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AURN back in offices after 5-day lockout
VOL. 107, NO. 38
Published Weekly
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SEPTEMBER 21-27, 2016
by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
American Urban Radio Network personnel were able to return to their offices after being locked out by the company’s partner Sheridan Broadcasting Company for five days. Common Pleas Judge Christine Ward issued a temporary injunction ordering Sheridan to reopen the doors Sept. 19 and ordered the parties to reconvene in her chambers two days later. As reported earlier in the New Pittsburgh RON DAVENPORT SR. JERRY LOPES RON DAVENPORT JR. Courier online edition, Sheridan locked the doors to its broadcasting facilities Sept. 14, citing non-payment for services provided to months and the resulting inability to pay Sheridan also locked out its own news, sports and enterAURN by its subsidiary Sheridan Broad- rent. But in addition to the AURN personnel, tainment staff—who create the content casting Network dating back several
Sheridan’s subsidiary, Sheridan Broadcasting Network, sells to AURN for broadcast. On Sept. 16, Sheridan paid half of the back-due rent and agreed to pay the balance within 30 days, said Ron Davenport Jr., special counsel and president of SBC’s radio division, who also confirmed Sheridan had complied with the court order. But AURN President for Programming Operations and Affiliations Jerry Lopes, said while his people are back in the office, the Sheridan people are not. The only content currently going out is gospel programming, which was also shut down for a long enough time to have cost the network at least two stations. SEE AURN A4
Bond revoked in T-station shooting Women celebrate groups. She said the shooting is likely part of an ongoing rivalry between rival groups from the North Side and East End. According to Pittsburgh Police, Glover shot the 17-year-old victim on Sixth Street. The victim ran to the T-station where he then collapsed. Glover then attempted to flee on a PAT bus, but police sent out his description to all area bus drivers. One recognized Glover and pulled over. He was taken into custody by Port Authority Police. The victim, who had been shot in the chest with a .22 caliber, was taken to Mercy Hospital in critical condition, but his condition was later upgraded to stable. Police found a backpack in an alley near Federal
by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
A 16-year old who had no problem posting a $10,000 straight bond one-day after being charged with shooting another teen near the Wood Street T-station last week, has had that bond revoked. Common Pleas Judge Jeffrey A. Manning ordered Denzel Glover, of Northview Heights, to the Allegheny County Jail during a Sept. 19 preliminary hearing. He will await trial on charges of attempted homicide, aggravated assault, firearms violations and reckless endangerment in the Sept. 13 rush-hour shooting. Assistant District Attorney Stephie Ramaley told Manning that Glover had two previous juvenile arrests—including one for taking a Taser into a school—and is affiliated with one of two warring
Courier Staff Writer
During a recent interview, Pittsburgh Superintendent of Schools Anthony Hamlet told the New Pittsburgh Courier he wants every graduate prepared for college, those who choose to go to work should also be able to get that training. Now, the district’s Westinghouse High School may be establishing itself as a hub
by C. Denise Johnson For the New Pittsburgh Courier
groups of students with an engineer to see who could build the most structurally sound tower using only raw spaghetti noodles, marshmallows and adhesive tape. Senior Project Engineer Walter Winn said he had a great time, despite his team’s finish. “Well, we just finished our tower, and our team didn’t do that well,” he said. “But they SEE WESTINGHOUSE A4
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Westinghouse High School becoming career hub for both paths. On Sept. 16 engineers from the company established by the school’s namesake, gave students a look at what careers in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics entail. The event included panel discussions and presentations to 30 students by Westinghouse personnel, including an alumnus of the high school, and STEMbased activities. The highlight of these was a race pairing
Alma Speed Fox one of honorees “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex. Congress shall have the power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.”––The 19th Amendment to the Constitution of the U n i t e d States. The 2016 presidential election campaign will be historic, regardless of the outcome. The 19th A m e n d ment, giving women the ALMA SPEED FOX right to vote, may well determine who moves into 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue next January. This is why the women gathered Sept. 8 at the Rivers Club for the 8th Annual Breakfast celebrating the Passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. The implications of the fall election gave
BROAD DAYLIGHT—Police examine the area outside the Wood Street T station where a 17-year-old collapsed after being shot during rush hour. Denzel Glover, 16, is charged with the crime. (Photo by J.L. Martello)
by Christian Morrow
19th Amendment
Man fatally shot by Tulsa police had no gun, chief says by Justin Juozapavicius Associated Press Writer
CONSOLING—Attorney Damario Solomon-Simmons, left, comforts Tiffany Crutcher, twin sister of Terence Crutcher who was shot and killed by Tulsa Police Friday night, Sept. 16. At right is Rev. Joey Crutcher, her and Terence’s father. (Mike Simons/Tulsa World via AP)
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TULSA, Okla. (AP)—A Black man fatally shot by a White Tulsa, Oklahoma, police officer responding to a stalled vehicle had no weapon on him or in his SUV, the city’s police chief said Sept. 19. Local and federal authorities are investigating the death of 40year-old Terence Crutcher, Tulsa Police Chief Chuck Jordan said before the department released dashcam footage of the Sept. 16 shooting. “We will achieve justice in this case,” Jordan said. Meanwhile, family members and community leaders who
have viewed the footage said it clearly shows that Crutcher’s hands were in the air when he was shot. “We saw that Terence did not have any weapon. Terence did not make any sudden movements. We saw that Terence was not being belligerent,” one of the attorneys for the family, Damario Solomon-Simmons, said at a news conference separate from one police held. U.S. Attorney Danny C. Williams said the Department of Justice will conduct a separate civil rights investigation into the shooting. “The Justice Department is committed to investigating allegations of force by law enforce-
ment officers and will devote whatever resources are necessary to ensure that all allegations of serious civil rights violations are fully and completely investigated,” he said. Tulsa Police Sgt. Shane Tuell confirmed that relatives were shown the recordings Sunday ahead of the planned public release. “We wanted them to see it before it was released so they wouldn’t be blindsided by it,” Tuell said. “We wanted to be able to have that intimate time with them, with their attorney, to see if they had any questions or concerns.
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SEPTEMBER 21-27, 2016
INTERNATIONAL
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
This Week In Black History
For the week of Sept. 21-27 September 21 1872—John Henry Conyers becomes the first Black student at the U.S. Naval Academy. However, racism and often violent harassment forced him to leave the academy before he was able to graduate. 1905—The Atlanta Life Insurance Co. is established in Atlanta, Ga., and becomes one of the largest insurance companies in America serving a predominantly African-American clientele. 1984—Gen. Colin Powell becomes the first African-American named as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. As the nation’s top military leader, Powell was praised by some Blacks as a role model while he was criticized for supporting what critics considered the government’s war-mongering JOHN HENRY CONYERS policies. His generally positive reputation was damaged by his speaking before the United Nations and providing misinformation in 2003 in support of the Bush administration’s war in Iraq. September 22 1863—Mary Church Terrell is born on this day in 1863. She became one of the nation’s leading activists advocating greater education for Blacks and women. KEY AFRICAN LEADER—In this May 29, 2015 file photo, Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari saShe was the first Black person to sit on the Washington, lutes his supporters during his inauguration in Abuja, Nigeria. (AP Photo/File) D.C., school board and played a major role in desegregating that city’s restaurants. 1961—The Interstate Commerce Commission officially prohibits segregation in buses traveling in interstate commerce. It also banned segregated terminal facilities even though the ruling was largely ignored in many Southern states. But during the mid-1960s civil MARY CHURCH TERRELL rights activists would frequently cite the ruling as they integrated facilities throughout the South. of us resolves to pitch in Several lines were alby Michelle Faul September 23 and work harder and look most identical to Obama’s Associated Press Writer 1926—Legendary jazz great John Coltrane is born after not only ourselves, in a speech Buhari made on this day in Hamlet, N.C. He is generally credited but each other. ... Let us LAGOS, Nigeria (AP)— Sept. 8 launching his with reshaping modern Jazz and setting a pattern Nigeria’s President campaign “Change Begins resist the temptation to which would be followed by generations of Jazz saxofall back on the same Muhammadu Buhari With Me.’’ The campaign partisanship and pettiness phonists. apologized Saturday for promotes a new way of 1930—Singer-performer Ray Charles is born on and immaturity that has plagiarizing President thinking to rid Nigeria of this day in Albany, Ga. poisoned our politics for so Barack Obama’s 2008 widespread corruption. September 24 long.” victory speech and said he Buhari said, “We must 1957—President Obama will meet with will punish those responresist the temptation to Dwight EisenhowBuhari on Tuesday during sible. fall back on the same er orders federal the U.N. General AssemThe announcement came partisanship, pettiness troops into Little JOHN COLTRANE as Obama is set to meet and immaturity that have bly session, the White Rock, Ark., to prevent House said Friday. They Buhari, the leader of poisoned our country for angry Whites from interfering with the integration of are expected to discuss Africa’s largest economy so long. Let us summon the city’s Central High School by nine Black students. U.S. support for security and most populous a new spirit of responsiThe confrontation was one of the most dramatic and economic changes in country, this week in New bility, spirit of service, of during the early days of the Civil Rights Movement. Nigeria and efforts to curb York. patriotism and sacrifice. Governor Orval Faubus had vowed to go to jail to the Boko Haram Islamic Adeola Akinremi in her Let us all resolve to pitch block the court ordered desegregation of the school Friday column for Thisin and work hard and look uprising. claiming that Whites would be destroyed if they inteObama also plans to Day newspaper denounced after, not only ourselves, grated with Blacks. But the confrontation settled the promote U.S.-Africa trade “the moral problem of but one another.’’ issue of whether states had to obey orders issued by on Wednesday, attending plagiarism on a day Mr. Obama said, “So let us federal courts. RAY CHARLES a summit with some 200 President launched a cam- summon a new spirit of 1965—PresiU.S. and African CEOs paign to demand honesty patriotism; of service and dent Lyndon Johnson issues what is generally and African heads of state. and integrity.’’ responsibility where each considered the nation’s first affirmative action order—Executive Order #11246. It required companies receiving federal construction contracts to ensure equality in the hiring of minorities. Despite a disastrous war in Vietnam that would eventually force his resignation, the Southern-born Johnson generally supported a host of legislative and executive efforts beneficial to Blacks. shown signs September 25 by Christopher Torchia of infection,’’ a 1861—The Secretary of the Navy authorizes Associated Press Writer family statethe enlistment of free Blacks and slaves as Union ment quoted JOHANNESBURG (AP) sailors in a bid to help the North win the Civil GOV. ROSS BARNETT Tutu’s wife, —Nobel laureate Desmond War against pro-slavery Southern Whites who Leah, as sayTutu was readmitted to a had proven more difficult in battle than the North had originally expected. ing. South African hospital on 1962—In another one of those instances demonstrating the tenacity of racism Tutu “unSaturday, just days after he among Southern Whites, Mississippi Gov. Ross Barnett defies a federal court derwent left following three weeks of order and personally stands in the door to block the admittance of a Black student— the surgical treatment there. James Meredith—to the University of Mississippi. procedure 10 The 84-year-old retired Meredith would eventually be admitted and graduate. days ago to archbishop returned to the Historians now generally believe Ross’ “show” was address the hospital “as a precaution primarily designed to curry favor among White voters DESMOND TUTU cause of recurafter his surgical wound had not actually to stop desegregation of the then-allring infections White university. resulting from past treatSeptember 26 ment received for prostate 1867—Maggie L. Walker is born. She would cancer,’’ the statement become the most prominent Black businesswoman said. in the Richmond, Va., area and one of the wealthiest Tutu, who has been Black women in the nation. She also became the first treated for prostate cancer Black woman to establish a bank in the nation. A sofor many years, was also cial activist, she would help establish the Lilly Black hospitalized several times political party in part as a slap at the “Lilly White” last year. His family has political parties of the day. previously said that the 1907—The People’s Savings Bank is incorporatcancer is under control. ed in Philadelphia by one of the nation’s early Black He was an outspoken opCongressman George H. ponent of apartheid, South MAGGIE L. WALKER White. White had been Africa’s former system of pretty much forced out of White minority rule, and Congress as Jim Crow laws led to the increasing diswas awarded the Nobel enfranchisement of Black voters after Reconstruction. Peace Prize in 1984. After leaving Congress, he turned his attention to Black economic advancement. His bank helped thousands of Blacks buy homes. THE 1929—Ida Stephens Owens is born. She would beNEW PITTSBURGH come the nation’s first Black female bio-chemist. COURIER 1937—Blues great Bessie Smith dies of injuries sustained in an automobile accident near Clarksdale, PUBLISHING COMPANY Miss. Rumors spread that White medics refused to treat her. However, later information Publication No.: USPS 381940 did cast doubt on the accuracy of 315 East Carson Street those rumors. Pittsburgh, PA 15219 September 27 IDA STEPHENS OWENS 1817—Hiram R. Revels is Phone: 412-481-8301 born free in Fayetteville, N.C. Fax: 412-481-1360 Revels becomes the first Black to serve in the United States Senate shortly after the Civil War. The 1876—Edward Mitchell Bannister upsets racist Whites New Pittsburgh Courier who believe Blacks have no artistic skill by winning a bronze medal is published weekly for a painting he displayed at the American Centennial Exposition in BESSIE SMITH periodicals Philadelphia. paid at Pittsburgh, Pa. 1950—Gwendolyn Brooks is awarded Pulitzer Prize for PRICE $1.00 her book of poetry —“Annie Allen.” She was the first Black so honored. Brooks published her first poem in a children’s magazine, “American Childhood,” when she was 13 years (Payable in advance) old. By the time she was 16, she had compiled a portfolio 6 Months.....$25 of around 75 published poems and had her work critiqued by poet and novelist James Weldon 1 Year....$45 Johnson. At 17, she started submitting 2 Years...&85 her work to “Lights and Shadows,” the GWENDOLYN BROOKS poetry column of the Chicago Defend9 Month School Rate $35 er, an African-American newspaper. Her poems, many published while she attended Wilson Junior College, ranged in style from POSTMASTER: Send traditional ballads and sonnets to poems using blues rhythms address changes to: in free verse. 1950—Ralph J. Bunch is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for New Pittsburgh Courier his work in mediating a conflict between Palestinians and the newly established Jewish state of Israel. Arabs had gone to war 315 East Carson Street arguing the Jewish state had been established on land which Pittsburgh, PA 15219 RALPH J. BUNCH rightfully belonged to the Palestinians.
Nigeria’s president apologizes for plagiarizing Obama speech
South Africa’s Tutu returns to hospital due to infection
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SEPTEMBER 21-27, 2016
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Rep. Charles Rangel reflects on stellar political career by D. Kevin McNeir The Washington Informer
Charles B. Rangel, the celebrated dean of New York’s congressional delegation currently serving as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, has always been one who stepped to the front of the line on behalf of his fellow Americans. Now, the 86-year-old attorney, a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, the first Black chair of the highly-influential House Ways and Means Committee, the recipient of both a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for service in the U.S. Army, and the former New York State Assembly member who successfully defeated long-time incumbent Rep. Adam Clayton Powell Jr. in his 1971 quest for election to the House, will retire from office at the end of the congressional year. But, have no fear—the Harlem-born stalwart for “the least of these” says he plans to continue to serve his community, his Democratic Party and his fellow Americans. However, his primary focus will be enjoying life with his wife, Alma, and spending more time with their children and grandchildren. “After 46 years in political office, it’s going to be strange when the new Congress takes over in January and I’m not among the members,” Rangel said. “The emotional impact hasn’t hit me yet. I’m just grateful for enjoying a career that has given me the opportunity to improve the lives of working people, defend veterans, contribute to President Obama’s historic health care legislation, and rehabilitate our nation’s public schools,” he said. Looking at the upcoming presidential election, Rangel said he hopes his fellow Democrats will follow the example of former President Franklin Delano Roos-
evelt and make a significant investment in education and America’s infrastructure while tackling ongoing social problems and issues related to world trade. “We’ll have to wait and see what happens to the Republican Party, but I think the party of Lincoln has become a coalition of very sick people—Ku Klux Klan members, Dixiecrats and those who hate immigrants and are opposed to gay rights. And, they’re able to hide behind
“We’ll have to wait and see what happens to the Republican Party, but I think the party of Lincoln has become a coalition of very sick people—Ku Klux Klan members, Dixiecrats and those who hate immigrants and are opposed to gay rights. And, they’re able to hide behind Donald Trump whose rhetoric resonates with a large number of uneducated Whites.” CHARLES B. RANGEL
Donald Trump whose rhetoric resonates with a large number of uneducated Whites,” Rangel said. As for family matters and his retirement plans, the wily New Yorker said he and his wife are excited about the future. “We have a very long list of things we want to do, and we’ll need to cut it down. It will definitely include traveling, speaking engagements from time to time, and raising funds for City College,” said Rangel. He earned high praise for his leadership in persuading U.S. investors to pull out of apartheid-based South Afri-
JACOBS COLLECTION—In this Sept. 15, file photo, the Marc Jacobs Spring 2017 collection is modeled during Fashion Week in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)
Jacobs apologizes for response to critics of dreadlocks NEW YORK (AP)—Marc Jacobs has apologized for his response to criticism over showcasing his models in dreadlocks during the final day of New York Fashion Week. The White designer was criticized on social media after his mostly White lineup of models was outfitted with rainbow dreadlocks for his Sept. 15 show. Some accused Jacobs of appropriating Black culture.
A screengrab shows Jacobs responding to his critics on Instagram by saying it was “funny” that they don’t “criticize women of color for straightening their hair.” Jacobs also wrote that he doesn’t see color or race and that he was “sorry to read that so many people are narrow minded.” Jacobs apologized Sept. 18 on Instagram for what he called “the lack of sensitivity unintentionally expressed by my brevity.”
Iowa GOP congressman says QB’s protest ‘sympathetic to ISIS’ WASHINGTON (AP)—U.S. Rep. Steve King says Colin Kaepernick’s protest of the national anthem is “activism that is sympathetic to ISIS.’’ The 49ers quarterback has sat or has taken a knee while the anthem has been played in protest of what he says is the oppression of Blacks and other minorities. The Iowa Republican says in an interview with Newsmax TV that if he were Kaepernick’s coach, he would tell the player that “until you take a knee and beg forgiveness from the American people, you’re not going to set a foot on this field again.’’ The congressman says Kaepernick is taking advantage of his position as an NFL quarterback and “undermining patriotism’’ in the process.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) kneels during the national anthem before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams in Santa Clara, Calif., Monday, Sept. 12. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Teen who sits during Pledge being withdrawn from school BLUE ISLAND, Ill. (AP)—The mother of a suburban Chicago high school student who has been sitting during the Pledge of Allegiance says she is withdrawing her son from the school because of threats and harassment. The Daily Southtown reports Kelley Porter Turner says she is pulling her 15-year-old son, Shemar, out of Eisenhower High School in Blue Island and plans to enroll him in an online charter school. Turner says her son is being
called names as he walks the halls of the school. The 15-year-old Shemar says he began sitting out the Pledge on Aug. 26, to protest police killings of Blacks. A Community High School District 218 spokesman declined to confirm or comment on Porter Turner’s claims her son had been bullied. Superintendent Ty Harting says students aren’t required to stand for, or recite, the Pledge of Allegiance.
