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Woodland Hills board to select new superintendent at Aug. 15 meeting

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that the Woodland Hills School Board will announce its choice for superintendent of schools at its board meeting, Aug. 15.

“We have actually made a decision. We will be announcing

KELLEY CASTLIN-GACUTAN, EdD

at the Aug. 15 voting meeting,” board vice president Mike Belmonte told the New Pittsburgh Courier in an email, Aug. 2.

The meeting will be held at the Woodland Hills School District Administration Building, 531 Jones Ave. in North Braddock.

The finalists are James Phillip Harris Jr., current superintendent of the Daniel Boone Area

School District in Berks County, Pennsylvania, and Kelley Castlin-Gacutan, EdD, former superintendent of Birmingham City Schools.

The public was introduced to the two finalists during an open forum at the Woodland Hills Administration Building, July 23.

SEE SUPERINTENDENT A5

JAMES PHILLIP HARRIS JR. (Photo courtesy Reading Eagle/ Lauren A. Little)

25 YEARS OF COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT Lavelle partners with UPMC, but not without opposition, controversy

by Christian Morrow

er had indicated it would close Mercy Hospital if the expansion plans were As UPMC makes plans nixed.

“There were a couple of for a $400 million expansion plan for Mercy Hos- critical factors pushing me pital, Pittsburgh Coun- towards this agreement,” Lavelle said cilman R. in a statement Daniel Lavelle announcing recently brothe Commukered a deal nity Benefits with UPMC Agreement, that promJuly 30. “One, ised additionit was imperal benefits to ative that we city residents ensure UPMC at the site—a Mercy re“Communimains open for ty Benefits the foreseeA g r e e m e n t ,” able future as as its named.

R. DANIEL LAVELLE a community City Council passed the vote by a 7-2 hospital and continue its margin on July 31, but it commitment to its Cathowasn’t without opposition lic mission of serving the poor and those most of in and controversy.

It was assailed by activ- need. UPMC Mercy must ists and unions as caving SEE LAVELLE A4 in to UPMC, which earliCourier Staff Writer

RASHAD BYRDSONG founded Community Empowerment Association 25 years ago. Today, it’s housed in the former Holy Rosary School on Kelly Street in Homewood. He’s pictured standing in front of the building’s Liberation Wall. (Photos by J.L. Martello)

Rashad Byrdsong stays committed to Students see the tech side uplifting Pittsburgh’s Black community of sports broadcasting

by Christian Morrow

by Christian Morrow

Courier Staff Writer

Looking at memorabilia assembled in his conference room at the Community Empowerment Association (CEA) on Kelly St. in Homewood—photos and news articles of him with Jesse Jackson, brokering a gang ceasefire with Khalid Raheem and Richard Garland, protesting the lack of Black workers on the state Veterans Hospital project, or even a trip to Texas to help with hurricane relief—founder Rashad Byrdsong is momentarily taken aback.

“When I look at this stuff, it amazes me, that a 40-something-year-old Nam vet and ex-felon, starting with nothing, could build this,” he told the New Pittsburgh Courier. “But history will tell the true impact CEA has had on Pittsburgh.”

Byrdsong created the Community Empowerment Association in 1993, initially as a vehicle to keep Homewood youth off the streets and out of the cycle

Courier Staff Writer

RASHAD BYRDSONG shows his collection of photos over the years as founder and CEO of Community Empowerment Association. of violence. Its first funded initiative was an “exit strategy” program working to intervene with gang members recovering from gunshot wounds in UPMC trauma units, in hopes of

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getting them to give up the street life.

“That was funded by Jewish Charities,” Byrdsong recalled. “Then the (Allegheny County) Department of Human Services gave us

funding for an afterschool program. And after Valerie McDonald (Roberts), who was on city council at the time, gave us $250,000 to SEE BYRDSONG A7

It may turn out that few of the 28 students enrolled in this year’s All Star Code Summer Intensive program go into the production side of sports broadcasting, but the skills they are learning in the program are certainly applicable to that profession.

That’s why Sean Gray, Pittsburgh area director for All Star Code, took them to AT&T SportsNet on the North Shore—in addition to Duolingo, Google, Simcoach Games, Schell Games, COLab18, Uber and the BNY Mellon Innovation Center.

“Each student has a different perspective on why they are in the program. Some of our students in Pittsburgh may not be disposed to coding—but the tech industry is more than just coding,” he said.

“There are opportunities outside of sitting behind a computer. A STUDENT with All Star Code learns how Part of my goal is to work a production board from AT&T SportsNet director Mat Williams. (Photo SEE TECH A4

by J.L. Martello)

Raynard Jackson on

The racial optics of the opioid epidemic Opinion B3

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INTERNATIONAL

AUGUST 8-14, 2018

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This Week In Black History

YOUNG PLAYERS—Teenagers gesture after playing each other during an International Tennis Federation Tournament, at Harare Sports Club, in Harare, Aug. 6. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)

Election violence in Zimbabwe didn’t faze tennis teens

by Christoper Torchia Associated Press Writer

HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) — As Zimbabwean soldiers opened fire on rioters, protesters and bystanders after a disputed election, teenagers in an International Tennis Federation tournament were playing each other on hard courts a few kilometers (miles) from the deadly violence.

On Monday, junior tennis players from countries including South Africa, Egypt, Denmark, Thailand and the United States were still competing at the Harare Sports Club, days after international election monitors had gone home and troops and riot police had left downtown Harare.

The decision to stick it out through tense times last week was based on security assessments by the London-based ITF and Zimbabwean tennis officials such as Cliff Nhokwara, who often quizzed the young players. ‘“Do you guys feel threatened? Did you see any violence? Do you think where you are staying is dangerous? Do you want me to move you to any other location?’” Nhokwara recalled asking boys and girls who would ordinarily have other concerns: Who is my next opponent? Will I get through the qualifying rounds? What time is practice before the match?

ITF ranking points are a big deal for young players whose sporting accomplishments could help them get into universities in, for example, the United States.

As the tennis teens were grinding out matches, Zimbabwe was experiencing one of its most tumultuous weeks since independence from white minority rule in 1980, when Robert Mugabe took power.

Millions voted on July 30 in the first election without the former leader on the ballot and, when official results showed the ruling ZANU-PF party would stay in power, the military violently dispersed angry

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protesters who accused the government of vote-rigging.

Six people died. Authorities have yet to announce an inauguration date for President Emmerson Mnangagwa, a former enforcer for Mugabe who succeeded him after a military takeover in November.

The opposition, meanwhile, says it will challenge election results in court and alleges security forces are harassing and intimidating some supporters, in a sign that the political situation remains edgy.

“In elections, anything can happen, especially here in Africa,” said Nigeria-born Ike Nweke, who lives in Denmark and traveled with his 14-year-old daughter, Divine, to Harare for three consecutive ITF junior tournaments over a three-week period.

The cluster of tournaments at the same location reduces expenses for players, particularly Zimbabweans in a country whose economy has been struggling for years, Nhokwara said an interview with The Associated Press. He said a Russian player left Zimbabwe because of concerns about safety, but everybody else stayed.

Tinashe Taruberekera, a 16-year-old Zimbabwean player based in South Africa, said he had been training hard because the competition is tough. He was staying at the Rainbow Towers, a downtown hotel, on Aug. 1 when opposition demonstrators approached

the gates because electoral officials were announcing voting tallies at a conference center in the complex.

Police fired tear gas and water cannon before the military crackdown in surrounding streets.

“There was a riot but they didn’t get inside, so nothing happened to the guests,” Taruberekera said. “It was quite scary.”

On Aug. 3, two 16-yearold South African players were returning to another hotel, the Bronte, when they encountered riot police who tried to disperse journalists gathering for an appearance by opposition leader Nelson Chamisa.

“We saw so many police and we didn’t really know what was going on,” Cara O’Flaherty said.

“I didn’t think we were going to get injured or hurt or anything,” Isabella Weatherhead said.

Tapiwa Masunga, the ITF’s regional development officer, said by telephone from Botswana that the federation’s security department advised Zimbabwean tennis officials to offer player accommodation away from trouble spots, but concluded it it was not necessary to cancel the tournaments. There were similar concerns last year when a tournament coincided with a disputed election and violence in Kenya, Masunga said.

“Unfortunately, the political environment in Africa often changes,” Masunga said.

STILL COMPETING—Victoria Sasinka, 13, of the U.S. serves the ball, during an International Tennis Federation Tournament, at Harare Sports Club, in Harare, Aug. 6. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)

Week of August 8-14 August 8 1865—Explorer Matthew Henson is born in Baltimore, Md. Henson would become the first person to reach the North Pole on April 6, 1909. However, it was his boss Robert E. Perry who would receive widespread public recognition and a presidential citation for the honor. But in later years, records would show that Henson actually beat Perry to the top of the world. Henson would comment that when Perry discovered that he had beat him to the North Pole, he became “hopping mad.” Years would pass before Henson would gain some recognition for his accomplishment. Nevertheless, to this day, most history books still continue to give the honor to Perry.

August 9 MATTHEW HENSON 1936—Sprinting sensation Jesse Owens wins a total of four Gold Medals at the Olympics in Berlin, Germany. Born in Lawrence County, Ala., Owens gained international fame for his victories in the 100 meters, the 200 meters, the long jump and the 4?100 meter relay. His victories undermined Adolph Hitler’s claims of White, especially German, superiority over all other peoples. However, Owens disputed claims that the Nazi leader was so infuriated with him that he refused to shake his hand. According to Owens, during his JESSE OWENS only encounter with Hitler, “the Chancellor waved and I waved back.” The pack-a-day cigarette smoker died at the relatively young age of 66 on March 31, 1980.

1963—Whitney Houston, one of the greatest singers of the past 50 years, was born on this day in Newark, N.J. Whitney Elizabeth Houston was born into a family of accomplished singers. Her mother was Thelma Houston—an excellent gospel and R&B performer and her cousin was song stylist Dionne Warwick.

During her heyday in the 1980s, Houston sold approximately 170 million albums including such hits as “You Give Good Love,” “Saving All My Love for You,” “How Will I Know?” and “The Greatest Love of All.” The singer was found dead in the bathtub of her Beverly Hilton Hotel room on Feb. 11, 2012, hours before a WHITNEY HOUSTON pre-Grammy party. She was 48.

1987—Lawyer and entrepreneur Reginald Lewis completes the largest business acquisition ever accomplished by an African-American when he purchases Beatrice Foods in a leveraged buyout for $985 million. Under his leadership, the firm would soon become the first Black-owned company to achieve more than $1 billion in annual sales. Lewis made the Forbes magazine list of the 400 richest Americans in 1992 with an estimated net worth of $400 million. Unfortunately, the Baltimore, Md., native would die of brain cancer at the age of 50 on Jan. 19, 1993. His contribution to telling Blacks how to achieve economic success came in his book entitled “Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun?” August 10 1867—Famed Black Shakespearean actor Ira Aldridge dies in Poland. Aldridge was born in New York, where he developed a love for the theater. But prejudice in America forced him to go to England to practice his craft. Despite running into racism there as well, he was able to find work. He came in for harsh criticism when paired with White female actresses. But after performing Shakespeare’s Othello, he was proclaimed “an actor of genius” by several newspapers. (Note: There is some authority that Aldridge actually IRA ALDRIDGE died on Aug. 7.)

1981—A nationwide African-American boycott of the giant Coca Cola bottling company ends after the firm reaches an agreement with Rev. Jesse Jackson’s Operation PUSH. Coke agreed to pump at least $34 million into Black businesses and increase the number of African-American-owned distributorships. Critics would later charge that the beverage giant reneged on the deal and the amount of money pumped into Black businesses never came to more than $11 million.

August 11 1868—One of the greatest White heroes of Black history dies in Washington, D.C. His name was Thaddeus Stevens. Stevens, a congressman from Pennsylvania, and Sen. Charles Sumner, of Massachusetts, led the Radical Republicans movement, which favored punishing the South for starting the Civil War and taking land from the former slave owners and giving it to the former slaves. He headed the powerful House Ways and Means Committee and he used his power at every turn to aid Blacks. Indeed, many of the pro-Black measures and legislation of the period attributed to President Abraham Lincoln were actually initiated by Stevens and Sumner. After Lincoln’s assassination, Stevens led the move to impeach President Andrew Johnson in part because Johnson, a Southerner, opposed many measures which would have benefited Blacks. More than 20,000 people (nearly half of them Black) attended his funeral in Lancaster, Pa. 1921—Accomplished writer Alex Haley is born on this day in Ithaca, N.Y. Haley is best known for co-writing the “Autobiography of Malcolm X” and for “Roots”—a history of a Black family during slavery, which became a major television series during the 1970s. Haley died in February 1992.

1965—The largest, longest and possibly most destructive Black riot of the turbulent 1960s begins in Los Angeles, Calif. The Watts Rebellion lasted six days, caused between $35 million and $50 million in damage while leaving 34 people dead, more than 1,000 injured and nearly 4,000 arrested. It took place during a “long hot summer” when similar riots were taking place throughout the country.

August 12 1890—This is generally considered the day that the systematic and nominally legal exclusion of Blacks from the political life of the South began. It was the day that the Mississippi Constitutional Convention began. Barred by the 14th and 15th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution from excluding Blacks by race, the convention instead adopted a host of strategies including literacy or so-called “Education Tests” specifically designed to prevent Blacks from voting. The tests required reading and interpreting the Constitution. Blacks would be given difficult passages to interpret while Whites were either exempted or given easy passages. Soon, most Southern states adopted the so-called Mississippi Plan to exclude Blacks from voting. The racist plan was effective. In one Mississippi County, for example, there were 30,000 Blacks but only 175 were eligible to vote. Most aspects of the Mississippi Plan were not overturned until the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.

1922—Ophelia Devore Mitchell—the founding mother of African-American modeling—is born on this day in Edgefield, S.C. Her family would move to New York during the 1930s, where she entered the Vogue School of Modeling at 17. She excelled at modeling, as well as in academics mastering Latin, German and French. She modeled professionally for several years before opening her own modeling school in 1946. Her aim was to overcome stereotypes and negative portrayals of Black women. She wrote a fashion column for the Pittsburgh Courier, started her own line of cosmetics and eventually helped found the Columbus Times newspaper in Georgia. In 2004, she was formally recognized by the Fashion Institute of Technology and the Fashion and Arts Exchange for her contributions to the OPHELIA DEVORE industry.

MITCHELL August 13 1881—The first African-American nursing school opens at Spelman College in Atlanta, Ga. 1892—The Afro-American newspaper is founded. The first edition is published in Baltimore, Md., by John H. Murphy Sr. At its height, the newspaper chain would publish papers in Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Richmond, Virginia and Newark, N.J. It continues to publish today in Baltimore and Washington, D.C. 1906—The “Brownsville Affair” takes place. Angry Black soldiers, who had been subjected to intense racial discrimination and insults, are accused of sneaking into Brownsville, Texas, and killing a local White bartender and wounding a police officer.

Although the evidence was weak, President Theodore Roosevelt sided with Brownsville Whites and ordered 167 of the Black soldiers dishonorably discharged for a “conspiracy of silence” because they either denied involvement in the shootings or refused to say who was involved. However, 66 years later (as a result of the findings of a book) the Army opened a new investigation which cleared the accused soldiers and reversed the 1906 dishonorably discharges.

August 14 1862—President Abraham Lincoln (for the first time) meets with a group of prominent Blacks to discuss the Civil War and public policy. But before the meeting was over, he would anger those gathered. Although an outspoken opponent of the expansion of slavery, Lincoln suggested that it would be best for America and Blacks if African-Americans were to emigrate to Africa or Central America. Nevertheless, a Littlemore than a month later on Sept. 22 he would issue the Emancipation Proclamation technically freeing all slaves in the rebellious Southern states.

1883—Ernest E. Just is born in Charleston, S.C. Just would become one of the nation’s most prominent biologists conducting pioneering research in cell division. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Dartmouth University in 1907 and would go on to establish the Zoology Department at Howard University in Washington, D.C. Just would die in 1941.

1959—Modern basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson is born on this day in Lansing, Mich.

