yes, away from his center position, but none the less the greatest winner in sports history. Two NCAA championships and 11 NBA titles. Last, but not least, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar at center, the all time leading scorer in NBA history. Six NBA titles. Six time NBA MVP. NBA final MVP twice. Three time NCAA champion and an undefeated high school career…ARE–YOU–KIDDING–ME? My team beats his team every night! His team will sell more t-shirts. What do you think! Text me your vote on the best team here. Loser is buying breakfast. Text to 412-6284856 by Friday, Aug. 26, at 6 p.m. :08—If “Bolt” is his real name…and I’m sure it is, then adding the fastest man in the world all time is just UN-BE-LIEV-ABLE!!! He’s a bad man! :07—You knew the Pirates road trip winning ways would not last forever. And they do pick up their losing ways at home.
They will continue to level off at 50/50 and get the wild card spot. And that, you can take to the bank. :06—Your Pittsburgh Steelers just don’t care about pre-season games, so why do you care? Just relax. Take a deep breath and get ready for the real deal. :05—Speaking of your Steelers, Monday thru Saturday, I don’t really concern myself about the boys off the field activities, but James Harrison just might have a point here. If he’s not guilty of anything, why does he have to go to the commissioner’s office to be told that? I’m just saying! :04—I hope I speak for all Black people everywhere when I say how proud I am of the young Black Olympians that shook up the world. :03—Oh, by the way, don’t let that be three Brothers at that gas station . . . Mannnnnnnn! :02—Brother Usef, aka Brother Joe Owens, put on a fabulous picnic in the memory of Master Jacquet Bazemore and for the Pittsburgh Martial Arts family. Story and photos coming soon. :01—Mark your calendar for the Achieving Greatness—Eat’n Park—United Rays Corvette Club Great American Car Cruise and Show. Coming Sunday, Sept. 25, at Eat’N Park in Penn Hills. 3-7 p.m. Light rain or shine. Anything that rolls is welcome. $5 donation benefits Children’s Hospital Child care Program. Trophies for the best cars in their category. Call 412-628-4856 for information. (Book bags free to the first 100 kids that come.) :00—Game Over
Inside Conditions…The weaker sex?
by Aubrey Bruce
For New Pittsburgh Courier
I am not trying to indirectly give anyone or any FIGHTING FOR A ROSTER SPOT—Steelers running back Darly Richardson scoots for yardage in the business a direct or indirect plug, but I have to call Steelers 17-0 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. (Photos by William McBride) it the way it is, not the way I want it to be. On Monday past, I was sitting in Eat’n Park in McKeesport, Pa., eating my customary Monday morning breakfast when one of my favorite waitresses and a diehard Pirates fan came and sat down at my table. “Aubrey,” she said with a look of utter frustration, “what is wrong with “Cutch? He looks so tired most of the time. Since he got married, he seems to be worn out, most of the time. Could he be doing more than his share of housework and I am not talking about cutting the grass. “Maybe before the Pirates have to play an important series maybe they should put him up at a hotel so he can concentrate and be rested and focused.” I posed this question to her, “like football teams do on the night before game day? And how it is suggested that a boxer should not be intimate the night before a fight?” “That’s right,” she replied. I finished my coffee, said my goodbyes to all of my favorite girls and WORKING TO BE NUMBER TWO—Steelers backup quarterback Landry Jones threw four interceptions continued on to my office, in one-half of playing time against the Philadelphia Eagles. but what Colleen had said
AUBREY BRUCE
companionship, just like the creatures around him were given by God. But as soon as God granted Adam the wish of his heart, he lost his focus on God and focused on that new “sweet thing whose mere aroma meant ecstasy for his mind, body and soul. It was suggested in the past that women were the “weaker sex.” That observation was, is, and will remain flawed as long as mankind exists. We may lift a few more pounds than our significant others and we may invent a few more gadgets than they do, but a far as endurance in the “upper chamber” is concerned, my grandmother used to caution us that, “a women can look up a lot longer than a man can look down,” if you can get my drift. I am not suggesting that Andrew McCutchen’s subpar 2016 numbers are caused by a little bit too many home-based “pregame calisthenics,” but hey any theory is better than none, right Colleen? History won’t allow us to forget that if you ever need to tame a wild man, don’t call a lion tamer, call a women because most of the time she will not only win, she will win big.