STEPPING DOWN—Charles Rangel speaks after winning the Democratic primary in New York’s 15th district in June 2012. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images/File) ca in 1986, and for his founding of an international affairs program in the State Department in cooperation with Howard University. As of 2015, the program has trained over 200 “Rangel Fellows” for positions as Foreign Service officers in U.S. embassies around the world. And, while he admits that saying “goodbye” won’t be easy, he welcomes the change. “Just talking about retirement has helped me remove the political cataracts from my eyes,” he said. “I now see my
wife and family in a much clearer light. Fortunately, my wife and I are both in good health, and so we’ll be able to enjoy this new phase in our lives.” “A career in politics tends to blind you from so much because you have to be so committed, maintain so much energy, and are constantly working to succeed on behalf of your constituents. It takes a lot out of you. Soon that will be behind me.” Rangel continued: “I can’t wait to simply wake up every day and spend more time with my wife.”
John Lewis receives Liberty Medal PHILADELPHIA (AP)—U.S. Rep. John Lewis of Georgia was honored Sept. 19 with Philadelphia’s Liberty Medal for his dedication to civil rights. In announcing the award in June, National Constitution Center CEO Jeffrey Rosen says Lewis’ leadership “helped to extend the blessings of liberty and equality to all Americans.” Lewis is a civil rights veteran who was repeatedly threatened with violence while working for voting rights in the Jim Crow South. He was also the youngest speaker at the 1963 March on Washington. He has represented Georgia in the U.S. House since 1987. The medal is given annually to those who strive to secure liberty for people worldwide. Previous Liberty Medal winners include the Dalai Lama, Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai and rock singer Bono.
HONORED—In this July 26, photo, Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., waves as he takes the stage during the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)
AURN back in offices after 5-day lockout A4
SEPTEMBER 21-27, 2016
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NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Community Calendar Emergency Preparedness Day SEPT. 23—The Minority Emergency Preparedness Task will host an Emergency Preparedness Day Fair, 1-3 p.m. at the Arlington Heights Community Center, 3123 Cordell Place. The event will include presentations by first responders and safety experts, and will also feature refreshments and giveaways.
College Fair SEPT. 24—The Rodman Street Missionary Baptist Church Scholarship Ministry will sponsor a Fall College Fair, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Pittsburgh Obama, 515 N. Highland Ave. Representatives from more than 11 instate colleges and universities will be in attendance.
PADLOCKED CONTINUED FROM A1
“I called Ron and offered to pay the balance of the rent as a show of good faith to get things moving, he said no—not until we get paid,” said Lopes. “I emailed Ron Sr. (who founded the company in 1971) and told him competitors are taking gospel stations away—and they won’t be coming back. He said he didn’t care.” Davenport Jr. said he locked out AURN because it has not been paying for news and entertainment services SBN provides since April. He blamed indifference by the $250 billion hedge fund Guggenheim Capital which owns AURN’s parent company Access 1 Communications. “So now we’re dealing with this goliath that doesn’t care about jobs, news, sports, services or people. They just care about money,” he said. “And we are suffering because they don’t want to do anything other than put us out of business.” Lopes said Davenport Jr.’s explanation for it is not accurate. “This has nothing to do with Guggenheim,” he said. “We reimburse Sheridan for services monthly—the money never made it to the intended parties. We learned a few months back that we owed a year’s worth of health and welfare payments to the unions. They (Sheridan) invoiced us—we paid them—but the money
never made it to the parties they said they were paying.” One of those parties, Lopes said, is the landlord, who hasn’t been paid since February. “SBC employees were shut out too; the news people, the gospel network— and they employ them,” he said. “They are jeopardizing our future, because we aren’t delivering services to our affiliates, and they’ve impacted their own people—it’s mind boggling.” Lopes said this all stems from a protracted legal battle that, in May, cost Davenport Jr. and his father, Ron Davenport Sr., their 51 percent controlling interest in AURN. The untangling of assets accumulated since the Davenport Sr. founded Sheridan in 1971 is an ongoing, convoluted process. Of this latest impasse, Lopes said he expects a rapid solution, because as Davenport Jr. acknowledged, AURN is the only entity buying SBC services. “We’re in transition and there are bumps along the road,” said Lopes. “This is one of them It’s a significant one, but it’s nothing we won’t overcome. It’s just unfortunate because this move doesn’t resolve anything—they have no revenue stream. I’m it.” “This just seems like anger to me. It’s reckless,” he said. “It’s biting the hand that feeds you—how’s that working for you?” Davenport Jr. said his at-
Day Of Prayer Event AURN OFFICES (Photos by J.L. Martello) torneys were not even present for the injunction hearing, which is highly irregular—but they will be there for the hearing on making the injunction permanent. He also confirmed that he has instructed the news, sports and entertainment
staff to stay home until further notice. “We have to talk to AURN about about what we’re owed, and whether we will continue providing services going forward, and if so, how much we’ll be paid,” he said.
“It costs money to provide this stuff. Yes, AURN is the sole outlet for our service— but that’s because it’s the only one we’ve used for 20 years.” The injunction hearing is schedule for 2 p.m., Sept. 21, in Ward’s chambers.
WestinghouseHighSchoolbecomingcareerhub
“With something of this magnitude, we’re trying an approach that we believe is necessary to further that transparency.” About a dozen protesters gathered outside the Tulsa County courthouse on the morning of Sept. 19, waving signs that read, “This Stops Now” and “Not Going, Keep Protesting.” They also chanted, “Hands up, don’t shoot.” One protester, Tulsa resident Mark Whited, said more needed to be done to “bridge the mistrusts” between communities. Authorities said the shooting occurred after an officer
stopped to investigate a vehicle in the middle of a road. Police said Crutcher approached after officers arrived to assist. Police spokeswoman Jeanne MacKenzie has said Crutcher refused orders to put up his hands. Police say Tulsa officer Betty Shelby fired the fatal shot, while officer Tyler Turnbough used a stun gun on Crutcher. Both officers are White, MacKenzie said Sept. 19. Shelby, who was placed on paid leave, was hired in December 2011, while Turnbough was hired in January 2009, police said.
Police-Community Relations Forum OCT. 4—The Church of the Redeemer presents the first in a series of Great Issues Forums on Race in Pittsburgh, 7 p.m., in its sanctuary, 5700 Forbes Ave. in Oakland. The police-community relations forum will feature presentations and discussions among University of Pittsburgh Law Professor David Harris, Pittsburgh police Chief Cameron McLay, Adjunct Professor at the Pitt School of Public Health Richard Garland, and Alliance for Police Accountability President Brandi Fisher.
50th Anniversary Celebration
ENGINEERING THE FUTURE—Westinghouse Electric Senior Project Engineer Walter Winn and Westinghouse High School sophomore Quelyn Holt team up to build a better spaghetti tower than other teams. (Photo by J.L. Martello)
Man fatally shot in Tulsa had no gun CONTINUED FROM A1
SEPT. 24—The National Day of Prayer For Our Youth will be celebrated from 12:30-3:30 p.m. at Freedom Corner in Pittsburgh’s Hill District. The event will include singers, dancers, and ministers from many congregations, Mayor Bill Peduto, state Rep. Ed Gainey and Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald are among the invited speakers. The National Prayer will be given by Covenant Church of Pittsburgh Bishop Joseph Garlington. For more information, contact Shirley Jones Douglas at 412-969-7299.
OCT. 5—The Community College of Allegheny County will celebrate its 50th year, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. beginning with a ribbon cutting and rededication of West Hall, 808 Ridge Ave. On Pittsburgh’s North Side, which has been repurposed as the college’s new Cultural & Fine Arts Center and includes the Art, Music, Speech, Language and Criminal Justice departments, as well as an art gallery and choral performance area. Tours of West Hall will follow the ceremony, as will presentations and a reception at the Forester Student Center from alumni, staff and members of the class of 1966.
Lifesharing Fair OCT. 6—The Allegheny County Lifesharing Coalition will host its 5th annual Lifesharing Fair from 5-8 p.m. at Citizen Care, 250 Clever Rd., McKees Rocks, 15136 for people diagnosed with an intellectual disability, their families, and anyone interested in becoming a provider family to learn more about Lifesharing, a residential service designed to provide care and support in a family home setting for someone with an intellectual disability. To register or for additional information, contact the Office of Intellectual Disability at 412-253-1252.
FIRST RESPONDER—Westinghouse High School officially starts its Emergency Response Technology Program, complete with an ambulance and fire truck, seen here when donated by the city last year. (Photo by Deanna Garcia WESA 90.5) CONTINUED FROM A1
were definitely engaged in the activity and that’s the idea. It’s very important for young Black students to see other minorities—engineers—doing something. We have a couple of graduates from Westinghouse that are participating as well, and its’ giving back to the community, and that’s also a plus.” Denise Hughes, spokesperson for Westinghouse Electric, said coming to the high school to mentor and promote the skills students need to cultivate to work for firms like hers was a natural fit with their annual Day of Caring, which they do in conjunction with the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania. “We thought it was a great opportunity to come and share some of our engineering expertise careers mentoring,” she said. “We had a lively interaction during the presentations about types of engineering, what compensation they bring, and all different disciplines the¥ require and what they should be talking about
with to guidance counselors. The students were very engaged and asked a lot of questions.” Quelyn Holt, a 15-year-old sophomore, said having Westinghouse employees who look like him makes a difference, and he plans to remain engaged. “This is very important actually—especially if we all want to go into engineering,” he said. “I want to be either an electrical or mechanical engineer when I get older.” But even for those who do not plan to attend college and still need post-secondary technical training. The ‘House now has another unique opportunity with its Emergency Response Technology Program, which provides training to prepare students for careers as paramedics, firefighters and police officers. It officially began Sept. 14. In addition to providing skilled career training, the program also hopes to serve as a means to increase diversity among Pittsburgh’s public safety personnel within a few years.
Approved by the school board last year, it received an initial donation from the city of a fire truck. It now also boasts an ambulance. It also received $300,000 from the American Federation of Teachers and $25,000 worth of equipment, including firefighter uniforms and breathing masks from the city and several community groups. The program, which still has a few slots available, is open to 10th- through 12thgraders across the district and provides hands-on lessons and training in facilities used by officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians. Students also team up with mentors who are working in their areas of interest District Career and Technical Education Executive Director Angela Mike said the inaugural class is made up, of 15 students, three of them girls. “We want these kids to see people who look like them and are successful in the field,” she said. (J.L. Martello contributed to this story.)
Citywide Interfaith Service OCT. 6—Pentecostal Temple COGIC’s Bishop Loran Mann, the Black Political Empowerment Project and the Coalition Against Violence will host an citywide interfaith service on violence and civic engagement at 6 p.m. The service will feature the blessing of youth in attendance and of those who have lost loved ones to violence. The Pentecostal Ensemble, the Mon Valley Community Choir, and Pastor Deryk Tines and the Lemmington Gospel Choral will perform. For more information, call 412-758-7898.
Military Career Fair OCT. 20—RecruitMilitary will sponsor an All Veteran Career Fair, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Heinz Field, 100 Art Rooney Ave. The free hiring event is designed for veterans, transitioning military personnel, National Guard members, reservists and spouses. For more information, visit www.recruitmilitary.com.
Market Square Farmers Market THROUGH OCT. 27—From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., every Thursday. This season will see the addition of 10 new full and part-time vendors including Two Acres Farms, A519 Chocolate and Pittsburgh Fudge Co. Again this year, Just Harvest’s Fresh Access program will allow credit/debit and food stamp EBT cards to be used to purchase fresh produce, meat, dairy and baked goods.
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
METRO
SEPTEMBER 21-27, 2016
A5
Jean Bryant receives surprise Hamlet appoints Deputy Superintendent appreciation honor by friends, family
THE BIG SURPRISE—Jean Bryant being escorted into the Macedonia Baptist Church in Duquesne. (Photos by J.L. Martello)
JEAN BRYANT ALL SMILES
JOYCE MEGGERSON-MOORE was the mistress of ceremonies.
Jean Bryant, long time PostGazette writer and the creator and founder of a scholarship program that spand more than 36 years in the City of Pittsburgh, was giving a surprise appreciation day by family and friends. Her work in the formation of Miss African American Teen pageant afforded many teenage girls the opportunity to pursue careers in the field of law, education, entertainment just to name a few. As a retired Post Gazette Reporter she unselfishly funded past contestants to further their education through Grad School. In addition to her 36-year pageant program for girls she created a project known as Mr. African American, which targeted at risk males. The purpose of that was to build selfesteem and confidence as they reinvented themselves through positive reinforcements. Jean Bryant was honored at the Macedonia Baptist Church in Duquesne, Pa.
JEAN ANDERSON Opening statement.
BRITT-NEE C. WATKINS Singing the life every voice and sing.
BRITTNEY DAVIS Reading Bryant bio.
PASTOR ARCHIE PERRIN JR
PITTSBURGH—Pittsburgh Public Schools Superintendent Anthony Hamlet brought to the Board his appointment of Anthony Anderson to serve as the Deputy Superintendent of School Support and Accountability. The position will supervise the Chief of School Performance, the Chief Academic Officer, and the Executive Director of the Program for Students with Exceptionalities, whose reporting structure Hamlet elevated to ensure proper schoollevel support for the program. When Hamlet became superintendent, pre-planned retirements resulted in five vacant cabinet positions. Efforts to swiftly but effectively fill the positions began in June. “I charged the District’s human resources team with advertising the positions locally, regionally and nationally and we received more than 40 applications for Deputy Superintendent,” Hamlet said. “An internal committee vetted all candidates rigorously and Anderson rose to the top. I’m extremely pleased that he accepted the position. His proven leadership in working with teachers and principals to drive change that improves student outcomes, school culture, and ultimately increases focus on the whole child, is exactly what our students need.” Since 2014, Anderson served as the region superintendent for 16 middle schools in Duval County, based in Jacksonville, one of the largest urban school districts in Florida. In this position, he led principals in the implementation of district-wide student achievement and development goals for the schools with varying demographics and populations from 300 to 1,450 students. Among other academic, operational and cultural measures, Anderson created professional growth opportunities for schoolbased leaders and evaluated administrative personnel. In just two years’ time, he worked with school leaders to improve student algebraic achievement, reading proficiency and overall school letter ratings, according to the state’s grading system. Un-
derstanding the importance of accountability and collaborative progress monitoring, Anderson led quarterly data analysis sessions with each school-based leadership team to identify areas of need and implement effective support structures. Prior to Anderson’s educational leadership in Duval County, he was principal of Glades Central High School Belle Glade for five years, one of the state’s most at-risk schools. Under his leadership, the school increased its letter grade to its highest in recent academic history. In addition, the school was chosen as a “model school” for the implementation of Lee County’s 2012 reading program. Anderson also served as principal at two other Palm Beach county elementary and middle schools, spanning nearly 11 years in educational leadership positions. In addition to widely advertising the five vacant positions, the District was able to reach 10,000 administrators in the Northeast and South through an Education Week e-blast. Of the more than 40 applicants for Deputy Superintendent, 19 candidates were invited to conduct a pre-interview analysis of the District. A panel of six administrators including Hamlet then interviewed eight of those candidates. The robust interview process consisted of a presentation highlighting their work accomplishments, a writing exercise, and an oral interview. The District is currently interviewing candidates for Chief Human Resources Officer. It has begun pre-interview activity for the positions of Chief of School Performance and Chief Academic Officer, and is reviewing resumes for Executive Director of the Office of Equity. Candidates for these positions will undergo the same thorough vetting process. “We’re very lucky to be welcoming Anderson to the Pittsburgh Public Schools,” said School Board President Regina Holley PhD. “We look forward to his collaborative work with principals and educational leaders to improve student outcomes.
Bond revoked in T-station shooting CONTINUED FROM A1
Street with a loaded .22 caliber revolver and other evidence linking it to Glover inside. They said video cameras also showed Glover carrying backpack. Percy Brown, a retired steelworker from McKees Rocks but comes to McDonalds for coffee almost every day, said he was standing by Sally’s Hair Salon, when he heard a gun shot. “I heard the shot and saw the officer come around the corner with his gun out, then I looked and saw the guy fall, but didn’t see the other guy,” he said. “Then the officers and the guy’s friend were keeping pressure on his chest until the paramedics came. I don’t know what these kids are all hanging out down here bring their babies down here and everything. They need more police, more security down here, these kids are down here every day they sell dope around here and everything.”
That area of Downtown has seen a number of violent incidents in recent years, including the beating of a Black man by a group of five Whites after a concert in 2015, and more recently the July 4 shooting of four people and the 500 or so kids who raged through the area in a series of rolling fistfights during the regatta. In a press statement, Mayor Bill Peduto commended paramedics, and city and Port Authority police on their response and for the quick arrest, adding he is asking for a greater police presence downtown. “We will be increasing both uniformed and plain clothes officer patrols in critical areas downtown during after school hours,” he said. “In addition, we are working with Port Authority and Pittsburgh Public Schools police to assist us in protecting everyone downtown and lessen the chance of retaliatory action. “
Women celebrate 19th Amendment CONTINUED FROM A1
provided additional excitement to this year’s event and underscored the continuing disparity in light of the progress made in the 96 years since women were recognized as voters. While there is equity at the ballot box, the earnings gap highlights the need for equal rights for women. The event, presented by Celebrate and Share (which highlights the achievement of women while raising funds for organizations that support the needs of women and children), also honored area women who have championed the fight for women’s equal rights. Keynote speaker Allegheny County Controller Chelsea Wagner provided the background that led to the passage of the 19th Amendment granting to women of the Constitutional right to vote occurred 144 years after the Declaration of Independence. Women got the right to vote was granted 50 years after the Constitution was amended to grant all male citizens of any race the right to vote. Since then, said Wagner, 46 women have served in the United States Senate and 37 have served as governors. This year’s honorees were Lynette Lederman, active in politics and government for
36 years (she is currently an executive assistant to Pittsburgh City Councilman Corey O’Connor), who received the Spirit of the 19 Amendment Award along with lifelong champion of civil and women’s rights Alma Speed Fox. In the 1960’s, Fox attempted to bring a conscience to Sears Roebuck, demanding jobs for Blacks as well as access to credit cards for their Black customers, and organized demonstrations against Duquesne Light’s all-White workforce. She often took her children with her, and has noted that the youngest of her five children participated in demonstrations before she was born. The other honorees were Jean A. Milko and Maranie Rae Staab. Two high school students Ria Bazaz of Winchester Thurston Academy and Emma Camps of Linsley High School, were recognized for their early recognition and work for equality for their school activities. There were plenty of familiar faces in attendance supporting Fox, including Ruth Byrd-Smith, Judge Kim Berkley Clark, Maurita Bryant, LaTasha Mayes, Toni McClendon, Tim Stevens, Congressman Mike Doyle, Joy Pekar-Miller, Diane Richards, Ola Jackson, Celeste Taylor, Diane Daniels and Allegra Battle Johnson.
