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Wilkinsburg superintendent welcomes students VOL. 107, NO. 35
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AUGUST 31-SEPTEMBER 6, 2016
by Christian Morrow
applicants. week earlier during a special He said her experiin-service day luncheon at ence in curriculum Kelly Elementary School. development, eleThe district, which has seen mentary education multiple changes in leaderand leadership were ship in the last few years, gave key to her selection, Iverson a three-year contract, especially since she’s at $120,000 per year Aug. 10. tasked with overseeSchool Board President Ed ing a district Donovan said the with only two search committee, schools, comaided by the Pennsylprised of about vania School Boards 550 preK-6 Association, chose students. Iverson from the three “With these finalists selected from DR. LINDA IVERSON three imporan initial pool of 17
Courier Staff Writer
While taking over an academically distressed urban school district, beset by budget woes that was compelled to send its middle and high school students to a neighboring district so they might have a better education might seem daunting, it didn’t faze Linda Iverson—she’s from Baltimore. Iverson, 62, Wilkinsburg’s new superintendent of schools introduced herself to students on their first day of class Aug. 29. She introduced herself to the district a
tant skill sets, Iverson comes to Wilkinsburg ready to hit the ground running the transformation of our preK-6 system,” he said. “Our whole future is built now on Kelly and Turner Elementary Schools. You can’t have a successful school without a successful principal.” Iverson’s most recent position with the Baltimore City Public Schools, from October 2011 to June 2015, was serving as one of a dozen executive directors of principal support and accountability. She SEE WILKINSBURG A4
Rev. Sharpton eulogizes George Curry TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (TriceEdneyWire.com)— One minute the congregation was somber and in tears; the next minute they were rocking to choir music in the pews; the next minute they were laughing in fond memory; and then they were shouting and ap-
UNITING COMMUNITIES—Thousands of people came out to the North Side Oldtimers Unity Day. (Photo by J. L. Martello)
Thousands celebrate North Side Oldtimers 10 years promoting unity by Genea L. Webb
by Christian Morrow Courier Staff writer
Beginning next month, the Church of the Redeemer in Squirrel Hill will host a series of what it is calling Great Issues Forums under the heading Race In Pittsburgh. The first, scheduled for Oct. 4 SEE RACE A4
by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
Time was, when you called an ambulance, the crew did little more than haul away the body. What we think of as modern ambulance and paramedic service was pioneered in Pittsburgh by African Americans, trained by doctors, who rode with the Freedom House ambulance service. Now, with demand for Emergency Medical Services increasing in the city, flat staffing, and forced overtime costs adding $2.3 million to the budget in the first six months of the year, Mayor William Peduto and the Fraternal Association of Professional Paramedics have reached agreements to increase hiring of new paramedics and emergency medical technicians. “These improvements will mean better public safety services for residents, relief for over-worked SEE EMS A4
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Race in Pittsburgh series starts in October
New EMS contract could expand Black recruitment
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The North Side Oldtimers annual unity gathering was blessed with good weather and more than 5,000 residents from 19 North Side neighborhoods who gathered together for food, comradery and fellowship. “We have God on our side. This is his program. He just wants us to manage it,” said North Side Oldtimers co-founder Fred “Scrappy” Bulls.
The weekend included a drum corps group performance, pony rides, and an anti-violence march and Praise in the Park on Aug. 21. “I felt good about what the Oldtimers having this” said 10-year-old North Side resident Evan McKenzie. “People should stop shooting because it’s not polite and other people need their lives. It wouldn’t feel good if someone shot you.” The North Side Oldtimers was started 10 years ago. They are a group of survivors made up of men
Death penalty sought for two in ambush killing
and women from the various North Side neighborhoods who have come together to give back to the communities of their youth. Its primary purpose is to promote peace, harmony and unity among all North Side children and other city residents. The North Side Oldtimers aims to reach out to children—in the North Side and beyond—who are susceptible to positive change through as much interaction as pos-
PITTSBURGH (AP)—Prosecutors in Pennsylvania say they plan to seek the death penalty against two men charged in an ambush at a cookout that killed five adults and an unborn child. The Allegheny County district attorneys’ office filed notice Aug. 26 that it would seek capital punishment if Cheron Shelton, 29, and Robert Thomas, 27, are convicted of first-degree murder. Prosecutors said the death penalty would be warranted because of the defendants’ previous convictions, the multiple felonies alleged and the grave risk posed
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Kaepernick’s decision to sit through anthem scrutinized by Janie McCauley Associated Press Writer
QUARTERBACKS—San Francisco 49ers quarterbacks Colin Kaepernick, left, and Blaine Gabbert stand on the sideline during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Green Bay Packers on Friday, Aug. 26, in Santa Clara, Calif. Green Bay won 21-10. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
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SAN FRANCISCO (AP)— From the White House to San Francisco police union headquarters, Colin Kaepernick’s name came up Aug. 29 as his decision to sit down during the national anthem reached far beyond football. And many aren’t thrilled with the 49ers quarterback’s strong words about why he is doing it: To instigate change and challenge authority when it comes to race relations and what he considers police brutality. Even his former coach, outspoken Michigan leader Jim Harbaugh, chimed in from afar in disagreement with Kaepernick’s tactics—clarifying some earlier remarks that questioned the quarterback’s motivation. “I apologize for misspeaking my true sentiments. To clarify, I support Colin’s motivation. It’s his
“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses Black people and people of color. To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.” COLIN KAEPERNICK 8-26-16
method of action that I take exception to,” Harbaugh posted on Twitter. A day after Kaepernick called Donald Trump “openly racist,” the Republican presidential candidate fired back on Seattle’s KIRO radio. “I have followed it, and I think it’s personally not a good thing. I think it’s a terrible thing,” Trump said. “And you know, maybe he should find a country that works better for him. Let him try, it won’t happen.” Kaepernick, who has sat through the anthem for all three 49ers preseason games so far, is prepared to keep fighting for what he believes in—even alone. “The fact that it has blown up like this, I think it’s a good thing. It brings awareness,” Kaepernick said Sunday. “Now, I think people are really talking about it. Having SEE KAEPERNICK A5
Ulish Carter says
Back to school, a mind is a terrible thing to waste Opinion A6
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AUGUST 31-SEPTEMBER 6, 2016 NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
This Week In Black History
ASNATH MAHAPA
South Africa’s first Black female pilot helping other women reach new heights Asnath Mahapa spent her childhood daydreaming about the large objects flying miles above her head. But she never dreamed she would break barriers by becoming the first Black female from South Africa to soar amongst the skies. With a deep-seated spirit of determination, Mahapa fought her way into the pilot’s seat and is now spending her life training other women who dream of the same path. But like any story of triumph, comes tribulation. Mahapa discovered her father wasn’t 100 percent behind the idea; in fact, he didn’t support her vision at all. “When I told my father I wanted to become a pilot, he never even entertained the idea,” she said in an interview with CNN. She acquiesced to her father’s wishes and enrolled at the University of Cape Town as an electrical engineering student, but only lasted one year before dropping out. Her heart
still pulled her towards flying. Mahapa enrolled in flight school, but found the experience more challenging than she imagined. “I was the only woman in my class the whole time,” she said. “I had to work very hard. I had to probably work ten times harder than the men that I was with in the classroom.” She said her first few times behind the wheel made her sick, but she knew the only way to overcome it was to take her fear head on: “I was persistent, I went back again, I went back until I stopped feeling sick.” In 1998, she became the first South African woman to take to the sky at only 22 years old. “I didn’t know I was the first Black woman until 2003, until about four years later,” Mahapa said. “I was still the only one at the time and I did not know.” As her passion and notoriety grew, Mahapa decided to put it to use,
opening a flight school in 2012 called the African College of Aviation. Mahapa said the industry is still very male-dominated and she notices that her Black female students struggle with the same issues she did, including financial constraints. “For me, it’s about trying to help women who aspire to become pilots,” Mahapa said. “I still see a lot of Black women going through the same things that I went through at that time. They still struggle to get jobs after they qualify. Most of them they struggle with finances because it’s a very expensive industry.” Mahapa said she is resolved to educate women and hopes men understand there are no limitations to what they can do: “Boys must accept that girls can become anything they want and girls must believe in themselves that they can become anything that they want.” (SOURCE: CNN)
UN: Gender inequality costs sub-Saharan Africa $95 billion NAIROBI, Kenya (AP)—A U.N. report says sub-Saharan Africa loses around $95 billion a year due to gender inequality, jeopardizing the continent’s efforts for economic
growth. The Africa Human Development Report 2016 launched Aug. 28 by U.N. Development Program says deeply-rooted structural obstacles such as
unequal distribution of resources and political power, combined with social institutions that sustain inequality are holding back African women, and the continent. UNDP Administrator Helen Clark said if gender gaps are closed in labor markets, education and health, it will accelerate the eradication of poverty and hunger. The report was launched during the two-day Tokyo International Conference of African Development in Kenya. Kenya’s civil society is pushing parliament to ensure that a third of elective posts are occupied by women in accordance with the constitution adopted in 2010.
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For the Week of August 31-September 6 August 31 1935—Frank Robinson, the first African American to manage a major league baseball team, was born on this day in Beaumont, Texas. Robinson became player-manager of the Cleveland Indians in 1975. He kept the job for about a year. He became manager of the San Francisco Giants in 1980. 2002—Jazz great Lionel Hampton died on this day at the age of 94. Hampton gained international fame as a “big band” leader and for his amazing abilities playing the vibraphone. September 1 1975—General Daniel “Chappie” James becomes the nation’s first Black four-star general and takes command of the North American Air Defense Command. The position made him a key player in the nation’s nuclear LIONEL HAMPTON defense system. James was born in Pensacola, Fla., and died at the relatively young age of 57 in 1978. 1977—Legendary actress and Blues and Gospel singer Ethel Waters dies at the age of 80 in Chatsworth, Calif. Born in Chester, Pa., Waters became the second African American in history to be nominated for an Academy Award. For many Blacks, however, she was best known for her singing. The song which gained her the greatest popularity was the spiritual “His Eye is on the Sparrow…So I know He Watches Me.” September 2 1766—Post-colonial era Black leader James Forten is born on this day in 1766. Little is known today, but during that period he was one of the most prominent Black men in America. Born free in Philadelphia, Pa., he became a fierce anti-slavery activist, an inventor and successful businessman. In fact, the sail-making company he founded made him one of the wealthiest Black men in the nation. Forten and AME Church founder Richard Allen organized DANIEL “CHAPPIE” JAMES the First Convention of Color in 1817. He went back and forth on the issue of “re-Africanization,” which called for the return of Blacks to Africa. He financially supported Paul Cuffee’s venture in the West African nation of Sierra Leone, but he later turned against the American Colonization Society and its efforts to return free American Blacks to the West African nation of Liberia. 1945—As World War II comes to an end, official records show 1,154,720 Blacks were inducted into the military services including 3,902 women. The highest ranking African American women during WWII were Majors Harriet M. West and Charity E. Adams. September 3 1838—Frederick Douglass escapes from slavery on Maryland’s Eastern Shore using so-called “free papers” and disguising himself as a sailor. He MAJORS HARRIET M. WEST and CHARITY E. ADAMS would go on to become the most prominent anti-slavery activist and Black leader of his day. He is perhaps best remembered for his now famous 1857 quote: “If there is no struggle there is no progress…Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.” Free papers were documents normally required to be in the possession of all free Blacks. But one freedom tactic employed during slavery was for a slave to somehow borrow the papers of a free Black who fit his or her general description and use the papers to escape from slavery. 1868—In an example of how briefly true freedom for Blacks lasted after slavery ended in 1865, the lower house of the Georgia legislature on this day in 1868 expelled 28 African Americans, employing a twisted argument that because they were Black they were not eligible to serve in the legislature even if they had been duly elected. Ten days later, the Georgia Senate followed suit and expelled three elected Blacks. But the U.S. Congress stepped in by refusing to seat the Georgia delegation if the Black representatives were not allowed to return to their seats. 1919—One of the nation’s first Black-owned FREDERICK DOUGLASS movie companies—Lincoln Motion Pictures—releases its first full length feature film, “A Man’s Duty.” The company was owned by Noble Johnson and Clarence Brooks. September 4 1781—The city of Los Angeles is founded by 44 settlers of whom 26 were Black. This little known fact of history is found in H.H. Bancroft’s authoritative “History of California,” which details the ages, races and genders of the city’s founding fathers and mothers. 1957—Nine Black students are banned from Central High School in Little Rock, Ark., by Gov. Orval Faubus. The move makes him a folk hero among White supremacists, but sets in motion a major conflict with the federal government. President Dwight Eisenhower is forced to call out 1,000 federal troops in order to force the eventual integration of the school. 1981—Popular recording star Beyoncé Knowles is born on this day in Houston, Texas. September 5 1859—The first novel written by a Black BEYONCE woman is published in the United States. The woman was Harriet Wilson and the novel was entitled “Our Nig: Or Sketches from the Life of a Free Black.” The novel was lost for years until reprinted with a critical essay by Black scholar Henry Louis Gates in 1982. The novel, which may have been a bit autobiographical, centers on the life of “Frada”—a Black indentured servant who was physically and emotionally abused by her owners. September 6 1865—One of the great White heroes of Black history, Pennsylvania Congressman Thaddeus Stevens, first proposes an addition to the Freemen’s Bureau Act which would have required the confiscation of land from former slave owners and the redistribution to former slaves in “40 acre lots.” Although Stevens was at the time the most powerful person in the U.S. Congress and a friend of Blacks, he was unable to get the measure passed. The so-called “40 acres and a mule,” which promised to aid Black economic development after slavery was defeated in Congress on Feb. 5, 1866 by a 136 to 36 vote. The lopsided nature of the vote reflected lingering pro-slave owner sympathies in the Congress and a general lack of support for the THADDEUS STEVENS freed slaves.
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left that job as part of a district reorganization, spending the last year taking classes while on sabbatical. Prior to that, according to her resume, Iverson served as the Baltimore district’s director of literacy from May to October 2011. For two years prior to that, she served as an elementary curriculum and assessment supervisor in the East Hartford, Conn. Before that, she served as an elementary school principal with the district for 13 years school district after serving as a principal there from 1996 to 2009.
In the late 1980s and through the mid1990s, Iverson served as an assistant principal, summer school principal, and assistant principal of curriculum and instruction in the East Cleveland, Ohio, school district. She earned a doctorate from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. She earned a master’s in secondary school administration, as well as her undergraduate in English education from Bowie State University in Maryland. Iverson said everything she’d done up to this point was in preparation to become a superintendent. So, when she read about
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EMS personnel and decreased City overtime spending,” said Peduto. “I want to thank the paramedics union leadership for collaborating with us to make changes that are beneficial for all.” The city has been without EMTs since they were all laid off in the early 2000s when the city was struggling financially. It is hoped this EMT recruiting and hiring effort will appeal to African Americans—especially since the new contract calls for new EMTs to be paid $15 an hour the first year with raises in subsequent years. The lack of EMTs also means more highly trained—and paid— paramedics are going on calls they really don’t need to. It will allow EMTs to staff two new basic life sup-
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port units during morning and afternoon shifts to bolster EMS services, and lessen the need for paramedics to take forced overtime shifts. In addition to hiring 20 new EMTs, the agreement calls for hiring six paramedics at a new starting rate of $17.93 per hour. Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich said the new deal will also help reduce the city’s workers compensation costs because EMS personnel sustain the most injuries, and many are older—40 percent are over 50 and 35 percent have been on the job more than 26 years. “When you get older, lifting people up and down stairs wears and tears on the body,” he said. “A lot of people don’t even make it to retirement age, because they get injured.”
In recent years, the city has tried to hire paramedics—usually one at a time—and got no response. It once tried to fill six spots and got only three applicants, two didn’t pass required tests. The city estimates the cost of the new initiatives at $1.2 million annually, which would be covered by the reductions in overtime and worker’s compensation costs and the cost of and from extra revenue from increased transports. It should also reduce the need to rely on mutual aid calls, where outside EMS services respond to medical emergencies within the city limits when city paramedics are on other calls. Information on applying for EMT and paramedic positions can be found on the city’s website in the employment section.
the Wilkinsburg opening, she read about the district and went for it. “They were under state watch. I knew that they were not progressing student achievement. I knew about the change in leadership. I knew all of that. But it just did not deter me,” she told WESA radio. “I thought, ‘It can’t get any worse.’ So it’s probably now at a good place to turn the page.” In addition to turning the district around academically—it has ranked in the bottom
15 percent of state schools since 2012— Iverson will also be overseeing a capital investment of $10 million to renovate both the Kelly and Turner Elementary Schools. Bids for those projects go out in September. The district also announced it has added staff to the two schools and increased afterschool intramural sports and instrumental music programming. It also agreed on a three-year contract Wilkinsburg Education Association that includes raises for all teachers.