echoed in my mind and stuck with me throughout the morning. I began to think about, my western civilization course and one of the course requirements. We were required to read ‘The Epic of Gilgamesh.” In the book, “Enkidu looks much like Gilgamesh and is almost his physical equal. He aspires to be Gilgamesh’s rival but instead becomes his soul mate. A summary of Tablets XI and XII in the book explain to the reader that women and sex were the calming forces that domesticated wild men like Enkidu.” In the Holy Scriptures of Christianity, our earthly forefather and mother were (Aubrey Bruce can be reached named Adam and Eve. According to scripture, Adam at: abruce@newpittsburghcouriwas granted access to all er.com or 412-583-6741. Follow things, but he longed for him on Twitter@ultrascribe.)
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Below is a list of available employment opportunities at MACS. Qualified candidates should send resumes to Haeshah Cooper, Director of Communications at hcooper@ macsk8.org. •Gym Teacher •Spanish Teach
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.
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
Seneca Valley School District - Assistant Principal: 12-month position, Senior High School; available immediately; approx. 1,154 student enrollment; salary regionally competitive; PA Principal K-12 certification required; secondary experience preferred; work with technology, curriculum alignment along with standards-based and data driven instruction; strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills. Submit required information to Talent Ed at: https://senecavalley. cloud.talentedk12.com/hire/index. aspx. Deadline: September 9, 2016. Seneca Valley is committed to diversity in the workplace. E.O.E.
SR. CLINICAL CONTENT SPECIALIST-CODING
For MModal Services, Ltd. (Pittsburgh, PA) Evaluate M*Modal Natural language processing tools and make recommendations to improve technology services. Req’s Masters or Bach in Health and Rehab Science, Nursing, Medicine, Health Info Mgmt, Health Info Sys, or related & exp (1 yr w/Masters or 5 yrs w/ Bach) in a comp assisted coding service position or rltd which must include: exp w/ natural programing processing and rule-based systems; exp w/ programming exp w/ medical ontologies, including SNOMED, CPT-4, ICD-10; exp evaluating & learning new software tools; computer assisted coding services; exp w/ info sys tech & programming; & exp working w/in an EHR and other healthcare computer apps. Mail resumes: L. Bush, MModal, 1710 Murray Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15217.
SCIENCE/MAKER TEACHER
Urban Academy of Greater Pittsburgh Charter School is looking for a Science/Maker Teacher for an Elementary School K-5 at 437 Turrett Street Pgh, PA 15206. Please send resume and three references and child abuse and Criminal Background and FBI clearances and Certifications to Sheila Harris @ sharris@urbanacademypgh.org
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August 19, 2016 The Office of the Director of the DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY will receive Letters of Interest with current Federal Standard Form 330 (SF) Architect-Engineer Qualification, until 4:00 p.m., on September 16, 2016, for the following assignment: ALLEGHENY COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS REAL ESTATE APPRAISAL SERVICES OPEN END CONTRACT FOR VARIOUS PROJECTS, AS NEEDED, IN VARIOUS MUNICIPALITIES PROJECT NO. ACAP-OPEN Submit five (5) copies of your Letter of Interest and current SF 330 to: Stephen G. Shanley, P.E., Director Allegheny County Department of Public Works Room 501, County Office Building 542 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15219 You must be on the PennDOT Invitation to Qualify (ITQ) list at each time of our request for quote to be eligible to be assigned federal and state funded projects. Firms under contract that are not on the ITQ list will only be eligible to quote for County funded projects. A scope of work and supporting information for each project will be sent with each request for quote to be sent by email. Place a Letter of Interest with required forms in a sealed, opaque envelope with firm’s name, the title and number of the Project, and the words “Letter of Interest” on the front. If you mail the Letter of Interest, insert the sealed, opaque envelope containing the Letter of Interest and standard forms inside a separate mailing envelope. The Director will receive Letters of Interest for these contracts, with accompanying SF 330 until the day