A6
OPINION
SEPTEMBER 21-27, 2016
Guest Editorial
Putting birther controversy to rest Breaking News: Donald Trump admits President Barack Obama was born in the United States. Of course most Americans should already know this already since it’s actually required for Obama to be president. But after five years as the chief promoter of the false claim Obama wasn’t born in the United States, Trump admitted on Friday that the president was born in the United States as required by the U.S. Constitution. “President Barack Obama was born in the United States, period,” Trump said in a brief statement read at the end of a campaign appearance. “Now we all want to get back to making America strong and great again.” Trump sought to blame rival Hillary Clinton for initially starting the controversy. “Hillary Clinton and her campaign of 2008 started the birther controversy,” Trump said. “I finished it.” The New York Times reported during the 2008 Democratic presidential contest, “a senior strategist for Mrs. Clinton at one point pondered in an internal memo that was later leaked, the ways in which Mr. Obama’s personal background differed from many Americans. But contrary to Mr. Trump’s assertion, neither Mrs. Clinton nor her campaign ever publicly questioned Mr. Obama’s citizenship or birthplace in Hawaii.” If Trump thought he was finally putting the issue to rest he was badly mistaken. On Friday, the Congressional Black Caucus called a press conference and members expressed their outrage over the issue, one by one. The CBC called Trump a “disgusting fraud” and demanded he apologize to the president for repeatedly challenging the first African-American president’s U.S. citizenship before retreating from the claim on Friday. Obama has responded to the controversy mostly with dismissive humor or by simply stating the facts of his birth. Trump stoked the controversy to appeal to those with a deep irrational hatred or distrust of the president. Trump made no apology Friday and took no questions on the five-year long smear of the nation’s first African American president. To believe he was going to put the controversy to rest with a brief statement during an increasing close presidential election reflects Trump’s inflated view of himself. Trump believes he is in charge. The controversy won’t end simply because he wants it to now go away. As the Associated Press reported: “The African-American members of Congress sought to use the turn of events to energize not only minority voters but moderates and independents who might be offended by Trump’s repeated questioning of Obama’s citizenship.” U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee, D-Texas, said their Washington news conference was a calling to African-Americans—“this man cannot be elected.” We agree.
Clinton, Trump lack transparency
Why didn’t the Clinton campaign just say she had pneumonia? Why don’t Donald Trump release his tax returns? Americans are being asked to choose between two candidates for president who are lacking in transparency about their health and finances. Clinton’s campaign is rightly coming under fire by many in the media for failing to disclose that she was diagnosed with pneumonia on Sept. 9, and for saying she simply got “overheated” at the 9/11 memorial service in New York, when video showed her knees buckling as aides helped her into a waiting van. When her campaign put out a statement saying that Clinton had “departed to go to her daughter’s apartment, and is feeling much better,” there was no clear acknowledgment that Clinton left the ceremony earlier than planned, nor any mention of what looked to be a fainting spell. The Clinton campaign should have handled news of Clinton’s dizzy spell and pneumonia diagnosis differently. The illness is not the real issue here; it is the lack of transparency. The Clinton campaign’s poor handling of the situation fuels rumors about Clinton’s health and the perception that she is unnecessarily secretive whether it’s her health or her emails. While Clinton has been secretive about her health, Trump’s own letter about his health from his doctor was more than lacking. If he wins, Trump would be the oldest first-term president in U.S. history. Clinton would be second oldest, after Reagan. Trump has also been secretive about his finances and has refused to disclose his tax returns, citing an ongoing IRS audit as the reason why he will not release them. The secrecy from Clinton and Trump is unacceptable. The health and financial records of presidential candidates are important. Voters need to know if presidential candidates are physically fit for office. Voters also need to know if the candidate is in financial debt or financially obligated to foreign powers. Many Americans highly value their privacy and are secretive about their health and finances. But Clinton and Trump are seeking to lead the most powerful country in the world. Clinton and Trump also have an additional responsibility to be transparent because polls consistently show that many Americans don’t trust them. Presidential candidates are asking voters to trust them with the nation’s highest office. They should remember there is no trust without transparency. (Reprinted from the Philadelphia Tribune)
Founded 1910
Rod Doss Editor & Publisher Stephan A. Broadus Assistant to the Publisher Allison Palm
Ulish Carter
Jeff Marion
Office Manager
Managing Editor
Circulation Consultant
John. H. Sengstacke
Editor & Publisher Emeritus (1912-1997)
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Making toy guns that look too real Why are manufactures making toy guns that look like real guns? With all the killings on the streets, why are parents buying children toy guns that look like real guns? Why are they buying them guns period? Why are kids that are old enough to know better pointing these toy guns at law enforcement officers? Are they stupid? Why would you point a gun at anyone for that matter? For those of you who didn’t know, another youth was killed by a police officer when he allegedly pointed his toy gun at the officer. How many times has this happened? Who among us would not have shot first and asked questions later if we had a gun and someone pointed a gun at us? Speaking of violence, the Chicago Tribune has reported that gun violence in August reached its highest in 20 years in Chicago which has become the murder capital in the United States. There were 761 shootings with 78 being homicides. Year to date, there have been 3,083 shootings with 531 fatal. According to a Tribune story, there were only, if I can say only, 2,988 shootings with 491 being homicides all of last year. Last year, Chicago had more homicides than Los Angeles and New York City combined. New York City, with a population of approximately 8 million, had 760 shootings with 222 being homicides. Los Angeles, with a population of 4 million, had 729 shootings with 176 homicides. Most people think of homicides as being worse than shootings, but the Tribune’s lead story last week was about a 10-year-old twin shot in the back by what most feel was a stray bullet shows the hardship and pain that the child and his family have endured. He has had to suffer through several operations, with the first lasting around six hours, and pain. At the time of the story, they didn’t
Ulish Carter
Just Sayin’ know if he was going to make it or not; or if they or he wants to make it depending on the damage done by the bullet in him, which was a lot. The Chicago police superintendent is pleading with the politicians of Springfield and the capital of Illinois to pass more gun control laws, keeping assault weapons off the streets, and stricter laws against repeat offenders who are arrested with illegal guns. But like Harrisburg, in Pennsylvania, most of Illinois is made up of farmers and rural people who worship the gun and the Second Amendment. They are still worshipping the Second Amendment while listening to the National Rifle Association preach about how hallow it is to have a gun. The Second Amendment simply says Americans have the right to bare arms, but not purchase Assault Weapons, and not people with mental or criminal records. Come on people, show some common sense. I agree that people should be able to own guns, but not everybody and not all weapons. Some weapons should be only for the military. Just like children, toys should not look like real guns. Why do children need toy guns anyway? *** Fans were barred from the stadium at the Perry vs. Westinghouse game. It was odd seeing empty bleachers at the Perry Westinghouse game, but it will not be an ongoing thing; it only happened because of the shooting at Perry. But I would like to see City League games go back to Thursday
and Friday nights so more of the parents and fans can attend the games. Because of violence in the past, all games are played in Cupples Field on Thursday and Friday starting at 2 and 5 p.m. Most parents are at work. *** B-PEP and PAT join forces in spreading the message about people getting out to vote. A great move on the part of both parties. Even though it is getting to be more and more expensive to run for office, with big, big money beginning to gain even more control over elections by determining who can afford to run, it’s still vital to our freedom. Even though President Barack Obama wasn’t able to get most of the things he wanted passed, imagine what would have happened under a Republican president, senate, and house. We would have gone from the great recession to the great depression. *** Money, money, money. Emmitt Miles was forced to sell Larimer School because of the lack of money. It’s a shame, we Blacks have some great visions and great ideals, but just not the money or connections with money to pull them off. This was the case of Miles who had a great idea of turning an old eye sore school into a beautiful apartment building that would have been a thing of beauty for the community. But he had to sell it back to the Urban Redevelopment Authority, who will most likely find someone with deep pockets and get the job done. This has been done over and over again. Just look at the old Fifth Avenue High School today. Maybe one of these days, the rich Blacks and other Blacks will work together for the betterment of all. Maybe one of these days we will have richer Blacks period? (Ulish Carter is the managing editor of the New Pittsburgh Courier.)
Moral origins of Donald Trump’s improbable rise to power (NNPA)—As if to compound the insult to American power represented by the world’s vociferous rejection of the Bush doctrine, the U.S. found itself in 2008 facing the biggest economic disaster since the great recession. The collapse was so stark, so sudden, and so unavoidable that several of America’s largest and most venerable financial institutions collapsed overnight. The recession in America led to a global recession, as liquidity dried up, debts got called in, and entire nations went bankrupt. This blow to Americans’ confidence would provide fertile ground for doubt, resentment and rebellion. It quickly became apparent that the economic status quo that existed before the Iraq War and the Great Recession was giving way to a “new normal.” The country limped along in this new normal; American businesses experienced very slow economic growth amidst massive economic dislocation. The Federal Reserve used every trick at its disposal to ward off total catastrophe. It was successful in its aim, although the resulting ‘Franken-economy’ it created began to resemble a monster that moved and walked, but was somehow strangely also dead. To wit: even though employment “recovered,” labor force participation dropped to a thirty year low. People came back to jobs that paid less, offered fewer benefits and demanded more of their labor. American workers were hailed by economists for their increasing productivity, although, to most workers, it just seemed like a pay cut. Never had industrial performance and the state of the labor market seemed less congruent; and this strained an unspoken assumption about the trickle-down benefits of capitalism. The twin monsters of insulted national pride and injured economic prospects began to foment a visceral, growing resentment to the economic
Armstrong Williams
Commentary and political establishment that first found expression in the Tea Party (on the political right) and the Occupy Wall Street movement (on the political left). Both movements were essentially defeated—the former was co-opted by the Republican Party, and the latter was crushed by the police (at the bidding of ‘liberal’ elected officials). The pressing unanswered question of why Wall Street got bailed out while Main Street floundered was never successfully answered either by a Republican Congress or a Democratic White House. The midterm elections of 2010 promised to bring about major changes as a Tea Party insurgency came to power in Congress. However, the insurgency did not prove strong enough to enact its agenda—slashing government debt and spending on entitlements, and reducing regulatory burdens on small businesses. Not able to advance its’ own agenda, The Republican Congress settled for a role as a spoiler caucus, mainly concerned with preventing the Obama Administration from putting its’ own proposals forward. Over the past six years, the Congress has done practically nothing in the way of helping the American people out of the mess they are in. The lack of commitment to a national project for reconstruction seemed strange in a country that had just demanded such brave sacrifice from its warriors. The political impasse stymied American progress, and extended the economic recession beyond its reason-
able shelf life. Amidst the doldrums of economic and political stagnation, Donald Trump’s bold rhetoric, a stark departure from the normal fare, seemed to be a strong wind. It didn’t really matter whether that wind was blowing America forwards or backwards—towards a safe harbor or further out to sea. At least, for the first time in six years, there seemed to be some movement. When one is stuck in the same place for what seems like an eternity, even going backwards can seem like making progress. Along came Trump, testing the political frontiers, boldly going where no politician of either party dared go before. Donald Trump was not a polished politician, and proved not to be afraid to voice what many people were thinking, even if the rhetoric was somewhat impolitic at times. He railed against illegal immigration, because of its’ dilutive effects on American labor, but couched the debate in ethnic terms that the man on the street could easily digest. Trump complained about a lopsided trade arrangement with China that over the past 30 years has seen American manufacturing all but vanish, but couched it in ‘Us vs. Them’ terms that were easily made into media sound bytes. It is clear that Donald Trump is a masterful salesman, especially when he is selling himself. He tells the buyer what he or she wants to hear, and promises he’s the only one who can deliver. He engages in what some might call tawdry rhetorical wars with his critics and political adversaries. It has all made for great theater. Trump might not be right on all the issues, but he sure is entertaining. But perhaps Trump’s greatest asset—and the factor that has accounted most for his rise in the polls—is Trump’s ability to externalize America’s faults. It is not so much that he is attempting to restore the idea of American exceptionalism to prominence. No, his mission is much simpler. He merely seeks to place the blame on someone else. The reason why we’re not doing well folks, is because the Chinese are beating us; or it’s the Mexicans; or it’s the Muslims. Get rid of all those people, and we’ll be back in the saddle. This is a message that holds deep appeal for many people who are faced with personal challenges they have not yet figured out how to overcome. In Trump’s moral philosophy—if that is what it can be called—it is in our stars and not ourselves that we are knaves. (Read Armstrong Williams, author of the brand new book Reawakening Virtues, content on RightSideWire.com and Come join the discussion live at 6-8 p.m. and 4-6 a.m. est. on Sirius/XM UrbanView 126.)
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
What you need to know about voting Tuesday, Nov. 8 (NNPA)--Are you ready to vote? Are you registered? These may seem like simplistic questions, especially for those who are aware, but every year some folks are denied access to the polls, because they didn’t register on time, or they moved and their address does not match the address the registrar of voters has, or SOMETHING. The Presidential election is likely to be a nail-biter, and there are local races that are also close. Your best bet is to make sure you know what the requirements for voting are in your state. Check out www.vote.com; the site lists the requirements for all 50 states. A few states allow voter registration on the day of an election, but most states require you to register between 11 and 30 days before the vote. Some states allow online registration, most allow registration by mail (with requirements about the date a registration is postmarked), and almost all allow in-person registration. The terms and conditions of voting are still being negotiated in some states so it makes sense to stay on top of voting rules. A federal appeals court recently kicked discriminatory North Carolina voting terms to the curb, saying that that state discriminated against African Americans with “surgical precision.” Efforts to reduce the number of days available for early voting, or to eliminate Sunday voting, disproportionately affect African American voters. North Carolina Republicans are deliberate and mindful in their attempt to sideline African American voters, since most African Americans are Democrats.
Julianne Malveaux
Commentary They want to deliver their state to Donald Trump and they want to ensure that Senator Richard Burr and Governor Pat McCrory, both Republicans, are also re-elected. North Carolina isn’t the only state with electoral shenanigans. Texas, Kansas, Georgia and Alabama have also implemented restrictive measures that are being appealed by civil rights groups, the League of Women Voters, the NAACP and others. Disputes revolve around things like absentee ballots, purges of inactive voters, and issues of whether ballots will count if they are cast in the wrong precincts. In our “Democracy,” it seems that we do more to discourage voters than encourage them, and while the voting process could be seamless, plans to prevent as many as 50,000 Kansas voters from going to the polls, for example, make no sense in a “participatory democracy.” Some folks don’t want it to be participatory, though. Republicans now control most state legislatures, and have been passing voter suppression laws since 2010, when they began to take control of state houses. Civic participation organizations, like the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, the National Coalition for Black Civic Participation, and others, are fighting back, preparing to have people available to help voters, especially in battleground states, and with hot lines (1-866-OUR-VOTE) and other forms of voter assistance. In an election that is likely to be close, it is important that every voice be heard. I’m still not clear why polling suggests that this vote is so close. Secretary Hillary Clinton, for all her imperfections, is a stunningly superior candidate to the bumbling Donald Trump who just recently praised Russia’s Vladimir Putin as a “better leader” than President Obama. Now, that’s just downright unpatriotic, not to mention short-sided, and tone-deaf. While folks are running Colin Kaepernick down for being unpatriotic, Trump gets away with comments that border on the treasonous, and is still considered a “credible” candidate for President. Really? Donald Trump goes to one Black church and gets all kind of mainstream media coverage. Hillary Clinton visits numerous Black churches, and the mainstream media is absent. Donald Trump blusters his way through an interview with Matt Lauer on national security, and is hardly challenged and, certainly, never interrupted. Hillary Clinton offers substance to an extremely biased Lauer who was, at best, unprepared for the interview. Instead of getting kudos on her performance, too many have noticed that Hillary didn’t smile. National security is no laughing matter, folks. We have stark choices in this election, but some of us won’t be making choices because we won’t be prepared to vote on Nov. 8. Now is the time to make sure you are prepared. Are you registered? Where will you vote? Will you be out of town or unable to get to the polls on Nov. 8? Can you do early voting or vote via an absentee ballot? These aren’t questions to ask on Nov. 5, they are questions to ask now. Don’t shake your head on Nov. 9 and say you didn’t like the outcome if you didn’t bother to vote on Nov. 8. The stakes are high! (Julianne Malveaux is an author and economist.)
FORUM
Infusion of self-pride definitely needed I had no idea what definitely forgot the I would write this Louis ‘Hop’ Kendrick passage “You can’t week, but the daily serve two masters.” news once again porDoes positive Black trayed our sons and political leadership daughters in a series really exist? I heard of hostile acts, drugs, a Black elected offishootings and killcial on Chris Moore’s ings. After these negprogram last Sunday ative stories went off I state that “Mayor asked myself what is Peduto called him or happening to us, what has happened to us, them in and suggested to him or them that have we lost our minds? After sitting at the they should become more concerned about computer for an hour and I asked myself the multitude of problems in the Black where did we lose our sense of direction, communities. can we refocus and turn this terrible situaAsk yourself when did you or have you tion around or have we lost this war? ever truly believed you were somebody? It was reflection time and I was compelled If you answer never, ask why? Ask yourto reflect on yesteryear when our neigh- self if you have ever been poor? Have you borhoods were so different. There were ever been rich? It is my absolute belief that no Black neighborhoods; every neighbor- only we can truly turn our deplorable situhood had a substantial number of White ations around. We must become concerned citizens. I was born on the edge of Polish enough to become active participants in town, and the street was 50 percent Polish the changes. and about 50 percent colored. In the early There are those who are convinced that 1940s we moved to the 3rd ward lower Hill those in power will never create the kind of District and the ward was overwhelming- change that we ask for, then we must stop ly Jewish. Prior to moving to the Hill Dis- asking and demand change. We did it betrict very few of our neighbors had indoor fore, some of you may not recall. There was plumbing, gas, telephones, electricity and a period of time when we were caught up no house had locks on their doors. Howev- in “I am Black and I am proud, not going er everybody knew everybody, we were not to take it any more.” We wore African garb, just friendly we were friends; we were not spoke phrases of Swahili and sang praises just neighborly we were neighbors. Daddy about Africa the Mother Land. The overand momma were our loving strong reli- whelming majority of us would not smoke gious parents, exceptional role models, and in the lobby of a show, but there were those molders of character. They instilled in their who set fires and had machine guns in the family a sense of pride and the belief that streets of Watts, Detroit, Cleveland, and we were somebody and the understanding other cities. Those that controlled the nathat we were rich not necessarily in mon- tion ordered the president to put the fires ey, but in family, friends, health and hap- out, because they were destroying Ameripiness. ca’s image around the world. The president However many of us began to change signed the legislation to create The Great and in most situations we thought it for Society. The fires went out and the machine the better but we began to lose focus. We guns went silent. Yes that time those who now have jobs and positions that we nev- lived out “Not going to take it anymore” er dreamed we would have. We became were successful. copies of TV’s George Jefferson moving on One of our greatest weapons currently up. Yes our children now attend college is not just voting but sophisticated voting. in record numbers, we moved to the sub- Smart voting, selective voting. At the next urbs and too many forgot where they came election when those persons, who every from. A large number left the churches election gives you a sample ballot telling of their parents, because they convinced you who to vote for, ask them why, who are themselves that Black churches were not they, what have they ever done that warsophisticated enough. Too many of our rants your vote? (Louis “Hop” Kendrick is a contributor to the New preachers became business oriented and focused more on 501c3 than the bible, and Pittsburgh Courier.)