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will consist of a panel discussion on relationships between the city’s Black communities and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. The discussion will be led by University of Pittsburgh Law Professor David Harris and will include on the panel Brandi Fisher, president of the Alliance for Police Accountability; Richard Garland, assistant professor at Pitt’s School of Public Health; and Pittsburgh Police Chief Cameron McLay. During the recent release of the police bureau’s annual report, McLay said he is especially proud of the way his officers are spontaneously working to build relationships with residents in the neighborhoods where they serve. In one instance, officers driving by the East Liberty Gardens housing complex noticed kids pushing each
other in a shopping cart because it was all they had to play with. So they went shopping at Target and returned with trunks full of soccer and kick balls for the kids. On another occasion, McLay mentioned that officers who’d just finished an overnight shift, went to walk in a peace march the community had organized. “I’m very happy with those relationships,” he said. “It ain’t perfect. There’s a lot going on locally and nationally. But there are a lot of really great things going on in Pittsburgh, and I think we don’t always give ourselves the pat on the back we deserve.” At the same time, he is keenly aware that local and national incidents involving police shootings of unarmed Black civilians jeopardize the rapport he hopes to build with the community. Garland is aware of it too, noting that without those positive relationships, community members will remain reluctant to confide in police, and community violence will remain hard to eliminate. “I’m all for trying to improve police-community relations We just had a basketball game with police
against guys from Jason Rivers’ AR3 League. It was good and I’m hoping to continue that kind of thing,” he said. “And I think Chief McLay is trying to do the right thing. We’ve gotta stop being so small minded—we have to look at the big picture. Its about where we go from here.” Two months after the police-community relations forum, the church will host the second in the series, this time addressing the issue of affordable housing. Guests for that panel include developer Mike Polite, CEO of Ralph A. Falbo Inc. and Pittsburgh Councilman Danny Lavelle, who co-chairs the city’s Affordable Housing Task Force. That discussion will focus on the city’s growing need for affordable housing, and the pros and cons of various funding and spending plans. Finally, on Feb. 7, 2017, the church will host a discussion on educational equity featuring Homewood Children’s Village President and CEO Fred Brown and UrbanKind Institute Director Jamil Bey. The discussion will explore ways to improve educational equity for Black children in the city.
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to others. Defense attorneys say the men are innocent. Shelton’s lawyer, Randall McKinney, called the decision to seek capital punishment “disheartening,” but said it didn’t shake his belief that his client’s name will be cleared at trial. The men are each charged with six counts of criminal homicide in the March 9 cookout in Wilkinsburg, a suburb of Pittsburgh. Prosecutors suspect a man wounded at the cookout had killed Shelton’s best friend in 2013, and they are looking for that man. Prosecutors allege Thomas fired 18 shots from a .40-caliber pistol into a group of about 15 partygoers, prompting them to run toward a rear porch where authorities say Shelton was
hiding behind a fence. Prosecutors allege Shelton peppered the fleeing crowd from 5-feet away with 30 shots from a rifle similar to an AK-47. Brittany Powell, 27, who was renting the home, was killed as were her siblings Chanetta Powell, 25, and Jerry Shelton, 35. The county medical examiner ruled Chanetta Powell’s unborn son died because of her death. The siblings’ cousin, Tina Shelton, 37, and their friend, Shada Mahone, 26, also died in the attack. The two men also face charges of criminal conspiracy, aggravated assault and reckless endangerment. Authorities say bullets pierced the walls of the residence, wounding three other people. Three children were in the house at the time but unharmed.
Community Calendar Princess Party SEPT. 3—One Hood Media presents its 2nd Annual Princess Party, 2 p.m. at the Ace Hotel Pittsburgh, 120 S. Whitfield St. In East Liberty. The event focuses on raising self-esteem, highlighting the accomplishments of local women and girls, and encouraging entrepreneurialism at any age. The party will include light refreshments, games, and dancing for the princesses and their chaperones. Admission is pay what you can. Please email onehood@gmail.com or call us at 412 404 2347 for more information.
Opioid Crisis Symposium SEPT. 10—Gateway Medical Society and the Allegheny Medical Society will present a symposium and panel discussion covering various aspects of use and abuse from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Haberman Conference Center at UPMC Shadyside, 5150 Centre Avenue, 2nd floor. The symposium includes a continental breakfast and lunch, and is free to the public with pre-registration. To pre-register or for more information, visit www.gatewaymedicalsociety.org or call 412-281-4086.
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 Pittsburgh. 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.
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sible. The group services kids in grades K-8 in all of the North Side’s 19 neighborhoods. Alethia Edwards has been a volunteer with the organization since its inception. “The older people that grew up in the North Side we knew each other and we consider ourselves a family,” explained Edwards who resides in the North Side. “The kids today don’t have that. I wanted to participate in the Unity Gathering because I wanted to be a part of something good that is happening in the community. To help stop gun violence you have to educate your children more about what’s going on in the
community. The North Side Oldtimers need volunteers because a lot of them are getting older.” In addition to the annual unity day celebration, the North Side Oldtimers hold other events throughout the year, including a bike auction, adult cabaret, bake sales and the ever-popular Neville Island skating parties. They also took several youth to tour the White House in D.C. this year. “The kids really look forward to the skating parties,” Bulls said. “Before they skate we do conflict resolution exercises to show them how to intelligently and non-violently squash any beef that may arise. Then the rest of the time is
fun skating and getting together.” The first skating party of the season is scheduled for Oct. 2 and will run every Sunday through May 7. “Our program is working. We took the kids to Washington, D.C. earlier this summer and we made sure everyone sat with someone they didn’t know. They could either sit and be mad for the five-hour bus ride or make a new friend. By the time we got back to Pittsburgh the kids had made new friends so the friendships are building,” Bulls said. (For more information on the North Side Oldtimers and its programs, visit www.northsideoldtimers.com.)
ORGANIZERS OF THE EVENT—The North Side Oldtimers, from left: Jon Armes, Jimmy Prude, Rebecca Calhoun, Fred ‘Scrappy’ Bulls, Renee Wright, Lorraine Everhardt, Opal Jackson, James Armes Bubby and Kenneth Owens El. (Photo by J.L. Martello)
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plauding on their feet. That was the range of emotions that marked the packed house during the “Celebration of Life” for legendary journalist George Curry at Weeping Mary Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Aug. 27. Reverend Al Sharpton gave a eulogy of the Black press journalist, columnist, commentator and editor that soared from a touching and sometimes humorous tribute to a fiery sermon that shook the sanctuary. Stately Black journalists and publishers were among those moved by the spirit as Rev. Sharpton’s message pointed largely to how they must now escalate their voices as they continue telling the story. “There were many Black writers that have gone mainstream. But George Curry made mainstream go Black,” said Rev. Sharpton. “He was smart enough to play the game and stay in certain newsrooms. But he chose not to do that because he chose the path of why Black Press started in the first place.” Reverend Sharpton was eluding to the first Black Press editorial, published in the 1827 inaugural edition of Freedom’s Journal. That editorial stated, “We wish to plead our own cause. For too long have others spoken for us.” Curry, who died of heart failure Aug. 20, started his career at Sports Illustrated, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and the Chicago Tribune. But he died as a hero, having found his calling in the Black Press. He was
editor-in-chief of his beloved Emerge Magazine for seven years until it went defunct. Then he took up the banner becoming editor-in-chief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service (NNPA), the Black Press of America. When he died, he had founded Emergenewsonline.com, a digital version of the hard copy magazine, which he never gave up hope to revive. “If we love him, we will keep Emerge News Online going,” Rev. Sharpton said. “I don’t know what it will cost. I don’t know what it will be, but I want to be the first to help Ann keep that work going...I’m going to write the first check.” Curry’s fiancée, Elizabeth “Ann” Ragland, looked on from the audience. Earlier, she had spoken, saying, how much Curry loved and valued his family, especially his mother, Martha Brownlee, and she reflected on his contagious sense of humor. Then, recalling his final moments, she said, “On last Saturday, my voice was the last person that George heard as I tried to keep him here with us. But there was a voice much stronger than mine, a voice that no person can say no to, a voice that even George Curry could not say no to...That voice is going to speak to us all.” Curry’s death hit the journalistic community particularly hard as it came amidst one of the most controversial and heated presidential elections in history. Reverend Sharpton made clear that the Black Press is needed now more than ever.
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conversations about how to make change. What’s really going on in this country. And we can move forward. ...There is police brutality. People of color have been targeted by police.” Martin Halloran, the San Francisco Police Officers Association president, sent a letter Aug. 29 to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and 49ers CEO Jed York denouncing Kaepernick’s “illadvised” statements and a “naiveté” and “total lack of sensitivity” toward police, along with an “incredible lack of knowledge” about officer-involved shootings. “There is some depth and some truth to what he was doing,” Seahawks star Richard Sherman said of Kaepernick. “I think he could have picked a better platform and a better way to do it, but every day they say athletes are so robotic and do everything by the book and then when somebody takes a stand like that, he
gets his head chopped off.” The police union invited Kaepernick or anyone else from the league to visit the San Francisco police academy to build communication and understanding about the profession. “I only wish Mr. Kaepernick could see the emotional and psychological challenges that our officers face following a fatal encounter,” Halloran wrote. “Some are so affected they never return to the streets. In short, Mr. Kaepernick has embarrassed himself, the 49er organization, and the NFL based on a false narrative and misinformation that lacks any factual basis.” White House spokesman Josh Earnest said he was confident President Barack Obama is aware of Kaepernick’s actions, but hadn’t spoken directly with the president about it. “In general, what I can say is that I certainly don’t share the views that Mr. Kaepernick expressed after the
game in explaining his reasoning for his actions, but we surely would all acknowledge and even defend his right to express those views in the settings that he chooses,” Earnest said. “That’s what he’s done, and even as objectionable as we find his perspective, he certainly is entitled to express it.” Steelers left tackle Alejandro Villanueva, who played at Army and served in Afghanistan before forging a job in the NFL, said he agrees that the U.S. “is not perfect” but insists it is the best country and he is unsure how he would react if one of his teammates sat down for the anthem. “I just know that I am very thankful to be an American. I will stand very proudly, and I will sing every single line in the national anthem every single time I hear it,” Villanueva said. “I will stop whatever I am doing, because I recognize that I have to be very thankful to be in this country.”
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OPINION
AUGUST 31-SEPTEMBER 6, 2016
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Back to school, a mind is a terrible thing to waste
Guest Editorial
Williams’ conduct taints Philly D.A. office Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams is credited with progressive reforms in the criminal justice system. As part of his “smart on crime” plan, Williams has created a wide range of alternative sentencing options for non-violent offenders. One example is the Small Amounts of Marijuana program that he established in June 2010. The program provides offenders with an opportunity to enroll in an educational class rather than face prosecution. But Williams his tainted his office and harmed the public’s trust by his personal conduct that includes failing to disclose more than $160,000 in gifts over the past five years. According to published reports, Williams is amending his disclosure filings to reflect the gifts that include home repairs, travel, lodging and cash. Federal investigators have interviewed some of his staff regarding the D.A.’s finances, said another published report. So far there has been no evidence that Williams has broken any laws. However, published reports said a federal probe into his political and personal finances has expanded to include The Second Chance Foundation, a nonprofit Williams set up in 2011. Williams charged five state representatives and a traffic court judge in a bribery case that led to guilty pleas from four of the local state legislators and a former parking court judge in the corruption scandal. The prosecution of the legislators was part of a feud between Williams and former state Attorney General Kathleen Kane, who recently resigned after being found guilty of leaking grand jury information to a reporter. Kane had dropped the prosecution of the local legislators and judge, who are all Black, after stating she thought the investigation racially targeted them. Williams, who is also Black, picked up the cases, which had begun under Republican Attorney General Tom Corbett, before Kane became attorney general in 2013. Williams and Kane are both Democrats. His failure to disclose the gifts increases public distrust of the political and criminal justice systems. His conduct leads to questions on whether donors are seeking favorable treatment from the District Attorney’s office. Williams has not been accused of criminal wrongdoing but he should lead by a better example. As the top prosecutor of Pennsylvania’s most populous city and one of the largest prosecutors’’ offices in the nation, Williams should conduct himself in a manner that makes it clear to the public that his office is above suspicion. (Reprinted from the Philadelphia Tribune)
Founded 1910
Rod Doss Editor & Publisher Stephan A. Broadus Assistant to the Publisher Allison Palm
Ulish Carter
Jeff Marion
Office Manager
Managing Editor
Circulation Consultant
John. H. Sengstacke
Editor & Publisher Emeritus (1912-1997)
School started back for some kids last week, some this week, and some next week. Parents are rejoicing while the kids are sad to see the summer of fun and games end. On the whole this should be an interesting and challenging year for Pittsburgh students and parents in public schools as well as charter and private schools. A new superintendent, Anthony Hamlet, who appears to be an aggressive man who knows his business, heads Pittsburgh Public Schools. He’s not only vitally concerned about the education of all youth, but knows how to reach them so that they can be educated. It’s not that Black kids can’t be educated it’s simply a matter of motivating them and their parents to the fact that education is the only way to a better life. To better illustrate this fact businesses, executives, and concerned citizens have become involved in the schools trying to reach students, but just as important is linking the educational system into the real world. What good is an education if there’s no job at the end of that rainbow, and what good is a job if the masses know nothing about the world around them. It appears that the new superintendent, being a Black man, understands the problems faced by Black males in the various systems and will do all he can to navigate them through it. We will see. Another thing that concerns me is all the charter and private schools popping up everywhere. They are experimenting with our children and there doesn’t seem to be the same kind of monitoring of them as it is for public schools. For example what percentage of their teachers and administrators is Black? What are the Blacks grade point average compared to Whites? What are the Blacks grade point average compared to when they were in public schools? It appears that everyone is pushing for School Choice because of
Ulish Carter
Just Sayin’ how bad the public schools are that they think anything is better, when in fact it could be far worst. I’m Just Sayin’ let’s do closer monitoring of all schools. Our children are that important. One thing to remember is if the public school fails us we can vote the School Board member out. But if the private, or charter school fails our children, where do we go? Many if not most are run by boards of which no one lives in our community. There have been a few cases where Blacks or Black institutions have started a Charter School and was later kicked off the board. I’m not knocking Charter or Private Schools, all I’m saying is that we must hold them accountable just like we do Public Schools, by an outside objective source. Not the school Public Relations department. If not 20 years down the road Blacks will be in the same predicament we are today. No education, no jobs, no money. Why? Because our children only get one chance at an education and they are depending on us to make the right decisions, which will affect their entire life. One last thought on education. If a school can’t find a Black teacher, or administrator, what makes you think they really care about your Black children? Could it be the money? A mind is a terrible thing to waste. And it can be wasted sitting in the classroom if the parents, teachers and administrators can’t or won’t reach that child to impress upon on him/her the importance of education to the surviving in the world they live in.
*** Reflections on the death of George Curry. I didn’t know George personally but the Courier has run his columns that I read for 20 or 30 years. I also subscribed to Emerge magazine from the time he started it until it folded. The tragedy is not just his death at 69 but what was left undone. He left the NNPA not because he wanted to but he was forced out because of the lack of money. Emerge went under not because of its quality, it was the best News Magazine in the country serving the Black readers. Matter of Fact it was the only hard hitting Black Magazine in the country that dealt with the key critical issues facing Blacks. Yet it failed because of the lack of money. He was in the process of re-publishing Emerge online but because of the lack of money he had not yet gotten it started. The lack of money is the major problem with Black newspapers, magazines and Black business as a whole throughout this country. Hopefully some of the Blacks with money will team up in a united effort to prevent some of the noted Black papers from going under or helping those that are just existing become active crusaders for the Black community again. Currently most Black newspapers are so reduced in staff that they can no longer do what they were established to do. Hopefully someone will come up with a way to make a profit online to save the Black newspapers and magazines to keep the doors open to the young George Curry’s out there somewhere. There’s nothing wrong with Entertainment, Sports, Society, Religion, etc., it all sells, but Blacks need hard news they can use as well to survive and that is hard to come by because of the state of most of the Black press and the lack of young George Currys. (Ulish Carter is the managing editor of the New Pittsburgh Courier.)