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AUGUST 8-14, 2018

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Trump: Making LeBron James look smart ‘isn’t easy to do’ But NBA players fight back, bash Trump in tweets, statements

Trump’s tweet, but early Saturday afternoon, James retweeted a post from the “I Promise” school and said: “Let’s get it kids!! Love you guys.”

Lemon responded to the president, invoking both the administration’s forced-family-separations policy and

by Jonathan Lemire Mrs. Trump’s social media etiquette Associated Press Writer campaign.

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. (AP)—Ahead “Who’s the real dummy? A man who of campaigning in Ohio on Saturday, puts kids in classrooms or one who President Donald Trump unleashed puts kids in cages? #BeBest” Lemon a withering attack on the state’s tweeted. favorite son, savaging NBA star James played for over a decade—and LeBron James in a late-night tweet in two stints—with the Cleveland that derided the intelligence of one of Cavaliers and delivered a title to the the nation’s most prominent Africhampionship-starved region in 2016. can-American men.

Although he departed for the Los Melania Trump’s spokeswoman Angeles Lakers earlier this summer, quickly distanced the first lady from the superstar remains very popular in the criticism of James, saying in a the Buckeye State, and Trump’s attack statement Saturday afternoon that it could be a gift for the Democrat in appeared James was “working to do Tuesday’s special congressional race. good things on behalf of our next gen“I don’t have to tell (asterisk)anyeration” and that the first lady would one(asterisk) what LeBron James be open to visiting his new school for means to Ohio,” tweeted Democrat at-risk children. The statement didn’t Danny O’Connor, who was running criticize the president. against state Sen. Troy Balderson.

ANSWERING QUESTIONS—In this July 30 file photo LeBron James listens to a question at a news conference The White House did not immediTrump blasted James late Friday after the opening ceremony for the I Promise School in Akron, Ohio. (AP Photo/Phil Long, File) after an interview aired with CNN ately respond to a request to clarify anchor Don Lemon in which he Trump’s remarks. But even some deemed Trump divisive. Although James has long been Trump has repeatedly been questioned about his views Trump allies chided him. a Trump critic, calling the president “U bum” in a 2017 on race, from deeming many Mexican immigrants “rapGeraldo Rivera, the journalist and Trump confidant, tweet, the tweet was Trump’s first attack on the player, ists” during his campaign kickoff speech for the Repubbroke with the president to say he wished Trump who just opened up a school for underprivileged children lican presidential nomination to placing blame on “both “turned other cheek re @KingJames & @donlemon While in his hometown of Akron. sides” for the violent clash between White supremacists I disagree with their conclusion that @POTUS is using The tweet came hours before Trump traveled to Cosports to divide America along racial lines, they’re both lumbus, Ohio, for a rally north of town in support of the sincere & intelligent men. LeBron just pledged millions Republican in a special U.S. House election on Tuesday. for a school for underprivileged kids.”

Once in Ohio, however, Trump stayed away from the conAlong with Jordan, a number of other athletes spoke troversy and never mentioned James as he hammered out in support of James. away at Democrats and other favorite targets.

Pro Football Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe tweeted: “Lebron James was just interviewed by the dumbest “It should be beneath the dignity of a sitting POTUS to man on television, Don Lemon,” Trump posted. “He made take racist shots at D. Lemon and Lebron James.” NBA Lebron look smart, which isn’t easy to do.” player Karl-Anthony Towns wrote: “So let me get this Trump then, unexpectedly, appeared to weigh in on the straight: Flint, MI has dirty water still, but you worried growing debate over who is the greatest NBA player of all about an interview about a man doing good for education time, James or Michael Jordan, by writing “I like Mike!” and generations of kids in his hometown?”

Many former and current professional athletes, includBefore entering politics, Trump frequently praised ing Jordan, jumped to James’ defense.

James and his own family tried to recruit him to the WAVING TO ADMIRERS—President Donald Trump waves to “I support LeBron James. He’s doing an amazing job New York Knicks in 2010. But commenting on someone’s the cheering crowd as he arrives to speak at a rally at Olenfor his community,” Jordan said in a statement to The intelligence, including his own, has long been a Trump tangy Orange High School in Lewis Center, Ohio, Aug. 4. (AP Associated Press through his representative via text trope. He has been criticized for complimenting North Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Saturday.

Korean leader Kim Jong Un (“smart cookie”) and RusTrump has long denounced the media—CNN in parsian President Vladimir Putin (“very smart”) and has ticular—and rarely lets a slight go unnoticed. But the and counterprotesters in Charlottesville, Va., a year ago. been known to praise himself as “a very stable genius.” attack on James, who was being interviewed by anothJames, who campaigned for Trump’s opponent, DemoBut he also uses “stupid”—or variations thereof—as a er Black man, to some resembled a racial dog whistle. crat Hillary Clinton, and has not been shy about using favored insult. He has used it to describe the FBI, the He routinely deems Democratic Rep. Maxine Waters of his celebrity for social causes, did the interview from the NFL, Democrats, the filibuster, the nation’s immigration California, who is also Black, as “low IQ”—an insult he public school he opened, called the “I Promise” school. laws, journalists, trade policies and how the nation’s repeated during the Ohio rally Saturday night.

Every student receives free tuition, as well as free food, a leaders have dealt with topics like Iraq, Muslims, CanaOhio Gov. Josh Kasich, a Republican who at times crituniform and even a free bike. da and China. icizes Trump, tweeted: “Rather than criticizing @KingIn the interview, James said he “would never sit across” He also, after then-Secretary of State Rex Tillerson James, we should be celebrating him for his charity work from Trump, though he would talk to former President reportedly called him a “moron,” challenged his own Caband efforts to help kids.”

Barack Obama. James’ publicist declined to respond to inet member to an IQ test.

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METRO

AUGUST 8-14, 2018

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Wendell Freeland documentary should be seen by younger audiences, supporters say Filmmaker Jackson called Freeland ‘a benchmark for people to follow’

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

He was a fierce, devoted civil rights lawyer. But he was much more.

Those in the documentary called Wendell G. Freeland a role model, a mentor, a true community leader, a wonderful teacher, enigmatic, the ultimate chameleon.

“Wendell stands at the top. He was that kind of guy, with a deep-seeded sense of commitment,” said civil rights advocate and New Pittsburgh Courier columnist Louis “Hop” Kendrick.

“It has to be something that you’re born with.”

Local film director Billy Jackson spent years working on “Wendell G. Freeland—A Quiet Soldier,” and released it to the public in late 2017. There have been a number of screenings of the documentary for the public to view, but Jackson is looking to increase its

distribution—not for the money, but for Freeland’s impact on Pittsburgh’s Black community to be more known to a younger audience.

“Wendell Freeland left a legacy and a model to follow that’s becoming increasingly difficult to follow now for us as a people,” Jackson said. “The model is, first and foremost, integrity. And secondly, selfless devotion to the progress of our people.

And that’s what Wendell Freeland was about.”

Across the country, Jackson said, Freeland is recognized primarily as a Tuskegee Airman who was arrested twice in the Freeman Field Mutiny at the Freeman Army Airfield in Indiana (1945). There, the young Freeland went into an all-White officers club against orders, and was subsequently arrested. Charges were later dropped, and in 1948, U.S. President Harry Truman ordered an integration of the U.S. military.

But “he was working the streets” in Pittsburgh “in the early ‘50s, not only the court cases he won, but also the legislation he was behind created change. And that’s why he’s important,

and I think if enough of our young Black males see him, then he’s a benchmark for people to follow,” Jackson said.

“I think it would be great to show in law schools,” said Freeland’s daughter, Lisa, during a May screening at the Tull Family Theater in Sewickley. She also told audience members that the documentary should be seen by students in the Pittsburgh Public Schools and other districts. “I think that we’ve got to make a connection with the superintendent of the schools and get this at least into the high schools, if not into the junior high schools and below.”

Freeland graduated cum laude from Howard University in 1947 and earned his law degree from the University of Maryland School of Law three years later.

A Baltimore native, Freeland came to Pittsburgh and immediately made an impact. He challenged the city on improving the safety of African Americans who desired to swim in the Highland Park Swimming Pool in 1951. Freeland later became an assistant district attorney and board chairman of the local Urban League.

Cyril Wecht, former Allegheny County Coroner who said he was very good friends with Freeland, called the documentary “heartwarming. He was indeed everything the people have said, without any hyperbole. Young African

Americans have to be constantly reminded of what it was like (during the civil rights movement). The battle is not over yet.”

Jackson told the New Pittsburgh Courier he’s looking to partner with distributors to get the doc-

umentary into more hands, including obtaining corporate sponsors or foundations to hold more public screenings at theaters. For now, Jackson said the Freeland documentary is available for purchase at nommoproductions.com.

LISA FREELAND, daughter of civil rights attorney Wendell G. Freeland, wants ‘every Pittsburgh Public School student’ to see the documentary of her father. (Photos by Brian Cook)

Lavelle, UPMC reach deal LAVELLE FROM A1

continue to play a pivotal role in providing services to those less fortunate, such as the low-moderate income communities in the surrounding Uptown and Hill District neighborhoods.”

Lavelle added: “However, it is equally important that UPMC Mercy commit to addressing many of the economic and social ills that plague its host and surrounding communities.

Tying UPMC Mercy’s specific commitments into the goals and objectives of the neighborhood and the Innovation District is an opportunity to truly demonstrate Pittsburgh’s ability to grow the economy and improve the quality of life and economic opportunity of existing city residents, especially people of color and those living in impoverished and underserved communities.”

The $400 million expansion plan calls for creating a state-of-the-art eye treatment and research facility as well as a rehabilitation services center to help restore mobility in those with cognitive and physical disabilities. It is part of UPMC’s system-wide $2 billion expansion.

Lavelle’s amendment included a commitment from UPMC to develop an addiction and dual-diagnosis clinic at the site, and developing an inpatient Integrated Medical Care Unit for the purposes of serving patients with dual medical and behavioral health diagnoses, while working with as many minority commu-

nity service providers as possible.

In addition, UPMC will work with Lavelle to host job fairs, interview events, resume workshops and provide training for opportunities at UPMC Mercy and the Mercy Vision and Rehabilitation Hospital, which will be built next to UPMC Mercy.

Lavelle’s amendment will also have UPMC partner with the A. Philip Randolph Institute’s “Breaking the Chains of Poverty” program to identify, recruit and train local residents for opportunities in the construction trades apprenticeship programs.

UPMC will also support the city’s One PGH initiatives on affordable housing, a cleaner environment and pre-K education.

But at the July 31 City Council public hearing, many residents took to the microphone and opposed the initiative, as many in the audience don’t believe UPMC pays its employees fair wages or has the community’s best interest at heart.

The Service Employees International Union and Pittsburgh United said Lavelle’s community benefits don’t go far enough.

“Council approved a plan that does far too little to address widening health disparities between rich and poor, White and Black,” said SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania President Matt Yarnell in a statement. “And it approved a plan that leaves UPMC’s union-busting unchecked. It is clear that the

needs of Pittsburgh residents clash with UPMC’s plans for us.”

Pittsburgh United President Jennifer Rafanan-Kennedy said the agreement lacks specifics.

“Until we see our needs addressed in concrete terms, with dollar amounts and timelines, we will continue to view this agreement as what it is: UPMC deciding what our community deserves without actually inviting us to the table,” she said in an Aug. 6 statement.

“UPMC threatened to close down Mercy in order to bully us into less than what we need. But this is our Pittsburgh. We want a future where everyone is moving forward together.

It’s something worth fighting for, and that’s exactly what we’ll continue to do.”

Allegheny County Councilman DeWitt Walton— who also serves as vice president of the A. Philip Randolph Institute and a longtime member of the United Steelworkers—told the New Pittsburgh Courier in an exclusive interview, Aug. 7, that characterizing Lavelle’s actions as rolling over are not fair.

“I worked closely with Daniel on this issue, and I know he is committed to empowering his constituency by creating opportunities across the city and region, and UPMC is responding,” he said. “I respect the SEIU’s position, but with Daniel doing what he has, that gives the SEIU another chance to negotiate.”

WENDELL G. FREELAND—A person holds the program from a screening of the Wendell G. Freeland documentary, “A Quiet Soldier,” at the Tull Family Theater in Sewickley, May 7.

Students visit AT&T SportsNet TECH FROM A1

to expose them to as many opportunities as possible, so they can see they can work in marketing, communications, legal, or design—different from what they imagine as computer science or tech.”

This is the second year the All Star Code Summer Intensive program has been offered in Pittsburgh—the program originated five years ago in New York City as a vehicle to close the opportunity gap for young Black and Latino men in the tech sector.

This year’s Summer Intensive program for Pittsburgh-based students runs from July 9 to Aug. 17.

According to the All Star Code website, Blacks and Latinos comprise less than 10 percent of the tech sector workforce, and only one percent of the startups being funded by venture capital have Blacks or Latinos among their founders.

Last year, 18 high school sophomores and juniors learned JavaScript, HTML and CSS using lab space pro-

vided by Chatham University.

This year, thanks to an increased donation of $100,000 from AT&T (the company supported All Star Code last year as well), 28 students are taking part; half at Chatham and the others at the University of Pittsburgh School of Education. And thanks to other sponsors like Heinz Endowments, Eden Hall Foundation, Hillman Foundation, Comcast, the Grable Foundation, Jack Buncher Foundation and Microsoft Philanthropies, the program is entirely free, and all the participants receive a new laptop.

The young Black men in this year’s cohort hail from City High Charter School, Steel Valley High School and Brashear High School. among others.

While at the AT&T SportsNet studio, the students peppered staff like production coordinator Danny Rodriguez, editor Mark Thompkins and director Mat Williams with questions about how a Pittsburgh Pirates broadcast is put together.

They learned how broadcast signals travel from PNC

Park to Atlanta via satellite before returning and going on-air. They got to “draw” on the screen with the graphics telestrator in the studio and operate the “jib” studio camera.

Student Terrell Williams said though he isn’t particularly drawn to tech, he’s having fun learning the STEM skills and building a website for the program— and he had a great time playing with the jib.

“Yeah, this is cool. I’m interested in going into photography,” he said. “So, this is fun.”

Though All Star Code only been in Pittsburgh two years, Gray said it is having a positive impact on the kids.

“So far, 89 percent see themselves moving on into the tech industry, 90 percent say they are working harder in school and 89 percent say they are more confident in making presentations about their work,” he said.

“This is a great start, but it will take more than six weeks. The system needs to change in a lot of ways.”

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Leslie Uggams to perform at Benedum Center through Aug. 12 Legendary actress Leslie Uggams is in Pittsburgh to perform as “Muzzy” in Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera’s “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” The show runs Aug. 7-12 at the Benedum Center, Downtown.

The Wednesday and Thursday (Aug. 8-9) shows begin at 7:30 p.m. The Friday, Aug. 10 show begins at 8 p.m. The Saturday, Aug. 11 shows are at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and the Sunday, Aug. 12 shows are at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Tickets are available by calling 412-4566666 or visiting pittsburghclo.org.

In the original Broadway production of “Thoroughly Modern Millie,”

Uggams played the role of Muzzy from April 2003 to June 2004.

Uggams is a Tony and Emmy Award-winning actress and singer whose career, according to her biography on her website, has brought her from Harlem (The Apollo Theater) to Broadway (Hallelujah, Baby!), the big screen (Deadpool, Skyjacked) to TV (Empire, The Leslie Uggams Show).

But Uggams is most likely best known for her portrayal of “Kizzy” in the TV mini-series Roots. For her role, Uggams won the Critics Choice Award (Best Supporting Actress) and was nominated for both Emmy and Hollywood

Foreign Press Association Golden Globe awards.

At the age of 9, Uggams began performing at the Apollo Theater, later opening for musical legends Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and Dinah Washington. Uggams is currently on the Board of Directors of the Apollo Theater.

To younger audiences, Uggams most recently played the mother (Leah Walker) of Lucious Lyon in the Fox TV show Empire.

In 1970, Leslie made history by becoming the first African American woman to star in her own musical variety television series, “The Leslie Uggams Show,” on CBS.

LESLIE UGGAMS

Who will become Woodland Hills new school superintendent?