and hour stated in the Public Advertisement. The Director will not consider any Letter of Interest received after the set day and hour and will return it to the addressee unopened. The firm is responsible for ensuring that the Director receives its Letter of Interest by the set day and hour. The County will use only SF 330’s of firms responding with Letters of Interest to prequalify firms for consideration for these services. The County encourages responses from small firms, minority and women owned firms, and firms that have not previously worked for the County. The Allegheny County Minority/ Women and Disadvantaged Business Program (MBE/WBE/DBE) has established in connection with this contract, the goals of 13 percent of the original amount for the utilization of MBEs and 2 percent of the original contract amount for the utilization of WBEs. These goals remain in effect throughout the life of the contract. When the County awards the contract with less participation than the contract goals, good faith efforts should continue throughout the life of the contract to increase the M/W/ DBE participation to meet the contract goals. Firms that are not able to meet these goals must provide an acceptable explanation why in their letters of interest. We encourage you to examine the Department Guidelines for Consultant Services available on the Department’s web site. M/W/DBE firms certified though the Pennsylvania Unified Certification Program (PA UCP) must be used for all County Contracts funded by PennDOT or US DOT. Firms certified by the PA UCP or the PA DGS may be used on non-DOT funded contracts. Allegheny County does not accept any “self-certifications.” M/W/DBE firms certified by entities other than the PA UCP or the PA DGS will be reviewed for acceptance on a case by case basis for non-DOT funded contracts. Any inquiries into this Advertisement are to be directed to David L. Wright, P.E., Project Manager at (412) 3506645 or by email to dwright@alleghenycounty.us. The County will select several individuals/firms each to have its own open end contract on the following evaluation criteria: Experience, Record, Size, Workload, and Related Work. By a Request for Proposal, the Department of Public Works will notify the qualified firms under contract to submit proposals for each assignment. The County will base final selection of the firm for each assignment on the lowest price from qualified bidders. The Director may reject any or all Letters of Interest/Proposals and may waive any irregularity in the Submission of Letters of Interest/ Proposals. Stephen G. Shanley, P.E., Director Department of Public Works of Allegheny County
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NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY FOR PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT AND PUBLIC HEARING HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH 2017 MOVING TO WORK ANNUAL PLAN
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) is a participant in the federal Moving to Work Demonstration Program (MTW). The 2017 MTW Annual Plan takes the place of the Capital Fund Annual Statement, Five Year Plan and the PHA Annual Plan normally required under the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act (QHWRA). The HACP’s 2017 Moving To Work Annual Plan will be available for review from August 17, 2016 to September 15, 2016 at the HACP Executive Office, 200 Ross Street, 9th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219; the HACP Web Site www.hacp.org; and at HACP Management Offices. Copies of the draft annual plan may also be obtained by contacting the HACP Executive Office at 412-4565012. Written comments on the Annual Plan must be addressed to MTW Annual Plan Comments at the address above and must be received by close of business (5:00 P.M.) on September 15, 2016. Public hearings to receive comments on the Plan will be held on Thursday, September 8th, 2016 at 12:00 P.M. and at 5:30 PM at 200 Ross St., 9th floor HACP Conference Room. Persons with disabilities requiring assistance or alternative formats, or wishing to submit comments in alternative formats, can contact the HACP ADA/504 Coordinator at 412456-5020, Extension 2504; TTY 412-201-5384. LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices
COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY PITTSBURGH, PA August 12, 2016