We must support the freedom-fighting legacy of George E. Curry in the Black Press The freedom struggle and Civil Rights Movement of Black people in America and throughout the world has lost another courageous iconic, freedom fighter journalist, leader: George Edward Curry. The National Newspaper Publishers Association salutes, respects, and supports the freedom-fighting legacy of George Curry. NNPA publishers, editors, journalists, and photographers from across the nation attended the “Celebration of Life” home-going service for George Curry in Tuscaloosa, Alabama at Weeping Mary Baptist Church on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2016. George at the age of 69 died from heart failure on Aug. 20, 2016 in Takoma Park, Maryland. George Curry was our beloved Editor-In-Chief of the NNPA News Wire Service and after decades of outstanding contributions and service to the Black Press in America, George evolved to be admired by fellow journalists as the “Dean of Black Press Columnists.” As a foot soldier in the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, I personally have been blessed to have known and worked with George Curry as a fearlessly effective freedom fighter. If I could find one word in the English language to describe the professional and brotherly tenacity of George Curry, it would be “courageous.” He used his pen and his wit to openly challenge injustice in the face and presence of oppression. George had the courage to both write and speak truth to power without compromise of principle or ethics. Reverend Jesse Jackson and Reverend Al Sharpton both travelled to Tuscaloosa to pay tribute and to eulogize the memory and legacy of George Curry. Rev. Jackson affirmed, “George was a freedom fighter.” Dr. Charles Steele Jr., President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), also a native of Tuscaloosa and lifelong friend of George paid tribute to Curry’s leadership and activism as a “freedom movement” journalist. In the eulogy rendered last Saturday, Rev. Sharpton said that, “George never knew he was much more of a minister to me than I ever was to
Benjamin F. Chavis Jr.
Commentary him…George Curry not only helped to mentor and bring along students and the next generation, but he also did it to many of us that you see out there on the front line.” Sharpton concluded that Curry was “part of a long tradition, but he was one of a kind.” Roland Martin, accomplished news anchor for TV One and former editor of the Chicago Defender, as well as a lifelong colleague of George Curry, passionately stated, “There was no newspaper, no magazine George Curry could not have worked for, but
and we encourage everyone to support Emerge News Online to ensure that what George envisioned and worked hard to establish will continue to grow and be successful in the marketplace. In my remarks on behalf of the NNPA at the “Celebration of the Life of George Curry,” I shared that, “I have been in the presence of Malcolm X. I have been in the presence of The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I have been in the presence of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. I’ve been in the presence of some of our giants, male and female, but I want to say on this public record, in my life, I’ve never met a brother that’s had more courage than George Curry.” As we face the immediate future, let us all first be thankful that we had the opportunity and blessing to work with George Curry. But we must show our gratitude by making sure that his courageous example of journalism continues. There is an African proverb that says “Freedom fighters do not in spirit pass away, their spirit lives to inspire the next generation of freedom fighters.” We all know that George Curry supported mentoring and guiding the development of young journalists who are committed to the Black Press. That’s why the NNPA’s Discover the Unexpected Journalism Fellowship program is so important. May these young journalists and others be guided by the great example of George Curry.
he chose to work in Black media… He chose to do that, because he said there has to be an independent voice that is unapologetic, that thinks (Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. is the President about Black people from the moment and CEO of the NNPA and can be reached for they wake up to the moment they go national advertisement sales and partnership to sleep.” proposals at: dr.bchavis@nnpa.org; and for lecThe passing of George Curry now tures and other professional consultations at: raises the question of “Who will take http://drbenjaminfchavisjr.wix.com/drbfc.) his pen?” Who will step forward to keep the freedom-fighting The New Pittsburgh Courier welcomes all responsible legacy of George viewpoints for publication. All letters should be typewritCurry alive to- ten and contain writer’s address and phone number for day and into the verification. All letters will be edited for clarity and length. future? Before Address all letters to: Letters to the Editor George died, he New Pittsburgh Courier, had established 315 East Carson Street EmergeNewsOnPittsburgh, Pa. 15219 line.com. The You may fax your letter to 412-481-1360, or via e-mail to NNPA supports letters@newpittsburghcourier.com. George’s legacy
Letters to the editor for publication
FORUM
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Hey Donald, when was America great? Our American exceptionalism allows us to shimmer, too fully in our greatness. We are the biggest and the baddest. We are the best armed and the most influential. We win the most Olympic medals, and we have the most nuclear weapons. We are so great that we wave our flags and shout out, “U.S.A.! U.S.A.! U.S.A.!” In some ways, it is an imperialist chant, a chant of dominance, a chant that ignores the fact that we chant because we have the luxury, as a nation, of an uneven playing field, especially in terms of resources. I’m not jumping up and down and flag waving. It took the Simones (Biles and Manuel) to win gold medals for me to celebrate the Olympics. It took just a flip of the switch, a flick of the kaleidoscope, for me to see it differently. While there is a great difference between the athlete who comes from a highly-subsidized Russian or Chinese environment and one who comes from an urban area combining grit and corporate sponsorship, as in the United States, or those who either make it on their own or cobble together possibilities, all of these athletes are chasing greatness and perfection. Indeed, their obstacles may be a metaphor for the challenges that we all face in life. Some will be subsidized, some will scrap, and sometimes the cream rises to the top, regardless of barriers. Even as Olympians strutted their excellence, enforcing the notion that America is “great,” at least in our medal dominance, Republican candidate Don-
Julianne Malveaux
Commentary ald Trump’s campaign slogan is “Make America Great Again.” The use of the word “again” suggests that we were great, once upon a time, and that we have to regain something that we lost. When were we “great?” What have we lost? What does it take to make us great again? Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump said he views the 1980s as the time when things were good for the nation, though he also hearkened back to the late 1700s and early 1800s. “The industrial revolution was certainly—in terms of economically—that was when we started to grow,” Trump said. “I liked the Ronald Reagan years. I thought the country had a wonderful, strong image.” The basis of the Industrial Revolution was a credit system that relied on using enslaved people as collateral to lend and spend for economic expansion. The North and South were always connected, even in war, with economics often trumping ideology. The Cornell University historian Edward Baptiste, in his book, “The Half Has Never Been Told: Slavery and the Making of U.S. Capitalism,” connects the dots between southern oppression and northern complicity. The era that Mr. Trump touts includes legislation to penalize those who dare educate enslaved people in the early nineteenth century, and the oppression of Black Codes in the post-Reconstruction era. Mr. Trump wants to make America great again? For whom? Whenever anyone does that throwback stuff, “we used to be great,” I have to wonder what he or she are nostalgic for. Do they wish they were in the land of cotton? Are they hankering for segregationist signs? Or are they simply pining for the days when, though it was unstated, White was right and everybody else had to step. This manifested by the assumption of deference, the assumption that African Americans would step aside and allow a White person behind them in line to step ahead or shrugging off microagressions because they “aren’t that deep.” Many have touted our “Greatest Generation,” the World War II contributors, as people who made America great. Yeah? These folks had to elbow their way into our nation’s service, fighting for the right to fight, struggling for the right to contribute. Is this what you call greatness, Donald Trump? Are we all supposed to put blinders on to the cracks in our collective national armor? Thus, it is exciting that President Obama signed an executive order to stop the rampant use of a distorted statement called the “Pledge of Allegiance.” He wrote that federal office and contractors should not force employees to swear to “One Nation under God,” and that’s a good thing. One nation? With a Black unemployment rate twice that of the White unemployment rate? How do I pledge allegiance to a flag “and to the Republic for which it stands.” President Obama tickled me, for the first time during his presidency, by reminding us of the flaws in the Pledge of Allegiance. How do we transcend the flaws when Trump’s “great again” message suggests “slave again” to me?
(Julianne Malveaux is an author and economist. Her latest book “Are We Better Off? Race, Obama and Public Policy.” Is available via amazon.com for whole and booking inquires visit julianemalveaux.com.)
The White House needed wwjd wristbands Christian youth groups use to wear J. Pharoah Doss wristbands with the letters wwjd, it asked: What would Jesus do? Those bands were reminders to act according to their faith. It appears White House advisors could use wwjd reminders on their wrist too, but their bands would ask: What would Jefferson do? Here’s what the White House did. In January the United States and Iran negotiated a historic nuclear agreement that lifted financial sanctions off of Iran, and at the same time, during separate negotiations, they swapped prisoners, but months later it was reported the prisoner swap wasn’t an even exchange. One released prisoner pastor Saeed Abedini, an Iranian American Christian, said while the US prisoners waited for hours at an airport to leave Iran, a Senior Iranian intelligence officer told them their departure depended on the plane with the money. Apparently the Iranian intelligence officer needed confirmation of the landing of an aircraft that contained $400 million in cash. (The money arrived stacked onto wooden pallets in an unmarked cargo plane.) Critics of President Obama’s nuclear deal with Iran immediately called the payment a ransom. The President said the notion that the United States would start paying ransoms in this high profile way defies logic. But just the other week the state department admitted the $400 million in cash was used as “leverage” to ensure Iran freed the American prisoners. Supporters of the President immediately said “leverage” isn’t “ransom”, and The New York Times editorial board labeled it “pragmatic diplomacy.” But the use of this term reminded many that the Obama administration replaced the phrase “war on terror” with “overseas contingency operations” and called the Russian invasion of Ukraine an “uncontested arrival.” The Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump said the Obama administration lied about the hostages openly and blatantly. (Obama said the money was payment for a 1979 debt for military equipment.) Now Republican lawmakers claim that the White House “undermined America’s longstanding opposition to ransom payments.”
Commentary
Now what did Jefferson do concerning ransom payments? During the Revolutionary War period US shipping in the Mediterranean was protected by an Alliance with France from North African Muslim pirates. For centuries North African Muslims (providences of the Ottoman Empire) captured European ships and ransomed or enslaved the crews. It is estimated 1.25 million Europeans were captured and sold as slaves. Once the United States became independent it was no longer protected by France and the Muslims targeted American ships. The Muslim rulers wanted tribute money to stop the attacks. Jefferson went to London to meet with an envoy of the North African Muslims, he asked what grounds do they have to make war on a nation that done them no injury? The envoy replied, “All nations which had not acknowledged the Prophet were sinners, whom it was the right and duty of the faithful to plunder and enslave.” Jefferson argued that paying tribute would encourage more attacks, but without a Navy the United States paid. From 1786 until Jefferson became President in 1801 the United States paid one million a year for safe passage in the Mediterranean and in ransom for American hostages. But when Jefferson took office the Navy was built and he took the new nation into its first war to end tribute payment and ransoms. A wwjd wristband would have reminded the White house of Jefferson’s concern. Jefferson believed payment only encouraged the enemy. The White House might not have encouraged Iran, but they might have inspired enemies watching. The New York Times wrote, “Where the administration went wrong was in not being more transparent sooner about how the… release unfolded.” And it might not be clear to the enemies watching whether the payment was leverage, ransom, or pragmatic diplomacy, but it’s clear to them the money was delivered. And this gives the wrong impression to enemies that can’t wait to test the intelligence of Donald Trump or the resolve of America’s first woman president. (J. Pharoah Doss is a contributor to the New Pittsburgh Courier. He blogs at jpharoahdoss@ blogspot.com)
Letter To The Editor
In response to ‘Hop’ Kendrick’s challenge Dear Editor: In a recent Courier opinion column, I was challenged to encourage Congressman Mike Doyle to debate his Republican challenger. For the last thirty years, I have spent my professional life advocating for lowand moderate-income residents and the communities they live in. As a Pastor, teacher and a public official, I have learned that it takes a team of committed people to transform the lives of low- and moderate- income families. I have known Congressman Mike Doyle for many years, and together we have fought for the issues that empower low- and moderate-income families including affordable housing, a living wage, safer communities, and good quality schools. In fact, during his entire 22 years of service in Congress, Mike Doyle has advocated for low- and moderate-income residents and their communities including communities of color. The U.S. Congress operates in part upon seniority, so having a Congressman with Mike Doyle’s tenure gives at-risk neighborhoods in the Pittsburgh area a greater opportunity to receive federal assistance and funding. For example, Congressman Doyle has secured the highly competitive multi-million dollar U.S. Department of Transportation’s Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grants for 5 communities in his district: Rankin, McKeesport, Duquesne, East Liberty and the Hill District which are all low- and moderate- income communities. Congressman Doyle has worked with Representative Ed Gainey, Representative Jake Wheatley, City Councilman R. Daniel Lavelle and
County Councilman DeWitt Walton to provide resources to their constituents. He has worked with us all and he has earned our support. In my district, Congressman Doyle was instrumental to the City of Pittsburgh being awarded the HUD Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant of 30 million dollars which is currently being used to build over 300 new housing units in Larimer. This is the largest investment in Larimer in over 70 years. He is personally responsible for hundreds of millions of dollars being invested in Western Pennsylvania and significant investment in traditional African-American communities. I have watched him hire and mentor young people including African-Americans who continue to serve the Pittsburgh community in various government, business and non-profit organizations. Mike Doyle is known both nationally and locally as one of this country’s leading Democrats. Many residents may not be aware of his vast accomplishments because Mike Doyle is a humble man, rarely citing his own accomplishments. Instead, when I have worked with Congressman Doyle he simply states, “We must do the right thing”, or “It is important for the leaders to all work together.” Mike Doyle has for many years been a leader of leaders bringing needed resources to low- and moderate-income communities and their residents. And as my departed mother always said, actions speak louder than words. Mike Doyle’s actions have earned our community’s continued support. Councilman Rev. Ricky Burgess Pittsburgh Council District 9
Letters to the editor for publication The New Pittsburgh Courier welcomes all responsible viewpoints for publication. All letters should be typewritten and contain writer’s address and phone number for verification. All letters will be edited for clarity and length. Address all letters to: Letters to the Editor New Pittsburgh Courier, 315 East Carson Street Pittsburgh, Pa. 15219 You may fax your letter to 412-481-1360, or via e-mail to letters@newpittsburghcourier.com.