SUPERINTENDENT FROM A1

Both candidates shared with residents their vision for the Woodland Hills School District, along with their background and qualifications.

The position became open after Alan Johnson’s resignation as Woodland Hills School Superintendent was effective at the end of the past school year. Johnson had been with the district in a number of capacities since 2011.

Bart Rocco, former Elizabeth Forward School District, currently serves as interim superintendent.

Both Jamie Glasser, board president, and Belmonte declined to comment on the primary criteria or qualifications the board was looking for in the district’s next superintendent.

In mid-July, state Auditor General Eugene DePasquale released the findings of an audit performed on the district, which revealed issues with safety policies and no proper method for the district to investigate claims of bullying.

“I was stunned to learn that the Woodland Hills School District does not provide annual bullying prevention training,” DePasquale said

The Courier is The VOICE of Black Pittsburgh

during a press conference.

“Making our schools safer is about being proactive and educating students about how to prevent bullying before an incident even occurs.

Working with students and staff to prevent bullying is a step that no school can afford to skip, especially given the history of violence at Woodland Hills.”

DePasquale said the district’s policy on gangs hasn’t been updated since 1994, and “some of the emergency agreements with first responders” are “out of date.”

The district responded to the report last week by announcing it was making upgrades to its security policies, including implementing a multi-hazard school response plan by the time classes begin Aug. 27, and pushing back the start times for district schools.

And this summer alone, two more Woodland Hills students lost their lives to violence. On June 19, 17-year-old Antwon Rose II was shot and killed by East Pittsburgh police Officer Michael Rosfeld, and on July 16, 15-year-old Tyrelle Bowyer was shot and killed in Wilkinsburg.

Harris, a former Military

Policeman for six years, worked as an investigator for the New Jersey Treasury Department and in the marketing department at Coca-Cola before switching careers to education. Harris became the Chief Operating Officer for Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation and Dayton Public Schools and was Business Operations Manager for Breakthrough Charter Network in Cleveland. After a brief stint with the Philadelphia School District, he has served as superintendent in the Daniel Boone Area School District for the last three years.

According to a biography of Harris provided to the Courier by Glasser, Harris’ philosophy of leadership is “largely a reflection of my philosophy of living. I believe that each day we are both educators and learners. Moreover, if we are active, our lives truly become enriched by these experiences. I encourage my students and employees to develop a lifelong commitment of personal growth through their own awareness, and to see the beauty in life that surrounds them and that is within—to inspire them.”

Castlin-Gacutan, a Birmingham, Ala. native, served as superintendent of Birmingham City Schools for one year (2015-16), and, according to her biography provided to the Courier by Glasser, reduced the number of “failing” schools, identified by the Alabama Department of Education, from 18 to 13. She was re-

sponsible for more than 24,000 students, 2,800 employees and a $246 million operating budget.

Castlin-Gacutan was formerly the interim superintendent in Bibb County Schools (Macon, Georgia).

She’s currently the founder and president of Kennrod Inc., an organization that provides high-quality

tutoring and college and career readiness services to pre-Kindergarten to twelfth grade students in underserved communities.

Over her 25 years in education, Castlin-Gacutan has served as a high school English teacher in Japan, assistant principal, principal, and university professor/director.

LIFESTYLES New Pittsburgh Courier

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www.newpittsburghcourier.com

Debbie Norrell

Lifestyles Report

I’m talking Square Biz Years ago I used to love to shop at Station Square on the South Side. Who remembers the stores? There was J.D. Destefinos, Casual Corner, there was a shoe store, and there was an Italian Oven on the first level and a Mexican restaurant on the second, also Bobby Rubinos. I can’t remember the names of all of the stores but it was a fun place to shop back in the ‘80s.

Station Square just announced some major changes. Last Thursday they held a reception at the Grand Concourse to answer any questions that people who work or operate businesses in Station Square might have. I decided to attend because I like to find out information firsthand. I was hoping to get the names of all of the new restaurants but I come to you empty handed. I have no idea of who is on the list of new eating establishments. We saw a lot of pictures but did not get any names of what is to come except the UPMC training facility.

The only thing that I can tell you is that Station Square is going to become more of a destination area than it is right now and the focus will be dining. In addition to the changes that are coming to the shopping and dining area there is a new complex in the works called the Glasshouse. If you are wondering where I’m talking about, do you remember when there was a Hooter’s near Station Square? Well right on the edge of that parking lot that building that you see going up is the Glasshouse; it is going to be home to about 320 residents. I hope there will be some retail as well on the first level. Reportedly the residents are going to have access to a pool, three courtyards, multiple outdoor kitchen and dining areas, an outdoor movie screen, not to mention the great Allegheny Passage which is the trail very close to the building. The view of the city is going to be beautiful, however, I can’t share what the cost of living in this building is going to be.

I have a feeling that it is way out of my price range.

There is a lot of construction going on in this city. It seems that everywhere I look there is a new hotel going up or a new apartment building. There are also tons of new places to eat. I try to keep a list of new places in my phone so I won’t forget about them when it is time to eat. I did make it to Senti on Butler Street. I have passed this restaurant so often, I attended a luncheon held there and a book signing.

From what I can tell this is going to be a place that I am going to like. I haven’t had a full meal there but I like the atmosphere and spoke to the owner on both occasions. The appetizers were great.

I’m always looking for a great place to eat.

Share what you find.

(Email Debbie at debbienorrell@aol.com.)

STACY SMITH WITH JOY STARZL (Photos by Debbie Norrell)

A WORD OF PRAYER—Rev. Dr. Vincent K. Campbell

UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH CHANCELOR— Patrick Gallagher

Burden of Genius

by Debbie Norrell Lifestyles Editor

On June 23, after a viewing of the documentary “Burden of Genius” at the University of Pittsburgh Alumni Hall Theatre, Joy Starzl unveiled a beautiful bronze statue of her late husband, Dr. Thomas Starzl. She sat next to him and gently touched his face. It was a touching moment and allowed the hundreds that had just watched the documentary another intimate moment with Joy and Tom Starzl. They had been married for 36 years when Tom passed in March 2017.

Many who had been training with Dr. Starzl or were his patients came to Pittsburgh for the screening and the unveiling.

According to the “Burden of Genius” website, the film plunges the viewer into the controversy swirling around Starzl’s turbulent 60-year career before we land in the 1980s, THE LICENSE PLATE SAYS IT ALL the decade when organ transplantation, the stuff of science fiction, becomes a reality. “Burden of Genius” is the story of an innovator as complex and elusive as the biological secrets he unlocked. It is also a reflection on the price of scientific progress by the man many consider the greatest surgeon of the 20th century and the father of organ transplantation.

Unfortunately the film is not yet for all to see. It was most recently shown at the Transplant Games of America in Salt Lake City. Spotted at the Pittsburgh screening: Stacy Smith (KDKA), Elaine Effort, Kim Wood Slater, Bill Strickland (double lung transplant recipient), Cyril Wecht, Franco Harris, Margaret Washington and Brenda Tate.

The statue is right outside of the Cathedral of Learning, the place where Dr. Strazl spent so much time on Sundays walking and relaxing.

SHOWING SUPPORT—Kathy Humphrey and Brenda Tate

SHARING A MOMENT—Joy Starzl admires the statue with her mother

DIRECTOR AND PRODUCER OF FILM—Tjardus Greidanus - director, editor and writer with Laura Davis - producer

HEADING TO THE UNVEILING—Lisa Upsher, Joy Starzl, Elaine Effort and Kim Slater Wood

FRIENDS—Dana and Franco Harris with Goldie Edwards

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COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT ASSOCIATION—A CROWN JEWEL IN HOMEWOOD

RASHAD BYRDSONG, with many youth just outside of the Community Empowerment Association building on Kelly Street in Homewood. Byrdsong began the Community Empowerment Association in 1993.

Rashad Byrdsong stays committed to uplifting Pittsburgh’s Black community BYRDSONG FROM A1

clear vacant lots in Homewood, East Hills and Garfield—that led to us getting a contract from the (Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh) to clear the lots where the Steelers’ practice facility is now on the South Side.”

That, Byrdsong said, allowed him to form Ma’at Construction, a for-profit spinoff that could train youth in basic tradecraft— painting, drywall, rough framing, etc. that eventually led some to high-paying union jobs. It also allowed Byrdsong to form relationships with major contractors like Mascaro, Massaro, Turner, P.J. Dick and Mistick.

“When Baker was doing the Lexington Industrial Park, their painters quit.

I put one union guy and six kids from Youthbuild on that job,” he said. “That led to us getting painting and sealing contracts at the old county jail when they turned it into family court.”

But Byrdsong said his organization’s growth to include myriad youth, adult and family services, and his holistic approach to education, mentoring, activism, and job readiness training to help the entire community become self-reliant would not have been possible without two “awakenings” that he experienced.

The first, he said, occurred in 1968, when he was drinking beer in a Vietnamese hut with some fellow Black soldiers from his 25th infantry squad.

“So, we’re drinking and Papa-san, there, he shows me these newspapers, and they were all about the King assassination—I’d heard nothing about it,” he said.

“And then he looked at me and said, ‘Same, same.’

And from that point on I quit fighting, I quit partic-

ipating in the war against these people—because he was right, it was the same.

I was discharged in 1969 in Washington state, and I joined the Black Panther Party.”

That experience with the Panthers on the west coast—helping to create and operate the first free breakfast program for needy Black kids in the country (later picked up and funded by the state of Washington), a sickle cell testing program, and a prison visitation service that drove poor families to penitentiaries to visit jailed fathers, brothers, mothers and sons—proved invaluable for Byrdsong later on.

“That’s where I got my organizational skills,” he said. “Then around 1974, I went down to Los Angeles and started working on youth gang intervention in Watts and Compton.”

But by then, the Panthers had lost several leaders— some shot by police, others incarcerated—and had begun to split into factions, others more interested in full-on revolution than in peaceful social justice campaigns.

Then in 1984, Byrdsong had his second awakening—in a California state penitentiary.

“I had taken part in ‘liberating some currency’ from an oppressive bank,” he said. “That’s what we called it, the state calling it something else, and I was in there until 1992. But that’s when I became a Muslim and dedicated my life to service.”

Upon his release he returned to Pittsburgh and began working with groups like Black Action Pittsburgh and the Urban Peace Council, doing whatever he could to improve situations and opportunities for Pittsburgh’s African Americans.

At the time, both AIDS and crack cocaine were taking a

toll on the community.

“I was driving around in a truck doing AIDS intervention, handing out condoms, talking about safe sex,” he said. “But that gave me the intro to start doing gang intervention. I knew the kids and the gangs—the Crips, Bloods, and the LAW gang.”

In 1994, Byrdsong, Garland and Raheem organized a gang summit. At the time the city was experiencing its highest homicide level ever. Organized under the banner of Raheem’s National Council on Urban Peace and Justice, the group had the support of the foundation community, and then-U.S. Attorney Fred Thieman, they brokered a gang truce that garnered national attention form news media and praise from leaders like Jesse Jackson and Louis Farrakhan.

By this time, Byrdsong had already established CEA in a small building on Fleury Way in Homewood. And while he had established several youth programs addressing education, social and personal responsibility, anti-violence, he wanted to get people’s attention.

“That’s when we created the Brother-to-Brother Day of Black Male Solidarity,” he said. “We had marches with 400, 500 people. One year we had over 1,000.”

He said it is also gratifying to see government agencies, funders and healthcare professionals beginning to accept the idea that Byrdsong and Dr. Cyril Wecht proposed years ago that gun violence, its causes, and particularly its aftermath, should be addressed as a public health issue akin to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, not just for families involved but for the whole community.

But the biggest milestone in CEA’s 25 years, he said, was the move to its current

location in the former Holy Rosary Catholic School on Kelly St. after the diocese closed it in 2010. Byrdsong finalized the purchase and opened the new 35,000 square-foot facility in June 2014.

Zapp, Tom Browne, The Bill Henry Band and Flo Wilson & the Old School Band.

Though he admits at 69, he has to start thinking about succession planning, overall, Byrdsong is

everything we’ve tried.

It’s just trying to do it bigger because there are so many kids out there to reach,” he said. “And I put that success down to my faith: ‘By the token of time, through the ages,

BLACK FAMILY REUNION Friday, Aug. 10 Youth Summit 1 to 4 p.m., Community Empowerment Association building, 7120 Kelly St. All youth welcome to attend Saturday, Aug. 11 he tate of ac ife n nfi tered Con ersation a. .

Ce e ratin the th nni ersar of the e ac of the ac reedo i eration Mo e ent Featuring Yaseem Sutton, Fred Hampton, Khalid Samad, Jack Jackson, and Sekou Odiga Community Empowerment Association building A Socially Conscious Forum on Spoken Word, Poetry and Hip-Hop, 7 p.m.

Community Empowerment Association building onation proceeds o to schoo oo a dri e Sunday, Aug. 12 Free Concert featuring Zapp, Tom Browne, Flo Wilson and the Old Skool Band, and the Bill Henry Band—1:45 p.m. to 7 p.m., Schenley Park or

ore infor ation ca

“If it wasn’t for Father David Taylor (Priest for St, Charles Lwanga Parish, which included the school) we wouldn’t be here,” said Byrdsong. “He knew our work and what we were trying to do and helped sell the idea to the diocese. We can do all our programming here. We have classrooms, meeting rooms, a gym, a cafeteria. We can hold political meetings, community meetings, even graduations.”

It also gives him space for his annual Kwanzaa celebrations, which he started in his living room, and his Black Family Reunion and Cultural Arts Weekend, the 15th annual version of which begins Saturday, Aug. 11 with “an unfiltered conversation” on the State of Black Life and multiple workshops at 11 a.m.; a spoken word, hip-hop and poetry forum at 7 p.m., and continues Sunday, Aug. 12 with a day of music at the Schenley Park oval from 1 to 7 p.m. and features

or isit ceapitts

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pleased with what the organization has accomplished in 25 years. Still, it’s never enough.

“We have succeeded in

verily man is at a loss, except those who stand on faith, practice righteous deeds and share mutual consultation.’”

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Lesa Mitchell’s clothing line sparkles during fashion show in Clairton

by Genea L. Webb For New Pittsburgh Courier

No matter your shape, color or size you can be sharp. That’s one of the reasons fashion designer Lesa Mitchell wanted to start her own clothing line and have fashion shows.

“I want everybody to see no matter how tall, short or your size or anything, you can be sharp as a tack and I want to use the talent that God gave me,” said Mitchell, a self-taught creative and vibrant designer who has extensive experience in customizing one-of-a-kind outfits.

The mood was high and definitely fashionable during her Creative Designs by Lesa fashion show, July 28, at First United Methodist Church in Clairton.

The event started with a taste of the rainbow with

the models stepping out in vibrant colors like lime green and yellow in distinctive high-low skirt and shirt styles. Next up were African prints, animal prints and flowers in the prints galore scene. Most of the clothing sported flyway sleeves in soft fabrics.

Following an intermission that included delectable bites by 2 Hype Catering (Lonta Jeter, CEO) and music by DJ Gissy (Tara Gissendanner), audience members were treated to a song by vocalist and model Virgil before being treated to some of Mitchell’s early designs in the scene, “Blast LESA MITCHELL hosted a fashion show at First United Methodist from the Past.”

The scene included a wide Church in Clairton, July 28. (Photos by Debbie Norrell) yellow skirt with a tie waist and pockets worn by com“If you have something all around, Lesa can do mentator Jean Gressem-Ja- at home that you want re- that,” Gressem-Jacobs said cobs. vamped, redone or turned to the audience.

In the “Three Kings” section of the show, male models D’Angelo, Jarvis and Maurice were decked out in two-piece denim jacket and pant sets with intricate king card motif on the back of the jackets and the front of the pants, made by a local Clairton boutique.

But where would a King be without his Queen? Model Rikkell slayed in a denim trumpet-hemmed skirt set with silver grommets around the lapel of the jacket and around the skirt.

Highlights of the “It Takes Two” scene were a beautiful blush colored one-piece dress worn by model Aleya, with her companion donning a black vest that was accented with the blush fabric in an intricate design.