To Tell The Truth
The missing gang photo matters In May 2011 Rahm riots. Emanuel became J. Pharoah Doss But the difference mayor of Chicago. between the riot phoThat November Mayto and the photo I or Emanuel attended describe as “missing” a memorial honoring is the picture would 260 Chicago public capture gang memschool students killed bers not in a tempoby violence during the rary truce, but terprevious three years. minating their gang Immediately after memberships because Mayor Emanuel took office, he became the child assassination began an era of deknown for personally calling the family of generacy Chicago gangs can never recover each young gun violence victim. from. In 2012 the Chicago Tribune reported Five months ago I wrote another article 24 students were fatally shot during the called The Gang Photo is Still Missing. school year, four fewer than in the 2010-11 The assassins were caught, but it was reyear. But the overall shooting toll—319— vealed that they were going to torture the was the highest in four years, a 22 percent boy by cutting off his ears and fingers, and increase from the previous school year. after hearing this news, the father retaliatThis data was under a headline that said: ed by shooting the girlfriend of one of the Number of CPS students shot rises, as does men charged with the murder. (He didn’t fear of more to come. retaliate because of the murder. It was beAnd more shootings came for the rest of cause they were going to disrespect him by Emanuel’s first term. Their frequency may torturing the boy.) The police said the boy have turned the mayor’s personal calls into “was captured and killed by a monster.” I a monthly ritual. stated as long as the gang photo is missing Emanuel was reelected in 2015. the police label of “monster” echoes across That October The Daily Beast declared the country about gang members in ChiChicago America’s mass-shooting capital. cago. This makes the phrase “suspected The next month, another child was killed, gang member” synonymous with “alleged but the motive behind it turned the may- monster” to a jury in a police shooting trial or’s personal contact with the family into with an unarmed victim suspected of gang the 9/11 of phone calls. ties. The child was targeted because of a feud Now in September 2016 Chicago’s gun the killers had with the boy’s father, who deaths have surpassed the 425 total of was a member of a rival gang. 2015. Ninety people were killed in August After the incident I wrote an article called making it the deadliest month since OctoThe Missing Gang Photo and said: Chica- ber 1997 when 79 people were murdered. go’s police superintendent said the murder During Mayor Emanuel’s first term powas “probably the most abhorrent, coward- lice said as more gang leaders are sent to ly, unfathomable crime” that he has wit- prison the gangs they leave behind become splintered, and the fracturing of larger nessed in 35 years of policing. A 9-year-old boy was lured into an alley gangs into smaller ones has doubled the and shot several times in the head and number of factions and conflicts. One gang back. A local priest described the murder member said, “There is no one to control as a “new low”. He also said, “This wasn’t a this. So it has become haywire.” This gang fracturing has obviously condrive-by. This wasn’t a spray of bullets. A tinued into the mayor’s second term bebaby was assassinated.” And what made the situation more frus- cause each killing has the possibility of trating for law enforcement was the father creating new factions with new rivals. Somewhere online there are group photos of the victim refused to cooperate with the police, but the father said he wanted to see of newly formed gang factions in Chicago, but the only gang photo that matters is justice. I stated that the community wanted to still missing. (J. Pharoah Doss is a contributor to the New Pittsburgh see a gang photo similar to the gang unity photo that circulated during the Baltimore Courier. He blogs at jpharoahdoss@blogspot.com)
Commentary
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.
SEPTEMBER 21-27, 2016
A7
Shannon Williams
Commentary
Driving while Black “Go vote!” Those were the words a friend of mine shared as she shared a live video on Facebook. Those two words, “go vote,” are not words any of us are unfamiliar with; however, the reason behind stating those words can vary from person to person. My friend’s reasoning was heartfelt and deep—in large part because of an experience that occurred which led her, an otherwise very quiet and private person, to post the video live on Facebook. My friend is an African-American woman who was driving through Fortville, Indiana, as she made her way to work. It was a sunny Tuesday, and all was well with her until she was unexpectedly pulled over by police. The officer’s reasoning? She “fit a description.” What description? It was never stated, but my friend knew why she was being pulled over. She was a Black woman, driving a nice Mercedes Benz through a small Indiana town that is predominately occupied by Caucasians. In other words, she was pulled over for DWB: Driving While Black. As the police officer ran her license, my friend began the live video stream. As I watched her video, I could see the anger, the sadness and the stress in her face. I also saw strength and determination. As she explained what was happening, she calmly, but very strongly, said, “go vote.” Her call to action was so important because she understands that the only way we will truly see a decrease in such profiling is by voting and electing responsible people into office who will affect positive change by instituting systems that will safeguard any person from being profiled or unfairly treated. My friend understands that it truly doesn’t matter how much we complain, or even how often we post videos or pictures that illustrate the injustices of minorities—the one thing that will make a difference is putting policies in place to eliminate discrimination. Such policies include holding law enforcement—from the officers on the streets, to chiefs in the offices and mayors overseeing it all—accountable for their actions. The issue with discrimination against all people—minorities, the poor, women, homosexuals, etc.—will not end until we address every inch of the problem from every level, top to bottom. Again, the only way to do that is to exercise our right to vote by actually going to the polling sites and casting our vote. As my friend was posting, she said she has a husband and daughter she wants to live for. In other words, she had to be especially careful of everything she said and did in regards to being pulled over, because she didn’t want to agitate the officer or give him any reason to execute force upon her. My friend had read and seen media reports time after time of innocent people—who seemingly did no wrong—being shot with a stun gun, assaulted or even murdered by police. She didn’t want to be a casualty. I find it especially sad and troubling that such thoughts have to run through someone’s mind during interactions with law enforcement—the very people who vow to protect and serve us. My friend ended her recording by again stressing the importance of voting. Eager to find out the outcome, I reached out to her. She informed me that upon asking the officer why she was being pulled over, he told her that it was a privilege, not a right, to drive in Indiana, and the law allows him to pull over and run anyone’s license without cause. He then told her that because of recent car thefts, he checked her license and saw that the car was registered to a man and woman. The car is registered to my friend and her husband, which is not unusual, yet the officer used that as a failed attempt at offering an excuse. When my friend continued to ask questions, the officer became frustrated and told her he was done asking questions and she was free to go. The reality is, she was physically free, but emotionally and even psychologically, she and millions of Black men and women throughout the United States are not free. Not even while driving. I failed to mention that my friend is a college-educated, highly intelligent physician. For people who believe only thugs, gang members or ghetto people get pulled over without cause, my friend’s experience proves otherwise. It is time for Americans in general to pull together to fight discrimination of any kind. It will take Whites, Blacks, Hispanics, women, heterosexuals and homosexuals to join forces and call for equality. Only then can we begin to right this wrong!
A8
SEPTEMBER 21-27, 2016
NATIONAL
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Michelle Obama warns young voters against being ‘turned off’ by Julie Pace
the only event she’s publicly committed to, though the Associated Press Writer Clinton campaign expects her to make additional FAIRFAX, Va. (AP)— appearances. Stepping deeper into the Jennifer Palmieri, Clinpolitical fray, Michelle ton’s communications diObama warned young rector and a former Obama voters against being “tired adviser, called the first lady or turned off” in the 2016 “an advocate without peer.” election. She urged them to “There is no other surrally behind Hillary Clinrogate with the reach, ton, “particularly given the credibility and respect she alternative.” has,” Palmieri said. Michelle Obama is emergClinton herself has starting as one of Clinton’s ed referencing Michelle most effective advocates, Obama in her campaign especially with voters who remarks, using her convenbacked President Barack tion address as a guidepost Obama but are less enthufor what she promises will siastic about his potential be a more aspirational Democratic successor. The finish to her campaign. Clinton team’s biggest “As Michelle Obama said challenge regarding Mrs. in her fabulous speech at Obama is getting the relucthe Democratic Convention, tant campaigner to commit when we go to the polls this to more events. November, the real choice The rally, Sept. 16, in Virisn’t between Democrat ginia was Michelle Obama’s or Republican. It’s about first solo campaign event for Clinton and comes near- POPULAR CAMPAIGNER—First lady Michelle Obama waves during a campaign rally in support of who will have the power ly two months after her Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and vice presidential candidate, Sen. Tim Kaine, to shape our children for the next four years of their star turn at the Democratic D-Va., Friday, Sept. 16, at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) lives,” Clinton said Thursconvention. Speaking to day during a campaign stop mostly students at George “When I hear folks Michelle Obama’s real husband had responded to in Greensboro, N.C. Mason University, she value to Clinton is her wild saying that they don’t feel those questions by “going That convention address repeatedly jabbed Trump inspired in this election, popularity with Demoran just about 10 minutes, without mentioning him by high when they go low.” well let me tell you, I cratic voters, particularly Hours earlier, Trump yet it was perhaps the most name, declaring that being disagree—I am inspired,” young people and Blacks. stated for the first time powerful of the four-day president “isn’t anything Michelle Obama said. She vouched repeatedly that the president was gathering. In the midst of like reality TV.” Clinton aides want for Clinton’s resume and born in the United States, a heated campaign, with The first lady pointedMichelle Obama in battlecharacter, urging voters though he did not apolotwo candidates who are ly called out those who motivated by her husband’s ground states as much as gize for devoting years to viewed negatively by so continue to question the promoting false allegations history-making campaigns possible between now and many Americans, the first president’s citizenship “up that President Obama was to feel the same way about Election Day. The Sept. 16 lady provided a striking to this very day.” Drawing the first woman nominated rally in northern Virginia, contrast by speaking as a on a frequently quoted line not an American citizen. less than an hour drive Beyond her ability to take for president by a major mother hopeful about her from her convention speech, from the White House, is U.S. party. on Trump with a smile, daughters’ future. Michelle Obama said her
“Part of what makes her so appealing and effective as a surrogate is that she’s relentlessly positive, even when things on the campaign trail get negative,” said Olivia Alair Dalton, Michelle Obama’s former spokeswoman. Michelle Obama has carefully cultivated her image as a devoted mother who prefers to stay out of the political fray. She sets limits on how often she’s willing to campaign, even for her husband’s White House races, and largely steers clear of controversial topics. And she’s embraced her role as a pop culture fixture far more willingly than her role as one of the most popular figures in Democratic politics. Unlike her husband, who forged a strong bond with Clinton during her four years as his secretary of state, Michelle Obama does not have a particularly close relationship with the Democratic nominee, though the two are said to be friendly. Yet the first lady is fiercely protective of her husband’s legacy and has been a major player in discussions about his presidential library and other postWhite House projects. And there’s perhaps nothing more crucial to preserving President Obama’s legacy than a Clinton victory.
(Follow Julie Pace at http:// twitter.com/jpaceDC)
Trump glosses over past actions, hopes voters do the same by Julie Pace Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON (AP)— With each scripted speech, shift in policy and attempt to whitewash his past behavior, Donald Trump is brazenly betting that voters now settling on their choice for president are willing to shove aside all that came before his late-in-the-campaign recalibration. It’s a deeply uncertain proposition given Trump’s staggeringly negative standing with most Americans. Polls show more than half believe the Republican nominee is unqualified to be president, and is biased against women and minorities. But his strategy doesn’t require moving huge segments of the electorate. Seven weeks from the Nov. 8 election and with absentee ballots already available in a few states, Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton are fighting for a small sliver of undecided voters who, in many cases, simply can’t stomach either. “What these candidates are trying to convince the voters of is, ‘I’m not as bad as the other one,”’ said Neil Newhouse, a Republican pollster. In recent weeks, Trump’s attempts to make that case have sometimes left him looking like a candidate with little resemblance to the one who stunned the Republican Party during the primaries. He now largely reads speeches off teleprompters despite casting aspersions on other politicians for relying on the devices. He’s rolled out proposals on policies in which he’s shown no previous interest, including child care and paid family leave. And he’s made overtures to minorities, including Blacks and Hispanics, groups with whom he has minimal support. Trump’s latest attempt to persuade voters that he’s the lesser of two evils came Sept. 16, when he abruptly reversed course on his lie that President Barack Obama was not born in the United States. Trump’s role as chief promoter of the conspiracy theory about the nation’s
first Black president has left him with almost no support among African Americans and has turned off moderates who bristle at its racist undertones. Trump’s newfound acceptance of Obama’s birthplace seems unlikely to sway many of those voters. He offered no apology for pushing the falsehood for years and instead said the rumors originated with Clinton, another inaccurate claim. “Despite what his campaign strategists told him to say today, I think he still believes that the president wasn’t born in America,” said Dan Pfeiffer, a former Obama adviser who was tasked with releasing the president’s long-form birth certificate to reporters in 2011. Clinton advisers say their data show no fundamental shift in the public’s perception of Trump, despite preference polls that are tightening nationally and in some battleground states. They believe a summer spent blasting the airwaves with television ads highlighting Trump’s bellicose behavior and questionable business practices, as well as a series of sharply critical speeches from Clinton, have largely cemented voters’ negative view of the real estate mogul and made it impossible for his pivot to take hold. “Trump has been defined,” said Celinda Lake, a Democratic pollster. She said that’s particularly true among women, who “think he’s the worst date they’ve ever been on.” A recent Quinnipiac poll showed 59 percent of likely voters believe the way Trump talks “appeals to bigotry.” Among likely women voters, 62 percent held that view. Trump aides have long believed voters’ doubts about Clinton created an opening for the Republican, if he could control his worst political impulses. He showed no ability to do that throughout the summer, but was finally persuaded by a new team of advisers who presented him with plummeting polls and a stark warning that he was on the path to defeat.
LIFESTYLES New Pittsburgh Courier
Fifth Avenue High School Class of 76 B3
SEPTEMBER 21-27, 2016
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
Women’s Weekend at Pentecostal B2
B
Debbie Norrell
Lifestyles Report
The side bar on the White Dinner
Last year, I didn’t find out about Le Diner en Blanc until it was almost over. I noticed some of my Facebook friends frantically trying to borrow white folding chairs and then I saw people dressed in white appearing to be having a grand time. What was it all about and how did I miss it? A few days went past and I saw the stories in the paper about the first Diner en Blanc (DEB) in Pittsburgh. It sounded like the type of event that I would like to be a part of. I made up my mind that if this was to be an annual event that I would attend year two. From what I read on the DEB website, you needed to register and then wait. What? Wait? It was suggested that I ask someone who attended the previous year to assist me. I registered and began to receive emails that explained the process. Finally, I was in. I was asked to select a table leader and a pedestrian leader. I tried to pick two ladies that looked friendly. The fee was $29 a person. This covers the fees that are paid to secure the space for the dinner. This is not a party for faint at heart. You can’t just show up in your white outfit. The white outfit was the least of my worries. There are strict guidelines and I was worried that I may not get something right. My sister was in town on that weekend and I asked her to be my guest. I explained to her before she arrived and told her to bring a white outfit, not cream not beige, white. I also told her about the table requirements and that I thought my card table was too large. That’s right, you have to bring your own table and chairs. Her table was just right; so she put in the trunk and headed to Pittsburgh. Not only did we have to wear an elegant white outfit, but we had to have a white table cloth, white cloth napkins and white dinner wear; no paper plates or plastic forks allowed. It was suggested that we have a centerpiece and you had an option to bring your own meal or purchase one that you could pick up at the secret location. Huh? Oh I didn’t tell you that you don’t know where you are going until that day and not really until the last minute. This is part of the mystique. You pick one of several meeting places and then you get there to meet your pedestrian leader. Picture two ladies over 60 with table and chairs on wheels, food packed in a cooler with wheels, walking with hundreds of others dressed in white parading through Downtown Pittsburgh. It was a sight to see. Our final destination was in the middle of PPG place. Once we got set up, it was fun and really a beautiful idea. Will I do it again? I say yes now that I know the drill and I’ll be ready for year three. (Email the columnist at debbienorrell@aol.com)
YEAR TWO FOR THIS TRIO—Romaigne DePalm, Athena Smith and DeShawn Smith
MOM AND DAUGHTER—Solange Previlon and Tamare Piersaint
by Debbie Norrell Lifestyles Editor
At the last minute, the secret location is revealed to hundreds of friends who have all been patiently waiting to learn where Diner en Blanc will take place. Hundreds of people, dressed all in white, and conducting themselves with the greatest decorum, elegance and etiquette, all meet for a mass “chic picnic” in a public space. That is a brief description of Le Diner en Blanc Pitts-
burgh. A group from Hampton, Va., said they like to be open to all types of events and we should embrace difference. Those who were not involved in the dinner stood on the sidelines and took pictures. This year’s Le Diner en Blanc Pittsburgh was sponsored in part by Apothic White Wine. Le Diner en Blanc was launched with just a handful of friends by François Pasquier nearly 30 years ago. Le Dîner en Blanc de Paris now assembles over
FANS OF LE DINER EN BLANC—Cherra Timberlake of Washington, D.C., London Hicks of Atlanta and Gavin Gordon of Charlotte, N.C. (Photos by Debbie Norrell)
WE CHOSE PITTSBURGH—Alice Ngauja, Margaret Kamara, Yetunde Sarumi and Olaolu Kasunmu (other cities they tried were sold out)
TABLEMATES—Cindy Tauberg, Beverly Norrell-Aitch, Isanya Wong and Justin Wong
FRIENDS—Ebony Ensley and Raquel Still burgh 2016. On Aug. 27, more than 800 gathered in PPG Place for year two of an evening that now takes place in more than 70 cities around the world. People who could not get a reservation in Atlanta, Washington, D.C. and Virginia came to Pittsburgh just for this night and said they will come again. For some, this was a repeat visit to Pitts-
10,000 guests every year, with a record 15,000 people attending the 25th anniversary in 2013. Those who attend in Pittsburgh next year should be prepared to bring your own table, chairs, food, china, a lighter to light your sparkler and a napkin to wave to signal the start of dinner. And, of course, wear your most elegant white outfit.
GUESTS AT LE DINER EN BLANC
WAVING THE NAPKIN TO SIGNAL THE BEGINNING OF DINNER
FRED AND LANA NEUMEYER
B2
RELIGION
SEPTEMBER 21-27, 2016
Praise & Worship ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH Crawford & Centre Ave. Pgh., PA 15219 412-281-3141
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Women’s Weekend at Pentecostal
Mass Sunday 9:00 A.M. & 12:00 P.M. Sunday (Gospel Choir Mass) 12:00 P.M. www.stbtmchurch.org
Church School.................................9:30 A.M. Worship Service.................8:00 & 10:45 A.M. Bible Study/ Prayer Wednesday...................6:30/7:30 P.M.
Pastors Anniversary
www.metropolitanbaptistchurch.com metropolitanbaptist2224@gmail.com
SIXTH MOUNT ZION BAPTIST CHURCH FIRST LADY WELCOMES GUEST SPEAKER—First Lady Barbara J. Mann and Dr. Yvonne Capehart, the Women’s weekend two-night guest speaker. (Photos by Jackie McDonald)
DR. YVONNE CAPEHART
9:00 a.m. 10:15 a.m. 6:00 p.m.
SEPT. 24—The Urban M. Garrett/Dr. Major Mason III Families of McKeesport presents its Church Choir Festival featuring Morning Star Baptist Church of Fairmont, W.Va., and other local choirs and male chorus at 2:30 p.m. The host church is Bethlehem Baptist Church, 716 Walnut St., in McKeesport. Please join the celebration of greatness of the Lord in song.
Rev. Dr. Randy Bush, Senior Pastor 412-441-3800 116 S. Highland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206
www.cathedralofhope.com
Journey Worship........8:45 a.m. Sanctuary Worship........11 a.m.
Women’s Day Fellowship
Church Picnic at Noon on Sept. 25
For rate information, call 412481-8302, ext. 128. We are looking to feature our positive youth in the church communities. You can e-mail, fax or mail their bios and
SEPT. 23—Trinity Baptist church invites you to celebrate our Pastor’s first year anniversary on Friday, Sept. 23 at 6 p.m. at Trinity baptist church at 3415 Ligioner St. in Lawrenceville. The special guest will be Pastor William Curtis and the Mt Ararat Baptist church family, and the following Sunday, Sept. 25, we will be featuring Rev. Steven Sullivan and his choir congregation from Cleveland.
Church Choir Festival
East Liberty Presbyterian Church
Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community
Unity Baptist Church will host its revival every Wednesday in September at 7:30 p.m. Sept 21–The Rev. Victor Grigsby, Central Baptist Church, Pittsburgh Sept 28—Rev. Dr. Jerry Carter, Calvary Baptist Church, Morristown, NJ. Rev. Dr. Richard W. Wingfield, Host Pastor. For more information call 412-646-1787.
Sept. 21-23 Friendship Baptist Church, 17 E. Walnut St.,Washington, Pa., will have a Home-coming revival with guest revivalist and former pastor, Rev. Stephen D. Sullivan, of Cleveland, nightly at 7 p.m. For more information call 724-222-2382. Rev. Richard D. White Jr., pastor.