AUGUST 31-SEPTEMBER 6, 2016
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Marc H. Morial
To Be Equal
The 2016 Olympic Games: Diversity wins gold in Rio “Team USA reminds the world why America always sets the gold standard: We’re a nation of immigrants that finds strength in our diversity and unity in our national pride…In a season of intense politics, let’s cherish this opportunity to come together around one flag. In a time of challenge around the world, let’s appreciate the peaceful competition and sportsmanship we’ll see…between rivals who know we share a common humanity. Let’s honor the courage it takes, not only to cross the finish line first, but merely to stand in the starting blocks. And let’s see in ourselves the example they set – proving that no matter where you’re from, with determination and discipline, there’s nothing you can’t achieve.” — President Barack Obama, Weekly Address, August 6, 2016 For 16 days, the eyes and the attention of the world were trained on the drama of victory and defeat in Rio de Janeiro. At a time when intolerance, conflict and division invade our headlines on a daily basis, the greatest athletes from 206 countries gathered at the Games—held for the first time in a South American country—and reminded us that tolerance, peace and unity are real ambitions that can be achieved, even in the heat of intense competition. Team USA set a gold standard for diversity in Rio. From the balance beam to the swimming lanes, our country’s 555 athletes represented the gender, ethnic and religious diversity that has always made America great. Team USA featured more women athletes than male athletes (292 to 263). Ibtihaj Muhammed, a Muslim-American fencer who went on to win a bronze medal, became the first Olympian to compete while wearing a hijab. Our women’s gymnastics team—also known as the “Final Five”— was the most racially and ethnically diverse in the team’s history. A Kenyan-born American, who is a sergeant in the United States Army and has a brother serving in Afghanistan, competed for our nation in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. American lightweight boxer Carlos Balderas scored an emotional victory in Rio, representing our country all the way to the quarter-finals. The 19-year-old, a first generation Mexican-American, dedicated his victory to his grandfather and uncles who came to America and labored in California’s strawberry fields to achieve a better life for their family. Team USA’s 121 medals are the most ever for a U.S. team in a non-boycotted Games, and individual achievement was everywhere to be seen. Winning five gold medals and a silver in Rio, swimmer Michael Phelps became the most decorated Olympian of all time with a total of 28, and holds the record for most Olympic gold medals, with 23. The two gold medals she earned in Rio made runner Allyson Felix the only female track and field athlete to win six Olympic gold medals. And Simone Biles, the most decorated American gymnast of all time, set a new American record for most gold medals in women’s gymnastics at a single Olympics. She was the first gymnast since 1984 to win four gold medals at a single games. These stories, these achievements—some of them historic—these athletes, who train night and day and sacrifice everything for the love of their sport and our nation, could not exist in an America that builds walls. Many of the inspirational stories we’ve watched unfold—and most importantly, our children can now take for granted—could not exist in an America that bars people from our country based on their religious belief. The winning mosaic of America we all watched walk in the Opening Ceremony’s parade of nations could not exist in an America that shuns diversity and prizes above all the forced and inevitable homogeneity of ideological screen tests. I believe the power of our Olympic victory lies in its representation of what we as a nation are constantly striving to be: inclusive, tolerant, peaceful, united under one flag and committed to excellence at home and abroad. There are real problems and concerns we face as a nation and we must remain committed to solving them and keeping our country safe, but tolerance, diversity and camaraderie are not problems, and if the Olympics are any indication, they are, in fact, our strengths. Our athletes are back now and they should now how proud we are of them—all of them. Team USA returns with 121 medals: 46 gold, 37 silver and 38 bronze, the most medals of any nation, and the most it has ever won at any Summer Games since 1984. President Barack Obama, our nation’s first Black president, can add this factoid to his legacy: with a total of 289 medals under both his terms, Team USA brought home more Olympic medals during his presidency than any other presidency. The president with the second highest tally of Olympic medals is Ronald Regan with 282 medals. There are many lessons to be learned from the Summer Olympics, and my hope is that one of them will be that America is great and always wins when we embrace, nurture and support the talent and skills of all Americans in all arenas. (Marc H. Morial is President and CEO of the National Urban League)
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NATIONAL
AUGUST 31-SEPTEMBER 6, 2016
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Four of Rio’s Final Five get hugs from Beyonce NEW YORK (AP)—Four of the Final Five gymnastics greats from the Rio Olympics wished ailing teammate Gabby Douglas well and got hugs from best female video winner Beyonce on Aug. 28 at the MTV Video Music Awards. Simone Biles, in a girly red mini dress, had an attack of the giggles as she shared the stage with Aly Raisman, Laurie Hernandez and Madison Kocian. “The fifth member of our team, Gabby Douglas, is
having medical issues and unfortunately couldn’t make it tonight,” Biles said. “Feel better Gabby!” Douglas was in a hospital for treatment of a mouth infection from a previous injury, said her publicist, Lesley Burbridge. The four took turns introducing Beyonce and her contenders for the award. Kocian said, “Together with our teammate Gabby we accomplished something bigger than ourselves.”
Between them, the five won nine medals, breaking the record of eight won by the 1984 and 2008 USA women’s gymnastics teams. The team picked a nickname in keeping with an Olympic gymnastics tradition started at the 1996 games in Atlanta. The meaning behind the Final Five: Starting with the Tokyo Games in 2020, women gymnastics squads reportedly will only be allowed four members, plus
Rio was the last turn for Marta Karolyi, the national team coordinator for USA Gymnastics since 2001. The Rio crew is the fifth team Karolyi has led to victory since 2001. “The five women nominated for best female video worked hard to be on top of their games,” Raisman said from the VMA stage. “They’re role models for us as we hope to be to a younger generation of women.”
DEFIANT AND DETERMINED—San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick answers questions at a news conference after an NFL preseason football game against the Green Bay Packers Friday, Aug. 26, in Santa Clara, Calif.
Kaepernick will sit through anthem until there’s change by Janie McCauley Associated Press Writer
FINAL FIVE MINUS GABBY—U.S. Olympic gymnasts, from left, Aly Raisman, Madison Kocian, Laurie Hernandez and Simone Biles arrive at the MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Aug. 28, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
WHY IT MATTERS: All will be touched by choice in November by Calvin Woodward
by President Trump or President Clinton are Associated Press Writer going to matter to home WASHINGTON (AP) and hearth. The tax bite, — Hillary Clinton and the social safety net, the Donald Trump offer voters social fabric, potholes, distinct choices this fall on prices, jobs, war, the air we issues that shape everyday breathe, personal debt and lives. national debt—all that Actual ideas are in play, and more are touched in as difficult as it can be some way by the ballots of to see them through the Tuesday, Nov. 8. surreal layers of the 2016 America’s place in the presidential campaign. world is in the balance, Washington, even in nor- too. So is the direction of mal times, may feel like a the Supreme Court, tied foreign capital far removed between Republican and from the places politicians Democratic appointees. love to talk about––the In a sense, a vote for proverbial kitchen table, president is also a vote to Main Street, your wallet. break the court’s left-right But decisions to be made divide. Which side are you
on? Whichever side, voters are in the driver’s seat, not the cheap seats, for this election spectacle. Clinton brings some predictability. She has a public-service record and an economic agenda rooted in the traditions of the Democratic Party. Trump at the core is a party of one. The Republican nominee serves up ideas in improvised explosive tweets and broad brushstrokes from the stage. That contrast is a guide to what to expect, not the whole story. Both are known to have shifted with the political winds. And
their plans require the approval of that famously ornery place, Congress, to become real. Even so, they point to divergent paths for the country on immigration, the economy, health care, global warming and any number of other topics. They present, in short, discernible choices. In this series, Associated Press writers who cover subjects at stake in the election illuminate the economic, social and foreign policy landscape, summarize the positions of the candidates and look at why those choices matter.
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP)—Defiant, and determined to be a conduit for change, Colin Kaepernick plans to sit through the national anthem for as long as he feels is appropriate and until he sees significant progress—specifically when it comes to race relations in the United States. He knows he could be cut by San Francisco for this stand. Criticized and ostracized, he’ll go it alone if need be. The quarterback realizes he might be treated poorly in some road cities, and he’s ready for that, too, saying he’s not overly concerned about his safety, but “if something happens that’s only proving my point.” “I’m going to continue to stand with the people that are being oppressed,” Kaepernick said Aug. 28 at his locker. “To me this is something that has to change. When there’s significant change and I feel like that flag represents what it’s supposed to represent, this country is representing people the way that it’s supposed to, I’ll stand.” Two days after he refused to stand for the “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the 49ers’ preseason loss to the Packers, Kaepernick insists whatever the consequences, he will know “I did what’s right.” He said he hasn’t heard from the NFL or anyone else about his actions––and it won’t matter if he does. “No one’s tried to quiet me and, to be honest, it’s not something I’m going to be quiet about,” he said. “I’m going to speak the truth when I’m asked about it. This isn’t for look. This isn’t for publicity or anything like that. This is for people that don’t have the voice. And this is for people that are being oppressed and need to have equal opportunities to be successful. To provide for families and not live in poor circumstances.” Letting his hair go au natural and sprinting between drills as usual, Kaepernick took the field Sunday with the 49ers as his stance drew chatter across NFL camps. He explained his viewpoints to teammates in the morning, some agreeing with his message but not necessarily his method. Some said they know he has offended his countrymen, others didn’t even know what he had done. “Every guy on this team is entitled to their opinion. We’re all grown men,” linebacker NaVorro Bowman said. “I agree with what he did, but not in the way he did it,” wideout Torrey Smith said. “That’s not for me. He has that right. Soldiers have died for his right to do exactly what he did. ... I know he’s taken a lot of heat for it. He understands that when you do something like that it does offend a lot of people.” Bowman and Smith are African American. Kaepernick criticized presidential candidates Donald Trump (“openly racist”) and Hillary Clinton; called out police brutality against minorities; and pushed for account-
ability of public officials. “You can become a cop in six months and don’t have to have the same amount of training as a cosmetologist,” Kaepernick said. “That’s insane. Someone that’s holding a curling iron has more education and more training than people that have a gun and are going out on the street to protect us.” In college at Nevada, Kaepernick said, police were called one day “because we were the only Black people in that neighborhood.” Officers entered without knocking and drew guns on him and his teammates and roommates as they were moving their belongings, he said. He said his stand is not against men and women in the military. Kaepernick, whose hair had been in cornrows during training camp, sat on the bench during Aug. 26’s national anthem at Levi’s Stadium. Giants wideout Victor Cruz and Bills coach Rex Ryan said standing for the anthem shows respect. “There’s a lot of things that need to change. One specifically? Police brutality,” said Kaepernick, who is biracial and whose adoptive parents are White. “There’s people being murdered unjustly and not being held accountable. People are being given paid leave for killing people. That’s not right. That’s not right by anyone’s standards.” On Aug. 28, he stopped briefly on a side field to talk with Harry Edwards and they shared a quick embrace before the quarterback grabbed his helmet and took the field. Edwards is a sociologist and African American activist who helped plan the “Olympic Project for Human Rights” before the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, where U.S. sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos took the medal podium barefoot and bowed their heads through the anthem, raising gloved fists in a Black power protest. Coach Chip Kelly did not speak to the media Sunday. He said Aug. 27 he still hasn’t decided on his starting quarterback in a competition between Kaepernick and Blaine Gabbert, who took over the job from Kaepernick last November. “That’s his right as a citizen,” Kelly said. “We recognize his right as an individual to choose to participate or not participate in the national anthem.” Now, Kaepernick is prepared for whatever comes next. “I think there’s a lot of consequences that come along with this. There’s a lot of people that don’t want to have this conversation,” he said. “They’re scared they might lose their job. Or they might not get the endorsements. They might not to be treated the same way. Those are things I’m prepared to handle. ... “At this point, I’ve been blessed to be able to get this far and have the privilege of being able to be in the NFL, making the kind of money I make and enjoy luxuries like that. I can’t look in the mirror and see people dying on the street that should have the same opportunities that I’ve had.”
LIFESTYLES New Pittsburgh Courier
Cuisine Fresh flavor with friends B3
AUGUST 31-SEPTEMBER 6, 2016
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
Homestead residents honored B2
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Debbie Norrell
Lifestyles Report
The first time I’ve been slacking on giving you my list of first experiences. Frankly, I think I have missed a few months of experiencing firsts. There were a few events I wanted to attend and became overwhelmed with life, and missed them. I just got back from Fargo, N.D. Now, that was a big first for me. I never dreamed that I would go to Fargo, but I had to go on business and it was an interesting experience. Lots of flat land and not many African Americans. Fortunately, the crew that I was with likes to try different restaurants that at least one of us had not been to before. It didn’t matter if it was a chain. The first night we went to Johnny Carino’s. I had seen the commercials, but didn’t know we had one in Robinson Township. It was enjoyable. The next evening was Vinyl Taco. I’m not a Mexican food fan, but I like tacos, at least, I thought I did. This spot was located in “downtown” Fargo. The area reminded me of Lawrenceville. Vinyl albums are the source for all of the music played in the restaurant, hence the name Vinyl Taco. It was a cool place with a lot of neat decorations. A sofa made out of a Coke machine caught my eye and a life size gold bison with a flat screen television in its side was interesting. The food was not good enough for me to go back, but I give them an A for originality. Our third night, I got to pick the type of food and I wanted to do Chinese. It was recommended that we go to a place called Huhot Mongolian Grill. Not quite Chinese, but close enough. This was a real interesting buffet. You pick a bowl and then fill the bottom with frozen meat: pork, chicken, scrimp, meatballs or sausage. Then you add your noodles and vegetables and finally you add about six to nine ladles of sauce. There are about nine to select from. Then you take your bowl to an area where your bowl is put on a hot griddle and they cook your food very much like they do if you were to go to a Japanese steakhouse. If you stay in line the way they tell you to, the right ingredients will come back to you. I was impressed with the concept and enjoyed the experience. It is an all you can eat restaurant and the meal is about $14. I looked the restaurant up and see that most locations are in the mid-west. There are a few in the south. It seems very popular. Even though we were on business we had a great time. We found a Dairy Queen nearby and went there twice; it was a great way to top off a meal. We also found a business that sold life size horses, bison and cows, and we saw a stuffed monkey in the window. This location made for some good photos to post on Facebook. I’ll be back next month with another list of firsts. (Email the columnist at debbienorrell@aol.com)
STYLE AWARD WINNERS—Christian Diboko, Shawna Solomon, Marian McCann and Nisha Blackwell (Photos by Debbie Norrell)
STYLE AWARD WINNER—Wadria Taylor with Nicole Manns
by Debbie Norrell Lifestyles Editor
LOVING STYLE WEEK—Weida Tucker and Darieth Chisolm
Style Week Pittsburgh celebrated its fourth year on Aug. 18 with a series of events designed to recognize the region’s most trailblazing artists, entrepreneurs, and innovators. The Pittsburgh fashionistas and those who love them came out to enjoy multiple events. Wadria Taylor is the brains behind Pittsburgh Style Week and was proud to kick off the 2016 version of Style Week with FREESTYLE, a fashion show and exhibition taking place at the Carnegie Museum of Art. FREESTYLE explored the connection between the women’s rights movement and fashion in the 1920s and 1960s. FREESTYLE featured the work of local designers James Houk and Leesa Kassler as well as photographs from world-renowned photographer Teenie Harris. On Friday, Aug. 19, the Style Awards were announced at Culture Restaurant. This year the public voted for their favorites via social media. The Style Week 2016 winners: Best Individual Style—Mary Ann McCann; Designer of the Year––Nisha Blackwell; Salon of the Year—Dreamz Salon; Artist of the Year—Christian OPENING NIGHT—Vintage fashion Diboko; Boutique of the Year—Gilded Girl; Stylist of the Year—Shawna Solomon; Fashion Blogger of the Year—Lisa Freeman; Photographer of the Year— Juan Carlos Silva; Makeup Artist of the Year—Danielle Mock; and Entrepreneur of the Year—Nicole Manns. The week concluded with an “Energy” Dance Party at the Ace Hotel on Aug. 20 and an Artful Brunch on Sunday at Revel & Roost. Style Week Pittsburgh was created in 2013 to raise the profile of fashion focused brands in both the region and beyond.
STYLE AWARD WINNER—Dreamz Salon
FASHIONISTAS
FASHIONISTAS
OPENING fashion
NIGHT—Vintage
THE CREATOR—Wadria Taylor with mom, Sharon Taylor.
FASHIONISTAS
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RELIGION
AUGUST 31-SEPTEMBER 6, 2016 NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Praise & Worship ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH Crawford & Centre Ave. Pgh., PA 15219 412-281-3141
Homestead residents honored for Outstanding Community Service
Mass Sunday 9:00 A.M. & 12:00 P.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.
SIXTH MOUNT ZION BAPTIST CHURCH 6556 Shetland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206 (412) 441-7839 9:00 a.m. 10:15 a.m. 6:00 p.m.
East Liberty Presbyterian Church Rev. Dr. Randy Bush, Senior Pastor 412-441-3800
Unity for the Community
SEPT. 3—Morningside COGIC, 5173 Dearborn St., in Garfield, will host its Unity for the Community from 11:30 a.m.-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 412-8532022.
Women’s Weekend
www.metropolitanbaptistchurch.com metropolitanbaptist2224@gmail.com
Church School Worship Service Wednesday Night Bible Study
Church Circuit
COMMUNITY SERVICE—Recently, Park Place AME Church, located at 215 E. 10th Ave., in Homestead, honored members of local families for their Outstanding Community Service. The award ceremony included Darieth Chisolm as the keynote speaker. Pictured above are the winners of the Outstanding Community Service awards. (Photos by Jackie McDonald)
116 S. Highland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206
SEPT. 9—Pentecostal Temple COGIC, 6300 East Liberty Blvd., in East liberty, will host “Women’s Weekend 2016,” Sept. 9-11. Friday, 7 p.m., will be “Pack Your Pew For Prayer” with Evangelist Marlene Ford. Saturday at 10:30 a.m., a Special Workshop for Male, Females & Youth will be held with Minister Corey Lankford presenting on “Virgin Heart: The Pursuit of True Intimacy.” Registration $10 for Adults, Under 12 years $5. The featured guest speaker for both Saturday night at 7 p.m. and Sunday Morning Worship at 10:30 a.m. will be Dr. Yvonne Capehart, Believer’s Life Center in Florida. For more information, call 412-361-7000.
Women’s Conference
SEPT. 9-11—Bethlehem Baptist Church will host its conference which includes: Friday–Lady Debra Moncrief, and Pastor June Jeffries. Saturday—Breakfast, Rev. Amelia Jones. Sunday—Bishop Telma Mitchell. Registration $35.
www.cathedralofhope.com
Summer Worship........10 a.m.
Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community
Power of Prayer Breakfast
SEPT. 10—Carrone Baptist Church’s, 7119 Frankstown Ave., Homewood, will host a Breakfast at 9 a.m. at the Hosanna House, 806 Wallace Ave., Wilkinsburg. A $25 donation is requested. All are invited to come pray, eat and fellowship at this spiritual outreach. For more information call 412371-9919.
Pre-Men’s Day
THE LUNCHEON PLANNING COMMITTEE
For rate information, call 412481-8302, ext. 128. We are looking to feature our positive youth in the church communities. You can e-mail, fax or mail their bios and
SEPT. 10—Jerusalem Baptist Church located at 123 Steuben St., in West End, will host a Pre-Men’s Day worship service at 3 p.m. The guest speaker will be Pastor Antawn D. Coleman Sr. of White Lily Baptist Church, of Chartiers City, along with his choir and congregation. Rev. Theodore E. Pugh, Sr. is the Pastor Men’s Day will be celebrated on Sunday, Sept. 18 at 11 a.m. For more information, call 412921-0822.
12th Year Anniversary
SEPT. 11—Trinity Baptist Church invites you to celebrate its 121st church anniversary. The event will be held at the Trinity Baptist Church at the 3 p.m. The address is 3415 Ligioner St., in Lawrenceville. Reverend Barbara Gunn will be the guest minister. Please come and celebrate this joyous occasion. For more information, call 412-621-4311.
Blood, Sweat and Tears of Victory Revival
OFFICIALS WITH KEYNOTE SPEAKER—From left: Presiding Elder James McLemore, Rev. James Harris, Darieth Chisolm, Presiding Elder Eric Brown and Delbert Mackson.
‘The Passion LIVE’ hosted by Perry to be released photo to: New Pittsburgh Courier 315 E. Carson St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Fax: 412-481-1360 email: egaines@newpittsburghcourier.com
One of the Bible’s greatest stories is brought to life in this powerful and moving retelling of “The Passion,” in a smash hit live musical event. Hosted and narrated by actor and producer Tyler Perry, “The Passion LIVE” will be released on DVD for the first time ever from Shout! Factory on Oct. 4. With musical arrangements by Adam Anders (“Glee” and “Rock of Ages”), “The Passion” features a star-studded cast including Jencarlos Canela as Jesus, Chris Daughtry as Judas, Prince Royce as Peter, Seal as Pontius Pilate and Trisha Yearwood as Mary. Specific to this DVD
release, all live musical performances are presented in full and unabridged. Originally aired live on FOX in spring 2016, “The Passion” tells the 2000-year-old story of the last hours of Jesus Christ’s life on earth through passages from the Bible and a variety of popular music, sung by the cast and arranged specifically for the event. Set in the present, the event follows the dramatic and inspirational story of Jesus of Nazareth as he presides over the Last Supper, and is then betrayed by Judas, put on trial by Pontius Pilate, convicted, crucified and resurrected.
SEPT. 16—New Jerusalem Holiness Church, 111 Auburn St., in East Liberty will host its Revival at 7 p.m. Praise and Worship to be lead by Voices for Praise from New Life Baptist Church, in Apollo, Pa.
Annual Choir Day
SEPT. 18—The Nazarene Baptist Church, 7053 Hamilton Ave., in Homewood, Annual Choir Day will feature Dr. Herbert V.R.P. Jones and the Heritage Gospel Chorale of Pittsburgh in Concert at 4 p.m. Rev Ricky V Burgess is the senior pastor.
Church Choir Festival
SEPT. 24—The Urban M. Garrett/Dr. Major Mason III Families of McKeesport presents 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., in McKeesport. Please join the celebration of 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.)
Fresh favors with friends
CUISINE
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
AUGUST 31-SEPTEMBER 6, 2016
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(Family Features) Nothing beats a meal filled with flavorful ingredients fresh off the farm––unless you add a table filled with your closest friends to enjoy the bounty. From sides to main dishes to desserts, these recipes show you how to transform wholesome farm-raised foods into a crowd-pleasing menu you can enjoy from start to finish.
Pan Roasted Maple Dijon Chicken with Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts Servings: 4 1 tablespoon olive oil 4 chicken thighs 4 chicken drumsticks 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 16 Brussels sprouts (about 8 ounces), bottom trimmed, outer leaves removed and halved 2 cups diced (1/2 inch) butternut squash 1-1/2 cups chicken stock 2 tablespoons maple syrup 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard In saute pan large enough to hold chicken in single layer, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Add chicken to pan, skin side down, and saute about 4-5 minutes per side or until chicken is browned. Remove chicken from pan and reserve. In same pan, add butter. Allow butter to melt over medium heat. Add sprouts and squash to pan and saute, tossing occasionally, until outsides are golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan and hold separately from chicken. Turn heat to high and add stock, syrup and mustard. Stir and bring to boil, stirring to scrape up brown bits on bottom of pan. Add chicken back to pan, cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook over medium-low heat 20-25 minutes, or until chicken registers 170 F with instant read thermometer. Add vegetables back to pan, cover again and cook another 8-10 minutes until vegetables are tender. Move chicken and vegetables to serving platter, placing vegetables around chicken. Turn heat to high and boil sauce until it is reduced and slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Spoon sauce over chicken and serve.
Festive Papas Tapas
Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Servings: 6 2-4 medium Wisconsin russet or gold potatoes 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1/2 teaspoon sea salt Heat grill or oven to 400 F. Thinly slice potatoes lengthwise to 1/4-inch thick, discarding ends. Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper. Place on grill or prepared baking sheet in single layer. Cook 10 minutes on each side. Add toppings. Topping Ideas Bruschetta: In bowl, mix together 2 medium tomatoes diced, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, 2 cloves minced garlic and 1 tablespoon olive oil; and spoon on top of potatoes. Baked Potato: In bowl, mix together 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons fresh chives; chopped, and spoon on top of potatoes. Garnish with 1 tablespoon chives. Mediterranean: In bowl, mix together 1 container (6 ounces) feta cheese; 1 can (2 1/4 ounces) sliced olives, drained; 1 medium tomato diced; salt and pepper, to taste; and spoon on top of potatoes. Creamy Greek Yogurt with Lemon and Herbs: In bowl, mix together 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill; juice from 1/2 lemon; salt and pepper, to taste; and spoon on top of potatoes. Garnish with dill sprigs.
Mixed Berry Shortcakes Recipe courtesy of Nestle 2 pounds fresh strawberries, sliced (about 6 cups total) 2 containers (6 ounces each) fresh blueberries (about 2 1/2 cups total) 7 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided Nonstick cooking spray 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces 2/3 cup lowfat milk 1/4 cup lowfat Greek yogurt or sour cream Sparkling sugar (optional) 3 cups light Vanilla Dreyer’s or Edy’s Slow Churned Light Ice Cream In large bowl, combine strawberries, blueberries and 3 tablespoons granulated sugar; stir gently. Let stand, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes. Heat oven to 425 F. Spray baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. In large bowl, whisk flour, remaining granulated sugar, baking powder and salt; cut in butter with pastry blender or two knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add milk and yogurt; stir just until moist dough forms. Turn dough onto floured work surface. With floured hands, knead 6-8 times until dough is smooth. With rolling pin, roll dough into 9-by-6-inch rectangle, or about 1/2-inch thick. Cut into six 2 1/2-inch circles. Transfer to prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with sparkling sugar. Bake 10-12 minutes, or just until golden. Transfer biscuits to individual plates; split open. Top each with about 1 cup berry mixture and 1/2 cup vanilla ice cream.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
ENTERTAINER New Pittsburgh Courier
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AUGUST 31-SEPTEMBER 6, 2016
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
Cover To Cover
‘Writings on the Wall’
by Terri Schlichenmeyer For New Pittsburgh Courier
The fix won’t be quick. It never is. There’s no magic wand to change the things that’ve been on your mind lately––social issues, inequality, poverty, politics, apathy or violence. Those ills didn’t arrive quick and they won’t leave quick, but Kareem Abdul-Jabbar says they can be repaired. In his new book, “Writings on the Wall” (with Raymond Obstfeld), he explains his thought. When people ask Abdul-Jabbar what he might’ve become had he STANDING OVATION—The crowd on their feet during the EPMD concert. (Photos by J. L. Martello) not played NBA basketball, his answer often surprises them; he would’ve been a history teacher. History fascinates him—especially in the way it reflects racism, religious intolerance and gender issues. In history, as in current events, the truth is sometimes bent. hip-hop heavy. We show by Paige K. Mitchell so Take, for instance, poliPittsburgh love and they alFor New Pittsburgh Courier tics, which is on everyone’s ways give it back to us,” Ermind. We rail and complain Golden Age hip-hop group ick Sermon of EPMD said. about issues and promises EPMD (Erick and ParThe album “Strictly Busirish Making Dollars) has ness” features EPMD’s hit teamed with DJ Diamonds record, “You Gots to Chill.” Parrish Smith of EPMD in a tour of select cities to celebrate the 30th anniver- said, “Pittsburgh was showsary of their debut album, in’ off. That’s why we came “Strictly Business.” In do- here. We knew Pittsburgh ing so, they made sure to was hip-hop.” The Hip Hop Edition took stop in Pittsburgh to perform at the Multiple Choice place at the August WilEvents’ Hip Hop Edition in son Center on Aug. 11. The honor of hip-hop’s national evening was called Multiple Choice Events because birthday celebration. “Pittsburgh is a place me attendees had the option and Parrish came to during to curate their evening by the LL Cool J tour, and this choosing which portion of is our first time being in the night they wanted to Pittsburgh for a long time. attend. The choices were atI’m surprised more artists tending the live show, going haven’t come out of this to a party or dining from broken, and we like to think city because Pittsburgh is vendors and food trucks. it’s all out of our hands. The truth is that we are the problem; we grow complacent about things we don’t want, acting “like children when it comes to politics” and hoping the government will “take care of us,” rather than taking steps to fix the system ourselves. White people may deny that racism exists, says Abdul-Jabbar, while Black people know that it does. Racism DOING THEIR THING—Emcees Eric Sermon and Parrish Smith, with DJ Diamond, performing at the didn’t stop with the election August Wilson Center. of the nation’s first Black president. It doesn’t end with EPMD’s deejay, DJ Dia- and Izzy, local rappers trucks and then took my melting-pot cultural appromonds, said, “Some people within the monthly free- seat inside the theater to priation. It actually comes in told me about the histo- style club, Track Meet, enjoy the show. I’ve always two forms, he says, and edury of the August Wilson performed before EPMD been a fan of EPMD and cation is the first step in dealthey still got it!” Center, and I’m like sa- took the stage. ing with it, not eliminating it, Sermon said, “Don’t ever A dance battle after-parlute. It’s a honor and a because racism is always goprivilege to perform here. ty took place immediately let anyone tell you that you ing to be around. As far as the crowd, top after the EPMD concert; can’t make it or be what On religion, we should nevnotch! People are going guests enjoyed the dance you want to be in life. I er lose sight of the fact that to be mad if they missed battle, drinks, and the dee- remember they told me I this “country was founded wouldn’t make it in hip-hop it because EPMD tore the jay. by religious outcasts runEvent attendee Batina because I have a lisp when stage down.” ning for their lives from perDJ Selecta, Reason, Fey said, “I first enjoyed the I talk.” And look how far he secution for their beliefs.” EOS, Moemaw Naedon food from the outdoor food has come. When it comes to equality EPMD—Emcees Eric Sermon and Parrish Smith for women, we must embrace the true meaning of “feminist” and adhere to what we tell pollsters when it comes to gender. We need to look at the media and how to maximize its potential, and we must take better care of our seniors. “We cannot afford to just wring out hands and depend on the kindness of strangers,” Abdul-Jabbar says. “We have to bring about change on our own.” Remember when your grade school teacher told you to put on your thinking cap? You’ll need it again as you’re reading “Writings on the Wall.” Authors Abdul-Jabbar and Obstfeld don’t just examine issues that are on the minds of every American. They turn them over and blow them apart, looking for solutions that can be accomplished and chiding us gently for not already working.
Pittsburgh joins ‘happy birthday hip-hop’ celebration
(“Writings on the Wall: Searching for a New Equality Beyond Black and White” by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Raymond Obstfeld. c.2016, Liberty Street Books, $27.95 $33.95 Canada, 256 pages.)
DANCE COMPETITION—After the concert there was a dance competition featuring local dancers.
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
ARTS & CULTURE
AUGUST 31-SEPTEMBER 6, 2016
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September/October Music in the Park
This summer, music lovers can once again relax on the lawn at Highland Park to the sounds of jazz performed by Pittsburgh’s finest musicians during the ever-popular “Reservoir of Jazz” concert series. In 2016 the series includes a Labor Day weekend concert. Free performances will take place Sept. 4, from 5–7 p.m., by the fountain at the Highland Avenue entrance to Highland Park. For more information concerning this Citiparks concert series, visit www.Citiparks.net or call 412255-2493.
Allegheny County Music Festival
SEPT. 4—The Allegheny County Music Festival, featuring Pittsburgh-based Rusted Root and several local bands, will be held at the amphitheater in Hartwood Acres Park in Hampton. Opening acts begin at 5 p.m. and Rusted Root will take the stage at 8 p.m. The suggested donation is $20 per car to benefit the Allegheny County Music Festival Fund. The Fund finances requests from children and youth receiving services through the Allegheny County Department of Human Services or Allegheny County Juvenile Probation for life-enriching items and opportunities not otherwise available through traditional government sources.
New Works Festival kicks off 26th year of World Premier Plays
Mainstage Productions Program A (SEPT. 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 Uni-
versity 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.
Sun Ra Arkestra Live
SEPT. 19—Sun Ra Arkestra Live at the New Hazlett Theater at 7 p.m.
MCG Jazz
SEPT. 23—Don’t miss your opportunity to be a part of MCG Jazz’s historic 30th annual concert series! BNY Mellon Jazz presents: Grammy-nominated Michael Feinstein to kick off our historic season with four shows over two nights, beginning Sept. 23. Please note that Bobby McFerrin will no longer be opening the season due to health issues. Also, Brian Culbertson is currently touring for his new FUNK! album and will make a stop at MCG on Oct. 25 for two shows
The Bold &
The Sanctified
SEPT. 24—Herron Enterprises presents “The Bold & The Sanctified II” stage play at 8 p.m. at the Byham Theater, 101 Sixth St., Cultural District. The show, written and directed by Sherri Lynn, stars American Idol winner Ruben Studdard. See if two small churches, one Black and one White, who combine their congregations for financial reasons, can overcome racial conflict and tensions and make it work. There will also be a matinee performance at 3 p.m. For more information, call 412-426-5301 or visit, www.boldandsanctified.net.
Tom Jones Live
SEPT. 29—Tom Jones at the Benedum Theater. Jones’ 50-year career has remarkably gone from strength to strength. Along with sustaining his popularity as a live performer and recording artist for five decades, he has garnered—at the age of 76—the best reviews of his career for his most recent albums, Long Lost Suitcase, Spirit In The Room and Praise & Blame (Island/Universal). Critics across the world are unanimous in their approval and admiration for both the recorded work and the performance of it in concert.
Musician Applications
Until Oct. 7—91.3 WYEP is accepting applications from area teen musicians to participate in the 201617 Reimagination Recording Project. Now in its fourth year, the Reimagination Recording Project partners teen musicians with professional mentors to record and produce their own original music. Since 2013, the program has
engaged with more than 70 area teen musicians, including Urban Pathways Sounds of Steel, Center of Life Youth Jazz Combo, Mt. Lebanon recording artist Daya and many more. Applications will be accepted at wyep.org/reimagine-media until midnight Oct. 7. All applications will be reviewed, and those selected to participate in the project will be notified in mid-October, with studio sessions and workshops beginning in November 2016.