The Office of the Director of the Department of Public works for Allegheny County in Conjunction with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, is soliciting Statements of Interest through PennDOTs ECMS system for the following: ALLEGHENY COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Construction Management and Inspection on Federal Bridge Preservation Projects For County Project No. CMIT-FDBG Local Agreement Number: L00186 This is a federal-aid project with PennDOT oversight. Statements of Interest are due no later than September 6, 2016 and are to be submitted through PennDOTs ECMS System, http://www.dot14.state. pa.us/ECMS The advertisement can be found under agreement number L00186. A copy of the published advertisement can also be found on the County Website: http://www.county. allegheny.pa.us/bids Any inquiries into this Advertisement are to be directed to Mr. Michael Dillon, P.E., Deputy Director of Engineering, at 412-350-5469 or mdillon@alleghenycounty.us The County will use the normal selection process and preselect or short-list at least three firms for consideration for this Project assignment on the following evaluation criteria: Quality Control and Quality Assurance, Use and Experience of Subconsultants, Experience with PennDOT and Allegheny County’s Requirements, Policies, and Specifications, Inspector Qualifications, and Performance on Past Projects. The County’s Minority and Women disadvantaged goals for these Projects will be 13% of the total price for MBE participation and 2% of the total price for WBE participation. Stephen G. Shanley, PE, Director Department of Public Works of Allegheny County
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INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
Board of Directors Stadium Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania We have audited, in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States, the statement of net position of the Stadium Authority of the City of Pittsburgh as of March 31, 2016 and the related statements of revenues and expenses, and changes in net position for the year then ended, and, in our report dated July 15, 2016, we expressed an unmodified opinion on those financials statements. As described below, the accompanying summary financial information of the Authority as of and for the year ended March 31, 2016, is not presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. In our opinion, however, the accompanying summary financial information is fairly stated in all material respects, in relation to the financial statements from which it has been derived. McGee Maruca & Associates, P. C. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania July 15, 2016 STADIUM AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH Statement of Net Position March 31, 2016 Assets Cash and cash equivalents Capital assets, net of accumulated depreciation Restricted assets Other assets Total assets
$ 8,736,390 23,981,440 5,375,586 2,426,036 $40,519,452
Liabilities and Net Position Liabilities $37,511,217 Net position: Investment in capital assets, net of related debt 9,929,759 Restricted for capital activity and debt service 13,208,466 Unrestricted (20,129,990) Total net position 3,008,235 Total Liabilities and net position $40,519,452 Statement of Revenues and Expenses For the Year Ended March 31, 2016
Revenues: $ 7,525,307 Parking Interest 6,715 Total revenues 7,532,022 Expenses: 47,566 Salary reimbursement Development fund 188,602 Administrative 101,112 2,218.230 Operations and development Insurance 39,672 Interest 563,201 Amortization and depreciation 821,318 Total expenses 3,979,701 $ 3,552,321 Excess of revenues over expenses. Statement of Changes in Net Position For the Year Ended March 31, 2016 Deficiency in net assets, March 31, 2015 Capital transferred to the Sports and Exhibition Authority Excess of revenues over expenses Net assets, March 31, 2016
$ ( 528,484) ( 15,602) $ 3,008,235
The summary financial information shown above differs from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Differences include amounts grouped, captions summarized, footnote disclosures are omitted. LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices
America’s Best Weekly 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
To place a display ad in the New Pittsburgh Courier call 412-481-8302 ext. 128 or 129
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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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MUNICIPALITY OF PENN HILLS, PENNSYLVANIA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM NOTICE OF DISPLAY OF THE C.A.P.E.R. FY 2015 CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION REPORT (C.A.P.E.R.)