22 Sampsonia Street, Northside Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412-231-2554 FAX 412-231-6395 Rev. Lacy F. Richardson, Ph.D., Pastor
Church School Worship Service Wednesday Night Bible Study
September to Remember Revival
Home-coming Revival
METROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH
6556 Shetland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206 (412) 441-7839
Church Circuit
EVANGELIST MARLENE FORD Friday evening speaker
TRACEY HAWKINS Enjoying the seminar
MINISTER COREY LANKFORT Seminar facilliator
by Jackie McDonald
an all women’s choir who stirs up the praises to God. “ P a c - Yo u r - P e w - F o r Prayer,” petitioning God’s intervention and healing for the family was the focus of Friday’s worship service. After greeting the women, Mann shared how families are under satanic attack that is manifested through sicknesses, depression, financial oppression and violence as indicated in the inappropriate behavior displayed in our society. She further emphasized that prayer is pertinent to enable families to be “empowered to conceive” God’s will in our homes. The prayer
was concluded by a powerful sermon preached by Pittsburgh evangelist Marlene Ford. The featured seminar presenter on that Saturday was Minister Corey Lankford, actor, writer and director for Cornerstone Television and Oasis (Ministries) Theater Company. He is also a family coordinator specialist for Touching Families, Inc. His unique style of instruction on the topic “Virgin Heart: The Pursuit of True Intimacy” included stimulating, provoking biblical perspectives and awareness of unhealthy erotic addictions.
For New Pittsburgh Courier
White and purple were the chosen colors to beautify the ladies who attended the Women’s Weekend 2016, held Sept. 9-11 at Pentecostal Temple COGIC, in East Liberty. The annual event led by First Lady Barbara J. Mann has established a following throughout the church world that includes visitors from surrounding states who look forward to the array of special attractions that include extraordinary speakers, psalmists, captivating seminars and
Sept. 25—Zion Church of God In Christ Third Annual Women’s Day Service. The speaker will be Evangelist Monica Tillman, First Lady of PSALMIST ANTHONY ANDERSON The First Church of God In Christ Serenading the ladies Braddock. The theme is “Being A Woman of Worship” and be held at 4 p.m. at the church at 304 FrankThose that gathered stown Ave. For more information enjoyed the continental call 412-241-1169.
breakfast and lunch provided. The delightful afternoon transcended to Saturday evening and Sunday’s guest speaker, Dr. Yvonne Capehart, of Pensacola, Fla., the founder of Sister Keeper International Ministries Crusade, a network of women in ministry; author of seven books; recording artist and co-pastor at Believers Life Center. Her concluding sermon entitled, “The Helper,” taken from the 2nd chapter of Genesis, provided a refreshing revelation of God’s purpose in His creation of women.
Sunday School Fellowship
SEPT. 25—The Second Baptist Church, 108 W. 12th Ave., Homestead, Pa., pastor, Rev. Donald P. Turner, is inviting all to worship with them at the Sunday School Annual Fellowship Day at 4 p.m. The theme is “Don’t Let It Be You,” Philippians 3:1-11. The guest preacher will be Rev. Louis N. Otey Jr., pastor of New Covenant Christian Fellowship Church, in Swissvale. Contact church at 412-461-8235.
103rd Church Anniversary
Sept. 25 Friendship Baptist Church, 17 E. Walnut St., Washington, Pa., will celebrate their 103rd Church Anniversary with their 10:30 a.m. guest preacher, Rev. Luther Perry of Clarksburg, W.Va. At 3:30 p.m. the “Gospel Jubilee” Mass Choir will have a reunion concert. Call 724-222-2382 for more information. Rev. Richard D. White Jr. is the pastor.
111th Church Anniversary
OCT. 2—The members of Second Baptist Church, 108 W. 12th Ave., Homestead, invites all to worship and celebrate the 111th Church Anniversary, Sunday, 10:30 a.m. regular service and 3:30 p.m. with the Family and Friends’ Choir of Second Baptist Church in concert, Min. John Burwell, Director. Church contact: 412-461-8235.
Installation Service
DOUG AND KATIE BARKSDALE Enjoying the seminar
MARK AND JEANNETTE HALL Enjoying the seminar
photo to: New Pittsburgh Courier 315 E. Carson St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Fax: 412-481-1360
OCT. 2—Word Missionary Baptist Church, 134 8th Street, McKeesport will install Founder Rev. Henry M. Billingsley on Sunday, October 2, with guest Preacher Rev. Willis M. Hickerson, of Charlotte, N.C., delivering the 11 a.m. message and Rev. A. Charles Ligon, pastor of New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church, Cleveland, delivering the 3 p.m. message. Also there will be pre-installation services at 7 p.m. each night beginning on Wednesday, Sept. 28 with Rev. Archie Perrin and choir, Macedonia Baptist Church, Duquesne, Pa; Thursday, September 29 with Rev. George A. Williams and choir, First Baptist Church of West Mif in, Pa and Friday, Sept. 30, Rev. Dr. Melvin G. Rippy and choir, Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, Wheeling. W. a. For additional information please contact the church at 412-672-0907.
Revival
OCT. 6, 7, 8—Macedonia Baptist Church, 17 Cochran St., Duquesne will host a Revival at 8 p. m. Rev. Dr. Willie Thompson will be the guest speaker. He will speak from 2 Chronicles 7:14. “Which are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways...”
email: egaines@newpittsburghcourier.com
ORGANIZING COMMITTEE—From left: Adrienne Mitchell, Syraithia Thaxton, Barbara Mann, Veronica Sutherland, Donya Parker and LaVonia Freelove.
(All announcements, events and press releases must be sent 2 weeks in advance with contact phone number and email address to newsroom@ newpittsburghcourier.com.)
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SEPTEMBER 21-27, 2016
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FIFTH AVENUE CLASS OF 1976 (Photos by Shelton Photography)
fifth avenue high school class of 1976 40 year reunion celebration weekend
ATHLETES FROM 1976 CLASS
by Paige K. Mitchell For New Pittsburgh Courier
T
he Fifth Avenue High School Class of 1976’s 40 Year Reunion Celebration Weekend was held last month. The three-day celebration was full of different festivities and fun. It began with a meet & greet called the Red & White Affair on Friday; followed by a reunion picnic on Saturday where everyone gathered at Schenley Park; and concluded on Sunday with a class reunion church service at Macedonia Baptist Church and a brunch. One of the highlights of the weekend was the presentation of scholarships that were awarded to select students during the brunch. The class reunion committee found it important to support and encourage youth, specifically those from the Hill District. Jada Hamm and Dre’Shana Schoffner, recent high school graduates of University Prep, were the recipients of the scholarships that are awarded to those in pursuit of a quality post-secondary education. Deborah E. Williams of the reunion class committee said, “University Prep High School was selected because it is the only remaining high school (in) the Hill District and we wanted to ensure the scholarship benefited someone from our community. We provided a selection criteria list to the school and Dre’Shana Schoffner was the awarded recipient. We also conduct-
ed an outreach to churches and Wesley Center AMEZ Church on the Hill selected Jada Hamm. In addition, we were very pleased and surprised that Wesley contributed to the scholarship fund.” During the brunch award ceremony, former scholarship recipient Markique Harris spoke and provided each student with a copy of a book that had inspired her. The cost of education
SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS constantly fluctuates and members of the reunion committee and class of 1976 felt they had a responsibility to help and impact the youth. Yvonne English Roebuck of the reunion class committee said, “Many of us remember the struggle of raising enough funds to attend college back in the ‘70s and we know that the cost of higher education has risen tremendously since then. In addition, many
classmates have sent their own children to college and we felt a great responsibility to help those in our own community achieve their goal of higher education. “It was important for us to help provide a cushion to deserving students to possibly cover books, transportation or unexpected expenses. We stand firm in the belief that it takes a village to raise children to become successful adults and we wanted to be part of the
village in our community to helping students access higher education.” A surprise announcement was made by Vince Neal, a former Fifth Avenue teacher. Neal announced that the Anna Mae Neal Scholarship, which was established in his mother’s honor and annually awards $500 to a deserving Wilkinsburg High School student, will be rolled over and combined with the Class of 1976 FAHS Scholarship Fund
SOME MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF 1976 IN FRONT OF THE FORMER FIFTH AVENUE HIGH SCHOOL
since the Wilkinsburg/ Pittsburgh Public School merger. “We were honored, stunned and grateful,” Williams said. The Fifth Avenue High School class of 1976 was the last to graduate from the school. The school building has since been turned into apartments. “Finally, we toured the former Fifth Avenue High School, which is now an apartment building. It was bittersweet and there are a few remnants of the school left such as the main entrance and the grand steps leading to the second floor,” said Roebuck. “Then we took a picture in front of the school holding a Fifth Avenue banner. Very sentimental, emotional, and happy to see how beautiful the lofts are. It brought back memorials of classes, teachers, and administrators.” Memorable moments. “One of the most memorable moments of the reunion weekend was fulfilling our goal in providing two financial scholarships to Hill District students in a ceremony and tripling the amount of money distributed from the previous year,” Williams said. “Also Markique Harris, our first recipient who has graduated from Slippery Rock University, presented the scholarships to the two young women who will be attending Temple University in the fall 2016.” There were 105 people in the 1976 graduating class; 75 of them attended the reunion.
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SEPTEMBER 21-27 2016
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Cover To Cover
‘Darktown: A Novel’ by Terri Schlichenmeyer For New Pittsburgh Courier
Someone always has to be first. That can be a good thing, or a bad one. Good, if it’s a cafeteria, supermarket queue, electronics store, or conga line; better, if free samples are involved. Bad, in experiments, taste-testing, first-on-last-off and, as in the new novel “Darktown” by Thomas Mullen, first in a dangerous new job. The girl was green when they finally found her. Officers Lucius Boggs and Tommy Smith smelled her long before that, long before they found her covered in garbage in a vacant lot, dead just a few days. They immediately recognized her as the woman they’d seen with former police officer Brian Underhill, until she ran from them. She’d been pretty once; young and light-skinned and there was the problem: it was just after World War II, the mayor had recently
forced the Atlanta Police Department to hire new policemen from the segregated parts of town, and racial lines were drawn thick. Few in charge cared about the death of some Negro woman; that the policemen who found her were Black, too, only added to the apathy. Rookie Officer Denny “Rake” Rakestraw had no issue with Negroes in general, or with those now in the APD, but his partner, Lionel Dunlow sure did. Dunlow was as racist as they come, and Rake figured that having to patrol the edge of Darktown only boosted Dunlow’s fury. Rake noticed that Dunlow, in fact, seemed to take pleasure in torturing any Negro they saw on the streets, including those who were only minding their own business. As a rookie, Rake didn’t think it wise to make enemies but he hated seeing that, just as he hated that Underhill seemed to be getting away with murder and Dunlow was covering for him. So when Rake learned that Boggs had decided on his own to solve the Negro woman’s death, he offered Boggs a deal: they’d quietly investigate what they could in their respective racially-divided departments, and share their information. It would be dangerous. Reading “Darktown” was a brand-new experience for me: I wanted to wash my hands, my arms, my hair, to get rid of the grit that pours out of this story. I could smell dirt and thick air and rotting wood. I squirmed, before I dived in for more. It was impossible not to, because this novel is noir all the way: author Mullen sets a tone of a rainy midnight even in his daytime scenes, while the timeframe of the story, mixed with an angry-yet-resigned neighborhood of beat-down residents, just lends to the deliciously keen edginess. (“Darktown: A Novel” by Thomas Mullen, c.2016, 37Ink, $26/$32.99 Canada, 373 pages.)
JASIRI X PERFORMING ON STAGE (Photos by J.L. Martello)
PARADISE GRAY, a hip hop legend, speaks to the crowd.
1Hood celebrates hip hop with 2-day festival
TYHIR FROST performs on stage. For it’s third year, 1Hood recently hosted 1Hood Day, a two-day festival that celebrates the hip hop culture in all its manifestations. 1Hood Day was built on the idea of uniting family, the community and music. Based in knowledge of self, on this day, the organization honored all
the pillars of hip hop, including MCing, DJing, B-boying, and graffiti. Funding for the The Pittsburgh hip hop collective was provided by the Advancing Black Arts in Pittsburgh Program, a partnership of The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Heinz Endowments.
Last month, Part 1 of 1Hood Day incorporated younger adults from throughout the city, some not affiliated with the organization. The event was hosted at Repair the World and had a stellar line-up of up and coming Pittsburgh based talent including: Pa-
tience Roy’al, James Perry, Lyn Starr, Chris Butler, Dejah Monea, Jermalle Jones, Torra, Bird, Ink, Kiki Lyrics, DJ Austin, Zende and Level Up Studios The last day of the festival, hosted by AR3, featured by David Banner and included a special guest
performance by Jessica Care Moore. Other performances included wellknown 1Hood artists Jasiri X, Idasa Tariq, LUC, Blak Rapp Madusa, Tyhir Frost, Jacquea Mae and Jordan Montgomery. (Information courtesy of Celeste Smith.)
FREE STUFF GIVEN AWAY—Shoes, t-shirts and shorts.
SHOWING UNITY—Individuals in the crowd raising one finger in the air to signal unity.
DAVID BANNER
ARTS & CULTURE
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Sept./Oct. New Works Festival kicks off 26th year of World Premier Plays
Mainstage Productions Program D (SEPT. 16–25) •“BROTHERHOOD” by Garry Kluger of La Crescenta, Calif.— presented by The Theatre Factory. •“INFLUENCE” by Jennifer Tromble of North Tonawanda, N.Y.—presented by The Heritage Players. •“ONCE UPON A MATTRESS STORE” by Stephen Engel of Pacific Palisades, Calif. presented by Stage Right Pittsburgh. All performances will be held at Carnegie Stage (formerly Off the Wall Theater), 25 W. Main Street, in Carnegie. Mainstage performance times are 8 p.m. Th.-Sat. with additional matinees at 4 p.m. on Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Single tickets start at $12 and Festival Passes are available for $40. Tickets are available via PittsburghNewWorks.org or by calling ShowClix at 888-71-TICKETS.
by Genea L. Webb For New Pittsburgh Courier
The role of R & B star, Petey in the “Bold & the Sanctified II” came at the right time for “American Idol” season-two winner Ruben Studdard. “I was looking to get-
much pressure it is to be in charge and entertain and be the only solely responsible to pack houses all the time so for me this a break from doing what I normally do every day.” “The Bold & the Sanctified II” will play at the Byham
SEPT. 23—Don’t miss your opportunity to be a part of MCG Jazz’s historic 30th annual concert series! BNY Mellon Jazz presents: Grammy-nominated Michael Feinstein to kick off our historic season with four shows over two nights, beginning Sept. 23. Please note that Bobby McFerrin will no longer be opening the season due to health issues. Also, Brian Culbertson is currently touring for his new FUNK! album and will make a stop at MCG on Oct. 25 for two shows.
Civil Rights Exhibition
The Bold & The Sanctified
SEPT. 24—Herron Enterprises presents “The Bold & The Sanctified II stage play at p.m. at the Byham Theater, 101 Sixth St., Cultural District. The show, written and directed by Sherri Lynn, stars American Idol winner Ruben Studdard. See if two small churches, one Black and one White, who combine their congregations for financial reasons, can overcome racial con ict and tensions and make it work. There will also be a matinee performance at 3 p.m. For more information, call 412-426-5301 or visit, www.boldandsanctified.net.
Tom Jones Live
SEPT. 29—Tom Jones at the Benedum Theater. Jones’ 50-year career has remarkably gone from strength to strength. Along with sustaining his popularity as a live performer and recording artist for five decades, he has garnered at the age of 76—the best reviews of his career for his most recent albums, Long Lost Suitcase, Spirit In The Room and Praise & Blame (Island/Universal). Critics across the world are unanimous in their approval and admiration for both the recorded work and the performance of it in concert.
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Studdard stars in premier of ‘The Bold & Sanctified’
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Sept. 23-Nov. 20—August Wilson Center For African American Culture This exhibition begins with pages from Martin Luther King and the Montgomery Story, a little-known 1950s comic book about the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and culminates with selected works from March (2013-16), a graphic novel trilogy that recounts the life and social activism of Rep. John Lewis. It also includes political cartoons about the civil rights struggles from the 1950s to today.
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RUBEN STUDDARD ting back into acting. It’s a Christian-based play with a great message and that works because I’m Christian,” explained Studdard, 38, who was born in Frankfurt, Germany but raised in Birmingham, Ala. “The character is based loosely on who I really am. Petey is an R & B star who is close friends to the pastor. I think I can draw on a lot of my personal experiences to bring this character to life.” The Velvet Teddy Bear—a name given to him by superstar Gladys Knight during his “American Idol” run, has acted in several roles including episodes of “8 Simple Rules,” “All of Us” and “Eve.” He also made a cameo appearance in the film, “Scooby Doo2: Monsters Unleashed.” He also headlined the revival tour of “Ain’t Misbeavin’ “alongside Idol alums Frenchie Davis and Trenyce. “I had so much being involved with the 30th anniversary revival of ‘Ain’t Misbehavin.’ We got a Grammy nomination for the soundtrack. For me it was an opportunity for me to not be totally responsible for the success of a production,” Studdard said. “People don’t know how
Theater on Saturday, Sept 24, for two shows—one at 3 p.m. (tickets are still available for this performance by visiting trustarts,org and a sold-out 7:30 p.m. performance). It tells the story of two—one Black and one White—that are forced to come together for financial reasons. “Even though America is a great big melting pot, we do go to segregated churches,” Studdard said. “The vast majority of people in America attend the church their parents or grandparents attended. People are creatures of habit. It’s not that Blacks are saying, ‘I don’t want to go to church with White people’ that’s absurd. I don’t think people are racist it’s just a part of tradition. Church also becomes your extended family. This play shows that love can conquer anything.” “The Bold & the Sanctified,” which was written and produced by Pittsburgh native Sherri Johnson, takes an honest and often hilarious look at life in the church. “Church life is the life I grew up with,” explained Johnson who once worked for WGBN and currently produces and co-hosts a syndicated radio show in
Harrisburg. “My grandfather was the pastor of a church on the North Side for 50 years and my grandmother was a playwright and producer in Pittsburgh. That’s the life I knew and that’s the background that I come from. It’s like Italian kids who grow up watching their parents make pizza and they grow up making Pizza. I’ve been writing plays since I was 12.” “The Bold & the Sanctified” started out as a hit radio soap opera heard in over 30 radio markets nationwide. It was performed at the Byham in 2011 to rave reviews. Johnson knew she had to create another chapter in the saga and is happy to bring “The Bold & the Sanctified II” to her hometown. “I feel like a lot of people who write about church haven’t grown up in church it’s either skewed—it’s beautiful and lovely like the Hallmark Channel or the characters are evil and sadistic,” Johnson said. “Church life is neither of those thing. It’s filled with people who are grateful to have a savior and sometimes that gets messy.” In addition to Studdard, the show features some of Pittsburgh’s best and bright acting talent: Corey Lankford as Bishop Reynolds, Angelique Strothers as Ebony, Sara Cacone as First Lady Laura, Lorin L. Mann, II as Skippy, and Adam Brock as Pastor Messing. Once Studdard completes his role in “The Bold & the Sanctified,” he is set to release a new R & B album this fall and a new single is set to drop in a few weeks. “The new album is just R & B,” Studdard said. “My last album was produced by David Foster and we had a lot of success with that. I’m still signed to Verve Records and this is the first album that’s all me I’m producing and doing all the music my-
SHERRI JOHNSON self. I’m looking forward to showing people how talented I am on both sides of the spectrum.”