Sweetwater Center for the Arts
OCT. 8—Sweetwater Center for the Arts, in collaboration with the ToonSeum, is honored to present two events with civil rights leader Congressman John Lewis and his “March” co-author Andrew Aydin and illustrator Nate Powell. These events
are made possible with generous support from the Pittsburgh Foundation and Carlow University. Join Sweetwater for an intimate evening with Lewis, Aydin and Powell as they take a look into “March,” the New York Times bestselling trilogy of graphic novels They will also discuss Lewis’ role as a leader of the civil rights movement and how they transformed his story onto this powerful graphic novel series. This ticketed event opens with a cocktail reception, live music, and will feature a book signing and lecture by the authors. Admission includes one book from the series. Tickets available for purchase online or by calling Sweetwater’s office at 412-741-4405. $50/ person
Models Recruitment The
Junior
League
of
Pittsburgh Inc. invites girls to become models for the 2016 American Girl Fashion Show. Models will participate in the American Girl Fashion Show at South Hills Country Club on Nov. 12-13. Proceeds from this event will support the Junior League of Pittsburgh’s initiatives in securing access to nutritious food for children living in households below the poverty line in Pittsburgh. JLPGH is seeking nearly 120 models to participate in the show. They will have the opportunity to dress in authentic American Girl outfits, including historical clothing, daywear, sleepwear and special-occasion clothing based on the popular American Girl characters. (All events for the Calendar must be submitted by email 2 weeks in advance to newsroom@newpittsburghcourier.com)
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PEOPLE
AUGUST 31-SEPTEMBER 6, 2016 NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
ORGANIZERS—Darnell Drewery, Orlana Darkens Drewery, hostess Kiya Tomlin and event chair Evan Frazier. (Photos by J.L. Martello)
Area youth shine at annual Shyne Awards by Paige K. Mitchell
whose mission is to create public platforms to recognize the positive achieveThe 9th Annual Shyne ments of youth between Awards was a big suc- the ages of 13-19. With its RAJA RUTHERFORD—Leadership and Sports honoree is running cess as youth throughout mission at the core of what the Pittsburgh area were they do, The Shyne Awards to a bright future. awarded for their outstand- Foundation also offers eding talent. ucational programs and The Shyne Foundation is events to assure the pera non-profit organization sonal, social and academic For New Pittsburgh Courier
attainment of all youth. The Shyne Awards Foundation, holds The Shyne Awards annually; it is the foundation’s signature event. The Shyne Awards recently took place at the August Wilson Center, in the Cultural District. “It was a joy to attend the Shyne Awards this year
and as young people of our region were honored. Congratulations to all of the awardees,” attendee Shane Austin said. The ceremony awarded a number of youth from different categories. The categories are were academics, arts, community service, service in ministry, entre-
A GREAT OVERALL EVENT—All of the honorees with the organizers, emcee and chair. preneurship, science, young adult group and overcoming obstacles. Along with plaques, award recipients received $2,250 in scholarships provided by the UPMC Center for Engagement and Inclusion. “(I) enjoyed working the Shyne Awards! It’s great to see kids smile,” Red Carpet Media Personality Michelyn Hood Tinor said. The founders of The Shyne Awards are Darnell Drewery and Orlana Darkins Drewery. Kiya Tomlin, fashion designer and wife of Steelers’ head coach Mike Tomlin, served as the evening’s host. Founder Orlana Drewery said, “The Shyne Awards is a premier awards ceremony that celebrates the positive achievements of young adults.” Local singer/songwriter Gabby Barrett performed during the evening as well as Pittsburgh singer and former Shyne Award winner Loren Knight and the K-Theater Dance Complex students. “The Shyne Awards would like to thank all the business sponsors and kind donations for contributing to the evening, and making it a night to remember,” according to a statement from the foundation. A few of the business sponsors included Highmark Health, Eat N’ Park, Dollar Bank, WAMO 100, Gateway Health, Mount Ararat Baptist Church. Sharon Abram, mother of a 2016 Shyne award recipient said, “I’m so proud of my son, Shailen Abram. This award is such an honor to win, and he deserves it.” The philosophy of the Shyne Foundation is if given the proper tools, resources, and modeled guidance; all youth can be successful in any and all areas of their interest or purpose, in spite of their background or current environment. Orlana Drewery said, “We do things like this to see all youth realize their purpose and reach their destiny.”
(See more photos on People Page C6)
New Pittsburgh Courier
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Inside Conditions
BUSINESS AUGUST 31-SEPTEMBER 6, 2016
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
US home sales fell in July amid inventory shortage AP Economics Writer
SEE HOME C2
9000 PNC Bank ATMs to receive security upgrade PITTSBURGH (AP)—PNC Bank says it’s upgrading 9,000 ATMs to improve transaction security. The bank says the ATMs will be able to read chip cards. Each chip card transaction will have a unique code that can’t be reused. Card information taken from the machine essentially becomes useless. ATMs will also be able to email receipts. MasterCard plans to begin transferring card fraud liability for ATM owners beginning on Oct. 1. Visa is expected to do the same beginning in the fall of 2017. The upgrades are expected to be completed by Oct. 1. PNC officials say the upgrades are a step in preventing fraud. They say many ATMs owned by third parties could be closed though to the cost of upgrading the machines.
Classifieds
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Five financial tips for college students
by Josh Boak WASHINGTON (AP)—US homebuyers pulled back in July, as sales declined amid a shortage of available properties and steadily rising prices. Sales of existing homes fell 3.2 percent last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.39 million, the National Association of Realtors said Wednesday. The decline marks a reversal from rising demand that pushed sales in June to their highest level since February 2007. Fewer homes are coming onto the market, putting a cap on the sales growth enjoyed earlier this year thanks in part to a low mortgage rate and brightening job market. Rising demand for homes is a positive. But the dwindling supply of listings has pushed up prices, which suggests a market not yet at full health. This mismatch between supply and demand creates an environment of limited sales growth and escalating home values. “Sales are not rising as much as they are capable of, but prices are rising at a faster than sustainable clip,’’ said Stephen Stanley, chief economist at Amherst Pierpont Securities. The number of listings has tumbled 5.8 percent from a year ago to 2.13 million, meaning that would-be homebuyers are struggling to find attractive properties in their price range and may be delaying their purchases. Inventories have fallen on an annual basis for the past 14 months, an indication that many homeowners are still recovering financially from the housing bust that triggered the Great Recession almost a decade ago. Without sufficient equity in their current homes, many of these owners would be unable to generate a down payment for another home with the proceeds from a sale. The decrease in listings has corresponded with home values rising at more than double the pace of average hourly earnings, making many homes less affordable for potential buyers. The median home sales price was $244,100 in July, up 5.3 percent from a year ago.
Find what you need from jobs to cars to housing C4, C5
PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE—Juan Garrett, Riverside Center for Innovation executive director points out that the deadline is drawing near for Minority, Women, Disadvantaged and Veteran Owned construction firms to register for the BizFIT Program. (Photo by Diane I. Daniels)
RECRUITMENT Deadline draws near for construction training program by Diane I. Daniels For New Pittsburgh Courier
Recruitment is underway for the Riverside Center for Innovation’s BizFIT Construction Entrepreneurial Training Program. Sept. 15 is the deadline with participant interviews targeted to start Sept. 6. Aimed for Minority, Women, Disadvantaged and Veteran Owned construction businesses, Juan Garrett, said the Program goal is to prepare its participants to become better prime and subcontractors and stable enough to hire a workforce from within underserved communities, currently with a focus in the Hill District. “There are a lot of public and private construction projects worth billions of dollars occurring and planned for the region. Our focus is to prepare DBE firms from start-up to well established to become equipped prime contractors to capitalize on the opportunities on the front and backend,” said Garrett RCI executive director. Industries include, he said but are not limited to builders, demolition, roofers, landscapers, painters, carpenters, HVAC contractors, as well as businesses in window, metal, moving and equipment trades. In the planning stages for over a year BizFIT is described to be designed in a threetier structure with combined training, strategies, connections and expertise to enable contracting and construction entrepreneurs to grow sustainable enterprises focusing on their top capabilities. Tier three; Establishing a Winning Business Plan is geared toward start-ups and recently established businesses. Instruction will entail creating and updating a business plan and all the basics in business. Topics will include budgeting, understanding credit repair, developing an organizational structure and legal concerns. Tier two; Road Map to Success is structured for businesses that have completed some projects, but need polishing in their soft skills, such as leadership and redefining of their business. Subjects will include
understanding solicitation, common contract clauses, how to bid on contracts using online software, completing OSHA forms, field operations and safety, proper insurances, labor and payroll, determining payment schedules, understanding financial statements, using technology to move the business forward, and utilizing green and new innovative building materials. Tier one; Power to Prosper-Managing Long Term Growth will focus on the establishment, growth and long-term success of the business. Critical preparations in becoming sustainable and hiring local individuals for newly created jobs will be a concentration. The focus will include identifying goals for strategic growth, fine tuning the business vision, analyzing and evaluating key financial statements, third party perspective on financials, taking advantage of target markets, effective sales strategies and financing for new capital and government markets. Aiming to leave no stones unturned with the program, Garrett explained that in addition to the entrepreneurial training, BizFIT will institute the Surety and Fidelity Association of America’s bond educational training utilizing their Model Contractor Development Program. “The six-week training will focus on increasing the contractor’s capacity to enhance growth, improve development and stabilize resources. Our hope is that the training will position the DBE to explore expanded contracting opportunities and strengthen their bonding ability.” When questioned as to why such an intense program is needed now when the region has been undergoing growth and development for numerous years, Garrett explained that there is a need for more trained and qualified DBEs. “The BizFIT Program will prepare its participants to be better equipped to compete and have the opportunity to participate in current and future developments. Having local DBE contractors, subcontractors and service construction industry firms prepared for the SEE RECRUITMENT C2
About 20 million students attended U.S. colleges and universities last year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. These students may have spent years preparing academically for higher education, but they may not feel completely ready to handle their finances. The Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants offers five tips for students who want to get high marks in managing their money. Take charge with a budget Have you been responsible for your own monthly budget in the past, or are you new to being responsible for what you spend on food, rent, and other expenses? Either way, your first step should be creating a budget that will serve as a roadmap for your spending. It will also help you time your expenditures so you can avoid running short on funds at the end of the month. Be sure you include all monthly expenses. For any yearly expenses, divide the total by 12 and start saving a little each month for that big annual bill. Don’t overthink it Making a budget doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be as simple as figuring out how much you have to spend each month— which will include money you receive from your parents, from student jobs, or other sources—and how much you expect to spend. Expenses will include things such as rent (if you’re not in a dorm), any meals you’ll have to pay for that aren’t covered in a meal plan, the costs of books, fees, or activities related to your courses, and any travel or commuting costs. Once you’ve identified your monthly needs, whatever is left is yours to spend on your wants, like outings with friends. It’s a good idea to track your spending as you go to be sure you’re on target with your budget and to get a sense of where you’re spending your money. Keep a lid on credit 56 percent of undergraduates have credit cards, according to a national Sallie Mae study. Managed properly through controlled spending, credit cards can be an important part of building a solid credit history. However, be sure to monitor your balance. You may be surprised by how quickly your purchases add up. To avoid overspending, stick to your budget and pay off your balance each month. Before you sign up, be sure to read the fine print. Look for a card with low or no annual fees, and compare offers to find the lowest interest rate. Also, find out how long the grace period— the amount of time you have to pay your balance in full without paying a finance charge—on the credit card is and what you’ll be charged for a late payment. Once you begin to use credit, the three major credit reporting companies will begin calculating your credit score based on several factors, including your card payment history. You’re eligible to receive a free credit report from each of the three major credit reporting companies once every 12 months. Go to www.annualcreditreport.com for more information, or take advantage of free services such as Credit Karma. Don’t spend more than necessary Although you may be signed up for meals at the college cafeteria, you may sometimes want to order takeout. It’s important to be mindful of how much you are spending when ordering out and how often you’re doing so. In addition, obtaining new textbooks doesn’t always equate to spending big bucks. Many businesses give discounts to students or sell gently used SEE FIVE C2
What the next administration should do immediately That is becoming very popular subject matter in the business community. After all, our economic status has become a “train wreck”. Who would have thought that the first Black president would economically burden Black America without conscience? The devastation has cut through our communities like a knife. Let’s begin with the first Executive Order given within two weeks of inauguration. This racist matter began on behalf of construction unions. Construction unions discriminate against Blacks, Hispanics and White women. Unions donated over $800 million to the Obama campaign. Thus, this was the price of selling us out. It became established that all federally funded construction projects priced over $1 million utilize a Project Labor Agreement (union labor only). Only 2 percent of Black construction companies are unionized. The effect was very detrimental to our construction employment levels. We must rescind this Executive Order. While we are at it let’s have the Department of Labor do a Title VII (Civil Rights Act) review on the hiring practices of construction union shops. President Obama stated that he was going to “kill coal”. He has almost done it. With Hillary Clinton cheering him on, the coal industry has taken a severe blow with 65 percent of coal companies are in bankruptcy. The next administration should put the industry on “resuscitation”.
Let’s continue to use clean coal as it is Harry C. Alford the cheapest form of energy and a very large employer of Black workers. Those thousands of jobs that have been lost throughout America should start making their way back during the first half of next year. The Clean Power Plan which was the lethal vehicle in this process has been put on hold by the US Supreme Court. It should be permanently removed by the next Administration. This is terribly important to underserved communities. All forms of energy, including fossil fuels, should be exploited for our economic backbone guarantee. Good education is the prosperous road to economic empowerment. So why has this administration eliminated educational opportunity by the hundreds of thousand students by attacking for profit schools, blocking charter schools and pushing Common Core? The Department of Education should be eliminated and individual states should hold this great responsibility. The Environmental Protection Agency has applied billions of dollars against the economic status of the Middle Class. There should be a thorough audit of the true costs of all rules and regulations that have been
forced upon our industries. After that we should begin the cleansing process of all detrimental actions. The Affordable Care Act, AKA Obamacare, is a terrible failure. Within the next two years the majority of insurance carriers will exit this program. We should begin finding a replacement as soon as possible. We are heading towards a crisis in medical care. It was not an improvement. A good nation must abide by the Rule of Law. We need a Department of Justice that understands this and will be committed to it. The Email Scandal, the IRS Scandal, the Pay for Play Scandal at the State Department, the Sanctuary City Scandals, the Veterans’ Administration Scandal and this is to name just a few scandals. History will show this Administration to be the most corrupt in the history of the United States. All of this is going on and collectively puts our nation at risk. We must demand an honest and courageous Attorney General — one who would rather resign than to do something anti-constitutional or sell out our nation. The first thing we can do is review all of the denials to investigate by the last two Attorney Generals.