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
In accordance with Title I of the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990, P.L. 101-625, the Municipality of Penn Hills has prepared its Fiscal Year 2015 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (C.A.P.E.R.) for its Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG). This report describes the level of housing assistance and other community development activities designed to benefit low- and moderate-income persons and households through various federal funding programs during Fiscal Year 2015 (July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016). The Municipality of Penn Hills intends to submit the FY 2015 C.A.P.E.R. to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on or before September 28, 2016. Copies of the FY 2015 C.A.P.E.R. are available for public viewing beginning Friday, August 26, 2016 through Friday, September 9, 2016 at the following location: Department of Planning and Economic Development Penn Hills Municipal Building 12245 Frankstown Road Penn Hills, PA 15235 All interested persons are encouraged to review the FY 2015 C.A.P.E.R. Written comments on the C.A.P.E.R. will be considered until September 9, 2016. Written comments should be addressed to Mr. Chris Blackwell, Director, Department of Planning and Economic Development, Municipality of Penn Hills, 12245 Frankstown Road, Penn Hills, PA 15235. Oral comments may be made by calling (412) 798-2126. Sara J. Kuhn, Mayor LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals
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.
COURIER CLASSIFIEDS… THE ONLY WAY TO GO!
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 INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR EMERGENCY TREE AND SHRUB REMOVAL AUTHORITY WIDE IFB# 300-41-16
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): 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.
COURIER CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS!
AUGUST 24-30, 2016
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SONNY BOY
LEGAL ADVERTISING
LEGAL ADVERTISING
LEGAL ADVERTISING
Bids/Proposals
Bids/Proposals
Bids/Proposals
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR VACANT UNIT PAINTING AT VARIOUS HACP LOCATIONS IFB# 300-40-16
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): VACANT UNIT PAINTING AT VARIOUS HACP LOCATIONS IFB# 300-40-16 The documents will be available no later than August 22, 2016 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 11:00 a.m. on September 9, 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, September 1, 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.
INVITATION FOR BIDSTRASH COLLECTION
The Washington County Housing Authority will receive sealed bids for trash collection services for public housing sites in the City of Washington, no later than 10:00 AM Thursday, September 15, 2016 at the Washington County Housing Authority, Central Office, 100 Crumrine Tower, Franklin Street, Washington, Pennsylvania, at which time the bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. All bid packets should be clearly marked as “TRASH BID” on the outside envelope. Bid award (s) will be based on individual contracts per site locations for a three (3) year term effective November 1, 2016 through October 31, 2019. Specifications and a form of bid contract may be obtained from Denise Galuppo 724-228-6060 Ext. 107 or Ext. 121, (TDD 724-2286083) at the Authority offices during normal business hours. A cashiers check or bank