(For tickets to the 3 p.m. performance of “The Bold & the Sanctified II” visit www.trustarts. org.)
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NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
‘Killer Heels’ Pittsburgh exhibit by Paige K. Mitchell For New Pittsburgh Courier
The “Killer Heels: The Art of the High-Heeled Shoe” Pittsburgh exhibit took place at the Frick Art Museum from July 13-Sept. 4. “Killer Heels” explores the evolution of fashion in the heel industry over the course of time, which is also fashion’s most provocative accessory. The exhibit features heels from the 18th century until up to date shoe fashion. During the time the “Killer Heels” display took over the Frick Art Museum, people from all over the city flocked to see this unique artistic expression of fashion. Exhibit attendee Tilo Jordan said, “As a woman who holds a B.A. degree in fashion, this exhibit was a must see! Throughout the ages, the high-heeled shoe has gone through many shifts in style and symbolism. And heels are an important accessory to a woman’s wardrobe across the globe. I feel the exhibit did a fine job of taking us through the journey of high-heeled shoes.” The exhibit highlighted heels from designers, such as Balenciaga, Manolo Blahnik, Chanel, Christian Dior, Fendi, Salvatore Ferragamo, Jean Paul Gaultier, Zaha Hadid, Iris van Herpen, X United Nude, Chrsi-
tian Louboutin, Alexander McQueen, Prada and Roger Vivier. Tickets were pre-sold for the museum and on many days the museum was sold out. “I think the museum was really good. I truly enjoyed it. I liked seeing all the different heels from different era’s and learning more about different history and cultures,” exhibit attend-
ee Patrice McKenzie said. “And most importantly I appreciated seeing something like this in Pittsburgh.” DeShawn Lewis said, “I’m currently a student in college studying fashion, and I made it a priority to come home during the holiday weekend to visit this exhibit. I made it here today on the final day, and I’m happy I made it. The exhibit touched on all styles
of shoes from stilettos to wedges to platforms, and featuring nearly 150 historical and contemporary heels. This was the highlight of my weekend.” The “Killer Heels” exhibit also included six different video pieces made by contemporary artist that creatively explored social, sexual, political and personal themes associated with high heels.
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Get an expert to help with IRS problems Inside Conditions
by Constant W. Watson III For New Pittsburgh Courier
Owing back taxes to the IRS and getting those threatening letters can be very frightening. For what it’s worth, take some comfort in knowing that you are not alone. There are millions of Americans in similar situations, dealing with debt hanging over their heads and concerned about how it
SEPTEMBER 21-27, 2016
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will affect their future. The good news is that you have many options. To fully understand and take advantage of your options, I urge you to see a qualified taxresolution professional. They will take a close look at your previous returns, looking for mistakes that may have resulted in an inflated tax debt amount. This process alone could substantially lower your IRS debt.
Once your and your qualified tax professional have analyzed your previous returns, the next step is to negotiate a resolution with the IRS. You will most likely be looking at one of two options: the Offer in Compromise or the Installment Agreement. The Offer in Compromise was created for people who owe a substantial amount to the IRS but who, for
whatever reason, are unable to pay their tax debt, even over time. The Offer in Compromise allows taxpayers to negotiate a settlement amount that will take care of the entire tax debt once and for all, if they qualify. This settlement agreement can lower the tax debt by a significant amount. If you do not qualify for the Offer of Compromise—and to do so you
must be able to prove eligibility—then you may consider the Installment Agreement, which allows you to pay off your debt by making manageable monthly payments. This is your financial life, and the stakes are very high. If you needed heart surgery, would you shop around for the least expensive surgeon or would you get the very best you can find?
Debt Grows Quickly The same holds true for dealing with the Internal Revenue Service. Having IRS problems can ruin all aspects of your life, your marriage, relationships with your children and family members, your employment, ability to buy a house, a car, money for retirement or even have a SEE EXPERT C2
Watch out for these four types of elder fraud Fraud comes in many forms, often disguised as an e-mail, a phone call, or a friendly investment seminar. It can affect people of all ages, but many of those behind fraudulent schemes feed off the weak, the infirm, and the older members of our society. Senior citizens, many of whom were raised to be polite and trusting, own their homes, have a nice nest egg of assets, and possess excellent credit ratings, are far too often victims of fraud. The Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accounts warns senior citizens of four types of fraud they should look out for, as well as tips for avoiding them. Medicare fraud Perpetrators of Medicare fraud use seniors as unwitting accomplices in schemes designed to steal money, often through the fraudulent billing of equipment, lab tests, and other services to insurance companies and Medicare. They pitch “free products” to seniors that have no medicinal value, even though insurers and Medicare get billed very large sums. Other times, scam artists administer fake tests to generate claims. Once they acquire insurance and Medicare information, they can submit false invoices for reimbursement. Seniors should carefully monitor their insurer’s explanation of benefits and never sign blank insurance forms. They should also be reminded that there really is no such thing as free equipment or free services. Seniors should talk to their physicians before they sign up for any medical equipment or services. Counterfeit prescription drugs and fraudulent antiaging products have become prevalent. Product promotions, special deals, and cost reductions are
promised, and unfortunately many of the “drugs” and anti-aging products are worthless. Seniors should be wary of buying drugs over the Internet, and they should talk to their physicians before purchasing any prescriptions. They should completely steer clear of anti-aging products as a general rule of thumb. Funeral and cemetery fFraud Far too often, senior citizens fall victim to funeral and cemetery fraud. Highpressure promotors have been known to sell unnecessary current services, retain the right to bill for additional services in the future, and wrap people up in noncancellable contracts. Seniors should be advised to have an attorney review all contracts. They should also obtain the phone number for the Better Business Bureau so that they can call and find out if they are dealing with reputable individuals. Telemarketing fraud High-pressure telemarketing frauds abound too. Free products, discount vacations, low-cost vitamins, and health care products are offered, but often unstated are the high postage and handling fees that must be paid. Unwelcome callers may also ask for credit card and banking information, and then this information is sold to individuals who run up credit card charges or wipe out bank accounts. The best advice to avoid these scams is to say “No thank you” and then hang up on every telemarketing call received. Reverse mortgage fraud Reverse mortgages can allow seniors access to the equity in their homes without the need to sell that home. Unfortunately, some schemes promoted by unscrupulous professionals SEE FRAUD C2
ALL IN—Bill Generett, Urban Innovation21 President and CEO; Angela Glover Blackwell, PolicyLink President and CEO; Mayor William Peduto and Presley Gillespie, Neighborhood Allies President all are concerned about setting an equitable agenda for Pittsburgh. (Photos by Diane I. Daniels)
Equitable development agenda for city unveiled by Diane I. Daniels For New Pittsburgh Courier
More than 100 Pittsburgh stake holders including Mayor William Peduto were present Friday, Sept. 16 at the August Wilson Center to witness the unveiling of the Equitable Development: The Path to an All-In-Pittsburgh Report. PolicyLink, Neighborhood Allies and Urban Innovation21 who convened Pittsburgh community leaders to create a shared definition of equitable development and craft an agenda to make it a reality orchestrated the report, which sets an equitable agenda for Pittsburgh. The report was designed to present a roadmap to put all of the region’s residents on track to reaching their potential. Officials are realizing that too many residents remain cut off from opportunity by poverty, structural racism, and discrimination. Considered a city on the rise, Angela Glover Blackwell, PolicyLink president and CEO said Pittsburgh is the perfect place to start an All-In Cities initiative. “As the city successfully
transforms its economy and sees a wave of new development, an equitable development strategy is essential to ensure that all neighborhoods and residents, including those of color, participate and benefit. Achieving full inclusion will lead to sustainable and shared prosperity.” During the two-hour presentation and panel discussion Sarah Treuhaft, Director of Equitable Growth Initiatives at PolicyLink provided a sketch of the report. She defined Equitable development as a positive development strategy that ensures everyone participates in and benefits from the region’s economic transformation—especially low-income residents, communities of color, immigrants, and others at risk of being left behind. It requires an intentional focus on eliminating racial inequities and barriers, and making accountable and catalytic investments to assure that lower wealth residents; live in healthy, safe, opportunity rich neighborhoods that reflect their culture and are not displaced from them; connect too economic and ownership opportunities; and have voice and influence in the decisions
that shape their neighborhoods. Treuhaft also outlined a five-point agenda that the report identified as a way to put all of the region’s residents on track to reaching their potential. The points are: (1) to raise the bar for new development—growth must happen in a way that benefits and does not displace longtime lower-income residents and neighborhood entrepreneurs. (2) to make all neighborhoods healthy communities of opportunity—the region needs a comprehensive strategy to increase housing affordability and stability and to unlock opportunity in its highest poverty neighborhoods. (3) to expand employment and ownership opportunities— connecting lower-wealth residents too good, family-sustaining jobs and asset-building opportunities is critical to ensuring they participate in and contribute to the region’s resurgence. (4) to embed racial equity throughout Pittsburgh’s institutions and businesses—to eliminate wide racial inequities and uproot bias, the region’s institutions, organizations, and busiSEE EQUITABLE C2
Nicholson promotes The Frick at PowerBreakfast by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
Though he’s been here for two years as newest director of The Frick Pittsburgh museum, Robin Nicholson, a transplanted Scotsman most recently from Virginia, few in the business community know him. But a lot are going to want to, because he’s done something most around here haven’t—he’s partnered with Google. “It’s interesting with all WELCOMING WORDS—Doris Carson cultural institutions and big Williams jokes that all her African American Google presence in the city Chamber of Commerce members will want how everyone is so frus- Nicholson’s card because he knows how to trated that they can’t get in partner with Google. (Photos by J.L. Martello) touch with these people at Google who have all these great rior. If go to google maps they just ideas and presumably all this launch it for the Frick two weeks money—and nobody was getting ago.” Nicholson is in the process of enany sponsorship,” he told the audience at the African American tice and develop new audiences Chamber of Commerce Power- for the Frick, and he’s hit on a conBreakfast. “Fortunately at my cept that so far appears to be a previous institution, the Virginia winner in that regard—fashion. “It brings in a new diverse and Museum of Fine Arts had worked with them on Google art project— younger audience and I thought taking high resolution images, the Frick had an opportunity to creating online exhibition and establish a niche, as we have an using their street-mapping to cre- extended collection of Gilded Age ate 360 walk-arounds of the inte- fashion in permanent collection,”
he said. “So I got in touch with an associate in Brooklyn working on a show call Killer Heels: The art of the High-Heeled Shoe. It spoke to history, with some dating back to the 17th century, but also a lot of cutting edge designers and inyour face shoes. We anticipated about 14,000 visitors. We got 24,000. And of those, we estimate 10,000 were new visitors. That’s an extraordinary capture rate.” Given that, Nicholson said the museum will present to follow-up fashion exhibits—Undressed: A Brief History of Underwear, will be the only U.S. venue for the exhibit, which is getting rave revues in London, and an exhibition by contemporary Belgian artist Isabelle de Borchgrave, who recreates intricate Elizabethan and contemporary clothing entirely from paper. Nicholson said the museum is also working to become more relevant to younger audiences by contemporary artists, and will be doing so with a unique show by Elise Adibi, who uses natural materials—from rabbit skin to gold— and essential oils to create her pieces. Here work will be exhibited in the Frick campus greenhouse next year.
NEW HORIZONS—Frick Pittsburgh Director Robin Nicholson tells PowerBreakfast attendees his plans for exhibitions and partnerships that will build a larger, younger and more racially diverse audience. “That’s entirely unlike the highly controlled environments required for most art,” he said. “The work she creates will actually degrade, and interact with the environment. Her work will also smell because of the oils like peppermint and eucalyptus—they change with humid and tempera-
ture.” The Frick will also be showing its extensive permanent collection of art, ceramics and clothing. He also said from a business perspective, the Frick wants to collaborate on programing and events. “We want to offer a Frick experience,” he said. “Not a one-off.”
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Equitable development ‘Sweet unity’ among Black people CONTINUED FROM C1
nesses need to adopt racial equity-focused approaches and (5) to build community power, voice, and capacity— high-capacity communityrooted organizations and multiracial, multisector coalitions are essential to advancing equitable development policies and practices over the long term. The panel, moderated by Blackwell consisting of community leaders were Mayor Peduto, Daniel Lavelle, Pittsburgh City Councilman; Diana Bucco, President, The Buhl Foundation; Derrick Tillman, President & CEO, Bridging the Gap; Pam Connelly, Associate Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Inclusion, University of Pittsburgh; Fred Brown, President & CEO, Homewood Children’s Zone; Betty Cruz, Director, Change Agency and Greg Spencer, President & CEO, Randall Chemical Manufacturing Company. Excited about the report Mayor Peduto said this is a great opportunity to make things right, it is a way to look back and learn from the mistakes of the past. “We have to be open and realize that in the past when we examined how we were going to grow this city that we did not design it for all. It was designed for some and others were basically put in a position where they were just part of the cost of economic growth. That does not have to be the model of the future,” he said. He pointed out that we now have some great blue prints to work with. Tillman who is focused on rebuilding sustainable communities through residential and commercial development identifies mentorship as a key component to assisting the region’s underserved residents get on tract to reaching their potential. Brown, with the mission to improve the lives of Homewood’s children and to reweave the fabric of the community in which they live is concerned about solutions. He said that a differ-
ent way has to be created as to how we support and address the social phenomenal particularly in the way of funding and support. His suggests are to diversify funding in the way it targets more than just one particular approach; to put community empowerment in education and knowledge; streamlining mezzo and micro organizations for profit and nonprofits; to develop partnerships with mezzo organizations and institutions and governments and partnership not in transactions that really support policy developments that’s driven. A derivative from the April 2015 p4 Panel of the Greater Pittsburgh Nonprofit Summit—P4 meaning People, Planet, Place and Performance—when Blackwell from Oakland, California raised the concern that there were no people of color included. “I challenged the attendees to come up with an inclusive plan,” she said pointing out that the conversations have to keep going. With offices in California, New York and Washington, DC, PolicyLink is a national research and action institute advancing economic and social equity by Lifting Up What Works. Both in Pittsburgh, Neighborhood Allies supports the people, organizations and partnerships committed to creating and maintaining thriving neighborhoods and Urban Innovation21 is a public-private partnership working to drive economic growth that is inclusive and equitable. Ready to move forward, Presley Gillespie, Neighborhood Allies President said next steps should entail beginning to identify champions, which should include the public, government, institutions, philanthropists and private banks. “The time is now to drive economic prosperity for all, not just some,” he said. “This agenda’s recommendations are the culmination of many months spent engaging more than 200 local leaders.
Great news! In the for years as well, tradition of those James Clingman noting it in my who have called for book, Black Emsupporting our Afripowerment with an can relatives in some Attitude. Believe form or another, THE me; if you like cofOne Million Confee you will absoscious and Conscienlutely love Sweet tious Black ContribUnity. Even if you utors and Voters, has are not a coffee developed one way to drinker, surely you do just that. In addition to creating more know someone who is. Why not send a couconscious Black millionaires via our own ple of pounds of Sweet Unity as gifts? “cash mob,” we have consummated a part- Additionally, ask your local coffee shops to nership with Sweet Unity Farms Coffee, a add it to their menus. network of small scale family owned coffee On the business side of things, the coffeefarms organized as cooperatives in Tanza- house industry in the United States was nia; it was established in 1996 by David forecasted to generate more than $32 bilRobinson, son of baseball great, Jackie lion in revenue in 2016. U.S. coffeehouses Robinson, and his family in the Mbeya Re- make up just a small sector of the vast food gion of Tanzania where the Robinson family and drink industry which expected to see began their own farm on 280 acres in 1989. sales of around $782 billion in 2016. Since 1983, David Robinson has been in- Shouldn’t Black people go for a share of volved in the economic development in that, especially since the best coffees are Africa through sustainable economic ven- grown by Black people in Africa? tures. David is the founder and managing Coffee is one of the most widely consumed director of The Higher Ground Develop- beverages worldwide and in the United ment Corporation, a Tanzanian company States. On the commodities market it established in 1985 with the objective of ranks at the top with oil and wheat. The helping to bring Tanzanian producers into U.S. primarily purchases coffee from Brazil, the global economy through the collective Colombia, Mexico, Guatemala, and Vietstrengths of cooperative organization and nam. This is a market opportunity for international partnerships. In 1998, David Sweet Unity Coffee if only we support it, and his family founded the American cor- along with all of its other consumers poration Up-Country International Prod- around the world. ucts Inc., which is the sole distributor and When deciding where to purchase their marketer of Sweet Unity Farms Coffee. The beloved coffee, consumers rated the taste of New York City based company is managed the coffee as a key buying factor. If you by David’s daughter, Metarere Robinson, have not already, when you take your first together with African-American partners. sip of Sweet Unity, you will definitely want David Robinson is a glowing example of to make it a regular part of your personal actually doing what many Black folks sim- coffee menu. ply talk about, that is, connecting with our Bottom-line: This is a very simple, actionbrothers and sisters in Africa via profit- oriented, participatory, economic solution. making businesses. Now it’s time for us to Not a panacea, but it is an important part step up our game, and the opportunity to do of the solution. As is our philosophy in that is available to all who want to build THE One Million, a few dollars from a critstrong, practical, and sustainable relation- ical mass of consumers will go a long way, ships. This is yet another opportunity to and no one person or entity has to be burput our money, a relatively small amount of dened with providing the majority of the reit, where our mouths are. sources for any of our financial endeavors. In case you don’t know, three of the five Here is a quote from my first book: “All best coffees in the world are grown in Tan- those people who say we’ve got it made in zania, Ethiopia, and Kenya. Tanzanian is athletics have it all wrong; it’s just not so. famous for its “High Mountain Grown” We might make it as individuals, but I Peaberry grade coffee. Blogger, Coffee Man think we have to be concerned about the Dan, says, “A Peaberry is the result of a cof- masses of the people.” Jackie Robinson (Please go to www.iamoneofthemillion.com and fee cherry (fruit) producing a single bean instead of the usual two half-beans. This re- order a couple of pounds of Sweet Unity Coffee, or a sults in a coffee bean with a more concen- case for your coffee shop, and make a habit of doing trated flavor. Only about 7 percent of any so. By doing so, we reflect the character of Jackie Robinson, build his son’s business, and do wonders coffee cherry crop is Peaberry.” I have bought Sweet Unity Farms Coffee for the owners of those small coffee farms in the for several years and have written about it Motherland.)
Blackonomics
Four types of elder fraud CONTINUED FROM C1
end up stealing the equity in these homes. Victims of these scams are often offered free homes, investment opportunities, and refinance or foreclosure assistance. Legitimate reverse
mortgages are insured by the Federal Housing Authority. Seniors should not respond to unsolicited advertisements, remind them that celebrity endorsements are not proof that a product is legitimate.
Elaine Effort
Pittsburgh Profiles with Elaine Effort heard exclusively on Pittsburgh’s all news radio station for 30 years
KQV 1410 AM and at WWW.KQV.COM Friday September 23 at 7:30 P.M. Saturday, September 24 at 7:00 A.M. Sunday, September 25 at 1:00 P.M.
Payroll Regulation Workshop SEPT. 23—The African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pa., from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., 9th floor board room, the Koppers Building, 436 Seventh Ave., Downtown, welcomes attorneys Elaina Smiley and Tony Thompson of Meyer, Unkovic & Scott to discuss changes to Overtime Pay Regulations. Discussion will include the new salary threshold, effects of bonuses and commissions, and applicability to nonprofits. Cost is $10 for members $20 for non members and includes lunch. For more information, call 412-392-0610.