Other models in the show were AG, Alisha, Jerome,

Layla, Nakayla, Virgil, Angie, Kawaki, and Twila.

The finale showcased Mitchell in a white and silver bubble hemmed pants ensemble.

“I always wanted to do this and this is my first of many.

There’s always something to learn. I’ve learned to start a bit earlier next time, make a plan, and learn from other people who have had fashion shows,” Mitchell said.

Her husband, Clyde, who also served as a model, was proud that his wife’s vision has finally come to fruition.

“I couple of times I rolled over to give my wife a pinch but she wasn’t there, she was downstairs sewing,” Clyde Mitchell said. “I knew I had to give my time to make her dream come true.”

Ernest McCarty Jr. takes listeners on nostalgic journey

by Genea L. Webb For New Pittsburgh Courier

In the words of Jazz musician Ernest McCarty Jr., “We need more expressions of love and we need to remember to love.”

That’s why he composed and produced his latest CD, “I remember Love.”

The 10-song disc, which he released Aug. 6, features jazz songs with catchy, finger-popping music and breezy, Latin-inspired rhythms laced with words about the ups and downs of love.

“I try to write about real situations. The music was written during the social consciousness in the ‘60s and ‘70s because the music back then was about something, it was written by real writers and it was real music. That’s the time I came up in. With this CD I wanted to express how our lives are so complicated and have people think about what’s going on in their lives. These songs are dealing with real is“GENEA & ERIC”—Among the many boutiques featured were Se- sues. You’ve got to take a lections by Genea & Eric, who made the denim jackets and pants chance, you’ve got to roll shown here with models. the dice.”

the acoustic piano, acoustic guitar and keyboards.

Other musicians included Thomas Wendt on drums; Rich Strong on drums and percussion; Paul Thompson on Bass; Paul Cosentino on alto sax, tenor sax and clarinet; Tony Campbell on alto and soprano sax; and Chuck Austin on trumpet and flugelhorn.

McCarty teamed with his friend, vocalist and former Emotions member Theresa “Tee” Davis to make everything pop and come together.

The pair met in the mid‘70s when McCarty was in search of a singer for his Chicago show, “Love Spirit,” which ran for 15 years.

Years later they collaborated on the CD, “Someone You Want to Love.”

“Theresa is my Dionne Warwick,” McCarty said. “I can give her anything and she can sing it.

She interprets my music and lyrics beautifulERNEST MCCARTY JR., THERESA DAVIS ly. It was a won-

McCarty was born into a world of music. He was first introduced to the discipline from the gospel singers his mother conducted to the jazz greats that frequented his hometown of Chicago in the ‘40s and ‘50s. McCarty is a classically-trained bassist.

The Pittsburgh-based musician has performed with jazz pianist Erroll Garner, Eddie Harris, Oscar Brown and traveled extensively as the musical director for Gloria Gaynor and Odetta and Noel Harrison.

For “I Remember Love,” McCarty not only produced it, he performed

derful experience to come back into the studio and recreate the songs.”

Davis was delighted to be a part of another one of McCarty’s projects.

“Ernest is a playwright and a lot of the songs that we’ve recorded are from his plays,” Davis said. “He is prolific. He is a wonderful, wonderful writer, arranger and producer. He is a jewel and I consider him a genius. He’s a pleasure to work with because he’s so gifted. I just love his songs and we work so well together. I feel flattered and honored that he chose me because he has worked with so many talented singers.”

“I Remember Love” begins on a high note with “Good Old Time,” then Davis seductively asks the listener to “Dance With Me” and continues with one of McCarty’s favorites, “Love Won’t Make Me Cry.” Other gems on the record include the Patricia Kearney-penned title track, “I Remember Love,” and Davis’ favorites, ”Back in the Day” and “Winter’s Here.”

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

RELIGION

Rev. Eleanor Williams

AUGUST 8-14, 2018

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Praise & Worship ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH Crawford & Centre Ave. Pgh., PA 15219 412-281-3141 Mass Sunday 9:00 A.M. & 11:00 A.M. www.stbtmchurch.org

East Liberty Presbyterian Church Rev. Dr. Randy Bush, Senior Pastor 412-441-3800 116 S. Highland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206

www.cathedralofhope.com

Summer Worship Hour.....10:00 a.m.

New Destiny CME Church 114 North Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15233 412-231-7882 Rev. Kornelus Neal, pastor The Rt. Rev. Marvin Thomas Sr., presiding bishop Sunday School....................................9 A.M. Morning Worship Service............11:00 A.M.

New site pastor at Church of Our Saviour

BRIAN MACON and Karen Lane, seated, with new site pastor, Rev. Eleanor Williams. (Photos by J.L. Martello)

Reverend Eleanor Williams is the new site pastor at Church of Our Saviour United Methodist Church in Northview Heights. According to a biography on the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary website, Rev. Williams was a special education teacher in the Pittsburgh Public Schools for more than 30 years. She’s a 2012 member of the New Pittsburgh Courier’s Women of Excellence, and she co-founded Parents Against Violence in 1993 in response to a rise in street violence in Pittsburgh. She’s served as a pastor at area churches such as St. Paul AME and Wayman AME. Reverend Williams graduated from Oliver High School, earned a B.S. in special education from Duquesne University, and holds two master’s degrees—educational leadership and administration from Carlow University, and a Master of Divinity with an Urban Minis- REV. JUDY WINSTON THOMAS, senior pastor of Church of Our Saviour United Methodist Church in Northview Heights. try certificate from ittsburgh Theological eminary

Bethel AME Church ‘Salad-A-Rama’ The Steward Board of Bethel AME Church is presenting “2018 Salad-A-Rama,” at 1 p.m., Aug. 18, at the church, 2720 Webster Ave. Entertainment includes the Hill Dance Academy Theatre, Ms. DaMara Chanel and Ms. Teresa Hawthorne. Then, the following day, Bethel AME will celebrate their annual “Steward’s Day” at 11 a.m., Aug. 19. For more information, call 412-683-2160.

Seminary at the Tabernacle 43 Belvedere St., Crafton, PA 15205 Sept. 10, 2018-May 16, 2019 Sr. Pastor Tony Armstead, MDiv Christian Leadership School (CLS) a Four-year Program currently offering Four non-credited courses in four years.

Teaching includes Doctorate and Master of Divinity Teachers.

When: Fluctuates Mon. or Thurs., 6:308:30pm Cost: $75 per class, plus any required books Contact: Rev. Marjorie Davis, Ph.D. 412335-2832

Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community!

For rate information, call 412481-8302, ext.

128.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEXT CHURCH EVENT! We want to place your event in our Church Circuit weekly calendar!

Send info to: New Pittsburgh Courier 315 E. Carson St. Pittsburgh PA 15219 Or Email us! religion@ newpittsburgh courier.com

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Auditors: 30M taxpayers will owe more due to low withholding

by Marcy Gordon AP Business Writer

WASHINGTON (AP)— Congressional auditors say about 30 million people —21 percent of U.S. taxpayers—will have to come up with more money to pay their 2018 taxes next year because their employers withheld too little from their paychecks under government tables keyed to the new tax law.

New tax withholding tables for employers were put together by the govern-

fatter paychecks early this year, as employers withheld less money in anticipation of lower income taxes under the law. According to the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center, a middle-income household should on average get a $930 tax cut this year, lifting its after-tax income by 1.6 percent.

But many taxpayers will end up paying more, because of complications in the new tax law that may not have been taken into account by employers in estimating workers’ tax obli-

ment early this year. About 30 million workers received pay that was “under-withheld” — making their paychecks bigger this year but bringing a larger bill at tax time next spring, according to the Government Accountability Office’s report.

About 27 million taxpayers would have been affected even if the new law hadn’t been enacted. The changes, however, added an estimated 3 million to that number.

Millions of American workers started getting

An entertainment complex for everyone

by Diane I. Daniels For New Pittsburgh Courier

Nearly five months after a disturbance outside Phoenix Theatres North Versailles Stadium 18, which resulted in an arrest of an adult female and the dismissal of a theatre manager, officials of Take Action Mon Valley (TAMV) and the entertainment complex ownership and management have unified to address issues of diversity and reform at the theatre.

“This was a great example of two sides engaging, empathizing and moving forward in a positive direction,” said V. Fawn Walker-Montgomery.

At a July 26 Community Day event held at the complex, TAMV co-founder and lead organizer, Walker-Montgomery, and member Brother Victor Muhammad, along with Phoenix Theatres En- EVERYONE AT THE TABLE—Brother Victor Muhammad and V. Fawn Walker-Montgomery of Take Action Mon Valley tertainment President and share a moment with Phoenix Theatres Entertainment President and CEO Phil Zacheretti. A Community Day was held, CEO Phil Zacheretti, outlined July 26, to signify an appreciation for African Americans, many of whom frequent the North Versailles entertainment expectations of patrons and complex. (Photo by Diane I. Daniels) staff going forward. Brother Muhammad said the Phoenix Theatre’s tentimes unaccompanied by an adult, he out of battle mode when advocating. “Great goal is to provide a clean, safe environment said the basic expectation of management things happen when people come together where the community can view a movie and is respect towards all customers and em- and see each other’s point of view,” she said. take part in the entertainment center’s other ployees and for patrons to have a good A grassroots group, TAMV’s mission and amenities. On the other hand, he explained time and use common sense. purpose is to combat the effects of community to the many youth in attendance that they Their policy and procedures for miscon- violence in the Mon Valley and surrounding have a responsibility to act appropriately duct, agreed upon by both entities, is for communities through community organizwhen supervised or unsupervised. a member of the theatre staff to approach ing and activism. TAMV’s plan of action is to In March, youth had congregated out- the person and request that the action be raise awareness about the spiraling effects of side of the entertainment complex after stopped while explaining why. If the be- community violence and to hold community they were asked to leave the facility by havior continues, the person may be asked stakeholders accountable through activism staff members, according to a police re- to leave the building with ticket money be- and instill hope back into the community by port. During the ordeal, Melanie Carter, a ing refunded. The last resort would be to supporting youth, parents, school officials, local Black adult female, began shooting video get security involved. governments, police, faith-based organizations, of the confrontation between the youth Walker-Montgomery said because of the community groups and social service agencies. and entertainment complex staff with her phone calls made to the corporate office afTAMV was founded in 2014 and opercellphone, but later was confronted by the ter the incident, it’s great that everyone was ates under the umbrella of Take Action staff and police and was arrested. able to come together and resolve the bad Consulting, a community, political and orZacheretti, introducing other corporate vibes. Outcomes include Phoenix having ganizational consulting business of Walkofficials and local management in atten- limited hours of their security (police), add- er-Montgomery. TAMV often collaborates dance, acknowledged that the business is ing a diversity clause to their manual, and with other organizations to demand reform a family-based company and community having communicated as well as exhibiting within the criminal justice and police sysbusiness that’s an entertainment center the desire to hire youth from the community. tems. for families. A place to come and escape.

Walker-Montgomery and Brother MuThe Community Day consisted of partici“We want everyone that enters this estab- pants receiving an update of the situation, hammad, a student minister of Muhammad lishment to be safe, secure and to know a free movie, refreshments and gift cards. Mosque 22 in Wilkinsburg, encourages peothat you are welcome.”

Walker-Montgomery expressed her thanks ple to apply for positions at the complex. AnyUnderstanding that the majority of their to Brother Muhammad for his collaboration one age 16 and older can apply online or in customers are children and teenagers, of- and for reaffirming the need to move in and person, at 1701 Lincoln Hwy.

gations.

The Treasury Department and the IRS are responsible for updating the tax withholding tables each year. Highlighting the importance of accurate tables, the GAO said Treasury and the IRS currently don’t lay out in writing their roles and responsibilities for annual updates. The auditors recommended that they do so, in accordance with federal standards for internal controls.

SEE AUDITORS B2

Harry C. Alford

Beyond the Rhetoric

Our plan for improvement We did not start the National Black Chamber of Commerce to be a social organization full of entertainment conferences and political correctness. Ours was to disrupt the contentment/status quo and demand equal opportunity and commitment as it relates to business participation.

There was great opposition from the start.

We expected this and knew that, as Frederick Douglas clearly explained: “If there is no struggle, there is no progress. Those who profess to favor freedom, yet deprecate agitation, are men who want crops without plowing up the ground. They want rain without thunder and lightning. They want the ocean without the awful roar of its many waters. This struggle may be a moral one; or it may be a physical one; or it may be both moral and physical; but it must be a struggle. Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and never will…Men may not get all they pay for in this world; but they must certainly pay for all they get.”

He said that in the 1860’s just before he co-founded the Republican Party. Every bit of it applies today. Thus, as we go into our 26th year of advocacy, our resolve remains the same. We plan to provide more of a provocative style of leadership. We will be firm and will not settle for anything less than progress and improvement. Besides chapter development and an upgrading of our management structure we must improve the status of our business owners and help them take their companies to new heights.

With that in mind we will implement the following plan. We will keep you informed as we move along and reach new milestones. Please note the following: 1. Mission: To exponentially increase the amount of Black business procurement at the federal government level which will lead to greater empowerment, demand for Capital Access, a sharp rise in employSEE ALFORD B2

New national poll finds consumers still want financial regulation

A decade ago, the entire nation suffered through a financial crisis that led to the brink of a global financial collapse. While Wall Street reckoned with its risky practices, America’s families suffered lost wealth of nearly $2 trillion, half of it coming from communities of color who were targeted for highcost and unsustainable mortgages.

Now a new poll finds that even with the passage of a decade, consumers still support financial regulation and related enforcement. Moreover, when it comes to payday and car-title lending, consumer scorn has grown even stronger over the past year for these small-dollar, debt trap loans that come with triple-digit interest rates.

The 2018 poll, conducted by Lake Research Partners and Chesapeake Beach Consulting, found that among respondents more than 90 percent viewed regulation of financial services to be very important, and registered support across partisan affiliations. Among Republicans, 85 percent supported regulation, compared to 92 percent of independents and 96 percent of Democrats.

Further, a growth in the number of consumers supporting a rule to hold payday lenders accountable increased six percentage points in just the past year. Believing that payday lenders prey upon those who have the fewest financial resources—lowwage earners, working families, and elder Americans, 79 percent of survey respondents want the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to hold these

predatory lenders ac20, 2017, and then countable. A similar Charlene Crowell published in the Fedpoll taken in 2017 eral Register on Febtallied support of a ruary 3. The order CFPB payday rule at directed all federal 73 percent. offices to repeal two When asked about existing regulations the lack of enforcefor every new one proment against abuses posed. Secondly for by payday lenders, Fiscal Year 2017, the 81 percent were conincremental cost of cerned about CFPB’s every newly proposed inaction. And again, these strong respons- regulation could not bring any costs. es crossed party lines: 77 percent of ReTo put it plainly, no proposed regulation publicans, 82 percent of independents, could cost a cent. The Office of Manageand 85 percent of Democrats. ment and Budget (OMB) was granted the The telephone survey of 1,000 likely sole authority to review and decide any 2018 general election voters occurred be- requested written exceptions. tween June 28 to July 7, 2018, and has a That official is Mick Mulvaney, who margin of error of +/- 3.1. The effort was joined the Trump Administration as its jointly underwritten by Americans for Fi- OMB Director and has dually served as nancial Reform (AFR) and the Center for the Acting CFPB Director since late 2017.

Responsible Lending (CRL).

So it is particularly noteworthy that 80 “Ten years after the financial crisis, the percent of survey respondents expressed public knows what it wants,” noted Lisa concerns with three recent Consumer FiDonner, AFR executive director. “But Wall nancial Protection Bureau (CFPB) develStreet and high-cost lenders are constant- opments: ly pushing for deregulation and spending 1. Curbing the enforcement of fair lendvast amounts of money to get it.” ing rules; The current federal deregulation trend 2. Ending enforcement of payday lendcan be traced to an executive order signed ing rules; and

by President Donald Trump on January 3. Restricting public access to the Bu-

Commentary

reau’s complaint database The 2018 survey results speak to the stark differences between CFPB today and its era before Mulvaney’s arrival.