draft, payable to the Washington County Housing Authority, or a satisfactory Bid Bond executed by the bidder and acceptable sureties in the amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the bid amount shall be furnished with bid. No bid shall be withdrawn for a period of forty-five (45) days subsequent to the opening of the bid without the consent of the Washington County Housing Authority. The Housing Authority reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any informality in the bidding. In accordance to the law--Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, Executive Order 11246, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, subject to the Requirements of Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968, as amended,--the Washington County Housing Authority does not discriminate in job employment, federal contracts or subcontracts, or housing programs due to race, color, religion, sex, handicap/disabled, national origin, or age. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER WASHINGTON COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY STEPHEN K. HALL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY ADVERTISEMENT
Separate sealed Bids for the Work as listed hereinafter will be received at the Purchasing and Materials Management Department of Port Authority of Allegheny County (Authority) Heinz 57 Center, 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222-2527 until 1:30 p.m. on September 27, 2016 and will be publicly opened and read immediately thereafter at the same address. Each Bidder shall be solely responsible for assuring that its Bid is both received and time stamped by a representative of the Purchasing and Materials Management Department at or before the advertised time for submission of Bids. Bids received or time stamped in the Purchasing and Materials Management Department after the advertised time for the submission of Bids shall be non-responsive and therefore ineligible for Award EMERGENCY TELEPHONE SYSTEM REPLACEMENT CONTRACT NO. SYS-16-13 The Work of this Project includes, but is not limited to, the furnishing of all labor, equipment, materials and incidental items needed for emergency phone replacements in Port Authority facilities located in the LRT right of way in the Mt. Lebanon Tunnel, Mt. Washington Tunnel, Panhandle Bridge, and Central Business District (CBD). E-Phone equipment, enclosures, cabling, heaters, and controllers, will be replaced as indicated in the Contract Documents. Bid Documents will be available for public inspection and may be obtained on or after August 22, 2016 at Authority’s offices at the following address: Port Authority of Allegheny County Purchasing and Materials Management Department Heinz 57 Center 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2527 Bid Documents are available for purchase as follows: Bid Documents are available in an electronic form on compact disk upon payment of $15.00 per CD. Payment shall be by check or money order (NO CASH), payable to “Port Authority of Allegheny County.” No refunds of payment will be made. Upon request, Bid Documents can be mailed upon receipt of payment in full. Should the purchaser wish to have the Bid Documents delivered via special delivery, such as UPS or Federal Express, the purchaser shall provide its appropriate account numbers for such special delivery methods. This Project may be funded, in part, by, and subject to certain requirements of, the County of Allegheny and/or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Authority, in