Consumer Protection Presentation SEPT. 30—Education and outreach staff from the Department of Banking and Securities will be meeting with senior citizens, employee and service provider groups, and members of the general public at Rep. Mike Turzai’s Senior Health Fair from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Community College of Allegheny County North Campus, 8701 Perry Highway.
Awards Nomination Deadline SEPT. 30—Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania is accepting nominations for its 20th Anniversary Power of Works Awards to recognize efforts by employers and/or organizations that support workforce development for individuals with special needs or barriers to employment, and also to encourage all employers to emulate the actions and achievements of the winners. Winners will be honored at an awards ceremony and luncheon Nov. 17 at the Wyndham Grand Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh. Nomination forms are available at www.goodwillswpa.org, or from Ms. Lloyd at 412-632-1931.
Disability Employment Summit Registration Deadline SEPT 30—The Governor’s Cabinet for People with Disabilities reminds everyone that this is the deadline to register for its annual Pennsylvania Disability Employment & Empowerment Summit. This year’s summit will take place Oct. 17 & 18 at the Bayfront Convention Center in Erie. Pa. Presentations will include information and trends on PA high-demand occupations, advancements in adaptive technology, no-cost on-boarding supports to insure employment success, and making state government responsive to the needs of businesses and workers with disabilities. Participant cost for the two-day event is $20. Exhibitor space is $200. Register online by Sept. 30 at http://www.padesummit2016.org.
Exit Planning Seminar
FATIMA GOITA
Pittsburgh Profiles with KQV’s Elaine Effort sponsored in part by the New Pittsburgh Courier
BUSINESS BUSINESS CALENDAR CALENDAR
Fashion bag designer gets her big break LOS ANGELES, Calif. (BlackNews.com)—Fatima Goita represents the epitome of the American dream. As an immigrant turned fashion bag designer, this influential young lady has not only designed eye catching purses and accessories but also designed a wonderful life for herself through sacrifice and ambition. Now she speaks to the youth about making the best of life and never giving up, as well as expanding her brand in the Los Angeles area with her store front. Fatima comments, “Our handbags are more than accessories, they are symbols of strength that represent perseverance, drive and ambition. Wearing a Fatima handbag reminds it’s buyer to keep pushing and never give up!” FATIMA handbags (www.fatimagoita.com)
are produced “exclusively” in the laboratories in Florence, Italy, guaranteed and certified by the Italian Consortium as “100% Italian;” a true “Made in Italy” product, using only the highest quality materials, highly skilled craftsmen, with absolute attention to the health of both workers and end consumers. The artisans FATIMA is currently collaborating with, for its Spring Summer 2017 Collection, are also producing for high-quality and well-known Italian and global luxury brands and designers. Fatima collection content Top Handle Bags, Evening Bags, Shoulder Bags and Tote Bags and Clutches. She used Calfskin and Exotic skin. They offer wholesale and retail and also urge boutiques to contact them directly for inquiries on product in retail locations.
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tives that deal with resolving an NFTL, if you qualify. You can resolve a federal tax lien by paying it in full, or if that is not an option, you can find out if you qualify for a “Release of Lien,” a “Lien Subordination,” a “Lien Discharge” or “Lien Withdrawal.” It is important to keep in mind that IRS problems didn’t just happen overnight and will take some time to resolve. It’s important to consult with a tax professional to see what lien relief programs you may be eligible for before the IRS starts enforcing aggressive collection against you. Remember, for every tax problem there is a solution.
Get expert help with IRS problems
bank account. You want the best person for the job, not the cheapest. Generally speaking, the IRS will file a tax lien if the aggregate amount of your unpaid assessed balance is $10,000 or more. A Notice of Federal Tax Lien is public record and is generally filed with the County Recorder where you reside. Since a federal tax lien is public record, the lien filing is also reflected on your credit report. It is notice to all your other creditors that the IRS has secured interest in your real and personal property. A federal tax lien will make it very difficult (Constant W. Watson III, CPA, CTRS, is both a to get credit. It may also prevent you from accessing the equity in your home that you Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Tax Resmay have built over the years. However, the olution Specialist. For a free consultation, call 708IRS has several different collection alterna- 206-9900 or visit www.constantwatsoncpa.com)
SEPT. 30—Duquesne University’s Small Business Development Center will host a full-day Exit Planning For Your Business Seminar, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Rockwell Hall, rm. 108, 600 Forbes Ave. Subjects covered include: Establishing a value for your business; pros and cons of ESOP, owner financing, succession, leverage buyouts; How to preserve value in the business, and How to make or break the transition deal. The cost for the seminar is $599. Breakfast and lunch are included. To register, call 412-3966233.
Black Economic Empowerment Summit OCT. 1—Stop The Violence-Pittsburgh presents Pittsburgh’s Black Economic Empowerment Summit, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater, 5941 Penn Ave. in East Liberty. The summit will feature presentations by real estate guru Jay Morrison and “the People’s Scholar” Boyce Watkins. Areas of discussion will include: Building and Restoring Credit; Real Estate Investing, and Marketing Your Business for Success, among others. Tickets are $30, $40 for VIP. For more information, or for vendor opportunities, call 724205-9376, or online at StopTheViolencePittsburgh@yahoo.com
Inbound Marketing Seminar OCT. 7—Duquesne University’s Small Business Development Center will host “How to run an inbound marketing campaign,” 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., at Rockwell Hall, rm. 108, 600 Forbes Ave. The workshop present a framework for overcoming common marketing problems related to launching a first inbound marketing campaign, and will include tools and methods to measure the performance of an online marketing campaign. Cost is $25. To register or for more information, call 412-396-6233.
SPORTS New Pittsburgh Courier
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SEPTEMBER 21-27, 2016
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
Fabulous 50 nominees for Pittsburgh City League Hall of Fame 1. RAY ZELLARS, Oliver 2. MICHAEL BOOTH, Brashear 3. DARRIN WALLS, Peabody 4. WILL MACON, Perry, 1991 5. Allderdice Wrestling Team 1995-96 6. MONTE’ ROBINSON, Westinghouse 7. LARRY ANDERSON, Schenley 1979 8. EDDIE BENTON, Perry 9. 1976 Fifth Ave Basketball team 10. WILLIAM HERNDON, Allderdice 11. SOLOMAN PAGE, Brashear 12.HAPPY DOBBS, Allderdice 13. RASHEED MARSHALL, Brashear 14. BOBBY HOWARD, Langley 15. LOVIE VENSON,Westinghouse 16. Cleveland Shane Bibbins 17. SHAWN YANCEY, Westinghouse 18. RON WABBY, Brashear 19. CHUCK FRANKLIN, Perry 20. Rodney Brown, Schenley 2001 21. Brian Salter, South High 1971 22. Mike Ford, Schenley 23. Al Jacks, Peabody, 1953 24. Dominique Kelly, Peabody 25. Tamica Hunter-Micle, Westinghouse 26. Mike Barnes, Peabody 1968 27. Howard Dimps, Schenley, 1974-75 28. Lisa Faloon, Brashear 29. John Isticick, South Hills 30. Model-T Ford, Schenley 31. Joe DiFiore, Peabody 32. Eugene Harris, Schenley 33. Yvonne Ferguson,,Westinghouse 34. Dominque Duck, Schenley 35. Angie Cox,Westinghouse 1980 36. Danny Rielly, South Hills 37. Dennis Logan, CARRICK 38. Jim O’Mahomey, Schenley,1955-56 39. Pete Neff,Peabody,1957 40. Keith Key, Peabody 41. Mario Joyner, Brashear, 1990 42. Vern Phillips, Peabody, 1965 43. Jude Floyd, Peabody, 1976 44. Lenny Morant, Westinghouse 45. Curtis Boyden, Langley, 1970 46. Tim He in, Peabody 47. Scott Schultz, CARRICK 48. Cleve Edwards, 5th Ave., 1967 49. Ramon Robinson, Westinghouse 50. Dr. James Lightfoot
by Aubrey Bruce For New Pittsburgh Courier
During pregame week before last Sunday’s AFC divisional matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals both squads were almost as quiet as a kid in the corner serving a “timeout.” There was not much “grrrr” talk originating from either camp. Both teams seemed to be keeping their focus on football and not “foolsball.” There were many that were wondering aloud, how the Steelers would respond to one of their fellow “blood thirsty” AFC North Divisional opponents after slapping the Washington Redskins around in their 2016 season opener as if they were “Indians” with the majority of their scenes
Special Edition Overtime
by Bill Neal
For New Pittsburgh
:10—The New Pittsburgh Courier, the nation’s most historic Black newspaper, is proud to continue in that tradition and assist in bringing you another in their life-long existence of historical events and present to you The Third Annual Pittsburgh City League All Sports Hall of Fame Inductions. :09—With the help and support of the New Pittsburgh Courier, as well as the Office of the Mayor, the Office of the Chief Executive, Pittsburgh City Council, the Pittsburgh Board of Education, State Reps. Ed Gainey and Jake Wheatley, Judge DwayneWoodruff, Attorneys William and Jack Goodrich, Highmark, East Liberty McDonald’s, Chuck Sanders Charities, UPMC, PAT and KDKA. :08—This year’s event will induct for the third consecutive year the 20
BILL NEAL greatest living athletes in Pittsburgh City League history, as well as 25 great deceased athletes posthumously. :07—The Criteria for Induction Remains the Same: A. Had to attend a City League high school. B. Had to play a minimum of two out of three years. C. Must have participated in major varsity sport. D Must have been best of the best ath-
lete. E. Must have graduated from City League school. F. Must have strong moral character. G. Must be able to attend. :06—This year’s event will be held at the nationally recognized Senator John Heinz Museum and History Center. :05—The date for the event is Sunday, Nov. 6. :04—The time for the event: 2-5 p.m. With the purchase of a ticket, you can tour the History Center. 5-6 p.m. Event reception 6-9 p.m. Awards presentation. :03—Be advised this year there will be a special preevent reception at the Savoy Restaurant, 2623 Penn Ave., Downtown Pittsburgh, from 6-12 midnight. All past and present inductees, City Leaguers, and all are welcome. No cover cost. Dress to impress. :02—Tickets for the event are $50 each, $25 for youth 12 and under. :01—The Fabulous Fifty for 2016
Steelers action
FIRST CATCH—Steelers tight-end Xavier Grimble hauls in a 20-yard touchdown pass in the Steelers 24-16 win over the Bengals. It was his first catch of his career.
THE DEFENSE NEVER RESTED—Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier makes a diving tackle on the Bengals Jeremy Hill. The defense shut down the Bengals running game and held them to just 16 points. (Photos by William McBride)
Inside Conditions…Declawed
cut from a bad episode of the retro television series “The Lone Ranger.” Though the playing conditions were less than ideal with an almost steady rain and a sloppy field being the norm for the day, the Pittsburgh Steelers appeared as if they are beginning to jell as a team. No this was not a stellar or complete effort by the “men of steel,” but they made offensive and defensive plays when the possible outcome of the game was a bit iffy. After all that Steelers running back DeAngelo Williams has done for Pittsburgh in the absence of the Steelers talented, often injured and AUBREY BRUCE beleaguered running back Le’Veon Bell, Williams still felt good about his effort in yards per carry. “Look at Bells absence, even though the field conditions,” he he rushed for less than 3 explained. “Look at what
we were able to do during the course of the game. We knew it was going to be a two chinstrap game and we knew also that it was going to be a high running game as well because of the field conditions and just the weather conditions, period. So, I’ll take a 3.0 [rushing average] in a win any day as opposed to a 7.0 [rushing average in a loss.] As far as the weather goes Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin did not fear the rain or the mud but something a bit more powerful than a few raindrops. Tomlin indicated that it was the play of the opposition that he was focused on. “I don’t want to blame things on the weather. We’re an all-weather group. We’re just allergic to lightning. They did some things
to make our output look the way that it looked, but I would be less [than] genuine if I didn’t give them credit.” After missing two wide open receivers and looking at his hand Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger admitted that his performance could have been a bit more on the positive side. “I wish I would have played better. I think that this was—the weather was a defensive heaven. They love the elements like that. It was very tough sledding on offense for us especially going against such a tough defense, it wasn’t easy to make plays.” If Big Ben considers the Bengals defense to be tough, well check this out. The Steelers defense has given up just two touchdowns in eight
quarters. How tough was the Steelers bend but don’t break defense? Bengals Quarterback Andy Dalton says that: “That’s just how their defense plays. They let a guy catch it and tackle. They are really sound on the way they play defense. They have done a good job with that. We just weren’t able to do enough today.” The Steelers are in first place in the AFC North, the bloodiest and most bloodthirsty division in the NFL and although the Pittsburgh Steelers are in first place in their division, they must remain vigilant because as we all know in the AFC North; the vampires come out at night. (Aubrey Bruce can be reached at: abruce@newpittsburghcourier.com or 412-583-6741. Follow him on Twitter@ultrascribe.)
CLASSIFIED New Pittsburgh Courier
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SEPTEMBER 21-27, 2016
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
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COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
The Communications Specialist is a full time position, located in the Pennsylvania Environmental Council’s (PEC) Pittsburgh Office. For more information, please visit our website at www.pecpa.org.
PROJECT MANAGER 2 ALLEGHENY COUNTY
Allegheny County is accepting applications for a Project Manager 2 position for the Department of Public Works. For application requirements and job description check our website at http://alleghenycounty.us/ careers or visit us at our Human Resources office at 102 County Office Building 4 orbes Ave. Pittsburgh, PA.
CHIEF VETERANS AFFAIRS OFFICER ALLEGHENY COUNTY
Allegheny County is accepting applications for a Chief Veterans Affairs Officer position for the Department of Administrative Services/ eterans Affairs Division. For application requirements and job description check our website at http://alleghenycounty.us/careers or visit us at our Human Resources office at 102 County Office Building, 542 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA.
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE POSITION OF POLICE OFFICER - ALTOONA POLICE DEPARTMENT
Applications for Police Officer 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, October 20, 2016. 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, October 29, 2016, at 8:00 A.M., in Altoona. Must pass a written Civil Service Test to be administered on Saturday, November 5, 2016, at :30 A.M., in Altoona. Must have successfully completed a Pennsylvania Act 120 basic training program prior to the end of 2016. •Must be 21 years of age on or before the date of employment. •Must be a United States citizen. Must have graduated from an accredited high school or have a Graduate Equivalency Diploma (G.E.D.) acceptable to the Commission. •Must be licensed to operate a motor vehicle in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. •Must be of high moral character and free of felony or misdemeanor convictions. Must be physically and mentally fit for the full duties of a Police Officer. •Must submit to a Computerized Voice Stress Analysis (CVSA). •Must agree to psychological and physical examinations if offered employment. Starting salary: $41,047.92 The City of Altoona is an Equal Opportunity Employer LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices
Estate of CHRISTOPHER CARDYN, deceased of Allegheny County, No. 021604892 of 2016. MARY CARPENZANO Extr., 427 Macfarlane Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15235 or to Allegheny Law Group, LLC, Attys., 816 Fifth Avenue, Suite 600, Pittsburgh, PA 1521 Estate of DOROTHY M. PETERS, deceased of Pittsburgh, PA No. 02-15-6543. Jacquelyn Jenkins Executor., 1202 Blithe Court, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 or to Bruce S. Gelman, Esq., Gelman & Reisman, Law & Finance Bldg, 42 Fourth Ave., Ste. 1701, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Estate of MARY H. WOODS, deceased of Pittsburgh, PA, No. 04515 of 2016. Leslie V. Perkins and Sheron V. Duckett, Executrixes 1300 Hawthorne Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201 and 4503 Coleridge Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201 or to Thelma C. Spells, Esquire, 1533 Bidwell Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15233
Estate of SYLVIA FRIEDMAN, deceased of East Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, No. 02-1604482 Cary Edward Friedman, Executor, 58 Westfield Drive, Trumbull, CT 06611 or to Todd T. Jordan, Esquire, Tener, Van Kirk, Wolf & Moore, P.C., One Oxford Centre, Suite 2100, 301 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
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FICTITIOUS NAME
NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to the provisions of the Fictitious Names Act of Pennsylvania that an application for registration of a fictitious name was filed in the office of the Department of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, for the conduct of a business under the fictitious name of Transcendent Ground with its principal office or place of business at 10 Forest Hills Rd., Pittsburgh, PA, 15221. The names and addresses, including street and number, if any, of all persons who are parties to the registration are: Gabrielle V. Michaelek, 10 Forest Hills Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15221
LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals
NOTICE TO PROPOSERS REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL SERVICES FOR NORTH SHORE RIVERFRONT PARK
The Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County will receive proposals for snow and ice removal services as identified below. The agreement for this work will be with the Sports & Exhibition Authority. The Request for Proposals may be obtained after the date identified below from Taylor Blice - email: tblice@pgh-sea.com. Project: Snow and Ice Removal Services for North Shore Riverfront Park RFP Available: September 16, 2016 Date/Location for Proposals: 2:00 PM, Friday, September 30, 2016, Sports & Exhibition Authority, Attn: Taylor Blice, 171 10th Street, 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
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 at 11:00am on October 21, 2016 and will be read at 11 1 am, the same day, at Port Authority’s Heinz 57 Center location (345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2527) for the following: Electronic Proposal - Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.portauthority.org) Bid Number Bid Name B160107AR Asbestos Free Brake Blocks Assem. On Shoes–Coach B160866 Palo Alto Hardware, Software, and Licenses B160868A Janitorial Supplies B160869A Janitorial Supplies– Paper B160870A Janitorial Suppliies– Cleaning Products B160872A Wheel Tire Kits–LRV B160878 Pre-Cast Concrete Grade Crossings B160879 Prequalification for Natural Gas B160880 Prequalification for Electricity 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 on October 016 at Port Authority’s Heinz 57 Center location (345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222). 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 OB 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.