As of July 2017, CFPB received approximately 1.3 million consumer complaints that were investigated and in turn led to a series of enforcement actions that totaled $11.9 billion of restitution, forgiveness and other enforcement. As many of these were class action cases, an even larger number of consumers—29 million were helped.

Broad consumer contact and confidence was bolstered by the 41 cities where CFPB held either field hearings on a given issue or public town halls, 169 visits to military installations and 63 appearances to testify before Congress.

“Before Mick Mulvaney’s tenure at the agency, the CFPB was a champion for working families -- giving back billions of dollars in relief to consumers who were cheated by financial companies,” noted Mike Calhoun, CRL president.

“Now, under the CFPB’s current leadership, payday lenders have preferred access because one of their own is leading the consumer bureau,” continued Calhoun. “We need to build on CFPB’s previous success, not block its progress of protecting consumers from abusive financial practices.”

(Charlene Crowell is the Deputy Communications Director with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at charlene.crowell@ responsiblelending.org.)

B2

BUSINESS

AUGUST 8-14, 2018

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Auditors: 30M taxpayers will owe more money AUDITORS FROM B1

Treasury and the IRS agreed with that recommendation, the report said.

Treasury and the IRS “worked to update withholding tables, worksheets and instructions,” Jeffrey Tribiano, IRS deputy commissioner for operations support, said in a letter to the GAO responding to the report. He noted the “tight time constraints” that the agencies worked under.

The report by the independent auditors was requested in January by the senior Democrats on the Senate and House tax-writing committees, Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon and Rep. Richard Neal of Massachusetts. They asked the GAO to analyze the withholding

tables under the new Republican tax law to make sure workers’ paychecks weren’t being under-withheld.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, speaking at a White House press briefing early this year, dismissed that notion as “ridiculous.”

Wyden on Tuesday called the GAO report “an alarm bell for the nearly 30 million households that are expected to owe more money come tax time this spring.”

“Withholding tables directly affect the size of paychecks earned by Americans all across the country, and millions of American taxpayers have gotten bad advice under this administration on how much to

withhold,” Wyden said in a statement.

He said the lack of written documents on Treasury and IRS roles ``is an opening for future abuse.’’

Tax experts suggest that all taxpayers look at the online tax withholding calculator issued by the IRS in February, to ensure they are having the correct amount withheld. Taxpayers also should update the information on their W-4 forms, experts say.

The IRS has said the new withholding tables should produce an accurate withholding amount for people with simpler tax situations.

But experts say those who will still itemize under the new law, or have larger families or more complicat-

ed tax situations may want to take a closer look.

The GAO’s assessment came as news emerged that the Trump administration is considering bypassing Congress to give a big tax break to wealthy Americans by reducing taxes levied on capital gains. Administration officials said no decision has been made on whether to proceed.

Cutting capital gains taxes was one of only a few items on the wish list of conservatives and Republicans that didn’t make it into the massive tax law hustled through Congress late last year by Republicans, which became President Donald Trump’s signature legislative achievement. The $1.5

trillion package provides generous tax cuts for corporations and wealthy Americans while offering more modest reductions for most low- and middle-income individuals and families. No Democrats voted for the legislation.

House Republicans last week launched an effort to expand the tax law, aiming to make permanent the individual tax cuts and small-business income deductions now set to expire in 2026. The solid Republican majority in the House nearly ensures passage of the proposals before the November elections, but Senate passage is considered unlikely.

Time to credit Obama Amazon must stop selling hate for saving auto industry It’s time for closer scrutiny of the

by William Reed

and major stepladder to the middle class. AccordFor New Pittsburgh Courier ing to a Center for Automotive Research report, The one thing for which the Obama administration the automotive sector deserves historical acclaim historically makes up 3 to 3.5 percent of the nation’s is its work in keeping the overall gross domestic U.S. auto industry alive product (GDP). In recent and thriving.

Much of Barack Obama’s years, one of every 50 tenure has been more sym- African Americans was working in the auto sector. bol than substance, but credit should go to Obama The industry is vital among African Amerifor his impact on saving America’s society and econ- cans, directly employing over 1.7 million people omy.

Black Americans are bet- engaged in designing, enter off that Obama reached gineering, manufacturing and supplying parts and out to Detroit’s auto components to assemble, industry in the form of an $80 billion bailout in 2010. sell and service new motor vehicles. Additionally, In authoring the federal the industry is a huge bailout of General Motors consumer of goods and Co., Chrysler and parts services from many other suppliers in 2009, the president saved 1.5 million sectors.

It’s difficult to imagine U.S. jobs and preserved manufacturing surviving $105.3 billion in personal in this country without and social insurance tax the automotive industry. collections.

Hundreds of thousands “The bailout of the auto of Blacks work on factoindustry started in the waning weeks of President ry lines to showrooms, and over 200 Blacks own George W. Bush’s tendealerships. There are 60 ure,” Politifact reported.

African-American auto“It continued during the early months of the Obama motive suppliers, which had annual sales of $4 administration. All told, billion and employed 8,000 the Treasury Department reported that the program people.

The impact goes far becost taxpayers $79.7 billion, of which $70.4 billion yond factory workers and others employed in the inhas been recovered.” dustry, said Randi Payton, Had Obama not stepped president and CEO of On in, declines in the auto Wheels Media. industry could have dev“The Big Three are astated African Americans more than any other leaders in philanthropy community, threatening a and major contributors to half-century worth of eco- education through hisnomic gains. From Blacks torically Black colleges and universities, and to who left behind subsistence jobs in the South for nonprofits such as the NAACP, Urban League high-paying factory jobs and National Council of in the North during the Great Migration, to entre- Negro Women,” Payton said. “Actually, the auto preneurs who translated industry also is one of hard work and the gift African-American media’s of selling into their own largest advertisers. Genbusinesses. The percenteral Motors has stood by age of African Americans the Black Press.” in the industry—14.2 (William Reed is publisher of percent—is higher than “Who’s Who in Black Corporate their share of the labor America” and available for projforce overall.

The automotive industry ects via Busxchng@his.com.)

(Reprinted from the Washingis one of the most importton Informer) ant industries in the U.S.

online retailer’s practice of selling hate

by Barbara Arnwine For New Pittsburgh Courier

(NNPA)--Amazon claims to be a company that values inclusion and diversity, but a recent report reveals that this façade masks a darker side, as the company profits from selling White supremacist and other hateful products. Progressive lawmakers in Georgia, where earlier this year conservative lawmakers punished Delta for cutting ties with the N.R.A., should take a stand of their own by punishing Amazon for promoting hatred and bigotry.

The report, jointly published by the Partnership for Working Families and Action Center on Race & the Economy, details the startlingly vast array of White supremacist products and goods available on the Amazon marketplace. This includes everything from costumes featuring lynching imagery to burning-cross onesies and Nazi swastika pendants. It begs the question: is Amazon failing miserably to police its platform or is the tech giant willfully overlooking the sale of bigoted products?

Georgia communities in particular should be aware of the hate-mongering taking place on the Amazon marketplace. One of the prominent products cited in the report and still available for purchase on Amazon is an “old” Georgia state flag featuring Confederate imagery alongside the state of Georgia seal. Just a half-century removed from the struggle for equality, this is an affront on the hardfought battles of Georgia civil rights leaders like Representative John Lewis.

But the marketplace is not the only Amazon platform that has seen White supremacist offerings. Amazon Kindle, which controls nearly 83 percent of the online book market, was found to offer 226 books from publishers that the Southern Poverty Law Center identified as hate organizations.

With such a dominant market share, Amazon is failing its responsibility to keep our communities safe from this type of bigotry and hate speech.

This is not the first time that Amazon has been found profiting from these appalling

business practices. Earlier this year, the company was caught selling apparel and other items emblazoned with the phrase “Slavery Gets Sh*t Done,” which included children’s T-shirts and bibs. Only after human rights organizations such as Anti-Slavery International condemned the company did Amazon pull them from their online shelves.

Meanwhile, the tech giant’s German marketplace was revealed to be offering modified Lego-style Nazi German soldiers for purchase. The toys were reportedly being marketed to children as young as seven years old, sparking an online petition and groundswell of opposition protesting

ment opportunities, aka JOBS! In doing so, we prepare our constituents to earn a greater market share in the global marketplace and improved communities from an economic perspective. “What is the status of Black business procurement?”

Should be the number one topic of discussion amongst our leaders and bureaucrats throughout all levels of our national structure. Our chapters will receive technical assistance in preparing for this initiative.

2. Quarterly Reviews on Each Government Agency: Beginning at the end of the next fiscal quarter, September 30, 2018, the NBCC will review the status of Black procurement with each federal agency. We will rank them and submit our findings to each top official of each agency and to the Chief of Staff of the White House. These quarterly reviews will continue through Fiscal Year 2020. They will be available to the public. The intent is to encourage procurement officers and their managers to focus on the need to improve the amount of volume they procure with certified Black firms, including those certified as 8a firms. The current status is disappointing so we must improve as soon as possible.

3. SBA Lending to Black Firms: Consistent with the above we shall obtain the status of SBA lending to Black owned firms on a quarterly basis. We will develop a communication flow to the applicable banks encouraging them to become aggressive in this area. We will also review the CRA ratings (Community Reinvestment Act) of the major banks in the nation. Our chapters will do personal re-

Training Event

AUG. 20—The Duquesne University Small Business Development Center presents First Step: Business Start-up Essentials, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., Rockwell Hall, Rm. 505, 600 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh. Topics include: Business Structure and Formation, Fictitious Name Registration, Employee Issues, Insurance, Government Procurement, Environmental Concerns, Financing Options, Taxation Requirements and Major Components of the Business Plan. Cost: $25, for more information, call 412-3961633.

Financial Management Workshop

AUG. 30—The Chatham University Women’s Business Center presents Managing the Financial Operations of your Business, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Colab18 @ Nova Place (Former Allegheny Center Mall), 100 South Commons, Pittsburgh, 15212. Programming will be facilitated by Jonnet Solomon, Founder & CEO of J. Solomon and Associates, LLC. The workshop is free, but registration is required. For more information, call 412-365-1448.

Regional Economic Inclusion Summit

SEPT. 17—Vibrant Pittsburgh will host its Regional Economic Inclusion Summit, 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Westin Convention Center Hotel, 1000 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh 15222.

The summit is designed to bring together a diversity of leaders committed to the advancement of people of color into executive roles, foster connections, enhance networks and recognize great work being done in Diversity and Inclusion. For information on registration, tickets, sponsorship and nominations Visit vibrantpittsburgh.org.

Training Event

BARBARA ARNWINE their sale.

Since Amazon clearly has a long and alarming history of allowing hatred on its platforms, it is time that Georgia lawmakers take swift action to protect communities of color and other minorities. Beyond denouncing this clear violation of ethical conduct, lawmakers should consider whether it is time to introduce regulations that force Amazon to reject profiting from the sale of products that promote hate.

Civil rights leaders have bravely fought for decades to keep burning crosses and other symbols of bigotry off the lawns of Georgia communities. Now they must prevent Amazon from allowing them to be delivered to the front door.

(Civil rights leader Barbara Arnwine is the founder and president of the Transformative Justice Coalition and a lecturer at Columbia Law School. She served as the executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law from 1989 until 2015. Follow Barbara on Twitter @barbs73.)

Our plan for improvement ALFORD FROM B1

BUSINESS CALENDAR

views with their applicable banks.

4. Exploitation of Model Programs: We will identify locally based model programs that deal with job training and placement.

Where possible we will partner with them and assist them in growing their markets and increasing their success levels. Two of these programs were identified during our recent annual conference.

5. Monitor our Utility Companies: The General Services Administration has an excellent program of reviewing the status of Small and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) procurement with local utility companies. The companies are required to submit bi-annual plans for doing business with the DBE’s within their marketplace. The plan’s results are reported and then updated every two years. We will begin reporting on this process and publicize the results. Our local chapters will be charged in dealing face to face with their applicable utility firms.

6. Review State Minority Business Programs: We will review the MBE programs for most states within our nation. They will be assigned rankings and reviews will be updated on an annual basis. This should provide technical support for our local chapters as they provide advocacy for their members. The first review will be due by the end of this calendar year.

The above should keep our “plate full”.

We are going to make changes—GOOD CHANGES! God is great!

(Harry Alford is the Co-Founder, President/CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce®.

Website: www.nationalbcc.org Email: halford@ nationalbcc.org.)

SEPT. 18—The Duquesne University Small Business Development Center presents Social Media Series: LinkedIn, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. 108 Rockwell Hall, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh 15282. Speaker Joel Burstein will walk through setting up a in ed n profile offer tips for best practices and review examples of how LinkedIn is being used by customers like yours to help them find businesses li e you. Cost: $49. For more information, call 412-396-6233.

Duquesne Workshop

SEPT. 19—The Duquesne University Small Business Development Center presents Get Behind the Numbers & Increase rofits nderstanding Financial Statements, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. 108 Rockwell Hall, 600 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh 15282.

This hands-on workshop takes a step-by step approach to explaining two important financial statements profit and loss statement and balance sheet. A representative from Wilke & Associates will offer clear examples for using these statements to make informed decisions, identify potential problems within your business and set realistic financial goals.Cost: $49. For more information, call 412-396-6233.

Entrepreneurship Workshop

SEPT. 22—The Chatham University Women’s Business Center will host a Build Your Business Workshop, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Chatham University Eastside, Entrepreneurship Hub, 6585 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. Representatives from SCORE Pittsburgh will join other business experts and seasoned entrepreneurs will discuss the following topics: business planning, marketing and sales, financing, legal issues and business lessons learned. A continental breakfast will be provided. For more information, call 412-365-1448.

Training Event

SEPT. 26—The Duquesne University Small Business Development Center presents Finding and Buying the Right Franchise, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. 108 Rockwell Hall, 600 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh 15282. John Tubridy from FranNet will review: pros and cons of becoming a franchisee steps involved in finding the right franchise for you misconceptions of franchising qualifications requirements personal finances and professional e perience what to e pect to see in a Franchise Disclosure Document, and questions to ask the Franchisor before investing.

For more information, call 412396-6233.

OPINION

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

AUGUST 8-14, 2018

B3

As Trump distorts NFL players’ messages, let’s instead join together

Guest Commentary

What does it mean to have an ally?

by Christina Greer Ph.D. I was recently reading about the racist and homophobic past tweets of Major League Baseball Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Josh Hader. The 24-year-old pitcher has had his degrading tweets resurface and he says he is embarrassed by what he wrote roughly seven years ago. He further states he was a kid then and just tweeting “what was on his mind” at the time. I guess while I think about community building and Black uplift, he thinks about White power and the degradation of others.

What disturbed me as much as his tweets (which unfortunately have become more and more common among celebrities and people in the public eye) is the standing ovation he received from his fans on approaching the field after the tweets resurfaced. Essentially, thousands of fans in the stands knew about his antics and the hurt (and fear) he caused various communities, yet they still felt the need to stand up and show Hader that they support him and indirectly what he said. Looking at the people in the stands, I saw age and gender diversity among the White fans and likely some class diversity as well. Thus begging the question, in times like these, who can we trust to be our allies in the struggle against White oppression and 21st century racism?

I was always told that an ally is someone who would have my back when I am present, but more importantly, when I am not in the room. As I looked at the thousands of fans co-signing hate speech, I wondered how many people truly believed that Hader had done nothing wrong versus those who did not feel comfortable enough or have enough courage to stay seated and ask those around them just what exactly they were cheering for. I would like to believe that someone in the stadium had the heart to do so, but I have yet to read any of those stories.

At this present political moment, a time where more and more Americans believe we could be headed for a new Civil War, what do we expect from those we call our allies? When members of the right wing are heavily armed and consistently tout their Second Amendment right to bear arms as an intimidation tactic, what is the responsibility of an ally to confront these individuals? I wish I had an answer. We know (and have known for decades) that the state is more likely to protect White citizens first and ask questions later when Black Americans are involved. We have seen it throughout this summer at swimming pools, barbeques and lemonade stands across the country. However, I will keep asking myself what I need from my allies and what I need to do to be a better ally to other groups who need my voice, not just my silent support.