Beyond the Rhetoric
Those matters that demand investigation should be investigated. Finally, let’s look at our fiscal matters. The Estate Tax is onerous and it should be totally eliminated. A family’s net worth should not be taxed whenever the matriarch or patriarch passes on. This is cruel and heartless. Our national debt is at dangerous levels. The ever rising amount is now exceeding $20 Trillion. Any quick adverse movement could crush us as a viable nation. If we would just cut out all of the graph, waste and full blown incompetence in annual government spending that would be a turn for the better. The latest State Department scandal involves $6 billion in missing procurement money. One example is a procurement agent awarding a $62 million no-bid contract to his WIFE! The files concerning this procurement are empty. This is just one example. $6 billion may be an underestimate as the investigation is just now beginning. Yes, in just eight quick years America seems to be going in circles. Let us have honest elections and end our tolerance for incompetence and bureaucratic crimes. Let’s acknowledge strong leaders and reward those of this ilk to continue to improve our nation and marvel in greatness. (Harry Alford is the co-founder, President/CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce ®. Website: www.nationalbcc.org Email: halford@nationalbcc.org)
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9 y e a r o l d C E O Don’t ignore letter from IRS receives $28k in capital
AUGUST 31-SEPTEMBER 6, 2016
daily. by Constant W. Watson III In addition, if you file a return For New Pittsburgh Courier but don’t pay all tax shown as due on time, you will generally The IRS normally sends correspondence in the mail. They mail have to pay a late payment penalty. The Failure To Pay millions of letters to taxpayers every year. Keep these important Penalty is one-half of 1 percent for each month, or part of a points in mind if you get a letter month, up to a maximum of 25 or notice: percent of the amount of tax that •Don’t ignore it. You can respond to most IRS notices quickly remains as unpaid from the due date of the return until paid in and easily. full. The one-half of 1 percent •Follow instructions. Read the rate increases to 1 percent if the notice carefully. It will tell you if tax remains unpaid 10 days after you need to take any action. Be the IRS issues a notice of intent sure to follow the instructions. to levy property. The letter will also have contact If you file your return by its due information if you have questions. •Focus on the issue. IRS notices date and request an installment agreement, the one-half of 1 perusually deal with a specific issue cent rate decreases to one-quarter about your tax return or tax acof 1 percent for any month in count. Your notice or letter will explain the reason for the contact which an installment agreement and give you instructions on how is in effect. Be aware that the IRS applies payment to the tax first, to handle the issue. then any penalty amount charged If you agree, you don’t need to each month. reply unless a payment is due. If Late Penalty you don’t agree, it’s important If you owe tax and don’t file on that you respond. Follow the intime, there is a penalty for not filstructions on the notice for the ing on time. The Failure to File best way to respond. You may be Penalty is usually 5 percent of able to call to resolve the issue. the tax owed for each month, or Have a copy of your tax return and the notice with you when you part of a month that your return is late, up to a maximum of 25 call. If you choose to write, be sure to percent. If your return is over 60 include information and any doc- days late, there is also a miniument you want them to consider. mum penalty for late filing; it is Also, writer your taxpayer identi- the lesser of $205 or 100 percent of the tax owed unless your failfication number (Social Security ure to file was due to reasonable number, employer identification cause and not willful neglect. number or individual taxpayer Making a late payment as soon identification number) on each as you are able may help to espage of the letter you send. Mail tablish that your initial failure to your reply to the address shown pay timely was due to reasonable on the notice. Allow at least 30 cause and not willful neglect. days for a response. Don’t ever ignore the IRS. A April 15 is the deadline for most timely response to any notices people to file their individual income tax returns and pay any tax may keep open the various options that are available to resolve owed. During its processing, the your matter. Finally, if you don ‘t IRS checks for mathematical acknow what to do or are just incuracy on your tax return. When processing is complete, if you owe timidated by the IRS, contact a professional that specializes in any tax penalty or interest, you IRS Tax Resolution. Remember will receive a bill. for every tax problem, there’s a Generally, interest accrues on any unpaid tax from the due date solution. (Constant W. Watson III, CPA, CTRS, of the return until the date of payment in full. The interest rate is both a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Tax Resolution Specialis determined quarterly and is the federal short-term rate plus 3 ist. For a free consultation, call 708-2069900.) percent interest compounded
BUSINESS
at trade Columbia, S.C. (Black- saleswoman News.com)—Elementary shows, speaking to commuentrepreneur Gabrielle nity groups and schools, Goodwin recently raised writing thank you cards to $28,000 on Kickstarter with customers who order onthe help of her mom Roza- line, and helping with sales lynn. She will use the capital taxes. She also hosts to manufacture new designs GaBBY Play Dates to teach and colors for her hair acces- girls in children’s shelters sory solution GaBBY Bows. about entrepreneurship. Gabrielle was chosen as a The mother-daughter duo solved the age-old problem 2015 SC Young Enof disappearing girls’ hair barrettes by inventing The DoubleFace Double-Snap Barrette by GaBBY. The fourth grader received an outpour of support from more than 300 backers and businesses. Jan-Pro of Columbia and Once Upon a Child stores in Charlotte and Matthews, N.C. owned by Reginald Barner and Charles Johnson of the Carolina Panthers, Koils by Nature, INSPIRING—Nine-year old CEO of and Capital City Take- GaBBY Bows Gabrielle Goodwin is inout of Columbia in- spiring confidence and youthful crevested generously to ativity, one barrette at a time. make Gabrielle’s Kicktrepreneur of the Year (the starter goal a reality. Gabrielle was just five youngest to ever receive years old when she started this honor), and GaBBY daily insisting she and her Bows was one of 14 national Mom create a barrette that finalists for the 2015 U.S. would stay in her hair. They Small Business Administrastarted the company when tion InnovateHER Business Gabrielle was seven years Competition and a 2016 old. In just two years of op- SCORE and Sam’s Club erations, GaBBY Bows American Small Business have saved families time, Champion. This summer, money and frustration in GaBBY made her national 48 states and eight coun- television, radio and magatries through online sales zine debuts on The Real, at www.gabbybows.com. The Tom Joyner Morning The hair accessory is also Show, and in Kiplinger sold at select retail stores in Magazine, respectively. “It feels really good to the Southeast. Gabrielle is the self-pro- have people support me beclaimed President and cause they believe that my CEO, handling inventory, business can go to the next serving as the lead level!” says Gabrielle.
US home sales fell in July CONTINUED FROM C1
Sales last month fell 13.2 percent in the Northeast, with declines in the Midwest and South as well. Purchases rose 2.5 percent in the West in July. Builders are attempting get more homes on the market. Sales of new homes climbed 12.4 percent last month to a seasonally adjusted rate of 654,000 annual units, the strongest level since October 2007, the Commerce Department said. Yet demand has eclipsed even that surge. Just 4.3 months’ supply of new homes is available on the
market, down from 5.2 months a year ago. “Homebuilders continue to thrive on healthy demand while homebuyers remain stifled by anemic inventory,’’ said Ralph McLaughlin, chief economist at Trulia. One thing that would-be buyers have in their favor, in addition to the improved landscape for jobs, is near record-low mortgage rates. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said the average 30year fixed-rate mortgage fell to 3.43 percent last week from 3.98 percent a year ago. The average rate has historically been closer to 6 percent.
Five financial tips for students CONTINUED FROM C1
books or other supplies. Research all your opportunities to save a few bucks on purchases and make the most of them. Set some aside for later Remember that it’s never too early to get into the habit of putting some of your money into a savings account. Doing so can help you afford things like a trip to a tropical island or a ski resort during your break, or
your account can serve as a nest egg for life beyond college. Saving is a good habit to nurture for your future. Your CPA can help As you begin your independent financial future, be sure to turn to a qualified CPA in your area for valuable advice and information. He or she can help answer all of your financial questions. To learn more budgeting and financial priority tips, visit www.picpa.org/moneyandlife.
Recruitment deadline draws near CONTINUED FROM C1
growth and expansion can result in employment for underserved communities, with a goal of eliminating poverty within those communities.” Other necessary components of the Program to assure a seamless way to grow the DBE along with the economy in underserved communities according to Garrett will include a mentoring program, an opportunity/solicitation portal, back and front office support, unionization, and access to capital. An organization that believes that nothing is accomplished without strong partnerships, the BizFIT Program a combined idea of Keith B. Key of KBK Enterprises is a collaboration between RCI, the Diversity Business Resource Center, Southwestern PA Veterans Chamber of Commerce, the
National Association of Diverse Contractors, C&R Constructors, CM Solutions, Surety and Fidelity Association of America, 84 Lumber, Mascaro Construction Company, PJ Dick, and the University of Pittsburgh Institute for Entrepreneurial. A nonprofit organization, RCI provides low-cost leasing and a wide variety of services inclusive of consulting, office support, technology training programs, aid in commercial real estate transactions and business plan preparation. Throughout its 24-year history RCI has reported that it generated over half a billion dollars in economic impact and supported more than 3,500 jobs. (To register for the BizFIT Program, Garrett suggests registering by Internet at riversidecenterforinnovation,com/bizfit or calling 412322-3523 by Thursday, Sept. 15.)
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
BUSINESS BUSINESS CALENDAR CALENDAR
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 1866-466-3972 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 412-731-5159 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 412-392-0610.
Consumer Protection Presentation SEPT. 30—Education and outreach staff from the Department of Banking and Securities will be meeting with senior citizens, employee and service provider groups, and members of the general public at Rep. Mike Turzai’s Senior Health Fair from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Community College of Allegheny County North Campus, 8701 Perry Highway.
Awards Nomination Deadline SEPT. 30—Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania is accepting nominations for its 20th Anniversary Power of Works Awards to recognize efforts by employers and/or organizations that support workforce development for individuals with special needs or barriers to employment, and also to encourage all employers to emulate the actions and achievements of the winners. Winners will be honored at an awards ceremony and luncheon on November 17 at the Wyndham Grand Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh. Nomination forms are available at www.goodwillswpa.org, or from Ms. Lloyd at 412-6321931.
Black Economic Empowerment Summit OCT. 1—Stop The ViolencePittsburgh presents Pittsburgh’s Black Economic Empowerment Summit, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater, 5941 Penn Ave. in East Liberty. The summit will feature presentations by real estate guru Jay Morrison and “the People’s Scholar” Boyce Watkins. Areas of discussion will include: Building and Restoring Credit; Real Estate Investing, and Marketing Your Business for Success, among others. Tickets are $30, $40 for VIP. For more information, or for vendor opportunities, call 724-2059376, or online at StopTheViolencePittsburgh@yahoo.com.
SPORTS New Pittsburgh Courier
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AUGUST 31-SEPTEMBER 6, 2016
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
Tyrone Brooks: Leveling the playing field by Aubrey Bruce For New Pittsburgh Courier
With new challenges to affirmative action programs being brought before America’s courts, including the United States Supreme Court, the “watchers at the gate” of equal opportunity for all Americans must be vigilant and steadfast remaining on duty at all times to insure that any opportunities in the workforce are made available to any and all applicants regardless of race, gender or age that meet and/or exceed the qualifications required to fill those positions. One of the individuals charged with helping to “level the playing field” as far as profiling employment opportunities for women and minorities seeking a career in professional baseball is Tyrone Brooks. Brooks will be the keynote speaker at this year’s African-American Heritage Sports Luncheon Friday, Sept. 9, at the PNC Park Lexus Club, 11:30 a.m.
-1:30 p.m. He is also the Senior Director, Front Office and Field Staff Diversity Pipeline Program for Major League Baseball Office of the Commissioner. Brooks may be the almost perfect conduit that major league baseball can provide to the African American community to list employment opportunities available in MLB as well as identifying possible candidates from the Black community-at-large that may potentially fill those positions. “My role is to help get minorities and more women into front office roles and potential on field areas,” he said. “Here at the commissioner’s office we looked into things and we saw the lack of a real pipeline in regards to individuals coming up through the ranks. We felt like there was such a need to put this program in place in terms of hopefully having an opportunity just to get people into the pipeline.” Brooks also points out that this pipeline also ex-
TYRONE BROOKS
McKeesport native Cash to retire after season NEW YORK, N.Y.––New York Liberty forward Swin Cash announced she is retiring at the conclusion of the 2016 WNBA season. Cash starred at McKeesport High School before leading the University Connecticut to an NCAA championship. Currently in her 15th WNBA season, Cash has won three WNBA Championships (2003, 2006, 2010), two Olympic gold medals (2004, 2012) and two NCAA Championships (2000, 2002). She will end her career ranked in the top-15 in WNBA history in scoring, rebounding, assists, and games played. One of the most decorated women’s basketball players in history publishes essay on The Players’ Tribune explaining plan to retire at end of her 15th WNBA season “I started thinking about it in early January, when I was getting a lot of opportunities in broadcasting. My schedule was going to be pretty hectic,” Cash said
in a phone interview with The Associated Press on Tuesday. Cash, who was in Los Angeles with the Liberty for their game against the Sparks on Tuesday night, knew her story was going to be posted at 9 a.m. ET. Even though it was early on the West Coast, she wanted to be awake when her piece ran. “I set my alarm and wanted to get up and make sure people I needed to talk to beforehand knew,” she said. “I didn’t talk to a lot of my
tends beyond highlevel administrative management positions. These outreach efforts will also attempt to connect individuals to available day-to-day coaching and team roster personnel positions. “Typically, when you look at most of the General Managers that are out there, they had to get their start somewhere. There’s an internship program somewhere that got them through the door.” However, Brooks himself did not take the typical road to high-level management in MLB, nonetheless it was an interesting journey. I asked him where his life experience began. “I was born in Bethesda, Md, right outside of Washington, D.C. “I grew up in Glen Bernie, Md which is about ten minutes outside of Baltimore. I ended up going to the University of Maryland at College Park where I studied and pursued photography. I was a photojournalist all
family members and such.” It has been nonstop texts and social media posts all day in support. “It’s amazing; people you haven’t talked to in a couple of years reached out,” she said. “People you don’t speak to every day. That was surprising.” Cash, 36, originally wasn’t even going to announce her retirement. A conversation with the Liberty’s director of player development, Teresa Weatherspoon, changed that. “If I would have had it my way, I didn’t want to cause any distractions and just done it at the end of season--do it that way,” Cash said. “T-Spoon reminded me of the lives of the people I’ve touched along the way, and it was good to give those people the opportunity to say goodbye and appreciate by Bill Neal the things you’ve For New Pittsburgh given to the game.” :10—Wait…what’s that I see…over there…no, over there behind the trees in the shadows. It’s Andrew McCutchen handing the Pirates team over to Gregory Polanco! the wildcard route is :09—That being said, probably the only way if the Pirates stay on the that they are going to get road and play the Dodgers there. and Brewers, they’ll win If the Pirates bunch of the World Series easy. “mini-novas” can keep :08—Question is, how their fires burning in a many people can Jawind filled, rain soaked, son Statham kill in one flame extinguishing movie. Apparently there’s cavern like Chicago, they no number. When I left might at least have a the theater after seeing decent chance to be more than one and done in this Mechanic Resurrection, he was still killing folks and year’s MLB postseason. the credits were rollin’! There can be no more :07—Will the real Colin offensive slumps at the Kaepernick please stand plate or unforced and up…Please stand up… costly errors in the field. Please stand up. (Hello Each timely hit, stolen “Slim Shady” Eminem). base or strikeout is a Fight the Power Colin. step toward the couch or Fight the Power. We Gotta greatness. When a Bucco chases a bad pitch, throws Fight the Power That Be! (Duh, Public Enemy). a wild pitch, commits :06—Speaking of fighta questionable miscue, ing, and I just was, if the loses a ball in the lights Steelers show up like they or sun, or gets caught did against New Orleans, stealing, that is the recipe there won’t be much of a for watching their peers perform via satellite while fight as they head towards Super Bowl 51. they munch on goodies at :05—There’s a reason home. they don’t re-boot the This is the time for the classics, but Denzel would entire Pirates squad, be the one to say bring it young and old to either on. Soon we will get what poop or get off of the comwe’ve been waiting months mode. Because there are for. The second coming of other teams just waiting in line. “Gotta go, gotta go, The Magnificent Seven. Vengeance has a numgotta go right now, gotta ber…7! I am giving it 4 go, gotta go, gotta go… (Aubrey Bruce can be reached basketballs right now. at: abruce@newpittsburgh:04—Achieving Greatcourier.com or 412-583-6741. ness Inc. will unleash its Follow him on Twitter@ultrasmuch talked about and cribe.) awaited sports magazine,
five years that I was in college and at one point I was working for two publications [simultaneously], and I was considering photography as a career. In the middle of my college career, I thought about transferring to the University of Florida to study photography but I decided to stick it out and continue on the business side.” I asked Brooks how a budding photojournalist ended up filling such a challenging and key position within MLB. “I found out about a book back in the day at a Walden’s Book store. The book was called; ‘The Internship Bible.’ It had a list of internships all over the country including many Fortune 500 companies that had established programs. It also [featured] a small section on sports teams. There was a program listed called the Career Initiative Program that was run by the Atlanta Braves. This program was created by Hall-of-Famer Hank Aaron. They created this program in order for people to get in the door, including myself. I was thankful for the opportunity, even if it was just for the summer and I was graduating in the spring. I graduated and two days later, I started with the team [Braves]. We talked about Black youth, especially young Black males, born and raised in the inner cities who almost perpetually remain in a crisis state, educationally, socially and economically. “Professional baseball unlike the beacon that lit the way to prosperity from the darkness of poverty for Americas Black youth culture in the 1950’s, 60’s, baseball is now the lighthouse for youth of color whose origins are in the Caribbean. “Well as far as the Caribbean goes every Major League club has a presence and a facility in the Caribbean. There is less of a presence in Venezuela because of some issues presently going on in there but that area has been
sort of a starting block for a lot major league players because almost one-third of the players in MLB are Latino.” However, Brooks also points out that MLB is making progress in an effort to attract more Black athletes to compete as baseball players but acknowledges that a few challenges remain, especially when many young Black athletes seem to be leaning, statistically at least, toward taking their skills to the NFL and the NBA. “You have to give the NFL and NBA credit in terms of marketing their sports. The typical challenge with baseball is that you have to normally be more organized in terms of having a league to play in and in many inner cities there have been issues in terms of funding. “I personally believe that the major league baseball RBI program (Reviving Baseball in Inner cities), is addressing some of these issues in helping to provide an opportunity for every kid to play baseball,” he said. In many cases with baseball participation being geographically defined, I asked him what advice he could offer young athletes of all races that were considering careers as professional athletes. “Take advantage of the opportunities that you do have in just getting the chance to play a sport. However, the biggest thing is to get an education. Use baseball as a vehicle to get an education. That is one thing that we try to stress here because whatever happens that education can’t be taken away from you. Hopefully that can be put in place in your life to help you move forward from there. I would not be where I am today without an education and doors being opened up for me.”
(Aubrey Bruce can be reached at: abruce@newpittsburghcourier.com or 412-583-6741. Follow him on Twitter@ultrascribe.)