compliance with 74 Pa.C.S. § 303, as may be amended, require that certified Diverse Businesses (“DBs”) have the maximum opportunity to participate in the performance of contracts and subcontracts for this Project. In this regard, all Bidders shall make good faith efforts in accordance with 74 Pa.C.S. § 303, to ensure that DBs have the maximum opportunity to compete for and perform contracts. Bidders shall also not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, disability, national origin, sexual origin, gender identity or status as a parent in the award and performance of contracts for this Project. If aid is required to involve DBs in the Work, Bidders are to contact Authority’s Director of Employee Relations and OEO at (412) 566-5262. The Bidder’s attention is directed to the following contacts for Bidder’s questions: Procedural Questions Regarding Bidding: Cindy Denner – Authority cdenner@portauthority.org (412) 566-5117 All other questions relating to the Bid Documents must be submitted by mail or facsimile to: Port Authority of Allegheny County Heinz 57 Center 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 Attn: Cindy Denner cdenner@portauthority.org In addition, the Bidder’s attention is directed to the following schedule of activities for preparation of its Bid: 9:00 a.m. Pre-Bid Conference September 7, 2016 Port Authority of Allegheny County Heinz 57 Center 5th Floor, Neal Holmes Board Room 345 Sixth Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 (Attendance is not mandatory, but strongly recommended) 1:30 p.m. Bids Due September 27, 2016 Purchasing and Materials Management Department Authority reserves the right to reject any or all Bids
America’s Best Weekly 315 East Carson Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Classifieds 412-481-8302 Ext. 140 E-mail: ads@newpittsburghcourier.com Deadline/Closing/Cancellation Schedule for copy, corrections, and cancellations: Friday noon preceding Wednesday publication
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AUGUST 24-30, 2016 NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Pick up your Courier at these locations WESTERN AREA: CRAFTON BEVERAGE CRAFTON/INGRAM SHOPPING CENTER GIANT EAGLE CRAFTON/INGRAM SHOPPING CENTER SHEETZ #353 5400 CAMPBELL’S RUN RD SHOP N’ SAVE #1686 2103 NOBLESTOWN RD SAFRANS SUPER MKT 429 WALNUT ST GIANT EAGLE #74 PARKWAY CENTER MALL SOUTHERN AREA: KEN’S 216 BELTZHOOVER AVE NELSON’S 92 SYLVANIA AVE GIANT EAGLE #61 2021 WHARTON AVE COGO’S 2400 EAST CARSON ST COGO’S 925 EAST CARSON ST DAILY MART 1125 ARLINGTON AVE SHOP N’ SAVE CARRICK SOUTH EASTERN AREA: SUPER STOP 403 KENMAWR AVE CARL’S CAFE 337 FIFTH AVE COMET NEWS 540 BRADDOCK AVE PUFFS DISCOUNT TOBACCO 1722 GREENSBUR AVE A-PLUS SUNOCO 7403 WASHINGTON ST COGO’S 1050 BRINTON RD COGO’S 2003 S BRADDOCK AVE EDGEWOOD EXPRESS 253 EDGEWOOD AVE BRAD EXPRESS 1101 S BRADDOCK AVE GIANT EAGLE #619 1705 S. BRADDOCK AVE CVS 7406 CHURCH ST HANINI MARKET 1105 SWISSVALE AVE DUKE’S SUNOCO 825 DUQUESNE BLVD 7-11 818 N. DUQUESNE BLVD GIANT EAGLE #6379 420 EAST WATERFRONT DR GIANT EAGLE—MCKEESPORT 3812 O’NEILL BLVD J & S FOOD MART 625 W GRANT AVE RITE AID PHARMACY 100 WILLIAM MARKS DR GIANT EAGLE 1356 HOFFMAN BLVD BP GAS STATION LYSLE & WALNUT DS FOODMART 929 UNION ST RITE AID PHARMACY 725 LYSLE BLVD CHARLIE’S CORNER STORE 500 LOCUST ST NEIGHBORHOOD DOLLAR 333 5TH AVE GIANT EAGLE #38 1901 MURRAY AVE JACK’S E 8TH AVE EASTERN AREA: WATERWORKS GIANT EAGLE #72 1005 FREEPORT RD— DIVINE HAIR STUDIO 10 DUFF RD GIANT EAGLE 9001 FRANKSTOWN RD GIANT EAGLE #78 230 RODI RD BP GAS STATION 11835 FRANKSTOWN RD THE SPOT 11675 FRANKSTOWN RD MASH MINI MART 4341 OLD WM. PENN HWY GIANT EAGLE #60 4004 MONROEVILLE BLVD GIANT EAGLE #76 AMES PLAZA, ROUTE 22 GET IT QUICK 500 GARDEN CITY