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Bids/Proposals
PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY ADVERTISEMENT
Separate sealed Bids for the Work as listed hereinafter will be received at the Purchasing and Materials Management Department of Port Authority of Allegheny County (Authority) Heinz 57 Center, 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222-2527 until 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 19, 2016 and will be publicly opened and read immediately thereafter at the same address. Each Bidder shall be solely responsible for assuring that its Bid is both received and time stamped by a representative of the Purchasing and Materials Management Department at or before the advertised time for submission of Bids. Bids received or time stamped in the Purchasing and Materials Management Department after the advertised time for the submission of Bids shall be non-responsive and therefore ineligible for Award. NEVILLE RAMP BRIDGE REHABILITATION CON AC NO. B 16 0 The Work of this Project includes, but is not limited to, the furnishing of all labor, material, tools, equipment for the rehabilitation of the Neville Ramp Bridge, including but not limited to, replacement of the bridge deck and barrier, deck joints, girder bearings, north approach slab, pier concrete repairs, painting of the steel girders, new bridge lighting, pedestrian canopies, etc. Bid Documents will be available for public inspection and may be obtained on or after Monday, September 1 , 2016 at Authority’s offices at the following address: Port Authority of Allegheny County Purchasing and Materials Management Department ein 7 Center 4 i th Avenue hird loor Pittsburgh Pennsylvania 1 7 Bid Documents are available for purchase as follows: Bid Documents are available in an electronic form on compact disk upon payment of $15 per CD. Payment shall be by check or money order (NO CASH), payable to “Port Authority of Allegheny County.” No refunds of payment will be made. Upon request, Bid Documents can be mailed upon receipt of payment in full. Should the purchaser wish to have the Bid Documents delivered via special delivery, such as UPS or Federal Express, the purchaser shall provide its appropriate account numbers for such special delivery methods. This Project may be funded, in part, by, and subject to certain requirements of, the County of Allegheny and/or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Authority, in compliance with 74 Pa.C.S. § 303, as may be amended, require that certified Diverse Businesses (“DBs ) have the maximum opportunity to participate in the performance of contracts and subcontracts for this Project. In this regard, all Bidders shall make good faith efforts in accordance with 74 Pa.C.S. § 303, to ensure that DBs have the maximum opportunity to compete for and perform contracts. Bidders shall also not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, disability, national origin, sexual origin, gender identity or status as a parent in the award and performance of contracts for this Project. If aid is required to involve DBs in the Work, Bidders are to contact Authority’s Director of Employee Relations and OEO at (412) 566-5262. The Bidder’s attention is directed to the following contacts for Bidder’s questions: Procedural Questions Regarding Bidding: Cindy Denner - Authority 41 66 117 CDenner@portauthority.org All other questions relating to the Bid Documents must be submitted by mail or facsimile to: Port Authority of Allegheny County ein 7 Center 4 i th Avenue hird loor Pittsburgh PA 1 7 Attn: Cindy Denner CDenner@portauthority.org In addition, the Bidder’s attention is directed to the following schedule of activities for preparation of its Bid: 9:00 AM Sept. 27, 2016
Pre-Bid Conference Port Authority of Allegheny County Heinz 57 Center 5th Floor Board Room 345 Sixth Avenue, Fifth Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 (Attendance is not mandatory, but strongly recommended) Pre-Bid Site Tour (Immediately following the Pre-Bid Conference) Transportation will be provided All participants must wear safety vests & proper footwear
1:30 p.m. October 19, 2016
Bids Due Purchasing and Materials Management Department Authority reserves the right to re ect any or all Bids
America’s Best Weekly 315 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Classifieds 412-481-8302 Ext. 140 E-mail: ads@newpittsburghcourier.com Deadline/Closing/Cancellation Schedule for copy, corrections, and cancellations: Friday noo preceding Wednesday publication
INVITATION FOR BIDS
Sealed bids will be received in the office of the Controller of Butler County, Mr. Benjamin Holland, Fifth Floor, County Government Center, 124 West Diamond Street, PO Box 1208, Butler, PA 16003-1208, until 2:00pm prevailing time on uesday October 11, 2016. All bids received will be opened at the agenda setting meeting in the Public Meeting Room, First Floor, County Government Center, 124 West Diamond Street, Butler, PA 16001 on Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at 9:30am. A general description of the work is as follows for renovations to The ictim Outreach Intervention Center (VOICe): Replacement of 8 security cameras at VOICe’s shelter facility. VOICe currently has a complete security system of which the software and hardware were previously installed and are maintained by Guardian Protection Services. Submitted bids must detail the cost of providing and installing new, high definition, infrared cameras that are compatible with the existing Exacqvision software and hardware. If a bidder is unable to provide the specified cameras, then their bid must detail the cost of installing a complete new security camera system. If this will be necessary, bidders are required to provide that information at the pre-bid meeting and will subsequently receive detailed specifications of the security camera system configuration that is needed. Funding for this project is from Butler County’s 2015 Emergency Shelter Grant. A mandatory pre-bid conference will be held at the site on Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at 9:30am. Please contact Dawn Arthurs Peck at (724) 776-5910 for instructions and directions. Copies of the bid documents will be provided at the mandatory pre-bid conference referenced above. The Addenda, if any will be issued to only those persons who attend the pre-bid conference. If you should have any questions regarding this bid notice, please contact Amanda Feltenberger, County of Butler, at (724) 284-5114. A certified check or bank draft, payable to the County of Butler, negotiable U.S. Government Bond (at par value or a satisfactory bid bond) executed by the bidder and an acceptable surety, in an amount equal to at least ten percent (10%) of the total bid of this project, shall be submitted with each bid. The contract documents contain requirements addressing labor standards, nondiscrimination in hiring practices, goal for minority and female participation, MBE and WBE participation, participation by Section 3 residents and businesses and related matters. The County of Butler reserves the right to reject any or all bids or waive any informalities in the bidding. Bids may be held by the County of Butler for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days from the date of opening bids for the purpose of receiving the bids and investigating the qualifications of bidders, prior to awarding the contract. BOARD OF BUTLER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Leslie A. Osche, Chairman Kimberly D. Geyer evin . Boo el M. . ATTEST: cott Andre cha Chief Clerk
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CLASSIFIEDS
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
LEGAL ADVERTISING
LEGAL ADVERTISING
Bids/Proposals
Bids/Proposals
LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Contract No. ACHA-1516, EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (Broker/Insurer)
NOTICE TO BIDDERS MUNICIPALITY OF PENN HILLS ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
The Allegheny County Housing Authority is requesting proposals from qualified firms to provide consulting and insurance brokerage services for ACHA’s current and future employee benefits. Request for Proposals and Contract Documents are on file and may be obtained at no charge from the Allegheny County Housing Authority, 625 Stanwix Street, 12th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or by contacting Guy Phillips @ gphillips@ achsng.com, 412-402-2435. A pre-proposal conference will be held in the Authority’s Boardroom on Thursday, October 6, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. Proposal submittals are due no later than 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 21, 2016 at the Allegheny County Housing Authority Board Room. The Authority encourages responses from §3 business concerns, small firms, minority firms and firms that have not previously performed work for the ACHA. The Allegheny County Housing Authority reserves the right to reject any and all submissions. ALLEGHENY COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY Frank Aggazio, Executive Director
PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY
Electronic Proposals will be received online at the Port Authority of Allegheny County’s Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.portauthority.org). Proposals/bid submittals will be due 11:00 AM on September 30, 2016 and will be read at 11:15 AM., the same day, at Port Authority’s Heinz location at 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2527, for the following: Electronic Proposal - Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.portauthority.org) Bid Number Bid Name B160545AR Bus Batteries B160659A Connectcards B160864 Switch Machines B160873A Air, Oil, and Fuel Filters B160879 Prequalification for Natural Gas B160880 Prequalification for Electricity Paper Proposal – Documents are available for the following item at Port Authority’s Main Offices 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania 15222-2527 B160761A Copier Management Services 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 EDT, on September 14, 2016 at Port Authority’s Heinz location at, 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.
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Sealed Proposals will be received by the Municipality of Penn Hills, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania until 10:30 A.M. October 6, 2016 to be publicly opened and read immediately thereafter for the following project: LINCOLN PARK ELECTRICAL UPGRADES This Project includes the installation of electrical upgrades to the Lincoln Park Building, consisting of the installation of a new transformer, new panel boards, and miscellaneous work. All Proposals must be in the hands of the Purchasing Department, Municipality of Penn Hills, 12245 Frankstown Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15235, by 10:30 A.M. prevailing time, October 6, 2016. Proposals shall be delivered in a sealed envelope and clearly marked on the outside with the words “LINCOLN PARK ELECTRICAL UPGRADES” Copies of Drawings, Specifications, Instructions to Bidders, General Conditions, Forms of Proposals and Agreement are on file and open to public inspection at the Penn Hills Purchasing Office, located at 12245 Frankstown Road, Second Floor, Room 213, Pittsburgh, PA 15235 where sets of said documents may be obtained upon payment of $75.00 per set. No refund will be made for the return of any documents. Davis-Bacon Prevailing Wage rates are required to be paid on this project. There will be a mandatory pre-bid meeting on September 22, 2016 at 10:00 A.M. at the Lincoln Park Community Center, 7300 Ridgeview Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15235. Contractors MUST attend in order for their bid to be considered responsive. Proposals must be submitted on the forms provided by the Municipality of Penn Hills. Proposals to receive consideration must be accompanied by a Certified Check or Bidder’s Bond from a Surety Company authorized to do business in Pennsylvania, made to the order of the Municipality of Penn Hills in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the total amount of the Proposal as a guarantee that, if the Proposal is accepted, the successful Bidder will enter into an Agreement within 15 days after Notice of the Award of the Contract. The Proposals must be made to the Municipality of Penn Hills, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, and shall remain firm for a period of one hundred twenty (120) days. No Bidder may withdraw his Proposal during the one hundred twenty (120) day period without forfeiting his Bid guarantee. Performance, Maintenance, and Labor and Material Payment Bonds, along with Public Liability and Property Damage Certificates of Insurance in the amounts specified, as well as Certificates of Workman’s Compensation must be filed with the executed Agreement upon acceptance of the Proposal from the successful Bidder. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals, or any part thereof, for any reason, as well as, the right to waive any informality therein. Mohammed Rayan Municipal Manager
America’s Best Weekly 315 East Carson Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Classifieds 412-481-8302 Ext. 140 E-mail: ads@newpittsburghcourier.com Deadline/Closing/ Cancellation Schedule for copy, corrections, and cancellations: Friday noon preceding Wednesday publication
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SEPTEMBER 21-27, 2016
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SONNY BOY
Pick up your Courier at these locations WESTERN AREA: CRAFTON BEVERAGE CRAFTON/INGRAM SHOPPING CENTER GIANT EAGLE CRAFTON/INGRAM SHOPPING CENTER SHEETZ #353 5400 CAMPBELL’S RUN RD SHOP N’ SAVE #1686 2103 NOBLESTOWN RD SAFRANS SUPER MKT 429 WALNUT ST GIANT EAGLE #74 PARKWAY CENTER MALL SOUTHERN AREA: KEN’S 216 BELTZHOOVER AVE NELSON’S 92 SYLVANIA AVE GIANT EAGLE #61 2021 WHARTON AVE COGO’S 2400 EAST CARSON ST COGO’S 925 EAST CARSON ST DAILY MART 1125 ARLINGTON AVE SHOP N’ SAVE CARRICK SOUTH EASTERN AREA: SUPER STOP 403 KENMAWR AVE CARL’S CAFE 337 FIFTH AVE COMET NEWS 540 BRADDOCK AVE PUFFS DISCOUNT TOBACCO 1722 GREENSBUR AVE A-PLUS SUNOCO 7403 WASHINGTON ST COGO’S 1050 BRINTON RD COGO’S 2003 S BRADDOCK AVE EDGEWOOD EXPRESS 253 EDGEWOOD AVE BRAD EXPRESS 1101 S BRADDOCK AVE GIANT EAGLE #619 1705 S. BRADDOCK AVE CVS 7406 CHURCH ST HANINI MARKET 1105 SWISSVALE AVE DUKE’S SUNOCO 825 DUQUESNE BLVD 7-11 818 N. DUQUESNE BLVD GIANT EAGLE #6379 420 EAST WATERFRONT DR GIANT EAGLE—MCKEESPORT 3812 O’NEILL BLVD J & S FOOD MART 625 W GRANT AVE RITE AID PHARMACY 100 WILLIAM MARKS DR GIANT EAGLE 1356 HOFFMAN BLVD BP GAS STATION LYSLE & WALNUT DS FOODMART 929 UNION ST RITE AID PHARMACY 725 LYSLE BLVD CHARLIE’S CORNER STORE 500 LOCUST ST NEIGHBORHOOD DOLLAR 333 5TH AVE GIANT EAGLE #38 1901 MURRAY AVE JACK’S E 8TH AVE EASTERN AREA: WATERWORKS GIANT EAGLE #72 1005 FREEPORT RD— DIVINE HAIR STUDIO 10 DUFF RD GIANT EAGLE 9001 FRANKSTOWN RD GIANT EAGLE #78 230 RODI RD BP GAS STATION 11835 FRANKSTOWN RD THE SPOT 11675 FRANKSTOWN RD MASH MINI MART 4341 OLD WM. PENN HWY GIANT EAGLE #60 4004 MONROEVILLE BLVD GIANT EAGLE #76
AMES PLAZA, ROUTE 22 GET IT QUICK 500 GARDEN CITY DESTINY’S HAIR SALON 408 RODI RD PUFF’S DISCOUNT TOBACCO 10991 FRANKSTOWN RD SHOP N SAVE 3335 WILLIAM PENN HWY SHEETZ 3457 WILLIAM PENN HWY GETGO 10525 FRANKSTOWN RD CVS PHARMACY 10600 FRANKSTOWN RD SHELL OIL 7619 BAUM BLVD KIWI SUNOCO FRANKSTOWN AVE WILLIAM PENN SMOKE SHOP II 132 NORTH HIGHLAND AVE MARATHON GAS 6680 FRANKSTOWN AVE PENN AIKEN DAIRY 5401 PENN AVE GIANT EAGLE #17 6320 SHAKESPEARE ST HOMEWOOD MARKET 7201 FRANKSTOWN AVE SALIK HARDWARE 607 NORTH HOMEWOOD AVE NEGLEY A PLUS 123 NORTH NEGLEY AVE BAKER’S 7203 HAMILTON & STERRETT AVES DORSEY’S RECORDS 7614 FRANKSTOWN AVE HOSPITAL CORNER 4201 PENN AVE PEOPLES GROCERY 5136 PENN AVE A&M MARKET 5224 PENN AVE A-PLUS MINI MART 7701 PENN AVE WOOD & PENN 902 WOOD ST AL’S FISH & CHICKEN 1000 PENN AVE SAVE A LOT 725 ROSS AVE CVS PHARMACY 520 PENN AVE GETGO 408 PENN AVE QUICK STOP LIBERTY 3349 LIBERTY AVE K-2 CONVENIENT STORE 4900 PENN AVE SHUR SAVE 4120 MAIN ST SHELL GAS 6701 FRANKSTOWN RD UNIMART 5724 ELLSWORTH AVE GIANT EAGLE #77 254 YOST BLVD PUFF’S DISCOUNT TOBACCO 234 YOST BLVD SPEEDY MART 2131 ARDMORE BLVD SQUIRREL HILL NEWS 5804 FORBES AVE MURRAY AVE. NEWS 2024 MURRAY AVE GIANT EAGLE MURRAY AVE & LORETTA ST DISCOUNT TOBACCO & NEWS 1929 MURRAY AVE UNIVERSITY OF PGH BOOKSTORE 4000 5TH AVE DANA’S BAKERY 720 N. HOMEWOOD AVE DA STORE 606 & 1/2 N. HOMEWOOD AVE BONUS TIRE SERVICE 4349 VERONA RD KANDY CAFE 4291 VERONA RD GIANT EAGLE SHADYSIDE 550 CENTRE AVE MARATHON GAS 4010 PENN AVE STANTON NEGLEY DRUG 804 N. NEGLEY AVE RON’S CORNER DRUG MT. CARMEL RD CENTRAL AREA: GET GO #64 4924 BAUM BLVD SCHWARTZ MARKET 1901 5TH AVE SMOKER FRIENDLY
906 5TH AVE HILL DISTRICT: WONG’S MARKET 2170 CENTRE AVE ANN’S MARKET 2316 WEBSTER AVE A-PLUS MINI MART 2350 CENTRE AVE UJAMMA BOUTIQUE 1901 CENTRE AVE K LEROY IRVIS TOWERS 715 MERCER ST SHOP & SAVE SUPERMARKET 1850 CENTRE AVE ABE’S MARKET 1860 CENTRE AVE WYLIE TOBACCO 2152 WYLIE AVE DOWNTOWN: KWIK-E-MART 212-10TH ST 7-11 #167 643 LIBERTY AVE 7-11 #165 SIXTH & PENN AVE 7-11 #170 429 WOOD ST ESTER’S SNAX FEDERAL BUILDING, 2ND FL SMITHFIELD NEWS 115 SMITHFIELD ST FABER COE & GREGG 500 GRANT ST FABER COE & GREGG FIFTH AVE. PLACE FABER COE & GREGG 600 GRANT ST NIELSEN’S STORES #09 301 GRANT ST— ONE OXFORD CENTER NIELSEN’S STORES #13 437 SEVENTH AVE— KOPPERS BUILDING 9TH & PENN NEWS-NUMBERS 136 PENN AVE EXTRA EXTRA NEWS 413 SEVENTH AVE NEAL NEWS 400 CHERRY WAY CVS PHARMACY #4120 610-612 WOOD ST C&C NEWS 2 PPG PLACE NEWSTAND SIXTH & WOOD ONE STOP 300 SIXTH & WOOD EDDIE’S SNACKS 262 5TH AVE BIG DADDY 465 FORBES AVE 711 SMITHFIELD 420 SMITHFIELD ST NORTHERN AREA: W. N. GROCERY 1018 NORTH AVE. NORTH SIDE BEER & BEVERAGE 1304 FEDERAL ST ALLEGHENY GIFT SHOP— AGH HOSPITAL 320 EAST NORTH AVE GIANT EAGLE #652 318 CEDAR AVE 7-11 #158 1001 WESTERN AVE RICHEY’S BARBER SHOP 1207 N. FRANKLIN ST QUIK-IT 820 PENNSYLVANIA AVE RITE AID #3459 802 PENNSYLVANIA AVE MARSHALL SHELL 1500 SPRING GARDEN AVE SWINKO’S MARKET 2535 PERYSVILLE AVE MERCY STREET EXPRESS 6 MERCY ST HARV’S EXXON 2501 BRIGHTON RD QUICK SCHWARTZ 3235 BRIGHTON RD HANINI MARKET 3245 BRIGHTON RD
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PEOPLE
SEPTEMBER 21-27, 2016
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
7 receive inaugural Williams Community Service Award
HONOREES—Three of the seven honorees from left: Fred Wilburn, Al Zangrilli, and Walt Anderson. (Photos by J.L. Martello)
SPECIAL GUEST ANNIE WILLIAMS
The tradition of political leadership, as community service was historically exemplified by the Hill District’s Williams family, beginning with 5th Ward Chairman and Magistrate, Robert “Pappy” Williams. It was then carried forward by his younger brother Magistrate Jake
Williams. The tradition of political leadership and community service was continued by yet another younger brother, Frank Williams. And we are all well aware of the tremendous contribution to the whole of Allegheny County made by their younger sister, Thelma Williams
Lovette. This family represents the epitome of the marriage of political leadership and community service. “Ward Chairmen and Chairwomen provide valuable community service every day, but seldom get recognized for all the good work they do.
The Williams Community Service Award, is intended to show some appreciation for the community service of School District 3 ward chairs and an opportunity to just say “Thank you.” We are delighted to present the following Ward Chairs with this award,” said Sala Udin, committee chair, in a
CHELSA WAGNER
DEWITT WALTON
DANIEL LAVELLE
JAKE WHEATLEY
press release. Receiving the inaugural Williams Service Awards are: Fred Wilburn, 3rd Ward; Al Zigarilli, 4th Ward; Walt Anderson, 5th Ward; Jeanne Clark, 7th Ward; Vinessa Turpin, 8th Ward; Don Sand, 10th Ward and Linda Johnson Wasler, 11th Ward.
SALA UDIN
It was presented to them by County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Allegheny County Democratic Committee Chairwoman, Dr. Nancy Patton Mills, on the afternoon of Labor Day, Sept. 5 at the Robert E. Williams Park, at the “Labor Day ‘Oldies But Goodies’ Fish Fry.”
RICH FITZGERALD
Pirates celebrate African American Heritage weekend
POSE DESCENDANTS—Descendants of Cumberland Pose are from left Brandon Mosley, Randy Ford, ENTERTAINMENT—House of Soul playing and singing for the guest outside the PNC park during the and Peyton Ford. (Photos by J.L. Martello) African American heritage celebration
PIRATE PARROT—The Pirate parrot like all the Pirates players wore HONORING THE NEGRO LEAGUES—Sykai Napper and coach Jeff FIGHTING CANCER—Tyrone Brooks with mentee Chloe Jones, 17the Homestead Grays uniforms. Branson give the starting line-up to the umpires on the field. year old cancer survivor from New Kensington.