(Christina Greer, Ph.D., is an associate professor at Fordham University, the author of “Black Ethnics: Race, Immigration, and the Pursuit of the American Dream” and the host of The Aftermath on Ozy.com. You can find her on Twitter @ Dr_CMGreer.)

(Reprinted from the New York Amsterdam News)

Founded 1910

Rod Doss Editor & Publisher Stephan A. Broadus Assistant to the Publisher Allison Palm

Rob Taylor Jr.

Jeff Marion

Office Manager

Managing Editor

Circulation Consultant

John. H. Sengstacke

Editor & Publisher Emeritus (1912-1997)

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—As teams gear up for the NFL season, President Trump is reviving his destructive and diversionary attacks aimed at turning fans against players. The league office stepped in it by unilaterally declaring that players who do not want to stand during the national anthem should stay in the locker room.

The NFL players association had little choice but to force negotiations over that insult. Jerry Jones, the owner of the Dallas Cowboys, is a decent guy. But he stuck his foot in it, too, recently announcing that the Cowboys had to stand for the anthem and couldn’t stay in the locker room—or else.

The league wisely told him to zip it while the policy was under negotiation. So it goes. So much of this is a false narrative. Fake news. Trump dishonestly insists that the players are disrespecting the flag. In fact, the players kneeling during the anthem were expressing a silent protest not against the flag, but against police brutality and the reality of structural racial inequality. Kneeling before the flag in silent, nonviolent protest is not disrespectful to the Stars and Stripes.

Just the opposite. It is a sign of deference and respect, a call to honor what the flag is truly supposed to represent. Burning the flag is constitutionally protected but is a desecration.

Burning a cross is a desecration. It is violent. Kneeling before the cross, or during the anthem, on the other hand, isn’t a desecration; it is a call for help.

Colin Kaepernick was and is concerned about Blacks being beaten and

Jesse Jackson Sr.

Commentary killed by police. He kneeled during the anthem to highlight how the values of the flag were being ignored on the streets. He wasn’t disrespecting the flag; he was protesting those who trample its values. He was being a patriot.

Now Trump wants to light the dynamite again. His politics prey and thrive on division. He hopes to divide us one against the other while his administration rolls back protections of consumers, workers and the environment, allows corporate lobbyists to rig the rules, and lards more and more tax cuts and subsidies on entrenched interests and the wealthy.

So, he purposefully peddles the false narrative that the players are disrespecting the flag. Jones, who is a Trump supporter, isn’t a bad man.

Beyond the playing field, beyond contracts, he has been a decent guy. He paid for the funeral of Cowboy great Bob Hayes. But Jones has allowed himself to be turned into Trump’s pawn in this diversion. The reality is that we would not have the Dallas Cowboys in Dallas were it not for those protesting for their rights.

The victory of the Civil Rights Movement opened the way to a New South.

The nonviolent protests and resistance pulled down the old barriers and walls in the South, clearing the way for the Cowboys and the Spurs and the Rockets of the New South, where Blacks and Whites could play on the same team and wear the same colors, where fans root for the colors of their team, not the color of the players’ skin.

Successful protests—at the cost of far too many lives—finally ended slavery and apartheid in this society. We should be honoring the protesters, not distorting their message.

Kaepernick was right to protest what is going on in our streets. He has paid a heavy penalty for expressing his views in a nonviolent and dignified fashion. One of the best quarterbacks in the league, he has effectively been banned, a blatant conspiracy that ought to constitute a clear violation of anti-trust laws. Kaepernick stands among giants. Curt Flood in baseball and Muhammad Ali during the prime years of his boxing life were also banned, but in the process, they changed sports and the country for the better. There have always been politicians who profit by appealing to our fears. There have always been politicians who seek to divide us for political gain. We’ve come a long way, but we still have a long way to go to fulfill the flag’s values of liberty and justice for all. The players expressing their views in nonviolent and dignified fashion aren’t disgracing the flag, they are expressing its values. Let us turn against those who would divide us and join together to make America better.

A picture’s worth a thousand words!

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—Like many of you, I watched the video of Officer Wardell Jackson, a Capitol policeman in Mississippi, pleading with protesters who were all around him, to stop blocking the entrance to the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. We saw on video how the offenders were disobeying him and obviously trying their best to agitate and disrespect Officer Jackson. The agitators came to his area seeking trouble. They came waiving their confederate and Mississippi state flags in Officer Jackson’s face. They circled in back of him and all around him. We saw them get up in his face no matter how many times he asked them to stop blocking the area. They paraded all around him and did all they could to provoke him as he remained calm, but persistent, in warning them to clear the area so that visitors to the museum could get through. We saw Officer Jackson at all times continue to do his job to prevent blockage of the entrance to the museum. All of this fuss took place at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum!

Now, tell me if you believe this agitation was just a coincidence!

Officer Jackson’s exact words were heard on the video, and it is clear that he said or did nothing that was improper. He worked with great patience for a very long time. From what I saw on the video, had the situation been reversed

Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.

Commentary and a White officer was giving as many warnings as he gave to clear the area to Black people, I’m sure the intruders would have been shot or at least arrested. Not so for Office Jackson who never even threatened arrest while I was asking myself how long was he going to take the harassment! Instead of being rewarded for his patience, he was fired for doing his job with the patience of Job. Never mind, that he was rehired a day later, he should never have been fired. To add insult to injury he was punished for doing his job by being suspended. He was further punished by taking him off his regular shift and moved to the midshaft.

I can’t help but wonder if the person who replaced him is considered to be friendlier to the flag waving confederate agitators! State Rep. Kathy Sykes is Chair of the National Congress of Black Women in Jackson, spoke out about Officer Jackson’s punishment, and I’m proud of her for that,

but I urge all Mississippi politicians, preachers and community leaders to not be satisfied with just putting Officer Jackson back to work.

Officer Jackson should have their support in putting him back on the job he had before this injustice occurred.

They should stand with him to get the payment back that was taken from him by suspending him. Every police officer and all who stand for fair play should send a donation to Officer Jackson to make up for his loss in pay until his back pay is returned to him.

Otherwise, all of us who had plans to travel to or through Mississippi and spend money there should put those plans on hold.

We’ve seen officers wrongfully kill people in cold blood and not even get suspended for a day. Why should a Black officer just doing his job be punished by being fired, then suffer a loss in pay and position? If you don’t know where to send your donation to Officer Jackson, we’ll deliver to him whatever you send through our Jackson, MS chapter. Call my office at 202/6786788 and we can help with where to send it. Let’s show him we care about police officers who do the right thing.

(Dr. E. Faye Williams is president of the National Congress of Black Women and Host of “Wake Up and Stay Woke” on WPFW-FM Radio 89.3. www.nationalcongressbw.org.

202/678-6788.)

The racial optics of the opioid epidemic (NNPA)—Please excuse me for not welling up with empathy for those who are addicted to opioids. Yeah, I know drug addiction is a bad thing, but people make choices and have to live with the consequences.

I am old enough to have lived through the crack epidemic of the 1980s and 1990s and found little to no empathy from the public, especially politicians, because crack fell disproportionately hard on the Black community. As a matter of fact, Blacks were told it was a moral failing by the user and the seller, thus they deserved what they got. As a matter of fact, the public demanded legal action be taken against those caught up in the crack epidemic.

Lock ‘em up and throw away the key was the political sentiment in Washington, D.C. during the 90s when it came to crack dealers and users.

This view led to the mass incarceration of low-level drug dealers and users, culminating in people like Hillary Clinton labeling young, Blacks who were caught up in the drug game “super predators.”

According to the U.S. News and World Report, 79 percent of 5,669 sentenced crack offenders in 2009 were Black, versus 10 percent who were White and 10 percent, who were Hispanic.

Juxtapose that with what the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation found

Raynard Jackson

Commentary

understand and won’t accept is the conscious choices media appointed Black leaders make to the detriment of their own people.

When will these leaders stand up and demand more money and programs for the drug problems that are destroying the Black community that have nothing to do with opioids?

When will they demand law enforcement action against physicians who have willfully overprescribed opioids to patients unnecessarily?

These physicians are the modern-day version of the drug dealer, except they are not working on the street corner, but rather in the cozy confines of their medical offices.

Where is the lock ‘em up and throw away the key sentiment towards opioid users that politicians showed towards crack dealers?

One would have to be totally blind not to see the racial optics being played out in this whole debate about the opioid drug addiction versus how the crack addition was handled.

I am really struggling with my inability to muster up any empathy for the victims of this latest drug scourge that is moving across our country.

So, to those who are reading this column and think I am cold, heartless, and hateful please spare me your unrighteous indignation.

about the opioid problem. In 2016, according to the foundation, White victims made up almost 80 percent of the deaths from opioid overdoses, with Black victims comprising only 10 percent of deaths and Hispanic victims 8 percent.

Opioid addiction is being treated as a medical condition, with hundreds of millions of dollars being allocated to various forms of treatment and prevention; whereas, crack addiction was labeled a moral failing and a law enforcement issue.

Basically, the crack epidemic disproportionately affected Blacks and the current opioid epidemic predominately affects Whites. A study in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that cocaine-related overdose deaths among Blacks were on par with heroin and prescriptions opioid-related deaths among Whites between 2000 and 2015.

There are all kinds of reasons for (Raynard Jackson is founder and chairman this and I get it. But what I don’t of Black Americans for a Better Future.)

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

CLASSIFIED New Pittsburgh Courier

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AUGUST 8-14, 2018

www.newpittsburghcourier.com

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF BIDWELL TRAINING CENTER (A Program of Manchester Bidwell Corporation)

MANAGER – EXPANSION & SPECIAL PROGRAMS

ee ing to hire an E ecutive irector to run this nationally accredited and state licensed adult career training institution onprofit Talent is assisting with this recruitment. The full job posting and application information is available on the onprofit Talent Job Board at https o s.nonprofitta ent.co .

Manchester Bidwell Corporation is an equal opportunity employer.

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES COORDINATOR

The Administrative ervices Coordinator is an integral position within ivers of teel, handling many of the day-to-day functions of the office, the staff, and the visitors and patrons of the organization. The Administrative ervices Coordinator provides operational support for the organization, including bookkeeping, human resources, grants administration, contracted services, and general administrative support The position reports to and involves working with the Director of Administration to address issues and questions related to office management, invoices, deposits, payroll, benefits, grants, and other financial and administrative tas s See the full description with application requirements at: https://www.riversofsteel.com/_ p oads fi es d in erCoord AD%20COPY%20(1).pdf

INTERNAL MEDICINE PHYSICIAN

UPMC Community Medicine, Inc. seeks an Internal Medicine Physician to work in McKeesport, PA to treat both inpatients and outpatients by providing total body wellness, disease prevention, and management of chronic conditions and illnesses. Requirements: Medical degree; completion of U.S. accredited graduate medical residency training in Internal Medicine; must hold a valid ennsylvania medical license. Apply by following these steps visit http://careers. upmc.com and enter 1800010B in the earch eyword ob field and click Go. EOE.

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE POSITION OF POLICE OFFICER - ALTOONA POLICE DEPARTMENT

Applications for olice fficer for the City of Altoona may be obtained from the Human Resources Department at City Hall, 1301 – 12th Street, Suite 301, Altoona, PA, weekdays between 8:30 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. Applicants or their designees must file completed, NOTARIZED applications with accompanying documentation NO LATER THAN NOON ON THURSDAY, August 30, 2018. Return IN PERSON OR

BY MAIL to: Human Resources Department Altoona City Hall 1301 - 12th Street, Suite 301 Altoona, PA 16601-3491 A $25.00 processing fee (check or money order) must be paid at the time the application is filed Applications that are incomplete for any reason will not be accepted, and will be returned to the applicant.

Falsification, concealment or misrepresentation of material fact on the application form may result in disqualification All previous applicants will be required to reapply and repeat the entire application process in order to be considered for employment.

REQUIREMENTS: •Must pass a physical agility test scheduled for Saturday, September 8, 2018, at 8:00 A.M., in Altoona.

• ust pass a written Civil ervice Test to be administered on Saturday, September 22, 2018, at 8:30 A.M., in Altoona. ust have successfully completed a ennsylvania Act 120 basic training program, or successfully complete a ennsylvania Act 120 basic training program prior to the end of 2018.

•Must be 21 years of age on or before the date of employment.

•Must be a United States citizen. ust have graduated from an accredited high school or have a raduate Equivalency iploma (G.E.D.) acceptable to the Commission.

•Must be licensed to operate a motor vehicle in the Commonwealth of ennsylvania •Must be of high moral character and free of felony or misdemeanor convictions ust be physically and mentally fit for the full duties of a olice fficer •Must submit to a Computerized Voice Stress Analysis (CVSA).

•Must agree to psychological and physical examinations if offered employment.

Starting salary: $43,073.43 The City of Altoona is an Equal Opportunity Employer

COURIER CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS

Port Authority is seeking a Manager – Expansion & Special Programs to be responsible for the engineering, construction, and pro ect delivery of expansion and special programs pro ects erves as pro ect manager of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) pro ect through pro ect delivery rovides support on other capital improvement, maintenance, and state of good repair Authority projects.

Job requirements include: B egree in Civil Engineering or a related engineering field •Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive e perience in design and or construction management of roadway, highway, or transit projects; i.e. managing capital projects and professional service contracts, quality control, dispute resolution, financial and schedule control i (6) of the ten (10) years must be in a project lead role.

Five years in a management supervisory role rofessional and effective communication skills. alid A driver s license •Demonstrated ability in the use of Windows Preferred attributes: •Registered Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania •Demonstrated ability in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point

e offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits pac age nterested candidates should forward a cover letter (with salary requirements) and resume to: Robyn Taylor Employment Department 345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 RTaylor@portauthority.org EOE

AUBERLE Healing Children & Families

Since 1952, Auberle has been dedicated to transforming the lives of children, youth & families. Auberle is a nationally recognized human service agency serving ,800 children & families each year.

Currently hiring for: •Accountant – Full-time Administrative Assistant art time Case Aide river anager art time •Case Manager – Full-time •412 Youth Zone Coach – Full-time upervisor esidential helter Programs •Therapist – 412 Youth Zone & School-Based Mental Health •Youth Care Workers – Full-time/ Part-time •Night Monitor – Full-time f you are highly motivated, passionate about youth & interested in making a difference, visit www.auberle. org to apply. EOE

PEDIATRIC HEPATOLOGIST, DIRECTOR

niversity of ittsburgh hysicians seeks a Pediatric Hepatologist, Director to serve as edical irector and lead administrator for hepatology within the Department of Pediatrics and the ivision of ediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and utrition, including oversight of physicians, 1 nurse practitioner and specialists provide care and advice for children following liver transplantation and intestinal transplant surgery lead an active research program with ongoing participation in clinical research studies including those for fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis and biliary atresia. Requirements: Medical degree; 5 years of experience as a pediatric hematologist, including at least 2 years of clinical management of a hospital s pediatric liver transplantation unit Apply by following these steps visit http:// careers.upmc.com and enter 1800010X in the “Search Keyword/ ob field and clic o E E

INTERNAL MEDICINE PHYSICIAN

UPMC Community Medicine, Inc. seeks an Internal Medicine Physician to work in Pittsburgh, PA to examine, diagnose, treat and/or refer patients; prescribe pharmaceuticals, other medications, and treatment regimens as appropriate to assessed medical conditions; maintain a health record for each patient seen in accordance with Health Information Management policies and procedures; refer clients for appropriate specialty care services, lab and ray, and any other ancillary services that are appropriate for patient s management and care. Requirements: Medical degree; completion of U.S. accredited graduate medical residency training in Internal Medicine; must hold a valid ennsylvania medical license. Apply by following these steps visit http://careers. upmc.com and enter 1800011P in the earch eyword ob field and click Go. EOE.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

LEGAL ADVERTISING

LEGAL ADVERTISING

Public Notice

Legal Notices

Bids/Proposals

NOTICE

FICTITIOUS NAME REGISTRATION

THE BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH

The City of Pittsburgh announces the availability of the application for its 201 Community evelopment Block Grant-Special Grant funds.