DESTINY’S HAIR SALON 408 RODI RD PUFF’S DISCOUNT TOBACCO 10991 FRANKSTOWN RD SHOP N SAVE 3335 WILLIAM PENN HWY SHEETZ 3457 WILLIAM PENN HWY GETGO 10525 FRANKSTOWN RD CVS PHARMACY 10600 FRANKSTOWN RD SHELL OIL 7619 BAUM BLVD KIWI SUNOCO FRANKSTOWN AVE WILLIAM PENN SMOKE SHOP II 132 NORTH HIGHLAND AVE MARATHON GAS 6680 FRANKSTOWN AVE PENN AIKEN DAIRY 5401 PENN AVE GIANT EAGLE #17 6320 SHAKESPEARE ST HOMEWOOD MARKET 7201 FRANKSTOWN AVE SALIK HARDWARE 607 NORTH HOMEWOOD AVE NEGLEY A PLUS 123 NORTH NEGLEY AVE BAKER’S 7203 HAMILTON & STERRETT AVES DORSEY’S RECORDS 7614 FRANKSTOWN AVE HOSPITAL CORNER 4201 PENN AVE PEOPLES GROCERY 5136 PENN AVE A&M MARKET 5224 PENN AVE A-PLUS MINI MART 7701 PENN AVE WOOD & PENN 902 WOOD ST AL’S FISH & CHICKEN 1000 PENN AVE SAVE A LOT 725 ROSS AVE CVS PHARMACY 520 PENN AVE GETGO 408 PENN AVE QUICK STOP LIBERTY 3349 LIBERTY AVE K-2 CONVENIENT STORE 4900 PENN AVE SHUR SAVE 4120 MAIN ST SHELL GAS 6701 FRANKSTOWN RD UNIMART 5724 ELLSWORTH AVE GIANT EAGLE #77 254 YOST BLVD PUFF’S DISCOUNT TOBACCO 234 YOST BLVD SPEEDY MART 2131 ARDMORE BLVD SQUIRREL HILL NEWS 5804 FORBES AVE MURRAY AVE. NEWS 2024 MURRAY AVE GIANT EAGLE MURRAY AVE & LORETTA ST DISCOUNT TOBACCO & NEWS 1929 MURRAY AVE UNIVERSITY OF PGH BOOKSTORE 4000 5TH AVE DANA’S BAKERY 720 N. HOMEWOOD AVE DA STORE 606 & 1/2 N. HOMEWOOD AVE BONUS TIRE SERVICE 4349 VERONA RD KANDY CAFE 4291 VERONA RD GIANT EAGLE SHADYSIDE 550 CENTRE AVE MARATHON GAS 4010 PENN AVE STANTON NEGLEY DRUG 804 N. NEGLEY AVE RON’S CORNER DRUG MT. CARMEL RD CENTRAL AREA: GET GO #64 4924 BAUM BLVD SCHWARTZ MARKET 1901 5TH AVE SMOKER FRIENDLY 906 5TH AVE HILL DISTRICT: WONG’S MARKET 2170 CENTRE AVE ANN’S MARKET
2316 WEBSTER AVE A-PLUS MINI MART 2350 CENTRE AVE UJAMMA BOUTIQUE 1901 CENTRE AVE K LEROY IRVIS TOWERS 715 MERCER ST SHOP & SAVE SUPERMARKET 1850 CENTRE AVE ABE’S MARKET 1860 CENTRE AVE WYLIE TOBACCO 2152 WYLIE AVE DOWNTOWN: KWIK-E-MART 212-10TH ST 7-11 #167 643 LIBERTY AVE 7-11 #165 SIXTH & PENN AVE 7-11 #170 429 WOOD ST ESTER’S SNAX FEDERAL BUILDING, 2ND FL SMITHFIELD NEWS 115 SMITHFIELD ST FABER COE & GREGG 500 GRANT ST FABER COE & GREGG FIFTH AVE. PLACE FABER COE & GREGG 600 GRANT ST NIELSEN’S STORES #09 301 GRANT ST— ONE OXFORD CENTER NIELSEN’S STORES #13 437 SEVENTH AVE—KOPPERS BUILDING 9TH & PENN NEWS-NUMBERS 136 PENN AVE EXTRA EXTRA NEWS 413 SEVENTH AVE NEAL NEWS 400 CHERRY WAY CVS PHARMACY #4120 610-612 WOOD ST C&C NEWS 2 PPG PLACE NEWSTAND SIXTH & WOOD ONE STOP 300 SIXTH & WOOD EDDIE’S SNACKS 262 5TH AVE BIG DADDY 465 FORBES AVE 711 SMITHFIELD 420 SMITHFIELD ST NORTHERN AREA: W. N. GROCERY 1018 NORTH AVE. NORTH SIDE BEER & BEVERAGE 1304 FEDERAL ST ALLEGHENY GIFT SHOP—AGH HOSPITAL 320 EAST NORTH AVE GIANT EAGLE #652 318 CEDAR AVE 7-11 #158 1001 WESTERN AVE RICHEY’S BARBER SHOP 1207 N. FRANKLIN ST QUIK-IT 820 PENNSYLVANIA AVE RITE AID #3459 802 PENNSYLVANIA AVE MARSHALL SHELL 1500 SPRING GARDEN AVE SWINKO’S MARKET 2535 PERYSVILLE AVE MERCY STREET EXPRESS 6 MERCY ST HARV’S EXXON 2501 BRIGHTON RD QUICK SCHWARTZ 3235 BRIGHTON RD HANINI MARKET 3245 BRIGHTON RD
America’s Best Weekly 315 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Classifieds 412-481-8302 Ext. 140 E-mail: ads@newpittsburghcourier.com Deadline/Closing/Cancellation Schedule for copy, corrections, and cancellations: Friday noon preceding Wednesday publication