Overtime
SWIN CASH
Inside Conditions…Super Nova
by Aubrey Bruce
For New Pittsburgh Courier
Supernova [soo-per-nohvuh] noun; the explosion of a star, possibly caused by gravitational collapse, during which the star’s luminosity increases by as much as 20 magnitudes and most of the star’s mass is blown away at very high velocity, sometimes leaving behind an extremely dense core. On Aug. 1, The New York Yankees traded pitcher Ivan Nova to the Pittsburgh Pirates for two players to be named later. Nova will be a free agent after this season and before the trade the Pirates were never really part of the process. As far as increasing his value as a free agent is concerned, since coming over from “Gotham,” Nova is undefeated at 4-0 but what may be just as important, he seems to have lit a fire under the Pirates both offensively and defensively and all of that energy and passion was needed as the Pirates made their way to Wrigley Field to face the Chicago Cubs. Not much more can be said about the Cubs. Unless the sky falls on Joe Maddens windy city squad they will be the wearer of the MLB Central crown, and if the rest
AUBREY BRUCE of the NL doesn’t watch out, Chicago might play out the MLB NL postseason tournament at Wrigley because as of Monday they had a lead over the other two NL division leaders, the Washington Nationals and the Los Angeles Dodgers by at least seven games. As of Monday the Pirates were in 3rd place in the NL Central trailing the Cubs by 14.5 games but the Pirates should be more concerned about the wildcard race standings than the fantasy of winning the division because gaining a postseason berth in the playoffs via
BILL NEAL “Champions Quarterly.” We’re looking for sports, health and community event writers and account sales executives. If you’re serious and interested, call the AGI office at 412-6284856. :03—To the Brother that spotted me at the Monroeville movies and applauded “Overtime,” I couldn’t see you in the dark, but you know who you are. Well, you are now in “The Locker Room.” Thanks for the props and keep reading. :02—The battle rages on…my legends team Kareem, Dr. J., Bill Russell, Oscar Robinson and Kobe vs. Cole’s team M.J., Magic, Barkley, Shaq, and Willis Reed. Who wins this epic battle? We’ll let it ride another week. Text your choice to 412-628-4856. Right now Kareem and the boys are out front. 117 votes to 98. Closer than I thought. :01—It’s now definite. The Third Annual Pittsburgh City League
All-Sports Hall of Fame Inductions will be held Sunday, November 6 at the Heinz History Center. Tickets are $50, $25 for youth 12 and under. Free tour of the History Center, refreshments, VIPs and celebrities, photos with the legends, 50/50 and more. Honoring the 20 greatest living athletes in Pittsburgh City League history. Esther Bush, President of the Urban League and Westinghouse grad, keynote speaker. Call 412628-4856 for more information. (Tour the Center 2-5 p.m. — Reception 5-6 p.m. Awards Presentation 6 p.m. :00—Achieving Greatness Inc. and the United Rays Corvette Club will present a Classic Car Cruise at the Penn Hills Eat ‘N Park Sunday, Sept. 25 from 3-7 p.m., featuring Super Bowl legend Dwayne Woodruff, D.J. Shock, 50/50, trophies in category and $100 for the best car on site. 412628-4856. ~ GAME OVER ~
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HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR PROJECT BASED VOUCHER PROGRAM RFP #125-42-16
The Allegheny County Airport Authority Airport has a position opening for a Security Assistant at the Pittsburgh International Airport. Complete information about this position is available at http://www.flypittsburgh.com/ ACAA_employment The advertisement period ends on September 8, 2016. The Allegheny County Airport Authority offers a competitive compensation package. EOE / M / F / D / V.
SYSTEMS/NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR I
First Consulting Group, LLC seeks Bachelors/Foreign Equiv/Equiv. + 2yrs exp: Systems/Network Administrator I (FCGSNAI16) Cisco Routers, Catalyst Switches, Juniper Routers, TCP/IP, VLAN, Ether Channel, Ethernet, Trunking, STP. Mail resumes with Job ID to: HR Dept., 4280 Old William Penn Highway, Monroeville, PA 15146. Foreign equiv. accepted. Loc. Travel to unanticipated work sites throughout U.S.
DIRECTOR OF SYSTEMS & OPERATIONS
California University of Pennsylvania seeks to hire a Director of Systems & Operations who will supervise and ensure the efficient operation of the University’s technology architecture and server systems. An associate degree and five years of progressively increased responsibility directly involved with systems installation, modification and maintenance, with associated experience in the backing up of critical data in a mechanized tape library environment, is required. Experience should be in a variety of operating systems including UNIX, Windows and Linux. For a detailed job description, position requirements and instructions for application, visit www.calu.edu; click on Employment, then Staff Positions. All applicants must apply online. Integrity, Civility and Responsibility are the official core values of California University of Pennsylvania. Cal U is M/F/V/D/AA/EEO. LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices
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 Estate of ALEXANDRA G. ROMANELLI, a/k/a ALEXANDRA ROMANELLI, deceased of Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania, No. 02-1603855 Rosemary L. Corsetti, Co-Executor Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney, PC, One Oxford Centre, 20th Floor, 301 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 or to Judith Waclawski, Co-Executor, 341 Edith Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15211 or to Rosemary L. Corsetti, Esquire, Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney, PC, One Oxford Center, 20th Floor, 301 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 MS. HELEN B. HOSTETLER, deceased of 113 Oak Lane, Pennsylvania, PA 15225, Estate No. 02-16-04632. Ms. Joy A. Weber, 284 Evans Road, Zelienople, PA 16063, Executor, c/o Max Feldman, Attorney At Law, 1322 Fifth Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108 Estate of SANDRA LEE TOWNSEND, a/k/a SANDRA SIENERTH, deceased of Bridgeville, Pennsylvania, No. 02-16-03646 Donna J. Vandegrift, Executrix, 1566 Goldenrain Court, Reston, VA 20190 or to Robert B. Wolf, Esquire, Tener, Van Kirk, Wolf & Moore, P.C., One Oxford Centre, Suite 2100, 301 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Estate of CYRUS, INDIA, deceased of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania No. 021604554, 2016, Eric Cyrus, Adm., 114 W. Prospect Avenue, #C1, Pittsburgh, PA 15205 Estate of JOHN EDWARD WALL, deceased of Presto, Pennsylvania No. 02-16-04535 Diane Lynn Wall, Executrix, 4130 Breckenridge Drive, Presto, PA 15142 or to Todd T. Jordan, Esquire, Tener, Van Kirk, Wolf & Moore, P.C., One Oxford Centre, Suite 2100, 301 Grant Street, Pitsburgh, PA 15219
LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals
WESLEY SPECTRUM Invitation for bids for teleconferencing equipment
Wesley Spectrum is requesting bids for teleconferencing equipment. One conference room measuring 36’ X 24’ is to be outfitted with permanent video and audio equipment. We are also requesting six (6) mobile carts that will work in conference rooms averaging 20’ X 14’ with single or dual video and audio capability. These solutions should interface with Microsoft Office Lync/ Skype for Business. Women and Minority owned businesses are encouraged to apply. Proposals will be accepted until September 8, 2016 at bids@wesleyspectrum.org
COURIER CLASSIFIEDS
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Project Based Voucher Program (Phases 1 & 2) RFP #125-42-16 The documents will be available no later than August 15, 2016 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 9:00 A.M., September 30 and November 18, 2016 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Parties or individuals interested may obtain information from: Mr. Kim Detrick – Procurement Director/Contracting Officer Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 2nd Floor, Suite 200 100 Ross Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116, Option 1 or by visiting the Business Opportunities section of www.hacp.org A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 200 Ross Street, 9th Fl. Board Room Pittsburgh, PA 15219 August 24, 2016 Phase 1 October 19, 2016 Phase 2 9:00 A.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACP’s has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation. Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.
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.
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ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY LEGAL NOTICE CONTRACT NO. 1665
The Allegheny County Sanitary Authority is soliciting Bids for CONTRACT NO. 1665- FURNISH AND DELIVER TEFLON LINED TUBING FOR INDUSTRIAL WASTE SAMPLING. Proposals will be received until11:00 A.M., Prevailing Time, Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at the office of the Authority. ALCOSAN encourages businesses owned and operated by minorities and women to submit bids on Authority Proposals or to participate as subcontractors or suppliers to the successful bidders. Successful Bidders are to use minority or women’s businesses to the fullest extent possible. The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals, to waive any infonnality in any Proposal and to accept any Proposal should it be deemed in the interest of the Authority to do so. Bid Security in the amount of Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($2,500.00) is required. Documents pertaining to the submission of Bids are available at the office of the Authority, 3300 Preble Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15233. Any questions regarding this contract document should be directed to Benjamin J. Heilman, Contract Supervisor at 412-734-6204. ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY Benjamin J. Heilman Contract Supervisor
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR Criminal Background Check Services RFP #450-37-16
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Criminal Background Check Services RFP #450-37-16 The documents will be available no later than August 15, 2016 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 1:00 P.M., September 2, 2016 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Parties or individuals interested may obtain information from: Mr. Kim Detrick – Procurement Director/Contracting Officer Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 2nd Floor, Suite 200 100 Ross Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116, Option 1 or by visiting the Business Opportunities section of www.hacp.org A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Development & Modernization 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Board Room Pittsburgh, PA 15219 August 25, 2016 1:00 P.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACP’s has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation. Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh
HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.
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Port Authority of Allegheny County REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL NO. 16-05
Port Authority of Allegheny County is requesting proposals for the performance of the following service: MEDICAL CASE MANAGEMENT AND VOCATIONAL CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES The work under the proposed Agreement consists of providing Port Authority with 1) Medical Case Management and/or 2) Vocational Case Management Services to support Authority’s internal programs. Proposals may be submitted for one or both of the identified services. Port Authority intends to create a pool of up to four firms in each area that can be called upon on an as-needed basis to provide the services. A copy of the RFP will be available on or after August 26, 2016, and can be obtained by registering at the Port Authority ebusiness website: http://ebusiness.portauthority. org and following the directions listed on the website. Please note that Proposers must register under the ebusiness category of PSMCM – Pro Med/Vocational Case Mgmt or PSMC – Pro Workes Comp / Medical Mgmt for this RFP. Proposers may also register in other categories for any future RFPs issued by Port Authority. If you have specific questions regarding this RFP, please contact Jerimaine Ward at (412) 566-5147. An Information Meeting for interested parties will be held at 1:30 p.m., prevailing time, September 7, 2016 in the Fifth Floor Board Room of Port Authority of Allegheny County’s downtown offices, 345 Sixth Avenue to answer any questions regarding this RFP. Hard copy proposals must be both delivered to, and time stamped by a representative of the Purchasing and Materials Management Department at or before 2:00 p.m., prevailing time, September 26, 2016, at the Purchasing and Materials Management Department, Port Authority of Allegheny County, 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222-2527. Proposals received or time stamped in the Purchasing and Materials Management Department after the advertised time for the submission of proposals shall be non-responsive and therefore ineligible for award. Each Proposer shall be solely responsible for assuring that its proposal is timely received and time stamped in accordance with the requirements herein. This Contract Services may be funded, in part, by, and subject to certain requirements of, the County of Allegheny and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The proposal process and the performance of the requested services will be in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Port Authority of Allegheny County, in compliance with 74 Pa.C.S. § 303, as may be amended, require that certified Diverse Businesses (“DBs”) have the maximum opportunity to participate in the performance of contracts and subcontracts for these Contract Services. In this regard, all Proposers shall make good faith efforts in accordance with 74 Pa.C.S. § 303, to ensure that DBs have the maximum opportunity to compete for and perform contracts. Proposers shall also not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, disability, national origin, sexual origin, gender identity or status as a parent in the award and performance of contracts for these Contract Services. Port Authority of Allegheny County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.
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Sealed proposals will be received by the RIDC Southwestern Pennsylvania Growth Fund (RIDC) at the offices of Civil & Environmental Consultants (CEC), Inc., 333 Baldwin Road, Pittsburgh, PA 152051751 until 2:00 PM prevailing time on September 21, 2016 for: LAWRENCEVILLE TECHNOLOGY CENTER SEWER SEPARATION & TAP TERMINATION The scope of work includes the trenching and construction of sanitary sewer and storm sewer pipe; tap termination; construction of manholes; site and street restoration. All work shall be constructed according to the Contract Drawings and Specifications which are on file at the office of the Owner and Civil & Environmental Consultants (CEC), Inc., 333 Baldwin Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15205-1751. Copies of the Contract Drawings and Specifications may be obtained starting on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at noon (12:00 PM) by depositing a non-refundable deposit of One Hundred & Fifty Dollars ($150.00) with the Engineer. A MANDATORY Pre-Bid Meeting will be held at the site -- 4501 Hatfield Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201 -- on Friday, September 9, 2016 at 11:00 AM. Parking will be available on Hatfield Street. Bidders are advised that RIDC has obtained funding for this project from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Water Supply & Wastewater Infrastructure Program (H20 PA) and, as a result thereof, the successful bidder must adhere to certain requirements mandated by the Commonwealth, including, but not solely, the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act and the Public Works Contractors’ Bond Law during project implementation. All of such requirements are detailed in the bid documents. Bidders are also encouraged to adhere to the City of Pittsburgh’s Minority Business Enterprises / Women’s Business Enterprises (MBE/WBE) plan that encourages 18% minority & 7% female participation in construction contracts. The bid must be accompanied by a certified check or bid bond in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the bid, made payable to the RIDC to guarantee the bidder’s entrance into the contract if given the award. No bid bond shall be waived or returned because the Bidder has failed to or cannot comply with any requirements as set forth in the plans, specifications, or any applicable statutes of the State of Pennsylvania or any applicable municipal ordinances. The RIDC reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any informality in the bidding. Bids may be held by the RIDC for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days from the date of opening of Bids for the purpose of reviewing the Bids and investigating the qualifications of Bidders, prior to awarding of the contract. In no event will the RIDC consider a contractor as eligible if s/he cannot initiate the work under the contract within 15 days of the contract execution and proceed to the successful completion of the work within one hundred twenty (90) consecutive calendar days of the Notice to Proceed. RIDC SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA GROWTH FUND Daniel C. Sharek, P.E. Director of Engineering Services
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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
CONTRACT NO. 1659 ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY LEGAL NOTICE CONTRACT NO. 1659 ANNUAL INTERCEPTOR CLEANING 2016
Sealed Bids for CONTRACT NO. 1659, ANNUAL INTERCEPTOR CLEANING CONTRACT 2016 shall be received at the office of the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority, 3300 Preble Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15233, until11:00A.M., Prevailing Time, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016 and then shall be publicly opened and read. A Pre-Bid Meeting will be held at the Authority’s Plant in the O&M Building Conference Room 106, on THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2016 at 10:00 a.m., Prevailing Time. Attendance at this meeting is mandatory. ALCOSAN encourages businesses owned and operated by minorities and women to submit bids on Authority Contracts or to participate as subcontractors or suppliers to successful Bidders. Successful Bidders are to use minority and women’s businesses to the fullest extent possible. Contract Documents may be examined and obtained at the office of the Authority. A non? refundable fee of $100 (no cash will be accepted) will be charged for each set of Contract Documents. Bid Security shall be furnished by providing with the Bid a Certified Check or Bid Bond in the amount of 10% of the Bid Price. Any questions regarding the Contract Documents should be directed to Shawn McWilliams at 412-7328053 or Shawn.McWilliams@alcosan.org The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive any informality in any bid and to accept any bid should it be deemed in the interest of the Authority to do so. ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY Director, Regional Conveyance
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SONNY BOY
COURIER CLASSIFIEDS… THE ONLY WAY TO GO!
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
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PEOPLE
AUGUST 31-SEPTEMBER 6, 2016 NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Area youth shine at annual Shyne Awards
TANEISHA CRAWFORD—Service In Ministry honoree.
NAOMI ZENMON—The Arts honoree.
RAJA RUTHERFORD—Leadership honoree
ALEX PORTIS—Entrepreneurship honoree
ADAM WHITE—Academics honoree
ROBERT X. LIGGETT—Community Service honoree
ROBERT X. LIGGETT, a proud honoree, giving his acceptance speech.
GABBY BARRETT, Pittsburgh-based recording artist, performing at the ceremony.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 2, 2016
YOUNG ADULT GROUP—City Charter High School students and instructor, from left: Patrice Johnson, Jeff Palmieri, Halay James and Indyha Fielder. (Photos by J.L. Martello)