In order to apply, you must represent an incorporated entity providing eligible services to low and moderate-income residents of the City of Pittsburgh. Examples of eligible activities include the following public services to low and moderate income residents, the handicapped and elderly; rehabilitation or construction of a public facility serving a CDBG eligible neighborhood or clientele housing related activities economic development activities, etc. In addition, an applicant should meet certain organizational standards to be eligible for these funds: minimum of 2 years in existence; 01 incorporated non profit with a Board of Directors and written bylaws; City of Pittsburgh based or services mainly City residents have a legitimate office with an address show evidence of fiscal management capacity have a federal ta identification number possess a nine digit ata niversal umbering ystem number have no outstanding financial liabilities with the City of Pittsburgh or demonstrate an approved payment plan If your organization appears to be eligible to receive C B funding, and you would like to be considered for these funds, please contact Nicholas Martini at (412) 255-2213 to receive an application form The application is also available on the City of ittsburgh s Community evelopment website which can be accessed by typing http://pittsburgh pa.gov/omb/cdbg/index.html on your internet browser. Please note that the original and three complete copies of the application st e ai ed to the Office of Management and Budget and cannot be emailed. Completed forms must be received in the epartment of ffice of anagement and Budget by 3:00 p.m. on Friday, September 28, 2018. A postmark date does not meet the deadline.

LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices

Estate of IRENE M. PARKS, Deceased of the pper t Clair, ennsylvania o 0 1 of 2018. Janet I. Smith, Administrator, 333 Alamo rive, ittsburgh, A 1 2 1 or to AUBREY H. GLOVER, Atty; BRENLOVE & F E , C, 01 ashington Avenue, Bridgeville, A 1 01 Estate of DOLORES M. VAGUSH, Deceased of South Fayette Township, Pennsylvania No. 04541 of 2018. Sandra Vagush Bodnar, Executor, 311 Mallard Drive, Bridgeville, PA 15017 or to AUBREY H. GLOVER, Atty;, BRENLOVE & FULLER, LLC, 401 Wahington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017 Estate of MR. NATHAN NEVES, Deceased of 129 Park Place Drive, McKees Rocks, PA 15136. Estate No. 02-18-04385. Ms. Neline L. Ruttinger of 149 Chestnut Street, Aliquippa, PA, 15001. Administrator c/o Max C. Feldman, Attorney At Law, 1322 Fifth Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108 Estate of PAYNE, GARY R., Deceased, of Pittburgh, PA No. 04613 of 2018. China Lee, Administrator, P.O. Box 17011, Pittsburgh, PA 15235 or to China Lee, Esquire, P.O. Box 17011, Pittsburgh, PA 15235

LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS ivers et eather, nc is accepting tatements of ualifications for Program Management Services for municipal activities related to wastewater and stormwater wet weather planning for regional water quality Full details are available upon request by email: mwolinsky @3rww.org, calling 412-578-7966, or on the home-page of our website: www.3riverswetweather.org/ Deadline for submittal: 3:00p.m.

September 7, 2018

COURIER CLASSIFIEDS… THE ONLY WAY TO GO!

otice is hereby given pursuant to the provisions of the Fictitious Name Act of Pennsylvania that an application for registration of a fictitious name was will be filed with the Department of State of the Commonwealth of ennsylvania for the conduct of a business under the fictitious name of Fluvial Freelance with its principal office or place of busines at 2 1 Beechwood Blvd , Apt A, ittsburgh, A 15217. The names and addresses, including sreet and number, if any, of all entities who are parties to the registration are andra ara, 2 1 Beechwood Blvd , Apt A, ittsburgh, A 15217

LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

The avid awrence Convention Center CC will receive sealed bids for the bid pac age identified below. Inquiries regarding the bidding should be made to SMG, 1000 Fort uquesne Blvd ittsburgh, A 15222, Attention: Conor McGarvey E mail cmcgarvey@pittsburghcc.com. Bid Packages may be obtained after the date identified below through Accu-Copy at 724935-7055.

This Advertisement applies to the following Bid Package: Project: DLCC Bid Package Name: Digital & Static Signage Fabrication, Demolition and Installation Bid ac age Available Aug , 2018 Time/Date/Location Non-Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting: 10:00 AM, Aug. 8, 2018 Bid Due Date: 3:00 PM, Aug. 23, 2018, Admin ffice, At DLCC off East Lobby, 1000 Fort uquesne Blvd , ittsburgh, A 15222

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR CHEVY VEHICLE FLEET REPAIRS AUTHORITY WIDE IFB #300-27-18

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or ndividuals capable of providing the following service s CHEVY VEHICLE FLEET REPAIRS AUTHORITY WIDE IFB #300-27-18 The documents will be available no later than July 30, 2018 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 9:00 a.m. on August 17, 2018 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. arties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Solicitation from the Business Opportunities page of www.HACP. org.

Questions or inquiries should be directed to: Mr. Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116 Opt 1 A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Dept.

100 Ross Street 2nd. Fl. Ste. 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15213 August 9, 2018 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.

ealed bids will be received in the ffice f The Chief perations fficer, oom 2 1, Administration Building, 1 outh Bellefield Avenue until 11 00 A prevailing time August 14, 2018 and will be opened at the same hour for the purchase of the following equipment and supplies: Rock Salt and Ice Melt General Information regarding bids may be obtained at the ffice of the urchasing Agent, ervice Center, 1305 Muriel Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. The bid documents are available on the chool istrict s Purchasing web site at: http://www. pghboe.net/pps/site/default.asp Click on Bid Opportunities under Quick Links.

The Board of Public Education reserves the right to re ect any and all bids, or select a single item from any bid.

M. Jordan Purchasing We are an equal rights and opportunity school district

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS THE PITTSBURGH WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY ADVERTISEMENT

SEPARATE and SEALED PROPOSALS for the following solicitation, will be received by the ffice of Procurement, Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, 1200 Penn Ave , econd Floor, ittsburgh, A 1 222, until 00 revailing Time September 4, 2018. Proposals must be received in the hands of and stamped in by a PWSA Procurement fficer in sufficient time prior to the opening in order for a proposal to be considered. All late and/or electronically submitted Proposals will be rejected and not considered for award.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR LANPHER REDUNDANT RISING MAIN PROJECT PWSA PROJECT NO. PWSA104 Through the issuance of this RFP, A is see ing qualified design firms that are financially and technically qualified to perform the scope of services as described herein A is interested in those firms that provide innovative solutions to the challenges of constructing this pipeline through heavily congested neighborhoods. PWSA is loo ing for firms that have e perience in design and construction of large diameter transmission mains, trenchless technologies and can e hibit cost savings and schedule acceleration.

All proposals must be submitted in accordance with the solicitation that can be obtained by sending an e mail to Charlene uratovic at cjuratovic@pgh2o.com. There will be no charge for the solicitation, as it will be sent via e mail All questions relating to the solicitation itself shall be directed to Nicole Dickun, rocurement anager, via e mail to: ndickun@pgh2o.com, no later than August 28, 2018 at 4:00 p.m.

All Bidders interested in submitting a proposal must attend a MANDATORY Pre-Bid Meeting to be held in the Authority s Conference oom, 1200 enn Ave ittsburgh, PA 15222 on Tuesday, August 21, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. The purpose of this meeting is to give an overview of the contract requirements and to allow Offerors to ask questions.

No bonds are required.

The Contractor must assure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of their race, color, religion, sexual preference, sex, or national origin.

The Authority reserves the right to withhold the award of the Contract for a period of 90 days after the opening of the proposals.

The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, and to waive any informality or minor irregularity in any proposal or proposals.

The Authority also retains the right to investigate the qualifications of bidders prior to any award and to award contracts only to contractors who, in the sole judgment of the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, are qualified and equipped to properly e ecute the specified work.

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NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

LEGAL ADVERTISING

LEGAL ADVERTISING

Bids/Proposals

Bids/Proposals

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY LEGAL NOTICE CONTRACT NO. 1702

The Southwestern Pennsylvania Corporation, a 501(c)(3) corporation, on behalf of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC), is requesting Technical Proposals and Price Proposals (together, the Proposal package) for the preparation of a State Route 885/Second Avenue Multimodal Corridor Study.

The selected firm or team of firms will assist SPC with completing a study with recommendations that will improve safety and mobility for all travel modes and are supportive of existing neighborhoods and planned land use context along the corridor.

The Request for Proposals (RFP) will be released by SPC on August 8, 2018. Copies may be downloaded from the SPC Website (www. spcregion.org) or may be obtained from SPC by written, e-mail, or fax request to: State Route 885/Second Avenue Multimodal Corridor Study Consultant Services RFP Southwestern Pennsylvania Corporation Two Chatham Center, Suite 500 112 Washington Place Pittsburgh, PA 15219-3451 E-mail: ddandrea@spcregion.org Proposal Packages are due at the above address by 2:00 PM, prevailing time, on Friday, September 7, 2018.

PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY

Electronic Proposals will be received online at the Port Authority of Allegheny County’s Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.port authority.org).

Proposals/bid submittals will be due 11:00 AM on August 22, 2018 and will be read at 11:15 AM., the same day, at Port Authority’s Heinz location (345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2527), for the following: Electronic Proposal - Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness. portauthority.org) B171178AR3 Processed Stone B180527 Service Information Displays B180528 115 LB Steel Rail B180636 Garage Doors B180744A Operators, Supervisors, & Maintenance Uniforms B180745A Chemical Detection Systems Maintenance Paper Proposal – Documents are available for the following item at Port Authority’s Main Offices 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania 15222-2527 REV171179AR Vending Machine Service No bidder may withdraw a submitted Proposal for a period of 75 days after the scheduled time for opening of the sealed bids.

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held on each of the above items at 10:00AM August 8, 2018 at Port Authority’s Heinz location (345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, PA). Attendance at this meeting is not mandatory, but is strongly encouraged. Questions regarding any of the above bids will not be entertained by the Port Authority within 48 hours of the scheduled bid opening.

These contracts may be subject to a financial assistance contract between Port Authority of Allegheny County and the United States Department of Transportation.

The Contractor will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity laws and regulations.

Contractor is responsible for expenses related to acquiring a performance bond and insurance where applicable. All items are to be FOB delivered unless otherwise specified. Costs for delivery, bond, and insurance shall be included in bidder’s proposal pricing.

Port Authority of Allegheny County hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively insure that in regard to any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprise will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award.

The Board of Port Authority reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

COURIER CLASSIFIEDS

The Allegheny County Sanitary Authority is soliciting Bids for CONTRACT NO. 1702 - FURNISH AND DELIVER SODIUM BISULFITE. Bids will be received until 11:00 A.M., Prevailing Time, Wednesday, August 22, 2018 at the office of the Authority, 3300 Preble Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15233. The Bids will then be publicly opened and read.

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 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.

Bid Security shall be furnished by providing with the Bid a Certified Check or Bid Bond in the amount of $1,000.00. The Successful Bidder shall be required to .furnish a Performance Bond in the amount of $50,000.00.

Documents pertaining to the submission of Bids are available at the Engineering office of the Authority, 3300 Preble Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15233. Any questions regarding the Contract Documents should be directed to Benjamin J. Heilman at (412) 734-6204 or Benjamin.Heil man@alcosan.org.

ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY Benjamin J. Heilman Contract Supervisor

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR ARLINGTON HEIGHTS BUILDING ENTRANCE DOORS AND HARDWARE REPLACEMENT (FORCED ACCOUNTS) REBID IFB# 600-25-18REBID

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): ARLINGTON HEIGHTS BUILDING ENTRANCE DOORS AND HARDWARE REPLACEMENT (FORCED ACCOUNTS) REBID IFB# 600-25-18REBID The documents will be available no later than July 30, 2018 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 11:00 a.m. on August 17, 2018 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: Mr. Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116 Opt 1 A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street 2nd. Fl. Ste. 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 August 8, 2018 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.

America’s Best Weekly 315 East CarsonStreet, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

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412-481-8302 Ext. 140 E-mail: ads@newpittsburghcourier.com Deadline/Closing/Cancellation Schedule for copy, corrections, and cancellations: Friday noon preceding Wednesday publication

AUGUST 8-14, 2018

B5

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AUGUST 8-14, 2018

FORUM

To our college-bound Congressman great-grandson, Chase Harris Ron Dellums: A fierce, focused fighter Louis ‘Hop’ Kendrick When the Congressional Black Caucus holds its Annual Legislative Conference this September (Sept. 12-16), I hope there will be a tribute to one of its founders, Congressman Ron Dellums, who made his transition on July 30. Dellums was a fierce, focused fighter for justice, an anti-war activist who served in the military, authored several CBC Alternative Budgets; budgets that focused on human needs rather than military buildup, and an indefatigable fighter for South African freedom. He is the epitome of Congressional activism, progressive leadership, and stellar integrity. After 27 years in Congress and a term as Oakland mayor, he had a much lower profile in recent years. Still, his name remains synonymous with principled leadership, and he will be sincerely missed!

Dellums blazed on the national political scene, decried by then Vice President Spiro Agnew as a “rad-

Julianne Malveaux

Commentary ical” from “Ber-zerkely.” Dellums had the right response, telling the Washington Post—“If being an advocate of peace, justice, and humanity toward all human beings is radical, then I’m glad to be called radical. And if it is radical to oppose the use of 70 percent of federal monies for destruction and war, then I am a radical.” With this as a definition of “radical,” the question, really, is why aren’t there more radicals in our nation?

I’m not sure what Congressman Dellums would think of the organization he co-founded. While he became somewhat less confrontational the longer he served in Congress, the fight never left him. He didn’t mind calling Presidents or his colleagues out, though he did it in a way that even conservative House Speaker Tom Delay, R-Tex., described as gentlemanly. Upon Dellums’ retirement from the House of Representatives in the middle of his term in 1998, Delay said, “We are losing one of its finest Members, a Member that I have great respect for because he always did his homework, was so articulate and eloquent on this floor. He always got my attention when he stood up and took the microphone. He would stop every Member in their tracks to hear what he had to say, and there are very few Members that have served in this body that can claim the respect that both sides of the aisle had for the gentleman from California. And the incredible reputation that the gentleman from California has brought to this House; he has elevated this House.

He has elevated the distinction of this House by serving here, and this House will greatly miss him when he leaves.”

Though Dellums ran for Congress as a Democrat and caucused with the Democrats, he did not register to vote as a Democrat until he ran for Mayor of Oakland. Indeed, he was one of the vice-chairs of the Democratic Socialists of America. His alternative budgets reflected socialistic principles, elevating human needs over military needs, embracing pacifism instead of war and military intervention.

He had a masters’ degree in social work, and it showed, both in his interactions with people and in the alternative budgets he worked on.

When I was a professor at UC Berkeley, I brought a group of students (I called them Bey-Bey’s kids because some of them were so wild) to DC to soak up some public policy knowledge. Congressman Dellums’ team told us he had 30 minutes for us, but when he met the group, got engaged with them and began to answer their questions, he took off his jacket, rolled up his sleeves, pulled out a flip chart and broke down the CBC Alternative Budget. We were there for almost two hours, far more than the allotted time. He acknowledged that the Alternative Budget had no chance of passing, but said that he worked so hard on it because it was “a possibility.” He persistently fought for the right thing, even if the right thing was a long shot.

His tenacity was responsible for the passage of the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986, legislation that imposed sanctions, urged US companies to stop doing business with South Africa, and set conditions, including the release of political prisoners, before sanctions could be lifted. Ronald Reagan vetoed the legislation, preferring “constructive engagement,” but Congress overrode the veto, something that rarely happens in foreign policy matter.

It is a tribute to Dellums’ political skills that a man who was ridiculed as a radical upon entering Congress had developed the kinds of bipartisan relationships that would override a presidential veto.

Dellums got much criticism for his time as Oakland mayor, but it is essential to note that not many, after serving 27 years in Congress, would have signed up to run a troubled city. He was drafted by the people of Oakland, who urged him to serve, and he defiantly told people that if they weren’t satisfied with his leadership, they could recall him! Ron Dellums used his national notoriety to lobby for his city, getting more recovery aid from the Obama administration than any other city except Chicago.

He saw Oakland as a “Model City” and encouraged citizen participation, convening several task forces to help shape the direction of the city.

The best thing that Ron Dellums ever did was succession planning. He surrounded himself with younger, bright leaders and encouraged them in their aspirations. One of his protégés, Keith Carson, serves on the Alameda County Board of Supervisors. Another, Sandre’ Swanson, served in the California State Assembly. And Congresswoman Barbara Lee, as fierce a fighter as Dellums, was his hand-picked successor.

The Congressional Black Caucus today needs more Dellums energy. Oh, the Alternative Budges still annually prepared, but it doesn’t get the visibility that it should. Fierce fighters like Barbara Lee and Maxine Waters are often threatened and ridiculed, and not enough of their colleagues have their backs. And too many African American politicians are pragmatic, instead of being principled.

May the spirit of Ron Dellums always live among African American and progressive leaders!

(Julianne Malveaux is an author and economist.)

This is an open letter to our great-grandson and all who are college-bound.

It is not a brand new feeling for our family, but it is still a very proud feeling.

We have been fortunate to witness our three children, two grandchildren, 10 nephews and nieces, and now our great-grandson. Chase was fortunate in addition to working hard to be awarded a full scholarship to Miami University in Ohio.

I never left home to attend college, but I left home a many years ago beginning with my military career in 1952. Your attending college is your first step toward becoming an adult.

We should analyze the “Do’s” first.

Chase, yes, you are a member of the National Honor Society, but you are entering Miami University not only to compete with other students, but to increase your learning capacity.

There will be some occasions that you will encounter some difficulties, then seek out your tutors as frequently as the need exists.

You must lean on those positive qualities instilled in you by your parents, church, etc. You are a leader, not a follower, and remain strong enough when certain situations arise that you know are not the right thing to be involved in.

“JUST SAY NO.” There will be persons who will laugh and say, “Everybody does it,” but you can respond, “Everybody

To Tell The Truth

but me” and keep stepping.

Your actions will put you on the outside with certain persons, but then so be it.

There may come a time that bully may threaten you physically, then become your granddaddy and do what you need to do to protect yourself. Your actions will make others understand that you do not practice turning the other cheek. You must never participate in an action so you will be liked, but always do what is required of you to be respected.

Your actions may put you on the inside with certain people, then remain on the outside with those who think and act like you.

Yes, you are embarking on your first step of a long, tough journey, but God knows that you can handle it. Just like your father, mother, grandparents, aunts, cousins and great-grandparents that you never knew because they went to their heavenly home before your birth. But they are looking down smiling.

Once you have completed your first successful semester we will visit the campus and present you with the second page of this column, and always remember that your great-grandparents instilled in all of us that: “CAN’T IS NOT ACCEPTABLE IN YOUR VOCABULARY OR LIFE.” (Louis “Hop” Kendrick is a contributor to the New Pittsburgh Courier.)

A brief history of the ‘Black vote no longer being taken for granted’ In 1985 a colticle was publection of es- J. Pharaoh Doss lished about says was pubMichael Dukalished called, kis, the DemoThe New Black cratic nominee Vote: Politics for president. and Power in The headline Four American said, “Dukakis Cities.

The said to ignore volume’s editor Black vote.” declared the This article rise of the Black electorate as one focused on last-minute efforts by of the most important phenomena the Dukakis campaign to galvanize of the 1980s, which encouraged a a Black turnout. The article said, contributor to the collection to pre- “In recent days, Mr. Dukakis has dict, “No longer will any White lib- been on television news programs, eral Democratic candidate take the visiting Black churches in HarBlack vote for granted.” lem and Chicago and singing with But a book reviewer responded the congregations, an image that to this prediction. He wrote, “Yet, recalled the last days of the 1980 I suspect that in the aftermath of campaign, when President Jimthe last presidential election that my Carter went to Black churchquestion will be re-phrased by es in Newark in a vain attempt working politicians as: Can any lib- to stave off the Reagan victory in eral Democratic candidate take the that state…Black politicians in White electorate for granted?” The New Jersey said the impression backdrop of the reviewer’s sarcasm that their tactics left was that the was the embarrassing defeat of Black vote would always be there Democratic presidential nominee for the Democratic candidates who Walter Mondale to incumbent Re- could always energize it with a publican president Ronald Reagan. song.” Black mayor James Sharpe Mondale only received 40 percent of Newark complained that the Duof the popular vote, carried only kakis campaign took the Black vote one state (Minnesota, his home for granted while chasing so-called state, and the District of Colum- Reagan Democrats. bia), and was defeated in the elecDukakis still received 89 percent toral college by the historic margin of the Black vote and lost the presiof 525 to 13. dential race. But Mayor Sharpe was The only favorable statistic for wrong. Dukakis’ campaign didn’t Mondale was that he received 90 take the Black vote for granted percent of the Black vote. Those like the book “The New Black Vote” numbers were anticipated by both predicted. They ignored it like their parties based on past presidential counterparts because it was ignorelection returns. Black support for able. It was a non-competitive conthe Democratic nominee ranged stituency because the Republican from 85 percent in 1968 to 94 per- Party surrendered the Black voting cent in 1980. Contrary to the pro- block to the Democrats after the nouncement in the book “The New 1984 results.

Black Vote” the only phenomena Now, in 2018, after another emrevealed by these voting patterns barrassing loss for the Democratic were that one major party can take presidential nominee the Demothe “Black vote” for granted and cratic National Committee held the other can ignore it. (Unfortu- their first fundraiser outside of nately, at this time, the party doing Washington. This event was held the ignoring won the presidency in Georgia and the crowd was by a landslide and proved it didn’t predominately-Black.

According need the Black vote at all.) to one publication the aim of this During the 1988 presidential race event was to promote a new generthe NAACP held their 79th annu- ation of Black leaders. Here, DNC al convention in Washington. Here, chairman Tom Perez apologized for Benjamin Hooks, executive director taking the Black vote for granted of the NAACP, warned the Demo- and promised it will never happen cratic party that it doesn’t have a again. It was reported that aplock on the Black vote and urged plause broke out and heads nodded Republicans to compete more vig- in appreciation before Perez could orously for the Black vote. Hooks finish being sorry. Unfortunately, told Republicans they were making this new generation of Black leada terrible mistake by ignoring the ers ignored the fact that the DNC Black vote. chairman took for granted their acDespite the NAACP’s warning to ceptance of the apology.

(J. Pharaoh Doss is a contributor to the the Democratic Party weeks before the election a New York Times ar- New Pittsburgh Courier.)

Check It Out

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.

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Kay Coles James

Commentary

The Constitution is a shield for civil and human rights (NNPA)—It’s shaping up to be a hot summer in D.C.—and for reasons having nothing to do with the weather.

In a few weeks, the Senate will decide whether a D.C. Circuit Court judge named Brett Kavanaugh should be the nation’s next Supreme Court justice. And from my office window, I can already hear the battle cries.

Kavanaugh’s opponents describe him as a “threat to our democracy.” They are shouting that “the future of America is at stake.”

And they warn his confirmation will “turn the clock back on our rights.”

Having been around politics for decades, I tend to ignore a lot of this type of stuff. But when someone says the clock may be turned back on our rights, it gets my attention.

I’ve been involved in the battle for civil rights most of my life. As a 12-year-old student back in 1961, I helped integrate a Whites-only school in Richmond, Va. As a college student at Hampton Institute (now University), I protested for student rights. As a young mom, I volunteered with Housing Opportunities Made Equal to fight racism and achieve equal access. And as Virginia’s Secretary for Health and Human Resources, I fought for empowerment reform that helped low-income men and women achieve the pride and dignity of employment.

So I took the ‘rollback of civil rights’ line seriously and looked into it. And what I found out just might surprise you.

Judge Kavanaugh has been a steadfast supporter of civil rights, because he has been consistently faithful to the Constitution. For example, during his 2006 Senate confirmation for the D.C. Circuit Court, he said: “…some of the worst moments in the Supreme Court’s history have been moments of judicial activism, like the Dred Scott case… where the Court went outside its proper bounds, in my judgment, in interpreting clauses of the Constitution to impose its own policy views.”

That means that, when questions have come before him, he hasn’t answered them with a “here’s what I personally think” type of answer. Instead, he’s addressed them with a “here’s what the Constitution has to say” ruling.

And that speaks volumes about the type of Justice he will be.

You see, the U.S. Constitution is the very reason we even have a thing called “civil rights.” Before America was born, the world was a very different place. How a person lived depended on where they were born, who their parents and grandparents were, how rich they were, and so on. If you were born poor, you were likely to stay poor. And if you were a minority in your country, you were unlikely to ever have equal treatment under their laws.

America was created to be an exception to the global norm that limited freedom, curtailed liberties, denied due process, and caused poverty to persist across generations.

We had to overcome huge obstacles, of course, but the extraordinary achievements we’ve realized would not have been possible without our Constitution.

Instead of being a sword against freedom and rights, the Constitution has been the shield that’s made them possible.

Whenever obstacles stood in the way--including segregation and other evil Jim Crow laws--it was the Constitution that cast them aside. Liberty? The Constitution grants it in its very first sentence. Slavery? It was abolished by the Constitution in its 13th Amendment Citizenship? You can find that in the Constitution, too--it’s right there in the 14th Amendment. So is our right to vote, which is made clear for all to see in the Constitution’s 15th Amendment.

That’s why it’s absolutely crucial that Judge Kavanaugh--like all who do or may serve on the Supreme Court--is faithful to the Constitution.

Simply put, being true to the Constitution is the key to our democracy. It’s more important than any single issue, any political party, or any partisan interest. Indeed, there’s nothing more important than upholding the document that established and secures our rights.

That’s why the Constitution grants judges the power to determine whether a law is constitutional--not the power to make or change it.

Good judges know this. They know they have to fulfill their awesome duty without ever overstepping it. Bad judges don’t. They inject their own preferences into the law, they pick favorite issues and sides, and they invent new reasons to rule the way they want.

Bad judges denied Blacks equal rights in the Dred Scott v. Sandford case of 1857 I mentioned above. They banned interracial marriage in the 1883 case, Pace v. Alabama. And they institutionalized segregation with the “separate, but equal” doctrine in 1896 with Plessy v. Ferguson.

In each of those cases, bad judges put their own racist views ahead of the Constitution’s protections. They were wrong—and that’s why, in each case, they were overruled by later Supreme Court justices who were faithful to the Constitution.

And it’s because Judge Kavanaugh has proven throughout his career to be 100 percent faithful to the Constitution that he has my total support. Not for his sake, but for ours.

(Kay Coles James is the president of The Heritage Foundation. You can follow Kay on Twitter @KayColesJames.)

SPORTS

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

AUGUST 8-14, 2018

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Chris Archer, the Pirates’ new ace Courier photographer Will McBride captured photos of the Pirates’ new sensation, All-Star pitcher Chris Archer, at PNC Park, Aug 3. It was his Buccos debut, after being acquired at the trade deadline from the Tampa Bay Rays.

The plan is for Archer to help the Pirates not only this season, but in years to come.

Will the real national anthem please stand up?

by Aubrey Bruce

Steelers’ preseason action is finally here!

by Bill Neal For New Pittsburgh Courier

:10—First of all, if you’ve never been there, do yourself a favor and get there. Where, you ask? Why, Steelers training camp, you so-called “fan.” “It’s on Like Popcorn” up at Chuck Noll Stadium in Latrobe and the Black and Gold is set to do battle en route to “Stairway to Seven.”

I just came back from the open-air par-tay and from where we stood all looks good in Steeler Hood! :09—With the exception, of course, of the scare that hit camp Saturday when offensive lineman Ramon Foster was carted off the field with an ap-

Overtime

BILL NEAL parent knee injury. As of now it looks to be not too serious and a 4–6 week setback is the guess (also known as “Man, now I don’t have to go through this damn training camp…that I really don’t need!”). I’m just sayin’. :08—A tip of the hat to good brother “Weldon Fields” and I hope I got it right (he knows who he is). Anyway, I bumped into this very distinguished gentleman in Wilkinsburg and he told me he’s a reader. Well ya’ll know what’s next…

Mr. Fields you’re now in the Locker Room. Keep on reading. :07—Thanks to everyone who signed their precious little darling in the Armen Gilliam “Hard Work” Basketball Camp, which was held this past weekend. We’re all about changing the minds and attitudes of the youth about what it takes to become a champion and achieve success. :06—Oh, by the way, check out this lineup of

coaches that were at the camp: Former Slippery Rock All-American and NBA star Myron Brown, Former European League star Warren Wilson, Former UNLV star Karen Hall, Former Pitt University superstar Darrell “Dan” Porter, Former University of Bucknell all-time assist leader Chris Seneca and all-time leading scorer at Point Park University, Bobby Franklin. :05—Your Pittsburgh Pirates continue their on-fire pace as one of the hottest teams in baseball. At one point, they won 11 in a row and 13 of their last 15. What you got to say now, Kevin Cameron? (They’ve cooled down recently, but they’re still in the hunt for a National League Wild Card spot…) :04—Speaking of Kevin Cameron, and I just was.

Don’t miss me and my partner every week on “Soul Take – Champions Live!” Go to Urban Media Today and log in every Wednesday at 7 p.m. “We are the Champions!!!” (www.urbanmediatoday. com) :03—The movie of the year right now is Mission Impossible-Fallout.

Non-stop action from start to finish, I kid you not. Off the charts good.

I give it four basketballs. :02—Note: I said movie of the year right now because Creed II is coming soon…sit tight. :01—I am a single man so I can say this out loud.

The No. 1 sport in Pittsburgh is going on every afternoon in Oakland on the Pitt Campus. It’s called Girl Watching!

No you won’t say it, but you’re thinking it. Yes you are, oh shut-up, yes you are. :00—Steelers’ first preseason game is tomorrow, Thursday, August 9 at the world champion Philly Eagles. Yea, I got your world champions right here! :00:00—A mighty, mighty thanks to Mayor Bill Peduto for hosting our Achieving Greatness/Connie Hawkins League/Pittsburgh Pipers family to his chambers to be recognized for the Pipers and “the Hawk” Championship and World ABA title in 1968. Thanks, Mayor, the Hawk continues to fly thanks to you.

anthem, is he referring to the national anthem of the For New Pittsburgh Courier United States or the SoviThe following is an ex- et Union? Donald Trump cerpt from the Russian is placing the yoke of paNational Anthem. “Rossia triotism around the necks - sviashennaia nasha der- of young Black athletes zhava, Rossia - lubimaia while he demonstrates nasha strana! Moguchaia that he is just a mere subvolia, velikaia slava-Tvoio dostoianie na vse vremena! CHORUS: Slavsia, Otechestvo nashe svobodnoe, Bratskikh narodov soiuz vekovoi, Predkami dannaia mudrost’ narodnaia! Slavsia, strana!”

I am not going to pretend that I understand Russian because I am not the press secretary of the United States, nor do I place anyone or anything above my beautiful country, not money, riches or power. When the President of the United States demands that NFL players AUBREY BRUCE stand up for the national

Inside Conditions

ordinate, a puppet, lackey and marionette at the beck and call of the leader of the “Supreme Soviet Party” Vladimere (who’s your daddy) Putin. Trump gets pleasure out of publicly and privately degrading African Americans, using darkness to guide those of lesser intellect into his “training camp.” There are a few star NFL athletes that have apparently not only have taken the bait, but have become bait themselves. Take the case of the Dallas Cowboys star quarterback, Dak Prescott.

This is what he had to say about the anthem controversy recently. “When you bring such a controversy to the stadium, to the game, to the field, it takes away.

It takes away from that.

I’m up for taking the next step…and not just kneeling.”

Prescott should have just

issued a “no comment.” It seems as if maybe Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and President Donald Trump have had employees (Omarosa for Trump and Prescott for Jones) that did more than toe the “company line;” they crossed a new “border of subservience.” They play the national anthem at Trump “campaign rallies” as the introduction for his conspiracy theory, race baiting tirades used as a disguise to allegedly “make America great again.” So the next time that the President of the United States demands that Black athletes, White athletes or any other group of sportsmen or women stand up for the national anthem, please ask this question: “Which anthem are you referring to?”

(Aubrey Bruce: abruce@newpittsburghcourier.com)

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AUGUST 8-14, 2018

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER